dognovel Chapter 1631 What is Love in This World?
Chapter 1631 What is Love in This World?
Chapter 1631 What is Love in This World?
There's no need to explain the meaning of "giving up" to the takoyaki people, because most takoyaki people who are learned or value learning in this era will have Chinese calligraphy and paintings in their homes.
Although they may display ukiyo-e prints, those paintings that incorporate Western art techniques are not considered high art.
The more refined the writing, the more it resonates with the reader.
But Nakamura Hideji was a little confused by Li Xuewu's scumbag-like tone. It was clearly based on the premise of fair cooperation, so why did he mention being willing to give up something?
"Come on, I'll show you around."
Li Xuewu didn't explain, but instead stood up with a smile, waved, and said, "How long has it been since you went to the steel plant to check on the site?"
Nakamura Hideji looked at him suspiciously, but instead of answering the question, he shrugged and stood up.
He needed an explanation, even if Li Xuewu was being deliberately mysterious, as long as he could understand the logic behind cooperating with Honggang Group.
Although in his view, the faster the cooperation negotiations between the two parties proceed and the sooner they are concluded, the better, even if it is just one day earlier.
However, this is the steel city, this is the Honggang Group, and Li Xuewu is in charge. He is the visitor, the guest.
Zhang Enyuan quickly arranged a car as Li Xuewu requested, without bringing any extra people with him, just the three of them.
Currently, foreign cooperation and foreign affairs personnel, including foreign company personnel working in China, all require the presence of a foreign affairs specialist to provide guidance and assistance.
However, Honggang Group is an exception.
Honggang Group has established a close partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing the Ministry with invaluable assistance on several projects.
For example, international hotels, car discounts, and so on.
Departments such as the Honggang Group International Hotel, International Business Division, and Technical Talent Introduction Center have frequent contact with foreign company employees, and the Group has reached a cooperation agreement with the Foreign Affairs Department on the establishment of a permanent office.
In other words, Honggang Group's external business operations and cooperation are conducted under the supervision and guidance of the foreign affairs department.
This gave Honggang Group great convenience, and even Nakamura Hideji could have direct conversations with Li Xuewu every time he came to Gangcheng.
No one will bother them, and no one will listen in on them or restrict their business conversations.
The Volga sedan drove along the wide, clean road for a while, then turned a corner and entered the gate of the Hongxing Steel City Electronics Manufacturing Plant.
A duty officer stood up and saluted in unison with two armed guards, while the driver quietly honked his horn in return.
This security system, characteristic of inland China, was nothing new to Nakamura Hideji; he was already quite used to the "rules" of the Honggang Group.
That's right, it's about rules. In his view, Honggang Group has a kind of industrial rule that he can only see at the Japanese factory.
The words "Unity, Tension, Seriousness, and Liveliness," written in bright red on the white walls of the factory area, vividly illustrate this system.
squeak--
The car came to a smooth stop at the entrance of Production Workshop 13, a spot Li Xuewu casually pointed to.
Before Zhang Enyuan could get out of the car and open the door for them, Nakamura Hideji had already opened the car door and stepped out of the car under Li Xuewu's influence.
The sunshine today was just right, dispelling the chill that had accumulated last night. Without the ravages of the autumn wind, the fallen leaves in the park were quickly swept up by the cleaning team.
Hideji Nakamura turned around and carefully observed the area. It had been a year since he last visited, and the changes were truly remarkable.
What was once an empty plot of land has now been transformed into a workshop, and the nascent industrial park now boasts extensive green spaces.
Even in late autumn, he could still feel the atmosphere of birdsong and fragrant flowers that would have been present in spring.
"Secretary-General, I didn't know you were coming."
Chen Fengshou, deputy director of Gangcheng Electronics, jogged down from the car, which hadn't even come to a complete stop, and greeted Li Xuewu with a smile.
As soon as Li Xuewu entered the gate, the guard on duty would call the factory director's office, so his arrival was relatively timely.
