Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 433 The Great Roc Rises with the Wind, Soaring Ninety Thousand Miles High (It's the end of the month again, shamelessly asking for votes)

A few days later, He Yuzhu looked at the final report on material consumption and donations submitted by Xiong Qianjin. Although the numbers were huge, his gaze remained calm.

The Yellow River was mentioned in the news, which alone is a huge benefit. Although the advertising after the news doesn't cost as much, the effect is nowhere near that of being featured in the news.

Of course, Huanghe has been bidding for prime-time advertising slots ever since they were introduced.

“Uncle He, the main disaster recovery warehouses have been basically emptied, and I’m already planning for subsequent replenishment.” Xiong Qianjin stood in front of his desk, his voice hoarse from staying up all night, but his back was straight. “In addition, the direct donations reported by branches in various regions, plus the donations in the name of the group, total this amount.” He handed over another document.

He Yuzhu glanced at it and nodded: "The money and supplies have been used up, we can earn more. What about the personnel? How's the situation with the rescue team?"

"Captain Yu and his team have rested for a week and have now resumed their daily training. During this operation, seven team members developed skin diseases due to prolonged immersion in water and are currently receiving treatment. The others sustained minor injuries, and no one has fallen behind. The equipment has also suffered considerable damage, especially the motors and hulls of the assault boats, which are severely worn and are currently being inspected and replenished."

"Replace what needs replacing, and replenish what needs replenishing; don't skimp on anything. Tell Yu Yuntao that the team members have worked hard this time, and the group will give them an extra bonus, distributed according to their contributions. For those who are sick, do everything you can to get them treated; the group will cover all the expenses."

"Understood." Xiong Qianjin noted it down one by one.

“You’ve worked hard too,” He Yuzhu looked up at him. “Go back and rest for a few days, spend time with your wife and kids. There’s still a lot to do in the reconstruction, you’ll be busy.”

Xiong Qianjin felt a warmth in his heart and nodded vigorously: "Yes, Uncle He!"

After Xiong Qianjin left, Xiaoman brought in a cup of ginseng tea and placed it next to He Yuzhu.

"After this incident, Qianjin has become more composed," Xiaoman said softly.

“Jade must be carved to become a useful object. He is a promising talent, but he has been too comfortable in his comfort zone for too long.” He Yuzhu picked up his teacup and blew on the steam. “From now on, he will be fully responsible for replenishing disaster relief supplies and improving the system. This may seem insignificant, but it can be very useful in critical moments.”

"Are you planning to completely separate this part from the group's structure?"

"Yes, it operates independently and has its own accounting. It's a non-profit support unit. You'll be the one nominally managing the Hong Kong charity foundation in mainland China, and Qianjin will be directly responsible to you."

"I haven't had much to do lately, so I'll take care of this," Xiaoman said.

"Okay, you handle it. By the way, is the school matter still being processed?"

“It’s being done, it’s been going on all along,” Xiaoman said.

"After all these years, hasn't a single talented person emerged from here?"

"You still know to ask? Don't worry, all the talent is in the group, they won't run away," Xiaoman said.

"That's good," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

On the streets of Beijing, discussions about housing reform began to rise in intensity, appearing in newspapers and in casual conversations.

He Yuzhu sat in his study, holding a newly delivered internal reference document that clearly outlined the specific timetable and guidelines for stopping welfare housing allocation and promoting the commercialization of housing.

He put down the file and tapped his fingers lightly on the table a few times.

Xiaoman brought in a plate of sliced ​​fruit. Seeing his expression, she asked, "Is there another new policy?"

“Yes, houses are going to become commodities.” He Yuzhu pointed to the document. “From now on, the work unit will no longer allocate houses; everyone will have to buy them on the market.”

Xiaoman sat down next to him, picked up the document and looked at it: "Isn't this the same as what happened in Hong Kong before? The opportunity has come?"

"Yes, let our daughter come back. Her opportunity has arrived."

“Ningxue has been waiting for this day for a long time. The design plans for the residential plots reserved next to her commercial complexes have been revised several times.” Xiaoman laughed. “She said she wants to build a garden community with separate pedestrian and vehicle access, as well as a dedicated children’s playground and senior activity center.”

