Chapter 1023: Being a Father

Departing by car from Courtyard No. 1 at 6:55, he arrived downstairs at the hospital at 6:59.

Because it was the time people were getting off work, he was delayed by one minute while crossing the street.

Since Gu Ning was accustomed to wearing loose pajamas at home, for convenience, she was wrapped directly in a quilt and carried to the car by the three of them.

When getting out of the car, there were hospital orderlies to help, so not even an extra minute was wasted.

The time she entered the delivery room was 7:02.

He remembered it so clearly because Li Xuewu kept looking at the time on his wrist.

It was convenient that the hospital was close to home; although he felt a bit panicked inside, all the procedures had long been prepared for.

Therefore, from the moment Gu Ning called out to Li Xuewu, the entire Li family began a full mobilization.

The delivery bag, the quilt, starting the car, leaving the house, arriving at the hospital, and entering the delivery room—it was faster than the time it takes to go to the restroom.

For the time being, only Li Xuewu and Han Jiankun were at the hospital; Qin Jingru stayed home to look after Li Shu.

She was the one who called the hospital, and she also called the Sihe Academy side.

Before Gu Ning entered the delivery room, she gripped Li Xuewu's hand and wouldn't let go; it wasn't until the director of their department came in person that she finally loosened her grip.

The directors of surgery, obstetrics, and anesthesiology all took the field; they didn't say much when they met Li Xuewu at the entrance, but as for Gu Ning, they didn't need to give any guarantees.

Li Xuewu needed to worry even less about the medical conditions and focus here.

At 7:15, the hospital's vice president came over in person to exchange a few pleasantries with Li Xuewu, expressing both concern and goodwill.

Li Xuewu was very clear about the other party's purpose; while observing the movements in the delivery room, he handled this polite formality without losing his composure.

He didn't stay long; when his mother Liu Yin appeared at the stairwell with Li Xue and Ji Yuxiu, he took the initiative to leave.

"When did she go in?"

Liu Yin hurried over with a slight run, immediately beginning to inquire of the son who had come to greet her.

Her gaze was fixed on the door of the delivery room; in truth, she hadn't taken in much of Li Xuewu's introduction.

Li Xuewu was worried inside, but he maintained his composure on the surface, arranging for his mother to sit on a bench, and then spoke a few words with Li Xue and Ji Yuxiu.

"Grandma is coming too; I was afraid you wouldn't be able to look after Li Shu, so I said I'd just bring her back in a little while."

"She's at home with Qin Jingru."

Li Xuewu sat down beside his mother; if he didn't sit, Liu Yin wouldn't be able to sit still either.

"I was just coaxing her to wash her face; she was fine when she went into the restroom, but when she came out, she told me her amniotic fluid had broken."

"There's no telling with this."

Liu Yin pressed her hand on her son's knee, gazing at the delivery room door, and said with some chatter: "No one dared to say whether it would be early or late; this timing is considered good."

She counted on her fingers, nodded, and said: "Regardless, not having it happen in the middle of the night counts as my eldest grandson being considerate to you all."

"Yes, it had me sweating buckets."

Li Xuewu smiled and made a gesture of wiping his forehead; it had already dried upon meeting the wind.

However, this action still made Li Xue and Ji Yuxiu laugh; they were also curiously watching the delivery room.

Neither of them had been home when their sister-in-law gave birth, and they hadn't been able to help.

Once they heard the news over the phone, they hurriedly packed their things, and the three of them took Shen Guodong's car and came over.

"Will she stay in the hospital for a few days after giving birth?"

Liu Yin asked as if she had suddenly remembered: "Is the room booked?"

"It was prepared long ago; Han Jiankun went home to get things."

Li Xuewu explained: "The hospital arranged a single room; we prepare whatever we need ourselves. We'll probably stay three to four days, depending on the situation."

"Yes, yes, that's the situation."

Liu Yin nodded and said: "A single room is good; it saves the noise. With a room full of people, no one can rest well."

As she said this, she gestured to the bag brought from the ground and instructed Li Xue: "Send these to the room..."

"What is this?"

Li Xuewu held down his mother's hand and asked: "Why did you bring things?"

"It's my change of clothes."

Liu Yin explained: "After Xiao Ning gives birth, you should go be busy with your work; I'll stay here to provide care."

"Didn't we already agree on this?"

Li Xuewu smiled bitterly and stopped his mother, saying: "It's so close to home; Qin Jingru is there for meals and taking care of Xiao Ning."

