Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 432 Humans Have Feelings

Lu Shanhe's efficiency was surprisingly high.

Less than two months later, an approval document with a special number and a steel stamp was delivered to He Yuzhu through confidential channels. Several technical review experts in plain clothes also arrived at the same time.

A week later, next to Huagao Technology's sign, a discreet but extremely important plaque reading "The Xth Research Institute" was quietly hung up.

There were no ceremonies, no announcements; everything was done in silence.

This was followed by stricter confidentiality regulations and security upgrades, with some core R&D areas designated as restricted areas, requiring multiple checks for entry and exit.

He Yuzhu also asked Lu Shuyi if she would be willing to stay at Huagao Technology and enter the system, which would mean she would no longer be able to do many things.

After discussing it with He Yaozong, Lu Shuyi expressed her willingness to stay at Huagao Technology, as she felt that she had found her future path at Huagao Technology.

He Yuzhu praised her foresight and even told his second son to learn from his daughter-in-law, which made He Yaozong look at his father with a lot of resentment.

"You little brat, looking for a beating?"

"Dad, Dad, please don't hit me, please don't hit me, I'm already so old."

"Humph."

Lu Shuyi quickly adapted to her new role.

She chaired a meeting of Huagao Technology's core technical staff, read out the rules, and unified their thinking.

"Gentlemen, our new roles mean new responsibilities and missions. Our past achievements have been recognized, and now we are facing the nation's most cutting-edge and urgent needs. The pre-research project for the integrated radio frequency system has been officially assigned by our superiors, and this is our top priority."

The project launch meeting was held in a new conference room with a huge confidentiality sign hanging on it.

Heads of precision engineering, electronic technology laboratories, and materials research institutes sat around a long table, with a preliminary breakdown of technical specifications projected on the wall.

The head of the Electronics Technology Laboratory spoke first: "Mr. Lu, the core of integrated RF is software and algorithms. We can't crack this tough nut right now; we'll have to rely on our national team colleagues. But we have ideas about the 'joints' and 'capillaries' you mentioned earlier. For high-speed data buses, we can enhance and customize them based on the protocols we've accumulated in communication equipment; anti-interference is key. As for special connectors, does Jinggong have any expertise in that area?"

The head of Jinggong took over, pointing to several points on the exploded structural diagram: "The sealing and shielding of this high-density, high-strength electromagnetic pulse resistant multi-core connector are the challenges. We can try the new composite material we developed in cooperation with Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group, but we need to tackle the plating process of the internal contacts. The existing gold plating process does not meet the life requirements under salt spray and vibration environments. We have already set up a special team and will produce the first version of the sample for environmental testing within three months."

An engineer from the materials institute added, "The composite materials used in integrated masts require high light transmittance, high strength, and weather and corrosion resistance. Our current technology for helicopter rotors and wing leading edges can be transferred, but the shipboard environment is harsher, especially with ultraviolet radiation and sea salt corrosion. We need to adjust the ratio of resin matrix and reinforcing fibers, and we are currently conducting accelerated aging tests."

"What's the timeline?" Lu Shuyi asked.

"We aim to complete the preliminary material formulation and connector samples in the laboratory phase within six months. Simulation and verification of the bus protocol will proceed simultaneously," the head of the precision engineering team replied.

"Okay." Lu Shuyi wrote it down. "Each group should proceed accordingly. Zhou Lei and Wu Yang, you are responsible for coordinating resources and ensuring seamless integration of all aspects. If you encounter any bottlenecks that you cannot resolve, report them directly to me, and we will concentrate our efforts to overcome them."

After the meeting, Huagao Technology, this massive scientific research machine, began to operate at high speed around its new core mission.

The laboratory lights often stay on all night, and the humming of various environmental simulation equipment in the testing room is incessant.

During this period, He Yuzhu also did something else: he secretly handed over many of the blueprints and documents in the space to Lu Shuyi, asking her to take them out at the appropriate time.

Lu Shuyi didn't dare ask where it came from. Her father-in-law was very mysterious and powerful, and he wouldn't be surprised by anything he could produce.

Several months later, initial results began to appear.

Precision has produced its first batch of special connector samples. In the combined tests of vibration, salt spray and temperature cycling simulating the ship's environment, the performance was stable. Although there is still a gap from the final target, the direction is clear.

