Chapter 1357: Gathering Morning Flowers at Dusk

Just as Su Weide suspected Liang Zuodong of being the thief crying "catch the thief," Liang Zuodong was secretly cursing Su Weide in his heart as an unfilial wretch, a dog jumping over the wall in desperation, killing to silence witnesses...

After cursing Su Weide, sitting in the interrogation room, Liang Zuodong also felt a certain degree of lingering fear.

It was not that he feared offending Su Weide and later being schemed against or made to wear small shoes by him.

Things had reached such a point that he had no retreat left; so what if he tore off masks with Su Weide?

What he feared was that since Zheng Xudong had died last night, if the disturbance had not occurred, would he be the next one?

Zheng Xudong must have been eliminated by Su Weide!

Why was Liang Zuodong so certain that Zheng Xudong was definitely eliminated by Su Weide?

Was he still cursing the other party in his heart for being ruthless and vicious, killing to silence witnesses?

Because he had begun remedial actions as soon as he received the phone notification from the duty room last night.

Liang Zuodong went to Zheng Xudong's office and home, yet he still could not find that so-called ledger.

Where had that ledger, which implicated everyone, gone?

Liang Zuodong truly could not sit still, so as soon as he started work and confirmed Su Weide had arrived, he barged in.

Seeing Su Weide sitting there drinking tea with an air of serene confidence, a surge of anger rushed to the top of Liang Zuodong's head.

Damn it! Old Su must have gotten hold of the ledger!

If he hadn't obtained the ledger, how could he possibly be so calm, even drinking tea and reading the newspaper?

Even he knew Zheng Xudong was dead; could Old Su not know?

It never occurred to him that Su Weide's demeanor that morning could possibly be feigned calmness.

Unbelievable; not only did he, confused and panicked at the time, fail to think of it, but even now sitting in the Security Section's interrogation room, he still could not conceive of it.

"Director," the investigator said, standing up proactively to greet the leader who had entered.

The visitor was Zhou Yao, Director of the Security Department; after the reform merging large and small offices, Zhou Yao, originally at the section-chief level, became Director Zhou.

Of course, Director Zhou's rank remained at the section-chief level; to align her position with her rank, she would still need to continue working hard.

Zhou Yao glanced at Deputy Manager Liang, who was sitting there lost in thought, then bent down to look at the transcript record on the desk, which was blank.

"He hasn't said anything," the investigator reported in a low voice: "We asked several times, but he has remained silent the whole time."

"Mm, no rush; let Deputy Manager Liang think slowly; there is no harm in waiting until he has thought it through before speaking."

Zhou Yao delivered this remark leisurely, then sat down in a chair, watching Liang Zuodong diagonally opposite her with composed ease.

Seeing him lift his head to look at her, Zhou Yao spoke again: "Actually, you also know that without you saying anything, the mere fact that you are sitting here is already sufficient to explain the situation, isn't it?"

"Of course, if you wish to voluntarily confess your issues, we will not stop you; after all, everyone has the opportunity to take the initiative."

Liang Zuodong indeed said nothing; from the moment he was brought here from Deputy Director Su's office, he had maintained a state of silence.

But now that Zhou Yao had arrived, a few sentences had exposed his entire background, leaving his situation extremely difficult and dangerous.

"I want to see the Secretary-General," Liang Zuodong said with a very ugly expression: "I have the right to appeal to the supervising leadership."

"If we were the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Commission, perhaps we would fully consider your opinion," Zhou Yao retorted neither softly nor harshly, "but since you are involved in a criminal case, you cannot see anyone."

"The fact that we could bring you back demonstrates that we have sufficient confidence to handle inquiries from the leadership."

Zhou Yao tapped the table and looked at him, saying: "So don't waste effort trying to find a way out; there is no possibility of that."

"If you do not clarify the issues clearly, I can apply to the leadership to detain you for half a month; we can drag this out, and I do not care either way."

She tilted her head and spoke very seriously: "If the case is not solved, the pressure is on me; I cannot just sit and wait, right?"

"Zheng Xudong's death has nothing to do with me," Liang Zuodong said, though his heart had already started pounding; facing Zhou Yao's confidence, he feared that next he might not even have the chance to see the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Commission.

"Whether it has anything to do with you is not for you to decide," Zhou Yao said without any courtesy whatsoever: "We invited you here specifically to understand in detail the relationship between you and Zheng Xudong."

Upon mentioning the relationship with Zheng Xudong, Liang Zuodong fell silent; there were some things he dared not say now, nor was it appropriate to say them.

