dognovel Chapter 1569: Take it as a Matter
Chapter 1569: Take it as a Matter
Chapter 1569: Take it as a Matter
"Oh, you're back." Li Huaide opened his eyes, glanced at the person entering through the door, and rubbed his temples wearily as he greeted him, "Did you just get home?"
"What's wrong with you?"
Li Xuewu frowned slightly, glanced at him, and asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Li Huaide gestured for Liu Bin to leave, then pointed to the opposite side and said, "I'm a little tired, I don't know why."
"Have you been staying up late lately?" Li Xuewu sat down in the chair, carefully examined his complexion, and said with a furrowed brow, "You don't look well."
"Should I call home?"
He sat up straight and explained, "I'm not a professional. Even if you need treatment or conditioning, you should ask a professional to examine you."
"Hehe—" Li Huaide knew what he meant, chuckled and looked at him, saying, "That's too much trouble, let's schedule a time the day after tomorrow."
“Are you sure?” Li Xuewu looked at him and emphasized, “If you really feel unwell, you must seek medical attention promptly. You can’t delay treatment.”
"Don't worry, I know my body."
Li Huaide sat up, propped himself up on the sofa armrest, picked up his teacup, and asked, "How was the trip to Jinling?"
"With nearly a year of preparation, the organizational structure and work environment are naturally not a problem."
Li Xuewu nodded, crossed his hands on the desk in front of him, and introduced, "I, Deputy Director Gu, and General Manager Gao have spoken with the responsible comrades of the sales headquarters and branch offices respectively, and the relevant instructions and requirements have been conveyed to them."
"Although many of our staff members were transferred from the group and other departments, they are very enthusiastic and motivated in their work."
"Well, how about the business?" Li Huaide nodded, put down his teacup, and asked, "The handover went fairly smoothly, didn't it?"
"This may continue for some time."
Li Xuewu spread his hands and explained, "After all, it's not as simple as just cutting it in half."
"On the evening of the day the project was launched, Deng Yuanneng, the person in charge of the Jinling area, gave us a work report, accompanied by Yang Xiaofen, the deputy general manager of the sales company."
He paused here, raised his eyebrows, looked at Old Li, and said hesitantly, "This candidate..."
"It was nominated by Deputy Director Su."
Before Li Xuewu could finish his question, Li Huaide had already impatiently shifted the blame.
He frowned and emphasized, "I asked Comrade Yu Nong, and she wasn't very satisfied with this person either."
"I don't know the specifics."
Li Xuewu nodded slowly and said, "As you know, I haven't been paying attention to the sales department's work, so—"
Seeing that Lao Li nodded in understanding, he continued, "It depends on the specific situation and the specific work. I can't really say how I feel about him, but... he's not very reliable."
When Li Huaide heard him say that this person was unreliable, his brows furrowed even more, and the flames in his eyes were about to ignite.
"Some comrades just like to play the piano randomly."
He tossed the pen beside him a little further away, looked out the window and said meaningfully, "Mind your own business."
Li Xuewu wasn't sure if his veiled criticism was related to him, so he directly avoided the topic, not wanting to get himself into trouble.
This also demonstrates his selfless attitude; he never took the initiative to, and was even less willing to, get involved in personnel matters.
Seeing his silence, Old Li knew that his words had hurt innocent people, but he was very satisfied with his attitude.
"You don't need to worry about this."
He said grimly, "I will have Comrade Yu Nong keep an eye on him. If he's not up to par, we'll replace him immediately to prevent future problems."
As he spoke, he glanced at Li Xuewu and said, "The first batch of technical personnel from East Germany has arrived in Beijing. You should go and meet them on behalf of the group and host a welcome banquet."
"You should go, since we're already at our home."
After declining, Li Xuewu explained, "Unless there are special circumstances, I plan to return to Gangcheng tomorrow afternoon."
"Some situations need to be dealt with as soon as possible."
He tapped the table in front of him and emphasized softly, "No matter how strong the wind is in the front yard, the backyard must never catch fire."
