Chapter 1261: The Mouth Is Truly Tight

The Hongxing Factory campus had four office buildings, one guesthouse, and one grand auditorium, containing seven or eight conference rooms of various sizes.

On March 4th, the Hongxing Factory Management Committee cadre general meeting was held in the large conference room capable of accommodating three hundred people.

Li Li Xuewu had given full consideration to why the event was not arranged in the Hongxing Factory Grand Auditorium.

On one hand, the number of cadre representatives and staff representatives attending the meeting should not be too large; otherwise, the scene could not be optimized.

On the other hand, since the radio station was conducting a live broadcast and recording, the acoustic effect of the Grand Auditorium was not ideal.

Moreover, a scene of three hundred people represented the optimal layout for video recording and also the most comfortable visual range for the attending leaders.

Finally, by keeping the number of participants within three hundred, the enthusiasm and sense of honor among the cadre and staff representatives would be stronger.

Amidst solemn accompaniment music and applause from the entire audience standing to welcome them, Li Li Huai De escorted Yang Kuang Yusheng, Deputy Director of the First Ministry of Machinery, Han Song, Director of the General Office of the First Ministry of Machinery, and a host of other leaders from the First Ministry of Machinery into the venue; entering along with them were the members of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee leadership team, among whom was a new face.

It could be said that the leaders attending the meeting today were of heavyweight status, yet many eyes in the hall were focused more intently on the tail end of the leadership procession entering the venue.

Yes, amidst months of speculation and amidst the buzzing discussions within the agencies, Li Li Xuewu sat on the stage today.

Even though he sat in the very last seat, his presence was still shocking.

In fact, by this point, Deputy Director Yang did not need to read those documents aloud; many people below the stage already knew the outcome.

However, even in this solemn meeting hall, a rather interesting aspect appeared.

Deputy Director Yang Kuang Yusheng of the First Ministry of Machinery sat in the central position; glancing down at the audience, he was quite surprised and paused for a moment.

He then turned his head to look at Li Li Huai De beside him and quietly asked something.

Management Committee Director Li Li Huai De smiled and provided an explanation; Deputy Director Yang nodded slightly, and only then did a look of satisfaction and approval appear on his face.

Li Li Xuewu, sitting at the very edge, observed that the view and effect from his spot differed from those of the leaders sitting in the very center, but he had guessed the reason for the leader's hesitation.

In the front row below the stage, the central positions were all occupied by "Bai Jiahei," wearing dark blue wool administrative jackets.

On the left and right sides and in the rear section, it was also "Bai Jiahei," but they wore gray canvas work jackets with cinched sleeves and waists.

The distinction was clear as a river's boundary, neat and orderly.

While Director Li was introducing him, Deputy Director Yang also took a glance at the stage.

In fact, the situation on the stage was the same.

As long as they were cadres of Hongxing Factory, everyone wore administrative attire, men and women alike.

The leaders from the First Ministry of Machinery wore all sorts of things; sandwiched among the Hongxing Factory cadres, they stood out conspicuously and looked quite unconventional.

From the arrangement of seats on the stage, one could also discern the content of those appointment documents that had not yet been read aloud today.

The seats from left to right were arranged in the following order: Cheng Kaiyuan, Gao Gao Yaqin, Su Weide, Xue Xue Zhifu, Fu Yu, Xiong Xiong Bencheng, Yang Kuang Yusheng, Li Li Huai De, Han Song, Gu Gu Weijie, Xiang Xiang Jingyu, Dong Wenxue, Zhang Jinsong, and Li Li Xuewu.

Can you see the hierarchy of high and low?

With fourteen seats, understanding the order was not complex; one simply starts from the middle and sorts outward to the left and right.

Therefore, the sequence from left to right corresponds to ranks: 13, 11, 9, 7, 5, 3, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14.

That's right; no matter how you sort it, Li Li Xuewu is always the last one.

But since he walked up from below the stage to the platform, he did not feel bad; the one who felt bad was Cheng Kaiyuan, who should have been sitting in seat number 7 today.

Then someone might ask, what merit or ability does Xiong Xiong Bencheng, this sickly man, possess that he actually sits in seat number 3?

Speaking of this mascot... no, the Trade Union Chairman should sit in this position; during any formal meeting, his rank is second only to Li Li Huai De.

Of course, at other times, the calculation is different.

Then someone noticed, why is the new face in seat number 11 ranked ahead of Deputy Director Zhang in seat number 12?

The answer will be revealed immediately.

The Hongxing Factory Cadre General Meeting was presided over by Comrade Gu Gu Weijie, Deputy Director of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee; the first item of the meeting, as usual, was singing the national anthem, and the second item was for Fu Yu, Deputy Minister of the Organization Work Department of the First Ministry of Machinery Management Committee, to represent the Management Committee in announcing the "Notice Regarding the Appointment of Comrades Li Li Huai De and Others at Hongxing Factory."

