“Of course, no need to thank me,” Han Xiaorui said politely. “Xiao Jing is my sister. It’s only right that I take care of her and the baby.”

“So, Mrs. Chen, how long are you planning to stay in the country this time? It’s the perfect season for it. You could travel around and see all the beautiful scenery our homeland has to offer.”

Han Xiaorui was starting to probe.

Mrs. Chen took the teacup, had a few sips, and replied with a smile, “I do plan on staying for a while this time. For one, I want to be here with Xiao Jing and the baby. For another, I need to handle some things related to increasing our investments.”

Han Xiaorui was surprised. “But last year, you and Mr. Chen weren’t very optimistic about the domestic market. Why increase your investments this year?”

Mrs. Chen smiled. “Times have changed. The international situation is always in flux, and capital like ours moves along with it.”

“Wenxuan’s father and I are very optimistic about the economic development and future here. Besides, certain projects aren’t restricted, so it’s perfectly feasible to invest here.”

“There are not only preferential land policies, but also tax incentives. The low-cost labor, along with a well-developed industrial system and public infrastructure, are all reasons that attract us.”

Han Xiaorui blinked. “I see! I’ve also noticed that the level of domestic manufacturing is constantly improving, and things are getting more and more convenient. Welcome back to invest!”

Mrs. Chen chuckled. “Well then, I’ll be coming around often. I hope you don’t get tired of me!”

Han Xiaorui laughed heartily. “We’re family, how could I ever get tired of you? Of course, that’s on the condition that you treat my sister well. If you start nitpicking and finding fault with her for no reason, then I won’t be happy!”

Since Mrs. Chen had broached the subject, Han Xiaorui, who never backed down from anything, met it head-on.

She was direct and didn’t beat around the bush.

Mrs. Chen laughed heartily as well. She greatly admired this about Han Xiaorui.

“She’s my daughter-in-law and the mother of my grandson. I want nothing but the best for her, so why would I possibly give her a hard time? Xiao Rui, you can rest assured!”

Mrs. Chen was a smart woman and wouldn’t do anything foolish, especially now that her son was away and it was just her daughter-in-law and grandson.

As the mother-in-law, while she wouldn’t go so far as to walk on eggshells, she certainly wouldn’t cause any trouble.

Outside, Ye Feng and Mr. Chen were also deep in conversation, particularly optimistic about the domestic investment climate and its future.

Ye Feng warmly welcomed Mr. Chen’s decision to increase his investments and add more projects.

“Your previous investments must be paying off by now, bringing in more and more profit! So you can feel confident about increasing your investment. I guarantee it will lower costs and boost your returns.”

Mr. Chen nodded. “I had someone run the numbers before I came, and that’s exactly right. The return on investment here has far exceeded my expectations.”

“That’s the fundamental reason I’m preparing to increase my investment and add more projects. After all, capital is profit-driven. We go wherever we can manufacture goods at the lowest cost.”

“Additionally, Hua Country’s economic development has been incredibly rapid, as anyone can see. Although much of the manufacturing is relatively low-end, it has provided jobs for a massive population.”

“The pace of urbanization is also accelerating, which creates a growing consumer population. In the future, Hua Country won’t just be a manufacturing nation, but also a huge consumer nation.”

Ye Feng deeply agreed. “That’s absolutely right.”

After they finished discussing business, Mr. Chen lowered his voice. “Western countries are targeting the domestic semiconductor industry. You all have to hold on. The R&D cycle for this technology is very long. Once you fall behind, it’s incredibly difficult to catch up.”

“I’ve spoken with many of my friends, and we all strongly believe that the chip and semiconductor industries represent the cutting-edge technology that will drive future societal development.”

“It controls so many things. Once you lose autonomy in this area, you’ll inevitably be at the mercy of others. They can charge whatever price they want, sell to you when they feel like it, and refuse to sell when they don’t.”

“It’s like having your brain in someone else’s grip—you can’t break free. Given time, you’ll fall further and further behind. It’s highly possible that we could see a repeat of the situation from the late Qing Dynasty.”

Ye Feng grew pensive. “Mr. Chen, you’re right. We absolutely can’t let our guard down. Have you ever considered investing in this sector?”

Mr. Chen shook his head. “I haven’t. The main issue is the investment is just too massive. And critically, even if you succeed in manufacturing them, it’s not guaranteed to be profitable. For private capital, that’s like throwing money down the drain. We can’t bear that kind of risk.”

Ye Feng paused, then gave a wry smile. “You’re right. The investment is huge, and the returns are slow. Even if we succeed, it might not be profitable. That’s the real conundrum. Unless we get government funding, it’s truly difficult to sustain.”

Fortunately, Ye Feng’s semiconductor company was able to produce low-end chips for use in televisions, washing machines, and so on.

It had achieved a small-scale internal supply loop and was even turning a small profit.

But Ye Feng was determined to persevere and would not back down.

By the time the baby’s first month celebration came around, Han Xiaoqing had also completed her postpartum confinement.

Mrs. Chen and Mr. Chen came personally to bring Han Xiaoqing and the baby back to the Chen family home.

Han Xiaorui was worried, so she asked Sister Lian to go with them.

The Chen family held a full-month celebration, but it wasn’t a huge affair. They only invited Han Xiaorui and Ye Feng’s family, Granny Cai’s family, and the Xu family.

Along with some high-level executives from the company, they all celebrated the baby’s first month in the Chen family’s courtyard.

Chen Wenxuan still hadn’t returned.

However, Chen Wenxuan had received news about it, and photos too.

Chen Wenxuan’s research project was progressing very quickly.

It was finally completed two months later and passed all inspections.

After reaffirming the confidentiality agreement one more time, they finally sent Chen Wenxuan back to his work unit.

By the time he returned, a whole year had passed.

When he reported back to his unit, Director Zhou’s eyes lit up with joy as he looked at Chen Wenxuan. “Mr. Chen, thank you!”

Chen Wenxuan replied modestly, “It was my duty. Now that all the handover procedures are complete, Director Zhou, may I go home?”

Director Zhou nodded. “Of course, you can. I’ll have a driver take you back. I visited Han Xiaoqing last week. The baby is very healthy! A handsome little fellow!”

Chen Wenxuan broke into a wide grin. “Thank you for your concern, Director Zhou. I’ll be on my way.”

With that, Chen Wenxuan walked out, his steps light and quick.

Although Mrs. Chen and Mr. Chen were still staying in Shencheng, Han Xiaoqing would only bring the baby over on weekends for the two of them to stay at the Chen family home.

Normally, Han Xiaoqing lived with her sister’s family, with Sister Lian helping to take care of the baby.

Han Xiaorui also helped out, and her four children were very attentive to their new “little brother,” playing with him every day.

As a result, the now three-month-old baby was especially lively. He would laugh and wave his arms and legs with delight, particularly when his older “siblings” played with him.

Chen Wenxuan knew Han Xiaoqing well and told the driver to go straight to Jinshan Bay, eager to see his wife and child.

When the car stopped at the gate, Chen Wenxuan grabbed his suitcase and pounded on the door.

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