dognovel Chapter 1621 Not Earned a Single Point, But Lost a Quite a Bit
Chapter 1621 Not Earned a Single Point, But Lost a Quite a Bit
Chapter 1621 Didn't earn a penny and even lost a lot
"Grandma, grandma?"
Gu Ning called softly and got up to check on the old lady's condition.
"Xiao Ning—" The old lady's voice was a little weak, but she still recognized her granddaughter-in-law immediately.
Feeling the warmth in their hands, she turned her head and glanced at them, only to realize that they were holding her hands, one on each side.
"Grandma," Li Xuewu said, pursing his lips and trying to smile as he comforted her, "It's alright, it's alright."
As he spoke these comforting words, his own eyes welled up with tears, but he still tried his best to hold back his sobs.
The old lady understood his feelings, squeezed his hand, placed it on the bed, patted him, and asked, "Is your third uncle... well taken care of?"
"Okay, everything is fine." Li Xuewu nodded vigorously and said, "I arranged everything myself, so don't worry."
"Hmm—" The old lady finally breathed a sigh of relief, slowly closed her eyes, and said nothing more.
After checking on the old lady's condition, Gu Ning turned around and went out to call her father-in-law, Li Shun. A moment later, Li Shun and Li Xuecai quickly walked in.
"Grandma, these are my dad and Xuecai."
Li Xuewu whispered a reminder in the old lady's ear to prevent her from becoming emotionally agitated again.
The old lady kept her eyes closed, only nodding slightly as her eldest son placed his fingers on her wrist to take her pulse.
"Grandma, are you hungry?"
Standing behind his second brother, Li Xuecai asked softly, "Shall I have Yuxiu bring you some rice porridge?"
When she felt her eldest son's hand leave her wrist, the old lady opened her eyes. Looking at her filial son and grandson by the window, her eyes were full of kindness.
"Are the children all well?" Her voice was a little hoarse, but she was still concerned about her great-grandchildren. "Did you frighten them?"
"I'm fine, so don't worry."
Li Xuecai replied, "They're all waiting at home. If you have the energy, I'll bring them all over to make a ruckus for you."
"Hmm—" The old lady was relieved to hear her grandson's words. She turned to look at her eldest son, whose eyes were full of worry and exhaustion, and nodded, saying, "Don't worry about me anymore, I won't die..."
"Grandma—" Li Xuewu squeezed the old lady's hand, unable to hold back his tears, and gently comforted her, "We hope you live to be a hundred years old."
"Good, may you live a long and healthy life." The old lady nodded slowly, took out her hand to touch her second grandson's hair, and said gently, "I still have to watch Li Shu and the others grow up, get married, and have children."
"Yes, the children need you too."
Li Xuewu pursed his lips and said, "Get well soon. When I came, Li Shu said she would recite ancient poems for you."
“Okay—” The old lady patted his hand and said, “You two go ahead and rest. I’ll talk to your father for a bit.”
She waved her hand gently and said, "Go, go."
Li Xuewu grasped her hand again, nodded, and said, "Don't worry, just tell me what you need, and I'll take care of it for you."
"Go on, go on." The old lady just nodded, but urged them to go out and rest, ultimately unwilling to let her children and grandchildren suffer with her.
After Li Xuewu and the others came out of the ward, only Li Shun, who was feeding her water with a spoon, remained. Only then did the mother and daughter start talking about what happened afterward.
***
Outside the ward, Li Xuehan stood dejectedly against the wall, his eyes fixed on the ward. He had just heard the commotion and had resisted the urge to go in.
He was afraid that the old lady would become emotional upon seeing him, and if something went wrong, then his trip to the capital would have been a mistake.
Li Xuewu glanced at him, sighed helplessly, walked over, patted him on the shoulder, and pulled him to sit on a bench across the corridor.
"Second brother—" Li Xuehan asked in a hoarse voice, "Grandma him..."
"She's alright now. She's just weak and can't handle much." Li Xuewu nodded, placing his hand on her knee and saying, "Wait until she's feeling better."
