dognovel Chapter 1424 The Young Master is Hungry
Chapter 1424 The Young Master is Hungry
Chapter 1424 The Young Master is Hungry
Can production units engage in sales work?
This is not a simple question that anyone can answer; the situation is far too complex.
Given the current policies and market conditions, and the absence of car dealerships, manufacturers are the primary sales outlets.
It's not just car manufacturers; soy sauce manufacturers do the same. Units with car purchase quotas will send people to car manufacturers to find connections to buy and pick up cars, and ordinary people with food ration coupons will also carry soy sauce bottles to soy sauce factories to buy soy sauce. The principle is the same.
Why then do the sales and production sides of Hongxing Steel Group experience poor coordination and conflicts?
"Old Zhuang is still too narrow-minded. The sales headquarters has too many branches, how can he possibly manage everything?"
The call was from Dong Wenxue. It wasn't exactly a plea, but he wanted to say something for Zhuang Cangshu.
Zhuang Cangshu did indeed manage to get his help, which Dong Wenxue found amusing.
Of all the leaders in the group, only Li Xuewu truly commanded the respect and fear of the branch factories and subsidiaries below; even Li Huaide couldn't do that.
Li Huaide rarely took real action; he mostly used authority over his subordinates and rarely showed a stern face.
If you're willing to go all out and lose face, you can even get away with being a scoundrel in his office.
Therefore, everyone says that Director Li is kind and approachable, and is a leader worthy of following and respecting.
So how do they evaluate Li Xuewu, the group's secretary-general?
It's inconvenient to comment on this, and no one dares to comment either, since who knows if there are any informants from the security department around us.
What? You're saying Li Xuewu is no longer a leader in the security department?
What else could the Group Secretary-General be but the leader of the Security Department? Who would dare doubt Li Xuewu's influence over the Security Department?
So, as soon as Li Xuewu hung up on Zhuang Cangshu, he was immediately flustered. He didn't have time to reprimand his subordinates for their misconduct, so he quickly called Dong Wenxue.
He could only plead for leniency, since he dared not ask anyone else, much less call Li Xuewu directly to beg and plead.
“First of all, I have to acknowledge his attitude.” Dong Wenxue didn’t immediately try to persuade him, but instead went around in circles about the work Zhuang Cangshu was doing.
We must take this very seriously, identify the problem, address it, learn from this experience, and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
"He didn't study the policies carefully."
Before Dong Wenxue could finish explaining his other reasons, Li Xuewu said calmly, "He doesn't treat sales work as business work; he's in management."
"Yes, yes, I thought of that too."
Dong Wenxue has always had a good temper; he is very understanding when his students are dissatisfied or lose their temper.
Although Li Xuewu's temper wasn't directed at him, if it were anyone else, they would have been upset long ago for being so disrespectful. Dong Wenxue, however, was able to accept it.
"He explained to me that it was the opinion that Wang Qiong, the deputy general manager of the car sales branch, mentioned in a speech last month."
Dong Wenxue said in a calm tone, "If his subordinates have problems, he has to solve them. You also have to allow them to make mistakes and give them a chance to correct them."
"After all, you're now in charge of business operations. How embarrassing would it be if your subordinates made mistakes in the future?"
"He does know how to get people to plead on his behalf."
Li Xuewu chuckled and said with slight dissatisfaction, "Given this kind of chaotic command, it would be too lenient not to give him a company-wide reprimand."
"Forget it, it's not easy for anyone."
Dong Wenxue was clearly smoking. He blew out the ash and said, "At the end of this year, all the branch managers have to submit their reports. If he gets a disciplinary action and falls behind by a rank, he'll be crying his eyes out. You wouldn't feel good about that, would you?"
"Let's remember this reprimand for now."
Li Xuewu also agreed with Dong Wenxue's opinion. The big test will be held at the end of this year, and the group will be formally established at the beginning of next year. At that time, all the branch managers will have to pass the test.
Needless to say, everyone compares their grades. Those who pass can jump over the dragon gate, while those who fail will stay where they are or make way for the good ones.
Even in the process of leaping over the dragon gate, there are distinctions of rank and status. If everyone's shoulders are level, what will we be competing on then?
