Chapter 1353: Opportunity Waits for No One

What is meant by a model worker?

A model refers to the most representative people and things within a similar category; by year's end, the group intends to vigorously promote models among young cadres.

Li Li Xuewu held in his hand a proposal regarding the selection and publicity of outstanding cadres and staff as advanced work models, jointly submitted by the Publicity Department and the Operations Department.

What made this particularly distinctive was that the selection and publicity of these models were divided by gender, with ten slots allocated for each.

The advanced young male cadre models were called the "Ten Great Youths," while the young female models, possessing even more distinctiveness, were called the "Ten Golden Flowers."

Given how distinctive this evaluation activity was, brimming with competitive intrigue, can you guess who orchestrated it?

That's right, it was our brilliant and wise Director Li.

Many within the agency privately discussed this advanced model evaluation, remarking that Director Li was like a fox letting out a sheep's fart.

How so?

Well, it was both racy and stylish.

You couldn't deny it; since Director Li aimed to establish advanced young cadre models this time, excluding the older comrades, such racy remarks naturally abounded.

Yet among the young cadre demographic, this activity indeed garnered substantial appeal.

Li Li Huai De's personnel reform strategy had entered its final stage, necessitating one last decisive push.

In the earlier phase, so many old fellows within the agency had been cleared out, while so many young cadres had been placed in crucial grassroots positions.

Counting from the day Director Li recognized the importance of personnel work and began laying out his plans, over two full years had passed.

It was time to assess the results of this work, simultaneously rallying the hearts of the young cadres and boosting morale.

In the mouths of the older comrades, however, this activity became like Jiang Taigong fishing—using a straight hook to catch a Wang Ba, unwilling to spare even a scrap of bait.

But in the eyes of the young cadres, these older fellows were merely sour grapes, too lazy to bother with them.

Just look; Director Li merely tossed out the "Ten Great Youths" and the "Ten Golden Flowers," and effortlessly divided the ranks.

With men competing against men, women against women, and the new pitted against the old, where was the cohesion left for gathering over tea and idle chatter?

Every young male cadre exerted himself to perform, striving to be evaluated as one of the "Ten Great Youths" at year's end, thereby becoming a key focus of Director Li's attention and cultivation.

The young female cadres were even more drawn to the honor of the "Ten Golden Flowers," as these ten would deliver special model reports at next year's International Working Women's Day and enjoy publicity for several years.

Just think about it; whether becoming one of the "Ten Great Youths" or one of the "Ten Golden Flowers," one would inevitably become a prized asset in the eyes of leadership in the future.

With increased attention from leaders came increased opportunities for career advancement; what could be a greater opportunity than that?

Setting aside any material rewards for now, just this level of publicity and the honorary titles alone were sufficient to ignite the enthusiasm of young cadres to participate.

The evaluation would commence this December and continue until January of next year, with the results announced before the Lunar New Year.

Since these were young cadres, there would naturally be an age restriction.

Thirty-five years old; anyone under thirty-five met the selection criteria.

Of course, although the published age standard was under thirty-five, in reality, the primary targets for selection were those under thirty.

Unless there were special work contributions or outstanding performance.

Why was the hidden condition set at under thirty? Because those under thirty held greater potential for cultivation.

Naturally, besides the age restriction, there were other implicit conditions, such as the stipulation that group leaders could not participate.

Other enterprise employees hearing this requirement might wonder, how could such a bizarre condition exist?

The staff of Red Star Iron and Steel Group had no such confusion, because among the group's leaders there was a bizarre individual who was not yet thirty years old.

Once the detailed rules for the advanced model selection activity were announced, fervent discussions erupted throughout the agency and various branch companies, with this level of intensity overshadowing all other topics.

Shrewd observers couldn't help but speculate whether this was a smoke screen deliberately released by Director Li to conceal something unsavory.

Once the heat rose, certain models would inevitably surface first.

Multiple group media outlets, including the "Industrial United Newspaper," the United Broadcasting Station, and the "Industrial Youth" magazine, successively reported the outstanding work deeds of Yu Yu Haitang, the station master of the broadcasting station, leading to a widespread belief within the agency that the Publicity Department was generating hype for their own people.

Naturally, many others whispered privately that this Yu Yu Haitang was very well-connected and shared an extremely close relationship with Director Li.

Speaking these words was invariably accompanied by winking and eyebrow-raising gestures, implying "you know what I mean."

Those who heard such remarks naturally understood; apparently, this "extremely close relationship" referred to that kind of closeness.

Looking back, when everyone said Station Master Yu was very well-connected, well-connected in what way exactly?

