dognovel Chapter 1635 A Turning Point
Chapter 1635 A Turning Point
Chapter 1635 A Twist of Fate
"Director Li—"
Fang Ai was waiting for him outside the conference room. As soon as he came out, she came over to him.
"Yes, call him Director Hu."
When Li Xuewu saw it was her, he pointed back to Hu Ke walking behind him and said, "I told you, now you've resolved it, right?"
"Hehehe—" Hu Ke waved her hand with amusement, "Isn't this deliberately digging a pit for me to fall into?"
Fang Ai had no idea what was going on. Li Xuewu had clearly told her to wait for him here, so how did Hu Ke get involved?
"I didn't dig a pit for you to fall into."
Li Xuewu deliberately sized him up and said, "With your build, how big of a hole would I have to dig to fit you in?"
"Ha ha ha ha--"
The cadres who came out of the meeting room laughed heartily. In those days, the relationships between cadres were still very harmonious, and there weren't so many formalities.
Laugh when you feel like laughing; it's not fun if you don't laugh or talk.
"Now you know, right? Secretary-General Li is a master at passing the buck." Hu Ke wasn't going to back down, she pointed at Fang Ai, pulled Li Xuewu aside, and said, "It's just a matter of a few words."
"Director Hu, you have to help us."
Fang Ai was unsure what had happened. She had come to find Li Xuewu at Hu Ke's suggestion, but now Li Xuewu had kicked her back to Hu Ke.
"Don't rush, let me finish."
Hu Ke organized her thoughts and calmly looked at her as she said, "Secretary-General Li just gave us a lesson at the meeting."
"Let's call it 'Experience Sharing' instead."
Li Xuewu corrected him from the side, "I charge for my classes, unless you're really willing to pay."
"Hahaha—" Hu Ke laughed and nodded, "No problem, we will definitely pay your tuition next time you give a lecture."
Li Xuewu didn't believe his nonsense. He pointed at Fang Ai and said, "I've already told your Director Hu about your difficulties. Just listen to him."
"Hey! Director Li—" Fang Ai didn't intend to let him off so easily. She was afraid that after he left, Hu Ke wouldn't be able to solve her problem and wouldn't be able to find him again.
So when she saw Li Xuewu about to leave, she turned to block him and then looked at Hu Ke, urging him to speak quickly.
Hu Ke glanced at her with amusement, and then explained frankly, "Liaodong Industrial is preparing to focus on developing university-enterprise cooperation projects, increase enrollment and training in disciplines related to key projects, and achieve high-standard academic transformation."
He pointed at Fang Ai and said, "Your pharmaceutical factory can apply to cooperate with the medical university. They have merged with Northeast Pharmaceutical College, so their research capabilities in this area are quite strong."
"Director Hu, I don't understand what you mean."
Fang Ai looked at him with suspicion and asked, "We're collaborating with a medical university? What are we producing?"
I'll tell you about that later.
Hu Ke explained, "This is just one proposal for today; Deputy Director Lu still needs to take it to the meeting for discussion."
"But don't worry, we are all very confident in this plan. We will notify you when the relevant cooperation system is released."
He then pointed to Li Xuewu, who was about to leave, and said, "If you're not sure, you can visit the Honggang Group Academy of Sciences."
"The Honggang Group Academy of Sciences is a well-known gathering place for scientific research talents in Beijing and even in North China. You should really go and see it."
"Don't look at me, of course I welcome you."
Li Xuewu raised his hand to indicate, "However, you need to apply in advance, and the Foreign Affairs Office will arrange your inspection dates."
Oh, by the way, just a reminder.
He nodded and said, "Since 67, Honggang Group has stopped covering the expenses for any visits from other companies to the factory."
"Furthermore, you will have to pay a tour fee if you want to enter the factory area or laboratory for a visit, because this requires a dedicated person to receive you."
Fang Ai was somewhat surprised after hearing his detailed explanation of the rules.
Because it's common for brother units to visit each other these days, she had never heard of having to bring your own food and pay a visit fee.
Is this still a sister unit?!
"This is the reality; it applies to everyone."
Hu Ke, fearing she wouldn't understand, explained from the side, "Unless it's an event that Honggang Group extends an invitation to, all other events will be charged according to the rules."