"She doesn't even understand slab buildings, yet she's trying to build a garden community?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"Whether she understands or not is not important. As long as you, as her father, understand, that's enough. We've already done so many projects in Hong Kong. By the way, should we have Ah Lang come to the mainland to oversee things for a while?"

"First ask your daughter what she thinks. What if she has any ideas about just parachuting in a person to manage her?"

“That’s your daughter too. What could she possibly think? Ah Lang is just like her own uncle.”

"That's true, but you should still talk to your daughter."

"Okay, okay, I'll call my daughter right now." With that, Xiaoman picked up the phone on the table and dialed He Ningxue's cell phone.

"Hey, Dad!"

"I am your mother!"

"Hey, why are you calling me from the phone in my dad's study?"

"What, does that mean he can only use that phone himself? Can't I use it too?"

"Nengneng, please use it as you like. I just got confused after answering the phone!" He Ningxue said.

"Come back sometime these next few days if you have some free time. I have something to discuss with you," Xiaoman said.

"Mom, I've been very busy lately and haven't had time to come home."

"What's wrong with you? You don't care about your child, you don't even come home, do you want to fly to the moon?" Xiaoman raised her voice.

"No, no, it's just that the policy was just released and business at our branches all over the country has skyrocketed. I'm really busy."

“It’s okay if you don’t come back, I’ll tell you over the phone.” Then Xiaoman told her about Honglang.

"That's great! When is Uncle Lang coming? I haven't seen him in a long time, and I really miss him!" He Ningxue said.

"You're not opposed to it?"

“Why would I object? Our family’s real estate was built by Uncle Lang. My dad used to want Uncle Lang to stay in Hong Kong, but I couldn’t persuade him. I’m overjoyed that my dad finally agreed,” He Ningxue said.

"Okay, come back and see the kids when you have time," Xiaoman said, about to hang up.

He Yuzhu shouted from the side, "And there's us old folks too!"

"Okay, I'm going to get busy now, Dad, Mom!" He Ningxue's voice came through the receiver.

Then He Yuzhu called Hong Lang, who was quite excited. He had thought about it before, but he didn't dare to bring it up. He still wanted to be with He Yuzhu.

"Boss, can I bring my family with me when I go back?"

"Huh? I just told you, and your family has already discussed it?"

"Hehe, actually I've had this plan for a while now. It's just the two of us old folks; I can't take care of our children."

"Why not? You can come and live next to me. The house is ready."

"Great, I'll leave as soon as I'm done with the handover here."

"Wait, I didn't ask you to hand over the work!"

"Oh, really? Boss, I'm already this old. You have to let me relax a bit. I'll just hand it over to Yaozu. Anyway, the group is now mostly young people taking over. I've been planning to retire for a while now. When I go back, I don't plan to take any official position. Just give me an advisory role. Wouldn't it be nice if I could just have tea and play chess with you every day?"

"So you're planning to retire here with me!"

"Yeah, Lao Gu and the others can't let go, but I can. After all these years of ups and downs, I'm tired, and I've made enough money, so why should I keep pushing myself so hard!"

"You're welcome! Come on over, don't bring anything, just come back!"

"That's exactly what I was waiting for. I'm hanging up now, I'm going to find Yaozu!"

"toot toot"

He Yaozu shook his head and smiled bitterly as he held the microphone. He really had never asked Hong Lang about it, because real estate was different from other things. As long as Hong Lang's health could keep up, that was fine. Who would have thought that Hong Lang had such thoughts? He was considering whether to ask others as well, such as Chen Sheng, who had been in North America for so long without any explanation.

"Forget it, Chen Sheng is still young after all. Let's talk about it in a few years." He Yuzhu thought about it and gave up the idea. Chen Sheng was much younger than them.

The handover of Honglang was remarkably swift, taking only a week, to which He Yaozu even called back to complain once.

"What's wrong? You can't handle it? If you can't handle it, tell your Uncle Lang. Do you think he'll just ignore you?"

"Dad, this isn't a matter of whether I can handle it or not; you're planning to dump the whole Hong Kong business on me!"

"Otherwise what? What's the point of keeping you in Hong Kong?"

"Alright, what can I do? I'm your son. But we have a deal, you can't scold me if I don't do a good job!"

"Heh, if you don't do a good job and lose money, it's your own loss. You decide what to do!"

