Chapter 441: Lin Xueqing Comes to Shenzhen

When the plane landed at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, a humid, stifling wind rushed in impatiently through the gap in the cabin door.

Lin Xueqing instinctively tightened the thin cardigan on her—an outfit for deep autumn in the capital, obviously out of place here.

She followed the crowd down the jet bridge, stepping onto southern soil; her first impression was that the cement beneath her seemed to exude a lukewarm heat, the air sticky, carrying an unfamiliar, fishy‑sweet scent of dense vegetation and waterways.

"Mom! This way!"

At the arrivals area, Li Yaozong waved vigorously, his face beaming with a bright smile, a bit tanned, but full of vigor.

Next to him stood a girl in a Floral Dress with neatly cut short hair, her features delicate; when she saw Lin Xueqing looking over, she smiled shyly.

"Hello aunt, I'm A Zhen," she said in a thin voice, Mandarin with a Cantonese accent.

"Ah, good, good child," Lin Xueqing quickly replied, the unease of being in a strange place eased considerably by her son and his future daughter‑in‑law's smiling faces.

Getting into the car and leaving the airport, the sights before Lin Xueqing were overwhelming.

The road was wide, but traffic sparse; occasionally a tractor dragging a long black plume of smoke rumbled by.

Vast stretches of farmland and fish ponds receded quickly, followed by rows of uniform yet brand‑new factories, their red slogan banners standing out sharply against the blue sky.

"Time is money, efficiency is life"—a slogan flashing past the car window gave Lin Xueqing, accustomed to "saving lives" and "serving the people," a slight jolt.

So this is the Special Economic Zone? This is the place where An Bang and the children strive?

"Mom, are you tired? Let me take you to the residence to rest first."

Li Yaozong said while driving, "Dad is in a meeting over in Longgang, he'll be back later. The residence is set in Luohu, close to Hong Kong, and the environment is relatively quieter.

"Not tired, I've been sitting on the plane for a long time, it's a good chance to look around."

Lin Xueqing gazed out the window at the bustling construction sites and hurried pedestrians, so different from the Beijing she had lived in for half her life, graceful yet steeped in tranquil antiquity.

Everything here seemed to be growing at accelerated speed, with a reckless drive.

A Zhen carefully handed over a bottle of water, "Aunt, have some water; the weather here is humid and hot, you need to stay hydrated."

"Thank you," Lin Xueqing took it, feeling her fondness for the girl increase a bit.

The Luohu residence was a newly built seven‑story building with an elevator; the rooms were spacious and bright, fully furnished with appliances.

Standing on the balcony, one could see the winding Shenzhen River not far away, and the rolling hills of Hong Kong's New Territories across the bank.

"This house... too big, too new."

Lin Xueqing ran her hand over the sleek walls, feeling a bit out of place.

She had lived in a Siheyuan in Beijing for decades, accustomed to the warm feel of brick and wood and the deep courtyard; here the ceramic tiles, aluminum‑alloy windows, and fluorescent lights all seemed overly "hard" and "bright".

"Mom, just give yourself time to adapt."

Li Yaozong helped stow the luggage, "Everything here in Shenzhen develops fast, everything is new. Dad said, if you can't get used to the place, we'll change it, or rearrange it according to your wishes.

"No need, no need, this is fine."

Lin Xueqing waved quickly, but thought inside that perhaps she really should follow An Bang's suggestion, change her way of life, starting by getting used to a new living environment.

In the evening, Li Ping'an returned, dust‑covered but his eyes bright.

"Xueqing, was the journey smooth?" he grasped his wife's hand, examined her complexion, "You look fine. Come, I'll take you to try authentic Chaoshan sand‑pot porridge, with Yaozong and A Zhen as well."

In the following days, Li Ping'an made time to accompany Lin Xueqing on a tour around Shenzhen.

They visited the newly opened "Sea World", seeing models and plans rising on the barren shore; they went to the Zhongying Street in Shatoujiao, experiencing the peculiar "one street, two systems" vibe.

They also went to the crowded, noisy Dongmen Old Street, listening to Cantonese shouts they couldn't understand, and browsing the dazzling array of small goods.

Lin Xueqing felt very mixed. Fresh and curious, yet often a sense of alienation and slight dizziness.

The pace here was too fast, the changes too great; people talked about projects, orders, foreign exchange vouchers, approvals... unlike the medical records, ward rounds, academic conferences she was used to, as if they were two different worlds.

But when she saw Li Ping'an gesturing and discussing with workers on a construction site, pondering maps and reports in a modest office, and listening at the dinner table as her son and He Xiao, Chen Anbang argued fiercely over technical details, she clearly felt that her husband and children were genuinely participating in and driving some important change.

This change might be exactly what the country needs.

One week later, the Wanxiang Group senior meeting convened in a conference room at the Pingshan Industrial Park.

The attendees, besides core members Li Ping'an, Li Yaozong, Zhou Wenbin (who rushed back from Japan), Lin Wanyi and others, also included several project‑leading cadres.

The conference room was hazy with smoke—several veteran smokers couldn't hold back. A huge Shenzhen map hung on the wall, its pins of various colors marking Wanxiang's existing and planned industrial layouts.