The Institute of Materials Science and Engineering has also screened out several candidate composite material formulations, which have basically met the requirements for wave transmission performance and mechanical strength, and are currently undergoing long-term weather resistance testing.

The high-speed data bus protocol developed by the Electronic Science and Technology Laboratory has achieved data throughput and error resistance capabilities far exceeding those of existing equipment in a simulation environment.

After these preliminary results were verified, they were compiled into a detailed report, which was personally delivered by Lu Shanhe. After giving a report, Lu Shanhe visited the He family again.

"Old He, your team is amazing! They've given us a huge surprise!" Lu Shanhe patted He Yuzhu's shoulder forcefully. "Those connectors and material samples were problems that several established research institutes couldn't fully solve, but you guys figured it out so quickly! Especially that bus protocol concept, it's incredibly advanced!"

He Yuzhu said calmly, "Old Lu, don't be too happy yet. From laboratory to engineering, and then to deployment, there are thousands of miles to go. What we've just proven now is that this path may be feasible."

“I know, I know,” Lu Shanhe nodded repeatedly. “But this first step is crucial! After reading the report, the higher-ups have even more confidence in Huagao Technology—no, I mean, in X Institute’s capabilities. The more specific subsystem development tasks will be officially assigned soon.”

He lowered his voice: "However, the pressure will be even greater. There are some key components where the domestic foundation is too weak, so you may need to utilize, uh, your previous overseas channels, to find a way. Of course, this is under the premise of absolute safety and compliance."

He Yuzhu glanced at him and understood that this was probably another reason why Lu Shanhe had come today.

Huagao Technology's public identity actually allows it to do some things more flexibly than those of government agencies.

"I'll think about it." He Yuzhu did not give a clear commitment.

Not long after Lu Shanhe left, Lu Shuyi came looking for him, her brows furrowed with undisguised exhaustion and anxiety.

"Dad, you have to help me think of a solution." She gently placed the documents on the desk, her voice a little dry. "The preliminary research for the Navy's integrated radio frequency and mast projects has just begun, and the manpower in each laboratory is already at its limit. Now, the aviation industry has also come knocking, saying they've encountered bottlenecks in the avionics system architecture and lightweight airframe structure of the new fighter jet, and hope we can assist in overcoming them. Also, the aerospace department has contacted us, asking if we can participate in the ruggedized structure and special circuit board design for a certain type of control computer for the next-generation launch vehicle."

She sighed and rubbed her temples: "These are all urgent tasks, and we can't afford to delay any of them. But we only have so many resources. We only have so many experienced workers and key engineers in the precision engineering, electronics lab, and materials institute. Now several projects are already competing for people, equipment, and time. Commander Lu is urging us to make progress, and our colleagues in aerospace are also waiting for a reply. I really can't spare any more time."

He Yuzhu listened quietly, flipped through the documents, and nodded when he found that they were just a list of resources and manpower requirements. The confidentiality regulations applied to him as well.

He had anticipated this situation with Huagao Technology. The capabilities demonstrated by Huagao Technology (X Institute) acted like a magnet, naturally attracting demand from all sides.

Where do you think the root of the problem lies?

"What we lack most are high-level, experienced researchers and engineers, especially those who understand both theory and can solve practical engineering problems. The salaries we offer are not low in the industry, but compared with those established state-owned research institutes and key factories, they are still not attractive enough to top talents. Many outstanding graduates still prefer to be assigned to units within the system, feeling that they are more stable and have more recognized career prospects."

"If they make their requests, can you make yours too?"

“I mentioned it, and their staff is even more stretched.” Lu Shuyi smiled wryly.

He Yuzhu thought for a moment and said, "What about campus recruitment? Did you guys go?"

"Tsinghua students basically won't choose us."

"Heh, then we don't need them, and we won't need them in the future either," He Yuzhu sneered.

"We've been to Harbin Institute of Technology, National University of Defense Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnical University before, but they didn't have any quotas for us. Not to mention aerospace, shipbuilding, and military-related majors, graduates are basically assigned to specific jobs and don't seek employment elsewhere."

“You’ll see it when you go back this year. Do you think that sign is just for show?” He Yuzhu laughed.

"Oh right, how could I forget that?"

