Chapter 1268: Sparrows outside the window

March 21st, spring rain is as precious as oil.

Both sides of the road were already adorned with red flowers and green grass.

One large Red Flag, one Volga M24, and two custom-made Red Star Hongyun 9-seater micro-buses, led by a Red Star Ant, slowly drove into the main courtyard of the Beijing Hotel.

And in front of the main entrance, a group of people had already been waiting for a long time.

After entering the courtyard, the Ant car accelerated to break away from the formation and headed to the other side of the reception platform to wait.

The large Red Flag became the lead car, steadily parking in the core parking space.

After the Volga M24 parked steadily, the two Hongyun buses behind took the second lane and parked in the corresponding positions of the two cars.

The movements Li Yuanchao had secretly practiced countless times finally came in handy at this moment.

The moment the vehicle slowed to a stop, he opened the front passenger door and quickly stood by the rear door.

Only when the welcoming team moved did he unhurriedly open the rear door to invite Director Li to get out.

The set of movements was orderly, and the timing was extremely appropriate; it would neither make the welcoming party feel arrogant nor make Director Li feel he was slow.

Li Xuewu got out of the car from the other side of the back seat; as Secretary-General, he naturally had no secretary coming over to open the door for him.

However, in terms of timing, he also opened the door just as Li Huai De stepped out of the car.

Polite and orderly, with rules and regulations.

This set of etiquette standards for the Red Star Factory was a standardized requirement made by Li Xuewu after he became the director of the Management Committee Office.

He was already very satisfied that they could reach such a level in such a short time.

Never underestimate welcoming etiquette and travel etiquette; broadly speaking, it represents the formal image of the Red Star Factory, and narrowly speaking, it reflects the current management status of the Red Star Factory.

Just like a person wearing clothes, one must dress decently when going out to do business; this reflects your personal cultivation and also reflects respect for the host.

Just looking at the leaders and clerks of the Red Star Factory getting off the car, all in unified white-and-black, wearing administrative jackets, the feeling they gave people was different.

"Hello, Director Li, I am the General Manager of Hong Kong Oriental Trading Co., Ltd. My name is Selena Zhou."

Under the introduction of Fan Hua, the Director of the Foreign Affairs Office who had arrived here in advance to carry out the reception work, Selena, as the main person in charge of the talks between the two sides, took the initiative to walk over and enthusiastically greeted Li Huai De.

The position where the two sides stood was to the rear right of the large Red Flag and the front right of the Volga M24. The two cars were not in a straight line, just less than half a car's distance apart, which was just right for Gao Yaqin, who got out of the car at the same time, to walk over and join them.

The main representatives of the Red Star Factory for this talk were Li Huai De, Director of the Management Committee, Gao Yaqin, Deputy Director of the Management Committee in charge of economic work, and Li Xuewu, Secretary-General of the Management Committee.

Accompanying them were Li Huai De's secretary Li Yuanchao, Gao Yaqin's secretary Wang Qiang, and Wang Lu, a staff member who had just been transferred to the Management Committee Office.

Also getting off the Hongyun buses were the accompanying relevant cadres and clerks.

"Hello, Ms. Zhou, welcome to Beijing again."

Li Huai De had obtained the list of main personnel for this talk before leaving, and he was well prepared for how to address and exchange pleasantries.

He would certainly not rashly call the other party Selena or Manager Selena; this was an extremely rude behavior in formal social occasions.

As for playing the "guest taking the place of the host" routine, although it was not within the expectations of both sides, it was also a norm in commercial docking.

Insisting on setting the meeting place at the Beijing Hotel reflected the strong and active attitude of Zhongrun, but Li Huai De was not afraid of them.

You welcome me here, then I will welcome you back.

Selena raised her eyebrows slightly after hearing his words, but she didn't care much and expressed her gratitude very politely.

Under Fan Hua's introduction again, she shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with Gao Yaqin.

Finally, it was Li Xuewu. He could clearly feel the strength of the other party's grip, which should be a counterattack to the "sharp" attitude of Old Li just now.

This was to remind Li Xuewu, and also to let him remind the leaders of the Red Star Factory, that facilitating the meeting between the two sides was not easy for her and Ai Jiaqing.

