Chapter 1043: No one!

Leader Du's tea was not bad; Li Xuewu had only drunk one cup when he saw the Comrade Weide that the leader had mentioned.

From the moment the other party entered, he carried a certain look and attitude, including the middle-aged cadre in a green uniform following behind him.

"Comrade Weide, come, let me introduce you."

Leader Du beckoned, signaling for Li Huai to introduce them: "Comrade Li Huai, Director of the Management Committee of the Red Star Rolling Mill."

"This is Comrade Li Xuewu, Deputy Director of the Factory Office."

A leader is a leader; he possessed great cultivation and bearing, and in such an occasion, he did not forget to introduce Li Xuewu, who was sitting to the side.

Furthermore, he did not treat Li Xuewu as insignificant in the slightest, and the transition between his serious and easygoing attitudes was not the least bit discordant.

Li Xuewu and Li Huai both looked toward the other party together, neither speaking, waiting only for Leader Du to introduce the situation.

Yet the other party clearly had more of his own ideas, or perhaps wanted to seize the initiative, as he actually introduced himself.

"I am Su Weide, leader of the Ministry's Discipline Inspection Group."

He had no intention of shaking hands with Li Huai, and his gaze did not even look toward Li Xuewu's side.

It seemed that in his eyes, a deputy director of a committee office was not yet qualified to receive his attention or concern.

"This is Comrade Ding Zhishan, a representative of the Branch Management Committee."

Su Weide introduced the middle-aged man beside him, and under the beckoning signal of Leader Du, sat on the sofa opposite them.

Li Xuewu's gaze swept over the two of them, then looked meaningfully at Leader Du.

Being so casual and overbearing—was he looking down on Li Huai, or did he not take Leader Du seriously at all?

Or perhaps, both?

Today's scene was getting interesting; even the representative of the Branch Management Committee had come. It really had the air of a gang fight.

Leader Du seemed not to care about the other party's attitude; he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "We've all been working all day. It's the middle of the night, so let's skip the small talk."

"You've come because of the matter regarding Cheng Kaiyuan, right?"

As soon as Su Weide opened his mouth, he used an aggressive tone, as if he were interrogating Li Huai.

Li Xuewu's expression changed, and he suddenly spoke up: "Leader, we are here to collect the investigation results, or an arrest warrant will do."

"If Comrade Deputy Director Cheng's situation has already been investigated clearly, going through the arrest or legal processing procedures will also make it convenient for us to return and make arrangements early."

"Right? Director Li."

Li Xuewu ignored Su Weide, whose expression had changed drastically, and looked at Li Huai, saying, "It will also be convenient for our subsequent publicity."

Li Huai did not speak, but instead turned his gaze toward Leader Du, waiting for his answer.

But Leader Du lowered his head and looked at the teacup in his hand, showing no intention of speaking at all. The scene froze for a moment.

Having brought over new tea, Director Han's gaze jumped to Li Xuewu, narrowing slightly, and then, using the action of placing the teacup, he interjected: "Are there results? I haven't heard of any yet."

Su Weide stared at Li Xuewu for a good while before finally opening his mouth to say: "Cheng Kaiyuan... Comrade, was indeed taken away by us."

When he answered this sentence, he bit the word "Comrade" particularly hard, as if he were responding to Li Xuewu's trickiness and difficulty.

"What do you want to know?"

He glanced at Li Xuewu with disdain, looked at Li Huai, and said: "I don't need to repeat the procedures of discipline inspection work to you; you are all high-level cadres."

"Does one need to be taught what can be asked and what cannot?"

"According to your meaning, our factory leader has gone missing, and we don't need to care or ask, just wait to take orders, right?"

Li Xuewu retorted very forcefully, his gaze cold as he looked at the other party: "How come I don't know that there is a step of 'arresting without notice' in the discipline inspection work procedures?"

"Are you talking to me?"

Su Weide looked Li Xuewu up and down with slight contempt, then asked: "What qualifications do you have to interrogate me?"

"Coincidentally, I am precisely the person in charge of security and inspection for the Red Star Rolling Mill."

Li Xuewu raised his head slightly and said with a rigid attitude: "Regarding the issue of discipline inspection work, please communicate with me, if you are saying that Deputy Director Cheng is currently accepting a discipline inspection investigation."

"If not—"

He glanced at the other party and looked at Leader Du, saying: "Then please have the organization provide a clear reason for restricting Deputy Director Cheng's movements. We have the right to know more."

