Chapter 1259: Dad, Where Are the Bad Guys?

"The matter Mr. Nishida worried about has indeed come to pass."

Kuradaira Heiji failed to join Li Li Xuewu's dinner table, but he saw the South Korean representative manage to do so.

Indeed, his observation was extremely accurate.

Northeast Asia is only so large; that distinct Korean scent is unmistakable, detectable even beneath a Southeast Asian disguise.

You might find it hard to imagine that currently, trade volume between the mainland and North Korea is enormous, with a particularly massive trade deficit.

In later years, you might mock their ignorance and backwardness or label them as uncouth bumpkins, but right now, they are dripping with wealth.

Benefiting from the Big Brother's favoritism and relief aid, guarding that border line gives them every reason to live in luxury.

Most goods traded from the mainland are industrial products and foodstuffs, with seemingly no regard for money.

There are even people running across the border line to the other side; can you believe it?

What is even harder to believe is that despite being separated by merely a single line, while North Korea's trade volume is so huge, South Korea conducts almost no trade.

Even when there is some, it takes a detour; despite such close proximity, interactions between trading companies are rarely seen.

But what is a capitalist?

They are flies, capable of tracking down a scent and swarming in.

Sanhe Corporation secured the compensation trade agreement for electronics and appliances with the Red Star Factory, becoming the dumping agent for electrical goods in Northeast and Southeast Asia.

However, the three shareholders each separately hold distribution agreements signed with the Red Star Factory.

The content includes other products from the Red Star Factory besides electronics, with restrictions placed on the scope of distribution.

Nishida Xitian Jianyi obtained the domestic agency distribution rights, while Nakamura Yang Shuji secured the North American agency distribution rights.

Ninomiya Kazuya obtained the South Korean agency distribution rights, which was also the most urgent purpose of their visit to the mainland this time.

As early as the Yangcheng Trade Exchange Conference, they had heard that a South Korean trade representative would be joining the tour group.

Of course, currently there are no trade agreement guidelines between the two sides, so the mastermind behind the scenes will not appear.

The one who came is a Filipino, and the noted trading company is also registered in the Philippines, but according to their intelligence, this person is merely a front, and the noted company is a shell corporation.

The cake is only so big; with South Koreans coming to negotiate cooperation, they are targeting the small commodity industry, and everyone can see the profits here.

"We have no way to stop their contact, nor any means to influence the Red Star Factory into rejecting their cooperation."

Ninomiya Kazuya spoke with great concern: "The distribution contract contains a special notation stating that the distributor's supply will not affect the procurement by enterprises in the distributor's location."

In other words, the Red Star Factory guarantees it will not establish sales companies in the agent's location, nor cooperate with other local enterprises to set up alternative sales channels.

However, the Red Star Factory will also not prevent other enterprises from coming directly to the factory to purchase goods; these are two different concepts.

"Our channels have just begun to spread out, and these flies are already knocking on our door," he said, looking at the several people present. "Even though we advanced our timeline by a year, we will still be affected."

"It is mainly regarding electronics," Nishida Xitian Jianyi agreed, speaking up. "Once a trend of dumping forms, competitive pricing will become completely uncontrollable, especially for cheap small commodities."

Only competition brings transparency; competitors are natural enemies.

"If we cannot establish a perfect and powerful form of channel control within the one-year protection period, we will lose the market."

Nakamura Yang Shuji looked seriously at his two partners and said, "Since the target has appeared, we cannot sit idle and wait for death; we must do something."

"There are merely two directions to take."

Nishida Xitian Jianyi rubbed his brow and stated, "Deepen the foundation of cooperation by providing more advanced technology and equipment."

"Alternatively, expand the trade volume to consume as much of the Red Star Factory's excess production capacity as possible, leaving them no opportunity."

"Ai—" Ninomiya Kazuya frowned, hissing through his teeth as he said, "This... both of these options are difficult to handle!"

"We have already coordinated the helicopter production line and production technology, and helped them acquire the numerical control machining center."

He tapped the folding fan in his hand and said, "Must we hand over all our advanced production technologies so soon?"

"I am afraid it is unavoidable—"

Nishida Xitian Jianyi sighed and said, "The Red Star Factory side is not in a hurry to update their production lines, it is just..."

He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "The market knows no reason, nor will it give you much space or time to make choices; it will force you to make the correct decision."

"This decision is far too difficult."

