1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 478 Leadership and 'Leadership'

"In 1979, we first proposed the construction of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant. At that time, China Power Company and Hong Kong Electric took the initiative to contact us, hoping to purchase nuclear power in the future to alleviate the problem of insufficient power supply in Hong Kong."

"However, the public outcry was too great, and citizens were worried about the leakage problem. A million people signed a petition against building a station in the Ling O Bay area. The Hong Kong government's attitude was also ambiguous, and it did not give a definite answer for a long time, which dragged on for several years. During this period, CLP and HK Electric were no longer as eager as before and began to observe our every move."

"However, the leaders believed that the nuclear power plant was a major development plan, which would not only solve Hong Kong's power supply problem in the future, but more importantly, provide a stable power system for the entire Pearl River Delta. Therefore, they insisted on their position that the completion of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant would not change. As a result, CLP Power Company once again proposed cooperation, restarted the original joint venture agreement, and invested 25% to jointly develop and build the plant."

In a coffee shop halfway up the mountain, a colleague from Shenzhen—a secretary to a leader surnamed Fu—gave a brief introduction to the history of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant from scratch.

Looking back on the twists and turns of the past decade, Secretary Fu couldn't help but sigh, "It wasn't easy. At that time, our national foreign exchange reserves were less than 2 million US dollars. They said that building such a nuclear power plant would cost 40 billion US dollars. We really had the will but not the means."

Zhai Yuan leaned back in his chair and chuckled softly: "But now the main construction of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant has also started. Roads are built by walking."

Secretary Fu nodded in deep agreement, then smiled and said, "Yes, once is never enough. Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant is the first large-scale Sino-foreign joint venture in our country. Mr. Zhai, your Shenshan Semiconductor will probably become the second soon."

“I’ll try my best.” Zhai Yuan stirred his coffee and replied with a smile, then continued, “From what I’ve learned along the way, CLP Power remains an indispensable partner for the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant. But Secretary Fu, as I said before, as a core energy base, our technological development cannot be too singular; upgrading the industrial chain is also a very important part of it.”

"Industrial chain?"

"That is, to develop across multiple lines of production, supply and sales."

As Zhai Yuan spoke, he waved his hand, and one of the men dressed as white-collar workers from another table next to him stepped out, stood behind him, and handed him a document.

"This is a technical talent from Samsung Group in South Korea, who is in charge of my China-Hong Kong communications."

Zhai Yuan smiled and explained to Secretary Fu, then took the document and pushed it in front of her. Of course, Zhai Yuan couldn't understand a lot of professional terms and data in it, so he turned his gaze to Xue Wan'en sitting next to him.

“Let me explain.” Xue Wan’en leaned forward, pointed to a few places in the document, and said, “Secretary Fu, Mr. Zhai’s meaning is very simple. Although the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant has started cooperating with China Power, in the long run, it still relies heavily on the internal communication system.”

"Although Zhonggang is engaged in commercial communications, it can design a dedicated dispatch system for the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, including a dedicated data transmission network between the control room and the reactor, sensors, and alarm systems; real-time communication with the power grid dispatch center; low-latency and high-reliability corresponding equipment; and an encrypted communication link for CCTV, intrusion alarms, and security control..."

Xue Wan'en was not referring to any future technology, but rather to the very real problems that nuclear power plants are currently facing.

As early as the 1950s, the three major powers—the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union—had already built their own nuclear power plants.

In the 1960s, many countries, including Japan, Canada, West Germany, and France, followed suit and began the nuclear power era.

To date, even the Shippingport nuclear power plant in the United States still relies on the private internal network laid out for it by Bell Telephone Company for everything from command systems and remote management to encrypted channels and disaster recovery synchronization.

As Zhai Yuan listened to Xue Wan'en speaking eloquently and clearly, he secretly nodded in approval.

Two weeks ago, Ms. Xue had no experience with telecommunications business at all, and her understanding of these technical terms was even less than her own.

In such a short time, she managed to explain everything so clearly and logically. Whether she truly understood the meaning or not, her professional attitude was certainly impressive.

“We have learned that the company currently providing technical services to the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant is the French company Framatome.”

Xue Wan'en tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and continued, "The internal communication system provided by the other party is integrated into the framework of the Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) and the Distributed Control System (DCS). However, according to our investigation and testing with Samsung Group, this system is a closed architecture from twelve years ago, with single-point redundancy, lagging transmission, and slow response. If Mr. Zhai's Zhonggang Communications is responsible for this architecture, we will cooperate with Samsung to tailor a dispatching system for the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant and provide maintenance and iteration services for the next 40 years..."

As for why it's 40 years, it's because 40 years is almost the lifespan limit of a nuclear power plant, and at that point, maintenance would be tantamount to demolition and reconstruction.

