Chapter 1143: The Bath Emperor

"Director Xia, look at this..."

Kong Xiaobo knew that his team member had committed a major taboo in foreign affairs work.

Fortunately, the foreign affairs department didn't accompany them today, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.

Even so, he was also in a cold sweat, and his career was almost finished.

Not to mention anything else, he couldn't control what disciplinary action Zhu Lei received, but he must bear the management responsibility.

And it was a very serious, very severe joint management responsibility; if not handled well, he would be destined to screw bolts for a lifetime.

There are no small matters in foreign affairs; this sentence wasn't said randomly.

Standing in front of the reception house, he looked at Xia Zhongquan with embarrassment and sent out a distress signal.

Xia Zhongquan was also in a difficult position; these days, under Li Xuewu's arrangement, he had had a lot of contact with this Director Kong from Bingfei, and they got along quite harmoniously.

Just think about it, those who could be pitted by Li Xuewu with his eyes closed must be very simple and kind.

It was just that what they did today was truly a bit excessive.

"Director Kong, let me ask you a real question; if you can answer, answer; if you can't, it doesn't matter."

He pulled Kong Xiaobo to stand to the side and asked softly, "Is this Zhu Lei's identity very...?"

Xia Zhongquan was a good person, and his speech was very polite.

Even though he was very annoyed about today's matter, almost ruining the inspection team and the project team.

But he still blurred the key question when asking, leaving face for the other party.

Just like he said, if you can answer, answer; if you can't, pretend I didn't say it.

Old Xia had been with Li Xuewu for a long time, and he had learned a lot of twists and turns.

Didn't the old saying go well: learning good is not easy, learning bad is a slip.

Old Xia had been slipping with Li Xuewu for a long time; he had long been polluted.

At this moment, Kong Xiaobo understood the meaning in his words, frowned, then shook his head with a bitter smile and said, "There's nothing I can't say."

He explained, "Zhu Lei's father works in the Third Ministry of Machine-Building Bureau in Bing City; his mother is in the Women's Federation."

The First Ministry and Third Ministry had ministries above and branches in the localities below to manage industry.

Xia Zhongquan had inquired clearly, so he had a bottom line in his heart.

He gently tapped Kong Xiaobo's arm with his finger and reminded him with a very hesitant tone, "If you still want to be responsible for this project, call his parents to come here to explain the matter clearly before going back."

"This... Director Xia," Kong Xiaobo opened his mouth in surprise and asked, "Is this necessary?"

Zhu Lei's father was considered the management department of Bing City, that is, their superior unit.

Now he, this project director, was asking the other party to come to the capital to pick up people, and also had to make an explanation?

"This Deputy Director Li of ours..."

Xia Zhongquan hesitated, but for the sake of the project, he still gave a hint: "His identity is a bit special."

"I don't know what you're planning," he patted Kong Xiaobo's arm and said, "Explaining the matter clearly before going back is necessary for the project, for you, for him, and for his parents; otherwise..."

While Kong Xiaobo's brows were tightly knitted and other 701 team management were standing not far away watching, he said very seriously: "You'll all be finished."

Kong Xiaobo's head buzzed; he knew very well whether the meaning in the other party's words was a threat or not.

To put it bluntly, Xia Zhongquan was the technical head of the Red Star Factory; what threat could he have?

Being able to say these words was entirely for the sake of the project, so as not to ruin things because of the 701 people.

Once an accident happened, 701 would be ruined, Bingfei's face wouldn't look good, and the Red Star Factory would also lose face.

Sha Qizhi walked over hurriedly from the outside; seeing them standing here, he came over to this side.

"Director Xia, the leader wants you to go over."

He reminded Xia Zhongquan, then looked at Kong Xiaobo and said with a serious face: "Director Kong, according to the notice from the Security Department's Confidentiality Office, due to work needs, Zhu Lei of the 701 team is now summoned to cooperate with the investigation."

It's here—

Kong Xiaobo's face turned pale; he knew Li Xuewu's words weren't a joke.

Just after this delay, not letting Zhu Lei leave, the order had already been issued.

He couldn't not solve this matter now; Li Xuewu's killing intent had arisen.

"What are you doing! What are you doing!"

While they were talking, the security officer who came with Sha Qizhi had already entered the reception house and brought the person out.

