Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 422 System Suppliers

After the meeting, He Yaozong visited the lab to learn about the progress. After listening to the report, he suggested, "In addition to defense, we should also consider proactive detection capabilities. Could we design a system to detect abnormal activity on the network in advance?"

Li Wenjie pondered, "Theoretically, it's possible, but it requires big data analysis and pattern recognition capabilities, which is beyond our current computing resources..."

“I’ll take care of the resources,” He Yaozong said. “You guys come up with a technical solution first.”

"Okay, Mr. He."

In October, He Ningxue and Gu Zhixing went back to her parents' home for a meal.

Xiaoman held her daughter's hand and asked, "Are you settling in well over there? Is Zhixing treating you well?"

"All is well." He Ningxue smiled and glanced at her husband. "He recently took on an old city renovation project and has been extremely busy."

Gu Zhixing hurriedly said, "It was Ningxue who helped me make the connection. The project is in the south of the city, and most of the old buildings have been preserved. Only the interiors have been renovated."

He Yuzhu nodded upon hearing this: "This kind of project is meaningful. Architecture is the memory of a city, and we can't just demolish and rebuild indiscriminately."

“Dad is right,” Gu Zhixing said. “We plan to introduce some cultural and creative industries to revitalize the old neighborhood.”

After dinner, He Ningxue went to the study to find He Yuzhu.

“Dad, the real estate project in the south has recovered its investment. I’m thinking of building a small commercial complex in Beijing to test the waters.”

He Yuzhu looked at his daughter: "Do you have a specific plan?"

"The initial site selection is in the east, focusing on community commerce and experiential consumption. I specifically asked Aunt Xiao'e for advice, and this is the feasibility report." He Ningxue handed over the document.

He Yuzhu flipped through the pages: "The idea is good, but the business environment in Beijing is different from that in the south. We need to pay more attention to local consumption habits."

“I understand, the preliminary research has already been done.”

“Since you’re confident, then go for it.” He Yuzhu closed the report. “Tell your mother how much funding you need.”

"Thanks dad."

Before leaving, He Ningxue hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Dad, I might be pregnant."

He Yuzhu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "That's great! How many months has it been?"

"It was just diagnosed two months ago."

Why didn't you tell your mother?

"I'm just trying to make you happy first, aren't I?"

"Alright, I've had my moment of joy. Now go tell your mom and grandma. Also, if you're not feeling well, you can put your work on hold."

"I know," He Ningxue said with a smile as she went to find Chen Lanxiang and Xiaoman.

Then laughter erupted from the main room. Xiaoman got up and was about to run to the study, but He Ningxue stopped her, saying that she had already told her father, so she gave up.

Then Chen Lanxiang notified everyone in the He family, and He Ningxue received so many congratulatory calls that she was overwhelmed.

When He Ningxue was about to leave, Xiaoman repeatedly reminded her to be careful and told her that this was the last project before giving birth, and she must come back then, otherwise she would have He Yuzhu remove her from her position.

He Ningxue said, "Mommy, I will definitely come back. I can't be treated any differently by my two sisters-in-law at home."

"Alright, do you think the family is going to let you suffer? You need to get some rest, or don't blame me for sending someone to bring you back."

"Okay!" He Ningxue stuck out her tongue.

In fact, the mother and daughter called each other almost every day. Xiaoman never expected her daughter to keep it a secret so tightly. Ever since He Ningxue went back, Xiaoman has been calling even more frequently. She even called He Yaozong to tell him to get ready to take over the real estate project for a period of time.

In Harbin, Yang Tao was extremely busy.

After the land for the new factory was leveled, the construction team moved in and began to build the factory frame.

The harsh winter in the north brought many difficulties to the construction. Special insulation measures were required for concrete pouring, and huge heated sheds were set up on the construction site. Work continued day and night to catch up.

Besides matters at the construction site, several leaders from Harbin Institute of Technology also proactively approached us.

Previously, Huanghe University and the university had some small-scale cooperation in the fields of materials science and precision machining. This time, taking advantage of the relocation of Huanghe Group's enterprises to the north, the university hopes to expand the scope of cooperation and establish a joint laboratory.

After Yang Tao reported the matter, He Yuzhu took it very seriously. Subsequently, Yang Tao personally led the technical team to hold several seminars with the school.

The two parties found common ground in several areas, including special steel processing and vibration reduction for precision instruments, and drafted a preliminary letter of intent for cooperation, which is ready to be submitted to the group for approval.