“Now that Huagao Technology is affiliated with X Institute, it is a nationally recognized R&D force. With this status, we have a lot of confidence when negotiating cooperation with universities. We also have another advantage.”

"Salary, bonuses, and benefits!" Lu Shuyi answered quickly.

"So the people who should be worried are others. Also, those of you within the system can transfer people. You can ask the people who came to you to help you coordinate this. They don't have anyone at their headquarters, and they don't have anyone at other research institutes either."

"Dad, you always have the best ideas."

"That's because you haven't figured out how things work within the system yet. You'll gradually understand."

"Ah."

"There are also some people you can keep an eye on. In those schools, are there any senior professors or experts who are close to retirement age but are still in good health and have rich experience? Are there any middle-aged backbone staff who feel that their ambitions are not being realized in their original units and want to change environments to do something practical? Also, talk to the schools about joint training programs and set up doctoral and master's student workstations based on actual projects of Huagao Technology. We will provide a practical platform and some funding to lock in good candidates in advance."

Lu Shuyi's eyes lit up slightly, but then concerns resurfaced: "Won't this poaching and joint training offend the original unit? Moreover, the transfer procedures, especially those involving personnel in sensitive professions, will be very complicated."

"Therefore, we need to be strategic. Under the guise of project cooperation and technical consultation, we can first invite some retired experts to provide guidance and let them contribute their remaining expertise. For the core staff currently employed, we can start with short-term secondments or guest research positions to let them understand Huagao Technology's platform and strength. If they feel it's suitable, then we can discuss transfers. As for the procedural issues, let Zhou Lei and Wu Yang handle them; they are familiar with the ins and outs. If necessary, we can bring Lao Lu and his team over to act as slingers. Finally, remember that we are working on tackling national projects, not for profit; we must maintain this stance."

Lu Shuyi took a deep breath, feeling the pressure on her shoulders lighten a bit: "I understand, Dad. I'll go back and organize a meeting with the HR department to finalize the plan as soon as possible, and then personally lead a team to visit these schools."

"Okay, go ahead. Remember, recruiting is only the first step; the key is to make good use of people and retain them. Huagao Technology has a big and powerful stage; it just depends on whether they have the ability to perform well." He Yuzhu waved his hand.

Lu Shuyi stood up, and He Yuzhu pointed to the documents on the table and said, "Don't bring these home anymore. You have regulations, and I'm an outsider."

"It won't happen again." Lu Shuyi picked up the documents, bowed slightly to He Yuzhu, and turned to leave the study.

After returning, Lu Shuyi immediately took action. She first sorted out the manpower shortage of all the key projects of Huagao Technology and made a detailed, non-confidential list of needs.

Subsequently, she personally drafted an official letter issued in the name of "Xth Research Institute," outlining the desire to collaborate with top domestic universities on industry-academia-research cooperation, and to jointly cultivate and attract high-level talent.

For her first stop, she chose Harbin Institute of Technology.

She was received by the school's vice president in charge of scientific research and postgraduate work, as well as the head of the employment office.

The other party was very enthusiastic when they saw the official letter stamped with the bright red seal of "Xth Research Institute".

"Dean Lu, I've long admired Huagao Technology—no, I mean X Institute!" The vice-principal said with a beaming smile. "While we don't know the specifics of the projects you've participated in, the fact that you've earned this title speaks volumes about your capabilities and the nation's trust in you. We warmly welcome any cooperation!"

Once Lu Shuyi was certain of her intentions, she laid out the cooperation plan in its entirety: to establish a joint postgraduate training base, with Huagao Technology providing practical engineering projects and associate mentors; to recruit recent doctoral and master's graduates, promising competitive salaries and opportunities to participate in key national projects; and to hire professors who are nearing or have already retired, are in good health, and have extensive experience as technical advisors or project guides.

“To be honest, Dean Lu,” the director of the career services office pushed up his glasses, “the Yellow River Group has recruited from our school before, but many outstanding students, especially those with relevant majors, prefer to go to traditional ministries or institutes or stay at the university. Now that we have the reputation of X College, plus the conditions you’ve offered, the attractiveness is completely different. We can give priority to recommending outstanding students in related majors.”

The initial agreement was successfully reached.

Lu Shuyi left the human resources team to coordinate details with the university and rushed to her next stop – Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Here, she encountered more specific problems.