Zhou Yao understood his current mood and state very well, but she was also certain she had opened up his psychological defenses; all that remained was the final blow.

"Zheng Xudong died in Mercedes' room; I believe I need not remind you of the severity of this case."

Resting her elbow on the table, she stared at Liang Zuodong and said: "The Waishi Force, the Investigation Department, and the Municipal Public Security Bureau are all waiting for our news; if the investigation progress of this case is hindered even slightly..."

Zhou Yao paused here, then emphasized again: "I am not trying to scare you; the fact that we can sit here talking to you is also an opportunity we worked hard to secure."

"To be honest with you, when we just said there was no rush, that was false; we are actually extremely anxious because we only have one day."

She tapped the table with her finger and spoke with no lack of threat: "If within one day you have nothing to say, then we can only watch helplessly as we lose the jurisdictional authority over this case."

The subtext of this sentence was nothing more than a reminder to Liang Zuodong that if he did not confess within the Security Section, he would have to confess in those other places she had just mentioned; anyway, there was no escape.

Liang Zuodong gritted his teeth, lifted his head, and sized up Zhou Yao's young and calm face; he felt somewhat uncertain in his heart.

It was not that he suspected Zhou Yao of lying, but rather that he suspected everything Zhou Yao said was the absolute truth.

After all, Zheng Xudong was truly dead, and he indeed died in Mercedes' room.

Zhou Yao had no background or connections in the city, but Li Li Xuewu did; regarding both the Municipal Public Security Bureau and the Investigation Division, as far as he knew, the Secretary-General was a figure with influence reaching everywhere.

What should he do? Speak, or not speak?

If he spoke, he might not die, but if he did not speak, he would definitely not die well; even if he did not die, he would be stripped of a layer of skin.

"My contact with Zheng Xudong must start from when I assumed the position of Deputy Director at the Management Committee Office," Liang Zuodong said.

Liang Zuodong hesitated for a long while; seeing Zhou Yao sitting there very steadily, he finally opened his mouth and began to speak.

"At that time, he had also just taken up his post at the Food Company, mainly responsible for food research and development and logistical work."

Once he opened his mouth, he knew he had no room for maneuver left, so he might as well start from the beginning and explain everything clearly.

"At that time, the Secretary-General was still responsible for the tertiary industry and the food industry, though there was no formal document, and it was during the handover phase."

Liang Zuodong emphasized this point, then continued to introduce: "According to what Zheng Xudong later told me, he had no private friendship with the Secretary-General and also feared the Secretary-General's strictness."

"Therefore, intending to build a connection with Deputy Director Cheng, who was about to take over the tertiary industry, he found me to serve as an introduction."

"Weren't you also newly arrived at that time?" Zhou Yao interjected to ask: "Why did he specifically seek you out?"

"Even though I had just arrived at the Committee Office, I still had more opportunities to contact the leadership than he did," Liang Zuodong explained: "Moreover, at that time the Secretary-General did not have many duties within the Committee Office, and I happened to be responsible for liaising with Deputy Director Cheng, so it was no problem that he sought my help."

Zhou Yao nodded with understanding, raised her hand to signal him to continue.

"He must have had that kind of intention back then; otherwise, he wouldn't have feared the Secretary-General's sternness and switched his allegiance to Deputy Director Cheng."

When Liang Zuodong reached this point, he gave a bitter smile, shaking his head slightly as he said, "It's just that he didn't expect Deputy Director Cheng, having just suffered a major setback, to be unenthusiastic about such matters."

"But he was too confident; before I even received confirmed news from my side, he already declared his stance to Deputy Director Cheng at the Management Committee meeting."

He lifted his head, noticing the puzzled expressions on Zhou Yao and the others, and explained, "That time was a tasting session where the Food Company reported new products to the leaders; Zheng Xudong deliberately snubbed the Secretary-General and also gave no face to Deputy Director Jing—this is what he told me privately."

Zhou Yao knew little about this incident, only aware that such a disturbance had occurred back then; she did not know the specific details of what happened.

"At that time, the Secretary-General and Deputy Director Jing were concluding and finalizing the arrangements for the development of tertiary industry and banking."

Liang Zuodong explained patiently, "In the end, Deputy Director Cheng took over tertiary industry, so Zheng Xudong paid his respects first."

"Later, when I helped him contact Deputy Director Cheng, the leader did not become overly close to him, merely expressing support in work matters."

