Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 446 The Hunters Are in Position
No matter how lively things are outside, that's someone else's business. He Yuzhu is currently planning something big.

Besides the group's daily reports, his desk was piled high with global economic data and industry analysis reports compiled through special channels from various overseas branches, as well as clippings of seemingly unrelated political developments.

According to memories from a previous life, in 2002, the world's economy will experience another wave of turmoil.

The aftershocks of the dot-com bubble burst have not yet subsided, but signs of overheating in some industries remain evident; international oil prices are hovering at low levels, but geopolitical tensions are quietly tightening; European economic growth is sluggish, and massive amounts of capital, like a restless herd, are searching for their next prey around the world.

Even without his past life memories, based on his years of experience, he could tell that this was a storm of a scale far exceeding what ordinary people could imagine, gathering power beneath the calm surface of the sea.

This is not short-term speculation, but a macro-level game that requires years of planning, mobilizing massive resources, and accurately seizing opportunities.

He locked himself in his study for several days, outlining a massive, multi-year global asset allocation and risk hedging plan.

Its core strategy is to leverage potential regional crises and global market linkages to conduct a series of complex long and short operations. The goal is not simply to make huge profits, but to hone the Yellow River Group's ability to survive and expand in the global financial storms, while also reserving huge amounts of capital for the group's development over the next decade.

After the draft was completed, he summoned Ho Yiu-cho, who was far away in Hong Kong.

“That’s the basic situation.” He Yuzhu explained the grand framework, potential risks, and staggering scale of the plan to his eldest son.

"The initial setup needs to be done quietly, utilizing all our legal overseas platforms and funding channels. The mid-term response requires extremely strong decisiveness and flexibility. The final harvest will require swift and decisive action. Yaozu, what do you think?"

He Yaozu listened attentively, beads of sweat gradually forming on his forehead.

He had been in charge of Yellow River's business in Hong Kong and some overseas for many years and had experienced many ups and downs, but the picture his father was painting at this moment was far greater in breadth, depth and complexity than any project he had ever handled before.

This is no longer a simple business investment; it's more like an unrestricted war waged on the global economic chessboard.

He held the draft for a while before looking up, a troubled expression on his face: "Dad, I never doubt your judgment. I can also appreciate the strategic vision in this plan. But... to be honest, I feel like I can't handle it."

He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts to avoid appearing incompetent, yet he had to state the facts: "Such a massive fund transfer involves compliance issues across multiple jurisdictions, navigating the wolves of Wall Street, and seizing fleeting opportunities in a rapidly changing global market. The resources I need to coordinate and the decisions I need to make instantly are beyond my current capabilities and authority. One wrong step could result not only in financial losses but also jeopardize our years of overseas operations. I cannot afford to take that responsibility."

He Yaozu's frankness surprised He Yuzhu for a moment, then a look of understanding flashed in his eyes, and he did not blame him much.

He knew his son well; he was steady and had plenty of drive, but it was normal for him to feel powerless in the face of a battle of this magnitude, a battle that was almost like dealing with a tiger for its skin.

"I understand." He Yuzhu nodded slowly. "Then who do you think is suitable?"

He Yaozu answered almost without hesitation: "My mom."

He Yuzhu's gaze sharpened as he looked at his son, waiting for him to continue.

He Yaozu explained, “Although my mother has stepped back from the limelight in recent years, focusing her main energy on her family and children, she is still the most capable person in the group when it comes to capital operations. This is because my mother has experienced too much. Since 1973, she has been the financial commander of Huanghe Group during every economic upheaval. With her in charge, coordinating resources from all parties within the group, including myself, no one dares to disobey her, and she is the most capable of implementing your intentions.”

He Yuzhu was certainly aware of Xiaoman's abilities, but over the years he had intentionally kept her away from troubles and allowed her to enjoy peace.

now
“Go and talk to your mother,” He Yuzhu finally said. “It’s up to her. Remember, don’t force her.”

