Chapter 343: In the Security Section, Stirring the Mountain to Startle the Tiger

The scent Xu Damao had been sniffing out on the warehouse ledger had not yet dissipated, and Li Ping'an's warm family dinner still lingered on his tongue. The next morning, in the quiet two-story building of the Steel Rolling Mill Security Section, the atmosphere felt somewhat unusual.

Usually, after the morning meeting, each section goes about its own business, but today they were notified that all personnel should gather in the first-floor conference hall.

The notice came from Li Ping'an himself via the internal staff, brief and to the point: 'In half an hour, a general meeting; no absences allowed.'

A ripple immediately ran through the section. Li Chief is usually strict about training and patrol regulations, but he rarely calls such a sudden general meeting.

Against the backdrop of recent rumors of undercurrents surging through the factory, many veteran guards felt uneasy. The newcomers, meanwhile, were mostly curious, craning their necks toward the chief's office.

Li Ping'an's office door was shut. He stood by the window, watching the silhouettes of people walking toward the meeting room downstairs, unconsciously turning a red-and-blue pencil in his hand.

Outside the window, the factory broadcast played an uplifting march, forming a subtle contrast with his present inner calm.

'Section Chief, everyone is pretty much assembled,' Captain Chen Jianghe said, pushing the door open and lowering his voice.

Li Ping'an nodded, set the pencil down, straightened his faded but neatly pressed old military-style coat, and fastened the discipline button.

He had done this countless times, each time letting him quickly get into the right frame of mind. He did not move right away, but looked at Chen Jianghe and said, 'Jianghe, are the brothers in the section still steady-minded lately?'

Chen Jianghe hesitated slightly: 'On the surface they're fine. But… the factory's recent rumors are a bit tense, the cafeteria incident, and… the logistics side also seems unsettled. There's some talk down below, just grasping at shadows.'

'Hmm.' Li Ping'an responded, his face showing no joy or anger. 'Having rumors is normal. Let's go, let's hold the meeting.'

He led the way out of the office, his steps steady, his back straight. Chen Jianghe followed closely behind, but his mind was working: 'Brother-in-law's demeanor today—is he going to set the tone?'

In the large conference room, thirty or forty people sat crowded together. Members in the uniform blue security attire sat roughly in order by their companies and squads, but the murmuring of side‑to‑side chatter buzzed like summer mosquitoes in the somewhat stuffy air. A few deputy section chiefs and the heads of various sections sat in the front row, their expressions relatively stern.

As soon as Li Ping'an entered, all sound seemed to be cut off by a knife, vanishing instantly. Dozens of gazes snapped to him—some with awe, some probing, some out of habitual obedience.

Li Ping'an walked to the modest podium at the front, did not sit, just stood there with his hands naturally hanging at his sides, his gaze calmly sweeping over the entire room.

His gaze was not sharp, yet it carried a heavy weight, making those he looked at unconsciously straighten their backs.

'I'll take a moment of your time to say a few words.' Li Ping'an spoke, his voice not loud but clear enough to reach everyone's ears, carrying that accustomed, unquestionable calm: 'Recently, the factory's production tasks are heavy, and work clutters every aspect. As the security department, our minds must be clearer than others'; our steps must be steadier than others'.'

He paused, his gaze lingering half a second on the faces of a few usually slick veteran members; those few immediately lowered their eyes, nose to heart.

'I've heard some rumors,' Li Ping'an continued, his tone still flat but making many below feel a tightening in their chests: 'They say there's infighting here and rivalry there, as if a change of heaven were coming. Some comrades have become active-minded, stretching their ears, always wanting to gossip about this, ponder that, as if they could see a path to success from it.'

Below the stage, not a sparrow stirred; even breathing was deliberately softened.

Li Ping'an then shifted his tone: 'I lay my words here today: those rights and wrongs are matters for the factory leadership to consider, and fall within the duties of other business departments. As for us in the Security Section, they are relevant, and yet not relevant.'

That statement was a bit roundabout; some people didn't grasp it right away, blinking blankly.

'As for being related,' Li Ping'an explained, slowing his speech slightly to make each word land solidly, 'anything that affects the factory area's safety and stability or interferes with normal production order falls under our jurisdiction! Whoever dares to sabotage in the factory, whoever dares to gather a crowd to cause trouble and disrupt production—no matter their background or connections—the Security Section will act according to regulations, showing no leniency! That is our relation.'

His voice was not loud, yet it was decisive and ringing with a metallic tone. Several deputy section chiefs and captains involuntarily sat up straighter.