Graduates of many of Northwestern Polytechnical University's top-tier programs are trained in a targeted manner, and go on to work for specific aerospace and shipbuilding companies.

Although the school also supports the cooperation, it seems unable to help with the secondment of its staff.

"Dean Lu, it's not that we don't support it. It's just that many of our teachers are also undertaking key projects, and various factories and institutes are watching them closely. Each position is crucial, so it's very difficult to transfer them," the person in charge of Northwestern Polytechnical University said frankly.

Lu Shuyi nodded in understanding, and instead of focusing on the joint training program and the recruitment of recent graduates, she made "recruiting retired experts" a key part of her work at Northwestern Polytechnical University.

After visiting several universities, I gained a lot.

Leveraging the reputation of "X Institute" and the strong financial backing of the Yellow River Group, Huagao Technology successfully signed cooperation agreements with several universities, pre-selected a group of outstanding recent graduates, and made initial contact with several retired professors who were willing to contribute their remaining energy.

At the same time, Zhou Lei and Wu Yang also began to take action.

Leveraging their past connections in the military and their current cooperative relationships with various military industrial units, they began seeking assistance everywhere.

Wu Yang found his former boss, who now works in a department of the General Armament Department, and reported on the talent shortage faced by Huagao Technology, especially the urgent need for experienced backbone personnel in certain specific fields.

"Old leader, it's not that we want to poach talent, it's just that the project can't wait. Do you think you could help coordinate to temporarily borrow a few experienced colleagues from other units that are not so busy to provide support? It doesn't have to be for long, six months or a year is fine, just to help us get through this most critical initial stage."

The old leader pondered for a moment: "Xiao Wu, your idea is a bit difficult. Every unit is saying they're short-staffed. However, your X Institute is currently under heavy pressure, and the higher-ups are paying attention. Here's what I'll do: I'll try to ask around and make a connection for you. Whether it works out or not depends on your own negotiations with the other unit."

Zhou Lei focused on research institutes that had project collaborations with Huagao Technology. He took advantage of opportunities to coordinate project progress to communicate with the project leaders of those institutes.

"Engineer Wang, look at our data bus interface protocol, the simulation keeps failing. Do you have any experts who are proficient in this area who can come and provide guidance for a few days? Or, we could send a few people over to learn?"

This kind of contact, ostensibly for project collaboration and technical exchange, is relatively mild and less likely to cause resentment. After several such encounters, two research institutes actually agreed to send a few engineers to Huagao Technology for short-term joint research projects.

The recruitment of retired experts went relatively smoothly. A materials science expert who had just retired from an aerospace institute was impressed by Huagao Technology's platform and Lu Shuyi's sincerity, and agreed to work three days a week as a "special consultant" to guide the research on the application of composite materials in ship masts.

With the gradual addition of new personnel, Huagao Technology's R&D pressure has been alleviated to some extent.

But Lu Shuyi knew that this was just the beginning.

The bigger challenge is to quickly integrate these researchers from different systems and with different thinking habits, form a synergy, and retain them.

She set about promoting an internal technical exchange system, regularly organizing cross-departmental workshops, and encouraging different project teams to share experiences and lessons learned.

At the same time, she strictly adhered to the principles set by He Yuzhu: to prioritize frontline R&D personnel in terms of salary, bonuses, and research conditions, ensuring that their efforts would be truly rewarded.

There were people to do all the work below, so He Yuzhu basically didn't have a moment's rest since the beginning of the year.

He inspected the Yellow River Rescue Team once, and was also fortunate enough to be invited by Wu Qianli and his team to watch an internal drill. In fact, he was asked to give suggestions.

He Yuzhu mentioned something that Wu Qianli and his men had been holding onto for decades: something they had been preparing for when they were stationed in Fujian Province.

"Let's not bring this up again," Wu Qianli said.

"I just want to tell you that you're missing one thing."

"what?"

"Naval warfare, no, it should be called sea warfare."

“Isn’t that a matter for the navy?” Wu Qianli said.

Do you believe the army has no role to play at sea?

“I just haven’t seen it before, you old bastard, just say what you have to say,” Wu Qianli said.

"Amphibious forces, you know Normandy, right? And Iwo Jima, Okinawa."

“We have studied these war histories. Let me explain in detail.”

