Chapter 1147: Hey, this isn't good, is it?

"Deputy Division Chief Li, if you have any opinions about me, we can speak about them privately."

Just as Li Xuewu was looking at Lu Dake and about to lose his temper, Zhu Dingsong took the initiative to intervene.

He handed the transcript in his hand to Zhao Yuanding, who was standing to the side, and while scrutinizing Li Xuewu's attitude, he said, "If a son is not taught, it is the father's fault. I came to the capital specifically to handle this matter."

Peng Xiaoli, who was brewing tea, raised an eyebrow. Deputy Director Ao, who had just left, had already made introductions.

What did this Zhu Dingsong, whose position hadn't been introduced, call Li Xuewu?

Deputy Division Chief Li?

Hmm, how long had it been since he'd heard that title? The other party must be doing it on purpose.

He looked at the tea leaves he had just placed into the teacup and, "accidentally" gave them a shake, spilling them all.

Then, without a word, he bent down and searched the tea cabinet for that tin of top-tier tea leaves.

Hmm, a person like this deserves to be treated with the best tea; otherwise, he wouldn't know the difference between good and bad.

"Then how does Division Chief Zhu intend to handle this?"

Li Xuewu's sharp gaze locked directly onto him, exposing the other party's identity.

Ao Yuhua introduced himself as a Deputy Director, yet you call me Deputy Division Chief—you clearly looked me up.

Courtesy demands reciprocity; you have time to investigate me, but no time to discipline your son, right?

"Furthermore, in what capacity are you handling this matter?"

Li Xuewu didn't lose his temper, but he asked in a very stiff tone, "As an incompetent father, or as a..."

"I am Zhu Lei's father, just as you mentioned."

Zhu Dingsong had anticipated this; Li Xuewu already knew his identity, so he emphasized this point before Li Xuewu could finish his sentence.

"I express my sincere apologies for the mistakes Zhu Lei has committed, and I am willing to bear the corresponding responsibilities and obligations."

His words were polite, but his expression remained rigid and stiff, as if he didn't care about that transcript at all.

"If he has violated discipline, I will absolutely not shield him. Please, organization, handle this strictly."

"Heh—"

Li Xuewu chuckled softly. Ignoring him further, he looked at Zhao Yuanding and said, "How about it, Deputy Division Chief Zhao? Is there a need to verify this?"

"If you have any objections or doubts, you can go downstairs and begin your work now."

He asked Peng Xiaoli, who was bringing over the tea, "Are the comrades from the Joint Investigation Team still there?"

"Yes, leader, they are all still there."

Peng Xiaoli set down the teacups, stood straight, and replied, "Division Chief Zhou is currently presiding over the work, and the relevant materials are already being handed over by the Confidentiality Department."

"Zhu Lei's problem isn't something that Red Star Factory says is a mistake just because we say so."

Seeing Zhao Yuanding remain silent, Li Xuewu looked at Lu Dake and Zhu Dingsong.

He looked at the two of them as well and continued, "The way we do things at Red Star Factory has always been open and aboveboard; one is one, and two is two."

"Regarding this matter with Zhu Lei, our factory notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the other two relevant units at the very first opportunity. All investigations were completed by the Joint Investigation Team; we did not intervene. It is fair and just."

Lu Dake's complexion was very ugly. He hadn't expected Red Star Factory to be so unaccommodating.

Fair and just? The person is at Red Star Factory, and Red Star Factory is in the capital—whose connections are stronger here?

They had already inquired; this Deputy Director Li's background was somewhat extraordinary.

Even though Bingfei Factory had already agreed to cooperate with Red Star Factory and had even submitted the report to the Third Ministry of Machine-Building.

It is normal work practice for two units from different systems to engage in business cooperation.

If they achieve success in their business, they would naturally become brother units.

Red Star Factory needs to rely on Bingfei Factory's support in aircraft manufacturing.

Bingfei Factory needs Red Star Factory's business and technical support; both sides benefit.

Although the leaders of both sides hadn't met yet, it didn't hinder the foundation of this cooperation.

When he heard Kong Xiaobo, the director of the 701 Project Team, report that something had happened here, he was startled. He thought something major had occurred, but he hadn't expected it to be that greenhorn Zhu Lei causing trouble again.

Yes, in Lu Dake's eyes, Zhu Lei was still just a greenhorn.

