Chapter 1251: A Rose with Thorns

"It really is an enterprise—"

Wang Xiaoqin looked at the food on the tray and sighed, "It's just better than local places, and better than our Garrison."

"That's its only advantage," Li Xuewu smiled and handed her the soup bowl, reminding her, "Be careful, it's hot."

"Just having good treatment is better than anything else!"

Wang Xiaoqin looked at him and said, "Everyone in the troupe is saying that those who have no way out in other places, and those who are retiring in the capital, all want to find your connections, and their goal is the Red Star Factory."

"Tell the comrades, no problem."

Li Xuewu generously indicated, "Take as many as come; seeking welfare and stable treatment for the comrades is the meaning of my existence as Deputy Political Commissar and Deputy Regiment Commander."

"You're truly capable; I didn't misjudge you!"

Wang Xiaoqin nodded with a smile and said, "I will definitely convey Deputy Regiment Commander Li's instructions when I go back; I won't let down your kindness."

"A word once spoken cannot be overtaken by a team of four horses."

Li Xuewu said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Not only those retiring, but we also accept those transferring; even if I leave the Third Garrison Regiment, this word still counts."

"Leave? Keep dreaming—"

Wang Xiaoqin glanced at him and said, "Regiment Commander Qi has already explained everything to the Garrison side; do you think they'd let you run off?"

"You're carefree and relaxed now, but there will come a day when they find you," she reminded, "You're a full-level division cadre now."

"They haven't figured out how to arrange you yet, but they definitely won't just let you leave like this; a second transfer?"

"Does this count as a transfer for me?"

Li Xuewu ate his meal and said, "At most, it's a part-time job; if it's gone, it's gone, why would it be so troublesome."

"Hmm, even if it's not troublesome, they won't let you go."

Wang Xiaoqin picked up a slice of meat from the tray and said, "You are this now; many people have red eyes."

"Especially the project in cooperation with the Light Weapons Institute," she explained, "Everyone covets the individual equipment and experimental weapons you've been working on, and there are experimental subsidies."

"They covet this too?" Li Xuewu shook his head in amusement and said, "They're coveting the content of the three-party cooperation, right?"

Light Weapons Institute, Red Star Factory, Third Garrison Regiment—from design to production, then to testing, a one-stop industrial chain.

From the initial 66-6 sniper rifle to the later individual auxiliary equipment, to the cars now, it's a whole chain.

Li Xuewu provided the Light Weapons Institute with a set of development ideas for a simple synthetic battalion, designing modules with the battalion as the unit.

The Third Garrison Regiment was transformed from a field force, retaining its original powerful strike capability while supplementing it with high-quality basic talent, making it very suitable for experimental challenges.

In the initial planning, Li Xuewu gave certain suggestions and opinions, including the division of labor among tank, infantry, artillery, and engineer detachments.

In terms of structure and composition, it almost covered all basic arms of the army, solving problems like infantry-tank coordination, infantry-artillery coordination, and obstacle clearing at the regiment (battalion) level.

Why build a simple synthetic battalion in the Third Garrison Regiment?

Because the more compressed the combat effectiveness, the more it reflects sharpness, and it also provides ample space and time for experiments.

Regiment Commander Qi and the others saw the advantages of this suggestion given by Li Xuewu, and with him as support at the Red Star Factory.

And they could get supplements of new weapons and corresponding experimental funds from the cooperation with the Light Weapons Institute, so they made up their minds.

It can be said that in the process of transforming from 816 to the Third Garrison Regiment, they played a side-ball.

They started the cooperation themselves, and by the time the higher-ups understood the true situation, the experiments already had results.

Soldiers equipped with new training tactics and special equipment shone brightly in the Garrison-wide competition.

As soon as the new weapons appeared, everyone saw the difference in the Third Garrison Regiment's combat will and spirit.

They had their own reclamation area, their own cooperative units, and even the food in the canteen was a level higher than others.

The real reason Regiment Commander Qi persuaded the leaders to pay attention to Li Xuewu wasn't his influence, but the changes he brought to the team with his ability within that influence.