He Yuzhu's laughter made He Yaozu across from him shudder involuntarily. He hurriedly said, "I'll do my best. I have other things to do, Dad. I'll hang up now. *beep beep beep*"

"Hmph, I can't handle you!"

A few days later, Hong Lang arrived in Beijing. Fan Hu and the others went to pick him up. Hong Lang didn't go to his own place. Instead, he went to No. 95 Courtyard to see He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang.

"Uncle He, Aunt Chen!"

"Ah Lang, I heard you're not leaving this time?"

"Yes, from now on we'll be your neighbors."

"Okay, okay, come and chat with us often when you have time."

"Of course," Hong Lang said hastily, then left his wife to talk to Chen Lanxiang while he went to the study with He Yuzhu.

"Ah Lang, why didn't you say you had this idea sooner?"

“I thought about how hard we’ve worked to build our lives in Hong Kong, and I felt I had to help you protect it,” Hong Lang said with a smile.

"You don't think that way anymore?"

“How could that be? The next generation has grown up now, and Yaozu’s prestige in the group is unshakeable. He’s also well-versed in official matters. It’s time for this old man to retire,” Hong Lang said.

"Then just relax and retire in Beijing!" He Yuzhu patted him on the shoulder.

"No way, I can't just come back and do nothing. Didn't you arrange for me to go and help Ningxue?"

"What's the rush? Let her come back in a couple of days, and you can work from home. At most, we'll get you an office at the headquarters in Beijing."

"That works too, it's a pity Old Bai isn't coming back."

"What can he do? That old guy just stays cooped up in his own little corner of the world every day. Do you expect him to go bird-walking or fishing with you?"

"That's true, hehe!"

"I'll treat you to a nice meal later, then you can get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll take you around Beijing so this southerner can experience the capital!"

"You talk as if I've never seen the world before!" Ah Lang said with a wry smile.

"What you see are all modern things, but what we're looking at is ancient!"

"Okay, whatever you say!"

After Hong Lang settled down in Beijing, He Yuzhu indeed took a few days off to personally show his old friend around the city.

They didn't go to the newly built high-rise buildings, but instead chose to go to places that had been around for a long time.

On the first day, we went to the Temple of Heaven.

Standing on the Altar of Heaven, Hong Lang looked at the spacious altar area and the exquisite Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and couldn't help but exclaim, "Boss, the layout and the grandeur of this place are completely different from the feeling of land being so expensive in Hong Kong. Standing here, I feel my heart and mind are broadened."

He Yuzhu stood with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance: "Our ancestors believed in the unity of heaven and man, and reverence for heaven and ancestors. Staying here for a while, thinking about all the trouble we've caused, sometimes it really doesn't seem like much."

Hong Lang nodded, deeply agreeing.

The next day, He Yuzhu took Hong Lang to the Great Wall.

As the car drove up to the foot of Juyong Pass, gazing at the giant dragon winding its way up the mountain ridge, Hong Lang took a deep breath: "I've seen it in photos countless times, but standing right under it still feels awe-inspiring."

The two climbed up the steep steps. He Yuzhu was still in good physical condition and his steps were steady.

Hong Lang was slightly out of breath, but in high spirits.

Standing by the crenellations, looking at the rolling Yanshan Mountains, He Yuzhu said, "Have you ever heard the saying, 'He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true man'?"

Hong Lang leaned against the city wall and laughed, "Well, I guess I've done something good today. Boss, the soldiers who guarded this place back then really had it tough."

“Yes,” He Yuzhu said with a distant gaze, “so what we are doing now, guarding what we should guard, is a way of doing right by our ancestors.”

Over the next few days, they visited the Summer Palace, strolled along the Kunming Lake, and saw the Tower of Buddhist Incense; they also went to the Ming Tombs, walked along the long Sacred Way, and felt the solemnity and vicissitudes of the Ming Dynasty imperial tombs.

Hong Lang showed great interest in these historical sites, asking questions from time to time.

Although He Yuzhu wasn't a history expert, he had a great memory. He remembered everything he had read in the past and everything the tour guide had told him. His explanations along the way were no worse than those of a professional tour guide. He would also occasionally mention some allusions and his own insights, making the surrounding tourists follow him. This made Fan Hu and the others very nervous, but He Yuzhu didn't seem to care.

