In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

After breakfast, the family began its daily routine.

Lin Jianyue was going to university, Jing Shu and Zhi Yuan were going to the nursery with their little backpacks, and the others were either going to work or going to school.

After seeing his family off, Yang Guangming returned to his room and took out a military green canvas shoulder bag that he had prepared beforehand.

Inside were gifts he had carefully prepared for He Zhenzhong's family: two catties of high-quality, plump, dried ginseng; two bottles of exquisitely packaged high-grade snow frog oil; two catties of imported chocolate in a tin box; and two catties of fragrant Blue Mountain coffee beans from Jamaica.

These items are thoughtful and not particularly expensive.

Sea cucumber and snow frog oil are high-end tonics, suitable gifts for elders to maintain their health. Chocolate and coffee are specialty foods brought back from abroad, appropriate gifts for Xiao Hai or for entertaining guests, showing originality without being pretentious. The balance is just right.

He picked up his unassuming handbag and went out.

After taking a few bus stops and walking for a while, Yang Guangming arrived once again at the familiar compound of municipal party committee cadres' families.

The area remains lush with greenery and tranquil, with armed guards standing strictly at the entrance, creating a solemn atmosphere unlike that of the alleyways outside.

Yang Guangming walked to the guard post, gave his name and the building number he wanted to visit. The guard strictly followed the regulations and made a phone call to the He family to confirm.

The person who answered the phone was He Zhenzhong's wife, Liu Yajuan. She was clearly very surprised to hear that Yang Guangming had come to visit.

"Guangming? When did you get back? Oh dear, why didn't you tell me beforehand!" Liu Yajuan's voice on the phone was filled with undisguised surprise and enthusiasm.

Soon, the guard put down the phone, saluted, and signaled that Yang Guangming could go in.

Yang Guangming arrived at the simple red brick building where the He family lived with ease. As soon as he reached the entrance of the unit, he saw Liu Yajuan wearing an apron and coming out to greet him. Her hands were still covered with flour, as if she was busy in the kitchen.

"Guangming, it really is you! The security guard called just now, and I thought I must have misheard!"

Liu Yajuan's face beamed with a warm smile as she looked Yang Guangming up and down, her eyes filled with the loving kindness of an elder. "Come in, come in! You silly child, you didn't even call ahead to let us know you were coming back so we could prepare. Old He was just saying yesterday, 'I wonder how things are going for you in America!'"

"Aunt Liu, I'm sorry to bother you. I decided to come back at the last minute. The itinerary was arranged in a hurry, and I didn't have time to let you know in advance. It's my fault." Yang Guangming explained with a smile, and followed Liu Yajuan into the clean and bright house.

The living room remains simply and elegantly furnished, with the landscape paintings on the wall adding a touch of scholarly atmosphere to the room.

Yang Guangming sat down on the familiar sofa.

"Please sit down and have some water. You must be tired from your journey."

Liu Yajuan greeted him, quickly making him a cup of tea, and then busied herself washing fruit. "Weren't you studying at Stanford University in the United States? Why did you suddenly come back? Is school on holiday? Or... is something wrong?"

Her eyes held genuine concern and a hint of barely perceptible inquiry. After all, it was uncommon for government-sponsored students to return home midway through their studies in this era.

Yang Guangming clearly explained the reasonable reasons he had given his family before: he mainly applied for leave to visit his family during a break from his academic exchange program in Hong Kong Island, and the organization approved it because he lived close to home and his research had come to an end. He thought it was a rare opportunity and decided to come back to see his family.

Liu Yajuan nodded knowingly, her doubts dissipating: "I see. It's good that you came back to visit; your parents must be missing you terribly. How are Jianyue and the two children? Has Jingshu grown quite a bit taller?"

"Everything is fine, thank you for your continued concern. Jing Shu has grown taller and is more sensible now," Yang Guangming replied politely, feeling the warmth of this care.

"You child, you're always so polite, just like your Uncle He."