"Be more specific." Zhou Yao spotted the issue and interrupted here: "When Zheng Xudong asked for your help and sought to get closer to Deputy Director Cheng, what did he use to express this?"

Liang Zuodong had already touched on the relevant issue just now; he could have glossed over it, but Zhou Yao would not let him improvise freely.

Although these matters were unrelated to the case and should more properly be questioned by discipline and supervision authorities, she still asked.

"Some antiques." Liang Zuodong fell silent for a moment before confessing: "I accepted a plum vase from him; what he intended to give Deputy Director Cheng was a set of tea utensils, supposedly from the Ming Dynasty."

"And what was given to you?" Zhou Yao signaled the investigator to take notes as she asked: "Was that also from the Ming Dynasty?"

"How could he bear to part with that?" Liang Zuodong shook his head with a bitter smile, explaining: "It was from the Kangxi reign of the Great Qing, but still considered precious."

Merely asking him to act as an introducer, a Great Qing Kangxi plum vase was already a very precious gift; here, Zheng Xudong also intended to build a relationship and increase interactions with him.

"Do you know where he obtained these items?" Zhou Yao arched her eyebrows and said: "After the gift intended for Deputy Director Cheng was rejected, did he take it back?"

"You need not suspect me." Liang Zuodong sighed and said: "Initially, I never intended to commit an error, let alone expect him to cause such a huge disaster; I merely acted as an introducer."

"When helping someone handle affairs, one must naturally be prudent; I returned the gifts that were not accepted to him and also conveyed the leader's intentions."

He explained: "Since Deputy Director Cheng would not accept this, I naturally could not speak well of him before the leader again, so I thought that was the end of it."

"I didn't expect that later, somehow, he contacted Deputy Director Su again, that is, Su Weide."

From his confession here, it was evident that Liang Zuodong held not a shred of awe or respect for Su Weide.

There was only one Deputy Director Su among the group's leaders; was there any need for him to specifically state the name?

It was simply that he hated him to the extreme.

"With Deputy Director Su's support, Zheng Xudong's work proceeded much more smoothly; we even shared a few meals together."

Liang Zuodong confessed: "Deputy Director Su showed extreme intentions to win over both him and me; I did not rush to agree."

He lifted his head and glanced at Zhou Yao; although he knew cadres of the Security Division did not mind this, he still felt guilty and fearful.

Speaking of which, within the Commission Office he was Li Li Xuewu's subordinate, yet he was mixing with Su Weide, which was inherently improper.

Whatever he meant by 'not rushing to agree,' however one listened to it, it sounded awkward.

However, Zhou Yao paid no attention to his little schemes; having reached this stage, what did he still have to resent?

"Once at a dinner banquet, Deputy Director Su asked me to help Zheng Xudong by introducing him to Mercedes, the Vice President of Santa Ya Group, saying they wanted to establish food export business contacts."

Liang Zuodong hesitated slightly before speaking: "At that time, I was responsible for foreign affairs office work and had convenience in this area; unaware of their intentions, I utilized my work convenience to proactively communicate with Vice President Mercedes and reconnected her with Zheng Xudong."

"After that, I am not entirely clear on the specific situation; I only know that Zheng Xudong and Mercedes interacted closely, and somehow, became connected with Deputy Director Cheng."

Seeing Zhou Yao frown, he explained in detail: "I truly do not know how these connections were made; by the time I found out, they were already sitting together eating meals and discussing private matters."

"What does 'eating meals' mean?"

Zhou Yao frowned and asked: "Zheng Xudong contacted Mercedes, and Mercedes contacted Deputy Director Cheng; what is the relationship here?"

"I think—it should be related to the Yingcheng Port project." Liang Zuodong hesitated for a moment but still spoke the truth: "Santa Ya Group intended to secure more operational rights and agency rights at Yingcheng Port, so they needed the support of the group's leaders."

"But the Secretary-General maintained a cautious attitude, especially regarding foreign capital participating in port operations, agreeing only to agency permissions."

He spread his hands and said: "We have all heard the Secretary-General's introduction and explanation regarding the port operation plan, but Zheng Xudong had no such considerations; he wanted more to extract benefits from it."

"Because the food industry was primarily for export, once he controlled the sales end, he would possess greater speaking power within the Food Company and could obtain more profits."

Liang Zuodong laid everything out clearly; after a slight hesitation and some thought, he added: "As for why Zheng Xudong listened to Su Weide, or what purpose Su Weide had in instructing him to bribe Deputy Director Cheng and collude with Deputy Director Cheng, I do not know."