“Back in Hong Kong, I was always busy, my eyes were always on business, the docks, and the stock market,” Hong Lang said with emotion. “Coming back here to walk around and take a look around, I feel more at ease. My roots are here, it really makes a difference.”

He Yuzhu glanced at him and smiled, "That's right. One should not forget one's roots. When you have time in the future, let's go out and travel more. China is a big country, there's plenty for you to see."

Hong Lang nodded emphatically: "Okay, I'll do as you say!"

After a few days of travel, He Ningxue rushed back to Beijing from her project in another city.

Upon seeing Hong Lang, she was as happy as a little girl: "Uncle Lang! You're finally back! With you here, I feel much more at ease!"

Hong Lang looked at He Ningxue, who was already capable of handling things on her own, with affection in his eyes: "Xiaoxue has grown up so much and is so capable. Your uncle is getting old and has only come back to support you. You young people will have to handle the specifics."

"With you here, we have a pillar of support!" He Ningxue said with a smile. "Perfect timing, I have some plans for new plots of land here, you'd like to take a look, especially the kind of low-cost, high-utility apartment designs you mentioned before."

Watching Hong Lang and his daughter quickly get into a work discussion, He Yuzhu leisurely sipped his tea, knowing in his heart that Hong Lang's "retirement" life was probably not going to be very leisurely.

However, this is also good. Having old friends around, having things to do, and having people to chat with is the best arrangement.

After working with He Ningxue for several days, Hong Lang came over to report on his work.

“Boss, Ningxue is amazing.” Hong Lang’s tone was full of admiration. “She has a quick mind, is bold, and most importantly, thinks far ahead. Her concept of a ‘garden community’ is absolutely the first of its kind in Beijing right now. I’ve looked at the design drawings, and there are no major problems. The details are even more thoughtful than some of the projects I’ve done in Hong Kong.”

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "That's good. Please help her oversee the projects, especially basic infrastructure projects and government-related projects."

"Don't worry about that, I know what's important." Hong Lang nodded. "But boss, I have an idea."

"You said."

“If we’re going to do this, let’s do it big. The land we’ve accumulated before is all in first-tier cities, but I think we can start preparing for second- and third-tier cities as well.” Hong Lang’s eyes gleamed.

He Yuzhu glanced at him and understood that his old friend's ambition had also been ignited. After all, there was too little land in Hong Kong, and most of the later projects were reconstruction or renovation projects.

"Sure, you and Ningxue can discuss and decide on the specifics. If you need any resources, just let the group know."

With He Yuzhu's endorsement, Hong Lang went all out, bringing back a group of elderly people from Hong Kong, most of whom were close to retirement, and spreading them all over the country.

This action made He Yuzhu realize how stifled his men had been in Hong Kong, unable to fully utilize their talents. However, it also made him understand why Hong Lang wanted to come to the mainland—this was the real stage. Hong Lang's arrival also helped He Ningxue solve another problem: cooperation with the government. These veterans had honed their skills in Hong Kong, and their interpersonal relationships and methods of dealing with government departments were far superior to those in the mainland.

He Ningxue would also call back from time to time to report good news, such as that she had won a certain piece of land in a certain place, and Uncle Lang had made a great contribution.

Hong Lang said he would come over every day to have tea and chat with He Yuzhu, but he never actually saw him. Only his wife came over every day to chat with Xiaoman and occasionally play mahjong.

There were four women at the table: Xiaoman, Wang Cuiping, Wang Hongxia, and Hong Lang's wife. Sometimes Chen Lanxiang would also play a few rounds.

After the National Day holiday, He Yuzhu received an invitation from Factory Director Song. The invitation didn't specify anything, but it invited He Yuzhu to go to Sichuan Province on October 20th. He had to go by himself.

He Yuzhu could guess what it was about; he was being asked to go see the airplane.

After informing his family, He Yuzhu took Fan Hu and several others to Sichuan Province on October 17th. He left Fan Hu and the others in Chengdu, while he himself was personally picked up by Factory Director Song.

"Old Song, if there's no surprise this time, I'll look down on you!" He Yuzhu joked on the road.

"Don't worry, there will definitely be a surprise, a really big surprise!"

