Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 427 New Company

The data and evaluation report of the "Jingtao-96" exercise were submitted through various levels and eventually landed on the desk of the senior leaders of the General Armament Department.

Some of the high-tech and sophisticated technologies were not involved in the Yellow River region, so He Yuzhu was unaware of them.

That is, in complex electromagnetic environments, over-reliance on external global positioning systems poses serious strategic risks, and it is imperative to accelerate the construction of an independent BeiDou navigation system. Among these, high-precision spaceborne atomic clocks and anti-interference signal receiving modules are two core bottlenecks.

However, the reality is that China's foundation for the advanced components and manufacturing processes required for these two key technologies is extremely weak.

Previous attempts at small-batch procurement through special channels have recently been subject to stricter export controls, almost completely cutting off the possibility of imports.

In the early stages of BeiDou's research and development, the team faced the predicament of having no resources to develop.

During an internal coordination meeting, someone cautiously suggested, "Could we try to utilize private resources? For example, the Yellow River Group. Their microelectronics research institute and communications laboratory are said to have research equipment and technology levels in related fields that are no less than those of the top research institutes in China."

The suggestion was met with a commotion in the meeting room.

Many of you here are familiar with Huanghe's capabilities, especially given the recent success of its collaborative projects with the Navy, which further demonstrates its technological reserves.

However, involving a private enterprise in such a sensitive national project raises too many questions.

“That’s an idea,” the institute leader who chaired the meeting said thoughtfully. “But how to make contact? In what form should we cooperate? We need to be careful. Yellow River is not a military industry, nor is it even a state-owned enterprise.”

"So, we can try to make contact?" the technical lead asked.

"They have collaborations with aviation, coastal defense, and the army," said an official in charge of external cooperation.

"Where did you get this information from?" someone asked.

"The General Assembly building," said the official in charge of external cooperation.
"Then let's make contact and see what they're really like," the institute's leadership decided.

It's definitely impossible for their research institute to go there directly, and it wouldn't be in accordance with procedure.

Soon, the matter fell to a deputy director surnamed Wang in an important bureau under the General Armament Department.

Deputy Director Wang contacted the Yellow River Group headquarters through official channels.

Xu Damao and He Yuxin couldn't make the decision, so they passed it on to He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu received Deputy Director Wang and his delegation in his office in Beijing.

Deputy Director Wang got straight to the point, but his tone wasn't very pleasant.

"Mr. He, we are here on behalf of the General Armament Department. We have an important task that requires Huanghe's cooperation. We have encountered some technical difficulties in the research and development of the Beidou Navigation System and hope to borrow your company's microelectronics laboratory and precision machining workshop for the early research and development of the spaceborne atomic clock and receiving module. This is a national mission, and we hope you will give your full support and unconditional cooperation."

After listening, He Yuzhu gave him a strange look, picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then slowly spoke: "Deputy Director Wang, supporting national development is Huang He's duty. However, the laboratory involves the group's core R&D projects, with many trade secrets and ongoing international collaborations. The term 'borrowing' is too general. How exactly is it being borrowed? Personnel access permissions, project confidentiality, intellectual property ownership, equipment wear and tear, and sharing of subsequent results—shouldn't we clarify these specific terms first?"

Deputy Director Wang frowned, clearly not expecting He Yuzhu to make demands. His tone hardened further: "Mr. He, this is a key national strategic project. Time is of the essence, and we must prioritize the overall situation! Details can be addressed later. Right now, the priority is to get the work started!"

He Yuzhu put down his teacup and stared intently at the other party: "Deputy Director Wang, precisely because this is a national strategic project, we cannot afford to be ambiguous. Without a clear definition of responsibilities and safeguards, if we rush into implementation and something goes wrong, whether it's a technology leak or a project delay, who will bear the responsibility—you or Huanghe? Huanghe is a private enterprise. If we cannot reach a mutually acceptable and workable cooperation agreement, I'm afraid I can't help you with this 'favor'."

Deputy Director Wang felt a chill run down his spine under He Yuzhu's gaze. Although he was wearing a military uniform, he had never been on the battlefield.

"So Mr. He is unwilling to cooperate?"