He Yaozu found Xiaoman and listened to his son's purpose and the general outline of the plan. Xiaoman did not agree immediately, but went to He Yuzhu's study with her eldest son.

After she went in, she glared at He Yuzhu, walked straight to the desk, picked up the thick draft plan, and quickly flipped through the key chapters.

She knew that He Yuzhu had been working on something recently, but she didn't expect it to be on such a big scale.

She read extremely fast, and when she saw the big action inside, her demeanor changed, becoming completely different from her usual gentle image.

After a long while, she put down the documents, raised her head, and looked calmly at He Yuzhu.

"Brother Zhu, did you make these judgments yourself?"

"Aren't you secretly doing analysis too?" He Yuzhu laughed.

"I don't have your broad perspective, and you've actually set your sights on so many industries and related companies. Aren't you afraid that the Yellow River will be overwhelmed?" Xiaoman said with a wry smile.

"Don't worry, someone will cover for us in some situations," He Yuzhu said meaningfully.

"Alright, then I'll reluctantly take on the role of commander-in-chief again."

"Hey, that's not very honest of you. I think you're just itching to try it out," He Yuzhu said.

"The child is still here," Xiaoman complained.

"I didn't hear anything!" He Yaozu hurriedly said.

"."

A few days later, in a private conference room on the top floor of the Yellow River Group headquarters, Xiaoman, dressed in a well-tailored dark suit and with her hair neatly tied up, sat in the main seat.

Her return to the core of the group, where she once again took charge of the finance department, caused quite a stir within the group, but more so, it evoked awe and anticipation.

After all, Mr. Qiao is still a legend.

He Yaozu, He Yaozong, and He Ningxue, who had been specially recalled, sat on either side.

The three of them wore expressions of nervousness mixed with barely concealed excitement. They knew that their mother was not only returning to the workforce, but also about to give them an unprecedented practical lesson.

"Have you reviewed all the materials?" Xiaoman asked, her voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears, carrying an unquestionable authority.

“I’ve seen it, Mom,” He Yaozong answered first. He was in charge of communications and internet business and was most sensitive to numbers. “Preliminary calculations show that the initial start-up capital and margin are an astronomical figure, and it requires multi-line operation, scattered across dozens of accounts and offshore companies. The pressure of compliance and risk control is enormous.”

Ho Yiu-cho added that he had been operating in Hong Kong and overseas for many years and was more familiar with the treacherous nature of the international market: "The most crucial factors are timing and secrecy. The sharks on Wall Street have a very keen sense of smell. It's difficult for them to completely hide our large-scale mobilization of troops. Once they discover our intentions, they are very likely to turn around and hunt us down."

Although He Ningxue was mainly responsible for real estate and some domestic industries, she was equally quick-witted: "Mom, many of the target industries and companies involved in Dad's plan to short sell are international giants, and some are even deeply tied to the economic lifeline of certain countries. If we take action, will it trigger unpredictable political risks?"

Xiaoman listened patiently to her children's concerns without showing any emotion on her face.

She gently tapped the plan on the table: "What you've mentioned are all problems, but none of them are insurmountable. Your father dared to formulate this plan because of his judgment of the general trend, and it is definitely ahead of those conglomerates. What we need to do is turn that judgment into reality."

Her gaze swept over the three of them: "From now on, the three of you, along with the other groups I've arranged in North America and Europe, will operate independently, and may even be adversaries at certain stages. The funding channels have been established for years, broken down into smaller parts and flowing through various trade settlements, investment and acquisitions, and even cultural funds. Yaozu, you'll be responsible for the layout in Southeast Asia and parts of Europe, using your trade network as cover. Yaozong, you'll manage the funding through hardware and software procurement and patent licensing payments; your technical background will be your camouflage. Ningxue, you'll be in charge of infrastructure and real estate projects, integrating them with international building materials and construction payments, making the mobilization of funds less conspicuous."