Zhu Lei was being restrained by two people, his head covered with clothes, shouting and yelling.

Just when going out the door, the security officer saw Director Sha frown; with the effort of going down the steps, it was a punch.

That was it; with a scholar-like body, how could Zhu Lei withstand it? His mouth closed immediately.

"Sorry, I still have work to handle."

Sha Qizhi didn't care about the attitude of Kong Xiaobo and other 701 team members at all; watching the person get into the car, he also left.

Xia Zhongquan sighed; he wanted to help the other party to round this matter off.

It was just that he didn't expect the matter to develop to this situation; he could only say Li Xuewu had other plans.

"Director Xia—"

Just when Xia Zhongquan got into the car and was ready to leave, a female comrade ran out from the building.

"Shangguan Qi? You—!"

Shangguan Qi ran panting, looked at the entrance and saw Zhu Lei's figure was gone, so she grabbed Xia Zhongquan's car door, as if it were the last straw.

She didn't care about the leader's light scolding, and her gaze pleaded with Xia Zhongquan: "I want to see Deputy Director Li."

"Comrade Shangguan Qi!" Deputy Director Bai Guangming reminded her loudly: "What do you want to do!"

"I beg you, let me see Deputy Director Li!"

Shangguan Qi pleaded: "Zhu Lei is like that because of me; please help me—"

Her words already carried a crying tone, and she didn't let go of the car door.

Kong Xiaobo and others had guessed some situations, but hadn't had time to verify them.

Now that Shangguan Qi had said so, they all fell silent in unison.

Finding Li Xuewu to explain clearly, Kong Xiaobo also wanted to do this.

He even wanted to take the responsibility alone to suppress this matter.

But Li Xuewu's furious expression when leaving, as well as the subsequent events, didn't give him the courage.

Yes, the influence of this sudden incident wasn't something he could bear.

He also had a family and a career; just because of Zhu Lei's love and hate, it was ruined; it wasn't worth it at all.

So, they would rather not know, waiting for Zhu Lei to say it himself, or Shangguan Qi to take the initiative to say it.

It was just that they didn't expect the situation to take a sharp turn for the worse; Li Xuewu had already arranged for people to take Zhu Lei away.

And Shangguan Qi didn't have time to be honest with them before she requested to see Li Xuewu.

Actually, in Kong Xiaobo's view, this wasn't a bad way to control the influence within the scope of acting on impulse.

Because of emotional frustration, Zhu Lei acted recklessly; perhaps he would receive serious disciplinary action, but he wouldn't be involved with... that was the red line after all.

Even if their management was improper and mistakes were made in foreign affairs communication, it wouldn't be that serious.

Now, whether it was serious or not wasn't for them to set the standard; it was to see Li Xuewu's meaning.

So Shangguan Qi went to explain; if she could get Li Xuewu's approval, that would be the best.

At least there was no need for three departments to jointly investigate, and even less would one mouse dropping ruin a pot of soup.

The 701 project couldn't be disbanded just like that, and they even less could go back just like that.

Otherwise, just like Xia Zhongquan said, they would all be finished.

Can an engineer who isn't trusted still participate in Bingfei's cause?

In this era, which industry doesn't involve confidentiality; which unit dares to want them?

Spending a lifetime in the workshop screwing bolts was the best ending.

Therefore, including Kong Xiaobo, all the 701 team members who came out looked at Xia Zhongquan in unison.

"Sigh—"

Xia Zhongquan could still say what; looking at Shangguan Qi who was crying like a tearful person, he loosened his hand on the car door.

He moved inside to make room and allowed the other party to get into the car.

Watching Xia Zhongquan's sedan leave, the 701 team breathed a sigh of relief in unison.

It was just that the hanging heart hadn't been put down yet.

"According to the current industrial layout, it doesn't matter where the mechanical processing factory is."

Kuang Yusheng, wearing thick glasses, stood at the large square table and pointed out his arrangement to Li Xuewu.

"I personally tend to put it in Feng City, even if there is no relationship of ours there."

He pointed at several important units marked on the map and explained: "Our mechanical processing demand cannot be satisfied by future industrial production capacity."

"The mechanical processing factory will ultimately have to face Northeast industry and national industry."

Kuang Yusheng raised his head and looked at Li Xuewu, asking: "Is the arrangement of the industrial supply chain this meaning?"