"Comrade Li Li Huai De is appointed as Director of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee (Vice-Ministerial Level 8);"

"Comrade Xiong Xiong Bencheng is appointed as Chairman of the Hongxing Factory Trade Union (Bureau-Director Level 10);"

"Comrade Gu Gu Weijie is appointed as Deputy Director of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee (Bureau-Director Level 10);"

"Comrade Xue Xue Zhifu is appointed as Deputy Director of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee (Bureau-Director Level 10);"

"Comrade Xiang Xiang Jingyu is appointed as Deputy Director of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee (Deputy-Bureau Level 11);"

"Comrade Dong Wenxue is appointed as Deputy Director of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee (Deputy-Bureau Level 12);"

"Comrade Gao Gao Yaqin is appointed as Deputy Director of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee (Deputy-Bureau Level 13);"

"Comrade Li Li Xuewu is appointed as Secretary-General of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee (Division-Director Level 13); the reading of the notice is concluded."

Calling out names is not scary; it is those who are not called who feel awkward.

Guess who is missing from the appointment list?

Cheng Kaiyuan sat on the stage with his head slightly bowed; he appeared to be seriously reading the documents in his hands, but in reality, no one knew what he was thinking.

This time, every member of the Hongxing Factory Management Committee leadership team advanced by one rank; for some, the positive became deputy, for others the deputy became positive, and for some, the deputy became even more deputy.

Of course, Su Weide and Zhang Jinsong, whose appointment documents had already been read aloud during a small-scope cadre meeting, were not included.

Su Weide's Deputy-Bureau Level 11 and Zhang Jinsong's Deputy-Bureau Level 13 were already deafening compared to certain others who had remained stationary.

Only one person, that certain individual Deputy Director Cheng, remained unchanged at Deputy-Bureau Level 12.

There was no need to explain the reasons at the general meeting; to clearly explain his issue, one would have to explain why Director Li was only at Vice-Ministerial Level 8.

Fu Yu, Deputy Minister of the Organization Work Department, spoke decisively and cleanly, without any superfluous words; apart from the text of the notice, he did not add a single extra character.

This swift and sharp style was very much liked by the attendees below, so the applause was extremely enthusiastic.

Perhaps it was also related to the content announced at today's meeting; only when the leaders advance can the cadres below advance as well.

When those above advance by one rank, it means untold relief for those below.

During the rapid development of Hongxing Factory, progress had long been restricted by rank levels; many departments still maintained section-level standards, yet their personnel numbers had long exceeded the number of division-level clerks in other units.

It was not that the Hongxing Factory agency had redundant staff; rather, after merging enterprises, during the process of dividing and establishing branch companies and professional factory agency offices, there would inevitably be a period where personnel numbers surged.

Thinking about it makes it clear: without a certain foundational number of personnel, where would the administrative management departments for twenty-plus branch factories and branch companies come from?

"Thank you for Deputy Minister Fu Yu's remarks."

Gu Gu Weijie presided according to the meeting agenda, saying, "Next, let us invite Comrade Yang Kuang Yusheng, Deputy Director of the First Ministry of Machine Building, to speak; everyone, please welcome him with applause!"

"Good, good—"

Feeling the enthusiastic applause from the audience, Deputy Director Yang smiled and waved his hand, saying, "The cadres and workers of Red Star Factory have excellent combat effectiveness!"

Hearing the leader's praise, the applause from the audience grew even more fervent, while Li Li Huai De, sitting beside him, smiled and said something.

One could tell from his expression that Old Li did not care whether the hat on his head bore the label of Grade 7 or Grade 8.

Because for him, this result was something he had long anticipated; what is there to regret about things one cannot obtain?

Like flowers in a mirror or the moon in water, it only invites extra trouble.

As long as one remains at Red Star Factory and serves as the top leader, being Grade 8 today inevitably means becoming Grade 7 within a year or two, and reaching Grade 6 within five years.

Only with space is there motivation to rise; a running start always jumps farther than a leap from a standstill.

Doing work requires an open-minded attitude; one cannot simply lower one's head and act like an ostrich just because one's name was not called, can one?

Of course, this was not referring to Deputy Director Cheng.

After the applause subsided, Yang Kuang Yusheng continued his speech.

He spoke in a very amiable manner: "Just before the meeting began, I sat here and was slightly surprised to see everyone dressed so neatly."

"Hehehe—"

A ripple of light laughter spread through the venue; just now, everyone had noticed the leader's small gesture and also perceived the difference between Red Star Factory and the ministry leaders.

This pride in status was evident in their words and expressions; whether cadres or workers sitting in their seats, they all straightened their backs in response to the leader's praise.

