Rebirth in 1960, My Industrial Age

Chapter 431 The Son Supersedes the Father

Zhou Fengnian and Dean Wu also called over the directors of several research institutes to inquire about their personnel arrangements.

After discussion, arrangements were quickly made for more than one hundred researchers.

With the addition of these people, the research capabilities in many places will certainly be further improved, and their scientific and technological development will proceed smoothly.

China is still gathering its strength, and both fists are now clad in steel gloves.

When the monkeys from the South Vietnam and the people from the North were jumping up and down, they would throw a punch at them hard, and one punch would shut them up.

In this world, the only country that China would be willing to use two punches against at the same time is America.

Recently, the US military spending has reached more than 300 billion US dollars, almost 20 times that of Russia, as if it plans to crush Russia and then target Russia next.

Domestically, we are not entirely unprepared, with fourth-generation fighter jets, reconnaissance satellites, unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, war robots, and intercontinental ballistic missiles with global coverage, among other things.

If the US were to start a war, they certainly wouldn't resort to using human lives as they did twenty years ago.

Modern information warfare has been gradually popularized in the military, and we've even practiced it twice on the South Vietnamese. All that's missing is a real war to test it out.

However, Zhou Fengnian knew this opportunity was rare, and they desperately needed time to develop.

After so many years of poverty, we have finally become wealthy. If war breaks out now, it will definitely drag the country's booming economic development into a quagmire.

At that point, not only will the people of the whole country be unable to get past their own conscience, but even many cadres will not be able to get past their own conscience, unless it becomes a matter of no return.

Moreover, at that time, they were not swayed by public opinion, but rather the start of the war was in line with the future development of China. Their political party was the least likely to be coerced or threatened.

Once the decision to go to war is made, then going to war is in line with the trend of future development; there is no way to avoid it if war is not initiated.

Zhou Fengnian only realized this after he was promoted to a senior cadre position; he hadn't paid much attention to it before because he had less contact with his superiors.

Moreover, he is slowly showing this tendency, as if he has been assimilated by the characteristics of the political system, and he considers whether things are in line with the interests of development first.

Zhou Fengnian's main research and development work was previously aimed at revitalizing the domestic economy, but now it has shifted somewhat towards developing domestic military strength.

China's domestic economy is developing very well, with a concentration of high-tech research and development, and remarkable achievements in fields such as computers, communications, and semiconductors.

If we continue to develop step by step, the foreigners will never be able to catch up.

However, Zhou Fengnian knew he would have to put in a little more effort regarding military equipment and weapons; in the previous twenty years, although the Russians had engaged in intense friction with them, it was difficult for them to actually fight.

Therefore, he was able to focus on developing technological achievements that would improve the economy, and maintained foreign exchange earnings from exports during that period.

Things aren't going well now. The Russians are about to collapse. Once they fall, they'll be the most obvious targets.

At this time, Zhou Fengnian also shifted his focus to military preparedness.

After returning from Dean Wu's visit, Zhou Fengnian continued to get busy.

Around noon, Qian Zhi suddenly knocked on the door and came in, reporting to Zhou Fengnian, "Boss, do you want me to get you lunch today?"

"No need, I'll go to the cafeteria to get my food myself later. After I finish eating, I can leave my lunchbox there for them to wash, so you don't have to make another trip."

The cafeteria now also washes lunchboxes for the leaders, which saves them a lot of trouble. It's also related to the fact that there aren't many people; if there were more people, the cafeteria wouldn't be able to wash them all.

After Zhou Fengnian finished speaking, he looked up and asked, "Is there anything else? If it's just about eating, you don't need to come all the way here to report. From now on, just get straight to the point."

"I couldn't hide it from the boss after all. I suddenly realized it was almost lunchtime when I walked in, so I mentioned it first."

Qian Zhi smiled sheepishly, then continued seriously, "The Nuclear Power Energy Commission in Lu City called to inquire that the third phase of the project is nearing completion and they hope you can come and inspect it."

The nuclear power plant project in Lushi is divided into four phases. The third phase is the construction, installation and commissioning stage, which is now nearing completion and will soon be operational.

At this point, it was indeed necessary for Zhou Fengnian, the person in charge, to go and take a look. After all, this was their first self-built nuclear power plant, and the final inspection work still required an important figure.

So they called, saying that if Zhou Fengnian didn't go, they couldn't finish their debugging work.

"I see. It seems we really need to go there. Qian Zhi, please make the arrangements in the next couple of days. Let's leave next Monday."

Zhou Fengnian said, "Go early and come back early. Let them get things done over there. We'll start as soon as I arrive."

Qian Zhi nodded and said, "I understand, sir."