"This is also related to the constant stream of visits from Honggang Group every year. If they were to receive everyone who came, they would eventually go bankrupt."
"Oh, I see—"
Fang Ai's face still showed surprise, but she understood the reason for these rules and said with a smile, "This is really the first time I've heard of this."
"That's normal; the more formal the system, the more convenient it is."
Li Xuewu nodded, not insisting, and casually said, "Any unit or individual can call or write to the Group's Foreign Affairs Office. If you don't know the specific contact information, you can ask your Director Hu."
Don't blame the title for being confusing. The executive body of each unit is the management committee, which means that the director of the management committee is in charge, so calling him the director is perfectly fine.
Fang Ai also called him Director, which was a deliberate way of flattering him, since Li Xuewu was the top person in charge of Honggang Group in Liaodong, and it sounded nice to call him that.
However, Li Xuewu didn't accept that title; she could call him whatever she wanted, but he wouldn't agree.
"As long as you apply through the proper channels, the group's external affairs office will develop a customized inspection plan based on your needs."
Li Xuewu added, "There will be someone to accompany and explain things to you, so you won't have nowhere to ask if you don't understand, and you won't have to go through unnecessary trouble."
"It's fine, it doesn't cost much."
Hu Ke nodded and dismissed her, saying, "You'll see when you get there. It'll definitely be worth the trip; you'll learn a lot."
He emphasized, "If it's inconvenient for you to go, you can wait until our policies are released and then we'll organize everyone to visit and learn together."
"Then I'll apply in advance and go by myself," Fang Ai said with a smile. "I won't trouble you."
"Thank you, Director Li. I'll definitely need to trouble you again in the future. Please don't find me a nuisance."
"No, no—"
Li Xuewu nodded with a smile and said, "You are welcome to visit Honggang Group often. See you in Beijing sometime."
He was just saying that. If Hu Ke hadn't tipped him off, would the other side have been able to catch him?
Besides, Hu Ke doesn't always dare to report things. If this continues, he won't come anymore. One should know one's limits.
"Pretty shrewd, right?" Hu Ke watched her leave before smilingly asking Li Xuewu, "I was afraid of being at a disadvantage if I went with everyone else."
"Isn't this your precious darling?"
Li Xuewu is so sarcastic. He just said he wouldn't set a trap for Hu Ke, but now he's done it.
Hu Ke laughed and said, "I said she was one of the best female cadres in the Liaodong industrial system, but I never said anything like she was a precious treasure."
-
Li Xuewu hadn't returned to Gangcheng that day because a supplementary meeting in the afternoon was keeping him occupied.
When he wanted to leave that evening, Hu Ke dragged him and Yuan Beichen to meet the leaders of Fengcheng Chemical Engineering College, where they had dinner and drank some wine.
"Old Xu, when is your college scheduled to relocate?"
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the people at the table had become familiar with each other, so Hu Ke steered the conversation toward Xu Fenglin, the dean of the School of Chemical Engineering.
"We're moving next month." Xu Fenglin gave a wry smile and said, "Actually, many teachers and staff have already moved there."
Yuan Beichen glanced at the other person, then at Li Xuewu, picked up his chopsticks without saying a word, a situation that Li Xuewu was aware of.
The relocation of key universities across the country in the 70s is something that not many people in later generations may know about. For example, where should the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have been located?
Many high school seniors in later generations overlook this crucial information when filling out their college applications, mistakenly believing it to be in the capital, when it is actually in Hefei, Anhui Province.
However, in this era, the University of Science and Technology of China was originally located in Beijing, but due to unified planning and arrangements, it needed to be relocated to industrial bases or remote areas.
These institutions were mostly engineering colleges specializing in agriculture, forestry, geology, mining, petroleum, and hydropower, and many of them were national key universities at that time.
As a heavy industrial city in Northeast China, Fengcheng's colleges and universities have also become targets for adjustment, with Fengcheng Chemical Engineering College being one of them.
"Actually, it's a good thing, right?"
Hu Ke poured him a glass of wine and said, "Going to Fucheng will also allow us to integrate Fucheng Institute of Technology and Fucheng Petroleum School, which will strengthen our team."
