Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 410 Praise
After finishing all these things, Lao Fang returned to his lazy ways, spending his days playing chess and drinking tea with Lao Zhao, then going to Lao He's house for a meal and a few drinks, enjoying himself immensely. He felt that he had truly retired this time, a successful retirement, and he didn't plan to participate in anything else in the future; he was too tired.

Old Zhao has also noticed that Old Fang has been going through a lot lately, mainly relying on guessing. He just doesn't ask, so Old Fang gets much less angry when he loses a game.

Later that evening, Wang Cuiping called, saying that she and Yu Zecheng were preparing to retire and asking if they had a place to stay at home.

Of course, this was a joke; everything was already prepared at home. Wang Cuiping was asking if it was convenient for her to come back.

He Yuzhu called Lao Fan specifically to ask about this matter, and Lao Fan told him that it could be handled as an office for returned overseas Chinese.

After confirming that there were no problems with handling the relevant procedures as a returned overseas Chinese, He Yuzhu called Wang Cuiping back.

"Aunt Ping, all the formalities have been clarified, no problem! The house has been reserved for you, it's been tidied up for a long time, just waiting for you to come back. When are you leaving? I'll have Yaozong or Ningxue pick you up."

Wang Cuiping on the other end of the phone was clearly also very happy: "They don't need to make a special trip. We're both still healthy, we can go back by ourselves. Probably at the end of next month, we'll leave after we finish up what we have on hand."

"Okay! Then I'll tell my parents and Xiaoman the good news. They'll be very happy."

"Don't tell them yet, I'm planning to give them a surprise."

"OK then."

Time quietly drew to a close in 1991.

Winters in Beijing are dry and cold, with howling north winds.

During a conversation with Lao Fang and Lao Zhao, Lao Fang sighed, "Zhu Zi, I just got news that the alliance in the north might not survive the new year."

Old Fang's tone was somewhat complicated. He had witnessed its former strength, and then its decline and disintegration. Considering the current complex international situation, he was full of worries. With no one to draw attention away from the conflict, the future would be even more difficult.

He Yuzhu remained silent for a moment. He was not surprised by the news; the wheels of history were ultimately moving along their original course.

"Why are you telling Zhuzi this? Zhuzi, don't listen to Old Fang's sighs and worries. Just focus on your business. If these things affect your business, stop them immediately. Don't worry about anything else," Old Zhao said.

"Hey, you old Zhao, can't I have a few words of reflection? Aren't you going to have any?"

"I'll just tell you my feelings, I won't tell Zhu Zi."

"you"

"What?"

"Alright, you two, stop arguing. I know the situation. We can still get some things over there. I'll stop when it's time to stop."

"Just be clear about it yourself, don't get involved," Old Zhao said.

"Don't worry, it won't happen. At worst, we can just withdraw. We won't suffer any losses," He Yu said.

"That's good," Old Zhao said.

"Are you talking about business?" Old Fang asked.

"It's the same principle. In the future, whoever has a better economy will have more say, and of course, military strength will be the support," He Yuzhu said.

"Where did you learn this theory?" Old Fang asked.

"Do we need to learn? Isn't that how it is in North America?" He Yuzhu said.

"That's true," Old Fang said.

"What are you? It's obvious, isn't it? Zhu Zi has just been doing one thing all along. I don't know what's going on in your head," Old Zhao retorted again.

"Don't you want to play chess with me anymore?" Old Fang asked.

"At worst, I'll go find Lao He," Lao Zhao said.

"Humph."

On December 25, 1991, the news came and shocked the world.

He Yuzhu was at home when he saw the news report on television.

He turned off the TV, and the study became quiet.

He picked up the phone and dialed Zhou Lei and Wu Yang in Tianjin.

"Did you see the message?"

"I saw it, Uncle He," Zhou Lei replied on the other end of the phone.

"Do trade if you can, otherwise get out of there as soon as possible."

"Uncle He, don't worry! We're not stupid." This time, it was Wu Yang who answered first.

"You're being silly by saying that," Zhou Lei said from the other end.

"Alright, you two just need to be careful."

"clear."

Just as the twelfth lunar month began, Wang Cuiping and Yu Zecheng, along with their daughter Wang Siyu, entered the courtyard of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, their family of three weary from their journey.

Upon receiving the news, Chen Lanxiang came out to greet them, her eyes reddening as she saw them.

"Cuiping! Why didn't you tell me you were coming back!" Chen Lanxiang said, her voice choked with emotion as she held Wang Cuiping's hand.