Liu Yajuan playfully scolded her, then asked with great interest, "Tell Auntie quickly, how are you getting used to studying and living in the United States? Stanford University, I heard it's a world-class university, even more famous than Tsinghua and Peking University in China? What do people eat there? How's the accommodation?"

Her question stemmed from her curiosity about this unfamiliar country.

Yang Guangming then picked out some of the more talkable, lighthearted, and interesting things he had seen and heard to share.

For example, Stanford's campus is spacious, with unique Spanish-style architecture and huge palm trees; California is sunny and has a pleasant climate; American students are intellectually active, and classroom discussions are free and open; and there are some differences in food culture, such as their preference for raw salads and particularly sweet desserts.

He deliberately avoided profound academic content and parts that might involve sensitive information, only talking about local customs and traditions.

Liu Yajuan listened with great interest, occasionally letting out exclamations of surprise or hearty laughter, as if she too had taken a brief spiritual journey to a foreign land.

The two chatted for about ten minutes, then Liu Yajuan seemed to suddenly remember something and clapped her hands:

“Look at me, I’ve been so busy chatting. Your Uncle He is still in his office working on some documents. I’ll give him a call and tell him you’re here. He’ll be so happy to know you’re back, he might even rush back for lunch.”

As she spoke, she got up and walked to the telephone next to the coffee table, dialing He Zhenzhong's office number.

The call was quickly connected, and Liu Yajuan said into the receiver, "Old He, we have a guest at home. It's Guangming. He's back from abroad... Yes, right now, he just arrived... Okay, I understand. I'll get ready."

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yajuan smiled and turned to Yang Guangming, saying, "Your Uncle He said he knows. He'll be back for lunch after he finishes dealing with some urgent matters. He specifically asked you to stay for lunch, saying he wants to have a good talk with you."

"This...it's too much trouble for you, Aunt Liu," Yang Guangming said politely.

"What trouble! It's just a matter of adding a pair of chopsticks, it's just a regular meal."

"You've come all this way from so far away, how can you leave without eating? Your Uncle He will be the first to object."

Liu Yajuan's tone was warm and firm, "You can sit and read the newspaper for a while, or wander around. I'll go to the kitchen and add a couple more dishes."

Xiao Hai doesn't come back from school at noon, so it'll just be the three of us, which will give us some peace and quiet.

After saying that, she tied her apron tighter and hurried into the kitchen to start working with the housekeeper.

Yang Guangming sat alone in the living room, casually picking up a copy of the day's "Liberation Daily" and browsing through it.

Around 11:30, the crisp sound of a key turning in the lock came from outside the door.

Immediately afterwards, the door was pushed open, and He Zhenzhong walked in with steady steps.

He was still wearing a crisply pressed dark gray Zhongshan suit, his top button fastened meticulously. His face showed a hint of fatigue from working at his desk, but his deep eyes were still bright, revealing a clear understanding of the world.

"Uncle He." Yang Guangming immediately put down his newspaper, stood up and greeted him.

"Light has returned? Good, good!"

When He Zhenzhong saw the bright sunlight, a genuine smile immediately appeared on his face. That smile dispelled some of his official arrogance and made him seem more approachable.

He stepped forward, extended his broad hand, and patted Yang Guangming's shoulder firmly, looking him up and down. "Hmm, you look quite energetic and more composed. When did you arrive? Why didn't you send a message beforehand?"

"I just arrived yesterday afternoon. My trip back was a bit rushed, so I didn't have time to inform you and Aunt Liu in advance. I was thinking of coming to visit you directly today," Yang Guangming replied.

"It's good to be back. It's not convenient to talk here. Come on, let's go to the study. Let Aunt Liu take care of things here."

As He Zhenzhong spoke, he habitually led Yang Guangming toward his large study, which exuded an air of scholarly refinement and authority.

The He family's study was very large, with a row of floor-to-ceiling dark wooden bookshelves against the wall, which were filled with Marxist-Leninist works, party history documents, economic treatises, historical classics and various reference books, all categorized and densely packed.