"Cough—cough—"

Seeing that Li Xuewu's words had suddenly become aggressive, Leader Du coughed violently twice before setting down the teacup in his hand.

"The nature of discipline inspection work, it's as urgent as fire."

He swept his gaze over the few people and nodded slowly: "It's all for the organization's work, all for cadre management. Having opinions and disputes is very normal."

"Everyone suppress your anger, talk the problem through clearly and thoroughly."

Leader Du looked toward Li Huai's side and said: "It is just for the matter of Comrade Cheng Kaiyuan that we came, to understand the basic situation, and also to have an explanation for the factory."

After finishing, he looked at Su Weide and the other person on the other side: "Since the situation has already been controlled, then report the specific situation to the supervising leader within the prescribed scope."

"After all, the comrades of the Rolling Mill are still worth trusting, right?"

"Director Du, the situation is not yet very clear."

Su Weide looked at the two people opposite him and said somewhat cautiously: "It is still under investigation for the time being."

"Then pick what can be said and say it!"

Leader Du was clearly somewhat dissatisfied; he glanced at Su Weide and said: "Could it be that since the person has been controlled, not a single bit of the situation can be told to the comrades in the factory?"

"Or is it that the comrades in the factory also have problems, hmm?"

His gaze swept toward Li Huai and toward Li Xuewu; both were sitting straight, their gazes clear, the very image of excellent cadres.

"This..."

Su Weide hesitated for a moment, but still looked at Ding Zhishan beside him, his face revealing a look of inquiry.

Li Xuewu's gaze also followed the other party to look at this representative of the Branch Management Committee who had not opened his mouth since entering the door.

"Of course we can trust the comrades of the Red Star Factory."

Ding Zhishan had been observing the two people opposite him the whole time. At this moment, he smiled slightly, knowing that Su Weide could no longer withstand the pressure from the opposite side, and Director Du could not withstand it either.

Therefore, he had no choice but to open his mouth to explain: "After all, having just come into contact with Comrade Cheng Kaiyuan, we are still communicating with him and are in the stage of understanding the situation."

"Right, Group Leader Su?"

He looked at Su Weide, then continued: "Currently, Comrade Cheng Kaiyuan's mental and physical condition is good; we will pay attention to his health."

"Also, regarding the case-handling procedures..."

Ding Zhishan picked up his teacup and laughed it off, saying: "After all, in an emergency, one must act according to the situation. We haven't defined the nature of this case yet; we have to start by understanding the situation, right?"

"Can I understand your meaning this way?"

Seeing him drink tea, Li Xuewu opened his mouth: "Deputy Director Cheng's problem is not clear; he is merely cooperating with your investigation work, and his personal freedom has not been restricted?"

"Oh? Hmm... this... hmm, it is like this."

After Ding Zhishan drank a mouthful of hot tea and set down the teacup, he said unhurriedly: "Our Branch Management Committee received some problem reports, among which a portion is regarding Comrade Cheng Kaiyuan."

"Just as Group Leader Su said, you are all high-level cadres; presumably, you have some understanding of the organization's investigation work, especially this Comrade Li Xuewu, who is in charge of the factory's security and inspection work, right?"

He did not ignore Li Xuewu, but he did not place too much importance on him either. He pointed out Li Xuewu's name and continued: "We are also acting out of importance and concern for organization cadres; under the premise of investigation, it is protection."

"That is why this action happened, right Group Leader Su?"

Just after Su Weide nodded, he looked at Leader Du and said: "The Branch Management Committee is mainly responsible for this review work. After communicating with the Ministry's Discipline Inspection, our common opinion is to temporarily keep the investigation situation confidential and not make any reports."

Leader Du understood what he meant; he nodded and looked at Li Huai's side with a serious expression. Although he didn't speak, he had already inquired about Li Huai's opinion on this matter.

Li Huai also didn't speak; his fingers tapped lightly on the sofa armrest, his gaze fixed on Su Weide and the other person, his brows furrowed tightly.

"We want to see Deputy Director Cheng, right now."

Li Xuewu understood Li Huai's meaning and took the initiative to speak: "In the name of the Red Star Rolling Mill, we submit an application for a meeting in accordance with organizational procedures."

"I have already said, this is an organizational investigation."

Ding Zhishan was very dissatisfied with Li Xuewu's entanglement; his attitude suddenly became sharp, and he frowned, saying: "Before Comrade Cheng Kaiyuan explains the problem clearly, he cannot see anyone."

"Then we apply to meet with Deputy Director Cheng in the name of the Red Star Rolling Mill Management Committee."