"What experience does she have in taking care of a woman who just gave birth!"

Liu Yin patted her son's hand and urged: "Don't you worry about this; if a mother-in-law doesn't serve her daughter-in-law, how can she hold the baby?"

"I've already told Xiao Ning; there's still the eldest sister-in-law at home who needs care."

Li Xuewu persuaded his mother: "You can come over during the day when you have time, and go back at night; Qin Jingru will be here to provide care at night."

"Listen to me, Mom."

He pressed his mother's hand and said: "There's a whole family; we can't be without you, and every grandchild is important."

"You child!"

Liu Yin became anxious and said with dissatisfaction: "Is serving a birth like playing a game? How can it work without experience? Turning over and feeding the baby at night—can it work without someone who knows what they're doing!"

"Stop talking, go do what you need to do!"

She waved her hand, signaling Li Xue to send the luggage, and at the same time said to her son: "It's precisely because they are all equally important that I must come; otherwise, what would it become?"

"Second Brother, meals at home won't be delayed; we're going home tonight anyway."

Li Xue persuaded: "You said it yourself, it's only a matter of three or four days; otherwise, Mom will be worrying even at home."

"There's no need for it to be like this..."

Li Xuewu smiled helplessly and said: "Qin Jingru has long been prepared to provide care; she also took care of the baby when she was at home, so there's no problem with experience."

"I don't trust her."

Liu Yin interrupted her son's explanation without ceremony and said somewhat willfully: "Those who haven't given birth have no right to speak."

After finishing, she exhorted her son: "Hurry up and call your mother-in-law; if she comes back to provide care, I won't fight her for it."

Saying this was also funny; she knew her in-laws were in the south and it wasn't convenient for them to return; she was just threatening her son.

Li Xuewu, however, nodded and said: "It is time to make a call over there; we said long ago that she would come back to see the baby."

"You really...!"

Liu Yin was truly surprised to see her son stand up to make the call.

Li Xuewu wasn't actually trying to scare his mother; he went to the duty room, borrowed a phone with his credentials, and called Jin Ling.

Long-distance calls at this time relied entirely on luck; fortunately, Li Xuewu's luck was good.

It connected in less than ten minutes; his mother-in-law answered and asked if the baby had been born.

Every time Li Xuewu took the initiative to call the south, he would be asked this question.

Gu Ning wouldn't take the initiative to call, and the frequency with which Li Xuewu called to send greetings wasn't too frequent either.

So, upon hearing Li Xuewu's voice, Ding Fengxia asked nervously.

Li Xuewu paused for a moment before saying: "Mom, Xiao Ning just entered the delivery room; you don't need to worry, everything is going smoothly."

"Oh my! Oh my!"

Ding Fengxia on the other end of the line didn't know if she was anxious or happy; she couldn't speak, only sighing "oh my" twice.

Afterward, he heard her calling for the attendant to go fetch the leader to answer the phone.

After giving instructions, she then asked Li Xuewu about Gu Ning's delivery situation and the hospital's arrangements.

Li Xuewu tirelessly reported one by one, starting from before dinner, until he mentioned that his mother, younger sister, and others were all waiting at the entrance.

Gu Haitao's voice came from the other end of the line, very calm, telling Li Xuewu that he knew and to just execute according to the plan.

"Yes."

Li Xuewu spoke to his father-in-law with amusement, almost shouting "guarantee to complete the mission."

Both father-in-law and son-in-law were military men; they were reserved about romantic feelings, but they also cared very much.

A complaining voice came from the other end of the line; it was his mother-in-law saying he had led too many troops, his brain had become rigid, and even his daughter giving birth had to be done according to a plan.

Gu Haitao, however, knew his son-in-law's character and wouldn't put his daughter in a dangerous situation, especially after hearing his son-in-law's report that everything was very good.

He didn't ask about his daughter's situation again, but instead asked if there was anyone to look after Li Shu and if any help was needed.

Li Xuewu stated the arrangements at home one by one, and also mentioned his mother's insistence on coming to the hospital to provide care.

"It's hard on the in-laws; it's all for the children."

Gu Haitao said on the phone: "Your mother has gone to pack clothes, and Xiao Hu has gone to get the nearest plane ticket."

"Everything is fine at home; Mom doesn't need to be in a hurry to come back."

Li Xuewu took the initiative to persuade: "You two are so busy with work; Xiao Ning and I are quite worried about your health."

