dognovel Chapter 1679 Old but Not Dead
Chapter 1679 Old but Not Dead
Chapter 1679 Old but Not Dead
If Li Xuewu needed an argument, he wouldn't mind promoting the group's cooperation with Sanhe as a successful case, or even advocating the excellence of this compensation trade.
The cooperation with Sanhe has always been accompanied by conflicts and controversies, and the situation may even change in the future.
However, this does not affect the current mutual need and close cooperation between the two sides, and Li Xuewu is also willing to express his views to the Japanese company executives in Japan.
It's often said that businessmen have no bottom line, but Li Xuewu has principles, just not many.
“If Honda wants, we can completely replicate this successful industrial model.”
During the meeting breaks, he only sat in the lounge with Kawashima, chatting about private topics.
Privacy is not always about ambiguity.
At least, there was no such strange atmosphere between the two grown men.
What surprised Kawashima was Li Xuewu's initiative, which was somewhat puzzling to him.
why?
In normal business negotiations or communications, both parties would exercise restraint.
If you appear too eager, you risk being manipulated by the other party and even losing the initiative.
But the atmosphere of today's negotiations was a bit off from the start; he was a little too excited.
No, it's not that the other person was too excited, but rather that he was excited by what Li Xuewu said.
As the head of production at Japan's third-largest automaker, he shouldn't have done this.
Having weathered many storms, he calmed down by this point in the conversation.
What made him tense instantly was that the young man in front of him slowed down the pace of their conversation the moment his emotions changed.
What kind of monster is this?!
No one who isn't there can truly grasp the fear of having their negotiation pace and atmosphere controlled.
Sometimes you might feel a similar situation when discussing certain viewpoints with someone, where what the other person says makes a lot of sense.
Li Xuewu now quotes extensively from classical texts, with every sentence closely linked to the promising prospects of business cooperation. At the same time, he frankly and openly expresses the contradictions and problems in his past cooperation with Sanhe Co., Ltd.
This proactive yet frankness, which didn't hide anything, surprised and flustered him.
He absolutely cannot make a decision today, because he can already sense that he is being controlled.
Although my mind keeps reminding me not to trust the other person too easily and not to make any decisions.
But! After each sentence the other person finished speaking, he couldn't help but nod slightly, unconsciously agreeing.
Where did this devilish figure, who looks like Zhang Fei but has a heart as delicate as silk, come from?
China is indeed a vast and resource-rich land, blessed with outstanding people and talents. For thousands of years, it has never lacked young talents and remarkable figures.
“Mr. Li, may I ask a question that’s not on the topic?” Kawashima looked him up and down with undisguised curiosity, and only asked politely when he saw him nod, “What is your specific position at Honggang Group?”
"I'm sorry to ask this, but I need to make an accurate judgment."
“It’s nothing, Mr. Kawashima.”
Li Xuewu had slowed the pace of the conversation, and now, smiling, he reintroduced himself:
"Honggang Group has one general manager and ten senior managers at the vice president level."
He twitched his left eyebrow slightly and said, "I am ranked last among them, and I currently serve as the assistant general manager and secretary-general of Honggang Group."
“Oh—” Kawashima liked Chinese very well, so it wasn’t difficult for him to understand the professional title he was referring to.
Before he could even speak, Li Xuewu added, "At the same time, I also serve as the general manager of Honggang Group Industrial Corporation."
It was a clever move, using a strategy of first suppressing and then elevating the situation. If Kawashima didn't take the positions of assistant general manager and secretary general manager seriously, then the position of general manager of the Honggang Group Industrial Corporation would definitely be knocked off his head.
Because he dared not take this position lightly; he himself held a similar position, and he knew all too well how much of Honda's lifeline he controlled.
So in an instant, Li Xuewu noticed that his gaze had changed several times, and that there was now a hint of caution and seriousness in his eyes as he looked at him.
“Honggang Group and Honda have some similarities, which is quite interesting.”
Li Xuewu did not limit the discussion to his own position, because the shock was not strong enough.
So he continued, "We all have our own independent scientific research institutions."
"Similarly, we all have highly specialized branch office structures."