Li Xuewu raised his head slightly and said calmly: "If a discipline inspection and review is being executed, then I apply to the organization for a meeting in the capacity of the person in charge of the Red Star Rolling Mill's security and inspection."

"You—!"

Su Weide's expression changed drastically; he glared at Li Xuewu and was about to speak, but was stopped by Ding Zhishan.

"Director Du, I have made it very clear."

Ding Zhishan did not entangle with Li Xuewu, but looked at Leader Du and said: "Currently, this case is being handled by our Branch Management Committee..."

"Then I apply to meet with Comrade Cheng Kaiyuan in the name of the Director of the Red Star Rolling Mill Branch Management Committee!"

Li Xuewu slapped the sofa armrest and said with a serious expression: "It is not an organizational investigation, not a discipline inspection review, and even less a case investigation. What kind of trick are you playing!"

"Who gave you the right to let you unscrupulously control an organization cadre, and who gave you the right to let you investigate the Rolling Mill's cadres with baseless reasons!"

Li Xuewu turned his gaze toward Leader Du and said with a strong attitude: "If you are requiring Deputy Director Cheng to cooperate with the investigation, then please follow organizational procedures to make a formal report. If not, we are taking him away tonight."

"How come I don't know that the Rolling Mill has a Branch Management Committee?"

Ding Zhishan looked at Li Xuewu suspiciously, sizing up his youth, and interrogated: "And in what capacity are you serving as the Director of the Branch Management Committee?"

"Ding... cough—cough—"

Director Han had just opened his mouth to remind him, but was pushed back by Li Xuewu's gaze.

"I am the First Deputy Political Commissar of the Third Garrison Regiment, and also the Deputy Regiment Commander."

Li Xuewu took out his credentials and slapped them on the tea table to the side, raised his head, and looked at the other party, asking: "Do you want to verify them?"

Ding Zhishan suddenly widened his eyes; this situation was one he was unaware of.

He didn't know when the Rolling Mill had a Branch Management Committee; he didn't even know that the Third Branch had entered the factory.

Hey! Don't say he didn't know; even Li Huai, the Director of the Red Star Rolling Mill Management Committee sitting to the side, was seeing the Director of the Red Star Rolling Mill Branch Management Committee for the first time.

However, Old Li was very profound at this moment; there was no need to exchange glances with Li Xuewu to have tacit understanding. He said calmly: "Don't be excited, Director Li. Our factory's Branch Management Committee work is very smooth; it is normal that Director Ding doesn't know."

"Okay, Director Li."

Li Xuewu responded, and under the other party's gaze, put away his credentials, but his attitude remained strong: "It has been a full 7 hours since Deputy Director Cheng lost contact."

"We do not demand the rigor and thoroughness of the organization's case handling, but we reserve the right to pursue the fairness and procedural nature of this investigation situation."

"Especially regarding the investigation of Deputy Director Cheng and his accompanying personnel, without a clear explanation, he cannot accept your irregular restrictions."

"This is our factory's final opinion."

"Hmm, we disturbed Director Du in the middle of the night not to create contradictions, but to solve problems."

Li Huai opened his mouth: "Since I am already here, representing the Rolling Mill Management Committee team, representing 32,000 workers, I must take away a result."

His meaning was even more absolute: either take Cheng Kaiyuan away tonight, or he would go back and tell the factory the truth directly, blow the problem up, and hang the other party's case-handling procedures out in the open to accept public supervision.

In this day and age, there is a saying: don't provoke anyone, but don't provoke the worker big brother; not everyone can withstand the iron fist of the big brother.

Since Li Huai and Li Xuewu dared to sit here, they had the determination to move forward without looking back, as well as the attitude that the problem must be solved.

Ding Zhishan had always doubted whether the Red Star Factory Branch Management Committee really existed, and at the same time, he also doubted Li Xuewu's identity. How could there be such a young Deputy Regiment Commander!

And he was even the First Deputy Political Commissar!

Doubt is doubt, and precisely because everyone was sitting in Leader Du's office, he didn't dare to tear his face off to verify Li Xuewu's credentials.

If it were fake, it would be easy to talk about, but what if it were real?

Losing face is a small matter; if he offended Li Xuewu to death, and offended Leader Du, then his days ahead would not be easy either.

He had originally thought that Ding Zhishan opening his mouth was equivalent to playing a king bomb, but he didn't expect the other party to not talk about martial arts and throw out a whole spring of cards.

