Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

As dusk settled and the city lights began to twinkle, the vast Lou's Steel Rolling Mill outside Dongzhimen fell silent in the night, with only the blast furnaces and some workshops still lit, like the single eye of a lurking beast. Adjacent to it, surrounded by high walls, was the Lou family mansion, exuding a tranquility and elegance that seemed incongruous with the industrial clamor. It was a two-story Western-style villa, with red bricks and gray tiles, arched windows, and a small terrace. Several sturdy pine and cypress trees swayed gently in the evening breeze in the courtyard.

He Damin's jeep slowly pulled up outside the gate of the small building. He hadn't come alone today; in the passenger seat sat He Daqing, who looked slightly reserved yet also proud. In the back seat were two sizable bamboo food boxes containing several of He Daqing's signature dishes and two jars of aged Shaoxing wine—both a courtesy of the visit and a subtle way of adding a touch of warmth to the potentially important conversation that would follow.

The gatekeeper, clearly having received instructions, immediately and respectfully led the two into the courtyard upon seeing He Damin, and went straight up to the study on the second floor.

Lou Zhenhua's study was spacious and bright, with a floor-to-ceiling mahogany bookcase against one wall, crammed with Chinese and foreign books. Several ink paintings of landscapes and a map hung on the wall. On the large desk were some documents and drawings spread out, and a green-shaded table lamp cast a warm glow. Lou Zhenhua was standing by the window, gazing absently at the scattered lights of the factory area outside. Hearing footsteps, he turned around, a gentle smile on his face.

"Boss He, Daqing, you've arrived." He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the food box He Daqing was carrying, his smile widening. "You even brought wine and dishes? You're too kind."

"Director Lou, I apologize for bothering you." He Damin nodded slightly, gesturing for He Daqing to hand the food box to the servant who had come in upon hearing the noise. "It's just some simple home-cooked dishes, nothing special. We can eat and chat at the same time."

"Good, good! I like it this way, casual and friendly." Lou Zhenhua laughed and led the two to sit down at the mahogany tea table in the corner of the study. The servant quickly laid out the dishes from the food box on the octagonal table next to them, warmed up some wine, and then quietly withdrew, closing the door behind him.

The study was immediately filled with the aroma of freshly cooked dishes and a faint scent of wine, dispelling the previously serious office atmosphere. After a few cups of warm wine and some pleasantries about the factory and service center, He Daqing gradually relaxed, occasionally interjecting with anecdotes about the canteen.

After a few rounds of drinks and several dishes, the conversation naturally turned to business.

He Damin put down his wine glass and took out several drawings from his briefcase. These were the simplified process diagrams of the "automotive steel" formula and the core principle diagrams of a four-cylinder engine and transmission that he had drawn earlier. He didn't spread them out directly, but looked at Lou Zhenhua: "Director Lou, we talked about parts cooperation last time. These are some preliminary ideas I've compiled about special steels suitable for car manufacturing, as well as the core design concepts for a planned engine and transmission. They're still quite rough, but the direction should be correct."

Lou Zhenhua's expression turned serious. He took the blueprints and began to carefully examine them under the lamplight. As an industrialist himself, while he wasn't a top expert in machinery and materials, he possessed basic discernment and judgment. The more he looked, the deeper his brow furrowed, and the more surprised and thoughtful he became. The steel formula took into account the optimization of existing smelting conditions; the engine and gearbox designs, though relatively simple in structure, were clearly well-thought-out, with many parameters explicitly marked—clearly the result of careful consideration.

"Boss He," Lou Zhenhua looked up at He Damin with a complicated expression, "these...are quite valuable. You're just handing them over like this?" He was referring to the free display of the technical drawings. In this era of technological isolation, a mature design concept and formula are often the lifeblood of a company.

"Cooperation hinges on sincerity," He Damin said calmly. "I'll provide the ideas and some key parameters, while Director Lou will provide the site, equipment, workers, and basic materials. Together, we'll strive to produce the basic components—besides the most critical machined parts—such as the frame, leaf springs, standard parts, and shell castings, ensuring quality and cost control. In the future, 'Red Star' vehicles will be sourced from you first. This is a win-win situation for both of us."

Lou Zhenhua tapped his fingers lightly on the blueprints, lost in thought. He was weighing his options. He Damin's offer was tempting, not only bringing stable and high-value-added orders, but also prompting his steel rolling mill to upgrade to higher-end processing and manufacturing, escaping the predicament of simple rough processing and low profits. However, the corresponding investment, technology assimilation, and quality control risks were also considerable.

"I see Mr. He's sincerity." After a long silence, Lou Zhenhua slowly spoke, "This matter can be discussed in detail. Several experienced workers in the factory should be able to understand these drawings, but the specific trial production and process exploration will take time."

"That's natural." He Damin nodded. "We can first establish a joint technical team, composed of personnel from both sides, and start with the trial production of this 'automotive steel' and several typical stamped parts and castings."

With the major arrangements initially finalized, the atmosphere in the study became even more harmonious. They drank two more glasses of wine and discussed some preliminary ideas on technical details and personnel arrangements.

However, He Damin suddenly changed the subject, his tone becoming somewhat deep: "Director Lou, besides cooperating in manufacturing parts, there is another matter that I wonder if you have heard about recently, or... considered?" Lou Zhenhua put down his wine glass, his gaze slightly narrowed: "What is it?" "About... public-private partnership." He Damin uttered four words.