"Then I'll definitely look forward to it!"

"Hahaha, let's go, let me show you some of the delicious food from Sichuan Province first!"

After the meal, He Yuzhu signed a confidentiality agreement before being taken to the guesthouse.

October 20, 1998, at a flight test base in western Sichuan.

The sky was azure, and the distant mountains were like dark eyebrows.

A morning breeze blew through the grass beside the airport runway, bringing a touch of late autumn coolness.

He Yuzhu stood in the viewing area, holding a Type 85 military binoculars. The cool metallic touch came from his fingertips as he adjusted the focus.

October 20, 1998, at a flight test base in western Sichuan.

The sky was a cool blue, with the distant mountains clearly outlined. He Yuzhu stood in the viewing area, holding a Type 85 military binoculars. The cool metallic touch came from his fingertips as he adjusted the focus.

In the field of vision, the fighter jet numbered 1001 was slowly towed to the runway starting point. Its sharp twin tails, unique canard aerodynamic layout, and the riveting marks on the fuselage were faintly visible in the morning light.

The tow truck slowly pulled the fighter jet to the runway starting point, and the ground crew quickly stepped forward to conduct a final inspection.

Soon after, the pilot, wearing a pressure suit, boarded the plane with the assistance of his comrades.

The canopy slowly closed.

The roar of the engine abruptly shattered the morning tranquility.

The AL-31FN engine emitted a pale blue exhaust flame as the fighter jet began its taxiing.

At the 400-meter mark, the front wheels were already off the ground.

He Yuzhu held his breath—this takeoff distance was significantly shorter than that of similar fighter jets in his memory.

The fighter jet took off at an almost violent angle, with the angle of attack clearly exceeding the conventional limit.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd from behind the viewing platform. He Yuzhu's binoculars were glued to the aircraft, noticing the harmonious coupling of the canards and main wing vortices, resulting in an astonishingly stable fuselage.

"The fly-by-wire flight control system did a great job," he murmured to himself.

After climbing to the designated altitude, the fighter jet began a roll maneuver.

The movements were clean and swift, without any unnecessary tremors.

At the end of the third roll, it suddenly made a light turn, like a bird naturally wagging its tail.

He Yuzhu looked at the war eagles soaring freely in the blue sky, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He recalled the battles he had fought against a powerful enemy in the skies over the peninsula many years ago, the old propeller-driven fighters, and the comrades who had given their lives for them.
For decades, they have worked tirelessly (driving a cart made of firewood and wearing tattered clothes) to go from being extremely poor to now being able to independently develop fighter jets that are close to the world's advanced level. The hardships they have endured are beyond what outsiders can understand.

He silently straightened his back.

As the aircraft accelerated and emerged from the Mach ring, He Yuzhu lowered his binoculars and looked at Director Song: "The instantaneous disc speed has exceeded that of the F-15A."

Factory Director Song smiled, revealing deep wrinkles at the corners of his eyes: "The flight control laws have been specially optimized. However, energy retention is still a disadvantage, given the thrust-to-weight ratio."

In the following low-speed flyby, the fighter jet slowly passed over the reviewing stand at a dangerous angle.

He Yuzhu noticed that the flap deflection method was unique, seemingly borrowed from lift-enhancing technologies used in some commercial airliners. This detail struck him—the research team was indeed thoroughly understanding the technology.

"Angle of attack upon landing," he said softly. Director Song nodded emphatically.

The crucial landing phase has arrived. The fighter jet maintains a huge angle of attack as it descends, and just before touchdown, it gently pushes down its nose.

Two plumes of blue smoke appeared as the main landing gear tires scraped against the ground, indicating that the drag chute had deployed successfully.

When the fighter jet came to a complete stop, ground crew rushed forward, the cockpit canopy opened, and the pilot raised his right hand in a gesture of success, the viewing area finally erupted in enthusiastic and sustained applause.

Factory Director Song gripped He Yuzhu's hand tightly, his eyes reddening slightly: "Old He, it's done! We've done it!"

He Yuzhu grabbed his hand in return and shook it vigorously: "Yes, it's done! Thank you for your hard work, Lao Song, thank you all for your hard work!"

He knew this was just the beginning, and there was a long road ahead of testing, improvement, and mass production.