"To be honest, I have visited many industrial enterprises," Yang Kuang Yusheng said, "not only those within our First Ministry of Machine Building system, but also those in other systems."

"But in my impression, to date, the collective with the most spirit, the most cohesion, and the most combat effectiveness is none other than your Red Star Factory."

Whoosh—

Applause erupted once again, this time more intense than the previous rounds, resounding with sufficient fervor and passion.

Even the leaders on the stage began clapping in agreement one after another.

"Just now, Comrade Li Li Huai De told me that initially, there was no unified requirement for the attire of Red Star Factory's cadres; it was something our people spontaneously organized and purchased."

Looking out at the audience, he continued, "It was only after it formed a scale that we proceeded with unified customization, correct? This also includes our worker ranks, does it not?"

"I believe that uniformly purchasing and producing work uniforms for both the cadre ranks and the worker ranks is entirely justified."

Yang Kuang Yusheng's demeanor gradually turned serious as he spoke: "When an enterprise or a collective develops to a certain stage, it must seek benefits and treatment for its staff and workers, ensuring that everyone enjoys the dividends of the enterprise's and collective's development."

"Of course, I am not saying that all enterprises must learn from Red Star Factory and achieve such uniformity."

Glancing at Li Li Huai De and others beside him, he nodded and said, "First, one must create economic value for the enterprise and the collective before one can unite hearts."

"Why emphasize unity, the collective, and economic work at today's cadre conference? This is precisely the purpose and significance of the Ministry Management Committee supplementing the management committee members for Red Star Factory."

With a serious expression, he pointed out: "This decision was made after comprehensive consideration by the Ministry Management Committee regarding the needs of Red Star Factory's leadership team construction, focusing on maintaining the continuity of Red Star Factory's work and promoting its sound and rapid development; it was reached after democratic recommendation and listening to the masses' opinions, making it realistic and far-sighted."

"Comrades Su Weide, Zhang Jinsong, Gao Gao Yaqin, and Li Li Xuewu are the developmental cornerstones selected and appointed by the organization for Red Star Factory."

"Comrade Su Weide is a cadre cultivated over many years by the First Ministry of Machine Building, while Comrade Zhang Jinsong is a management model within the Jingcheng industrial system."

Because Su Weide and Zhang Jinsong had arrived earlier, Yang Kuang Yusheng's evaluation of them was brief, and he focused instead on the cadres brought today and the newly appointed ones.

"Comrade Gao Gao Yaqin is a key talent cultivated by Foreign Economic Relations and Trade; she possesses solid economic management experience and is an outstanding cadre who has received praise from leaders on multiple occasions."

"Comrade Li Li Xuewu is no stranger to everyone; he is a cadre who grew step by step from the grassroots level of Red Star Factory, with a tough style of work, firm political stance, strong economic acumen and discernment, and a strong sense of the big picture as well as organizational coordination capabilities."

He used considerable detail when introducing and evaluating Li Li Xuewu: "When the Red Star Factory Management Committee recommended this candidate, they stated: 'This cadre has worked in multiple leadership positions at the section, division, and bureau levels, possessing relatively rich leadership and management experience.'"

"It was mentioned that he has worked at the grassroots level for a relatively long time, having certain research and understanding of industrial economics; his thinking is clear, his style of work is tough, his work is solid, and he emphasizes actual results; during his tenure as Deputy Leader of the Economic Management Leading Group, he carried out extensive work in advancing the industrialization and ecologicalization of Red Star Factory and accelerating the construction of organizational structure management, achieving very outstanding results."

Yang Kuang Yusheng spoke seriously: "The Ministry Management Committee carefully examined the above four cadres recommended through various channels before making the corresponding decision."

"We hope that more and more outstanding cadres will emerge from the ministry to enter enterprises and participate in transformation and production management work."

"We hope that more and more outstanding cadres will come from other systems to enter enterprises and participate in economic and organizational management work."

"We even more hope that more and more outstanding cadres will rise from the grassroots to take up management positions and participate in construction and leadership management work."

"Regarding the rapid development of Red Star Factory, the ministry is delighted to see it; personally, I wish your factory could achieve group corporatization by tomorrow!"

He gently placed his hand on the table and spoke earnestly: "I hope Red Star Factory does well; the Ministry Management Committee hopes even more that Red Star Factory does well—the better, the better!"

Whoosh—

Amidst a wave of enthusiastic applause, he continued to speak: "The Ministry Management Committee hopes that the adjusted leadership team of the Red Star Factory Management Committee will unite and lead the vast number of cadres and workers of the entire factory to struggle hard, devote themselves to governance, blaze new trails, and push the production construction and economic development endeavors of Red Star Factory to new heights."

Whoosh—

The meeting continued after the applause ended.

Han Song, Director of the General Office of the First Ministry of Machine Building, made an organizational statement, particularly emphasizing the concern and requirements of the Ministry Management Committee leaders regarding Red Star Factory's organizational structure construction and the ongoing branch organization construction work.