"I have to go back."

Gu Haitao listened to his son-in-law finish before saying: "My health is fine; you don't need to worry. As long as you live your little lives well, your mother and I are happy."

After finishing, he explained: "I will be coming to the capital at the end of the month for a meeting; I will visit your parents at home then. Please send them my greetings."

After having Li Shu, Li Xuewu was already a father and could particularly understand his father-in-law's feelings.

He cared about his own daughter, but wouldn't put pressure on his son-in-law.

His way of expressing concern for his daughter was to care for his son-in-law, care for his son-in-law's family, and even his exhortations to him were in an equal and easygoing manner.

Some people jokingly called it the son-in-law holding hostages; in Li Xuewu's view, this was truly a kind of helplessness.

In the future, Li Shu would also grow up, marry, and have children; he would also become the same status as Gu Haitao, a grandfather.

Therefore, one must cherish this kind of concern and understand this kind of love even more.

After ending the call, Li Xuewu took the initiative to call Han Shu.

The Gu and Han families were already close, and because of the union of Dong Wenxue and Han Shu, their interactions became even closer.

Dong Wenxue was raised under Gu Haitao's care and regarded Gu Ning as his own younger sister; Han Shu also cared for Gu Ning deeply.

Since Gu Ning became pregnant, she had often come to visit.

Now that calls had to be made to immediate family members, he couldn't forget her, otherwise, he would be complained about.

Han Shu wasn't overly surprised, only saying "good" and asking Li Xuewu if it was convenient for a car to pick her up.

Li Xuewu replied that he would arrange for a driver to pick her up and told her not to worry.

Leaving the duty room, he found Han Jiankun at the delivery room entrance; Qin Jingru was also there, and Li Shu was in Ji Yuxiu's arms.

She was a bit shy, and the environment and smell in the hospital made her dazed.

It wasn't until she saw her father that she opened her arms to be held; her mother's situation just now had given her a fright.

Qin Jingru said that after they left, Li Shu had cried once, clamoring for her mother.

Especially watching the scene of her being carried away wrapped in a quilt, little as she was, she already knew fear.

She had also been coaxed and persuaded, packed up the house, put thick cotton clothes on her, covered her with a thick overcoat, and carried her to the hospital.

It took four minutes to get to the hospital by car and eight minutes to walk; that's how close it was.

Li Shu had cried once when she saw her grandmother, and now she was about to shed tears again upon seeing her father.

She saw the adults all looking in the direction of the delivery room and knew her mother was inside.

Her little hands wrapped around Li Xuewu's neck, crying so sadly, her mouth babbling for her mother.

Li Xuewu signaled to Han Jiankun, carried her outside, coaxing her while giving instructions about picking up Han Shu.

Han Jiankun had followed Li Xuewu many times and naturally knew where it was.

After watching him go downstairs, Li Xuewu coaxed Li Shu, explaining to her why her mother had to enter the hospital and why they had to wait here.

At the same time, he tapped her, saying that when she was born, her mother was the same, and he was also waiting outside.

Under Li Xuewu's third guarantee that her mother would come out in a little while, she finally stopped crying.

Li Xuewu told her that when her mother was giving birth to the baby, she couldn't hear her crying, or she would be anxious.

Li Shu pursed her little mouth hard, her eyes full of tears, trying her best to restrain herself from crying.

When they reached the delivery room entrance, Liu Yin wanted to take her, but Li Shu wasn't willing, just clinging to her father's neck, let alone Li Xue and the others.

Li Xuewu was amused and helpless, only able to hold her, coax her, persuade her, and still make guarantees.

Liu Yin tapped her little hand, saying your mother is always managing you, and you still want to find her?

"Find~"

Li Shu pursed her little mouth, stubbornly emphasizing it, tears falling drop by drop; Li Xuewu's heart ached.

When Han Shu arrived with her child, seeing her like this, she felt her heart ache and took her over, kissing her again and again.

Dong Mengyuan didn't quite understand what giving birth was about, but he knew he had to be obedient at this time, otherwise, getting a beating would hurt.

He sat on a chair next to his senior brother, watching the adults talk, and also watching the direction of the delivery room that the adults were focused on.

During this time, Liu Yin and Qin Jingru went to the prepared ward to check the preparations: thermos, urinal, towels, water cups, etc.

Having already served one daughter-in-law, and just last month at that, she had experience.

