Chapter 1096: Lovers eventually become spouses

"Mr. Andrew? Of course we are friends! That goes without saying!"

Li Xuewu stood up to greet him, smiling as he shook the other man's hand and said, "Why did you come? You didn't even give me a heads-up so I could welcome you properly."

"I hold my friendship with Mr. Li in high regard, and I have placed sincere hope in it."

Andrew said with a straight face, "But now I am beginning to doubt my own sincerity. I feel I have been treated unfairly."

"How so? Please, sit!"

Li Xuewu gestured for him to sit on the sofa and waved to Peng Xiaoli, who had followed them in, instructing, "Help me brew a cup of coffee for Mr. Andrew. No sugar—!"

Peng Xiaoli acknowledged the order and went to the tea cabinet to get busy. They had left a tin there last time they prepared coffee for Deputy Director Jing.

Although Li Xuewu didn't host foreign businessmen very often, it was inevitable that a few would come, and these foreigners loved coffee.

Of course, you could serve them tea, but they didn't really know how to drink it and weren't used to the taste.

Naturally, there was an unspoken understanding between Li Xuewu and Peng Xiaoli; there were codes for brewing tea and coffee, so he wouldn't just emphasize something randomly.

Brewing tea meant using the best leaves; Li Xuewu explicitly asking for coffee without sugar was another code, meaning she needed to find out the reason for his visit immediately.

If Li Xuewu didn't have a handle on why Andrew had rushed to the Steel Rolling Mill, he wouldn't dare engage with him; this counted as foreign affairs work.

"Mr. Andrew, please calm down. We can discuss things slowly. Anything I can resolve, I certainly will. I absolutely won't let you suffer any grievances."

Li Xuewu said earnestly, "I am a person who respects friends and values friendship above all else. I cannot stand seeing friends being cheated. Please believe me."

"Of course I believe you. I have seen your performance and actions with my own eyes."

Andrew was quite frank. He sat on the sofa and said, "But why is it that the Yingcheng Shipyard has changed to a new shipbuilding project, yet I know nothing about it?"

"I need to explain this to you."

Li Xuewu caught the signal from Peng Xiaoli, who had just entered with the coffee, and said with a smile, "The production change at Yingcheng Shipyard belongs to a new project plan and does not conflict with the original schedule."

"In other words, the new project being launched now is only aimed at large cargo ships, specifically larger ones, and will not interfere with the small boat project."

"Mr. Li, I am a straightforward person. I don't hide things or beat around the bush."

Andrew said seriously, "A factory's production base is a constant, not a variable. Even if it were a dynamic equilibrium variable, I don't believe Yingcheng Shipyard has the capacity to maintain it."

He shook his head slightly and said, "My family has operated shipyards for generations. I should understand enterprise management and operations better than you."

Andrew's meaning was clear: whether it was production, technology, or enterprise management, Li Xuewu couldn't fool him.

He did not believe Li Xuewu's answer that launching a new project wouldn't affect the existing small boat project.

As for the talk about friends, friendship, and not cheating that Li Xuewu started with, he believed it even less. He was already over forty.

If he were in his twenties, it might be understandable to be deceived, but for a man over forty to be tricked by a young man in his early twenties? What would that make him?

"It seems you have already looked into the new project we are about to launch and build at Yingcheng Shipyard, haven't you, Mr. Andrew?"

Li Xuewu was not stumped by the question; instead, he asked one back with a smile.

Without waiting for an answer, he continued, "I certainly acknowledge your knowledge base and management experience in the shipbuilding industry."

"However, the information you have gathered is certainly not as comprehensive as what I possess," he said, raising an eyebrow with a smile. "After all, I am the cadre of the Red Star Factory, and the cadre in charge of this business. What do you think?"

"I would like to hear your explanation, Mr. Li." Although Andrew had rushed over, he had come prepared and was not here to quarrel.

He picked up the coffee and took a sip. It tasted okay, just not as fragrant as hand-ground coffee.

He noticed the secretary had found the canned coffee in the tea cabinet; this type of office coffee was also used for hospitality in Europe.

"I have no doubt about your factory's investment and enthusiasm in the shipbuilding industry, nor do I doubt the foundation and future of our cooperation."

