Chapter 210: Xiao Xue

Lu Qingshan briskly walked over, warmly grasped Zhang Jian's hand, and said, "Minister Zhang, Director Wang, what wind has blown you here?"

Lu Hua watched her son's interaction with the two important guests, feeling both gratified and a little nervous.

These two are indeed senior leaders of ministries, and their proactive visit shows that their son's abilities have already earned high‑level recognition.

"Comrade Lu Hua, your son is truly remarkable," Zhang Jian said with a smile to Lu Hua. "We are here today on Elder Chen's commission, specifically to discuss something with Qing Shan."

"Thank you for your hard work, leaders," Lu Qingshan invited everyone to sit, "Our home is modest, and the hospitality is inadequate."

Wang Shanghong lifted her tea cup, her expression solemn, and said, "Qing Shan, we have come to see you today because the country now faces a dilemma."

"What dilemma?" Lu Qingshan thought he already had a few guesses.

"The foreign‑exchange reserve issue," Zhang Jian said directly. "Now the nation's foreign‑exchange reserves are just over 200 million US dollars, and every sector's development needs foreign exchange; it's truly a tight spot."

Lu Qingshan nodded; he had known this problem from his previous life. In the early 1980s, the nation's foreign‑exchange reserves were indeed strained, and many major projects were stalled due to a lack of foreign exchange.

"After internal discussion, we believe you have a unique eye for investment and strong profitability," Wang Shanghong continued. "Therefore we would like to ask you to assist with some investment operations on Hong Kong Island. Of course, this is a confidential mission known to only a few."

"But there is a condition," Zhang Jian added. "We can only undertake solid investments; we cannot bear overly risky ones. After all, this is the nation's money, and there must be no slip‑ups."

Lu Qingshan pondered for a moment; it truly was an opportunity. The nation trusted him and was willing to entrust the funds to his handling, which was not only recognition of his ability but also a huge responsibility.

"How much capital can be operated?" Lu Qingshan asked.

Wang Shanghong glanced at Zhang Jian, then said, "At present there are only 50 million US dollars, already placed through secure channels at HSBC on Hong Kong Island. If you agree, they can be transferred to your account at any time."

Fifty million US dollars! Lu Qingshan felt a jolt. This figure might be the entire capital Director Wang could muster; in 1981 the Hong Kong dollar was pegged to the US dollar, equivalent to 250 million Hong Kong dollars. The nation's willingness to allocate so much capital to him shows an unprecedented level of trust.

"Alright, I accept," Lu Qingshan said without much hesitation. "But I have a condition."

"What condition?" Zhang Jian asked.

"I plan a round of investment opportunities on Hong Kong Island in mid‑November," Lu Qingshan said. "I hope the two leaders can help me handle the clearance procedures for the party. I'll take charge of the investments, and I also request that the Bank of China open a dedicated foreign‑exchange account for me to receive the personal funds I'll remit from Hong Kong Island."

Wang Shanghong thought for a moment: "That's no problem. The Bank of China is currently the only domestic bank with foreign‑exchange licensing, so opening a dedicated account is entirely feasible."

"Then it's settled," Zhang Jian stood and shook Lu Qingshan's hand. "Qing Shan, the nation trusts you; we hope you won't disappoint us."

"Absolutely not," Lu Qingshan said, gripping Zhang Jian's hand, his eyes flashing with resolve. "I guarantee this money will be put to its fullest use."

After seeing the two leaders off, Lu Qingshan's mood remained unsettled for a long while. The nation's trust gave him immense pressure, yet also sparked his inner fighting spirit. This trip to Hong Kong Island was not only for his own career but also for the country's foreign‑exchange reserves.

Early the next morning, Lu Qingshan and Lin Yue'e escorted Xiao Xue to kindergarten. It was Xiao Xue's first time in the Capital City and her first time out of the courtyard, and everything felt novel.

"Dad, why are all these buildings so tall?" Xiao Xue hopped along the alley, pointing at the Wangfujing Tower. "They're much taller than the houses in our village!"

"That's the difference between city and countryside," Lu Qingshan said, holding his daughter's hand. "Xiao Xue will get used to it gradually."

