dognovel Chapter 1376 Liaodong, Steel City
Chapter 1376 Liaodong, Steel City
Chapter 1376 Liaodong, Steel City
This year's Lunar New Year is a bit late, with Lunar New Year's Eve on February 16th and the Spring Festival on the 17th. However, it's less than a month away from the New Year, so this is already considered the end of the year.
Li Xuewu is busy every year at this time, so busy that he's constantly on the go, working inside and out until after the New Year.
This year is even busier, with work-related social obligations, year-end summaries, and new year plans. I also have to think about my parents and in-laws back home, and make sure everything is settled before I leave.
Fortunately, his parents are not old. Although they have a grandmother and grandfather on their mother's side, they are both in good health and he doesn't have to worry about them.
Then there's her own little family. Because of Gu Ning's personality, Li Xuewu both trusts and worries about her.
There's no need to worry about Gu Ning causing trouble; the real concern is that others might provoke her or bully her without her even realizing it.
Especially when she's away from home, Gu Ning definitely doesn't want to worry him, so she always keeps her grievances to herself.
Being home alone with no one to talk to, how could he not worry?
Finally, there's the younger one. Li Ning will only be two years old after the New Year, a sensitive period for rules, an age when he's curious about everything. If you can control him, then you can control him; if you can't, he'll be a little rascal.
Despite her mischievous nature, Li Shu grew up under the loving care and guidance of Gu Ning and her husband. While mischievous, she wasn't reckless; she loved to play but also knew how to control herself.
Both the older and younger siblings are at a stage where they need their father's love and companionship. If he leaves, it's likely that the big devil will lead the little bandits, and the two siblings will truly become mountain kings.
There's no use in being anxious about children's affairs, because you can't explain things to them. All you can do is make more arrangements and preparations.
The reason we sent Li Shu to kindergarten was to regulate her behavior and life; now she has learned to take care of herself.
The reason for hiring a tutor for Li Shu is to cultivate her interests and hobbies, and to increase her happiness when her father's love is waning.
The reason for arranging for Zhao Yaping to live in the family was to set an example for Li Shu.
Zhao Yaping comes from the countryside and possesses excellent qualities such as simplicity, naturalness, perseverance, and courage, which can neutralize Li Shu's domineering nature.
The reason why Li Shu is so naughty at home is because she is the eldest and the queen among the children.
When they were in the courtyard house, with a leader like Bang Geng around, Li Shu was quite reserved.
The thirteen-year-old girl lives at home and can have a positive influence on her studies and take the initiative to help in her daily life.
Li Xuewu's love for his daughter is comprehensive and multifaceted. Given this level of care for his daughter, it's easy to see why Li Ning, who always looks up to his older sister, is also so devoted to her.
Li Ning didn't actually have much status at home. Although his older sister, Li Shu, wasn't raised by Li Xuewu and Gu Ning themselves, the couple took her home to live with them after she turned one year old.
Li Xuewu and his wife poured a lot of love and energy into their eldest child, so they seemed quite at ease when it came to raising their own. However, this ease appeared somewhat relaxed.
When their first child, Li Shu, fell or got a small cut, the couple would frown and worry. But with Li Ning, it was normal; they knew nothing serious would happen.
So little Li Ning knew all too well his place in the family. If he fell, his parents would tell him to get up on his own, while his sister would stand by and clap and cheer him on.
Therefore, Li Ning appears to be much stronger than anyone imagined in this family, and even a bit cunning.
He's not even two years old yet, but he can already learn to be cunning like his older sister. He keeps an eye on what she's doing, either copying her or acting innocent after getting something for nothing.
Gu Ning was also curious. Li Shu's precociousness might be due to her mixed race, but what about Li Ning's early intelligence?
She didn't want a genius to emerge from her family. She never showed excessive affection to her two children, but she also didn't want them to bear too much pressure as they grew up.
Being a genius is a good thing for some people, but it's not necessary for a family like theirs.
Gu Ning wasn't a believer in bloodline theory, but she was confident that she and Li Xuewu could support their family and give their children a carefree and happy childhood. If a genius really emerged, the whole family would be in constant turmoil, with everyone revolving around and serving the "genius."
