Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 417 Another Year

When He Ningxue received a call from her mother in Shanghai, she learned that the renovation plan for the courtyard house needed to be adjusted, and she immediately understood the situation.

When Gu Zhixing stammered on the phone about "meeting three elders," she smiled silently while holding the receiver.

"My parents didn't make things difficult for you, did they?" she asked deliberately.

Gu Zhixing's slightly flustered voice came from the other end of the phone: "No. Uncle He asked very professional questions, and the other two gentlemen asked some rather unusual ones."

What's so special about it?

"One person asked me why I didn't stay abroad, another asked me what I would do if the client insisted on changing the plan." He paused, "And... my views on family life."

He Ningxue could almost picture Lao Fang and Lao Zhao interrogating someone with their hands behind their backs, and couldn't help but laugh out loud: "So how did you answer?"

"To tell you the truth," Gu Zhixing's tone became serious, "Miss He, have I... caused you any trouble?"

“It’s nothing,” she said casually. “They’re just curious.”

After hanging up the phone, I couldn't help but smile as I recalled the sparkle in Gu Zhixing's eyes when he talked about architecture, a look that did bear a resemblance to my own when discussing projects.

When Gu Zhixing went home for dinner on the weekend, he casually mentioned this experience.

Father Gu Jianming put down his chopsticks, frowned, and then sighed, "You! I don't know what's going on in your head all day. You didn't even know you were being set up with? Are the He family ordinary families? How big is the Yellow River Group? They even had both husband and wife working on the renovation of their courtyard. They're choosing a son-in-law."

"Ah!!!" Gu Zhixing belatedly realized the deeper meaning behind those seemingly casual questions.

Lin Xiaojun, the mother, was quite open-minded: "Zhixing, if you really get along well with the He family girl, then you should try your best."

“What do you know?” Gu Jianming shook his head. “In families like that, there are strict rules. Zhixing is a stubborn child, and I’m afraid he’ll suffer in the future.”

“Dad, Ms. He and I only have professional dealings,” Gu Zhixing explained. “It hasn’t gone that far.”

"It's best if we don't." Gu Jianming looked at him. "The He family has high standards, and we are a small family that can't afford to associate with them."

These words were quite harsh, and the atmosphere at the dinner table immediately turned cold.

In the days that followed, Gu Zhixing devoted all his energy to the design of the courtyard museum.

He traveled all over the ancient architecture research institutes in Beijing and consulted many retired craftsmen, even scrutinizing the patterns on a single brick carving.

However, people are prone to rebellion. Gu Zhixing was really looking forward to seeing He Ningxue again. He wasn't really stupid. He Ningxue was so beautiful, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. How could he not be moved? It's just that he hadn't dared to think about it in that way before, let alone bring it up. If he really rejected her, it would probably be difficult to see her again in business.

He Ningxue didn't do anything, but Xiaoman was anxious, so she found an excuse to call her daughter back, and He Ningxue took the opportunity to go back to Beijing.

The day after He Ningxue returned to Beijing, she was assigned to the courtyard house that was to be renovated.

When she arrived, Gu Zhixing was squatting in the courtyard, carefully sketching a damaged brick carving.

"Good morning, Engineer Gu." He Ningxue's voice rang out from behind him.

Gu Zhixing stood up upon hearing the voice, turning around somewhat hastily, nearly dropping the sketchbook in his hand. "Miss He? You've returned to Beijing?"

"Something came up at home." He Ningxue took a few steps closer, her gaze sweeping over the intricate patterns on his notebook. "How's it going?"

"The surveying and assessment of the main structure are basically complete, and we are currently adding some decorative details. Converting it into a museum requires adjustments to many internal layouts, especially the security, temperature and humidity, and lighting systems. We need to replan the pipelines without damaging the original beams, columns, and walls." Gu Zhixing led her inside, explaining his new ideas as he went.

His explanation was professional and engaging. He Ningxue listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two, but her gaze would often fall on his focused profile.

“Let’s go take a look in the backyard,” Gu Zhixing suggested. “There are a few old trees there that are in very good condition. I’m considering preserving them as the core of the landscape in the design.”

The backyard is quieter than the front yard, with a tall ginkgo tree standing gracefully with its canopy spread out.

The two stood under the tree, the autumn sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled patterns of light.