"I know." Li Xuehan wiped away her tears and said in a sobbing voice, "I was wrong, Second Brother, I shouldn't have come to the capital."
“It’s none of your business.” Li Xuewu sighed again, looked up at him and asked, “Have you talked to your mother?”
"Ugh—" Li Xuehan kept wiping away her tears, but couldn't wipe them all away, and sobbed as she said, "I don't want to see her again, never."
Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "You're a grown man now, not a child anymore. You should be more sensible."
“I arranged for you to come to the capital not to sever your relationship with your mother, nor to let you use this method to take revenge on your mother.”
He said in a deep voice, "I told you when I left Guangzhou that anyone, including myself, could hate your mother."
"But you can't, because that's your mother."
Li Xuewu paused for a moment before continuing, "If you could handle this matter properly in Guangzhou, I doubt your mother would have come to Beijing to cause this trouble."
"Yes, it's all my fault—" Li Xuehan nodded, suppressing her sobs, and said, "I shouldn't have done that."
“You need to grow up.” Li Xuewu patted his knee again, reminding him, “You need to learn to handle people and things with adult thinking and methods, understand?”
"Yes, Second Brother, I understand."
He responded in this way, but even his speech was childish, so how could he easily understand Li Xuewu's meaning and reminder?
But growth takes time, and Li Xuewu believes that after today's incident, this young man will eventually grow up.
"Second brother, you and your wife should go back first."
After they finished speaking, Li Xuecai said, "Yuxiu is bringing food over. I'll stay with the old lady tonight, and Dad will relieve me tomorrow morning."
“You can’t manage alone, you’ve had a long day.” Li Xuewu frowned slightly and said, “I’ll come over tonight, and your second sister-in-law will come tomorrow during the day…”
"No, we don't need so many people."
Li Xuecai waved his hand and advised him, "It's more convenient for Dad and me to be here, since it's our workplace. Besides, Mom and Yuxiu are here during the day too."
He glanced at his second sister-in-law and said, "You two should go about your business. Just come and visit when you have some free time. I've already asked my boss for a long leave."
"Don't delay, just do whatever is convenient for you." Seeing that his second brother was about to say something more, Li Xuecai quickly reminded him, "Your eldest brother's shift is convenient too."
"Then I'll come back tomorrow afternoon."
Li Xuewu thought about it and realized that he couldn't miss his classes at the academy tomorrow, but he could make time for them in the afternoon.
"No need, really no need, please listen to me," Li Xuecai advised. "With so many people here, the old lady won't be able to rest well."
He gently advised, "With you here, our leaders are also nervous. They don't know whether it's better for them to come and see or not."
Li Xuewu then realized that the group had a cooperative relationship with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, and many doctors were rotating between the two hospitals.
Because of his and his father's opinions back then, the Red Star Factory reached a cooperation agreement with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and established a support hospital on the mountain.
It is precisely this hospital nestled in the mountains that has preserved the vitality of traditional Chinese medicine and developed projects such as the cultivation of Chinese medicinal herbs and the transformation of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
The two companies are now cooperating more deeply in the field of medical cosmetics, and as Honggang Group develops, this interdependence is also changing.
Specifically, the establishment and operation of the joint hospital completely disrupted the medical environment in Beijing, causing a shift in the city's medical resources.
The best medical equipment, the most outstanding medical staff, and the most comprehensive medical system have made it the first choice for urban residents seeking medical treatment.
If even the United Hospital can't help, then there's no point in seeking treatment; it's basically incurable.
Influenced by the joint hospital, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has also gained access to more advanced medical equipment and training resources.
Relying on this still-growing giant, the leaders of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital couldn't remain calm. They couldn't be overly respectful, nor could they be deliberately reserved, which is why they hadn't shown up yet, fearing that the situation might become awkward.
"Then I'll come over tomorrow night."
Li Xuewu stood up and said to his third brother, "If anything happens, just call me, and I'll be back as soon as possible."
"Second Brother," Li Xuecai reminded him again, "I called Li Xue, but she's probably on her way back. I can't reach her."