"If that's how we're going to talk, then please proceed!" He Yuzhu picked up his teacup again.

"Hmph." Deputy Director Wang got up and left with his men.

After they left, a section chief who had come with Deputy Director Wang said, "Director, isn't it a bit awkward to start things like this?"

"That's because he doesn't know what's good for him. We'll just go back and report it to him truthfully."

This Deputy Director Wang was recently transferred from another place. The section chief didn't quite understand his temperament, so he didn't ask any more questions. However, he sighed inwardly, knowing that since he was in charge of specific matters, he still knew a bit about the Yellow River's influence.

Without some skill, how could one possibly collaborate with various organizations, especially on such highly sophisticated projects?

After returning, Deputy Director Wang submitted a lengthy report, stating that He Yuzhu lacked awareness and was ideologically resistant, and that the Yellow River Group was all show and no substance, suggesting that they should import technology from abroad if necessary.

Before the above conclusions were reached, Deputy Director Wang began his own actions, causing considerable trouble for the Yellow River.

The people below all came to ask He Yuzhu how to handle the situation. He Yuzhu thought for a moment and then made a phone call to Director Song and Commander Lu respectively, saying that the cooperation had to be suspended, otherwise the Yellow River could not withstand such turmoil.

When Director Song of Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group heard He Yuzhu say this, he became anxious: "Old He! What exactly is going on? You're going to kill me!"

He Yuzhu said, "Old Song, it's not that I want to stop, but if I don't, my other businesses might also be affected."

"What's going on? What kind of trouble has happened?" Factory Director Song said angrily, "Old He, is someone trying to trip you up? Tell me, I, Old Song, may not be good at much else, but I can still find ways to get things done by putting in a good word for you!"

He Yuzhu was waiting for him to say this. He didn't say who was behind it, but just explained the situation.

Old Song was anxious, and after listening, he simply said "You wait" and hung up the phone.

As for Lu Shanhe, he hadn't thought much about it at first, only assuming that there might be a problem with funding: "Old He, we'll find a way to get the funding, the project can't stop!"

"Old Lu, I won't mince words with you. I, Huang He, have no shortage of money, but there are always some people who think I, Huang He, am easy to manipulate, and I can't accept that."

"Who is it? Tell me a name, and I'll mold out the egg yolk for him."

"Old Lu, do you think you're on a battlefield?"

"Hmph, anyone who hinders the development of the navy is an enemy."

"I won't say who exactly is involved, but that's the gist of the matter."

"Grandma, I'll find someone to ask right away."

Next was Wu Qianli. To be more direct, He Yuzhu didn't need to beat around the bush with him. Wu Qianli hung up the phone and immediately called a car to the airport, heading straight to Beijing.

Deputy Director Wang was waiting for He Yuzhu to come over and apologize to him so that the project could be finalized, which would then earn him a reward.

But what awaited him was a conversation. Sitting in the chair being talked to, Deputy Director Wang felt immense pressure, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Sitting opposite him was Lu Shanhe, whose face was ashen. Beside him were Wu Qianli, who had come from the south, Director Song from Xifei, and several other leaders from different key units.

Wang's direct superior, Director Li of a certain department of the General Armament Department, sat in the main seat with a gloomy expression.

"I've invited everyone here today to hear about the actual situation regarding our cooperation with the Yellow River Group," Director Li began. "Xiao Wang, please tell me about the previous contacts and the issues you mentioned in your report."

Deputy Director Wang cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound steady: "Director, distinguished leaders. The last time I led a team to the Yellow River Group, my aim was to expedite the research and development of key components for the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. However, Comrade He Yuzhu's attitude was rather... rather negative. He emphasized many commercial terms and resisted the requirement of 'unconditional cooperation.' I believe this reflects a potential lack of awareness and a weak sense of the big picture among some private enterprises when undertaking major national tasks. Considering the urgency and confidentiality of the project, I suggested at the time whether we should consider other alternative solutions."

"Bullshit!" Lu Shanhe couldn't help but slam his hand on the table, the sound making the teacup lid rattle. "I've cooperated with Huanghe more than once or twice! The communication modules they provided were combat-tested in the 'Surging Waves-96' exercise! Their performance and stability are no worse than the imported ones we used before! You say they lack awareness? I think it's your bureaucratic airs that are too high! You go up there and demand 'unconditional cooperation,' do you think that's your own arsenal?"