Fortunately, Li Xuewu, a "semi" parenting expert, explained this psychological phenomenon to her, saying that the second child was imitating the older sister.
Children are more inclined to imitate other children, so the second child showed great intelligence, almost like a precocious child.
In fact, Li Xuewu thought his daughter was merely clever, not a genius.
At least for now, it can be confirmed that Li Shu does not have a talent for painting, nor does she have a strong talent for music, although she could doodle with crayons when she was a child and was exposed to piano music with her mother.
But you know your own child best; there's no need to exaggerate or deceive yourself. As long as your child is a good child, that's enough.
Besides arranging things for the elderly and the young, Gu Ning also had to manage his interpersonal relationships at work and take care of family matters like his brother-in-law's upcoming wedding. He didn't have to be in charge of specific business, but he couldn't completely ignore it either; he always had to put in the effort to inquire and show concern.
My father-in-law's family is coming back after the New Year to hold their wedding. Will this cause any complicated situations during this sensitive period?
Never underestimate the upheavals of this era; they can truly have far-reaching consequences.
The father-in-law and mother-in-law said they were coming back to hold a wedding for their son, but others thought they were just trying to find out if Gu Haitao had any other intentions, or if he was restless and wanted to come out of retirement.
At this point, everyone is already in their own positions. If his father-in-law, with his experience and status, were to return to public life, it could potentially affect the progress of others, inevitably attracting criticism and attacks.
Therefore, as the son-in-law of the Gu family, he had to make more preparations for this matter and share the burden with his father-in-law.
The more he does, the more attention he attracts, making the matter of his father-in-law returning to the capital even more complicated.
In any case, it's all a matter of making the real seem real and the unreal seem real. As long as the wedding is done, the elderly couple will immediately return to Jinling.
Even if these people have any ideas, as long as the father-in-law takes three months of sick leave, the impact will be eliminated.
Some people might ask, "Why not skip the wedding ceremony and just have the young couple get their marriage certificate, then go to Nanjing for a family visit and a few days of travel? Wouldn't that be more appropriate?"
It’s not suitable, it’s really not suitable.
Although revolutionary love was valued in this era, formal marriage was also important. The Gu family was not a lowly family, nor had they engaged in any shady dealings. If they were to be so low-key, people would suspect that Gu Haitao was up to something.
What's the hardest thing to predict? It's the human heart.
Gu Haitao must come back, come back openly and leave openly, so as to silence some people and allow things to quiet down for a few more years.
Li Xuewu had already told his father-in-law the truth: strong winds don't blow all winter, let alone winters that last a hundred years.
It's never too late to join the revolutionary cause if you have ambition. If the road ahead is shrouded in mist, it's better to stop and take a look.
His godfather, Zheng Shusen, also said the same thing.
***
"I really want to retire."
Zheng Shusen was overjoyed when his godson came to visit him. There were no other people in the living room, just him and his wife.
This is something you can't say to others, not even to your own son, but you don't need to hide it from your godson.
Li Xuewu's development had long exceeded Zheng Shusen's expectations, and he never imagined that his godson would rise even higher this year.
He had known for a long time that Li Xuewu might be going to work in Liaodong, and he had wanted to invite him to his home for a chat.
Although Li Xuewu was right under his nose, and the two of them had little contact at work and saw each other less and less in their personal lives, he was very pleased with his godson's care for the elderly couple, and their concern for their godson was genuine.
What's particularly remarkable is that Li Xuewu, their godson, doesn't get along with their biological children, but these things haven't affected their relationship. Li Xuewu's visits to their home are always voluntary.
Ignoring his wife's reminder, Zheng Shusen gently patted his son's arm and whispered, "He can't get down."
"Life is full of disappointments, eight or nine out of ten." He shook his head slightly and said with distress, "Who doesn't know the saying 'the higher you climb, the colder it gets'? Reaching this point, I truly feel like I'm walking on thin ice—"
"Alright, it's rare for the child to come all this way." Wang Shuhua glared at her husband and said, "Why do you keep bringing this up with him?"
Zheng Shusen ignored the nagging and continued to frown, saying, "Your father-in-law's side planned ahead and dared to 'get sick,' but I don't even dare to 'get sick' now."