"Tell her how to tell her not to rush back, or she'll miss work. The old lady is all right now."
"Hmm, I'll see if I can get in touch with her." Li Xuewu nodded, gestured to Gu Ning and Li Xuehan, and then walked outside.
Li Xuehan sat there for a while and then, urged by his third brother, got up and followed him, looking back every step of the way.
Downstairs, Han Jiankun didn't leave, but waited there. He even ran upstairs several times in the afternoon to buy a lot of fruit.
He also drove over to deliver the washbasin and blankets to the ward. He was standing by the car smoking when he saw him arrive, and then he threw away his cigarette butt.
"Why haven't you gone back yet?" Li Xuewu reached out and patted his arm, saying, "You've had a hard day."
"You're welcome." Han Jiankun nodded and asked softly, "Is the old lady alright now?"
"Yes, he's awake and talking to my dad." Li Xuewu gestured for Gu Ning and Li Xuehan to get in the car, then said to Han Jiankun, "Take us to the Third Regiment first, then take us back to the compound to pick up the kids."
"Who's keeping watch here tonight?" Han Jiankun asked again. Seeing him look over, he opened the car door and explained, "I told Jingru to come and take care of the old lady. She's at home making chicken soup."
"Oh dear, Lidong is still so young, how can she leave? Stop her from causing trouble, Xuecai and his wife are keeping an eye on her."
Li Xuewu patted his arm and said, "We can have her come over again tomorrow during the day if she has time. There's no need."
"My grandmother can take care of the child, please don't be shy." Han Jiankun looked at him and said, "Jingru and I have received a lot of care from you. We can't really help much, but we'll do our best to help."
"You're overthinking it. I appreciate your kind gesture."
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Let's go to the Third Regiment first and send the letter back to our unit."
Han Jiankun didn't say anything more, but he had already made up his mind to stick to his plan. He knew that everyone in the Li family was at work at this time, and no one was free.
Li Shun and Li Xuecai both work at the hospital, but they are both men, so it's not convenient for them to take care of the old lady.
Li Xuewu's sister-in-law and brother's wife, including Gu Ning and Li Xue, are all employed, holding important positions. How long of leave can they take if they take turns?
From this perspective, only Li Xuewu's mother remains, and she also has to help take care of her eldest son, Li Yue. It truly reflects the saying that she has both elderly parents and young children to care for.
It's not that the whole family can't take care of an old lady, but having Qin Jingru means more effort and convenience.
To reiterate, when is the right time to help?
He took some time to go home in the afternoon and told Qin Jingru about it. Even their grandmother thought it was the right thing to do, and Qin Jingru even killed the chickens they raised at home.
Han Lidong is two years old. In order for them to have more children, his grandmother has been putting the child to sleep for a long time.
Qin Jingru was eager to go out and work. Although Han Jiankun was family-oriented and didn't talk nonsense, he also handed over his salary to her to manage.
But she always felt uneasy without her own money in her pocket, especially after having the experience of earning and spending her own money. She felt even more that she needed a job, even if it was just working as a nanny.
The two of them went to Li Xuewu's house to ask last time, and Li Xuewu had already agreed to take care of the house in Liangmahe.
Now that the old lady of the Li family is sick, she has nothing to do. Does she think she can just stand by and watch the show?
Li Xuewu had a car take Li Xuehan to the entrance of the Third Regiment, but he didn't get out of the car, having already given instructions on the way.
Qi Yaowu was very accommodating, not only handling the matter personally but also keeping Li Xuehan by his side as a messenger.
Although he seems to have lost contact with the Third Regiment, Wang Xiaoqin and several key leaders of the Third Regiment call him frequently.
During the phone call, Wang Xiaoqin mentioned that the higher-ups had already intended to promote Qi Yaowu, and Qi Yaowu's move was also intended to give Li Xuehan a boost.
Li Xuehan had no plans for his future, and Li Xuewu didn't intend to restrict him either; he was too young and had plenty of opportunities.