Lou Zhenhua's smile vanished instantly, his eyes sharpening with a complex expression. He remained silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh: "The situation is indeed getting increasingly tense. The higher-ups... have spoken with me several times. The steel industry, a vital national asset, will likely be among the first to be targeted."

He Damin poured wine for Lou Zhenhua and himself, and said slowly, "It's an inevitable trend. Whether we leave sooner or later, we have to leave. The key is how we leave."

"Oh? What insightful opinion does Mr. He have?" Lou Zhenhua leaned forward slightly. He knew that He Damin had a mysterious background, was well-informed, and often had unique insights.

"I wouldn't call it a brilliant insight, just a few thoughts." He Damin carefully chose his words. "Joint ventures are nothing more than a matter of assets and management rights. The country needs to control key industries and stabilize the supply of materials, that's the big picture. But for us original bosses, the real challenge is how to ensure that our years of hard work aren't easily diluted, how to properly resettle the workers who have followed us for so many years, and how... to find our place in this new era."

He paused, then continued, "Take my 'Red Star' as an example. Wages are currently high there, and the workers are very motivated. But once we merge, the state will definitely implement a unified wage system, such as an eight-grade system. At that time, wage levels will likely decrease. Will workers who are used to high incomes be psychologically balanced? Will productivity be maintained? These are all potential problems."

Lou Zhenhua nodded in deep agreement; his factory was no different. Some key technical workers earned wages far exceeding the average level.

"So, I'm thinking," He Damin lowered his voice, "perhaps we can try a different approach. It doesn't have to be the government buying the shares, with all that redemption, fixed-interest payments—it's complicated and involves too many parties. My 'Red Star,' the land, factory, and equipment—I can lease them to the government for a symbolic price—say, one yuan—for a long term, twenty or thirty years, it doesn't matter. I'll hand over all management, personnel, and operational rights, retaining only a nominal 'advisor' status, or I can simply withdraw from operations altogether. How the government manages it, how it sets wages—that's the government's business, not mine. If the workers have complaints, they'll direct them at the new management, not at me."

"One yuan rent? Long-term lease? Complete withdrawal?" Lou Zhenhua was taken aback by this bold idea, but after careful consideration, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. This was simply... a strategic retreat, a perfect escape! It aligned with national policy, avoided potential troubles and risks (such as accusations of poor management or conflicts over changes in worker treatment), preserved ultimate ownership of the fixed assets (recovery upon lease expiration), and earned a reputation for being "righteous and supportive of the country"! More importantly, it cashed out! Although the rent was symbolic, the huge profits from the previous booming vehicle sales were already in his pocket.

"Boss He, your thinking... is truly..." Lou Zhenhua was momentarily at a loss for words, admiring him while also feeling a chill. This young man's predictions and countermeasures to the situation were far more sophisticated than those of a young man!

"This is a last resort." He Damin gave a wry smile, but there was no bitterness in his smile, only a clear and insightful understanding. "I think that in less than two years, the business environment in China will be very different. Production materials will be fully planned and rationed. Without quotas, you can't move an inch. Everything will be allocated by the government, and the space for private enterprises will be compressed to the limit. Rather than being passive at that time, it's better to make plans early and exit gracefully."

He looked up at Lou Zhenhua, his voice even softer, yet each word clear: "Director Lou, to be honest, I have plans. Once things are settled here, 'Red Star' is successfully handed over, and our cooperation is on track... I plan to take my family south."

"South?" Lou Zhenhua's pupils contracted slightly. "Where...are you going?"

"Hong Kong," He Damin uttered two words. "It's still a free port there. Business can still be done, just with different rules. With my limited resources, I might be able to make a difference somewhere else. It's better than being stuck here, watching my hard work slowly merge into a grand plan while I feel lost and helpless."

A long silence fell over the study. Only the faint sound of the wind outside the window and the distant hum of factory machinery could be heard.

Lou Zhenhua slowly leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, his gaze unfocused. He Damin's words were like a key, unlocking the door to his heart that had been tightly shut with hesitation. The pressure of the joint venture, the uncertainty of the future, the reluctance to part with his life's work... all these emotions intertwined. He Damin's "one-yuan leasing" method and his plan to move south undoubtedly offered an extremely tempting way out. But... it was hard to leave his homeland, hard to abandon his ancestral business.

He Daqing listened in stunned silence. Although he did not fully understand the deeper meaning, he vaguely sensed that his younger brother was discussing something of great importance with Boss Lou, which concerned the future of the entire family business. He felt both nervous and bewildered.

"Mr. He," Lou Zhenhua finally spoke after a long silence, his voice slightly hoarse, "your words today are more valuable than ten years of study. This matter... is of great importance, allow me to consider it carefully. However, regarding the cooperation on auto parts, we will proceed as usual. No matter what the future holds, doing what we can do now is never wrong."

"That's only right." He Damin raised his glass. "Pleasant to cooperate." "Pleasant to cooperate."

Two wine glasses clinked gently, producing a crisp sound that was particularly clear in the quiet study. The swirling liquid reflected the faces of the two men, each lost in their own thoughts yet somehow in sync. Outside the window, the night deepened.