There are many good places in Liaodong, but also many cities with weak industries. Why does Fengcheng Chemical Engineering College insist on moving to Fucheng?
Because Fucheng is an important petroleum industrial base, as locals all know, there are Fucheng Petroleum Plant No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and so on.
In fact, this arrangement is correct according to the thinking and policies of this era. Relocating chemical engineering colleges to Fucheng makes it easier to carry out teaching models such as "part-time work and part-time study" and "learning through labor" in combination with actual production.
But it seems that Principal Xu is somewhat unwilling.
No one would be willing to do this. Why would they give up such good resources in Fengcheng and insist on developing in a prefecture-level city?
Even an individual loses a lot of belongings when moving, let alone a prestigious university, where the losses would be enormous.
"Sigh—" What else could Principal Xu say? The leader personally poured the wine for him, so even if he was unwilling, he had to keep it to himself.
He nodded and downed the drink in one gulp.
Li Xuewu took a bite of the pickled cabbage; it was refreshing and crisp. Even though there weren't many slices of meat in it, it tasted delicious.
"We could set up a branch school in Yingcheng."
He loved watching the drama unfold, and with a raised eyebrow, he offered some wild advice: "Being close to the sea and guarding the port, its development is bound to be excellent."
"You're going to give me the money?" Hu Ke said irritably. "Fine, if you're going to give me the money, I'll have them move the camp directly to Yingcheng."
“If I take the money, your School of Chemical Engineering will belong to Honggang.”
Li Xuewu was truly unafraid and asked with a smile, "Is it feasible? If it is, I'll contact the group right now to transfer the money and move you directly to Beijing."
"Just listen to his nonsense—" Hu Keke didn't dare give Xu Fenglin a chance to speak, what if he actually agreed?
Despite the outward-directed arrangements, Liaodong cannot be without its own chemical engineering colleges. This morning, they emphasized high-standard academic transformation projects at a meeting, and tonight they sold the school. Where are they going to find academic transformation opportunities?
Actually, he had other motives; otherwise, why would he have invited Li Xuewu and Yuan Beichen to dinner? He was there to beg for alms.
However, Yuan Beichen was timid and lacked confidence, so he didn't dare to respond.
Look at Li Xuewu, he confronts people so directly that Hu Ke is too scared to reach out to him, afraid that Li Xuewu will even take away the bowl he's begging for alms.
Believe it or not, that rascal Li Xuewu is really capable of doing something like this.
Think about the huge loss that Bingcheng Aircraft Manufacturing Plant suffered, and then think about how Honggang Group got its steel aircraft. This bad boy has a criminal record.
You know what, with Li Xuewu stirring things up, Xu Fenglin is actually starting to consider it. Even if he can't go to the capital, going to Yingcheng would be fine too.
Yingcheng used to be a rather underdeveloped city. Despite being near a port, it was not even half the size of Bincheng.
But Yingcheng is now completely transformed, a far cry from what it used to be. Honggang Group has been undertaking massive construction projects in Yingcheng in recent years, which has enriched some of its businesses.
With Yingcheng Port, owned by Honggang Group, entering its final countdown to operation, it is a foregone conclusion that Yingcheng is about to usher in a major development.
Who made Honggang Group willing to spend money to build a large-scale international standard port area in Yingcheng? In the future, Yingcheng will have a foothold in the Bohai Bay.
Another reason he was interested was that Honggang Group was going to build an oil refinery and a mineral processing center in Yingcheng.
Jingcheng Chemical will also build a chemical industrial park in Yingcheng. If they really want to build a school and develop in Yingcheng, they will definitely have a strong backer.
He wanted to ask about the terms, but Hu Ke stopped him.
“They have more than just research institutes.”
Hu Ke reminded him, "Their joint vocational and technical college also has a chemical engineering major, and its overall teaching ability is no worse than yours."
"Going to Yingcheng is fine, but if you go to the capital, you'll be waiting to be merged into another city?"
He deliberately tried to scare Xu Fenglin, saying, "When the undergraduate college becomes a vocational college, you might not even be able to become the principal. You might even be demoted."