Kawashima was already nodding, listening attentively to Li Xuewu's introduction.
This is somewhat different from what he obtained from intelligence.
"The difference may be that Honggang Group focuses on comprehensive business development and has a broader development space in China."
Li Xuewu's words were like hooks, as if he really didn't want to easily let Hedao's interests slip away.
Kawashima liked hearing him say that, and asked curiously, "So you have a lot of influence in your group, I mean in the industrial sector."
"Of course, almost all of Honggang Group's light and heavy industries are located in Liaodong, and are also under the Northeast Industrial Development Corporation, which I am in charge of."
Li Xuewu explained very seriously: "Only the food industry and related tertiary industries are not within my management scope."
"Automobiles, airplanes, electronics, hardware, metallurgy, steel rolling, etc."
He pursed his lips and nodded slowly, saying meaningfully, "Our group's general manager, Comrade Li Huaide, is also in this visiting team, but today I am here to see you."
"Hahaha—" Kawashima Yoshiyuki couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Youth is truly wonderful!"
Li Xuewu didn't mind the distrust and teasing in his tone, and replied with a smile, "You're still very young, and your future is promising."
"Oh? Hahaha!" Kawashima seemed quite interested in this statement.
The two chatted for a while before returning to the meeting room, handing over the right to communicate and negotiate to their respective teams, and watching them argue their points.
The business team that Honggang Group has invested heavily in developing is no less capable than Honda's team; in fact, it could be said to be even more formidable.
Honda's business team all come from within the company, so it's impossible for them not to be motivated by a work-related mindset.
But the teams assembled by Honggang Group are all there for the money; every achievement brings its own reward.
The saying "a generous reward will surely bring forth brave men" applies here. Li Xuewu has always led his team primarily with material rewards, supplemented by spiritual encouragement and emotional value.
Does saying "good, very good, excellent" three times in the morning really make you better?
Are you kidding me? With a monthly income of 3,500 and several hundred dollars deducted for insurance, who would risk their life for you?
Calling you "leader" is already being polite; even eunuchs in ancient times earned more than this.
If you can't pay your eunuchs their salaries, then don't act like an emperor or empress, right?
But if a leader is truly willing to spend money and genuinely treats and cares for employees, then it's not about money anymore; this is clearly a lord!
I wouldn't dare say I've devoted myself to the cause until my dying breath, but I've been paid well for overtime, and the whole company is full of model workers!
Do you think all the cadres and staff who go to Hong Kong, Australia, France, or even Japan to work are selfless and dedicated?
Every single employee in these international business divisions was carefully selected and is absolutely infallible.
The more outstanding and insightful a person is, the clearer they are about what they should pursue.
Therefore, while Honggang Group was just starting to trial the bonus and subsidy system two years ago, the International Business Division had already been distributing performance based on work done.
With domestic morale and honor to rely on, and foreign bonuses and subsidies, these people instantly transform into fire-breathing warriors the moment they get to play.
Kawashima Yusuke certainly didn't think the negotiation team brought by Honggang Group could be that bad, but he also didn't expect the other side's team to be so brave.
He was a bit dumbfounded. Was this a business negotiation for the company or for your family?
Given the current situation, he really doesn't dare to make a decision easily.
I myself was somewhat distracted during my confrontation with Li Xuewu, and the company's team was clearly not adequately prepared.
Make a decision now?
Wouldn't they just tear us apart alive?
Therefore, adhering to the principle that harmony brings wealth, he promptly called off today's negotiations just as the two sides were about to clash.
"Mr. Li, it's an honor."
He Daoxiang held Li Xuewu's hand, smiled, and saw him out, saying, "I am truly impressed by your company's professionalism."
Remember, never believe the humility and flattery of the Japanese; most of it is fake.
The first time he said he admired you, you humbly waved your hand to thank him and said that you were not good enough.
The second time he said he admired you, you still humbly waved your hand to decline, saying that you were not good enough.
If you dare to show even a hint of pride when he says he admires you for the third time, he'll turn around and call you a complete idiot.
Therefore, he doesn't care what Kawashima likes to say; he only cares about the outcome of today's negotiations.