If you really need to help him, he won't just stand by and do nothing.
As the saying goes, people ultimately need to rely on themselves to grow up. As his cousin, he would definitely help if he could.
Even if it's for the sake of his third uncle, and even if it's for the sake of his younger brother's helpless life, the fact that he dared to hit Li Xuehan in front of Hong Min shows that he has the confidence and ability to protect and promote Li Xuehan.
Conversely, Hong Min's father, Li Shun, had already warned him that afternoon not to cause trouble, and even more so not to seek malicious revenge.
It's not just about watching Uncle Three, you also have to watch Li Xuehan.
After all, they are mother and son. Such revenge will inevitably distort Li Xuehan's personality, and revenge is not a fundamental solution to the problem.
Li Shun emphasized firmly that the Li family would never object to Hong Min remarrying, but she would no longer need to take care of Li Xuehan.
Despite his anger and frustration, he tried his best to suppress his sons' anger and said only one sentence: "Those who do many unrighteous deeds will surely perish."
-
The old lady's experience during her hospital stay truly confirmed the old saying: "When you're poor, no one cares even in the bustling city; when you're rich, even distant relatives come calling."
Li Xuewu only missed an afternoon on the day he returned to Beijing. He taught his students as usual the next day and went back to work in the afternoon to handle his tasks.
He only came to keep the old lady company in the evening and never told anyone that his grandmother was hospitalized.
However, the condolences sent by the group to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were of unknown origin, and they arranged for someone to deliver the gifts, being very considerate of not going in person so as not to disturb the old lady's rest.
Perhaps knowing that Li Xuewu would not receive them, they all carefully delivered the gifts to either Li Shun or Li Xuecai's office.
The father and son were at work, and patients who saw them might have thought they wouldn't treat patients unless they accepted gifts.
You can find almost any nutritional supplement or fruit available on the market here, and you can also find nutritional supplements and fruits that you can't find on the market here.
There was really no other way, so Li Shun took advantage of his son's arrival to tell him about the situation and urged him to stop immediately, otherwise the two of them could start a supply and marketing cooperative.
After learning about the situation, Li Xuewu discussed it with his father and the others. Seeing that the old lady's spirits and physical condition had improved, they quickly brought her home.
His house in the backyard has been tidied up. Now the yard is quiet, which is perfect for the old lady to recuperate. The conditions are much better than in the hospital.
Besides, with three doctors in the family, there's no way the old lady would be in any danger again, and it also helps to avoid the politeness of those who bring gifts.
This is something that can't be stopped, can't be stopped, and we don't even know who to stop.
He didn't know who to thank for the half-room full of nutritional supplements and fruit; he never expected to encounter something like this.
Although each item doesn't cost much individually, it's not worth it when combined.
In those days, organizations wouldn't be too concerned about such reciprocal gifts, but it wasn't a good thing for him personally.
Faced with his father's reprimand, he had no words to express his suffering. Was he the kind of person who said, "I don't know who gave it to me, but I know who didn't"?
The task of delivering the gifts continued for two more days after the old lady returned home, until it became impossible to deliver them.
Godmother Wang Shuhua had already visited the old lady in the hospital. She would come back after being discharged and returning home. She left the eggs she had brought and took double the amount of fruit and pastries with her.
It doesn't matter who comes, including old neighbors and those who have moved away but came back to visit after hearing the news. Whoever brings a single portion will take two portions with them.
Whether it's fruit, pastries, or eggs, we've collected countless baskets of them; if we really kept them, we'd be eating them for ages.
Besides, this thing can't be kept forever. It's autumn now, but the weather isn't that cold yet. Even if it were cold, it wouldn't be able to be kept, or people would resent it.
There's no need to upset the old lady over something like this, and there's no need to bring trouble upon the family because of her.
Li Xuewu breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the old lady could get out of bed on her own. Before returning to Gangcheng, he held her hand and coaxed her: Get well soon, and it would be best if you could fly over rooftops and walk on walls, otherwise you can hardly stay at home anymore.