Li Ping'an stood before the map, holding a slender pointer.

"Pingshan Park, apparel, shoes, hats and luggage, already on the right track, Minghua's contribution is indispensable," the pointer landed on the Pingshan spot; Zhou Minghua, a lean, capable man in his early forties, nodded modestly.

"Next step, we'll spread the stall and create a cluster effect," the pointer moved west to Bao'an District, "Here, we plan to build the 'Wanxiang Bao'an Automobile Industrial Park.' He Xiao!"

"Got it!" He Xiao sprang up, his back straight.

"You have full authority to prepare. Start with components; engines and gearboxes may still rely on outsourcing or cooperation, but bodies, chassis, interiors, and electrical systems we must gradually produce ourselves. The goal isn't just assembly, but mastering core manufacturing capability. Within three years, I want to see the first sedan prototype bearing the 'Wanxiang' logo roll off the line."

"Task will be completed!" He Xiao's voice rang loudly, fire burning in his eyes. He had finally waited for this day!

The pointer shifted again toward Longgang District.

"Here is the 'Wanxiang Longgang Electronic Industrial Park.' Main focus: desktop computers and peripherals, nickel‑cadmium batteries, BP Pager, civilian cameras and their core optical components." Li Ping'an's gaze swept to a bespectacled, scholarly‑looking middle‑aged man, "Xu Jiaming, you graduated from Tsinghua University's Radio Department and worked at Sony in Japan for years; take on this responsibility."

Xu Jiaming adjusted his glasses and replied calmly, "Li Zong, rest assured, the team has already started building. For computers, we're optimizing and cost‑controlling based on the 'Morning Star II' model. The second‑generation pager and camera hinge on chips and lenses; those two require Chief Engineer Zhang Wei and the materials department's coordination."

"No problem, communicate anytime," muttered a middle‑aged man in work clothes with slightly messy hair sitting in the corner; he was Zhang Wei, in charge of chip and lithography machine R&D, a typical tech‑savvy engineer.

The pointer continued, "Longhua District, 'Wanxiang Longhua Home‑Appliance Industrial Park.' Zheng Guodong!"

A dark‑skinned, broad‑handed man stood up.

"You're in charge. The first‑generation refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and TVs have decent market feedback, but there's ample room for improvement. The second‑generation R&D must catch up immediately. Refrigerators need larger capacity, lower power consumption, quieter operation; air conditioners should be split‑type and window‑type in parallel to boost energy‑efficiency ratio; washing machines should move toward full automation; TVs should advance to larger, color displays." Li Ping'an recited as if from memory.

Zheng Guodong nodded vigorously, "Got it! The second‑generation prototypes are already under testing. For refrigerators we're tackling fluorine‑free foam technology and more efficient compressors; the air‑conditioner heat‑exchanger material has seen breakthroughs; the washing‑machine control program is the tough spot, needing support from the electronics department..."

"The coordination meeting is once a week; if you can't solve it yourselves, come to me," Li Ping'an declared decisively.

Finally, the pointer landed on Nanshan District.

"This is the future," Li Ping'an's voice slowed, yet grew weightier, "'Wanxiang Nanshan R&D Center.' Chip design and manufacturing, CNC machine tool core technology, lithography machine breakthroughs, new material development, and... English programming system."

His gaze swept past Zhang Wei, then rested on a grey‑haired, high‑bridged‑nose foreign elder—Nicolas Petrorovich—and beside him a younger Chinese‑heritage materials scientist, Liang Qixin.

"Mr. Petrorovich, Engineer Liang, materials are the foundation of industry. New alloys, specialty ceramics, polymers, semiconductor materials... the equipment, funding, personnel you need will be fully guaranteed by the group. I have only one request: speed, and also to build our own patent wall."

Nicolas said in heavily accented Chinese, "Li, thank you for the trust. Liang and I already have several interesting directions, such as ceramic bearings for machine‑tool spindles and more corrosion‑resistant heat‑exchanger coatings."

Liang Qixin added, "Li, regarding patents we will definitely pay attention; all R&D logs will be synchronously backed up, and once the filing conditions are met we will immediately launch domestic and international patent application processes."

"Speaking of patents and market," Li Ping'an returned to his seat, took a sip of tea, "Zhou Wenbin, what's the situation on your side."

Zhou Wenbin cleared his throat, "In the international bulk‑commodity market, bearish sentiment continues to ferment. Rio Tinto's share price has fallen fifteen percent from its peak, BHP Billiton twelve percent. Through offshore accounts we have been accumulating; we currently hold about 1.8 % of Rio Tinto's free‑float, 2.1 % of BHP Billiton, and 1.5 % of Vale—very dispersed and hidden. We expect another two to three months of a downtrend or volatility; when market panic reaches a threshold, we can consider stepping up, or reaching out to cash‑flow‑tight small‑ and medium‑size mining firms."

"Very good, remain patient."

