Chapter 1253: Professional Bullshitting

"This isn't a real gun—"

Li Shu happily took the box her father handed her and opened it with great joy, only to find something was wrong.

She had just been thinking that waiting in the foyer for so long and peering out the window all afternoon for her father to return hadn't been in vain.

Yet what she held in her hands was a gun that couldn't be any faker.

"Waaah—Daddy is a liar!"

This was truly the first time the "Little Demon King" had shown such grievance; she even started to cry.

Qin Jingru looked at him with amusement and curled her lip, saying, "I told you not to tease her. Now look at what you're going to do."

Gu Ning also looked helplessly at the pair of father and daughter at the doorway. Li Xuewu had taken the initiative to ask about it yesterday morning when he went to work.

He truly doted on his daughter and had promised to give her whatever she wanted.

As it turned out, Li Shu had long been eyeing the gun he wore on his waist every day, and with a small finger pointed, she demanded a real gun.

Li Xuewu hadn't taken it seriously and had promised her offhandedly.

Now, it was a mess; Li Shu wouldn't accept the toy in the box.

"How could Daddy be a liar?"

Li Xuewu picked up his daughter, retrieved the box from the floor, and said as he walked, "Didn't you want a gun?"

"This is fake—" Li Shu raised her hand to wipe away her tears and said aggrievedly, "I want a real gun."

"Hmm, isn't one gun-carrier in our family enough?" Qin Jingru teased with a smile, "Father and daughter soldiers on the front line, is that it?"

"Waaah—I want a real gun!"

Li Shu was placed on the sofa by her father. Between acting spoiled and pestering him, she cried while demanding a real gun.

If Li Xuewu hadn't asked her first, Li Shu wouldn't have known what to ask for, but her father had said he would give her whatever she wanted.

Now that she had been tricked, Li Shu felt very wronged.

Isn't that why they say the higher the hope, the greater the disappointment?

Li Xuewu amusedly pulled the real thing from his back waist, placed it alongside the toy in the box, and asked, "Then tell Daddy, which of these two guns is real and which is fake?"

Seeing her father ask, Li Shu stopped crying. She pointed a small finger at the pistol and said, "This one is real, that one is fake."

"Aiy-hai—"

Qin Jingru, who loved to watch the fun, stood to the side and hummed, wanting to see Li Xuewu make a fool of himself.

Han Jiankun walked in and, seeing Li Ning also crawling on the floor with curiosity to watch the fun, picked him up.

Li Ning wasn't afraid of him; just like Li Shu, they ate breakfast and dinner together every day and played together.

Don't look at how little he speaks when he's outside; when he's with children like Li Shu, he's happy to play however they want.

Li Shu often rode on his shoulders to romp around, and now it was Li Ning's turn.

"Then tell Daddy, how did you determine this one is real and that one is fake?"

Li Xuewu took out the toy gun and placed it beside the pistol, saying, "If you can explain it, Daddy will believe you."

"This real one is short, that fake one is long—"

Li Shu pointed at the pistol, tears still on her eyelashes, yet she said very seriously, "A real gun should be like this."

"Pfft—"

Qin Jingru couldn't hold it in; she turned around and burst out laughing.

Gu Ning's lips also curled up slightly, and she looked at her daughter, not knowing what to say.

"Look, you got it wrong—"

Li Xuewu tapped Li Shu's small hand and said, "What did Daddy usually teach you?"

"Without investigation, there is no right to speak. Both of these guns are real."

"No—" Although there was doubt in Li Shu's eyes, she still pouted, "This one is fake."

"Guns come in long and short, and their uses are different."

Li Xuewu seriously disassembled the pistol's magazine, took out a bullet to show his daughter, and then reassembled it.

In front of his daughter, he pulled the slide back and pulled the trigger.

"Click—"

Li Shu frowned at the sound, staring blankly at her father, not knowing what it meant.

"Watch closely, this one—"

Li Xuewu opened the toy gun's battery compartment and inserted the bullet-like batteries.

"It's not like that," Li Shu's eyes were sharp; she pointed at the bullets and batteries in her father's hands and said, "These are not quite the same."

"Of course they're different—"

Li Xuewu gestured with the bullet very seriously, "The pistol is short, and the bullets it uses are small; it's for close-range shooting."