Wu Qianli took over the conversation, his tone relatively calm but carrying more weight: "Director Li, our Guangdong provincial troops are pilot users of the tactical data link system provided by Huanghe. From demand matching and technical breakthroughs to post-launch support, Huanghe's professionalism and sense of responsibility have been impeccable. Their requirements regarding property rights definition and confidentiality are reasonable and demonstrate their responsibility towards our project. If inappropriate communication leads to obstacles in cooperation, or even affects subsequent equipment upgrades, the loss would be something even a deputy director could not bear."

Factory Director Song hurriedly spoke up, genuinely anxious: "Director! Our cooperation between Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group and Yellow River Machinery Group on precision components has solved the urgent needs of several of our models! Their processing precision and material handling level are unparalleled in China! If some unnecessary misunderstandings ruin the cooperation, several of our key projects will have to come to a standstill! Who can bear that responsibility?"

The other officials also spoke, with similar content—Huanghe's technical strength and cooperative value have been verified by multiple major projects and are beyond doubt.

“But…” Deputy Director Wang was about to say something more.

"Did you do something else?" Director Li asked.

"I"

"Alright, you don't need to say anything more. From this moment on, you are suspended from all duties and stay home to write a self-criticism. You can continue working until the self-criticism is approved."

"Old Li, is this how you treat things so casually?" Lu Shanhe said in a deep voice.

The others remained silent and nodded in agreement.

Director Li looked at Deputy Director Wang with a hint of pity, thinking to himself, "It's not that I don't want to save you, it's that I can't. Lu Shanhe's rank is higher than his. He didn't want to make a big fuss, so he was the one presiding over this conversation, otherwise..."

Deputy Director Wang's face was ashen; where was the high spirits he had when he first took office, and the imperious manner he displayed when meeting He Yuzhu?

He knew his political career was over, completely over.

"Take him away for questioning," Director Li waved his hand.

Deputy Director Wang was dragged out; his legs were no longer under his control.

After the people were towed away, Director Li said, "Are you satisfied with this outcome, Lao Lu?"

"Hmph, there's nothing to be satisfied or dissatisfied with. I just hope that something like this won't happen again, otherwise..."

"I understand. I'll go talk to them myself this time, but you all need to put in a good word for us." He's not stupid; so many people have come to him. He's already inquired about it, but when his superiors came, they said he wasn't high enough in rank, but they scolded him and said he couldn't manage the people below him.

This Deputy Director Wang was transferred here by him, and he is quite capable, which is why he wanted to protect him and put him back into service once things calmed down. Unfortunately, he was wrong; no one wants to let someone like that cause trouble again.

After the conversation, everyone except the people from the General Armament Department went to see He Yuzhu, who treated everyone to a meal.

There was no special introduction for anyone; they would contact us themselves if they needed our help, since they are all within the system.

Two days after He Yuzhu saw these people off, Director Li arrived with his men.

“Mr. He, the matter last time was due to our improper work methods. On behalf of the organization, I would like to express my apologies to you and the Yellow River Group.” Director Li said sincerely, “Deputy Director Wang has been suspended from his duties for investigation. His personal behavior does not represent our overall attitude and position.”

He Yuzhu invited them to sit down and had Xiaoman bring tea. "Director Li, you flatter us. Huang He is working on it and hopes to do more practical things for the country, but we need a fair environment for cooperation."

“I understand, I completely understand.” Director Li nodded. “The reason I’m here today is to have an open and frank discussion with Mr. He about the specific details of our cooperation on the BeiDou project. We urgently need technical breakthroughs in high-precision spaceborne atomic clocks and anti-interference receiver modules. I’ve heard that your company’s microelectronics research institute and precision machining capabilities are among the best in China, and we hope to get your help.”

"No problem, I will arrange for the technical department to coordinate with you on the specifics."

"Great."

Director Li was very frustrated. Why did his subordinates mess up such a simple matter and offend people so badly?

Deputy Director Wang didn't just mess up the cooperation; that guy has already been arrested for abusing his power. Director Li is still a little scared. If he had really protected him, he might be being questioned himself now.

