Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 415 Game
He Yaozong and Lu Shuyi returned to the Lu family home, and the Lu family was quite satisfied with their prospective son-in-law.

Then He Yuzhu and his wife invited Lu Shuyi's parents to visit Beijing.

After the two sides met, the marriage was tentatively settled, and the two families agreed that the He family would formally propose marriage after the spring.

The happiest people were Xiaoman and Chen Lanxiang, who finally had a problem to solve.

NeoComm has rapidly expanded its market share in Europe and North America with its mature GSM system solutions and highly competitive "NeoLink" series of mobile phones, exceeding the expectations of many established telecommunications companies.

This rapid expansion inevitably touched a nerve with certain forces.

In a conference room of a skyscraper in North America.

"Still haven't found it?" a middle-aged man with his hair neatly combed asked in a deep voice. He was the senior vice president of a long-established telecommunications giant.

“Yes, sir. We’ve used all public channels, and even some non-public sources, but NeoComm’s mobile phone R&D center is as if it doesn’t exist. Their product design, core chip supply, and software systems are all outsourced or procured from different entities that seem to have no connection to each other,” a subordinate reported, his tone puzzled.

“That’s impossible,” another woman wearing wire-rimmed glasses retorted. “A mature GSM phone requires a highly collaborative design and testing process for its baseband chip, RF module, and embedded system. Without its own core R&D team, it’s impossible to achieve this level of integration and rapid iteration. Unless…”

"Unless what?"

"Unless, NeoComm itself is just a front company, and its technology and products come from an entity that we already know about but have never linked to NeoComm, which has complete R&D and manufacturing capabilities."

There was a moment of silence in the conference room.

Someone slowly uttered a name: "Could it be the Yellow River?"

The name "Yellow River" sent chills down the spines of everyone present. They might have accepted it if it were any other competitor, but if it was this one from the East, they felt like fools.

"What are you all standing there for? Go investigate, by any means necessary, and leak this information to the other companies as well."

"clear."

The news, deliberately leaked by someone with ulterior motives, immediately caused a stir, prompting action from all sides. He Yuzhu received a report from North America right away.

He Yuzhu called He Yaozong directly.

After receiving an urgent report from North America, He Yuzhu immediately summoned He Yaozong to his study.

"Our adversaries have begun investigating the relationship between NeoComm and the Yellow River."

"It's faster than expected. It seems our expansion in Europe and North America has indeed touched a nerve with some people."

“Business competition is never just a battle in the market.” He Yuzhu said calmly. “Since it can’t be hidden anymore, there’s no need to hide it anymore. As planned, we will move that communications lab in Singapore out as NeoComm’s ‘R&D center.’ But we must do it naturally, and the personnel, data, and correspondence must all be able to withstand scrutiny.”

“I understand, Dad. I will arrange it personally.” He Yaozong nodded. “In addition, I suggest that we proactively release some information about the secret R&D bases of our other competitors. They like to play this game, so we will play along to the end.”

He Yuzhu nodded: "Okay, go find your Uncle Bai."

"it is good."

"Also, it's time to get NeoComm's legal team moving. Gather evidence and launch patent lawsuits against those most vocal competitors in major global markets. If we're going to create chaos, let's muddy the waters completely. We need to fire the first shot."

A sharp glint flashed in He Yaozong's eyes: "I'll have someone prepare it right away. The patent documents are all ready, and the chain of evidence is complete."

Soon after, a communications laboratory in Singapore was "accidentally" discovered and quickly confirmed by intelligence personnel from various parties as NeoComm's core research and development base.

At almost the same time, the addresses of the secret laboratories of several international telecommunications giants were also leaked in certain circles through some non-public channels, causing considerable confusion and internal investigations.

North America, at the headquarters of a competitor.

"What happened? How could our lab in Zurich be exposed?" The person in charge slammed his fist on the table, both shocked and furious.

"I don't know. There's nothing wrong with our internal staff; we've probably been targeted for a while now. Moreover, NeoComm just filed a patent lawsuit against us in the Eastern District of Texas, accusing our GSM base stations of infringing on three of their core patents!"

"What? They know to strike first and have our legal department submit the documents they prepared earlier."

"Yes."

Similar scenarios are playing out in different companies.

