In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Yang Guangming and He Zhenzhong walked out of the study one after the other. The aroma of food wafted through the dining room, instantly enveloping the two of them.

Liu Yajuan was directing the housekeeper to bring the last soup to the table. It was a heavy purple clay soup bowl, filled with milky white pickled bamboo shoots and pork soup. A few golden oil droplets floated on the surface of the soup, and the salted pork, fresh pork and tender yellow bamboo shoots were faintly visible in the soup.

Upon seeing them come out, Liu Yajuan's face immediately lit up with a warm smile, "Old He, Guangming, come and sit down, all the dishes are ready, we've been waiting for you."

The table was set with six dishes that looked and smelled delicious, clearly prepared with care, a good balance of meat and vegetables, and a perfect balance of rich and light flavors.

In the center is a plate of steamed grouper, its body lying elegantly on its side in the long plate. The cuts are inlaid with tender green scallion shreds and fiery red pepper shreds, as if the fish is dressed in colorful clothes. Drizzled with a glistening thin sauce, the fish meat appears even whiter and more translucent.

Next to it was a plate of glistening braised pork belly, square pieces of pork belly with distinct layers of fat and lean meat, trembling with an enticing reddish-brown color, as if the translucent skin would melt on the tongue with the slightest touch.

A plate of bright green stir-fried bok choy, made with only the tenderest parts, is stir-fried to perfection, its vibrant green color almost dripping with moisture, so tender it seems you could squeeze water out of it.

A plate of golden and crispy fried prawns, each about the size of a child's fist, with the shells fried until fluffy and crispy, revealing the plump prawn meat inside.

A simple plate of Mapo Tofu, yet it's made with utmost care, the red oil and soy sauce soaking up the snow-white tofu cubes, topped with finely chopped green scallions, and the aroma of numbing spiciness wafts through the air.

And then there's the clay pot stewed pork and bamboo shoot soup, steaming hot, with a milky white and rich broth. The salty aroma of the salted pork, the richness of the fresh pork, and the freshness of the bamboo shoots blend perfectly during the long stewing process, exuding a savory and delicious flavor.

"Aunt Liu, you're too kind. You've cooked so many dishes, thank you for your hard work."

Looking at the lavish, almost extravagant, dishes on the table, Yang Guangming felt a warm glow in his heart. This was not just food, but a profound sentiment, a warmth he often missed when he was far away in a foreign land.

"It's no trouble at all. You rarely come back to China, so we must treat you well."

As Liu Yajuan skillfully served him food with serving chopsticks, she first picked up a piece of the fattest fish belly, then added a trembling piece of braised pork, and said with a smile, "I don't know if you're used to the food abroad. I heard that there's mostly bread and steak, and a lot of raw and cold food. Today I've made some home-style dishes. Try them and see if they suit your taste, and see if they taste the same as before."

Her words were full of the concern of an elder.

He Zhenzhong walked to the nanmu wood wine cabinet against the wall, opened the glass cabinet door, glanced at it briefly, and took out a bottle of Maotai liquor in a white porcelain bottle.

He laughed and said, "I'm so happy today. Guangming is back and we've discussed such a great thing that benefits the country and the people. We should have a couple of drinks to celebrate."

He is usually very self-disciplined and pays attention to health, only having a small drink at lunchtime. But today he took the initiative to open a bottle of wine, which shows that he was in a very good mood.

Liu Yajuan understood her husband's temperament and knew he was genuinely happy, so she didn't say anything to dissuade him. She simply turned around and took three small white porcelain wine cups from the sideboard and placed them in front of each person.

Yang Guangming quickly stood up and took the wine bottle from He Zhenzhong's hand.

He first filled the wine cup in front of He Zhenzhong, and then poured some for Liu Yajuan and himself.

"Come, light."

He Zhenzhong picked up the small wine cup, which cost less than a penny, and looked at Yang Guangming with a solemn expression and bright eyes. "Welcome back to China, and let's drink to your dedication to your hometown and your country!" His toast was concise and powerful.

"Thank you, Uncle He and Aunt Liu." Yang Guangming held the cup with both hands, keeping a very low posture, and gently touched it to the two of them, making a crisp "ding" sound.