"Executive Director Kawashima, how did today's meeting go?" As soon as he appeared, reporters surrounded him again, pressing, "Is there any good news to share with us? Please say a few words!"
"Have you reached a cooperation agreement with Honggang Group? Or have you already cooperated?"
……
There were seven or eight reporters present. Although it wasn't a large number, it was still a bit chaotic when they all asked questions at once.
Kawashima, with practiced ease, gestured to Li Xuewu, inviting him to answer the questions.
Li Xuewu humbly gestured for him to be interviewed first, emphasizing that he should follow the host's lead.
Kawashima first looked him over with great admiration before speaking to the reporters present: "Today's meeting was very successful and highly constructive."
"I can't say what progress has been made today, but I am very hopeful about the future cooperation between Honda and Honggang Group."
"Mr. Li! Will Honggang Group be the first to sign a cooperation agreement with Honda?!" Yoshiko Oshima, who was squeezed to the right, asked loudly during a break, "How is your meeting with Mr. Kawashima different from your meeting with Mr. Nishikawa this morning?"
"Are all the questions asked by Japanese media reporters this sharp?"
Li Xuewu first made a joke, then smiled and glanced at the other person.
Judging from their behavior at the scene, the two seemed to be complete strangers, and even appeared to be targeting each other.
Yoshiko Oshima followed them for a whole day and asked several rather pointed questions.
Li Xuewu is currently being interviewed alongside Hedao Yu, and the atmosphere is quite pleasant.
However, a question from Yoshiko Oshima almost caused an awkward silence.
Kawashima glanced at the young reporter before looking at Li Xuewu.
The young man seemed confident and remained calm in the face of such difficulties.
He certainly wouldn't blame or make things difficult for the female reporter, which isn't a bad thing for Honda.
"Actually, I never comment on our competitors or partners in public."
He smiled and gestured to Kawashima beside him, saying, "Just like here, I won't say that Mr. Kawashima's humility, politeness, and pragmatic personality have impressed me, nor will I say that today's meeting is full of surprises and hope."
"Hahaha—" Some reporters at the scene were already laughing along.
They can't afford to offend the bigwigs at Honda. They can make things difficult for the Honggang Group, but they absolutely cannot anger Mr. Kawashima.
Seeing that the person in charge of Honggang Group was also being flattering and polite, they naturally had to cooperate.
A smile had already appeared on Kawashima's face; even Confucius couldn't resist being praised.
“Our team came to Japan with honesty and sincerity, seeking broader and more pragmatic cooperation. Today’s meeting has truly broadened my horizons.”
"Are you saying that Mr. Nishikawa is impolite and a competitor of the Honggang Group?" Yoshiko Oshima was quite sharp. Just as everyone was chuckling, she boldly asked, "Or are you saying that he's not sincere enough?"
"Miss, please be mindful of your manners!"
When the person in charge at the scene noticed that Executive Director Kawashima frowned slightly, he promptly issued a warning and reminder to Yoshiko Oshima.
"No problem, thank you for your question."
Li Xuewu looked at Yoshiko Oshima with a forgiving expression and nodded, saying, "Mr. Nishikawa is a very good person, not like what you said. That's all."
Although he responded, his response was worse than no response at all.
The reporters at the scene were like they'd been injected with adrenaline, their eyes glued to Li Xuewu, eager to dig deeper into the story.
But this is Honda headquarters, and they dare not be disrespectful to Mr. Kawashima.
Yoshiko Oshima has already been warned; they don't want to be kicked out by Honda.
So they all looked at Yoshiko Oshima with envy and jealousy. What a remarkable girl!
"I'm really looking forward to seeing you next time."
It was quite unusual for Kawashima to personally escort Li Xuewu and his group to the first floor.
He shook hands with Li Xuewu again and said, "I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation."
"That is certainly my hope as well."
Li Xuewu shook his hand and said sincerely, "Honda and Honggang Group are destined to be together, and I firmly believe that."
Amidst the astonished gazes of the reporters, Kawashima saw Li Xuewu off to his car and even stood in front of the building entrance to watch the other party's convoy leave.