"Hoo—sigh—" Li Huaide took a deep breath, then let out a long sigh, looking at him with emotion, "If everyone in the team had your level of awareness—"
The sentence was left unsaid; the rest was left in sighs.
Are we all like this?
Li Xuewu found it amusing. If there were ten of him in the squad, Old Li wouldn't survive the night. He was just too muddle-headed.
"General Manager Gao told me about the report in the Northern Industry Daily." He didn't hide anything and said frankly, "We need to be prepared for this."
"Disgusting, like flies!" Hearing this, Old Li's temper flared up, and he slammed his fist on the table, cursing, "You can't get rid of them!"
"I'm afraid this is just a trigger, and someone with ulterior motives might escalate it." Li Xuewu leaned forward slightly, tapping his fingers on the table, reminding him, "You need to be careful."
"They're after me, I know."
Li Huaide nodded angrily and snorted, "A villain! A complete villain, a black sheep!"
He was practically shouting the other person's ID card at them, which made Li Xuewu laugh.
"I'll see the technicians after they arrive in Liaodong. Let's finish the work at hand first."
Li Xuewu didn't follow up on his words. He couldn't just join in the cursing, that would be pointless.
His attitude has always been to work diligently and stabilize the situation, which is the basis for Lao Li's respect and trust in him.
Old Li is surrounded by sycophants and flatterers, so he has no need to compete in this arena.
"Keep an eye on sales as well."
Li Huaide rubbed his forehead and instructed, "Especially in the area of foreign trade, you will still be responsible for the parts involving the handover of industrial production."
“President Gao is still capable.” Li Xuewu understood the deeper meaning in his words, but emphasized, “Isn’t she doing a very good job right now?”
“Of course Mr. Gao is capable.” Li Huaide gave him a deep look and said, “But we still need to be cautious and serious about foreign trade.”
He tapped his fingers on the table, emphasizing, "I feel more at ease with you following up."
The matter has been made so clearly, and Li Xuewu deliberately made him say it that way, so there is no need to continue to be modest.
"I understand what you mean." Although Li Xuewu agreed, his expression was troubled. "I'll coordinate with General Manager Gao later."
"Yes, I'm not worried about your work."
Li Huaide leaned back in his chair, turned his head slightly to look out the window, and said, "If it weren't for the more important task of developing the Liaodong industrial sector, I would have liked to arrange for you to gain experience in the sales department."
He remarked with a touch of regret, "That was the best battlefield for you to showcase your talents."
Li Xuewu didn't comment on or respond to such evaluations because he didn't believe that Lao Li would think that way; his ability to make empty promises was far superior to Lao Li's.
"My comrade in literature, alas—"
After telling Li Huaide his story, he turned back and sighed, saying, "This might be a bit troublesome."
“Yes…” Li Xuewu frowned and asked him, “Where has the problem occurred again?”
"Comrade Wan Quan reported to me and asked for instructions." Li Huaide looked at him helplessly and said, "He wants to personally participate in the investigation of the No. 4 furnace case in the metallurgical plant."
"Oh, that's a good thing."
Li Xuewu said calmly, "This way we can finish the investigation as soon as possible and give everyone a result that satisfies us."
With his eyelids drooping, he said, "Deputy Director Zhou was transferred from the city, and his stance can absolutely withstand the test. I believe the entire group trusts the results he provides even more."
“You should think of it this way—” Li Huaide only said half of his sentence, of course he knew that Li Xuewu did not think that way, “That’s right.”
"However, regarding the arrangements for Comrade Wenxue, the Liangmahe Industrial Zone may have to be formally handed over to Comrade Jinsong."
He paused here, glanced at Li Xuewu's expression, and then continued, "This is also for the purpose of protection."
“From my perspective, of course I can’t understand it.” Li Xuewu snorted and said indifferently, “Of course, President Dong will definitely be able to ‘understand’ it.”
"Sigh—" Upon hearing this, Li Huaide couldn't help but sigh and nodded, saying, "The group is going through a very difficult time, and many of these arrangements are not what I wanted."
Li Xuewu didn't want to listen to his nonsense, so he changed the subject and left the office after chatting for half an hour.