Then, he drank the liquor in the small wine cup in one gulp.

A hot, rich, and mellow sensation slid down my throat, instantly spreading through my stomach and transforming into a warm feeling that flowed throughout my body. At the same time, a rich and unique aroma of soy sauce lingered in my mouth and nasal cavity.

This familiar and intense taste was something he had never experienced with any foreign liquor he had ever drunk abroad. It was a taste of his hometown, a taste deeply etched in his memory, carrying an emotional impact.

"Eat your vegetables, eat your vegetables quickly, it will help you calm down."

Liu Yajuan quickly placed another chopstick of stir-fried bok choy on his plate and said with concern, "This liquor is strong; drinking it on an empty stomach can easily make you drunk. Drink slowly."

The atmosphere at the meal was harmonious and warm.

He Zhenzhong stopped talking about work and instead asked about Yang Guangming's daily life at Stanford, the local customs and culture of the American West Coast, and his recent social observations in Hong Kong.

Yang Guangming also shared some interesting and talkative things that didn't involve sensitive areas, such as anecdotes on campus, the emergence of new technologies in Silicon Valley, and the bustling scenes of Hong Kong. These stories drew exclamations of surprise from Liu Yajuan, who was full of curiosity about foreign countries, and she kept asking for details.

He Zhenzhong listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with a key question or two, such as the research mechanisms of American universities, the investment preferences of venture capital, or the operational characteristics of Hong Kong as a free port. This showed that this leading cadre on the mainland was not completely ignorant of the outside world, but rather maintained considerable attention through documents and internal materials, and had his own thoughts and insights.

A bottle of Moutai liquor was emptied in this relaxed and pleasant conversation, one cup after another.

He Zhenzhong's face flushed, and he spoke more than usual, but his eyes remained clear.

Yang Guangming has a good tolerance for alcohol, and with his pleasant mood, he only felt warm all over and very comfortable, while his mind remained clear.

After dinner, the three of them moved to the sofa in the living room and sat down.

Liu Yajuan brewed them a pot of strong Longjing tea to help them sober up. The slender tea leaves unfurled and floated in the cup, and the refreshing aroma of the tea slightly diluted the lingering effects of the alcohol, bringing a different kind of tranquil enjoyment.

He Zhenzhong blew away the foam, took a sip of hot tea, let out a satisfied sigh, and brought his thoughts back to the main matter, saying:
“You’re short on time this time, with only a week’s vacation. I will arrange and implement the $800,000 foreign exchange earnings target as soon as possible. As soon as I get to work this afternoon, I will convene a meeting with relevant personnel from the State Planning Commission and the Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau to clarify the procedures and policy guidelines, and handle this as a special case.”

His tone regained the decisiveness he displayed when working.

He paused, gently stirring the tea leaves with the lid of his teacup, and continued, "This matter should be addressed sooner rather than later. If all goes well, we should have a preliminary plan and a contact person by the end of today."

Once the results are available, you will be notified immediately. There are still many procedures that require your personal involvement.

Yang Guangming expressed his understanding: "I understand. I will follow Uncle He's arrangements and cooperate at any time."

He knew that when doing things in the country, having a heavyweight like He Zhenzhong in charge would make a world of difference in efficiency.

He Zhenzhong tapped his fingers lightly on the sofa armrest, making a rhythmic sound, as he considered his next steps:

"Well... even if the green light is given, buying a house, installing a telephone, or purchasing artwork are all major matters. They involve several departments, such as the housing management bureau, the telephone bureau, and antique shops, with different regulations and procedures. Running around like that is very time-consuming."

He looked up, his gaze falling on Yang Guangming, with the concern of an elder: "It's inconvenient for you to travel back and forth like this. How about this, I'll arrange a car for you temporarily for a few days, and also provide a driver who knows the roads well, to make your travel easier and improve your efficiency."

After a moment's thought, Yang Guangming realized that it was indeed necessary.

In an era where public transportation is underdeveloped and taxis are a scarce resource, having a private car with a driver would be much more convenient, save a lot of valuable time, and avoid many unnecessary troubles.