Comparing honors above and punishments below, the honors are about the same, but Zhuang Cangshu is going to get a punishment, and he might not even be able to pass the Dragon Gate.
Do you think the Dragon Gate event happens every year?
This is the only time Hongxing Factory will have this opportunity to become Hongxing Steel Group; there won't be another chance like this.
What is Zhuang Cangshu afraid of? This is exactly what he fears.
If Li Xuewu were to say something like that to him at the meeting, then he could forget about making any progress.
The group company has several independently operating headquarters, and the sales headquarters is the easiest to achieve results among all the headquarters and units.
If it weren't for Li Xuewu and Jing Yunong's affirmation back then, he really wouldn't have gotten to where he is today.
He wasn't one of Lao Li's men; he was promoted and appointed by Jing Yunong later, and he had a lot of influence with Li Xuewu.
Given his qualifications, he's not even in a good position at the sales headquarters.
“Tell him that he has been gone for more than a year and if he still can’t control the situation, then let’s replace him.”
Li Xuewu said in a deliberately serious tone, "I'll find him a job in a company with few branch offices."
“Hehehe—” Dong Wenxue smiled and glanced at Zhuang Cangshu, who was sitting opposite him with a tense expression. He nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll talk to him, but don’t scare him. I think he’s doing a pretty good job in sales.”
"What gifts did you receive from him that you're so protective of him?" Li Xuewu joked. "If he had used that ability in sales, he wouldn't still be unable to manage the branch offices."
Dong Wenxue raised his eyebrows, looked at Zhuang Cangshu who looked ashamed and embarrassed, said a few words to Li Xuewu and then hung up the phone, while also stubbing out the cigarette in his hand.
"He's not just giving me face; he trusts you a lot and supports your work."
"Yes, I understand, it was my fault."
Zhuang Cangshu nodded with shame and said, "Having many branch offices is not an excuse. I will definitely strengthen discipline, management, and business when I get back."
"You heard what the Secretary-General just said."
Dong Wenxue tapped the table with his finger and said seriously, "He's one of the top business leaders in the entire group. Do you respect what he says?"
"I admit it, I admit it." Zhuang Cangshu nodded repeatedly.
He was truly impressed. Li Xuewu was originally a security officer, but his abilities in other areas of work had been tested by time and the organization.
Without solid business achievements, would the higher-ups have allowed him to serve as the group's secretary-general? Would they have tacitly approved his appointment to Liaodong to oversee the management of the group's industrial enterprises?
"If he says your professional skills are lacking, then no matter how many nice things others say to you, it won't help."
Dong Wenxue pointed at him and reminded him, "You agree with this statement, as do Director Li and other leaders, so you can figure out how to proceed yourself."
***
Can Li Xuewu truly be farsighted and have perfect strategies in his work?
To put it simply, they have yet to suffer a defeat.
Why is it that Director Li, a man so suspicious, has become increasingly afraid of Li Xuewu's rapid growth in recent years, yet also increasingly reliant on Li Xuewu's assistance and support?
Li Huaide himself lacked the expertise in business operations, logistics, and service, and he didn't give unsolicited instructions.
But he has his own judgment and management thinking, and he has a very firm grasp on personnel and organizational work.
In early July, a decision was made regarding the relevant policy requirements, and all branches of the group were notified to actively prepare to respond to the call and make preparations for organizational development. In mid-July, after the first-level document was issued, implementation began.
Organizational development work was carried out across the entire group, and a procedural screening process was conducted for organizational members.
The steps and format are as announced at the beginning of the month: the selection process is based on individual applications, public evaluation, and organizational approval, and is conducted through job performance evaluations and public recommendations.
This is really dramatic.
Old Li's work style used to be different; he would keep organizational work separate from business operations.
This is the first time that organizational skills have been assessed in conjunction with professional competence.
The word has already been leaked, everyone has discussed it and expressed their doubts, and they're just waiting for Director Li to come to his senses and cancel the decision.
Who would have thought that the original notice would be followed!
"Director Li is getting more and more sensitive."
Yang Zongfang and Li Haiyang discussed work in Li Xuewu's office. When they finished, it was almost time to leave work, so neither of them was in a hurry to leave. They sat on the sofa, chatting, sipping good tea, and smoking cigarettes.
