Chapter 1192: Tomorrow is the Wedding

"So you're currently handling the office's business as well?"

Li Xuewu looked at Yang Zongfang, who was sitting across from him, and asked in a gentle tone, "How is it? Are you busy?"

"It's not easy, especially lately."

Yang Zongfang nodded, a bit more of a smile appearing on his face, and said, "Of course, I can't compare to you."

The two men's experiences were somewhat similar, though Li Xuewu's starting point had been higher.

Yang Zongfang had originally been the section chief of the First Discipline Inspection Section and had once participated in the investigation case involving Li Xuewu.

Later, when the Steel City Steel Mill underwent a seismic shift in its organizational structure, Li Xuewu had used him as a bargaining chip and placed him before Yang Yuansong, who was the Party Secretary of the Steel Rolling Mill at the time.

The original plan had been to arrange for him to assist Dong Wenxue, who had come along with him, but who would have thought this kid had a rebellious streak...

So, Li Xuewu hadn't indulged him in the slightest and had given him a sound thrashing.

His remark, "I can't compare to you," contained a great deal of frustration and helplessness.

Both were deputy division-level officials; one was a cadre with real power in charge of two departments at the main factory, while the other was a cadre with real power in charge of two departments at a branch factory.

You tell me, how could he possibly feel balanced inside?

Furthermore, his status as a cadre with "real power" was somewhat watered down.

The security group at the branch factory couldn't compare to the main factory at all, because the discipline inspection work was firmly held in Dong Wenxue's hands.

They said he was currently handling the office's work, but that was only because the original office director, Liao Jinhui, had been transferred normally and no one had been appointed to fill the vacancy yet.

Anyone could hold the position concurrently, so why did Dong Wenxue choose him?

This was fundamentally a game of cat and mouse!

Dong Wenxue already had him in his grasp and didn't care if he tried to jump around at this time; he even had the opportunity to beat him up.

Did he dare to jump? He didn't dare at all.

Yang Yuansong had been defeated at Maicheng and hadn't made any arrangements for his subordinates.

So, he was currently like a donkey's dung—shiny on the outside, but he knew exactly what he was really like on the inside.

"What? Are you envious of my work?"

Li Xuewu smiled and glanced at him, saying, "Want to be transferred back to the factory?"

"I listen to the organization's arrangements—"

Yang Zongfang smiled slightly and picked up his teacup, seemingly unbothered by the probing in Li Xuewu's words.

Returning to the factory at this time? He must be out of his mind!

There was no telling how many people currently wanted to transfer out of the factory; with various specialized factories and branches about to be established, it was the perfect time for a massive distribution of positions. Return to the main factory now?

Returning now would still mean being a deputy division-level official, not only losing an opportunity for advancement but also wasting the experience of this external transfer.

The best thing to do was to take root here, work hard, find the right timing, and then leapfrog to a promotion.

But who was Li Xuewu? You couldn't ignore his words, but you couldn't believe them entirely either, otherwise, you'd be dead without even knowing how it happened.

"Hehe, it's alright, just chatting."

Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "Coming here this time, Director Li also urged me to listen more to the comrades' opinions."

"You also know that our business performance and production targets this year are absolutely stellar, and we'll be able to achieve phased progress by the beginning of next year."

He looked at Yang Zongfang and said, "Starting from the second half of this year, the factory has already been planning and preparing for the construction of specialized factories and branches."

"If you have any good suggestions or opinions, you can bring them up. Recommending oneself is also a form of courage."

"A person's greatest virtue is self-knowledge," Yang Zongfang looked into Li Xuewu's eyes, smiled slightly, and said, "I am quite familiar with my current position, and there are still many ideas and goals I haven't realized yet."

"I hope the organization can give it full consideration and allow me to contribute more strength to the Steel Mill."

Fine, so we're at a point where we can't even agree on half a sentence, right?

"The Factory Management Committee fully respects the comrades in charge of units at all levels and is also willing to listen to your opinions."

Li Xuewu nodded, ended the topic, and continued to ask, "Do you have any opinions or suggestions regarding the work and style of the current Steel Mill leadership team?"

"What, the talk didn't go smoothly?"

Jing Yunong took a sip of warm tea, looked at Li Xuewu, who was deep in thought on the sofa opposite her, and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing, just letting my mind wander."