Meanwhile, the group of "special talents" sent back by Bai Yifeng through special channels also arrived in Harbin one after another.

These people were temporarily housed in accommodations arranged by Huang He, with their living conditions and safety being taken care of by designated personnel.

Following He Yuzhu's instructions, Yang Tao did not rush to assign them specific tasks. Instead, he first organized them to learn Chinese and familiarize themselves with the environment. At the same time, the group's technical backbone conducted preliminary technical exchanges with them to assess each person's expertise and value.

The arrival of this group was kept highly confidential, but Yang Tao could sense that the knowledge and skills they possessed were likely to have a significant impact on the group's future plans in the fields of precision manufacturing and aerospace.

He instructed the team responsible for receiving them to be thorough and meticulous, ensuring both their willingness to cooperate and that everything remained under control.

It's worth mentioning that there are many Russian speakers in Harbin, so it's easy to find translators. Once that group arrived, they didn't have to worry too much about their daily lives.

There was another thing that troubled Yang Tao. Although He Yuxin had reminded him and he had made preparations, he was still very troubled.

Northeasterners can really drink a lot; they drink almost every day. When they have time off, they drink with every meal. Those special talents are also heavy drinkers; they drink whenever they get the chance.

Yang Tao, a southerner, wasn't a big drinker to begin with, and this almost made him ask He Yuzhu to let him go home.

As they drank, the kid learned how to dodge drinks, how to block drinks, and how to persuade others to drink. Then he found a few people who could drink a lot, so he drank much less himself. Otherwise, he would have really been drunk all the way back to Hong Kong.

It seems that Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group (XAC) has encountered some difficulties at a critical stage in a certain project, so Director Song approached He Yuzhu again.

He Yuzhu was not surprised when he received the call from Factory Director Song.

"Old He, you're bothering us again." Director Song's voice carried a familiar weariness and urgency. "We've run into some difficulties here... sigh, we've encountered another problem."

"Is it still a funding issue?" He Yuzhu asked calmly.

"Yes and no." Factory Director Song paused for a moment. "There's a key component that we're stuck with external suppliers, whose prices are ridiculously high, and they can't afford to delay delivery. I was thinking, could we cooperate again? We have some design and assembly capabilities for non-standard equipment, and the precision is absolutely guaranteed. It's just that we lack a stable order and reasonable profits."

He Yuzhu did not answer immediately, but tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

He was aware of Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group's predicament and understood the sensitivity and necessity of this "using civilian resources to support the military" model.

"What kind of component?" he asked.

Factory Director Song gave a detailed description, explaining that it is a special structural component used in precision instruments, made of special materials and requiring extremely high processing precision, which currently mainly relies on imports.

“Send me the specific technical requirements and drawings, and I’ll have Jinggong assess them,” He Yuzhu said. “Also, please compile a detailed list of the processing services you can undertake and send it to me. Don’t hide things like last time.”

"Understood! Understood! I'll get to the bottom of this this time!" Factory Director Song agreed repeatedly. "Old He, don't worry, I know the rules, and I'll never cause you any more trouble!"

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu asked Lu Shuyi to notify the technical heads of Jinggong and Zhonggong to come over.

Lu Shuyi is now very adept at handling these liaison tasks. She quickly made arrangements and organized the preliminary information faxed over by Factory Director Song, placing it on He Yuzhu's desk.

The technical director of Jinggong contacted Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group (XAC) and, after carefully reviewing the drawings and requirements, said, "Chairman, this is challenging, but our five-axis machining center should be able to handle it. The main issues are the coordination of materials and heat treatment processes. If XAC can provide the materials, or if we have qualified alternative materials, it shouldn't be a problem."

"What about the cost and timeframe?"

"It's definitely cheaper than buying from abroad, and the cycle time can be shortened by at least half. The key is that it's self-sufficient and controllable."

He Yuzhu nodded: "You should prepare a detailed assessment report as soon as possible, including the quality control process. If it's feasible, then give this order to Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group for trial production. Remember, everything must be done according to the commercial contract, and there can be no compromise on quality acceptance."

"clear."

A few days later, Jinggong received the evaluation report and sent over some materials so that Jinggong could make a sample first.

After two failed attempts, the precision machining team finally succeeded. When the finished product was sent for inspection, the team was quite nervous. This kind of precision machining was a test of their skills. If they couldn't handle it this time, they probably wouldn't receive similar orders for a long time.