But this solid first step has already dispelled the gloom of the past and painted the sky with new and bright colors.

"I won't say much in thanks. Our results are the best thanks. Lao He, are you satisfied?" Lao Song said.

"Satisfied, but you can't let your guard down!" He Yuzhu joked.

"You sound like my boss when you say that!"

"Hahahaha! I'm not the leader, but how about the sugar daddy?"

"Yes, of course not."

On the return trip, Director Song was still bursting with excitement, rambling on about the follow-up plans and his aspirations for the next generation of fighter jets.

He Yuzhu listened quietly most of the time without asking any questions.

"Old He, don't you have any ideas?"

"Shouldn't I, as an outsider, just be there to listen to this kind of thing?" He Yuzhu retorted.

"That won't do! You'll have to offer more suggestions!"

"Then I'll ask you one question: stealth and radar. You don't need to answer how I am now!"

"You're the one!" Old Song gave a thumbs up.

He Yuzhu just smiled.

Factory Director Song didn't let He Yuzhu just listen; he immediately changed the subject.

“Old He,” he turned to the side, his tone becoming serious, “I’m not going to beat around the bush with you. The help you provided was crucial to the success of this J-10 upgrade. We’ve taken this first step, but there’s still a long road ahead.”

He Yuzhu grunted in agreement, signaling him to continue.

"Subsequent test flights, type certification, and improvements all require funding and a more solid industrial foundation. As you know, the equipment and processes at our supporting auxiliary factories are somewhat outdated. I was thinking, could we deepen our cooperation with your precision and heavy industry companies? For example, could we jointly establish a precision machining workshop, or jointly develop molding processes for some special materials?" Director Song looked at He Yuzhu. "Of course, I understand the rules; we'll operate as a commercial partnership, mutually beneficial. With stable orders and financial support, the factories below will have the motivation and capital to upgrade and transform."

He Yuzhu did not answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the fields rushing past the car window.

He understood what Lao Song meant. National project funding has procedures and limits, while the injection of funds and technology from the Yellow River can more quickly fill the gaps in the industrial chain.

This is indeed a mutually beneficial thing, as it can support national defense and also enhance the precision manufacturing capabilities of the Yellow River itself.

“The idea is good.” Turning back to Director Song, He Yuzhu slowly spoke, “However, Lao Song, this isn’t something that can be decided just by the two of us talking. The specific situation of your subsidiary factory, its technical gaps, and the feasibility of upgrading and transformation need to be assessed in detail by professional teams from both sides. The cooperation model, ownership, and profit distribution all need to be clearly defined in writing beforehand. I don’t want to do something good but end up causing some trouble.”

"Of course!" Director Song was delighted to see that He Yuzhu did not directly refuse. "The procedures must be followed. As long as you agree in principle, I will go back and submit a report, organize manpower, and get the preliminary research done as soon as possible. I will ensure that everything is done within the rules and regulations, and I will not make things difficult for you."

He Yuzhu nodded: "First, put together a preliminary idea and a list of requirements. It doesn't need to be too detailed, just give me a direction. Let me take a look, and I'll have the heads of Jinggong and Zhonggong study it. If there is indeed room for cooperation, then we'll start a formal evaluation."

"Alright! It's settled then!" Factory Director Song slapped his thigh forcefully. "Old He, it's still the most pleasant thing to do with you!"

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Don't be so optimistic, you've got a lot to worry about."

He knew in his heart that this was indeed a path that could accelerate development, but such cooperation involved a wide range of people and many approval processes, and it would take time and patience for it to be truly implemented.

After returning to Chengdu, He Yuzhu declined Director Song's invitation to stay for a few more days and returned to Beijing with his men.

Then he told He Yuxin about the cooperation that Factory Director Song had mentioned.

"Brother, aren't we getting too deeply involved with them? What will this do for the future?"

"Let's talk first. We'll reject anything that's too sensitive, or we'll just hand it over to Huagao Technology. You can just do the peripheral work. Of course, don't take on any deals that will lose money."

Don't worry, brother!

"By the way, did you see the document submitted by Factory 541?"

“Brother, I’ve looked at the proposal and budget submitted by Factory 541. Isn’t it a bit much to add such a large amount of R&D funding? I sent it to you because I wasn’t sure about it,” He Yuxin said.

