Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 414 Marriage
The matter was settled.

He Yuzhu turned around and told Xiaoman about it.

Xiaoman also thought this was a good idea: "With Uncle Fang and Uncle Zhao helping to keep an eye on things, it's definitely more reliable. They are experienced and sometimes have a deeper understanding of issues than we do."

A few days later, the first copy of the report on the Yellow River Group's development direction after the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, compiled by the Strategic Development Department, was delivered to Lao Fang and Lao Zhao's desk.

The two elderly people, wearing reading glasses, looked at it very carefully and even made detailed annotations with pencils.

A few days later, when He Yuzhu went to Lao Fang's house to retrieve the report, he saw the dense yet well-organized annotations on it. Some of the points were indeed incisive, pointing out certain domestic realities and potential risks that the report had not considered.

He Yuzhu carefully reviewed the annotations on the report. Lao Fang wrote in pencil next to "Expanding production scale": "Taking too big a step can easily lead to trouble. Investment policies vary from place to place, so be wary of local governments failing to keep their promises." Lao Zhao added a note under "Introducing overseas production lines": "Pay attention to foreign exchange quota approvals. Consider cooperating with large state-owned factories to leverage their resources for overseas expansion."

"You've figured it out, haven't you?" Old Fang said, holding his teacup. "Your reports only focus on the wind direction from above, without considering the local conditions. Take this land acquisition for factory construction, for example."

He put down his teacup and counted on his fingers: "Compensation standards, villager resettlement, environmental assessments—any hiccup at any stage will cause you a lot of trouble. I suggest you set up a dedicated person at each project site to handle these trivial matters."

Old Zhao chimed in: "There's also the issue of talent. The report only mentions recruiting technical backbones, but it doesn't mention how to retain them. Private companies in the south are offering high salaries now, and our state-owned enterprise housing allocation system is about to be abolished. You need to offer some real benefits."

He Yuzhu nodded thoughtfully: "You two uncles are right to remind me. I'll have them add the necessary supporting measures."

"Wait a minute." Old Fang pulled out a few more pages from the drawer. "This is a compilation by the two of us of the actual implementation status of development zones in various places in recent years. It marks which places are all talk and no action, and which places have reliable leaders. You can refer to it when you choose a site."

He Yuzhu took the pages of paper filled with dense writing as if they were a priceless treasure.

Three days later, the revised report was placed back on He Yuzhu's desk.

New chapters have been added, including "Local Policy Risk Assessment", "Dedicated Personnel System for Government-Enterprise Liaison", and "Long-Term Incentive Plan for Technical Talents".

The young director of the Strategic Development Department said somewhat embarrassedly, "Chairman He, the older comrades are more experienced. We were too idealistic before."

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "You'll learn from your mistakes. From now on, I'll have the two advisors review every report first."

That evening, He Yuzhu specially had his wife cook several extra dishes and invited Lao Fang and Lao Zhao to drink.

After a few rounds of drinks, Old Zhao casually brought up the topic: "Zhu Zi, your group has expanded so much now, are the finances of each branch still managed separately?"

He Yuzhu paused, picking up food with his chopsticks. "That's how it is in China. You know what happened before. Uncle Zhao, what do you mean?"

"I was just mentioning it casually." Old Zhao took a sip of his drink. "It seems fine now, but when it gets bigger, the inconvenience of fund allocation will be a minor issue. My real concern is that the staff will go their own way."

Old Fang crunched on a peanut: "Old Zhao is being subtle. Let me be blunt, you need to consider setting up a group finance company. It will make fund management easier and also facilitate supervision."

He Yuzhu put down his chopsticks and began to think seriously.

A month later, the preparatory group for Yellow River Group Finance Co., Ltd. was established.

At the same time, the group issued the "Detailed Rules for Financial Management of Branch Companies", which clarified the authority and approval process for fund allocation of each branch company.

Looking at the newly issued documents, He Yuzhu said to He Yaozong, who had come to report, "This time it was the two old men who reminded us again. It seems that we made the right choice in hiring these consultants."

He Yaozong laughed and said, "Dad, why don't we have Grandpa Fang and Grandpa Zhao give the management a lesson? Just looking at the report annotations isn't intuitive enough."

“They refused.” He Yuzhu shook his head. “They said it was just for fun, but if they really started lecturing, it wouldn’t be interesting.”

Just then, Old Fang strolled in with his hands behind his back: "Oh, Yaozong is here too? Perfect timing, I just remembered something."

He pulled a small notebook out of his pocket: "Is your mobile phone export mainly through the southern port?"

"Yes, Grandpa Fang."

“I’ve heard that customs inspections there will be stricter starting next month. Inspection times may be longer for products with communication functions. You should be prepared, or see if you can divert traffic to other ports.”

