Chapter 1256: Selling Peace

"It's still cold out, and you're already turning the soil?"

After getting off work, Li Xuewu saw that the vegetable patch on the left side of the courtyard had been turned over, so he asked Qin Huairu, who had come out to greet him.

Qin Huairu wiped her hands on her apron and replied nonchalantly, "I saw the temperature has been high these past two days, so I just gave it a try."

She gestured toward the vegetable patch and said, "I didn't expect it to have actually thawed. It didn't take much effort to turn it over."

"It's also because the snowfall was heavy this year."

After taking the bag from Li Xuewu's hand, she waved her hand again and said, "You don't need to worry about these things; you're just meddling."

As she spoke, she called out to Han Jiankun, who had just returned from the garage, and arranged, "Dinner will take a while yet; you go finish turning the rest."

"It's not like there's a rush—" Li Xuewu looked at her with amusement and said, "Even if you turn it, what are you planning to plant?"

"Just some baby bok choy or something."

Qin Huairu acted as if she were very busy; she only offered that one explanation before hurrying back inside.

When Li Xuewu turned to look at Han Jiankun again, his driver had already gone to the storage shed to find a suitable shovel.

Forget it. Looking at it now, his status in this household was precarious; even the nanny dared to say he was meddling.

Of course, if he couldn't even protect his own driver, what was the point of talking about his status in the family?

The only reason he wasn't made to turn the soil was because he was the one paying the wages; otherwise, he wouldn't have escaped it either.

No matter how many schemes you have, you can't beat someone who has no schemes but dares to speak and dares to act.

"Why are you back so early today?"

As Li Xuewu was changing his shoes at the entrance, he saw Gu Ning's clothes and bag hanging on the rack.

Once he entered the living room, he indeed saw her coaxing the two children.

They had grown tired of the Great Demon King's sandbox; the sand had been packed into bags by Han Jiankun and stacked in the corner.

The wooden frame of the sandbox had been moved out and placed in front of the sofa, where Li Ning was sitting on a mat playing with wooden blocks.

Seeing that his father was back, the little guy very politely shared a block with him and gave a fake smile while squinting his eyes.

"I haven't finished reading yet—"

Gu Ning tapped the picture book, reminding her daughter to be serious.

Li Shu's ears had already perked up; there had been the sound of a car at the entrance, so it must be her father returning.

When her father entered the room, she couldn't help but glance at him, but she was hindered by the fact that today's homework wasn't finished yet.

Naturally, she didn't dare to throw away her book and go play with her father in front of her mother.

Even though her mother had never hit her, let alone scolded or reprimanded her severely.

Yet, the more this was the case, the less she dared to ignore her mother's words.

"I still have—I only have a little bit left to finish."

Li Shu stood on the floor, her body draped over the sofa as she looked at the picture book, reminding her father as if talking to herself.

Li Xuewu leaned over to her ear with amusement, looked, and praised with a smile, "My daughter is truly great; you're reading a book."

"I've been reading for one... ten..." Her concept of time was still a bit fuzzy, so she pinched her fingers and tried hard to emphasize, "I've been reading for one-ten-one hundred quarter-hours!"

"Then you really are amazing!"

Li Xuewu nodded in agreement and said, "Then before bed tonight, you can tell this story to Dad."

"I—I can tell the story of the monkey and the pig!" Li Shu said very excitedly, "I can also tell the story of the rabbit and the tur..."

"You finish the one you're on first."

Gu Ning was also reading; she raised her hand to tap her daughter's book and reminded her, "Finish the book before going to play with Dad."

"Okay—"

Li Shu glanced at her mother and agreed very readily, without the coquettishness she showed when she was with Li Xuewu.

Li Shu was like this, and Li Ning was the same.

Don't look at how young he was; he had plenty of schemes.

His sister was hard enough to fool, but he was even harder to fool than his sister; the two siblings were learning to be smart as if they were competing.

His sister was learning to be obedient, and Li Ning was watching with his eyes; at this moment, he was playing with his toys in the playpen without crying or making a fuss.

