Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

Time flies, two years have passed in the blink of an eye. The sky over Beijing remains the same; locust blossoms bloom and fade, and swallows build new nests under the eaves. The "Red Star Vehicle Repair and Sales Service Center," which caused a sensation when it opened in the northwest suburbs, has, after two years, shed its initial amazement and controversy, becoming calm and orderly. In the soft morning light, He Damin stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, overlooking the vast, well-planned, and fully equipped park below. Compared to two years ago, the changes here are earth-shattering. The vacant land that was originally reserved has been transformed into a sizable assembly workshop and a more professional repair training workshop. The employee dormitory building has increased from one to three, the canteen has been expanded, and even a small library and activity room have been added. All the roads in the park have been paved, and a dedicated test drive track and vehicle parking area have been planned. The most eye-catching area is the newly developed area on the east side, where a sign for the "Hongxing Automobile Driving and Maintenance Technology Training Base" stands prominently. This expansion was initiated by He Damin with the advice and assistance of District Chief Yang Chengdong, for which he requested nearly 500 acres of additional land. Now, the entire park covers more than 1,300 acres, and in this northwestern suburb, it has become a fully functional "automobile city".

However, beneath the surface of prosperity, undercurrents were already brewing.

In the past two years, the cooperation between He Damin and Lou Zhenhua has shrunk from its initial boom, with a stable supply of thirty sets of frames, leaf springs, and standard parts per month, to only eight sets per month. On the other end of the phone, Lou Zhenhua's voice became increasingly polite, but he also mentioned more and more things like "adjustments to the factory's production plan," "new tasks for the technical department," and "the need to cooperate with the overall national plan." He Damin knew perfectly well that the "Lou Half-City," who used to have the final say in the steel rolling mill, now had very little say in the factory. On the last visit to Lou's home, Lou Zhenhua rarely went to the factory anymore, spending most of his time at home tending to his plants and waiting for the monthly "dividends," which were still a decent amount but no longer linked to the actual operation of the factory. Meanwhile, inside the steel rolling mill, a "car parts workshop" had been quietly established, and it was said to be quite large, with most of the technical backbone drawn from the technical team that had cooperated with "Red Star" in the past. There are even rumors that the city intends to use this workshop as a base to establish an independent "First Auto Parts Factory of Beijing", and even has the ambition to develop into a complete vehicle assembly factory.

The implications of all this are crystal clear.

He Damin picked up the slightly cooled tea on the table, took a sip, and remained calm and composed. He had long anticipated this day; in fact, it was an inevitable outcome he had deduced during his "late-night talk in the study" with Lou Zhenhua two years ago. He just hadn't expected things to unfold so quickly. The newly established regime could not tolerate the continued control of heavy industry, crucial to the national economy and people's livelihood, and the increasingly important manufacturing of transportation equipment, especially by a private individual with a mysterious background and enigmatic sources of goods. The wave of "public-private partnerships" spreading from light industry to heavy industry was inevitable. His "Red Star Service Center," with its large scale, wide influence, and its position in this highly sensitive industry, was bound to be among the first targets to be drawn into their radar.

Yesterday, Yang Chengdong, the district head of Dongcheng District, called his office directly. His tone was as friendly as ever, yet with a touch of official formality: "Comrade He, I'll be coming over tomorrow morning. There are some important policies regarding the future development of the service center that I need to discuss with you in person."

He Damin laughed and agreed on the phone, his tone relaxed: "Welcome District Chief Yang to come and guide our work. I will be waiting for you in my office." After hanging up, he knew that the moment of truth had arrived.

His gaze swept across the window. On the training base's playground, dozens of young trainees in uniform were learning about the structure of several disassembled engines under the guidance of their instructors. In the distance, outside the repair workshop, several trucks with license plates from different organizations were lined up for maintenance. Inside the sales showroom, although there were no longer many new cars to sell (He Damin had deliberately controlled the "supply" from the space, shifting the focus to repair, training, parts supply, and a small amount of "special channel" used car business), it remained clean and bright, with companies frequently coming to discuss bulk purchases of repair services or parts orders. Under his intentional or unintentional guidance and Chen Xueru's meticulous management, the entire "Red Star" operation had gradually shifted from a pure sales profit center to a comprehensive platform centered on technical services and talent cultivation.