"I was just thinking a few days ago about how to combine organizational work with business work in the assessment."
He looked at Li Xuewu and said with a smile, "As a result, Director Li pulled this trick on us."
“That’s called strategic planning and winning battles from afar,” Li Xuewu said with a smile, glancing at Li Haiyang. He picked up his teacup and said, “What do you think, Comrade Haiyang?”
"I also think Director Li is being a bit too sensitive."
Li Haiyang is Li Huaide's secretary. The three of them sat together discussing Li Huaide, and he was under the most pressure.
Tell me, when Li Xuewu and Yang Zongfang spoke ill of Director Li, did he listen or not?
I have two considerations: should I tell Director Li or not?
No matter what you say, it won't please anyone.
What if they don't listen?
Don't worry, you won't get anything out of it.
He doesn't listen to these words. If someone tells Director Li later, Director Li will suspect that he listened but didn't report it.
So he decided to remain untainted by the mud, since neither of them had said anything bad about Director Li.
It's almost time to get off work, let's sit together and chat for a bit.
"However, the article that Director Li published in the United Industries News is worth studying and reflecting on."
Li Haiyang leaned forward, flicked some ash from his cigarette in the ashtray, and looked at the two men, saying, "I think this reflects Director Li's thoughts and ideas on future organizational work."
"What references and suggestions did you provide?"
Hearing Li Haiyang say this, Yang Zongfang became serious, because he knew that Li Xuewu had drafted the key documents for the group's important organizational and business operations.
Even if Li Xuewu didn't draft it himself, he must have reviewed and approved it. It's impossible for such an important document to be released without going through Li Xuewu's hands.
Director Li has a habit when reading documents; if others don't know, how could Li Haiyang not know?
Even if the supervisor has the opinion and signature, it is not acceptable without the secretary-general's opinion and signature.
Li Huaide was particularly cautious with important documents, especially those concerning business project initiation and cooperation negotiations.
"No, I just saw it too."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and looked at Li Haiyang, saying, "I thought you wrote it."
"You flatter me too much. I don't have that level of skill at all—" Li Haiyang clearly knew who wrote it, and his smile was quite awkward at this moment. "You know my writing style and skill, so please don't belittle me."
"After three days of observation, one should look at them with new eyes."
Li Xuewu smiled and nodded, saying, "That's interesting. You can go back and learn from it."
He then looked at Yang Zongfang and said, "Director Li means that the organizational development work should begin at the Academy of Sciences."
"Starting from the research institute?" Yang Zongfang asked in surprise, "What's going on here now?"
"This is called 'courtesy first, then force'—"
Li Xuewu nudged him, reminding him to watch his language. Li Haiyang was here; jokes were fine, but he shouldn't blurt things out.
He had thought it through. If Li Haiyang wanted to establish himself in the metallurgical plant and make achievements in Liaodong industry, he had to completely abandon his past glory and start from scratch.
But who can guarantee that's what he really thinks? What if he's looking for a shortcut?
Is it not uncommon in government offices to treat colleagues as stepping stones?
"I think Director Li is trying to set off a wave of integrity in the Academy of Sciences."
Li Xuewu took a sip of warm tea and said, "If the organizational development of the research institute is done well, then the next step is to promote organizational cadres from the research institute."
"Are those involved in technology and academia more focused on pure research?"
The reason Yang Zongfang was able to become Li Xuewu's executive vice president was because he could keep up with Li Xuewu's thought process and fully understand the meaning of his words.
“If we consider it simply from a work mindset perspective, I think this is also a solution.”
Li Xuewu smiled, raised his hand and gently patted his knee, saying, "Is this a stereotype?"
"What? A bookworm?"
Yang Zongfang asked this question, and then laughed at himself, saying that Li Xuewu was right.
Li Haiyang laughed along. He didn't speak because he couldn't get a word in edgewise, but because he was afraid of saying the wrong thing.
He is still young, and his current position as a deputy in the metallurgical plant is mainly for learning and gaining experience.
When Director Li asked him where he wanted to train, the first thing that came to his mind was the Steel City Metallurgical Plant.