Li Xuewu opened his narrowed eyes, looked at her, smiled slightly, and asked, "Is everything going smoothly on your end?"

"What do you think?"

Jing Yunong glanced at him and said to Li Xue, "There's a red notebook on the desk in my room, help me get it."

"Alright, Leader—"

Li Xue, who was sitting to the side, stood up and responded softly.

As she left, her gaze flickered toward her second brother, wondering what kind of unspeakable things they had to discuss that they had to send her away.

Li Xuewu noticed that his sister's look was off, but he couldn't be bothered to pay her any mind.

He was a decent person; what could he possibly be doing in broad daylight?

Just go get it if you're told to!

"What are your thoughts?"

After Li Xue left, Jing Yunong asked bluntly, "Regarding Steel City Industry."

"Now that you're building bridges and paving roads, do you really believe Li Huai De will let you come to Steel City in the future?"

"He has no other choice—"

When Li Xuewu heard her question, a flash of determination suddenly appeared in his eyes.

This was the attitude Jing Yunong wanted to see; otherwise, acting like an old cat at such a young age was always too stale and profound.

"Can you tell me about it?"

Jing Yunong crossed her right leg, but sat up straight, chest out and head held high, revealing a neck like a swan's.

"If you are willing to share with me, that is."

"This isn't some kind of conspiracy."

Li Xuewu could hear the caution in her inverted sentence, which just went to show how much she cared about his attitude.

"I've been planning this step since the Steel Mill's organizational structure collapsed; there's nothing to hide."

He picked up the teapot on the table and refilled her teacup and his own.

"Director Dong has been in Steel City for three years; after three years, he will have fulfilled his mission and return to the capital to serve as a full-time deputy director, and I will come to take over his position for three years."

Li Xuewu also crossed his right leg, held his knees with both hands, and looked frankly into Jing Yunong's eyes as he said, "Three years and then another three years."

"You master and apprentice are quite the calculators," Jing Yunong glanced at him, turned her head to look out the window, and said, "Continue."

"Hehe—"

Li Xuewu mimicked her posture, draped one arm over the back of the sofa, leaned back, and said, "That's not what you want to hear."

"Don't worry about what I want to hear," Jing Yunong's voice carried a hint of playfulness, but she feigned seriousness and said, "Hurry up and tell me."

He had to hurry; Li Xue, that little girl, was becoming harder and harder to fool.

"This year is Director Dong's second year in Steel City," Li Xuewu continued, "By the end of next year, or at the latest the beginning of the year after, I must come to take over for him, otherwise I won't be able to catch up with..."

"The process of group formation, right?"

Jing Yunong understood and continued, "When will he give you the position of security group leader?"

"The end of this year is most appropriate; he has no need to hold onto this position."

"The key isn't him, but rather..."

Li Xuewu stopped halfway through his sentence, his ears twitched, and he continued nonchalantly, "I need to cool down for a bit."

"I'm not afraid of you cooling down; I'm afraid of you going cold."

Jing Yunong turned her head back, stared into Li Xuewu's eyes, and said, "Do you know you're playing with fire?"

"Betting your professional life on your trust in him, aren't you afraid of ending up with nothing?"

"Do you think he's an idiot, or do you think I'm stupid as hell?"

Raising his eyebrows, Li Xuewu looked into her eyes and said, "This isn't a transaction, and it's certainly not a one-off deal."

"You should understand politics better than I do; some things cannot be measured by equivalence."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said, "I could come directly to Steel City from the security group, or even hold the security group in my hands for another two years like Director Dong."

"During this period, there is enough time and energy to lay out the factory's plans; is that what you wanted to say?"

Before Jing Yunong could answer, he raised his hand to stop her and continued, "I know you're worried about the year-end adjustments."

"However, I must remind you that human power is always insignificant in the process of an organization; don't bring trouble upon yourself."

Li Xuewu pulled back his arm, leaned against the sofa, and looked ahead, saying, "Old Li needs stability, needs balance, so I will give him those things; otherwise, I would be an unstable factor for the Management Committee."

"No matter what, I will never stand on the opposite side of the majority, and I will certainly never become a trouble for the organization."

"You really are shrewd—"

Jing Yunong didn't even look at Li Xuewu, just gazed out the window and muttered, "You've calculated everyone's intentions."

"You're even calculating the upcoming organizational structure adjustments of the Management Committee and the new leadership team members."