He Yaozong immediately wrote it down: "Thank you, Grandpa Fang! I'll have the overseas business department prepare a contingency plan right away."

Old Fang waved his hand and strolled off to find Old Zhao to play chess.

Looking at the old man's back, He Yaozong sighed, "Dad, this is no ordinary consultant; he's the pillar of our group."

He Yuzhu looked out the window and saw two elderly people arguing heatedly over a single move in the courtyard, their faces flushed red. They were nothing like the high-level advisors who could influence corporate decisions.

"So, having an elder in the family is like having a treasure," He Yuzhu said with a smile. He hadn't expected that these two old men, who seemed to spend their days playing chess and walking their birds, would actually be making something out of nothing.

What he didn't know was that the two old men had gone to great lengths, treating their old colleagues and friends to drinks, and these things weren't something that could be acquired overnight.

He Yaozong visited and learned from NeoComm's North American branch, where he happened to encounter trouble in a coastal state.

Local authorities don't know if it's due to local protectionism or some other reason, but NeoComm has tried everything but still can't obtain the necessary qualifications.

After making inquiries from various sources, they actually found someone, but she was Chinese, specifically a woman, and her services were targeted at Chinese people.

The subordinate reported, "Mr. He, the other party is named Lu Shuyi. She runs her own consulting firm, which specializes in helping domestic companies going global solve these kinds of problems. I heard that she has some connections in the local political, business, and academic circles."

He Yaozong raised his eyes: "Is the background clear?"

"I checked. He graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University, studied at an Ivy League school here, and previously worked in a ministry-affiliated unit before starting his own business. He has a good reputation and is very professional."

"Get in touch and schedule a time to meet."

The following afternoon, Lu Shuyi arrived on time.

She was dressed in a well-tailored business suit, was about 1.7 meters tall, had long legs, and possessed the graceful beauty of a woman from Jiangnan.

“Hello, Mr. He.” She reached out and shook hands with He Yaozong, her voice clear and fluent in English.

After both parties were seated, He Yaozong briefly explained his predicament.

"What is the relationship between Mr. He and NeoComm? You should know that NeoComm has taken drastic measures against Yellow River Communications in China."

He Yaozong smiled slightly: "Business competition is competition, and problem-solving is problem-solving. NeoComm is the one facing trouble now, and I happen to be able to make decisions on their behalf."

Lu Shuyi nodded. That's how business is; today's rivals may be tomorrow's partners.

She didn't ask any more questions, and opened her notebook: "I understand the specifics. What you've encountered is a typical non-tariff barrier (non-tariff barriers are more covert than tariffs—such as technical standards, discrimination—targeting specific countries, and flexibility—they can be quickly adjusted). The chairman of the committee responsible for the approval is my mentor from law school. He's recently been pushing for a draft of a 'communications equipment security standard'."

She looked up, her gaze sharp: "Does NeoComm's equipment comply with the upcoming California standards regarding encryption protocols?"

Just as the technical director behind He Yaozong was about to speak, He Yaozong raised his hand to stop him and said to Lu Shuyi, "This is not the place to talk. Ms. Lu, are you free tonight? Let's find a quiet place to discuss this in detail."

Evening, in a conference room at NeoComm.

Lu Shuyi took out several documents from her briefcase: "This is the non-confidential part of the draft. The key is in Appendix C, the clauses on signal encryption and user data storage."

He Yaozong carefully reviewed the document, his brows furrowing slightly: "This part of the standard is very similar to the enhanced security protocol we customized for the European market. NeoLink 1N can fully meet it."

“That makes things easier.” Lu Shuyi picked up her coffee. “My supervisor hates companies scrambling to do things at the last minute. If NeoComm can proactively submit technical documentation that complies with the new standards and invite an independent third party to conduct a pre-assessment, I’m confident I can get him to arrange an informal hearing.”

He Yaozong looked at her: "How long will it take?"

"Two weeks, but you must submit the revised technical documentation to me by this Friday."

He Yaozong pondered for a moment, then nodded to the technical director: "Have the encryption technology team from the group's European branch complete the localization adaptation of the documents within 24 hours."

He turned to Lu Shuyi and extended his hand: "It's a pleasure working with you."

Lu Shuyi shook hands with him, smiling faintly: "I hope I won't disappoint Mr. He."

Ten days later, the preliminary assessment was approved.

The committee made an exception and held an additional hearing before its monthly meeting.

He Yaozong and his team came out of the hearing and loosened their ties.

Lu Shuyi, who had been waiting outside, stepped forward.

"Congratulations. I just received news that the entry permit will be issued next week."

"Thank you." He Yaozong looked at her. "Ms. Lu, would you be interested in switching platforms? Yellow River Communications is setting up an international business department and needs someone like you."