"I just wanted to give you a surprise, sister-in-law!" Wang Cuiping said with a smile.

Chen Lanxiang wiped her eyes: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back! You're not leaving this time, right?"

Wang Cuiping smiled and nodded, tears welling up in her eyes: "I'm not leaving. I'm getting old, and I want to return to my roots."

He Daqing, Lao Fang, and Lao Zhao came out of the house upon hearing the noise. The men were more reserved, but He Daqing patted Yu Zecheng's shoulder forcefully: "Good! Good to be back! Come inside quickly, it's cold outside."

"Yes, yes, come inside, come inside. Zhu Zi, quickly call your Aunt Xia and tell her that her good friend is back."

"Okay, Mom, I'll send someone to pick her up. The roads outside are slippery!"

"Yes, go quickly."

When He Yuzhu returned after making the phone call, the house was bustling with activity.

Chen Lanxiang and Wang Cuiping held hands, their eyes still red, but their mouths were stretched to their ears.

Upon receiving the news, Wang Hongxia rushed over as fast as she could. The three old friends gathered together, chattering and laughing, as if they had endless things to say.

He Daqing, Lao Fang, Lao Zhao and a few other men sat on the other side drinking tea, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed.

He Daqing poured Yu Zecheng a cup of hot tea: "What are your plans now that you're back?"

Yu Zecheng held the teacup, warming his hands: "What plans do I have? I'll do whatever you guys do. I'm back here to retire."

Old Fang nodded: "It's good to be back. Our roots are here."

On the other side, Xiaoman pulled Wang Siyu and her husband to sit on a sofa a little further away.

"Siyu, what are your plans for the future? Will you go back?" Xiaoman asked with concern.

Wang Siyu glanced at her husband and said to Xiaoman, "Sister, since my parents have decided to come back, we definitely want to stay in China too. We're both in the legal profession, and we don't know how things are here."

Xiaoman thought for a moment and told the truth: "China is developing very fast now, and there are many opportunities. However, there is a lack of legal knowledge, especially regarding economic issues."

Wang Siyu and her husband exchanged a glance and said, "I understand. Let's go back and discuss it, since his family is still there."

Xiaoman smiled and said, "Of course, we can plan slowly and there's no rush."

At this moment, He Yuzhu walked over, overheard their conversation, and said to Wang Siyu, "Siyu, things are changing rapidly in China now, it's the perfect time for you to come back."

Wang Siyu smiled and said, "Then I'll come back and continue working with you, brother."

"welcome any time!"

As evening approached, He Yuzhu called a restaurant to order a table of dishes to be delivered to his home, as a way of welcoming Wang Cuiping's family. Now that there are many people in the family and He Daqing is getting old, He Yuzhu basically doesn't bother with cooking anymore.

The large round table in the spacious restaurant was packed with people, and the constant laughter and chatter dispelled the winter chill.

At the dinner table, the conversation naturally turned to the changes over the years and future plans.

Looking at her children, grandchildren, and old friends, Wang Cuiping sighed, "Home is the best place, it's lively and full of life."

Yu Zecheng nodded slightly, his face showing a relaxation he hadn't seen in many years.

He Yuzhu raised his glass: "Aunt Ping, Uncle Yu, welcome home! Enjoy your retirement at home from now on."

Everyone raised their glasses, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

As the Spring Festival approaches, the streets of the special economic zone are decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the festive atmosphere is growing stronger.

Inside the Yellow River Group headquarters building, Xu Damao had just finished presiding over a pre-holiday safety deployment meeting and returned to his office. Before he could even sit down properly, his secretary knocked on the door and rushed in, her face showing a mixture of tension and excitement.

"President Xu, I just got a call from the city office. The leaders' motorcade is on its way. They said they want to visit our group and extend their regards to the frontline employees."

Xu Damao was taken aback: "Which leader? Nobody notified us!"

"Yes, it was a big leader's idea, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and he didn't give any prior notice."

Xu Damao's heart skipped a beat. He immediately stood up, grabbed the internal phone, and quickly ordered, "Notify everyone to take their positions immediately and prepare according to the highest reception standards. Remember, be natural and generous, and absolutely do not make any mistakes!"

He immediately dialed He Yuzhu's home phone number, which rang several times before being answered.

"Brother! The top leader has arrived in the Special Economic Zone. The motorcade is already on its way, heading straight to the headquarters building!" Xu Damao spoke quickly. On the other end of the phone, He Yuzhu was clearly surprised: "Are you sure it's to headquarters?"