His decision to step down at this time was correct. With Director Li's support, he can take advantage of the favorable conditions, overcome obstacles, and go further.
Coming to the metallurgical plant also allows me to learn more from the secretary-general. This close working relationship is the fastest way to grow.
He listened carefully to their conversation, analyzing their speaking habits and styles.
Li Haiyang's father was originally the deputy head of the finance department, and later transferred to a tertiary industry unit, where he is now working for a labor service company.
No matter how many times I'm transferred, I'm still stuck in the same job title; it's like I can't escape this cycle.
why?
Li Haiyang's father knew it, and Li Haiyang knew it too, especially since his current rank was higher than his father's, so he could better understand the meaning of the "curse of middle-aged cadres".
Those who can sit in this office chatting and laughing are the ones who escaped the curse long ago.
Either someone lends a hand, or someone gives you a push, but in the end it all comes down to your own efforts.
Li Haiyang has had people pulling him along and pushing him forward, and he has also worked hard himself; otherwise, he wouldn't have achieved what he has today.
The three of them were about to leave the office together when Yang Zongfang was called away by Zhang Jing.
Are you still used to being addressed as I am now?
Li Xuewu smiled and glanced at Li Haiyang, who was walking beside him, slightly slower than him.
What are this young man's greatest abilities and strengths? What qualities does he possess that make him worthy of Old Li's five-year tenure?
The answer is knowing how to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Perhaps influenced by his father from a young age, he had "foresight" in his work, rarely made mistakes, and was even more fortunate to soar to great heights with Li Huaide.
Do you think anyone still cares who Yang Yuansong and Yang Fengshan's secretaries are?
The former chief secretary and second secretary have both become junior secretaries.
That's luck. Li Haiyang is not lacking in luck; he has had an extremely smooth life over the years, but he has never dared to say that he has had a smooth life.
"You mean organizational restructuring?"
Li Haiyang glanced at Li Xuewu's profile and nodded in reply, "It's alright, there's not much difference."
"It's nothing more than being called General Manager, Manager, or Deputy Manager." He shook his head slightly and said, "Actually, I used to envy those titles."
"Hmm? What are you envious of?" Li Xuewu looked at him with amusement and asked, "Are there nice and bad ways to address someone?"
"It's actually a sensory meaning."
Li Haiyang smiled and explained, "After all, there are very few companies, and very few people are called general managers. Things are valued for their rarity, so I think this title is quite unusual."
Are there still titles like "General Manager" and "Manager" in this era?
Of course there is, otherwise how would we translate it?
Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, there have always been companies, and their names have continued the old format.
General Manager, Deputy General Manager, etc.
Of course, there's no chairman or president anymore; those titles alone sound prestigious enough.
In China, the highest-ranking manager in a company is called the general manager, but there are many other positions within the organization, and you can't even tell which director is more senior.
"I thought you were going to say that this is a manifestation of progress, a symbol of modernization and advancement."
Li Xuewu said jokingly as he walked, "To a certain extent, I hope that Hongxing Factory will evolve into a group enterprise in both form and spirit."
You mean—
Li Haiyang paused for a moment, then asked, "In the past three years, the group's progress and changes have only taken on the appearance of a group company in form?"
"Do you know what a large corporation should look like? Like Factory No. 17?"
Li Xuewu glanced back at him, smiled, and said, "No investigation, no right to speak. You can research this topic, and we can discuss it later."
“Okay, Secretary-General.” Li Haiyang agreed readily, smiling as he saw him to the car door, saying, “I’ll study the materials as soon as I get home and give you the answer as soon as possible.”
"Youth is the reason to strive and learn."
Li Xuewu patted his arm and let Yu Zhe open the car door and get into the car.
Li Haiyang stood there and watched Li Xuewu's car leave before getting into his own.
What exactly is a group company?
This question is both too simple and too profound. Does the Secretary-General not consider the Red Star Steel Group, which he is already proud of, to be a proper, modern, and absolutely competitive conglomerate?
In the Secretary-General's mind, what kind of company truly qualifies as a group enterprise?
-
"Are you really going to live in the capital?"
Mai Qinglan still couldn't quite believe that Zhou Yamei would make such a choice.