He didn't refuse politely, but readily accepted: "Then thank you, Uncle He. This really helps me solve a big problem and saves me a lot of trouble."

"It's no big deal, I'll just put in a good word." He Zhenzhong waved his hand dismissively.

Given his position and authority, temporarily allocating a car for a returning overseas student, who was also a "god of wealth" bringing a huge amount of foreign exchange, to use for a few days was indeed nothing unusual and fell within the scope of reasonable work arrangements.

Having a car would greatly improve efficiency, but Yang Guangming knew that the process of "spending" eight hundred thousand dollars would still be very complicated.

Viewing properties, negotiating with different homeowners or housing authorities, handling complicated property transfer procedures, applying for scarce international direct dial telephone lines, selecting and appraising artworks at antique shops and dealing with master craftsmen... each task requires a significant investment of time and energy, and some may involve potential obstacles or coordination issues.

He originally planned to hire a domestic assistant or representative to handle daily affairs once he returned to China and his business stabilized.

It now seems that this plan needs to be brought forward.

If he had a capable assistant in China to run errands, communicate, and handle these miscellaneous tasks, he would only need to listen to reports and make decisions at key junctures. This would make his week much more relaxed, and things would proceed more smoothly.

Moreover, even after he returns to the United States, there are still some follow-up matters in China that need to be handled by someone.

More importantly, if this assistant has a strong enough background, he/she can not only handle the immediate tasks, but also have a reliable contact person and helper for his/her future investments or affairs in China.

Paying a small salary in exchange for immense convenience and a potential network of resources makes this an extremely worthwhile investment.

A suitable assistant will be his "eyes" and "arms" extending within the country.

Once the idea popped into my head, it quickly became clear and firm.

With He Zhenzhong, a big shot, right in front of us, the candidates recommended by him are definitely more reliable in terms of ability, character, and background than those we find blindly or through private recruitment channels. They are also more capable of handling jobs that require a certain level of trust and family background.

Thinking of this, Yang Guangming put down his teacup and said to He Zhenzhong in a sincere but serious tone, "Uncle He, there's something I'd like to hear your opinion on. I might need your help in making a decision."

"Oh? Go on." He Zhenzhong looked at him with interest, gesturing for him to continue. Liu Yajuan also stopped what she was doing and looked over attentively.

"I'm only back for a short time this time, and there are so many small, detailed things to do with buying property and handling all the paperwork. I definitely won't be able to finish them all."

Besides, I'm currently abroad, and I always need someone back home to help with communication and errands.

Yang Guangming spoke slowly and clearly, “So, I want to hire an assistant in China. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a full-time job; flexible working hours or part-time work are also fine. The main job is to help me handle these matters in China. If there are any communication needs with government departments or any policy information that needs to be understood, having such an assistant will make things much easier.”

He paused, observed He Zhenzhong's expression, and seeing that the other's eyes were focused, continued speaking, subtly pointing out a deeper need:
"This assistant will inevitably have to deal with you or other departments and coordinate things in the future."

Therefore, I think that the assistant we are hiring should first and foremost be of good character, and secondly, be capable enough, including the ability to handle interpersonal relationships and coordinate affairs.

Another point is that having a certain family background is even better, as it should make dealing with various government departments smoother.

You have broad knowledge, know many people, and have a good eye for people. Could you perhaps help me consider this and recommend someone suitable? Or could you advise me on where to look for a reliable candidate?

He adopted a very humble attitude and fully respected He Zhenzhong's opinion.

After listening, He Zhenzhong unconsciously tapped his knees lightly with his fingers, lost in thought.

He felt that Yang Guangming's idea was very practical and thoughtful. Having a domestic assistant would indeed save a lot of trouble and make things more reliable.

Moreover, Yang Guangming's words implied that the assistant's "ability" clearly refers not only to work skills, but also to the power of connections and background, hoping to smooth relationships and improve efficiency to a certain extent.

He could fully understand this need given the current national circumstances.

“Your idea is good.” He Zhenzhong nodded in approval. “Having a reliable person to run errands and make communications for you is indeed convenient and will make you feel more at ease abroad. What specific requirements do you have for this assistant? For example, age, gender, education?”