This kind of thing rarely happens at Honda; it's only when important figures or the chairman come that such a grand gesture and pomp occurs.
This only fueled the reporters' curiosity about just how powerful the Honggang Group really was.
What they didn't know was that the truly powerful figure in Hedao Xiyou wasn't Honggang Group, but rather Li Xuewu, the assistant to the general manager who could represent Honggang Group.
-
"I heard your talks with Honda went very well?"
Gao Yaqin had already changed her clothes; she was wearing the standard skirt suit from Honggang Group, a white shirt paired with a blue collared blazer that exuded elegance.
"It's just very good."
Li Xuewu glanced at his tie and awkwardly straightened it in front of the mirror.
Including his previous life, he had hardly ever worn a tie. It was only in the 1980s and 90s, when suits were all the rage, that these animal ropes appeared.
He strongly resisted this kind of thing, but he couldn't not wear it unless he wanted to wear a sissy-style bow tie.
He would never wear that thing, no matter what. What's the difference between that and a grown man wearing lace?
"Let me help you, you look exhausted." Gao Yaqin walked over helplessly and practically snatched the tie from his hand.
"Who helped you tie this in East Germany?"
"To be honest, I try not to wear it whenever possible," Li Xuewu explained helplessly. "Later, I found someone to buy me an elastic detachable tie."
"What is that?" Gao Yaqin asked, amused and curious. "What is an elastic detachable tie?"
Elastic bands have been around for a long time, but they haven't become widespread in China, and very few people can afford them.
It was also in the 70s that the economy and industrial level improved, and supply and marketing cooperatives began to sell this kind of elastic band product.
Then someone might ask, "Did everyone used to wear belts on their pants?"
Of course not. Whether it was a leather belt or a nylon belt, they were considered luxury items in that era, and were mostly tied with cloth strips.
Some people looking at old photos might think that only people before the liberation had waistbands that looked like flour sacks, so wide and loose. But actually, that was also the case in this era.
However, city dwellers enjoy the benefits of industry and agriculture, so they dress relatively decently.
But in rural areas, many farmers still wear all sorts of strange and unusual belts.
Even more impressively, some people used iron chains as belts. This thing was popular again for a while in the 80s and 90s, which is quite interesting to think about.
"The collar is made of elastic, and there's a pre-tied tie end sewn into the front," Li Xuewu explained with a smile.
Gao Yaqin said, both amused and exasperated, "How difficult can this thing be? Can it be more difficult than your job?"
"The main problem is that you only need to wear it once a year. Who in the country would wear this kind of thing? It's a modern thing."
Looking in the mirror, Li Xuewu saw that her skills were excellent, so he smiled and asked, "Who did you learn this from? It's impressive!"
“I’ve worked abroad before,” Gao Yaqin rolled her eyes at him and said, “Your brother-in-law wore it for a while too, but he stopped wearing it after he came back.”
"Oh—I knew it—"
Li Xuewu smiled, looked towards the door, and said, "Director Li is here."
“Director Li,” Gao Yaqin turned around and, seeing him, nodded in greeting, “Are you ready?”
"Well, what about you two?" Li Huaide glanced at the two of them, nodded slightly, and said, "Young people are indeed more energetic."
"Look at what you're saying, how can I say that?" Gao Yaqin joked, "I'm just envying him along with you, and I'm not accepting that I'm getting old."
"You're just shamelessly agreeing because you're young too, since you don't look old at all."
“Hahaha—” Li Huaide tapped her and said, “You really have this kind of wit. It was the right decision to entrust the negotiation work to you.”
"You're just trying to fool me—" Gao Yaqin picked up her handbag and said with a smile, "I can't argue with you anyway."
Regardless of their situation in China or within the group, once they come to Japan, the three of them must put aside their past grievances and work together as one.
If people still resort to backstabbing and infighting at this point, they'll lose face internationally.
So from the way they came to the present, the three of them have gotten along very well.
After packing his things, Li Xuewu, with Liu Bin's permission, went out and downstairs with Li Huaide.
"I heard today's harvest was pretty good?"
In the elevator, Li Huaide asked, "How likely is it that Honda has reached an agreement?"