Lu Shuyi looked slightly surprised, but quickly regained her composure: "My income is quite substantial now, is Mr. He sure?"

He Yaozong said seriously, "You can consider it first. However, you will need to go back to China for the interview."

“Domestic? Well, I really need to think about it.” Lu Shuyi was slightly taken aback.

Based on her understanding of the Yellow River Group in China, Lu Shuyi decided to go and take a look. After all, it's difficult to grow a large enterprise on your own, and besides, her parents are both in China and have made it clear that they won't come out, which is always a concern for her.

One week later, in a conference room at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Beijing.

Xiaoman sized up the girl in front of her.

Lu Shuyi wore a light gray cashmere sweater today, paired with pearl earrings, looking both dignified and energetic.

"Lu Shuyi, right? Yaozong said that this time it was all thanks to you."

"Mr. Qiao, you flatter me. I was just doing my job."

Xiaoman nodded and asked a few questions about her views on the trend of domestic companies going global, as well as her views on the stock market crashes, oil crises, and so on. Although Lu Shuyi could not answer fluently, she had her own unique insights.

Towards the end of the conversation, Xiaoman asked, seemingly casually, "You're single, right?"

Lu Shuyi paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Yes, I was busy studying before, and now I'm busy making money, so I haven't had a chance to talk about it yet."

Xiaoman nodded, indicating the interview was over. After seeing Lu Shuyi off, Xiaoman said to He Yaozong, "This girl is good. She has solid professional skills, is steady, and is still single."

He Yaozong coughed lightly: "Mom, are you interviewing employees?"

Xiaoman glanced at him: "What do you think?"

Two weeks later, NeoComm successfully launched its service in its second city on the West Coast.

After the celebration banquet, He Yaozong escorted Lu Shuyi back to her apartment.

"How have you decided?" he asked.

Lu Shuyi stood under the streetlight, the light and shadow outlining her soft profile: "I can accept the invitation, but on one condition—I need to report directly to you."

He Yaozong smiled: "Of course."

Their eyes met, and they remained silent for a moment.

The following month, Lu Shuyi finished up her work in North America and returned to China to join Huanghe Communications as the Senior Director of the International Business Department.

After joining the company, He Yaozong personally took Lu Shuyi to various places to familiarize herself with the business. Due to the business she was responsible for, Lu Shuyi learned that NeoComm was just a company under Huanghe Group. She was amazed by the strength of Huanghe Group and was even more glad that she had not missed this opportunity.

The two developed feelings for each other naturally while working together, because they were compatible.

After confirming their relationship, He Yaozong decided to take her home to meet his family.

"Isn't this too fast?" Lu Shuyi asked, a little embarrassed.

“No, even this is too slow for me. We’ve only been dating for a short time,” He Yaozong said.

“Okay.” Lu Shuyi nodded in agreement.

When He Yaozong brought Lu Shuyi back to No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, it was already evening.

"Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, we're back!" He Yaozong called out.

The people inside came out to greet them upon hearing the noise.

When the others came out, Lu Shuyi was stunned because she saw Xiaoman. She said nervously, "Hello, President Qiao."

"Call me Auntie when we get home," Xiaoman said with a smile.

"Hello, Aunt Qiao."

Then He Yaozong introduced them, and Lu Shuyi greeted them one by one. When she got to He Yuzhu, she stammered, "Hello, Chairman Dong."

"Don't be nervous. I heard Yaozong praise you highly, especially your eloquence. Why are you so reserved when you see me?"

Lu Shuyi blushed slightly and smiled shyly.

Chen Lanxiang warmly pulled Lu Shuyi's hand: "What a pretty girl, come in and sit down, it's cold outside."

Everyone returned to the warm house.

He Yaozong formally introduced Lu Shuyi to his family: "This is Lu Shuyi, who is now in charge of international business at a telecommunications company."

Lu Shuyi greeted the elders again with grace and poise.

He Yuzhu nodded and said to Lu Shuyi, "Are you adapting well to work? Has Yaozong bullied you? If he puts pressure on you because of his position, just tell me."

He Yaozong was both amused and exasperated: "Dad, how could I dare?"

Lu Shuyi smiled and said, "Uncle, Yaozong is very professional at work and takes good care of me."

Xiaoman watched from the side, a relieved smile on her face. She got up and went to the kitchen to bring out some hot tea, handing a cup to Lu Shuyi: "Have some tea to warm yourself up. Come visit us often, don't be shy."

"Thank you, Auntie." Lu Shuyi accepted the teacup with both hands.

He Daqing sat in the main seat, looked Lu Shuyi up and down, and nodded with satisfaction: "She's a good girl. Yaozong, you must treat her well."

He Yaozong solemnly replied, "Grandpa, don't worry."