"Um, um, continue—"

Li Xuewu looked back and didn't pay attention to Xia Zhongquan bringing people in.

Xia Zhongquan glanced at Shangguan Qi who followed behind and nodded, signaling her to be calm.

He himself leaned closer and listened to Kuang Yusheng's report.

"It doesn't matter if there is no industrial relationship; we can establish a new industrial relationship based on the Feng City First Machinery Factory, forming a chain-style industrial base."

Kuang Yusheng combed through the railway line from Steel City to Feng City and explained: "In terms of industrial transportation capacity, I think we can be fully assured, at least in Liaodong."

He knocked on the map and emphasized: "I feel we cannot be content with Steel City; resources are saturated, industry is saturated; this is not a good thing for us."

"Moreover, the newly built mechanical processing factory itself is born from the Feng City First Machinery Factory."

Kuang Yusheng supported the map with both hands, looked at Li Xuewu, and suggested: "Building an expansion on the original site is the most stable."

"Old Xia, what do you think?"

"Me?"

Xia Zhongquan saw Kuang Yusheng ask for his opinion, smiled, looked at Li Xuewu, and said: "The land in Feng City must be much cheaper than the land in the capital, right?"

"Hahaha—"

Li Xuewu understood his meaning, laughed lightly, and didn't nod or shake his head.

He took the teacup handed over by Peng Xiaoli, took a sip, and asked: "How is the progress over at Deputy Director Jing? I heard it was almost done last week?"

"Still grinding; Liaodong industry is very active, but the First Machinery Factory has concerns."

Kuang Yusheng stood up straight, followed Li Xuewu to the sofa, and introduced: "It might be that our splitting and resettlement policies have caused the other party's opinions."

"What is split is the factory, not the workers; what concerns do they have?"

Li Xuewu put down the teacup, sat on the sofa, glanced at Shangguan Qi standing at the door, signaled her to sit on the opposite sofa, but didn't pay attention to her.

Shangguan Qi was very steady; under Peng Xiaoli's signal, she came over and sat down, thanking him for the tea he handed over.

Seeing Li Xuewu and them talking about work, although she was anxious in her heart, she still held back.

"The First Machinery Factory is sick; ice three feet thick is not a day's cold; can it work without strong medicine?"

Li Xuewu crossed his right leg, looked at Kuang Yusheng, and said: "Talk about the principle of breaking and then establishing."

"The latest order from the French is still waiting for production; send a message to Deputy Director Jing, just ask if the First Machinery Factory still wants to continue talking; if not, forget it."

"Understood, leader, I will contact the Feng City project team right now."

Li Xuewu didn't say this sentence to Kuang Yusheng, but to Peng Xiaoli.

Kuang Yusheng was presiding over the research work of tertiary industry and joint industry, and naturally also participated in industrial resettlement work, including the construction planning of the new steel factory.

"Don't care about these factors on the negotiating table."

Li Xuewu tapped the sofa armrest very confidently and instructed Kuang Yusheng: "Just make a mechanical processing industrial plan."

"Good, I'll arrange it later."

Kuang Yusheng saw Li Xuewu adopt his opinion and was naturally happy.

But then he thought of Steel City and asked tentatively: "Director Dong over there with Steel City industry..."

"Put the aircraft manufacturing factory in Steel City."

Li Xuewu took a sip of tea and said: "Everything must be aimed at development; the opinions of the locality must be listened to and considered seriously, but the implementation of the project must have independent thinking ability."

"However, you must also pay attention to this matter at any time," he put the teacup on the armrest, pointed at Kuang Yusheng, and reminded: "Make the plan and tell Deputy Director Jing over there; don't withdraw the original plan."

"I understand what you mean—"

Kuang Yusheng nodded with a smile, knowing this was a hook of bait fishing two fish.

The Red Star Factory had a big layout in Steel City industry, but it also coveted the core position of Feng City industry.

The acquisition project of the First Machinery Factory hadn't been settled yet, so everything had to be cautious and conservative.

Even if it was the current train of thought when the mechanical processing policy was stripped, or going to Steel City to build a new factory, there was room for maneuver.

Even if it was building a factory in Feng City, and Steel City industry was flashed and unhappy, wasn't there still the aircraft manufacturing factory?