Higher-level meetings and cooperation would have a positive and far-reaching impact on the subsequent trade and other cooperation between the two sides.

Although she had a European and American face, her heart was a "China hand," and she had a full understanding of the situation in the mainland.

She was really afraid that Old Li would have an arrogant heart after making progress, and that there would be some improper actions during the talks, affecting the subsequent work.

In fact, this was also what Li Xuewu was worried about. Meetings between leaders carry great risks, especially leaders who are not often in contact with business.

You will find that during the talks, they basically do not talk about specific work content. A few sentences will pass, and the remaining will be discussed and docked by the leaders in charge of the business, and then the business personnel of both sides will communicate.

But it cannot be said that this kind of meeting and talk is empty, hypocritical, and meaningless. Whether it is business or politics, its essence is trust.

Only because of higher-level meetings and exchanges can a mutually beneficial trust foundation be actively established, thereby facilitating subsequent commercial negotiations.

The big leaders of both sides may speak less and may be empty, but the goals and directionality are still very strong. Their sensitivity to policy and management far exceeds that of ordinary people.

Speaking less does not mean knowing less, and it does not mean less cooperation in the future.

After simple pleasantries, under Selena's guidance, Li Huai De walked in front, and Gao Yaqin and Li Xuewu followed with others.

Although the group did not have the rigorous and rigid formation and pace of the army, the same style and pattern of clothing, strict hierarchical team sequence, and polite language and behavioral norms still brought different shocks and feelings to the welcoming representatives of Zhongrun and Wufeng Hang.

The staff of the Beijing Hotel and other cadres who appeared here stopped to watch one after another, feeling a special amazement.

There was no sound of leather shoes walking on the soft carpet, but the confident pace of the Red Star Factory representatives stepped out a loud spirit.

The same style of clothing and leather shoes, the same style of briefcase and chest card; those who didn't know would think that these were the big shots from Hong Kong.

Selena also didn't expect that Li Xuewu would come up with such a set.

From the moment the other party got off the car, she secretly said it was bad. Such standardized etiquette and meeting team really suppressed their arrogance and contempt.

In commercial meetings, serious customers are the hardest to deal with.

The pinch of Li Xuewu could only be said to be an emergency expression of inner opinion, saying that the Red Star Factory was well prepared and that those who come are not good!

If it were Li Xuewu, he would also say: You are the ones who came!

"Hahaha, I have heard of the great name of the Red Star Factory for a long time."

In the reception hall on the sixth floor, the big leaders of both sides finally met.

Song Xinghua, Deputy Director of Zhongrun, shook Li Huai De's hand and laughed: "It is no exaggeration to say that it is like thunder piercing the ears!"

He was so polite and asked the person in charge of Wufeng Hang beside him, "General Manager Fu, am I right to say that?"

"The Yazhi brand radio in your office is a product of the Red Star Factory," Fu Caining said with a serious look but a smile on her face: "You said it is like thunder piercing the ears, that is naturally correct."

"Hahaha——"

Song Xinghua was a bald middle-aged man who looked very bold on the surface. He was probably over fifty years old. His temperament was slightly domineering, but the large frames on his face were accompanied by Confucian elegance. His words and deeds revealed initiative and hardness everywhere.

Since Li Huai De's progress, this was the first time he had dealt with such a level and such a special person in a formal occasion.

Being held tightly by the other party's hand, he did not see any panic or anger, but instead had a Confucian and elegant demeanor of overcoming hardness with softness and a breeze blowing on his face.

As for the international situation, Old Li might not have much contact, but if he wants to play Tai Chi, he can push one hundred and eight hands with the other party without falling behind.

"To be able to let the Red Star Factory's thunder pierce the ears of you in Hong Kong, I must thank General Manager Fu of Wufeng Hang and Ms. Zhou of Oriental Trading!"

He took advantage of this sentence of thanks to slip away Deputy Director Song's hand and took the initiative to reach out to Fu Caining.

"General Manager Fu, we meet again. Welcome back to Beijing!"

"Thank you, Director Li. I have already felt the enthusiasm of my hometown."