A Third Garrison Regiment being awesome wouldn't make the Garrison happy; if the combat effectiveness of all Garrison teams was raised, that was the purpose and reason for keeping Li Xuewu.

"The three-party cooperation is already on the right track; it would be the same without me."

Li Xuewu said, "Light Weapons Institute designs, Red Star Factory produces, Third Garrison Regiment tests, benefits distributed according to contribution."

"Cooperation in a closed-loop state will continuously promote technological progress, expansion of ideas, and improvement of combat effectiveness."

"But you are the key to the cooperation."

Wang Xiaoqin pointed at him and reminded, "In the last quarter of last year, the Red Star Factory gave the Third Garrison Regiment a subsidy of 430,000 yuan; do you know how much of a reaction this caused in the Garrison District?"

"Other regiment commanders are digging three feet into the ground in their Three Supports work, trying to find an economic talent as professional as you."

She pointed at the tray and said, "Everyone wants to eat steamed buns, everyone wants oil and meat in their dishes, everyone wants to progress."

"430,000 yuan might not count for much to you, but in the Third Garrison Regiment, in the Garrison District, this huge sum has already solved many big problems and troubles."

"So I took a step back, and you came, right."

Li Xuewu smiled slightly, not taking this credit too seriously, but emphasizing Wang Xiaoqin's present.

"With you here, the three-party cooperation, and more cooperation can continue, including other projects on the mountain."

"I forgot about this if you didn't mention it."

Wang Xiaoqin sighed and said, "The tree attracts the wind; the reclamation area project has received affirmation and support from the leaders above."

"Do you know that other units in the Garrison now have complaints, saying that the Third Garrison Regiment developed well because it borrowed the benefits of the reclamation area, and it would be best if they also had the opportunity to establish reclamation areas based on the Third Garrison Regiment's reclamation area."

"If they have money, they can open one; it is indeed very beneficial."

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "This is a good thing, what's there to regret? Even if the reclamation area is gone..."

"The reclamation area must exist!"

Wang Xiaoqin emphasized seriously, "Only with the reclamation area can there be training support, and only then can the foundation of experimental conditions be stabilized; this is the root of the three-party cooperation."

"What about the future? Don't consider this?"

Li Xuewu finished eating quickly, put down his chopsticks, and looked at her, saying, "The Third Garrison Regiment is changing, progressing; there will always be a day of growth, and the role of the reclamation area will also change."

"You anticipated this long ago, right?"

Wang Xiaoqin wasn't surprised by his words; she nodded and said, "So that's why your ambition didn't lie here."

"My thoughts aren't important."

Li Xuewu didn't give a direct answer, but emphasized, "Times change; not all problems have answers, and not all answers are the optimal solution."

"Sticking to old ways is definitely not a means to solve problems and contradictions; difficulties bring not only problems."

He looked at Wang Xiaoqin and said seriously, "But also opportunities."

"Then why don't you stay in the Third Garrison Regiment?"

Wang Xiaoqin glanced at him and said, "I believe that with your ability, you would be just as successful."

"Too many restrictions, I'm not reconciled."

Li Xuewu smiled indifferently, pointed at the table, and said, "Let's talk about you; how did the talk with Deputy Director Su go today?"

"To tell you the truth—" Wang Xiaoqin looked up at him and said, "He's actually quite good."

"I asked about work, not his character," Li Xuewu teased in amusement, "If I didn't know better, I'd think you went on a blind date."

"Blind date, forget it; I don't fancy that kind."

Wang Xiaoqin said seriously, "If we speak as a supervising leader, he should be qualified and excellent."

"Oh, such a high evaluation—"

Li Xuewu nodded without surprise and asked, "It seems you had a very pleasant talk, and reached an initial understanding?"

"Quite the opposite—" Wang Xiaoqin put down her chopsticks and said flatly, "The impression I gave him shouldn't be very good."

"My work ideas and attitude regarding the Three Supports work and security work don't meet his requirements."

"You've got me confused."

Li Xuewu shook his head with a bitter smile, "It seems I was right not to be in the factory this morning, otherwise how could there be such a wonderful meeting."