"Confirmed! The city just notified us; there's no time to make any preparations."

"Stay calm and just handle things normally. Say what needs to be said. I can't get there by plane anyway, so I'm leaving everything to you."

"understand!"

After hanging up the phone, Xu Damao took a deep breath, straightened his suit, and strode towards the elevator, ready to go downstairs to greet him.

The convoy arrived quickly, even faster than expected. Xu Damao, along with several core executives of the group, stepped forward to greet them.

The leader got out of the car and shook hands with Xu Damao and others with a friendly smile.

"It's Chinese New Year, so I've come to visit you all. Your Yellow River Group has developed very rapidly and has made great contributions to our special economic zone and our country's electronics industry and modernization." The leader said as he walked.

Xu Damao accompanied him and led the leader into the building: "Thank you for your concern, sir. We have only done what we could."

The leaders visited the product exhibition center, carefully examined the program-controlled exchange and mobile phone prototype independently developed by Huanghe, as well as some precision parts samples produced for partner units, and frequently inquired about technical details and market conditions.

Xu Damao answered each question in a calm and steady tone.

In the R&D department's office area, the leader had a cordial conversation with several engineers who remained at their posts, inquiring about their work and living conditions.

The whole process took about forty minutes, after which the leader said goodbye and left for the next inspection site.

After seeing the convoy off, Xu Damao returned to his office and realized his palms were sweaty. He immediately dialed He Yuzhu's number again.

"Brother, the person has been sent away."

"How is the situation?" He Yuzhu's voice was calm.

“Very good, very good! The leaders visited the exhibition center and the R&D department, and asked many technical questions, which I answered according to the actual situation. Before leaving, they shook my hand and said,” Xu Damao took a deep breath before continuing, “that we are ‘pioneers of private enterprises and pillars of the nation,’ and encouraged us to continue our efforts, aim for world-class standards, and make greater contributions to the country!”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone before He Yuzhu's steady voice came through: "I know, thank you for your hard work, Da Mao. We didn't work for nothing. This year, the group will give everyone a red envelope to celebrate."

"Great! Brother, did you hear that? 'Pillars of the nation'!" Xu Damao's voice was still filled with barely suppressed excitement.

"Absolutely! Brother, I'm thinking we should make these eight characters into a plaque and hang it in the most conspicuous place in the lobby!" Xu Damao planned enthusiastically.

He Yuzhu chuckled: "You're really planning to do it? Won't that be too conspicuous?"

“How can this be called ostentation? This is honor! It inspires all our employees!” Xu Damao said confidently.

"Alright, you decide. Just don't make it too extravagant, keep it simple," He Yuzhu instructed.

"I understand! Just you wait and see!"

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu's smile remained. This praise was actually more useful to Huang He than anything else.

Xiaoman brought in a cup of hot tea and, seeing his expression, asked, "What's making you so happy? Did Da Mao call?"

"Yes, the leader went to the Special Economic Zone Company and said a few words of encouragement." He Yuzhu took the teacup. "That kid Da Mao is going to make a plaque."

Xiaoman smiled and said, "This is a good thing. With this in mind, we'll have more confidence in what we do in the future."

Soon, He Yaozu, Bai Yifeng, Gu Yuanheng and others from Hong Kong also called to congratulate him, clearly Xu Damao had already spread the news.

Although it is not appropriate to hang similar plaques in Hong Kong, the sense of pride and joy is the same.

As the year draws to a close, the courtyard at No. 95 Luogu Lane in southern Beijing is more lively than ever before.

The return of Wang Cuiping's family made Chen Lanxiang smile from ear to ear all day long. The old sisters always had endless things to talk about when they got together.

Xiaoman directed He Yaozong and He Ningxue to prepare New Year's goods, including new clothes and red envelopes for all the children in the family.

He Yaozu, He Yuyao, He Yushui and their family, and Chung Chuh-hung returned from Hong Kong, and others also returned from various places.

The huge He family mansion felt almost too big to live in, filled with the sounds of children's laughter and adults' conversations from morning till night.

After discussing it, Wang Siyu and her husband also decided to stay in China to develop their careers. They temporarily settled in Courtyard No. 66 and will make more specific plans after the New Year.

On New Year's Eve, the He family set up three large tables full of food.