This was thanks to the friendship between Lu Dake and Zhu Lei's father, Zhu Dingsong.

Elders looking at juniors are naturally more tolerant.

Originally, he didn't think this matter was very troublesome; he thought he could just reprimand Kong Xiaobo and have him handle it properly. He hadn't expected Kong Xiaobo to be too afraid to agree.

He even said that Red Star Factory had officially notified them to stop work and await handling.

The 701 Project Team had already been suspended, and everyone was forbidden from leaving the guesthouse gates.

Only then did Lu Dake feel that something was wrong, but he didn't think it would be too bad.

It was nothing more than Bingfei Factory having no prior dealings or friendship with Red Star Factory, so they couldn't get a word in.

Or perhaps Red Star Factory was dissatisfied with this cooperation and wanted more policy concessions.

He had called Red Star Factory, but the Management Committee Office answered, and Li Huai ignored him.

Lu Dake felt something was wrong, so he found a friend at the Third Ministry of Machine-Building to ask privately. Only then did he learn that they had heard about the Red Star Factory matter, but it hadn't been formally submitted to the Third Ministry yet, which counted as leaving a way out.

His friend at the Third Ministry suggested they take the initiative to send someone to handle it and not blow the matter out of proportion.

This could be considered a piece of advice, or perhaps that was simply the Third Ministry's attitude.

Lu Dake didn't dare to suppress this matter any longer. While communicating with other leaders at the factory, he also called Zhu Lei's father, Zhu Dingsong.

After hearing Kong Xiaobo's second report, the two of them discussed it for a whole night before taking the train to the capital.

But after arriving in the capital, they didn't immediately go to Red Star Factory. Instead, they went to the Third Ministry of Machine-Building, using connections to find people to inquire and understand the matter from the sidelines.

To keep up the pace, they even deliberately pushed back the time and chose to visit on Saturday.

They were steady enough, but they hadn't calculated the temper and character of this Deputy Director Li, who had risen to fame in the capital's industry and was excessively young.

Too young. As soon as they entered the room, both of them muttered this to themselves.

So what if he's young?

Being young is fine, it's just that he's young and vigorous, making him hard to deal with.

It really went exactly as they had thought; this person was truly not ordinarily difficult to deal with.

Whether the investigation team matter was true, or whether Red Star Factory's refusal to cooperate was true, they didn't even dare to verify it immediately.

Leaving this office meant they had ended the first round of contact.

If they wanted to start a second round, then this matter would require a different approach.

Anyone who has handled this kind of matter knows very well that it is best to reach a consensus during the first meeting.

And the attitude Red Star Factory gave seemed to be just that; after all, there was a time limit.

What time?

The secretary just mentioned it—materials were being handed over below. Once Zhu Lei was handed over to the Joint Investigation Team, there would be no room for recovery.

Lu Dake glanced at Zhu Dingsong, wanting to confirm if the strategy they formulated upon arrival was still to be used.

The two had already agreed that they couldn't show weakness or yield as soon as they arrived, otherwise there would be no way to talk later.

Whether it was Bingfei Factory or the Zhu family, they would become fish on the chopping block, at the mercy of others.

Therefore, they would start with a hardline approach to test the other side's attitude, then judge and adapt according to the specific situation.

This was also the reason why they gave Li Xuewu a relatively stiff attitude as soon as they entered the office.

What to do now?

They had come in hard, but the young man on the other side didn't play by the rules and had already flipped the table.

Zhu Dingsong's complexion also turned ugly, losing his earlier composure.

He looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "What benefit does doing this bring to Red Star Factory?"

"What benefit? Why ask that?"

Li Xuewu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at him, saying, "I am doing this according to official business. Do you actually think this kind of matter can be suppressed?"

"You tell me what benefit Red Star Factory could have that would make me choose to ignore the mistakes Zhu Lei committed."

He set down the teacup, stared at Zhu Dingsong, and asked, "Or do you think that handling Zhu Lei according to discipline is a wrong decision?"

Old man, if you want to tuck your tail between your legs to handle a problem, don't act like a big bad wolf here.

You don't even dare to reveal your own identity, yet you act all righteous and moral while thinking of hypocritical deeds—who are you trying to act all high and mighty with?

With this kind of attitude, Li Xuewu felt no psychological burden at all when slapping his face.