What identity did he have? Was he a Russian nesting doll?

Seeing that neither of them spoke, Leader Du nodded slowly, looked at them, and said: "Since the problem is not yet clear, and the procedures also need time to be processed, I think let's do it this way."

"Comrade Weide, Director Ding?"

Leader Du pointed out the two of them, then said: "Still that sentence, it's all for the organization's work, all for cadre management. Mutual understanding, mutual tolerance, right?"

"It is indeed like this. Look, it's already almost twelve o'clock."

Director Han stood to the side to smooth things over: "Director Du has been busy from morning until now. If he doesn't rest again, he will have to go directly to the morning shift."

Looking at Li Huai and Li Xuewu's firm gazes, he suggested to Su Weide: "Group Leader Su, look, should we put the problem aside first? If there is a need later, we can contact the other party to accept the investigation again."

Su Weide was pressured from both sides; his gaze swept across the opposite side, then looked at Director Du, seeing that his attitude was cold and did not hide his fatigue, so he had no choice but to look at Ding Zhishan beside him.

Ding Zhishan had been staring at Li Xuewu. At this moment, he also could not withstand the pressure, nodded slowly, and said: "Then let's do it this way."

He was quite straightforward; he didn't say any harsh words, and even less did he say that he would find someone again if there were problems later.

If he really let the tiger return to the mountain, he wouldn't be able to find anyone even if there were problems. The key was that he had given him seven hours and still hadn't pried Cheng Kaiyuan's mouth open; he shouldn't even think about it in the future.

"Alright, leaders, the matter is solved."

Director Han smiled and gripped his own hands, saying: "Then hurry up. It will be the second day in a moment; there is no need to drag it out to another day, right?"

"Director Du, you should rest early."

He turned his head to look at Leader Du and said: "I will accompany the comrades of the Red Star Factory for a trip. Do you think that is okay?"

"You work hard."

Leader Du stood up, supporting himself on the sofa with some fatigue, shook hands with Li Huai, and exhorted: "After going back, you must lead and manage the Red Star Factory well. Next time you come, I hope it will be General Manager Li coming to see me."

"I will definitely not fail the mission."

Li Huai promised solemnly, and at the same time said a few words of thanks.

Li Xuewu had already completed his mission; at this moment, he restored the appearance of being cautious in speech and behavior, as if the sharpness he had just shown was all an act.

When Leader Du shook hands with him, he smiled, nodded, and said: "Sword-hearted and musical-minded, it is well-deserved. The younger generation is to be feared."

"Many thanks for the leader's tolerance, and thanks for the leader's care."

Li Xuewu shook hands with him confidently and calmly, then gave a salute.

Leader Du nodded, waved his hand at them, and said: "Go, solve the problem thoroughly, don't delay tomorrow's work. I won't see you off."

"Please take care."

Li Huai said goodbye for the last time, and after exchanging a glance with Leader Du, left the office together with Director Han.

Su Weide and the other person were already waiting at the elevator entrance; seeing them come over, their gazes were somewhat cold.

However, since the problem had already been discussed, there was no need to waste expressions and emotions. Both sides walked into the elevator, and no one spoke to anyone.

After leaving the office building, Li Haiyang was still standing beside the Volga M24 sedan waiting. Seeing the group come out, he opened the car door very neatly.

Li Huai said two words to Director Han, then got into the sedan with Li Xuewu.

Bang! The car door closed, and Li Huai finally let out a long breath.

"The dust has settled. Lucky, lucky."

"Snatching food from the tiger's mouth. Not easy, not easy."

Li Xuewu cooperated with Li Huai and said this, pulled his hand over to hold it, and smiled bitterly: "My palms are full of sweat."

"Hehe—aren't I the same?"

The vehicle started, and under the reminder of the vehicle in front, the driver followed behind Director Han's Shanghai-brand sedan, and further in front was an early imported Mercedes-Benz sedan.

The small motorcade composed of three cars gradually accelerated and drove along the internal road of the compound toward the First Ministry of Machine-Building Guest House.

On the road, Li Huai did not speak again, but was soothing his tense emotions, and at the same time recovering his exhausted energy.

Li Haiyang was very observant and did not speak, and even less did he disturb the leaders who were both closing their eyes and resting their minds.

Being able to stand up at a critical moment and use a tough attitude of "fish dying and net breaking" to rescue Cheng Kaiyuan was already rare; what was even rarer was the success of the mission, finally solving the difficulty.

The significance of being able to take Deputy Director Cheng back tonight was very different; at least for the morning shift tomorrow, he could give everyone an explanation.