"If you say it's wonderful, then it's wonderful."

Wang Xiaoqin laughed, "You'd better help me straighten out my work ideas before you leave, otherwise I can't guarantee what kind of trouble I'll cause."

"Go ahead and do it boldly—"

Li Xuewu nodded indifferently and said with a smile, "I'm leaving anyway, why would I care what you do."

"I wish you really thought that."

Wang Xiaoqin took out the cigarette case from her pocket, looked left and right, and put it back, saying, "No smoking here?"

"Go to my office to smoke."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "There are a few too many rules, you'll adapt slowly; it's actually quite good here."

"Forget it, I have to go back."

Wang Xiaoqin shook her head and said, "I just came to look around today; consider it an advance party, I'll be coming often in the future."

"If you have problems, you can discuss them with Yu Decai; he can still be trusted. As for the others..."

Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, "I believe in your ability; no need to consider Tai Juncai, he's from the Capital No. 1 Factory."

"Zhou Zechuan was requested by Deputy Director Su; he worked with the investigation team at the Red Star Factory for a period of time before."

"No need to be so cautious, right?"

Wang Xiaoqin stood up, carried the tray toward the sink, and said, "Aren't you still working in the factory?"

"People will say I'm clinging to my position!"

Li Xuewu washed the tray in her hand and said with a smile, "To facilitate your work, it's better if we have less contact."

"Aren't you?"

Wang Xiaoqin glanced at him in amusement and said, "It's completely burying one's head in the sand; I'm not willing to act in a play with you."

"But I guarantee you."

At the entrance, while preparing to get in the car after passing the hall, she expressed seriously, "Whatever state it was in when I took over, it will be in the same state when I return it to you, only more, not less."

If Su Weide's impression on Wang Xiaoqin was that of being calculating and scheming.

Then Zhang Jinsong's first impression on Li Xuewu was that of being in the prime of life and arrogant.

Their meeting was a complete coincidence; they missed each other at the welcome meeting, but bumped into each other on Tuesday morning.

"I wanted to see you yesterday."

Zhang Jinsong didn't care that Li Xuewu was coming out of Li Huai De's office; he waved his hand and called him into the office.

"Sorry about that, Leader."

Li Xuewu smiled and explained, "I took the team to visit the brand demonstration stores in the morning, and went to the construction site in the afternoon."

"Hmm, I know you're busy."

Zhang Jinsong waved his hand, led him into the office, pointed to the opposite side of the desk, and signaled him to sit and talk.

"I heard that you've been assisting and coordinating many tasks in our factory; do you smoke?"

"Thank you, I don't smoke."

Li Xuewu declined, and after the other party sat down, he sat in the chair.

Zhang Jinsong didn't mind; after lighting one himself, he began to examine Li Xuewu.

"Actually, we've met before."

He paused and said, "At the end of '65, beginning of '66, at the city's security meeting."

Flicking the ash in his hand, he continued, "At that time, I was responsible for security and logistics."

"It was that case related to confidentiality, right?"

Li Xuewu's memory was still okay; as soon as he said it, he remembered, and said with a smile, "I almost don't remember."

"Hahaha—"

Zhang Jinsong took a puff of his cigarette and chuckled.

This laughter was meaningful, as if he knew everything.

Li Xuewu said he didn't remember, but he could still name the theme of the meeting, but he also covered up the embarrassment of not having an impression of him.

"Comrade Chang Shan said you were also responsible for the committee office work."

Zhang Jinsong leaned back in his chair and said casually, "I'm quite surprised by your growth speed."

"How should I answer this?"

Li Xuewu's eyes narrowed slightly, matching his smiling expression like a fierce tiger staring at its prey.

"Saying I'm grateful for the organization's cultivation is too hypocritical; saying it's my own effort is too arrogant; it's a bit difficult."

"Hahaha—"

Zhang Jinsong laughed, nodded, and said, "I'm not so conservative that I can't stand seeing young faces in key positions; at least capable people deserve an opportunity and stage to showcase themselves."

"Then I can only thank you for your understanding and support."