Kong Lina, the director of Workshop 13, also received the same last-minute notice. She was running downstairs and politely greeting them.
He seemed a little anxious, but not panicked.
Nakamura Hideji couldn't figure out what Li Xuewu wanted him to see. Could it be the changes in Gangdian over the past year?
However, he was very patient, and at this moment he simply joined Li Xuewu in shaking hands and greeting the management personnel of Gangdian.
"It's okay, I just came to take a look."
Li Xuewu smiled casually, pointed in the direction of the workshop, and said, "Go ahead and do your work, it's nothing."
"It's alright, I've almost finished my work, so I'll just accompany you on a tour of the site." Chen Fengshou is very experienced in handling inspections. Li Xuewu has come so many times that the management team has become somewhat accustomed to it.
Li Xuewu didn't pay any attention, shook hands with the workshop director, and led the way into the workshop, while chatting casually with Chen Fengshou for a few minutes.
"Director Bi went to Shanghai," Chen Fengshou explained. "The Shanghai electronics factory got a new piece of equipment, and he wanted to go and take a look."
"New technology?" Li Xuewu glanced back at him and nodded, saying, "You're in an industry where you're picking apples from the tree of technology. You have to be able to tell what kind of song a bird is singing just by hearing it call."
"Understood, we will continue to work hard."
Chen Fengshou nodded seriously, agreeing to his humorous request.
Nakamura Hideji, who was walking beside him, raised his eyebrows as he listened, but he wasn't too surprised, because Li Xuewu was the most knowledgeable about industrial management in Honggang Group.
This wasn't his statement, but rather a consensus among the heads of foreign companies that have deep cooperation with Honggang Group.
They knew perfectly well that most of the management of Honggang Group did not understand technology or how to cooperate with them or do business, so why did they come to negotiate on a major project even though Li Xuewu was not involved in the negotiations?
They were willing to delay negotiations and travel a long way to visit Li Xuewu, talk to him, and listen to his voice.
The reason is simple, because even those within the Honggang Group understand this situation.
Without Li Xuewu's opinion, all the negotiations for major projects would be in vain, as they wouldn't pass the test of General Manager Li Huaide.
Even Gao Yaqin, who had worked hard for many years, agreed with this point. She tried her best to show herself and demonstrate her excellent foreign trade management skills.
However, Li Huaide's trust cannot be gained through a few collaborations and long-term efforts. It comes from Li Xuewu's long-term vision, which allows him to accurately grasp the key issues each time and even pinpoint the contradictions in the collaboration.
These foreign businessmen were well aware of Li Xuewu's influence within the Honggang Group, and they couldn't bypass this influence.
Similarly, they also know that fraud cannot lead to long-term cooperation, and communicating with knowledgeable managers like Li Xuewu can save time and improve efficiency.
***
"Mr. Nakamura, your protective suit."
In the workshop management office, Kong Lina personally distributed temporary protective suits to the group, which were anti-static styles produced by the labor protection industry.
Li Xuewu put them on skillfully, put his shoes in the shoe cabinet, and put on the shoe covers with soles.
The temporary visitor's attire is like this; when employees enter the workshop, they wear commonly used anti-static shoes, which are much more convenient than what they wear.
With the help of office staff, they put on hats and followed Kong Lina, who had already changed her clothes, into the production workshop.
After all that fuss, Nakamura Hideji had a vague idea of what Li Xuewu wanted him to see.
This is a different feeling from standing in the visitor corridor and looking at the production site through large glass. Being there, he could see modern industry right in front of him.
"This is a device we just updated this summer."
As she walked, Kong Lina introduced the new equipment and processes, stopping to explain them in detail and emphasizing the cost savings and increased efficiency.
The noise in the workshop wasn't harsh; it was just the sound of the assembly line operating and the handling and removal of parts.
The easiest thing to hear clearly was a loudspeaker located at regular intervals, broadcasting a radio program.
Li Xuewu listened briefly and immediately recognized it as the "Today's News" program on Red Star United Radio, which he listened to frequently.