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu looked at the nervous Hu Ke with amusement, raised his eyebrows and said to Xu Fenglin, "It's okay. If you're afraid of being demoted, then move to Yingcheng. If you really belong to our Honggang Group, I'll approve two million for you every year."
"You did this on purpose, didn't you—" Hu Ke asked him speechlessly, "So we'll have to beg you to cooperate in the future!"
"Hahahaha—" Li Xuewu laughed and tapped him, saying, "How can you be so crooked!"
Why don't you just say you're cunning!
Hu Ke smiled and poured him a glass of wine, saying, "If you really want to help, don't ask for two million. Two or three hundred thousand a year will do."
“Sure!” Li Xuewu said without hesitation, “As long as we can pick half of the graduates from the School of Chemical Engineering each year, these conditions are negotiable.”
"Cheers, drink your wine!"
Hu Ke dared not discuss business with him anymore; if they continued, even Xu Fenglin would have to sell himself to him.
Just because you have money doesn't mean you're all that!
"I invited Deputy Factory Director Yuan here today to first discuss and see if there are any more convenient possibilities for school-enterprise cooperation."
He shifted his focus to Yuan Beichen, since this guy hadn't said a word and seemed easy to bully.
"Of course, this project is feasible."
Yuan Beichen spoke cautiously, hesitatingly saying, "Secretary-General Li also mentioned this morning that we already have a mature cooperation with Beijing Chemical."
"If we can cooperate with Fengcheng Chemical, it will also promote our industries in Gangcheng and Yingcheng."
He paused here, looked at Hu Ke and asked, "But you just mentioned that the School of Chemical Engineering is also relocating, so what about the cooperation..."
"It's alright, the relocation won't delay our cooperation."
Hu Ke nudged Xu Fenglin, who was sitting to the side still thinking about the two million a year, with his elbow and said, "Right, Lao Xu?"
"Huh? Ah, oh, oh, yes."
Xu Fenglin nodded with a humming and a laugh, saying, "Our relocation work is progressing quite quickly, this..."
Hu Ke could tell he wasn't in the right frame of mind, but there was nothing she could do. Seeing the culprit sitting to the side smirking, she turned around and asked, "Are you interested?"
"Yes, I have--"
Anyway, he'll agree to whatever Hu Ke says tonight. Let's see how ruthless he is, chopping everything in sight.
Even if I had you, I wouldn't include you in the game—
Hu Ke knew he had no good intentions, so she turned to Xu Fenglin and instructed him, "Fucheng is not far from Yingcheng. You can completely break down geographical barriers and complete the integration of scientific research and production."
If you listen carefully to what he says and the words he uses, you'll find that he learned a lot from Li Xuewu. These words are used very precisely.
That's why Li Xuewu's speech was so captivating; he used many terms that the speakers had never even heard of before.
“It’s alright. Even if there’s no opportunity for direct cooperation, indirect cooperation can still be carried out.” Li Xuewu raised his chin and said to Xu Fenglin, “You are welcome to visit and exchange ideas with Honggang Group. Our vocational and technical college’s chemistry department has many excellent professors and students.”
It's more than just excellent; it's practically a haven for extraordinary individuals. In this day and age, special groups can only find a place to settle down and make a living at Honggang Group.
He said this modestly, but it also made his attitude clear to Hu Ke: nobody cares about their chemical engineering college.
Of course, if Xu Fenglin really wanted to bring the School of Chemical Engineering to surrender, he would be willing to accept it, as such opportunities to strengthen the discipline are rare.
That was the purpose of the dinner that evening. When Hu Ke saw them off, she emphasized the structure and channels of the cooperation.
Liaodong Industry is quite responsible, especially under Hu Ke's leadership. He has indeed done a lot of practical things over the years and is very popular.
Despite Li Xuewu's mischievous antics, the fact that they received counterpart support from Beijing Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. has truly solved the urgent problem of insufficient funds after the relocation of the School of Chemical Engineering.
Although we still need to train talent and provide research support for Jingcheng Chemical's operations in Liaodong, those are things for the future. Let's focus on the immediate issue of survival first.
After seeing Yuan Beichen off, Hu Ke said with emotion, "It's not easy for anyone. We're used to living in poverty and don't dare to be extravagant."