As He Yuzhu began speaking, the conference room filled with smoke.

"Old Xiong, Wanli, Congrong, what do you guys think?" Wu Qianli asked.

Xiong Jie frowned: "Amphibious operations? We're the army; the sea is the navy's job. Besides, where are we in a position to do that right now?"

Wu Wanli, however, seemed thoughtful: "Brother Zhu wouldn't speak without reason. Since he brought it up, he must have seen something we didn't notice."

"Zhu Zi, tell me quickly, what did you see?" Xiong Jie pressed.

What He Yuzhu could see was military development, decades into the future, but he couldn't say.

So he said, "You should have these kinds of projects. As a special combined arms brigade, you can't be completely helpless if you encounter water, can you? If we send you to fight on an island, do you think you won't know how to fight?"

"Call the navy for support," Xiong Jie said.

"You're just spouting empty words." He Yuzhu glanced at him. Didn't he know what the navy was like now? There was very little naval equipment they could deploy to cooperate with them.

"How am I just making empty promises? Isn't that right?"

"Then I'll analyze it for you." He Yuzhu looked around at his old comrades.

“Old Xiong, you said you’d call for naval support, that’s right. But have you thought about what will happen when it really comes down to you stepping in? Will things be calm and proceeding as planned? Or will time be tight, the mission heavy, the enemy situation complex, and the naval brothers might be tied down in other directions and unable to provide you with enough support in a short time?”

Xiong Jie opened his mouth, but did not immediately refute.

He Yuzhu continued, "Let's take the most likely scenario as an example. Suppose a small group of enemies occupies a near-shore island with complex terrain, unsuitable for large-scale naval deployment. Your superiors order your brigade to remove this thorn in your side as quickly as possible. How do you fight? Swim there? Or do you rely on requisitioned civilian ships to safely deliver your tanks, artillery, and personnel to the beachhead, ensuring they can form an effective combat force?"

“Our people have actually done this before,” Wu Qianli said.

"Then keep going. Why should I bother explaining anything to you?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"No, please continue," Wu Qianli said.

Before He Yuzhu could speak, Yu Congrong interjected, "We can rappel down from a helicopter."

“That’s one way,” He Yuzhu nodded. “But what if the enemy has set up obstacles, minefields, or strongholds on the beach? If your advance troops rappel down, they will lack heavy firepower and be pinned down on the beach, unable to move. What will you do then, watching your brothers get worn down?”

“Our current rappelling techniques can also be used to lower heavy equipment,” Wu Wanli said.

"So what you call heavy equipment is armored vehicles, mortars, and rocket launchers?"

“Isn’t that enough?” Wu Wanli said.

"It might be enough, it might not be enough."

“There are no outsiders here, so just say it, Pillar,” Wu Qianli said.

“What if it’s an island?” He Yuzhu asked again, “and not one of your brigades could take it down.”

The meeting room fell silent, with only the smoke slowly swirling around it.

Wu Qianli pondered for a moment: "You mean, we need to have our own system, even the most basic one, to get people and necessary equipment ashore and gain a foothold on the beach?"

“Yes! You’ve got it,” He Yuzhu affirmed. “I don’t expect you to be as professional as the Marines, but at least some people in the brigade need to be familiar with the operation of amphibious equipment and know the basic procedures of departure, formation, transfer, and assault landing. There need to be specialized vehicles that can go into the water and climb the beach. Artillerymen need to know how to calculate firing data on a rocking boat and how to establish fire support points immediately after landing. Engineers need to know how to breach obstacles, clear mines, and open up passages for follow-up troops. It’s not just about being able to swim.”

"So you still remember our battle crossing the river on the peninsula?" Wu Qianli said.

He Yuzhu nodded. If they hadn't cut off the artillery, the outcome of that battle would have been unimaginable.

Xiong Jie scratched his head and said, "It sounds like we have to do it. But where will we get the equipment? How will we train? We're 'land tigers' now, we can't just conjure up sea-based abilities out of thin air, can we?"

“We can apply for equipment or explore modifications,” He Yuzhu said. “Several shipyards in China, such as those in Guicheng and Wuchang, have the capability to produce small landing craft and amphibious vehicles. My 541 also has this capability. We can get a few over to test and explore first. Training is even simpler. We’ll find a suitable body of water or island and take them out to train! We’ll start with basic armed swimming and boat handling, and then move on to platoon-sized loading, crossing, and assault landings. We’ll take it step by step, identify problems, and solve them.”