Jing Yunong's secretary, Huang Yang, passed by the door and greeted him.
"Is President Jing here?" Li Xuewu didn't hide the fact that Li Huaide's office was right behind him and asked directly.
Huang Yang was slightly taken aback, then nodded and replied, "President Jing is in his office."
She gestured for him to enter, and when Li Xuewu nodded, she quickly stepped forward, as if afraid that the secretary-general might suddenly barge into the leader's office.
In particular, she glanced at Director Li's office, trying to figure out why the secretary-general's gloomy expression was so bad.
Could it be that she went to argue with President Jing?
Wouldn't that make her the one leading the way?
***
"Would East Germany be willing to import our cars?"
Cheng Kaiyuan was skeptical of the news, even though he had seen the relevant documents.
Li Xuewu chuckled and turned to Gao Yaqin, gesturing, "Look, another one."
Gao Yaqin raised an eyebrow and asked, "What? It seems that President Cheng lacks the necessary confidence in our automotive industry."
Do you know what tone of voice a woman uses to be the most aggressive? It's when a sentence has two or three stressed syllables, with pauses in between.
When discussing work, she will have a certain advantage. However, if it's about dating, the man will be in trouble. He will never be able to get an erection again and will be played like a dog.
"I'm just happy," Cheng Kaiyuan explained with a smile, then shook the documents in his hand and asked Li Xuewu, "What good news did the Secretary-General bring back?"
"I don't have that ability," Li Xuewu said, gesturing to Gao Yaqin beside him. "It's all thanks to President Gao."
"You're being modest again—" Gao Yaqin glared at him disapprovingly and said, "Is this really necessary?"
"They portray themselves as great, while treating us like petty people who take advantage of others." She curled her lip and looked at Cheng Kaiyuan, explaining, "It was the Secretary-General who laid the groundwork in East Germany."
"What's there to be modest about—"
Cheng Kaiyuan chuckled and placed the documents on his desk, raising an eyebrow as he said, "If you all feel embarrassed, you can consider them mine."
"You're too kind of yourself."
Jing Yunong, who had been sitting with his arms crossed and hadn't said a word, delivered a powerful punch as soon as he opened his mouth, making everyone burst into laughter.
Marketing Manager Huang Wenli walked to the door and knocked. Looking at the harmonious atmosphere in President Jing's office, she was a little confused.
Just a few days ago, news broke that President Jing and the Secretary-General had another falling out. What's going on today? Are they crazy?
"Come here." Jing Yunong's smile disappeared, replaced by a cold and handsome expression, which made Huang Wenli feel a little more comfortable.
"Boss, here are the sales figures you requested."
Actually, it was Gao Yaqin who called her, but she was asked to come to President Jing's office, which led to this whole situation.
Li Xuewu sat in a chair opposite the desk, with a cup of tea in front of him, though it was unclear who had brewed it.
She walked in but didn't see Huang Yang there; there were only four leaders in the office.
"The situation inside East Germany was quite complicated."
Ignoring the strange look on Huang Wenli's face, Li Xuewu introduced to Cheng Kaiyuan, who had just sat down, "They have a policy to give every adult citizen a car."
"As their industrial development and productivity become constrained, and their population explodes, the implementation of this policy becomes increasingly slow."
He flipped his palm and said, "The locals told me that some people have been waiting in line for ten years, but they don't know if they will be able to get their cars in ten years."
"So East Germany meant..."
Cheng Kaiyuan raised an eyebrow. He understood Li Xuewu's explanation, but still cautiously guessed, "Is he trying to alleviate this pressure by purchasing our cars?"
“There are several reasons,” Li Xuewu did not deny his guess, but explained: “First of all, East Germany was very short of raw materials for heavy industry, which to some extent limited the development of their heavy industry, especially the steel industry.”
"We certainly have certain advantages in the field of precision processing, but even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice."
"The second is production cost."
He counted on his fingers, "Even with transportation costs, tariffs, and other expenses added up, our second-generation Antelope is still cheaper than the price of cars purchased locally."