His questions became more detailed, indicating that he was starting to seriously consider the matter.

Seeing that He Zhenzhong did not object, Yang Guangming felt reassured and then explained his thoughts in more detail:
"The first requirement is that one must be of good character, reliable, and discreet; these are the most basic requirements."

Secondly, one needs to be quick-witted, have strong communication and coordination skills, be somewhat perceptive, and be able to handle some relatively simple matters independently.

Thirdly...

He carefully considered his words, trying to be clear without being too opportunistic: "It would be best if they were locals in Shanghai, with whom you had good relationships and were familiar with the requirements of various government departments. That way, things would be easier to get things done, and you would at least know who to contact and where to turn."

After all, in some departments, having acquaintances to guide you or communicate with them can make things much more efficient and avoid some unnecessary troubles.

The gender must be male, and the age should preferably not exceed thirty-five. Education level is acceptable, but not strictly required.

He frankly stated his practical considerations.

He Zhenzhong nodded slightly. These requests were all reasonable, and could even be described as practical.

Finding an assistant with local background and familiarity with the situation can indeed be very helpful for someone like Yang Guangming, who spends most of his time overseas and may not be very familiar with domestic procedures. It's like having an extra guide and a lubricant.

"What are your considerations regarding salary and benefits?" He Zhenzhong asked.

This is a crucial point, as it relates to the level and quality of people we can attract.

Yang Mingzao had a plan in mind. He knew the principle that "a generous reward will surely attract brave men," and he also understood that to attract people with sufficient power and background, he had to pay a corresponding price:

"The assistant's work relationship can be registered under my Hong Kong Island 'Qiming Capital', which is considered an employee of an overseas company, and the salary will be settled in US dollars, which is also convenient."

My initial consideration is to set the monthly salary at around one thousand US dollars, and then adjust it depending on the situation. He directly threw out a figure that seems astronomical at the time.

"A thousand US dollars?" Liu Yajuan, who was refilling their tea, couldn't help but gasp when she heard this. Her hand trembled, and she almost spilled the tea. She quickly steadied the teapot. "This...this is too high! Guangming, do you know the current wage level in China?" She was truly shocked by this number.

A hint of undisguised surprise flashed across He Zhenzhong's face.

In 1979, the monthly salary of an ordinary worker was only thirty or forty yuan, while a senior technician or grassroots cadre might receive fifty or sixty yuan. Even a senior cadre like him earned only about three hundred yuan a month.

One thousand US dollars can be exchanged for nearly 1,500 yuan at the official exchange rate. If you use the black market exchange rate, which reflects the actual purchasing power, you can get more than four or five thousand yuan.

This salary level, which is dozens or even hundreds of times higher than the national average, is truly astonishing.

This is significantly higher than the income of many senior experts and professors.

He Zhenzhong's tone became more serious as he said, "Guangming, your idea is correct—to attract talent with high salaries. But a thousand dollars... that amount is too conspicuous in China; it's beyond reason."

Even if the business is registered under the name of a Hong Kong company, but the actual work is done in mainland China, the income gap with those around them may be too large, which may not be a good thing.

It's easy to attract attention and unnecessary discussion, which could lead to trouble, hinder work, and put pressure on the person being hired.

He offered a pertinent warning from the perspective of the domestic reality. The principle that "the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind" applies in any era.

He looked at Yang Guangming and offered a suggestion that was more in line with the actual situation in China:
"I think that, considering the actual situation in China, we need to be attractive while avoiding unnecessary trouble. Setting the monthly salary at around one hundred US dollars is already very attractive and enough to attract very outstanding talents, even those who exceed your expectations."

One hundred US dollars, which is close to one hundred and fifty yuan according to the official exchange rate, is three or four times the salary of an ordinary worker in China. For many young people in leisurely units or children of cadres seeking extra income, it is already a very tempting figure.

Most importantly, the wages are paid directly in US dollars, and their true purchasing power and value far exceed the official exchange rate.

Yang Guangming knew that He Zhenzhong's concerns were very reasonable. Excessive salaries could indeed attract unwanted attention and go against the prevailing social mentality in China at this stage: "It is not scarcity that is a concern, but inequality."