"Let's pay them in batches, otherwise they'll get anxious if they don't see any return on their investment," He Yuzhu said.

"That's what I think too. Let's focus on armored vehicles first. Actually, even if we were to develop other land-based special vehicles, the investment wouldn't be that large. The key is amphibious vehicles."

"Have them make the plan more detailed, set up a special team for amphibious operations, and don't mix it with other projects. The money must be spent clearly."

"Yes, I think we need to send a finance and auditing team to that area!"

"What, you've discovered a problem?"

“They’re still following the old plan, which won’t work. Also, it seems like your eldest niece from the Mei family is being sidelined.”

"Is it that serious? Why didn't anyone report it to me?" He Yuzhu frowned.

"I guess the Mei girl thought she could handle it, so she observed for a while. Since this matter happened, I thought I'd mention it to you."

"Then send someone. If that doesn't work, send a manager directly. If Mei has any objections, I'll speak to her."

"You don't need to tell me. I don't think that's a good idea. I'll take this opportunity to reorganize that area. If it's not working, I'll either dismiss a group of people or just transfer them to the second tier."

"Alright, let's not go too far."

"Don't worry, bro. I've done this kind of thing for more than just one or two companies."

"Okay, just let me know if you need me."

"That's for sure."

A few days later, He Yuxin led a capable team of finance, auditing and management consultants to Dongzhen, Wenxi County, YC City, Shanxi Province, where Factory 541 was located.

He didn't make a big fuss. The first thing he did upon arrival was to have a private talk with Mei Suxin in a temporary meeting room next to the factory director's office.

"Director Mei, I've reviewed the budgets and project plans the factory recently submitted." He Yuxin got straight to the point, pushing several documents in front of Mei Suxin. "There are some parts that I think need further consideration. Especially the funding plan for the amphibious vehicle R&D project team; the guidelines are still too broad. The group is very strict about the efficiency of funds now, and this kind of budget will be difficult to get approved at headquarters."

Mei Suxin looked at the few blurry items circled by He Yuxin with her pen, her face slightly flushed, with a hint of helplessness: "Third Uncle, as you know, our factory does technical research and development, and many expenses can't be planned out too strictly in advance. The teachers' habit is..."

"Habits are understandable, but rules must be established." He Yuxin interrupted her, his tone calm but unquestionable. "This is not the time for small-scale operations like before. The group has invested so much; we need to see results and benefits. If the processes are unclear and responsibilities are ambiguous, in the end, we might spend money but not get the products, or the products we do get might have shockingly high costs. We can't explain this to the factory, the group, or the partners who trust us."

He paused, observing Mei Suxin's expression, and continued, "I brought people here this time not to find fault, but to help the factory streamline its processes and lay a solid foundation. The finance and audit teams will be stationed at the factory for a period of time to assist you in setting up the framework for project accounting, material procurement, and cost control. The management consultant will also talk with each workshop and project team to see if there are any areas for optimization in the organizational structure and decision-making process."

Mei Suxin was silent for a moment, then nodded: "I understand what Uncle San means. Some of the older comrades in the factory can't change their mindset right away. I will cooperate with the working group to do a good job of communication."

He Yuxin looked at her and softened his tone: "Suxin, you are someone that your elder brother values. He put you in this position because he trusts your abilities. But managing a factory requires more than just technical knowledge and the ability to coordinate with the older employees. You also need to be good at financial management and use modern methods to manage people, affairs, and money. This is also an opportunity for you to learn and grow."

After the working group arrived, it quickly began its work.

The audit team reviewed accounts and procurement records from the past two years and quickly discovered some problems: the purchase prices of some raw materials were significantly higher than the average market price; the settlement of expenses for some outsourced collaborative projects lacked detailed support; and there were irregularities in the reimbursement of miscellaneous purchases and travel expenses by the R&D department.

Through interviews with middle-level managers and key technicians, management consultants also uncovered some issues: the factory's decision-making process did indeed exhibit signs of "gerontocracy," with several senior workshop directors and project leaders wielding excessive influence. Sometimes, Mei Suxin's instructions would encounter overt or covert resistance, especially regarding personnel reassignment and resource allocation. Newly promoted young technical staff felt somewhat stifled, believing their voices were rarely heard.