"The third is the pressure from within."
Li Xuewu nodded slowly and explained, "East Germany was at the forefront of the bipolar confrontation, and any fluctuations in public opinion would attract great attention from the North."
"So last year, the industrial delegation we organized and its series of procurement and cooperation activities in East Germany did bring about some changes in East Germany's thinking."
He pointed to the documents Cheng Kaiyuan had placed on his desk and emphasized, "Importing cars from us now is a way to ease tensions and test the waters."
"A contradiction? A test?" Cheng Kaiyuan immediately realized something and turned to Gao Yaqin, asking, "Is it what I think?"
"The International Business Division understands that East Germany has gradually increased its trade with Western countries over the past few years, and the total trade volume has continued to rise."
Gao Yaqin explained, "Perhaps they have their own helplessness, or it may be another means and plan to handle bilateral relations."
“I only care about how much the group can make from this project.” When Cheng Kaiyuan looked at him, Jing Yunong responded calmly, “The group is short of money right now.”
She was looking at the data files that Huang Wenli had sent, and she had already made several marks in her hand.
Huang Wenli stood aside, unable to get a word in edgewise, and could only wait for the leaders to reach a conclusion so she could carry out the orders.
How many cars can a ship carry now?
Cheng Kaiyuan looked at Gao Yaqin, then at Li Xuewu. One of them was in charge of the group's economic work, and the other was in charge of the group's industrial work.
Li Xuewu, being in Liaodong, must have been very familiar with the shipbuilding data of Yingcheng Shipyard. He only doubted Li Xuewu's conscience, but never his professional competence.
Young people are quick-witted and cunning. Think about it, who in the group's leadership hasn't suffered at his hands? Even the reckless Old Su doesn't dare to confront him head-on.
"Six thousand units?" Li Xuewu glanced at Gao Yaqin and said somewhat uncertainly, "Six thousand cars, and it can also carry about three thousand motorcycles."
"More or less." Gao Yaqin nodded and said, "But it has to be a 10,000-ton cargo ship from the Santayana Group."
“Their car trade is thriving.” Li Xuewu chuckled and explained, “One of the cargo ships we delivered has already been converted into a car transport ship.”
“Ten thousand tons!” Cheng Kaiyuan nodded and said, “This means we can transport more than just cars; it will also significantly reduce transportation costs.”
“If we go through North Africa, we can trade food, hardware, electrical appliances, weapons, and so on,” Li Xuewu thought for a moment, calculating as he said, “This time the total trade volume could reach…”
“Around five and a half million,” Jing Yunong quickly gave his answer, even more accurately than him, “excluding food and other trade items.”
She tapped the desk with her pencil and looked at the people opposite her, saying, "But the actual profits are definitely not that much; international trade is not particularly lucrative."
“It’s us. The international trade we’re in doesn’t make money,” Li Xuewu added, then looked at the group and emphasized, “This situation may take decades to reverse.”
"We need to solve the problems in industrial production first." Cheng Kaiyuan nodded in agreement and said, "It's a long and arduous task, and there's still a lot that Honggang Group can do."
"I'm exhausted," Jing Yunong complained, throwing down his pencil. "The nearly three months of strenuous round-trip shipping only earns us around two million."
“It has a different meaning.” Gao Yaqin smiled and said, “If we can open up the East German market, we can try to export the Northern Economic Community in reverse.”
"That was a pure price war."
Li Xuewu stood up and said, "I bet that if even half of the vehicles imported by East Germany are distributed, they'll be considered very kind. They'll definitely try something underhanded."
“Reselling, right?” Cheng Kaiyuan smiled, raising an eyebrow as he asked, “Won’t this attract even more buyers?”
"That depends on the attitude of the North."
Li Xuewu tapped his laptop lightly on the desk and said, "At the latest, we must make a breakthrough in Northeast Asia within two years."
“Alright, it’s better to make some money than to sit around and do nothing.” Jing Yunong sighed, signed his name on the document, and pushed it to Huang Wenli. But he looked at Li Xuewu and emphasized, “The group is short of money. Every move of funds must yield some results.”