"Deputy Director Li, Zhu Lei is, after all, an employee of Bingfei Factory, right?"

Zhao Yuanding's tone was much more polite. He discussed it, saying, "Can you hand the person over to us? After we go back, we will definitely investigate clearly and handle it strictly."

"Of course, I certainly believe in Bingfei Factory's organizational principles—"

Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "But this matter is no longer something I can decide. The work of the Joint Investigation Team has its procedures."

"Thursday was the deadline for the investigation team to intervene; now, even I am powerless."

"This transcript doesn't explain anything."

Lu Dake became serious this time. Without a deliberate attitude, he looked very earnestly at Li Xuewu and said, "Without Bingfei Factory's participation, you have no right to investigate Zhu Lei."

"Furthermore, even if Zhu Lei committed a mistake here and the investigation team checked him, it should be a matter of docking work with Bingfei Factory, with Red Star Factory assisting in the investigation."

He tapped the transcript Zhao Yuanding had placed by his hand and said, "After such a thing happened, whether it is Bingfei Factory or his family, everyone is heartbroken and feels very guilty, which is why we all came."

"To put it bluntly, this is a work-related error caused by a romantic dispute."

Lu Dake leaned forward slightly, looked at Li Xuewu, and said, "We express our apologies for the trouble and impact Zhu Lei has brought to Red Star Factory. If there is anything we can do, your side can feel free to bring it up."

"This transcript concerns two employees of Bingfei Factory. Regarding Shangguan Qi, we will express our concern and provide help. If she has any opinions, she can also bring them up."

Clearly, these three had done their homework, even taking Shangguan Qi's changes into consideration.

Kong Xiaobo's report over the phone was very detailed; this matter started because of Shangguan Qi, so it should end with Shangguan Qi.

Lu Dake also understood what Red Star Factory meant, so he threw out bait to test Li Xuewu's attitude, so they could determine how to handle it.

However, Li Xuewu didn't buy it. On Red Star Factory's turf, one had to play by his rules; there was no room for outsiders to speak.

"I don't want to discuss the issue of employee jurisdiction with you. If you feel Red Star Factory has done something wrong, you are completely free to report it to those above."

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows at him and said, "Also, whether it was a work error caused by an emotional dispute is not for you or me to decide."

He tapped the sofa armrest and said, "Regarding Comrade Shangguan Qi's opinion, the person is right here at the guesthouse. I believe if you can contact Director Kong Xiaobo, you can contact her. Why not express your apologies and concern to her directly?"

"Don't imagine everyone to be a villain with ulterior motives and driven solely by profit."

Li Xuewu flicked the dust off his trousers and said unhurriedly, "Just looking at the methods and attitude of Bingfei Factory's researchers and your side in handling this matter, our idea of refusing cooperation has become even firmer. We will provide feedback on this to the First Ministry of Machine-Building."

"What is the point of blowing this matter up so big?"

Lu Dake couldn't let Zhu Dingsong speak anymore. It was very clear that Li Xuewu didn't want to talk to him.

Because Zhu Dingsong stated he wouldn't use his own identity to intervene in this matter.

So Li Xuewu would only treat him as Zhu Lei's father—that slap just now was clear enough.

"Whether Red Star Factory and Bingfei Factory cooperate or not will not affect our work with each other, right?"

His attitude now was very frank; he wasn't putting on airs or being difficult, and what he said was easier to listen to.

"Conversely, if this matter is blown up, the higher-ups will lose face, and both our units will lose trust in this project. Why bother?"

Lu Dake raised his hand to signal Zhu Dingsong and said, "When I came, I made it clear to Comrade Dingsong that Zhu Lei's matter must be handled strictly."

"He is not a child anymore; he must follow principles and discipline in everything he does, right?"

At this moment, he changed his tune, retreating to advance, testing Li Xuewu's attitude.

Everyone in this room was a veteran. Zhu Dingsong naturally had no objections to Lu Dake's words.

Bringing the person back first was the correct move; how to handle it would be up to them to decide.

But if they couldn't bring the person back, everything else was in vain, and the handling result wouldn't be something they could decide either.

"Please rest assured, comrades of Red Star Factory. I called Comrade Yuanding to come with me precisely because I am prepared to handle this fairly, justly, and strictly."