The situation was more complicated than He Yuxin had anticipated. He convened a closed-door meeting with the working group and Mei Suxin.

“The problem is basically clear.” He Yuxin tapped the audit report. “Part of it is the problem of extensive management left over from history, and the other part is a problem of people. Some veteran comrades have made great contributions and worked hard, but their concepts and methods are indeed outdated. They may even have taken advantage of their past merits and personal relationships to gain some benefits that they should not have.”

Mei Suxin's face turned a little pale; she knew which people He Yuxin was referring to.

"Third Uncle, those veteran workers are all heroes of the factory. Without them, Factory 541 wouldn't have survived until today. Could you handle this a little more gently?"

He Yuxin glanced at her: "Suxin, remember, management isn't about being a pushover. We should respect those who have made contributions and ensure they receive the treatment they deserve. But that doesn't mean we should allow them to hinder the factory's development or even break the rules. That's unfair to other employees who follow the rules, and it would be a fatal blow to the factory's future."

He made a decision: "For the problems verified by the audit, those that should be refunded will be refunded, and those that should be held accountable will be held accountable. We will handle it according to company regulations, but we will pay attention to the methods and approaches used in the process and give them enough face. As for those older colleagues who are indeed backward in their thinking and occupy key positions that hinder efficiency, you will speak with them. The group will offer them a generous early retirement plan, asking them to step down to the second line, serve as consultants, and give up their positions to continue contributing their expertise."

He looked at the management consultant: "The organizational restructuring plan should be put forward as soon as possible, clarifying the responsibilities of each department, establishing a project leader system, and reducing unnecessary approval procedures. In particular, the newly established amphibious vehicle R&D special team should break down the original workshop boundaries, select capable and enterprising young people from across the factory, and give them sufficient authority and resources."

He then said to Mei Suxin, "You will take the lead in setting up a reform leading group and personally oversee this matter. If you encounter any resistance, report directly to me. This is a painful process, but it must be endured. If Factory 541 wants to take on more important tasks, and if it wants to survive and thrive, it must get through this hurdle."

In the following month, Factory 541 experienced unprecedented upheaval.

Several former workshop directors, who used to have the final say, were invited to a talk by Mei Suxin. Naturally, they were initially upset, and some even went to He Yuxin to complain. However, He Yuxin clearly supported Mei Suxin's decision.

Faced with favorable retirement conditions and the group's firm stance, the turmoil eventually subsided.

The new organizational structure and processes have begun to be implemented.

A group of technical backbones in their thirties and forties were promoted to key positions, and the amphibious vehicle R&D team brought together the elites of the entire factory, making the funding approval and material allocation process clear and efficient.

After experiencing initial difficulties, Mei Suxin gradually adapted to her new role and began to use systems and rules to manage the factory more proactively. Her authority became more solid than before.

Before leaving Factory 541, He Yuxin looked at the busy yet orderly scene in the workshop and said to Mei Suxin, "Suxin, do you see? When the rules are set, only those who truly get things done can emerge. Keep doing things this way from now on. If you encounter any difficulties, the group will be your support."

Mei Suxin nodded solemnly. She knew that Factory 541 had truly turned the page on the old chapter and ushered in a new phase.

The group didn't take action before, whatever the reason, it was to save face for her.

If she fails to transform herself, she will be eliminated just like those others. This is not a matter of whether the two uncles of the He family give face to her father, but a matter of whether a factory and a group can develop healthily.

After He Yuxin left, Mei Suxin first called her father, Mei Sheng, to explain the situation, but was scolded. Then Mei Sheng told her to call He Yuzhu directly to apologize for betraying He Yuzhu's trust.

He Yuzhu did not blame Mei Suxin, but gave her some encouragement and told her to go out and see more, not to work behind closed doors, and that she didn't need to go to other factories, since Huanghe already had so many factories of its own.

Then Mei Suxin took on more responsibility. First, she stepped down as factory director and was replaced by a newly appointed person. She herself took the initiative to request to take a deputy position in the heavy industry, which was actually a learning opportunity.

He Yuzhu was very satisfied with Mei Suxin's attitude after learning about it, and told He Yuxin to train her well. Although He Yuxin agreed, the evaluation of Mei Suxin continued.

(End of this chapter)