"I don't know, and I'm not confident about that right now." Li Xuewu thought for a moment and explained, "Honda probably didn't expect us to be so proactive and enthusiastic."
“Actually, choosing Nissan is also an option,” Gao Yaqin said. “Nissan’s engine technology is very good.”
"What about your side?" Li Huaide turned to look at her and asked, "Are you confident about the Beijing Chemical project?"
"Just imagine the strength of Beijing Chemical Industry," Gao Yaqin smiled and said, "Bai Changmin is very shrewd; he gets straight to the point and wants the technology."
"If they're willing to spend the money, what technology can't they buy?"
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Unlike us, we want both technology and the future, and we always think about the big picture and plan for the future."
“Of course, these are incomparable,” Li Huaide said, looking at him with understanding. “We are planning for ten or twenty years from now.”
“We can’t be like them, short-sighted and full of regret,” he said, as if he really understood, emphasizing, “If you’re lazy now, you’ll have a hard time paying the price later.”
There were only the three of them and Liu Bin in the elevator. Old Li revealed some of his true feelings, saying to the two of them, "I don't care anymore. If you really want fame, just waste money buying technology and doing projects."
“But you can’t do it. Honggang Group will eventually grow and expand under your leadership. I’ve overdrawn the group’s potential, and you’ll be in trouble later.”
Gao Yaqin was surprised that Li Huaide would say such a thing, and couldn't help but look at Li Xuewu.
Seeing Li Xuewu's calm expression again, she suddenly realized something.
Yes, Li Xuewu and Lao Li are on the same side. Lao Li has probably said this kind of caring talk to Li Xuewu countless times, so he's long been immune to it.
The tacit understanding between the two was something she, as an "outsider," could never comprehend, or even benefit from.
It was only because she was here today, and it happened to be the right time, that Old Li would never have brought her up in conversation.
Honggang Group could belong to Old Li, or it could belong to the next generation of Little Li, but it definitely doesn't belong to an outsider like her.
In fact, if she stepped outside the three realms and looked back at the Honggang Group, she had already discovered this situation, so competing was neither an option nor a choice.
Zhou Wanquan was also under the influence of a mind-altering drug, and he still thought of taking control of Honggang Group through Gu Weijie's methods.
This is no joke!
What Gu Weijie couldn't do in all these years, Zhou Wanquan was able to do with the city's support?
While others might not know, Gao Yaqin was aware of some of Li Xuewu's connections, including support from the city...
hehe--
Sometimes, when she thinks about this complicated relationship, she finds it funny.
No matter how strong the city's support for Zhou Wanquan is, can it be as strong as the support that Deputy Director Zheng of the city provides for Li Xuewu himself?
You say Zhou Wanquan is fighting for power? What a load of crap! From beginning to end, it's the Hongxing Factory faction that's controlling Honggang Group.
Looking at Lao Li's age, and then at Li Xuewu's age and qualifications, even if Dong Wenxue has a problem, can he really be handed over to Zhou Wanquan?
There are two perspectives to consider here. In Gao Yaqin's opinion, Zhou Wanquan might actually have a chance to achieve great things at Honggang Group.
Why do you say that?
Because Li Xuewu's current position is too low, and Li Huaide can't stay at Honggang Group waiting for him forever.
During this period, will Zhou Wanquan be able to balance the interests of both sides and obtain the position of person in charge?
Another point to consider is that the current attitude and policies towards industrial and transportation enterprises have led to a re-separation of business and organization.
In other words, after going around in circles, we still have to return to the old path of focusing on theoretical organizational matters while prioritizing practical business operations.
Whether Zhou Wanquan is pragmatic or idealistic at that time remains to be seen. If he can get the position of secretary, that would be fine, but if he really becomes the general manager, he'll be in real trouble.
If Zhou Wanquan is the general manager, then Lao Li must be the party secretary. Li Xuewu will then have to go even further. Do you think it's meaningful for Zhou Wanquan to be the general manager?
Looking at the entire group, how many votes can Zhou Wanquan get?
Anyway, as long as Li Xuewu was around, Gao Yaqin knew that she would definitely cast her vote for Old Li.