"Your meaning is that Deputy Director Su and Zheng Xudong have a closer relationship of interest exchange?"

Zhou Yao had hit the nail on the head with this question; if Liang Zuodong admitted this point, she would have the right to launch an investigation into Su Weide.

However, Liang Zuodong dared not be rash at this moment; he thought carefully about her question but still shook his head.

"I am stating here that they have an interest relationship, but I have no evidence, so I cannot interfere with your case handling."

"Hmm, very well, let me ask you another thing."

Zhou Yao did not continue pressing him but tapped the table and asked: "Why did you write a note to Zheng Xudong, arranging to meet him at the International Hotel?"

"No, there was no note."

Liang Zuodong became anxious, frowning as he said: "I have already clarified the entire situation; it is impossible for me to hide anything from you."

"I can guarantee that I never wrote any note to Zheng Xudong, nor did I arrange to meet him at the International Hotel."

He emphasized seriously: "I am also very nervous and surprised by Zheng Xudong's death, but I truly did not kill him."

"Then identify this." Zhou Yao raised her hand, signaling the investigator to hand the evidence she had just taken from her bag to Liang Zuodong, reminding him: "Is this your handwriting?"

"This—"

It was truly seeing a ghost!

Liang Zuodong examined the note held before him by the investigator carefully; no matter how he looked at it, it was his handwriting.

Could he not remember what he had done?

If he had truly written this note, there would be no need to panic and rush to tear faces with Su Weide.

But now the evidence was blatantly placed before him; this had become direct proof of his involvement in Zheng Xudong's death case.

He had not written it, yet was dragged into it; if this wasn't seeing a ghost, what was?

Liang Zuodong scrunched up all the features of his face, thinking hard, and finally indeed confirmed that this note was written by himself.

"I wrote this!"

He suddenly lifted his head, looked at Zhou Yao, and said, "But I didn't write it yesterday; this happened a long time ago."

"I remember; this should be the note I left for him when I helped him arrange a meeting with Mercedes back in March or April."

Liang Zuodong, somewhat agitated, pointed at the aging marks on the note and emphasized, "Although these marks are not obvious, they are still visible; it wasn't written yesterday, truly not written yesterday."

"That is very strange," Zhou Yao said, looking at him with suspicion in her eyes. "Why would Zheng Xudong take this note into Mercedes' room? He shouldn't have mistaken the place, should he?"

"Furthermore, you said this note is half a year old; so why would he keep it until today? Isn't that strange?"

Strange, how could it not be strange? It was just that Liang Zuodong was rendered speechless by the questioning, because he himself could not explain what Zheng Xudong intended to do.

If he knew how to summon souls, he would certainly call Zheng Xudong out to ask him what the hell this bastard was up to.

"Let me ask you another thing," Zhou Yao said, staring into his eyes. "Who do you suspect killed Zheng Xudong?"

The question here was truly clever; Zhou Yao asked who killed him, yet she did not deny the possibility that Zheng Xudong committed suicide.

However, from beginning to end, including Su Weide, everyone had already formed the impression that Zheng Xudong was murdered.

Now, questioned by Zhou Yao in this manner, Liang Zuodong also believed this to be the case; otherwise, why would Zheng Xudong have died?

"I don't know; I really don't know."

Liang Zuodong lowered his head, clutching his hair tightly with both hands, and spoke with great helplessness: "Precisely because I don't know, I went to confront Deputy Director Su."

"But thinking about it now, it seems Deputy Director Su didn't have the physical strength to kill the other party, nor was there any need to go to the International Hotel."

"What you suspect may not be false," Zhou Yao said, shaking her head slightly as she stood up. "What you are certain of may not be true."

"At any time, we must let the facts speak, let the evidence speak."

She put the note away and, while heading out the door, instructed the investigators, "Go over the details carefully one more time."

After giving these instructions, Zhou Yao turned back and glanced at Liang Zuodong once more, saying, "Once everything has been clarified, he can be released."

December 10th, Wednesday.

Liang Zuodong had been interrogated for two full days and one night without interruption; the investigators had even changed shifts several times.

Apart from the situation he first explained to Zhou Yao, the investigators had reorganized his testimony materials and questioned him repeatedly.

They covered specific time points of certain details, concrete objects, people involved, locations implicated, and so on.

When he walked out of the Security Section, he felt as if an entire lifetime had passed; the sunlight overhead was so blinding.