Comrades with experience working in agency units were very clear about the power of being a model; it was equivalent to boarding a rocket.

As long as no serious issues arose in one's work or ideology, one basically secured a future position of importance.

Without connections or background, wouldn't one have to risk half their life just to seize such an opportunity?

Look at Yu Yu Haitang; so young, yet already the station master of the broadcasting station, deeply valued and watched by leadership.

It was simply because she had chosen the right person and stood on the right side of the trend back then.

The broadcasting station was a vital component of the Publicity Department, serving as a key propaganda front and important mouthpiece that the group focused on and developed.

Starting from the year before last, the group had invested several times, updating equipment for the broadcasting station and adding personnel and talent.

Last year, the Red Star Factory Broadcasting Station further united with and merged several other broadcasting stations to establish the United Industrial Broadcasting Station.

The station's broadcast bands now officially covered the key residential areas of the group's employees, with the entire Jingcheng within its radiation range.

Because it broadcast twenty-four hours without interruption and its programs aligned with the characteristics of the era, staying close to the real-life matters of workers, it enjoyed a solid listener base.

With the transfer of Yi Yi Honglei, the former station master of the broadcasting station, under normal circumstances, Deputy Station Master Yu Yu Haitang would not have qualified for promotion.

However, Group Leader Director Li held her in high regard, overriding all objections to promote her under the banner that excellent youths must shoulder the role of a shock troop.

To speak plainly, Li Li Huai De's forceful recommendation of Yu Yu Haitang's ascent carried certain political risks, but as long as Yu Yu Haitang achieved accomplishments in her post, such risks were worth taking.

Furthermore, Yu Yu Haitang had worked as deputy station master for two years, and her work capabilities were evident to all.

Did Li Li Huai De make arrangements recklessly, appointing people based on favoritism?

He was shrewd; if Yu Yu Haitang were an Adou, he would never commit such a foolish act or bear such unnecessary risk.

Yu Yu Haitang was young and capable; once she was promoted, it would be like Xie Xie Qianjin buying the bones of a horse, winning over the hearts of the group's young cadres.

It was only a broadcasting station, not a design or production department; even if a small problem arose, it would not be severe.

Therefore, compared to buying people's hearts and controlling personnel matters, promoting Yu Yu Haitang to a higher position meant Li Li Huai De stood to gain everything with nothing to lose.

Furthermore, it wasn't just about Yu Yu Haitang alone; as was said, there were the Ten Outstanding Youths and the Ten Golden Flowers.

Those who understood the situation could naturally see Director Li's ulterior motives, while those who didn't would only say that Old Li favored his own kin.

If it concerned those with vested interests, like Han Lu, they would probably curse Old Li for shifting his affections, being cold and heartless, being blinded by lust, and misusing public resources for private gain...

"What do you say?" Wang Lu looked at Nie Nie Xiaoguang, who sat silently on the chair, and asked, "Have you not thought it through, or do you simply not want to speak?"

The duty room for the small vehicle fleet was originally a row of single-story houses, built together with the garage, to fully ensure that the leaders could travel at any time.

In this era, automobiles were delicate things; it was impossible to wait several thousand kilometers before maintenance, so daily upkeep was extremely important.

The garage had all sorts of tools and equipment; usually, the drivers of the small vehicle squad gathered together chatting and laughing, but more often they were repairing cars and performing maintenance.

At this moment, looking out from the resting room window, a group of drivers were whispering among themselves, their eyes glancing over here, though one couldn't tell what they were saying.

Actually, Wang Lu didn't need to guess to know; for no reason other than the matter concerning Han Lu, Nie Nie Xiaoguang had also become a top figure of gossip within the agency.

If not for the publication of the detailed rules for selecting model young cadres, Nie Nie Xiaoguang would likely be pointed at and discussed behind his back whenever he stepped outside.

Even now, his colleagues in the small vehicle squad had not let him off; gathered together, they were surely talking about his foolish affairs.

Actively clinging to and taking responsibility for a promiscuous woman who was pregnant before marriage—wasn't Nie Nie Xiaoguang indeed a fool?

If that Han Lu were truly a devoted woman who was dumped by Chen Chen Shimei, that would be understandable, and some might even feel sympathy for her.

But the current situation was that everyone already knew Han Lu had actively seduced a certain leader, resulting in her present predicament.

With the precedent set by Deputy Director Cheng, everyone was adopting an attitude of watching the spectacle, waiting for Han Lu to give birth and cause a scene.

Yet everyone also knew that even if a scene were made, it would most likely end with flowers and grass.

What is the meaning of "flowers and grass"?

The leader spends a lot of money (hua), and then it's all over hastily (cao)...