Lu Dake looked at Li Xuewu, who was drinking tea, and said, "Deputy Director Li, look, how about this: we take the person back to handle it, and the result will be reported to Red Star Factory and the investigation team. Regarding the cooperation—"

His tone dropped another notch, and he said harmoniously, "After all, it was facilitated by those above, and we can be considered to have a connection. You also feel it's not worth it because of such a rotten matter, right?"

"Hmm, what you say is also—"

Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said faintly, "Just because of this rotten matter, a major project that the higher-ups are concerned about, and our factory's core work, almost got ruined in the hands of the 701 team."

"The matter shouldn't have developed to this point. If Zhu Lei had been calmer, the person in charge had cared more, and your factory's discipline had been stricter—"

He sighed helplessly, shook his head, and lamented, "This is a lesson—"

"Yes, we are also reflecting," Lu Dake apologized again. "I express my deep apologies on behalf of Bingfei Factory for the negative impact brought to Red Star Factory."

"Setting aside the handling and impact of this matter, our factory leaders held a meeting to study it."

Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "In project management, it seems it is not suitable for joint operation."

"Especially in the handling of responsibilities and rights for such events, where hands are tied and there is no disciplinary deterrent."

He looked very earnestly at Lu Dake and said, "The reason for providing feedback to the First Ministry of Machine-Building to terminate the cooperation is precisely because of this point. You understand, right?"

"But—"

Lu Dake understood what he meant by these words, but he still frowned and reminded him, "The 701 Project Team has been responsible for this model for five years, during which time huge amounts of manpower and material resources have been invested—"

He paused here, took a deep breath, looked at Li Xuewu, and asked, "Can I hear what Red Star Factory's intention is?"

"Let's be open and honest: what exactly does your side want?"

"Very simple: terminate the cooperation and withdraw the 701 project team."

Li Xuewu said it bluntly and concisely, "We already possess the full set of production technology; even if we eat a bit slower, we don't care."

"Furthermore, in scientific research, with the support of several universities, forming a professional research team is not difficult."

He shook his head slightly, set down the teacup, and finally said, "Red Star Factory has the ability to form its own technical team, so we won't trouble Bingfei Factory."

Lu Dake secretly thought, "As expected." Red Star Factory was asking for the moon.

Looking at Li Xuewu's serious refusal, he really wanted to shout, "I have never seen such a shameless person!"

Robbery couldn't be more blatant than this; how could he say it so righteously!

Is Red Star Factory refusing?

Lu Dake really wanted to throw the teacup in Li Xuewu's face and leave with his people.

But now they had already fallen into the other side's trap, caught in a dilemma.

And it was his own doing, handing the knife to the other side so they could hack at him.

Is this how brother units hack at each other?

If they agree to Red Star Factory's opinion and terminate the cooperation, what problems will arise?

First, Zhu Lei cannot be taken away. Zhu Dingsong is sitting right there; he will definitely blame him.

Don't look at how righteous and harmonious Li Xuewu sounds; he heard everything just now.

What "setting aside this problem"—it clearly meant "I can choose not to talk about it, but you cannot choose not to think about it."

Secondly, he has no right to refuse, because the 701 project was entrusted by the Third Ministry of Machine-Building to Bingfei.

The cooperation with Red Star Factory was also requested by the Third Ministry, with the purpose of cleverly obtaining relevant production technical data through cooperation.

The Third Ministry won't care what kind of treatment or difficulties he encountered here; they only require him to bring the technology back.

If the 701 project team fails to complete the task, then there will be no need for this project team to exist, and Bingfei Factory will also have to bear the primary responsibility for this.

Moreover, Red Star Factory didn't do anything wrong in this matter itself; it was just official business.

But now, what Bingfei Factory fears is official business; didn't they come precisely to coordinate and handle it?

No matter which direction you look at it from, Red Star Factory's refusal has plunged Bingfei Factory into a dilemma.

Bingfei Factory cannot agree to break off the cooperation, and Red Star Factory insists on refusing it. What can Lu Dake, caught in the middle, do?

Isn't Li Xuewu's purpose obvious?

Just say it—how can someone so young be so sinister, vicious, and shameless!

Lu Dake looked at Zhu Dingsong, asking him for an opinion.

Zhu Dingsong was from the Third Ministry of Machine-Building in the city; at this time, don't even say he was Zhu Lei's parent.