"You play the radio for the workers?"
Finally, Nakamura Hideji couldn't help but frown slightly and ask, "Won't this affect the workers' operations?"
“No, it’s not—” Kong Lina glanced at him and explained earnestly, “This isn’t academic material, but rather a way to relieve stress.”
She gestured to the technicians at their workstations, and the efficiency of the assembly line was not disrupted by the announcement.
"If we can do this kind of work with mechanical equipment, we will never do it manually."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and emphasized, "Labor is the cheapest unit of production, but it is also the most expensive. Do you agree with my point of view?"
“Of course—” Nakamura Hideji hesitated slightly, then nodded firmly and said, “They are human beings first and foremost.”
"That's all I wanted to say."
Li Xuewu smiled faintly and continued to follow Kong Lina's footsteps. Watching the electrical appliances on the assembly line pass by one workstation after another and gradually take shape, the infectious power of this industrial manufacturing was very attractive.
After the tour, Li Xuewu led him to the corridor, where they looked back at the workshop through the glass, as if they were in two different worlds.
"Over the past year, we have invested more than 600 million yuan in total for technological innovation and the upgrading of some equipment."
Li Xuewu stood there with his arms crossed, confidently explaining, "This doesn't even include the training and education expenses for skilled workers."
Nakamura Hideji remained somewhat silent, as he was only visiting temporarily and had not prepared in advance, so he was quite amazed that the visit had achieved such an effect.
"The Group's investment in related industrial technology upgrades is unlimited, as stated in our five-year plan."
Li Xuewu turned to look at him and said, "Now you can imagine whether the production conditions here can meet future production needs if we reach a cooperation agreement."
He said it modestly, but it was definitely a bit pretentious.
However, Nakamura Hideji agreed with this point, nodding slowly as he looked at Li Xuewu and said, "Absolutely, as long as the technology and equipment keep being upgraded."
"This is the core of a company."
Li Xuewu pointed with his index finger and said with a pursed mouth, "If you come again next year, this place will be a completely different place."
"This place is full of vitality for development and is changing every day."
He said with great pride and confidence, "Our pursuit of new technologies, new equipment, and new products is endless."
Nakamura Hideji nodded in agreement, but did not speak. He had already seen what Li Xuewu was about to say, and what he had witnessed firsthand was quite shocking.
"If we have an excellent production environment, excellent skilled workers, and the confidence to pursue new things."
Li Xuewu looked at him and asked, "What do you think we're still lacking?"
"I understand what you mean."
Nakamura Hideji pursed his lips, his gaze towards the production workshop revealing determination; he didn't think Li Xuewu was bragging.
What's missing here?
We lack better technology, better equipment, and better products.
Li Xuewu's words should be interpreted in reverse; they mean what he can offer here and what he can offer for the future of cooperation between the two sides.
If he cannot provide these in the cooperation, then Sanhe Co., Ltd., which he represents, will definitely be abandoned by Honggang Group.
This isn't about morality or ethics; it's about business rules.
***
"Following Sanhe's proposal, the two parties will cooperate to establish an Electronic Technology Research Institute." Gao Yaqin informed Li Xuewu of the negotiation progress over the phone.
"He suggested Liaodong as the location, but I did not agree."
Gao Yaqin explained, "Although the group's electronics industry is in Liaodong, the research institutes and schools are in Beijing, where there is a better research environment."
"Yes, I agree with you."
Li Xuewu responded, saying, "The group's research and academic focus is in Beijing, so it's still inconvenient to go to Steel City."
"And they proposed educational cooperation."
Gao Yaqin explained cautiously, "The teachers specializing in electronics-related fields were hired by Sanhe Co., Ltd. to teach at the vocational college."
She paused briefly at this point before continuing hesitantly, "Some other comrades in the team have some opinions on this point."
"The main concern is safety."
Gao Yaqin spoke conservatively on the phone, but she knew Li Xuewu could understand her and how serious the issue she was addressing was.