She paused for a moment, allowing the three of them to process the strategy of splitting up and attacking together.

"As for timing," Xiaoman continued, "there is no absolutely perfect timing, only a relatively optimal window. We will set multiple trigger conditions and exit mechanisms, like playing chess, thinking three steps ahead for every move. Every action you take must have a sufficient and publicly verifiable 'reasonable' justification. What we want to do is be wolves among sheep, not lions charging into the flock."

"What about coordination?" He Yaozu asked. "If everyone is fighting their own battles, how can we ensure that we can eventually form a united force?"

“I’m here, that’s the brain,” Xiaoman said, pointing to her temples. “You are the limbs. There will be a briefing every day, reporting only key data and anomalies, not specific operations. Unless there are major changes explicitly stated in the plan, I will not interfere with your daily decisions. What I want to train is your ability to make judgments independently and take responsibility in the fog.”

She looked at He Ningxue: "You're absolutely right about the political risks. So, the targets we choose for shorting are mainly those with fundamental bubbles, numerous internal problems, and whose collapse is generally considered to be a natural market correction. We're not going to overturn the table; we're going to catch the knife that's about to fall and give it a gentle push. Remember, our core objective is to profit and train our team, not to challenge any state apparatus."

Over the next few days, Xiaoman led this temporary family command center to operate at high speed.

She re-examined the global assets and financial networks of the Yellow River system, and her familiarity with them left even He Yaozu speechless.

Some investment funds and trading companies that he had almost forgotten about, established years ago under different names, were precisely mobilized by Xiaoman and became nodes in a vast financial network.

She personally contacted Chen Sheng, Bai Yifeng, and other overseas leaders to finalize cooperation on key aspects.

Chen Sheng and Bai Yifeng were very excited, still remembering their days of dominating the Hong Kong financial market decades ago.

Under her direction, funds flowed like streams into rivers, then dispersed into countless tiny tributaries, silently flowing into major global financial markets.

Some use put options and structured derivatives to establish their positions, while others disguise themselves by integrating them into normal business activities.

For the first time, He Yaozu, He Yaozong, and He Ningxue were deeply involved in this level of global capital operations. They operated diligently according to the areas and authority assigned by their mother. Every day, they faced massive amounts of data and a rapidly changing market, making decisions to buy, sell, hold, or wait and see, and then receiving their mother's inquiries and guidance in encrypted briefings.

Xiaoman's guidance is often incisive; she can sniff out potential risks or opportunities from an inconspicuous financial statement note or a seemingly unrelated industry news item.

She no longer micromanages things, but acts more like a strict coach, watching the children learn to swim in the waves, only throwing them lifebuoys when they are on the verge of drowning.

“Yaozu, you have too much exposure in Southeast Asian rubber futures positions. Diversify some of your positions into North American agricultural products.”

"Yaozong, the transmission effect of the bursting of the tech stock bubble won't be that fast. You can slow down your short selling of European semiconductor equipment and wait for the industry data to come out next quarter."

“Ningxue, Australia’s mining layout is good, but we should pay attention to their long-term agreements with certain major traders, as that could be a variable.”

Time slipped away quietly amidst the tense yet orderly arrangements.

The outside world remains noisy, the pain of the bursting dot-com bubble continues, and geopolitical undercurrents are surging.

Beneath the seemingly calm surface of the Yellow River system's daily operations, a financial fleet, personally led by the boss's wife, has quietly sailed into the deep sea, spreading an invisible net, awaiting the arrival of the storm and the harvest season.

He Yuzhu would occasionally come to the command post, but he never interfered. He would just sit quietly in the corner, watching Xiaoman strategize and the children grow through their experiences, his eyes filled with satisfaction and trust.

During this period, He Yuzhu asked Lao Fan to prepare funds and pointed out several companies in sensitive industries to Lao Fan. However, Lao Fan was not in the financial field, so he said he needed to consult with his superiors.