Fu Caining smiled and shook hands with Li Huai De, saying: "Every time I return to Beijing, I can feel different changes."

"Especially the Red Star Factory, changing with each passing day and developing rapidly, which makes me, a wanderer who has worked abroad for many years, feel deeply proud and proud."

"After hearing your words, I should be the one who feels proud and proud!"

Li Huai De laughed, expressing emotions more intimate and warmer than just now. In contrast, it seemed that he deliberately gave Deputy Director Song embarrassment.

But in commercial social occasions, where is there any true feeling? It's just false and real, true and false, and meeting moves with moves.

Even if it was the other party, I am afraid they did not expect that Li Huai De had just stepped into this circle and performed so steadily and with ease.

You can't say that Li Huai De had never been in contact with this circle before. He also had leaders and big shots.

But contact and personal feeling are two different things. Gao Yaqin and Li Xuewu standing behind Li Huai De also had the same mentality.

If it were them standing in Li Huai De's position, how would they face it?

In the link of shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, as the meeting representative of the Red Star Factory, Li Xuewu was the last one to shake hands and meet with Fu Caining.

"General Manager Fu, hello, welcome back to Beijing."

His greeting was very simple, but his tone revealed closeness and naturalness, making people feel his sincerity and enthusiasm as soon as they heard it.

The look in Fu Caining's eyes when she looked at him also revealed appreciation and happiness, "Thank you, thank you Secretary-General Li."

In formal occasions, one should address by position, even if the relationship is close.

The reception hall was crowded with people. In addition to the meeting representatives and staff of both sides, there were also accompanying reporters and photographers.

The flash kept flashing during the pleasantries, capturing the moment of shaking hands between the representatives of both sides in front of the Great Wall Chinese painting screen.

After ten minutes of mutual introduction, politeness, and pleasantries, the two sides entered the inner room of the reception hall under the guidance of the staff.

The sofas were arranged in a circular layout, with both sides occupying one side, distinct from each other.

After taking their seats, the reporters were given less than three minutes to take pictures, and the staff began the work of clearing the venue.

The relevant meeting representatives entered the venue at this time, found their seats behind their own big shots, and provided meeting support for the subsequent talks.

Although the representatives of Zhongrun, Wufeng Hang, and Oriental Trading came from Hong Kong, they are of the same root and origin, and they are considered their own people when the door is closed.

Everyone speaks Chinese, so there is no need for translators, and there are a few more foreign affairs representatives.

"Just now General Manager Fu also mentioned that my office has a Yazhi brand radio, which is a product of the Red Star Factory."

After Song Xinghua sat down, his temperament changed again, with seriousness in warmth, which seemed very solemn in such an occasion.

"It is no exaggeration to say that it is like thunder piercing the ears."

He said very sincerely: "I hope that more domestic brands will appear in my office, and more people in Hong Kong can use domestic brands."

"Being able to bring industrial products out and sell them overseas is a business activity of extraordinary significance to us."

"Zhongrun hopes more than anything that more and better products, and more enterprises like the Red Star Factory, will go out of the country and move towards the world."

Song Xinghua said: "I sincerely hope that the brilliance of the Red Star Factory seen today is not an independent individual, but a flame burst out by a single spark."

"It is an extension of industrial reform, the final embodiment of production and technological reform, and a new route for our organization to explore industrial development and economic development," he nodded slowly and said: "If it can explore a development path for thousands of industrial systems and sales system enterprises, the Red Star Factory will have merits in the contemporary era and benefits for thousands of autumns."

"I fully agree with Deputy Director Song's point of view."

Fu Caining mentioned the current development of the Red Star Factory in her speech, "The cooperation project between Wufeng Hang and the Red Star Factory is progressing smoothly. This year, the three factories of the food industry have successfully completed the primary goal of quantitative production."

"In the subsequent cooperation, we look forward to more and broader cooperation space and deepening the cooperation foundation between the two sides."

She signaled to the Red Star Factory side and smiled and said to Li Huai De: "It not only includes the food industry, but we also have made great progress in the trade field."