Now that the agreement has been reached, things will proceed smoothly from here on out.

He Yuzhu arranged for the head of the Microelectronics Research Institute and the technical director of Jinggong to have an initial meeting with the technical experts brought by Director Li.

Lu Shuyi coordinated with the other party regarding project contracts and other related matters.

Finally, both parties clarified the cooperation model and established the "Beidou Joint R&D Laboratory". The location is temporarily set up within the Yellow River Microelectronics Research Institute, but an independent area is designated for strict confidentiality and access control.

The R&D team consists of technical backbones from Huanghe and experts from the research institute. Huanghe is mainly responsible for process implementation, prototype manufacturing and testing, while the research institute is responsible for core algorithms and system architecture.

Regarding the ownership of intellectual property rights, it is agreed that the patents generated based on this project will be jointly owned by both parties, but Huanghe will have the exclusive right to use them in the civilian field.

The state has the right to use military equipment free of charge.

The research and development expenses will be borne by both parties in proportion to their respective contributions, with the state providing the main funding and the Yellow River providing some personnel and equipment resources.

He Yuzhu had long wanted to promote BeiDou, believing that navigation would permeate all aspects of civilian life in the future, from transportation to precision agriculture, from disaster prevention and mitigation to mass consumption.

I'm frustrated by the lack of opportunity.

No, it should be that many people in China still wanted to rely on external forces and were unwilling to make breakthroughs from within, so they couldn't be given the opportunity.

The cooperation between Huanghe and the military industry has blossomed, but He Yuzhu also has some concerns. So he convened a meeting of all the top executives in the country, wanting to separate all those that cooperate with the military industry and establish them as a separate group.

Conference room at the headquarters of Huanghe Group in Sijiucheng.

He Yuzhu sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the core members present: He Yaozong, Xu Damao, He Yuxin, Yang Tao, Mei Suxin, Huang Lingyi, as well as Lu Shuyi, Zhou Lei, and Wu Yang, who were specially invited. Xiaoman was also seated to the side.

"I've called everyone here today to discuss just one thing. The cooperation between the group and the military industry system is getting deeper and deeper, and the areas involved are becoming increasingly sensitive. The bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. I'm not afraid domestically, but we have to consider the external situation. We must plan ahead."

He paused, then continued, "I have decided to separate all current businesses, teams, laboratories, and production lines related to national key strategic projects such as military industry, aerospace, and BeiDou from the existing system and form an independent group called 'Huaxia High-Tech Group,' or 'Huaxia High-Tech' for short. Do you all have any ideas? Feel free to share them."

The conference room was silent, with only He Yuzhu's voice echoing.

"Chairman, how should the business between Huagao Technology and Huanghe be handled? Also, who is in charge of Huagao Technology?" He Yuxin asked first.

"Yuxin, you've hit the nail on the head. That's what I'm about to say. The new group will operate independently and have its own accounting. I think the business dealings between the two groups will decrease in the future, or be limited to technology and patent licensing. As for the person in charge, I will temporarily serve as the legal representative."

"What about the Yellow River?" Xu Damao asked anxiously.

"I never said I wouldn't take care of the Yellow River."

"That's good!" Xu Damao breathed a sigh of relief.

"Anything else you want to ask?"

“You can’t do everything yourself, can you? How will you arrange the staff under Huagao Technology?” He Yaozong asked.

He Yuzhu nodded and pointed to Lu Shuyi, saying, "Shuyi will serve as the general manager of the new group, responsible for daily operations and coordination."

Lu Shuyi quickly stood up; she was genuinely surprised. "Chairman, I..."

"Your mother and I have already recognized your abilities, so feel free to do your best."

Lu Shuyi nodded firmly: "Thank you for your trust, Mom and Dad. I will try my best to do well."

After she finished speaking, she glanced at He Yaozong, whose current position was higher than his.

He Yaozong just smiled at this. He was genuinely happy for his wife, not because of her position, but because of his parents' approval.

He Yuzhu turned his gaze to Zhou Lei and Wu Yang: "Zhou Lei is the Deputy General Manager of Sales at Huagao Technology, responsible for liaising with various demand units and negotiating contracts. Wu Yang is the Deputy General Manager of Purchasing at Huagao Technology, responsible for ensuring the supply of key raw materials and special equipment."