"Comrade Nie Nie Xiaoguang, we have no friendship." Wang Lu spoke very plainly, "The fact that I came to find you and help you, you should know whose arrangement this is."

"I'm not advising you to remember his kindness, but surely you must consider your own situation?"

Sitting diagonally opposite Nie Nie Xiaoguang, she spoke with a hint of impatience in her tone: "When you first entered the factory and were arranged to be a driver for the leaders, you should have been clear about how much responsibility the leaders bore."

"If it weren't to protect you, why would he need to deal hypocritically with that person, yet now you are splitting hairs..."

"Sister Wang, thank you for making this trip."

Nie Nie Xiaoguang suddenly raised his head, grinned foolishly, and promised, "I won't do anything stupid, please rest assured."

"Sometimes people do stupid things without even realizing they are being stupid."

Wang Lu, perhaps sensing his terrible mood, spoke with some emotion: "Just like myself; sometimes I am truly foolish."

Hearing her say this, Nie Nie Xiaoguang twitched the corner of his mouth; wasn't she here to comfort me? Why is she talking about herself now?

"You might also know that when I first graduated, my eldest uncle arranged for me to go to the International Hotel."

Wang Lu actually began recounting her own story; seeing Nie Nie Xiaoguang's surprised expression, she added without any reservation: "My eldest uncle is Xia Xia Zhongquan, the Chief Engineer of the Group; I entered the factory through his connections."

"Back then, I didn't understand anything; I only felt that the waitresses at the International Hotel dressed well, had good jobs, and could gain worldly experience."

Lowering her head, she spoke of her bitter past with a somewhat depressed emotion, looking as if she were about to cry at any moment.

Nie Nie Xiaoguang, who originally had some emotions of his own, was now at a loss; he had never comforted a girl before and truly didn't know how to follow up.

Should he hug her and cry together, shouting that we are both fallen souls at the edge of the world, that we are all people of bitter fate?

"Sister Wang..."

"Listen to me—"

Nie Nie Xiaoguang weakly called out, originally intending to remind Wang Lu, to remind her that she was here to comfort him.

But unexpectedly, Wang Lu had gotten into her own state, not listening to him at all, and even forcibly dragged him into listening to her grievances.

"In which good family does a Miss burn down her fiancé's house the moment she is officially recognized?"

"Even if I were as stupid as can be, I could still hear the mockery in their words!"

"Even if I were as stupid as can be, I could still see the contempt in their eyes!"

Wang Lu spoke in a low and helpless tone: "They all treat me like a silly big sister; they all look down on me, yet I insist on not living up to their expectations."

"They all laugh at me, yet I happen to be the most laughable; if I had even a little bit of ability, I wouldn't be completely devoid of any ability... Why are you laughing?"

She suddenly raised her head, looking at Nie Nie Xiaoguang, who was forcefully suppressing the corners of his mouth, and asked, "Did you just laugh?"

"No, no, you saw wrong." Nie Nie Xiaoguang, with a very proper attitude, raised his hand to gesture and said, "Please continue speaking."

Wang Lu wiped the corner of her eye and continued speaking: "So don't think that because I am now laughing and chatting as if I don't care at all, it's because I've figured it out myself; rather than forcing myself, it's better to let myself off the hook."

"Mm-hmm, you are indeed more open-minded than I am."

Nie Nie Xiaoguang dared not provoke this ancestor any further; if this continued and triggered more of her sentiments, she would probably bombard him with another twenty minutes of talk.

So whatever Wang Lu said, he only nodded in agreement, not daring to oppose her in the slightest.

"It's not that I am open-minded, but rather that I don't want to make things awkward for myself, nor do I want to make things awkward for others."

Wang Lu looked at Nie Nie Xiaoguang and said seriously: "Regardless of the outcome of your development with Han Lu, I do not hope you make things awkward."

The meaning of these words was obvious enough; she was advising Nie Nie Xiaoguang not to make things awkward for himself, nor to make things awkward for others.

This "others" could refer to his enemy Li Li Huai De, or it could refer to Li Li Xuewu, who had always been protecting him.

Nie Nie Xiaoguang couldn't help but fall into deep thought; after a long while, he raised his head, looked at Wang Lu, and said, "It won't happen; I won't do it."

"You only say it won't happen; how could I know what you are thinking?" Seeing that he was impervious to reason, Wang Lu stood up with some anger and said, "Do you know who I am going to see after finishing this talk with you?"

"Ah? This—" Nie Nie Xiaoguang looked at her with some hesitation, not understanding the meaning behind her words.

"Are you still expecting Han Lu to go mad?"