It was just that for Gu Ning, she was more careful and cautious; she said it was all the same, but since her second son was living separately, she naturally had to care more.

"Wah——"

Just past 8:30, the sound of an infant's crying came from the delivery room.

The whole family had just been talking about who to notify, that they would go to pick up Li Shun tomorrow, and so on.

Before the words had fallen, the crying had already begun.

Liu Yin clenched her fists in excitement, and seeing the nurse carry the child out, she hurriedly stepped forward.

"Mother and child are safe, Section Chief Li, six jin six liang."

It was very clear that the nurse also knew Li Xuewu and knew even better what it meant for three great directors to preside over the delivery.

They knew the mother's status even better; from a colleague's perspective and from her background, the tone was naturally different.

"Thank you, it's been hard on you."

He smiled and looked at the child, while thanking the nurse.

The nurse smiled and said politely: "It's not hard, it was very smooth. You take a look at the child; I have to send him to the infant observation room; he still needs to be observed for a period of time."

"Good, thank you."

Li Xuewu looked at the infant sleeping soundly in his mother's arms and affectionately touched his little hand.

Like Li Tang, he was dark and ugly when born; only after a month did Li Tang have the appearance of an infant.

The whole family gathered around to look again and again; even Li Shu stared with big eyes at the little child in her grandmother's arms.

After Qin Jingru followed the nurse to carry the child away, a doctor came out to give instructions to Li Xuewu: the mother would come out in a little while and would be sent directly back to the ward; she would need someone to provide care.

Liu Yin was still thinking about her grandson, but now she reacted and responded before hurriedly walking toward the ward.

Li Xue and Ji Yuxiu also followed to help, afraid that their mother would be flustered alone.

In fact, all the preparations had already been gone over once, but Liu Yin still didn't feel at ease.

With Li Xuewu waiting here for Gu Ning, she felt at ease, and tidying up the ward was what was needed.

"Come, Gu Ning's family."

The director of surgery smiled and greeted Li Xuewu, teasing him: "Our Gu Ning has really suffered; you must compensate us well; she gave you a big, fat boy."

"Thank you, Director Zhang."

Li Xuewu knew her; he had often maintained the relationship for Gu Ning, and it was close to home.

During the time Gu Ning was pregnant, the other party had often come to the house to visit, which also counted as coming to observe.

Doctors don't treat themselves; she came to see Gu Ning and also helped Gu Ning check her physical condition.

When they left home, the call Qin Jingru made was to her, and it was also something she had instructed long ago.

Sometimes maintaining human relationships depends entirely on sincerity; if they really care, they will be there even if you call in the middle of the night; if they don't care, you couldn't call them even with a megaphone.

Li Xuewu maintained Gu Ning's relationship not from the perspective of a father-in-law or from Gu Ning's angle, but rather as a doctor's family member, standing from his own perspective to interact with them.

Even though his own position was already quite high, by comparison, this way of interacting was more accepted by the other party.

Gu Ning's colleagues in the hospital had a very good impression of him, and their attitude toward Gu Ning had undergone many changes and shifts.

Previously, some people would mention Gu Ning's personality and background behind her back, but now very few people talked about it, and the hospital even provided Gu Ning with special delivery treatment.

Mutual understanding, mutual tolerance—Li Xuewu could take the initiative to do this, and they could take the initiative to respond; isn't that how people are?

So, rather than saying the hospital valued Gu Ning, it would be better to say they valued the relationship of their family.

The family of Gu Ning and Li Xuewu.

Jokes are jokes, but the moment Gu Ning was pushed out lying on the hospital bed, Li Xuewu's mood was still particularly excited.

Looking at her exhausted expression, her hair stuck to her face because of sweat, her eyes full of fatigue.

"Go to the ward, observe for a while; pay attention to the care at night, and she should be able to get out of bed."

Under the introduction of the director of surgery, Li Xuewu got to know the director of obstetrics and the director of anesthesiology.

The director of obstetrics gave a few instructions and also reminded Li Xuewu that there was a doctor on duty at night, and if there were any problems, he could call someone at any time.

Li Xuewu expressed his thanks again, and amidst Li Shu's crying, he smiled apologetically and followed the nurse pushing Gu Ning toward the ward.

Li Shu saw her mother lying on the bed in a weak state and couldn't help but cry; even Han Shu holding her wouldn't work; she wanted to find her mother.

Gu Ning heard her voice, tried hard to open her eyes to look at her, and smiled.

