Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 418 is finally complete, a new atmosphere, a new development.
Gu Zhixing was slightly taken aback, then nodded frankly: "It was the Planning Institute that offered me a vice president position. But I have already declined it."

"Why? Because many people would kill for that position."

Gu Zhixing looked at her calmly: "The work here is not finished yet. Moreover, I prefer it this way, being able to bring the things on the blueprints to life step by step with my own hands."

He Ningxue smiled slightly: "My father has read the interim report and he is very satisfied. He specifically asked me to convey that you will also be in charge of the subsequent internal exhibition design."

"Thank you for your trust, Chairman He." Gu Zhixing paused, his voice softening slightly. "And thank you, Ningxue, for finding me this opportunity."

"You earned it yourself through your professionalism," He Ningxue said with a smile, while Gu Zhixing stared at her, somewhat mesmerized.

"Silly!"

"Ah, oh, I'm so sorry, it's really...it's really..."

"What."

"Ningxue, your smile is so beautiful."

"and then?"

"Then...then could you, huff huff, be my girlfriend!" Gu Zhixing stammered for a long time, then pinched his thigh hard, took a few deep breaths, and finally said it.

"Hehehe, let's see how you do."

"Shall we grab a bite together later?"

"I'm not happy if it doesn't taste good."

"Good good."

At the end of the year, the first phase of the Shanghai project, which He Ningxue was in charge of, was successfully delivered, and the market response was unexpectedly good. She returned to Beijing to report on her work and took the opportunity to follow up on the internal exhibition plan for the museum project.

Gu Zhixing arrived at the site a day early to conduct a final inspection. He Ningxue pushed open the newly repaired vermilion gate, and what came into view was a courtyard that had been completely revitalized. The once dilapidated beams and pillars were now painted with a calm and solid color, the brick and stone floors were smooth and new, and sunlight streamed through the cleaned window lattices, casting clear shadows on the corridor.

"All structural reinforcements and roof repairs have been completed, and all the hidden works such as water, electricity, heating, and ventilation have been put in place, meeting the security and temperature and humidity requirements of the museum." Gu Zhixing walked to her side and handed her a thick booklet. "This is the preliminary exhibition flow plan and the layout ideas for several key halls."

He Ningxue took the catalog but didn't open it immediately. Instead, she slowly walked around the corridor. She reached out and touched a newly repaired eaves pillar with a corbel; the mortise and tenon joints fit perfectly, and the paint was warm and lustrous.

“The craftsmanship is excellent,” she said.

"We hired a master craftsman from Suzhou, who trained an apprentice for two months," Gu Zhixing said.

Upon reaching the main hall, He Ningxue stopped. According to the plan, this hall would eventually display some important bronze artifacts. She looked up at the tall, bright space, imagining the display cases illuminated by spotlights.

“Here,” she pointed to a blank wall, “have you considered the interfaces and load-bearing capacity for multimedia equipment?”

"It's been taken into account; the pipelines have all been pre-installed. The load-bearing capacity has also been checked, so there's no problem hanging a large display screen." Gu Zhixing flipped to a page in the exhibition catalog and pointed out the corresponding design details to her.

He Ningxue nodded and continued walking. When she reached the tall ginkgo tree in the backyard, she turned around and said, "I agree to the exhibition plan in principle. You can coordinate the details with the group's cultural foundation one more time."

"Okay." Gu Zhixing agreed, looking at her profile outlined by the winter sunlight, he hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "How many days can you stay in Beijing this time?"

"About a week. I have a performance review and a few year-end meetings to attend." He Ningxue looked at him. "What's wrong? Something's up?"

“My parents… they’d like to invite you to a casual meal,” Gu Zhixing said cautiously. “Of course, it depends on whether it’s convenient for you.”

He Ningxue raised an eyebrow slightly, then smiled and said, "Okay. Tell me the time and place you've decided."

Gu Zhixing visibly relaxed, a clear smile appearing on his face: "Then how about tomorrow night? I know a Huaiyang cuisine restaurant that's relatively quiet."