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said with a smile, "Pardon my presumption, but from the data, you are the model of a young talent."

"Hahaha—" Zhang Jinsong wasn't surprised by Li Xuewu's aggressiveness; he chuckled, picked up his teacup, turned his head away, as if carrying a bit of arrogance, "I'm already thirty, it doesn't count."

"You saying that really makes me ashamed," Li Xuewu shook his head slightly as well, "I even took you as a model—"

"Hahaha—hahahaha—"

Zhang Jinsong was completely amused by him, laughed, pointed at him, and said, "I knew I'd gain something from meeting you!"

He flicked the ash in the ashtray and said, "Before I came, someone specifically urged me to have a talk with you."

"Is that so? I didn't even think I had such a reputation?"

"Not ambiguous at all—"

Zhang Jinsong blew a puff of smoke and looked at him, saying, "The hero who created the current scale of the Red Star Factory."

"This looks like a lie."

Li Xuewu denied his words without hesitation and said seriously, "The Red Star Factory can have today because of the struggle of all the staff under the wise leadership of the factory management committee."

"I'm not being humble; I have a share of the credit here, but it definitely doesn't rise to the level of a hero; you've heard falsely."

"Listening to both sides makes one enlightened—"

Zhang Jinsong didn't mind his correction and attitude, nodded slowly, and asked, "What suggestions do you have for logistics and service work?"

"I'm asking this sincerely."

Before Li Xuewu could answer, he emphasized seriously, "I'm new here, and I want to hear your real thoughts."

"I really don't have any thoughts," Li Xuewu smiled and answered just like that: "Because I don't deal with this work."

"But since you asked me."

Similarly, before Zhang Jinsong could speak, he added, "Then I'll say my personal views and suggestions."

"Just thoughts from daily life!"

After emphasizing this, Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, "In a large office environment, logistics and service work are the focus and core of enterprise operation; you can understand this."

"The Red Star Factory established a labor service branch and an internal supply and marketing service branch under the group structure."

"Introduce this in detail."

Zhang Jinsong interrupted, "I haven't understood it in detail yet; I heard it was also suggested and organized by you."

"It was my suggestion, but the service office established it."

Li Xuewu corrected his perception again and explained, "After the large office reform, the management functions of the office were moved up, and the business functions were moved down to the branch; this is the foundation of the system."

"Logistics office, service office, procurement and supply office, corresponding to the logistics departments of all branch factories and branch companies of the entire group."

He said seriously, "When exercising supervision and management powers, we must also use the labor service company and supply and marketing company to do a good job in the balance and coordination of internal logistics support."

"For example? Specific suggestions."

Zhang Jinsong tapped the ash and asked, "Constructive opinions; I think you should have thought about this, regarding this."

"The internal supply and marketing market must be built."

Li Xuewu was also open and said directly, "Possessing the unique foundation of the trade management center and supply and marketing supply chain, digging deep into the potential of internal supply and marketing is definitely the focus."

"Improving service quality, refining support plans—I won't say these suggestions; they have no reference value for you."

"Too humble, aren't you?"

Zhang Jinsong smiled with satisfaction, pressed the ash in the ashtray, and said, "I finally understand why the security team leader also holds the part-time job of Deputy Director of the Management Committee Office."

"I'll just take your words as recognition and praise for my work—"

Li Xuewu also ended his answer with a joke at the right time.

Zhang Jinsong agreed with him, nodded, and said, "Director Li mentioned this when he talked to me yesterday."

He looked into Li Xuewu's eyes and said, "I still have a lot of things I don't understand about the Red Star Factory's logistics and service work; let's communicate and exchange more in future work."

"You're too polite, it's my honor."

Li Xuewu knew the conversation today was over, stood up to shake his hand, and left under his escort.

The clerks in the corridor who saw this scene raised their eyebrows, and after returning, there was another round of ambiguous speculation.

New leaders also need to pay respects?

On Tuesday afternoon, good news came from Steel City.

"The test drive effect is good, and a comprehensive operation assessment is underway."