Han Shu placed Li Shu beside Gu Ning, and that was the only way she was coaxed.

Just like that, Li Shu sat beside her mother and entered the ward together.

Liu Yin had long since prepared everything here, and seeing Gu Ning's hospital bed coming, she greeted them.

She whispered a few words to Gu Ning and protected her as she entered the ward.

When moving the bed, Li Xuewu lifted Gu Ning up by himself, while Li Xue, Ji Yuxiu, and others supported her head and feet.

Two nurses tidied up the urine bag and monitoring equipment, exhorting the family to do a good job with care and cleaning.

Liu Yin carried a basin of warm water and wet a towel, drove Li Xuewu out, and together with Han Shu, helped Gu Ning with hygiene.

Li Xuewu stood at the entrance, looking at the myriad states of life under the lights in the corridor, and finally, this stone in his heart fell.

"Congratulations, Deputy Section Chief Li."

"Deputy Section Chief Li, remember to host a banquet."

He went to work as usual on Thursday, but the news that he had a son spread like wildfire.

He didn't know how these people were so omnipotent as to know the news, or how it spread until everyone knew.

Anyway, as long as he saw them, they would all congratulate him.

Li Xuewu responded with a smile and arranged for Peng Xiaoli to distribute wedding candies to each department.

Many portions of wedding candies were prepared, including for the hospital, friends, relatives, the unit, etc.

The thank-you gift for the hospital was different from the one for the eldest sister-in-law at the time, because Gu Ning was a staff member in the hospital.

Especially because of her status, it wasn't suitable to give gifts in person, and even less suitable to give heavy gifts.

Li Xuewu, in the capacity of a family member, sent wedding candies to Gu Ning's department and sent thank-you gifts to the three directors separately.

Stop when it's enough; as long as the sentiment is reached.

The ones for the unit were more direct; Peng Xiaoli and Han Jiankun held the boxes and distributed them, with everyone getting a share.

There weren't many wedding candies, but it was just a sentiment.

They said they wanted him to host a banquet, but Li Xuewu wouldn't invite them to host, which everyone knew.

Unlike ordinary cadres, Li Xuewu's age advantage and status advantage destined that his lifetime of hosting would be limited to that one wedding.

Not accepting gifts, not accepting money, and paying for wedding candies out of his own pocket—how could he not receive their blessings?

As long as mother and child were safe, Li Xuewu really didn't care for the bustle, especially fearing adding trouble to others.

But human relationships are unavoidable; last night he discussed with his mother who to notify.

Gu Ning was still in the hospital, so the only ones who could be notified were immediate family members.

The Gu family had immediate family members in the capital, but few were close to Gu Ning.

However, Li Xuewu called everyone who should be notified and also explained that his mother-in-law's plane was on the 20th.

He told them mother and child were safe, told them about Gu Ning's state, and told them about his mother-in-law's situation, very straightforwardly telling them that if they wanted to come, they could come after the 20th.

With his mother-in-law there, hosting them would be convenient, and it would also leave time for Gu Ning and the child to recuperate.

The child was brought back last night; the doctor only said the jaundice was a bit high, and everything else was normal.

In fact, high jaundice is also normal; as long as the nutrition is good, this indicator is rarely not high.

It usually returns to normal in ten to fifteen days; it might be early, or it might be late.

The solution is a heat lamp; since the doctor didn't request it, naturally, they wouldn't do it.

Gu Ning got out of bed in the middle of the night; after a long sleep, she had some energy.

Li Xuewu also slept with her again before returning home.

Having to be busy with things at home and busy with things at the unit, after having a child, Li Xuewu was even busier.

"Hey, Xuewu."

During lunch, Jing Yunong called him and reminded him: "There was a call from Yingcheng; the shipbuilding equipment has arrived at the port."

"The batch purchased from Hong Kong?"

Li Xuewu carried his lunch box and nodded: "Chief Engineer Xia is in Steel City; I'll contact him to go to Yingcheng, and I still have to say hello to the Jinmen side."

"It should be so, especially the Italian business side."

Jing Yunong reminded him: "Cooperation between brother units must take details into account, let alone cooperation with foreign businessmen."

She gestured to Li Xuewu, signaling to go upstairs together, and talked about the tour group staying at the International Hotel.

Gu Weijie and she had always been in contact with the other party, talking project by project, meeting foreign businessman by foreign businessman.

The two classification methods, the projects, directions, and methods of conversation and discussion were all different.

