dognovel Chapter 1614 Sensible
Chapter 1614 Sensible
Chapter 1614 Sensible
Working overtime until late at night is unbearable even for someone of iron.
When Li Xuewu returned from the scene, it was already past 11 p.m. The office building was much quieter, but people were still coming and going.
Zhang Enyuan advised him to rest at the Unity Hotel, but he waved his hand and refused, wondering if there would be any other changes tonight.
I took the elevator to the 9th floor. The corridor was quiet, but I could hear voices coming from the offices I passed.
It's clear that he's not the only one working hard; these sudden tasks and notifications are the ultimate test of a unit's responsiveness.
Indirectly, it also tests the management ability of the person in charge.
"Still not resting?" Just as Li Xuewu was resting on the sofa, footsteps came from the door.
He opened his eyes and saw Xie Lanzhi, the president of the United Savings Bank, standing at the door, smiling and looking him up and down.
"Come here, big sister."
Although it was in the office, it was almost midnight, which was considered rest time, so he wasn't being too polite.
Based on organizational relationships, he is a group leader, while Xie Lanzhi is the head of a subordinate unit; it should be the other party who is being polite.
But based on their personal relationship and work experience, when he first arrived, it was Sister Xie who took him under her wing.
So he stood up, looking a little tired, and walked out with a smile, asking, "Did I call you here for the shift too?"
"They said the main person in charge should be on duty at the unit." Xie Lanzhi walked in with a smile and explained, "I just came from General Manager Jing's place."
"Oh—" Li Xuewu nodded knowingly and said, "I heard some noise in the office when I came up. Oh, it was you."
"I happened to have some time today, so I gave a brief report on my work from the past few days. I saw the light was on outside your office, so I came over."
At Li Xuewu's prompting, she sat down on the sofa. When he went to make tea, she waved her hand and said, "I already had some with President Jing, so I don't need any more."
"Really? Or are you?" Li Xuewu stopped and turned around to ask, "Don't pretend, or you'll regret it if you're thirsty."
He said that, but he still went to the tea cabinet, poured her a glass of hot water, and brought it back.
"It's really not appropriate to drink tea so late at night."
He placed the teacup on the coffee table, walked around to the long sofa inside, sat down, and explained with a smile, "A cup of tea can last until the wee hours of the morning."
"You're so young, do you really need to drink tea to stay awake?"
Xie Lanzhi smiled and looked him over, then asked, "Did you just come back from the scene too?"
"Hey—" Li Xuewu crossed his right leg and leaned back on the sofa in a very relaxed manner, saying, "I already said I was going back tomorrow, but they insisted that I stay and help out."
"That's what Director Li meant when he said, 'Many hands make light work'—" Xie Lanzhi joked with a smile, then looked at him and said, "Maybe Director Li doesn't want you to miss tomorrow's event."
"Hehehe—maybe—"
Li Xuewu chuckled, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked, "Did you need something from me?"
"It's a project by Beijing Chemical Industry Co., Ltd."
Xie Lanzhi looked at him and asked, "President Jing told me, but she doesn't know the specifics of the project, so I came to ask you."
"Yes, it's time to discuss this with you."
Li Xuewu sat up straight, thought for a moment, and asked, "What do you think of the Jingcheng Chemical Group's project? From a financial perspective?"
He looked at Sister Xie, raised his eyebrows slightly, and said, "You should be able to see the current situation; they don't have much money."
“Anyone who isn’t blind can see what they’re planning.” Xie Lanzhi considered for a moment, then looked at him and said, “As for raising funds, this isn’t the first time we’ve done it.”
"But what I learned from President Jing is that you don't plan to get involved in this project on behalf of the group?"
Seeing Li Xuewu nod, she hesitated before saying, "The Beijing Chemical Industry may need to face up to the pressure brought by the Beijing industry."
"When our factory decided to become a group, perhaps the Beijing industry did not anticipate such a complex situation."
Seeing Li Xuewu frown slightly, she still spoke frankly: "If the goal is to develop tertiary industries in Liaodong, then there is nothing wrong with that."