"See this? This is for the long gun."

He closed the battery compartment, handed the gun to his daughter, pointed to the trigger position, and said, "Long guns shoot further than short guns, have more power, and are more dangerous, so you have to be careful."

Li Shu looked at her father suspiciously, lowered her head to examine the toy gun in her hand, and hesitated to pull the trigger.

The metallic texture of the toy slightly reduced her doubts, and the "CN-Magic City-Kangyuan Toy Factory-420" mark on the butt of the gun brought a sense of unknown novelty.

Everyone was silent at this moment, waiting for her to finish examining it and pull the trigger.

And under everyone's anticipation, Li Shu slowly placed her finger on the trigger and pulled it gently.

"Da-da-da—da-da-da—"

The moment she pulled the trigger, the barrel and magazine flashed red simultaneously, and it emitted a "da-da-da" paper-drum sound. The sudden movement startled Li Shu.

She jerked her head up, looking at her father in surprise, her eyes full of joy and shock.

"Daddy, this is... a real gun."

"See—" Li Xuewu looked as if it were a matter of course, tapped the submachine gun in her hand, and said, "When has Daddy ever failed to do what he promised you?"

"You said you wanted a real gun, and Daddy nodded, so I definitely bought it for you. Were you wrong?"

When he said this, he proudly looked back at Qin Jingru and Gu Ning, looking like "I'm pretty good, right?"

Qin Jingru amusedly turned and walked toward the kitchen, not feeling like she had lost at all, but rather wanting to say that the leader was childish and ridiculous.

"Since you've received Daddy's gift and misunderstood him," Gu Ning ignored Li Xuewu and taught her daughter, "What should you say now?"

"Sorry, Daddy—"

Li Shu took the initiative to hug Li Xuewu's neck and gave him a "MUA" on the face.

"Thank you, Daddy—"

"You're welcome, as long as you like it."

Li Xuewu said very touchingly, "For my daughter, Daddy is willing to do anything."

"Really?" Li Shu widened her eyes in surprise, hugged his neck, and asked, "Anything?"

Not waiting for her father to emphasize any conditions, and as if afraid he would go back on his word, Li Shu stuffed the submachine gun into her father's arms, reached out to touch the pistol, and said, "Then let's swap. You take the powerful one, and I'll take the less powerful one."

"Hahaha—"

Qin Jingru, who had returned to the dining room, suddenly let out a laugh that confirmed her suspicions, looking triumphant.

After dinner, Li Xuewu reasoned with his daughter and finally convinced Li Shu to take back his service pistol.

If we're talking about being wronged, who could be more wronged than him?

Since the day he became a soldier, he had never been disarmed; today was the first time, and facing his daughter, he had truly surrendered.

He didn't dare mention the pistol's shortcomings; Li Shu was like a little elf, and the more he said that, the more she would suspect him.

He could only say that this gun belonged to the public, that he had to carry a pistol at work, and explained the necessity of its lower power for duty.

He even popularized the firearm safety management regulations for his daughter, although he knew Li Shu couldn't understand them, but sounding impressive was enough.

Gu Ning and Qin Jingru gave Li Ning a bath, then called Li Shu upstairs to prepare to teach her lessons.

Ancient poems to memorize, characters to recognize, and one hundred numbers to learn; Li Shu was very busy every night.

She didn't dare refuse her mother, and she could see that her mother liked the way she studied.

The "Little Demon King" dared to play mind games with her father, but she absolutely didn't dare to be vague about her mother's words, so she obediently got off the sofa.

Of course, with a military doctor for a mother and a deputy regimental commander for a father, heritage and tradition could not be neglected.

The submachine gun was slung over her body, swaying back and forth like a Nationalist soldier; she had to adjust the strap every two steps.

Ding-dong—

The doorbell, which rarely rang at this time, sounded, attracting the attention of the whole family.

Han Jiankun came out of the dining room, took the coat hanging on the wall, and went straight out the door.

Before long, Ji Yuxiu's voice came from outside the door.

"Second Sister-in-law..."

"Da-da-da—"

Seeing Gu Ning standing at the foot of the stairs, Ji Yuxiu was about to greet her as soon as she entered, but was "executed" by Li Shu, who raised her gun.