Andrew put down the coffee cup and said, "I am just worried about your factory's expansion plan. I hope you can understand this point."

"Of course. Only by watching over and helping each other can there be true friendship. I fully agree with your concerns and feel honored and gratified by them."

Li Xuewu first affirmed the other's suspicion, then explained earnestly, "Actually, the information you have gathered is not very comprehensive."

"What I mean is, the expansion and new project at Yingcheng Shipyard are still just preparatory plans. Everything must wait for the subsequent planning to be implemented."

He crossed his right leg and said, "This is a relatively large business adjustment and addition, including the ecological industrial zone plan that the Red Star Factory is currently preparing."

"We are going to integrate sixteen medium and large enterprises, merging their production tasks, equipment, personnel, land, raw materials, and other resources."

Li Xuewu spread his hands and said, "The manpower reserve you are worried about is actually a burden in our view. We have too many people."

He raised his hand, spread his palm, and gestured, "Between now and the end of the year, we need to settle more than 56,000 cadres and workers into their positions."

"A portion of the existing laborers at Yingcheng Shipyard will also be transferred to shipbuilding production posts, including various technologies and equipment."

"As for the technical deficiency you mentioned, I need to explain this to you briefly as well."

Li Xuewu mentioned cautiously, "We are currently negotiating with the French, specifically the Saint-Aya Group you are aware of."

Under Andrew's knowing gaze, he introduced, "We will carry out a package of cooperation projects, which includes the introduction of large ship manufacturing technology and production equipment."

"Regarding Yingcheng Shipyard, I can guarantee to you that the yacht manufacturing industry will absolutely not be affected."

Li Xuewu smiled and patted the sofa armrest, saying, "If you feel there is a problem with the current production process or construction speed, contact me at any time. I will definitely make the shipyard give you a satisfactory answer. How about that?"

"Of course I believe you. You are a trustworthy friend."

Andrew thought for a moment and asked, "Can I know more about the business changes at the shipyard? If it's convenient."

He was quite cautious, knowing that the negotiations between the Red Star Factory and Saint-Aya were not yet complete, and he maintained a cautious attitude while inquiring.

"Of course. Between us, we are not just friends, but also trade partners."

Upon hearing that he was interested in the subsequent business development of the shipyard, Li Xuewu already had more ideas in mind.

He signaled to Peng Xiaoli, "I think the muskmelon you all were eating is quite good. Bring some over for Mr. Andrew to taste."

"Okay, it was brought by Xiao Yang," Peng Xiaoli said with a smile, explaining, "His mother grew it in her own shed. It's quite sweet."

Li Xuewu nodded, translated Peng Xiaoli's words for Andrew, and then said with a smile, "Our factory will be able to complete the ecological industry layout this year. Perhaps when you come again next year, you will be able to eat the fresh melons and fruits we grow ourselves."

"I have heard Mr. Xu mention that your factory's development speed is truly astonishing and eye-catching," Andrew shook his head in admiration. "In my opinion, this is an impossible task to complete."

He looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "If your factory completes the integration and merger of the sixteen medium and large enterprises you mentioned, will the number of workers reach 100,000?"

"Not yet, it should be less than 90,000."

Li Xuewu explained with a smile, "Our production management model has some gaps compared to the old-school capital management you have."

"For example, in terms of logistics support and welfare benefits, we do everything ourselves. We must provide the best protection for factory workers in housing and daily life."

He took a sip of hot tea and said, "The shipbuilding industry development you are concerned about is actually part of the ecological industry."

Seeing Andrew listening intently, he said seriously, "Saint-Aya has proposed an order for 10,000-ton cargo ships. We also want to take this opportunity to launch the cargo ship manufacturing project during the shipyard's construction period. This is an opportunity."

Li Xuewu spread his hands and said, "Your Gilly Star has brought technical projects such as fiberglass, powertrains, and generators to the Red Star Factory."

"From this, we have also seen a path to acquire advanced technology through cooperative means and to improve our industrial level with cheap labor in the early stages of development."

Seeing Peng Xiaoli enter with a plate of sliced muskmelon, he raised his hand to gesture, then continued, "Ms. Chantal is more concerned about the trade market, which does not conflict with your business."