A large mahogany desk stood by the window, neatly stacked with documents, internal reference materials, and several unfolded newspapers. A pen holder held a few calligraphy brushes and fountain pens. The air was filled with the faint scent of ink, the smell of old book pages, and a subtle hint of tobacco.

The two sat down on the somewhat old-looking leather sofa next to the desk.

He Zhenzhong didn't call the nanny. Instead, he personally picked up the purple clay teapot and tea canister on the coffee table and skillfully brewed two cups of tea. He then pushed one of the cups, a clear, bright green tea, in front of Yang Guangming.

"Try it. This is the Lion Peak Longjing tea you gave me last time. There's only a little left, and I haven't been able to bring myself to drink it," He Zhenzhong said, his tone casual and intimate, as if he had returned to the role of a pure elder.

As Yang Guangming picked up the white porcelain teacup, a delicate and elegant aroma of chestnuts wafted up. The tea soup was clear and emerald green, with the tea buds and leaves unfurling.

He gently blew away the floating leaves, took a sip, and the mellow flavor melted in his mouth. He exclaimed, "Domestic tea is still the best. I'm so glad I can finally have this taste again."

He Zhenzhong slowly took a sip of tea, savored it for a moment, and then put down his teacup. His gaze returned to Yang Guangming's face. "This time you came back to visit relatives, to see your parents, wife, and children. There must be something else, right? Is everything going well for you over there... in your studies and life?"

His questions seemed casual, like the concern of an ordinary elder, but Yang Guang knew that they were far from simple pleasantries; they contained a deep concern for Yang Guang's situation overseas, his contact with the organization, and even his future plans.

Yang Guangming clearly understood that when dealing with a smart person like He Zhenzhong, who was experienced, held a high position, and had a meticulous mind, honesty and knowing how to maintain appropriate boundaries were the best strategies.

While his enormous income overseas and the registration of companies need to be kept strictly confidential from the public to avoid unnecessary trouble and attention, it is neither necessary nor possible to completely conceal this from someone of He Zhenzhong's rank, with whom he has a close relationship and may need his crucial assistance in the future.

Moreover, the organization already has clear conclusions and records on these matters, and can openly and selectively mention them to someone of He Zhenzhong's rank.

He hesitated for a moment, quickly organizing his thoughts, and decided to be frank, but only about the core facts that had been approved by the organization.

Then, he began to speak in a clear, plain, and focused tone.

He began by talking about his studies at Stanford, mentioning how, in addition to completing his heavy academic workload, he used almost all his spare time to immerse himself in the laboratory and library, combining the cutting-edge knowledge he had learned to carry out some "unconventional" inventions and technological ideas, and successively applied for a number of patents with potential application value.

He deliberately downplayed the forward-looking nature and complexity of these technologies, emphasizing only that they were "some minor improvements and innovations".

He then talked about how, by chance, he came into contact with some American intellectual property investment companies through the school's technology transfer office.

After multiple rounds of complex negotiations and evaluations, following the sale of the first patent, a total of 29 patents covering different technical fields were eventually packaged and sold to a powerful company, generating a huge income of up to 16 million US dollars after withholding tax.

He emphasized his shock at the sight of this astronomical sum of money, and how he immediately took the initiative to report the matter in detail to the San Francisco liaison office responsible for managing international students, and solemnly requested that all income be handed over to the country.

"The organization attaches great importance to this matter and has conducted an in-depth understanding and assessment."

Yang Guangming calmly recounted, "Ultimately, based on respect for the relevant laws of the host country regarding the ownership of intellectual property income, and considering that this is indeed the result of my personal intellectual labor, after strict procedures, the liaison office leadership formally notified me that the organization has decided to respect the facts and the law and confirm that this after-tax income... belongs to me personally and is at my disposal."

At the same time, they also affirmed and praised my proactive reporting and request to hand over the documents.

He then mentioned that in order to facilitate and legally manage and invest in the subsequent funds, and to avoid the political risks, regulatory troubles, and tax optimization needs that might result from leaving large amounts of funds in the United States, he took advantage of this academic exchange opportunity to register "Qiming Capital" in Hong Kong, a free port with relatively sound financial regulations, and initially built a small management team composed of professionals to be responsible for daily operations.