"Li Shu, you are not allowed to mess with your aunt."

Gu Ning glanced at her daughter, then greeted her somewhat embarrassedly, "Why did you come over at this time?"

Seeing the man following Ji Yuxiu, she stopped speaking and looked at Li Xuewu, who was walking over from the living room.

Li Xuewu rarely brought work home, and people from his unit had never found their way to his home before.

Today, Ji Yuxiu brought a stranger to visit; something must have happened, otherwise she wouldn't have been so rash.

"Sorry—"

Ji Yuxiu smiled, walked in, and explained, "There's a sudden emergency case, and I wanted to ask Second Brother about the situation."

She introduced the man who followed her in, "This is the director of the Beixinqiao Police Station, Comrade Duan Youting."

"Section Chief Li, sorry to bother you."

Before he had even changed into the slippers Han Jiankun helped find, Duan Youting, standing in the foyer, greeted Li Xuewu, who was walking out.

Li Xuewu nodded. Although there was surprise and shock in his eyes, he still greeted him, "Old Duan, a rare guest."

"Have you had dinner?"

Gu Ning pulled Li Shu, who still wanted to shoot, and softly expressed concern to Ji Yuxiu, seeing that they had rushed over so late.

Ji Yuxiu was just as she had guessed, somewhat embarrassed, "The case came up this afternoon, and we've been busy until now; we even forgot that we hadn't eaten."

"Li Ning is upstairs. I'll take Li Shu up to change and let Jingru come down," she pulled Ji Yuxiu's somewhat cold hand and said, "You have to take care of yourself."

"Thank you, Second Sister-in-law—"

Ji Yuxiu smiled and teased Li Shu, who was shooting at her, and thanked her happily.

"Come, come in and sit—"

Li Xuewu greeted Duan Youting into the living room and instructed Han Jiankun to pour some hot water; they would have to eat in a while anyway.

Duan Youting was truly embarrassed. He really hadn't wanted to disturb Li Xuewu at this hour, but the case had forced his hand.

"Sorry to trouble you."

He looked at Ji Yuxiu; he had originally wanted to politely decline, as how could he be embarrassed to eat here?

But Ji Yuxiu had agreed readily, and he was too embarrassed to refuse now, so his face was full of awkwardness.

"You're at home now, how could I let you go hungry?"

Li Xuewu waved his hand indifferently, signaling him not to mind and to sit down and talk.

Ji Yuxiu had come with a case; she only said a few words to Gu Ning before following him to the living room and sitting on the sofa.

"Second Brother, there's been a homicide in Beixinqiao."

As soon as she sat down, she began to introduce, "The deceased is a leader in the old 'Ping' circle, named Xie Qianjin."

"Leader, are there any requirements for the meal?"

Qin Jingru came down from upstairs and asked as she passed the living room.

"Keep it simple," Duan Youting took the initiative to speak, "Thank you. We're in a hurry and have to go back in a while."

"Make some noodles with salty sauce."

Li Xuewu nodded and instructed, "We have salted duck eggs at home, right? Heat two for them."

"No need for so much trouble..."

Duan Youting still wanted to be polite, but Li Xuewu pointed at Ji Yuxiu and said, "I've heard the name Xie Qianjin. Was it him who caused trouble at the ice rink the year before last?"

"That's right, it was him—"

Ji Yuxiu nodded and confirmed, "We surveyed the scene and took statements from those present."

"From the situation we have grasped so far, it should be a case of premeditated revenge. The perpetrator is suspected to be the 'Wanzhu' Zhang Jianguo."

"Hmm—" Li Xuewu was not surprised. Hearing that something had happened to Xie Qianjin, he thought of his encounter last weekend.

He nodded, signaling Ji Yuxiu to continue.

"This afternoon, Xie Qianjin was playing with friends in the Beixinqiao park when they were suddenly attacked."

Ji Yuxiu introduced calmly, "His companions, the witnesses, said that Zhang Jianguo brought people and rushed out when they were completely unprepared, aiming directly at Xie Qianjin."

"And they cooperated very tacitly. After using forks to commit the crime, they left the park in an orderly manner. They didn't linger, and didn't even grab the clothes or bicycles on the ground..."

"What kind of description is this?"

Li Xuewu frowned slightly, "They are treating the law as child's play. Their eyes are full of messy things."