"Actually, Beijing Chemical has money, but they can't come up with it."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and explained on behalf of Jingcheng Chemical: "Jingcheng Industry will retain all profits, so how much of the budget will actually be covered?"
“They are big profit generators and big budget generators. If they were to move to Liaodong, you definitely wouldn’t be able to afford it.”
This served as a reminder to Hu Ke: don't be greedy. Industrial transfer is already the limit; you can't be insatiable.
-
Jing Yunong only stayed in Fengcheng for one night. She returned home the second night Li Xuewu stayed, and by the time Li Xuewu returned to Gangcheng, Wang Yajuan had also left.
Did you ask her what her situation was?
Yu Li packed his luggage and reminded him, "Don't take it lightly, she's very thoughtful."
"Yes, I know what's going on."
Li Xuewu made himself a cup of tea and explained casually, "Her ex-fiancé contacted her wanting to get back together."
"Is that so?" Yu Li looked at him in surprise and asked, "What does she mean by that?"
"What do you think?" Li Xuewu smiled and said, "If she had such intentions, she wouldn't have stayed here for so many days."
“That’s true—” Yu Li thought for a moment and said, “If she’s unwilling, she should just explain the situation to the other party. Can she force a sale?”
"If only relationships between men and women were this simple." Li Xuewu picked up his teacup and sat down on the sofa. "It's that guy who's been chasing after her; he probably still has feelings for her."
"So what if I feel resentful—"
Yu Li walked over and looked at him, saying, "You think you can let him bully you?"
“Who can bully her? No one can bully her. She’s just overthinking things.” Li Xuewu waved his hand and said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ve already called Wu Shuping.”
"You have a convenient way of using people—"
Yu Li pursed her lips, muttered something, and went to do the laundry. She always washed Li Xuewu's clothes by hand.
It's also because the quality of clothing materials in this era was generally poor; if you really threw them in the washing machine and rubbed them around, they would be ruined after just a few washes.
"Did they go to see Fei Shanying and the others?"
While reading the newspaper and sipping hot tea, Li Xuewu asked, "Is the child growing well?"
"It's fine, chubby and healthy."
Yu Li said from the bathroom with a hint of envy, "She wasn't shy at all when I held her, and she even smiled at me."
"Tell Wen San'er sometime that he can bring his child to Gangcheng and let us stay for a few days."
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I like kids at this stage. Once they can run and jump, they become annoying."
"Do you think having children is something to play with?"
Yu Li retorted irritably, "If he hears this, there's no way he'll bring her. You have no idea how much he cherishes his daughter."
"They're all the same, doting fathers—"
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "When I first brought Li Shu home, I didn't know how to be a father, but I wanted to see her every day after get off work."
"You're a typical doting father to your daughter."
Yu Li glanced at him from the bathroom doorway and said, "I wish I could save the best of everything in the world for your daughter."
“Actually, Li Ning is more sensible than Li Shu,” Li Xuewu said, thinking of his own children. “Li Shu is much more mischievous.”
“I was a naughty child since I was little,” Yu Li said. “Back then, there were many people in the compound, and whoever caught me would tease me. There wasn’t one who wasn’t naughty.”
"Especially Lao Biaozi, he's the kind of guy who really enjoys teasing kids."
As she said this, she suddenly remembered something, looked at Li Xuewu from the doorway, and asked, "Isn't Biaozi coming back this year?"
“I asked him to come back, but he won’t.”
Li Xuewu smirked and said, "You help me think of something. At the latest, by June next year, have Shen Guodong go to Hong Kong to replace him."
"Are you willing to let him go?" Yu Li stood there reminding him, "If Guodong goes to Hong Kong, he will lose his foothold in Beijing."
"Furthermore, Xiaoyan and her husband want to have a child. What are they going to do if you keep bothering them like this?"
"Then what should we do? You go?"
Li Xuewu glanced at her and said, "I wouldn't feel comfortable sending someone else."
"Why didn't you just tell me to go?" Yu Li rolled her eyes at him, then turned around and went back to do laundry.
"If you don't want to go, then don't go. I'll think about it some more."
Li Xuewu put down the newspaper in his hand, rubbed his forehead and said, "If I have a strong man on my side, I definitely won't let you get tired."