Wu Wanli's eyes lit up: "This is a new topic! Our brigade is the pilot unit, and this kind of exploratory task is exactly what we should do! Old Xiong, I think Brother Zhu is right. In the future battlefield, the boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. It's not enough for our army to just dominate on land; we need to be prepared for other things."

Yu Congrong also said, "I think it's feasible. Even if it's not needed for large-scale amphibious operations, these skills can still be useful for disaster relief, border control, and supporting islands and reefs."

Xiong Jie looked at his old comrades, then at He Yuzhu, and finally slapped his thigh: "Let's do it! Damn it, let's pave a new path for our army brothers! I'll write the report right now and apply for funding, equipment, and training grounds! Zhuzi, you've got some real talent in you!"

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "I'm just talking. The specific training outline and equipment requirements assessment will have to be done by you experts. However, I can ask 541 and the heavy industry to cooperate and see if we can help you develop some amphibious modification prototypes based on the existing vehicle chassis."

"That's great!" Xiong Jie exclaimed with delight.

After the meeting, Xiong Jie and Wu Wanli immediately set about organizing a team to form a "Pioneer Exploration Group for Amphibious Combat Capability Development," with Wu Wanli in charge, and began writing detailed feasibility reports and preliminary training plans.

He Yuzhu then called Factory 541 and the heavy industry department, telling them that if needed, he would fully cooperate with the military's technical research.

A few days later, a thick report bearing the seal of the "Lightning Brigade" entitled "Request Report on the Pilot Construction of Amphibious Warfare Capabilities by Our Brigade" was personally delivered to the military headquarters by Xiong Jie.

The report elaborates on the necessity and urgency of equipping some elite army units with basic amphibious warfare capabilities in the context of modern warfare, and proposes phased development goals, required equipment support, training ground needs, and preliminary timelines.

The report sparked considerable discussion within the military.

Some support this forward-looking exploration, believing it meets the needs of future warfare; others hold reservations, feeling that the investment is too large and deviates from the army's main mission.

Wu Qianli was the first to express his support, followed by several other visionary leaders. The report was sent directly to higher levels and approved, agreeing that the "Lightning Brigade" could serve as a pilot unit to conduct exploratory training, and coordinating with relevant units to provide necessary equipment and technical support.

When the news reached the brigade, Xiong Jie and Wu Wanli both breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time felt a heavy pressure.

He Yuzhu also met with Xiong Jie's eldest son, Xiong Qianjin, mainly to assess him. With Bai Yifeng going to North America, He Yuzhu had essentially lost an arm.

Besides the sensitive tasks that no longer need to be done, there were many other things that Bai Yifeng was previously asked to handle.

One of these items was disaster preparedness supplies, and He Yuzhu, after inspecting Xiong Qianjin, planned to entrust this task to him.

After Xiong Qianjin returned home, he told his father about it, and Xiong Jie said directly, "Your Uncle Zhuzi is giving you a lot of respect. Do you think he would trust just anyone to do this job?"

"Dad, that's not what I meant. I just suddenly feel a lot of pressure."

"It's normal to be under a lot of pressure. Look at what you've accomplished in your major these past few years!"

“Didn’t I do a great job? The security company is doing a good job!” Xiong Qianjin said.

“Well done. Go do what your Uncle Zhu asked you to do and then take a look back and see if it’s really your achievement or what. See if you’re capable or not. The company will run just fine without you, or even without a leader.”

"this."

"I don't need to tell you what your Uncle Zhu does. If you can learn even a tenth of his skills, our Xiong family will be considered to have produced a talent."

"dad"

"Alright, stop talking nonsense. Just do what I tell you to do. Also, you need to teach your son a lesson, or I don't mind finding someone to teach him."

"Haifeng is still young."

"Little brat, he's almost eighteen. If he's not up to par, let him join the army."

“Our whole family is in the military, so Haifeng’s generation doesn’t need to be, right? Who’s in charge, you or me?”

"It's up to you."

"Then it's settled. I'll make an exception and let him join our brigade, to work under Yu Yan."