"The two circles are fighting fiercely. The main conflict is over grabbing clothes and bicycles."

Duan Youting introduced, "The branch bureau has already made arrangements and warned them to pay attention to the scale."

"I just didn't expect Zhang Jianguo to be so wild, actually daring to kill."

"He is taking revenge."

Li Xuewu frowned and talked about Tong Yan's matter, and also talked about the relationship between Seeing Wei Guo and Zhang Jianguo and others.

Actually, he didn't want to get involved in the affairs of these two circles; they were all just a bunch of little troublemakers.

Calling it a dispute of spirit is nonsense; it's completely restless youth with nowhere to vent, and the conflict has evolved into hatred.

"We haven't learned about this situation yet."

Duan Youting frowned and said, "If it involves the situation you just mentioned, then the case is complicated."

He looked at Ji Yuxiu and said, "We have to report to the leader and see if it should be handed over to the criminal investigation department."

"I suspect Zhang Jianguo won't be satisfied and give up. This is his first act of revenge, and he will continue to launch revenge actions against the old 'Ping' circle."

"Are you looking for Zhang Jianguo?"

Li Xuewu looked Duan Youting over and said, "Then why did you come to me?"

"This..."

Duan Youting hesitated and looked at Ji Yuxiu.

Ji Yuxiu explained, "We learned about the situation in the two circles. Someone said that Zhao Lao Si might be able to find Zhang Jianguo's specific location, so..."

"Then just summon him directly."

Li Xuewu glanced at Duan Youting, only feeling that he was making a mountain out of a molehill. Did he really think he was Qin Hui?

Zhao Lao Si was just an employee of the club. If there was a problem, he should just accept the handling. How could he interfere with the execution?

A seventh-rank official in front of the prime minister's gate; he wasn't a prime minister, and there wasn't even a seventh-rank official in front of his gate, not even a ninth-rank.

"I insisted on coming..."

Duan Youting just wanted to explain when he saw Li Xuewu had already picked up the phone and asked for the club's direction.

Being in the same East City, although it was night, the connection was fast.

Zhao Lao Si's voice came from the other end of the phone. He hadn't dared to go home tonight and had stayed in the duty room.

Not everyone could answer the phone in the duty room, so how could it be anyone else but him?

When Li Xuewu asked about Zhang Jianguo, Zhao Lao Si understood immediately.

"I really don't know where he is."

Zhao Lao Si explained bitterly on the phone, "Since that weekend, I haven't dared to go home, and I haven't even dared to step out of the gate. I've been at the club the whole time."

"Someone came to report the news today, and that's how I knew something happened. How would I know where he went?"

"Possible hiding places?"

Li Xuewu already believed him. Zhao Lao Si's entire livelihood was tied to the club; he wouldn't dare deceive him.

Especially for a crazy Zhang Jianguo, he understood even more that it wasn't worth it.

So there was no need to ask suspicious nonsense. He asked directly, "Have you heard of any places where he can rest briefly, or intimate friends?"

"Just Yan Shengli and the others, but you know..."

Zhao Lao Si said bluntly on the phone, "These people are all involved in the case; they definitely won't stay at home."

"Don't even think about these few people, but there are too many others to think about. If he wants to hide, no one can find him."

"Alright, I know."

Li Xuewu understood what he meant, so he didn't ask again, only instructing, "If there is any situation, contact the Beixinqiao Police Station and find their director."

"He said he doesn't know." Putting the phone down, Li Xuewu looked at Duan Youting and said, "He has been working at the club the whole time."

"Sigh, I was also holding onto hope."

Duan Youting already believed Li Xuewu's words and sighed, "Treating a dead horse as a living horse."

"Do you understand the situation he described?"

Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "The situation and rules of the 'Wanzhu' are quite special. He could be in any corner of the city. As long as he is a 'Wanzhu', someone will take him in for the night."

"Staying out all night, I know," Duan Youting nodded and said, "We have grasped this situation and are increasing the intensity of publicity, emphasizing his danger and the crime of hiding him."

"Useless," Li Xuewu shook his head slightly, "If a 'Wanzhu' were to abide by the law, they wouldn't be called a 'Wanzhu'."