"You just think I'm easy to bully, huh?"
Yu Li muttered, "Anyway, it's just a wandering ghost. You can leave it wherever you want."
“What are you saying—” Li Xuewu smirked and said, “When did we throw you out?”
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and thought about the arrangements he had just made. He said, "If all else fails, we'll have to send Mai Qinglan and her daughter to Hong Kong. Being separated for so long is bound to cause trouble."
Li Xuewu could accept Lao Biaozi having affairs, but he wouldn't allow Da Xiongdi's family to fall apart.
It's always best to be the original spouse. If things really escalate to that point, he, as the older brother, would feel terrible.
That old bastard is really something. If he were just living a life of debauchery in Hong Kong, that would be one thing, but he's doing the hardest work and still won't give up. He could at least let Wen San'er go and enjoy himself for a few more years.
But that's just wishful thinking. Wen San'er's case over there hasn't been closed yet; if he went over there, he'd be caught.
Actually, Li Xuewu wanted his second child to go. He's 20 years old now and has worked in Hong Kong, so he's definitely capable of doing so.
He didn't really take the companies in the port city seriously. With Lou Xiao'e and Ji Weidong looking after them, these people were just there to gain experience and learn about capital operations.
Hong Kong has so many good things about it, even Dong Wenxue and Gao Yaqin go there often, so why has he never gone there on his own initiative?
Doesn't he know that life is good over there?
However, sometimes this experience can become a stumbling block at crucial moments.
These past few years have been a crucial period of growth for his career, so he must not do anything that would ruin his future; he should be conservative when necessary.
After hanging up the clothes, Yu Li walked into the living room and said, "Go take a shower, the water will get cold in a little while."
Li Xuewu then put down the newspaper and teacup and got up to take a shower.
It's much more convenient for just the two of them at home. If Banggeng were here, they would have to carry things around for everything.
Even if that kid has already lost his virginity, adults still need to have some self-respect, otherwise what's the difference between them and monkeys?
After the lights were turned off, the two lay in bed. Seeing that she didn't speak, Li Xuewu patted her arm and asked, "Do you really want a child?"
"What do you think?" Yu Li pouted and said, "I'm already so old, if I don't take this opportunity now, I'll really lose it forever."
"How old are you?" Li Xuewu said with a laugh, "You're two months younger than me, so what if I'm old?"
"Don't interrupt—" Yu Li turned to look at him and asked, "Are you really that heartless? You won't give it to anyone?"
"If you want it, I'll give it to you, as long as you're willing to spend the effort to raise it." Li Xuewu reminded her without hesitation, "Don't think that just because someone else's child is good, it's a treasure. Small children have their advantages, and big children have their troubles. You'll know how troublesome it is when the time comes."
"Then I'd like to—"
Yu Li leaned closer and said proudly, "I will definitely raise the child well and will never be a burden to you."
"What kind of talk is that?" Li Xuewu glanced at her and said, "Did I ever say that children are a burden?"
"Isn't that what you just said?"
Yu Li smiled and said, "If you're really willing to give it to me, I'd even be willing to go to Hong Kong."
"Stop talking nonsense, when have I ever made things difficult for you?"
Li Xuewu may not be trustworthy to others, but he can still trust Yu Li. After all these years, if he had any other intentions, he would have done so long ago.
He was actually moved by how hard Yu Li had taken care of the old lady during her serious illness, and how pitiful she was all alone, always holding onto other people's children.
If he really followed his earlier decision, he would have to give what he promised Sister Lou, but he could forget about the others.
There's been no news from Hong Kong for so long. Sister Lou won't give him any information, and he doesn't dare to ask. What if a young man suddenly shows up and calls him "Dad"? That would be troublesome.
Yu Li was a woman of action. Seeing that he had agreed, she excitedly crawled into his bed and said with a smile, "You can't go back on your word."
When have I ever lied to you?
Li Xuewu glanced at her and said, "If you're willing, the child can take the surname Li."
"You wish!" Yu Li kissed him and said, "If it's a girl, I'll do as you say. If it's a son, he has to take my surname. He's my son."