Nakamura Yang Shuji reminded them, "Even if we can provide more advanced production technology and equipment, market supply and demand are endless; if we exhaust all our technology, in the future we..."

"Therefore, we must increase investment in technological research and development."

Nishida Xitian Jianyi was a more senior investor than the other two, possessing a larger trading company and higher status.

He lifted his teacup and said, "We must firmly grasp technological advancement; this is the halter that leads the ox by its nose."

"But mastering technology does not mean hoarding it without applying it," he said, looking at the two men. "The relationship between technology and the market will pile all contradictions onto the production stage."

"And production happens to be the link we cannot fully control, so we must make a trade-off."

"In other words, under the premise of synchronizing technological development, achieve the capability to control the most priority technologies?"

Ninomiya Kazuya glanced at him and said, "This would indeed constitute a powerful attack against the dumping market."

"At the same time, we would no longer need to worry about impacts and disruptions from other agents."

"Do not take this lightly—"

Nishida Xitian Jianyi glanced sideways at him, then turned his gaze toward the office members sitting in a row along the wall of the room.

"In these projects and trades, we cannot lack our own people," he emphasized. "Even if we cannot conduct foreign affairs activities, we must ensure the smooth flow of commercial information."

He turned his head to look at Nakamura Yang Shuji and said, "It seems the strength of the office still needs reinforcement."

"If the three Young Ladies do not have sufficient confidence, perhaps we should replace some of them with others; after all, it is all for the sake of work."

"Yes, I will consider it carefully."

Nakamura Yang Shuji was in charge of the commercial infiltration work regarding the Red Star Factory, because he owned an entertainment company in Tokyo.

Glancing back at the several people bowing their heads with faces full of apology, he could only sigh helplessly.

"It seems Li Li Xuewu is not a conservative person," Ninomiya Kazuya asked with confusion, "but why has no effective progress been made?"

"Is it due to a lack of opportunities for contact?"

He looked at the few people from the office and asked, "If you need funding or any other support, just say so."

"We are truly ashamed—"

Kurakura Heiji knelt down first to apologize, "We did not perform our duties well and have caused trouble for the company!"

"Please do not speak of funding or the like; it only makes us feel even more ashamed and unable to face you, Mr. Ninomiya."

He straightened up, turned to look at Mikami Yua and the others behind him, and spoke with a decisive tone: "It is time—"

"Yes—"

Mikami Yua and the others exchanged glances, then seriously pledged, "We will strive with all our shame."

Having received the team's support, Kurakura Heiji turned around, raised his fist with full confidence toward the three bosses, and pledged: "Take down Li Li Xuewu and settle the Red Star Tiger!"

"I am not in any hurry," Li Li Xuewu waved his hand and said to Ai Ai Jiaqing, "Cooperation between us can perfectly be discussed later; important figures always save the best for last."

"I'm afraid you'll pressure me until I disappear!"

Ai Ai Jiaqing, dressed in a women's suit with her long legs crossed, looked at Li Li Xuewu and said, "I must return soon; there is still much work to do."

"Understood, understood—" Li Li Xuewu lifted his teacup and said, "When managing business, everyone has a butt full of messy affairs."

Ai Ai Jiaqing glanced at him, the corners of her mouth twitching slightly, but she held it back.

If she really couldn't hold back, she would definitely grab Li Li Xuewu by his collar and ask him whose butt was full of messy affairs!

"Ng Fung Hong will not interfere with your retail operations in Port City," she explained, "The equity obtained through Oriental Trade is merely an investment."

"You don't oppose the fact that Ng Fung Hong's presence guarantees and promotes your retail channels, do you?"

"Let's discuss industrial cooperation instead."

Li Li Xuewu did not want to sit here and discuss the business of the Oriental Era Bank with her, because it was beyond his scope.

Ai Ai Jiaqing glanced at him, thinking inwardly that he was petty, but still pledged, "I will expedite the establishment of a clearing channel between the Oriental Era Bank and the United Savings Bank to help you obtain your foreign exchange license."

"We call it procedures here," Li Li Xuewu said, looking at her, "License is your terminology; do not get them confused."

"You win—"

Ai Ai Jiaqing nodded and said, "Can we talk now?"

"Of course; I never said we had to wait until the procedures were obtained before talking."

Li Li Xuewu spread his hands and said, "You can absolutely trust our sincerity."

"Then I thank you!"