"Row."

The meal was arranged at a small but elegant private restaurant.

Gu Jianming and Lin Xiaojun arrived a little earlier than the agreed time.

When they met He Ningxue in person, she was even more capable and bright than they had imagined. Her speech and behavior were poised and generous, neither putting on airs nor trying to get close to her. She maintained a very good sense of propriety.

The conversation mostly revolved around architecture and urban development, with occasional tales and anecdotes about old Beijing.

Gu Jianming discovered that He Ningxue was not completely ignorant about urban construction; on the contrary, she was able to offer some insightful opinions, and his tense expression gradually eased.

Lin Xiaojun carefully observed that when her son looked at He Ningxue, his eyes revealed undisguised admiration and focus.

After dinner, Gu Zhixing drove He Ningxue home. The car stopped at the entrance of the alley, and He Ningxue unbuckled her seatbelt.

“Your parents are very nice people,” she said.

Gu Zhixing looked at her: "They like you very much." He paused, his voice gentle but firm, "Ningxue, my parents' idea... if it's convenient, they would like to meet your parents."

He Ningxue paused in her action of pushing the car door, turned around to look at him, and saw his eyes were serious and expectant under the dim car lights.

"So eager?" she asked with a hint of teasing in her eyes.

"Yes," Gu Zhixing nodded honestly, "I was afraid you would run away."

He Ningxue laughed and pushed open the car door: "I'll tell my parents. I'm leaving."

Watching her figure disappear into the depths of the alley, Gu Zhixing slowly started the car.

He Yuzhu and Xiaoman were not too surprised after hearing their daughter's account.

Xiaoman smiled and said, "It seems that Xiao Gu is serious. Meeting is no problem. Which day would be convenient for you?"

The two families arranged to meet a week later at Old He's house.

He Yuzhu and Xiaoman were calm, and Gu Jianming and Lin Xiaojun also behaved appropriately.

Neither side discussed their family backgrounds in detail; the conversation focused more on the two young people themselves and their plans for the future.

Gu Zhixing made it clear that he would continue to run his studio, and He Ningxue also expressed her commitment to her career. Both sets of parents expressed their understanding and support.

The atmosphere was more relaxed and harmonious than expected, which dispelled Gu's father's concerns. It was clear that the He family was not looking for a son-in-law to live with them.

Gu Jianming blushed at his previous thoughts, then raised his glass to He Yuzhu and Xiaoman, saying, "The two children get along well, and it's their destiny to be together. As parents, we hope they can support each other and live a good life together in the future."

He Yuzhu also raised his glass in response: "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. If they think it's good, then we support it."

This was considered tacit approval of their relationship, and they put the engagement on the agenda.

Before leaving, Xiaoman and Lin Xiaojun exchanged contact information and made plans to go shopping together next time.

On New Year's Day 1994, the courtyard at No. 95 Nanluoguxiang was more lively than in previous years.

Bright red lanterns were hung up early, and newly gilded "double happiness" characters were pasted under the eaves.

He Ningxue and Gu Zhixing held their engagement banquet at home instead of at a restaurant—this was He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang's idea, saying that home would feel more intimate.

The brothers He Yaozu and He Yaozong, dressed in new clothes, stood in front of the hanging flower gate early to welcome guests.

The first to arrive were Lao Fang and Lao Zhao, both dressed in dark Chinese-style cotton-padded clothes, looking quite energetic.

"Grandpa Fang, Grandpa Zhao, please come in. My grandfather and father are waiting in the main room." He Yaozong said with a smile as he stepped forward to help them.

Old Fang waved his hand: "No need to help me, we're not that old yet." He glanced around the yard and nodded, "The decorations are nice and festive."

Guests began to arrive one after another.

Ah Lang and Bai Yifeng from Hong Kong made a special trip to attend the engagement of the He family's little princess.

Xu Damao returned from the special economic zone with his wife and sister.

He Yushui's family also arrived. She held Xiaoman's hand and whispered intimate words to her.