'As for being unrelated,' Li Ping'an's tone softened, but his gaze remained bright, 'it refers to normal differences in work, differing opinions in management, and even some people's little schemes and tricks! As long as there's no violation of law or discipline, no damage to production, then it's not our place to meddle, to pry, or to take sides! Our Security Section bears no surname Zhang or Li—only the surname 'Public'! We are responsible solely for the factory's safety and stability.'

'Whoa—' a mild stir rose from below; many showed expressions of sudden realization, followed by deep agreement. Yes, how the factory leadership contends with each other is their own affair; if the Security Section gets involved, that would be trouble.

'I know, some might think,' Li Ping'an seemed able to see through some people's thoughts, 'getting close to a certain leader might bring benefits. I tell you, this kind of thinking is absolutely unacceptable! Today he might give you a favor, tomorrow he could make you take the blame! What is the Security Section? It is the factory's shield, its gate! If a shield leans to one side, can it still block spears and arrows? If a gate harbors selfish motives, can it still hold back a flood?'

He scanned the room, each word clear and forceful: 'What is our core duty? To patrol and guard, ensuring the safety of factory materials! To maintain order, preventing all kinds of accidents! To hone skills, always ready to respond to emergencies! If we do these well and refine them, they beat anything else! This is the foundation of our existence, the basis of leadership's trust and the workers' peace of mind.'

Chen Jianghe nodded slightly below the stage. Brother-in-law's words were both a reassurance pill and a tightening spell. They drew the Security Section's stance and responsibilities clear as day, plain as plain. Not engaging in right and wrong, but firmly holding the line.

'Starting today,' Li Ping'an's voice took on a hint of sternness, 'all companies and outposts, lift your spirits! Strengthen patrols in key areas, especially warehouses, oil depots, and substations! Vehicle and personnel entry‑exit checks must be strictly according to regulations—no exceptions for favoritism! Training must not slack, especially night‑shift emergency response drills; next week I will personally inspect them.'

'Furthermore,' he added, his gaze sweeping faintly over a few 'well‑informed' individuals, 'keep your mouths in check—don't inquire into what you shouldn't, don't spread what you shouldn't. Focus your thoughts on the proper path. If you spot any sign that could harm production, report it promptly through procedure; that is merit. Otherwise, stay out of it.'

The hall fell utterly still, only Li Ping'an's voice echoing. This talk, lacking lofty slogans or complex reasoning, was like a heavy hammer that solidified the wavering hearts; like a swift blade that cut off those recklessly reaching out.

'My words are done. Company captains, stay a moment; everyone else, dismissed—go about your business!' Li Ping'an concluded his speech crisply and cleanly.

The members rose with a swish, their movements a bit more orderly than usual, then filed out of the conference room in order. Each person's expression grew a bit more solemn, yet also more steadfast.

The chief was right—regardless of east wind or west wind, grip your gun (baton), hold your post, and nothing beats that.

Several company captains gathered around Li Ping'an. His expression eased, but his eyes remained sharp: 'Did you all understand what I just said? Go back and convey it clearly to the brothers below—don't misunderstand. Especially,'

He lowered his voice slightly: 'Recently, for the logistics warehouse area and the cafeteria material entry‑exit passages, raise the patrol frequency and inspection thoroughness by one level. It's not about picking fights; it's about ensuring safety, preventing anyone from fishing in troubled waters—or… a cornered dog jumping over the wall. Understand?'

The captains, being sharp‑witted, instantly grasped the deeper meaning: the chief was preparing in advance—both to keep the Security Section from being dragged into disputes and to set up defenses early, so that no one could expand 'struggle' to the point of destroying production material safety. Brilliant, truly brilliant.

'Understood!' they replied in unison.

Li Ping'an nodded, waved his hand to let them get back to work. Standing alone in the gradually emptying conference room, he walked to the window and watched the factory area begin another day's bustling operation.

'Stirring the mountain to startle the tiger.' The mountain is those whose thoughts are unsettled; the tiger is the force that might seize the chance to cause trouble.

The Security Section's 'blade' must be held firm, edge outward, guarding the factory's peace. As for the games between the tigers in the mountain, as long as they don't cross the line, let them be.

His talk was like a tuned string's guiding star, adjusting the Security Section's direction. Next, we'll see whether those who perform can understand the meaning beyond the strings.

At least, those like Xu Damao who want to stir up small tricks will first have to weigh whether they'll bump into the Security Section's suddenly tightened net.