"Even if the capital's industries object, there needs to be a name for it, but the purpose of expanding operations must be to establish a group company..."
She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "We also need to be aware of the pressure the group will face."
"You mean Beijing Industrial Group is putting pressure on the group?" Li Xuewu raised his chin slightly, looking at her and asking, "Even further, on the United Savings Bank?"
"It's not impossible."
Xie Lanzhi reminded him, "The United Savings Bank also has regulatory and supervisory bodies, so any decision must be carried out with caution."
“Hmm—” Li Xuewu clenched his fingers, thinking as he spoke, “What I mean is to use capital operation as a guide to combine industry with local resources and create an integrated industrial base.”
He only stated his purpose, then looked at Sister Xie and said, "I will talk to Beijing Chemical Industry Group about things in the city. They need to have a clear understanding of the situation first."
"But we also need to be prepared on our side."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, "Okay, sisters, you come up with a plan, based on what I said."
He pointed to the coffee table and said, "If you don't mind the trouble, I'll talk to Beijing Chemical Industry and you can set up a working group to follow up on their project, evaluating and planning as you go."
“That would be much more convenient.” Xie Lanzhi nodded slowly, but still hesitated and asked, “Would Beijing Chemical Industry be willing?”
She looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "We are not yet aware of Beijing Chemical's intentions regarding financial cooperation."
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Li Xuewu said in a somewhat forceful tone. “They want to take advantage of our situation, but it’s impossible for them to do so without giving something in return.”
"I understand what you mean." Xie Lanzhi now understood exactly what he wanted to do; he clearly wanted to use this operation to take a big bite out of this project.
It is foreseeable that Liaodong Industry will provide the basic environment, while Beijing Chemical Industry will build a high-standard production park. The combination of the two will be a huge feast.
Li Xuewu never does unprofitable deals. This time, he didn't enter the project from the group's perspective, probably because he knew that it would be easy to get in but difficult to get out.
Honggang Group and Jingcheng Chemical are not part of the same system or industry, so there is virtually no possibility of comprehensive cooperation between them.
The only areas where they can find common ground are finance, security, and management; now it all depends on the sincerity of each party.
“This is different from the system we used when we entered Liaodong,” Li Xuewu emphasized earnestly. “This time, Beijing Chemicals will open a new production base in Liaodong, and at least a large number of chemical companies will have to be merged.”
He tapped his finger on the armrest of the sofa and said, "During this time, they will use our negotiation team."
"You mean..." Xie Lanzhi raised an eyebrow and asked, "We can negotiate on their behalf?"
"I think it can be called inter-enterprise cooperation consulting services."
Li Xuewu smiled and explained, "They must have their own ideas. It's not appropriate for us to negotiate on their behalf, but we can provide support."
"What I mean is to take this opportunity to practice."
He picked up his teacup and said, "There are more than a few companies in Beijing Chemical Industry. Maybe our consulting business can really take off in the future."
"Provide corporate financing?" Xie Lanzhi asked, looking at him with surprise. "Or help companies become conglomerates?"
“Not all companies are suited to corporatization,” Li Xuewu said, putting down his cup. “But corporatized management is more in line with the needs of modern enterprise development.”
“We can gain some experience in this area.” He nodded and said, “I think the United Savings Bank will also be providing such financial services in the future.”
"I really hadn't thought of that."
Xie Lanzhi cracked her knuckles and said, "I'll go back and hold a meeting to discuss this. We can't wait any longer for the Beijing Chemical project; we need to expedite it."
"Yes, we need to hurry." Seeing her get up, Li Xuewu also got up and said with a smile, "Actually, Beijing Chemical is just putting on a show. They might not be able to hold on any longer and will be talking to us."
“Since we’re going to cooperate, let’s be honest with each other.” Xie Lanzhi said with a generous smile, “Alright, it’s getting late, and you’ve had a long day, so I won’t disturb your rest.”