“Tell General Manager Gao and General Manager Cheng,” Li Xuewu said arrogantly, pointing at Gao Yaqin and Cheng Kaiyuan, “this project has nothing to do with me.”
"Hey! You—" Seeing him smile and say goodbye before leaving, Gao Yaqin wanted nothing more than to go up and grab him and give him a good beating.
Cheng Kaiyuan, still completely unaware of what was going on, stared blankly at Li Xuewu's departing figure, then turned around and asked, "What? This project... has something to do with me?"
Jing Yunong looked at him as if he were an idiot, and had no mood to explain to him. He turned to Huang Wenli and instructed her, "Your marketing department will take the lead, and the finance department will follow up."
"Yes, sir." Huang Wenli suppressed the twitching at the corner of her mouth, picked up the documents, glanced at General Manager Gao's helpless yet amused expression, and left with her head down.
She's learned a lot today. What does it mean to kill someone and not bury them? What does it mean to dig your own grave and let others jump in?
***
The initial list of cars to be traded included only three models: Comet motorcycle, Aries, and Antelope II.
That's very pointed; no wonder Li Xuewu was so certain that East Germany would make some underhanded moves.
This is somewhat similar to the idea of using war to sustain war, importing cars from Honggang Group and sending some to China to alleviate public sentiment.
And the other part? Of course, it's sold off to earn the price difference and continue this trade.
That's absolutely amazing!
East Germany, taking advantage of its special status, sought to exploit others, especially after technological cooperation broke down trade barriers with East Germany, and attempted to expand the scope of trade.
The industrial and economic delegation that visited last year not only brought them hope for resolving internal conflicts, but also found the best way to monetize their technology.
There are very few countries on Earth that can match the current level of technological development in East Germany.
Think about it: the overall industrial technology system of the University of Tokyo came from the north, and coincidentally, East Germany was also transforming in this direction. The two technology systems were very compatible.
Furthermore, East Germany had a legacy to draw upon, while East Germany possessed vast resources in light industry and agricultural products, allowing both sides to complement each other's strengths.
Finally, East Germany could export its technology to East China University of Technology (ECUT), and ECUT didn't mind that their technology was outdated and was willing to introduce industrial standards that weren't top-notch. Do you think they were willing or not?
Looking at Honggang Group from another angle, even if Li Xuewu explained clearly that East Germany was just taking advantage of them, would they still do this deal?
Of course we should do it; only a fool wouldn't.
East Germany deserved to make this money. Is it possible for Honggang Group to establish its own sales channels?
The export of automobile products is definitely a form of industrial invasion, with very obvious characteristics. Li Xuewu wished that East Germany could import and resell all of Honggang Group's products.
A lower price is fine, even if it's just for volume.
As long as the cars can be sold, Honggang Group can set up more car manufacturing plants, introduce more production technologies, and train more skilled workers.
As the automotive industry matures, with more car manufacturers, more advanced technology, and more skilled workers, production costs will decrease.
If Li Xuewu were in charge of this project, he would even be willing to further reduce the export price in exchange for a larger market share.
With the current level of industrial manufacturing, cars shouldn't have too many problems within the next ten years. Which family can afford to buy several cars within ten years?
Once market share increases, the next step will be to export higher-end automotive products.
Markets often carry perceptions and credibility.
Li Xuewu has already spoken to Xu Sinian by phone, and Yingcheng Shipyard has also put the construction plan for specialized car transport ships on the agenda.
As per his requirements, the new car carrier needed to be larger in tonnage, have more transport space, and have smoother loading and unloading routes—in short, it was all about professionalism!
He didn't mind that every young person in East Germany had a car, because East Germany's policy had loopholes and certain hidden dangers.
After deducting those resold to other countries, not many of these cars will remain in China and be directly distributed to eligible citizens.
Li Xuewu had already reminded Sha Qizhi to arrange for someone to keep an eye on the East German car market, as cars from the Honggang Group would soon be entering the market.
There were also sixth-ranking officials in East Germany.
-
Are you really leaving tomorrow?