Zhou Lei and Wu Yang exchanged a glance, seeing surprise and delight in each other's eyes. They immediately stood up and solemnly replied, "Yes, Chairman! We will do our utmost!"

However, Zhou Lei then asked, "Chairman, what about Tianjin?"

Do you have anyone you can recommend?

"We think Li Chengru is suitable."

He Yuxin also said, "I also recommend Li Chengru; putting him in the mall is a waste of his talent."

"Then it's him. I forgot to call him today." He Yuzhu nodded.

"Then what should I do? Does it belong to Huanghe or Huagao Technology?" Huang Lingyi asked.

"What about your own wishes?" He Yuzhu asked.

"I just want to make chips made by Chinese people, and it doesn't matter where I am."

“Then you should go to Huagao Technology. I’ll find someone else for Huanghe Microelectronics,” He Yuzhu said.

"Okay, Chairman."

"As for the others, go back and tell the other laboratories and research institutes that those who were previously involved in military industry can only go to Huagao Technology. They should know the reason why."

"Yes." The meeting lasted all morning and discussed many details. After all, it wasn't just a company that was to be split up, and it wasn't just about splitting up management and personnel; factory buildings, equipment, laboratories, and so on would also need to be separated later.

A special working group was later established, but He Yuzhu did not participate. The working group held meetings for several days in a row to sort out the list and define the boundaries.

Then they went their separate ways. After returning, the core technical personnel involved were interviewed one by one, and informed of the company's restructuring and future development direction.

Most people complied with the arrangements, but a few were concerned about issues such as salary and benefits.

Once you are told that both sides are the same, it means you will comply with the arrangement.

Lu Shuyi quickly got into the role, and a month later, "Huaxia High-Tech Group" completed its business registration and was officially established.

The ceremony was only attended by partners, who were quite shocked by the scale of Huanghe's project. This was not just a factory or a laboratory; it required a significant investment of money.

After the meeting that day, He Yuzhu talked with Lao Fang and Lao Zhao and shared his thoughts.

The two were not angry that He Yuzhu had not informed them in advance, as they were only in the role of advisors.

“Zhu Zi, you’ve made a good move,” Old Fang said leisurely, sipping his tea. “Putting those sensitive things in a separate cage makes it easier for the higher-ups to manage them, and it also saves you a lot of trouble.”

Old Zhao nodded: "Yes, with clear boundaries, cooperation is actually smoother. I heard that Shuyi has taken on a major role?"

“Let her give it a try. This child is steady and meticulous. The key is that only she has the right identity,” He Yuzhu said. “Yaozong and the others don’t have the right identity in Hong Kong. For the time being, they should focus on the civilian market.”

"You always think a few steps ahead of others," Old Fang sighed. "Now, some people should feel more at ease."

“Zhu Zi wasn’t always like this. He probably waited for this day when he got his identity back, didn’t he?” Old Zhao said.

"Hmph, how could I not know? I asked this kid to do it more than ten years ago, but he wouldn't. Now he's doing it like a hot potato," Old Fang said.

"How can that be the same? Who would dare to do that?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"You dare to do it now?" Old Fang said.

"Times have changed. It is estimated that things will be more open in the future. Otherwise, relying solely on state-owned units will be too slow for development."

"That's true. Why didn't you get Yuxin's identity processed at the same time?" Old Fang said.

"Back then, he was in charge of Hong Kong's port. I didn't want to force him. He chose to come back on his own, but he missed the opportunity to get his identity card, so this is the only way."

"Then you'll have to carry it yourself," Old Fang said.

"This is the only way for now," He Yuzhu said.

"You've already participated in BeiDou, so don't you plan to contribute even more?" Old Fang asked.

"Haven't I done enough?"

"Ahem, never mind, I won't say anything more. Someone will talk to you."

"I knew you'd never say anything good. Can't you just stop causing me trouble?" He Yuzhu complained.

"this."

"So you're just targeting me, aren't you? Aren't you afraid that when you're gone, no one will help you smash the pot and wave the banner?"