"It's rare for the two of us sisters to meet."
Li Xuewu saw her to the door and said from the doorway, "Once this project starts, it's best to follow up on it from beginning to end."
“I understand what you mean.” Xie Lanzhi nodded and said, “We will set up a project team at the Steel City branch.”
She said a few more words before heading towards the elevator. Li Xuewu asked Zhang Enyuan to see her off. The United Savings Bank has its own headquarters building and does not operate from the group headquarters.
Back in his office, he closed the door, went to the break room to make his bed, and was just about to lie down when he heard the door open.
He thought it was Zhang Enyuan who had returned, wondering if he hadn't caught up with him or what, how could he have gotten back so fast?
"What did you talk about that took so long?"
Jing Yunong walked in somewhat impatiently. Li Xuewu turned around and saw that she was locking the door.
-
Li Xuewu never expected that this trade fair, which could only be described as a medium-sized event, organized by the group's sales headquarters, would attract the attention of his "mentor," and even more surprisingly, the mentor actually came to the event in person.
It was September, but the summer heat was still strong, and his arrival made the Liangmahe Ecological Industrial Zone even more vibrant.
Even without deliberate preparation, the roads and facilities in the eco-industrial zone are maintained by sanitation and maintenance teams year-round. After an afternoon and an evening of preparation, the area appears even more refined and cheerful.
With lush trees and rolling lawns, the buildings seem to be planted on the green grass of the park. Even without exhibitions or events, there are still many citizens who come here for leisure and recreation.
To promote the trade fair, advertising billboards were installed along both sides of the street, making it look novel and lively.
Pedestrians and vehicles moved about on the wide road, completely unaware that a convoy was approaching.
Upon receiving the notification in the early hours of the morning, Li Huaide couldn't suppress his grin; in Jing Yunong's words, his smile stretched all the way to his ears.
It's not his fault. Anyone who receives this attention would cherish it as an honor. There is no greater glory than receiving his appreciation and praise.
In accordance with the instructions and requirements conveyed by the Ministry, Honggang Group should properly handle the reception work.
There were no specific requirements, only the word "properly," leaving Li Huaide at a loss.
He hadn't forgotten Li Xuewu after all, and immediately sought out this brilliant strategist upon receiving the news.
Old Li had no idea what Jing Yunong was saying about him behind his back.
Although Li Xuewu was also very excited, after careful consideration, he gave a four-word suggestion: "Steady yet meticulous."
Seek stability, avoid exaggeration, and refrain from excessive pomp and circumstance.
Pay attention to details and do things thoroughly.
After a moment's hesitation, Li Huaide resolutely adopted his suggestion and assigned tasks based on this idea at the subsequent team meeting.
As a result, when the convoy approached the Liangmahe Industrial Zone, there were no enthusiastic welcome banners or a large convoy to greet them. Instead, there was a huge banner that read "Hongxing Steel Group Welcomes You," which was hung up to celebrate the opening of the trade fair, as well as a bustling scene of tourists and traffic.
Of course, the convoy couldn't be allowed to be obstructed. A escort team consisting of a cruiser painted in the colors of the Honggang Group's security department and six Taishan 250 patrol motorcycles from the traffic security department started from the roadside and smoothly connected with the convoy.
Guided by an advance vehicle, the convoy of six Hongqi and six Hongyun No. 1 vehicles drove at a steady speed toward the Hongxing Industrial Exhibition Hall.
The arrival of the motorcade immediately attracted the attention of pedestrians and passing vehicles, who stopped to watch and wonder which high-ranking leader was coming.
There was no welcoming team at the entrance of the industrial zone, but there had to be one in front of the exhibition hall. The security department, the security brigade, and other support departments were responsible for security work, and a considerable space was left open in front of the entrance.
As the convoy came to a stop under the guidance of traffic security, Li Huaide and his team quickly went to greet them.
He didn't need to open the car door himself; his secretary did. The moment the professor got out of the car, the crowd erupted in cheers.