Besides, Li Xuewu's words were very straightforward, saying clearly where the investment was, wasn't it still decided by the Red Star Factory?

At least the meat was rotten in the pot; Liaodong industry didn't matter; what could they say.

Mechanical processing enterprises were still different from the electronics industry.

Industrialized and standardized mechanical processing enterprises were just supporting enterprises serving heavy industry.

In the future, it would be centered on Feng City and spread to the surroundings to realize the component supply effect.

"If the established goals can be realized, I think we can do a lot in Feng City in the future."

Xia Zhongquan smiled and raised his head, saying: "At that time, the capital factory area will be responsible for education, research and development, management, and industrial incubation;"

"Tianjin factory area will be responsible for trade and logistics;"

"Steel City and Ying City factory areas will be responsible for professional production;"

"Feng City factory area will be built into a component industrial base."

He was imagining the future, and became radiant, even the bad mood at the symposium just now weakened a lot.

It was just that Shangguan Qi, who was sitting on the side, heard the iceberg of the Red Star Factory revealed inadvertently; besides shock, there was also deep envy.

Li Xuewu did not say this last sentence for Kuang Yusheng's benefit; it was for Peng Xiaoli.

Unfortunately, things wouldn't change according to her preferences, and even became worse and worse.

What she encountered was precisely the most essential gap between Bingfei and the Red Star Factory.

No wonder the Deputy Section Chief of the Red Star Factory dared to get angry at the Director Kong who came to cooperate.

People really had this strength and confidence; on the contrary, she, who was sitting here listening, no longer had the sharpness and courage of breaking the cauldron and sinking the boat when she first came.

"Fine, just like this—"

Kuang Yusheng said goodbye to Li Xuewu after clarifying his work train of thought.

"I'll go over to report to Deputy Director Cheng first; when the plan for the Feng City First Machinery Factory comes down, I'll arrange for someone to send it over."

He glanced at the female engineer from the 701 team and Xia Zhongquan who was sitting and not moving.

Knowing Li Xuewu still had work, he didn't disturb him and waved his hand to go out.

Li Xuewu sent Kuang Yusheng away and came back; Xia Zhongquan was still sitting, but Shangguan Qi stood up.

Li Xuewu just waved his hand to let her sit down, not because he didn't recognize her.

On the contrary, just now at the symposium, the kid who made trouble was staring at her.

He had already guessed eight or nine out of ten in his heart, but didn't care about these dog-shit things.

That guy named Zhu Lei dared to make trouble on this project in front of foreign businessmen, which showed he had premeditation, and even that the 701 management team lacked responsibility.

With this state, they still want to go to Japan?

If they go over there and make trouble again, this face will be lost abroad.

So, if you want to lose face, there's no need to go outside to work hard; just do it at home.

You want to make trouble, right? Then I'll give you a chance now; make trouble well; if you don't die, consider your roots hard.

"This is Engineer Shangguan Qi from the 701 project team."

The person was brought by Xia Zhongquan, so he naturally made an introduction: "This is our Deputy Director Li, the person you want to see."

"Hello, Deputy Director Li, I came..."

After Xia Zhongquan finished the introduction, Shangguan Qi took a deep breath and was about to start explaining.

But just as she opened her mouth, she saw Li Xuewu wave his hand, signaling her to sit down.

"Sit down, speak slowly if you have something to say."

Xia Zhongquan saw Shangguan Qi blocked there full of panic, couldn't bear it, and helped her.

He signaled her like this, and looked at Li Xuewu and explained: "Said she's Zhu Lei's lover, grabbed my car door, and insisted on coming to see you."

"Sorry, Director Xia."

Shangguan Qi also knew Director Xia was doing it for her own good; this was paving the way for her.

"This matter, there are procedures and rules for how to handle it."

Xia Zhongquan waved his hand and exhorted her: "I brought you here not for you to make unreasonable trouble; think about how to say it; it's not too late to speak slowly."

He turned his head and looked at Li Xuewu again and said: "Anyway, the person has already been controlled; I believe the security department is also handling things according to procedures."

"Um—"

Li Xuewu nodded slowly and arranged for Xia Zhongquan: "I thought about it; this matter really rang an alarm for us."

"The team was formed temporarily, and it was pulled out like this without any combat effectiveness, and it was easy to have accidents."

