Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

"Okay, I'll follow Uncle's arrangements." He Yuzhu replied with a smile, his eyebrows relaxed, and his tone was crisp and decisive.

After they finished speaking, the two went to the study.

As soon as he pushed open the door and sat down, with tea already brewed, Lou Bancheng got straight to the point: "Zhuzi, I've figured out the family's situation. All that's left is to pass on the message to the higher-ups and go through the formalities."

Lately, he's been unusually enthusiastic, turning his possessions upside down—over 500 pounds of gold bars are stored away, three large boxes are filled with jewelry and jade, estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands; the antique porcelain, though exquisite, is hard to sell; plus the cash he's saved over the years and the dividends from the factory, totaling at least two million.

He owns seven or eight properties in Beijing alone, scattered across the city.

But the most valuable assets are the shares in those joint state-private factories.

However, he knew that these documents would become worthless in a few years, so he decided to donate them now while he could still do some good deeds and secure a safe way out.

After listening, He Yuzhu took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Uncle, if you don't have anyone to introduce you, I can act as a go-between."

In the past two years, the heads of the central canteen have become familiar with each other, and it is not difficult to exchange a word or arrange a meal.

However... it's best to wait until after the New Year.

He paused, his tone becoming more serious: "I'll most likely get promoted after the New Year, and then my words will carry more weight."

"We won't have enough strength to move now."

Advance two levels? Too difficult.

Firstly, there were no vacancies, and secondly, the credit for the previous two incidents wasn't entirely his—he kept the wheat and rice projects a closely guarded secret.

Lou Bancheng nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Then it's up to you."

I'm also prepared to start all over again.

"By the way, Pillar, if I really went to Hong Kong Island, which industry do you think would be the most suitable for me to start in?"

He Yuzhu put down his teacup, his gaze sharpened, and he said in a low voice, "Uncle, what do you think of the pills I gave you? Besides those, I also have dozens of secret recipes hidden away."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a certainty: "Hong Kong Island and Southeast Asia are home to a large Chinese population, and there are even more wealthy people there."

What do they believe in? They believe in the medicine of their ancestors and in the reputation of "a century-old brand".

As long as our medicine can gain a foothold, that's a situation of monopolizing the market.

Those beeswax pills are made entirely of top-quality medicinal herbs, and the combination of ingredients has been refined through countless trials.

Its quality surpasses all other over-the-counter medicines on the market, and its effects are visible to the naked eye.

Lou Bancheng himself was a drug test subject.

He's been so busy these days that he barely has time to breathe, but his health hasn't collapsed. On the contrary, he's getting stronger every day, sleeping soundly at night and getting up quickly in the morning—he knows this change best himself.

He Yuzhu was willing to provide the prescription, and he could also supply the best medicinal materials. He could even sell rare items such as ginseng and deer antler separately at high prices.

More importantly, He Yuzhu has a living space that can produce enough medicinal materials each year to make 60,000 pills.

Although some supplies still need to be sourced from external suppliers, as long as Lou Bancheng becomes a national secret agent, the health system can simply go through the procurement process and there will be no shortage of resources.

Moreover—the Vitality Space is still being upgraded.

It's no problem to upgrade to level four or five within a year, and double the production capacity in two years. It's not a dream to swallow the Southeast Asian market whole.

Lou Bancheng didn't understand where He Yuzhu got so many good medicines, but he believed one thing: these medicines could really change one's fate.

With just one Chinese medicine shop, he could at most become a medicinal herb tycoon in Hong Kong.

But He Yuzhu didn't want to stop there.

Before leaving, he had to take some time to talk to Lou's father about the "future"—when Lou Xiao'e mentioned that period in her previous life, she always felt regretful: if she had dared to venture out back then, and had the support of the mainland, she would have not only made a fortune, but might have actually become the top leader in Hong Kong.

The two talked more and more deeply in the study. As darkness fell outside the window, the tea got cold and was refilled, and their thoughts drifted further and further away.

The conversation wasn't interrupted until Lou's mother knocked on the door to call for dinner.

The two exchanged a glance, both still wanting more, as if a grand plan had just been unfolded and then abruptly paused.

In fact, He Yuzhu had long had his own preferences—the catering and traditional Chinese medicine industries were the two paths he could fully support.

But he also understood what the country lacked most.

When the time is right, the steel and heavy industries—these vital sectors—will be Lou's true battleground.

By the afternoon, Lou Xiao'e finally couldn't sit still any longer.

Ignoring how important their conversation was, she barged into the living room and grabbed He Yuzhu's sleeve: "Stop talking! Come with me for a walk around the front gate, just one walk!"

Lou Bancheng frowned, and his face immediately darkened.

This girl is so insensible.

Zhu Zi was exhausted from working at the factory and only came once every two weeks. Before he could even finish discussing business, she dragged him out shopping.

He glared at his daughter, his tone turning colder: "What are you playing? Can't you hear what the adults are saying?"

However, Lou's father's thought of stopping Lou Xiao'e from leaving the house was immediately suppressed by Lou's mother's words.

In the end, He Yuzhu successfully led Lou Xiao'e out the door.

Lou Xiao'e is still in high school, but her family doesn't have high hopes for her—it's fine if she doesn't go to university; being literate and reasonable is enough, there's no need for her to get bogged down in academics.

Her easy studies allowed her to live a carefree life. Right now, she was sitting on the back of He Yuzhu's bicycle, the wind ruffling her hair, and her laughter echoed through the streets.