"However, there is one point I still want to remind you of, as a small suggestion."

Just as Andrew picked up a piece of muskmelon to taste, Li Xuewu said, "I know you also have shipping layouts in Hong Kong. I wonder what you think of the current economy in Southeast Asia?"

"Mr. Li, if you have something to say, please speak directly. I don't actually care much about shipping operations; my main energy is still focused on yachts."

Andrew ate the muskmelon, nodded at Peng Xiaoli with a smile, and then said to Li Xuewu, "Are you suggesting that you have ideas about shipping?"

"No, it's not that we have ideas about shipping. We have too many restrictions on engaging in shipping; the capital model alone is an obstacle."

Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and looked at Andrew, "You have operated in Southeast Asia for many years; you should have resources and connections in this regard."

"From some of the situations I have learned about, although Southeast Asia is still in the development stage and its economic level is relatively backward..."

"And it has experienced a decline in productivity and sluggish production economy after the economic crisis, I believe this is temporary."

He raised an eyebrow and said, "My friend is also engaged in shipping trade. He has a confident attitude toward this business and feels it has great potential."

"Are you suggesting I expand into shipping?"

Andrew frowned slightly, "I don't understand what you mean. Can you be more detailed?"

"Not entirely, or rather, not just that. It also depends on your choice."

Li Xuewu said bluntly, "Economic downturn must lead to an upturn. The foundation must be industry. Cheap labor impacting the capital market must bring about a reverse revival of industrial goods."

"Shipping trade is about to see great development. It won't work without ships. Are you interested in laying out a market for ship sales in Southeast Asia?"

"I am talking about medium and large cargo ships."

Li Xuewu emphasized at the end, "Medium and large cargo ships with standardized loading capacity."

"You also want to get into container cargo ships?"

Andrew looked at him in surprise and said, "You don't even have the ability to connect to the shipping alliance. How can you engage in this transport industry?"

"But we have a larger population, a broader industrial base, a larger trade market, and a market for industrial goods."

Li Xuewu said seriously, "I also know that the current shipping price for containers is 23 US dollars per cubic meter. I am very envious and anxious."

He pursed his lips and said, "If we can have our own maritime trade alliance and connect to the world industrial system, this money should be ours to earn."

Andrew raised an eyebrow at his words and asked tentatively, "Then do you know how many maritime shipping trade alliances there are in the world right now?"

"More than twenty, not more than thirty, I suppose. The competition is still relatively fierce."

Li Xuewu nodded, "But you must also see that shipping has only just begun to develop."

"Of course! Of course, I can see it, because I have investments and business in this area, and I am also understanding these situations."

Andrew deliberated for a moment and said, "You want to intervene in the world industrial system trade alliance through the shipbuilding industry, taking an unconventional path, right?"

He said hesitantly, "This is not a new idea. Others have done it, but none have succeeded because they couldn't guarantee the speed of shipbuilding. Orders like snowflakes can crush their industrial system."

"Of course, I must affirm that the Red Star Factory's industrial system is very large. Intervening in this development is not a pipe dream, but..."

Andrew pursed his lips and asked, "Do you know how much pressure Gilly Star undertook to cooperate with the mainland and bring in production equipment and technology?"

"I understand, I understand your current situation and pressure very well," Li Xuewu nodded. "But we have a saying that is very good: 'Imperialism is a paper tiger; it can be punctured with a single poke.'"

He raised his hand to gesture and said, "You want to register the ships we build in Hong Kong and then sell them. It's actually just 'covering your ears to steal a bell.' I believe they will definitely know."

"But, so what?"

Li Xuewu spread his hands, "Can they destroy our shipyard, or can they bully you and stop you from selling ships to wealthy merchants in Southeast Asia?"

This made Andrew feel very sad. The Ugly Country couldn't destroy the Yingcheng Shipyard, but those dogs could really threaten him and stop him from selling ships.

Once he thought about the crisis he would have to endure in the future, he really started to consider the business of distributing medium and large cargo ships.

Seeing this old guy biting the hook, Li Xuewu's expression remained unchanged, "You don't need to worry too much. I don't think the old Ugly has any means to sanction you."

