Chapter 163: From the Northeast to South Guangdong: Lu Qingshan's Business Empire Expansion

The next morning, Lu Qingshan was in the courtyard briefing Lin Yue'e about the household matters. In the northern October sky, the morning wind already carried a hint of chill, but their conversation was heated.

"Yue E, this time I'm leaving, the household burden will be even heavier," Lu Qingshan said, holding his wife's hand and feeling the warmth of her palm. "You must keep a close eye on the production status of each factory, hold a meeting with the factory heads every week, and resolve any problems promptly. Especially the medicinal herb factory—old man Yao is getting old, you need to give him extra support."

Lin Yue'e nodded, a hint of reluctance in her eyes, but mostly composure: "Don't worry, go ahead; I'll handle it. Li Jianqiang and the others are reliable, technically skilled, and won't cause trouble for me."

"Also regarding Beijing, you need to call frequently to check the office building's renovation progress," Lu Qingshan took a small notebook from his pocket. "It lists the phone number of Master Liu, who is in charge of the renovation, as well as contact details for several departments in Dongcheng District. If anything comes up, go straight to them; don't be afraid."

Lin Yue'e took the notebook; beside the dense handwriting were some crooked annotations, such as "Master Liu, meticulous, few words" and "Wang Ju, likes face‑saving, gives many compliments." She couldn't help but let the corner of her mouth curl. This man always considered every detail so thoroughly.

"I know this arrangement is unfair to you; I truly am stretched thin," Lu Qingshan's voice lowered. "When we return from this southern trip, the three of us will enjoy a few peaceful days together."

"What nonsense," Lin Yue'e gave him a glare. "I'm not made of clay; this won't stump me. Go ahead and forge your own world; I'll keep the home safe."

Just then, Lu Xiao Xue rubbed her eyes and ran out of the house, cradling Jin Hu in her arms. The little dog had grown quite sturdy, wriggling in her lap, whine‑whine.

"Dad, are you going far away?" Xiao Xue looked up with her small face and asked.

Lu Qingshan crouched down, gently stroking his daughter's cheek: "Dad is going south to see it; there are many novel things there. When I return, I'll bring Xiao Xue a beautiful dress."

"Then when will you come back?" Xiao Xue blinked her big eyes.

"At most a month, Dad will be back," Lu Qingshan gave his daughter a light kiss on the forehead. "Xiao Xue, be obedient and listen to Mom, and take good care of Jin Hu for Mom."

"Mm!" Xiao Xue nodded vigorously, pulled a smooth Yuhua stone from her pocket, and slipped it into Lu Qingshan's large hand. "Dad, this is for you; look at it when you miss me."

Lin Yue'e watched her daughter's silhouette and whispered, "She actually can't bear to part with you."

"I also can't bear to leave you both," Lu Qingshan stood up, clenched the stone in his hand, and looked deeply at his wife. "But some matters, if not done now, will be too late."

At ten a. m., Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingjun boarded the train bound for Beijing. The carriage wasn't crowded, and the two found a window seat.

"Second brother, what exactly are we doing down south? Flipping electronic watches and speaker pants?" Lu Qingjun asked, his face full of curiosity.

Lu Qingshan stared out at the rushing fields, not answering immediately. He pointed to a man in the aisle lugging two large black bags, his eyes darting around, and said, "Qingjun, do you know what opportunity is?"

"Opportunity? It's just good luck, stumbling upon good things?" Lu Qingjun scratched his head.

"Not just luck," Lu Qingshan turned his head to look at his brother. "Opportunity belongs to the prepared. Look at that man—his bag is bulging, his eyes scanning everywhere; he's looking for a chance. The place we're heading to is full of such people and full of opportunities; it depends on whose eyes are sharp, whose courage is big, whose steps are steady."

Lu Qingjun nodded as if half‑understood, "Then what exactly are we going to do?"

"First observe, then learn, and finally act," Lu Qingshan patted his brother's shoulder. "Remember, on this southern trip, you are my eyes and ears. Observe everything carefully, and commit everything to memory."

When they arrived in Beijing, their father Lu Hua was already waiting at the station. Seeing his two sons, the old man's face broke into a smile.