On the phone, Dong Wenxue said with a smile, "The production line equipment has all achieved independent production, a one-to-one imitation."

This sounds a bit ridiculous from a later perspective; can independent production still be imitation?

But at this time, being able to imitate was already quite remarkable; the Red Star Factory didn't feel there was anything shameful about imitation.

"Did the machine processing factory come up with production standards?"

Li Xuewu asked on the phone, "Their goal isn't just to imitate one production line."

"There is still room for improvement, and it also takes some time," Dong Wenxue was quite open-minded and said with a chuckle, "Production work is inherently a process of running-in."

"Comrade Zihong said it won't delay the technical equipment export project, including the construction of the supply chain system."

He said confidently, "The operation of the bus factory also marks that our factory can provide standardized production equipment solutions for assembly lines."

"If you have confidence, I have confidence."

Li Xuewu didn't emphasize this anymore; Dong Wenxue had the industrial development outline in his hand, so he didn't need special reminders.

"How is the production capacity? Has the auxiliary production of special vehicles reached the standard?"

"I don't think there's a problem."

Dong Wenxue said on the phone, "Currently, Hongyun buses produce about 110 units per day."

"If the technology becomes proficient, it should be able to improve."

"There is no problem with the auxiliary production of special vehicles; it's still a matter of standardization."

He reported, "Honghai's production isn't high, maybe about ten units a month, still because the body is too large."

"Hongtu is even lower, limited by craftsmanship; it can produce about three units a month, that's about it."

Hongyun is a van, 7-seater; Honghai is a large bus, 45-seater; Hongtu is a custom car, 12-seater.

Hongyun's sales are bound to be the most extensive, and there are few opponents in the current domestic car sales market.

There are buses with dozens of people, and minibuses with about twenty people, but few with more than the 212 jeep.

The 7-seater Hongyun fills this gap in the market, especially under the condition of assembly line production.

For some units, the 212 jeep is still too high-end, with few passengers, high unit price, and high fuel consumption.

If there is a vehicle that can carry more passengers and is suitable for field operations, that would definitely be the first choice for procurement.

Honghai doesn't need to be mentioned; learning and referencing foreign imported technology, it has many competitors when put on the market.

Without large-scale assembly line operations, production capacity is limited, and it can only be developed as a technical accumulation.

However, a production capacity of 10 units per month and 120 units per year is also quite impressive; not all cities and enterprises have the need to purchase large buses, so this counts as a public resource.

"Modify Honghai to 60 seats, the factory will order thirty units first."

Li Xuewu placed an order directly from Dong Wenxue and said with a smile, "I'll go to Tianjin tomorrow to promote it."

"Fine, with you, there's no need to worry about sales."

Dong Wenxue also started joking, "It would be best to open the market in Tianjin and sign all the orders for the whole year."

"Hey! It's not impossible!"

Li Xuewu said with a smile, "The school buses purchased by the Red Star United School are enough to keep you busy for a while."

"Plus the thirty units I just mentioned, the new orders should be for July or August, right?"

He thought for a moment and said, "I'll make a call to the Second Auto and invite them to come and visit as well."

"Don't invest money and do things, but not see the results."

They say pretty boys have no good intentions.

Actually, those who look like that don't have good intentions either; Li Xuewu mentioned the Capital Second Auto to Dong Wenxue, but he was harboring bad intentions.

When they were doing the bus project, Li Xuewu hooked them into investing more than three million, and it was in Steel City that the factory was built.

This was also a key project of the United Industry, an important branch of the newly formed Red Star Automobile.

The jeep and sedan shared a production line, and the bus had a separate production line, also in preparation for the future.

The performance of Hongyun buses in the market is still unknown, but Li Xuewu left a matching space for this production line.

The purpose is to produce special vehicles.

Police vans on the Hongyun platform, police command vehicles on the Hongtu platform, police patrol vehicles on the Hongxing Lingyang platform, etc.

These police vehicles correspond to military vehicles.

Especially in the two versions of the Tantu that will go online in the future, they all need to complete production without affecting the production of civilian vehicles.

Two production lines, and there will be a third in the future.