He has to tell his family before he goes on a business trip, but Zhou Fengnian has been going on business trips quite often in recent years, and for the past two years he has even been living in Shanghai.

After finishing his workday, Zhou Fengnian rested briefly before heading straight home.

There wasn't much to do today, and there was no need to travel to the research institute, so Zhou Fengnian took a car home after get off work.

Before going on a business trip, Zhou Fengnian will spend more time with his family and try not to work overtime.

When Zhou Fengnian got home, he ran into Master Yang, who was going to the storage room to get vegetables.

Upon seeing Zhou Fengnian return, Chef Yang greeted him with some surprise, saying, "Boss, you're back quite early today. District Chief Zhou thought you'd be the same as yesterday, so he told me to save you a dish."

When no one does anything stupid to offend Zhou Fengnian, he has a pretty good temper and personality. He has also given Chef Yang pointers on his cooking skills, so they get along quite well in private.

"I'm not working overtime right now, but Chef Yang, are we having any customers today? Why are you making so many dishes?"

Zhou Fengnian pointed to the ingredients that Chef Yang was holding. He had brought all the chicken, fish, and meat, as well as a basket of vegetables. He could cook at least seven or eight dishes.

Master Yang said, "Boss, this is what District Chief Zhou instructed. She said there are two more customers today, so she asked me to cook a better meal. So I plan to make a dish with five meat dishes, three vegetable dishes, and a soup."

Zhou Fengnian nodded and said, "Alright, you go ahead and get busy."

After saying that, Zhou Fengnian walked towards the central courtyard. However, he did not see Zhou Yan when he arrived at the central courtyard. Instead, he saw Luo Jianye and another young girl sitting at a stone table, on which were placed tea, fruits and snacks.

"Uncle Zhou, you're back."

When Luo Jianye saw Zhou Fengnian return, he immediately stood up to greet him. After he stood up, another young woman also stood up.

However, he didn't say anything, but he did bow.

Zhou Fengnian pointed and asked, "Jianye, what's going on?"

Luo Jianye scratched his head a little embarrassedly and said, "Aunt Zhou arranged it for me. It's for the two of us today."

"Alright, I got it. You two continue chatting. I'm going back to put my things away."

Zhou Fengnian quickly understood what was going on, greeted them, and headed towards the backyard.

Upon entering the backyard and house, Zhou Yan and Aunt Li were chatting. Seeing Zhou Fengnian return, Zhou Yan asked with some surprise, "Fengnian, why are you back so early today?"

"I came back as soon as I finished my work and there wasn't much else to do. I might go on a business trip to Lushi in a couple of days..."

After putting down his briefcase, Zhou Fengnian turned his head and gestured to the Intermediate Court, asking, "Is Jianye going on a blind date today?"

Zhou Yan said with a smile, "Yes, that child is our office clerk, a college student, and her family works in the district finance bureau. She is usually honest and well-behaved."

I've met with them twice and think they're a good fit for Jianye, so I invited them over to meet. We'll have dinner together after we finish talking.

"Okay, pretty good."

Zhou Fengnian nodded and said that although professional matchmakers have almost disappeared now, everyone advocates free love.

But given Luo Jianye's personality, he could remain single for life if he were to choose his own partner. It's clear that Luo Jianye doesn't want to be single, so his elders arranged a marriage for him.

Zhou Fengnian also explained the business trip to Zhou Yan, saying that the trip should not be long, and it would be done in half a month or a month if things went smoothly.

As for "slow," the word "slow" doesn't exist in his dictionary.

Although Lu City was familiar to him, there was nothing that Zhou Fengnian could afford to miss. Once he got there, all he did was work; he probably wouldn't even leave the house.

Zhou Fengnian used to enjoy exploring unfamiliar places, but in this era of underdeveloped infrastructure, there's not much to see. It's better to go back to his place, read a couple of books, and practice his skills.

A little while later, when it was time for dinner, Luo Jianye came to the backyard to call people to eat.

However, Zhou Yan and Aunt Li inquired about the situation first, and only felt slightly relieved after seeing that Luo Jianye's face was red and he hadn't uttered a single word for a long time.

Now that they've set their sights on each other, it's up to the woman to decide what she thinks. If they both like each other, then they can date and get married.

The dinner was very well served. Although Chef Yang's skills were not up to the level of a first-class state banquet chef, they were still at the level of a second or third-class chef.

The girl who came for the blind date was very surprised after finishing the meal. She didn't expect the food at the leader's house to be so delicious. However, when she thought about the rumors circulating in the district about Zhou Yan's family, she realized that it wasn't unexpected.