"Tsk tsk—" He shook his head and clicked his tongue, "If you really get sick, then just wait to be crushed to pieces. There are ten thousand people waiting to trample on you. Right now, I dare not go up, nor dare I go down."
"Please take good care of yourself too—"
Li Xuewu gently patted his arm and reminded him, "Some things can wait; there's no rush."
"Sigh—I'll just have to endure it—"
Zheng Shusen shook his head helplessly. Although he knew his godson was telling the truth, things could never go as planned.
He is not someone who talks empty words or does nothing but empty deeds; he cannot stand by and watch people's livelihoods and the economy collapse.
So I've done my best, barely managing to keep going. I wouldn't dare call myself a paperhanger, but I'm pretty close.
"I estimate I'll have to work until I'm 55."
He sighed deeply, his gaze towards his wife filled with guilt, realizing he had burdened her with worry.
Wang Shuhua frowned slightly and gently advised, "You're talking about learning martial arts, why are you always thinking about yourself?"
"It's alright, Mom. Dad has something on his mind that he can't say out loud, so he's just telling me." Li Xuewu smiled and comforted him, "Dad is worried about me going to Liaodong."
“He just won’t let go of you.” Wang Shuhua glanced at her husband with feigned displeasure and said, “You’re one to talk. Look up at the sky. How many people are ready to retire at 55?”
"If you're really this stressed, then let's go all out. We can just move south for a few years and consider it our retirement."
She spoke very frankly, but she was actually worried about her husband's health. If he continued like this, even a healthy person would get sick.
"The kids all advise you to take things easy and not take everything so seriously. The more serious you are, the more they'll hold a grudge against you. Someone has to step up and do something, right?"
"Sigh—" Zheng Shusen let out a long sigh and said, "It's easier said than done."
“Then go out more often. We have to give people a chance to work, right?” Li Xuewu suggested with a smile. “How long has it been since you and my godmother took a vacation? Go to Beidaihe for a month after the New Year to relax and unwind. Don’t be so tense.”
"Exactly, would the Earth stop spinning if you were gone?"
Wang Shuhua glared at her husband, then turned to her godson and said, "Your father is a naturally easygoing person, but he was forced into a rut. It's fine if you say it, but if I say it—"
"Alright, go prepare the meal."
Zheng Shusen didn't want to listen to his wife's nagging, so he raised his hand and gestured, saying, "If you're learning martial arts, you shouldn't eat fish. Stew that rabbit instead."
"No, Mom, don't bother, we won't eat here today."
Li Xuewu waved his hand and explained, "We've come from home. The whole family is going to my mom's for dinner tonight."
"Really? Don't pretend!" Wang Shuhua looked at him suspiciously and said, "It's not a loss for you to go hungry."
"Don't worry, why would I pretend with you?"
Li Xuewu smiled and explained, "My older brother's brother-in-law is coming to visit, so I have to keep him here."
"Xuewen's brother-in-law? The one at your factory, right?" Wang Shuhua knew a lot about Li Xuewu's family. Seeing Li Xuewu say this, she nodded and said, "Then come again."
As she spoke, she seemed to remember something, looked at her godson and said, "These past few years, your factory has been the most profitable. Your relative must have caused you a lot of trouble by going around in circles, right?"
"Hehe, it's alright, everything's fine."
Li Xuewu could hear the worry in his godmother's words, and nodded with a smile, saying, "I have a cold face, so people don't bother with me."
"Now that I'm at ease, I mustn't meddle in other people's business—"
Seeing his confident answer, Wang Shuhua felt relieved and nodded, advising him: "Your factory is doing well, and you are a key leader. There must be many people trying to take advantage of you. You must stick to your principles and not trust just anyone."
"Okay, whatever you say." Li Xuewu laughed and said, "You know me well, I hate trouble the most."
"I know, I know, you're just a little monkey!"
Wang Shuhua was extremely satisfied with her godson. Who could resist admiring and liking such a young, promising, and outstanding godson?
"Your group developed very rapidly last year."
Zheng Shusen lit a cigarette, squinted slightly, and said, "Time and time again, you've seized the opportunities so well. Even the higher-ups are saying that doing business and running the economy requires a spirit of braving the waves."
"Actually, just like you right now, we are also feeling extremely uneasy, as if we are walking on thin ice, afraid of making a single wrong step."