Handling negotiations for more than a dozen projects at the same time, she was a bit tired; talking to Li Xuewu, she just wanted him to support her.

"Oh, right, forgot to congratulate you."

After going up to the second floor, Jing Yunong looked at him with a smile and said: "Heard you became a father, is the pressure high?"

"The pressure is all given by you."

Li Xuewu said with amusement: "If you say it's high, it's high; if you say it's not high, it's not high."

He gestured to the private room and said: "Or should you find someone else, so I can free up time to take care of my family?"

"I won't give you the chance to put private interests above public duty!"

Jing Yunong said with a smile: "You are still young; you might have to experience this kind of excitement a few more times in the future."

"Not necessarily~"

Li Xuewu said helplessly: "My wife and I are prepared to respond to the call and just have this one."

"Family planning? You're really something."

Jing Yunong looked at him with amusement and said: "You wouldn't want to make progress in everything, even restraining yourself when it comes to having children, would you?"

"Just joking, I have to respect my wife's thoughts."

Li Xuewu waited for her to sit down before sitting down himself, explaining: "She also has her own career; I can't let her be delayed because of children."

"I am a man; I have already received enough; I must think for her."

"Fine, okay, good man."

Jing Yunong nodded and said: "Your wife is a doctor? Seems like I heard you mention it."

"I never told you that."

Li Xuewu looked at her with a smile and said: "She is a doctor, in the hospital at our doorstep, surgery."

"Good profession, respected."

Jing Yunong nodded and said: "When I was in school, I wanted to be a doctor too, but I didn't have the conditions."

"So you chose economics?"

Li Xuewu knew the school she attended was top-tier; the other party might be humble-bragging right now.

Jing Yunong looked at him and said: "At that time, it wasn't about what profession you wanted to do, but what you studied."

She said with some regret: "It's what the organization needed, so we had to study what we had to study."

"Quite great."

Li Xuewu nodded and said: "I never had the chance to express my loyalty and greatness, because I never went to college."

"You're already a father; can you say something true?"

Jing Yunong ate her meal, glanced at him, and said: "Aren't you attending college at the Iron and Steel Institute? You're a college student."

"Stop joking, how can I compare?"

Li Xuewu smiled bitterly: "I was forced into it; I wouldn't dare label myself a college student; I don't deserve it."

"Really or fake?"

Jing Yunong looked at him suspiciously and said: "You're being too humble! A bit fake."

"Is that so? I'll pay attention next time."

Li Xuewu made a joke, making her laugh, and then began to talk about the negotiations with foreign businessmen.

According to his judgment, after contact with the foreign tour group, the failure to open up the situation might be related to the changes in the situation and their worries.

On one hand, the other party was worried that the mainland was unstable, affecting cooperation.

On the other hand, they were worried about the Steel Mill's reputation and whether it could complete the cooperation.

Li Xuewu was also thinking about the first problem; discussing it with Jing Yunong, to solve it, they could only start from the cooperation method.

It wasn't easy to let the other party pay money and provide equipment, and it might even arouse the other party's vigilance.

Even with the cooperation of the Geely Star Company in front, the credit of Italian businessmen in the field of international trade wasn't very high.

Especially since Andrew was operating capital in Hong Kong, he was naturally suspected.

Without other templates to refer to, the Steel Mill couldn't produce evidence to prove its sincerity.

They had eaten and played, and the foreign businessmen were also anxious.

They wanted to cooperate, but were afraid to cooperate, caught in a dilemma.

With so many foreign businessmen gathered together, they would inevitably discuss and communicate in private; as long as one person expressed doubt about the Steel Mill's reputation, others would also hesitate.

There was no way; the Steel Mill had to solve the cooperation foundation and also solve the credit foundation.

"The introduction of technology and equipment is a must; this is beyond doubt."

Li Xuewu emphasized: "Without this advanced advantage, how can we complete the target orders and market-oriented settings?"

"If we can't provide this advantage, why should we cooperate with them? We might as well just sell products!"

"You mean, replacement mortgage?"

Jing Yunong frowned and asked: "But we don't have overseas assets; what are you using for replacement?"

"So we must first solve the credit problem."

Li Xuewu tapped his chopsticks and said: "Use the deposits in the Oriental Era Bank as a credit mortgage to build the other party's trust foundation."

"Aren't we negotiating investment with the credit union? Ask them if they are willing to participate in this project."

"Tell me in more detail."