In his statement, he pointed out that Red Star Factory is walking a path balancing transformation and production, economy and planning, and must persist... hold high...

Specifically, Han Song mentioned in his speech Red Star Factory's systems regarding organizational management and office administration, emergency plans, and standardized safe production.

In his speech, he pointed out that only by correctly understanding the significance of the era's transformation and closely following the developmental context of transformation and production can one establish a firm foundation and develop the economy...

Subsequently, Gao Gao Yaqin, Deputy Director of the Red Star Factory Management Committee, and Li Li Xuewu, Secretary-General, each made statements of commitment.

Both stated in their speeches that they would closely revolve around... actively... resolutely...

Finally, Comrade Li Li Huai De, Director of the Red Star Factory Management Committee, made a statement of commitment at the conference, pledging to uphold four persistences:

Persist in unity and unification, forming unity and coordination throughout the factory, forging a common consensus on grasping transformation and promoting production, and creating a favorable environment where people want to do things and dare to do things, resulting in a vibrant situation of unity and struggle.

Persist in scientific development, basing ourselves on the geopolitical, regional, and industrial advantages of Jingcheng for R&D, Tianmen for economy, and Liaodong for industry, fully leveraging comparative advantages, maintaining sound and rapid development of production and the economy, and striving to be the vanguard of the industrial system.

Li Li Huai De already knew about Gao Gao Yaqin; someone had long ago called him to inform him that she was the final member of the leadership team determined by the higher authorities.

Information regarding Gao Gao Yaqin had long been placed on his desk.

Formerly the Director of the Europe Division Technology Section at Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, the thirty-two-year-old Gao Gao Yaqin is in the prime of her life, truly at the peak of her career.

According to internal sources, this female comrade possesses strong work capabilities and forward-thinking ideas, holding an absolute perspective on economic work, but under the current general environment, it is unsuitable for her to remain in foreign economic and trade work; the leadership above also intends to protect her.

Otherwise, as Yang Kuang Yusheng stated, since she is a cadre key to the cultivation efforts of foreign economic and trade, how could they so easily let her go?

In the morning, Yang Kuang Yusheng led a team to arrive, and before the cadre assembly began, both sides had a brief conversation and exchange.

Sending cadres to the Red Star Factory inevitably required communication with him.

During their conversation, both Yang Kuang Yusheng and Fu Yu hinted that he must ensure good unity within the leadership team, noting that the appointments of several comrades were the result of careful consideration by the Ministry Management Committee, and they hoped he would understand and support this.

The fact that they seriously and fully considered the organizational candidates recommended by the Red Star Factory and agreed to appoint Li Li Xuewu as the Secretary-General of the Management Committee already represented a further stance from the Ministry Management Committee.

Especially given the various incidents that occurred recently, whether concerning Cheng Kaiyuan or the working group, one must proceed with caution and attention.

Old Li naturally understood when to stop while ahead, and his speech at the cadre assembly fully reflected his attitude.

Li Li Huai De declared his position, stating that he completely supported and resolutely upheld the appointments of comrades such as Su Weide and Gao Gao Yaqin; the rapid development of the Red Star Factory would inevitably breed various problems, and these comrades possessed extremely rich work experience, democratic and pragmatic styles, fairness and integrity, and cleanliness, enjoying high prestige among both cadres and the masses.

Having comrades like Su Weide and Gao Gao Yaqin safeguard the leadership team of the Red Star Factory Management Committee fully demonstrated the high level of concern and importance the Ministry Management Committee placed on the work of the Red Star Factory and the construction of its leadership team...

"Continue working hard—"

"Thank you, leadership—"

After leaving the main conference room, Li Li Xuewu, along with Li Li Huai De and other members of the Management Committee leadership team, saw off Yang Kuang Yusheng and his party.

The vehicles were parked right in front of the main conference room; due to work commitments, Yang Kuang Yusheng and his party did not even have time to sit for a moment longer and had to rush back immediately.

Leaders of this level would not stay for a meal, and Old Li would not dare to act rashly or overstep boundaries on such an occasion.

He was now considered to have joined the ranks of the immortals; even if he were to fart, it should be extraordinary, and he certainly could not speak nonsense.

Regardless of whether they were new or old members, the Management Committee leadership team stood in a line, taking turns to shake hands and bid farewell to Yang Kuang Yusheng, Han Song, and the others.

Li Li Huai De, representing the members of the Red Star Factory Management Committee leadership team, saw Yang Kuang Yusheng and the others off as they boarded their vehicles and departed.

Only after the motorcade slowly drove away did everyone withdraw their gazes, looking at each other with varying emotions.

Those who had not advanced felt dejected, and those who had advanced only slightly felt dejected looking at those who had advanced greatly, yet everyone on their faces was striving to maintain a calm expression.