He put down the teacup and said: "The departure date of the inspection team will be pushed back by half a month; pull the people to the mountain to study and study."

"Also, check for me emphatically; among the personnel prepared to participate in the inspection this time, are there any close relationships; if so, brush them all off."

"I fully agree with your opinion; I'll arrange it later."

Xia Zhongquan also knew the influence of today's matter was very bad; 701 had problems, which didn't mean the Red Star Factory side didn't have problems.

"I'll arrange for people to screen again and investigate the files and backgrounds of relevant personnel again."

"Um, okay—"

Li Xuewu nodded and said: "On this issue, no amount of caution is too much."

"Sorry, Deputy Director Li—"

Hearing this, Shangguan Qi didn't know that the Red Star Factory already had opinions about them.

Especially when there was no reservation or politeness in front of her, it was completely slapping her face.

Listen to the work arrangement just now; Li Xuewu didn't mention the 701 team at all.

This meaning was very likely that they wouldn't be taken to form a team anymore; then what was the significance of them coming to the capital.

So, at this moment, she couldn't help it and took the initiative to explain: "It's my responsibility."

"What I want to hear isn't this."

Li Xuewu interrupted her explanation directly and said with a frown: "Either explain the motive of that Zhu Lei's behavior, or represent the 701 project and express your attitude to me, how to handle this matter."

"I can't represent the 701 project."

Shangguan Qi said with a pale face: "I can only explain why Zhu Lei wanted to do this."

Her words started, and tears fell; from beginning to end, she told everything, even the things in the dormitory.

It wasn't ungratefulness, and even less was it adding weight to Zhu Lei's mistakes, but if this part wasn't told, the context of the whole matter couldn't be connected.

Even the fundamental reason that stimulated Zhu Lei to make such a move couldn't be explained.

So, she didn't dare to have any reservations, just hoping to explain clearly and protect Zhu Lei.

Just like what Kong Xiaobo and the others thought, Shangguan Qi also wanted to limit the fundamental reason for this matter to acting on impulse; it was the mistake of the two of them.

She had already made the greatest effort; asking for anything else, she was also powerless.

"You mean the motive for that Zhu Lei doing this was just to stop you from going to Japan?"

Xia Zhongquan saw Li Xuewu frowning and about to get angry, so he blocked it.

He looked at Shangguan Qi and asked: "Are there no other factors? Do you guarantee?"

"This is all I can know."

Shangguan Qi wiped a cold tear; at this moment, she didn't cry anymore and looked at Xia Zhongquan very frankly and said: "Perhaps he also wanted to destroy me."

"Just like now, burning together."

She looked at Li Xuewu and said with a desperate tone: "Our relationship is public in the 701 team; once he has an accident, my career will also be ruined."

"You two—"

Li Xuewu gritted his teeth and said with a chilling tone: "Just because of this kind of dog-shit reason, you want to treat our factory's key project as a child's play?"

"Do you know what a helicopter means to our country?"

"Do you know what our factory paid for this project?"

"You don't know; you just know that even if this project is ruined, you can pat your butt and leave, returning to the Bingfei factory to continue pulling the eggs of emotion."

Li Xuewu was truly angry; if Zhu Lei really had that kind of thought, he wouldn't be so annoyed.

But making such a big thing happen, the reason was actually children's love.

What the hell are you explaining to me; am I an emotional expert, or a mediator?

"I received your explanation; go back, tell your leaders, and let the Bingfei factory come to pick up the person."

Li Xuewu said seriously: "I absolutely do not allow garbage teams like yours to participate in our project; go back to where you came from."

"This situation shouldn't have happened, especially your responsibility—"

Xia Zhongquan saw Li Xuewu get angry and naturally wanted to pull it back.

No matter whether Li Xuewu's purpose was to cut off this cooperation or deliberately scare them.

If there's a white face, there must be a red face, otherwise things will get stiff.

No matter how this matter is handled in the end, it should be a matter between units and units.

Li Xuewu, as the main person in charge of handling this matter, cannot bring emotions into it.

After all, the purpose of Bingfei's trip was cooperation coordinated by the Third Ministry of Machine-Building and the First Ministry of Machine-Building.

Just chasing people away like this, the Third Ministry of Machine-Building will ask, and the Red Star Factory's work will be difficult to do in the future.