Jing Yunong stopped eating and looked at him, asking: "Use the credit union's funds to operate these projects?"

"Investment; funds are fluid."

Li Xuewu turned his fingers in a circle and explained: "Whatever I need, the funds will flow there and do what I need."

"For example, does the Oriental Era Bank have our money?"

He looked at Jing Yunong with amusement and said: "Isn't it all borrowed by the Wufeng Firm?"

"However, the accounts are still there."

Li Xuewu emphasized: "Credit can also be built with investment; the borrowing from Wufeng Firm is an investment, and the inflow of credit union funds into the Steel Mill's project is also an investment."

"The accounts are the Steel Mill's accounts, and the money is the credit union's money."

He clapped his hands together and said: "With ample money and accounts, the project will surely succeed!"

"You are playing with fire."

Jing Yunong frowned and said: "If something happens in Hong Kong, if the mainland project doesn't succeed, you and I couldn't plug this hole even if we sold everything we own."

"Stop joking; our family only has one pot, and it won't sell for much money; don't you worry about it."

Li Xuewu waved his hand and said: "First of all, the funds in Hong Kong are borrowed; the risk is on Wufeng Firm, what are you afraid of?"

"Secondly, the mainland project has foreign businessmen providing technology and equipment, the credit union providing funds, and the Steel Mill providing personnel and venues; can this still go wrong?"

He tapped the table and said: "Even if we take a step back, even if these projects go wrong, what does it have to do with us?!"

"There are risks in entering the market; investment needs to be cautious!"

Li Xuewu spread his hands and said: "Investment, who stipulated that it must be a steady profit without loss? That's not called investment; that's called robbery."

"..."

Jing Yunong looked at him speechlessly and asked: "Were you this shameless before?"

"No, not at all."

Li Xuewu ate a mouthful of rice and said: "Ever since I met you..."

"Get lost!"

Jing Yunong scolded him, then tapped the table and asked: "What about the cooperation method?"

She pursued: "Copy the shipyard model? The foreign businessmen won't recognize it, right?"

"Synthesize it, treat them differently."

Li Xuewu said seriously: "Different projects, different foreign businessmen, the basis for negotiation is also different."

"Even the technology and equipment the other party can provide, as well as the difference in order volume, will affect the determination of the cooperation method."

He thought for a moment and said: "I'll give you a suggestion; you should talk to these foreign businessmen openly and honestly."

"Just lay out our actual situation and clearly tell them that we need to maintain a leading advantage in technology and equipment, otherwise there's nothing to talk about."

"Furthermore, the mainland's attitude toward production is consistent; productivity and creative ability are not inferior to foreign countries; this is our advantage."

"But this is also their advantage!"

Li Xuewu reminded: "With this as the core, we have labor, they have cost advantages; only then can cooperation be a win-win."

"Not very easy~"

Jing Yunong picked up her chopsticks, looked at Li Xuewu, and asked: "Are you really not planning to join the negotiation team?"

"We'll see; I'm not much more relaxed than you."

Li Xuewu smiled bitterly: "It has nothing to do with family; my working hours are all dedicated to the Steel Mill."

"The Joint Trade must complete the last batch of large procurement and sales contracts after the New Year; I'm still contacting cooperative units."

"Could it be financial pressure?"

Jing Yunong asked: "Project funds have no landing, and you want to squeeze milk from trade projects?"

"You really thought so, but trade projects can't squeeze out milk; it's a bull."

Li Xuewu said with amusement: "It can only plow the land; if you want to squeeze, you can only..."

"Get lost! You're really vicious!"

Jing Yunong pushed the lunch box in her hand and said: "I'm eating!"

On the day his mother-in-law returned, his father Li Shun also returned.

The hospital ward was still too small to hold too many people, so they could only sit at Li Xuewu's house.

The only ones visiting the hospital these past two days were relatives from home; those further away in Jicheng and Yangcheng had all called back.

His second uncle and third uncle were only able to return last year because of Li Xuewu's wedding; they definitely wouldn't be able to return for the New Year.

His second aunt from Jicheng did say that she would return in a few days to see the old lady and also see the children.

Yes, the Li family's fourth generation had to be described with "them" after only one month: Li Tang, Li Ning.

This name was secretly decided by Li Xuewu and Gu Ning long ago.

Taking one character from each of their parents' names, because their family might really only have this one.

Li Shun came down from the mountain full of joy and headed straight for the hospital, intending to name his grandson, but didn't expect he would be late again.