Ai Ai Jiaqing signaled to Selina beside her, who then handed a document to Li Li Xuewu.

"If you do not mind my taking the initiative, cooperation with Zhongrun will certainly make up for the misunderstandings and misconceptions arising in your relevant cooperative projects."

"We have no misunderstandings or misconceptions."

Li Li Xuewu lifted his gaze from the document to look at her, then lowered his eyes again to continue reading.

"Cooperation requires an attitude of cooperation; whether it is Ng Fung Hong or Zhongrun, we are all equals."

He picked up the cup from the coffee table, looking at the document while speaking: "We have never harbored intentions to scheme against our brother units, nor do we lack vigilance."

"After all, in this world there are no eternal enemies, nor are there eternal friends, correct?"

"Sitting here, naturally whatever you say goes."

Ai Ai Jiaqing lifted her chin slightly and said with great dissatisfaction: "Ports, shipping, food processing, hardware, industrial building materials, finance, and so on."

She raised her eyebrows, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and spoke seriously: "I need not waste words; with your capabilities, you should be able to judge what conveniences and conditions cooperation with Zhongrun can bring you."

Here, 'you' was used very well; she did not specify Red Star Factory, nor did she specify the Oriental Era Bank, but both were included within it.

"Based on my personal understanding," Li Li Xuewu put down the document and said, "I will not reject these cooperations, but they still require deliberation by the Management Committee."

"Then I await your good news."

Ai Ai Jiaqing did not wish to say another word to him; she grabbed her bag beside her, stood up, and said while walking out, "I am flying to Port City tomorrow; she will stay behind, and people from Zhongrun will arrive later; you all discuss how to handle the specifics."

"Leaving tomorrow? Shall I see you off?"

Li Li Xuewu had no intention of even standing up to see her off, yet he turned back to speak hypocritical pleasantries, "Let me see you off."

Ai Ai Jiaqing's voice came from outside the door: "Save it; we are not friends."

"You have angered her—"

Selina shrugged her shoulders, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and said, "This is the first time I have seen her so angry."

"So what if she's angry?" Li Li Xuewu said, paying no attention as he looked at the document, "Should I also send her to a thermal power station?"

"Not funny at all—"

Selina rolled her eyes, pursed her lips, and said, "If you have intentions for the development of Port City, or to use it as a springboard, you should cherish this friendship."

"What friendship?" Li Li Xuewu lifted his head, looked at her, and asked, "Is there still pure friendship between men and women?"

"You wouldn't be suggesting I woo her, would you? An old virgin..."

Just as he said this, Selina suddenly widened her eyes, then began blinking rapidly, as if possessed by an evil spirit.

"... Virgo women are too tsundere; although they are all kind and beautiful, I am a married man, so it is inappropriate."

As he said this, he casually turned his head, only to see Ai Ai Jiaqing holding her bag, arms crossed, standing at the doorway, giving him a death stare.

"How did you come back again?"

"You are truly a bastard!"

Suppressing her anger, Ai Ai Jiaqing said lightly, "If I hadn't thought to come back and remind you that Lin Yeping is a person from Nanhan, I wouldn't have heard these remarks of yours."

"It's all her fault; she insisted on gossiping."

Li Li Xuewu straightforwardly pointed at Selina opposite him, who was waiting to watch the drama unfold, and said, "I was merely trying to explain the pure friendship between us."

"Is there pure friendship between us?"

Ai Ai Jiaqing curled the corner of her mouth and turned to leave.

Obviously, she had heard quite a lot, including this sentence.

"Why are you looking at me? It's all your fault!"

Li Li Xuewu turned his head; seeing Selena glaring at him, he struck first to gain the upper hand.

Selena was furious; staring wide-eyed, she said, "She was absolutely right; you are indeed a scoundrel. To think I even sent you a signal as a reminder!"

"Next time, remind me a little earlier."

Li Li Xuewu said indifferently, "Also, your look of someone watching a play gave you away; you should practice your acting skills a bit more."

"Hmph—" Selena, her thoughts exposed, gave a light snort and said, "Now I guarantee you have no friendship left to discuss with her."

"You are still too young," Li Li Xuewu put down the documents in his hand, picked up his teacup, and said, "There is no conflict between a man and a woman that cannot be resolved by..."

"Resolved by what?" Selena was listening intently, but the key information was hidden by Li Li Xuewu's action of drinking tea; "Resolved by what?"