The more he said this, the less at ease Andrew felt. Of course, he had confidence in his layout in Hong Kong and confidence in these ships.

It didn't matter if they were built on the mainland; as long as his connections were guaranteed, they would definitely sell.

But he was afraid that policies would change within three to five years, or that his connections would change.

He didn't feel it before he invested in the mainland shipyard, but now that production was about to start, he really began to hesitate because of what Li Xuewu said.

What merchants care about most is not how much they can earn from one order, but how many orders they can earn and for how long. The first thing they do is definitely to consider the enterprise's ability to resist risks and its depth, and then talk about other things.

"Mr. Li, tell me more about your factory's layout and development direction for container cargo ships."

"What? I heard the Italian merchants came to report the situation? They didn't give you any trouble, did they?"

At lunchtime, Cheng Kaiyuan asked with a smile when he ran into Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu's eyebrows twitched, his eyes rolled, and he said, "It was okay. They just asked about the situation regarding the shipyard's new project."

Handing his lunchbox to Sha Zhu, he said casually, "Oh? Didn't he go to see you?"

At the moment Cheng Kaiyuan was stunned, he turned his head and raised an eyebrow, "He heard about Saint-Aya's investment cooperation intention and also wanted to expand the cargo ship business. I told him to contact you."

"Heh heh—you're joking again." Cheng Kaiyuan wasn't stupid; he reacted immediately and said with a smile, "If he really wanted to expand the business, he should be looking for you. How could he come to me?"

"Look at what you're saying. You are the leader in charge. If he doesn't talk to you, who would he talk to? I don't have the authority to handle it. I'm not joking about this."

Li Xuewu was smiling when he spoke, but his tone was not one of joking, which left Cheng Kaiyuan confused and suspicious.

Sha Zhu, who was serving food, curled his lips, knowing this kid was "tossing sand" again; who knew who he was going to pit.

You look at him smiling, but in reality, what he's saying might be irrelevant. By the time you think back, he's already dug a pit for you.

"He should have gone back to prepare. Even if he wants to develop the business, it needs to be demonstrated."

Li Xuewu reminded him, "You'd better be prepared. I was just saying, if he had gone directly to you, I would have saved a phone call."

"No, he didn't come to me." Cheng Kaiyuan called Li Xuewu upstairs, "Come, tell me specifically what the situation is."

"Okay, no problem." Li Xuewu cooperated very well and told him about Andrew's ideas and wishes, including the plan to further invest in the cargo ship business in Yingcheng, as well as the agency plan for cargo ship distribution.

Li Xuewu's account was fine, except he hid his own part of the content and didn't tell Cheng Kaiyuan.

This had nothing to do with the overall project. Andrew wouldn't mention how he got this idea, and even if he did, it didn't matter; many people knew he met with the Italian merchants.

The problem wasn't how Andrew thought of getting into the cargo ship business, nor how he wanted to do it or what his ideas were, but who would preside over the project.

With the advancement of his position, Li Xuewu naturally couldn't be straightforward when laying out his plans; he had to play high-level games when dealing with these leaders in the factory.

Could an old fox who had been floating in the officialdom for many years be fooled by a young man who had just started? That would be a joke.

Well, Andrew thought the same thing when he first entered Li Xuewu's office, but he was also confused when he left.

No old guy could leave Li Xuewu's office with a bargain while keeping a clear head.

Even if he felt he had taken a bargain, it was because Li Xuewu deliberately made him feel that the bargain in his hand was a bargain.

Now you see Cheng Kaiyuan actively inquiring about the specific situation of the project, but in reality, his guard against Li Xuewu has always been up.

He naturally had a mental preparation for how many people this kid had pitted and cleaned up.

But you have to do business, right? The business is right in front of you; are you going to turn a blind eye just because Li Xuewu is handling it?

That's impossible. You can't die just because you're dizzy; you have to have your own rhythm and way of doing things.

Just now, he took the initiative to greet Li Xuewu, and his purpose was also to explore this matter. It concerned the shipyard project, and it was indeed within his authority.

Everyone knew that when it involved foreign businessmen, this work achievement was solid. As long as there were trade orders, it would definitely create production value.