The old lady just smiled and gently tapped him with her pipe, her eyes full of love.
This exchange of gifts, which is a heavy burden for the family, is seen by the old lady as a test of her children and grandchildren's character and strict family traditions.
The deceased is gone, and our grief is overwhelming.
But she still had to live for the sake of those who were alive, and she knew that if she didn't get better, her children and grandchildren would be driven to despair by her.
During the days she was in the hospital, her granddaughter, who was away on a business trip, ran back home, and Qin Jingru, who had a two-year-old child at home, stayed by her bedside the whole time.
Even Yu Li, who was working in the steel city, rushed back after hearing the news to switch shifts with Qin Jingru, which truly gave her a taste of being over-cared for.
Even her daughter-in-law, Liu Yin, couldn't help, let alone her granddaughter and granddaughter-in-law. When people get old, they no longer live for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren. They can only try to think positively, be content with what they have, and cherish their blessings.
-
"You guys are really awful—"
Bai Changmin chuckled, covering his face as he asked, "Who the hell came up with such a wicked idea? It wasn't you, was it?"
Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Is that the image of a treacherous villain in your mind, Mr. Bai? Then we're just acquaintances."
"Don't overestimate your image—" Bai Changmin couldn't hide his smile as he picked up his teacup and said, "Beijing Automotive has a right to speak."
"Those are baseless accusations."
Li Xuewu emphasized firmly, "The manufacturing process of the 212 Jeep is already an open secret, it's none of our business."
"Hey—!" Bai Changmin pointed at him and said, "I admire your group's shamelessness in being able to spout such profound truths."
He turned to Liu Yongtao and reminded him, "See? Learn from this. This is how the group company does things. We should do it this way from now on."
"Hehehe—" Liu Yongtao dared not joke with Li Xuewu, but just chuckled softly while holding his teacup.
Li Xuewu glanced at Bai Changmin, then leaned back in his office chair with a relaxed air and said, "Hey, wait a minute, who told you that we leaked the manufacturing process of 212?"
"Do I need anyone to tell me that?" Bai Changmin blew on the tea leaves in his teacup and said with a smile, "The Beijing Automotive Company has already gone to the higher-ups to complain, saying that you are not following the rules."
"Damn it—" Li Xuewu slapped his thigh and said, "It must have been that damn Wang Xiansheng from Jiqi that did it."
He said bitterly, "That bastard doesn't want to bear the pressure of the Beijing auto industry alone; he wants to drag everyone down with him. How despicable!"
"Didn't your research institute take any money from them?"
Bai Changmin asked with amusement, "You take people's money and expect them to do your bidding? You're kidding me."
“He’s just not willing to accept it—” Li Xuewu curled his lips and said, “He called me before, trying to get the manufacturing process for free, but I ignored him, so he bought it from the research institute.”
He regretted it a little, and grinned, saying, "I should have known better than to sell it to them. I knew he was two-faced and a scoundrel when we were in East Germany."
"Hehehe—" Bai Changmin and Liu Yongtao exchanged a glance, finding Li Xuewu's shameless behavior amusing.
"How many companies are you going to buy this blueprint from?" Bai Changmin joked. "If this woman marries into multiple families, it'll become a joke in the system."
“This isn’t even our own daughter—” Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, “Why would we care about something we just picked up?”
"Marry as many men as you can, until no one wants you anymore."
He nodded and said, "We'll print dozens of copies of this technical data and give one set to each province for free."
"That's really ruthless. I admire you, I admire you."
Bai Changmin has witnessed firsthand the invincible nature of shamelessness and experienced the ruthlessness of business warfare.
He and Liu Yongtao came to see Li Xuewu for the upcoming negotiations with Liaodong Industry.
Quite cleverly, both sides tacitly chose Gangcheng, the Gangcheng Industrial Park of Honggang Group, as the location for the negotiations, rather than Fengcheng as Li Xuewu had suggested.
"Boss, the people from the United Savings Bank have arrived," Zhang Enyuan reported as he entered. "An office has been arranged, and they are preparing to start work."