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "Otherwise, we would be letting down the people, the organization, and all the workers."
"We can't throw the baby out with the bathwater—"
Zheng Shusen flicked his cigarette ash into the ashtray, glanced at him, and said, "I've heard about the troubles your group went through recently. You handled it very well."
After flicking off the ash, he couldn't help but take another puff of his cigarette before continuing, "I've been working in this quagmire of officialdom for decades, and I dare tell you now that the real winners in the organization have never been the smiling yes-men."
“You’re not a greenhorn either, you should know this principle: those seemingly humble young people are either wolves in sheep’s clothing or sheep pretending to be big wolves.”
"Yes, you are right."
This was truly the first time Li Xuewu had heard his godfather speak so sharply about the conflicts in the workplace and career.
He wouldn't speculate on his godfather's motives for being so frank; the only thing he could think of was that his trip to Liaodong was extremely risky, and his godfather was genuinely worried about him.
We don't want him to miss such a rare opportunity to move from abstract thinking to practical action and truly take on a significant role. At the same time, we don't want him to be framed or encounter setbacks too early, fearing that he might become discouraged and waste his vision and talent.
So to put it bluntly, you need to stimulate your ambition and drive, unlike the reserved and low-key approach you take in government offices.
"You must remember that on this path, the true logic of survival is to accurately grasp the pattern of each tide in the undercurrents, to lie low when you should lie low, and to draw your sword when you should draw your sword."
Zheng Shusen's expression was extremely serious. He pointed at the sofa and lectured Li Xuewu, "I have worked for more than twenty years, and as the main person in charge, I have witnessed the change of eleven leaders."
When Wang Shuhua heard him say that, her gaze sharpened, and she turned her head to look in the direction of the door.
These words could only come from his wife's mouth and enter Li Xuewu's ears; they must never be passed on to a fourth person.
At this moment, Li Xuewu also became serious, straightened his back, and listened attentively to his godfather's words.
"There are only three types of people who can sit back and relax in these key positions," Zheng Shusen said, gesturing with one hand while stubbing out a cigarette. "They are strategists who are adept at political maneuvering, socialites who are skilled at navigating social situations, and ambitious individuals who are good at utilizing resources."
“There’s nothing wrong with the saying that hard work builds a nation.” He pointed at Li Xuewu and said, “But let me tell you, those ‘oxen’ who only know how to bury themselves in hard work have long been sent to units such as archives to revise the annals, or to suburban branches to do trivial work such as statistical reports.”
"Their touted diligence is nothing more than empty words of self-comfort. Would you envy them?"
Zheng Shusen took a puff of his cigarette, flicked the ash into the ashtray, and said, "The promotion standards written in the official documents are just the rules of the game on the surface. The real rules for overcoming challenges are hidden in the rising steam from the ceramic teacups on your desks and settled in the clattering of mahjong tiles."
"I'm not saying this to pollute you or to warn you, but just to tell you not to think about the idea of 'rising from the mud unsullied' or 'being cleansed by the clear water without being seductive,' it's unrealistic."
"Cough cough cough-"
Perhaps he spoke too hastily, or perhaps he was genuinely worried about Li Xuewu, because his tone became somewhat agitated, and he couldn't help but cough.
Wang Shuhua stood up, handed him a cup of hot tea, and then took the half-smoked cigarette butt from his hand and stubbed it out in the ashtray.
Aside from that, she said nothing and silently carried out all of this. If Li Xuewu hadn't reached this point and needed his reminder, he might never have had to go through all this trouble.
But Wang Shuhua also knew that her husband had some regrets, as their two children were not cut out for official careers.
Wouldn't he want to teach his son this way?
He hoped his son would go further and achieve more than him, but his son just wasn't cut out for it.
If his son can reach the level Li Xuewu has achieved today, even if it means risking his reputation, he will protect and support him, helping him take one more step, two more steps, or as many steps as he wants. It would be worth it for him.
No, he still hasn't had the chance to tell his son about the ins and outs of his career, how could he not regret it?
These words should only be spoken to those who are capable and able to grasp these principles; even saying them to one's son would be harmful.
Zheng Shusen complied with his wife's wishes, put away the cigarette butt, took a big gulp of tea, and then continued his story.