Jing Yunong and Dong Wenxue must be the same.
Some time ago, she learned that Li Xuewu and Zhang Jingsong had a very close relationship, even to the point of mutual trust.
Li Xuewu and Xue Zhifu were once comrades in the same trench, both working on the discipline inspection and supervision front. You tell me, isn't that a complicated relationship?
Anyway, she didn't believe that Zhou Wanquan could make any waves in Honggang Group, and might even become a scapegoat.
Li Xuewu is definitely not a good person.
Nobody noticed it before, but now that I think about it, he made the fastest and most steady progress, a very clear and gradual one.
Three years after returning to the group, he will definitely be promoted to the position of first deputy, and then it will be time for Zhou Wanquan to give up his position.
But think about it carefully, were these three years crucial for Li Xuewu, but insignificant for Zhou Wanquan?
Of course not. These three years are also an opportunity given to Zhou Wanquan by the city. If he can stand firm, he can stand firm; if he can't, he really will have to move out and get out.
With Li Huaide in control and Li Xuewu stirring up trouble, unless the city can replace the management of Honggang Group and redistribute resources, the Honggang faction will remain deeply entrenched and no one can shake Li Xuewu's position.
After so many years of hard work, Li Huaide has long been invincible in Honggang Group, and his selection of Li Xuewu as his successor is generally accepted and tacitly approved.
Even Dong Wenxue had to make concessions and pave the way for Li Xuewu, so what kind of trouble could Zhou Wanquan, an outsider, possibly cause?
From Gao Yaqin's perspective, she comes from the foreign trade sector, and from the day she joined the group, her future was almost predetermined.
Taking advantage of the convenience of Honggang Group's foreign trade development, they can realize their ambitions and abilities, and then jump to other positions, becoming even more powerful.
A country needs talent to develop its economy at all times. With such an impressive resume, he could easily lead a region or manage a company.
Before coming to Japan, she had heard that Jing Yunong was involved in an event and wanted to change his position, which reminded her of that.
In fact, Gu Weijie had been doing the same thing before, because the two of them had long seen through the ways of Honggang Group.
The higher-ups tacitly agreed, and Li Huaide's choice received the approval and support of the entire group, so what the hell was there to argue about?
Whoever fights will lose, whoever fights will die; it's a situation where certain death is inevitable.
Unless Li Huaide and Li Xuewu both suffer, the Red Star Group will definitely be in charge.
-
What are you thinking about?
Seeing Gao Yaqin lost in thought after getting into the car, Li Xuewu nudged her with his elbow and asked, "Thinking about what to eat tonight?"
"Heh—" Gao Yaqin rolled her eyes at him and said irritably, "Am I as shallow as you think?"
Cough cough--
She coughed lightly and emphasized, "I'm thinking about the work ahead and how to take over this situation after I return to China."
"Ah—so that's how it is."
Li Xuewu nodded knowingly and said, "That was because I was being superficial. I was just thinking about what to eat tonight, and it would be best if we could avoid sashimi."
"Hehehe—" Old Li, sitting in the passenger seat, couldn't help but laugh and said, "Why are you so timid?"
“Pufferfish sashimi, you must be fearless to die—” Li Xuewu said with a laugh, “If you don’t handle this thing properly, you’re done for.”
"But pufferfish tastes delicious!"
Gao Yaqin teased him, saying, "The Japanese have been eating this for years and they haven't all died out. What are you afraid of?"
You'd better not say things like that.
Li Xuewu glanced at her with amusement and said, "It's really not worth risking your life for a bite to eat."
He actually hoped the pufferfish would do something and wipe out all the people in the area, since they were so greedy and would eat raw food instead of cooked food.
"We really need to be careful."
Li Huaide turned to the two men and emphasized, "Although tonight's meeting was somewhat abrupt and unexpected, we cannot be the ones who are impolite."
Shirokanedai, a high-end residential area in the southwest of Minato Ward, Tokyo, is known as the "Platinum Avenue" because of its tranquility, lush greenery, concentration of prestigious schools, and convenient transportation. It is a premium residential area recognized by both the "old money" and the "new rich" in Tokyo.