"With Oriental Trading as the core foundation, the actively expanded retail business has also made new breakthroughs," she looked at Selena beside her and continued: "In addition to traditional food projects, it also includes hardware, electrical appliances, medicine, etc. I believe that in other industrial fields, we still have more cooperation opportunities."

"I agree with General Manager Fu's feelings more than anything. These are my personal experiences in the work of Oriental Trading."

Selena's authentic Mandarin, combined with her international face, looked very special, and her speech was also very in line with the characteristics of the mainland.

"In the past year, we have expanded the production area of the food industry and expanded cooperation and trade space to Beijing."

Her speech was accompanied by appropriate gestures and was very vivid and specific.

"We have produced instant noodles, canned food, and snack products in the mainland, and also included Tianxian Moutai white wine. These projects have all been successful."

Selena introduced with the documents in her hand: "In the field of food trade, this cooperation and expansion not only well continued Wufeng Hang's food business advantages in Hong Kong, but also added more excellent categories to choose from."

"Products represented by independent brands such as Youxuan, Pinxian, and Jiamei have gained great recognition and trust in Hong Kong."

She said confidently: "Next, Oriental Trading will strive to bring more and better products to Hong Kong and to the whole world."

"Thank you Deputy Director Song for your support, thank you General Manager Fu for your trust, and thank you General Manager Zhou for your contribution and efforts to trade."

Li Huai De took over the topic according to the meeting procedure and smiled to express his gratitude for the statements of the three parties just now.

Zhongrun is a holding enterprise of Wufeng Hang, but the two sides are independently operated enterprises. Although the business scope of operation overlaps, it is not much.

Each has different development directions, just like the relationship between Oriental Trading and Wufeng Hang.

Wufeng Hang is also a participating enterprise of Oriental Trading, otherwise it would not be Selena's turn to serve as the General Manager of Oriental Trading.

Oriental Era Bank, as the capital holding, is based on the Red Star Factory's cooperative banks overseas, connecting relevant cooperative relationships, and also acts as a guarantee.

The three people Li Huai De faced each represented an enterprise, but in terms of overall goals and interest relationships, they had close ties.

It can be called commercial series, or commercial matrix. Anyway, it is a situation of glory and glory, loss and loss.

Being able to have the attention and attention of Zhongrun and raising cooperation to a new height is a new development need for several parties.

So Li Huai De also pushed cooperation a step further in his speech.

"Since the development of the university learning activity, the Red Star Factory has strictly adhered to the industrial thought core of grasping reform and promoting production, and with the scientific development concept as the industrial development concept, it has made great progress in domestic and foreign trade work."

He emphasized: "The Red Star Factory has always attached great importance to trade work, and has even promoted foreign trade as a key direction of economic work."

"We established a trade management center in Tianjin, and organized the establishment of an International Business Department this year," after signaling the direction of the representatives of several parties, he continued: "This is an effort made to deal with the constantly changing international trade form and handle complicated trade management problems."

"We always adhere to the guiding ideology of cooperation, win-win, and common development for trade work, and take scientific development and standardized production as the foundation of our existence, providing a reliable foundation for trade work, production work, and management work..."

Li Huai De's speech was a bit long. Because he was the host and also an important member of this meeting and the upcoming cooperation negotiations, he had to make it clear and comprehensive to clearly express the attitude and standards of the Red Star Factory.

The top leader talks about the overall situation and attitude, and the business leader talks about cooperation and scope.

Although Gao Yaqin had just arrived at the factory, she also had sufficient work experience in the economic field. During this period, she had been making up for the Red Star Factory's lessons.

She had read a pile of relevant materials, checked relevant data again and again, and met relevant persons in charge one after another.

Only then did she have the confidence and calmness of today's meeting speech.

"Last year, the Red Star Factory achieved a total order amount of over 30 million in foreign trade work, and also included a series of technical and development cooperation."

She introduced in her speech: "Cooperation with Geely Star Shipping and Santa Ya Group has made Yingcheng Shipping glow with vitality; cooperation with Sanhe Stock Company has made Red Star Electronic Industry have a breakthrough progress from zero to one."

"Santa Ya Group provided free technical and equipment assistance, which greatly promoted the development and rapid construction of the Liangma River Industrial Zone."

