Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

The room was completely silent.

Leader Zhang couldn't help but ask, "How did it go?"

The old man smacked his lips, then looked at He Yuzhu, his eyes gleaming: "Good wine! I've drunk at least eighty or a hundred medicinal wines in my life, and they all tasted like rotten grass and leaves, making people cough. But your wine—it's smooth on the palate, and after swallowing, a warm current slides down the throat into the internal organs, with a sweet aftertaste. The medicinal properties are all dissolved in the wine, not harsh at all! It's like turning harshness into gentleness... Such good wine is a waste for Old Zhang. He can't touch alcohol, so why don't you give it to me?"

"Get out of here! You're eating and taking things at the same time! This was a gift specially given to me!" Boss Zhang was both annoyed and amused.

He Yuzhu quickly replied, "Uncle, I'm glad you like it. I have another bottle; I'll have Brother Li bring it over to you later."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony!" The old man was beaming from ear to ear, and didn't refuse at all.

To be honest, this liquor is not only better than ordinary baijiu, but even top-grade Moutai and Xifeng would instantly become bland and tasteless in his mouth.

Leader Zhang poured himself a small cup, and He Yuzhu reminded him, "No more than one or two ounces a day, drink it twice a day, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning and evening."

As the wine entered my throat, a warm and soothing sensation slowly spread, and a long-lost warmth welled up in my stomach.

Looking at the dishes on the table again, they were a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, with an irresistible aroma. My appetite was immediately whetted, and I couldn't stop eating once I started.

After eating for a while, he slowly put down his chopsticks, looked at He Yuzhu, and his tone suddenly became more serious:

"Xiao He, you've come several times today, and your eyes have been wandering. I know you're holding something in your mind."

Stop beating around the bush and just say it.

As long as it doesn't cross the line or violate principles, I will never refuse to help if I can.

He Yuzhu took a deep breath, still smiling, but his heart was in turmoil.

"Sir, I've been thinking about this for a long time. Please forgive me if I've said anything wrong..."

He paused, steadied himself, and slowly began to speak:

"I'm getting engaged soon. My fiancé is the daughter of the Lou family, and we've been seeing each other a lot."

Once, while chatting with my future father-in-law, we talked about some of the difficulties we're facing with imports... and I boldly suggested a possible solution—could I act as the country's "front man"?

He spoke at a measured pace, each word clear and distinct:

"Things that are inconvenient to purchase openly can be secretly procured using my private identity and overseas connections."

By bypassing official channels and leaving no trace, they specifically target critical technologies, equipment, and rare raw materials... Even if they only bring back a small amount at a time, these small gains can alleviate the immediate crisis.

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Li Huaide sat in the corner, his face suddenly changed, and his fingers trembled slightly.

He never expected He Yuzhu to be so bold and ambitious—this wasn't logistics work; it was dancing on the edge of a knife!

Leader Zhang and Li Huaide's father-in-law remained silent for a long time, their eyes meeting with a mixture of shock and deliberation.

After a moment, Leader Zhang slowly leaned back in his chair, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

As a key figure in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, no one understands the current predicament better than him.

The Western blockade was like an iron barrel, foreign exchange reserves dried up, and gold was thrown out every day, but very little was returned in return.

The Soviet Union held a technological monopoly, keeping even the blueprints tightly under its control.

Although some businessmen on Hong Kong Island were willing to help, the Huo family ultimately had to protect their own business, and the amount of procurement was a drop in the ocean, far from enough to fill the huge gap in the mainland.

Now, someone has stepped forward, willing to risk their life to be that invisible hand...

He stared at He Yuzhu, his voice low but trembling: "The path you're talking about... is extremely risky. Once exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable."

"I know," He Yuzhu nodded calmly, "but I'm willing to give it a try."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Leader Zhang didn't say anything more, but slowly raised his glass and drank the rest of the wine in one gulp.

That glance was full of meaning.

Now that the Lou family has taken the initiative to step forward and offer to purchase items that are inconvenient for the country to handle in person, Leader Zhang is indeed tempted.

"Xiao He, this matter you brought up... is not easy to decide." He tapped the corner of the table lightly with his fingertips, but his gaze had already drifted away. "This kind of thing can't be decided by me alone."

However—" He paused, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, "I personally prefer the dry one."

"Let me get a word in with a few old guys, then I'll give you a definite answer."

He picked up his glass and swirled the amber liquid in the light. "Just for this good wine, I had to make a trip for you, haha!"

After the dinner ended, He Yuzhu and Li Huaide got up to say goodbye.

Strangely, even though they hadn't drunk much, they both felt refreshed, walked lightly, and even felt a sense of clarity in the back of their heads.

This is definitely not thanks to the food—they're used to He Yuzhu's cooking; it might make their tongues feel comfortable, but it's not enough to loosen their muscles and bones.

Upon hearing that Leader Zhang had given his consent, He Yuzhu immediately replied, "Okay, then I'll go back and tell Uncle Lou."

Leader Zhang nodded and then asked for more details: "How will the Lou family expand after moving to Hong Kong? How will the company be set up? What are their plans for handling their existing assets? Will they be selling them off in large quantities?"

Lou Bancheng and He Yuzhu had already thought these issues through clearly.

The shares held in the public-private partnership were donated directly to the state, leaving not a single penny for themselves.