"Secretary-General, is the coordination meeting prepared?"

Li Li Huai De addressed Li Li Xuewu directly by his title, which at this moment appeared both intimate and gratifying.

Li Li Xuewu smiled and nodded, reporting: "Leadership, it has long been prepared in the main office building, third floor."

"That is good; today, our entire leadership team is present."

Li Li Huai De stood at the front of the crowd and said with a smile: "Taking this opportunity, let us hold the first complete leadership coordination meeting to clarify everyone's respective divisions of labor and allow everyone to get to know each other better."

"Just now, with the leaders present, I saw everyone keeping their nerves tight and not relaxing," he said, looking toward Gao Gao Yaqin and greeting her with a smile: "Deputy Director Gao, you are home now; do not stand on ceremony."

"Yes, Director Li, I am home," Gao Gao Yaqin said with a smile, nodding and looking at him as she spoke: "I will not stand on ceremony, and you should not stand on ceremony either."

"Everyone may call me Comrade Gao Yaqin, or you may call me by my name."

"Hahaha—"

Li Li Huai De had been checkmated in return, but he was not the least bit annoyed; his mood today was truly excellent, and he could not help but laugh loudly.

Everyone else also took this opportunity to express their joy at their advancement with smiles.

(Deputy Director Cheng: I...)

Along the entire route from the ground floor to the conference room on the third floor, these eleven individuals attracted the gaze of the entire agency.

On the corridors connecting the staircases, clerks and cadres within the agency stopped one after another to greet them, the eagerness in their eyes so intense it could scorch a person.

Li Li Xuewu walked at the very rear alongside Cheng Kaiyuan, and during their casual chat, they discussed the industrial construction of Yingcheng Shipbuilding as well as the construction issues regarding the Yingcheng Port terminal.

This actually caught the attention of Xue Xue Zhifu, who was walking ahead; he deliberately slowed his pace by a few steps to join the two of them, and they began discussing the engineering plans.

On the surface, Cheng Kaiyuan remained calm and, while discussing the issues, normally expressed his own opinions and suggestions.

However, from the look in his eyes as he gazed at Li Li Xuewu and Xue Xue Zhifu, one could feel an indescribable sense of being moved and comforted.

Of the eleven people walking from downstairs to upstairs, except for him, every single one was the focus of attention today and a hope for advancement.

Only he, who had remained stationary, was isolated; if he, walking at the very rear with a crestfallen face, were surrounded and discussed by the comrades in the agency, one could imagine how depressed his mood would be.

Therefore, Li Li Xuewu actively stayed at the rear to accompany him in discussing work, and Xue Xue Zhifu also actively joined in, allowing him, who should have been isolated, to feel the warmth of being protected and given a helping hand.

"This is the working atmosphere of our leadership team: anytime, anywhere, say whatever you wish to say."

Seeing Gao Gao Yaqin glance back at the few people behind them, Li Li Huai De said with a smile: "This is also the reason why the leadership says we possess combat effectiveness."

"I have already felt it—"

Gao Gao Yaqin smiled and nodded, agreeing: "When I previously came to the Red Star Factory for exchanges, I already admired the working atmosphere of our factory."

"This time, I have finally gotten my wish; in the future, I must learn much from Director Li and the other Deputy Directors."

"You see, you are being polite again, aren't you?"

Li Li Huai De chuckled, leading the way up to the third floor, paying no attention to the few people gathered behind them discussing the Yingcheng Port terminal.

A leadership team of eleven people; this was far more difficult than herding sheep.

You can tie sheep together, but can you tie people together?

"Greetings, leadership—"

The secretaries of the Management Committee Office waiting at the conference room entrance nodded and greeted the leaders as they arrived.

Li Li Huai De also nodded with a smile in response; today he was riding the spring breeze of success at a gallop, looking at everyone as if they were his second aunt.

The sincerity content of Director Li's smile felt by the secretaries had increased by several points; such smiles were not common for them, fully demonstrating just how good the leadership's mood was.

He did not even mind when the secretary pouring hot water bumped into him, and very triumphantly he ushered everyone to take their seats.

The arrangement of seating was highly significant; previously, Li Li Xuewu attended as a non-voting participant, so even if he sat in the front, no one said anything about it.

Previously, his main role in meetings was to preside and act as a connector linking things together, but now that he had become Secretary-General, he could no longer sit beside Old Li.

The last seat, the very last position, was his.

Even if a seat in front remained empty, he could not swap places to sit there; this was the rule.

The past was the past, and the present is the present.

The seat he formerly occupied belonged to Xiong Xiong Bencheng, the union chairman; this man frequently feigned illness, which inadvertently worked in his favor.

Everyone knew their proper place in their hearts; even without the guidance of nameplates on the tables, they would not sit in disorder.