When Gao Yaqin ran into him after get off work, she raised an eyebrow and asked, "The National People's Congress and the Constitutional Amendment Conference are scheduled for next Monday. Aren't you going to wait for the results?"
“No interest. I don’t worry about things that are bound to happen.” Li Xuewu smiled and looked at her, asking, “But I won’t be able to make it to the completion of the Workers’ New Village Cinema and Theater next week.”
"Why don't you stay a few more days?"
Gao Yaqin said with a laugh, "It's a pity you can't see the completion ceremony, isn't it?"
"I heard you've contributed to the design of cinemas and theaters," she said meaningfully. "Should we award you a designer or engineer title?"
“That’s great then—” Li Xuewu tapped her and said, “You can talk to President Xia about this for me, and make it a serious matter.”
"..." Gao Yaqin looked at him speechlessly, and together they walked into the elevator, saying, "Why don't we evaluate both of them? One isn't enough to showcase your genius."
"Hey! Be careful how you use the word 'genius'!"
Li Xuewu glared at her seriously, emphasizing, "How could I possibly deserve such a title?"
"Huh—" Gao Yaqin grinned, getting angrier the more she looked at him. Was this guy's brain powered by an engine? It was spinning so fast.
That's right, Li Xuewu would never suffer a loss. In later generations, you can use the word "genius" freely, and geniuses will emerge in every industry.
But during this period, there was only one person who was described as a genius, and that was a title bestowed upon him by others. Li Xuewu felt that this title was a bit strange.
He has an absolute historical perspective and knows that the person doing this has malicious intentions and may even do something ruthless this year.
History will punish every person who plots against the will of God. Even if some people manage to land safely and survive by sheer luck, their end will not necessarily be glorious.
Descendants?
China has a 5,000-year history of civilization, and I have never heard of any family in any dynasty that could rely on the official hat on their head to achieve immortality.
On the contrary, it is the family that passes down its culture and has a rich heritage that can withstand the test of time.
Gao Yaqin's reaction was noticeably slower than his. Upon closer reflection, Li Xuewu's success today was also due to this cautious attitude.
As we stepped out of the elevator, she extended an invitation: "Are you free tonight? How about we have dinner together?"
"I don't have time, I have to spend time with my kids."
Li Xuewu's refusal was so decisive that Gao Yaqin's smile faltered, and she looked at him with a hint of resentment.
"I really have to spend time with the kids." He explained with a smile, "I only have two days off a month, you have to understand my difficulties."
"It's just dinner, how could it possibly ruin your family?" Gao Yaqin could obviously understand what he meant by "spending time with the kids"—he just wanted to go home and be with his wife.
"It's not that I'm thinking the wrong thing, and it's certainly not that you're thinking the wrong thing," Li Xuewu waved his hand and said, "It's that I want to work harder while I'm young."
Before getting into the car, he raised an eyebrow and smiled, saying, "It will be too late for me to try when I reach your age."
"Hey! Comrade Li Xuewu!" Gao Yaqin was glared at by his words and asked unhappily, "Explain yourself clearly, what do you mean by 'at my age'!"
Li Xuewu was not about to open the car door for her. He gestured to the driver and said, "Drive quickly, don't put me in an unjust position."
The driver couldn't help but grin, gently pressed the accelerator, and almost burst out laughing when he saw Mr. Gao's angry expression in the rearview mirror.
Do group leaders even make jokes like this?
***
"Oh, you're back."
When Li Xuewu arrived home, he found that Gu Ning was already there.
In the afternoon, he went to his office and called Er Ya to tell her that the driver would take the children home.
Er Ya told him that Gu Ning might go home early in the afternoon to take the children to their grandmother's house, and Li Xuewu was wondering if he should go over for dinner that evening.
"My eldest brother and sister-in-law have gone back to their parents' home."
Gu Ning explained, "The old man might not be feeling well, and he said he was going back to check on things."
"The old man? Or the old woman?"
He glanced at Zhao Yaping, who was sitting on the sofa with her head down, playing with toys with Li Shu and Li Ning, and realized that something must have really happened.