Wu Qianli, Mei Sheng, and Yu Congrong came together.

The three men were dressed in civilian clothes, but their posture remained upright. Upon hearing the news, He Yuzhu came out from the main house to greet them, shook hands firmly with his old comrade-in-arms, and patted each other on the shoulder; everything was understood without words.

"Wanli and Xiong Jie really couldn't get away," Wu Qianli explained.

“I understand, it’s all the same.” He Yuzhu nodded and led them inside for tea.

Only He Yuyao and He Yuyan from the He family couldn't come back due to work; everyone else returned.

The Gu family arrived a little later.

Gu Jianming and Lin Xiaojun had clearly prepared carefully, dressed formally yet approachably.

Gu Zhixing followed behind them, wearing a well-fitting dark suit, looking slightly nervous. His expression calmed down only when he saw He Ningxue coming out of the east wing.

He Ningxue wore a bright red, modernized cheongsam today, which made her look radiant and elegant.

She walked over to Gu Zhixing, naturally straightened his tie, and whispered, "Relax, it's just a family meal."

The engagement ceremony was not a grand affair; it was simply a routine held in the main hall.

The parents of both sides exchanged betrothal gifts and return gifts, and the newlyweds served tea to their elders.

He Yuzhu and Xiaoman gave red envelopes, and also took out a pair of jade ruyi of excellent quality and handed them to Gu Zhixing and He Ningxue.

"From now on, you two should support each other and walk steadily on the road ahead," He Yuzhu said calmly, looking at his daughter and future son-in-law.

Gu Zhixing accepted the gift with both hands and said solemnly, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. I will take good care of Ningxue."

The banquet was held in the courtyard, under a heated tent. Eight tables were set up, with cups and saucers clinking and laughter filling the air. During the meal, He Yaozong, carrying a bottle of Moutai, put his arm around Gu Zhixing's shoulder with a smile and said, "Zhixing, we're family now. You'd better drink this glass to the bottom."

He Yaozu chimed in, personally filling a small wine cup: "Yes, let's toast you first."

Unable to refuse, Gu Zhixing accepted the drink and downed it in one gulp. The liquor was pungent, and he couldn't help but cough lightly.

"Great! That's awesome!" He Yaozong laughed and filled his cup again. "Come on, good things come in pairs!"

On the other side, He Ningxue was being pulled aside by Le Huizhen and Lu Shuyi, one on each side, to talk.

"Ningxue, your cheongsam looks beautiful. Where did you get it made?" Le Huizhen asked, touching the fabric.

Lu Shuyi smiled and said, "Yes, this color makes you look especially healthy."

He Ningxue responded verbally, but out of the corner of her eye she noticed that Gu Zhixing had another empty glass. She frowned slightly, but then her attention was drawn back by her sisters-in-law's words.

The greenhouse was bustling with activity.

Old Fang and Old Zhao sat at the main table, watching the young people making a ruckus, with smiles on their faces.

“Young people have their own way of doing things.” Old Fang took a sip of his drink.

Old Zhao nodded: "Looking at them reminds me of when we were young."

He Yuzhu and Xiaoman chatted with Gu Jianming and Lin Xiaojun, creating a harmonious atmosphere. They occasionally glanced at their prospective son-in-law, who was surrounded by them, but did not say anything to stop them.

After several rounds of drinks, Gu Zhixing's face was flushed and his eyes were somewhat glazed, but he still tried his best to maintain a proper sitting posture.

He Yaozong leaned close to his ear, his voice low but teasing: "How's it going, brother-in-law? If not, just admit defeat."

Gu Zhixing tried to focus his gaze, waved his hand, and stammered, "It's nothing, brother, I can still drink."

He Yaozu smiled and stopped He Yaozong from pouring more wine, saying, "That's enough. If you really drink yourself into a stupor, Ningxue will feel sorry for you."

He Ningxue finally managed to get away and came over. Seeing Gu Zhixing's appearance, she sighed and said to her two brothers, "You two are just fooling around." But there was not much blame in her tone.