"Isn't this what you taught me?"

Li Xuewu's eyes shifted slightly, he looked at her and said, "Those who do not plan for the whole situation are not enough to plan for a region; those who do not plan for ten thousand generations are not enough to plan for a moment."

"I also taught you to know when to stop!"

Jing Yunong glanced at him with disdain and said, "Did you listen to me?"

"Sometimes I listen, sometimes I don't—"

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "The general trend of the security group has been established; in fact, my absence is more beneficial to the comrades' development."

"It's more beneficial to your development, right?"

Jing Yunong curled her lip and said, "You don't want to fix yourself in one circle, but don't you think you're being too impatient?"

"Even if Li Huai De supports your advancement at the end of this year as compensation, giving you full responsibility for the security group's work, what about next year?"

She looked into Li Xuewu's eyes and asked, "Half a year, or even less time? Will the leader's position have to change hands?"

"Actually, you need the experience of presiding over work in an operational position more, even if you already possess that ability."

"Seniority, right?"

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "But there's no time; Director Dong can't wait for me for too long, and Old Li has even less patience."

"After the Red Star Factory's promotion work is completed next year, I might have to take over for Old Ding and be responsible for the Committee Office's work."

"What did Li Huai De bet on you?"

Jing Yunong looked at him seriously and asked, "Or have you grabbed some fatal leverage on him that he trusts you so much?"

"Aren't you afraid that if you let go of the security group, you'll spend your whole life in the Committee Office position?"

She frowned slightly and said, "Even an idiot knows your ability in organizational coordination; he's even less willing to let you go."

"Especially with the variables at the end of this year, there will be at least nine, or even eleven people on the Management Committee team after it's filled out; do you dare to gamble?"

"Why wouldn't I dare?"

Li Xuewu held up his palm and pressed down a finger for every name he said: "You, Director Dong, Deputy Director Gu, Old Li, Deputy Director Xue; I have five votes in my hands!"

"And that's not even counting Old Cheng's vote; do you believe I can make him support me willingly?"

"You've got leverage on him, right?"

Jing Yunong really was a smart woman; Li Xuewu didn't mean that, but she grabbed the point immediately.

"And since you're so certain Deputy Director Xue will support you, it must have something to do with him."

"Didn't you see my strong work ability, good mass foundation, and the fact that I do organizational work well?"

Li Xuewu asked with dissatisfaction, "Does it have to be that I used some means to achieve this goal? I'm a decent person!"

"Fine, fine, fine, I get it—"

Jing Yunong's answer was as perfunctory as could be; clearly, she didn't trust his character.

Being in charge of the security group's work, no one would believe that he didn't have some things in his hands.

You see, Old Li was trying every possible way to move Li Xuewu away, but in reality, he was afraid of him.

Of course, Li Xuewu didn't want the security group label on him to be too obvious, making others too wary, so that he could go further.

"I'll go to the Committee Office for half a year or a year, and at the latest by the beginning of the year after next, I will come to Steel City."

Li Xuewu said firmly, "Director Dong will run the first half of this race, and I will run the second half."

"Are you talking about the Steel Mill, or Steel City Industry?"

Jing Yunong looked at him calmly and asked, "I guess you're talking about all the industry outside the pass, including Feng City and Ying City, right?"

"Xiao Zihong was your partner, so that's fine, but what would Xu Si Nian think if he knew you were going to lead his work?"

"Why should I care what he thinks?"

Li Xuewu didn't answer her question, but his attitude was already very clear.

"After Director Dong returns to the capital, he will be responsible for the construction of the Liangma River Ecological Industrial Zone; you can think more about that aspect."

He didn't say it very clearly; Jing Yunong disliked others pointing fingers at her work the most.

Of course, except for positions.

She really didn't know much, and what she thought of was traditional, and she didn't even know...

Li Xuewu had taught her many positions, with hundreds of millions of practical experiences.

"So, you're holding the fatal weaknesses of Li Huai De and Cheng Kaiyuan in your hands, and you've joined forces with Deputy Director Xue."

Jing Yunong narrowed her eyes slightly as she sized up the man in front of her and said, "Director Dong and Deputy Director Gu are natural allies."

"No wonder you're so confident, daring to play this game of biding your time—"

She sat up straight, looked at Li Xuewu, and asked, "What do you plan to use to bribe me? I won't support you easily."