Finally, he mentioned an important purpose of his return to China: "Considering that the country is currently in the initial stage of reform and opening up, vigorously introducing foreign investment and advanced technology, and that foreign exchange reserves are extremely scarce."

I plan to transfer one million US dollars from my personal funds overseas into a domestic account for formal foreign exchange settlement, hoping to contribute my modest efforts to the country and alleviate some of the foreign exchange pressure.

Yang Guangming's narration was clear and logical, and his tone was steady, as if he were stating something that was related to himself but maintained a certain rational distance.

He omitted more sensitive and core business secrets such as how funds were operated in Hong Kong, how team members were selected, and detailed future global investment plans. He emphasized the legality of income, the organizational discipline of proactive reporting, the organization's knowledge and final approval, and his current willingness and actions to actively generate foreign exchange for the country.

He Zhenzhong listened quietly, leaning back slightly into the sofa. His face showed no exaggerated expression, only his right hand unconsciously tapping rhythmically on the leather armrest of the sofa, indicating that his brain was working at high speed and analyzing.

But when he heard the specific figure of "sixteen million US dollars," Yang Guangming still managed to catch the fleeting, almost imperceptible shock in his eyes.

Upon hearing "preparing to transfer back one million US dollars for foreign exchange settlement," He Zhenzhong's tapping fingers even paused slightly for half a second.

Even with He Zhenzhong's status, experience, and the composure honed by years of hardship, in 1979, a time when reform and opening up had just begun and the country's foreign exchange reserves were stretched thin,
Hearing firsthand that a government-sponsored student I'd watched grow up had amassed such astronomical wealth in the capitalist world through his own abilities, and was willing to voluntarily transfer millions of dollars back to China to exchange for foreign currency, the shockwaves I felt were immense and real.

This was completely beyond his usual experience and imagination.

A brief silence fell over the study.

He Zhenzhong slowly picked up the teacup, brought it to his lips, and took a sip, seemingly using this action to calm the turmoil in his heart and to fully digest this extremely impactful information.

His gaze turned to the window, fixed on the verdant cedar tree in the courtyard, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

After a long while, he put down his teacup and refocused his gaze on Yang Guangming. His gaze was filled with undisguised admiration, emotion, and a scrutinizing look as if he were getting to know the young man in front of him all over again.

"Light, oh light."

He spoke, his voice carrying a complex sigh, "You really are... always managing to bring unexpected surprises, no, this time it's shock! A real shock!"

He shook his head, a complex smile on his face, a mixture of disbelief and genuine relief.

Sixteen million US dollars... That's incredible, truly incredible!

This is a huge sum of money that can accomplish many important things for our country right now.

This shows that your intellect, your vision, and your technical skills truly far surpass those of ordinary people, placing you ahead of the times, and even ahead of the understanding of us old folks.

His evaluation was extremely high, full of the elder's great affirmation of the outstanding junior, and also carrying a hint of re-evaluation of the value that knowledge and technology can create.

"What's even more remarkable is that, faced with such immense wealth that could easily lead anyone astray, you were able to maintain such a clear mind and firm stance, proactively and promptly reporting to the organization and actively requesting to hand it over."

This awareness, this unwavering loyalty to the country, is extremely valuable! Incredibly valuable!

He Zhenzhong emphasized, his tone full of stress, "This fully proves that the organization was right to select you to study abroad back then! You have not let down the organization's training and trust!"

"Uncle He, you flatter me. I was just lucky to seize some opportunities at the right time and in the right place."

Without the opportunity and platform of government-sponsored overseas study, and without the knowledge foundation laid in China, I would never be where I am today. I will always remember this.

Yang Guangming responded modestly, attributing much of the credit to the country and opportunity, in a sincere manner.

"Luck is certainly important, but the ability to seize it and turn it into tangible results is true strength and a reflection of comprehensive capabilities."

He Zhenzhong waved his hand, not accepting his excessive modesty, "Since the organization has already reached a clear conclusion, the procedures are compliant, and the determination is legal, then you don't need to have any other concerns."