The merchants who came to participate in the trade fair, both domestic and foreign, were also filled with enthusiasm at this moment, waving and paying their respects with excitement.
The mentor smiled and waved in response to the enthusiasm of the crowd. Under the introduction of Director Du Xian of the First Ministry of Machinery Industry, he shook hands with each member of the leadership team of Honggang Group.
"Oh, I remember you—"
When he reached the end of the welcoming line, his right hand was taken by a tall young man who pointed at him with his finger and said with a smile, "I've heard your name mentioned quite a bit!"
Li Xuewu thought he would simply shake hands with everyone else, but to his surprise, the old man stopped and carefully examined him.
This startled the group's leadership, who were preparing to disband and regroup, and their eyes involuntarily focused on the two individuals.
At that moment, it was as if the cheers and noise around them had been blocked out, and they were eager to know what the two were saying.
Suweide and the others' faces turned from white to red, then red to blue; in an instant, they changed color in different ways.
"Thank you for your encouragement. Since we last met, I have always regarded you as a role model in my work and studies. I am extremely excited and happy to see you again today."
Li Xuewu shook the other person's hand and replied in a loud voice, "Welcome to Liangmahe Ecological Industrial Zone, welcome to Hongxing Steel Group, welcome!"
"Hahaha--"
The mentor was wearing a white shirt. His hair was thinning a bit, but he was in good spirits and his laughter was very penetrating.
Li Xuewu shook hands with great restraint, neither gripping too tightly out of excitement nor holding the handshake for too long.
Just right, although the two only exchanged one sentence, it was as loud as a bombshell to the ears of those around them.
It cannot be said that Li Xuewu's answer was particularly brilliant. Standing next to the two men, the closest to them were Du Xian and Cheng Kaiyuan. They heard it and saw it. What they saw was Li Xuewu's relaxed demeanor, neither humble nor arrogant.
This serious yet composed attitude, compared to the anxiety and indecisiveness of other leaders in the group, is on a completely different level.
Looking at Li Xuewu's reply, he only used two short sentences to catch up with the other party's words and give the most effective response.
Three welcoming sentences immediately maximized the group's welcoming effect and kept the atmosphere of the subsequent research work relaxed.
Ignoring the desires of others, Du Xian grabbed Li Xuewu's arm, who was about to step back and make way, and pushed him to the side of the instructor. He then pulled Li Huaide to stand on the other side.
Li Xuewu didn't want to stand out like this, but Du Xian gave him a wink, and Li Huaide nodded to signal him to follow, so he had no choice but to stand in this position.
According to the original plan, it would either be Gu Weijie or Zhou Wanquan, but it would definitely not be Li Xuewu's turn.
Gu Weijie is more likely to be standing here because she is a woman and also the group's first deputy director.
Zhou Wanquan also had a chance, because there were city leaders in the accompanying entourage who would proactively offer him opportunities.
Now there's no possibility left. From the moment he entered the trade fair, Li Huaide's mouth was like it was stuffed with glass marbles. Whether it was excitement or nervousness, he couldn't speak clearly.
Du Xian was furious. He secretly nudged him with a stick, then gave Li Xuewu a look, signaling him to continue.
Anyone familiar with the positioning of the inspection team knows what this arrangement means; if you don't understand, just look at the research photos in the news.
The most important thing is to observe and introduce the work during the walk, which is also the best time and channel for leaders to understand and know about the work achievements.
Li Xuewu's voice immediately revealed his extensive work experience and abilities in his business role, especially his loud and clear voice.
The scene was already noisy due to the exhibition and sales activities, and with the excitement of the onlookers and merchants, it was really hard to hear if the voices were quiet.
Li Xuewu's clear, audible introduction, even without a microphone, completely put Du Xian at ease.
What reassured him even more was that Li Xuewu could provide a very detailed introduction to the products displayed on the platform, from design to production, from place of origin to sales, and he could even interject a few interesting anecdotes.
What's even more impressive is that when international businesspeople are present, Li Xuewu can respond to their excited greetings in multiple languages and convey their admiration and enthusiasm to his mentor.