(This isn't just random writing; there are actually many such cases now, based on the information I have, but I can't disclose the specific companies.)
He Yuzhu told him to hurry, otherwise he would miss this opportunity and have to wait many years.

A few days later, Lao Fan came to No. 95 Courtyard again. This time, he didn't wait in the study, but went directly to the kitchen.

Sure enough, He Yuzhu was wearing an apron and carefully seasoning a clay pot on the stove, and a rich aroma of mushrooms mixed with ham filled the air.

"I knew I could catch you here." Old Fan found a small stool and sat down, then casually took a cucumber from the basket next to him, wiped it on his clothes, and took a bite. "That thing you mentioned last time, it's making progress."

He Yuzhu didn't turn around. He skimmed the foam off the surface of the soup with a spoon and asked in a flat tone, "What did they say?"

"What else can I say?" Old Fan chewed on a cucumber and mumbled, "You, Boss He, have specifically requested special funds, and you've drawn up so many circles. Several relevant departments held meetings overnight, arguing fiercely. The main disagreements are: first, the risk. This money is no small sum, and it's being invested in overseas markets, especially in those sensitive areas you mentioned. What if it all goes down the drain? Who will take responsibility? Second, the necessity. Isn't it safer to develop step by step?"

"Safe?" He Yuzhu chuckled, turned down the heat, put the lid on the casserole, then turned around and wiped his hands with a towel. "Old Fan, we've known each other for a while now. When have I ever lied to you about something that's not even real? If you miss this window, once they tighten their grip and raise the prices to the sky, you'll have to spend much more than this to get a piece of the pie, and whether they'll even give it to you is another matter."

He walked up to Lao Fan, his gaze calm: "The companies on the list seem diverse at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they all share commonalities. Some possess the production processes for certain key basic materials, others have expertise in precision machining equipment, and still others are major patent holders that are indispensable in the future communications and energy sectors. Currently, their valuations are not high, partly due to industry cycles, partly due to being squeezed by larger giants, and partly due to problems with their own strategies, temporarily plunging them into difficulties."

Old Fan put down the cucumber he was eating halfway through, his expression turning serious: "We've done a preliminary analysis of all of this. The problem is, even if we have the opportunity to directly acquire it, it will be extremely difficult to pass the vetting process."

“Who said we were going to acquire it directly?” He Yuzhu walked to the window, looking at the old locust tree in the yard. “We can absorb shares through the secondary market and become an influential shareholder. Alternatively, we can support some third-party funds or offshore investment companies that have a tacit understanding with us to carry out the operation. The goal is not to control the company, but to obtain technology licenses, establish strategic partnerships, share development dividends, and even have a channel to speak in critical moments. In the short term, this investment is a financial transaction, but in the long term, it lays the groundwork for future technological cooperation and supply chain security.”

He turned to look at Lao Fan: "Part of the funds will go out through the formal QDII channel. The rest will be broken down into smaller amounts using our overseas trade settlements, technology transfers, and even cultural exchange projects as cover. Xiaoman can coordinate the specific operations; she's familiar with the rules of the international financial market. But the prerequisite is that you need to make a decision as soon as possible and prepare the funds and authorization. The market waits for no one. Those vultures have very keen noses. Once they smell something and swarm in, the costs will be much higher than they are now."

Old Fan was silent for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh: "I understand what you mean. This is a very important matter, and it's not something I can decide alone. However," he stood up, patted his backside, "I will take your exact words, along with our internal assessment, back with me. I will try my best to give you a reply as quickly as possible. As you know, procedures must be followed, and all the necessary evidence cannot be omitted."

“Demonstration is acceptable, but it needs to be done quickly,” He Yuzhu emphasized. “Some windows of opportunity are measured in months or even weeks.”

"I'll do my best." Old Fan nodded, walked to the door, and couldn't help but look back at the bubbling clay pot. "Can I have a bowl of this soup?"

"Go and get on with your business." He Yuzhu waved his hand. "Once you've done it, I'll treat you to a pot of wine."