This money is legal and compliant; it's your right. If you plan and use it properly, whether to improve your personal and family life or for future career development, it's entirely your right.

He changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious and solemn, carrying the concern and admonition typical of an elder:

"However, Guangming, I must remind you and also pour some cold water on you."

Internationally, especially in the Western world, the financial and investment sectors are fraught with complexities, turbulent waters, and extremely risky.

It's a jungle of capital games, with complex rules and traps everywhere.

Although you are extremely intelligent and have a solid knowledge base, you are still young and may lack practical experience, especially in dealing with international capital markets.

Operating a company in Hong Kong, a place where various forces converge and information is complex, requires extreme caution and utmost care, as if walking on thin ice.

Remember not to be rash, and not to let temporary market frenzy or the lure of profits cloud your judgment and lead you to make irrational decisions.

"At any time, preserving your principal and controlling risk are always the top priorities." These words are profound and insightful, based on his many years of experience in political and economic work.

“I understand, Uncle He. Your reminder is very important, and I will definitely keep it in mind.”

Rest assured, in terms of specific operations, I will definitely adopt a prudent strategy, conduct thorough research and multi-faceted discussions, and act cautiously. I will never take reckless risks.

Yang Guangming nodded solemnly in agreement, his attitude respectful.

He didn't elaborate on specific business ideas and investment directions, as those involve more core information and future plans that are not convenient to disclose. He simply reiterated that he would be cautious and prudent.

The conversation naturally turned to the specifics of the one million US dollars settlement, which was the most substantive part of the discussion.

"You've only been back for a week. How exactly do you plan to handle the settlement of this one million US dollars? Do you have any initial ideas or difficulties?" He Zhenzhong asked.

His elbows were resting on his knees, revealing his deep concern about the issue.

Yang Guangming knew it was time to get down to business.

His candor and willingness to offer currency exchange were actually a way of doing He Zhenzhong a favor while cleverly addressing his own practical needs.

In an era when this country was in dire need of development, urgently required foreign exchange to import key equipment and technology, and where governments at all levels and enterprises regarded foreign exchange earnings as an extremely important performance indicator,
Even for a city leader like He Zhenzhong, a million US dollars in foreign exchange is an extremely impressive achievement that brings tangible political capital and influence, enabling him to take the initiative in many negotiations and projects.

He Zhenzhong certainly understands better than anyone the enormous value and political significance of this million dollars in the current situation.

Yang Guangming said, "One million US dollars is too much. My personal and family expenses would not cost that much money."

The main purpose is to eventually repatriate this money and convert it into foreign currency. As for how it will be used, that's negotiable. Do you have any suggestions?

He Zhenzhong pondered, his brows furrowing slightly, his fingers unconsciously drawing circles on his knee as he considered the specific operational path and potential policy obstacles.

He Zhenzhong continued, "This one million US dollars is undoubtedly your personal legal property."

According to the current regulations of the People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, after an individual's remittance is deposited into a bank, it will be forcibly converted into RMB of the corresponding amount according to the official exchange rate published by the state, and a certain proportion of remittance vouchers will be issued based on the amount.

This sum of money is far too large; the amount of RMB and remittance certificates after conversion is staggering, far beyond what an individual or family can possibly use for consumption…

As you said, it's difficult to use it up effectively and reasonably in a short period of time.

Large amounts of cash deposited in banks are merely numbers; they cannot be transformed into effective material improvements or national development.

He paused, seemingly sorting through policies and searching for feasible breakthroughs in his mind.

"So, if we want to bypass simple personal foreign exchange settlement and consumption, and directly transfer this valuable foreign exchange to the municipal government, or to a specific account of a commission or bureau under my supervision, as the government's foreign exchange revenue, that is feasible."

The problem is that the receiving party, namely the government or organization, must offer something of equal value in exchange.

This is essentially a disguised buying and selling relationship.

A million dollars is no small sum. Which organization could easily provide you with scarce goods or services of equal value?