The translator who followed behind didn't even have a chance to speak, which made the subsequent research activities smoother and more relaxed.
At the electronics exhibition, on a display stand designed like a room, the girls from the dance troupe did their best to demonstrate the functions and uses of the appliances.
At the food exhibition, samples displayed on the platform were strung together in bowls with toothpicks, allowing people to freely take what they wanted, which attracted many people to stop and watch.
Under the tense gaze of everyone, Li Xuewu boldly took a sample of the product and shared it with his mentor, which made him laugh heartily.
The research team then visited the equipment exhibition, where Li Xuewu focused on introducing the research and development and production of CNC machine tools and high-precision machine tools.
Compared to the bustling food exhibition area, this place is filled with professional merchants and represents the foundation of heavy industry development.
The sales headquarters' booth has a wide variety of products, covering everything from clothing and food to housing and transportation; you might not be able to see everything even if you spent a whole day there.
Li Xuewu had made preparations in advance, only guiding the team to the important exhibition areas, visiting the aircraft booth, the metallurgy booth, and finally arriving at the automobile booth.
The brand influence of Hongxing Auto no longer requires Li Xuewu to put in much effort to promote it. The wide variety of cars on display in the spacious showroom, with the Hongxing Auto logo shining brightly, is enough to demonstrate the achievements of Honggang Group.
The instructor boarded the rugged-looking Tundra truck with great enthusiasm, personally experiencing the sophistication and charm of heavy industry.
Since Honggang Group can produce this vehicle, they won't just put it on display; this Tundra is fully equipped.
Not only were two machine guns, one heavy and one light, mounted on the roof, but the vehicle also carried the equipment needed by the squad.
Imposing and menacing, this is the pinnacle of Honggang Group's automotive industrial technology, naturally representing the full prestige of Gangqi.
The mentor asked a lot of questions about the car, just like in the aircraft exhibition area. In Li Xuewu's view, he wanted to spend more time understanding these things and experience firsthand the achievements of the industrial age.
Unfortunately, reality didn't allow it, so Li Xuewu had to personally report the specific situation to him.
Li Xuewu understood his feelings, so he cherished the time and introduced the car's performance and advantages and disadvantages based on last year's case.
It was clear that the mentor was very satisfied; when they left the exhibition hall, he even seemed to want more.
At the meeting organized by Honggang Group, the mentor fully affirmed the development of Honggang Group, as well as the collective wisdom and efforts. He also talked about the organization's expectations for industrial development, and finally expressed the organization's expectations for Honggang Group, as well as his own expectations for Honggang Group.
The research activity only took a little over an hour. However, after seeing the convoy off, Du Xian, who stayed behind, joked that Li Xuewu was too talkative, which dragged out the time by more than forty minutes.
Li Xuewu didn't feel embarrassed at all. He said with great emotion, "If I could, I would even be willing to say more."
"Of course you've got something to brag about—"
Du Xian did not blame Li Huaide for his impromptu performance, because some cadres are good at both talking and doing, while others are good at doing but not good at talking.
Old Li isn't the type to do things but not talk about them. If it were in the past, he would definitely tease Li Huaide: "You're usually quite talkative!"
But on this occasion, he simply nodded at Li Huaide and teased him with a smile, saying, "You, Li Huaide, are really something. From now on, even I might have to call you General Manager Li."
"Ha ha ha ha--"
This joke stemmed from the handshake during the greeting, when the mentor mentioned Li Huaide, specifically the term "General Manager Li."
Of course, we can't simply take it as a joke or just listen to it casually and move on.
The fact that General Manager Li was called out indicates that the higher-ups have approved of Honggang Group's development model and work.
This means that the path Honggang Group is taking is correct and can be continued.
Therefore, even Du Xian had to emphasize this point.
Such certainty carries a certain meaning; it cannot be directly stated, but rather is an attitude that can only be understood intuitively.
Now that the attitude is there, and so is the confidence, Du Xian naturally had to tease Li Huaide a bit, making Old Li laugh heartily.