She poured a cup of warm tea and handed it to Gu Zhixing: "Have some tea and calm down."

Gu Zhixing took the teacup, looked up at her, and gave her a slightly silly smile: "Ningxue, I'm fine."

As the banquet drew to a close, guests began to take their leave.

Gu Zhixing struggled to stand up to see the guests off, his steps unsteady, and He Yaozong and He Yaozu supported him on either side.

"Uncle, Aunt, take care. Let's get together again next time," he said, trying to stay conscious, but his speech was not very clear.

Seeing their son like this, Gu Jianming and Lin Xiaojun felt both amused and helpless. After saying goodbye to He Yuzhu and his wife, they went home first.

After seeing off most of the guests, He Yaozong and He Yaozu helped Gu Zhixing to the kang (heated brick bed) in the side room.

Gu Zhixing fell asleep almost immediately upon touching the kang (heated brick bed), his breathing becoming steady and long.

He Ningxue followed him in, took off his shoes, covered him with a blanket, looked at him sleeping soundly, shook her head, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.

She walked out of the side room and saw her two older brothers still in the courtyard.

"Are you satisfied now?" she asked, deliberately putting on a stern face.

He Yaozong chuckled: "The test is over. A person's character is revealed when they drink. My brother-in-law is really something!"

He Yaozu nodded: "He's an honest man."

As night deepened, the courtyard returned to silence, with only the red lanterns swaying gently in the breeze.

A few days later, the "Decision on Further Deepening the Reform of the Foreign Trade System" was officially promulgated.

When the news arrived, He Yuzhu was in his study with Lao Fang and Lao Zhao, working on a report on the dynamics of the semiconductor industry.

Xiaoman walked in with a copy of the newly arrived document and placed it on the desk: "Brother Zhu, the policy has been released. The core is to reform the exchange rate system, abolish foreign exchange retention, and gradually liberalize import and export rights."

He Yuzhu picked up the document and quickly scanned it, his gaze lingering briefly on phrases like "creating conditions to promote direct access to the international market for all types of enterprises." He put the document down and looked at Lao Fang and Lao Zhao: "Uncles, what do you think?"

Old Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "Unifying the exchange rate and abolishing foreign exchange certificates is a big deal. It means that it will be more convenient to settle foreign exchange for exports in the future, but the exchange rate risk will also be greater."

Old Fang pointed at the table: "The key is import and export rights. In the past, many of our exports had to be handled through foreign trade companies, with layers of bureaucracy taking a cut. If we can do it directly in the future, the profit margin and the initiative will be very different."

He Yuzhu nodded, picked up the internal phone, and directly connected with Xu Damao, who was in the special economic zone.

"Da Mao, have you seen the new policy?"

"Just saw this, bro! I was just about to tell you! This is huge good news! Does this mean we can start selling our own switches and phones directly from now on?"

"Don't rush. Immediately organize a team to thoroughly study the specific conditions and procedures for applying for import and export rights. In particular, investigate whether there are any special regulations for products like communication equipment. Find out the policy boundaries."

"Understood! I'll take care of it right away!"

Then, He Yuzhu contacted He Yaozu in Hong Kong.

“Yaozu, the policy has changed. The domestic export threshold has been lowered, and Huanghe Communications and the electronics manufacturing sector may gradually shift to self-operated exports in the future. You need to make sure the transition is smooth. The role of Xiangjiang Company may need to change from leading to supporting, with the focus shifting to fund allocation, international risk management, and offshore services.”

“Dad, I understand. I will reassess the positioning of each company in Hong Kong.”

A few days later, a high-level meeting of the Yellow River Group was held at its headquarters in Sijiu City.

The Strategic Development Department submitted a preliminary analysis report, pointing out that under the new policy, the Group has the conditions and advantages for direct export in the fields of communication equipment, electronic components, some precision machinery, and clothing and leather.

Xu Damao reported: "We have done some preliminary research and found that the threshold for applying for self-operated import and export rights is not low, but our group fully meets the requirements. The key is product certification and the access standards of the destination market."