As He Zhenzhong analyzed the situation, he slowly shook his head, his brows furrowing even more deeply.

This issue is indeed somewhat thorny under the current system and policy framework.

Individuals possess substantial foreign exchange reserves and voluntarily contribute them, but the state lacks a flexible and efficient mechanism for receiving and compensating these reserves.

Designing this operation path requires wisdom and flexibility.

Seeing He Zhenzhong frowning in deep thought, Yang Guangming knew the time was right, so he took the initiative to speak and offered his well-thought-out suggestion.

The core of this suggestion is to find a balance that perfectly combines individual needs with national interests.

"Uncle He, after listening to your analysis, I feel the same way."

So I have a preliminary idea that I might try. What do you think of its feasibility? Yang Guangming spoke humbly.

"Oh? Tell me about it." He Zhenzhong immediately raised his head, his eyes filled with obvious expectation and interest.

He knew that Yang Guangming was quick-witted and often came up with some unexpected and brilliant ideas.

“If I were to convert this one million US dollars into foreign currency for personal consumption, the amount would be too large. It is not suitable to simply transfer it all into my personal bank account and then have the bank, in accordance with national regulations, forcibly convert it into RMB and remittance certificates, leaving it in my savings account,” Yang Guangming stated clearly at the outset.

"As you analyzed, after the forced foreign exchange settlement, the money was converted into a huge amount of RMB and a certain number of remittance certificates."

Although remittance coupons could be used to purchase some in-demand goods, such as imported home appliances, bicycles, and watches, the selection was ultimately limited, and the quantity far exceeded the normal needs of a family.

The things that RMB can buy domestically are indeed strictly limited by various rationing systems and material supply plans.

I personally find it difficult to spend the huge amount of RMB generated after converting one million US dollars in a reasonable and compliant manner within a short period of time.

This is not only detrimental to the country and my family, but it also has a negative impact on me. I might attract unnecessary attention and trouble because of holding too much cash.

He calmly analyzed the current situation and potential problems, and then changed the subject to propose the core solution.

"I think the proposal you just made, which involves the municipal government or a department under your jurisdiction coordinating with banks to expedite the process and establish a special temporary foreign exchange receiving account or funding channel, is a very good one."

Then, I can transfer most of that million dollars, say eight hundred thousand dollars, directly from my overseas account to this specific account designated by the city government.

Once this money enters this account, even if it was personally coordinated and led by Uncle He, it will be considered as real foreign exchange income attracted to our city, directly included in the city's foreign exchange earnings target, and the corresponding foreign exchange task will be completed.

As for what the relevant departments will sell me after this foreign exchange enters the city's account, I'm not in a hurry to determine that; we can study and discuss it slowly later.

Even if the buying and selling process takes a long time, say a few years, that's fine.

Importantly, this valuable foreign exchange fund of $800,000 arrived immediately and can be directly used for national development.

The remaining $200,000 was transferred to my personal bank account through normal procedures for routine currency exchange.

The amount of RMB and remittance certificates exchanged is still considerable, but it is more than enough, even quite sufficient, for my personal and family's daily living expenses, children's education, and emergency reserves for a considerable period of time to come.

This also avoids the problem of my personal RMB assets being too large.

Yang Guangming clearly stated his core suggestion, namely the "80/20" proposal.

He paused briefly to observe He Zhenzhong's reaction. Seeing that He was listening very attentively, he continued to explain which aspects of the needs of the country and individuals this operation could simultaneously address.

"In my view, this approach has several obvious advantages, or rather, it can solve several problems at the same time."

First and foremost, through your coordination with the municipal government, the nation quickly and directly obtained $800,000 in valuable foreign exchange, which can be put into immediate use to solve the urgent problem.

Secondly, for me personally, this is also an opportunity to raise some of my specific needs that are reasonable but difficult to resolve using RMB with the municipal government and relevant departments that are coordinating this matter.

I hope to use that specific foreign exchange quota of $800,000 to 'pay' or 'exchange' for these needs.