"Ask fewer questions about matters in society."

Li Li Xuewu tossed the documents in his hand onto the table before her and said, "Arrange for the people from Zhongrun to come in late March."

"Why?" Seeing him stand up, Selena picked up the documents and pressed, "Shouldn't these cooperations be concluded as soon as possible?"

"Who told you that?"

Li Li Xuewu walked to the doorway, turned back to look at her, and said, "Cooperation means reaching intentions and opinions satisfactory to both parties at an appropriate time."

"Then why late March?" Selena continued to ask, "Will you be satisfied by next month?"

"Exactly," Li Li Xuewu put on the sunglasses given by Little Black and said indifferently, "In late March, our Director Li will be able to receive them."

Having said this, regardless of whether Selena understood or not, he opened the door and left.

"Receive... receive them?" Selena had of course caught the keyword, but she was still frowning, pondering the issue of who held higher status.

Li Li Xuewu, however, did not need to think about it, because whoever came from Zhongrun would not rank higher than Li Li Huai De, since those who ranked higher than Li Li Huai De would not be able to return.

"The situation is excellent; an excellent situation entirely of form."

This sentence drifted out of Su Weide's office, spreading to every department and office within the agency, and further reaching each branch company and specialized factory.

Currently, some of the specialized factories and branch agency offices that Hongxing Factory is establishing are still operating within the main factory premises.

For instance, the steel rolling plant currently under construction is located in Steel City, but since its office building is not yet completed, where could anyone be stationed or conduct work?

Without exception, the chilling, killing aura of the Discipline Inspection Commission spread to every corner of the agency.

Everyone began reflecting on whether they had committed any faults recently.

If they had, then the cold wind rising at the back of their necks was no accident.

For no apparent reason, a rumor spread through the agency claiming the situation was unstable and that the Discipline Inspection Commission intended to crack down on work discipline and conduct.

The inspection campaign regarding work discipline from before the New Year came back to everyone's minds; it turned out this was not just a passing gust of wind that could be ignored once it blew over.

This sudden counterattack left some people in the agency completely bewildered.

They had never expected this matter to have so many twists and turns; their relaxation after the initial tension had thoroughly exposed their laxity and indulgence.

The result was that their names topped the list of those publicly criticized, leaving them with tears but no voice to cry out.

Upon investigating this list, those who had been punished and disciplined discovered that the relevant disciplinary opinions had not come from the Security Group.

Originally intimidated by the pressure of the "Tiger of the Security Department," they dared not harbor any doubts, but now it seemed the situation was amiss.

Although the action was organized under the leadership of the Party Committee Office, the handling opinions were not determined by the Secretary-General, but rather by Liang Zuodong, the Deputy Director of the Party Committee Office.

This news was confirmed by certain individuals within the Party Committee Office, as it was that person who delivered the materials to the leadership.

Although the document bore the Secretary-General's signature and included his opinion urging attention to the basic facts and discretionary handling,

by the time it reached Deputy Director Su, the situation became complicated.

Just consider this: if the handling opinions on these issues were set by Deputy Director Liang Zuodong, while the Secretary-General's opinion was to lessen the severity slightly, what would Deputy Director Su think?

He wished neither Liang Zuodong well nor Li Li Xuewu well.

Therefore, he completely ignored Liang Zuodong's overreaching attempt at self-preservation and paid no heed to Li Li Xuewu's feminine benevolence, resulting in the current outcome.

Once this document reached Director Li, the decision was finalized; no one could retract it, and everyone on the list was subjected to strict disciplinary action.

The disciplinary management regulations were applied so harshly it was outrageous—no, it should be said it made people want to raise their middle fingers; this Liang Zuodong was truly detestable!

Liang Zuodong was neither deaf nor blind; naturally, he heard these rumors.

He too felt bitterness in his mouth and confusion in his mind; he had never expected Li Li Xuewu to pull such a move, nor had he anticipated Deputy Director Su being so petty.

After Monday's office meeting, he merely hesitated for a moment and did not immediately go to report, which provoked this round of admonishment.

As the saying goes, one must not worship Bodhisattvas indiscriminately; worship the wrong one, and you will indeed encounter shameless individuals.

Yet now he was in a dilemma; having pledged allegiance to Deputy Director Su's faction, stepping down would not only offend Deputy Director Su but also fail to gain recognition from other patrons, truly leaving him with no one to cry to.

