Chapter 246: Business Trip to Dongbei

In the deep autumn of 1960, the cold wind was like a knife poured straight from Siberia, sweeping across the gray, dusty walls of the Steel Rolling Mill, emitting a whistling howl. In the plant area, the once noisy voices seemed frozen by the chill, adding a few notes of oppressive silence.

Li Ping'an had just left Factory Director Yang's office, his brows slightly furrowed, yet his steps remained steady. The contents of a document stamped with a bright red "Top Secret" seal still echoed in his mind— a batch of special steel to be secretly shipped from the Steel Rolling Mill to an important military‑industrial base in Dongbei. This shipment concerned a critical link in national defense construction and could not tolerate any slip.

The burden of escorting this thousand‑jin load, after repeated deliberations by the plant Party Committee and the Security Department, ultimately fell on his shoulders.

"Comrade Ping'an," Factory Director Yang's words were still ringing in his ears, his tiger‑like eyes unusually grave, "You need no further explanation of this mission's importance; you understand. The road will be unsafe, in every sense. As long as you handle it, I'm at ease! Choose any of the plant's elite you like! Make sure every single piece of the cargo reaches the destination without loss."

Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide was also present, smiling as he added, "Ping'an, the mission is urgent, but you must stay sharp. Dongbei is rich in resources and a major grain‑producing province… ahem, some things can be handled flexibly as long as principles aren't broken. When you return, an empty convoy is still an empty convoy…"

He didn't finish the sentence, but the meaning was clear: he was hinting that the return empty trucks could be used to smuggle some off‑plan supplies back, even mountain‑wild goods, to ease the famine in the plant and the courtyard.

Li Ping'an knew in his heart that this was both trust and a test. The journey was long and the situation complex; he had to contend with possible enemy sabotage, stay alert for bandit trouble along the way—some desperate people turn to banditry when they can't get food—and manage relations with contacts in various regions.

Moreover, Li Huaide's "flexible handling" hint was like a supple rope—used well it could accomplish great things, used poorly it might leave hidden dangers.

He inhaled a breath of icy air, his gaze sharpening again. Risks were indeed present, but opportunities existed as well. His Spiritual Spring Space could grow crops and raise livestock, yet without a safe channel to bring them out, it was inconvenient.

His eighth‑grade fist was fierce, his Tai Chi long and flowing, his Carefree Step agile; he had already reached the master's realm, and with Divine Perception that saw through fire within an eighty‑meter radius, even a dragon's pool or tiger's den could be dared. He accepted this assignment!

Back at the Security Department, he immediately gathered Wang Dahu and a group of absolutely reliable, hard‑handed core members for a meeting, assigning the mission, selecting team members, inspecting vehicles and weapons, personally overseeing every detail to ensure flawless execution. The entire Security Department, like precise gears, began to run at high speed for this special task. He also told them to go home and arrange household matters, bring clothing, etc.

After work, returning home, the Xi Kua Yuan courtyard was already lit with warm lights. Lin Xueqing was holding the babbling Li Yaozong, pacing in the room; the little fellow saw his father return, opened his tiny hands and tried to rush onto him.

Li Pingle was busy by the Stove heating dinner, the pot containing thin porridge clear enough to see one's reflection and a few buns mixed with bran.

"Back already? Why so late today?" Lin Xueqing handed the child over, asking with concern.

Li Ping'an took the heavy‑laden son, brushed the child's delicate cheek with the fresh stubble on his chin, making the little one giggle. He hesitated briefly, then decided to tell his family, since this trip would be at least ten days to half a month.

"The plant assigned a mission; I have to go on a distant errand to Dongbei." He tried to make his tone sound relaxed.

"Dongbei?" Lin Xueqing's face changed slightly, her arm around the child tightening unconsciously. Business trips were already hard enough, and going to such a distant, cold place made her anxious. "How long will you be? Is it dangerous?"

"Don't worry, the escort mission has a convoy and comrades; it's very safe." Li Ping'an smiled reassuringly, pinching her hand, "Only the time may be a bit longer, probably a dozen days. At home… you and Pingle will have to work harder."

Li Pingle set down the spatula and came over, worry on her face: "Brother, you'll need to be extra careful on the road."

"Hmm, I understand." Li Ping'an nodded, looking at his sister, his tone a bit solemn, "Pingle, while I'm away, the household is yours. Support your sister‑in‑law, take good care of your big nephew. Your sister‑in‑law works hard with the child; there's heavy and tiring work, so you should bear more of it."

Li Pingle nodded vigorously: "Brother, don't worry! I've got the house!" After years of training, she was no longer the little girl who needed her brother's constant protection.

Li Ping'an turned to Lin Xueqing, his gaze gentle: "Xueqing, pay more attention to finding a match for Pingle. While I'm away, help her with the planning; if someone suitable appears, approach them first, no need to wait for my return." He knew his sister's lifelong matter had always been on Lin Xueqing's mind.

Lin Xueqing nodded calmly, a hint of reluctance in her eyes but mostly understanding and support: "You focus on your work; I'll handle everything at home. I'll keep an eye on Pingle's affairs."

After dinner, Li Ping'an held his son, watching Lin Xueqing and Li Pingle under the lamp as they stitched and whispered, the dim yellow light stretching their shadows together, weaving a scene full of tranquil atmosphere. This warm tableau filled his heart with a protective conviction.

He stepped into the courtyard, bathed in the cool moonlight, and said to the emerging Li Pingle: "Pingle, come, I'll guide you through Tai Chi again. Martial arts must not be set aside; they strengthen the body and can serve as self‑defense when needed."

Li Pingle nodded earnestly, following her brother's opening move, slowly stretching her body. Her Tai Chi had already made progress; the movements were smooth and flowing, like a swimming dragon in the moonlight.

Li Ping'an watched from beside, occasionally calling out instructions; his Divine Perception quietly spread, covering an eighty‑meter radius, so no wind or rustle inside or outside the courtyard escaped his notice. This was the extra intangible protection he could grant his family before leaving.

Night deepened, and all sounds fell silent.

Li Ping'an lay on the bed, listening to his wife's even breathing beside him and his son's occasional mutterings from the next room, feeling no sleepiness. His thoughts had already flown to the distant Dongbei Linhai Xueyuan. Every node of the escort route, every possible scenario, replayed repeatedly in his mind.

Dongbei… perhaps he could indeed find a way to bring something back. His Divine Perception made hunting in deep forests twice as effective, and his Spiritual Spring Space could keep the prey fresh. Wild pheasants, rabbits, even… if he encountered a foolish sika deer or a wild boar, that would provide extra provisions for his family and the nearby households in the courtyard.

Of course, all this hinged on successfully completing the escort mission.

He exhaled gently, his eyes sparkling in the darkness. The road northward was full of unknowns and challenges, but he was confident and capable, ready to bear the heavy responsibility on his shoulders and carve out a laden return for those he cared about.