Although it was daytime, he felt heavy-headed and light-footed; in the short time since leaving the building, he had yawned no fewer than five times—he was simply too exhausted.

The Security Section had given him no opportunity to sleep; his nerves had been stretched to the breaking point, and now all he wanted was to sleep.

However, before resting, he still had to return to his office once to determine whether the situation had changed during his two-day absence.

It had changed; it had indeed changed. All the way back to the office, it seemed as though everything had changed.

The greatest change was in the gazes and looks those within the agency directed at him; there was speculation, mockery, and suspicion.

Liang Zuodong knew all too well the meaning of those looks; he was finished, completely finished.

Leaving aside whether the issues he confessed in the Security Section would affect the Group's upcoming disciplinary action against him, there was still the matter of how to explain his two-day disappearance to the Secretary-General.

When entering the Security Section, the person he most wanted to see was Secretary-General Li Li Xuewu, but now he wanted to avoid him.

Going to see Li Li Xuewu at this time would no longer serve any purpose.

In fact, he did not know that even if he wanted to see Li Li Xuewu, Li Li Xuewu would have no time to see him, because Li Li Xuewu was not at the unit at all.

Mount Miyun, Hongxing Village.

After nearly two years, Li Li Xuewu had once again set foot on this land; the mountain roads were still difficult to traverse, yet the mountain itself was bustling.

Ever since he assumed the position of Chief of the Security Section, he had not returned to Hongxing Village or the training grounds on the mountain.

Even when there were inspection tasks, it was mostly his secretary and Yu Yu Decai who came down; indeed, he had actively requested it be this way.

Two years had passed in the blink of an eye; things remained but people had changed, and the person in charge of the training grounds was long no longer Wei Tong.

Furthermore, the jurisdiction over the training grounds had been transferred from the Security Section to the Personnel Section, becoming a training base directly under the Group.

Similarly, he was no longer the supervising leader of the Security Section; this visit to Hongxing Village for research was for the year-end work summary.

Bian Bian Meirui, formerly the Deputy Li Kezhang of the Fire Protection Section and now the Li Kezhang of the Training Section, jogged forward and caught Li Li Xuewu's hand after he stepped out of the car.

"Li Kezhang Bian, you've worked hard."

"Welcome, Secretary-General, to guide our work at the training grounds!"

Bian Bian Meirui was someone Li Li Xuewu had promoted personally, so he was naturally very respectful toward him.

Moreover, in this godforsaken mountain of Wang Dashan, without Li Li Xuewu's influence in the Third Guard Regiment, how could they have established themselves?

Under Bian Bian Meirui's guidance, Li Li Xuewu shook hands and exchanged greetings one by one with the cadres of the Training Section and those stationed at the training grounds.

Many people here knew him, and he could recognize most of the cadres here; a few words exchanged, and they were old subordinates.

Hmm, Li Li Xuewu, though young, already had old subordinates.

"First inspect the training grounds, then the training base."

Li Li Xuewu did not make things difficult for Bian Bian Meirui; he pointed out two of the most critical areas of the training grounds that he wished to inspect.

The training grounds were long prepared; no matter where the Secretary-General pointed, Bian Bian Meirui was confident he could lead the leader there.

Saying "Yes," and after raising his hand in a salute, Bian Bian Meirui took the lead and guided him forward, heading precisely to the training grounds behind the main building.

Over the course of two years, the training base had completely transformed; apart from the main building and the courtyard walls remaining unchanged, the compound barely resembled its original self.

The grounds were paved entirely with red bricks, some areas had concrete roadways laid, and two new buildings had been added, both taller than the office building.

Thanks to the brick and tile factory currently operating in Hongxing Village, construction costs here had dropped significantly, making building construction much simpler.

On the training grounds, several squads of soldiers dressed in board-green uniforms were training; Li Li Xuewu could distinguish at a glance which belonged to the Red Star Factory and which to the Third Guard Regiment.

It was not that the Red Star Factory's security force was more incompetent; rather, the Red Star Factory's security force no longer trained here.

Those receiving training on the grounds were training cadre teams from other units within the Group, as well as basic militia members.

Bian Bian Meirui stood beside him and focused on introducing the progress and achievements of the training work over the past two years.

Li Li Xuewu gave no instructions, merely listening patiently to his report.

By the end, a cadre participating in the training recognized him; before the Red Star Factory could even react, the Chief of Staff leading the training for the Third Guard Regiment had already jogged over to salute and offer greetings.