"Okay, I understand." Li Xuewu nodded at him and instructed, "Ask if the industrial leaders of Gangcheng and Yingcheng have arrived yet."
"I asked around, and it was a call to Deputy Director Wang," Zhang Enyuan reported softly. "She said she would wait for Deputy Director Lu and the others to arrive before coming over together, including Deputy Director Ge from Yingcheng."
"Okay, I understand." Li Xuewu waved his hand, indicating that he could leave.
"That's quite a show of force—" Bai Changmin heard this and, holding his teacup, looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Who should we mainly talk to?"
“Of course it’s the provincial level.” Li Xuewu glanced at him and emphasized, “Don’t get the order wrong. The signing is with Liaodong Industry, understand?”
"But you don't need to worry about that."
He waved his hand and said, "For anything involving contracts and signing, the United Savings Bank will conduct the final review and provide guidance."
"The cooperation framework between your two parties is also established and communicated by the United Savings Bank, and any issues can be resolved through tripartite coordination."
"Then what about the acquisition?" Bai Changmin was actually very nervous and excited, his legs were even trembling. This was the first shot fired by Beijing Chemical in its march towards becoming a group company, so how could he not be excited and nervous?
He shook his head, spread his left hand, and asked, "Who are we going to acquire the chemical companies in Liaodong from? We need time to investigate, right?"
"If you trust me, then don't dwell on this."
Li Xuewu looked at him very seriously and reminded him, "You are the second company in Liaodong to achieve group-based development by relying on tertiary industry, following Honggang Group."
"You should know without me saying it that at this time, countless large and qualified companies in Liaodong are watching you."
He tilted his head and emphasized, "If you can make it this way, it proves they can too, you know what I mean?"
"Are they using us as a test?" Liu Yongtao frowned. "Do they also want to become a conglomerate?"
“Of course—” Li Xuewu glanced at him and said seriously, “Honggang Group has set an example for all industrial enterprises. Now it’s up to you to see if you can use these three tricks.”
"Who doesn't want to integrate industrial resources, who doesn't want to improve productivity, and who doesn't want to create more production value?"
He tapped his finger on the armrest and said, "They're using you as experiments, so the resources they give you will definitely be sufficient."
"As for whether the conditions are good or bad, you can try to improve them, but don't worry too much about it, because they also hope that you can succeed."
"Hmm—" Bai Changmin was very receptive to Li Xuewu's advice at this time, after all, he knew that the groupization of Hongxing Factory was planned by Li Xuewu, and he had absolute authority to persuade him on this matter.
"How do we calculate the funding ratio?" Bai Changmin thought for a moment and said, "Director Zhang has been concerned about this matter. He can come over at any time. Once this matter is finalized, we need his final decision."
“Then you’d better think it through,” Li Xuewu reminded him. “This is related to whether you can maintain your momentum in negotiations without any worries.”
He nodded slowly and said, "Let me make this clear to you. Neither Honggang Group nor I will get involved in this negotiation. United Savings Bank has an extremely professional team, and you must trust them."
"There's technical support from the port city, right?" Liu Yongtao asked. "I heard that other banks will be involved."
"Don't worry about that, they're professionals anyway." Li Xuewu looked at him and emphasized, "I assure you, no matter where the funds come from, the United Savings Bank will be responsible for raising them."
"In other words, for a long time to come, they will be responsible for your financial audits, strategic reporting and research."
Li Xuewu raised his palm and gestured, "You can call them investors, or you can pretend they don't exist. They are the ones who provide financial support for your business and help you make money, and then they collect a share of the profits."
"They will only intervene positively as representatives of the investors when problems arise in your project."
He shrugged and emphasized, "Of course, like you and them, I don't want this to happen."
“I understand.” Bai Changmin nodded slowly and said, “We have already held a meeting to discuss the relevant procedures and conditions.”
He thought for a moment and said, "Director Zhang has given me full authority to handle this matter. I will ask him to sign off on the procedures when necessary."
"That would be perfect!"