If the government takes over this industry, it can immediately transform it into a mature automotive service and technical training force, which is undoubtedly a timely boon to the nascent domestic automotive industry. And for He Damin personally…

His fingers tapped lightly on the windowsill, his gaze deepening. He had made his decision after receiving the phone call yesterday. Lease, not joint venture. This was his long-planned escape route. He would lease the land, factory buildings, and equipment to the state at a symbolic price for a long term, retaining ownership while completely withdrawing from operations. This way, he would comply with national policy, avoid all potential future troubles, and preserve future ownership of the land. It was 1954 now, nearly thirty years away from the tumultuous "reform and opening up" era he remembered. What would the value of this 1,300 mu of land in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing be thirty years from now? That would be the true, immense wealth buried beneath the sands of time.

The amount of rent is not important. What matters is the form of "leasing" and the outcome of retaining ownership. Over the past two years, the profits from "Red Star" have already allowed him to accumulate astonishing wealth. Most of the gold and foreign exchange he obtained through Lou Zhenhua and others has been transferred overseas through special channels. He has no shortage of money.

"Knock, knock, knock." The knocking sound interrupted He Damin's thoughts.

Chen Xueru pushed open the door and entered. Today, she wore a light gray Lenin suit, tailored to fit perfectly. Her hair was neatly tied in a bun at the back of her head, and she wore light makeup. Compared to the silk shop owner she was two years ago, she exuded a more capable and composed air. In the past two years, she had gradually distanced herself from the silk shop, devoting most of her energy to the management of "Red Star." Initially, she was apprehensive. Faced with those cold machines, complex blueprints, and burly drivers and technicians, she sometimes felt lost. But her indomitable spirit and the shrewdness honed in the business world allowed her to quickly find her footing. She didn't understand technology, but she understood people, management, and how to ensure smooth collaboration between departments. He Damin gave her absolute trust and authority, and she repaid that trust with outstanding results. Today, "Red Star" manages its daily administration, personnel, finance, logistics, and even some customer relations with remarkable efficiency.

"Brother Damin, District Chief Yang's car has already entered the gate." Chen Xueru walked to his side and said softly, a hint of tension in her eyes. Although she was capable of handling things on her own, the matter to be discussed today concerned the future of the entire industry and the direction of their family, so she couldn't afford to take it lightly.

He Damin turned around, took her hand, and smiled slightly: "Xueru, don't worry. We'll do it the way we discussed last night. You'll be there during the negotiations later, so you know more about the specific management details than I do." His hand was warm and steady, and Chen Xueru's unease subsided slightly. She nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you."

The two walked out of the office side by side and went downstairs to greet him.

Yang Chengdong's jeep happened to be parked in front of the office building. He got out of the car alone, without any entourage, which in itself was a signal—today's conversation was more about "communication" than informal "work instructions."

"District Chief Yang, welcome!" He Damin stepped forward to shake hands.

"Comrade He, Comrade Xueru, I'm sorry to bother you again." Yang Chengdong smiled amiably, but He Damin could see a complex emotion in his eyes: appreciation, regret, and perhaps even a hint of official business.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the three of them went to the reception room on the second floor and took their seats. Chen Xueru personally brewed tea.

Yang Chengdong didn't beat around the bush. He took a sip of tea, put down his cup, and his expression became more formal: "Comrade He, Comrade Xueru, I'm here today on behalf of the district and entrusted by relevant city leaders to formally discuss the future development direction of the 'Red Star Vehicle Service Center' with you." He paused, observed He Damin's expression, and seeing that the other remained calm, continued: "In the past two years, the development of your service center has been evident to all. It has not only provided numerous job opportunities and trained a large number of car driving and repair personnel, but also greatly alleviated the transportation pressure in the city and surrounding areas, making outstanding contributions to economic development. City and district leaders have praised you many times."

"District Chief Yang, you flatter me. This is all we should do, and it wouldn't have been possible without the strong support of the government and our leaders," He Damin said politely.