With over three thousand people in the entire agency, his single list of names had offended more than fifty individuals, not to mention those implicated...

Was it still possible to run away now?

"It is still possible; I have a plan."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said to Xu Sinian on the other end of the phone, "Also explain clearly to the Yingcheng side that we have not neglected them."

"Regarding investment and construction in Yingcheng, Hongxing Factory's attitude is affirmative," he stated, "but you are also clear about the factory's current situation, correct?"

"Adjustments to the division of labor among factory leadership need to be made; some new leaders have not yet arrived, and those who have are still adapting to the environment and work; let us wait a bit longer."

"Time? There must be at least an approximate timeframe."

Xu Sinian was also anxious on the other end of the phone, "I told the Yingcheng side that the factory is currently receiving foreign investors, and only afterward can we come to Yingcheng."

"But I have no precise idea when the negotiations with the foreign investors will end," he paused, then said, "Yingcheng is also eager to make a strong start; you cannot wait until the dishes have gone cold before serving them, can you?"

"When the dishes go cold still depends on controlling the heat, doesn't it?"

Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow, increased his volume, and said, "The appointments of Director Li and other leaders are scheduled for the fourth of next month."

【177】 "Discussing foreign investors now is because guests from afar must be treated as such; the relevant appointments do not affect the progress of negotiations, but can the situation in Yingcheng be treated the same?"

"Discussing foreign merchants now is because guests have come from afar; the relevant appointments do not affect the negotiations. Can Yingcheng be the same?"

He tapped the table, emphasizing, "Regarding economic work, especially domestic investment and trade, if leadership can appear, do not go yourself."

"Do you not know your own weight and measure?"

"Then shall we discuss this after March 4th?"

Xu Sinian's tone lowered slightly as he reminded, "If this matter drags on too long, I fear Yingcheng might create further complications."

"What complications?"

Li Li Xuewu's tone grew even more serious as he stated, "If we cannot go after March 4th, it will have to be at least until the end of March."

"Even the cooperation between Ng Fung Hong and China Resources has been scheduled for the latter half of the month; do you expect the leaders to start working immediately upon arrival, before their responsibilities have even been assigned?"

He spoke with firm resolve: "Let me tell you, Old Xu, straighten your backbone and speak your mind; is there anything to fear when negotiating cooperation?"

"At the end of next month, I will lead a group of foreign merchants to Yingcheng for inspection, including representatives from China Resources and Ng Fung Hong; you should inquire about Yingcheng's stance."

"What do you mean real or fake—"

Li Li Xuewu spoke forcefully over the phone: "I have already stated that the Red Star Factory's investment and construction in Yingcheng follows a prepared plan; of course it is real."

"Since last year, several projects have been funded by us; do you not have a clear count of them in your heart?"

While speaking on the phone, he accepted the document Peng Peng Xiaoli handed him, uncapped his fountain pen, and said, "Put your heart at ease; what belongs to you cannot run away."

"The leadership has communicated with higher authorities regarding the construction of the Yingcheng Port terminal; the proposal and plan are already in my hands."

After reviewing the document, he signed his opinion, then verbally reminded, "I am telling you this to advise you not to rush; do not let your big mouth spread this news."

"The upcoming negotiations with Yingcheng require more careful preparation; we will discuss specifics when the time comes, as there is no time to address this now."

He set down his fountain pen, allowed Peng Peng Xiaoli to take the document, and spoke into the phone: "I have only one principle here: all domestic trade and investment must wait until after the appointment ceremony and the conclusion of all leadership responsibility assignment meetings."

"You do not want this matter to encounter numerous setbacks, do you? Wait a little longer."

"Then I will wait a little longer—"

Xu Sinian, anxious and frustrated yet powerless, tentatively asked over the phone, "Will Deputy Director Jing no longer be responsible for economic work after stepping down?"

"Will the new leader take charge, or will Director Li?"

"This is temporarily unclear."

Li Li Xuewu did not speak the truth to Xu Sinian, as the other party had no need to know these details in advance; hearing them would merely be idle chatter.

"Let us leave it at that for now; I will notify you when there is news; I am busy."

Having spoken, he gave Xu Sinian no opportunity to linger, raised his hand, and hung up the phone.

"This concerns the Yingcheng Port terminal, does it not?"

Peng Peng Xiaoli tentatively remarked, "The General Office has been discussing this for some time, yet Deputy Director Jing has shown little concern."