Li Xuewu certainly understood, because he came from a security cadre background and was cautious about this kind of educational export, but he did not oppose this opportunity.
“Scientific research always involves collaboration, so how can education refuse to collaborate?” Li Xuewu stated decisively: “Strengthen management and apply what you learn.”
As Confucius said in the Analects, "When you see someone virtuous, think of emulating them; when you see someone not virtuous, examine yourself."
He snorted and said, "We can't throw the baby out with the bathwater. This is a rare opportunity for international educational cooperation."
"Then we'll listen to your opinion."
Gao Yaqin showed sufficient trust, which stemmed from Li Huaide's views on the job and also from wanting to hear what Li Xuewu had to say.
Since Li Xuewu said that the opportunity was rare, then we should strengthen management and increase the level of security management that she was worried about.
"In exchange, Sanhe Co., Ltd. will build the Fuben Culture Museum in the Liangmahe Ecological Industrial Zone, as well as provide living space."
As Gao Yaqin finished her introduction, her tone became hesitant, and she frowned as she said, "I am prepared to reject this proposal."
“Yes, I don’t agree either,” Li Xuewu agreed. “This isn’t the old society anymore, and we can’t give them the same treatment as those in the concession.”
"As a compromise, a cultural center is acceptable, comparable to the French pavilion."
Li Xuewu tapped his pencil on the desk and emphasized, "Since they want the same treatment as the Santaya Group, then make them show enough sincerity. I don't need to teach you how to ask for the moon, do I?"
"What about the living area?" Gao Yaqin, of course, didn't need him to teach her how to bargain. She frowned and asked, "They want a separate living area."
"Don't even think about it." Li Xuewu said indifferently, "Once you're here, you have to follow the rules of Honggang Group."
"The staff of the Santa Ya Group receive the same treatment and benefits as those in the group."
What are the living standards and benefits for foreign companies in the Liangmahe Eco-Industrial Zone? Are there any special provisions?
There are some, but not many; there aren't any either.
In terms of culinary tradition, although Chinese cuisine can conquer all, they will still stubbornly miss the taste of their hometown.
After all, not all researchers come from Britain, a country known for its culinary wasteland.
The supply and marketing service department of Honggang Group doesn't have any special product areas; there are only different prices. If you can afford it, you can buy it; if you can't, you can still take a look.
Go to any outside supply and marketing cooperative and you'll find that they don't have products like wine and coffee, but they do at the Hongxing Supply and Marketing Service Department.
It's not that no one in Honggang Group buys this stuff, but very few can accept its peculiar taste.
To put it simply, Chinese people still prefer the taste of baijiu (Chinese liquor) and tea, and are not particularly fond of things like red wine and coffee.
Although the Tang Dynasty poem "Fine wine in a luminous cup" is enough to prove that we are the ancestors of wine drinking.
However, the way foreign researchers drink is still somewhat unacceptable to most people, especially drinking straight from a wine glass without any snacks.
While fully guaranteeing their special living conditions, Honggang Group will not allow any other special treatment.
This will severely dampen and affect the enthusiasm of the company's employees, a point Li Xuewu emphasized during the phone call.
"Just tell him that their researchers and staff here can enjoy the same treatment as the employees of Honggang Group."
"Hmm, this condition is still acceptable."
Gao Yaqin thought for a moment and said, "I think Nakamura is testing our bottom line and wants to ask for our money back."
"Never mind him, that devil is petty."
Li Xuewu curled his lip and said, "Be careful, in addition to being wary of their educational exports, you also need to carefully screen outsiders."
“I understand,” Gao Yaqin explained seriously. “I will contact the security department to deploy defenses for the relevant key tasks.”
After explaining, she said with some helplessness, "Deputy Director Su made a suggestion, reverse infiltration, which I rejected, and Director Li also disagreed."
"Hmm, don't cause any trouble." Li Xuewu said impatiently, "Be careful not to let them do anything underhanded or give them any leverage."