Yang Chengdong waved his hand: "The achievements are real, no need to be modest. However, Comrade He, you are also aware of the current national situation and policy direction. Heavy industry and transportation are the lifeblood of the national economy, and the country needs to strengthen planning and unified management. Large-scale and influential private enterprises like 'Red Star,' especially those involved in important production tools like automobiles, have reached the point where it needs to be considered... to be included in the national plan."

He finally uttered the word: "After research, the city believes that implementing a 'joint public-private ownership' model for 'Red Star' is currently the most policy-compliant and beneficial path for the company's long-term development. The state can inject funds, strengthen management, expand production and service scale, and better serve socialist construction. Of course, regarding your private assets and rights, the state will also conduct an asset inventory and verification in accordance with policy, providing reasonable redemption or fixed interest to guarantee your legitimate interests. Comrade He, you are a sensible and conscious advanced individual, and I believe you can understand and support this decision of the state."

The reception room quieted down, with only the rising steam from the tea slowly filling the air.

Chen Xueru tightened her grip slightly on her lap and looked at He Damin.

He Damin was silent for a moment, a solemn expression of deep thought on his face. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and clear: "District Chief Yang, I thank the country and its leaders for their attention to 'Red Star,' and I also thank you for coming to communicate in person. I personally fully understand and firmly support the national policy of public-private partnership."

A relieved smile appeared on Yang Chengdong's face. He was about to say something when He Damin changed the subject:

"However, I have a somewhat immature idea about the specific joint venture model for 'Red Star' that I would like to report to District Chief Yang and the other leaders to see if it is feasible."

"Oh? Comrade He, please speak." Yang Chengdong leaned forward slightly.

"District Chief Yang, as you know, the 'Red Star' land was originally barren wasteland, which I personally funded to level and build. Most of these factory buildings and equipment were also my personal investment. If we follow the usual joint venture model, the procedures of asset verification, redemption with fixed interest are complicated, and it would be a burden for the state to come up with such a large sum of money all at once." He Damin's tone was sincere. "I have a suggestion, why not try a different approach—'leasing'?"

"Lease?" Yang Chengdong was taken aback.

"Yes, a long-term lease." He Damin nodded. "I am willing to lease all of the 1,300 mu of land, all the factory buildings, structures, equipment, and even some of the existing spare parts of the 'Red Star Service Center' to the state at a symbolic, extremely low price—for example, one yuan per year. The lease term can be set at twenty or even thirty years. During the lease period, all these assets will be entirely used, managed, and renovated by the state. I myself, and my family, will completely withdraw from the operation and management of 'Red Star,' will not hold any position, and will not interfere with any decision-making. After the state takes over, it can operate entirely according to the model of a state-owned enterprise. Personnel arrangements, salary systems, and production plans will all be decided by the state."

Seeing the surprise flash across Yang Chengdong's eyes, he continued calmly, "The advantage of doing this is that the country can obtain a ready-made, fully functional automotive service and training base at almost zero cost, which can be put into operation and play its role immediately, without having to wait for a lengthy asset verification and redemption process. As for me personally, it can also be seen as a way of contributing a small part of my personal assets to national development, saving a lot of cumbersome procedures. Consider this thirty-year rent as my personal contribution to national development. As for after thirty years... if the country still needs it, the lease can be renewed."

Yang Chengdong was completely stunned. He had anticipated that He Damin might try to negotiate for better buyout terms, or demand to retain some management rights, or even be somewhat reluctant. But he never expected that He Damin would propose such an unbelievably "generous" solution! One yuan rent? Long-term lease? Complete withdrawal? This was practically a free gift! No, it was even better than a free gift, because a free gift might raise questions about the source of state-owned assets, while a lease had clear procedures and was legally justifiable.

He quickly weighed the options in his mind. This plan was undoubtedly a tremendous boon for the country and the receiving unit! It was almost a seamless transition, instantly transforming the valuable asset "Red Star" into state-owned power. As for the symbolic one-yuan rent and the decades-long lease... these details were completely insignificant in the face of such enormous practical benefits. He could even imagine how happy the city leaders would be to hear about this plan!