In the afternoon, the two went to the park first. They rowed their boat across the lake, the water rippling and reflecting the slanting winter sunlight.

After the ship docked, they went straight to the cinema to watch a newly released film. The plot was so fast-paced that Lou Xiao'e watched it without blinking.

The last stop was Quanjude, where the steaming hot roast duck was served, glistening with oil and its skin so crispy that it crackled at the slightest touch.

The two enjoyed their meal to the fullest, and only when dusk began to fall did He Yuzhu safely escort her home.

Upon entering, He Yushui was already back and preparing to cook. When she saw her brother carrying in a still-steaming roast duck, her eyes immediately curved into crescent moons.

The duck was so fresh it was practically piping hot; she devoured half of it in one go, only stopping when she couldn't take it anymore.

He Yuzhu carefully wrapped the remaining half and put it in the cupboard: "Keep it, I'll bring it to your lunchbox for lunch tomorrow."

"Brother, the New Year is almost here," she suddenly said softly.

"Hmm, what do you want to eat this year? Just say the word, and I'll sell everything I own to get it for you!"

That sounds arrogant, but it actually comes with real confidence.

I spent a lot of money recently, but after receiving several months' salary and a substantial year-end bonus, I've saved up another three hundred yuan in cash.

Not to mention, the wood carving side business is stable and profitable, earning forty or fifty yuan a month, and life is quietly getting better.

"Actually... I don't really crave anything in particular." He Yushui looked down and fiddled with her fingers. "Every meal you cook is delicious. Just eat the same as usual."

She paused, then lowered her voice even further: "I just... I wanted to ask Dad if he's coming home for the New Year?"

Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu stopped carving with his knife.

Sawdust fell softly onto his knees. He paused for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, I'll send him a telegram right away."

But you know what he's up to in Baoding. Even if he comes back, he'll probably bring two burdens with him.

I'll have a proper talk with him then.

"Mmm." She looked up at him, her eyes full of trust. "Brother, I believe in you."

"Go wash up and go to bed, you have to get up early tomorrow." He Yuzhu waved his hand and sent his sister away.

The room quieted down, but he didn't rush to rest.

He kept thinking about He Daqing's matter.

Actually, accommodation is not a problem at all.

The courtyard house near Zhengyangmen has been habitable for a long time. Before leaving, Manager Huang left all the furniture and porcelain behind. After sweeping away the dust and airing it out, it's ready to live in immediately.

That place was even more bustling than Nanluoguxiang, with small shops jointly owned by the public and private sectors lined up one after another, full of lively atmosphere.

What really troubled him was people—the White Widow was a difficult hurdle to overcome.

The old city of Baoding is his father's home. He has two children here and a house. If he still stays in Baoding and refuses to go back, it would be truly disheartening.

Thinking of this, He Yuzhu's eyes turned cold.

Either He Da-dan comes back alone; or he can bring Bai Widow with him, and the two of them can squeeze into one room without any problem.

But her two sons must stay in Baoding!

If you dare to bring your whole family here, don't blame him for turning his back on you—not a single one of you will be allowed to step into the courtyard!

If all else fails, he will take He Yushui to the Lou family's house for the New Year.

Anyway, he was determined not to see those Bai family brats come to his door.

Once you've made up your mind, your heart will be at peace.

That night, he carved a few more small trinkets, practiced his boxing a few times, and felt his muscles and bones relax and his blood and qi flow smoothly before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, He Yuzhu arrived at the steel rolling mill.

Inspecting the cafeteria is his daily routine without fail.

Over the past few months, the large-pot dishes in the three canteens have become quite well-prepared.

Although the ingredients are fixed, the cooking methods are varied and innovative, which has made a name for itself in the meals of ordinary workers.

Nowadays, the food at the Third Steel Rolling Mill is considered the best in Beijing, and people from neighboring mills even come to eat there.

After completing the rounds and confirming everything was in order, it was about time.

He turned and walked towards the conference room, just in time to bump into Bai Danyu walking gracefully from the other end of the corridor.

"Sister Bai," he greeted her with a smile.

Everyone in the factory knows that the only person who can make Bai Danyu smile is He Yuzhu.

Although we don't see each other often, we frequently visit each other for meals and are as close as family.

Fortunately, both of them kept a low profile, and no gossip spread.

"Zhu Zi, want to go to a meeting together?" Bai Danyu smiled gently, and as he approached, she suddenly lowered her voice, "You're getting a promotion this time."

Last Saturday, the personnel department received the transfer order, and we worked overtime over the weekend to prepare the necessary documents.

He Yuzhu raised an eyebrow: "Oh, thank you for your hard work, sister! If you had told me earlier, I would have picked Yingying up from school and treated you to a nice meal."

"I'll let you know in advance next time." She smiled and said, "This time it was my second sister-in-law who took care of her. Otherwise, if that little girl knew she could get food from you, she would definitely insist on going with you."

Bai Danyu raised the corners of her mouth, a meaningful glint flashing in her eyes. After a pause, she lowered her voice and said, "This time it's not just you who's being moved. The deputy factory director will also be replaced. It's a huge personnel reshuffle, quite a stir."

This is good news for you, but for some people... well, that's another story.

On the way to the conference room, Bai Danyu had already secretly revealed a lot of information to He Yuzhu.

If it weren't for the fact that it was a weekend, this matter would have reached his ears eight hundred years ago.