Old Fan chuckled and cursed, then turned and hurried away.

In the following days, He Yuzhu did not urge Lao Fan.

He knew that decision-making within the system had its own inherent rhythm and process, and that going too far was as bad as going too far.

While handling the group's daily affairs, he maintained communication with Xiaoman and the overseas team through encrypted channels to further refine the details of the plan and ensure that it could be launched in the shortest possible time once the funds were in place.

He then went to the Yellow River Fine Model in Tianjin.

The transformation of the model factory has begun to show results. The newly recruited technicians and experienced workers are working well together, and the first batch of high-precision static ship models has been highly recognized by the partners.

Looking at the focused figures and the nascent products in the workshop, He Yuzhu felt a little comforted.

These are the seeds of the future, though they may seem insignificant now.

A week later, Lao Fan called, his tone a mix of weariness and relief.

"Zhu Zi, it's approved." Old Fan said succinctly, "I agree in principle to your proposal. The initial funding amount basically meets your requirements. The relevant coordination team has also been established, and I will serve as the main liaison. There is only one requirement from above: absolute confidentiality, risk control, and ensuring the safety of funds."

"Understood." He Yuzhu's reply was equally concise. "Have Xiaoman's people liaise with the person you designated. They will proceed with the specific operations according to plan."

"Alright." Old Fan paused, then lowered his voice, "This time we've staked a lot of our savings on it, so don't mess it up, kid."

“I know what I’m doing,” He Yuzhu said calmly. “Just wait and see.”

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu immediately called Xiaoman.

"Xiaoman, it's me. The plan over there can start now. Execute according to the first plan, and pay attention to the pace."

Xiaoman replied on the other end of the phone, "Okay, Brother Zhu."

During this time, He Yuzhu also gave Lao Fan a friendly reminder that the possible financial tsunami would affect the domestic situation.

A few days later, Lao Fan stepped into He Yuzhu's study again. This time, instead of finding a place to sit as usual, he paced around the room with his hands behind his back for a couple of steps before letting out a heavy sigh and slumping onto the sofa.

"Zhu Zi, I reported back truthfully about what you brought up last time." Old Fan rubbed his temples, his face showing a mix of helplessness and sullenness. "Goodness, the meeting was quite a spectacle."

He Yuzhu was making tea when he heard this. Without stopping, he looked up at him and asked, "What, nobody believes me?"

“Believe? It’s more than just disbelief!” Old Fan twitched his lips, revealing a bitter smile. “The optimists are the majority. Everyone says our development momentum is excellent, our growth is unique, and we have a ‘firewall’ against those capital markets outside. Even if a typhoon hits outside, we’ll at most be a safe haven, with limited impact. Some people even have data reports saying our internal market has huge potential, enough to absorb everything.” “Plain talk,” He Yuzhu commented casually, pushing a freshly brewed cup of tea towards him.

“And there’s something even more outrageous,” Old Fan picked up his teacup, not caring that it was too hot, blew on it, and took a small sip, as if trying to calm his temper. “There are a few people who keep talking about ‘mutual benefit and win-win’ in the context of globalization, saying that the international economic system is mature and stable, has the ability to self-correct, and will not experience the kind of systemic risks you’re predicting. The implication is that we should have full confidence in international rules and actively integrate, instead of always thinking about how to protect ourselves when storms come, which makes us seem a bit out of step with the crowd, not ‘open’ enough.”

He mimicked that tone, his voice laced with obvious sarcasm.

He Yuzhu's face was expressionless, but he tapped his fingers lightly on the rosewood coffee table: "Brainwashed."

“Absolutely!” Old Fan put down his teacup and raised his voice a bit. “When my supporters argued with them, they were almost labeled as ‘pessimistic’ and ‘affecting confidence in development.’ It’s as if the risks don’t exist if we don’t mention them.”

He grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, picking up his teacup and taking another swig: "Some people say that our focus now is on attracting foreign investment and introducing technology, and that constantly talking about 'financial tsunami' and 'economic crisis' will scare away foreign investors and affect the overall situation! So in their eyes, foreign investment is made of paper and will run away at the slightest scare? Can't we even assess risks and make contingency plans?"

He Yuzhu listened quietly, and only spoke slowly after Lao Fan had vented enough: "It's normal. When life is too smooth, it's easy to forget what it's like to go hungry. When you can't see a knife to your throat, you always feel that danger is far away."

"The problem is that the knife may already be raised!" Old Fan frowned. "Zhu Zi, tell me the truth, besides those economic data, is there anything else you're basing your judgment on? Has your overseas network sensed any unusual trend?"

He Yuzhu did not answer directly, but stood up, took a bound document from the bookshelf, and handed it to Lao Fan: "This is an analysis of the correlation between the debt growth, asset price bubbles and regional crises of major global economies over the past twenty years, as well as a comparison of several key indicators at present with those at the beginning of historical crises. The data are all publicly available."

He looked at Lao Fan seriously: "As for the special wind direction, hehe, the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not stop. Some people are already quietly shrinking their battle lines and fortifying their fortifications. It's just that their movements are very subtle and have been covered up by the superficial prosperity and noise."

Old Fan took the document and quickly flipped through it. It was full of dense charts and data that he couldn't quite understand, but he could understand the conclusions.

He closed the file and pondered for a moment: "This alone is probably not enough to convince everyone. We need something more specific and impactful."

He Yuzhu shrugged and said, "No, even if there were, I don't think those people would believe it. If you have someone you can trust in the national strategic development department, you can ask them to remind the companies below. As for the story, well, I can only say I'm powerless to help."

"Powerless? Aren't you supposed to be even better than Buffett?"

"Who said that?" He Yuzhu asked in surprise.

"Hmph, don't think everyone is unaware of your schemes."

"I really can't do anything about the A-League, they're too unpredictable. It's up to your national team now." He Yuzhu spread his hands again.

"What are you saying? What do you mean by 'too seductive'?" Old Fan stood up.

“Go back and ask those who know,” He Yuzhu said.

Are you sure you don't want to do this?

"Whether you care or not, making some pocket money shouldn't be a problem," He Yuzhu said.

"You, you!" Old Fan was furious.

"What am I."

"You're not allowed to go too far, I'm afraid you'll break the plate."

"Why would I destroy my own Great Wall?" He Yuzhu laughed.

"That's good, phew."

After leaving He Yuzhu's study, Lao Fan did not go directly back to his workplace, but instead had his driver take him around to the vicinity of Houhai.

He needs to sort out his thoughts.

In the afternoon, the lake surface shimmered with light, but he had no interest in appreciating it.

He pondered He Yuzhu's words and the detailed analysis report over and over again.

Years of professional experience told him that He Yuzhu's judgment was accurate; he had witnessed that keen sense of potential crises more than once.

However, decision-making within the system cannot rely solely on intuition and the judgment of a single person, even if that person is He Yuzhu.

Back in his office, he immediately dialed an internal number and contacted an old colleague who worked in the national macroeconomic research department. The colleague was a senior expert on the international financial system.

He did not mention He Yuzhu's name, but instead relayed the report's core arguments regarding the correlation between global debt bubbles, asset prices, and historical crises, as well as his observations on the quiet contraction of certain capital flows, in a discussion-oriented tone.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by the old classmate's serious voice: "Old Fan, to be honest, similar concerns have been raised in our internal discussions. Some leading indicators are indeed not very optimistic, especially the rate of credit expansion in real estate and certain industries. However, the mainstream view is still emphasizing the resilience of the fundamentals and the independence of policies. Is the data source for this document reliable?"

"The source is absolutely reliable, and the analytical logic is very rigorous," Lao Fan affirmed. "Do you think we should give a heads-up to those companies that are highly dependent on foreign trade, especially those that import raw materials and have large amounts of foreign currency debt?"