But…why would He Damin do this? What was he after? Yang Chengdong gave He Damin a deep look. This young man, from the first time he met him at the street office, had always been enigmatic. He possessed astonishing wealth and resources, yet he didn't seem particularly attached to wealth itself. He acted methodically and with foresight, yet he always made unexpected choices at crucial moments.

"Comrade He... your idea is indeed... very creative, and it also reflects a very high level of ideological awareness."

Yang Chengdong carefully chose his words, "However, this involves significant assets, and I cannot make a decision on my own. I need to report your plan in its entirety to the city leaders. But I can assure you that I will convey your sincerity and ideas truthfully."

"Thank you so much, District Chief Yang," He Damin said with a smile. "We are ready to cooperate with the district and city at any time. The details of the lease agreement can be negotiated gradually, with everything based on the convenience of the country and the benefit of our business development."

The atmosphere of the conversation became much more relaxed in the following part. Yang Chengdong inquired about the current operation and staff composition of the service center, and He Damin and Chen Xueru answered them one by one, clearly stating that they were willing to fully cooperate in the handover process, stabilize the staff, and ensure uninterrupted service.

It was nearly noon when Yang Chengdong left.

Back in her office, Chen Xueru let out a soft sigh of relief and looked at He Damin with a complicated expression: "Brother Damin, is it really... that's the decision?" Although the two had a deep conversation last night, hearing her husband propose the "one-yuan rental" plan still filled her with emotion and reluctance. She had poured so much of her heart and soul into this place.

He Damin put his arm around her shoulder and said gently, "Yes, it's decided. This is for the best, clean and efficient. Xue Ru, I've seen all the hard work you've done these past two years. But our path doesn't lie here."

He paused, his voice lowering slightly: "I've also been thinking about your silk shop. Perhaps we should close it down as well. Find a reliable manager, or maybe we can follow the 'Red Star' model and find a suitable way to transition it out. We can start fresh."

Chen Xueru nestled in his arms and nodded silently. For the past two years, she and He Damin hadn't had a child. At first, they thought it was because they were too busy, but later they secretly consulted doctors, who all said they were both healthy. He Damin had vaguely mentioned to her that it might be due to a difference in their "level of life." She didn't quite understand what "level of life" meant, but she trusted He Damin. Not having a child was a regret, but with He Damin by her side and her well-behaved niece, Yushui, her heart was full. Moreover, He Damin had promised that once things settled down, he would teach her cultivation, which would open up a whole new world for her.

"Brother Damin, are we... really going to Hong Kong?" she asked softly.

"Yes, south." He Damin looked south. "It's a different world there, with different rules and more opportunities. Zhu Zi is now quite skilled at driving and repairing cars, and with the rains getting heavier, he can go out and broaden his horizons. Once we get there and settle down, I'll officially begin teaching you cultivation. We have a lot of time and a long road ahead."

Chen Xueru looked up at her husband's calm and resolute profile, and the last trace of hesitation in her heart vanished. As long as she was with him, she was willing to go anywhere.

"Then...when are you leaving?"

"Once the matters of 'Red Star' and the silk shop are settled, it will probably take another month or two," He Damin estimated. "That's good, it also gives us some time to say goodbye to my elder brother, sister-in-law, Yu Liang (2 years old), and the old neighbors in the courtyard. Once we leave, we don't know when we'll be able to go south together again, after all, my sister-in-law still has her family in Qinjiazhuang to consider."

The last rays of the setting sun streamed into the office once more, casting long shadows of the two figures. Outside the window, at the training base, the bell rang, and trainees chatted and laughed as they headed towards the cafeteria. The roller shutter of the repair workshop slowly closed, marking the end of a busy day. This business, founded by He Damin and meticulously managed by Chen Xueru, was about to be integrated into the tide of the times in a unique way.

For He Damin, this was merely the end of one phase. His cultivation at the Nascent Soul stage, the profound resources of the Taiji Small World, and his foresight for the next few decades had already extended his gaze beyond this land, setting his sights on the vast ocean and the soon-to-be-turbulent Hong Kong, a place brimming with countless possibilities.