Only then did the cadres accompanying him on the inspection, as well as those at the training ground, remember that the Secretary-General was also the Deputy Regimental Commander of the Third Guard Regiment.

Li Li Xuewu had not said much regarding the Red Star Factory's training, and he would certainly not meddle further with matters concerning the Third Guard Regiment.

After asking a few simple questions, he smiled and proceeded with the inspection team toward the training base.

The training base was located within the two newly constructed buildings; it was where the Group's Personnel Department coordinated and organized training for cadres and workers from various units, with content that included basic military affairs.

This was easy enough to understand, as in this era, both workers and cadres were required to master a certain level of military capability.

One had to know how to read maps and how to draw them; at the very least, one had to be able to fire a gun without missing the target, otherwise it would look too unsightly.

The training base placed greater emphasis on political education; being a closed-off training facility, it was even stricter than the joint school.

It was entirely managed according to military standards; all young cadres currently in the Group had to undergo this experience to temper their spirit and vigor.

Apparently prepared in advance, during the tour of the training base, students from one class actively requested the Secretary-General to say a few words.

Li Li Xuewu knew this was the Training Section's idea, yet he did not dampen their enthusiasm and spoke a few words regarding the significance of the training.

His ability and literary talent naturally needed no questioning; although it was only a few simple sentences, they nonetheless gained the approval of both teachers and students.

After leaving the training base, and upon the invitation of Shen Fang, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Third Guard Regiment who had just arrived, he jointly inspected the reclamation area here.

Building upon the old foundation of the Kuozi 816 Regiment, the Third Guard Regiment, on this basis, deepened and strengthened cooperation with multiple parties to construct the mountain reclamation area.

Not to mention the tens of thousands of mu of cultivated fertile land, the rows of vegetable greenhouses in the mountain valleys, reflected against the winter snow, truly brought comfort to Li Li Xuewu.

Although he dared not claim all the credit as his own achievement, he had indeed expended effort for this land and this cause.

Shen Fang had arrived to take up his post in November and was very familiar with the situation here, introducing every location in great detail.

Upon reaching the agro-pastoral base, he even took Li Li Xuewu to see several operational zones, where one could even observe a slaughterhouse with workers engaged in manual labor.

"They are workers recruited from the village."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu looking at the slaughterhouse workers over there, Shen Fang offered an explanation: "Regimental Commander Qi does not permit the soldiers to participate in industrial labor."

"Mm, agricultural reclamation is acceptable, but industrial work is out of the question."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, clearly in strong agreement with Qi Qi Yaowu's arrangements.

"How is the aquatic farming progressing?"

Seeing that the situation with agro-pastoral and livestock breeding was very encouraging, Li Li Xuewu then expressed concern regarding the more valuable aquatic farming.

Compared to agriculture and animal husbandry, which required higher input costs, aquatic farming was actually more reliable and substantial.

"Last year, the income from aquatic products already matched the input costs of agricultural reclamation."

Shen Fang stated with great pride: "This is largely thanks to your suggestions regarding improved breeds and feeding conditions."

"Just a small opinion, nothing worth mentioning."

Li Li Xuewu shook his head slightly; after getting back into the vehicle, they headed together toward the Chinese herbal medicine planting base, as his schedule for the day was very tight.

In winter, dawn comes late, but darkness falls early.

It was already not early when he set out in the morning; if he did not hurry now, it would be difficult to return once night fell.

The garrison and reclamation base of the Third Guard Regiment had already formed a scale; including the cultivation of vegetables and grain, it had been able to form a simple ecological cycle alongside agro-pastoral, livestock, and aquatic farming.

Similarly, leveraging this relatively healthy ecosystem, the Chinese herbal medicine planting base had also quickly formed a scale.

With grain and vegetables, fish and meat, the spirit and vigor displayed by the soldiers of the Third Guard Regiment looked distinctly different.

According to Shen Fang's introduction, the Third Guard Regiment was also countable among the best within the entire Garrison Command; while he dared not claim it was number one, it had never ranked outside the top three in comprehensive evaluations, proving quite formidable.

In the past two years, the Garrison Command had frequently transferred grassroots cadres from the Third Guard Regiment to reinforce the construction of other regiments, causing the Third Guard Regiment's training style to blossom everywhere.

The rotation of grassroots cadres had also carried the fine traditions and reputation of the Third Guard Regiment outward; just the reclamation area alone was the envy of how many regiments.