Precision manufacturing also needs to improve; the technical level of the orders they're taking now isn't progressing that quickly. After inspection by Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group (XAC), they said it could be shipped out; the parameters just met the acceptable level. They hope the precision can be higher next time. The test piece was left at XAC, and needless to say, it was used immediately.

Seiko didn't mind, and after finalizing the contract with Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group, they started production.

To be fair, Jinggong's production capacity is quite good. After the first batch of products was delivered, Factory Manager Song called again, his voice filled with a long-lost sense of ease: "Old He, thank you so much. You have no idea how long this product has been stuck with us. We've looked for many factories in China, but none of them could make it!"

"Isn't it just because we're not a state-owned enterprise?"

"Hehe, I'll ask you guys first if I need anything like that in the future. I've already told the higher-ups."

"I don't care, we don't make any money on orders like yours."

"No, we can help you introduce customers. There are other aircraft manufacturers in China besides us."

"Then I'll be waiting."

"Don't worry, just wait for the orders to come to you."

Old Song wasn't just giving He Yuzhu a perfunctory answer; Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group (XAC) promoted Yellow River Precision Machinery within the system.

Then someone approached Heavy Industry and Precision Industry. This time it wasn't an aircraft factory, but a shipyard, handling both large and small parts. Previously, they had concerns, so they searched within the system. Now that the higher-ups have tacitly approved Huanghe as a supplier, they naturally came to them.

After listening to the joint report from the heads of Jinggong and Zhonggong in his study, He Yuzhu learned that the shipyard's order had been finalized, with the first batch consisting of precision-machined pressure-resistant shell components and drive shafts of several different specifications.

"The shipyard has very high requirements, especially for non-destructive testing and fatigue testing standards," the person in charge of the heavy industry added. "But our existing equipment and processes can fully meet them, and are even stricter than their internal control standards."

He Yuzhu nodded: "This is an opportunity to open up new markets, and the quality must be absolutely perfect. In addition, we must pay attention to the distinction between military and civilian products. For orders involving core equipment, the order acceptance and production processes must be separated to ensure compliance."

"Understood, we have already developed a specific control plan."

"Alright, go ahead. Be careful to keep the order confidential, after all, it's a special unit."

"Okay, then we'll be going, Chairman."

As December arrived, the weather in Beijing turned completely cold.

He Ningxue's commercial complex project has completed its preliminary planning and design and has begun foundation construction.

Although she was pregnant, she still went to the site every day to check on the progress, just for shorter periods of time.

Gu Zhixing was worried, so as long as the studio was alright, he would go to the construction site to pick her up.

"Look at you, your hands are so cold." In the car, Gu Zhixing held He Ningxue's hand, his brows slightly furrowed.

"It's nothing, I only stayed for a short while." He Ningxue leaned on his shoulder. "I made a slight adjustment to the plan and expanded the area of ​​the children's activity area."

"Okay, it's up to you. Mom called today and told us to come back and stay this weekend. She said she made you some soup."

"Know it."

When we returned to the courtyard house on the weekend, Chen Lanxiang had indeed prepared a rich chicken soup.

Looking at her daughter's slightly pointed chin, Xiaoman couldn't help but grumble, "I told you not to work so hard, but you just wouldn't listen. Look at Shuyi back then, she always took more time to rest."

Lu Shuyi was pacing around the room with He Shi'an in her arms when she heard this and laughed, "Mom, Ningxue is more capable than me. I couldn't handle those documents that Dad assigned me back then."

He Ningxue sipped her soup and said, "Sister-in-law, please don't tease me. I just can't stay still."

He Yuzhu sat to the side reading the newspaper, listening to the women's conversation, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Each child in the family has their own personality; as long as they feel fulfilled, that's fine.

The end of the year is a busy time, and He Yuzhu needs to oversee the group's year-end summary, next year's budget, and the management of relationships with various parties.

When Lao Fang and Lao Zhao arrived, he was rubbing his temples in front of a thick stack of documents.

"What's wrong, running into a problem?" Old Fang sat down and poured himself some tea.

"It's all routine stuff, just tedious." He Yuzhu put down his hand. "What brings you two here today?"

Old Zhao pulled a small brocade box from his pocket and pushed it over: "It's for Shi'an, a longevity lock. I had someone make it a while ago, but I forgot to bring it over."