Under such production capacity, the market survey in the last quarter of last year showed that the Hongxing Lingyang had already posed an absolute threat and impact on the civilian market of the 212.

The first quarter of this year is basically over, and the influence is increasing; the performance after market segmentation is very good.

At this time, the Red Star Factory is borrowing strength to strike, launching small buses and large buses, which is a bit pointed.

The outside world, of course, doesn't understand, but the Red Star Factory's car manufacturing naturally takes intelligence collection very seriously.

Capital No. 1 Auto is also doing large bus projects.

But according to the information Li Xuewu learned, Capital No. 1 Auto hasn't come up with a specific production plan yet.

If the Red Star Factory starts sales work for Hongyun and Honghai at this time, the scene will be really fun.

With such a fun thing, how could Li Xuewu forget Capital Second Auto.

The market for large buses is very narrow, and sometimes procurement doesn't entirely depend on performance and price.

That's why the Red Star Factory didn't explode production capacity from the start; this world of rivers and lakes doesn't rely on killing, but on human relationships.

Li Xuewu, of course, understands this set very well, so pulling Second Auto into the water, the business in the capital will naturally be handed over to them.

He isn't willing to do things that are too direct, but isn't it easier to stab in the back?

Gu Litong, the deputy factory director of Capital Second Auto, knew nothing good was coming as soon as he received Li Xuewu's call.

Upon hearing the news of being invited to visit Steel City on behalf of the Red Star Factory's Liaodong Industrial Leadership Group, Gu Litong was first happy, and then suspicious.

They also attach great importance to the bus cooperation project; the main product of Second Auto, the light truck BJ130 project, began installing assembly lines last year, and mass production is expected in March this year.

When doing the BJ130 project, Second Auto had the intention of developing bus projects, which is why they asked for this part of the technology and workers when cooperating and merging motorcycle enterprises.

But the Red Star Factory's automobile industry developed fast, and the degree of technology acquisition and mastery exceeded theirs.

Gu Litong also stopped losses in time and invested all the technical reserves he had at the time into the Red Star Factory's project.

That's how the three-million-plus shareholding agreement came about, taking advantage of the Red Star Factory's bus project.

It's unexpected that the cooperative project achieved mass production first; of course, it's gratifying.

But the person congratulating is Li Xuewu, which is a bit abnormal; Gu Litong absolutely suspects he is a weasel wishing a chicken a Happy New Year.

Of course, he hasn't guessed where Li Xuewu is bad yet.

But upon hearing Li Xuewu invite him to Tianjin to participate in the Red Star Hongxing Lingyang II product launch, he refused directly.

The trap should be here!

He refused Li Xuewu's invitation, but indicated he would go north directly to visit the operation ceremony of the bus project.

Well, this trap isn't jumped into, jump into the next one!

Wouldn't that be falling even harder?

"How many days are you going for this time?"

Hearing he was going on a business trip, Qin Huairu planned to help him prepare his luggage.

She prepared it every time, and had long since gained experience, precise to how many pairs of underwear, how many pairs of socks, and shirts.

"Two days and one night, no need to prepare too much."

Li Xuewu put down the United Industry newspaper in his hand and said to her, "Tianjin should be warmer than the capital."

"Not necessarily—"

Qin Huairu pursed her lips and said, "Although I haven't heard the news, I also know the temperature by the sea is lower."

"What kind of stereotype is this?"

Li Xuewu said in amusement, "Fine, you look after the preparation; it's just one night, I'll be back in the evening."

Qin Huairu is relatively stubborn and insists on her own reasoning; if you want to argue with her, who knows how many sentences you'd have to pull.

It's better to let her do it; anyway, the luggage is just one bag.

Seeing him pick up the teacup, holding the newspaper and reading again, Qin Huairu tilted her head, went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

"Daddy—"

Just before dinner, Li Shu came down from upstairs, followed by Li Ning, who was held by Gu Ning.

"Slow down, what if you fall?"

Seeing the Great Demon King thumping down, Li Xuewu hurriedly went over to catch Gu Ning.