Don't say they aren't subordinate; industrial ministries are all connected, many lines and one rope.

Xia Zhongquan sighed and exhorted Shangguan Qi, who was in such a state: "You are advanced workers selected by the Bingfei factory; you must have a sense of responsibility and a sense of duty."

"At the first moment of conflict, you must communicate and explain with the leadership; especially this kind of emotional relationship, it is absolutely not allowed to appear."

He looked at Shangguan Qi and was also very embarrassed; parents and family were controlled by others, life-saving grace.

Encountering such a confused bastard kid, what future is there to talk about.

"Even if I reported it to the leader, the matter wouldn't be solved."

Shangguan Qi said with a dead face: "I only have one road to walk, and that is to maintain him."

"He gets angry, I have to endure it; he hits me, I have to suffer it; who can save me?"

She looked at Xia Zhongquan with empty eyes and said: "For the sake of my

She looked at Li Xuewu and said in a tone of despair: "The relationship between the two of us is public knowledge within the 701 team. Once he gets into trouble, my career will be ruined as well."

"The two of you—"

Li Xuewu gritted his teeth and said in a chilling tone: "Just because of this kind of bullshit reason, you treat our factory's key project like a child's game?"

"Do you have any idea what a helicopter means to our country?"

"Do you have any idea what our factory has sacrificed for this project?"

"You don't know. You only know that even if this project is destroyed, you can just shake off your responsibilities and leave, returning to the Bingfei Factory to continue playing house."

Li Xuewu was truly angry; if Zhu Lei had actually had those kinds of intentions, he wouldn't have been this annoyed.

But to cause such a massive incident for the sake of mere romantic entanglements.

What the hell are you explaining to me? Am I a relationship expert or a mediator?

"I have received your explanation. Go back and tell your leaders to have the Bingfei Factory come and collect their people."

Li Xuewu said with a serious expression: "I absolutely will not allow a garbage team like yours to participate in our project. Go back to where you came from."

"This situation shouldn't have happened, especially given your responsibility—"

Seeing Li Xuewu lose his temper, Xia Zhongquan naturally had to try to smooth things over.

Regardless of whether Li Xuewu's goal was to cut off this cooperation or simply to scare them.

If there is someone playing the bad cop, there must be someone playing the good cop, otherwise, things would reach a stalemate.

No matter how this matter is finally handled, it should be a matter between the units.

As the person primarily responsible for handling this matter, Li Xuewu cannot let his emotions get involved.

After all, the purpose of Bingfei's trip here was for coordination and cooperation under the Third Ministry of Machine-Building and the First Ministry of Machine-Building.

If he just kicks them out like this, the Third Ministry of Machine-Building will ask questions, and the future work of the Red Star Factory will become difficult.

Don't talk about them not being under the same jurisdiction; the industrial ministries are all connected, tied together like a rope.

Xia Zhongquan sighed and said to Shangguan Qi, who was crying again: "You are advanced workers selected by the Bingfei Factory; you must have a sense of responsibility and accountability."

"The moment a conflict arises, you must communicate and explain it to the leadership, especially regarding romantic relationships, which are strictly forbidden."

He looked at Shangguan Qi, feeling it was very difficult; her parents and family were being held hostage, and she owed a debt of gratitude for her life.

To be stuck with such an unreasonable bastard of a kid, what kind of future could there be?

"Even if I reported it to the leadership, the matter wouldn't be resolved."

Shangguan Qi said with a deathly pale face: "I only have one path to take, and that is to protect him."

"If he loses his temper, I have to endure it; if he hits me, I have to take it. Who can save me?"

She looked at Xia Zhongquan with hollow eyes and said: "For the sake of my family, I can't even die; I can only live like this."

"Sigh—"

Xia Zhongquan sighed helplessly; he had understood this point, which is why he didn't know what to say. Fate plays tricks on people.

How many people can you see right in front of you, and how many are hidden from view?

The Red Star Factory is considered decent; does it not have these kinds of situations?

"I am like a moth to a flame now; I know death is ahead, but I still have to come."

Shangguan Qi's tone was devoid of emotion, as if she were a dead person: "Zhu Lei is ruined, and I can only die here so that my family can have a better life, so..."

The meaning behind her words was absolute; if the Red Star Factory deals with Zhu Lei, Zhu Lei's parents will definitely retaliate.