"Heh—" Li Xuewu knew exactly what she was thinking. She was afraid that he wouldn't accept her, or that Gu Ning wouldn't accept her.
Gu Ning wouldn't care about that. If she really cared, she would have told him long ago. She's not the type to keep things to herself.
Li Xuewu doesn't have a dragon throne under his buttocks, so there won't be any scramble for it. What difference does it make if there's one more or one less?
Last month, the old lady fell seriously ill, and Yu Li went back to take care of her. Gu Ning didn't react much when she saw her because Yu Li knew how to behave appropriately.
Furthermore, rather than saying she trusted Yu Li's sense of propriety, it would be more accurate to say she trusted Li Xuewu's shrewdness.
Who can get the better deal from him? Even when it comes to matters between men and women, how many of his relationships are truly genuine?
Putting everything else aside, just talking while lying in bed, answering whatever Gu Ning asks him, who else can do that?
Even Yu Li doesn't have that qualification.
Yu Li thought things through. She couldn't let Gu Ning feel uncomfortable after giving birth to a son, and since he would take her surname, she wouldn't lack Li Xuewu's care.
If she were to give birth to a daughter, she would pose no threat, and the Li family wouldn't care about her existence. It would be quite practical for them to live their lives with their daughter.
They just wouldn't allow her to choose, otherwise Yu Li would definitely choose a daughter, and if she had a son, he would be hers.
She's just a daughter; when will she ever stop worrying about her parents? On the other hand, her younger brother, Yu Zhe, is a complete coward.
Don't even talk about having children to provide for you in old age; how many of them are truly filial?
People are all the same; if they live together for a long time, they will start to dislike each other. If this is the case for couples, then what about their children?
-
On December 6, Li Xuewu flew back to Beijing aboard the Red Star-12 aircraft to attend the general meeting of all employees' representatives.
This was also arranged by Li Huaide, who required him to attend the relevant meetings; otherwise, he would not have returned until the formal meeting was held in the middle of the month.
He will then return to the group headquarters with the heads of various industrial enterprises in Liaodong to report on their work and attend the representative conference.
Li Huaide had a purpose in calling him back ahead of time: to settle scores with Su Weide and Zhou Wanquan.
I know you don't care about these things.
Li Huaide called him into his office to talk, fearing that Li Xuewu would go straight home after getting off the plane, so he specially arranged for Liu Bin to pick him up from the airport.
"Not really, who wouldn't care?"
Li Xuewu looked at the teacup in his hand and said, "I'm not a saint either. Would I be happy if someone wronged me?"
He shook his head, blew the steam from his teacup, and said, "I don't have that awareness; I just don't want to talk about it."
"I know, you've mastered the art of cultivation."
Li Huaide nodded slowly and said, "These past few years in Liaodong have not been in vain; they have indeed smoothed out your temperament."
"Have I shown my true colors too early?"
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "I've never felt like I've changed at all."
"That's the limitation of human beings."
Li Huaide laughed, picked up his teacup, and said, "You can only see other people's shortcomings, but you can't see your own."
"If that's the case, then your level of understanding is higher than mine."
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I'm still learning how to see other people's strengths."
"Alright, stop being modest—"
Li Huaide glanced at him with a smile, took a sip of hot tea, and then put down his teacup, saying, "I know you feel wronged."
This time, Li Xuewu didn't interrupt, but listened attentively to what he had to say.
“You and Comrade Wenxue are both people who are willing and capable of doing practical things, and I am aware of that.”
He nodded slowly and said, "Within the group, the two of you can be considered the pillars of the business."
“Take your praise a little easier, it’s making me feel a bit intimidated.” Li Xuewu adjusted his posture and said with a smile, “Don’t give me another surprise and then just flatter me to the ground.”
"Hehehe—" Li Huaide chuckled for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "Good is good, there's no question about that."
"My boss talked to me a few days ago."
At this point, his expression gradually became serious, and he slowly nodded, saying, "He also mentioned your affair with Comrade Wenxue."
"Has the joint investigation team reached a conclusion?"
Li Xuewu said calmly, "It's time to reach a conclusion. It's been dragged on for two years, and I'm not taking the blame for this."