However, Zhao Yaping's failure to return must not have been the decision of her sister-in-law. It must have been Zhao Gen who made arrangements in advance to prevent his youngest daughter from returning.
“Dad went with him too, but I don’t know the specifics.” Gu Ning followed his gaze to Zhao Yaping, but didn’t know how to comfort the girl.
“That’s how it is in spring. Maybe he caught a cold,” Li Xuewu said casually. “That’s how old people are. If something really happened, Dad wouldn’t need to bring medicine.”
Hearing him say that, Zhao Yaping raised her head, and hope rekindled in her eyes as she looked at him.
That's how it is in the countryside; most children are raised by their grandmothers who don't farm, so the children have a deep bond with their grandparents.
She was young and had to follow the adults' arrangements in such matters. Even though she was worried about her grandparents, she didn't dare to stubbornly follow along.
"Keep an eye out for news, and contact me if anything happens."
Li Xuewu seemed to be speaking to Gu Ning, but he was actually looking at Zhao Yaping, saying, "If you need any medicine or have any connections, you can call me."
"Thank you, Second Brother." Zhao Yaping's voice was a little hoarse; it was unclear whether it was from internal heat or from crying.
Li Xuewu nodded and sat down next to Gu Ning, saying, "I'm going back to Gangcheng tomorrow. Do you want me to take the two kids with me and give you a few more days off?"
"Stop messing around." Gu Ning glanced at the siblings and said with some dissatisfaction, "If I go with you for a few more days, I'll really become a free-range sheep."
"Sis, what does 'free-range sheep' mean?"
Li Ning, who has good hearing, couldn't understand his mother's words, so he "quietly" asked his older sister. Li Shu, however, acted like a little adult and wished she could cover her younger brother's mouth.
At this point, there's no time to engage in conversation; Mom is clearly about to give them a lecture, and she's deliberately trying to bait them by not finding a way out.
Sure enough, before Li Shu could explain, Gu Ning began to comment on the gifts the siblings had brought back, as well as their behavior over the past few days, in a slightly serious tone.
It wasn't that their grandparents tattled on them, nor was it that their father secretly complained about them; it was entirely their own carelessness and overconfidence.
When she first got home, she could hold back, but once she got to her grandma's house, she couldn't help but brag about her experiences in Nanjing over the past few days—the delicious food, the fun activities, and her wonderful grandma—deliberately trying to tempt Li Tang.
Gu Ning wanted to stop the siblings, but Li Shu and Li Ning were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice their mother's gaze and couldn't stop themselves.
Gu Ning didn't stay for dinner there partly because she wanted to bring the children back to discipline them.
Seeing that she was about to discipline the children, Li Xuewu ignored the pleading looks from Li Shu and Li Ning, stood up, and went to the kitchen.
At times like this, he would never be a support for his children. If they make a mistake, they should admit it and stand up straight when they are punished. Parents are better at teaching this than society.
“Er Ya, if you don’t mind going a long way in the future, you can go to the market near the Honggang Group’s workers’ village to buy groceries.” He explained to Er Ya, who was busy preparing dinner, “Our company has built a new service market that works directly with the supply and marketing cooperative, so the goods are quite complete.”
"Isn't it too far?" Er Ya said hesitantly. "I buy groceries at the market near my home. If it's too far, I'll have to ride a bicycle."
"I'm just telling you, you can see how it goes." Li Xuewu smiled and said, "However, the service department over there has the group's internal supply channels, so the meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables are definitely more abundant than in the market here."
“If you go, bring my purchase certificate. Only employees can buy these things,” he instructed. “If anyone checks your identity, call the security department.”
"I understand, Second Brother," Er Ya replied, then asked, "I think I heard it on the news, didn't they build a movie theater in the Workers' New Village?"
"Well, if you like watching movies, you can kill two birds with one stone." Li Xuewu listened to the situation in the living room and, seeing that it was about time, walked back.
“Daddy’s bad—” Li Shu pouted, not wanting to pay any attention to him.