Actually, Gu Ning didn't dislike children, nor did she find coaxing them annoying; otherwise, she wouldn't have tirelessly taught Li Shu to study.

Her way of interacting with children, which differed from the average person, had a certain connection to her personality and also to her cognition.

The responsibility of being a parent, as she perceived it, was to take good care of the children and teach them life skills within their capabilities.

Sometimes she would accidentally overlook the children's age; Li Shu, who had already started learning, was only three years old even on her birthday.

"Why haven't I heard any news about Gu Yan recently?"

Li Xuewu came down after taking a shower upstairs and changing into loungewear. Seeing that the mother and children were still playing their own games, he took the initiative to speak.

Li Shu, having completed her task, was very sensibly coaxing her younger brother to play. Seeing her father come down, she even gave him a brilliant smile.

Li Xuewu bent down to kiss the top of his daughter's head before sitting down beside Gu Ning.

"He's probably busy in the company; I didn't ask."

Gu Ning didn't act much like an older sister; if Gu Yan didn't take the initiative to contact her, she wouldn't take the initiative to contact her younger brother.

"Is he still in Jin Province?"

Li Xuewu fiddled with the cup on the coffee table, poured himself a cup of hot water, and asked, "Is it convenient to travel back and forth?"

"Are you looking for him for something?"

Seeing Li Xuewu ask this, Gu Ning shifted her gaze from the book page and looked at him with confusion.

Li Xuewu turned his head and asked with a smile, "Does Gu Yan have a partner? Or perhaps an arranged marriage or something?"

"What are you trying to do?"

Gu Ning frowned slightly and said, "Are you addicted to matchmaking?"

"If I think it's suitable, I'll introduce them."

Li Xuewu smiled indifferently, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "I only just thought of it today; I didn't even ask Mom."

"I don't know, there shouldn't be."

Gu Ning put away the book in her hand and said, "There's no arranged marriage either; our family has never heard of such a thing."

"Just in case, it's better to ask clearly."

Li Xuewu joked, "Don't let some high-level female disciple come down from some mountain to visit and demand the fulfillment of a marriage contract."

"If she really is a peerless beauty of exceptional talent, wouldn't I be delaying my brother-in-law's life-long event?"

Thinking of this, he said quite interestingly, "Misunderstandings don't matter, but staging a war over breaking off an engagement would be troublesome."

"What are you talking about?"

Gu Ning looked at his nonsense with a strange expression and said, "Are you being serious, or are you joking?"

"Are you doubting the power of breaking off an engagement?"

Li Xuewu chuckled lightly and said, "You don't know, how many wealthy and noble families have been humiliated and slapped in the face because they missed an arranged marriage; many stories start just like that."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Seeing Gu Ning's expression as if she were looking at a lunatic, Li Xuewu ended his groundless joke, "What I said before was serious."

"He's only twenty," Gu Ning reminded him, "and he hasn't finished his studies yet; he's just down there for training."

"Dating takes a while, doesn't it?"

Li Xuewu shook his head indifferently and said, "Besides, there was no news this year, but there should be news next year."

He looked at Gu Ning and said, "Gu Yan is, he's set to graduate next year."

"How do you know he can graduate next year?"

Gu Ning sometimes suspected he could predict the future, as he always had some news she didn't know about.

Perhaps it was analyzed from the news, or perhaps it was judged from the situation; anyway, it sounded mystical.

"Who are you going to introduce to him?"

"A girl in my unit, also graduated the year before last, Steel Institute, 23 this year," Li Xuewu took a sip of hot water and introduced, "She's currently the section chief of our security section, a good seedling."

"She's three years older than Gu Yan..."

Gu Ning said this for no reason, but didn't continue; she was thinking of herself and Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu smiled, pulled her hand, and said, "I think it's quite good; a man should find a woman a bit older than himself to marry."

"Lu Xun even said, men are boys until they die."

He was very good at coaxing his wife, "If a woman is three years older, you'll hold a golden brick; female comrades who are a bit older can be tolerant, understanding, and take care of each other."

"I hadn't noticed before, I just thought of it today," he sat up straight and said with a smile, "Their personalities are very compatible."