Believe that he understood Red Star Factory's opinion and requirements. The trouble was caused by Zhu Lei, and the leverage was in the other side's hands. What to do?

What else could they do?

Zhu Dingsong nodded imperceptibly and picked up the teacup he hadn't touched yet to take a sip.

He only felt bitter in his mouth now, and bitter in his heart. Going back this time, he was destined to bleed.

Future matters can be discussed later; the urgent priority is to handle this matter cleanly.

As soon as Li Xuewu finished speaking, they knew the game was up. Red Star Factory's target from beginning to end was never Zhu Lei, but the 701 Project Team.

What a huge appetite; without aircraft research power, they could eat a fat man in one breath, and it was Bingfei Factory that took the initiative to deliver it to their door.

Placing such a big piece of fat meat in front of a tiger and asking it to be a vegetarian—isn't that a joke?

But the sin doesn't lie in Red Star Factory's greed, nor in the 701 Project Team's temptation, but in Zhu Lei. This bastard kid gave the other side the opportunity to tear off the mask.

Also, they aren't in the same system, and Red Star Factory's setup is so large that they aren't afraid of Bingfei Factory's retaliation at all.

They are in the capital; it's enough to be content if they don't find trouble for you, yet you still want to retaliate?

Bitter! Truly bitter!

Zhu Dingsong looked at the teacup in his hand and thought, "What the hell kind of tea is this? Why is it so bitter?"

Having obtained his clear attitude, although Lu Dake's mouth was also bitter, he still hurried to handle the problem, cutting the Gordian knot. He had seen through the capital—it was a place he couldn't stay and couldn't afford to provoke.

"Deputy Director Li, in view of the situation you mentioned, I have thought about it."

Lu Dake's fists were clenched, and his back teeth were almost bitten to pieces, but he still tried to use a harmonious tone, saying, "We are brother units; bones are broken but the tendons are still connected, right?"

"How about this, I'll propose an opinion, see if it works for you."

He paused, finished his psychological preparation, and then spoke again, "The members of the 701 Project Team will be transferred to Red Star Factory to form a technical team."

"Bingfei, on the other hand, has always been under the management and trust of the Third Ministry of Machine-Building. This time, we are also acting in the spirit of support and dedication to facilitate further cooperation between our two families."

Lu Dake said earnestly, "After the project team is transferred to Red Star Factory, we only want the production technology and data, which counts as giving an account to the Third Ministry of Machine-Building. After all, this work must be completed."

At the end of his speech, he left a tail, which could be considered a slight reminder and threat.

The purpose of the cooperation between the Third Ministry and the First Ministry is to get this set of data. If we can't bring it back, the Third Ministry can still get it, but they will definitely not get as much as we give.

Bingfei Factory is losing money to shout; after getting the data, they will report back to the Third Ministry.

At the same time, they can start working on aircraft production and supply it to the troops as soon as possible.

As long as this work goal is achieved, the Third Ministry's purpose in setting up the 701 project at Bingfei will be fulfilled.

As for follow-up research, they can only form a new technical team.

Fortunately, Bingfei Factory has enough technical strength, so the project won't collapse.

"Hey, this isn't good, is it—"

Li Xuewu acted exactly like a scheming bitch, his expression looking very troubled as he said, "We don't have that intention at all."

"I know, I know, it was our initiative to propose this opinion."

Lu Dake looked at Li Xuewu's appearance, his nose almost crooked with anger. How shameless.

Zhu Dingsong also had an absurd expression.

His trip to the capital this time was truly an eye-opener.

The young people in the capital are indeed remarkable!

Only Zhao Yuanding remained the same old good guy, listening to them talk without ever interrupting.

After all, when he came from Bing City, he had already thought of it. Zhu Lei was definitely not the key to the problem. So what was the key to Red Star Factory requiring Bingfei Factory to come to the capital to pick up the person?

Looking through the appearance to see the essence, the essence was a sheep entering a tiger's mouth, accepting the beating and the punishment.

"It's all for the organization's aerospace cause, and for the common dream of flying."

Lu Dake saw Li Xuewu's tone soften and knew that was what the other side was thinking.

"Look, this matter happened at Red Star Factory, and you are the main person in charge."

He smiled at Zhu Dingsong and Zhao Yuanding, then finally said to Li Xuewu, "To handle this matter, you must be the one with the most say. Why bother handing it over to other departments to handle? After all, we are one family, right?"