One may eat recklessly, but one must not speak recklessly, nor sit in the wrong seat.

Li Li Huai De sat in the middle position toward the inner side of the conference table; to his right sat, in order, Xiong Xiong Bencheng, Xue Xue Zhifu, Su Weide, Gao Gao Yaqin, and Cheng Kaiyuan.

To his left were Gu Gu Weijie, Xiang Xiang Jingyu, Dong Wenxue, Zhang Jinsong, and Li Li Xuewu.

Dong Wenxue's original position was far toward the back, but after serving as the head of the Hongxing Factory Liaodong Industrial Leadership Group, his authority rose sharply, placing him seventh.

Gao Gao Yaqin ranked eighth, just behind him; the reason she outranked Zhang Jinsong was not only that she came down from Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation but also due to the nature of her supervisory work.

Zhang Jinsong outranked Cheng Kaiyuan entirely because Cheng was currently in the phase of Dai Zuiligong; otherwise, given his rank and authority, he would have been placed at least ahead of Xue Xue Zhifu.

As for now... no need to say more; a phoenix that has fallen to the ground is worse off than a chicken.

The crowd thought: Who is the chicken?

"Although today's coordination meeting is being held after the cadre assembly, the preparations were not rushed."

Flipping through the documents before him, Li Li Huai De addressed the group: "Comrade Li Xuewu and the comrades from the Committee Office have been preparing for over a week."

He raised his hand, gesturing toward Li Li Xuewu; as everyone's gaze turned that way, Li Li Xuewu nodded slightly in agreement.

"The main purpose of convening today's leadership coordination meeting is to assign responsibilities among the standing members of the Management Committee Office," he said, pausing here to gesture toward Gao Gao Yaqin before continuing, "and at the same time, to introduce Comrade Gao Gao Yaqin to everyone so we may get to know one another."

Lowering his head to glance at the documents in his hand, he then spoke earnestly: "So now, I will assign the division of labor for the leadership team; if anyone has objections, we can communicate and discuss them afterward."

Gu Gu Weijie's assigned responsibilities are organizational and propaganda work.

This includes liaising with units such as the Hongxing Literature and Art Publishing House, and the Hongxing Education and Medical Administration Bureau.

Xiang Xiang Jingyu's assigned responsibilities are financial and personnel work.

This includes liaising with units such as the Fund Settlement Center and the Hongxing United Savings Bank.

Xue Xue Zhifu's assigned responsibilities are engineering and planning work.

This includes liaising with units such as the Engineering Construction Command Center, the Hongxing Construction Branch Company, and the Hongxing Liangma River Ecological Industrial Zone.

Su Weide's assigned responsibilities are safety and disciplinary inspection work.

He is responsible for units including the Security General Corps, the Firefighting General Corps, and the Supervision General Corps.

Dong Wenxue's assigned responsibilities are technical and development work.

He is responsible for liaising with the Hongxing (Liaodong) Industrial Leadership Group, the Hongxing Technical Support Center, the Hongxing Automobile Manufacturing Plant, the Hongxing Hardware Manufacturing Plant, the Hongxing Armaments Manufacturing Plant, the Hongxing Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, the Hongxing Electronics Industry Branch Company, the Hongxing Fengcheng Machining Branch Company, and the Hongxing Technology Research Institute.

Gao Gao Yaqin's assigned responsibilities are economic and sales work.

This includes liaising with units such as the International Affairs Department, the Tianjin Trade Management Center, the Hongxing Internal Supply and Marketing Branch Company, the Hongxing United Hundred Herbs Pharmaceutical Sales Branch Company, and the Hongxing (Jingcheng) Automobile Sales Branch Company.

Zhang Jinsong's assigned responsibilities are operations and logistics work.

This includes liaising with units such as the Hongxing Energy Branch Company, the Labor Service Branch Company, the Hongxing Passenger Transport Branch Company, and the Property Management Branch Company.

Cheng Kaiyuan's assigned responsibilities are production and dispatch work.

This includes liaising with units such as the Gangcheng Metallurgical Plant, the Gangcheng Steel Rolling Plant, the Yingcheng Shipbuilding Plant, the Hongxing Food (United) Branch Company, and the United Tertiary Industry Branch Company.

Li Li Xuewu's assigned responsibilities are overseeing daily administrative affairs and presiding over the work of the Management Committee Office, along with comprehensive management and organizational coordination.

His primary liaisons include Literature and Art Publishing, the Hongxing International Hotel, the Guest House, the Office of the Economic Leadership Group, the Office of the Construction Leadership Group, the Office of the Technical Development Group, and the Liaodong Industrial Leadership Group...

From the sheer word count describing Li Li Xuewu's assigned duties, it is easy to see that the great steward handles many matters; 'comprehensive' and 'coordination' are the most complex of all.