"I only know about her family situation from paper; she has an older sister, a younger brother, and her father works in the city."

"You ask him," Gu Ning saw Li Shu looking over, pulled her hand away, picked up her book, and said, "Like a little rabbit."

"Who are you talking about?" Li Xuewu looked at his daughter, who was giggling, with amusement and emphasized, "Are you talking about my brother-in-law or me?"

"Hey, Section Chief Li, have you talked to the Yingcheng side?"

Liang Zuodong came out of his office and, seeing Li Xuewu going downstairs, called out to him, "I heard from Xiao Liu that Deputy Director Jing is urging."

"We are in contact; Comrade Sinian is assisting in the handling."

Li Xuewu's expression was normal, but his brows furrowed slightly when the other party mentioned Deputy Director Jing, before returning to normal.

However, this tiny change in expression was still noticed by the observant other party.

Liang Zuodong had deliberately brought up this topic to draw out Deputy Director Jing's concern and then test his emotions.

"Is that so? No problem."

Seeing Li Xuewu looking at him, Liang Zuodong smiled and nodded, saying, "If the leader asks again, I'll have Xiao Liu contact you."

"Let's wait a bit; there's no rush."

Li Xuewu squeezed out a smile, as if it were a forced concealment, and also a bit impatient.

"If you have time, you can pay attention to it," he emphasized, as if deliberately, "There is strength in numbers."

"Me? Better not."

Liang Zuodong wouldn't catch such a bomb thrown at him; he smiled and said politely, "I don't have that kind of ability."

"When it comes to economic work, it still has to be you."

"You're too polite—"

Li Xuewu smiled and pointed downstairs, saying, "I have a meeting; I'll notify you when there's news."

"Okay, you go ahead—"

Liang Zuodong felt Li Xuewu's counterattack, smiled indifferently, and stood there watching him go down the stairs.

Only when their gazes separated did the smiles disappear from their faces, their eyes filled with understanding and surprise.

Liang Zuodong was now basically able to confirm that the rumors in the agency yesterday were true.

That is, Deputy Director Jing smashed a cup in front of Section Chief Li; this was a bad rumor that emerged after the office meeting ended.

And what surprised him was that Li Xuewu appeared very calm and steady, without any further counterattacks or means.

Is he that patient?

Looking at Li Xuewu's side, he was very surprised by Liang Zuodong's sudden probing, but after a few exchanges, he also felt it.

What surprised him a bit was that the other party actually dared to engage with him; had they mastered the rules of the game at Red Star Factory so quickly?

Or had someone recruited him and brought him into the fold?

No need to think about it; being so proactive must have something to do with the agenda at the Management Committee.

Regarding the proposal to appoint him as Director of the Management Committee Office and also as Secretary-General, Liang Zuodong, as Deputy Director, felt threatened.

Similarly, if Li Xuewu became Secretary-General, under absolute authority, it would be difficult for him to stand out at Red Star Factory.

Of course, the agenda didn't pass, and several leaders disagreed, which also gave Liang Zuodong a glimmer of hope.

Not all leaders at Red Star Factory recognized Li Xuewu's work; even if Li Xuewu became Director of the Management Committee Office, he still had a chance to go further.

Being a deputy is easy, but being the principal is hard.

Who can guarantee they won't make mistakes in their lifetime? Even the Fox of Red Star Factory couldn't.

As long as he didn't enter the Management Committee and didn't have this Secretary-General position, even if he came to the Management Committee Office, he would have to leave; he wouldn't stay long.

Everyone knew Dong Wenxue was coming back, a matter of a year or two; Li Xuewu would either go over early to serve as a deputy and prepare to take over, or go over directly to take over.

Anyway, he wouldn't stay in the position of Director of the Management Committee Office for long.

Being a deputy director, who wouldn't want to remove the "deputy" title?

Even the "cadre in training" Bai Changshan would want to, right?

However, the idea is good.

Sometimes you see the confidentiality system in the agency like a sieve; that's because the leaders didn't care about these so-called news.

But some things the leaders know without saying; if they don't speak, no one can say for sure, and it's hard to tell.