Wang Lu curled the corner of her mouth into a disdainful arc and said, "In her heart, she only wants money and a comfortable life; where does she care about that piece of flesh in her belly?"

"So stop indulging in wishful thinking."

She strode toward the door, reminding him as she went: "I am going to her home to see her right now; you don't need to guess the result, as I am confident in my heart."

Just before leaving, Wang Lu turned back to look at Nie Nie Xiaoguang, who had already risen in surprise, and sighed deeply, saying, "Don't be angry with the leader; he did it for your own good."

Clang—

The duty room door closed, Wang Lu's figure receded, and Nie Nie Xiaoguang stood there, his expression shifting between gloom and brightness.

What promise had Li Li Huai De actually made to give Wang Lu such confidence that he could persuade Han Lu to terminate the child in her womb?

Furthermore, why was it the Secretary-General who stepped forward to have Wang Lu negotiate with them?

The twists and turns within this matter were far too complex.

"What? There's still no news on that Tantou project, and now you're launching a three-box sedan project?"

Bao Peigang, Director of the Dongcheng Credit Cooperative, looked at Li Li Xuewu with a face full of surprise; this big swindler must be treating him like the God of Wealth to fool him.

"Three Wan—" Li Li Xuewu glanced at the discarded tiles, played the mahjong tile he had just drawn, and casually explained, "Plans can't keep up with changes."

"What kind of change is big enough for this?"

Bao Peigang didn't care what tile he had played; he only wanted to figure out what major move the Red Star Factory was planning next.

"Old Bao, you're ready to win—"

Gu Xiao Litong tapped the Two of Coins in his hand and cheerfully reminded him.

Bao Peigang shifted his gaze to the opposite side and asked curiously, "Does your Second Automobile Factory have a share in this project too?"

"Far more than that; this is a major project."

Liu Liu Shaozong, sitting in the seat of honor and serving as a section chief in the Planning Division of the First Bureau of the Ministry of Industry, smiled lightly and said, "Just the registered economic scale exceeds two million; quite a bold move."

As he spoke, he divided his attention, claiming the Three of Coins that Gu Xiao Litong had just discarded, glanced at the discard pile, and played a White Dragon tile.

"Don't say I'm tricking you; there's no other intention in bringing this up today."

Li Li Xuewu watched Bao Peigang casually draw and play tiles, then smiled and said, "It's just idle chatter; take it as entertainment."

"Are you pulling my leg?" Bao Peigang glanced at him and said, "The Dongcheng Credit Cooperative has followed several of your automobile projects; how can I turn a blind eye to this one?"

He lifted the teacup from the small table beside him and took a gulp, speaking with a cautious tone: "Brotherly loyalty means seeing a Buddha off all the way to the west; just explain it clearly."

"If I explain it clearly, you'll just accuse me of tricking you again, hehe—"

Li Li Xuewu looked in Gu Xiao Litong's direction, winked mischievously with a light smile, and said, "Why don't Deputy Director Gu explain it?"

"No way; I can't swindle people like you can."

Gu Xiao Litong was straightforward; he smiled, looked at Bao Peigang across from him, and said, "The Second Automobile Factory is indeed participating in the project, but we are providing no financial support."

He pinched the Two of Coins in his hand to signal Li Li Xuewu beside him, saying, "You'd better be careful; he's saying this project still requires you, our God of Wealth, to find a solution."

"Our unit isn't the God of Wealth's treasury, available in whatever amount you desire."

Bao Peigang feared Li Li Xuewu would make an exorbitant demand, so he laid a preemptive trap; his eyes stayed fixed on the mahjong game, but his mind was calculating the serious business at hand.

How could these few sitting together to play cards be merely for entertainment and leisure? These people all had serious business to attend to; playing cards was just a cover.

Whether one lost or won a hand, sums of ten or twenty yuan meant nothing to them, because the deals they discussed were often counted in the millions.

"We all know whether the credit cooperative has money or not."

Li Li Xuewu smiled cheerfully, glanced at Liu Liu Shaozong across from him, then looked at Gu Xiao Litong and said, "But I've heard that the credit cooperative's funds are all strung along Director Bao's ribs; when you need to use them, you have to pry them off with pliers."

"Hey—" Bao Peigang, feeling both annoyed and amused, pointed at Li Li Xuewu and scolded with a laugh, "You really only seek people out when you need them, then ignore them once you don't!"

"When was that?"

Pressing his hand on the mahjong tiles, he lectured, "You tell the brothers yourself; in these past two years, whenever your group carried out financing, which time was it that I didn't actively help?"

"I must speak a fair word on this."