Why was Li Xuewu's status in the Red Star Factory getting higher and higher, and more and more stable? Wasn't it because he had pulled in big orders for the Red Star Factory?

Planned production tasks earned 1 cent per unit, joint trade could earn 1 dime, and foreign trade could earn 1 yuan. Counting compensation trade, if these were coordinated, a single unit could earn two or even five yuan.

What kind of effect was this?

Li Xuewu was sitting in the position of Deputy Director of the Committee Office, but he was doing the work of an Executive Deputy Director.

Cheng Kaiyuan had some of his power dispersed to Li Xuewu by Li Huai De, so he couldn't stand tall in the factory and had always been suppressed by Old Li.

But now the opportunity had come. The external situation had quietly changed, and the Red Star Factory had ushered in new development opportunities and had a need for unity.

This rapidly developing situation could not only cover up the many problems currently existing in the factory but also cover up the little schemes between the leaders.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, after the last incident, Cheng Kaiyuan showed a gesture of compromise with Li Huai De and also gained some support.

Li Huai De wanted to balance the power within the Management Committee, so he inevitably had to pull Cheng Kaiyuan and suppress the gradually rising Jing Yunong.

Therefore, what could be seen was that Jing Yunong, as the leader in charge, had actually gone to the transfer office.

Of course, this was normal business work, but leaving for more than a month—do you think Li Huai De's layout and arrangement were normal?

Jing Yunong naturally felt it was abnormal, so she, unable to rest easy, took the initiative to find Li Xuewu.

What for?

To make a positive response to the layout previously proposed by Li Xuewu.

She couldn't say she was leaning entirely toward anyone's side. Li Xuewu was only a deputy division-level cadre, Dong Wenxue was still struggling in the Steel Mill, and Gu Weijie was also protecting herself.

The most obvious shortcoming of this faction now was also its most obvious advantage: it had no top-tier dominance.

Dong Wenxue was the youngest and most representative, but his personality was soft, which Li Huai De appreciated, and this also caused the gentleness of this faction.

Even with Li Xuewu's hardline style, it wouldn't work; he was still too young and needed time to be tempered.

And Jing Yunong's attitude leaning over was also accompanied by conservatism and caution.

She would absolutely not put herself on the gambling table again. How could the person playing the cards become the stake? She should be the one playing the cards.

So Li Xuewu wanted to counter Li Huai De, and Jing Yunong had already made her choice and response.

This way, she wouldn't be deaf and blind after being away for more than a month, losing her foundation in the factory.

Conversely, Li Xuewu constantly coordinating her work in the factory and stabilizing the business she had negotiated on the front line could enhance her influence.

Otherwise, why would everyone say that having someone above you when doing business isn't enough; you also need to have someone below you.

Li Xuewu wanted to restrain Li Huai De; he couldn't come hard, contacting Gu Weijie, Jing Yunong, Xue Zhifu, and others to force him to do something.

Feeling that Li Huai De was supporting Cheng Kaiyuan to restrict Jing Yunong, he wanted to give a push.

Li Huai De was pulling from above, so Li Xuewu had to push from below, and push even harder than Li Huai De was pulling, pushing him to rush upward, so that he would rush too fast and threaten Old Li's position.

So you could see that everything Li Xuewu did was good: helping Deputy Director Jing Yunong share worries and solve problems, helping Deputy Director Cheng Kaiyuan expand territory, and helping Deputy Director Gu Weijie stabilize the rear.

He even wanted to help Li Huai De plan and strategize, devising plans in the command tent and deciding victory a thousand miles away.

Who would suspect such a good person of having bad intentions, harboring ulterior motives, or having hidden agendas?

Cheng Kaiyuan, who was eating on the second floor, was getting clearer the more he listened, and more confused the more he listened.

Listening clearly meant he was clear on the business. Li Xuewu spoke very well and very clearly; the problems before and after were all explained, and he just had to do it.

Listening confused meant he was confused in his thinking. Why did Li Xuewu speak so well? Who couldn't do such an achievement?

You listen to him talk about having no authority; that's all nonsense. Without authority, how could those projects be negotiated?

Cheng Kaiyuan naturally thought that Li Xuewu had other purposes, but what was the purpose?