Take the conflict and contradiction between Jing Yunong and Li Xuewu; who can say clearly now why they fell out?

Personnel changes in the agency are significant; young people who joined in the last two years have replaced most of the old loafers.

Office efficiency has long surpassed the past under the supervision of the Inspection Section; the factory leaders have the most say.

Similarly, those who haven't heard, or have heard rumors but haven't seen, how can they say it clearly?

Just the conflict of interest between United Industry and Third Industry? Personnel dispute?

There are also rumors that Director Li and Deputy Director Jing argued back then; news is flying everywhere, it's a mess.

But one thing everyone is certain of, and it's obvious to all, is Deputy Director Jing's temper and Section Chief Li's patience.

Deputy Director Jing usually has a stern attitude toward them; although she doesn't lose her temper or scold people, she is very serious.

Encountering Section Chief Li, who has a bad temper and ruthless means, she takes the stance of knowing there are tigers in the mountain but still heading toward the tiger mountain.

Daring to pinch the tiger's nose and give it a slap, and even using the smashing of a cup as a signal, shows how powerful she is.

This also allowed Jing Yunong to quickly establish her authority at Red Star Factory, appearing even taller and more aggressive.

Even the Tiger of the Security Section doesn't dare to fight back; who else dares to stand up to her?

Look at Section Chief Li of the Security Group again.

It is said that if the scar jumps, life is lost; whoever makes Section Chief Li angry will definitely be sent to the West Mountain for target practice.

But in several conflicts with Deputy Director Jing, Section Chief Li actually endured it.

This has caused the cadres and clerks in the agency to have a significant change in their stereotypical impression of him.

Li Xuewu is not a sinister, ruthless, and reckless person; he is also a person with a bottom line and work principles.

Quietly, without anyone noticing, under this conflict, Jing Yunong quickly determined her status and authority in the face of the expansion and adjustment of the team members, as well as changes in the situation and pattern.

And Li Xuewu, who had already decided to jump out of the Security Group and needed to reverse his aggressive work style, was also reborn and successfully transformed.

"Sometimes what the eyes see is not necessarily true, and what the ears hear is not necessarily true."

Li Huai De persuaded earnestly: "Who said you, Comrade Yunong, are narrow-minded and would be so serious with Li Xuewu—"

"I don't believe that a little disagreement at work would make you and him fight?"

He tapped the table and said: "Things in the agency, hearing wind is rain; it spreads until it sounds like the truth."

"I, anyway, don't believe it at all—"

"Thank you for your understanding, Director Li."

Jing Yunong picked up her teacup and took a sip, but her attitude was still the same as when she first came in.

This made Li Huai De feel like a punching bag; what am I doing this for? Isn't it for Red Star Factory!

He heard about yesterday afternoon's incident; the third floor is only so big, the sound of the teacup shattering was so loud, and he wasn't deaf.

Secretary Li Haiyang saw it with his own eyes; Li Xue took away a pile of broken porcelain, and it was said to be Deputy Director Jing's favorite teacup.

He said seeing is not believing, hearing is not true, but there was nothing more real than this.

Everything was fine, he asked Li Xuewu to go over to ease the relationship, but didn't expect it to have the opposite effect; how did the two of them talk?

In his eyes, Jing Yunong was a tigress, and Li Xuewu was the Tiger of the Security Section.

People say one mountain cannot accommodate two tigers, unless one is male and one is female; how come it doesn't work here?

No way, Li Huai De couldn't sit still and had to personally step in to mediate and persuade.

"The atmosphere in the agency needs to be killed," he said: "In this regard, Comrade Xuewu has made efforts, you and I can see, right?"

"I, anyway, hope the team is good, Red Star Factory is better, everyone is united, only then is there combat effectiveness."

Li Huai De thought for a while and tried to say: "Regarding the appointment of Li Xuewu as Director of the Management Committee Office..."

"Director Li," just as Old Li was about to speak, Jing Yunong spoke, "Have you thought about his age?"

"I am not targeting him by saying these things; even if his situation is reported, what will the higher-ups think of our team?"