But he wasn't just hiring an ordinary clerk; the salary also included compensation for the potential resources and influence behind him—a kind of implicit, tacit compensation that couldn't be explicitly stated but had to be taken into account.

Moreover, high salaries can better retain talent and motivate them.

After thinking for a moment, he decided to take a compromise and a more motivating approach: "Uncle He, you have considered things very carefully; it was I who was short-sighted."

In that case, the base monthly salary is set at two hundred dollars, which is only the fixed income portion.

In addition, there will be extra performance bonuses depending on the amount and difficulty of the work completed, such as successfully assisting in the purchase of a quality property.

I can clarify in advance that bonuses are usually much higher than the base salary, with no upper limit; they depend entirely on work performance.

He paused for a moment, then added another factor that was extremely attractive to Chinese people at the time: "In addition, as an employee of the Hong Kong Island company, he may often have the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong Island on business trips to handle company affairs or receive training. In the future, if business needs require it, he may also go to the United States for short-term inspections or studies. All related travel, accommodation and training expenses will be borne by the company."

In the early days of reform and opening up, the opportunity to go abroad was a scarce resource that was more tempting than money for the vast majority of Chinese people.

Upon hearing the revised proposal, He Zhenzhong fell silent, his fingers gently stroking the smooth surface of the purple clay teacup.

A monthly salary of two hundred US dollars is close to three hundred yuan at the official exchange rate, which is definitely a high salary.

In addition, there are bonuses that are "much higher than the basic salary" and have no upper limit. This means that if you do well, your monthly income may reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars, which is an unimaginable salary in China.

There's also the opportunity to go abroad... This combination of benefits goes beyond just being "attractive"; it's like dropping a bombshell on a calm lake, enough to make countless people flock to it.

He originally thought that helping Yang Guangming find an assistant was just a small favor, a way to help a younger person solve some practical difficulties.

But now, the fact that Yang Guangming is willing to offer such generous, even excessively generous, conditions has turned into an excellent opportunity to do someone a favor, a chance to pave a smooth road for a young person in his network of connections.

Let alone allowing part-time work, even if full-time work were required, given such treatment and development opportunities, there would probably be plenty of talented and well-connected young people scrambling to compete for it.

If the recommended candidate is suitable, it not only solves Yang Guangming's problem, but also opens a door to a completely different world for the recommended person, which is a great favor for their personal development and family.

He Zhenzhong quickly filtered through possible candidates in his mind.

Relatives, nephews, or nieces? Children of old comrades-in-arms? Or children of former subordinates?
The person he's looking for must be reliable, quick-witted, have a certain family background but not be too flamboyant, and most importantly, be able to meet the standards of a transparent person, get things done, and maintain this important overseas relationship.

After a moment, a thought struck him, and he came up with a preliminary candidate who seemed quite suitable.

He looked at Yang Guangming, his tone much calmer, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible sincerity: "Guangming, you've really gone all out with this offer. Since you're so sincere and eager to find talent, I've thought of someone who might be worth a try. Whether it works out or not depends on fate."

“Uncle He, please speak.” Yang Guangming perked up and sat up straighter. He knew that He Zhenzhong’s recommendation must have come from some confidence and consideration.

"He is the youngest son of one of my former leaders, named Wang Qingyu."

He Zhenzhong slowly introduced, "He's about the same age as you, maybe a year or two older, not yet thirty. This old leader of mine was recently reinstated to an important position, and he's been having some headaches about arranging work for his youngest son, feeling that he's not serious enough."

"Wang Qingyu is not a bad kid at heart; he is kind-hearted and has no ill intentions."

They are also quick-witted, have a fast reaction time, and are highly capable of accepting new things.

Perhaps it's because his older brothers were all too capable and outstanding, holding important positions in either key ministries or research institutions.

As the youngest child, he was well cared for and protected by his family from a young age, which ironically resulted in a lack of ambition. He wasn't interested in the rigid, seniority-based, and even cutthroat world of the system, finding it restrictive and meaningless.

He Zhenzhong's tone carried a hint of helplessness and tolerance from an elder, as if he understood the situation quite well.