"You aren't holding some fatal weakness of mine, are you?"

"That sounds so ugly—"

Li Xuewu suddenly smiled and said, "I've already pledged my own sister to you, what else could you possibly want?"

"Don't be so ambiguous; we are just decent colleagues."

Jing Yunong's eyelids jumped, and her gaze turned toward the door.

And only after hearing the knock on the door did she say, "Unless you let her be my daughter-in-law."

You really are something, Jing Yunong; you dared to say I was playing with fire, but aren't you knowingly committing an offense?

You clearly knew what I meant, yet you still talked about ambiguity and decency.

If you hadn't emphasized it so much, the relationship between us would have been quite decent, but emphasizing it like that made it truly indecent.

Had Li Xue just arrived at the door?

Also, you want my sister to be your daughter-in-law; how are we supposed to define our relationship?

"Leader, the notebook you wanted."

Li Xue's face was flushed; she avoided Deputy Director Jing's gaze as she handed over the notebook, while secretly glaring at her second brother.

What were you two talking about, why did you sell me out?

"Good, thank you for your hard work—"

Jing Yunong smiled as she sized up Li Xue and said, "Go ahead, arrange the itinerary; we'll set off for the capital tomorrow morning."

"Alright, Leader—"

Li Xue had overheard what the two had been talking about and confirmed it wasn't the kind of thing she had thought; she felt relieved now.

But if I leave, will you two still talk about such serious and decent topics?

Of course not; Li Xuewu drank the warm tea in his cup and told her what he was going to do, shocking Jing Yunong so much that she couldn't close her legs... mouth.

August 29th, Friday.

After returning from Steel City, Li Xuewu's work became noticeably low-key.

This was mainly reflected in the reduction of external inspections and research work; he mostly sat in his office handling documents.

These tasks were delegated to the heads of several departments to execute, and he only listened to reports to make decisions.

He couldn't say he knew every detail of the projects he was responsible for organizing and coordinating, but he could guarantee that the orders he issued were targeted.

He attended fewer meetings and made fewer public appearances, and the discussions in the factory regarding security controls and him gradually subsided.

Of course, after returning from Steel City, Deputy Director Jing was refreshed and radiant, as if she had become a few years younger.

Shen Guodong came to the factory to visit and gave every factory leader a full set of clothes for promotion.

Jing Yunong accepted it very naturally, and even wore it to work the next day.

Unlike Cheng Kaiyuan, who declined several times and then feigned difficulty in accepting it, wishing he didn't owe any favors at all.

Whose connection Shen Guodong was, if others in the factory didn't know, could these factory leaders not know?

They knew it perfectly well—

This act of pretense was clearly for Li Huai De to see, as he was very afraid that Director Li would suspect that he and Li Xuewu had some kind of collusion.

Shen Guodong was so angry he cursed his mother when he returned.

You say you gave it to everyone, wouldn't it be bad not to give it to him? If you give it to him, he still acts like a grandson to you.

Li Xuewu didn't criticize him, and couldn't be bothered to talk about Cheng Kaiyuan.

The higher-ups had reached a conclusion regarding foreign affairs work, and Mr. Zhou's situation had improved a lot; they were currently working on the aftermath of this matter.

He also reported and communicated with Li Huai De after returning, and heard some key content from the other party's mouth.

Sometimes good things aren't necessarily very good, and bad things aren't necessarily very bad; one must look at problems dialectically.

Li Huai De was also talking about things turning around after reaching the extreme.

The most urgent work at present was to stabilize foreign trade and minimize adverse effects.

This was the opinion of the higher-ups, and also Old Li's opinion.

Currently, anyone could take over the work Li Xuewu was responsible for, but regarding foreign work, no one had that confidence.

Just based on the fact that Li Xuewu could sit there and curse at the other party in several languages, they didn't have the guts to step forward.

Scamming foreigners—even Old Li agreed that Li Xuewu was better at it.

Therefore, Andrew's side had to be stabilized, and Chantal's side had to be utilized even more.

In the few days since the incident, the mentality of the engineering and technical team members supported by the Saint-Aya Group had been somewhat unstable.

It was Li Xuewu who decisively issued the order, and the security section sent special personnel to follow them, protecting their safety at all times, which finally eliminated their concerns.

In fact, as long as they were at the Red Star Factory, their safety was guaranteed.