"If you don't do anything, you won't achieve anything; if you don't achieve anything, you won't have the ability to improve. But if you do something, you're afraid of making mistakes. The more you're afraid of making mistakes, the more problems will arise, and then you won't be able to do the job."
He softened his tone, tapped the sofa armrest with his fingers, and said to Li Xuewu, "You're not a little kid seeing the sea for the first time, but I still have a few words to tell you."
"First of all, you must have three predictive abilities when entering a new environment." Zheng Shusen frowned slightly as he spoke: "First, you must have policy insight. Don't get caught up in one thing and lose sight of the bigger picture, burying your head in Liaodong without knowing which way the wind is blowing."
He pointed his finger at Li Xuewu's arm and emphasized, "You must always pay attention to important meeting documents and be able to sniff out the current mainstream direction of change, otherwise all the work you do in Liaodong will be in vain."
"Second, one must be aware of interpersonal dynamics."
He narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "You've risen from the Security Department to the Management Committee Office, and now you're the Secretary-General. You should understand the importance of the offices in each department of the group."
"You can't have so-called 'insiders,' otherwise they'll become too powerful to control. But you also can't be without your own people, otherwise you're blind. You need to sense the personnel movements in each office and detect the power restructuring within the organization; that's your biggest weakness."
Zheng Shusen emphasized: "Going to Liaodong and visiting the capital are not contradictory. If you don't have the ability, you should give up the idea of going further as soon as possible and stay in Liaodong honestly."
"Third, you must have the ability to anticipate potential risks." He looked at Li Xuewu and whispered, "These potential risks may come from the group or from the various units you manage."
"If you go to Liaodong to be the top leader, then there are potential minefields in everything you see, both above and below you."
"Please have some water." Li Xuewu handed the teacup to his godfather and replied softly, "I've remembered everything you said."
I know you're in college.
Zheng Shusen took the teacup but didn't drink it right away. Instead, he continued, "But at your level, academic qualifications are just icing on the cake. The core competition lies in other things."
"First, you need to have keen insight. You need to know how to decipher the code of 'superficial appearances'."
He tapped the armrest of the sofa and said to Li Xuewu, "You're familiar with the phrase 'agree in principle,' aren't you?"
“Yes—” Li Xuewu smiled, already understanding the profound meaning in his godfather’s words.
"Everyone wants to be in charge, but once you actually take the lead, you'll know that it's not easy to be in charge."
Zheng Shusen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "After serving as the top leader for several years, the greatest achievement he may have made is simply balancing the interests of various parties, which is still commendable."
He looked at Li Xuewu and said, "When you get to Liaodong, you'll see that there are countless coordination meetings waiting for you to preside over."
“Doing work isn’t like solving a case; I won’t give everyone the blame equally,” Li Xuewu said with a light laugh. “We still need to keep in mind the principle of seeking truth from facts; it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.”
"Then you'll need to have crisis management skills—"
Seeing that Li Xuewu had such courage and ideas, Zheng Shusen was both happy that his godson would not become mediocre, but also worried that he was too strong and easily broken.
So he earnestly said, "This is also the third point I want to remind you of: when public opinion really escalates, should you hand over materials or a handkerchief?"
Li Xuewu nodded silently, also pondering the situation his godfather had mentioned, something he would inevitably encounter after going to Liaodong. He couldn't possibly be both the referee and the goalkeeper.
"You've progressed too fast. Although this path has been bumpy, it seems smooth sailing to others."
Zheng Shusen sighed helplessly and said, "No one can escape the circle of fame and fortune in this life, but there are always things to do and things not to do."
"Everyone sees you as a fast track to a career advancement, and they all want to learn from you and keep an eye on you. You can imagine the pressure you're under."
"Once you're caught up in it, you're not in control of your own destiny."
Li Xuewu knew that what his godfather said was true, but he couldn't escape the Three Realms and couldn't be a Taoist priest.
“There is always some tainted atmosphere in government offices, such as whispering about the leadership in the canteen, commenting on current events with newspapers, and showing curiosity about sensitive changes in perception.”
He shook his head slightly and said with a smile, "But then they exposed their true stance during the democratic evaluation."