Li Huaide knew what he meant by that, glanced at him, nodded, and said, "I understand how you feel, it's just a pity for our comrade Wenxue."
When will the results be available?
Li Xuewu frowned slightly and asked, "I don't think blaming individuals for the consequences of collective decisions solves anything, and it's unfair to the comrades involved."
“Yes, that’s right. Of course, I think so too.” Li Huaide nodded and said, “I have reported the situation of Comrade Wenxue to the leadership.”
He pressed his hand down and looked at Li Xuewu, saying, "The joint investigation team found some information about him. I've seen it, and it's true. He himself has admitted it."
"What's going on?" Li Xuewu asked, frowning. "How come I don't know anything about this?"
"You didn't even go to Steel City back then, so what would you know?"
Li Huaide shook his head and said, "Someone used his name to collect some things; it was done by someone close to him."
Is this serious?
Li Xuewu knew what had happened; the story of that waitress had been dug up.
He knew that no matter how well something was hidden or handled, it would eventually be exposed.
“He said he had never received these things, and I trusted him, as did the members of the investigation team.”
Li Huaide said with a somewhat helpless tone, "But once it's accepted, it's accepted. Even if he didn't do anything wrong, it's still a case of lax discipline, and he has to bear some responsibility."
"Is it tied to the No. 4 furnace project?"
Li Xuewu squinted slightly and said, "The timing can match? I don't believe he would make a mistake on something like this."
"I don't believe it either, but no one can say for sure."
Li Huaide sighed and said, "Small things accumulate into big accidents; this is the result of not paying attention to details in daily life."
He looked at Li Xuewu and said, "If I had learned your rigorous work style in my daily life, would I have achieved what I have today?"
"Assigning responsibility in this way seems far-fetched, or rather, it's like trying to find fault where none exists."
Li Xuewu's attitude was very direct; he was clearly protecting Dong Wenxue without any attempt to hide it.
Li Huaide understood his attitude; wasn't he feeling the same way? Dong Wenxue couldn't be given up on.
"The leader has already learned about the situation and spoken with him, so there's no major problem."
He looked at Li Xuewu and said, "He is still young, he has plenty of time and opportunities to adjust."
"That statement applies to me too?"
Li Xuewu smiled and asked, "How did the investigation team determine my case?"
"Don't let your emotions influence your thinking."
Li Huaide glanced at him before saying, "You really wronged him. He's been saying all sorts of good things about you ever since he came back."
"Is that so?"
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows in surprise and said with a smile, "I have to assure you, I absolutely did not give them any benefits. You have to believe me."
"Hehehe—" Li Huaide chuckled, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "No one would tamper with such a thing. The results of this investigation must be accepted."
He said calmly, "The specific results will be released after the New Year. The leadership will give everyone time to adjust and ease up, taking into full consideration the actual situation of our group."
"Gregorian calendar year? Or lunar calendar year?"
Li Xuewu frowned slightly and asked, "If it's the Lunar New Year, then it will be after February. Will the results be announced in three months?"
"Are you in a hurry?" Li Huaide glanced at him and said, "You and Comrade Wenxue have finished investigating your problems, but there are still other people's problems to be investigated. What's the rush?"
"Other people's problems?" Li Xuewu feigned ignorance, raising an eyebrow and asking, "Who else is involved in this?"
He seemed to remember something and tentatively asked, "We're not going to investigate the other cadres in the metallurgical plant further, are we?"
"What are you thinking—" Li Huaide said calmly, "With just a few people in your factory, do you really need a joint investigation team? That's like using a cannon to kill a mosquito!"
"If Comrade Haiyang heard you say that, he'd be heartbroken," Li Xuewu chuckled. "After serving under you for so many years, all I've got is a mosquito?"
"Hehehe—" Li Huaide chuckled and pointed at him, saying, "If you hadn't passed on this message, he definitely wouldn't have heard it."
“Then I can’t let you down—” Li Xuewu said with a smile, “I must convey your instructions to the comrades.”
"Whatever you want, I'll say the same thing to them when they come."
Li Huaide laughed and made a few jokes before taking a deep breath and saying calmly, "Just you wait and see. Those who do many evil deeds will surely perish. He brought this upon himself, and he'll get struck on the head by lightning."