Zhou Yamei was quite composed; after talking with Li Xuewu, she felt much better.
"Your luggage is all packed. Do you think I'm joking with you?"
She smiled and took Mai Qinglan's hand, saying, "Why are you looking at me like that? It's not like I'm not coming back. I'll be back every two weeks from now on."
"So you'll be working in the capital from now on?"
Mai Qinglan frowned and asked softly, "Can Li Wenbiao come back from Hong Kong?"
"You'll have to ask him, or ask your Brother Li," Zhou Yamei said, finding the question difficult to answer.
Her status and position at the recycling center were not sufficient to make such a reference or decision.
"That means they can't come back."
Mai Qinglan wasn't exactly disappointed, because her momentary guess didn't bring her much joy either.
"Who will replace you?" she asked, opening her eyes wide. "I mean, who will take over your job in Steel City?"
They were all family, so of course she knew that Zhou Yamei had taken over Li Wenbiao's work in the steel city. Now that Zhou Yamei was going to Beijing, someone else would naturally take her place.
“Wen Hanze will be coming to work in Gangcheng.” Zhou Yamei nodded and explained, “My work will not be handed over for the time being. This trip to Beijing also has the purpose of exchange.”
What's there to talk about with a bunch of junk collectors?
Those who are just watching the spectacle might say that, but Mai Qinglan, who was actually involved in this process, would not think so.
Her current comfortable life is the result of what Li Wenbiao and his brothers, including Li Xuewu, earned through the recycling station.
Besides, can you honestly say that the current recycling stations are legitimate recycling stations?
"Are you bringing that child back to Beijing too?"
Mai Qinglan gestured to Bang Geng, who was sitting on the sofa with Fu Zhidong on either side of Li Xuewu as he read, and asked, "He's been away for half a year now, he must be homesick."
"On the contrary, he doesn't go home."
Zhou Yamei shook her head helplessly and said, "He will stay in Steel City and live with your brother Li."
"Them? Two of them?" Mai Qinglan's eyes widened with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "How do they live?"
Do you doubt they'll starve to death?
Zhou Yamei patted her with amusement and said, "Two grown women, Banggeng is already fourteen, how could she have starved to death?"
“I doubt how they do housework.” Mai Qinglan asked with amusement, “Does Bang Geng do the housework? He’s no lazier than Brother Li.”
"There will be a way." Zhou Yamei glanced at the three people on the sofa with a mix of helplessness and amusement, then turned to Mai Qinglan and asked, "Have your parents come to Gangcheng?"
“Yes, my dad stayed here for a week and then went back to Beijing.” Mai Qinglan smiled helplessly and said, “He said he had work to do.”
"Men are always reluctant to stop and wait for women, and even less willing to spend time looking at the scenery along the way."
Zhou Yamei always spoke with a touch of bourgeois sentimentality, which was one of the reasons why Mai Qinglan enjoyed being around her.
When she was a teenager, her family was well-off, and since she was their only daughter, she naturally lived a life of luxury.
Remember this: as long as the country is prosperous and the people are at peace, and society is stable, artists will always make money faster and more than ordinary people.
why?
This is a principle that can only be explained by economics and sociology.
When she was young, Mai Qinglan longed for a petit-bourgeois lifestyle. Now that she has seen the living example of the petit-bourgeoisie, she naturally yearns for it.
Of course, Zhou Yamei is not the kind of scheming, bourgeois type, nor is she the kind of pretentious, affected, and affected bitch.
She is the kind of virtuous woman who can grace a formal occasion and cook a delicious meal, and also the kind of intelligent woman who can engage in deep conversation, possess maturity and wisdom, and resonate with you on a spiritual level.
She was both virtuous and intelligent, received an aristocratic education from a young age, and spent her youth in luxury. What else could she be but a typical petit bourgeois?
The bourgeois charm she exudes is natural and attractive.
See? Even a seasoned womanizer like Li Xuewu was attracted to her. Can you say she wasn't attractive?
"Never believe a man's promises."
Mai Qinglan, also speaking from the heart, puffed out her cheeks slightly and said, "Never expect a man to keep his promises; Li Wenbiao is such a person."