Gao Yaqin said: "In the direction of industrial development, the Red Star Factory has carried out a series of mergers and acquisitions, and a total of more than 20 enterprises and factories have integrated into the Red Star Factory family."

"The number of professional branches and professional factories exceeds 10, joint industrial enterprises reach 7, self-held tertiary industry possesses 46 industrial production projects, and the number of employees exceeds 95,000."

She emphasized: "We have achieved fruitful results and experience in electronic industry, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, food industry, machine tool production, engineering machinery, aircraft manufacturing, etc."

"Last year, the last industrial project landed. The Red Star Factory possessed the ability to manufacture aircraft, and is expected to realize the production of relevant models by the end of this year. We have received order applications from commercial travel groups, and the number of orders exceeds 100..."

What is she doing?

It is not simply showing off the family background, nor is it deliberately posing. This is the premise of commercial cooperation, which is to let the other party pay enough attention.

And Li Xuewu did not mention the production of relevant trade and products too much in the subsequent speech, but introduced the development direction and trend of the Red Star Factory this year and the next few years.

"Under the care and guidance of the superiors, the Red Star Factory digs deep into the development potential of the Liangma River Ecological Industrial Zone, focusing on building and exploring a standard demonstration industrial zone where ecology, scientific research, and humanities coexist harmoniously with industrial development."

He also talked about Tianjin, "The Joint Trade Management Center will complete expansion and incubation this year, and form an International Business Department and a Comprehensive Settlement Center."

"Relying on the cooperation foundation about to be reached between the Joint Savings Bank and the Oriental Era Bank, we will accelerate the construction of the economic structure for foreign trade exchanges, and at the same time, take domestic and foreign trade as a node to carry out an internal and external circulation structure."

Li Xuewu introduced the two development cores of Beijing and Tianjin in an easy-to-understand way, and also talked about the big environment of the Northeast Asian economic circle and the development ideas of the industrial belt.

Taking Fengcheng as the center of industrial development, Steel City as the core of industrial production, and Yingcheng as the starting point of industrial trade, the industrial chain connects the three major integrated production blocks, forming a new pattern of industrial production and development in Northeast Asia.

After emphasizing the production potential of Yingcheng Shipping and the container project in cooperation with Beijing Railway Station, he also talked about the Red Star Factory's shipping planning for the future, including major shipping routes serving industrial trade, etc.

The three people opposite were very clear that container cargo ships are the trend of shipping. At this time in Hong Kong, there were already container cargo ships docking and operating.

When hearing that the Red Star Factory is actively promoting the landing of the Yingcheng Port container cargo terminal project, together with the Jingu Port terminal in Tianjin, forming a shipping cooperation alliance with the Prince Port terminal in Hong Kong, Song Xinghua, Deputy Director of Zhongrun, showed great interest.

Of course, it also includes the aircraft project just mentioned by Gao Yaqin. Li Xuewu also mentioned the drone project when introducing maritime shipping.

What kind of impact will drones combined with container cargo ships have? He doesn't need to talk in detail, the other party can also imagine.

Heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft guns are weak. That thing hits the ship at most as a hole, but drones hit from ten kilometers or dozens of kilometers away, which is very likely to hit the soul and directly dry it.

Believe in the knowledge of these people, and believe in their understanding and cognition of cutting-edge technology.

In this era, the drone project has long been a key research direction for various developed countries. The concept and research of drones can be traced back to the last century. This thing is not a new thing for spaceships.

Deputy Director Song likes shipping, Li Xuewu is happy, Deputy Director Song likes container cargo terminals, he is even happier.

If Deputy Director Song likes drones, that's really great. This bottomless pit must be filled by a big guy with a wide body and a fat body.

Anyway, Li Xuewu has planned for the next few years. As long as there is a chance, he will pull more people into the pit.

Whoever wants to earn 100 yuan from the Red Star Factory must throw 30 yuan into the drone project.

This is not called begging, nor is it called pitting money, this is called paying for dreams!

"You also have cooperation with Watsons in Hong Kong, right?"

After the meeting, Deputy Director Song of Zhongrun came forward and enthusiastically invited the visiting group of the Red Star Factory to hold a dinner.