“It’s difficult.” My old classmate sighed. “Before a consensus is reached, no one dares to draw conclusions easily, let alone issue warnings through official channels. At most, we can only do so through informal channels, such as when industry associations hold meetings, where individual experts might point out the importance of exchange rate risk management and debt ratio control in their personal capacity. As for how much of that is actually taken to heart, that depends on each individual’s own luck.”

After hanging up the phone, Lao Fan rubbed his temples.

This is reality; massive machines have their inherent operational inertia.

He thought for a moment, then picked up the phone again and connected with a trusted subordinate who had close ties with several key industry regulatory authorities.

"Find an opportunity to talk privately with those major import and export companies, as well as the CFOs of companies that have issued bonds overseas," he instructed in a low voice. "Just as a friend, remind them to pay attention to international interest rate trends and possible changes in dollar liquidity, suggest they do some hedging appropriately, and check their own short-term debt repayment pressure. Don't be too explicit, and definitely don't mention that it's my idea."

"Understood, Director Fan." The subordinate understood immediately.

After arranging all this, Lao Fan felt a little more at ease, but another worry surfaced—He Yuzhu.

He knew this guy wouldn't just talk the talk; he would definitely walk the walk.

He picked up the phone again and dialed He Yuzhu's study.

"What's wrong now? Didn't you just leave?" He Yuzhu was surprised that Lao Fan called so quickly.

"I did as you said, consulted professionals, and arranged for people to give some reminders." Old Fan gave a brief explanation, then his tone turned serious. "Zhu Zi, I'll say it again, keep your actions low-key in China, don't cause any trouble. Don't use those methods you use to manipulate overseas markets at home. Stability is paramount, understand?"

On the other end of the phone, He Yuzhu chuckled lightly: "Old Fan, what do you take me for? Just trying to make some pocket money and cool down some overheated places on the side. I know what I'm doing and won't cause any trouble."

"It's best if you know your limits," Old Fan snorted. "I'm just afraid you'll go too far!"

"Alright, go about your business." He Yuzhu clearly didn't want to talk any further and hung up the phone.

Hearing the busy tone on the microphone, Lao Fan shook his head helplessly.

All he can do is offer some minor suggestions and try to plan ahead, since his department isn't directly managed by anyone.

As for whether an even bigger storm will actually come, and when it will come, he can only anxiously and closely monitor the subtle changes in the internal and external situation.

In July, at a famous shipyard in East China.

Inside the factory area, the huge dock gates are already open, and the slipways connecting to the pier are covered with brand-new tarpaulins.

The air was filled with the salty dampness of the sea and the distinctive smell of undried paint, and there was also an overwhelming sense of excitement and solemnity.

This is an extraordinary day.

Two long, sleek warships, like two steel giants about to step into the deep blue sea, lay quietly on the dock and pier.

Most of the scaffolding on the superstructure of the ship has been removed, revealing its majestic appearance as it will one day cut through the waves at sea.

One of them has a relatively simple appearance, but the huge "music stand" radar base at the rear reveals its positioning as an area air defense ship; the other is more eye-catching, with four huge curved panels around the bridge. Even without the phased array radar antenna installed, its unique structure indicates a leapfrog technological breakthrough - it will become the Navy's first domestically produced destroyer equipped with an active phased array radar and a vertical launch system.

On the dock, the crowd stood solemnly.

Lu Shanhe stood at the front of the crowd, his military uniform perfectly pressed. He gazed at the two warships that were about to be launched at the same time, his chest heaving slightly, his eyes burning with passion, as if looking at his children who were about to come of age.

The scene was very quiet, with only the gentle murmur of the sea breeze and the fluttering of the flags.

The appointed time arrived, and the majestic military music began to play.

With the command given, the bows of the two massive warships simultaneously shattered into enormous champagne bottles against the cold steel, the champagne splashing like a farewell toast to warriors.