"Sigh—"

Li Xuewu sighed and nodded slowly, saying, "Actually, I don't want this either. It was the leaders who demanded strict handling. What can I do? The matter has reached this point, right?"

This buck-passing flew straight onto the head of the scapegoat, Old Li. From beginning to end, this matter was absolutely not him trying to make things difficult for Bingfei Factory.

It was all Old Li, all Old Li!

He himself was a good person, open and aboveboard, a gentleman, gentle and elegant...

Watching Lu Dake and Zhao Yuanding nod, with expressions of "we all understand,"

He thought for a moment, then continued, "I privately chatted with Shangguan Qi. After all, they were boyfriend and girlfriend, just a moment of impulse."

As he said this, he took another document from Peng Xiaoli's hand but didn't hand it to the other party, only explaining, "Shangguan Qi's idea is to end this relationship, and she has issued a situation explanation and a letter of understanding."

"I agreed on Zhu Lei's behalf—"

Zhu Dingsong, who hadn't spoken until now, nodded and looked at Li Xuewu, saying, "I guarantee Zhu Lei will never pester her again."

"Regarding Zhu Lei's offense, as his father, I promise to provide a certain amount of compensation."

He set down the teacup in his hand and added, "If she has any other ideas, she can bring them up together, and I will handle it."

"Hmm, that's what I thought too."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Even if the romance is gone, we can still be friends."

He tapped the materials in his hand and said to Lu Dake, "Then let's do it this way. I will go communicate with the investigation team and have them slow down first."

"After all, a female comrade's reputation is also important. As for Zhu Lei's problem, I believe Bingfei Factory can also handle it properly."

"Thank you, Deputy Director Li—"

Lu Dake knew the matter was settled. He stood up and took the initiative to shake hands, saying, "Then that's it. We will go back and make arrangements first. Comrade Yuanding will temporarily stay here to assist in handling follow-up problems."

"When the investigation team has a certain opinion, he will bring Zhu Lei back. Deputy Director Li, what do you think?"

"No problem, no problem—"

Li Xuewu shook his hand and said with a smile, "I believe the investigation team's work efficiency will definitely not be slower than Bingfei Factory's, hahaha."

Don't release the hawk until you see the rabbit. You want to take Zhu Lei away today? Get the relationship with the 701 team first, then we'll talk. Stay here for a few more days.

How fun Li Xuewu's words were; the investigation team's work efficiency depended entirely on Bingfei Factory.

The faster the 701 organizational relationship is transferred, the faster the investigation team's conclusion will come out.

Lu Dake and the others also understood that this investigation team was entirely Li Xuewu's connection.

Of course, he believed this investigation team existed. When you prepare to threaten others with a gun, you'd better have a real gun in your hand.

As for abandoning the entire 701 technical team because of one Zhu Lei, that was certainly not such a simple concept of exchange.

Precisely because Zhu Lei could be handled low-key, the 701 technical team could be retained.

Once Red Star Factory made Zhu Lei's matter official, the 701 team would be ruined. What use would they have if they held onto it?

Therefore, this move Li Xuewu made, or rather the big pit he dug, was both deep and dirty.

He wanted the 701 technical team, but he didn't say it; instead, he let Bingfei Factory say it themselves.

He clearly had the situation explanation and letter of understanding issued by Shangguan Qi in his hand, but he just wouldn't take it out, and he could make Shangguan Qi not say it.

This explained the problem very well—Shangguan Qi was no longer of one mind with them.

The key was in the other side's hand; whether to unlock this lock or not was up to them to decide.

Lu Dake came with a heavy heart and left with a bitter mouth.

Lost face, lost face—

Wasn't it just losing face? A flight technology team of over a hundred people was lost.

When he came out, Li Xuewu even gave him a list of the members' family members.

Look at how shameless this person is; he even wants to transfer the family members of core technical personnel.

And you say you don't want this? Then what is this list supposed to be!

Shameless! Hateful! Despicable!

Moving from Bing City to work in the capital, in a larger comprehensive factory, with more welfare benefits and research funding, and advanced cutting-edge technology available for reference and research...

Don't say any more; if you keep talking, the technical personnel will all run away.