“Now, through connections, his family has arranged a leisurely job for him, just a nominal position. He just goes through the motions, without any enthusiasm. He spends his days thinking about trivial things, like listening to foreign music or tinkering with new gadgets.”

His family was both anxious about his situation, hoping he would succeed, but they didn't know what to do. They were afraid that if they spoke to him too harshly, he would rebel, but ignoring him wasn't an option either.

He Zhenzhong portrays a young man who grew up in a privileged family but is somewhat alienated from the mainstream path to advancement.

“I’m sorry.”

He Zhenzhong changed the subject and began to analyze its suitability, "The job here does not require you to be in the office, the time is very flexible, and you will be exposed to new things - foreign exchange, overseas companies, buying villas and artworks, which are things that ordinary people in China cannot access."

The salary and benefits are so generous, and there are even opportunities to go abroad and broaden one's horizons.

These characteristics might just suit his tastes, igniting his enthusiasm and interest, making him feel challenged and engaged.

He Zhenzhong's analysis was reasonable, and he continued:
"Although his father has only recently been reinstated, he still holds considerable prestige, and his brothers are also distributed across various systems."

In Shanghai, having Wang Qingyu handle communication and networking makes things much easier than for ordinary people. Many departments, out of respect for his father, will also give him preferential treatment.

He Zhenzhong pointed this out very clearly.

Yang Guangming listened carefully, his mind racing, and felt that Wang Qingyu's situation did indeed fit his needs.

He doesn't need an ambitious, scheming veteran who's always looking to use him as a stepping stone; such a person is too complicated and difficult to control.

He needs someone with a reliable background, a quick mind, and the ability to get things done, who is also someone who, because of their privileged family background, is not too concerned about small favors and will not cause trouble – someone he considers "one of his own."

Wang Qingyu comes from a well-off family and has no shortage of material things. He may value the fun, freedom, and opportunities to broaden his horizons in his work more.

Such people are very easy to use and it is also easier to build a personal relationship that goes beyond mere employment.

"Uncle He, now that you mention it, I think Comrade Wang Qingyu is quite suitable."

Yang Guangming said sincerely, "As long as he is willing and interested in the job, I have no problem with it."

As you said, there aren't too many domestic affairs at the moment, but they are quite varied. Even if he lacks experience at the beginning, he can gradually become familiar with them and learn as he goes.

The key is that everyone can communicate smoothly and cooperate happily.

Yang Guangming added a final sentence to show his sincerity and confidence, and to reassure He Zhenzhong: "Even if we find it unsuitable in actual work in the future, or if he has better opportunities and we no longer cooperate, it's not a big deal."

"Having another friend is a gain for me. Even if we no longer cooperate for various reasons in the future, I don't mind receiving an extra salary, and Uncle He, you don't need to feel troubled by it."

These words are magnanimous and show that the person is kind and generous, not petty.

He Zhenzhong nodded appreciatively. Yang Guangming's words were well said, expressing both a strong desire and leaving room for maneuver, showing maturity and composure.

His opinion of Yang Guangming rose another point.

“Okay, since you agree in the first place and think it’s worth a try, I’ll find an opportunity to talk to my old boss and Qingyu himself in the next couple of days.”

He Zhenzhong was decisive and made a decision immediately: "Let's first sound out the old man's opinion, and then see what Qingyu himself thinks. If there are no problems on the other side and both sides are interested, I will arrange for you to meet as soon as possible so that both sides can talk face to face. If you are both satisfied, then we can finalize the matter."

"That's great, thank you so much, Uncle He." A weight was lifted off Yang Guangming's shoulders.

With He Zhenzhong involved, the chances of this succeeding have greatly increased.

With the matter settled, all three felt that a major problem had been resolved, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

They drank tea for a while longer and chatted about everyday things, such as Liu Yajuan's concerns about supermarket prices in the United States and the health of Yang Guangming's parents.

The old-fashioned wall clock chimed "dong dong dong," its crisp sound echoing in the quiet living room; it was already 1:30 p.m.

He Zhenzhong stood up upon hearing this. "Alright, Guangming, I should go to my office. This afternoon's meeting is important; I need to get this matter settled as soon as possible."