Liu Liu Shaozong rarely joined in on jokes; gesturing with his mahjong-drawing hand toward Li Li Xuewu opposite him, he said, "The Dongcheng Credit Cooperative has practically become your group's exclusive bank."

"Exactly—" Bao Peigang lightly slapped the table, protesting his grievance, "It takes Director Liu to speak a fair word."

"I just told you to be cautious and wary." Gu Xiao Litong also chimed in from the side, saying with a smile, "This person's character is just average."

"Hehe—" Li Li Xuewu didn't mind the three of them ganging up on him; he smiled lightly, drew a tile, and said, "Character doesn't represent popularity; my popularity has always been quite good, hasn't it?"

"Ai—"

Gu Xiao Litong raised the Two of Coins in his hand and slapped it directly onto the Two of Coins Li Li Xuewu had just discarded, laughing loudly as he shouted, "This is the one!"

"Damn, you're going for a direct draw to win!"

Liu Liu Shaozong also felt Gu Xiao Litong was taking a risky move; he had actually broken up a pair of Two of Coins to go ready to win, then waited solely on the Two of Coins—what the hell kind of tactic was this?

"No matter what kind of wait it is, if it lets you win, it's a good wait."

Gu Xiao Litong proudly revealed his other hidden tiles, looked at Bao Peigang across from him with full confidence, and asked, "Director Bao, don't you agree with this logic?"

"The logic holds," Bao Peigang replied, looking at him with deep implication, "but the risk is a bit high."

"Hehe, what endeavor carries no risk?"

Gu Xiao Litong looked at Li Li Xuewu, smiled lightly, and said, "Even eating carries the possibility of choking, let alone investing."

"Don't say that to Director Bao; his courage is quite small." Li Li Xuewu was so wicked; he employed the tactic of goading openly and blatantly.

Bao Peigang glanced at him without responding, instead pressing his hand on the mahjong tiles and asking Gu Xiao Litong, "Is this project truly worth your investment?"

Narrowing his eyes slightly, he tested the waters: "Isn't the Second Automobile Factory recently working on the truck model modifications for the 130 and 130 series? How did you suddenly think of producing sedans?"

"The truck model modification project is nearly secured." Gu Xiao Litong reached out to arrange the tiles, speaking lightly, "The Red Star Factory provided technical support; we consider this mutual assistance, coexisting and sharing prosperity."

"Don't blame me for not making it clear; the sedan project is progressing very quickly."

Li Li Xuewu picked up the Two of Coins that had just caused him to deal into a winning hand and reminded him, "At most two years, and the three-box sedan project will roll off the production line."

"That fast? Are you forcing it in a greenhouse?"

Bao Peigang exclaimed in surprise, "Even if you've introduced a lot of foreign technology and equipment, it's impossible to secure a sedan project this quickly, isn't it?"

"Don't forget you have us too—"

Having received a signal from Li Li Xuewu, Gu Xiao Litong grinned and said, "Our factory shares the BJ750 and 752 technologies with the Red Star Factory."

"Where did this technology come from?"

Bao Peigang knew very little about the automotive industry; although he had recently crammed a great deal of car-related knowledge, he was far from omniscient or all-capable.

Seeing the puzzled look in his eyes, Gu Xiao Litong sighed and said, "Speaking of these two car models, that's truly a long story, like a child without a mother."

Nowadays, when mentioning national sedans, one must inevitably discuss the SH760 sedan from Magic City, the first batch of sedans produced domestically, built based on the early 1950s Mercedes-Benz S220.

But many people do not know that during the same period, the Jingcheng Automobile Factory also reverse-engineered the Soviet GAZ-21 'Volga' sedan, resulting in the Dongfanghong BJ760.

However, sedan development at that time did not align with the nation's developmental conditions; aside from the more urgent need to produce utility vehicle types, the road conditions alone could hardly accommodate low-slung sedans.

Therefore, after experimenting with a series of large sedans and even convertibles like the Jinggangshan and CB4, the more practical BJ212 gradually replaced these models to become the mainstream design philosophy.

As mentioned earlier, factories in this era were completely a mess, especially the Jingcheng Automobile Factory, where it was impossible to sort out which technical brands belonged to whom.

When the Jingcheng Automobile Factory and the Jingcheng Second Automobile Factory split, the Second Factory was actually researching sedans as well; after all, it was a wild era where everything was being studied.

The BJ750 and BJ752 were design products relatively earlier than the 760, but starting from the split, these two sibling enterprises took different paths in sedan design and development.

Yet the results were the same; developing sedans during that period saw projects die more miserably than Zhao Si's father.