Li Xuewu chuckled and coaxed her, "What did I do to offend you? I even took you to your grandma's house, and you praised your dad on the plane, saying he was such a good dad. Now you're all being naughty?"
"You just stood by and watched me die! Humph!"
Li Shu rested her hands on her back, snorted, and turned her head away, looking very aggrieved.
Li Ning glanced at her father, then at her sister, and followed suit, putting her hands on her hips and humming along.
However, his hum lacked emotional expression and didn't even attract his father's attention.
Li Xuewu couldn't be bothered with his son. The little guy always imitated his sister, and his sister would scold him like a little shadow.
"You think I'd just stand by and watch you die?" He tugged at his daughter's arm, feeling wronged, and explained softly, "You saw what happened just now, how could I save you?"
"Daughter, think about it yourself. If I were to ask, wouldn't I end up getting myself involved as well?"
"Hmph!" Li Shu seemed even angrier when she heard him say that.
It wasn't just a simple hum; it wasn't just turning her head away from him. She even turned her body away, turning her back to her father.
Li Xuewu couldn't help but smile, but he still patiently coaxed his daughter, saying, "Think about it again, do I have any influence on this matter?"
"If I speak up for you, won't it backfire?"
He gently patted his daughter's back to comfort her, saying, "Our Li Shu is the smartest. Daddy understood everything Mommy said, so how could Li Shu not understand?"
Li Shu didn't "humph" anymore this time, but she also had her pride, and she couldn't back down from what her father had said.
So her little face was still tense, not giving her father any face.
"Most of the reason Mom criticized you today was because of your little brother." Li Xuewu leaned on the floor, using the sofa arm as a support, and whispered to his daughter, "You see, your little brother is so immature. He tries to copy everything you do. He has no sense of propriety at all."
"Our dad is busy with work and only comes home once or twice a month. Mom also has a lot of work to do. So, won't it be up to you to raise our younger brother?"
Li Xuewu tapped his daughter's little hand and said, "You don't want your little brother to become a hateful, bad kid, do you?"
"But—" Li Shu pouted, looking a little aggrieved, "I don't want to be criticized either."
“Of course, who likes to be criticized?” Li Xuewu propped his head up with his hand and lay in front of his daughter, explaining, “If Mom criticizes you, you’ll be sensible and can teach your brother a lesson, so he won’t go astray, right?”
"Besides, Mom didn't only criticize you, right? Your brother got criticized too, but he's too young to understand."
Li Shu glanced at her wide-eyed, bewildered younger brother and couldn't help but say with disdain, "He just copies me."
"Yes, our Li Shu is the smartest. If your little brother doesn't learn from you, who will he learn from?"
Li Xuewu reached out and patted his daughter, saying, "You should know where you went wrong. There's nothing wrong with sharing happiness and joy; what's wrong is the way you say it."
"Yes, I know I was wrong." Li Shu lowered her head and murmured, "Mom said that we have to share half of the toys and snacks we brought back with Li Tang."
"Isn't what Mom said right?" Li Xuewu gently tapped his daughter's tummy and said, "Think about how many delicious and fun things your aunt has bought for you."
“Li Ning is your younger brother, and Li Tang is also your younger brother. As the older sister, you have to take care of your younger brothers and set a good example.”
He leaned forward to look into his daughter's eyes, and seeing her tears, he didn't comfort her. Instead, he asked, "Do you think what Mommy said is right? Is what Daddy said right?"
"Hmm—" Li Shu wiped away her tears, nodded, and said, "I was wrong."
"Good girl, you really are the smartest in our family. You understood as soon as Daddy said it, didn't you?" Li Xuewu then picked up his daughter and coaxed her, saying, "When Daddy comes back next time, I will bring you delicious food and fun things."
“Yes, I’ll give half to Li Tang too.”
In her father's arms, Li Shu sobbed, "I will never make Mom angry again."
“Mom isn’t angry. She just wants you to be good children.” Li Xuewu glanced at his son and asked, “Li Ning, do you want to be a good child?”
"Will good children get something to eat?"
Li Ning was more direct than his sister, tilting his head back and saying, "If there is, I'll make it."