The distance was not very far, and the guest house was right ahead. Li Haiyang coughed softly to make a reminder.

Li Huai and Li Xuewu both opened their dry eyes, took a deep breath, re-accumulated spirit and strength, and fought the final battle well.

Screech—

The sedan stopped in front of the door according to the other party's guidance. Li Xuewu had already caught a glimpse of Deputy Director Cheng's Shanghai-brand sedan.

Only, the car was empty, without a secretary or driver; clearly, the other party was still under control.

Li Xuewu accompanied Li Huai to get out of the car and walked to Director Han's side to stand still.

"Wait a moment, let Group Leader Su go and arrange it."

Director Han stood very calmly in front of the door, without any intention of wanting to go in.

He took out a cigarette case and took the initiative to distribute cigarettes to the two, but both were refused.

"Why? Do you have an opinion about me?"

Director Han looked at the two with amusement, his attitude somewhat playful.

Li Huai raised his hand and said: "I quit long ago, I don't smoke anymore."

"Me too, I quit smoking."

Seeing Director Han's gaze sweep over, Li Xuewu smiled slightly: "I am still young; if I can quit, I quit early."

"Oh? Is this the new atmosphere of the Rolling Mill?"

Director Han looked at the two with great surprise and said: "You all want to quit smoking?"

"Hehe, not really."

Li Huai looked at Su Weide and Ding Zhishan who had walked into the door and opened his mouth to explain: "I have an old cough, and my wife persuaded me to quit smoking."

"He is different; Comrade Xuewu just had a big son, and he feels heartache."

"Ho! You really have perseverance, good men."

Director Han smiled and put the cigarettes away; he didn't smoke either.

Seeing that Su Weide and the other had both left, he sighed lightly, patted Li Huai's arm, and said: "Understand it, it's hard for leaders too."

"I understand. The situation is difficult, mutual understanding."

Li Huai nodded and said: "The situation was somewhat sudden. If it hadn't been very thorny, we wouldn't have come to disturb Director Du."

"Hmm, Director Du had already called me to arrange it when he heard your phone call, but you also know..."

Director Han stood at Li Huai's side and said: "Some problems cannot be solved now; they can only be shelved and left for the future to solve."

"And for those that can be solved now, try to handle the relationships between all parties well. It is not required to be comprehensive, but it is best to pay attention to propriety."

His words seemed to point to something; he was reminding Li Huai of something, but he didn't say it very clearly.

Li Xuewu listened to a few sentences, silently beckoned to Li Haiyang, and signaled him to arrange for the driver to drive Deputy Director Cheng's car out.

There was no need to specifically look for the key; the car key must be in the car. This is the work habit of discipline inspection after detaining relevant personnel and their drivers, and it is also a kind of hidden rule.

Li Haiyang greeted the driver, and together they went to the side of the car to do an inspection, including the inside of the carriage and the trunk, carefully.

"I actually had a brief acquaintance with Deputy Director Li."

Seeing Li Xuewu commanding with composure and an attitude of steadiness, Director Han greeted him with a smile and said: "It was at last year's Labor Model Work Conference."

"What a pity, it would have been better if I had known you earlier."

Li Xuewu smiled and took over the conversation: "It also saved me from asking here and asking there. It was really a mistake in the busyness."

"Director Du rarely says the words 'the younger generation is to be feared'."

Director Han smiled and said: "It seems that the Rolling Mill being able to have today's achievements is not accidental."

"Director Li unites well, and the team is led well."

Li Xuewu smiled and blocked the other party's words, saying: "Someone like me doesn't count as to be feared. Many excellent young cadres have emerged in the Rolling Mill's organizational reform; this is the cornerstone and reason for the Rolling Mill's vigorous development."

"Comrade Huai, is it really like this?"

Director Han looked at Li Huai and raised his eyes, saying: "No wonder you have high ambitions and want to engage in a group-oriented goal. It seems that talents are available and you are full of confidence."

"Hehe—there is still too long a road to go."

Li Huai smiled and shook his head, saying: "I am also walking on thin ice now, and I don't know if I can see the day when the Rolling Mill realizes group-orientation."

"That's a bit mysterious, it shouldn't be that bad."

Director Han also smiled. Seeing that the two people over there had been fiddling at the side of the car for a long time, and finally drove the car over, he said meaningfully: "Hidden and not revealed, astonishing at the first cry?"

"Hahaha—you just wait, I will cry for you!"