He seemed afraid that Zhou Yamei would misunderstand, that Li Xuewu would notice the commotion, and that her words would cause unnecessary misunderstandings between the two of them. So, at the end of his reflection, he added a brief explanation.
That refers to Li Wenbiao—
"Hahaha—" Zhou Yamei laughed heartily, then looked at Mai Qinglan and said, "When he comes back, you should give him a good talking to."
"Let's have another one. One child is too lonely." She whispered in Mai Qinglan's ear, "Men still prefer boys."
"Is there a throne in the family to inherit?"
Mai Qinglan looked at the sofa with amusement. She hadn't brought her daughter today, since she was here to see Zhou Yamei off, and bringing Hu Niu would have been too noisy.
"Who says women are inferior to men? The very act of saying that acknowledges that it is a phenomenon."
Zhou Yamei looked at Mai Qinglan and said, "You must have a little man and raise him well. He will grow up when you really need him and give you a surprising and brilliant performance."
“I believe Fu Zhidong will be such a good kid.” Mai Qinglan nodded in agreement.
***
What is Fu Zhidong, the good kid, doing?
He begged his uncle not to let him go, but to let him stay in Steel City.
His mother had already explained to him that the two of them were going to live in the capital, where he would continue his studies and would be in the third grade in the second half of the year.
My mother also needs to work in Beijing, where they will have a warm and loving home.
Even if Uncle Wu's home is cozy, he can't bear to leave it; he wants to stay in Steel City.
"Uncle Wu, why don't you talk to my mother about it?"
Children often naively misinterpret conflicts; he thought his mother took him to the capital for work.
Actually?
It was Zhou Yamei's careful consideration of her son's physical and mental health and safety that made it too dangerous for Li Xuewu to be around.
Do you think she was lying when she told Li Xuewu that someone was following her? Then why did Han Zhan arrange for someone to protect her?
Fu Haibo offended many people over the years, and now he can't be found. The idea that one shouldn't harm family members isn't something all gangsters believe in.
She has always lived a low-key life and never competed with others, but she couldn't withstand Li Xuewu's enormous influence, and many people's attention was focused on her home.
She had no choice but to leave; if she didn't, she would never escape Li Xuewu's grasp.
She is a psychologist who can see through people's hearts in order to heal and save lives. Li Xuewu has the same ability, but he doesn't have the benevolence of a doctor. He is a schemer.
In mid-July, Zhou Yamei wiped away every trace of her and her son in her home, as if she had never lived there before. Then, she resolutely got into Li Xuewu's car and headed straight for the train station.
Even when she went to the capital, she was escorted by someone, so Zhou Yamei's worries were definitely not unfounded.
Before boarding the train, Fu Zhidong cried his heart out. He was a little resentful that Uncle Wu didn't speak up for him or try to stop him. He ran to the carriage by himself.
Zhou Yamei glanced at his expression somewhat awkwardly; the man was as warm and sunny as ever.
"I made too much breakfast, you can save it for lunch."
"Why don't you make two weeks' worth? That way we won't have to go out to eat."
Li Xuewu twitched the corner of his mouth. How could he not know Zhou Yamei's little scheme? He had never made more than one breakfast before.
"Shall I bake you a big pancake?"
Zhou Yamei was amused by him and told a joke about her mentally challenged son starving to death. After the joke, the smile on her face gradually disappeared, and she suddenly hugged Li Xuewu on impulse.
Before Li Xuewu could react, she had already turned around and jogged onto the train, leaving Li Xuewu standing on the platform, being stared at with strange looks by the passing passengers.
These days, it's rare to see such uninhibited couples; you can hardly find lovers holding hands on the street.
However, this is a train station, and any intimate behavior at the moment of parting will be forgiven. I'm just a little curious.
Li Xuewu didn't give them a chance to be curious. Right after the train left, he went home from the platform.
Today is Sunday, he is off.
***
"Uncle Wu..." Bang Geng hesitated whether to wake him up, but he was really hungry.
"What are you doing?" Li Xuewu remained motionless, lying on the sofa with his eyes slightly narrowed as he rinsed his mouth.
Zhou Yamei and Fu Zhidong left. They didn't go to buy groceries or go to school; they really left.