Times change; with the Hongxing Steel Group utilizing the Hongxing Hongxing Lingyang automobile to introduce foreign production technologies and equipment, they established assembly line production standards and an automotive parts supply chain system, effectively leveraging the domestic automotive production landscape.

Meanwhile, economic development and industrial transformation ushered in new opportunities, and the state's demand for the sedan market increased significantly.

Although it could not compare to later generations, signs of a shortage in sedan brands were already becoming apparent during this period.

One need only look at how well the SH760 was selling to understand; currently, there were far too few choices for office-use sedans domestically.

Therefore, when the Hongxing Factory initiated a sedan development project, the Second Automobile Factory brought out its best-kept technologies for joint development and reference.

Li Li Xuewu's confidence in achieving the sedan development goal within two years stemmed precisely from this.

With accumulated technology, production standards, introduced techniques, plus existing production assembly lines and supply chain systems, two years were sufficient.

A three-box sedan was not like the Tuntu; the Tuntu had completely forged a new track, requiring all design philosophies to be built independently, making the difficulty somewhat higher.

What gave Li Li Xuewu even more confidence was that the Second Automobile Factory had rolled out a hand-assembled prototype from their garage, whose design appeared remarkably ahead of its time.

At first glance, one might have damn well thought this thing was a copy of the Volga M24, after all, in this era, the M24 model counted as a high-end sedan.

But after Li Li Xuewu examined it carefully, the exterior styling of the BJ750 should be an original design, because when the BJ750 was initially designed, the Volga M24 had not yet been finalized; this was purely a collision caused by the design language limitations of the era.

If Li Li Xuewu applied contemporary aesthetics, he would find this car already beautiful enough, its appearance absolutely not inferior to Japanese models of the same period.

Its conventional and balanced style also aligned perfectly with the aesthetic preferences of the Chinese people at this time.

The body dimensions were 4802/1785/1430mm, with a wheelbase of 2790mm, placing it in the sequence of large sedans for this era.

What made Gu Xiao Litong and the Second Automobile Factory most proud was this car's engine, a completely domestically produced V6 engine manufactured by the Jingcheng Internal Combustion Engine Factory.

It was reported that this engine was modified from the BJ212's engine, with a displacement of 2.6L, a maximum horsepower of 120, and a top speed reaching 140km/h.

No wonder it was said that the technical ownership and brands of the Jingcheng Automobile Manufacturing Factory were a complete mess; anyone could modify the 212's engine.

"Let me take this back and consider it."

After hearing the crosstalk-style introduction from Gu Xiao Litong and Li Li Xuewu, Bao Peigang felt uncertain in his heart and gave no definite answer at the mahjong table.

Liu Liu Shaozong glanced at Li Li Xuewu, smiled cheerfully, and beckoned, "We're just out here to have fun today; work can be handled during work hours—let's play cards, let's play cards."

Letting him take charge, Li Li Xuewu and Gu Xiao Litong exchanged a glance, smiled like foxes, and did not continue the topic.

If you were to ask how Li Li Xuewu managed to invite Liu Liu Shaozong to play cards together?

How rare is that? This was his most ironclad relationship within the First Ministry of Machinery; many connections within the ministry relied on Liu Liu Shaozong to introduce and maintain for him.

Having reached Li Li Xuewu's position, one must not only perform well internally within the group but also maintain external relationships for the group.

Otherwise, why would everyone say that being a leader is difficult?

"These days, rumors are really flying everywhere—"

Xiao Zhou from the office scurried into Liang Zuodong's office, peeked outside, acted like a thief, and sidled up to Liang Zuodong.

Liang Zuodong truly fell for this act; he liked Xiao Zhou's "cautious" personality, as it meant being thorough in one's work.

"Leader, I've found out," Xiao Zhou leaned over the desk and reported softly, "The latest news circulating within the agency is that the Secretary-General might be transferred to Yingcheng, while Director Xu of Yingcheng Shipbuilding is being moved to United Industry..."

"How could that be possible—"

Before Xiao Zhou could finish speaking, Liang Zuodong shook his head slightly and said, "Even if the Secretary-General cannot go to Gangcheng, it certainly won't be Director Xu transferring to Gangcheng."

He shifted the teacup in front of him, looked at Xiao Zhou, and asked, "Where did this news come from?"

"I don't actually know for sure; it's just the rumor spreading most widely in private."

Xiao Zhou was cunning; seeing the leader ask, he answered vaguely, "I came to report to you as soon as I heard anything clear."

Glancing at Deputy Manager Liang's expression, he said apologetically, "Did I get it wrong? I'm sorry, Leader."

"No, it's not necessarily that you got it wrong."