"Mom, the grandpa selling roasted sweet potatoes smells so good!" Xiao Xue pointed at a roadside stall. "Can we buy one?"

"Of course," Lin Yue'e said gently. "But we have to go to kindergarten first; we'll buy it when I pick you up this afternoon."

At the entrance of Donghua Gate Kindergarten, many parents and children had already gathered. Xiao Xue felt both excited and a little nervous seeing so many peers.

"Xiao Xue, don't be afraid," Lu Qingshan crouched down. "The children here are very friendly; you'll make friends quickly."

Dean Liu came out personally to greet her, and upon seeing Xiao Xue, immediately crouched down: "Xiao Xue, welcome to our kindergarten! May I introduce you to a few friends?"

Xiao Xue shyly hid behind her mother but still nodded.

"Xiao Xue is so well‑behaved!" Dean Liu took Xiao Xue's hand. "Come, let me introduce you to new friends."

Watching her daughter being led away by the teacher, Lin Yue'e's eyes were full of reluctance.

"Don't worry, Xiao Xue will adapt quickly," Lu Qingshan patted his wife's hand. "Children must grow up and learn to be independent."

After leaving the kindergarten and seeing Lin Yue'e home, Lu Qingshan headed straight for the Foreign‑Exchange Bureau.

Director Wang's secretary was already waiting there, holding a document.

"Mr. Lu, Director Wang is still in a meeting. This is the file folder he instructed me to give you, along with an introduction letter to the Bank of China," the secretary handed over the documents. "Take this to the Bank of China headquarters; they will help you set up the dedicated account."

"Thank you! I appreciate it," Lu Qingshan took the file bag, which bore the handwritten note "Qing Shan personally opens," presumably containing the Hong Kong Island account information, and he quickly put it away.

The Bank of China headquarters, located in Xidan, is an imposing building. Lu Qingshan entered the lobby with the introduction letter, and staff immediately came to greet him.

"You are Mr. Lu Qingshan, right?" the staff member glanced at the introduction letter and said respectfully, "Our president has already given instructions; please follow me."

Processing the dedicated foreign‑exchange account was more complicated than imagined, requiring various forms and supporting documents. However, with Director Wang's introduction letter, everything proceeded smoothly.

"Mr. Lu, your account has been opened," the president personally met with Lu Qingshan. "This account enjoys the highest permissions and can receive and remit any amount of foreign exchange."

"Thank you, President," Lu Qingshan filed away the account information. "If there's anything that requires coordination, please feel free to contact me."

Back home, Lu Qingjun happened to call from the post office, and upon seeing Lu Qingshan enter, he immediately came to greet him.

"Second brother, you finally made it back!" Lu Qingjun said excitedly. "I just contacted Hong Kong Island; Chairman Li said the money will be transferred through the bank this afternoon, but they need the bank account information."

"Also, the company paperwork was processed quickly; everything is ready, just waiting for you to confirm," Lu Qingjun continued. "Chairman Li said that once you arrive on Hong Kong Island, all procedures can be completed within three days."

Lu Qingshan smiled and handed the freshly prepared account information to Lu Qingjun: "All the required account details are right here."

Lu Qingjun took the documents, looked down, and was instantly stunned: "Good fellow, second brother, your efficiency is amazing! I just finished the call and you've already set up the account? I'll go tell Ye Ning about the account right away."

"Speed is of the essence in warfare," Lu Qingshan patted his brother's shoulder. "Prepare tomorrow; the day after tomorrow we set off for Hong Kong Island."

"We're really going to Hong Kong Island?" Lu Qingjun's eyes glittered with excitement. "Second brother, we're finally going to battle Hong Kong Island again!"

"Of course." Lu Qingshan said solemnly. "Investment opportunities on Hong Kong Island are fleeting; we must seize them."

In the evening, the family gathered around the dining table. Xiao Xue excitedly recounted her kindergarten experiences, her eyes full of curiosity about the new world.

"Dad, the kids at kindergarten are all friendly!" Xiao Xue waved her little hands. "Another child gave me a piece of candy!"