Last time his eldest son had a child, when he came down from the mountain, Li Xuewu's eldest brother had taken the liberty to decide the name; what did his second son Li Xuewu say?

Good fellow, when his second son had a child, he encountered the same routine again.

Listening to Gu Ning's explanation, Li Shun glared at his son, but still had to nod in agreement to his daughter-in-law, saying this name was chosen well.

It's just that there was one thing not good—it wasn't chosen by him!

Regarding the obsession with naming his eldest grandson, although Li Shun didn't say it, his attitude toward Li Xuewu could be seen.

However, in front of his in-laws, what could he say? He could only find time later to deal with his son.

The Gu family's relatives came; basically, they took a look, chatted for a few sentences, and then went to sit at the house across the street.

Ding Fengxia arrived in the capital in the morning; she didn't even have time to catch her breath before seeing her daughter and then had to deal with the relatives.

The older generation of the Li family was thin, and there weren't many relatives coming, but Li Xuewu's godmother, Wang Shuhua, came.

Not to mention the relationship with the Li family, just looking at the respect and concern Li Xuewu had for them, she had to come and visit.

Wang Shuhua was very close to Gu Ning and the child, even though Gu Ning didn't see her often.

She truly cared about Li Xuewu and was incomparably happy that her godson had offspring.

Seeing Ding Fengxia, the two chatted for a few sentences and then got to know each other.

Actually, they were very familiar on paper; they had entered the city at the same time, and there were only so many teams.

When Li Xuewu got off work, there were still guests at home; his mother and mother-in-law were both at home, hosting relatives from both sides.

He greeted the relatives with a smile; he knew all these people, and they all knew Li Xuewu.

For this year of relative relationships and human affairs, he was the one running around; they weren't familiar with Gu Ning, but they knew the Gu family's son-in-law.

After sending the guests away, the house finally quieted down, and the family sat together talking about life after parting.

Ding Fengxia talked about life in Jin Ling, talked about her eldest daughter-in-law's pregnancy, and especially remembered her in-law Li Shun.

Liu Yin introduced the situation at home, talking about the current status of the children, mainly talking about Li Xuewu and his wife.

Qin Jingru prepared a large table of food and specially prepared a portion for Gu Ning.

Li Xuewu let his parents, mother-in-law, and others eat first, while he carried the lunch box to the hospital.

The one providing care for Gu Ning in the hospital was Han Shu; her shift now had a high degree of freedom, and she had time and convenience.

When Li Xuewu entered the room, she was holding the child coaxing him to sleep, while Gu Ning was lying on the bed getting an IV drip.

"Teacher, it's been hard on you~"

"Not hard, what's hard about it?"

Han Shu smiled and placed the sleeping child in the crib.

"Look at how this little guy is sleeping; how cute."

She gestured to Li Xuewu and said: "Can you tell who he looks like?"

"How can I tell?"

Li Xuewu smiled bitterly: "If I tell the truth, I can't even distinguish it in the mirror, but I have to say he must look like me to be handsome."

"Oh my~"

Han Shu said with a smile: "You are really confident."

"Hehe, you go eat quickly."

Li Xuewu placed the thermal bucket in his hand on the bedside table and said to Han Shu: "They are all waiting for you."

"What are they waiting for me for? We're all one family."

Han Shu looked at the child and said: "I'll feed Xiao Ning; you go back to eat and come back to replace me in a while."

"Forget it, I'll do it."

Li Xuewu declined: "You go eat and don't come back; rest for a while. I told Jiankun to send you and Mengyuan back."

"That works."

Han Shu smiled at Gu Ning and then asked Li Xuewu: "Are you really okay?"

"Don't worry."

Li Xuewu said confidently: "I can still handle this little thing."

After sending Han Shu away, he returned to the ward, looked at the sleeping child, and then opened the thermal bucket, saying to Gu Ning: "Red bean and Job's tears porridge, not greasy at all."

"Hmm, have you eaten?"

Gu Ning turned her head slightly to look at him and said: "You came over right after getting off work?"

"I rested at home for a while."

Li Xuewu smiled, served the hot porridge, and said: "Job's tears eliminate swelling and remove dampness, relieving postpartum edema; red beans relieve postpartum fatigue and even more, the pain of lovesickness."

He fed Gu Ning and said: "You've been missing me all day, haven't you?" ===== CHAPTER 1024 =====