In Dongcheng District, Zhou Yan was a deputy district head with a relatively low ranking, and she was not in charge of any important units.

Even the Party Secretary had to speak to Zhou Yan politely, and dared not say anything harsh.

After the meal, Zhou Yan took the girl back, probably wanting to ask her opinion, but judging from their behavior, there seemed to be no problem.

Luo Jianye also took Aunt Li back. It wasn't dark yet, so they wouldn't fall or get hurt while riding their bicycles back.

Zhou Fengnian offered to have the driver give them a ride, but Luo Jianye quickly refused; he was embarrassed to take advantage of such a thing, and besides, the distance wasn't far.

After they all left, Zhou Fengnian had nothing to do, so he urged his daughter to do her homework while he supervised her.

Zhou Linlin originally wanted to watch TV for a while, but Zhou Fengnian firmly refused. She begged him for a long time to no avail, so she had no choice but to angrily take out her homework and work on it.

Just as Zhou Fengnian was helping his daughter with her homework, Zhou Xianyang's voice suddenly came from outside: "Mom, Dad, you're back early today. Where is Mom?"

Zhou Fengnian turned his head and said, "I've sent them away. What do you need your mother for now?"

Zhou Xianyang immediately retorted, "Look at what you're saying! Can't I miss her? You really underestimate the bond between us, mother and son."

"Speak the truth!"

"Qing'an might go to film a movie next month, and Grandma went back to take care of Grandpa. She wants Mom to help take care of the child."

“Your mother is a deputy district head, for goodness’ sake. It’s not right for her to take care of your child while she’s at work.”

Zhou Fengnian rolled his eyes and said, "You want your mother to retire early, don't you?"

Zhou Xianyang scratched his head and said, "Then should I take it to the neighboring city? Should I ask Sister Bai to help carry it?"

Zhou Fengnian waved his hand and said, "Don't get any funny ideas. It's not right to bother people so casually. You can talk to your mother about it when she gets back. If all else fails, we can hire a nanny and trouble your grandparents for a while longer."

If a nanny were to take care of him alone, not only Zhou Xianyang, but even Zhou Fengnian wouldn't feel comfortable doing so.

He plans to make his eldest grandson his successor!

"Dad, there's something else I need to tell you."

Zhou Xianyang pulled Zhou Fengnian outside and then said with a smile, "Now your son is a personal shareholder of Bank of Communications, holding eight percent of the shares!"

"what?"

Zhou Fengnian was taken aback, thinking he had misheard, so he asked, "Say it again? What are you?"

Zhou Xianyang repeated that he had received news today that Liu Rui had agreed, but some details and terms needed to be carefully discussed by both parties.

"Have you been scammed? Do you know how much 8% of Bank of Communications' assets are worth? You couldn't even scrape together that much money if you sold everything you own!"

Zhou Fengnian frowned and said, "I took the time to refuse. Now that you've agreed, it's really difficult to handle. Why were you so impulsive, agreeing to something just because someone suggested it?"

He remembered that the Bank of Communications must have had more than 100 billion, at least around 150 billion, and 8% of that would be 12 billion.

Although Zhou Xianyang is currently the most profitable businessman in mainland China, he is estimated to have earned only 200 to 300 million yuan this year. He may earn more next year due to orders from Guangxun mobile phones, but it will not exceed 500 million yuan. How could he possibly spend so much money to hold shares?

"Dad, don't dampen my spirits. I'm not stupid. I made this decision after careful consideration. Besides, it's just a verbal agreement. They're not stupid enough to try and squeeze every last drop out of me."

Zhou Xianyang shook his head and said, "If it really doesn't work, I'll refuse, but that would be a bit too acrimonious."
"In the next few years, no one can generate more foreign exchange than me through exports. I've done my research; the digital mobile phone market will exceed $20 billion in the next few years, and Motorola will hold at least 70% of the market."

He signed a five-year contract with Motorola, and he'll be able to make a lot of money from that alone in the future.

He can earn about 15% of Motorola's revenue, which is a potential billion dollars. In addition, there are consumer electronics. Zhou Xianyang believes that he will only earn more in the future.

After listening, Zhou Fengnian pondered for a while before nodding and saying, "Alright, since you already have a plan, I won't say anything more."

I can't offer you much advice on this; you'll have to decide for yourself later.

"Dad, are you angry?"

"I'm not angry, I really don't understand."

Zhou Fengnian rolled his eyes and said, "I've never done business before. I only talked to you because I have some understanding of technological development, but what you're doing now is beyond my comprehension. Discussing things with me again would just be a side effect."

"If you ever encounter any technological development problems you don't understand, feel free to ask me. You've already surpassed me in some ways."

(End of this chapter)