"Xiao Xue, you're great!" Lu Qingshan patted his daughter's head. "Do you want to go again tomorrow?"

"I do!" Xiao Xue nodded vigorously. "The teacher said we'll learn to sing tomorrow!"

Seeing his daughter's happy smile, Lu Qingshan felt a warm surge in his heart.

After dinner, back in the back house, he discussed with Lin Yue'e the plan to go to Hong Kong Island the day after tomorrow for paperwork and investment, asking her to stay home to help Xiao Xue adjust to school and spend time with the parents.

Lin Yue'e felt a bit worried, but gladly agreed, reminding Qing Shan to prioritize safety above all.

After dinner, back in the back house, Lu Qingshan and Lin Yue'e play‑acted putting Xiao Xue to bed. Xiao Xue had been excited all day, making new friends at kindergarten, then playing wildly with Jin Hu in the yard after returning home; now she lies on the bed hugging a teddy bear, her eyelids beginning to droop.

"Dad, can I still go to kindergarten tomorrow?" Xiao Xue asked, half‑closed eyes.

"Of course you can go, Xiao Xue is so well‑behaved; the teacher and the other children all like you," Lu Qingshan gently stroked his daughter's hair, "Sleep well; tomorrow morning dad will take you there."

After Xiao Xue fell asleep, Lu Qingshan only then sat on the bedside with Lin Yue'e, lowering his voice to discuss serious matters.

"Yue E, the day after tomorrow I need to go to Hong Kong Island to handle some affairs, which will probably take about a month," Lu Qingshan said, holding his wife's hand, "You stay home to help Xiao Xue adjust to kindergarten life, and spend as much time as you can with dad and mom."

Lin Yue'e felt a tightening in her heart; although she knew her husband was now undertaking great tasks, Hong Kong Island was still an unfamiliar place, so she couldn't help feeling uneasy.

"Are you going alone?" Lin Yue'e asked.

"No, Qingjun is going with me," Lu Qingshan saw his wife's worry, "Don't worry, it's just handling some paperwork, signing a few contracts, making some investments—no danger."

"Then you need to be careful, especially with food," Lin Yue'e thought for a moment, "I've heard the dishes on Hong Kong Island are different from ours; your stomach isn't strong, so don't ruin it."

Lu Qingshan almost laughed out loud; he was now about to go to Hong Kong Island for big matters, yet his wife worried about his stomach.

However, this meticulous concern warmed his heart.

"I'll be careful," Lu Qingshan said seriously, "You also take good care of yourself and Xiao Xue. By the way, when I'm not home tomorrow, could you check whether those mountain goods have been repackaged, ready to send some to each family?"

"We've already sorted them; Mom and Xiao Yu both helped," Lin Yue'e nodded, "We kept a few of the best ginseng for ourselves, and the rest are prepared to give away."

"There's one more thing," Lu Qingshan recalled, "Xiao Xue has just started kindergarten and may have some trouble adjusting. If she cries or refuses to go, don't force her; you can stay with her at kindergarten for a while."

"I know," Lin Yue'e said gently, "Director Liu also told me today that Xiao Xue is adapting very well, faster than most children."

Lu Qingshan nodded, a surge of pride welling up inside him. His daughter was indeed clever, adapting to the new environment so quickly.

"Then I can rest easy," Lu Qingshan said, looking at his sleeping daughter, "When I return from Hong Kong Island, Second Sister will also be back, and our whole family will go take a family portrait."

"Alright," Lin Yue'e's eyes flashed with a hint of anticipation, "I've never taken a family portrait before."

It was late at night, and the two of them also lay down to rest.

Lin Yue'e said nothing aloud, but she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep, her heart always a bit unsettled.

Lu Qingshan noticed, reaching out to gently pat his wife's back.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon," Lu Qingshan whispered in his wife's ear, "When the time comes, I'll buy you and Xiao Xue some specialties from Hong Kong Island."

"I want nothing, as long as you return safely," Lin Yue'e leaned against her husband's chest, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor.

Lu Qingshan held his wife tightly, silently vowing that this trip to Hong Kong Island must succeed, not only to earn foreign exchange for the country but also to create a better future for their family.