He Yaozong added, "Regarding communication equipment, the GSM system has already gained market access in many European and Asian countries, and there are not many obstacles. However, in some specific markets, we may still encounter non-tariff barriers."

After listening to the report, He Yuzhu made a decision: "Establish a group import and export company to be responsible for matters such as application for authorization, customs declaration and logistics, and tax refund settlement. Each product company will set up an international business department to be responsible for market development and customer maintenance. The two lines will run in parallel with professional division of labor."

He looked at He Yaozong: "Your telecommunications company will take the lead, using the GSM system and 'Damai' mobile phones to test the waters in the Southeast Asian and Eastern European markets. Remember, don't focus on volume in the early stages; the key is to get the processes running smoothly and establish channels."

"clear."

"For precision and heavy industries, we will continue to rely on existing channels, but we also need to start contacting end customers to understand their direct needs."

"The chips produced by the Institute of Microelectronics will not be exported directly for the time being; they will mainly be used to support complete systems. This field is too sensitive; let's see how things develop before making any decisions."

The resolution was quickly issued, and the massive Yellow River Group began to adjust its course.

A month later, the Yellow River Trading Company was officially renamed Yellow River Group Import and Export Company, with the head office having branches in the special economic zone and Tianjin.

The first batch of GSM base station equipment and 500 "Damai" mobile phones exported under the company's own name were loaded onto a ship from the special economic zone and sent to Poland.

He Yuzhu did not attend the shipping ceremony; he was in his study listening to Xu Damao's phone report.

"Brother, all the paperwork is done! It's much faster than before, saving several steps!"

"Yes, we will follow up closely on logistics and customer feedback."

"rest assured!"

At the same time, He Yaozong led a team to participate in a communications exhibition held in an Eastern European country.

At the booth, the "Yellow River Communications" logo appeared independently at an international exhibition for the first time. Thanks to its cost-effectiveness and the stability demonstrated on-site, they signed their first direct export order with a local operator on the spot.

The news greatly boosted morale within the group.

Old Fang and Old Zhao were playing chess in the courtyard when they talked about this.

"This move was the right one." Old Fang placed a piece on the board. "I feel more at ease having control over the channels myself."

Old Zhao nodded: "But the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it. Before, I hid behind the agent, but now that I'm in the front row, more people are watching me."

Their concerns are not unfounded.

Shortly after, a European country suspended network access licenses for some of Huanghe Communications' equipment, citing "security review" as the reason. Almost simultaneously, a North American competitor filed an infringement lawsuit against Huanghe for a fundamental patent of its GSM system.

He Yuzhu received a long-distance call from He Yaozong in his study.

“Dad, they came prepared. Patents are unavoidable, but litigation can be delayed. Market access is a more complicated issue and may require high-level communication.”

"For patent lawsuits, we'll follow the proper procedures, and if necessary, we'll file a countersuit. For market access, we'll have our overseas offices mediate. If necessary, we can agree to jointly establish a technical review panel to prove that our equipment has no backdoors," He Yuzhu said calmly. "Remember, we do business according to international rules; we don't cause trouble, but we're not afraid of trouble either."

"clear."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu pondered for a moment, then picked up the phone again and called He Yaozu in Hong Kong.

“Yaozu, through our investment company in North America, gather market information on the competitor that is suing us, especially whether they engage in monopolistic practices or fail to comply with local regulations. Also, contact their major component suppliers to see if there are any potential collaborations.”

"Dad, you mean..."

"Be prepared for both possibilities. In business competition, you can't just defend and not attack."

Shortly thereafter, the North American competitor suddenly faced an antitrust investigation by its domestic regulators, while two of its key component suppliers demanded price increases.

While not enough to cripple the other party, it did tie down some of their attention. Meanwhile, Huanghe Communications, through proactive technical clarification and third-party testing reports, ultimately obtained network access permission from that European country.

The storm has temporarily subsided.

(End of this chapter)