He Yuzhu opened it, revealing an exquisitely crafted silver lock engraved with auspicious patterns. "Thank you both for your expense."

"Just a small token of my appreciation." Old Fang waved his hand, then lowered his voice, "I heard you've been working with them and brought back quite a few people?"

He Yuzhu remained expressionless as he refilled their teacups: "The group's development requires talent in all areas. These are all technical experts brought in through formal channels."

Old Fang and the old man exchanged a glance and didn't ask any further questions.

"As long as you know your limits," Old Zhao said, taking a sip of tea. "Things aren't peaceful outside. You're fighting patent wars and grabbing market share internationally, and there are a lot of envious people out there. Back home, stability is the most important thing."

"I see."

After seeing the two elders off, He Yuzhu figured out after a moment's thought that the two old men were hinting at something to him.

As the Yellow River system grows larger and more sensitive, every step it takes will be extremely cautious, as a misstep could lead to serious trouble.

Under Li Jie's leadership, the Special Economic Zone Cybersecurity Laboratory completed the first phase of security hardening and compiled the second version of the protection guidelines, which were submitted to the relevant ministries.

The ministry organized an expert review, which received high praise, and decided to begin drafting industry-wide safety standards based on this.

This means that Huanghe has gained an early advantage in setting cybersecurity standards.

On the eve of New Year's Day, the courtyard house became lively again.

He Ningxue has returned to rest, but she still occupies Xiaoman's temporary office at home every day to handle matters.

Xiaoman only allowed her to work for four hours a day, two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, and she was not allowed to enter her office for the rest of the time.

He Ningxue also had a solution: she went to He Yuzhu's study and refused to leave. He Yuzhu was even more ruthless; he simply turned off the power and unplugged the phone line, and he was gone.

"Dad, how could you do this?" He Ningxue stomped her feet in anger.

"So, it's my own study, I'm in charge of everything."

"Humph."

Xiaoman immediately learned this trick and added a mobile phone control feature. He Ningxue protested to no avail and could only silently accept it.

"Just obediently give birth to the child, and then you can do whatever you want." These are Xiaoman's exact words.

Before the implementation of the Labor Law, He Yuxin and Xu Damao traveled from the Special Economic Zone and eastern Hebei back to Beijing.

“Brother, we’ve studied this labor law carefully. The provisions regarding working hours, contracts, and social security are somewhat different from our current practices.” Xu Damao placed a document full of highlights on the table. “Overtime is the norm for workers in the special economic zone. If we strictly follow the eight-hour workday and overtime pay, labor costs will probably rise significantly.”

He Yuxin added, "The same goes for the new Jidong plant. To meet export orders, three shifts are common. Also, while we had labor contracts and pension insurance before, they weren't as standardized."

After listening to their reports, He Yuzhu asked, "What are the reactions from other factories outside?"

Xu Damao said, "Many are taking a wait-and-see approach. Some small factories will definitely delay as long as possible, and the big factories are also watching the wind. Our Yellow River is a big tree that attracts a lot of attention. If we act too slowly or too quickly, it will be easy for others to make a fuss about it."

He Yuzhu nodded and looked at He Yuxin: "What do you think?"

He Yuxin was more composed: "I think it's indeed difficult to follow the law completely at this stage, especially when production tasks are tight. But we can't leave it unchanged at all. Could we start by standardizing labor contracts and paying pension insurance? These are mandatory requirements and relatively easy to implement. As for working hours and overtime pay, we can adjust them gradually. For example, we can first ensure that there is at least one day off per week, keep clear overtime records, and pay a portion of the standard compensation initially, gradually transitioning to the next level."

Xu Damao asked anxiously, "What about the cost?"

He Yuzhu raised his hand to stop him, and made a decision: "Let's do it the way Yuxin suggested. Da Mao, I know you're worried about costs, but rules are rules. Huanghe has achieved what it has today not by squeezing workers' hard-earned money. Let's start with contracts and social security. As for working hours and overtime pay, we'll give you a one-year grace period to gradually adjust them. During this time, optimize the production process, improve efficiency, and absorb some of the increased costs."

He paused, then continued, "This year is also a period of observation, to see what others are doing. If no company does it, we shouldn't force it. If someone does it, then Huanghe must be at the forefront, or at least not fall behind. You will personally take charge of this matter and ensure its implementation."

"Understood, brother," Xu Damao and He Yuxin replied in unison.

(End of this chapter)