"If you were really willing to use connections, you should have said so earlier. I was afraid he would be assigned to a regular unit."

"Humph."

After the father and son finished their conversation, Xiong Qianjin was kept extremely busy by the tasks arranged by He Yuzhu, including purchasing, warehousing, and inventorying various supplies, as well as their subsequent deployment. He was overwhelmed and missed his previous small plot of land.

The summer of 1998 seemed to be hotter and more humid than usual. Months of torrential rain ravaged the Yangtze River basin, and news reports of water level warnings were constantly being updated.

"Advance, how's the supplies coming along?"

"Uncle He, everything is ready." If Xiong Qianjin didn't know why He Yuzhu had asked him to prepare these things, he would be a fool. What he was more worried about now was that it wasn't enough.

He had also participated in disaster relief efforts and understood the difficulties involved.

"Be prepared to transfer supplies at any time."

"Yes." Xiong Qianjin stood at attention unconsciously on the other end of the phone.

Then He Yuzhu made another call to Yu Yuntao.

Then, at an inconspicuous base near Huacheng, Yu Yuntao, the captain of the Yellow River Rescue Team, also began intensive preparations.

By this time, the Yellow River Rescue Team, after years of development and He Yuzhu's tireless efforts, was no longer the small team of just a few dozen people. Its core members numbered over three hundred, and it was well-equipped with various advanced rescue equipment, including large assault boats, amphibious rescue vehicles, professional-grade watercraft, and satellite communication equipment. Its size and level of professionalism were comparable to a reinforced battalion.

Yu Yuntao stood at the front of the line, with neatly stacked rescue equipment and vehicles and boats with flashing police lights behind him.

"Comrades, according to meteorological analysis and headquarters instructions, this year's flood situation is exceptionally severe! We've been training for this moment! I order the rescue team to immediately enter a state of first-level combat readiness. All personnel are to cancel their leave, inspect and maintain equipment, and ensure that we can be deployed, rush to the scene, and rescue people at any time!"

The team members stood solemnly and answered in unison, "Yes!"

"Furthermore, the chairman has already made all the necessary arrangements. For this operation, we will establish a joint mechanism with a unit of the Huacheng Military Region to conduct coordinated operations. They will be mainly responsible for large-scale troop deployments such as reinforcing the dikes and evacuating the masses, while we will leverage our advantages in mobility, flexibility, and professional water rescue to be responsible for breaking into dangerous situations and rescuing trapped personnel. The communication channels and coordination rules have been issued, and you must master them thoroughly!"

The rescue team then received orders to depart. At the base, engines roared to life, and the team members carried out final equipment checks and inventory of supplies in an orderly manner. A tense atmosphere filled the air.

Many of the special vehicles and communication equipment they are equipped with were sponsored by the Yellow River Group or jointly developed with the military, and are about to be tested on the real battlefield.

After the Yellow River Rescue Team set off, He Yuzhu received a call from Xiong Qianjin.

"Uncle He, the first batch of supplies, including 50,000 life jackets, 200 inflatable boats, 500 tents, and a large quantity of food and medicine, has been sent to the hardest-hit areas in Hubei and Hunan provinces according to the route you instructed!" Xiong Qianjin's voice was quick, clearly indicating that there was more to come.

"Have all the channels been opened? Make sure it gets delivered to where it's most needed, and don't delay it on the way," He Yuzhu said in a deep voice.

"It's connected! We're directly coordinating with the local flood control headquarters. Our personnel are escorting the vehicles, and the supplies are being delivered by the transportation company of the Huacheng Military Region, ensuring direct delivery!"

"Okay, keep up with the subsequent batches, don't let it stop. Move forward, this is a tough battle, logistical support is the lifeline, I'm entrusting it to you."

"Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on things in the warehouse, nothing will go wrong!" Xiong Qianjin said firmly.

A few days later, the flag of the Yellow River Rescue Team was raised next to a temporary command post under the Huacheng Military Region.

Team leader Yu Yuntao, covered in mud, was quickly exchanging views with several military commanders while looking at an unfolded map.

"Captain Yu, the upstream embankment has breached, and these villages and towns downstream have instantly become isolated islands. The water level is still rising, and there are at least a thousand people still trapped inside! We don't have enough assault boats, and the current is too strong for large ships to get through!" A commander with the rank of colonel pointed to the map, his voice urgent.