"Hehe—" Gao Yaqin chuckled softly without saying a word, because she knew that Su Weide had already been caught red-handed.
However, she knew even more that this might be part of Li Xuewu's plan. Although she knew this, she had no intention of exposing it in advance.
She couldn't afford to offend Li Xuewu, and Su Weide wasn't her relative.
"The most crucial point, and the one they have always adhered to."
Gao Yaqin explained over the phone: "The share swap was your idea for him, right? He mentioned it at the negotiation meeting."
"Well, I just made a suggestion."
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "What did he say? He didn't use me as a shield, did he?"
“He did think about it—” Gao Yaqin smiled, composed herself and continued, “Sanhe’s idea is to reach a shareholding protection agreement through Oriental Times Bank. They will exchange 7% of Sanhe Co., Ltd. for 5% of our group.”
"Reject him." Li Xuewu scoffed, "Dream on."
“That’s what I think too.” Gao Yaqin paused, then said, “The group shouldn’t have a shareholding system.”
“Tell him that only Steel City Electronics has related projects.”
Li Xuewu emphasized firmly, "You can narrow the scope to Steel City Electronics, but you must emphasize in the negotiations that it is not all projects."
I understand what you mean.
Gao Yaqin understood, of course, because the Steel City Electronics Factory had already received a special order, which was kept secret from outsiders.
Li Xuewu's emphasis was a clear message to Sanhe Co., Ltd. that under this system, both parties must abide by the rules in their cooperation.
“I suggest that Oriental Times Bank conduct an assessment of the shareholding details,” Gao Yaqin explained. “This would also reduce related disputes.”
“That’s fine.” Li Xuewu agreed with this suggestion, then asked, “What kind of cooperation and support can they provide?”
“They were referring to all the technology within their capabilities, as well as the 650 million yuan in funding,” Gao Yaqin explained. “I don’t know how they define the limits of their technological capabilities; it’s not something we can discuss.”
“Don’t listen to them. Tell them directly that any technology used in electrical appliances currently sold in the Japanese market must be made public.”
Li Xuewu emphasized to her, "Never forget about chip manufacturing technology. It's of utmost importance and we must acquire it."
"I understand," Gao Yaqin replied solemnly.
“Santaya Group has secured a channel for photoresist,” Li Xuewu said. “The opening day of the French Pavilion can be brought forward.”
Gao Yaqin did not agree with Li Xuewu's moral bottom line of not acting until he saw the benefits, but she strongly agreed with his methods.
The Santayana Group and Sanhe Co., Ltd. were completely subdued by Li Xuewu, and she had to admit that for that reason alone.
The Xiangtal and Santayah Groups are certainly worthy of being awarded the title of Advanced Individuals and Units in Technology Introduction by the Honggang Group.
Even knowing that they are there for profit, we still have to acknowledge the technical support and market assistance provided in the process.
Without Santayah Group and Shangtal, where would Honggang Group's automobiles, electrical appliances, hardware, food, and cosmetics products sell so well in Southeast Asia?
In this era, who dares to ignore the Southeast Asian market?
Even America didn't dare; they were mired in the Annan quagmire and couldn't extricate themselves, which presented the best opportunity to make a fortune in the international market.
Honggang Group's arms exports have reached a considerable scale; its uniquely shaped gas cylinders can not only fly over North Africa, but also over Annam.
Food, cars, appliances, medicine, and so on—let's all get rich together.
Shantal even told Li Xuewu privately that he hoped America would never end this war.
Li Xuewu already knew that at this time, the international suppliers were the ones who supported America the most.
Speaking of November this year, there is one important thing that must be mentioned: Snow, a friend of America, came to visit.
Li Xuewu was already calculating the time; Snow had arrived, and the time for the international market to thaw was not far off.
-
"Who gave you permission to do this?"
Wang Yajuan frowned, looked at Zhang Mingyuan who had suddenly found her, and questioned, "What right do you have to interfere in my personal life?"
"We used to be lovers!" Zhang Mingyuan emphasized, his eyes wide. "You promised you would marry me!"