NeoComm and its affiliates have launched a series of patent infringement lawsuits against various competitors in multiple jurisdictions around the world, seeking substantial amounts in damages.

Companies from Japan and South Korea also attempted to take advantage of the situation, sending industrial spies to infiltrate Singapore's laboratories, but they were caught red-handed by well-prepared security personnel.

With conclusive evidence, the person was directly handed over to the local police.

He Yaozong instructed NeoComm's legal team to handle the matter in a high-profile manner, holding a press conference to strongly condemn this unfair competition and reserve the right to pursue its legal responsibility.

At the same time, they applied for a preliminary injunction against the company in question using local laws, temporarily restricting the sale of some of its products in the relevant markets.

This series of combined punches caught the opponent off guard.

They originally intended to investigate and exert pressure covertly, but they did not expect the Yellow River Group (through NeoComm) to react so quickly and forcefully. Not only did they decisively throw out bait to mislead the public, but they also used legal and media weapons to launch a patent war globally and directly seized the black hand that tried to reach out.

The telecommunications industry was thrown into a state of panic.

The media is flooded with reports about patent lawsuits, corporate espionage, and secret labs, keeping legal and public relations teams extremely busy.

"Dad, the initial results have been achieved," He Yaozong reported to He Yuzhu. "At least three companies have taken the initiative to contact us, hoping to negotiate patent licensing. Attempts to infiltrate have also basically disappeared."

He Yuzhu looked at the report and said calmly, "This is just the beginning. They won't admit defeat easily, and their subsequent counterattacks may be more covert and intense. Tell the officials in various regions to be vigilant, especially regarding data security and background checks on personnel."

"clear."

"In addition, we must continue to pursue patent litigation, but we must also leave room for negotiation. Our goal is not to force anyone to their death, but to establish rules and make everyone understand that if you want to play the game, you have to play by the rules."

"Yes. I will keep a good eye on things."

This global telecommunications industry brawl, initiated by NeoComm, has now begun.

Legal documents fly through the air, media battles rage on, the business world is like a battlefield, without the smoke of gunpowder, yet equally ruthless.

This mutually destructive approach soon brought the war in the Western telecommunications industry to a halt. All companies tacitly withdrew their lawsuits, fell silent in the media, and focused their efforts on developing the next generation of products.

The West has stopped, but the Asian market, especially several emerging economies, has become the next focus of competition.

With its advantages in low cost, high quality, and language compatibility, Huanghe Communications has left other manufacturers with no chance to fight back. Even when they lowered their prices, they did not gain much market share. NeoComm did not even bother to develop its business in Asia.

Direct competition is unlikely to yield quick results, so some underhanded tactics have begun to emerge.

Under pressure, several countries, citing safety concerns, have begun to increase the difficulty of accessing the Yellow River, or have directly halted the import of subsequent equipment.

Representatives from the Yellow River Company held many rounds of talks, but with little effect; even price reductions were ineffective.

Huanghe essentially made a quick buck in the Asian market.

He Yaozong reported the matter to his father, He Yuzhu, who replied, "Take as much as you can from abroad, and hold onto the domestic market firmly. Their next step is to penetrate the domestic market."

After He Yaozong brought his father's opinion back to the telecommunications company's senior management meeting for discussion, Yellow River Communications quickly adjusted its strategy.

On the one hand, the company accelerated the construction of the GSM experimental network in cooperation with the postal and telecommunications departments, dispatching its most skilled technical team to be stationed on-site to ensure project quality and progress. Xu Damao personally supervised the project, coordinating with local postal and telecommunications bureau officials to resolve practical difficulties encountered during construction.

On the other hand, targeting domestic enterprises and institutions as well as emerging affluent groups, the marketing department launched more cost-effective pager upgrade packages and contract plans for the "Damai 1" mobile phone. Discounted phone purchases were available with a pre-deposit of a certain amount of phone credit, a move that quickly attracted the first batch of high-end users.

At the same time, the Yellow River Communications Research Institute received a new task: to concentrate its efforts on developing 2G enhanced technologies and related equipment based on GSM. He Yuzhu explicitly instructed that more independent intellectual property rights should be acquired in the next-generation technology standards.

Western companies will clearly not give up on China, a market with enormous potential.