"Mm, worrying unnecessarily about things that do not concern one."

Li Li Xuewu's remark seemed directed at no one in particular; glancing at the documents before him, he exhaled deeply and said, "Make preparations; this afternoon we will visit the exhibition hall construction site."

"Should we notify the Engineering Department?"

Peng Peng Xiaoli reported softly, "Yesterday I obtained the progress schedule from the Engineering Command Headquarters; if we go today..."

"Yes, inform them."

Li Li Xuewu, without raising his head, instructed, "If Manager Zhennan is present, bring him along as well; monitor the progress and assess whether it can be put into use by the second half of the year."

After approving the documents before him, he finally lifted his head and said, "The exhibition organized by the Tianjin Trade Management Center was highly successful; we should summarize the experience gained."

"Once the exhibition hall opens, we need not limit ourselves to Red Star Factory's products; we can also undertake product exhibitions and sales for other enterprises and units."

He lifted his teacup, took a sip, and said, "The Sales Department and the Foreign Affairs Office will be responsible for organization and coordination, while the Trade Management Center will handle sales liaison."

"If this is indeed the case, next year's trade delegation can hold conferences and negotiations at the exhibition hall."

Peng Peng Xiaoli smiled, gathered the documents on the desk, and said, "I will immediately contact the Engineering Department and General Manager Lang."

Seeing the leader nod, he turned to leave, but upon reaching the door, he encountered Section Chief Zhou of the Security Section entering.

"Section Chief Zhou—" He offered a greeting, then stepped aside, saying, "The leader is waiting for you."

"I just returned; I went to the tertiary industry sector."

Zhou Yao explained with a smile, then entered the room and saluted Li Li Xuewu.

"Mm, sit down and speak."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, gesturing toward the chair opposite him.

"Two matters," he stated bluntly once Zhou Yao had sat opposite him: "Higher authorities have issued further requirements and instructions regarding the Three Supports work, involving content on militia training and security training."

"The Security Section should coordinate with the Training Section to draft a proposal, submit it to Deputy Group Leader Yu, and ask him to review it with Deputy Group Leader Wang to see if it is acceptable."

"The second matter: the passenger vessel constructed by the Yingcheng Shipbuilding Yard has been completed; next, the factory will organize corresponding passenger transport operations," he said, pointing at Zhou Yao as he instructed, "Your Security Section must organize accordingly; daily security and public order systems aboard the vessel must be prepared promptly, and relevant training must also be made ready."

"Leader, regarding the Three Supports work..."

Zhou Yao lowered her voice, tentatively asking, "Will Deputy Group Leader Wang be taking full responsibility for the Security Group's work in the next phase?"

"In that case... should our supervising leader be Deputy Director Su or Deputy Group Leader Wang?"

"Nothing has been decided yet for the next phase—"

Li Li Xuewu glanced at her, amused inwardly; why was everyone so anxious and ahead of themselves?

He had not even departed yet, and they were already worrying about who the next supervising leader would be, asking such questions right to his face.

Nevertheless, he still trusted and felt assured about Zhou Yao; nodding at her, he said, "Do not indulge in wild thoughts; simply do your work well."

"Even if Comrade Wang Wang Xiaoqin enters the Management Committee as a representative of the Three Supports, she will not participate in actual operational work."

He explained to Zhou Yao, "The Three Supports work constitutes a separate system, encompassing not only security work but also propaganda and organizational work."

"In your understanding, Comrade Wang Wang Xiaoqin should be the head of the Security Group, with Deputy Director Su as the supervising leader, but in actual practice, there is a deviation."

"Oh—I understand now—"

Zhou Yao nodded with comprehension, looking at Li Li Xuewu as she said, "Deputy Director Su nominally supervises the Security Group but actually manages operations."

"Yet operations also fall under Deputy Group Leader Wang's management; furthermore, she is responsible for the factory's Three Supports work and serves as a member of the Management Committee, meaning she is not subject to Deputy Director Su's..."

"Enough, go attend to your duties—"

Li Li Xuewu nodded, not allowing her to continue; if she spoke further, Deputy Director Su would be moved to tears.

Lu Xun once said it well: see through it but don't say it, and you'll remain good friends.

"Yes! Leader—"

Zhou Yao stood up with a smile and said, "Once I get down, I'll arrange the training plan and the passenger ship security work."