"Moreover, the principle of staying out all night is to go in the middle of the night and leave early in the morning. Even the parties involved and their families don't know."

He looked at Duan Youting and said, "No one will risk the reputation of being unrighteous and the danger to report him."

"If he really wants to hide, unless you don't care about police resources, cast a net, and control the whole city, otherwise..."

"That's impossible, you know," Duan Youting smiled bitterly, "Police resources are limited, the situation is special, and the case is also very special. Don't even think about controlling the whole city."

Before coming, he didn't understand the Tong Yan case. Now that he knew, he felt the case was even more complicated.

Once the news spreads, the two circles won't be very cooperative, and the difficulty of the investigation will increase exponentially.

Both circles consider "reporting" and "finding the cops" as an insult to their identity.

Even today's statements were obtained in the first instance; otherwise, after tonight, when they went to ask, no one would tell the truth.

Even if Xie Qianjin's parents came to promote this case, they would feel it was very absurd.

His death actually involved another homicide, and it was a group bullying a pregnant woman; it was really disgraceful.

Even if Xie Qianjin didn't do it, the rumors are flying, and now is not the time to clear up these rumors.

So, the pressure was all on Duan Youting.

"Do you cherish this case very much?"

Li Xuewu looked Duan Youting over. Seeing Qin Jingru appear at the entrance of the dining room, he stood up and greeted, "The meal is ready. Let's eat first, and we'll talk while we eat."

Duan Youting knew that nothing could be hidden here. He sighed, stood up, and followed him to the dining room.

Turning over a new leaf depends on this opportunity. Without a decent achievement, how could he wash away last year's mistakes?

His current position was still "atoning for crimes with meritorious service." It was Director Zheng who protected him; otherwise, he would have been dismissed long ago.

He understood Li Xuewu's question. If this case wasn't handled well, it would become a hot potato.

Not only would he not get the achievement, but he would also get his hands dirty.

At the same time, it was also a reminder to him: if he really wanted to be greedy and handle this case, don't drag Ji Yuxiu into it. After all, they were already being treated to a meal.

"Is it that simple?"

Li Xuewu shook the document in his hand, still somewhat dissatisfied, or perhaps with a bit of inexplicable regret.

Li Huai looked at him amusedly and asked, "What else could it be?"

"Gongs and drums, firecrackers ringing?"

He tried to restrain his excitement and said with a smile he thought was steady, "Great music is soundless."

Li Xuewu glanced at him. If he hadn't wanted to save him some face, he almost would have asked: You know this idiom too?

His gaze fell on the document in his hand.

"Reply of the Industrial Management Committee on Agreeing to the Change of Organizational Management Relations of Hongxing Rolling Mill"

【Gong Han (1968) No. 26】

════★════

First Ministry of Machine Building, Jingcheng, Hongxing Rolling Mill:

Your request regarding the change of organizational management relations of Hongxing Rolling Mill has been received. The reply is as follows:

1. In accordance with the "Reply of the State Council on the 'Work Plan for Supporting Industrial Enterprises to Deepen Reform and Develop Advanced Comprehensive Demonstration Zones'" (Zheng Han (1965) No. 199), it is agreed that from this day forward, the organizational management relations of Hongxing Rolling Mill shall be changed to the First Ministry of Machine Building.

2. Relevant departments of the Industrial Management Committee, the First Ministry of Machine Building, and Jingcheng Industry must, in accordance with the above adjustments, promptly make corresponding adjustments to the organizational management relations of their departments and cities, coordinate development and reform, and establish a management system adapted to the construction of advanced comprehensive demonstration zones for deepening reform and development of industrial enterprises.

3. The First Ministry of Machine Building and Jingcheng Industry shall, in conjunction with relevant departments, evaluate the implementation effectiveness of the adjustments to relevant organizational management relations and promptly put forward suggestions for follow-up work.

4. The Industrial Management Committee will, according to the construction of the advanced comprehensive demonstration zone for deepening reform and development of Hongxing Rolling Mill, adjust the content of this reply in a timely manner.

Industrial Management Committee

February 13, 1968

═════════

Grasp Reform · Promote Production · Promote Work · Promote Guarantee

Li Xuewu read it back and forth three times before raising his head to look at the triumphant Old Li.

"Is that it?"

"Otherwise?"