After Xue Wan'en explained everything clearly.

Secretary Fu stared at the documents on the table, pondered for a while, and then looked up and smiled again: "I understand what Mr. Zhai and Ms. Xue mean. As their secretary, I'm not afraid to ask for clarification so I can report back to my superiors."

Secretary Fu said half-jokingly, then added, "If we let Zhonggang take over this project, what additional conditions are there?"

Xue Wan'en sat back down in her original seat.

Zhai Yuan produced another document: "Secretary Fu, this is a copy of Kwong Sang Power Company's business license, which includes its power generation license, transmission access rights, and power sales permit. In the past few years, when HK Electric and CLP Power were constantly acquiring independent power generation companies, only Kwong Sang survived. Now it is the third legal and compliant power company in Hong Kong."

Secretary Fu glanced at Guang Sheng's license plate and smiled, "Ms. Xue is in charge of discussing business between mainland China and Hong Kong, while Mr. Zhai is in charge of discussing Guang Sheng. The two of you are a perfect match."

Zhai Yuan blushed and said embarrassedly, "I do have some ideas, but unfortunately Miss Xue won't give me the chance."

Xue Wan'en: "..."

“So I have no choice but to offer a higher salary,” Zhai Yuan said with a smile, and continued to Secretary Fu: “If Zhonggang has the opportunity to be responsible for the internal communication system of Daya Bay, I will not accept a penny, but I hope that Guang Sheng Power Company can become the second partner of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant.”

Secretary Fu nodded knowingly and asked, "What do you mean by cooperation?"

Zhai Yuan said, "Guangsheng Power Company will put up 20 million US dollars, plus my Zhonggang technology, in the hope of acquiring a 1% stake in Guangfu Nuclear Power Group."

At that time, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant was mainly constructed through cooperation between Guangfu Nuclear Power Group and China Power Company.

CGN is the controlling shareholder with a 75% stake, while CEC is responsible for financial support and holds a 25% stake.

If we simply estimate the total investment in the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant project, it is approximately US$45 billion. 1% of that would be US$4500 million.

Of course, the actual situation is not as simple as a math problem. Once the project is started, it is difficult to spend the money even if you have it.

"Mr. Zhai's betrothal gifts are indeed substantial." Secretary Fu placed his hands on the table, tapping his fingers lightly, and remained silent for a while before speaking again.

Zhai Yuan glanced at Xue Wan'en and said, "Of the three power companies in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Electric, owned by Li Ka-shing, is Chinese-owned, but unfortunately he withdrew from the Daya Bay project. Kadoorie's CLP Power has always been British-owned, so it can't really reach Shenzhen. But I hope that in Hong Kong, we can still retain Chinese-owned companies like Kwong Sang and give them a say in key infrastructure projects."

Secretary Fu smiled and stared at Zhai Yuan for a few seconds: "Okay, I will report the two of you's conditions to the leadership truthfully... including Mr. Zhai's last words."

Zhai Yuan clasped his hands together and said, "Thank you, thank you Secretary Fu."

Secretary Fu, who represented the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, has left.

Only Zhai Yuan, Xue Wan'en, and a few others remained in the coffee shop.

"Phew!" Zhai Yuan completely relaxed, leaning back in his chair and letting out a sigh of relief: "Sister Wan'en, what are your chances of Guang Sheng getting that 1% stake?"

Xue Wan'en pursed her lips: "No matter what the outcome, I want to thank you this time."

“I think the possibility is not low~” Zhai Yuan ignored Xue Wan’en’s words of thanks and said to himself, “Famaton’s internal communication system is indeed outdated, and Sister Wan’en is willing to take out 20 million US dollars... In addition, I am now involved in the 881 Project in Jinling City. In terms of face, relationships, and appearances, Grandpa must give me a reward, right?” Xue Wan’en raised the corners of her mouth and took a light breath.

Although Kwong Sang Power Company is now known as one of the three major companies in Hong Kong, it actually has no real foundation or background. If Hong Kong Electric and CLP start a new round of competition one day, Kwong Sang will still be the first to be sacrificed.

Only by getting on board with the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant can one truly gain a foothold.

Even with only a 1% stake, it still has the right to claim to be one of the top three.

Xue Wan'en said to Zhai Yuan again, "I still want to thank you. Even if it wasn't this time, there was the last time."

Zhai Yuan knew that the last time she was referring to was when Hong Kong Electric and CLP were expanding, and he had come up with a solution to help them solve their cash flow problems, which was how Guang Sheng was brought back to life.

"I said it was a betrothal gift. When have you ever seen a woman thank a betrothal gift in return?"