She frowned and asked: "Is there no one at Red Star Factory? Promoting a young man in his twenties to such a high position."

"I wanted to speak up when he was promoted to Section Chief of the Security Group this year, but I thought about it later and let it go."

Jing Yunong acted very well; in front of Li Huai De, she used a tone and words more intense and direct than at the Management Committee to talk about all of Li Xuewu's shortcomings and weaknesses.

Even from qualifications to ability, and then to the attitude and ideological state shown in work, she said it all.

Old Li listened very carefully, for a full twenty minutes.

On the surface, he was very serious, but in his heart, he started to complain; she said she wasn't targeting Li Xuewu, what is this?

Jing Yunong said all of Li Xuewu's shortcomings, but she didn't say that the team urgently needed to fill the last short board.

She didn't even say which of Li Xuewu's abilities were insufficient, or confirm which work was related to Li Xuewu.

She said it, it was like firing a cannon; it was aimed at Li Xuewu.

Old Li became calmer the more he listened, and his confidence in persuading the other party became stronger; this is just an unreasonable woman.

Confucius said, only villains and women are hard to raise.

So he waited until Jing Yunong finished spraying, and then he spoke earnestly about the team's predicament and the pressure from above.

Especially about the organizational ecology and environment within the team facing major challenges.

His management was also facing new adaptation conditions, needing a versatile person like Li Xuewu to preside over internal work.

Li Huai De especially talked about the purpose and significance of transferring Li Xuewu away from the Security Group.

He told Jing Yunong things he hadn't told anyone else, about weakening the influence of Dong Wenxue and Li Xuewu in the Security Group; although not so direct, they understood each other.

"Comrade Li Xuewu is capable, motivated, and still needs more training and cultivation."

He concluded: "Putting him in organizational and coordination work can better supervise and regulate him."

To put it bluntly, this monkey is hard to manage outside, but if he is put in front of everyone, he will restrain himself and be obedient.

In order to persuade Jing Yunong, Old Li even started making up lies to coax people, but this kind of heart-to-heart talk has power.

Even Jing Yunong, who had just been talking endlessly with a serious face, fell silent and listened carefully to his words.

"So, transferring him from business work to internal work is meaningful."

"I hadn't thought of this point."

Jing Yunong finally spoke, looked at Li Huai De and said: "I am still far behind you in the regulation and cultivation of young cadres."

"Hey—" Li Huai De saw the other party say this, knowing she was persuaded, waved his hand with relief, and said modestly: "Special circumstances, special treatment."

"It was my lack of consideration."

Jing Yunong nodded, put down the teacup and said: "I didn't realize your painstaking efforts."

"Look, isn't this going too far?"

Li Huai De accepted Jing Yunong's admiration with satisfaction, his tone slightly proud, but he tried hard to suppress the corners of his mouth: "We are a collective, we are united comrades."

"Helping everyone, uniting everyone, is the work I should do, and it is also my responsibility and obligation."

He finally smiled and said: "Don't be like him, young people, always have a rebellious psychology."

"Yes, you are right—" Jing Yunong nodded and said: "I will definitely think about and summarize your words."

"Communicate more, discuss more—"

Li Huai De saw her stand up and stood up too, saying: "There is no contradiction that cannot be solved; it's all a misunderstanding."

Sending Jing Yunong out the door, standing in the corridor, he showed a satisfied smile.

Look, even the most difficult tigress to tame has softened up in front of me; even Li Xuewu couldn't do it, but I could. Am I stronger than Li Xuewu?

Li Xuewu didn't make Jing Yunong soften up, because he had a hard temper and would catch fire at the slightest touch.

"Zhou, I won't go, lest I be an eyesore and get in the way."

Closing her eyes and flying on the clouds for a long time, she finally regained her reason, and Jing Yunong supported her body and got off the bed.

Looking at the rascal lying there in a "wood" shape, she was almost out of strength to speak.

"But there is one thing you must pay attention to."

She picked up her pajamas, put them on, and exhorted: "There can't be any more risky cooperation with Wufengxing; this is a matter of principle."

"Last year's cooperation was an accident."