He began to list the specific requirements:
"For example, I hope to use this foreign exchange quota to entrust the Municipal Housing Administration Bureau or relevant state-owned housing departments to help find and purchase one or two garden villas or high-end apartments with relatively suitable locations, environments, and building quality."

The aim is to improve the living conditions of the elderly in the family and the future growth environment of the children.

Our family of six is ​​now crammed into a small room in a Shikumen-style attic and the front building; it's far too crowded and cramped.

I know that the policies for private property purchases, especially high-quality properties left over from the old era, are still unclear, the procedures are complicated, and foreign exchange settlement is often required.

However, if I were to pay in US dollars, which the country urgently needs, and in a way that generates foreign exchange for the country, I would expect the housing authority and other relevant departments to take it very seriously, be happy to assist, and even take the initiative to help find suitable housing and expedite the transaction and property transfer procedures.

For example, I will need to maintain close contact with the company team in Hong Kong and my technical partners in the United States to communicate information and handle matters in a timely manner.

Therefore, I would like to apply for the installation of an international direct dial telephone in the residence I purchased.

I know that installing a telephone in a home is extremely difficult, and international direct dialing is even more strictly controlled with a very high level of approval authority.

However, if the proposal is made under the guise of attracting foreign investment, facilitating communication between high-level overseas talent and foreign countries, and promoting opening up to the outside world, and the company is willing to pay foreign exchange installation and call charges, I think the telephone exchange would actively consider it and give it priority.

In addition, I have always been very interested in traditional culture and art.

If possible, I would also like to use some foreign exchange to purchase some Chinese paintings, calligraphy, antique porcelain, and other artworks with high artistic merit and collectible value through channels such as antique shops and state-owned arts and crafts companies.

On the one hand, it's for personal appreciation and collection; on the other hand, it's to support the foreign exchange earnings of the country's cultural relics stores.

Transactions involving these types of collectibles are difficult to conduct domestically using RMB and usually require foreign exchange.

Yang Guangming's thinking is very clear. He cleverly combines the individual's needs for improving their life, facilitating their work, and consuming culture with the country's policy orientation of earning foreign exchange and supporting cultural undertakings. He has designed a near-perfect win-win solution that can meet the country's urgent needs and solve the individual's practical problems.

The demands he raised were pain points that, under the policy environment at the time, were difficult for individuals to meet even if they had money (in RMB), but could potentially be resolved through foreign exchange payments and special approval channels.

As He Zhenzhong listened, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. His previously furrowed brows had relaxed, and his face revealed undisguised approval, excitement, and even a sense of enlightenment.

Instead of tapping unconsciously, the fingers excitedly patted the sofa armrest lightly.

This plan is entirely feasible! Moreover, it's much simpler and more flexible to implement than he had previously imagined!
Essentially, this does not involve complex state-owned asset swaps or material allocations.

All he needs to do is use his own status and influence to coordinate with the bank to set up a temporary account specifically to receive this foreign exchange, and make it clear that this foreign exchange was allocated by Comrade Yang Guangming to the city for foreign exchange earnings targets.

At the same time, Comrade Yang Guangming designated the US$800,000 foreign exchange quota to be used for personal consumption projects that conformed to policy guidelines, such as purchasing a house, installing an international telephone, and buying works of art.

These consumer items are provided and foreign exchange is collected by the corresponding government departments, such as the housing management bureau, telephone bureau, and antique shops, and formal invoices are issued.

Throughout the process, foreign exchange flowed from Yang Guangming's overseas account into the country's foreign exchange pool, while Yang Guangming obtained specific goods and services that were difficult to buy domestically with RMB.

The government departments completed their foreign exchange earnings targets, relevant units received valuable foreign exchange, and the government's needs were met.

A perfect closed loop is formed.

In this way, He Zhenzhong could personally obtain a real foreign exchange earnings achievement of $800,000.

This would be an outstanding achievement in his field of work, and would have an immeasurable positive effect on consolidating his position, securing more project resources, and enhancing his voice within the leadership team.

Even at higher levels of leadership, they will leave a good impression of being good at opening up new opportunities and attracting overseas resources.