Liang Zuodong thought deeply and felt terrified; his brows furrowed slightly, his eyes rolled, and he said, "This is very likely a smoke screen."

"Do you mean—" Xiao Zhou widened his eyes and asked hesitantly, "That the Secretary-General deliberately released this?"

"How could that be possible—"

Liang Zuodong once again showed a negative expression, looked at Xiao Zhou, and said, "The Secretary-General should remain still rather than move right now; he is waiting to reap the benefits like a fisherman."

"Whoever jumps out to frolic at this time must have some ulterior motive."

After thinking for a moment, he said uncertainly, "This could very well be a rumor released to prevent the Secretary-General from going to Gangcheng."

"That's exactly what I think," Xiao Zhou reported softly, "With the planning and construction of the Yingcheng Port district imminent, it would be better for the Secretary-General to go to Yingcheng than to Gangcheng."

"Hmm, one can think of it that way."

Liang Zuodong's brows knitted even tighter; his fingers clenched and unclenched repeatedly, until his palms were sweaty.

"Since one cannot swallow everything, it is better to pick the sweetest piece to eat."

He patted the table and said, "Someone is testing the Secretary-General's attitude, and also testing the attitudes of other leadership team members."

"Then what about the Secretary-General's side—" Xiao Zhou asked hesitantly, "Would he be willing..."

"Of course not; that is impossible," Liang Zuodong stated firmly, "This game of chess requires the banker to take all; it cannot be abandoned halfway."

"Just you wait; the person who released this rumor is about to expose their tail."

He narrowed his left eye slightly and spoke in a sinister tone: "Once the other party reveals their hand, the Secretary-General will have to strike hard."

"If it really turns out that way..." Xiao Zhou's eyes inadvertently brightened as he asked with great anticipation: "Will you take this opportunity to... hmm?"

"How can one be certain about such things?"

Liang Zuodong let his eyelids droop and instructed Xiao Zhou: "Absolutely do not leak any news; we shall simply watch the spectacle unfold."

"If there truly comes a time to reap benefits without effort, I naturally will not leave you out; for now, just go back and keep watch, and come tell me once you have news."

"No problem, no problem; I will keep a constant eye on movements within the bureau." Xiao Zhou, as if he had placed a winning bet, spoke respectfully: "Once there is any news, I will immediately report it to you."

"Mm, you have worked hard recently as well."

Liang Zuodong pulled a carton of Zhang Daqian Sect cigarettes from his drawer and tossed it in front of Xiao Zhou, saying: "Remember, know what words can be spoken and what words cannot."

"Ai, I will listen to you..."

"And another thing." Before Xiao Zhou could respond, Liang Zuodong cautiously reminded him: "Focus your attention more on Deputy Director Su's side."

Xiao Zhou, who was just picking up the carton of cigarettes from the desk, paused slightly in surprise, then asked: "Watch Deputy Director Su? Does your meaning imply that..."

"How can one speak such things aloud!"

Liang Zuodong frowned and stared at Xiao Zhou for a moment, saying: "Just watch when I tell you to watch; you will naturally understand when the time comes."

"Understood, understood; I will go right now."

Xiao Zhou did not truly understand much either, but since his leader wanted him to understand, he now feigned clarity while harboring confusion, took the carton of cigarettes, and went out.

Sitting in his office, Liang Zuodong glanced toward the doorway and sighed with some annoyance.

He simply had no foundation whatsoever, nor any usable personnel, so he had to devote all his effort to cultivating and employing even someone of this caliber.

Actually speaking, it had taken him tremendous effort to net someone like Xiao Zhou, employing both admonishment and intimidation.

This bureau was far too complex; without one's own people watching from below, who knew when a hidden arrow might fly in and nail him dead.

【259】 Furthermore, as the dignified Deputy Manager of the Comprehensive Management Department, he absolutely must have his own confidants; Xiao Zhou was the first, but certainly would not be the last.

Besides, as the deputy manager of the Comprehensive Management Department, he simply must have his own confidants; Xiao Zhou was the first, but absolutely would not be the last.

As for the news Xiao Zhou had just come to report, he had already guessed seven or eight parts of it in his heart; it should merely be some petty trick of Su Weide.

Casting a stone to ask the way—even a fool would know that.

"Isn't that a bit too young?"

Li Li Xuewu held the telephone, his tone polite yet carrying a hint of respect; after listening to the other party speak a sentence, he smiled and responded: "How could I compare back then to now?"

"Besides, I was forced into it back then; if not for that beating with a fire poker from my father, who knows what I would be like now."

The call came from his Third Uncle, far away in Yangcheng; what they had just been discussing was his Third Uncle's cousin-son, Li Li Xuehan.