Old Li was also stunned for a moment, then came to his senses and asked with a smile, "Otherwise, what else did you think could be written?"

"The organizational management relations have been adjusted, shouldn't the appointments follow?"

Li Xuewu shook the document in his hand and said, "Shouldn't there be an 【Attachment】 here?"

"Sigh—I wish there were—"

Hearing him say this, Old Li couldn't help but sigh, and his recent triumph instantly dissipated.

"Who told us we didn't run into good times, and even less into good people and good things."

"What's the situation?"

Li Xuewu picked up his teacup and took a sip, putting on a posture of watching the fun, waiting for Old Li to talk about it.

Hmm, tell us about any unhappy things so everyone can be happy.

"Remember the working group from before the New Year?"

Old Li sat up straight and explained to him, "I told you, one group divided into two batches, one bright and one dark."

"Hmm, I know, and then?"

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and asked, "The bright ones went back and also submitted a work report. Are the dark ones still here?"

"The problem lies right here."

Old Li tapped the table in annoyance and frowned, "I had the exact same thought as you just now."

"However, these bastards."

He gritted his back teeth and said, "The bright ones went back, and the dark ones just went back."

As he said this, he also pointed to the reply document Li Xuewu had placed on the table.

"This Yang Jun definitely knows something. He played us."

"What's the point?" Li Xuewu asked curiously, "Hongxing Mill has been promoted; can he still stop you from advancing?"

"A toad crawling on the instep—doesn't bite, but it's disgusting!"

Li Huai hammered the table in anger, though not with much force, and said with sharp eyes, "This is a combination punch."

"You mean..."

Li Xuewu instantly understood what Old Li meant. He glanced behind him and asked, "Openly repair the plank road, secretly cross the Chencang?"

Li Huai didn't answer directly, but said in a suppressed tone, "The dark visiting working group grasped some information about Cheng Kaiyuan and me, and conducted an in-depth investigation based on this."

"!!!"

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows. Although he didn't speak, his surprised and shocked expression was very obvious.

Old Li was also very depressed. He tapped the table, looked out the window, sighed faintly, and said, "Work is not easy to do."

"You should understand the procedure that follows."

"It's not a big deal, right?" Li Xuewu naturally understood what procedure Old Li was talking about. "Just go and listen to the talk. Since it's already come to this, can you still retreat?"

"You're right," Li Huai nodded and said slowly, "A battle with one's back to the river, there's no way back."

For those who do business or cadres who manage an enterprise, who hasn't been disciplined? This is the norm.

If you want to do something, you can't be afraid of wolves in front and tigers behind.

The procedure Li Huai mentioned was nothing more than going over to be talked to and scolded, accepting criticism and self-criticism, and then compromising on some pressure and authority in personnel, finance, or management.

This was a form of punishment for him handling Cheng Kaiyuan's case during the critical period of enterprise promotion and organizational management relationship adjustment, disrupting the superior's deployment.

Although Hongxing Mill implemented internal discipline and supervision management, the superior was holding him accountable for management responsibility.

There's really no place to reason with this.

If you say don't handle Cheng Kaiyuan's case, that's called shielding.

If you say handle it, the superior will hold you accountable for management responsibility.

Both ends block you.

But the key reason wasn't the case itself; Li Huai urging the landing of this case was also to weaken Cheng Kaiyuan.

So Old Li getting struck by lightning wasn't unjust, and Yang Jun's intentional sabotage was also aimed at this point.

The reason for comfort given by Li Xuewu was also very clear: what should be fought for must still be fought for.

Old Li also understood this point; this lightning couldn't be avoided.

The superior couldn't stand seeing him triumphant and cocky. Since they wanted to use him, they wouldn't let him grow crooked.

A small tree won't grow straight without pruning, and people won't be right without discipline.

There was no problem with Old Li's appointment; he would still advance as he should, and the beating wouldn't break his bones.

But Cheng Kaiyuan was in trouble; he had just been disciplined, and now another "return horse gun" had come.

However, Li Xuewu was also thinking, did the superior intend to do this? Generally, small problems that couldn't be found to have big problems would just be reminded by an organizational talk and pass, not knocked repeatedly.

This time it was so ruthless, not just because of the promotion, but perhaps also because they wanted to give Cheng Kaiyuan a chance.