Li Xuewu turned on the bedside lamp, rubbed his face, and looked at her, saying: "It's not just Wufengxing coming this year."

"No matter who it is," Jing Yunong tied her skirt belt and said seriously: "Although the higher-ups didn't investigate last year's investment, it was because Wufengxing took the initiative to stand up and block the gun."

"But I can feel that some leaders are expressing dissatisfaction with my financial work."

"There won't be any more, at least not recently."

Li Xuewu pulled the quilt over his face; the light was a bit dazzling, but the decoration in this room was truly tasteful.

"Compensation trade, trade management center, and United Savings Bank have already formed an internal and external circulation."

He said with a muffled voice: "You only need to hold the capital flow of the United Savings Bank to control the development power and speed of the economy; there is actually no need to take risks in economic work."

"Do you think I will thank you?"

Jing Yunong picked up the red wine glass on the cabinet and took a sip of the wine she hadn't finished drinking just now.

The wine stimulated her taste buds, bringing her some spirit, and then she continued: "Today can only be considered a draw."

"I already compensated you with a cup."

Li Xuewu pulled down the quilt, looked at the graceful curves under the light, spread his hands and said: "You're a bit heartless, aren't you?"

"I've been polite enough to you—"

Jing Yunong put down the wine glass, turned back and said: "I think our relationship is a bit too close and should be cooled down."

Looking at Li Xuewu's raised eyebrows, she also raised her eyebrows and said: "Too much entanglement has already affected my judgment."

"At least until now, I still haven't figured out why I let you in and... drank with you."

Well, it's all the wine's fault; other than the wine, she didn't mention anything else.

"You don't need to feel guilty or blame yourself."

Li Xuewu lifted the quilt and stood up, saying helplessly: "It's all my fault, blame my damn charm, blame my sense of responsibility for work, sigh—"

He even sighed and said: "It's all for work, for unity; Director Li said we need to communicate more."

"The contradiction between us has been accumulating for a long time; how can we talk without wine? If we drink too much, we... communicate well."

Li Xuewu stood up, found his clothes on the cabinet, and said: "Forget it, since Deputy Director Jing has accepted my sincerity, I won't disturb you anymore; let's prioritize harmony."

"Are you hungry?"

Jing Yunong looked at his nonsense, rolled her eyes and asked: "Eat dinner before you go."

"Then I'll eat dinner before I go."

Li Xuewu took off the pants he had just put on, without any regard for Jing Yunong's death stare.

"What are you looking at? It's hot in the room."

"You really are a bastard—"

Jing Yunong gritted her teeth, turned back and picked up the wine glass, drinking the remaining red wine in one gulp.

"Oh, this is a purple clay teacup."

Gou Zirong and Zhuang Cangshu, who came to report work early in the morning, discovered Deputy Director Jing's new teacup as soon as they entered the office.

In the past few days, Deputy Director Jing's teacup had become a new hot topic in the unit, and everyone was guessing how this matter would end.

Never expected that as soon as Director Li made a move, the flames of war were extinguished, and the atmosphere of unity became thick again.

"You even know this?" Jing Yunong glanced at him and said casually: "Someone gave it to me; I can't tell if it's good or bad."

"You don't mind, do you?"

Gou Zirong really knew this; after asking for the leader's opinion and seeing Deputy Director Jing nod, he picked it up to look.

"I just said I didn't misjudge it; it really is that cup," he looked up at Jing Yunong and Zhuang Cangshu and said: "I've seen this cup before, at Liulichang..."

He only said this much, then very sensibly stopped, nodded and said: "It's a top-notch object."

Why didn't he say anything else?

The leader just said it was given by someone else, and he couldn't figure out who that someone else was.

If it was family, there would be nothing to say; if it was an outsider, such an expensive thing would be taboo.

So he loved this thing, but he didn't lose his reason; he knew where he stood and who he was talking to.

"They say it's better for drinking tea."

Jing Yunong was still in that indifferent expression, raised her hand to signal them to sit opposite.

"I didn't pay attention either; I just grabbed it from home at random. Now that you mention it, I don't even dare to use it."