The house suddenly felt empty, and both Banggeng and he felt a little out of place.
To alleviate this discomfort, he chose to take a nap on the sofa.
As a result, he slept quite soundly, and when Banggeng looked at the time on the wall, it was already two o'clock in the afternoon.
City dwellers, has anyone noticed the difference between sleeping until 1 pm and sleeping until 2 pm?
Perhaps it's rare; everyone is in a hurry and busy, so when they get the chance, they naturally try to sleep as much as possible.
Even after waking up, they don't want to get out of bed and just stay in bed.
But children are thoughtful and observant, and few can sleep until 2 p.m. The slow pace of modern life allows people to get enough sleep, so you feel that time is moving slowly.
A 20-minute rest at noon is enough to relieve the fatigue of the morning, and you will be full of energy again in the afternoon.
Think about it, how far away is the word "spirited" from you? How long has it been since you felt as energetic as you did when you were a child?
Li Xuewu is searching for this kind of focus. Lying on the sofa, he raises his hand, and dust flies in the sunlight, passing through his fingers, just like time slowly flowing.
"I'm hungry—" Banggeng replied weakly, "I'm really hungry."
He ate a lot in the morning, but that didn't stop him from being hungry when he woke up from his afternoon nap.
Actually, he had been hungry for a while, since 11 o'clock. But after he told Uncle Wu, Uncle Wu told him to take a nap and he wouldn't be hungry anymore.
Listen to what he's saying, ah, how reasonable it is.
He was very obedient, and he wasn't hungry when he went to sleep, but when he woke up he was starving!
"What would you like to eat?" Li Xuewu said lazily, "I'm still very sleepy."
"How about we have breakfast?"
Banggeng was at his wit's end and couldn't think of anything to eat, so he could only suggest what Aunt Zhou had told him before she left.
But to his surprise, his Uncle Wu was already waiting for him: "Alright, you're in charge of this house now. Go heat up some breakfast."
"Oh, okay." Bang Geng obeyed him unconditionally, and more importantly, Uncle Wu said that he was now in charge of the family, which made him a little happy.
So Bang Geng didn't find heating up the food very difficult.
Not only did he not feel tired, he also felt very happy. The two old men depended on each other for survival. He had the skills taught by Uncle Sha, so naturally he had to take care of Uncle Wu, who didn't know anything.
A sense of responsibility and pride welled up within him, and he worked with even more vigor, even humming a song.
Li Xuewu sat up from the sofa, listening to the merriment coming from the kitchen, and found it amusing.
When he shuffled to the kitchen door in his slippers, Banggeng had already prepared the meal.
"Yes, that's really well done."
Li Xuewu sat lazily at the dining table, nodded to Banggeng who was waiting for his praise, and said, "I don't know how I would live without you."
"Uncle Wu, you don't need to worry about housework anymore, I'll take care of it all!"
Bang Geng was so excited; Uncle Wu's trust and reliance on him was the greatest support and encouragement for him.
He spoke with great confidence when he got excited.
Li Xuewu hesitated for a moment, then looked at Banggeng and asked, "Isn't this... a bit inappropriate?"
"It's okay, I'm fourteen now, I can do all kinds of housework, Aunt Zhou taught me."
Banggeng was afraid that Uncle Wu would doubt his professional skills, so he assured him, "Really, I've also learned some skills from Uncle Sha, so cooking is no problem for me."
"Then...what about doing laundry?"
Li Xuewu feigned doubt and asked, "You probably don't know this, do you? You couldn't possibly be that knowledgeable."
"Of course I will!" Bang Geng exclaimed anxiously. How could Uncle Wu doubt his loyalty!
"Don't worry, I'll take care of all the laundry from now on, so you won't have to worry about it—"
"Oh, wow, you're so amazing."
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "How come I didn't know that before? Wow, that's really comprehensive!"
"Of course!" The gullible guy stood up from his seat, gestured towards the stove, and asked, "Shall I show you a couple of cooking tricks now?"
"Okay, okay, okay—"
Li Xuewu chuckled and patted Big Face Cat's shoulder, signaling him to eat properly.