Li Huai laughed out loud and said: "Now the Rolling Mill has only taken one step forward, and it has provoked so many criticisms and difficulties."

"I said I don't know if I can see that day, am I wrong?"

"Coming out—"

Li Xuewu's gaze had been fixed on the inside of the lobby. After waiting for such a long time, he finally saw Cheng Kaiyuan.

He could walk by himself, and there was no overly painful expression on his face. Although he was somewhat numb and exhausted, he was still passable.

The secretary Zhang Shicheng following behind him was somewhat withered, and his walking was somewhat staggering; he should have received some special treatment.

Only the driver was in the best condition, supporting Zhang Shicheng and looking toward this side with lingering fear.

Li Huai's expression turned cold instantly; he stared at Director Han, very unhappy.

Li Xuewu took off his overcoat and walked up quickly. Before Cheng Kaiyuan could open his mouth to speak, he covered him with it.

"No need to say anything, let's go back to the factory first."

He gripped Cheng Kaiyuan's hand and squeezed it, pressing back the words he wanted to say.

He turned his head to look at Zhang Shicheng and asked softly: "Can you persist?"

"I... it's nothing, Director Li."

Zhang Shicheng's forehead was full of cold sweat; supported by the driver, he tried his best to smile.

He said it was nothing, but as soon as he reached the door, he fainted, which was very embarrassing.

Thanks to Li Haiyang seeing the movement here and running over, together with the driver, he supported the collapsing Zhang Shicheng.

"Arrange for him to get in the car first!"

Li Xuewu frowned and gave an instruction to Li Haiyang, then supported Cheng Kaiyuan to Li Huai's front.

Director Han looked at him with some apology. At this time, Su Weide and Ding Zhishan had both disappeared; even if he wanted to ask, there was no one to ask.

The ones who came out to see them off were only a few cadres; no need to ask, even if he asked, they would know nothing.

Li Huai did not lose his temper at Director Han, but gripped Cheng Kaiyuan's hand with concern, nodded, and said: "Rest assured, let's go back to the factory first and talk. Comrade Zhifu and Comrade Yunong are both waiting for us."

After finishing, he patted Cheng Kaiyuan's hand, whose eyes were filled with hot tears, and comforted: "Everything is fine at home with Comrade Weijie, rest assured."

"Thank you, thank you, Director Li."

Cheng Kaiyuan had a stomach full of words muffled in his mouth; in the end, he only said this sentence.

Li Xuewu supported him as he walked down, and they got into that Shanghai-brand small sedan.

Li Huai turned around and shook hands with the distressed Director Han; he didn't want to say anything anymore, and turned to get into his own car.

The two cars paused slightly, then drove out of the guest house compound one after another toward the gate.

In the Shanghai-brand sedan, Cheng Kaiyuan slumped in the back seat; he only said two sentences to Li Xuewu before falling asleep.

The first sentence was: I didn't say anything.

The second sentence was: They were aiming at the Rolling Mill.

Li Xuewu didn't comfort him anymore; there were things that had to be sorted out and handled after returning to the factory.

He had already shown his attitude by getting into this car, and he had even given him a reassurance pill; otherwise, Cheng Kaiyuan, who had just come out of the tiger's cage, would not have dared to fall asleep no matter what.

In the front passenger seat, his secretary Zhang Shicheng "woke up" after the car drove out of the guest house compound.

"Deputy Director Li, it was a last resort."

He said with some apology: "I could only do this much; I hope I didn't cause you trouble."

"It's okay, you did very well."

Li Xuewu understood his meaning; this was to exert pressure on the other party to save them from having a next time.

Coming in so unclearly, one only needs to have it once in a lifetime; if it happens a few more times, I'm afraid I'll have to retire early.

Li Xuewu didn't think much of this kind of small trick; the other party would only receive some pressure, but if they really wanted to take action against them, they wouldn't be afraid just because of this little threat.

After comforting Zhang Shicheng, he asked softly: "Are there any injuries on your body? Do you need to go to the hospital for an examination?"

"No external injuries, but it's quite uncomfortable."

Zhang Shicheng said somewhat uncomfortably: "I can still persist..."

"Alright, I know."

Li Xuewu patted his shoulder, and seeing that the vehicle was about to leave the compound, he sat up straight.

The two cars drove out of the First Ministry of Machine-Building compound in order. At the gate, two jeeps suddenly turned on their headlights, started, and accelerated, merging with the motorcade.

One car accelerated toward the front, while one car brought up the rear.