"We were never lovers."
Wang Yajuan shook her head slightly and emphasized in the same tone, "You know that was in the past, it doesn't represent the present."
"But I'm already trying—"
Zhang Mingyuan lowered his voice somewhat humbly and looked at her pleadingly, saying, "You can see my efforts; I'm no worse than anyone else."
“I never said you were worse than anyone else.” Wang Yajuan took a deep breath, composed herself, and looked at him, saying, “I’m sorry, but I’ve already explained. I just don’t want to get married anymore.”
"Why! Why?"
Zhang Mingyuan waved his hands and glared at her, asking, "Didn't you complain that I wasn't working hard enough? I've changed now, I'm working very hard."
He pointed to the imported watch on his wrist and said, "Look, my watch." Then he adjusted his clothes and said, "My clothes..."
“Comrade Zhang Mingyuan, your efforts have nothing to do with me.” Wang Yajuan pointed at him and said, word by word, “I don’t want you here, and I don’t want you to disturb my work and life.”
"We can be gay."
She nodded slowly, looked at the other person and said, "You should have a new life, instead of focusing your energy on me."
"And—" Before Zhang Mingyuan could explain further, she pointed to the gift box on the desk and said, "Please take your things with you."
The men and women passing by in the corridor tried to avoid looking at the argument in the office, but they all strained their ears to listen to the drama unfolding here.
When people arrived at work today, they noticed a bouquet of flowers and a gift box in Wang Yajuan's office.
This kind of Western romance, which can only be seen in internal films, is enough to ignite the gossip fire within the performing arts troupe.
This place is usually where the most talked-about figures in the entire group gather, and the show that Zhang Mingyuan put on today is truly eye-catching.
"Why can't you give me a chance?"
Zhang Mingyuan even pleaded, "What did I do wrong that you dislike me so much?"
"Listen to me, Comrade Zhang Mingyuan."
Wang Yajuan had lost her patience, but still managed to suppress her anger at being watched and explained, "It's not your fault, it's my fault. I don't want to get married anymore, okay?"
"You still like that person, right?"
Zhang Mingyuan seemed to have known about this for a long time. Ever since he met Wang Yajuan, he had heard such rumors many times.
But Wang Yajuan's beauty and charm were enough to make him ignore these rumors, and he was even more wary of the other woman's identity.
From meeting Wang Yajuan to getting engaged, he could only describe his feelings as lucky and happy.
However, Wang Yajuan's broken engagement and sudden departure left him in an awkward position, and he couldn't understand this act of betrayal.
Especially after learning that Wang Yajuan had gone to Gangcheng, and that the other person had also been transferred to Gangcheng not long after, how could he not think about that?
He couldn't escape the shadow of others' ridicule and mockery for a year, and he used work to numb his nerves.
Just when he decided to get out of his predicament, fate played another trick on him.
Due to his hard work and achievements, the technical department assigned him to lead a team of East German technicians, who were required to work in the steel city.
But just as he was hesitating about whether this was a cruel twist of fate or a sign of divine favor, and looking forward to meeting Wang Yajuan again, Wang Yajuan returned to Beijing.
This was something he couldn't understand at all. Was Wang Yajuan deliberately avoiding him, or was that person capable of toying with his life?
So he was unconvinced and determined to change himself.
Since his life was already bad enough, nothing he did could be worse.
When he went to the steel city, he was received by Deputy Director Su, who asked him about his work and life with great concern and helped him solve some problems.
Not long after he started working in the steel city, he received a notification of his promotion, followed by a phone call from Deputy Director Su.
He didn't know how to explain the saying "A scholar will die for one who understands him," but he knew he had to do something.
He met that person in the steel city. That person had met with almost all the technical team leaders sent by the group's technical departments to Liaodong Industrial, including him.
That was the first time he had observed the other person up close and felt the pressure emanating from them.
He admitted that he was far inferior to her, but he was also certain that he could give Wang Yajuan something that she couldn't.