"If you can't even stand this filth, then you'll be just like me, busy with work from now on—"
Zheng Shusen couldn't say whether it was good or bad for his godson to do what he did. He placed more hope in Li Xuewu, who was young, had the courage, ability, and energy to cleanse this corrupt atmosphere.
"I did learn some basic skills during my year working in the government office."
Li Xuewu, holding a teacup, looked at his godfather in a joking tone and said, "What I heard was that we need to differentiate between levels and strategies in the art of language."
"When dealing with superiors, you should ask for directions with four parts of your time, report results with three parts, demonstrate your thinking with two parts, and express your loyalty with one part."
"Hahaha—" Zheng Shusen couldn't help but laugh loudly after hearing these words.
He was both angry and amused, feeling that these people had all fallen into the trap of power and were beyond redemption.
"With peers, there should be 50% information exchange, 30% maintaining relationships, and 20% exchange of benefits."
Li Xuewu continued, "For subordinates, it's six parts clear instructions, three parts visionary descriptions, and one part humanistic care."
"Heh—" Zheng Shusen chuckled softly, not to mock anyone, but to reflect on whether he had behaved in this way in his past work.
"I wonder who came up with this." Li Xuewu shook his head with a smile and said, "Just like you said, someone is really watching me and has even put together a set of rules for progress."
"Besides the points mentioned above, what else is there to cultivate hidden competitiveness? You need to be able to summarize the essence of a three-hour meeting in three minutes, and you also need to master the reporting templates that different leaders prefer, including written, chart, and oral versions."
"We must memorize the key words of important instructions from the past five years and establish a database of colleagues' family files, including information on children's placement, elderly people's recuperation, spouses' transfers, etc."
"Are you so desperate for improvement?"
Seeing her husband listening intently, Wang Shuhua frowned slightly and said, "If all the cadres in this government office are like this, wouldn't those who actually do the work be squeezed out?"
Zheng Shusen remained silent because he was thinking that the situations Li Xuewu had raised were definitely not idle talk.
What he was really thinking about was whether the offices of various units and departments in the city government were also so utilitarian.
Li Xuewu did not rush to respond to his godmother's indignation, but continued to explain the theory he had heard in its entirety.
"Some people say that there are five golden windows to seize when doing work. The first is the first 100 days after an important leader takes office, because the leader needs to demonstrate his strength without negating his predecessor."
"Second, on the eve of the launch of major projects, they need to reserve related resources in advance; third, during the period of rumors of institutional reform, they can take the initiative to approach potential departments."
"Fourth, after the regulatory inspection is completed, they can fill the loopholes in the system; fifth, they should seize the opportunity presented by the policy of promoting younger cadres and take advantage of their age advantage."
Ignoring his godfather's increasingly furrowed brows, Li Xuewu continued, "Besides these five golden opportunities, there's also the need to weave a six-dimensional network of relationships."
"One is the liaison officer of the core department, because they are in control of the decision-making process; the second is the key personnel in finance and human resources, who can speed up the approval process."
"Third, we can obtain historical incriminating evidence from senior employees who are nearing retirement; fourth, we can cultivate a loyal team from promising young talents who are just starting their careers."
"Fifth, there are correspondents from higher-level authorities who can seize policy opportunities; sixth, there are family members' social circles, which facilitate the construction of private intelligence stations."
After Li Xuewu finished speaking, Zheng Shusen fell silent, holding his teacup without saying a word for a long time.
He wanted to advise his godson that in the deep sea of the system, he should refuse to be a tourist drifting with the tide, but rather become a submarine that controls the ocean currents. It should be able to lurk in the safe zone three thousand meters below the surface, yet also be able to surface at any time to precisely strike its opponents.
Only after hearing Li Xuewu's words did he realize that his godson's success was no accident.
What is a master?
True masters have long since transformed rules and regulations into protective shields and refined interpersonal relationships into ladders to success.
My godson, Li Xuewu, is a master who is protected by countless amulets and has climbed multiple ladders to the clouds.
-
Before the Lunar New Year, Li Xuewu was busy visiting relatives and friends. Because time was tight, the group issued a notice that he would soon have to go to the steel city to hand over his work.
So, there are relationships with my own family, relationships with Gu Ning's family, and relationships that I have no choice but to go.