As for Yang Guangming's requests to purchase a garden villa, install international telephone service, and buy artwork, these are not a big deal, given that they can be paid for in foreign exchange and are made in a way that contributes to the country's foreign exchange earnings. In fact, the relevant departments would be more than happy to grant them.

This is because it's equivalent to exchanging existing domestic assets (such as old villas), services (such as telephone installation), or inventory (such as collections in antique shops) that cannot generate significant foreign exchange earnings in the short term for real hard currency, US dollars, which can be used to import key materials!

For those departments, this also fulfills their foreign exchange earnings targets, so why not?
"Great! Great! Great idea!"

He Zhenzhong couldn't help but say "good" three times in a row, his tone filled with barely suppressed excitement and admiration. He sat up straight. "Guangming, your idea is excellent! It's ingenious! It not only clearly solves the country's urgent need for foreign exchange earnings, but also fully satisfies your reasonable, legal, and justifiable needs. It's a win-win situation, no, a win-win solution!"

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the plan was ingenious, as if it were tailor-made for the current policy environment and practical difficulties.

"Eight hundred thousand US dollars were transferred to a specific account to meet the city's foreign exchange earnings target."

The remaining $200,000 is for your personal use in foreign currency.

This allocation ratio is very well thought out and very appropriate!

He Zhenzhong immediately made the decision, demonstrating his usual decisiveness: "I think this matter is settled! You prepare the relevant identification documents and other materials as soon as possible."

I'll immediately arrange for my secretary to coordinate with the bank, the director of the Municipal Housing Management Bureau, the director of the Municipal Telephone Bureau, and the head of the arts and crafts company to streamline the process and establish the necessary channels as quickly as possible! Let's strive to have the basic details finalized before you leave Shanghai!

He slowed his speech slightly and added more details:

"You can tell me which garden villas you're interested in, and what your general requirements are, such as the area, size, and layout. You can go and take a look beforehand, or ask the housing authority to recommend a few alternatives. Once you have a preliminary target, let me know, and I'll have the housing authority cooperate with you to ensure that you find one that suits your needs at a fair price."

Leave the international calls to me; I'll have the telephone company handle it as a special service and prioritize its installation.

Art collecting... that's up to your own judgment. As long as the source is legal, and you buy it through reputable antique shops or designated channels, there's no problem. It's also a way to support cultural endeavors and earn foreign exchange!

In this study filled with the fragrance of ink, the two easily and pleasantly finalized this major arrangement involving a huge amount of foreign exchange and multiple scarce resources.

The entire process was free of heated arguments and tedious wrangling; it was characterized by tacit understanding and high efficiency based on a high degree of trust and shared interests.

Yang Guangming breathed a sigh of relief; a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

In this way, he not only fulfilled his promise to contribute foreign exchange to the country and won He Zhenzhong's deeper trust and goodwill, and established a stronger bond of interests, but also completely improved his family's living environment and solved the practical difficulty of inconvenient communication with overseas countries.

At the same time, most of the US dollars that were about to be converted were "spent" in a reasonable way, in exchange for scarce high-quality assets and services in China, avoiding the huge amount of RMB sitting idle in the account and attracting attention, truly achieving a win-win situation for individuals, He Zhenzhong, his family, the country, and the local government.

This start was even smoother and more perfect than he had anticipated.

"Thank you so much, Uncle He! You've gone to so much trouble!" Yang Guangming expressed his sincere gratitude.

"Don't mention it! You're too kind!"

He Zhenzhong was in a great mood. He stood up with a big smile and patted Yang Guangming's arm hard. "You've done me a huge favor, and you've also done the city a huge favor!"

Come on, the food should be ready. Let's eat and chat, and we can also go through the steps a bit more.

We must have a good drink this noon to celebrate your successful return from your studies, and to celebrate the successful conclusion of this great event that benefits the country, the people, and our families!

The two looked at each other and smiled, the atmosphere was extremely harmonious, and they walked out of the study together.

The restaurant was already filled with the aroma of food and Liu Yajuan's warm greetings. (End of Chapter)