Colorful ribbons shot out from all directions, weaving into a dazzling network in the air.

"Get into the water!"

The massive ship began to move slowly but steadily along the slipway toward the azure sea.

First, the bow touched the water, stirring up white waves. Then, the massive hull gradually sank into the water and eventually floated up completely, swaying slightly on the sea surface, completing the crucial step from land to sea.

The pier and the viewing platform erupted in prolonged and enthusiastic applause.

Many veteran experts and workers couldn't help but wipe their eyes.

Lu Shanhe clapped vigorously until both ships were completely stable on the water, then he slowly lowered his hands and took a deep breath of the air, which was filled with the saltiness of the sea and joy.

After the ceremony, Lu Shanhe took a boat tour around the sea, and after returning, he called He Yuzhu.

"Old He, I have some good news!"

"Huh, you've won another battle?"

"Go away, you jinx! There aren't that many battles. Do you just wish someone would come looking for trouble?"

"How could that be? If anyone's going to fight, it'll be us going out. Why wait for someone to come to us?"

"You can say that to me, but you can't tell anyone else," Lu Shanhe said sternly.

"Am I that stupid? Tell me, what good news is it!" He Yuzhu said.

"you guess!"

"How old are you to still be playing these games? Guess if I'm going to guess?" He Yuzhu said.

"Cough cough cough," Lu Shanhe coughed, choked by those words.

"Is it really necessary? Okay, I'll just guess. You've launched another ship, a new model, haven't you?" He Yuzhu said.

"Cough cough cough, how did you know?"

“You old codger, all you do is complain about being poor. If there’s anything good happening, it must be this,” He Yuzhu said.

"Well, I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Lao He. Your Yellow River Group deserves a lot of credit for this. Putting everything else aside, without Huagao Technology's tireless efforts in radar and electronic systems, and without your Jinggong's support in special materials and precision structural components, the 'Chinese Aegis' wouldn't have been able to go from blueprints to reality so quickly. And the insights gained from our previous achievements have also saved us from many detours. On behalf of the Navy, thank you!"

"Old Lu, you're too kind. I'm just a businessman. These things can be made thanks to the country's determination, the skills of the factory workers, and the experts in the research institute who have worked tirelessly until their hair turned white. The credit belongs to them."

He Yuzhu was saying this, but in his heart he was making comparisons.

According to the memory trajectory belonging to his "previous life" in his mind, the launch and commissioning of the first new type of warship, especially the Type 052C known as the "Chinese Aegis", should have been several years later.

Now, they have appeared here ahead of schedule, so it seems that the 052D should not be too far away. As for the 055, it is difficult to judge at present because the technology is quite different.

"Old He, Old He, what are you thinking about? Why aren't you saying anything?" Lu Shanhe on the other end of the line shouted, grabbing the phone after not hearing He Yuzhu's reply for a long time.

"Oh, it's nothing, comrade, you still need to work hard!" He Yuzhu said inexplicably.

"What, do you think our stuff isn't good enough?" Lu Shanhe understood and said in an unfriendly tone.

“Oh, did I say that?” He Yuzhu asked.

"What do you mean?"

“That’s exactly what you think it means. Keep up the good work, Comrade Lao Lu!” He Yuzhu said.

"Humph."

"Hahahaha!" He Yuzhu laughed loudly.

"You old bastard, don't even think about running away. You're involved in this too. I'll be troubling you a lot in the future, so you can't refuse."

“I definitely won’t do it if I can. Of course, you can’t force me to do something I don’t want to do, otherwise I’ll make you pay when you step down,” He Yuzhu said.

"You just wait, I plan to work myself to death."

"Then I wish you all your dreams come true," He Yuzhu said jokingly.

"This doesn't sound like a compliment to me."

"Goodbye, beep beep beep." He Yuzhu hung up the phone directly.

"Hey, hey, Lao He, Lao He, explain yourself clearly."

(End of this chapter)