He even went to Deputy Director Ma's office at the Dongcheng branch of the Supply and Marketing Corporation to sit for a while and build rapport.
He was delivering New Year's gifts, and others were also delivering them to him. Of course, very few people actually got to visit his home.
It's not that Li Xuewu is unpopular, but rather that he doesn't accept this kind of service. Others also feel uncomfortable approaching him.
There was no deliberate timing; Zhao Yajun and Wang Lu had arranged to meet at their home to deliver New Year's gifts.
The items were clearly prepared by Wang Lu, because she is willing and able to spend money; Zhao Yajun would never have been so generous.
Li Xuewu smiled and invited them to stay for lunch, without taking anything from them.
It wasn't that he was afraid someone would plot against him, but rather that he couldn't possibly accept gifts from his peers; that would be disgraceful.
Even though they were in a superior-subordinate relationship at work, it was a distant one. Li Xuewu valued family ties and was reluctant to accept such gifts.
The young couple were quite capable; seeing that the second brother wouldn't accept their offer, they begged him to go with them to the courtyard to see the old lady.
Li Xuewu had no choice. He knew what they were thinking, but he couldn't stop them from giving gifts to their elders.
After sitting in the courtyard for a while, he finally said what he hadn't been able to say when Zhao Gen and Yin Mancang came that day.
Because of the old lady's and Liu Yin's concern, the young couple said somewhat shyly that they were planning to have a child.
Wang Lu was very practical; she wanted to have a child while she was young, since her parents were around and it would be convenient for them to take care of her.
When parents get older, it will be really difficult to help them.
This candor and calculation amused everyone in the room. It's not that Wang Lu is cunning; people just really like her cheerful and bright spirit.
Amidst the joking around, the eldest sister-in-law, Zhao Yafang, suddenly changed her expression, covered her mouth, and ran out the door.
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. The old lady and Liu Yin, on the other hand, seemed to have more experience. Liu Yin followed them outside with a strange expression on her face.
After a while, Zhao Yafang returned, clutching her chest, but she was walking much more steadily.
The old lady had long since stopped managing the household affairs; she was simply waiting to see how Liu Yin would arrange things. Liu Yin didn't say anything else, only instructing Li Xuecai, who was at home, to fetch Li Shun, saying it was to check her daughter-in-law's pulse.
Li Shun was attending a meeting at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. He rushed back and, amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, composed himself and took his daughter-in-law's pulse.
Zhao Yafang couldn't hide her shyness; after all, Li Tang was only two years old.
The old lady and Liu Yin were overjoyed. Li Shun didn't need to say anything; the answer was written all over his face.
Seeing that his mother and wife already knew, Li Shun didn't waste any words. He gave his eldest daughter-in-law a few instructions and then went back to the meeting.
I couldn't see anything else, but his steps as he left were noticeably lighter, as if he were happy.
Liu Yin clasped her hands together and silently muttered a few words before scolding Zhao Yafang with a stern face. She was simply blaming Zhao Yafang for being careless and not being steady enough.
Zhao Yafang was speechless after being scolded by her mother-in-law. She silently raised her hand to tidy the hair behind her ear, not daring to touch her lower abdomen, as it was too embarrassing.
Zhao Yajun and Wang Lu, however, showed a mixture of hope and envy. They had just said they wanted a child, and now their older sister was pregnant—what else could it be but fate?
The house was in a mess, so the young couple didn't stay long. They said a few words to the second brother and then left.
After seeing them off, Li Xuewu returned and teased his sister-in-law a few times before arranging for Li Xuecai to manage the household.
Since the eldest sister-in-law is physically unable to get around, the third brother has to do more work.
Li Xuecai listened with a grin, occasionally trying to tease his sister-in-law like his second brother. But he was overestimating himself.
Zhao Yafang glared at her brother-in-law with amusement, then looked at her second brother-in-law and brought up family matters.
The second brother, Zhao Yamin, was troublesome, while the third brother, Zhao Yating, was shrewd and kept quiet. He was a bit better than his second brother, raising quite a few chickens and rabbits at home, and also helping the old man raise dogs and sheep; he was quite capable. But he was also afraid of a sudden division of the family property.