In the midst of this constant struggle and rebuilding of his beliefs, he received instructions from Deputy Director Su: an opportunity to bring that person down.
What would someone else do if they were in that situation?
He didn't know that he had no other choice; even if he wanted to give up, his heart wouldn't allow it, so he did as Deputy Director Su asked.
Everything he saw and heard in the steel city was no longer a secret to Deputy Director Su.
When he contacted the relevant person in charge, he would also report the situation to Deputy Director Su, and even make contacts and win them over on their behalf.
The effectiveness of this investigation has already been demonstrated. The investigation team was able to overcome the defenses from the grassroots cadres of the metallurgical plant so smoothly, which cannot be said to be without his help and support.
As a reward, he received many things, including the watch and clothes he showed to Wang Yajuan, as well as the flowers and gifts he sent.
This was a skill he learned from East German technicians who told him that no woman could resist flowers.
If flowers can't win a woman's heart, then an expensive gift will surely get her into her room.
He was now convinced that Wang Yajuan was simply after the other man's power and the vanity of his wealth.
There are precedents in performing arts troupes; just look at Zhou Miaomiao and Han Lu.
He could see and find out about Wang Yajuan's quality of life, so he didn't believe that it had nothing to do with that person.
His family did try to comfort him and even arranged blind dates for him, but he just couldn't let go of the relationship.
Why should he? He must take back everything that is rightfully his!
Yu Li wasn't home. Wen San'er had started several projects in Yingcheng, which connected with Gangcheng. She went to coordinate the business.
That's how the recycling system works; everyone is a highly skilled individual, and many tasks must be handled personally.
As time went by, Yu Li's work in the steel city gradually improved, while Li Xuewu's life became more like a cat's day and a dog's day.
He was too lazy to cook for himself. Banggeng had really gotten to know Zhao Laosi, and he even moved his luggage to the scrap yard.
No one cooks for him, so he has to eat at the company cafeteria. Even when asked to go to the Unity Hotel, he can't stand the enthusiasm of the waiters.
Due to the expansion of the Hongxing Steel City Industrial Zone and the increase in the number of workers, the prosperity here is not much less than that of the Liangmahe Industrial Zone.
Moreover, without geographical restrictions, the atmosphere here is more relaxed.
Needless to say, there are restaurants in the city, but in the industrial zone, only the Unity Hotel has restaurants open to the public.
This means that employees living in the industrial area can only choose the Unity Hotel if they want to treat others or improve their lives with their families.
The newly established catering management company is planning to operate several branded restaurants here, but it lacks the necessary chefs.
If pre-cooked meals were achievable today, Honggang Group could open restaurants all over the country.
Li Xuewu didn't want to go to the Unity Hotel because he didn't want to suffer this ordeal; he hadn't even finished his meal when the bill was paid by someone else.
The key issue is that he still doesn't know who got married, which makes him very wary.
So he could only eat in the cafeteria, using meal tickets, and sit with the staff, and no one was allowed to bother him.
Zhang Enyuan was very eager to arrange his meal, suggesting that the Tuanjie Hotel pack the food separately and deliver it to his office.
Li Xuewu refused, because Yu Li wasn't on business trips every day; she could manage for a certain period each month.
That's how it was today. After leaving the cafeteria, Qi Yan took him home, only to find the lights on at home.
He already knew from experience that if Yu Li hadn't returned early, it definitely wouldn't have been Bang Geng who came back.
The boy didn't even remember to help him burn down the house, but Yu Li thoughtfully told Qi Yan to come and light the stove when she wasn't home.
The only downside of centralized heating is that the fire absolutely cannot be turned off in winter, otherwise all the heating pipes will freeze and crack.
Another point is that all houses these days are the same; they lack insulation panels and are not very resistant to cold winds.
Unless you build a fire wall for heating in a more northern city, the inside of the house will freeze solid.
If it's not Yu Li, and it's not Bang Geng, then it could be Zhou Xiaoling who got the key. This girl will definitely find an opportunity to see him whenever she comes to Gangcheng.