On the contrary, having security follow them behind would make everyone feel it was abnormal.

Who are you not trusting?

Are you not trusting the firm belief of the worker brothers, or are you not trusting that our iron fists can't protect you?

Li Xuewu went to find Old Li not only to report the results of the research work but also to tell him that the bus factory had produced the second Hongyun No. 1 Gold Label car.

This car was a gift for Mr. Zhou that several factory leaders had agreed upon during the last Management Committee research trip to the ecological industrial zone.

Now, following the requirements, the project that Xia Zhongquan personally supervised was quickly completed in terms of the entire vehicle assembly.

The procurement of related parts was already underway, and the Steel City Bus Factory would also produce this car as a base vehicle.

Compared to the mid-sized buses on the market, the Hongyun No. 1 had superior power performance and a more comfortable riding experience.

It was just that it couldn't achieve assembly line production, otherwise, the price could definitely be brought down.

Because of the convenience of the supply chain, although its production cost wasn't enough to support the market share of ordinary buses.

Its superior performance would definitely move the units and departments that needed it.

Li Huai De didn't give an answer immediately on the day of the last research trip, but after returning, he formally proposed the motion at the Management Committee meeting.

At the meeting, the factory leaders gave their respective opinions and suggestions, mainly reflected in safety and functionality.

Striving for perfection, they sought to demonstrate the industrial development and ideological depth of the Red Star Factory.

In terms of interior leather materials, seat design functions, multi-functional electrical appliances, etc., on the basis of seriousness and solemnity, they specifically defined the management and culture unique to the Red Star Factory.

After being audited and verified by the factory's expert group, and finally signed by Li Huai De, all the preparatory work was completed.

Old Li had already contacted the leaders of the Ministry of Industry, and Director Du also promised to coordinate the transfer of this gift.

So after the car was built, it was taken over by the security group and sealed, maintaining the appearance after the verification was completed 24 hours a day.

Old Li made a phone call to the Ministry of Industry in front of Li Xuewu, agreeing that someone from above would come to pick it up in a day or two.

Why ask the Ministry of Industry to transfer it instead of driving it directly to the sea?

Don't be silly, Old Li still wanted to mix within the industrial system; no matter how awesome the Red Star Factory was, it was still a part of the industrial system.

After talking about the car, Old Li called Li Haiyang and handed him an invitation.

Saint-Aya Group President Chantal was hosting a banquet for the leaders of the Red Star Factory at the International Hotel on Saturday to thank them for their help this time.

There was no need to say what help; Li Huai De didn't plan to go, it was too damn sensitive.

At this time, at the International Hotel, the Frenchman clearly didn't have good intentions.

Old Li didn't dare to go, and other factory leaders dared to go even less.

So this invitation was like a hot potato, and it was finally pushed into Li Xuewu's hands.

Li Xuewu looked at the invitation in his hand and really wanted to curse.

So you guys are greedy for life, and I'm the one who isn't afraid of death!

However, what Old Li said was also right; he was the deputy director of the Management Committee Office, and he could represent the Red Star Factory, yet he wasn't enough to represent the Red Star Factory.

It was very appropriate for him to attend this thank-you banquet, eat well, drink well, and negotiate the cooperation well.

Old Li only made one request, and that was that he must stabilize Chantal and let the Saint-Aya Group continue to maintain cooperation.

Besides making requests and drawing conclusions, what else could leaders do?

The answer is they could also talk nonsense.

On Saturday night, Li Xuewu took a Volga M24 sedan to the International Hotel to attend Chantal's private banquet.

Don't misunderstand, this wasn't the club's car, it was Old Li's official vehicle.

To make up for his own inhumane behavior, he specially arranged this car to send him.

At that time, the matter of Shi Ruoweng wanting to change Li Xuewu's car was brought up.

Li Huai De explained in a slightly relaxed tone that Shi Ruoweng had just returned and hadn't fully understood the work yet.

He knew Li Xuewu's hard-working and simple work style very well, and insisted on using the command vehicle because it was more suitable, not more comfortable.

So he said he had criticized Shi Ruoweng for not knowing but pretending to know.

This could also be considered a positive explanation and guarantee for Li Xuewu regarding the transfer back of Shi Ruoweng.

Did Li Xuewu need his guarantee?