Li Huaide was not an arrogant person, especially given the numerous development challenges faced by the Hongxing Factory after its group-based restructuring; he felt pressured.
But the affirmation he received today was a release of pressure, and it also gave him face in front of Du Xian, and made him feel proud.
Why can't he be happy?
On the contrary, Li Xuewu, after finishing the research activity, was very concise and quietly retreated to the very end of the group. He remembered who he was and what his own abilities were. He would not act arrogantly just because of Du Xian's and the leaders' affirmation. That would be too naive.
Even his deliberate attempt to keep a low profile couldn't hide his impressive performance just now. At least he had expressed a humble attitude, so what else could others say about him?
More importantly, Li Xuewu's performance today was not due to Li Huaide's support or favoritism, but rather to Du Xian's support and affirmation.
So even if they felt unbalanced or dissatisfied, they dared not criticize Du Xian, let alone say that Li Xuewu was outstanding.
Although the convoy has left, the atmosphere at the scene remains enthusiastic. Today is the third day of the exhibition, and according to the sales company's forecast, it will reach its peak.
That's why there are so many people visiting the exhibition today; we can even recoup our costs just from the ticket sales.
Never underestimate the Beijing residents' desire to watch the excitement. They may not have much fun on ordinary days, but they are willing to pay a dime for a bit of entertainment.
You can't buy pork or be cheated with a penny. Everyone who comes back from here says they saw this and that. If you can't say anything, people will just think you're a country bumpkin and won't even talk about you.
Especially the lively atmosphere in the office, everyone is talking about Honggang Group's cars, airplanes, food, and even televisions. You can't keep up with a single word, all because of this one cent.
Not only do they have to come, but they also have to bring their whole family. It's just a matter of a few cents, but this kind of trade fair that's right at their doorstep only happens once a year.
I've seen the news about the grand Guangzhou Spring and Autumn Fair in the newspapers, but the tickets for the fair in Guangzhou cost 25 cents. The ones in Beijing are more affordable and novel, and they're just as good as those in Guangzhou.
Therefore, the welcoming team arranged by the group quickly withdrew to make way for citizens who came to see the exhibition, and the group also increased its security efforts.
Locals may be there to watch the spectacle, but many businesspeople are there to see the products.
Of course, why sell tickets to the public?
According to Li Xuewu, when citizens show enough interest in a certain product, it also increases the trust that customers have in the product.
Even ordinary citizens are willing to pay to see these products. Do you think they're any good? Will they sell well?
"You should know that the higher-ups suddenly arranged for organizational activities and intended to restore organizational life."
Jing Yunong talked to him on the way back. The two suddenly started talking, but no one else paid attention.
Li Huaide repeatedly emphasized that the team must be united.
Li Xuewu's role has already become apparent, especially his performance today. Even if Jing Yunong takes the initiative to show goodwill, he would still prefer to see Li Huaide.
In Li Huaide's mind, Li Xuewu and Jing Yunong were never on the same page, so the fact that they could talk to each other today should be a good start.
While he didn't want the two to get too close, he also didn't want them to drift too far apart. Things like smashing cups or getting into fights were definitely out of the question.
He knew that Jing Yunong had hit Li Xuewu before, and in his eyes, Jing Yunong was a shrew.
But seeing Jing Yunong's cold attitude and aloof work style, he didn't seem like a kind person, so I didn't pay any attention to him.
Jing Yunong is quite unique in the group because she doesn't befriend anyone, which makes people quite afraid of her.
Old Li also held the same view: since Jing Yunong doesn't make friends or form cliques, there won't be any problems even if the finances and personnel are handed over to her.
Therefore, it's a good thing for Li Xuewu, a stubborn mule, to accept Jing Yunong's goodwill.
As Li Xuewu walked along the road, he thought for a moment before saying, "It's too early to say anything at this time. If you can avoid being in a hurry, then don't be in a hurry."
"What do you mean by being in a hurry?"