Li Ning, this fat boy, is getting heavier and heavier, but he doesn't look fat.

Compared to when he was six or seven months old, he isn't growing taller fast, but he can eat and play.

"Dad—"

At one year old, Li Ning could clearly call out the word "Dad," faster than Li Shu did initially.

This isn't the credit of Gu Ning and Li Xuewu; the two of them really didn't teach him to call Dad or Mom much.

Qin Huairu taught him a lot, but the credit isn't hers either.

Whose is it? It's the Great Demon King Li Shu's.

Li Ning is just the little sister's follower; whatever the big sister does, he has to follow, play, and grab.

Why else would they say the second child is smarter than the first? It all depends on the big one leading the practice, so the upgrade can be fast.

"Where are you gesturing to—"

Li Xuewu listened to his son's command in amusement, sometimes walking toward the flower pot, sometimes toward the cabinet.

He is curious about everything; when he crawled, he picked through everything in low places, and now he wants to see the "scenery" in high places.

Coincidentally, his father is a "giant," and he doesn't mind him being heavy, wanting to see the whole house.

"Still feeling very uncomfortable in your heart?"

Li Xuewu saw Gu Ning's expression was a bit dull and took the initiative to open her up, "It's not your fault."

"Hmm, I know," Gu Ning nodded, her tone still carrying a bit of depression, "It's just that I'll think of her."

"The kind that I can't help."

She let out a long breath, looked at a pair of porcelain dolls on the cabinet, and said, "If I had helped her that day..."

"Don't think so much, okay."

Li Xuewu patted her shoulder, held her in his arms, and comforted her softly, "You couldn't help her."

"She chose a path leading to darkness; unless she turns around herself, something will happen sooner or later."

"Time to eat—Sister Ning?"

Qin Huairu finished making dinner, walked out, but discovered Gu Ning's abnormality, and asked softly, "Still thinking about that matter?"

"You are just too kind!"

Seeing Li Xuewu nod lightly, she took Li Ning to coax him, but said, "You take this kind of thing to heart?"

"Six months pregnant and still wanting to take risks," she said with a firm tone, "Isn't this just looking for death? Why do you have to take responsibility on yourself."

"Eat, rest early."

Li Xuewu knew Gu Ning wasn't blaming herself, nor was her sympathy overflowing, but a sigh for fate.

The two were college classmates, entered the same unit, went to the front line together, and experienced so much time together.

The dividing point of fate was the change in their friendship, or rather Tong Yan's betrayal and her mature understanding of feelings.

It can be said that Tong Yan appeared at every key node in her process from a naive little girl to maturity.

Without Tong Yan, she and Li Xuewu wouldn't have had the intersection of fate, and there wouldn't have been the later meeting and marriage.

Without Tong Yan, she wouldn't have recognized friendship and feelings, and wouldn't have matured so quickly.

She and Li Xuewu never thought about what form Tong Yan would appear in their lives.

And never thought that Tong Yan, who had long since faded from view, would end this accidental life in such a form.

You can't just say "the world is impermanent"; this really can't summarize the drama of fate and the trickery of playing with people's hearts.

"Is the way I'm dressed... a bit too much?"

When she discovered Li Xuewu was examining her, Zhou Miaomiao pulled her coat nervously, full of panic.

"Everyone has a heart for beauty; it's understandable."

Li Xuewu turned his head with a smile, watched the train pull into the station, and didn't make any evaluation of her attire.

Peng Xiaoli looked a few more times, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up, as if disdainful, and a bit amazed.

It has to be said that clothes still pick the person.

It doesn't matter if you look average; as long as your figure is good, you can still add points.

If you look good too, then it's adding extra points on top of a full score.

Zhou Miaomiao is the kind of person who got a full score and then added extra points, amazing and enviable.

She was the only female comrade traveling with them, a bit of red among the green leaves, and the kind that was red to the point of purple.

The camel-colored trench coat-style coat couldn't hide her slender figure; the half-open collar was a red sweater and scarf.

Two bright red headlights propped the coat up, very bright and dazzling.