"You, you're driving me crazy!"

"I have to say something fair for Zhu Zi. Lao Fang, you've gone too far," Lao Zhao said.

"If I knew more people like Zhu Zi, why would I need to look for him? I don't know him!" Old Fang said dejectedly.

"Then don't get involved! I really regret meeting you!" He Yuzhu said.

"I," Old Fang, was speechless. He took out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from his pocket, silently lit a cigarette, and puffed away hard.

He Yuzhu shook his head with a wry smile. This stubborn old man knew exactly what Lao Fang was thinking, but this wasn't the 1950s or 60s.

He also picked up the cigarette that Lao Fang had placed on the coffee table and lit one, and Lao Zhao did the same. The three of them smoked like that for quite a while, choking Xiao Man, who came in to refill their tea.

"Cough cough cough, how many cigarettes have you three smoked? This room is practically a fairyland. Are you planning to ascend to immortality?" Xiaoman complained.

"No!" the three of them said in unison, decisively stubbed out their cigarettes in the ashtray, and then He Yuzhu got up to open the window.

"You can't stay in this room anymore, you should all go to the yard," Xiaoman said.

"Alright, we've really annoyed people. Let's go play chess," Old Zhao said with a smile.

“Come on, you have to let me have a few today,” Old Fang said.

He Yuzhu smiled at Xiaoman and followed her out. Xiaoman didn't stay inside either; it was too suffocating.

On the way back to courtyard number 66, Old Zhao said to Old Fang, "Can't you just stop causing trouble? What does Zhuzi owe you?"

"I owe him, and since I can't repay him in time, what's wrong with owing him again? I'll repay him by being his slave in my next life."

"Who are you going to fool in your next life? Don't forget you're an active proletarian fighter." Old Zhao didn't finish his sentence.

"The proletariat, haha."

"Don't get involved anymore. If it were anyone else, Zhu Zi would have turned on you long ago," Old Zhao sighed.

"I just couldn't resist," Old Fang chuckled awkwardly.

"Then you'll have to endure it from now on, or don't blame me for restricting your freedom. I can still do that."

"Ok."

A few days later, Lao Fang strolled into He Yuzhu's study again, this time without taking a detour.

“Zhu Zi, what happened a few days ago was something I didn’t think through.” He rarely spoke in such a gentle tone. “However, there is indeed another matter. It wasn’t something I took on. Someone asked me to act as a go-between. He originally wanted to come over, but I stopped him.”

He Yuzhu put down the documents in his hand, looked at him, and didn't say anything.

Old Fang sat down by himself: "There's a department that wants to purchase a few commercial communications satellites. You know, there are a lot of people watching this stuff internationally, so it's not convenient to just show up directly. They heard that you have dealings with some overseas companies... with wide distribution channels, and they'd like to ask if it's possible to do it through commercial channels?"

He Yuzhu pondered for a moment, without asking who it was or what its purpose was, and only said, "Commercial satellites? This stuff is very complicated; you can't just buy one if you have money. There are only a few suppliers, and they all have the backing of the state. The scrutiny is extremely strict, especially against us."

"That's why it's a difficult problem," Old Fang sighed. "They're out of options over there. The existing communication capacity isn't enough, and some remote areas aren't covered. Just consider it a favor, a way to make connections, and ask around. Whether it works out or not is another matter."

Looking at Lao Fang's slightly tired expression, He Yuzhu knew that the old man was also in a difficult position.

“Okay, I’ll ask around.” He finally nodded. “But you have to make it clear to them that I’m only responsible for relaying information, not for making any guarantees. Also, this is quite risky. If the other party is interested, they need to show genuine sincerity and a concrete plan.”

"Understood, understood!" Old Fang nodded repeatedly. "Just hearing that is enough!"

After seeing Lao Fang off, He Yuzhu sat quietly in his study for a while, then picked up his private phone and connected with Bai Yifeng in Hong Kong.

"Old Bai."

"Boss, please speak."

"Could you ask me about the major international commercial satellite manufacturers, such as Laura and Hughes? How difficult would it be for them to procure civilian communication satellites under the name of a third-party company? The key question is, if the end user is on our side, would they even sell to us? How long would the approval process typically take?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, clearly Bai Yifeng was processing the information.