Lou Bancheng didn't care about the small dividends and didn't want to leave any loose ends.

As for Hong Kong Island, they started over, registered new companies, and set aside 40% of their annual procurement quota for the country—whether it's supplies or US dollars, they're very flexible.

As for the real estate in Beijing? Nothing.

He left it all to his daughter, Lou Xiao'e.

If they really took everything, outsiders would think the Lou family was going to run away.

Besides, Lou's father still had feelings for this land.

If they were really determined to leave, they would have used money to find a way to go abroad years ago. Why wait until now?

He still cherishes the idea of ​​returning to his roots, and wants to come back to retire in his old age.

In the afternoon, He Yuzhu and Li Huaide left Zhang's house by car.

As soon as the car turned onto the main road, Li Huaide couldn't help but speak up: "Zhu Zi, you're the only one who dares to say something."

If it were me, I wouldn't even dare to mention such a thing...

"Well, I was just relaying a message from Uncle Lou." He Yuzhu smiled. "Fortunately, Leader Zhang is understanding."

"What do you mean by being reasonable?" Li Huaide shook his head. "You gave him an ace up your sleeve."

If this goes through, the Ministry of Foreign Trade will have a much easier time.

He is all too aware of the current situation.

The country is short of foreign exchange and relies entirely on the assistance of patriotic overseas Chinese businessmen. Those overseas Chinese leaders and wealthy businessmen are all hard currency, and every brick and tile they build is worth its weight in gold.

Now, a businessman like Lou Bancheng, who knows the ropes, has resources, and is wholeheartedly devoted to the country, has come knocking on our door to act as a bridge—it's like a godsend.

The Lou family used their own money, the government didn't bleed any money, and they agreed. From then on, they had another "insider" who could buy goods for the country outside.

Only a fool would refuse such a good deal.

On the way back, the wind blew in through the car window, making one feel warm inside.

He Yuzhu returned to his residence and threw himself into his work, taking the opportunity to practice his cooking skills.

Stealing a moment from my busy schedule, I picked up my pen and wrote another letter to He Daqing in Baoding.

He mentioned that he's going back to Beijing for the Chinese New Year this year, and casually added that he's getting engaged next year.

He Daqing received the letter a few days after it was sent.

"Going back to Beijing for the New Year?"

He held the letter in his hand, stunned for a long while.

This was the first time since leaving the capital that he had the thought of "going back to visit" pop into his mind.

If you asked him to go back to that cramped courtyard house? He'd rather die than go.

But my son made it clear in his letter that he had bought a two-courtyard house near Zhengyangmen, which was spacious, bright, and roomy.

He also wanted to see the rain, not to mention that his son's engagement was such a big event, how could a father be absent?

That evening, He Daqing handed the letter to Widow Bai, getting straight to the point: "Huiyun, are you coming back to Beijing with me for the New Year, or staying in Baoding to spend it with your son?"

Bring her two sons along? Forget about it.

Putting aside whether He Yuzhu is willing to acknowledge these relatives, just the last fight—three knives were driven into the table right next to his eldest son's nose—scared the boy so much that he didn't dare to go out for several days and would tremble whenever he saw him.

The white widow took the letter, her fingers trembling slightly: "The Qing Dynasty...do we really have to go back? I...I really can't leave my two children behind."

"How old are you that you still can't let go?" He Daqing frowned. "One is three years younger than Zhu Zi, and the other is older than Yu Shui."

"Leave some rice, flour, and oil to send to his uncle's house. He'll be back after the New Year. What could possibly happen?"

His tone was resolute, but a hint of tenderness lingered in his eyes—he knew what she was afraid of.

But some things you can't escape no matter how hard you try.

He Daqing's voice was deep, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "If I don't go back, and Zhu Zi gets really angry and comes all the way to Baoding, who can stop him? If you can't bear to leave the child, then don't come with me. I can go back by myself. Anyway, it's only for the New Year holidays, I'll be right back."

"No, no, no!" The white widow panicked immediately upon hearing this, grabbing his arm. "I'll go back with you, I'll go and arrange things for the two children right away."

How could she dare let He Daqing return to Beijing alone? Ever since He Yuzhu stepped into Baoding last time, his imposing aura had made her breathless, and even her two sons, who usually acted arrogantly, were scolded until they bowed their heads and didn't dare to utter a word.

And what about He Daqing? He straightened his back more and more.

He used to want to settle down in Baoding, but things are different now—with his son backing him up, he can still get by back in Beijing.

Even if they don't have a job, they still have Zhu to support them, so they're not afraid of anything even if the sky falls.

But for the Bai family, He Daqing was the pillar of their strength.

If he leaves, the family will immediately return to the days when they couldn't even afford to eat.

Therefore, she had to keep a close eye on things and couldn't let her guard down for even a moment.

What they fear most is that He Daqing will return to Beijing, become more ambitious, and get involved with another widow... then the Bai family will be completely finished.

"I...I'll make arrangements as soon as possible, and I'll go with you then." The white widow gritted her teeth, stood up, and was about to go and discuss with her good-for-nothing brother—it's only a few days anyway, so she just needed to keep enough food coupons and money coupons.

……

With the year-end approaching, He Yuzhu is extremely busy at the steel rolling mill.