Li Li Xuewu still thought of his younger cousin as a child, but his Third Uncle had said on the phone that since Li Li Xuehan had no school to attend this year, he had arranged for his son to join the army.

This was actually a routine operation: serve in the army for a few years, then use connections to get commissioned as an officer, basically becoming a career soldier.

If one had ability, one kept climbing upward; if one lacked ability, one endured until reaching the regimental level and retired to return home.

During this period, company units had quotas for commissioning officers; there was no need for a unified examination, nor was it necessary to win medals; merely going through the motions sufficed.

The key was still whether you had connections.

Having struggled in Yangcheng for so many years, his Third Uncle naturally possessed connections; Li Li Xuehan was seventeen when he enlisted this year, and would turn eighteen after the New Year.

His network of relationships built over many years naturally hoped his son could inherit it, to advance further and bring honor to the ancestors.

Li Li Xuewu felt pity that his little brother had to endure such hardship at such a young age, but his Third Uncle had made up his mind to help his son mount the horse and escort him for a stretch.

His Third Uncle calling from Yangcheng was naturally not merely to talk about Li Li Xuehan; mainly, since he finally had a convenient opportunity today, he wanted to inquire about the family.

On the phone, he also asked about his Second Uncle's side in Chen Jicheng, especially regarding his eldest sister Li Juan, questioning why her marriage had been handled so hastily.

This question did not surprise Li Li Xuewu; the uncle and nephew had gotten along very well in the past, so asking him seemed convenient.

Calling the family home directly would be inappropriate to ask the Old Lady, even less convenient to ask his eldest brother Li Shun, and asking his eldest sister-in-law Liu Yin might cause the family to overthink things.

Born of the same father and mother, Li Gan naturally cared about his second brother, but since this matter involved Li Li Xuewu, how could he answer or explain it?

Li Li Xuewu wanted to remain impartial, yet on the phone he still mentioned a little about the situation regarding his eldest sister Li Juan, resulting in sighs from both uncle and nephew.

Separated by vast distances, showing no concern seemed bad, yet showing concern offered no leverage; apart from sighing, what else could they do?

After talking for a while, the line disconnected; since his Third Uncle did not call back, Li Li Xuewu stood up and went downstairs, preparing to go out for investigation and attend a meeting.

By coincidence, Zhou Zechuan was coming up from downstairs, and the two bumped into each other face to face.

"Yo, where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?"

"Secretary-General, are you busy again?"

Zhou Zechuan smiled in response, gestured upward with his hand, and said: "A leader has some matters for me; I came up in a rush."

He did not specify which leader, and Li Li Xuewu did not ask; after exchanging a few pleasantries with a smile, he went downstairs.

Zhou Zechuan watched Li Li Xuewu's figure descending the stairs for a moment, then ascended to the third floor with an anxious heart, knocked, and entered Deputy Director Su's office.

Upon meeting, Deputy Director Su did not give him a good look.

"How is the case investigation progressing?"

Su Weide frowned slightly, tapped his fingers on the glass atop his desk, and reminded: "I haven't heard a single piece of news from my side."

"Ai, recently I've simply been too overwhelmed with work."

Zhou Zechuan said helplessly: "As you know, matters over at the Food General Corporation are quite complex; we still have to keep watch on the audit team."

"Mm, I know you are busy." Su Weide lifted his teacup and took a sip, speaking with a somewhat sarcastic tone: "So busy that you aren't even investigating the Tianjin case anymore."

"We are investigating it; isn't this supposed to be a secret investigation?" Zhou Zechuan sat opposite him, cautiously glanced at the doorway, and then continued in a low voice: "Our pressure is also immense; the Security Department is watching us."

"The case of Li Baihui remains unresolved for so long; isn't that just putting a tight fillet on our heads!"

He complained about many difficulties, causing Su Weide to frown repeatedly, his finger-tapping rhythm on the desk becoming somewhat disordered.

"Absolutely do not relax; you should know the importance of this case."

"I know, I know." Zhou Zechuan naturally knew which case he was emphasizing, and his verbal response was smooth.

"We will definitely investigate seriously; for now, we are merely engaging in perfunctory dealings to distract attention."

He tapped his finger on the desktop, craned his neck, and said, "On the surface, if we don't prioritize investigating the food company case, the Security Division won't give us the opportunity to carry out our work, will they? You could say this is a kind of compromise on our part."

"What is there to investigate at the General Food Company? It's just a waste of time."

Su Weide frowned at him and said, "Wrap this up as soon as possible; I've done you a huge favor on this end, but timing waits for no one."

(End of Chapter)