"Boss, this is a sensitive issue. I'll try to find out as soon as possible, but I don't think there's much hope. North America has very strict export controls on this type of technology, especially those involving communications and potential dual-use technologies. Even if we find someone willing to negotiate, the price will be very high, and the political risks are extremely high."

“I know. You go first to make contact, but be careful with your approach and don’t reveal your true intentions. Listen to what conditions they offer.”

"Understood, I will find a reliable intermediary to test the waters."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu rubbed his temples.

He knew this deal was unlikely to succeed. Commercial satellites, seemingly commodities, were in reality pawns in the power struggle between major nations. But he still agreed to inquire, partly to give Lao Fang an explanation, and partly to gauge the prevailing sentiment and bottom line.

A few days later, Bai Yifeng's feedback arrived.

The situation is worse than expected.

Upon hearing that potential buyers might be from China, even through multiple layers of offshore companies, several major manufacturers indicated that extremely complex government approvals were required and implied that approval was virtually impossible.

One smaller European company was slightly more lenient, but offered more than three times the market price, required full payment in advance, and would not assume any responsibility for any failure to obtain approval.

"Boss, that's basically the situation. The other side is on very tight defenses," Bai Yifeng summarized.

He Yuzhu was clearly not satisfied with the result, so he called Chen Sheng again.

A few days later, Bai Yifeng's feedback and the information Chen Sheng had obtained through other channels were both placed on He Yuzhu's desk.

The situation is basically the same: mainstream channels are heavily guarded and almost impossible to control; non-mainstream channels are extremely risky and demand astronomical prices with harsh conditions.

He Yuzhu relayed the situation to Lao Fang truthfully.

After hearing this, Lao Fang remained silent for a long time before letting out a heavy sigh: "Sigh, I understand. I'll pass on the message and let them weigh it themselves."

Some time later, Old Fang visited again, this time looking much more relaxed.

"Zhu Zi, regarding the satellite, they've decided to put it on hold for now." Old Fang poured himself a cup of tea. "The higher-ups mean that we should focus our main efforts on independent research and development, and not always try to take shortcuts, lest we be held back by others. This time, thanks to your help in figuring out the situation, they've completely given up on that idea, which is good."

He Yuzhu nodded: "Self-reliance may be slow, but it gives us peace of mind. We at Huagao Technology will do our best to cooperate with Beidou."

“That’s right.” Old Fang took a sip of tea and changed the subject. “Speaking of which, how is Shuyi doing in her new position? I heard she’s been working with various partners to streamline processes. She’s very efficient and decisive, a bit like you back in the day.”

“She’s still adjusting, and the pressure is considerable,” He Yuzhu said calmly. “After all, these are all key units involved, with many rules and complex coordination processes. But she has a steady personality, so she should be able to handle it.”

"Don't worry."

"Young eagles must eventually fly on their own."

Meanwhile, in the general manager's office of the newly established "Huaxia High-Tech Group", Lu Shuyi was presiding over a small coordination meeting.

The attendees included several technical representatives and project leaders from Jinggong, the Microelectronics Research Institute (now under Huagao Technology), Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group, and the Naval Equipment Department.

The topic is about the quality consistency control process for a certain type of high-temperature alloy structural component after mass production.

The representative from Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group (XAC) stated: "Mr. Lu, according to the standards of our aviation system, these components need to undergo 100% X-ray flaw detection and ultrasonic testing. However, the current testing equipment throughput of Huagao Technology's precision manufacturing plant cannot keep up, which will affect the delivery cycle."

The technical director of Huagao Technology Precision looked troubled: "100% testing is indeed challenging, and it would significantly increase costs. We have sufficient data on process stability verification. Could you consider a sampling approach?"

A representative from the Navy Equipment Department shook his head: "This is used in critical areas; the sampling risk is too high. Could we increase investment in testing equipment?"

Lu Shuyi listened quietly to everyone's opinions, and only spoke after everyone had finished speaking: "Quality is the bottom line, and we cannot compromise on it. Engineer Li, please calculate as soon as possible and increase the budget and procurement cycle for two necessary testing devices."