"Besides self-use and supply to the Red Star Factory, we also supply vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, eggs, milk, and so on to the Garrison Command."

"Do not starve your belly just to save face."

Li Li Xuewu glanced at Shen Fang; amidst the jest, he was reminding the other man, for in this year and month, some people would do anything for the beans on their shoulders.

Shen Fang understood the meaning behind his words, smiled, and did not answer, because any response to such a statement would be inappropriate.

Coming down from the reclamation area, Li Li Xuewu glanced at the telecommunications base station as he passed but did not get out of the vehicle.

That place had distinctly formed something like a natural village, with houses neat and uniform; only the tall antennas and iron towers marked its difference.

Looking down the mountain, the changes in Red Star Village were actually quite significant; he still remembered from before that while the village was large, it was truly dilapidated.

Called a commune, it actually had no industry; it was merely larger than the surrounding villages and closer to the road leading down the mountain.

Now, standing on the mountain looking down, in the span of two years, at least one-third of the houses were tiled, and even the earthen houses were much more orderly; each household had even built courtyards, which was a major change.

Shen Fang pointed out the brick and tile factory on the hillside to him, introduced the village's orchard, as well as several small workshop factories.

Li Li Xuewu nodded repeatedly; hearing that the small coal mine on the mountain had started up again, he knew that this place had already established a certain industrial foundation.

Of course, the potential was not great, but relative to the originally poor and backward village, it had progressed significantly.

Upon rushing down to the foot of the mountain, Yin Yin Mancang had already brought the commune's cadres to welcome them; the two groups gathered together, followed by another round of polite exchanges.

Li Li Xuewu was led into the Red Star Commune; it was still those same commune cadres and village cadres, everyone distributing cigarettes and very cheerful.

He did not smoke, merely watching everyone with great happiness.

Yin Yin Mancang knew the purpose of his visit and also knew he was pressed for time; although there was family affection to recount, he first introduced the changes in the commune and village over the past two years.

He mentioned the small coal mine that Shen Fang had spoken of, saying the village had organized the excavation, mainly supplying the Third Guard Regiment and the training ground, using some themselves, with the remainder basically sent to the brick and tile factory.

Speaking of the brick and tile factory, the mountains lacked nothing in terms of resources for producing construction materials; with the large construction sites of the Red Star Steel Group, there was no shortage of buyers for the building materials here.

Even the village building houses and repairing courtyard walls over the past two years had benefited from the brick and tile factory, gaining both profit and a foundation.

With money, they could carry out more infrastructure construction, the planting and development of orchards, and the construction of existing agricultural water conservancy.

With these as a foundation, the output of agricultural grain and sideline products in the commune increased year by year, and the phenomenon of going hungry had disappeared.

It was not to say that everyone had become wealthy overall; the situation in Red Star Commune was rather special, as the commune had simply encountered a good opportunity.

More importantly, the commune cadres were audacious enough to collude in private and make this decision that could cost them their heads.

However, now that every household had surplus grain and full bellies, there were no more idle rumors, and no one dared to speak recklessly to outsiders.

After the commune gained money, it repaired this and that, yet it was the only thing they forgot to repair: the road leading down the mountain.

It was Li Li Xuewu who told them that the road up the mountain should remain somewhat difficult.

The commune had industries, and individuals in the village also had industries.

The commune's industries included a canned food factory and a pickled vegetable factory.

Individual industries were more complex; raising poultry and rabbits, as well as breeding police dogs and puppies, were all sources of income.

Furthermore, serving the Third Guard Regiment and the Chinese Medicine Research Institute and planting base of Jingcheng Traditional Medicine Hospital here also generated profit.

With the establishment of the commune hospital, the area attracted even more people, and the economy appeared even more vibrant.

Li Li Xuewu listened carefully to their introduction while nodding, expressing his approval and recognition of their achievements.

In the gaps between the introductions by village and commune cadres, he also focused his questions on the profitability of the building materials factory and the results of the cooperation between Jingcheng Traditional Medicine Hospital and the commune hospital.

Amid the enthusiastic introductions from the two levels of cadres, he further asked about the livelihood and income of the commune villagers, receiving positive responses.

Li Li Xuewu, on behalf of the Red Star Iron and Steel Group, expressed gratitude for the support and understanding shown by Red Star Commune over the past few years of cooperation.

He extended condolences and greetings to the comrades who had made outstanding contributions during the cooperation and joint construction.

At the same time, in his personal capacity, he used his manuscript fees to donate a sum for construction costs and books and supplies to the Red Star Commune Primary School.