When the front car passed Li Xuewu's side, the car window was lowered; it was Zhou Yao waving.

Li Xuewu made a gesture of silence to her, then pointed to the middle position of the command vehicle, using two fingers to make a cross.

Zhou Yao nodded in understanding, patted the driver's shoulder, and at the same time picked up the contact radio.

The command vehicle overtook the Shanghai-brand small sedan and drove straight to the front to open the way and accelerate.

Four cars were connected front and back, galloping in the night, penetrating the mist of early spring, and rushing toward the East City.

"Finally quieted down, it scared me to death."

Seeing Li Xuewu come down from upstairs, Qin Huairu patted her chest with lingering fear and said: "I prepared noodles for you; eat a mouthful before lying down."

"Then I'll eat a mouthful; I am a bit hungry."

Li Xuewu nodded, his overcoat draped over his arm was taken by Qin Huairu, and he asked with a slight frown: "Did the leaders upstairs eat too?"

"Director Li's has already been sent up."

Qin Huairu replied: "Deputy Director Jing and Deputy Director Xue have already eaten, and Deputy Director Gu wanted a bowl of porridge."

"You should care about yourself; tossing and turning like this will ruin your stomach sooner or later."

"Sigh, I don't want to toss and turn either, but how can it all be up to me?"

Li Xuewu looked at the time on his hand; it was already past two o'clock.

"Eat a mouthful, sleep early after eating; who knows how busy tomorrow morning will be."

"The earth won't stop spinning without you?"

Qin Huairu tidied up the clothes, watched the waiter bring the noodle bowl over, and went to help him get chopsticks.

"Is Xiao Jin on duty? Have you eaten?"

Li Xuewu knew the waiter here; when the agency used to eat here, he often dealt with them.

Xiao Jin smiled and replied: "Deputy Director Li, I'm waiting to eat that meal in the morning; otherwise, my stomach will be uncomfortable."

"Drink more water, especially on the night shift."

Li Xuewu pointed at her and said with a smile and concern: "If it lasts a long time, it's easy to damage your skin; be careful about not being able to get married."

"You still care about this?"

Qin Huairu walked over with a smile and chided him, then nodded at the giggling Xiao Jin, signaling her to go and rest.

She sat opposite Li Xuewu, placed the chopsticks beside the noodle bowl, and said: "Eat slowly, it was just cooked. I told Master Liu to poach two eggs for you."

"So extravagant?"

Li Xuewu looked at the two poached eggs under the noodle bowl; this treatment is generally not available in noodle shops.

Qin Huairu smiled and blinked, saying: "Director Li said it himself, you have worked hard and made great contributions, you should make up for it."

"Hmm, Director Li is just joking, don't believe it."

Li Xuewu exhorted her half-jokingly and half-seriously, picked up the noodles, and started eating.

If he stays up late, Li Xuewu won't eat anything, because the stomach also needs to rest.

Although he hasn't rested at this time, the body's organs have already fallen asleep.

Now adding a burden to the stomach, the liver also suffers, and sooner or later it will "retaliate" against him.

But in life, it's all about eating and drinking. If he really left his stomach empty until tomorrow morning, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to stand it himself.

Although the temperature during the day is very high, he feels hot even wearing a jacket, and he doesn't feel very cold after ten o'clock at night.

But once past midnight, walking in the dark night, he only feels a different kind of cold.

A mouthful of noodles went down his stomach, and his body began to sweat from his back; this is the power of food.

While eating the noodle soup, and eating the noodles and eggs, it was warm to the heart and stomach.

"Is Deputy Director Cheng's body okay?"

Qin Huairu asked with some concern: "Are you still going to handle this matter tomorrow?"

"It's okay for now; didn't the doctor check it? And a nurse was left to take care of him."

Li Xuewu ate until his forehead was sweating, handed the chopsticks to her, and said: "Eat an egg for you; I can't eat it. I'll drink some water first."

"This is for you, just eat it."

Qin Huairu pushed his hand and said: "Eat it all; how can you stand staying up late?"

"Don't give it to me, I really can't eat it. Just eat it, I want to eat noodles."

Li Xuewu picked up his water cup and drank a few mouthfuls of hot water. Seeing Qin Huairu eat the egg in small bites, he took the chopsticks and ate the noodles.

"Although there is nothing to guard against others in tonight's matter, still talk less about it outside, especially to the waiters."

While eating noodles, he exhorted: "There are more people living in the guest house now, and their mouths are mixed. Who knows what words will spread; it's not very good."