"Qing Shan, Qingjun, you must be tired from the journey," Lu Hua stepped forward, taking his two sons' hands. "Come, let's go home for a meal; we can talk about everything later."

The driver and the guard drove the three back to Fuqiang Hutong, where Wang Guilan had already prepared a sumptuous spread. The family sat together, joyfully united.

"Dad, Mom, how's Qingjun's household registration transfer going?" Lu Qingshan asked.

"All done," Lu Hua set down his chopsticks. "Qingjun now officially has a Capital City household registration; future development here will be much easier."

Lu Qingjun's face flushed with excitement: "I'm a Capital City resident now?"

"Yes, kid, you're now a proper Capital citizen," Lu Xiaoyu joked beside them. "From now on, you have to add the erhua tone when you speak, otherwise it won't sound right."

After the meal, Lu Hua called Lu Qingshan into the study and pulled a yellowed sheet of paper from a drawer.

"Qing Shan, you're heading to Shenzhen tomorrow; I have a former comrade's contact info," Lu Hua handed the paper to his son. "His name is Li De Min, now the Director of the Shenzhen City Planning Committee. Back when we first joined the troops, he was my communications officer—sharp and reliable."

Lu Qingshan took the note; it listed a phone number and an address.

"How is Li De Min as a person?"

"His character is impeccable, his mind quick," Lu Hua recalled, his eyes distant. "Back in Korea, with a compressed biscuit, he split it into three pieces, gave them to me and another wounded soldier, and licked his fingers himself. Later, after the unit returned, I heard he stayed in government work. A few days ago I asked someone to reach him; when he learned my son was coming, he was delighted and said welcome to Shenzhen City to have a look."

Lu Qingshan carefully put the note away, feeling much reassured. With such an insider's help, matters in Shenzhen would be much easier to handle.

"Dad, then you…"

"We haven't kept in touch much these years," Lu Hua waved his hand. "Comrade bonds remain; when you mention my name, if he still recognizes me as the old battalion commander, he'll surely help."

Early the next morning, Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingjun boarded the southbound train. This time they bought soft sleepers; the carriage was comfortable enough for a good rest.

The train headed south, and the scenery outside the window changed quietly. From the bleak northern autumn to the lush southern greenery, even the air grew humid.

"Second brother, look—the trees outside are still green! And that woman, her hair is permed like a chicken coop," Lu Qingjun said excitedly, perched at the window. "The weather here is really warm."

Lu Qingshan was also drawn by the view. The train stopped briefly in Guangzhou, and the two got off to stretch their legs. The platform bustled with people, a tapestry of unintelligible dialects interwoven, full of vigor.

"It feels like people here walk with the wind," Lu Qingjun observed the surrounding passengers.

"Indeed, the spring breeze of reform and opening first blew here; everyone is busy making money," Lu Qingshan said with a smile.

After boarding again, the train continued toward Shenzhen. The farther south it went, the more the vibrant, upward energy could be felt. Most passengers in the carriage were young, discussing various businesses and opportunities.

"Listen, over there, as long as you have a permit, reinforced steel and concrete sell themselves!" a middle‑aged man whispered boastfully to his companion.

"Permit? That thing is pricier than money!"

Lu Qingshan listened quietly to these conversations, his anticipation growing stronger. Shenzhen, the frontier of reform and opening, what surprises would it bring him?

When night fell, the train finally pulled into Shenzhen Station. The moment they stepped off, a humid air mixed with soil, sweat, and sea brine slammed into them. Lu Qingshan was stunned by the sight.

Construction sites were everywhere, towering cranes rose everywhere, crowds bustled everywhere. In the distance, welding sparks flickered like stars in the night. Shenzhen at night was brightly lit, like a massive never‑sleeping worksite. The air was saturated with the scent of steel and concrete, plus an indescribable drive.

"My god, this was a fishing village just two years ago?" Lu Qingjun's eyes widened as he stammered, "It's like a magic trick!"

Lu Qingshan took a deep breath, feeling the city's pulse—a force of wild, relentless upward growth.

"Qingjun," he turned his head to look at his brother, excitement flashing in his eyes, "Our era has arrived!"