“I remember you said before that good projects should become part of the city’s memory,” He Ningxue suddenly said.

Gu Zhixing paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, I believe that architecture has a life of its own."

"Then what kind of 'memories' do you think are worth keeping?" She turned to look at him, her eyes clear.

Gu Zhixing paused for a moment, then replied earnestly, "Sincere, and standing the test of time. Whether it's architecture or anything else."

The courtyard quieted down, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the courtyard gate.

He Ningxue turned around and saw her father, He Yuzhu, walking in with her grandfathers, Fang and Zhao. Her mother, Xiaoman, and Aunt Xia and Aunt Ping followed behind. Surprisingly, He Daqing and his wife, Chen Lanxiang, were also with them.

"Oh, what a coincidence!" Xiaoman said with a smile, her gaze subtly shifting between her daughter and Gu Zhixing.

He Ningxue realized that this "chance encounter" was far too deliberate.

She remained calm and composed: "Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Grandpa Fang, Grandpa Zhao, Grandma Xia, Grandma Ping. I've come to check on things."

Gu Zhixing quickly stepped forward and respectfully greeted the elders.

Old Fang sized him up, then looked at the yard: "Little Gu, with all the mess you've made of this yard, it's going to become a tourist attraction in the future?"

Gu Zhixing cautiously replied, "Professor Fang, the goal is to make it a place where one can quietly appreciate art and experience history."

Old Zhao smiled and pointed to the ginkgo tree: "This tree is good, it's been around for a long time. Things that can be preserved should be preserved."

He Yuzhu didn't say much, only nodded to Gu Zhixing: "Follow your line of thinking, come up with the best solution."

The elders did not stay long, saying they were just passing by and would leave soon.

Only He Ningxue and Gu Zhixing remained in the courtyard.

Gu Zhixing let out a soft sigh of relief.

He Ningxue looked at him and suddenly laughed: "Now you know what I meant when I said they were just curious, right?"

Looking at her bright smile, Gu Zhixing couldn't help but smile too, his previous tension dissipating considerably: "I'm starting to understand."

Over the next few days, He Ningxue stayed in Beijing to handle the group's affairs, occasionally visiting the courtyard house to check on the progress.

She discovered that Gu Zhixing was not only highly skilled in his profession, but also extremely meticulous in his work. For an inconspicuous component, he would scour the entire flea market to find matching old materials.

One evening, when He Ningxue arrived, Gu Zhixing was repairing a decorative clip on a window frame in the afterglow of the setting sun.

He kept his head down, his movements gentle and focused.

He Ningxue did not disturb him, but stood quietly under the eaves watching.

He didn't notice her presence until he finished his work and looked up.

"When did you arrive?" he asked, somewhat surprised.

"I've been here for a while. By the way, is Engineer Gu free tonight? I know a small shop nearby that makes pretty good mutton stew noodles. Consider it a treat for your hard work these past few days."

Gu Zhixing looked at her, the setting sun casting a warm glow around her.

He put down his tools and gave a clear smile: "Okay."

He Ningxue led Gu Zhixing to an old shop hidden deep in a hutong. The shop was small, with only five or six old wooden tables, and a large pot on the stove was steaming.

"Two bowls of braised noodles, a plate of braised beef, and a cucumber salad," He Ningxue ordered the dishes with practiced ease.

Gu Zhixing was somewhat surprised: "I didn't expect President He to be so familiar with this place."

"I used to come here often when I was in middle school." He Ningxue rinsed the bowls and chopsticks with hot water. "The owner hasn't changed, and the taste hasn't changed either."

The noodles were served quickly, the broth was rich and the meat tender. Gu Zhixing took a bite and nodded, "It's truly authentic."

"How does it compare to what you eat abroad?"

“It’s different.” Gu Zhixing smiled. “This is the taste of home.”

After dinner, the two strolled slowly along the alley. As night deepened, the streetlights cast long shadows.

"The museum plan should be finalized by next Wednesday," Gu Zhixing said.

"No rush." ​​He Ningxue looked ahead. "Doing it well is more important than doing it fast."

When they reached the parking area, He Ningxue stopped and said, "I have to go to Shanghai next week. The project there has reached a critical stage."

Gu Zhixing nodded: "Okay."