"Hey, isn't a teacup just for drinking tea?"

Gou Zirong is also quite eloquent; otherwise, how could he be in charge of the Sales Department's work?

"In the eyes of those of us who treat purple clay teapots as precious objects, we have already lost the understanding of their true essence. But you, on the other hand..."

He smiled and gestured toward Jing Yunong, saying: "Only through daily use can one truly experience the most primitive meaning of this object."

"Hehe, so many formalities, huh?"

Jing Yunong smiled rarely, didn't bring this up again, picked up the document in front of her, and said: "The matter of communicating with the Yingcheng side regarding the cargo terminal needs to be expedited. It is the most urgent priority for your Sales Department."

Her smile flashed and vanished, and she turned serious, saying to the two of them: "Especially the construction of the container terminal."

"I have already communicated with the leadership, and it is possible that I will no longer be responsible for this aspect of the work later on."

"Leader, you are..."

Gou Zirong and Zhuang Cangshu were both stunned; they hadn't reacted yet.

They had long heard rumors that another Deputy Director was coming to be in charge of economic work.

But no one believed it yet; is Deputy Director Jing really so willing to hand over the work just like that?

Of course, it's not being handed over right now, but saying these things is clearly in preparation for the handover.

"It's a matter of time. Telling you now is to ensure you are prepared early, so you won't be overwhelmed when the time comes."

Jing Yunong emphasized: "These tasks have time limits. Fulfill your own dreams yourself; keep a close eye on them."

"I have already spoken to Deputy Director Cheng regarding production. He will also cooperate with the implementation of this project later on. You two should make a note of that."

She began making arrangements for the two in charge of sales before the handover, with great organization and clear goals, which actually surprised them both.

First, she discussed the progress of the container terminal project, then emphasized the communication work after the foreign travel group arrives in the capital.

She especially urged the Sales Department to actively cooperate with the relevant comrades in charge to ensure their responsibilities are fulfilled.

The more Gou Zirong listened, the more he understood: Director Li must have smoothed things over, and Deputy Director Jing is about to make a move.

As the conversation ended, Jing Yunong also quite sentimentally commented on the achievements of the two in their respective work fields.

At the same time, she expressed her gratitude for the cooperation and assistance they had provided each other during this period.

This gentle attitude left the two even more confused; does the cold and intimidating Deputy Director Jing have a gentle side too?

Before the two could even carefully process this gentleness, the leader had already finished speaking and was serving tea to see them out.

Li Xue was very perceptive and saw them out. When she returned, she tentatively asked: "Leader, is what Section Chief Gou said true?"

"What?" Jing Yunong raised her head, her gaze following Li Xue's to the purple clay teacup. "What's true?"

"I mean, the meaning behind Section Chief Gou's words—is a cup like this very valuable?"

Li Xue asked cautiously: "Should I help you put it away? In case it accidentally gets... I don't mean anything else by it."

"Hehe—"

Watching Li Xue's cautious and apologetic demeanor, Jing Yunong suddenly laughed.

How could Li Xuewu, who is more cunning than a fox and more ruthless than a tiger, have a sister like a little white rabbit?

It really shouldn't be—

"It's fine, he was mistaken."

Jing Yunong said with a smile: "This one isn't valuable. If I get angry and break it, there will still be people to send me another."

"Ah? Is that so—"

Li Xue was a bit bewildered, not knowing what the leader meant by that. Is this really not valuable?

On Saturday, Li Xuewu only checked in at his unit before hurriedly arriving at the International Hotel.

The welcome banquet was too formal, and Old Li wanted to pull new tricks, watching programs and such, so no one had time to communicate.

Today is the first day after the travel group finished their sightseeing. Li Xuewu took the initiative to come to the International Hotel to meet with old friends.

The one most interested, and the one waiting for him first, was At, who left quite late last year.

I won't mention his full name; it's too long.

"Hey! My friend, Li!"

At is still quite something; he placed an order for 30 million here last year and came back to join the travel group this year.

It's clear he's someone who, having eaten his fill, wants to gorge himself further. He made a good profit on the orders delivered last year, which gave him the confidence to return.