Li Xuewu pushed open the courtyard gate, said goodbye to Qi Yan, and opened the door with the mindset of opening a blind box, only to find an unexpected figure in the kitchen.
"Yajuan?" he called out, only then realizing that it was indeed Wang Yajuan who had turned around. "What brings you here?"
"I missed you, so I came." Wang Yajuan said casually, pointing to the kitchen and asking, "Have you had dinner yet?"
"I've already eaten; I ate in the cafeteria."
Li Xuewu glanced at her, but didn't see anything wrong, so he took off his coat and changed his shoes at the door.
When he entered the living room, Wang Yajuan was already standing next to the sofa with a large bowl, waiting for him.
"Boiled noodles?"
Yu Li was worried that he would go hungry, so she prepared noodles and canned food.
There aren't many vegetables that can be harvested and stored in winter; at home, we only have potatoes, cabbage, radishes, and carrots.
Wang Yajuan didn't lose out, though. Li Xuewu saw that her bowl of noodles contained meat sauce, and he could even find the meat inside, which meant there was a traitor in the family.
"Who opened the door for you?"
“I have the key,” Wang Yajuan said, leaning back on the sofa as if she were in her own home, while eating noodles.
"Hmm?" Li Xuewu looked at her suspiciously, walked to the tea cabinet to pour himself some hot water, and asked, "I don't remember giving you a key?"
“Zhou Xiaoling gave it to me.” Wang Yajuan looked up at him and asked, “Do you want to ask her where she got the key?”
"No need, I know." Li Xuewu turned around and glanced at her, then asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Did you walk all the way from the station?"
"Taking the bus is quite convenient."
Wang Yajuan stirred the noodles with her chopsticks and said casually, "I've taken a leave of absence and will rest here for a few days."
"Whatever you want." Li Xuewu didn't ask her why she had suddenly come here. "Stay as long as you want."
"Okay, I'll cook for you." Wang Yajuan said, holding up her bowl of noodles as he approached with a teacup, "So you won't have to eat in the cafeteria."
"Okay, thank you." Li Xuewu smiled after sitting down and looked at her, asking, "From home? Your parents are doing well?"
"Well, it's alright." Wang Yajuan thought for a moment and said, "They don't bother me much anymore; their attention is all on the children."
She suddenly looked up at Li Xuewu and asked, "Do you think they would have been just as attentive if we had given birth to the child back then?"
"Hmm?" Li Xuewu shook his head with amusement and said, "Your dad will fight me to the death."
“Not necessarily—” Wang Yajuan refocused her attention on the noodles and muttered, “They seem to really like children.”
"They like you to get married and have children, not..."
Li Xuewu didn't finish his sentence. After thinking for a moment, he stopped and gestured to the kitchen, asking, "Has the water been boiled?"
"No, I don't know where to burn it."
Wang Yajuan shook her head and said, "Where did Yu Li go? I thought I was going to see her."
"Going to Yingcheng on a business trip." Li Xuewu walked into the kitchen, turned on the tap, and filled the hot water tank in the bathroom.
"If you can stay a few more days, you will definitely be able to see her."
"Yes, that's fine."
Wang Yajuan stood at the kitchen doorway with her rice bowl in her hand, watching him fiddle with the water heater, and said, "I couldn't even take a shower."
"It'll be ready in a minute, very quickly."
Li Xuewu finished pressing the coal, smiled at her, and asked, "Would you like some canned food? We have both meat and vegetable cans."
"I'm not eating it, I'm sick of it." Wang Yajuan turned and walked to the sofa, saying, "When I was in the dance team, that was the only food we could eat during nighttime rehearsals."
"I don't have much food here."
Li Xuewu came out of the kitchen and stood at the door to explain to her where she could buy vegetables nearby and where the supply and marketing cooperative was.
After finishing her noodles, Wang Yajuan washed the dishes, walked back to the sofa, snuggled up to him, and whispered on his shoulder, "I'm sorry."