The form of the dinner is very international, Chinese food and Western buffet, similar to the few banquets organized by the Red Star Factory.

There is only one purpose for such an arrangement, and that is to create a relatively relaxed private space, so as to say some words that are not formal.

However, in this kind of meeting, except for the words that have been determined, where can there be words that can be said in a relaxed state.

Li Xuewu toasted Deputy Director Song and smiled and introduced: "It is the cooperative business expanded by Oriental Trading, which directly pushes the Red Star Factory's products to the retail industry, to form advantages in price and channels."

"This idea is very unique."

Deputy Director Song pointed at Li Xuewu and said: "Many Watsons stores I saw in Hong Kong are undergoing renovation and upgrading, and some core locations are still building large warehouse-style shopping malls for Watsons."

"It is a transformation from the drug and cosmetics industry to the retail industry."

Li Xuewu didn't play the game of pretending to understand, and said very straightforwardly: "The Red Star Factory's products are mostly based on high quality and low price as the core value. Only by directly facing retail enterprises can they have more market advantages."

"Including food industry, hardware industry, electronic industry, Chinese medicine, etc.," he emphasized: "Even the automobile industry needs to compress channels to develop."

"How is your cooperation with the Santa Ya Group going?"

At the dining table, Fu Caining asked proactively: "Besides cooperation in the industrial field, is there also cooperation in the construction field?"

"It is currently still under consideration."

As the person in charge of organizational coordination for the Red Star Factory's economic and trade work, Li Xuewu also has a certain right to speak.

He introduced: "Both the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade and the Construction Engineering Commission have provided certain cooperation suggestions, and we are also actively investigating and researching them."

"It was also at the end of last year that our industrial production technology made fundamental and epoch-making progress, which is what supports further cooperation."

Li Xuewu did not speak very specifically, but can the ability to independently produce precision instruments like helicopters not explain the issue?

Technology will always be the core of industry; as long as the Red Star Factory maintains its technological lead, it need not worry about products becoming unsalable, and even less about production problems.

The purpose of his introduction like this is also to strengthen the trust in the contact and exchange between the two sides, and to prepare for the next step of cooperation.

At the dining table, the two sides exchanged and communicated on multiple fields such as shipping, wharves, medicine, logistics, machine tools, electrical appliances, and engineering machinery.

Regarding traditional industries, such as the food industry, mechanical production, hardware processing, steel materials and steel parts, etc., they also exchanged trade intentions and opinions.

After the lunch gathering ended, Li Huai De, representing the Red Star Factory, issued invitations to Zhongrun, Ng Fung Hong, and Oriental Trade, inviting them to be guests at the Red Star Factory and visit the Liangma River Ecological Industrial Demonstration Zone currently under construction.

Subsequently, Gao Yaqin issued formal invitations to the three parties, inviting them to participate in the visit and inspection activities of the Steel City Industrial Zone and Yingcheng Shipping, which are organized by the Red Star Factory and led by her, on the 25th of this month.

Of the two invitations, Li Huai De's was more polite, while Gao Yaqin's was more specific.

Politeness is an attitude, demonstrating magnanimity and courtesy; specificity is confidence, demonstrating optimism and positivity.

Deputy Director Song of Zhongrun, General Manager Fu of Ng Fung Hong, and General Manager Zhou of Oriental Trade expressed their gratitude for the two invitations respectively.

Regarding the visit and inspection activity on the 25th, all three parties indicated that they would consider it seriously and give a specific reply as soon as possible.

Actually, the polite words spoken by Li Huai De do not count as a specific plan, but the invitation issued by Gao Yaqin was truly planned out.

When top leaders meet to discuss matters, the relevant content had already been communicated and prepared a month ago.

This activity is set for the 25th, which is only a few days away; with such a tight schedule, how could there not be a plan?

Mutual courtesy is just a convention in business occasions; whether to participate, whether one can participate, and whether one will participate in the end, has long been decided.

Otherwise, if I invite you and you don't come, wouldn't that be not giving me face?

Of course, specifically who will participate cannot be determined yet, because it is not easy for Deputy Director Song and General Manager Fu to make a trip back, and there is still a lot of work.