Don't be silly, he didn't care about Shi Ruoweng at all; no matter how much that guy trained and grew, he was still an A-Dou who couldn't be helped up a wall.

Old Li didn't ask when he would change cars, just said that he would change cars at the beginning of next year.

Yes, this Volga M24 had been bought for less than a year, and it was already about to not fit Old Li's status.

He quietly told Li Xuewu that the new car had already been ordered, and when the time came, this car would be arranged for Li Xuewu to use.

When was "when the time came"?

It was when the Red Star Factory was promoted; Old Li would be qualified to ride in a big Red Flag, and Li Xuewu would also be qualified to ride in a Volga.

Did you really think what Li Xuewu and Jing Yunong said in Steel City was the truth? Was it his entire plan?

Don't be silly, would you tell your entire core career plan to someone who works in the same unit?

Even if the other party is a beautiful woman, even if the two have a relationship in broad daylight, there are no friends in the workplace.

As for what status and qualifications Li Xuewu would have to ride in this Volga M24, that was not worth mentioning.

It could only be said that what Old Li gave was more than what Jing Yunong imagined, and what Li Xuewu wanted was less than what Jing Yunong imagined.

Even the subsequent plans he told her, which shocked her so much that she couldn't close her legs... mouth, could only be considered appetizers.

Abandoning United Industry, abandoning Third Industry, abandoning the Trade Management Center, abandoning the security group.

You say Li Xuewu abandoned so much, what does he want?

Gathered, they are a ball of fire; scattered, they are stars all over the sky.

His development in the security group had reached its end, and the final step was the great perfection of being the security group leader.

But this great perfection was like a chicken rib to him; it wasn't good without it, and it wasn't fragrant with it.

The related personnel layout and cultivation had already blossomed and borne fruit; even if he left the security group, did Li Huai De have the ability and determination to replace everyone?

Compared to professional positions in the workshop, in fact, the work within the security group was also very professional.

So even if you promote and change people again, the people promoted are highly likely to be Li Xuewu's people.

Unless Dong Wenxue and Li Xuewu are completely removed, otherwise, if the grass isn't removed by the roots, the spring breeze will blow and it will grow again.

Old Li just wanted balance, not mutual destruction.

So Li Xuewu's current state looked very easy-going, and everyone who saw him thought he was a good person.

After Shi Ruoweng returned, he repeatedly pointed fingers at the Management Committee Office, but Li Xuewu didn't even pay him any mind.

He didn't confront him head-on, and didn't even look at the other party directly.

This gave Old Li enough face, otherwise there wouldn't have been Old Li's explanation and show of goodwill.

Don't look at the fact that this car was replaced by Old Li, but the meaning it represented was different.

With the beginning of the reform, especially as they were about to enter September, the people in the agency became more and more restless.

The wind from above regarding the adjustment and reinforcement of the Red Star Factory's management team was blowing harder and harder, and it looked like it was about to reach its end.

Now everyone was calculating, and the abacus beads were flying all over the factory, clattering.

Li Xuewu kept a low profile at this time, which really caused some people to speculate, and even led to bad rumors.

Old Li also understood the principle that the bigger the waves, the more expensive the fish, right?

"Why did she invite you to dinner?"

Yushui walked beside Li Xuewu, muttering, "And it's in the middle of the night—"

"She wanted to invite you, but didn't know who you were."

Li Xuewu's mouth was truly poisonous, and he didn't care about her feelings at all.

"Also, it's already the middle of the night, shouldn't you be off work?"

He pointed to the time on his hand, 5:30, and reminded her, "Don't delay your sleep, I feel quite embarrassed."

"What? You two are going to sleep?"

Yushui didn't listen to what he said at all, only filtering sensitive words in her ears, her eyes almost rolling out.

Li Xuewu twitched the corner of his mouth and asked back, "What, have you never slept before? Who doesn't sleep!"

"That depends on who it's with—"

Yushui curled her lip and said, "You didn't ask clearly, how can I answer you."

"Then no need to ask, I'm not curious."

Li Xuewu poked Yushui's lung tube with one stroke: "As long as you didn't sleep with me."

"Then who do you want to sleep with?"

Yushui was just like a child; having finally caught him once, she started bickering.

"Sleep with that Xiangxiang?"

"Don't curse people—"

Li Xuewu reminded her before entering the restaurant: "With me, Xiangxiang is a pig's name!"