Furthermore, looking at the departments he is tasked to liaise with, besides those applying to and serving the Committee Office's work, there are also various working groups.

After Li Li Huai De finished reading out the organizational assignments, the organizational ecology of the Management Committee turned a completely new page.

Starting from today, the old organizational structure has been broken, and a new organizational ecology has risen from the ashes.

New people, new atmosphere; new people, new strength.

After reshuffling the deck, who can hold the largest and most numerous cards at the table depends entirely on individual ability and competence.

Of course, there are surprises within this as well.

For instance, when Li Li Huai De read out Xiang Xiang Jingyu's work assignment, Li Li Xuewu clearly saw her glance in his direction.

Previously, Li Li Xuewu had told her that of the three areas—finance, sales, and dispatch—she could keep only one, since these three tasks would be divided among three people, leaving her to choose between keeping finance or sales.

At that time, Xiang Xiang Jingyu had been deeply conflicted in her choice; whichever side she picked, she would be left with only one supervisory business line.

She had never imagined that Li Li Xuewu only meant she must choose one from her existing supervisory duties, and should not covet the businesses responsible to others.

Now that personnel work had suddenly fallen upon her shoulders, it left her somewhat caught off guard.

In the gaze she directed at Li Li Xuewu, there was delight, surprise, and a hint of angry reproach after being teased.

Judging by Li Li Xuewu's calm expression, he must have learned about these arrangements from Li Li Huai De long ago.

Yet his mouth was truly tight; he teased her for so long, refusing to the death to reveal that a surprise awaited her.

Nevertheless, this feeling was truly exciting and satisfying.

"I went to take a look; the underground engineering is basically complete, and we are now mainly in the stage of preparing for war."

Holding a notebook in his hand, Li Li Xuewu came down from the upstairs, accompanied by Xue Xue Zhifu, Dong Wenxue, and others.

It was noon, mealtime; after the meeting concluded, no one intended to return to their offices, so they chatted as they walked toward Wangxiaoshitang.

"Of course, I am referring to partial construction."

Li Li Xuewu added with emphasis: "The five major empowerment zones of the Liangma River Industrial Zone have basically completed their rough division."

"Culture, education, and healthcare have basically been completed."

Turning back to look at the several leaders, he introduced: "The internal construction of the schools is a long-term development and planning process; this does not need emphasis."

"The Hongxing First Hospital should be able to open for diagnosis and administration by September this year, at the latest by the end of the year."

"How much longer will the Industrial Exhibition Hall project you just mentioned take?"

Dong Wenxue waved his hand, declining Xue Xue Zhifu's offered cigarette, and said: "I have quit smoking too; please go ahead and smoke yours."

"Well now, our leadership team is truly becoming a smoke-free model collective."

Xue Xue Zhifu smiled and said, "Director Li has quit smoking, the Secretary-General has quit smoking, you have quit, and Chairman Xiong, due to poor health, has also quit smoking."

"Comrade Gu Weijie, Comrade Jing Yunong, and Comrade Gao Gao Yaqin do not smoke."

He looked at Su Weide and Zhang Jinsong and said, "It seems only this old stubborn fellow like me and the two of you remain."

"It doesn't matter; we can form a smoking-cessation persuasion group."

Zhang Jinsong joked with a laugh, "Let's call it the 'Three Old Smokestacks,' haha!"

"Hahaha—"

Laughter echoed through the stairwell as they descended; anyone unaware might truly believe the leadership team of the Red Star Factory was so united and friendly.

"The Industrial Exhibition Hall might not be ready until the second half of the year; the specifics depend on construction progress," Xue Xue Zhifu explained to Dong Wenxue after laughing. "It's almost April now; with frequent wind and rain, progress relies entirely on rushing."

"Construction has already begun at the site," Li Li Xuewu introduced. "This year's engineering construction plan is the same as last year's."

"Projects that can be completed this year will be rushed to completion; those that cannot be fully finished this year will have their main structures completed first, with all interior work saved for winter."

After stepping down the stairs, he waited for everyone to catch up before continuing, "This year's major projects include the Office Building, the Combined Industrial Building, the Broadcasting and Culture Building, the Red Star Workers' New Village, and the Comprehensive Demonstration Market."

"Regarding the five major functional zones, light industry and the combined tertiary sector have basically completed their production and construction work; all projects began planned production before the New Year."

With one hand in his pocket, Li Li Xuewu walked slightly ahead, verbally briefing the several leaders on the basic situation of the Liangma River Industrial Zone.

Zhang Jinsong, Su Weide, and Gao Gao Yaqin followed closely behind, listening with great attentiveness.

Of course, this included Dong Wenxue, who had rarely returned.

However, starting today, as he officially became a primary leader of the factory, the frequency of his returns for meetings and work would gradually increase.