The elastic pants revealed under the hem of the coat weren't the loose work pants, but slightly tight-fitting; the trouser legs were hidden in the half-high leather boots, looking tall and seductive, very eye-catching.

Dance actors all know how to match clothes and have their own style; Li Xuewu didn't believe this before, but now...

Now he didn't even dare to stare at the other party; who knows if they'd think he wanted to do something.

Once on the train, Zhou Miaomiao followed him even more closely, even squeezing together when choosing seats.

Peng Xiaoli was helpless and had no way to deal with her.

It's more appropriate for a secretary to sit opposite the leader, which is convenient for taking care of things and reporting.

When there are female comrades traveling, he generally sits beside the leader, ready to give up his seat to cadres who come to talk.

Now there's trouble; Zhou Miaomiao blocked his path.

"Leader, don't forget to call me for activities."

Zhou Miaomiao was very bold; halfway through the train ride, when everyone's attention wasn't on this side, she took the initiative to speak in a volume that wasn't low, but others couldn't hear.

Li Xuewu looked at her blankly and asked, "What activities?"

"Social activities—"

Zhou Miaomiao smiled and said, "You don't need my help for drinking, but I'm good at livening up the atmosphere."

"I'm also very good at sports; table tennis, badminton, including the tennis I just learned, I can practice."

Peng Xiaoli, sitting opposite, raised his eyebrows, only feeling he had met an opponent.

He knew that a secretary had to know everything, but he never expected someone to be better prepared than a secretary.

"Don't you feel tired?"

Li Xuewu understood her meaning, smiled indifferently, and continued to look at the documents in his hand.

"Without hardship, where would the opportunity come from."

Zhou Miaomiao said very directly, "Haven't you heard this sentence? A ten-thousand-foot building rises from the ground; glory still depends on oneself."

"Hahaha—"

Not only Li Xuewu laughed, even Peng Xiaoli opposite couldn't help but steal a laugh.

"Who did you learn this street slang from?"

Li Xuewu glanced at her and said, "What are you thinking, feeling that social activities also have opportunities."

"I'm also speaking from what I've seen and heard."

Zhou Miaomiao pursed her lips, organized her language, and said, "Words in the office always carry deliberation; in private, they can let go and speak clearly."

"Is this what you learned at the Foreign Affairs Office?"

Li Xuewu examined her, nodded, and said, "Fine, it counts as learning and gaining something; it's quite good."

Zhou Miaomiao was very smart; obviously, she wanted to say it was what she thought of when playing tennis on the weekend, but she said it vaguely.

Hearing Li Xuewu's evaluation again, she understood he understood her meaning; otherwise, he wouldn't have emphasized the Foreign Affairs Office.

"So you agree?"

She followed the vine and climbed up, saying with a smile, "Then I'll be ready at any time!"

"Hahaha—"

Li Xuewu was noncommittal, shook his head with a chuckle, and his eyes didn't leave the documents in his hand again.

What Zhou Miaomiao wanted wasn't just resources in social activities; she wanted to integrate these resources and cash them out.

Why didn't he discover she had this kind of thinking and ability before?

Just played a game of tennis and realized it?

Li Xuewu also understood her current state; she was still entangled with Old Li, and the incense-fire relationship was unbroken.

With Dou Zhaozu, it could only be said that they each took what they needed and achieved each other.

Dou Zhaozu seemed amiable, but was actually shrewd and experienced.

When Li Xuewu introduced Zhou Miaomiao to him, he knew very well that this was a rose with thorns.

When it came to the construction industry, he was a master, but when it came to playing tricks, he knew he couldn't play these people.

Including the young Zhou Miaomiao.

Being able to kill a bloody path from the extremely vicious and complex ecological environment of the Red Star Factory, not only finding a good partner but also mixing in the wind and water—do you dare say such a girl is naive and pure?

Pure—purely fictional!

"Leader, don't forget—"

After getting off the train from Tianjin, Zhou Miaomiao didn't forget to remind Li Xuewu not to forget the agreement between the two.

What agreement; it was all her own wishful thinking.

Like the scene of playing tennis last time, do you think she could get any benefits by following along, what status?