After saying that, he ignored the silly girl who couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth, and walked into the restaurant with a smile.

"Really sorry, the leaders are busy with things and can't get away... are you... are you joking?"

He politely shook hands with Chantal, and was stunned when he saw the small dining table and the fact that it was just the other party alone.

Didn't you say it was a banquet? This scale is at most a date, right?

"What a coincidence, my colleagues here are also very busy."

Chantal nodded without surprise and took the initiative to invite Li Xuewu to take a seat.

Li Xuewu tilted his head slightly and still very gentlemanly helped the other party pull out the stool.

Was this prepared in advance, or premeditated?

I'm a decent person, and you, the chairman of an international group, are personally fishing for me?

"Let's just eat French food, no problem, right?"

"Of course, the guest follows the host's convenience—"

Li Xuewu smiled slightly, gestured to the square dining table, and asked, "I'm still very surprised."

"There's nothing to be surprised about; the person I want to thank is you," Chantal said indifferently, "Now that you're here, my goal has been achieved."

"Then that really is—a coincidence?"

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows, and seeing the other party smile, he followed suit.

There are no coincidences, nothing more than some people racking their brains.

You understand my ulterior motives, and I understand your feigned reserve.

French cuisine has many dishes, small portions, and takes a long time, revealing the hypocrisy and extravagance of the old-money aristocracy everywhere.

Of course, after entering the socialist territory, in order to satisfy the vanity of these people, and with the mentality of not earning money if you have it, the International Hotel preserved the entire process very well.

There were only two of them, so they didn't order many dishes.

During the meal, the two didn't talk about work right away, and even before the final dessert came up, the topics they talked about were just customs, food, and life.

Li Xuewu had never really observed the other party carefully before; after all, she was a foreign businessman, and after all, she was a wealthy person from the West.

The only place where the two could have any intersection was at the negotiating table.

The theme of today's banquet had long been set: to thank them for their help and protection last time.

Li Xuewu also had no intention of ruining the mood, and ate this meal very relaxedly.

He didn't even ask about the other party's current arrangements or that "misunderstanding" during the dinner.

Digging a pit to bury people at that time was because the other party's mood was chaotic and she didn't have normal thinking ability.

Now it was the opposite; if he said something to destroy the emotional relationship between the couple, wouldn't that be acting like a hooligan?

Precisely because of this, the more gentlemanly, decent, and relaxed he appeared, the more sincere the smile on Chantal's face became.

Until he put down his knife and fork, Li Xuewu took the opportunity of pouring wine to tactfully inform the other party of the higher-ups' handling results regarding this matter.

"Actually, I knew there would be a result that day," Chantal smiled and raised her eyebrows, saying, "Because you told me."

"You said this matter would definitely have a result, I believe you—"

"Thank you, your trust is very gratifying to me."

Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "The occurrence of such a thing is a challenge and a burden for both of us."

"Before coming out, the factory leaders urged me to bring our sincerity and greetings to you."

"Thank you, I have already felt it—"

Chantal's hand, which was on the table, suddenly reached over, patted the back of Li Xuewu's hand, and said, "Please also accept my thanks on behalf of your side; this is a sincere friendship."

"You are a real man—"

"Oh, is that so—"

The other party's sudden burning almost flashed Li Xuewu's waist.

He raised his eyebrows, pointed to the ring on the other party's finger, and reminded her, "You also have a real man, don't you?"

"Of course, of course, if someone like him counts—"

Chantal raised her hand and generously showed Li Xuewu the diamond ring flashing green on her ring finger.

Her red lips moved slightly and she said, "Would you be more excited this way?"

"Oh—you are a bad woman!"

Li Xuewu evaluated her boldness and rudeness very seriously, pointed his finger at the tabletop, and said seriously, "I must punish you on behalf of the proletariat—"

The two naturally communicated in French; when this sentence was said, the atmosphere at the dining table instantly became ambiguous.

It was just that in the eyes of others, it seemed like Chantal accidentally touched Li Xuewu's hand, and Li Xuewu was seriously criticizing the other party.

At least in He Yu Shui's eyes, it looked like this, and she had already cursed the other party several times in her heart.

However, in the hearts of everyone in the restaurant, they didn't care about this; it was just a collision of Eastern and Western cultures and habits.