"Projects expected to be completed this year include the Broadcasting and Culture Building, the Industrial Exhibition Hall, the Service Company Building, the Comprehensive Demonstration Market, the First Hospital, and portions of the residential areas."

Li Li Xuewu stated, "Relocation and occupancy plans for this portion will be completed before the end of this year, alleviating and dispersing the pressure on the factory's office zone."

"Projects capable of completion before the end of next year include the Factory Office Building, the Combined Industrial Building, all residential areas, and the demonstration residential zones."

He first stepped up the stairs to the Xiaoshitang, pulled open the main door, invited the leaders to enter first, and only then followed them inside.

"In other words, by the end of next year, the Red Star Factory will completely resolve the housing issue for its workers?"

Zhang Jinsong turned his head and asked, "I was reviewing materials on this aspect yesterday and was worried the estimates might be inaccurate."

"It is impossible to solve the housing problem for all workers, but we can guarantee that every worker who registers for property exchange or applies for subsidized housing will have a place to live."

Li Li Xuewu gave a brief introduction, then continued, "Currently, this regulatory mechanism is primarily designed to cope with the relocation of the Steel Rolling Factory by the end of next year; at that time, a large batch of workers will relocate with the factory to Gangcheng."

"The current housing shortage will be thoroughly alleviated within two years; worker dispersal and livelihood support will shift from being concentrated solely in Jingcheng to a coordinated, linked distribution across four locations: Jingcheng, Gangcheng, Yingcheng, and Fengcheng."

He emphasized, "This year, Gangcheng, Yingcheng, and Fengcheng will all construct worker dormitories and Workers' New Villages to prepare for the impending worker relocation policy."

"A massive undertaking involving sixty to seventy thousand people."

Dong Wenxue stepped up the stairs, shaking his head slightly with emotion, and said, "For our factory, this is an arduous challenge."

"Batch by batch, phase by phase, project by project," Li Li Xuewu interjected. "In fact, starting this year, with the establishment and formation of various branch companies and specialized factories, some cadres and workers have already begun relocation and resettlement work."

"By the end of next year, the tertiary industrial sector of the Red Star Factory's Jingcheng Liangma River Industrial Zone must achieve standardized, industrialized, and integrated development."

"The culture and health sectors must achieve scientific and systematic construction and development; the humanistic and ecological sector must achieve a demonstrative and leading layout and operation."

"The office and service sectors must achieve group-style management and integrated operations, carrying out service demonstration work for the entire group on a large scale and systematically."

Finally, he introduced, "The scientific research and energy sectors were planned first but will be the last to be constructed, as renovation and construction can only begin after the Steel Rolling Factory relocates."

"Right here, on the ground beneath our feet."

Li Li Xuewu ascended to the second floor together with the several leaders, nodded to the shift supervisor, and signaled that it was time to serve the dishes.

"Apart from necessary workshops undergoing standardized safety production renovations, everything else will be upgraded and renovated again solely for scientific research purposes."

He explained to the leaders who had entered the large private room and taken their seats, "Existing structures such as the office zone and the grand auditorium will be handed over for use by branch institutions including the Research Institute, the Service Company, and the Tertiary Industry Management Branch Company."

"How many years will it take to complete the renovation and construction of the scientific research and energy sectors?"

Gao Gao Yaqin asked curiously, "Do the fourth and fifth years of the 'Five-Year Plan' specifically address the planning for science and energy?"

"This is an overall planning objective."

After she asked, the leaders familiar with this plan all smiled; Li Li Xuewu explained to her, saying, "In fact, the construction work for the scientific research and energy sectors is also included in the content of the 'Three-Year Plan'."

"Planning is planning; construction is construction."

Watching the waiter serve the dishes, Xue Xue Zhifu smiled and explained to her, "The plan for the Academy of Sciences is fixed; the delay in actual construction is due to objective reasons."

"The 'Five-Year Plan' is a comprehensive set of development theories designed and planned on the foundation of the 'Three-Year Plan,' guided by the Scientific Outlook on Development."

"Understood; the Secretary-General is truly knowledgeable and possesses a retentive memory."

Gao Gao Yaqin teased with a smile, though in her heart she truly understood.

The three-year plan focuses on actual construction; the five-year plan focuses on enterprise development.

One is pragmatic; the other is theoretical.

She had heard of this theory before and remembered that Li Li Xuewu had presided over its drafting and compilation; she hadn't expected Li Li Xuewu's theoretical capabilities to be so strong.

No wonder he is qualified to sit at the table and eat.

PS: This chapter, serving as a bridge between the preceding and following parts, was exhausting to write; although I know I will be scolded, it must be clarified clearly so that later...

?? PS: My child's high fever has subsided, but the illness hasn't fully cleared up.

? Spent considerable time during the day comforting the child; having finished this chapter with more than an hour left before bedtime, I won't write a second chapter tonight—I'm going to keep my child company.

? (End of Chapter)