“Leave it to us.” Yu Yuntao wiped the rain and water from his face, his eyes sharp. “Our assault boats and motors are specially made, shallow-draft, and powerful. Our team members have all been trained in strong currents. Please give us the exact coordinates and contact information, and we’ll take care of getting them out!”

"Great! How should the troops coordinate?"

"Please send a company of soldiers to the designated reception point to prepare to receive and resettle the people. In addition, we need helicopters for aerial reconnaissance and guidance. Our communication equipment can be connected to your network."

"no problem!"

The order was given.

Dozens of assault boats from the Yellow River Rescue Team shot off like arrows, breaking through the turbid rapids and rushing towards the villages and towns that had been submerged.

The team members, dressed in orange rescue suits, skillfully maneuvered through the swift currents and floating debris.

Yu Yuntao personally led the team, charging ahead at the forefront.

Through his headset, he continuously received the latest disaster information and the location of trapped people from the helicopter.

"At the three o'clock position, on the second floor of the red brick building, there's an elderly person waving!"

"Roger that! Group three, follow me!"

The inflatable boats risked getting close to the almost submerged buildings, and the team members, braving the danger of being swept away by the current, set up ladders and carried the shivering elderly and children onto the boat one by one.

"Is there anyone else? Is anyone still inside?" Yu Yuntao shouted, his voice hoarse in the wind and rain.

"No...it's all gone, it's all here, thank you, thank you all..." The old man sobbed uncontrollably.

"Hurry! The water has risen again!"

Such scenes were repeated at various rescue sites.

With their excellent equipment, professional skills, and fearless spirit, the Yellow River Rescue Team repeatedly ventured into the most dangerous areas to transfer large numbers of trapped people to safety.

The satellite phones and specialized communication equipment they carried also provided valuable communication nodes for the chaotic disaster area.

A few days later, the flood peak passed, but an even greater danger was discovered on a section of the dike.

Piping and seepage created a perilous situation; a breach would have unimaginable consequences. Tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians fought day and night on the dike, driving piles, filling sandbags, and plugging the seepage—a scene both tragic and intense.

He Yuzhu remained silent for a long time after watching the footage on television of soldiers jumping into the water to block the flood peak with their bodies.

He picked up the phone, made several transfers, and went straight to the flood control command center.

"Commander Wang, I see the soldiers are fighting desperately on the front lines. I can also mobilize a batch of large pumping equipment, seepage prevention materials, and a batch of special engineering vehicles, all of which are the latest models from Yellow River Heavy Industry. They are more durable than ordinary ones, and I will have them sent over directly."

Commander Wang was also on the front lines coordinating, his voice hoarse: "Mr. He, this is a timely help! I was just worried about these things! I'll have someone connect with you immediately!"

"Tell the soldiers and civilians in front that someone is trying to find a way out, and tell them to hold on!"

"I will."

The supplies were transported to the most dangerous sections of the dike as quickly as possible, day and night, through the Yellow River Group's logistics network.

The high-powered water pumps and sturdy engineering vehicles arrived at the scene and immediately began to play a vital role in the rescue work.

In this nationwide battle against floods, the Yellow River Group was present in multiple stages: rescue teams risked their lives to save people at the front lines, a continuous stream of supplies and funds were provided from the rear, and technical equipment was deployed at critical moments.

In late August, the raging floods finally began to recede.

The Yellow River Rescue Team returned to base exhausted but honored, with no casualties, though almost everyone had lost weight and was covered in injuries.

Xiong Qianjin's work on material allocation has also come to a temporary end. The figures he compiled were astonishing, almost emptying the several large disaster recovery warehouses that He Yuzhu had asked him to build.

He Yuzhu listened to reports from all sides in his courtyard house in Beijing and slowly let out a sigh of relief.

Xiaoman came to his side and said softly, "The donation has been arranged. We will also follow up on the post-disaster reconstruction. This time it cost quite a bit."

He Yuzhu nodded: "Money and possessions are all external things. Our family has more money than we could spend in several lifetimes. This can be considered as using it where it's needed."

"It's not that I'm worried about the money, it's that..."

"I know what you're going to say. Someone will remember it, won't they?"

“You’re always right!” Xiaoman laughed.

(End of this chapter)