She turned to the Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group representative and said, "Before the equipment arrives, could you please send personnel to the factory to utilize the existing equipment? We can arrange three shifts to prioritize ensuring 100% inspection of these components. Huagao Technology will bear the additional labor costs. We need to ensure delivery and cannot delay your schedule."

The Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group representative and the Jinggong executive exchanged a glance and nodded.

"We're fine."

"I'll go back and immediately submit a report to apply for the equipment."

"Okay." Lu Shuyi made a note in her notebook. "Then let's proceed in this direction. The next item is about setting up the vacuum testing environment for the Beidou spaceborne atomic clock prototype."

After the meeting, Lu Shuyi rubbed her slightly sore neck.

The assistant brought over a glass of warm water: "Mr. Lu, please take a rest. Chairman He just called to ask if you're going home for dinner tonight."

Lu Shuyi glanced at her watch and realized that it was already past her off-get off work time.

She took the water glass and said, "You can go back now. I have some things to take care of here. I'll head back as soon as I'm done. I'll call the chairman."

"Okay, Mr. Lu."

Old Fang gave up, but He Yuzhu became interested. He wanted to set up a project for his subordinates to study and see what they could come up with.

So he gave Bai Yifeng an order to buy a higher-end one.

"Old Bai, regarding the satellite, we'll build one ourselves to study it," He Yuzhu said succinctly.

On the other end of the phone, Bai Yifeng paused noticeably before asking, "Boss, what's the target? Or is it a communications satellite?"

"Yes, find an advanced one, preferably a commercially available model launched in recent years. You control the supply chain, and the principle is safety. Once we have it, ship it directly to Hong Kong, and I'll have Yuanheng find a place to store it."

"Understood," Bai Yifeng replied.

After arranging this matter, He Yuzhu returned his attention to the group's affairs.

The restructuring and reorganization of "Huagao Technology" was a complex and multifaceted undertaking. Lu Shuyi was practically stationed at the company, coordinating with all parties and streamlining processes. He Yaozong also shouldered a heavier burden. After Huanghe Communications divested most of its military-related businesses, it needed to re-plan its development direction and consolidate its position in the civilian market.

He Ningxue's real estate projects are operating well, with stable cash flow. She has begun looking for new plots of land while also taking care of her family and children.

Ho Yiu-cho has been steadily building his business in Hong Kong, maintaining existing industries while closely monitoring international financial market trends to seek new investment opportunities for the group.

That day, He Yuzhu was reading documents in his study when He Yuxin knocked on the door and came in.

"Brother, the first draft of the second phase planning scheme for Caofeidian New Port is out. Take a look." He Yuxin placed a stack of documents on the table. "Also, there's something I need to report to you. Recently, several people have contacted me through various connections, trying to find out our intentions in spinning off 'Hua Gao Ke'. They seem to be very interested in the technologies we previously collaborated on with the military."

He Yuzhu put down the documents, his eyes sharpening: "Who is it?"

“The backgrounds are a bit mixed. Some are affiliated with research institutes, while others claim to be from a private technology company in the south. They all offered high prices,” He Yuxin said. “I rejected them all as you instructed, saying that the relevant technologies and businesses had been transferred to a new company and were no longer part of the Yellow River Group.”

“Well done.” He Yuzhu nodded. “From now on, block all such contacts. As for Huagao Technology, have Shuyi be on high alert, and raise the confidentiality level of core technical personnel and data to another level.”

"clear."

The two brothers chatted for a while longer about the development plan for Caofeidian Port before He Yuxin got up to leave.

He Yuzhu walked to the window and saw Lao Fang and Lao Zhao arguing heatedly over a move in the yard. He called out to them.

"Uncle Fang, Uncle Zhao, please come to my study for a moment. I have something to say to you."

The two stopped arguing and looked over at the same time. He Yuzhu waved to them.

The two put down their chess pieces and walked over. After entering the house, He Yuzhu told He Yuxin what he had said.

Old Fang said angrily, "Hmph, there are always some troublemakers. You don't need to worry about this. I'll talk to Old Fan."

Old Zhao also said, "I'll also give a heads-up to the people in Jidong."

"Well, then I won't concern myself with that. This really isn't within our group's business scope," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

(End of this chapter)