Speaking of this, she did not immediately move to leave, but instead asked, "What route is the passenger ship on? I heard them say it can go all the way from the factory to Steel City?"

"That is the furthest route under ideal conditions, but it depends on the water conditions along the way; some inland rivers freeze in winter."

Li Li Xuewu looked at her and explained, "Of course, there may be icebreaking vessels for the Tianjin to Jingcheng line, so that route is also passable."

"Otherwise, during the winter freezing period, the route can only be from Tianjin to Yingcheng."

"That will do," Zhou Yao nodded and said, "Except for winter, commuter connectivity between multiple locations for our workers can be achieved in the other three seasons."

"Let's run it for a while and see."

Li Li Xuewu leaned back in his chair, rubbed his forehead, and said, "Logistics has made an estimate: after the future Steel City industrial zone is completed and the Jingcheng industrial zone finishes its relocation, the current capacity will not be enough to satisfy the commutes of tens of thousands of people."

"I don't even dare to imagine what the great relocation will look like."

Zhou Yao grinned and said, "If we follow the plan, the Steel City Rolling Mill will complete construction in the second half of next year, with relocation happening at year's end or the following year, leaving at most two years."

"Moving thirty to forty thousand workers to Steel City is one thing, but receiving them is another; who knows how much trouble that will cause."

"Trouble or not, we must move—"

Li Li Xuewu sighed and, pondering, said, "Do you know how many workers the factory currently has?"

Without waiting for Zhou Yao to answer, he stated directly, "Over ninety-five thousand."

"You can count on your fingers: among all the factories and enterprises in Jingcheng, which one has as many people as we do?"

He tapped the armrest of his chair and said, "Of these ninety-five thousand, ten thousand are in engineering construction and will soon be transferred to the Engineering Construction Branch Company."

"After the Rolling Mill relocates, twenty thousand will be transferred to Jing No. 1 Factory; how many will remain? Sixty-five thousand, the vast majority being workers."

Li Li Xuewu pinched his fingers and said, "Yingcheng Shipyard is at full capacity with fifteen thousand people, Fengcheng Industrial Zone with seven thousand, and the Jingcheng Tertiary Industry Zone can only retain about five thousand, so at least twenty-five thousand must be transferred to the Steel City Industrial Zone."

He counted on his fingers again, saying, "Add to that the cadre ranks, logistics, sales, services, and so on."

By the end of the calculation, it came out to exactly seventy-five thousand for the entire factory.

"Calculating it your way, we don't have enough people?"

Zhou Yao asked in surprise, "Yingcheng Shipyard needs to build new dry docks and invest in piers, Steel City has an aircraft manufacturing plant, and the engineering side needs to form specialized companies..."

She also did the math, asking with eyes full of confusion, "Seventy-five thousand isn't enough?"

"Heh—" Li Li Xuewu chuckled lightly, shaking his head slightly as he said, "When you become the Director of the Personnel Department, you'll understand; sometimes there are enough people, and sometimes there truly aren't."

"Then I'll just wait and see—"

Zhou Yao said with a bitter smile, "Don't count on me for another ten or eight years."

"Being the Director of the Security Department is acceptable, though—"

"Fine, as long as you have ambition."

Li Li Xuewu smiled at her and said, "I just remembered something I wanted to tell you: the matter of introducing a partner to you is nearly settled."

"Really?!" Zhou Yao widened her eyes again, saying delightedly, "I thought you were just joking and teasing me!"

"It's no joke, and I'm not teasing you."

Li Li Xuewu glanced at her and said with amusement, "Have you ever seen me make this kind of joke with anyone?"

"Then tell me, what's the situation with this person you're introducing?"

Having worked in the Security Section for a long time, Zhou Yao had seen many things and was truly open-minded in character.

Especially when handling public order disputes, what family situations and conflicts hadn't she encountered? Asking about a partner made her not the least bit shy.

Of course, university students of this era had thoughts and substance; in terms of personality, they did not mistake reserve for modesty.

Li Li Xuewu also spoke quite frankly: "The young man seems very good to me; he's just under 1.8 meters tall, currently a deputy company commander, and also a university graduate."

"Conditions this good?"

Although Zhou Yao was also a university graduate, since Li Li Xuewu was the one introducing him, there was no need to consider basic qualifications; just hearing these few sentences was surprising enough.

"There is only one thing: he is younger than you."