As for how they would retaliate, she really didn't dare to think about it.

So coming here was not to seek life, but to seek death.

Even if Zhu Lei didn't die, she would have to die, otherwise, she would be a sinner when she returned.

"Is this how all you people from Bingfei do things? Playing with your lives against me?"

Li Xuewu curled his lip and said: "In all my years from joining the service to working, I've never encountered anything like this."

"If you want to die, I won't stop you, but don't stink up our place."

He said with a firm tone: "Since you've said as much, we certainly can't keep the 701 team..."

"Sigh—"

Before Li Xuewu could finish speaking, Xia Zhongquan saw Shangguan Qi's state and couldn't bear to let him scare her anymore, so he advised: "Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. Think of a solution."

"When did you become an old Bodhisattva?"

Li Xuewu frowned at Xia Zhongquan and said with dissatisfaction: "Why don't you save her then?"

"How could I have such great power—"

Xia Zhongquan looked at Shangguan Qi and advised: "Stop crying, crying won't solve the problem."

He pointed out to her: "Don't look at Deputy Director Li's angry, Vajra-like appearance; he is the true Bodhisattva."

"Regarding your matter, it is right to take the initiative to tell him, but you must clarify the relationship."

Seeing the spark of life return to Shangguan Qi's eyes, he nodded slowly and said: "Coming here today to report to Deputy Director Li, you cannot represent the 701 project team."

"Yes, I cannot represent the 701 project team," Shangguan Qi wiped away her tears and said: "I can only represent myself."

She looked at Li Xuewu and pleaded: "Deputy Director Li, please help me."

Li Xuewu glanced at her, lowered his head, picked up his teacup, and said nothing.

Xia Zhongquan looked at Shangguan Qi and gave her a helpless look, signaling her to be more proactive.

To beg for help, one must have an attitude. Since she knows she should do it in a personal capacity, shouldn't she express her attitude toward the Red Star Factory?

Shangguan Qi misunderstood his intention, slid off the sofa, and knelt on the ground with a thud.

This gave Xia Zhongquan a start; this was not his intention at all.

He looked at Li Xuewu, hoping that this wouldn't backfire.

Li Xuewu glared at him impatiently and then asked Shangguan Qi: "Are you really treating me like a Bodhisattva to be worshipped?"

"I have nowhere else to go—"

Xia Zhongquan signaled Peng Xiaoli to help her up together.

Shangguan Qi looked at Li Xuewu and said: "Even if you said you were the Jade Emperor, I would believe it."

"Heh heh—"

This sentence actually made Li Xuewu laugh in anger; he had become the Jade Emperor.

But this wasn't entirely wrong; his old nickname was the "Jade Emperor of Bathing."

"Don't talk nonsense—"

Xia Zhongquan also smiled, pulled her up, and after they sat down, asked: "You are in aircraft research? Which school did you graduate from?"

"Massachusetts Institute of Technology. My parents and brother all graduated from there."

Shangguan Qi explained: "We returned in '62 and were assigned to the Bingfei Factory."

"Massachusetts Institute of Technology?"

Xia Zhongquan frowned and thought for a moment, then looked at Shangguan Qi and asked: "Is it because of this reason?"

He asked with a very ugly expression: "So your parents and brother are all..."

"Including me, if it weren't for Zhu Lei," Shangguan Qi smiled miserably: "I think our whole family would have been separated already."

"Oh—"

Xia Zhongquan sighed with understanding and looked at Li Xuewu, wanting to ask what he thought.

How could Li Xuewu not know what Xia Zhongquan was planning? He curled his lip.

He thought to himself that Old Xia wasn't a good egg either; playing the "taking advantage of someone's predicament" card so smoothly.

Of course, people wouldn't call it taking advantage of a predicament; they'd call it "sending charcoal in snowy weather."

You can send the charcoal, but you're taking it from me, and you're the one playing the good guy.

But clearly, Xia Zhongquan had developed a love for talent and was actually pleading on her behalf.

"Go and check if the situation is as she described."

Li Xuewu gave a signal to Peng Xiaoli, then looked at Shangguan Qi and asked: "I am going to deal with Zhu Lei's matter; what is your attitude?"

"I will listen to you; you tell me."

Under Xia Zhongquan's signal, Shangguan Qi took a deep breath and looked at Li Xuewu earnestly, like a prisoner waiting for a sentence.