Go back and wait for news. I'll have my secretary arrange the car this afternoon, and it should be there by tomorrow morning at the latest. The driver will contact you then and will be at your disposal.

I'll let you know as soon as there's any progress on the assistant matter.

He Zhenzhong explained it very clearly.

“Okay, Uncle He, you’re busy, thank you for your trouble.” Yang Guangming also stood up quickly.

He Zhenzhong took a navy blue woolen coat from the coat rack, put it on, then put on his hat. He nodded to Yang Guangming with anticipation in his eyes, and then steadily pushed open the door and left.

"Guangming, sit down for a while and rest. It'll be a good opportunity for us to chat," Liu Yajuan said warmly.

"No, Aunt Liu, I have to go back now. I have some things to take care of at home. I'll come over next time to chat with you," Yang Guangming politely declined.

Liu Yajuan said a few more words to persuade him to stay, and escorted Yang Guangming to the outside of the building. Watching his figure disappear around the corner of the stairs, she called out, "Take care on your way," before turning back into the house and gently closing the door.

As Yang Guangming walked out of the strictly managed, tree-lined cadre family compound, the warm afternoon sun shone on him, carrying the unique languor and warmth of spring.

He took a deep breath of the air, which was filled with the fresh scent of earth and plants, and felt exceptionally refreshed.

This meeting with He Zhenzhong yielded results far exceeding expectations.

The settlement of $800,000 in foreign exchange and subsequent consumption arrangements were successfully finalized. This not only solved the country's urgent need for foreign exchange, but also met the personal needs of asset allocation and improving the living conditions of the family. At the same time, it further consolidated the relationship with He Zhenzhong, a powerful figure, and laid a more solid foundation for future cooperation.

The issues of temporary transportation and domestic assistants were also resolved, greatly facilitating the intense operations in the following days and clearing away many obstacles.

Everything is progressing steadily in the direction of the plan, even more smoothly than expected.

Instead of immediately taking a car home, he walked slowly along the tree-lined, sparsely populated sidewalk, his thoughts drifting away as he began to plan his next steps.

With a car and a driver, if all goes well, we might be able to start looking at houses tomorrow.

He has a deep affection for the old villas in Shanghai. Those buildings, nestled under plane trees, with red tile roofs, cobblestone walls, spacious balconies, and exquisite gardens, are not only comfortable to live in, but also carry the history and charm of the city. They are top-tier assets that are hard to come by in later generations, possessing extremely high artistic and investment value.

In those days, these villas were mostly occupied by multiple entities or individuals, resulting in complex ownership structures. If he were to approach them directly through normal channels, it would be extremely difficult, and the number of potential buyers would be very limited.

But with government departments directly involved, and the foreign exchange earnings target being met, things became much simpler.

In order to meet its foreign exchange revenue targets, the housing management department may end up offering far more properties for sale than it expects.

His requirements weren't high; even a typical garden villa would be considered a high-quality property.

Once purchased, with a little renovation to restore its original historical appearance, it becomes an excellent residence and a priceless, heirloom-worthy property.

There are also international direct dialing phones. In an era where communication basically relies on shouting and contact relies mainly on letters, being able to talk directly to Hong Kong Island and the United States from home is crucial for him to keep up with information from the outside world, remotely direct company operations, and seize market opportunities.

This is not just a convenience in daily life, but also a rigid requirement in business.

If he were to apply personally, the process could be very complicated, requiring multiple levels of approval and even special quotas. With the government directly involved, all the difficulties are easily resolved.

As for art collecting, he wasn't just indulging in refined tastes; his main consideration was its collectible value.

With a vision ahead of his time, he knew clearly that those ancient paintings, calligraphy, porcelain, jade, and antiques that had survived the turmoil would, in the near future, show an astonishing increase in value as the economy developed and society stabilized.

This is not only a long-term investment based on personal interests, but also a diversified allocation of assets, and a disguised form of protection and inheritance of national cultural heritage.

Antique shops, ancient bookstores, and even certain flea markets are all worth spending time carefully browsing.

It's better for these artworks to remain in his personal collection than for them to flow abroad for a small amount of foreign exchange. (End of Chapter)