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and introduced, "Three years younger than you."

"Ah—" Zhou Yao, who hadn't been shy a moment ago, immediately blushed upon hearing that the partner being introduced to her was three years her junior; "That doesn't seem appropriate."

"You haven't even met the person yet; how can you say it's inappropriate?"

Li Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I've made the call and explained your situation; he said he can't get away right now and won't be able to return to meet you until the end of next month."

"I'm telling you this to be responsible to both of you; I wouldn't want to introduce someone to you only for someone else to pursue you, right?"

"Who is pursuing me—"

Zhou Yao was still thinking about the three-year age gap and said with a flushed face, "I've never even considered finding a partner younger than me."

"To put it crudely, 'a woman three years older holds a golden brick'; to put it less crudely, age is not an obstacle to love."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and added, "Of course, my point is that the age difference isn't large; it's not like thirty years, so what's the big deal?"

"Thirty years difference—"

Hearing this, Zhou Yao lost her shyness and said with amusement, "Why don't you find me someone from kindergarten!"

"Hey, hey—"

Li Li Xuewu arched an eyebrow and said, "In your dreams!"

After getting off work on Saturday evening, Li Li Xuewu came to the courtyard to pick up Li Shu to go home.

Coincidentally, Ji Ji Yuxiu also got off work; the two met at the gate and began talking about the case they had discussed a few days prior.

"Still no news," Ji Ji Yuxiu shook her head and said, "We clearly know he's in the city, but he's like a mole rat; we can't catch him."

"With our hands tied, how can we catch him?"

Li Li Xuewu entered the courtyard, greeted the neighbors, and said, "If Chief Duan Youting had any guts, he would grab one and not let go, sorting them out one by one."

"The artillery bureau can't even hold them all anymore."

Ji Ji Yuxiu helplessly shook her head, entered the room upon seeing Li Xue was home, recounted the case's progress, and warned, "Under no circumstances go out alone."

"Those little brats have exploded into chaos now; it's a mess, and one can't rule out someone desperate enough to take a reckless gamble when their head gets hot."

"Will there be trouble in the alley?"

Liu Yin's heart pounded as she listened; hugging the child, she came out from the north room and asked, "Why has the unrest flared up again?"

"Hey, trouble could break out any day; even the alleys aren't safe."

Ji Ji Yuxiu poured a cup of hot water for her second brother and one for herself, holding it in her hands as she said, "Everyone from the station has been deployed, yet it's still not enough."

"You haven't seen it; the bureau is nearly full to bursting, packed with either troublemakers or idle folks blindly meddling—we can't process them fast enough."

"Aiyo—" Liu Yin said in frustration, "We've only had peace for a few days; where do so many incidents come from?"

"As for these incidents, they sound big, yet they aren't really that big."

Ji Ji Yuxiu gestured toward her second brother, who was dressing Li Shu, and said, "My second brother knows; it all started because of a Miss, a pregnant Miss."

"On one side, unaware of the depths of danger, they stirred up trouble on the main road; the girl herself had underlying issues and died from massive hemorrhaging."

She explained, "That girl's betrothed belonged to the other side, so naturally, fury erupted, leading to indiscriminate retaliation; they grab anyone and beat them to death."

"Now both sides are panic-stricken; no one dares provoke the other unless they meet on the main road with no way to avoid each other."

"There are simply too many young people."

Zhao Zhao Yafang returned from the backyard, overheard a bit, and said, "If everyone had school to attend, jobs to work, and tasks to occupy them, who would have the idle mind to fight?"

"This matter is beyond our control; we must stay far away from it."

Liu Yin instructed her daughter-in-law and daughter, "Since Ji Yuxiu said so, be cautious; our courtyard compound is tight and safe, but the alleys might not be."

"Understood, Mother—"

Zhao Zhao Yafang took the child and replied, "Among the women of our family, who idly wanders outside for no reason? We won't even step out of the courtyard gate at night."

Li Shu, listening excitedly to the adults' conversation, tightly gripped the submachine gun in her hands.

Once dressed, as her father held her to walk outside, she suddenly looked around and asked, "Dad, where are the bad guys?"

"Bad guys? Hehe—"

Li Li Xuewu smiled lightly and said, "Within one kilometer of your father, there are no bad guys."

PS: Adjusted my daily schedule; so far, so good. Persisting until this hour, I have completed all tasks.

(End of Chapter)