It was impossible to beat Old Li too hard, otherwise it would delay things.

But they could definitely beat Cheng Kaiyuan, and perhaps it could play a key role.

Some people need to be awakened by a deafening sound to regain confidence and forge ahead.

Well, Director Du was also someone who held grudges. Old Li didn't act like a person, so he also used a trick of "borrowing arrows with straw boats."

Just wait, Old Cheng's rank wouldn't be promoted this time, but his authority wouldn't fall, and perhaps he would have to take on more burdens.

What kind of cadre is the most capable?

Kong Jie once said, "Atoning for crimes with meritorious service."

"Did you see the document?"

After the leader came out of Director Li's office, Peng Xiaoli asked curiously, "What was it like?"

"Hmm—" Li Xuewu deliberately teased him, thought carefully, and then said seriously, "It was like that."

"Like—like what?"

Peng Xiaoli followed him downstairs, crying and laughing, and nagged, "I haven't even seen this kind of document."

"You'll see it soon."

Li Xuewu said amusedly, "Why are you so enthusiastic about the promotion? Does it have anything to do with you?"

"Of course it does—"

Peng Xiaoli said with a smile, "Our factory has been promoted, so doesn't that mean I've also advanced?"

"Hmm, that's the logic."

Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, "Then you should be called Director Peng, right?"

"What I mean is..."

He was just about to explain when he saw Deputy Director Su coming up from downstairs, followed by Gu Cheng.

"Deputy Director Su—"

Li Xuewu took the initiative to step aside, nodded, and greeted him.

Su Weide came up, nodded, and asked, "Coming down from Director Li's? Has the document come down?"

Li Huai had gone to the First Ministry of Machine Building himself in the morning to get the relevant documents.

After returning, Li Xuewu followed him. He should be the first person in Hongxing Mill to see the document besides Li Huai.

"It's down, but I didn't see it."

Li Xuewu said with a smile, "Director Li treats it like a treasure and won't let me see it."

"Hahaha—"

Su Weide chuckled, but in his heart, he thought it was "horse skin."

If he believed this, how stupid would he have to be?

He had been here for several days, and he had seen it clearly: when it comes to doing work, Li Xuewu is a good hand.

But when it comes to bullshitting, he is also a professional.

He walked upstairs past Li Xuewu and didn't continue this topic; if he kept talking, it would really be bullshitting.

Gu Cheng followed behind, and when he passed Peng Xiaoli, he made a gesture and used his eyes and mouth to remind him of something.

After going downstairs, Peng Xiaoli reported, "Gu Cheng just reminded me that Director Li's big Red Flag has arrived."

"It's not needed for now, just leave it there."

Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "Director Li has been cultivating his character recently and doesn't want to be too ostentatious."

"Understood, I'll tell him."

Peng Xiaoli nodded, understanding Director Li's idea of wanting to be a tortoise.

What the leader just said was clearly this meaning, and his understanding was completely correct.

However, in his understanding, Director Li's low profile was completely "taking off his pants to fart"—not treating others as people.

A trust enterprise rarely seen in recent years, the Hongxing Steel Group, is about to be born, and he still wants to keep a low profile?

Other industries might not notice it now, but the eyes of the industrial system and brother units are all gathered here.

Director Li is a purple-red light bulb, with nowhere to hide.

To speak of it, the Red Star Factory being transferred to the Ministry's management this time can only be considered a return to its roots; it is not such an unexpected matter.

The domestic economic management has undergone several changes.

At first, it was "grasping everything," then they couldn't grasp it, and decided to delegate management authority to the local level.

This is the main reason why a professional factory like Hongxing Mill fell directly from ministry management to Beijing industrial management.

And by 1963, the superior felt that the difficulty of local management was too great and the economy was not smooth.

So they started a new round of adjustments and decided to implement "grasping everything" again.

But now, "grasping everything" has run into problems again, and they have implemented delegated management of authority again.

Hongxing Mill didn't catch up with the second "grasping everything," but it caught up with the second delegated management, belonging to going against the current.

The key factor that can ensure Hongxing Mill completes its promotion lies in the policy mentioned in the document.