"Xuewu? Wait—"

Bu Qingfang had just returned from outside and called out to him when she saw Li Xuewu preparing to get into the car.

"Are you getting off work?"

"What do you think? What time is it?"

Li Xuewu pointed at his watch and reminded her, "This week is over. Let's meet next week if there's anything."

"Hahaha—"

Bu Qingfang found what he said interesting, laughed, grabbed his arm, and said, "Wait, there's something I have to tell you, about the Art Troupe."

Red Star Factory didn't actually have an establishment for an Art Troupe. The performance team was only the Art Propaganda Team managed by the Propaganda Division and the Organization Division.

But now everyone was used to this name, because the foundation of the Art Propaganda Team was the Beijing Railway Art Troupe. The art backbones who came from the Art Troupe were used to calling it that, and everyone privately called it that too.

"What could the Art Troupe possibly need me for?"

Li Xuewu made a gesture to get into the car and reminded Bu Qingfang with a smile, "I'm going back to my mother's house today; I have to hurry home to pick up the mother and children."

"It won't take much of your time, just a few words—"

Bu Qingfang knew he was in a hurry, so she said directly, "It's a task given by the leader, requiring the Art Troupe's band to also get a set of those Western instruments."

"What the hell?" Li Xuewu looked at her amusedly and asked, "Which leader gave the task?"

"Director Li, of course. Whose words are so effective? I'm at my wit's end—"

Bu Qingfang had a headache and reminded him, "A few days ago, you went to the International Hotel to attend that banquet, right? You heard the band perform, didn't you? The leader wants that."

"I'll be damned—"

Li Xuewu almost swore. What is Old Li doing? There's nothing good about that stuff.

"And that's not all—"

Bu Qingfang looked at his speechless appearance, and her mood actually improved a lot.

Don't let all the troublesome things fall on her alone; let everyone experience it together.

"The leader said our factory's Art Propaganda Team lacks character."

"Still lacks character?"

Li Xuewu glanced at the main office building and said to Bu Qingfang, "What else do you need?"

Bu Qingfang naturally understood what he meant, rolled her eyes, and didn't take the bait.

It was fine for Li Xuewu to say that, but she didn't dare.

"Qin Qin Jingju, Huangmei Opera, acrobatics, ventriloquism, and also drum storytelling."

She looked at Li Xuewu speechlessly and said, "No matter how difficult these things are, I can find people to perform them, but where am I supposed to find Western instruments!"

"Deputy Director Li, you are omnipotent; think of a way for us."

Bu Qingfang suggested with a mix of amusement and anger, "If you find it difficult, why not give the leader some feedback? Just don't—"

"No problem! Western instruments, right!"

Li Xuewu didn't wait for her to finish and agreed quickly.

"Later, wait for my news. They'll arrive in about a month. You just prepare the people."

As he got into the car, he curled his lips and said, "I'll be damned, I never expected that I'd be able to hear a Western concert in Red Star Factory. The workers of Red Star Factory are truly blessed—"

"Pfft—hahaha!"

Bu Qingfang looked at Li Xuewu's angry appearance and couldn't help but laugh.

How did that saying by Zhou Shuren go?

The Chinese people understand the Doctrine of the Mean best. If you want to tear down a door, they won't agree, but if you say you want to tear down their house, they will tell you to tear down the door instead.

Old Li wanted to mess around, and she was at her wit's end. It turns out that even Li Xuewu was at his wit's end.

Who let them have such a leader? Bu Qingfang actually wanted to complain to Li Xuewu, "You just keep indulging him like this—"

Li Xuewu sat in the car on the way home, and the more he thought about it, the more absurd it felt. Had Old Li's brain been kicked by a donkey?

That bullshit Western instrument was one thing, but why mess with Qin Qin Jingju, Huangmei Opera, and acrobatics?

Playing art is a money-burning business. The Art Performance Team already had nearly three hundred people, and now they wanted to recruit more and expand the establishment. Later, he would have to find a way to balance the books.

At this time, even if you had an art propaganda team in your hand, you couldn't make money.

Unless you took the path of tertiary industry and took on the art propaganda tasks of other factories.

But, large-scale performance activities only happen for two days a year. If you do it at Red Star Factory, what about other factories? Do you still need to build a large art museum?

Isn't this like taking off your pants to fart? To let these hundreds of people survive, you spend hundreds of thousands to build a large performance venue. Was his brain stepped on by a donkey?