As the patriarch, He Daqing looked at his children and grandchildren and raised his glass: "May our He family be reunited and prosperous every year! This glass is to our ancestors, to our country, and to every one of us, whether we are away from home or at home! Cheers!"

"Done!"

After the meal, the women cleared the table and prepared the ingredients for making dumplings.

The men moved aside to drink tea and chat, their conversation ranging from international affairs to economic development, and then to everyday family matters. The children, meanwhile, eagerly ran into the yard and, under He Yuyan's supervision, carefully set off fireworks. Colorful flames burst across the night sky, eliciting cheers.

The Spring Festival Gala was playing on TV, but not many people were watching. Most people gathered together to chat, play cards, or warm themselves by the charcoal brazier and eat sunflower seeds.

Wang Cuiping sat next to Chen Lanxiang and Wang Hongxia, looking at the lively scene before her, her eyes moist: "Sister-in-law, Hongxia, it's so good to be back, this is what the New Year is all about."

As midnight approached, steaming hot dumplings were served.

As everyone shared the food, occasionally someone would find a dumpling with a coin inside, drawing a chorus of congratulations.

The phone rang frequently, sending New Year's greetings from Xu Damao and others in Hong Kong, as well as from heads of various companies in mainland China.

After staying up all night to welcome the New Year, the younger children were taken to bed.

The adults sat for a while longer before returning to their rooms to rest.

The courtyard gradually quieted down, with only the red lanterns under the eaves swaying gently in the cold wind, casting a tranquil light.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, people came to pay their respects one after another.

The alley was filled with greetings of "Happy Chinese New Year".

After the New Year, a series of reports appeared on television and in newspapers.

He Yuzhu put down the newspaper containing his important speech during his inspection tour of the south, and tapped lightly on the line "We should be bolder in reform and opening up, and dare to experiment."

He picked up the internal phone and connected to the special administrative region.

"Da Mao, did you see the report?"

"I saw it, brother! Chunlei!" Xu Damao's voice was filled with excitement.

"Yes, please inform the heads of all companies that the group's annual development plan has been launched ahead of schedule. The original five-year budget for technology investment has been increased to 150 percent of the original amount. The construction period for all ongoing production line expansion projects has been shortened by 20 percent."

"Understood! I'll organize a meeting immediately to implement this!"

Immediately afterwards, He Yuzhu dialed Hong Kong.

"Yaozu".

"dad?"

"Xiangjiang Huanghe Investment has recently allocated 70% of its available funds to enter the mainland market. The focus will be on infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and high technology. I will have my secretary send you a detailed list of projects."

"Seventy percent? Dad, won't this percentage affect our overseas business?"

"No, your mother has other reserves. Just do as I say. The times have given us an opportunity; we can't miss it."

"Yes!"

Subsequently, He Yuzhu contacted Tianjin.

"Zhou Lei, Wu Yang."

"Uncle He!" Two young voices came from the other end of the phone.

"Your leather and garment export business will remain as it is. The newly approved land will have its planning changed. I want to build an electronics logistics center and assembly base there, serving North China. You need to expedite the feasibility study, and the funds should be in place within a week."

"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu pondered for a moment and said to Xiaoman beside him, "Inform Director Huang of the Microelectronics Research Institute that I need to hear a special report on next-generation communication chips and base station equipment next week. There is no upper limit to the R&D funding."

Xiaoman nodded and noted it down, then asked, "What about Jinggong and Zhonggong?"

“Encourage them to proactively contact domestic aerospace and shipbuilding companies. Tell them it’s in response to the call to explore the possibility of civilian technology cooperation.” He Yuzhu paused. “The attitude should be positive, but the bottom line on core technologies remains unchanged.”

"What about real estate?"

"Let Ningxue get to work. If we miss this opportunity, we'll have to wait a long time for the next one. We have enough land."

"it is good."

A few days later, various companies under the Yellow River Group made frequent moves.

In the special economic zone's industrial park, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new mobile phone production line was simple yet grand, with no red carpet or ribbon-cutting, only the roar of construction machinery.

Hong Kong's funds, through compliant channels, began to flow into port and technology park projects in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other cities.

On the newly approved land parcels in Tianjin, the surveying team was the first to move in.

The conference room of the Microelectronics Research Institute was brightly lit, and the technical team was having a heated discussion about the preliminary design drawings.

He Yuzhu couldn't be present at every scene in person. He was stationed in Beijing, reviewing the reports and applications that came in like snowflakes every day, only keeping track of the direction and pace.

(End of this chapter)