Until Li Xuewu walked out of the restaurant with the other party, she didn't understand what the two sides were saying when going upstairs.

Maybe there was something about a whip of the proletariat?

"Why did it take you so long to come down?"

Yushui was like a ghost; when Li Xuewu stepped down the stairs and was about to walk out, she suddenly appeared.

Li Xuewu glanced at her, continued to walk out nonchalantly, and asked while walking, "Why haven't you left yet?"

"You haven't left either!"

He Yu Shui walked beside him unyieldingly and said, "I didn't leave because I was waiting for you."

"What a coincidence, I didn't leave because I was waiting for you too—go first!"

Li Xuewu had already figured out her intentions, so his mouth didn't spare anyone, and he didn't give her any opportunity at all.

"Don't change the subject—"

Yushui had long been waiting downstairs, and now she frowned and asked, "What on earth did you go do?"

"Doing business, a business worth hundreds of millions."

Li Xuewu reminded her when passing through the lobby, "Don't meddle in my affairs, this is all serious work."

"I believe you—"

Yushui glanced at the front desk and frowned, reminding him, "Be careful, foreign women have diseases."

"I thank you," Li Xuewu curled his lip amusedly and said, "If you hadn't said it, I wouldn't have known until today."

"Hey! I'm talking about that kind of..."

Seeing that Li Xuewu had already walked out the door, Yushui chased after him, wanting to remind him a few more times, but saw that sedan car coming.

"It's already very late," Li Xuewu stood by the sedan, turned his head, and reminded Yushui.

Huh? What does that mean? It's already very late, are you going to send me home?

I knew you had a knife mouth and a tofu heart.

"Alright—"

"Alright what alright?"

Li Xuewu pulled open the car door, sat in the back seat, and said to Yushui, who was stunned outside the car window, "Walking at night is too dangerous, just stay here tonight, goodbye."

After saying that, the driver started the car and drove away from the International Hotel courtyard in Yushui's gnashing gaze.

Although today was Saturday, Li Xuewu's whole family didn't return to the Sihe Academy.

His house in the backyard had been borrowed out again, but this time it was a great happy event.

His good comrade-in-arms and good brother who had come to the capital with him from the frontier, Pazile, was getting married tomorrow to his cheap sister-in-law, Wang Yamei.

From the time Li Xuewu introduced them to each other to the time they decided to get married and pick a date, the two had only spent less than three months.

In fact, at this time, this speed was very normal.

The orders of parents and the words of matchmakers—could they be more real and reliable than the wishes of the organization?

The organization conducts reviews on both parties getting married, and if there is even the slightest problem, the marriage application will not be approved.

Especially Pazile's status.

So the problems that young men and women in later generations worry about—pre-marital checkups, property, family, background, etc. —don't need to be managed at all at this time.

If you can get that certificate, it means there are no problems with both parties; if problems arise, it's a big deal.

Why borrow Li Xuewu's house to get married?

First, the house in the backyard was newly cleaned up and bright to use.

Second, Pazile didn't have housing in the capital; his unit had the ability to allocate it, but it was on the mountain, which wasn't suitable.

So Pazile and Wang Yamei, after referring to Li Xuewu's opinion, chose to rely on their elders.

The upright and honest kind, and the kind that Wang Yamei's parents agreed to.

When talking about marriage, Pazile very straightforwardly handed the money he had saved to Wang Yamei in front of her parents.

He was on duty at his unit and rarely went home, so the most suitable way was to live at Wang Yamei's parents' house.

This also meant that he decided to support both of them in their old age.

Borrowing Li Xuewu's house to get married outside was to emphasize that he wasn't marrying into the family, and also to let the neighbors understand this meaning.

Finally, Pazile recognized Li Xuewu as his elder brother; an elder brother is like a father, and his own sister was also in this courtyard, so he wanted to get married here.

If he really wanted to borrow a house, Li Xuewu had many houses he could borrow, but he was the one who opened his mouth to Li Xuewu.

So the happy event was on Sunday, and Li Xuewu's whole family would return to the Sihe Academy tomorrow to eat at the banquet and watch the excitement.

Who could have thought that the little girl who used to keep watch for him and her sister was now married.

PS: Why did the French businessman Chantal want to take the risk, and why did Li Xuewu dare to enter the game?

(Seriously, writing it this way isn't for H, you guys guess.) ===== CHAPTER 1193 =====