Helping himself harvest project achievements, and then watching himself advance, and then overstuffing himself?

It was too absurd. Even if it was to threaten Li Huai De, based on his status in the Red Star Factory, how could he be suspected by Li Huai De, who held great power? And other deputy directors wouldn't lean toward him.

Hey! This was what he thought, not what Li Xuewu thought. Who said no deputy director would lean toward him? Wasn't Li Xuewu helping him find them right now!

You think you have no danger, which is not good; Li Xuewu wants to make you dangerous, and all these influences he adds to you are within his calculations.

Jing Yunong naturally couldn't jump over to support him, and Gu Weijie was even less likely. That was something Li Xuewu and Dong Wenxue had discussed; after Old Li, they were going to support her in carrying the flag.

Dong Wenxue was in the Steel City, his influence was insufficient, and he couldn't reach them. So the candidate for this helping force had already surfaced.

May 7th, Wednesday.

Li Huai De went to the First Ministry of Machine-Building for a meeting to coordinate the ecological industrial zone.

The city had already issued the approval procedures, but they still had to coordinate with the First Ministry of Machine-Building to agree to the Red Star Factory's expansion and operation, and pass the construction opinions for the demonstration zone.

It wasn't too difficult, but it was just an unfortunate coincidence today; he was called away by Leader Du of the First Ministry of Machine-Building, but the leaders of the Second Auto Works, who had an appointment, were coming to negotiate.

Li Huai De wasn't home, and Cheng Kaiyuan and Gu Weijie were also busy with things and weren't home either.

Li Xuewu told Cheng Kaiyuan about the Gilly Star shipyard matter, and he started an investigation on his side.

Before Andrew could coordinate with the Red Star Factory, he had already taken the initiative to contact the other side through the Yingcheng Shipyard.

Andrew was quite straightforward and invited him to go to Yingcheng to see the site together, and then talk about it.

So yesterday afternoon, Cheng Kaiyuan led a team to Yingcheng Shipyard for research.

Gu Weijie wasn't on a business trip, but she was busy with personnel background checks and coordination, and also had to handle the merger procedures for sixteen enterprises.

Together with the staff welfare work she was already responsible for, she really couldn't pull herself away.

So the reception and negotiation work fell on Xue Zhifu, who was to preside over the negotiations, with Li Xuewu assisting, as arranged by Li Huai De.

At the entrance of the guesthouse, the Second Auto Works' car hadn't arrived yet, and Li Xuewu and Xue Zhifu were standing in front of the flower bed talking.

The water in Tuanjie Lake was rippling, fish were patrolling in the lake, and water ripples were pushed to the shore from time to time.

"Lang Zhennan told me that you want to put up a sign opposite the factory?" Xue Zhifu looked up at the garden in the summer and raised an eyebrow, "Any ideas?"

"Be original and see immediate results."

Li Xuewu tilted his head and said, "Since Mr. Z came once, he can't just leave empty-handed. He has to leave something behind, which can also boost the morale of our factory workers."

"You are truly bold and reckless, aren't you afraid of trouble?" Xue Zhifu knew what Li Xuewu wanted to do. Painting the scene of Mr. Z guiding the work—wouldn't that be "seeing immediate results"?

With the city's approval for the ecological industrial zone and Mr. Z's affirmation and expectations, the future would inevitably be smooth sailing.

At the same time, it was also a reminder to the Red Star Factory workers to work twice as hard and strive in the direction Mr. Z hoped for.

If the Red Star Factory workers could be reminded, then others would be reminded even more.

Li Xuewu's move was truly brilliant; not only did it concretize Mr. Z's influence, but it also put out the Red Star Factory's goal.

That was a weather vane. As long as the sign didn't fall, the Red Star Factory would absolutely not face any difficulties.

Xue Zhifu shook his head and laughed at his craftiness, but in his heart, he was secretly admiring him. While lamenting that young people had many ideas and broad thinking, he was also thinking that he had to admit he was getting old.

"The bolder the people, the higher the yield. Now that the sun is shining and the weather is favorable, who isn't thinking about contributing more to the factory?"

Li Xuewu teased him with a double entendre, then raised his chin and said, "Look at Deputy Director Jing, traveling thousands of miles to witness the vigorous development of joint trade."