However, no matter who goes, it will not delay the cooperation between each other, and even less will it affect the results of this visit and inspection.

"Goodbye, Deputy Director Song."

"Goodbye—"

Courtesy demands reciprocity; Song Xinghua and Fu Caining accompanied the Red Star Factory group all the way downstairs, watching them get into their cars and leave.

This attitude also represents the stable trend of cooperation between the two sides and a future that can be looked forward to.

Watching the two vehicle models of the Red Star Factory escorting the large Red Flag and Volga away, the expressions of the several people standing at the entrance were different, but in their eyes, they all had interest and hope for the subsequent cooperation.

Such a behemoth, to be able to forge ahead bravely in the turbulent general environment and the harsh, treacherous situation—can this not represent strength?

On the way back, Li Xuewu and Li Huai De chatted all the way, mainly about the expectations and plans for this cooperation.

It can be said that the strength and expectations shown by the Red Star Factory in the previous several cooperations were not as urgent and positive as this time.

Whether cooperating with the chemical plant or cooperating with the Dongcheng Credit Union, it was all for inward and upward development; only the cooperation with Zhongrun is serious outward development, and it is also the economic development direction that the Red Star Factory needs most at present.

In the general environment of a planned economy, the market economy is restricted and limited everywhere; wanting to stretch one's hands and feet to do a big job is impossible.

Therefore, one can only develop outward, drawing the capital and ability needed for the group's development from the external environment.

If a framework cooperation agreement can be reached with Zhongrun, by taking advantage of the other party's development and geographical advantages, the Red Star Factory will have a suitable springboard.

That is to say, the rope that previously restricted the Red Star Factory from directly cooperating with the outside world has been loosened, and there is a wider space for activity.

Even at the right time, going to Hong Kong to build liaison offices, representative offices, branches, independent companies, and other branch institutions has also become possible.

At this time, don't talk about the routines of asking sky-high prices and paying back on the ground; I understand your feigned reserve, and you understand my ulterior motives—it's just that kind of thing.

The two also talked about the construction projects of the office building, the industrial building, and the publishing house building; these are the key construction goals for this year.

Start construction this year, complete and deliver for occupancy next year, and begin group-style office work.

With Old Li's impatient temper, he was thinking of completing the group organizational construction before the end of next year, but Li Xuewu expressed concern about this.

Whether it is a branch company or a professional factory, even if there is a ready-made organizational structure and production foundation, it takes time to grind and fit for integration and reorganization.

Starting from February, the main persons in charge of each branch institution have been determined; connecting with existing branch companies and professional factories to complete the organizational structure and agency reorganization has already shown many problems.

As the relevant leader in charge, Li Xuewu has been busy with this matter recently, coordinating organizational work and personnel work, and dealing with and solving relevant problems one by one.

Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; he no longer has the ease and freedom he had when managing the Security Section and the Security Division.

At this time, thinking about problems from the perspective of factory leadership, it can no longer be the reckless thinking of "if you can do it, you go up; if he can't, he goes down."

The building and management of a management team is a test for the leader in charge and the person responsible, and it is also a test for the team members.

Whether the parts are suitable, one has to try to know; only after the break-in period passes can it be determined that the relevant combination of parts can meet the standards and complete the cooperation.

Impatience cannot solve problems, and means are not the main goal; communicating with Li Huai De and communicating with various leaders in charge, Li Xuewu is the busiest person in the Management Committee.

As soon as he arrived at the factory, Peng Xiaoli came over, appearing a bit awkward, and also a bit regretful and guilty.

"What are you doing, acting like a big girl?"

Li Xuewu glanced at him and asked: "How is it working under Team Leader Wang? Have you gained anything?"

"I came here just for this matter."

Peng Xiaoli gritted his teeth, pinched his fingers, and reported: "I want to report to you about the question you asked me last time regarding my next work arrangement."

"Oh? You have an answer so soon?"

Li Xuewu raised his head with a smile, looked at him, and asked: "Did you encounter something, or did you suddenly figure it out? I did give you time to consider."

"Yes, I am especially grateful for your care."