"Hello, At—"

Li Xuewu was very relaxed and hugged him. Feeling his frail physique, he could never have imagined that this kid is actually in the arms business.

Of course, saying he is purely in the arms business isn't accurate, because he also ordered quite a few automobiles and hardware goods from the Red Star Factory, and even placed orders for farm tools.

He is completely in the mindset of someone who has found a great bargain and wants to make a killing.

"Before coming to the mainland, I went to Hong Kong to see Mr. Ji," At raised his eyebrows meaningfully and said with a smile: "He has a lot of influence there. I was truly surprised."

"Hehe, is that so surprising?"

Li Xuewu smiled indifferently and led him to the sofa in the reception room to sit down.

"I haven't had a chance to ask you yet, how do you feel about this trip to the mainland?"

"Beautiful as always!"

At bared his two large front teeth—the kind with a large gap—spread his hands and said: "I'm truly tired of those bastard words. Where is there any danger here? It's all deceitful nonsense."

"Thank you for your trust, At."

Li Xuewu smiled and reached out to shake his hand again, even though he knew he must have had channels to find out about what happened last year.

But from his attitude, one could see that this is a person who dares to close his eyes and lie for the sake of profit.

Of course, saying this is also a reminder to Li Xuewu to protect his safety well; it's actually still a bit of a facade.

He trusts the Red Star Factory so much; if he were to encounter danger during this period, wouldn't that mean the Red Star Factory has failed his trust?

Don't think that Africans are all big fools; having two split front teeth is not a sign of being a fool either.

There must be great power supporting this kid behind the scenes; otherwise, he wouldn't be throwing tens of millions around.

"Hearing you say that, I won't ask how your business is going," Li Xuewu said with a smile: "It's all plain to see."

"Hehe—it's all work—"

At was quite casual, spread his hands and said: "I am obsessed with this land; it makes me linger and forget to return."

"Oh, right, I also brought you a gift!"

He pressed his palm down, took a long gift box out of his bag, and pushed it toward Li Xuewu quite solemnly.

"Is this for me?"

Seeing him gesture for himself to open it and take a look, Li Xuewu chuckled and said: "How embarrassing."

He said that, but he still unwrapped the gift box, inside of which was an eyeglass case.

Opening it, he saw a pair of sunglasses inside.

Hmm—how should I put it? The gift is quite unique; it's the "toad glasses" that were very popular in this era.

He did have some impression of them; he had seen those African bigwigs wearing this stuff in many documentaries.

"Do you think I'm suitable for wearing these?"

Li Xuewu looked at him amusedly, but still put them on.

"Oh—that's it!"

At clapped his hands excitedly, pointed at Li Xuewu and said: "I think you are very suitable for revealing this domineering side!"

He gestured toward his own eyes and said: "Especially since you've hidden your more dangerous gaze, you have more presence now."

One must reveal one's fierce side at any time; it shows just how harsh the environment At operates in is.

Africa right now must be like this; hyenas must reveal their fangs in time, otherwise they will become prey.

"Thank you, I like them very much—"

Li Xuewu smiled and put away the glasses, saying: "I haven't asked you yet, what plans do you have for this trip to the mainland?"

"Of course, I am full of expectations!"

At said with a grin: "Mr. Ji said he will also rush back as soon as possible; we still have big business to discuss."

"Of course, the cooperation with your factory will continue."

He shook his head slightly and sighed: "Your farm tools and hardware tools are as easy to use as your weapons; the customers like them very much."

"I express my regret for your evaluation."

Li Xuewu curled the corner of his mouth and said: "We are more willing to sell peace to the whole world, such as these farm tools."

"No, you are indeed selling peace."

At said quite seriously: "Without farm tools, there is no life, but without weapons, there are no conditions for survival."

"It is precisely because we have weapons that are as easy to use as farm tools that we can protect the farm tools that are as easy to use as weapons to create peace."

"I didn't expect—"

Hearing such profound words from At, Li Xuewu raised his hand in surprise and said: "You are also a philosopher who knows how to debate scriptures."

"Hahahaha—"

(End of chapter)