Li Xuewu looked at her with a difficult expression, thought about it again and again, and then said: "Zhu Lei's matter must be dealt with; have the Bingfei Factory send someone."

Hearing Li Xuewu say this, Shangguan Qi's face turned pale, but she endured it and said nothing.

"I don't want to manage the matter between you and him; I am not a Bodhisattva in a temple, worshipping me is useless."

Li Xuewu tapped the armrest of the sofa and said: "You must settle the mistakes you made yourself. If you don't learn your lesson this time, you'll still think this is child's play."

He paused here and then arranged for Xia Zhongquan: "She shouldn't go to Japan; it's not appropriate. Let her reflect properly and handle the problems cleanly before we talk."

"And—" Li Xuewu pointed at him impatiently and reminded him: "You took this matter on; if problems arise later, I will only settle accounts with you."

"Fine, fine, fine, I owe you one."

Xia Zhongquan stood up with a smile and signaled to the somewhat dazed Shangguan Qi: "Let's go, the Bodhisattva has granted your request, don't waste any more time here."

"But—but—"

Shangguan Qi hadn't understood what was going on; was the talk already over?

What did Deputy Director Li grant me?

Looking at Deputy Director Li, who had already stood up and returned to sit behind his desk, she wanted to ask but didn't know where to start; she hadn't understood the words just spoken.

Xia Zhongquan patted her arm lightly, signaling for them to walk out together.

He took the dazed Shangguan Qi out the door, and while walking, said: "Call your family in a while, prepare yourself, and come to Beijing with the Bingfei cadres; just say I said so."

"And—"

Before Shangguan Qi could ask, he turned his head and exhorted: "If anyone from 701 asks, don't mention what we just talked about; just say the situation has been clarified and Deputy Director Li has asked the Bingfei Factory to send someone to handle it."

"But, Director Xia—"

Shangguan Qi looked back at the office she had just left and asked: "I..."

"Deputy Director Li doesn't easily help people; you must cherish this opportunity."

Xia Zhongquan sighed and emphasized: "End your relationship with that Zhu Lei right here; don't see him, and certainly don't see his parents."

"Deputy Director Li asked the Bingfei Factory to come and collect their people, rather than sending him to the Confidentiality Department; don't you understand yet?"

He looked at the girl and said: "Either the Bingfei Factory transfers your family's relationship here, or they wait for the Third Ministry of Machine-Building to go to the Confidentiality Department to collect their people."

"Ah—"

Shangguan Qi was stunned; she understood what Director Xia meant.

Zhu Lei, who should have been handled according to procedure, was now being handled one level lower because of her and her family's relationship—meaning the Bingfei Factory would send someone.

What can the people who come do?

First, explain clearly what the attitude of the 701 team, as a team delegated by the Bingfei Factory, is toward this project; if they can do it, they do it; if they can't, they leave.

Second, eliminate the impact of this incident; the Red Star Factory will not be their scapegoat, and the procedures for self-criticism at the Third Ministry of Machine-Building and apologies at the First Ministry of Machine-Building cannot be skipped.

Finally, regarding the problem between Zhu Lei and her, the Red Star Factory needs aircraft research experts, but it doesn't need a troublemaker.

As soon as Bingfei receives this news, they will understand what the Red Star Factory means through Director Kong.

Since they don't have the ability to handle this matter, then resolve the relationship and the conflict completely.

Shangguan Qi's family transfers to the Red Star Factory in Beijing, and Zhu Lei is taken back by the Bingfei Factory to be dealt with.

Only then can they continue to talk about cooperation.

As for whether the Bingfei Factory is willing, after Shangguan Qi returned to the Red Star Factory guesthouse, she recounted what Director Xia had told her to say.

The way Director Kong and the other leaders looked at her said everything.

Aloof, indifferent, and carrying a bit of relief and disdain—it was too complicated.

Colleagues and comrades who had worked together for many years were now like strangers.

Her and Zhu Lei's matter had caused a crisis for everyone, and now she had abandoned Zhu Lei and become an outsider.

Is she an outsider?

Did she abandon Zhu Lei?

She didn't know; Shangguan Qi only felt that the heavy burden on her shoulders had become much lighter.

She had saved Zhu Lei; this life was considered repaid.