Many people in Red Star Commune still remembered him, knowing that the Red Star Factory's ability to establish a base here was entirely due to his coordination.

Now, having received both his thanks on behalf of the Red Star Factory and his personal donation, the cadres from both levels clapped until their palms hurt.

"We welcome you to visit Red Star Commune as a guest."

Yin Yin Mancang could not use familial relations for pleasantries here; instead, he expressed his gratitude in his capacity as a commune cadre.

Li Li Xuewu shook his hand and said with a smile, "I have already felt the enthusiasm of Red Star Commune; I hope the commune develops better and better, and the lives of its members improve increasingly."

As the off-road vehicle convoy departed, the send-off team standing by the village road did not disperse for a long time, still discussing today's investigation.

When a person passes, they leave a name; when a wild goose passes, it leaves a sound.

The work he had done would always be like seeds in the soil, taking root, sprouting, blooming, and bearing fruit.

"Daddy—"

Li Shu, like a happy little duck, ran and stumbled into his arms with the enthusiasm of a weary bird returning to the forest.

Li Li Xuewu smiled, lifted his daughter into his arms, nodded in acknowledgment to Teacher Hu who had seen her off, and then carried the child back to the car.

Since the investigation ended early, with half an hour remaining before the end of the workday, he simply did not go upstairs but returned directly home.

Of course, although he returned early, he had also brought work home; while Li Shu sat in the car chattering away, Li Li Xuewu responded to her while reading the briefing documents in his hand.

"Teacher praised me again today."

Li Shu, now like a proud swan, raised her neck and spoke in a louder voice: "Teacher Hu said my singing was very good, and my dance performance was also very good."

"Is that so? I am not surprised in the least."

Li Li Xuewu glanced at his daughter and praised, "My daughter has always been this excellent; what is there to be surprised about?"

"Hee-hee—"

Li Shu could already understand such praise; unable to hold back, she burst out laughing, her small hands failing to cover her mouth.

"However, given that Li Shu has achieved such good results, shouldn't she thank someone?"

Li Li Xuewu asked deliberately, "From whom did Li Shu learn her singing and dancing?"

"Teacher Xiao Xiao—" Li Shu, understanding her father's implication that one should not forget the source of water when drinking, answered very readily.

"Li Shu is wonderful; when Teacher Xiao Xiao comes to our home next time, you must pass on Teacher Hu's praise to her."

Li Li Xuewu patiently taught his daughter, "You must thank her properly; in the future, you should study harder under her guidance and strive to receive more excellent evaluations."

"Okay—" Li Shu was most susceptible to praise; having received Li Li Xuewu's praise-based education since childhood, she was more confident than children her age.

"Daddy, are you going to work?"

After chatting for quite a while, seeing that the car had arrived home and her father was organizing documents to take downstairs, she asked curiously.

Li Li Xuewu, however, took his daughter's small hand and explained with a smile, "Li Shu has to study every day, and Daddy has to study too."

"Li Shu studies cultural knowledge, while Daddy studies work requirements and policies..."

The father and daughter bickered playfully as they entered the courtyard; Nie Nie Xiaoguang parked the car, followed them into the yard, and conveniently closed the main gate.

He did not need the leader to invite him; if he could eat this meal here, he would absolutely not return to the unit canteen to eat—who would spend their own money when a ready-made meal was available?

"Li Ge, I want to tell you something."

Taking advantage of Li Shu running upstairs, Nie Nie Xiaoguang followed Li Li Xuewu into the living room and scratched his ear somewhat embarrassedly.

"Hmm, what is it? Go ahead and say it."

Li Li Xuewu lifted the warm tea Er Ya had prepared for him, took a sip, looked at the shy young man, and asked with a smile, "Don't tell me you've fallen for Teacher Hu and want to pursue her?"

"It's not that." Nie Nie Xiaoguang was also startled for a moment, then awkwardly waved his hand, saying, "It's Han Lu; she came to find me again."

"Han Lu? Didn't you two break up?"

Li Li Xuewu looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Still connected despite separation, a broken mirror reunited, reliving old dreams..."

"That..." Nie Nie Xiaoguang dared not let the leader continue speaking and quickly explained, "She had an abortion that went wrong; it seems she can't have children anymore, and she wants to get back together with me..."

"Get back together for what?" Li Li Xuewu widened his eyes and reminded him, "You can't buy a car without a fuel tank."

(End of Chapter)