"Look at Deputy Director Gu, working day and night, wholeheartedly laying the foundation for the future of the Red Star Factory, coordinating personnel changes, and promoting the development of the cause."

"Deputy Director Cheng, while taking into account production management, is also expanding new production space. This trip to Yingcheng will inevitably return with a full load."

"Hiss—" Xue Zhifu heard him say a whole bunch of things like a machine gun, but he didn't mention his own achievements and contributions.

He couldn't help but laugh, "So according to your meaning, in the leadership team, I am the laziest, the one with the least career ambition, and the least willing to contribute, right?"

"You must never say that. How could I have the status and qualifications to say that about you~"

Li Xuewu also teased him, joking, "You sit firmly on the fishing platform, you are the most clever and understand people's hearts best. You know without me saying it."

He raised his eyebrows and complimented softly, "If we talk about sacrifice, I know what you have paid. If we talk about contribution, then I understand you even more. Who has a greater contribution than you!"

"Heh—I dare not accept that!"

Xue Zhifu glanced at him with a light laugh and said, "You are blowing hot and cold. If I listen to you blow too much, won't I catch a cold—"

He pointed to the fish in the lake and said, "If you ask me, in our factory, your mouth is the most powerful. Look, even the fish have come to listen to you."

"Really? I have that ability?"

Li Xuewu looked down into the lake and shook his head with a laugh. This thing swam everywhere.

"If I could really move the fish, I would let them go to the workshop to work and contribute to our factory, instead of freeloading here."

"Hey—Comrade Li Xuewu, who are you saying is freeloading!"

Xue Zhifu laughed in anger, slapped him hard on the shoulder, and said, "So in your eyes, I am so useless that I have to listen to your command?"

Li Xuewu's words had a hidden meaning, and his words also had a hidden meaning. The two of them joked around, and that was that; the rest was just fooling around.

Qin Huairu walked over with a large bowl and said with a smile, "Freshly washed strawberries. Two leaders, have a taste. We grew them ourselves."

"From the backyard?" Li Xuewu glanced at the red fruits in the bowl with some green, and asked, "If we eat them, will Xiao Jin be willing?"

"Look at what you're saying. What kind of treasure is it?" Qin Huairu said with a smile, "It's not like it's the only batch of fruit. It's just a matter of eating them early or late."

"Then let's have a taste. This is my first time eating this stuff this year."

Li Xuewu pinched one and put it in his mouth, then frowned and said, "Sour, sweet, oh my, delicious—"

"Heh heh—"

Seeing him like this, Xue Zhifu also smiled, pinched one to taste, and then waved his hand to Qin Huairu, "Can't eat anymore, it's too sweet. Share them with the comrades."

It was just for the sake of it. Both of them had status and couldn't be like a child, holding onto delicious food and not letting go.

These strawberries were planted by the waiter Xiao Jin in the backyard after the guesthouse was renovated last year. He didn't expect them to really bear fruit this year.

They were sour and sweet, very delicious. They weren't like the cultivated large fruits of later generations; they were only the size of a thumb, but the strawberry fragrance was very strong.

Li Xuewu also nodded to Qin Huairu, instructing her to arrange the reception at noon. As for the strawberries, he didn't eat any more.

It wasn't that he disliked the sour and sweet taste, but he knew it was the favorite of the young girls. Who knew how much they were looking forward to eating them? It was better to let them taste them first and share the joy.

How could a leader be so lacking in class, snatching snacks from young girls? Eating one was enough to get the idea and have the joy of sharing.

Li Xuewu was called a leader, but he didn't have much status. He couldn't do the wicked thing of making his subordinates buy breakfast and water for him.

Qin Huairu acknowledged Li Xuewu's instructions and arrangements, but she didn't leave immediately. Instead, she turned around and waved toward the lobby.

Before the two leaders could react, the waiter Xiao Jin walked over somewhat bashfully. Seeing the leaders looking at her, she lowered her head and greeted them.

"What is this? Setting an ambush, right?"

"Since the leaders ate our Xiao Jin's strawberries, it wouldn't be too much to ask the leaders for a favor."