"I know, who would dare to spread this around?"

Qin Huairu nodded and said: "When I received the notice from the Security Office, I gave instructions to the few people on duty; they won't talk nonsense."

"Hmm, I trust you in doing things."

Li Xuewu raised his head and looked at her with a smile, asking: "Is everything fine at home? I heard from Qin Jingru that you didn't go home for the New Year."

"Isn't it because I caught up with a reception task?"

Qin Huairu rubbed her neck and said helplessly: "I just eat this bowl of rice; how can I follow my own time?"

"Besides, there is no holiday for the Spring Festival itself; where would there be home leave? It's all passed like this."

"You think everyone is like Qin Jingru, wanting to go home with a car to pick her up and send her off; you are also spoiling her."

Qin Huairu glanced at Li Xuewu and said: "You haven't seen how rampant my second uncle is; he even dares to sit at a table with the village head to drink, just because his daughter went home in a small car."

"Why? Does your family also want to drink at a table with the village head?"

Li Xuewu said with a smile: "Tell Guodong to lend the car to you, or just take you back to your maiden home together."

"You might as well freeze me to death; I won't sit in it."

Qin Huairu pursed her lips and said: "I won't show off this limelight; my father and mother don't need it either. Living a peaceful life is better than anything."

"How about you? How are the children? They are fine, right?"

She took the initiative to care and asked: "I heard from Aunt Liu that he grew up very fat. Is he easy to coax?"

"He just came out of the first month; how can you tell?"

Li Xuewu finished the noodles, finished the soup, wiped his mouth, and said: "At this time, he only knows how to eat, eat and sleep, sleep and eat; he is happier than anyone."

"Isn't that just how it is, little children."

Qin Huairu said with a smile: "Bang Geng was like this when he was little. At that time, the conditions at home were still okay, and my nutrition was enough; he ate until he was like a little stone roller."

"No wonder he is so fat now; the foundation was laid well."

Li Xuewu smiled and glanced at her "nutrition cabin" and said: "With this rice bowl, whoever eats it will be fat."

"Go away! Lecherous, you go off-track as soon as you speak."

Qin Huairu chided him, picked up the rice bowl and chopsticks on the table, and said: "Go upstairs quickly; everything is prepared for you. Take a bath and rest early."

"Alright, full and satisfied, going to sleep."

Li Xuewu stood up, patted her butt amidst Qin Huairu's chiding, and went upstairs with a smile.

Cheng Kaiyuan's matter was really somewhat sudden; all the leaders were unprepared. This response was considered timely and precise, and even more reasonable, grounded, and lucky.

If Li Huai had been vague, hesitant, or even waited until tomorrow to handle it, I'm afraid the result would not have been like this.

No matter if Cheng Kaiyuan could hold on or not, just the Rolling Mill's hesitant attitude would have made the other party even tougher.

At this time, what is compared is not who has evidence or whose words are better, but patience, attitude, and who has more chips in their hands.

The Rolling Mill has hope for promotion and its career is taking off; being coveted by some people is naturally normal. Even if Cheng Kaiyuan's incident happened, Li Huai didn't think it was an accident.

Of course, Cheng Kaiyuan's incident was an accident, but someone looking for trouble was already in his expectation.

Li Huai even suspected that Jing Yunong would have an accident, Dong Wenxue would have an accident, and even he himself would have an accident; he just didn't expect Cheng Kaiyuan to have an accident.

Jing Yunong had study-abroad experience and was a proper college student, a cultured person, especially the various styles shown in daily work; she should have been the one most attacked.

But she just stood still and didn't fall; really, no one was willing to provoke her, which might have something to do with her personality and background.

Dong Wenxue, that incident happened at the Steel Mill; although it had been handled quietly, as long as someone turned it over and made trouble, an accident would inevitably happen.

However, Li Xuewu personally laid out the layout and handled the aftermath; Li Huai believed in Li Xuewu more than Dong Wenxue, so the probability of Dong Wenxue having an accident all depended on Li Xuewu.

Regarding himself, of course, he knew best what he had done. From the beginning of the Great Learning activity, one by one, piece by piece, if one really wanted to catch his small faults, he couldn't withstand being cleaned up.

Cheng Kaiyuan was different; when he came out of the Machinery Factory, there was already a definition of his previous work.

After arriving at the Rolling Mill, Li Huai dared to guarantee that he didn't give the other party any chance to grasp real power at all; what kind of mistake could he make?

No one understands management better than him!

No one! ===== CHAPTER 1044 =====