Li Ping'an nodded, "Also, the retail sector. Wanshang Supermarket has taken root domestically; the next step is to go abroad. First target Southeast Asia, Chinese‑populated areas such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok. The model can be flexible; direct operation, joint venture, brand licensing are all negotiable. Take China's light‑industrial products and food, together with the supermarket model, overseas. For this, Wanyi, you lead and make a detailed plan."

Lin Wanyi noted briskly, "Understood. Southeast Asian market research has already been launched."

At the end of the meeting, the focus returned to the soon‑to‑be‑released Wanshang Morning Star II desktop computer.

Xu Jiaming displayed the final prototype. Compared with the first generation's bulkiness, the II model is much more compact. The main chassis is an ivory‑white plastic shell, the monitor features a flatter design without the "big rear" (using a new‑type picture tube), and the keyboard and mouse are a matching light‑gray.

"Final specification data: using an improved Z80 processor, clock speed raised to 4.77 MHz. Standard memory configuration 128 KB, expandable to 256 KB. Equipped with a 14‑inch monochrome monitor, resolution reaching 720×348, clearer display. Built‑in two 5.25‑inch floppy drives. Pre‑installed our self‑developed 'Wanshang Now we need to output lines: English DOS System' and 'Morning Star WPS Word Processing Software', 'Spreadsheet Software'."

The specs sounded very professional; many present showed interested expressions. At the end of 1986, this configuration was already quite good for commercial and entry‑level educational machines.

"Cost price?" Li Ping'an asked.

"At the early stage of mass production, the unit cost is about 5,800 RMB," Xu Jiaming replied.

A low murmur of discussion rose in the conference room. This price, for ordinary families, is undoubtedly astronomical.

Li Ping'an crossed his hands and placed them on the table.

"This price determines our customers; at this stage they are not individual households," he said slowly, "Our target is government agencies, research institutes, universities, large state‑owned enterprises. The computer is a productivity tool, the inevitable direction for future office work, research, and teaching, but they need exposure, trial, and habit formation."

His eyes gleamed: "Therefore, the launch strategy for the Morning Star II does not use ordinary retail channels. First, directed donations and trials to key units such as national ministries, key universities, provincial public security departments, etc. Each unit need only receive three or five units, but must be provided with basic training."

"Second, cooperate with provincial and municipal scientific equipment supply stations and the agency service departments of large state‑run department stores to set up exhibition and sales points. Emphasize its office automation and scientific computing functions."

"Third, launch bundled packages such as 'Financial Industry Solution' and 'Education Industry Solution', offering integrated hardware‑software services."

He paused, emphasizing, "Remember, we are not selling a cold machine, but a 'tool for moving toward modernization', a 'helper that boosts efficiency'."

We must bind ourselves to the nation's development pulse. This road may not see explosive sales growth at first, but the foundation will be very solid.

Once each unit forms usage habits and dependence, subsequent upgrades, software services, and even future network construction will become our vast arena.

Xu Jiaming, Zhou Wenbin and others nodded while listening, their ideas opened.

Indeed, the personal computer market is far from mature, but institutional procurement demand and budgets are concrete.

Taking the "government route" or "institutional route" may be slow, but it is a broad, smooth road.

"The name is fine, 'Morning Star'," Lin Wanyi smiled, "the Morning Star that illuminates agency office automation."

The meeting ended, everyone dispersed, each busy with their own tasks.

Li Ping'an stayed behind only with Xu Jiaming and Zhang Wei.

"Jiaming, handle the donation matters yourself; after I discuss the list with Political Commissar Zhou, I'll give it to you. Make sure after‑sales and training are solid; reputation matters more than advertising."

"Engineer Zhang," Li Ping'an said to the tech fanatic, "Now we need to output lines: English DOS and WPS are our trump cards; they must be user‑friendly and stable. Also, the pre‑research on the next‑generation processor can start quietly. The chip is the heart; we cannot always rely on external purchase."

Zhang Wei nodded heavily, his eyes filled only with the excitement that technical challenges bring.

Leaving the conference room, the setting sun was already descending.

In the industrial park, the flow of people leaving work and the tinkling of bicycle bells rang, the cafeteria exhaled the aroma of meals. In the distance, a pile‑driving machine kept booming tirelessly.

Li Ping'an did not take a car, strolling leisurely along the park's roads.

Bao'an plans to build cars, Longgang to produce computers, Longhua to push home appliances, Pingshan to stabilize light industry, Nanshan to attack R&D… a massive industrial tableau is slowly unfolding on this hot land.

And the 'Morning Star' computer will become the first keystone linking these layouts and knocking open the future information‑age door.

He recalled that during the day Lin Xueqing had asked him with some worry, "With a stall this large, is it too risky?"

He only smiled then, without answering.

Walking in Shenzhen's warm evening breeze, watching everything around brimming with vigor, he silently said to himself: Xueqing, this is not a risk, it is sowing.

In the spring of the era, planting industrial seeds one by one, deeply into this land yearning to grow.

As for how tall the trees may grow, how large the fruits may be…

He lifted his head, looking toward the southeast where stars were gradually brightening.

The earliest rising one was especially bright.

That was the Morning Star.

It was also, in his heart, the star that never extinguished, a star to illuminate the road ahead with industry and technology.