Jing Yunong frowned slightly and looked at him, asking, "Or do you know something?"
The two were talking, and many people were staring at them. Seeing Jing Yunong frowning and Li Xuewu ignoring him, it seemed like they were about to fight again.
Some people, always eager for a good show, kept staring at the spectacle.
"It's better to play it safe." Li Xuewu frowned, glanced at the surrounding gazes, and his expression turned serious. He said, "Don't think that the group will be safe after today's incident."
He glared at Jing Yunong and said, "It's still early."
Jing Yunong understood his behavior and muttered to himself, "Keep acting, you'll get obsessed sooner or later."
-
"What's wrong?" Gu Ning was reminded by Er Ya as soon as he returned. He went upstairs and saw him sitting in a chair, staring out the window in a daze.
She walked to the desk, looked at his profile, and asked, "Is something wrong?"
"You're back." Li Xuewu finally snapped out of his daze, turned to look at her, pursed his lips, but couldn't manage a smile.
Gu Ning had also had a long day, and he couldn't let his emotions affect her, but Li Xuewu couldn't fake a smile for his lover.
"Er Ya said that as soon as you came back, you locked yourself in the study."
Gu Ning looked at him with some concern, especially since she knew that Li Xuewu had been under a lot of pressure lately, and that her older brother and sister-in-law had both gone to Jinling to avoid trouble.
Li Xuewu was sitting by the window in the study. He should have been the first to notice that he had returned, but no one knew what he was thinking.
The way he frowned meant something must have happened.
She walked to Li Xuewu's side, slowly placed her hand on his shoulder, and spoke in a softer tone.
"I'm sorry to have worried you." Li Xuewu reached out and patted her hand, then sighed slightly before explaining, "It's about Guangzhou."
"Yangcheng?" Gu Ning frowned and asked, "Wasn't Uncle's matter all over? Or is it still a letter of introduction..."
“It’s not Xuehan, it’s…” Li Xuewu didn’t know how to address the other person, and said with a gloomy face, “Xuehan’s mother remarried.”
"What!?" Even Gu Ning, who usually didn't care much about her relatives, showed a surprised expression when she heard the news.
Li Xuewu said in a low voice, "Yesterday afternoon, Xuehan called me. It seemed that he had been wronged and did not want to stay in Guangzhou anymore."
"How could this be?" Gu Ning tightened her grip on his shoulder, her brows furrowing even more, and asked, "Then... does her letter of application mean she wants to come to the capital, or somewhere else?"
"They said they wanted to come to the capital." Li Xuewu looked out the window again, let out a long breath, and said calmly, "I have already called the Third Regiment of the Guards and asked them to help with the transfer procedures."
"If it's inconvenient, you can call Mom." Gu Ning put her other hand on his shoulder and gently hugged him.
Upon hearing this news, even if you don't have any contact with them or any romantic feelings for them, you can't help but feel a little sad.
Even if it was regret for his relatives or lamentation over human emotions, she could now understand how sad Li Xuewu was.
"It's alright, they've already given us a definite answer."
Li Xuewu patted Gu Ning's arm again and explained gently, "Actually, it could have been done when Third Uncle left, but no one thought of it at the time."
"But it doesn't matter now. With Uncle San's special circumstances, Xuehan can go back to his hometown without making things difficult for either side."
Gu Ning didn't say anything, but just nuzzled his head. The two snuggled by the window, watching the sunset, which had turned half the sky red, gradually be swallowed by darkness.
During dinner, Li Shu and Li Ning, who seemed to have learned to read the adults' expressions, became much quieter, occasionally stealing glances at their father.
Li Xuewu looked at them, used chopsticks to put meat and vegetables on the two children's plates, and told them, "Eat well."
"Dad," Li Shu hesitated, looking at him as she asked, "Will you still be able to take me to school tomorrow?"
“Of course, no problem.” Li Xuewu nodded and said with a smile, “Tomorrow morning we’ll take my brother to school first, and then we’ll take you.”