"Work Plan for Supporting Industrial Enterprises to Deepen Reform and Develop Advanced Comprehensive Demonstration Zones"

Hongxing Mill fits this plan and requirements, created the Liangma River Industrial Zone, and carried out comprehensive industrial construction.

It involves industrial fields of land, sea, and air, and has obtained advanced production technology and experience.

Therefore, Hongxing Mill's promotion is stable.

Promotion is not the goal; the goal is to build a group enterprise while building an advanced comprehensive demonstration zone.

On Friday, Xue Zhifu, accompanied by Li Xuewu, met with representatives of the Santa Ya Group.

Both sides conducted in-depth discussions on cooperation and development in the field of industrial engineering construction.

Just listening to such an official statement, you know that the results of the discussion were not very ideal.

Coming out of the International Hotel, before getting in the car, Xue Zhifu reminded Li Xuewu, "No matter how you talk, the principles cannot change."

"You can rest assured about this; principles are principles."

Li Xuewu waited for the other party to get into the car with the help of his secretary before getting into the car from the other side.

"The firm attitude shown by the Santa Ya Group is nothing more than asking for an exorbitant price and urging us to pay back the money quickly."

He patted the driver's seat, signaling that he could drive, and continued, "Wait a little longer."

"Cast a long line to catch a big fish. You can make a full gesture, but endless pulling is not advisable."

Xue Zhifu sat back in his seat, thinking, "If you pull back and forth, trust will be gone, and even if the cooperation is negotiated, it will be full of suspicion, losing its original meaning."

"The main construction project of the Liangma River Industrial Zone still has a two-year construction period," Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "We have at least a one-year buffer period. This cooperation can be looked at slowly."

"And the other party can't afford to wait. Just look at the attitude they showed," Li Xuewu nodded and said, "They have the same idea as me, which is to eat slowly. If you eat until you're full, you have to eat well."

"I am not pessimistic about the prospect of the future engineering construction market proposed by the other party, but I am not optimistic about the timing of rashly developing the engineering construction cause in the current environment."

"Hmm, your consideration has some truth."

Xue Zhifu nodded, looking at the street scene flashing outside the car window, thinking, "Then let's look again."

"There is another contradiction point, and that is that the organizational construction and team management of the engineering branch cannot keep up."

Li Xuewu emphasized, "Lang Zhennan just pulled the team together; there is no combat effectiveness at all."

"Even if it cooperates with the current engineering department and the Dongfeng 31 Construction that has the intention to cooperate, there are too many problems."

He pointed at his palm and said, "Just the conversion of workers' status requires a certain amount of time, and it hasn't been done yet."

"Qualifications, technology, equipment for engineering construction—if you ask him for these plans now, he definitely won't be able to take them out."

"Learn while doing, take it slow."

Li Xuewu sighed and said, "Now it's a beautiful girl willing to marry, but unfortunately the boy hasn't grown up."

He understood Xue Zhifu's idea. Zhang Jingsong came and took away the logistics and service work, and now he only has engineering left.

Of course, to put it nicely, Hongxing Mill is carrying out a large construction site model and needs him to invest more energy.

But this kind of situation is not comfortable for anyone.

Zhang Jingsong was also very helpless; he hadn't been here for a week and had talked to Xue Zhifu twice.

Xue Zhifu originally thought he could get two, but didn't expect to split two out.

How the two talked, he didn't know, but Xue Zhifu set his sights on enterprise cooperation, wanting to boost the morale of the engineering team.

But Li Xuewu is responsible for foreign affairs, and he does not allow anyone to operate off-line; this is a matter of principle.

Cooperation with the Santa Ya Group must wait; wait until the situation has a fundamental change before continuing to talk.

Including the agreed meeting with the Japanese Sanhe Stock Company, he still maintains the necessary restraint and rationality.

Foreign trade money is easy to earn, but it also has to be done at the right time.

If the wind direction is wrong, retreat immediately.

Towards Xue Zhifu, he is of course supportive; otherwise, he wouldn't have accompanied him to meet the Santa Ya Group representative.

It was also to let him see for himself what the other party's requirements were. After seeing it, he would understand his attitude.

At least before the end of this year, Hongxing Mill will not have any major foreign cooperation projects.

Everything has to wait until next year; cooperation negotiation for half a year, planning for half a year, implementation for half a year...

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 1254 =====