Shortly afterward, a delegation comprised of several international telecommunications giants made a high-profile visit to China, contacting relevant ministries and proposing very favorable cooperation terms, including technology sharing and joint establishment of R&D centers. The prerequisite was participation in, or even leadership in, the construction of mobile communication networks in major cities, and the suggestion to "adopt mature and stable international standards." Following this, the postal and telecommunications system held numerous feasibility studies regarding the introduction of foreign communication equipment and technologies.

After each meeting, heated debates would erupt at internal meetings of the postal and telecommunications department.

"Huanghe Communications' technology is indeed mature, and we should give national enterprises a chance."

"But international manufacturers have more experience, and introducing competition is beneficial to the development of the industry."

"The key is security and controllability. Communication networks are too important to rely entirely on foreign capital."

Ultimately, after multiple rounds of discussions and on-site inspections, relevant policies were introduced: supporting Yellow River Communications' participation in the construction of GSM networks in major cities, allowing foreign companies to participate in bidding as equipment suppliers, but requiring compliance with national security standards, and core network equipment to undergo rigorous review.

This was not a decision made by the postal and telecommunications system alone, but rather the result of the involvement of several other departments.

During this period, several people in the postal and telecommunications system were interviewed by the disciplinary inspection commission for strongly supporting the entry of Western capital, and naturally, some of them were dismissed from their posts.

Upon receiving the news, He Yaozong and Xu Damao breathed a long sigh of relief. The opportunity had been given to Huanghe; now it was a matter of who could iterate their technology faster.

With the policy becoming clearer, Yellow River Communications acted swiftly, signing GSM network construction agreements with more second- and third-tier cities and county-level post and telecommunications departments with relatively rapid economic development.

Engineering convoys drove into various locations, and the site selection, installation, and debugging of base stations were carried out intensively.

After the Chinese New Year in 1993, the He family prepared generous gifts as agreed, and Xiaoman went to Lu Shuyi's hometown to propose marriage.

He Yuzhu didn't go. If his eldest son didn't do that, his second son wouldn't either. Otherwise, the Le family would definitely be unhappy if they found out, and his eldest daughter-in-law would feel awkward.

After meeting, the two parties set their wedding date for May Day of that year.

When the news reached the courtyard, Chen Lanxiang and Wang Cuiping were overjoyed and began to make preparations for the wedding.

Xiaoman held Lu Shuyi's hand: "From now on, we're family. If Yaozong dares to make you suffer, just tell me, and I'll take care of him for you."

Lu Shuyi blushed and nodded, "Thank you, Auntie."

"Still calling me 'Auntie'?" Xiaoman gave her a reproachful look.

Lu Shuyi was slightly taken aback, then shyly lowered her voice and changed her address to "Mom".

"Yes!" Xiaoman responded loudly, her face beaming with joy.

Upon learning that the wedding date had been set, He Ningxue made a special phone call from the south.

"Second brother, congratulations! Finally someone is willing to take you in." She joked on the other end of the phone.

He Yaozong was in a good mood and didn't hold it against her: "How's your project going? When will it be finished so you can come back and help out?"

"It'll be soon. Once the planning approval for the last plot of land is obtained, I can get away. I promise I won't delay your important business."

Old Fang, Old Zhao, and others also came over to offer their congratulations. After chatting about family matters, the topic turned to business.

Old Fang took a sip of tea, his expression becoming slightly more serious: "Zhu Zi, things haven't been peaceful outside lately. I've heard some rumors that some people, seeing that Yellow River has gained a foothold in the country, are thinking of other ways to make a living."

He Yaozong happened to come in to deliver some documents. Upon hearing this, he interjected, "Grandpa Fang, are you referring to the import of raw materials and components?"

Old Fang glanced at him: "You've heard the rumors too?"

He Yaozong nodded: "The supply cycle for some key chips and special materials has become somewhat unstable recently, and prices have also fluctuated. We are looking for alternative channels or increasing our reserves."

Old Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "It's right to plan ahead. We can't let others have complete control over key technologies and materials. Your electronics factory in the south needs to increase its investment."

He Yaozong said, "Grandpa Zhao, we have already started expanding the factory and the equipment is ready. However, it is difficult to achieve self-sufficiency if we are the only ones doing it. We plan to cooperate with some domestic factories to see if they can absorb some of the technology."