"Yay!" A surprised smile immediately appeared on Li Shu's face, and Li Ning, who was sitting next to her, also clapped along.
The head of the household is not just a title, but also the anchor that influences the emotions of family members and the pillar that supports and maintains the family.
The reason I firmly separate work and life is that I don't want my family to bear unnecessary emotions and pressure.
Because of his interaction with the children, everyone at the dinner table smiled, and the atmosphere that had been quiet all night finally warmed up.
After dinner, Zhao Yaping offered to help wash the dishes, but Er Ya pushed her away, telling her to go back to her studies early so she wouldn't have to stay up all night again.
Zhao Yaping studied incredibly hard. Despite her weak foundation as a girl from the countryside, she managed to become one of the top students in her grade through sheer effort.
If she lived with her sister, she might have received more tutoring opportunities, but this wasn't possible in Li Xuewu's home.
Leaving aside the difficulty of the subjects in this era, Li Xuewu had long since forgotten most of the key knowledge points.
He reads books frequently, and during his time working in Beijing, he often studied mathematics, physics, and other subjects with Shangguan Qi.
However, the knowledge he learned and understood for work was too general, and he only achieved a basic understanding.
It's impossible for him to work in a research institute; he simply doesn't have the ability or the knowledge to do so.
Replacing him with Gu Ning would be about the same, but he would be much better than Li Xuewu.
Gu Ning is a top student. Even after studying medicine for so many years, she hasn't forgotten any of the knowledge she learned in junior high school, but she has even less free time.
Even though Gu Ning had told Zhao Yaping that she could ask her any questions she didn't understand, Zhao Yaping was too sensible and almost never bothered her.
Zhao Yaping's efforts also have role models to learn from. When Li Xuewu is not at home, Gu Ning often goes upstairs after dinner and reads until very late.
So often the study light upstairs is on, while the guest room light downstairs is on.
Zhao Yaping shared a room with Er Ya, but fearing it would disturb Er Ya's rest, she placed her desk in Li Shu and Li Ning's toy room.
The function of that room has changed several times, and now it's hard to define how to use it; it can be used however you like.
Although there is no better tutoring environment, the living conditions here are better. Even her older sister, Zhao Yafang, knows that her younger sister will not suffer any grievances here.
Although Li Xuewu and Gu Ning weren't particularly fond of food, their income was good enough that their family's meals were always nutritious.
This is neither her home nor her sister's home, but this is her second year living here.
Li Xuewu and Gu Ning never assigned her any housework, but no one could find fault with Zhao Yaping's performance.
After dinner, Er Ya pushed her out and led Li Shu and Li Ning to the guest room, where they did their homework together.
Li Shu is alright; the teacher assigns homework in Chinese and math. Li Ning, on the other hand, doesn't have any homework; he just plays with his older sister and aunt.
The family's educational environment is very important, as can be seen from Li Shu and Li Ning's learning habits and cognition.
Li Xuewu often reads newspapers at home or books upstairs, not to mention Gu Ning, and then there's the studious Zhao Yaping.
Er Ya is the only one in the family who doesn't read books, newspapers, or study, but she often reminds and urges the children to study.
In this environment, Li Shu began her education at a young age, with Xiao Xiao as her teacher and Zhao Yaping as her mentor, and now there is another one, Li Ning.
Both children are learning earlier and faster than their peers, which is definitely not something Li Xuewu deliberately arranged.
Seeing the children's well-behaved and sensible behavior, Li Xuewu felt a rare sense of satisfaction. He sat on the sofa in the living room, holding the tea that Gu Ning had brought him, and started reading the newspaper.
Gu Ning stayed with him for a while before going upstairs. The hospital seemed to not want her to be idle, and knowing that she had no burden of taking care of her family, they arranged a training course for her.
The postgraduate training program lasted two years, and this time it will be at least six months. Not only have I not reduced my working hours, but I have also increased the training schedule.
Li Xuewu was hoping to make the most of the last few months of the year and have another child, but Gu Ning was about to embark on a new battle.