He felt a little guilty for trying to fool this kid; he's such a good kid.
Of course, Li Xuewu was just joking when he asked him to cook and do laundry; he's not without hands and feet.
The real reason he decided to live here was that he needed a living environment away from work.
Zhou Yamei thought that Li Xuewu and Banggeng would be unable to live after she left, but in fact, the opposite was true.
After finishing what felt like an afternoon meal, Li Xuewu felt a bit more energetic and went out with Banggeng.
"I'm full now—" Banggeng looked at his little belly with some reluctance, then looked up at Uncle Wu.
Li Xuewu glanced at him too. What did this kid mean?
So they're afraid they won't have another meal after this one, so they don't want to go out and try to survive on this meal for a little longer?
"Want to eat and drink the finest food?"
He patted Big Face Cat on the shoulder and asked seriously, "If you want, just nod."
Bang Geng was practically shaking his chubby face into waves; he was so eager to eat and drink the finest food.
"Uncle Wu, where are we going?"
He asked excitedly, "Are we going to a restaurant?"
"Eating out is so boring, and besides, their food isn't very good either; it all tastes like soy sauce."
Li Xuewu strolled down the street with his hands behind his back, with Banggeng following behind him like a little follower.
Those who knew them would think they were just casually strolling around after dinner, but those who didn't would have thought the father and son had been kicked out of the house by their wives.
The main thing was that Bang Geng's figure looked somewhat desolate and gloomy; he was prepared to go hungry for three days and five meals a day with Uncle Wu.
The two walked one after the other for about half an hour. Bang Geng had almost finished digesting the food from his lunch, and saw that Uncle Wu ahead of them showed no signs of stopping.
"Uncle Wu, where are we going?"
He chased after him with all his might, and asked curiously, "You're not thinking of selling me out so you can live a life of luxury, are you?"
"Don't worry, young master. With your size, I don't think anyone in the whole Steel City would dare to buy you."
Li Xuewu continued walking leisurely forward with his hands behind his back, saying, "You can eat two days' worth of food in one meal. In any family, that would starve the whole family."
Bang Geng is particularly insecure when it comes to eating, and he knows he's eaten too much.
"But I'm just hungry—"
"You're hungry again so soon after you finished eating."
Li Xuewu glared at him with displeasure and said, "Wait a minute! We'll be there soon!"
Bang Geng continued walking forward, frightened by him, until the market was bustling. Only then did he realize that Uncle Wu had brought him out to find food, rather than selling him for food.
"Where is this?" When they arrived at the entrance of a restaurant with four signs, Banggeng noticed that Uncle Wu had stopped and was looking at the storefront.
“An old friend.” Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and strode inside with his staff.
Banggeng didn't quite understand his explanation, but he knew this was a restaurant, so he just had to eat.
Perfect timing! They'd been walking for quite a while, and the lunch they'd eaten in the afternoon—which was basically a copy of breakfast—had been completely digested. Looking at the sky, it was time for dinner.
He didn't understand either; he was just stunned and didn't know where he was. He just followed along and kept going.
"One serving of pickled cabbage and pork belly, plus blood sausage, another serving of spicy pork intestines, and two bowls of rice."
Li Xuewu ordered the food based on his memories, and then turned back to look at Big Face Cat and asked, "What do you want to eat?"
"Anything is fine, as long as it fills us up."
Banggeng sat down next to the chair, looking on expectantly, and said, "Bring two bowls of rice first, I'll have something to eat first."
"See that? The bottomless pit is coming."
Li Xuewu smiled and said to the waiter, "Bring two more vegetable dishes, whatever you like, it's fine with me."
The waiter looked at the strange couple; they seemed a bit unwell.
But looking at the tickets and money in his hand, he regained a little confidence. This person will definitely leave after eating, right?
She was providing normal service, but when she returned to the front desk with the menu, she noticed that the manager was acting strangely.
She's usually called the manager, but the shop actually belongs to the owner's wife; you can open a business just by having connections.
"Manager, that table of guests has ordered."
"Oh? Oh, okay, let's order."
The woman took the menu with trembling hands, and the names of the first two dishes completely overwhelmed her.
"Go...go call Shengzi..."
(End of this chapter)