Peng Xiaoli said seriously: "It was Deputy Team Leader Wang who found me to talk, hoping that I would make a decision as soon as possible and integrate into the work wholeheartedly as soon as possible..."

"Hmm, she also has her difficulties."

Li Xuewu nodded understandingly, put down the fountain pen in his hand, and said: "I have more and more work in the Committee Office, and the work on the security team side has been delayed somewhat."

"Comrade Wang Xiaoqin is very serious and responsible about her work; she is definitely not here to gild herself, and even less to occupy a position."

What he said were all gossip that had spread in the agency recently.

"Yes, I understand what you mean."

Peng Xiaoli straightened his expression and said: "In the few days I have been working with Deputy Team Leader Wang, I have also been able to feel her enthusiasm and focus on work."

"Hmm, it's good that you can think this way."

Li Xuewu looked at him with a smile and asked: "Then, what is your final answer?"

"Is it choosing to help Deputy Team Leader Wang, or staying to continue helping me?"

"I want to stay in the security team to continue learning and training."

Peng Xiaoli's tone carried confusion and regret about the choice, but also the decisiveness and determination of a young person.

Li Xuewu nodded, stood up, reached out his hand, shook hands with him, and said: "Congratulations to you for having the courage to walk independently, and thank you for the hard work and effort you have put into working for me for more than a year."

"Thank you, leader; following you, I have learned too, too much."

Peng Xiaoli said the choice in his heart and also put down the big stone in his heart; holding Li Xuewu's hand with both hands, he said: "Without your teaching and help, there would be no today and progress for me."

"No need to be humble," Li Xuewu raised his hand to pat his arm, looked him over, and said: "Everyone has their own path to walk."

"When to walk, how to walk, and in which direction to walk, all require courage and wisdom to firm up determination and belief."

He nodded slowly and said: "Since you have made the choice, you must unswervingly persist in walking it; only in this way can you see the rainbow."

"Thank you, leader—"

Peng Xiaoli is still very emotional; after bowing deeply to Li Xuewu, he left with red eyes.

After exiting the door of the Secretary-General's office, he happened to meet Li Xue passing by in the corridor.

Peng Xiaoli wanted to say something, but his excited mood at this time did not allow it.

Li Xue, however, did not indulge him; she rolled her eyes at him and said: "Traitor!"

"Uh—"

Peng Xiaoli was suddenly startled, appearing a bit at a loss when facing such a severe accusation from Li Xue.

But immediately after, he saw the teasing expression on Li Xue's face; it was a smile that even the blooming of a hundred flowers in spring could not compare to, and a gaze that melted ice and snow and warmed the spring breeze.

"You really are a blockhead!"

Seeing him staring straight at her, Li Xue scolded him and went to the office, ignoring Peng Xiaoli who was still standing there blankly behind her.

Gu Cheng slipped out of the Second Section office, looked in the direction Li Xue left following Peng Xiaoli's gaze, walked up to him, and even waved his palm in front of his eyes, "Hey, come back to your senses!"

"Don't mess around, what senses am I coming back to!"

Peng Xiaoli glanced at him and said dissatisfiedly: "I saw you a long time ago."

"You saw me a long time ago, so why are you standing here acting like a 'husband-gazing stone'?"

Gu Cheng curled his lips, gestured toward the Secretary-General's office not far away, and asked: "Did you tell the leader? You chose to stay in the security team? You don't regret it?"

"Are you annoying or what?"

Peng Xiaoli was just reflecting on the decision he made, and this kid Gu Cheng came to tease him.

Gu Cheng, however, said in the tone of someone who had been there: "The falling flowers have intentions, but the flowing water is heartless; unrequited love has always left empty regrets since ancient times, and good dreams are the easiest to wake from!"

Peng Xiaoli slanted his eyes at the cynical friend and sneered: "Watching my fun because you have no chance, right?"

"Don't be arrogant too early—"

Gu Cheng shook his head, made a whistling gesture, raised his eyebrows, and said: "If someone gives you a little sunshine, you become brilliant; if someone gives you a smile, you become romantic."

"I even suspect that if she sees a sparrow outside the window, she thinks it's better-looking than you."

"Get lost—"

(End of chapter)