Although detached houses are already very rare here, they still boast magnificent and luxurious Japanese gardens.
Japanese vocabulary is very easy to understand. Ichigo-den is a building with only one household, which is what we call a detached house.
A luxurious Japanese garden is equivalent to a three-courtyard siheyuan (traditional courtyard house), much smaller and more exquisite than a manor.
The Mercedes-Benz stopped briefly at the entrance, and a security guard in a suit raised his hand to indicate the direction of the platform.
Japan has a small land area and is prone to earthquakes, so while continuing the Sui and Tang styles in architecture, it has also incorporated unique creativity.
It can be said that although it is small, it has all the essential parts, and it has even become a style on its own.
This can be seen in later Japanese interior design; even though a normal door would work, they would insist on making a three-seven split door, without finding it troublesome.
Heaven knows that many Japanese bathtubs are for people to squat and sit while soaking, which is incomprehensible to Chinese people. How the hell can you relax like that?
The space is too cramped. Trying to make a temple in a snail shell, wanting everything, it's bound to be cramped.
The house they arrived at was clearly in the Japanese style, with pine trees, ponds, streams, pavilions, and even artificial hills.
The place is actually not big, but the walking path is very narrow, just paved with stone slabs.
The rest of the area is landscaped courtyards, with moss growing all over the tree trunks, showing just how old this house is.
"Hello, please follow me."
A middle-aged man dressed in traditional clothing walked over and guided the group of people who had gotten out of the car into the courtyard. He was not arrogant and was very polite.
Li Xuewu followed a step behind, waiting for Lao Li and Gao Yaqin to leave first, before taking Liu Bin with him.
The four walked along the stone path to the front of the house, where a girl in a kimono was kneeling on the ground waiting.
At first, none of the four understood what was going on. It was only after the middle-aged man gently reminded them that they realized they needed help taking off and putting away their shoes.
This is ridiculous! They've never received this kind of treatment before, and they're a bit bewildered.
Old ginger is indeed spicier, and brave people enjoy the world first. Old Li calmly let the young girl help him take off his leather shoes and stepped onto the wooden floor.
Gao Yaqin and Li Xuewu forced a smile, but ultimately couldn't overcome their inner conflict. They took off their shoes and thanked the girl who had collected them.
Their leather shoes were not taken away, but were cleaned up by the girls and placed on the open storage cabinet under the porch of the house.
wow——
The wooden sliding door opened, and the three of them turned a corner along the corridor and met the protagonist of the evening, who was also the host who had invited them to come over—Kenzo Matsumura.
"Gentlemen, please don't blame this old man for forcing you," Matsumura Kenzo said weakly, bowing slightly as he was supported by a young girl, without getting up. "I really have something to regret, and I couldn't help it."
"Hello, Mr. Matsumura," Li Huaide greeted Nishida Kenichi as soon as he entered the room.
However, he did not acknowledge the other party first, but instead greeted Matsumura Kenzo politely.
Although the others in the room were also bowing, Li Xuewu and his two companions did not follow their custom and insisted on shaking hands instead.
Kenzo Matsumura seemed unconcerned, smiling as he looked at the three men and said, "This is my last trip to the capital, and I will not be able to meet you all."
“I’ve seen you before,” Li Xuewu said, looking at him. “Mr. Nishida was there too, but you might not remember me.”
"I'm too old, I'm no longer useful."
Kenzo Matsumura pointed humbly to his head and said with a smile, "I'm going to die."
The Japanese have a unique understanding of death, admiring the longevity of tortoises and pine trees, but also revering the glory that comes with death.
Take Kenzo Matsumura, for example. He was nearing the end of his life.
After his death, future generations will surely make a final judgment on this history based on his name.
In a sense, he has already achieved lasting fame, so how could he not be proud?
It was this pride that made him even more humble and reasonable, and he dared not risk his later years.
In fact, every human being has flaws and weaknesses, and the pursuit of fame and fortune is no exception.
At the invitation of Kenzo Matsumura, the three took their seats, and Li Huaide and the other two also greeted Kenichi Nishida.