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Let me give you another suggestion. Since Deputy Director Lu is here, you shouldn't hold back anymore, right?"
He pointed to the door and said, "Let's meet them first. We don't have to talk about the crucial things, but we need to know who our future in-laws are, right?"
"I understand." Bai Changmin glanced at Liu Yongtao, who nodded in tacit agreement, put down his teacup, and went out to make a phone call.
"Tell me the truth, what are the chances of success?" Bai Changmin leaned closer and whispered, taking advantage of the fact that it was just the two of them in the room. "What's the probability of success?"
"Want to hear the truth?" Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow with amusement, looking at him and said, "Back when Hongxing Factory wanted to become a group company, I told Director Li that I was 100% confident. Do you believe me?"
Bai Changmin glanced at him, said nothing, but clearly did not believe him.
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled again and said, "Actually, our Director Li didn't believe it at the time either, but he had no way out."
At this point, Li Xuewu's smile faded, and he looked into Bai Changmin's eyes, asking, "Do you still have a way out?"
Bai Changmin's face stiffened, then he sighed deeply and said helplessly, "This really is a road of no return."
"Relax, you have a much stronger foundation now than we did back then," Li Xuewu comforted him. "Besides, you are my own sons, the eldest sons."
"Hehe—" Bai Changmin said with a wry smile, "Director Zhang has been criticized. The higher-ups said that he will bear all the responsibility."
"That's normal, our Director Li is the same way."
Li Xuewu smiled and said casually, "He used to get scolded by Director Du all the time, but he doesn't care anymore."
“If we scold him today, and he achieves something tomorrow, Director Du will still have to call and jokingly scold him a couple of times to stop him from getting cocky.”
"Honestly, I really envy you guys."
Bai Changmin grinned and said with a wry smile, "I'm under a lot of pressure right now. My hair is falling out in clumps, and I might go bald one day."
"Oh, I can't help you with that."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows with amusement and said, "You should know that before the group was formed, our Director Li's hair was thick and black. Now he only has two stubbles left, and his secretary plucked them out, saying they look like crickets."
"Hahahaha—" Bai Changmin couldn't help but laugh, but then he stopped laughing because he thought of himself.
Just then, Liu Yongtao returned and reported, "Director Zhang will be coming over on your group's Red Star No. 1 aircraft; he should arrive tonight."
"Look, the timing is just right."
Li Xuewu clapped his hands with a smile and said, "I told you we'd go to Fengcheng to talk, and Liaodong Industry would cover all the expenses for food, lodging, and transportation."
"Now that you've all gathered around me, I can only do my best to be a good host."
"I heard your group has a sanatorium on the mountain?" Bai Changmin shook his head, temporarily putting aside his worries about his hair.
He gestured with his chin toward Liu Yongtao and said with a smile, "You don't know, do you? There are hot springs on this mountain. Soaking in hot springs in autumn is so comfortable."
"Alright, you guys know how to pick a place."
Li Xuewu instructed Zhang Jing, who had just entered, "Make arrangements. Director Zhang from Beijing Chemical Industry will be at the airport tonight; you are responsible for picking him up."
"Also, notify the sanatorium that several leaders will be having dinner and resting there tonight."
After he finished explaining, he turned to Bai Changmin and the other man and said with a smile, "I really lost a lot this time. I didn't make a single penny and even lost a lot of money."
"Hahaha--"
-
Lu Qiming was even more decisive than Li Xuewu had imagined. At Li Xuewu's invitation, he met with Zhang Zhanshan of Beijing Chemical Industry at the Honggang Group Sanatorium.
Actually, their job ranks were roughly the same, except that Zhang Zhanshan worked for a company, and the two were not in the same system.
However, this also indirectly proves Zhang Zhanshan's ambition in the face of group-based development after taking over Beijing Chemical.
Look at Li Huaide. He used to be a good-for-nothing who only knew how to treat people to meals, but now he has to call the other party "President Li" when he sees them.