Qin Huairu smiled and held Xiao Jin's hand, explaining, "Xiao Jin's family introduced a partner to her. They are well-matched, and they both think it's suitable, so they are preparing to get married."

"Hmm, isn't this a good thing?"

Li Xuewu looked at Xiao Jin. She was tall, and working here was both decent and practical, so she naturally wouldn't worry about finding a partner. Why worry about getting married?

"It's a good thing, but it's a case of 'good things come with difficulties,' isn't it?" Qin Huairu said helplessly, "Her father used to be a translator. It's not that, but he was the kind who had merit. However..."

She said with some difficulty, "When the neighborhood committee checked the background, there was a problem. Her father's situation couldn't be determined, so they wouldn't process the paperwork."

"What is her father's situation? What kind of translator?" Li Xuewu frowned slightly and looked at Xiao Jin. The girl stood there with her head lowered, looking very troubled.

Xue Zhifu didn't speak. At this time, it was naturally up to Li Xuewu to ask.

He was a factory leader. Once he opened his mouth, if the situation was special, it wouldn't be appropriate to move forward or backward, so he didn't speak.

Qin Huairu wasn't someone without a sense of proportion. If it were truly malicious, she wouldn't have brought the person to Li Xuewu.

"Actually, he was just an ordinary commoner. In those years, it was hard to even get a meal. How many people who could be translators were bad people?"

Hearing Xiao Jin was about to cry, she hurriedly said, "When the Steel Rolling Mill was first taken over, her father was already in the class. He belonged to the factory's workers."

"But, work follows management. At that time, there was a little devil, you know."

"Wasn't it investigated before?" Li Xuewu looked at Xiao Jin and asked, "Didn't your father clarify his personal issues before? How come you only know the identity is a problem now?"

"It was checked. I don't know how many times the file has been supplemented," Xiao Jin wiped her tears, "But the neighborhood committee doesn't recognize it..."

"Don't cry. What's the use of crying? If there's a problem, solve it. Even if your father has a problem, what does it have to do with you? Are they not letting you get married?"

Li Xuewu said a word to her, then asked Qin Huairu, "Has the situation been investigated clearly? What does our factory personnel department say?"

"I went to personnel. Xiao Jin's review is fine," Qin Huairu explained, "Her father passed the review at the beginning, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to arrange for Xiao Jin to take over the job."

"Then have personnel issue a certificate." Li Xuewu waved to Peng Xiaoli, took a notebook from his hand, wrote a note, and handed it to Xiao Jin.

"You go to personnel first to get a material certificate. I'll have the security department issue you an identity verification certificate as well. Use these two things to handle it first."

Li Xuewu nodded at Peng Xiaoli, signaling him to take note and make arrangements, while simultaneously instructing Xiao Jin: "If these two certificates don't work, come find me again; I will take you to the city to get them processed."

He looked at Xue Zhifu helplessly and said, "There's an old saying: 'Better to tear down a temple than destroy a marriage.' Now some people are just messing around and acting blindly."

"Thank you, Deputy Director Li, thank you, leader."

Xiao Jin got Li Xuewu's note, and only then did she break into a smile, bowing to thank them.

Xue Zhifu nodded and said, "Understand it. The neighborhood committee may have limited ability and didn't investigate comprehensively. Getting married is a good thing; no one will stop you. Don't cry. Isn't it solved now?"

He pointed to Li Xuewu with a smile and said, "What Deputy Director Li says, he can absolutely do. You tell your neighborhood committee that if they don't approve it, it means their leader will be the one to approve it, and he will be criticized."

"Thank you, leader." Xiao Jin wiped her tears, nodded with a smile, and agreed. She was quite simple and wanted to give the two leaders strawberries, but was politely refused by Li Xuewu and the other with a smile.

After Qin Huairu left with her, Xue Zhifu shook his head helplessly, swallowing the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Xiao Jin was lucky to know to ask for help. Li Xuewu's note solved her lifelong event.

But not everyone could hold Li Xuewu's note, and not everyone could get Li Xuewu's guarantee.

The phrase "Lovers eventually become spouses" is mostly heard at the end of plays, but not all lovers can become spouses. ===== CHAPTER 1097 =====