He Ningxue looked at him and suddenly asked, "Gu Zhixing, do you consider us friends?" Gu Zhixing was slightly taken aback, then nodded seriously, "Yes."

"Then don't call me Miss He anymore, call me Ningxue."

"Okay, Ningxue!"

Watching her get into the car and leave, Gu Zhixing stood there for a while before turning around and walking towards the subway station.

He Ningxue stayed for a few days before leaving because there were still things waiting for her to do in the south. Gu Zhixing came to see her off when she left.

The Strategic Development Department delivered the latest summary report on the group's industries.

He Yuzhu opened the report, and the vast industrial landscape of the Yellow River system was clearly presented:
In the communications field, with Yellow River Communications as the main entity, its subsidiary "NeoComm" competes with established manufacturers in Europe and North America, focusing on the GSM system and the "NeoLink" series of mobile phones; domestically, "Damai" mobile phones are making steady progress in the GSM network construction in cooperation with the postal and telecommunications system, gaining a first-mover advantage.

2G research and development has entered a critical stage. Now is the time to race against time and register as many patents as possible, which will be very important for future commercial competition.

In the electronics manufacturing sector, the industrial park in the special economic zone continues to expand, with program-controlled switches and mobile phone assembly lines operating at full capacity; Tianjin's electronics product logistics and assembly base is beginning to take shape.

In the field of semiconductors and precision manufacturing, the "Loongson" series from the Institute of Microelectronics has been approved by the military and has begun mass production and supply. The two parties are discussing the establishment of a dedicated operating system project; the "Elbrus" project has also entered a critical stage.

The precision manufacturing and heavy industry sectors provide precision components and special materials for fields such as communications, aerospace, and shipbuilding, with some technologies reaching international leading levels.

The inventory of tunnel boring machines provided by He Yuzhu has been sold out, and the order book is already full for next year.

After delivering armored vehicles to Guangzhou, Unit 541 received orders from other places. In addition, they have begun manufacturing armed patrol vehicles and bulletproof escort vehicles.

In the computer and software sector, personal computers based on the "Vision" system sold well in both domestic and international markets, putting Microsoft under immense pressure; in North America, "NetLink" began to venture into network access services and explore Internet applications.

ADM has surpassed Intel by one version, entering the 486 era ahead of schedule, forcing IBM to increase its procurement of ADM chips.

Peninsula Taishan has developed a 1024*768 LCD display, surpassing its competitors.

The root server for the special administrative region has been completed, and discussions are underway with the postal and telecommunications system regarding access issues.

In the real estate sector, led by He Ningxue, large-scale projects have been launched in several key cities in the south and Beijing, and the sector has begun to explore commercial real estate and high-quality residential development.

Grand Hyatt Hotels has now expanded to developed cities and is beginning to establish a presence in provincial capitals.

In addition, the group has also ventured into port logistics, hotel management and other fields, and conducts overseas capital operations and strategic investments through Xiangjiang's Yellow River Investment.

Compared to the booming development in mainland China, Hong Kong's real estate, port, and telecommunications businesses are the only ones that stand out. Other projects, such as automobiles, helicopters, and steel mills, are already being discussed in meetings about whether to move them to mainland China and free up factory space for other projects.

He Yuzhu carefully reviewed the report, his finger lightly tapping the "Hong Kong Industries" column.

He picked up the phone on the table and connected to Ho Yiu-cho's mobile phone in Hong Kong.

"Dad!" He Yaozu's voice came.

"Yaozu, I've read the report. Have you come up with any concrete plans regarding the relocation of the automobile, helicopter, and steel mills?"

"We have a preliminary plan. Considering the advantages of land and labor costs in China, and the fact that our main markets are in the mainland, relocation is a wise move. We plan to gradually move our production lines to industrial parks in Tianjin and the Special Economic Zone over three to five years. We intend to transform the original Xiangjiang plant into a high-end precision processing and R&D center, while leveraging the port's advantages to develop cross-border logistics and warehousing."

"The idea is good. We need to do a good job of asset assessment and personnel resettlement plan, especially for long-term employees who have been with the group for many years. Those who are willing to go to the north will be given better treatment; those who want to stay will be assigned to new positions as much as possible."

"Understood, Dad. I will follow up personally."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu turned to the real estate section. His daughter Ningxue's projects in the south and Beijing were all doing well, with funds flowing back quickly.