This matter, Li Xuewu turned it over in his mind, and he had guessed it eight or nine times out of ten.

On one hand, Old Li saw that other people's things were good, and for the sake of face, he wanted to play with them too.

On the other hand, it was to continue to expand Red Star Factory's influence and export Red Star Factory's excellent culture and welfare construction concepts to other units.

Don't even say it, Old Li might not be good at other things, but when it comes to this, he really has schemes when he needs schemes, and whimsical ideas when he needs ability.

Peace and prosperity, harmony and joy—the more outstanding Red Star Factory's worker cultural and entertainment life is, the more it can represent Red Star Factory's comprehensive production quality.

After all, without this manpower and financial resources, even if you wanted to develop art work, you couldn't.

Furthermore, art propaganda work is currently the focus of the "Great Learning" activity. Old Li might have heard some news from his small circle again, and this is just taking precautions.

Why is Li Xuewu cursing while still trying every possible way to do things for him?

Very simple: the position Li Huai De is in determines that the situation he sees is further, broader, and more direct than Li Xuewu's.

Since this matter wasn't discussed with him, it shows that Old Li has a purpose and confidence.

Li Xuewu can choose not to believe in Old Li's professional level, but he absolutely believes in Old Li's caution.

Can he do things he isn't sure about?

"Oh, you're finally back—"

As soon as the command car stopped, Da Lao greeted him with a smile and took Li Shu from Li Xuewu's hands.

Li Shu was also sensible, hugging Da Lao's face and giving her a kiss.

"Xuewu had some things to delay him at work, otherwise he would have been back long ago."

Liu Yin got out of the car first, took Li Ning from Gu Ning's hands, and the mother and daughter walked into the courtyard together.

Li Xuewu didn't let Han Jiankun go to any more trouble; he carried the bag in his hand and signaled for him to go back.

The whole family walked into the courtyard happily, chatting and laughing, greeting the neighbors they met on the way to the side rooms and on the road, and chatting.

The closer it gets to summer, the more one can feel the crowding in this large compound.

It's hot, so everyone is outside cooling off. Even for cooking and eating, they all think it's more comfortable outside.

There are those who set up dining tables under the corridors, and naughty children holding rice bowls sitting on the doorsteps to eat, ignoring the adults calling them back.

Children, they only feel that being relaxed and happy is good; they don't want to stay at the dining table, as it's freer this way.

Adults naturally don't want that. Early on, those who held rice bowls and sat on the doorstep to eat were beggars; in the north, this is the biggest taboo.

The courtyard was already full of life and bustling. After Li Xuewu's family returned, this liveliness and noise became even more intense.

Coincidentally, Pazile, who worked in the Guard Third Regiment, also returned to visit his sister and was standing at the door of the side room with Seeing Sha Zhu, waiting for Li Xuewu.

They were comrades-in-arms and brothers; naturally, they had a lot to say when they met.

There were quite a few people in this courtyard who were close to Li Xuewu. Even though he returned every week, there was still no end to the talk and fun.

Eldest sister-in-law Zhao Yafang hugged the child and returned from the east courtyard, having visited the third younger sister, Ji Yuxiu.

Seeing Li Xuewu, she asked about Zhao Yajun. Her younger brother had returned to see her and only said he had a special task and would be going out for more than half a year.

Where he was going, he didn't say; who he was going with, he didn't say; and what he was going to do, he wouldn't say even more.

Zhao Yajun worked under Li Xuewu. Since he knew to come home to see her, it meant Li Xuewu had ordered it.

She couldn't ask anything from her younger brother, so she could only ask her younger brother-in-law.

Of course, there were many people in the outer courtyard at this moment. She was anxious, but she was also on guard.

Li Xuewu understood what she meant, nodded with a smile, and only said it was a good thing, so she felt relieved.

Zhao Yajun had finally grown up, started working, and had his own work and life.

She only needed to know that her second younger brother-in-law was taking care of him and that there would be no danger.

Li Xuewu also happened to mention it, and as if joking, asked about Zhao Yajun's personal problems, asking if she had any ideas.

As soon as Zhao Yafang heard this, she knew Li Xuewu had a suitable girl to introduce to her younger brother.

"Tell me quickly, what's the situation with that girl?" ===== CHAPTER 1148 =====