Lu Shuyi felt the harmonious and warm atmosphere of the He family, and her initial tension gradually dissipated.

She glanced at He Yaozong and saw him smiling at her with encouraging eyes, which warmed her heart.

During dinner, He Yuzhu asked Lu Shuyi about her views on the group's international business development, and the two had a very congenial conversation.

Xiaoman and Chen Lanxiang exchanged satisfied glances from time to time.

After the meal, He Yaozong took Lu Shuyi to the hotel.

As he stepped out of the courtyard, he asked softly, "How are things? Are my family members easy to get along with?"

Lu Shuyi nodded and smiled, "Uncle, Aunt, and Grandpa and Grandma are all very kind."

He Yaozong breathed a sigh of relief and took her hand: "That's good. I was worried that my dad's seriousness would scare you."

“How could that be?” Lu Shuyi said with a smile. “Chairman He is actually very kind.”

As the night fell, the two figures gradually disappeared into the distance.

At the entrance of the courtyard house, He Yuzhu and Xiaoman stood side by side, watching them leave.

“This kid is good,” He Yuzhu said.

Xiaoman nodded: "She's a reliable and steady girl. Yaozong's taste is just like yours."

He Yuzhu smiled and put his arm around his wife's shoulder: "Let's go back, it's cold outside."

He Yaozong got a few days off from his father's place and originally wanted to take Lu Shuyi to visit the famous sights of Beijing, but to his surprise, Lu Shuyi knew the place better than he did.

“This way, it’s closer to Liulichang by taking this alley.” Lu Shuyi naturally led the way, saying as they walked, “I used to come to that old bookstore up ahead when I was in school. I wonder if the owner still recognizes me.”

He Yaozong, standing beside her, was somewhat surprised: "You seem to know the place better than I do."

Lu Shuyi smiled and said, "During my four years of university, when my studies weren't too demanding, I loved to wander through the hutongs. Back then, I even dreamed of working in Beijing someday." Her tone was tinged with nostalgia.

The two walked slowly through the alley, the winter sun shining on the old brick walls, casting a faint warm glow.

Looking at her calm profile, He Yaozong felt at ease.

The news couldn't be kept secret, and no one knows who let it slip, but He Ningxue flew back directly from the south.

She entered the courtyard in a flurry of activity, and her eyes lit up when she saw Lu Shuyi.

"This must be Sister Shuyi, right? I'm Ningxue." She stepped forward, took Lu Shuyi's hand, looked her up and down, and smiled. "My second brother is a very reserved person, but I didn't expect him to have such good taste."

Lu Shuyi felt a little embarrassed by Ningxue's gaze and responded gently, "Ningxue, I often hear Yaozong mention you. You are really beautiful, more beautiful than any girl I've ever seen."

He Ningxue giggled and took Lu Shuyi's arm: "Really? You're very pretty too."

The two sisters chatted, and the atmosphere quickly warmed up.

He Ningxue chatted with him for a while, and then teased her little nephew before getting up to say she needed to go back to her room to tidy up.

As she stepped out of the main room, the smile on her face faded, and her pace slowed.

"My second brother has found someone suitable. She's all alone at home now, and she'll probably be nagged even more." She thought to herself.

She sighed softly, gazing absently at the bare grape trellis.

It's not that I'm in a hurry, it's just that I suddenly feel that it's too quiet around me.

Back in her room, she pumped her fist to cheer herself up, tidied herself up briefly, and then went to the main room with a smile.

Over the next two days, He Yaozong was released, and He Ningxue and Lu Shuyi had a blast for two days before hurriedly heading south.

Before leaving, she made a special trip to see Lu Shuyi.

"Shuyi, if my second brother dares to bully you, you can call me anytime." She said, handing over a business card.

Lu Shuyi took the business card and carefully put it away: "I will make the call, Ningxue."

He Ningxue smiled, said nothing more, picked up her luggage, and left in a hurry.

In Beijing, Lu Shuyi was taken to visit a microelectronics research institute and a computer factory, and then to Jidong to see heavy industry and ports.

These things refreshed her understanding. When He Yaozong told her that the Grand Hyatt she was staying at was also under the Yellow River Group, the girl was a little dumbfounded. She knew Grand Hyatt very well because her teacher had talked about Grand Hyatt's success stories when she was in school.

That evening, He Yaozong escorted her back to her hotel.

The car was parked in front of the hotel, but he didn't immediately unbuckle his seatbelt.

"Shuyi," he turned his head, "my parents are thinking of visiting your home first in the spring. Is that convenient for you?"

Lu Shuyi was slightly taken aback, then her face flushed. She lowered her eyelashes and softly hummed in agreement.

Seeing her unusually shy expression, He Yaozong's heart softened, and he reached out to gently hold her hand.

(End of this chapter)