He thought for a moment and then called Xiaoman over: "Don't hold Ningxue back on funding. As long as the project is well-demonstrated, invest if necessary."

"I know, I just approved the second phase of payment for her project in Shanghai. Brother Zhu, do you think that girl and Xiao Gu will work out?" Xiaoman changed the subject.

"I can't say for sure. Let the young people develop on their own. Don't interfere too much."

"I'm just in a hurry."

"If you're in a hurry, have Huizhen try to find out from the side. The two of them, sister-in-law and aunt, talk more, but probably less."

"Hmm, that's exactly what I was thinking. I'll call Huizhen for her later."

"When you have time, please check on Shuyi too."

"Can't forget."

Two days later, after making and receiving two phone calls, Xiaoman said to He Yuzhu with an uncontrollable smile, "Huizhen called and said that Ningxue and Xiao Gu are getting along quite well."

He Yuzhu turned around, a slight smile playing on his lips: "That's good. When it comes to relationships, it's best if things happen naturally."

"There's another piece of good news: Shuyi is pregnant."

He Yuzhu paused for a moment, then smiled broadly: "Really? How long has it been?"

"The diagnosis was just made two months ago. Yaozong is overjoyed and is currently circling around Shuyi."

"Okay, okay!" He Yuzhu nodded repeatedly. "This is a big event for our family. Tell your mother so she can be happy too. Also, tell Shuyi to put her work aside for now and take care of her health."

"Don't worry, I've made all the arrangements for Shuyi."

The news spread throughout the family.

Everyone was overjoyed. Chen Lanxiang even suggested that Lu Shuyi return to Beijing, but Xiaoman said to wait until she was more pregnant.

He Yuzhu pieced together scattered information from precision engineering, heavy industry, microelectronics, radar, and avionics to confirm a signal.

The "data" and "samples" he brought back earlier are being rapidly digested, absorbed, and are bearing fruit.

The construction of the large ship is probably nearing completion, and the wings in the sky have likely already crossed an era and are now flapping their wings toward a more distant goal.

After months of discussion and debate, a preliminary plan for upgrading the semiconductor industry has finally been reached.

Xiaoman came in with a newly received document, her face serious: "Brother Zhu, the official notification has come down. We have been designated as a pilot unit for the '903 Project' for the transformation of civilian technologies, with the key support areas being the purification of high-purity silicon materials and micron-level photolithography processes."

He Yuzhu took the document and quickly browsed through it.

The conditions are better than expected. In addition to preferential policies and low-interest loans, the Yellow River is allowed to take the lead in establishing an industry technology alliance to attract qualified domestic research institutes and enterprises to participate.

“What about another pilot program?” he asked.

"It's settled. We're partnering with a European company to import their production lines and technology." Xiaoman paused. "I heard the conditions are very stringent. They require a controlling stake, and Chinese personnel are not allowed to have access to the core processes."

He Yuzhu was not surprised.

This was the expected situation: a two-pronged approach, one of independent research and development, and the other of introducing and assimilating foreign technologies.

"Understood. Notify the Institute of Microelectronics and the Precision Machinery Department to implement it with full force."

"Okay, are you going to go over and give them a talk, to boost morale?"

"No need. We've already said everything we needed to say. They'll be given what they deserve for the results they achieve."

"Okay, then I won't go."

"You handle it as you see fit, and you have to trust the people below you."

"You've become increasingly lazy these past few years."

"Do you expect me to do it all myself? I can't do that," He Yuzhu laughed.

He Ningxue returned to Beijing at her mother's request to follow up on the progress report of the courtyard house museum project.

When she arrived, Gu Zhixing was leading workers in the backyard to treat the wooden structure for pests.

"With this part completed, the main structure repairs will be basically finished." Gu Zhixing put down his tools and walked over when he saw her.

He was wearing work clothes, his cuffs were stained with sawdust, and there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, but his eyes were clear and bright.

He Ningxue nodded, looking around at the newly repaired beams and pillars: "The effect is even better than I imagined."

The two walked slowly along the covered walkway, with Gu Zhixing explaining in detail the completed procedures and the follow-up plans.

Sunlight streamed through the corridor windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

As they approached the hanging flower gate, He Ningxue stopped and asked casually, "Zhixing, I heard that a design institute is trying to poach you?"

(End of this chapter)