"This is a good thing," Old Zhao said with a smile.

"It's a good thing, but upgrading domestic factories still requires a lot of investment, so we'll probably have to rely on foreign companies for some time."

"That's normal. Many things come from nothing," Old Zhao said.

He Yuzhu then spoke up: "This matter cannot be accomplished by Huang He alone. The semiconductor industry is a systematic one. If we want to establish the system domestically and reach international standards in terms of technology, we still need the relevant departments to promote it."

"Tell us your thoughts, and we'll see if we can lend a hand," Old Fang said.

He Yuzhu gave a brief explanation, and Lao Fang and Lao Zhao exchanged a glance.

Old Fang spoke first: "Zhu Zi, you've played a very big game."

"It's better to be prepared!" Old Fang said.

"That's just the trend. If we don't prepare in advance, we'll suffer later."

"Don't you have any suggestions on other aspects?" Old Fang asked.

"They're mostly the same, but I'm afraid I can't cover everything in other areas!" He Yuzhu said.

"Alright, you prepare this first, I'll go find someone directly," Old Fang said.

"can."

A few days later, a report entitled "Preliminary Ideas on Promoting the Systematic Development of my country's Semiconductor Industry," which was led by the Strategic Development Department of the Yellow River Group and completed in collaboration with the Microelectronics Research Institute and other departments such as Precision Engineering and Heavy Industry, was placed on He Yuzhu's desk.

This report avoids flowery language and instead uses detailed data and clear logic to outline the entire semiconductor industry chain, from design and manufacturing to equipment and materials, and points out the key bottlenecks and weaknesses that currently exist in China.

Wearing their reading glasses, Lao Fang and Lao Zhao spent the whole day carefully studying it, adding background information and potential risk warnings that only people at their level would understand.

"That's about it." Old Fang put down the report, rubbed his sore eyes, and said, "This dish has both meat and bones, and the portion is sufficient."

Old Zhao nodded: "It should be submitted. However, Zhu Zi, you need to be prepared. This is a very important matter, involving too many stakeholders. The discussion and decision-making at the higher-ups will take time."

He Yuzhu said calmly, "I understand. We'll do our best and leave the rest to fate. Let's do the best we can."

The report was safely submitted by Lao Fang and Lao Zhao through special channels.

The days that followed seemed peaceful, but He Yuzhu could sense the undercurrents beneath the surface.

Within the group, following the ideas outlined in this report, the Microelectronics Research Institute further strengthened its cooperation with several top engineering universities in China, jointly establishing targeted training programs; while Precision Engineering and Heavy Industry began to more systematically organize their technological accumulation in precision machining and special materials, preparing for possible industrial collaboration.

More than a month later, a low-profile research team led by a bureau-level official from the relevant department arrived at the Yellow River Microelectronics Research Institute.

Without prior notice or any welcoming or farewell ceremonies, the research team spent three full days at the research institute, visiting the production line, reviewing technical documents, and holding discussions with R&D personnel. They asked very detailed questions, with particular concern about mass production yield, equipment dependence, and the speed of technology iteration.

Then they went to an electronics factory in the special economic zone, where they stayed for a full fifteen days before the research team left.

Meanwhile, several research teams visited semiconductor factories across the country.

Soon after, an informal message came back through Lao Fang: the higher authorities attached great importance to the report submitted by the Yellow River Group and basically agreed with the idea of ​​"systematic development".

However, the specific implementation details—whether it's establishing a national-level industry fund, selecting key regions and enterprises for pilot programs, or a combination of both—are still under intense discussion.

The core points of contention are whether to upgrade the entire industry or only a part of it, which specific part to upgrade, whether to treat state-owned enterprises equally or to weed out the weak, and how to ensure the effectiveness of the investment.

"I've heard that some people advocate that the existing large state-owned factories should take the lead in absorbing Huanghe's technology; others think that private enterprises like Huanghe should be allowed to explore and see if they can find a new path. There's quite a debate about it."

He Yuzhu said, "Regardless of the approach, technology and talent are fundamental."

Just as the semiconductor industry concept was progressing slowly, time quietly slipped into late April 1993.

(End of this chapter)