A few days ago, her father and uncle came to talk about these things, and she became a little worried, so she asked Li Xuewen to go back home.
Zhao Gen didn't hide the details from his son-in-law, but he also told them not to get involved in these matters.
As the eldest sister, how could she not care?
Zhao Yajun is still bringing money home, which is what Zhao Yafang is most worried about. She is concerned that Wang Lu's family will not be happy about it.
It's easy to talk to parents and elders, but if brothers can't sort out money matters, conflicts will arise sooner or later.
I owe too much, and there will always be a time to pay it back. What will I do if I can't pay it back then? I can't be a rogue, and I can't cry either.
Now Zhao Yajun lives with Wang Lu, and the young couple mostly spends Wang Lu's money, while Zhao Yajun is always thinking about taking care of the family.
Poverty is inevitable, but it can't last forever.
When her younger brother came to visit today, she took the opportunity to speak privately with Zhao Yajun, saying that she couldn't give the family too much money after the Lunar New Year this year; ten yuan would be enough for holidays.
She also told her younger brother that once he had a child, he shouldn't give her the ten yuan anymore, and should just live his own life.
Zhao Yafang was telling Li Xuewu this because she wanted him to give her younger brother some pointers; Zhao Yajun was very concerned about this.
He was single-mindedly focused on taking care of his family and acting like the eldest brother, but that was wrong.
Seeing that her daughter-in-law was having trouble with this, Liu Yin also said that there are many taboos regarding money, and sooner or later there will be a lot of fuss.
It's really not worth ruining the harmony of a family over money; it's better to make things clear sooner rather than later.
Li Xuewu hadn't expected his sister-in-law to assign him this job again, but he couldn't refuse.
There's Zhao Yajun's business here, and then there's Yu Zhe's business there. This is the eldest brother's brother-in-law, and Yu Zhe is also his half-brother-in-law. Are all brothers-in-law in this world so troublesome?
***
Monday, January 27th.
Hongxing Steel Group held its annual work conference to summarize the work experience of the previous year and to make work plans for this year.
The meeting was held in the Group's Red Star Auditorium, and the number of attendees from various branches reached a record high, exceeding two thousand people.
During the Hongxing Factory period, the total number of workers was around 16,000, but the number of people actually sitting in the meeting hall was less than 1,000. Attending a meeting and listening to a meeting are two different things; one has a voice, and the other does not.
The two thousand people attending this year's meeting came from various units and departments of the group and were selected from among 100,000 employees.
The meeting will last for three days, and the process is largely the same as in previous years. A work report will definitely be presented on the first morning.
This year, the person who presided over the work meeting and delivered the management committee's work report to all employee representatives was Secretary-General Li Xuewu.
The following day, the United Industry News published the full text of the work report delivered by Group Secretary-General Li Xuewu at the conference, entitled "Carrying Forward the Past and Opening Up the Future, Working Diligently and Persevering, Striving for Excellence and Taking the Lead," on its front page.
This work report received praise and support from all employee representatives and was passed unanimously.
In his report, Comrade Li Xuewu detailed the outstanding achievements the Group had made in the past year.
The development of the food industry has provided new impetus for achieving the goal of conglomeration. Green tea, black tea, and herbal tea beverages have been launched one after another and have been widely recognized and welcomed by domestic and foreign markets.
In the fourth quarter, the food company's sales of tea drinks alone exceeded 60 yuan, which laid a solid foundation for the domestic and international beverage market and provided a basis for further development this year.
The automotive industry is developing rapidly. The second-generation Alto has been finalized and is scheduled for production, with a new generation launching this March. Tundra Motors has delivered its first prototype and is currently conducting road tests. The sedan has been named Aries, and the design team has already released the results ahead of schedule…
Thursday, January 30th.
Accompanied by Li Huaide, director of the group's management committee, and Gu Weijie, deputy director, Li Xuewu officially took office in Gangcheng.
At the Liaodong Industrial Cadre Conference held in the auditorium of the Steel City Metallurgical Plant, Deputy Director Gu Weijie read out the organizational appointment decision on behalf of the group, and Dong Wenxue and Li Xuewu delivered speeches respectively.
(End of Volume Two)
Volume One: Successors of Society
Volume Two: Growing Up Under the Red Flag
(End of this chapter)