Zhai Yuan chuckled, put his hands behind his head, and said, "But according to custom, when a man gives betrothal gifts, the woman is expected to return a dowry. It's a tradition."

Zhai Yuan pondered for a moment, then spoke again: "Guang Sheng, sign a special electricity contract for me. Sister Wan'en, you choose a low price for me, and fix the electricity quota and price for the next ten years. All my businesses in Hong Kong, whether in mainland China or Hong Kong, or Kuaibo... oh right, and the Jurassic Park project on the outlying islands, will be connected to your Guang Sheng's dedicated power line. What do you think?"

Compared to Zhai Yuanluo's 'bride price', this 'dowry' seemed rather meager.

Electricity price increases will not be significant, and Zhai Yuan's cooperation with any power company will be largely the same.

If we take into account the possibility that electricity prices may fall below historical lows in the future, to some extent, this electricity concession contract is actually a ten-year guaranteed order that Zhai Yuan has given to Guang Sheng.

Xue Wan'en gently bit her lip, her eyes lingering for a moment before she looked straight ahead and whispered, "Come visit my home sometime."

"Ok?"

Zhai Yuan suddenly turned around and looked at her. Xue Wan'en, who was usually aloof, had a faint blush on her cheeks.

"You're free now, are you meeting your future father-in-law?" Zhai Yuan patted his forehead: "Let me think about what gift to prepare... A film distributor from Taiwan gave me a century-old ginseng root, it's amazing! I'll send someone to pick it up right away!"

Xue Wan'en turned her head to look at Zhai Yuan, her eyes filled with a hint of helplessness: "I'm afraid it won't work today."

Zhai Yuan said unhappily, "Why?!"

Xue Wan'en smiled and said, "Because besides Secretary Fu, there is another person who wants to see you."

Zhai Yuan was slightly surprised and asked, "Which leader is it this time?"

…………

More than half an hour later, Zhai Yuan followed Xue Wan'en into a private room in a restaurant and met the second 'leader'.

Upon entering the private room, Zhai Yuan immediately saw a familiar yet unfamiliar face.

Zhai Yuan carefully examined the document and confirmed that the leader's surname was Peng and his name was Peng Jiayan.

"Excuse me, Sister Wan'en, I suddenly remembered I have something urgent to attend to at the company, I have to go now!"

Zhai Yuan's gaze met Peng Jiayan's for two seconds in mid-air before he turned and left.

"Zhai Yuan!"

A fierce roar came from behind her. Peng Jiayan gritted her teeth and said, "If you dare to step out of this door, I'll send someone to your company tonight to pour hot water on you!"

"Tsk tsk tsk!" Zhai Yuan twisted the sole of his shoe, spun around smoothly, and pointed at Peng Jiayan, criticizing her: "I'm a well-known entrepreneur now. If you say something like that, I'll report you and have you jailed in a heartbeat!"

No sooner had she finished speaking than Peng Jiayan lunged at her menacingly.

Zhai Yuan's eye twitched.

Oh no! The Five Ancestors of Shaolin aren't here!

Sister Jia Yan is so sharp! She hasn't been seen for two years, and her skills have improved. She didn't give Zhai Yuan a chance to dodge at all and reached out to pinch his ear.

"A well-known entrepreneur, huh? I'm just a rich second-generation heir, and you tricked me into starting a snack processing business, causing me to work three shifts in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. Isn't that you?!"

"One generation! One generation! One generation!"

Zhai Yuan covered his ears and dodged left and right, spouting Japanese.

"Two years! Do you know what I've been through these past two years?! Do you even know?!"

"Would you like to surrender? If you hit me again, you can hit me back!"

Zhai Yuan was chased around in circles by Peng Jiayan in the private room, and he covered his head and face like a quail.

"Fight back? You still have the nerve to fight back? You deadbeat! I gained thirty pounds last year, and the factory didn't dare send me out, you know that? Otherwise, I would have killed you long ago!"

"What the hell is it to me! You're so fat, yet you haven't gotten any bigger bra size!"

Xue Wan'en originally wanted to step forward to stop this farce, but upon hearing Zhai Yuan's words, she withdrew her hand halfway through the gesture and silently pulled up a chair to sit down.

The two of them started joking around in the private room, then went out into the hallway, and then rushed back into the private room...

Once, a waiter came in out of curiosity, and Xue Wan'en handed him a Hong Kong dollar note as a tip. After that, no one bothered her again.

ten minutes later,

Zhai Yuan and Peng Jiayan stood facing each other, glaring angrily, but they did not have the demeanor of masters dueling. Both of them were bent over, holding their knees, panting heavily.

Xue Wan'en picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and finally spoke: "You two have worked hard. Would you like a cup of tea first?"

(End of this chapter)