Regardless of what happened before, they are partners here.
Moreover, Kenichi Nishida used underhanded tactics, and Li Xuewu's counterattack was not exactly honorable.
So it's a back-and-forth affair, neither side is too strong or weak, and neither should complain about the other.
Another point is that since Kenichi Nishida suffered a hidden loss, Li Xuewu and his group naturally wouldn't be upset.
"I am delighted to see companies like Sanhe engage in closer and more extensive pragmatic cooperation with Chinese industrial and trade enterprises in my lifetime."
Kenzo Matsumura's voice sounded a little weak, and he leaned slightly against the girl beside him.
Li Xuewu glanced at the girl, her head slightly lowered. Her kimono was very proper, and she seemed to be a descendant of Matsumura Kenzo.
"I hope I am fortunate enough to see more of these possibilities, even the normalization of diplomatic relations."
He paused, took a breath, and then continued, "That's really fortunate."
“We have come with that very purpose,” Li Huaide said, nodding slightly. “Thank you for your efforts in improving bilateral relations and for your contributions to the stable development of bilateral trade.”
"negligible--"
Kenzo Matsumura smiled modestly, nodded to the middle-aged man who had led Li Xuewu and the others there, and then continued, "I apologize for the poor hospitality; please have dinner first."
"I wonder what everyone's taste is like."
He looked at Kenichi Nishida and said, "You must have tasted authentic Chinese cuisine before, right?"
"Of course, it's a great honor."
Kenichi Nishida sat there, bowing slightly, and said, "Each has its own merits and its own history."
Li Xuewu couldn't help but glance at him. What a scoundrel! What does he mean by "each has their own history"?
Does Japan even have a history?
Japan's history is a history of vassalage, a history of paying homage, and a history of requesting titles.
"How was the banquet that day?"
Matsumura Kenzo looked at Li Xuewu and the others with a humorous expression and asked, "I heard you're getting used to it?"
"Actually, I'm not used to it." Li Xuewu was really bold to say that. He first glanced at Kenichi Nishida before telling Kenzo Matsumura, "I don't really like eating raw food. I'm afraid it will hurt my stomach."
"One more thing, there were too few dishes and staple foods at the banquet, so we ate the food we brought with us after we got back."
"Oh—" Matsumura Kenzo looked at him with some surprise and asked, "What did you eat when you got back?"
What kind of old man is this? How can you ask such a question? If I tell you what you're going to eat, will you even get a meal out of it?
"Roast chicken, brought in sealed."
Li Xuewu smiled slightly and said, "It's the flavor of Goubangzi."
"I know, I've eaten it."
Kenzo Matsumura nodded slightly and said, "That was indeed delicious."
Kenichi Nishida knew that Li Xuewu was talking about him, so he lowered his gaze and looked at the table in front of him, holding his wine glass silently.
Pretend you're deaf, don't hear me, curse all you want, as long as you don't lay a hand on me.
He's over forty years old; if he really gets a beating from Li Xuewu, he'll surely die this year.
He had done his research and investigation, and he was afraid of Li Xuewu's fighting ability.
"Then try some of my family's food."
The old man, Kenzo Matsumura, seemed to be deliberately playing dumb. He raised his hand to the girls who were coming in from the doorway and said, "It can be delicious."
Li Xuewu narrowed his left eye slightly and glanced at Kenichi Nishida again.
Well, if you're so capable, you turtle should tuck your brain into your crotch so you don't stick your head out.
Kenzo Matsumura's defense of the other party couldn't be more obvious; what conditions are he about to offer?
"I was surprised and astonished to see Mr. Nishida here without even asking for permission."
Li Xuewu smiled and looked at Matsumura Kenzo, asking, "I didn't know he was your..."
"I am a student of Professor Matsumura."
Kenichi Nishida suddenly looked up at Li Xuewu and introduced, "We've known each other for almost thirty years."
"Yes, it's been almost thirty years."
Matsumura Kenzo seemed to remember something and looked at Li Xuewu, asking, "Young friend, judging from your appearance, you don't seem to be thirty years old, do you?"
"..." Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking to himself, "To be old and not die is to be a thief!"