Gan Lin's mother and Li Huaide are about the same age, but their job ranks are very different. As long as Beijing Chemical Industry Group is not fully established, he will have to bow down to Li Huaide, which he cannot tolerate.
Therefore, in response to Lu Qiming's decisiveness, he also showed great sincerity. Before the negotiation process even began, the two sides had already reached a certain tacit understanding, or rather a consensus.
Li Xuewu never intended to broker a deal between the two parties at the dinner table, or even to advance the negotiations in any way, but things went so smoothly.
He also realized that neither side was entirely confident, so they were in great need of each other's resources.
Furthermore, with Honggang Group standing in the middle as a support, they made rapid progress in building trust.
Even though Li Xuewu didn't say anything about the negotiations while sitting here, just his presence represented the Honggang Group.
This isn't something that can be determined by anyone claiming to represent him; rather, it's based on the courage, ability, and influence he has demonstrated in the past.
At the dinner table, the two high-ranking leaders hit it off immediately, and the others understood what the leaders' intentions were.
This played a role in advancing the subsequent negotiations, or at least laid a solid foundation.
That night, Lu Qiming did not rest at the sanatorium, but instead took a car back to Gangcheng, while many of his entourage chose to stay there.
It wasn't about indulging in the pleasures of the place, but rather a final probe by both parties before the formalities began, and an opportunity to get to know their future business partners.
Zhang Zhanshan didn't stay either, but returned to Beijing overnight. Once the focus of Beijing's chemical industry shifted to Liaodong, he would face the pressure of balancing the two.
However, before leaving, he had an in-depth conversation with Li Xuewu, in the presence of both of them, which touched on all his concerns about the transformation of Beijing Chemical Group.
Li Xuewu had reservations about Bai Changmin, but in his conversation with Zhang Zhanshan, he provided clear preparations and steps.
Otherwise, Zhang Zhanshan wouldn't have left so confidently, and he wouldn't have even stayed overnight in the steel city; he had bought his train ticket in advance.
Why not take a plane?
Because many airports and flights at that time did not meet the conditions for night flights, the Tadong Airport, which was recently acquired by Honggang Group, had a night flight system renovation project.
Even if conditions allow for night flights, many flights will avoid flying if possible, because the probability of accidents increases significantly during night flights.
This is due to factors such as aircraft quality, pilots, and ground infrastructure; the small airport in the steel city is even worse.
Gangcheng Airport was a military airport. If it weren't for the fact that passengers who could travel by plane in that era were "trustworthy," the Red Star 1 would not have been able to land here.
That's why when Li Xuewu returned home, he found Zhou Xiaoling lying on the sofa reading a book.
"How did you get in?" Li Xuewu looked back at the door lock in surprise. He didn't remember giving Zhou Xiaoling a key.
Yu Li had not yet returned from Beijing. She was worried about her mother and took this opportunity to go home and visit her parents.
So there should have been no one there. When he entered the courtyard and saw the lights were on, he thought a thief had broken in.
Zhou Xiaoling got up from the sofa and, seeing him put away his pistol, explained with a carefree smile, "That kid Bang Geng brought me here."
"Hmm?" Li Xuewu looked at her in surprise and asked, "How come you two are still in contact?"
Bang Geng has been out for quite some time, but he still has the key, and Li Xuewu will ask Bang Geng to do things for him when he needs them.
It's autumn now, and it's time to stock up on winter vegetables and firewood. Banggeng took the initiative to prepare them, so they're usable now.
"We've always kept in touch."
Zhou Xiaoling walked over with a smile and put her arm around his shoulder, saying, "He often asks me for gifts from the plane."
"You guys are something else! I thought a thief had broken in." Li Xuewu chuckled and patted her bottom as he walked into the living room, taking off his coat as he went.
Zhou Xiaoling reached out and took it, chuckling as she explained, "I knew you had to entertain the leaders from Beijing Chemical Industry, so I waited for you at home."
"I've already turned on the heating, and there's hot water too." She smiled sweetly as she helped him take off his clothes, saying, "I made dinner myself and have been waiting for you. I want to take a bath with you."