Chapter 1364: Has Ran Qiuye found a partner?

In mid-December, the most heated topic of discussion within the agency was that Huang Jianguo, secretary to Deputy Director Zhang, had voluntarily turned himself in to the Group's Discipline Inspection Commission.

The reason it was so hotly debated, aside from Huang Jianguo being unable to fully account for the funds involved in the case, was that the related issues also implicated Deputy Director Zhang.

On the very day Huang Jianguo turned himself in, Deputy Director Zhang also voluntarily submitted a self-criticism and explanation to Deputy Director Gu and Director Li.

Following that, a dizzying succession of meetings were held one after another, as if a hornet's nest had been poked.

The conversation between Deputy Director Zhang and his secretary, Huang Jianguo, in the office was also leaked by someone with ulterior motives, causing a massive uproar within the agency.

Suddenly, Huazi cigarettes and Fenjiu liquor became taboos in the agency's social interactions. Everyone avoided these when giving gifts.

And when Li Xuewu learned from Wang Lu that those who were not short on money were all imitating his former preference and switching to smoking Daqian Sect cigarettes, he felt quite a mix of amusement and frustration.

The problem lay with the people; what did it have to do with Huazi cigarettes and Fenjiu liquor? It couldn't possibly be that these two things had corrupted them.

"I heard Deputy Director Zhang asked for leave as soon as he returned from the Ministry, saying he would wait for the investigation team from above to produce results before saying anything else."

Wang Lu used a small spray bottle to water the flowers and plants in the office, listing the recent developments within the agency one by one.

Li Xuewu, meanwhile, kept his head down, reading the documents in his hands and occasionally raising his fountain pen to make annotations.

Li Huai De had sought him out for a talk, but the result was not ideal. This also made the relationship between the two become subtle.

Recently, everyone in the agency was in a state of self-preservation, especially when facing the mad-dog-like Zhou Zechuan. There were even fewer people wandering around the third-floor corridor.

Old Li was very annoyed by Li Xuewu's lukewarm attitude, but seeking a showdown with him precisely showed that Old Li was at his wit's end.

This time, Old Li could be said to have tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice, and now he was even in danger of getting burned by the fire he had started.

He had originally wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, but he never imagined that he was the tiger in the game. Looking back, the fierce tiger sits on the mountain, eyes narrowed like Maitreya.

Li Xuewu's "toughness" had truly caught him off guard, but it was nowhere near the point of surrender.

So, even though their last contact ended on a sour note, he did not lose his footing and was still making minor adjustments. It was just that the subsequent development of the situation was somewhat shrouded in mist, making Li Huai De feel wary.

Specifically, in terms of work, several agenda items submitted by the Secretary-General at the group meeting were rejected one after another, causing much discussion.

If it were just one meeting like this, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Whether it was operational work, personnel opinions, or even administrative work, there were instances of disconnection.

What does it mean to pick bones out of tofu?

The several heads of the Comprehensive Management Department looked at each other in dismay regarding this situation, not knowing what to do.

Li Xuewu also knew they were suffering from an unprovoked disaster, but who told them Old Li was the top leader? Even he could only endure it.

On one side was the intense case pursuit and auditing by the two levels of Discipline Inspection, and on the other was the management problems appearing one after another in the agency.

Suddenly, everyone realized that the Secretary-General was sitting firmly on the fishing platform, as if nothing had happened.

Work that needed to be reported was transferred for approval as usual, and tasks that needed to be issued were forwarded as usual, as if he hadn't noticed this undercurrent at all.

He didn't lose his temper or slam the table either.

However, observant people could still notice that the Secretary-General spent less time going out. Even less than a few days ago.

A few days ago, several personnel opinions submitted by the Secretary-General were rejected, and the Secretary-General's research trips decreased significantly, almost to none.

By now, even internal research and office meetings within the agency had been cancelled; it truly had the feeling of a storm about to break.

"Director Liang, if we don't review this material again, it will be overdue." Little Qi from the office saw the leader passing by the doorway and picked up the material from the desk to chase after him.

Liang Zuodong turned his head to look at her, frowned slightly, took the material from her hand, and asked, "Which day is this from? Why hasn't it been reported yet?"

"It was reported, but Director Li has sent it back twice already."

The helplessness in Little Qi's tone was undisguised, and it was even tinged with a bit of fatigue and annoyance.

Liang Zuodong carefully flipped through it and didn't find anything unusual, but in his heart, he already understood what was going on.

"What did the Deputy Secretary-General say?"

"What else could he say? Just redo it." Little Qi looked toward the Deputy Secretary-General's office, pursed her lips, and replied, "But no matter how we redo this material, we can't go beyond this outline. Could it be... could it be that we just make things up?"

"Why so many complaints?" Liang Zuodong glared at her, "Like this, you rewrite a copy and go directly to Director Li."

"Ah?" Little Qi widened her eyes in surprise; the first thought that popped into her head was that Director Liang had gone crazy.

The agency had its own set of office systems, and all materials and applications needed to go through the process before they could be submitted to the leaders.

Only in urgent cases would applications be allowed to be brought by a designated person to seek approval from leaders level by level.

Like the one in her hand, there was no qualification to be submitted directly to the leader; wasn't this... bypassing the hierarchy?

"Just do it like this, take it to Director Li to see first."

Liang Zuodong didn't pay any more attention to her, turned around to continue walking forward, and then turned into his office.

Little Qi stood there thinking for a long time but couldn't understand why Director Liang, who was usually so cautious, would make such a muddled decision.

Skipping the Deputy Secretary-General and the Secretary-General to take the material directly to Director Li—could this really work?

"If he tells you to go, just go."

The older sister sitting opposite her carried a thermos out to get water, and as she passed by, she reminded her softly, "Do as the leader says."

"But—" Little Qi was an obedient one and would never do anything out of line; this time, it was truly difficult for her.

The older sister was a kind person, glanced at her, and asked, "Are you not in a hurry now?"

"Hurry, how can I not be in a hurry!" Little Qi stomped her feet, gritted her teeth, and said, "Forget it, I don't care anymore, I'll treat a dead horse as a living one."

"What kind of talk is that—" The older sister looked at Little Qi, who had turned back to the office, and couldn't help but sigh in her heart; she really was just a child.

And wasn't she just a child? Little Qi couldn't understand at all: same title, same text, just missing the approval opinions of the Deputy Secretary-General and the Secretary-General, and when it was sent to Director Li, it actually passed. This was truly... are they sick?

She came out of Director Li's office with the document, feeling both happy and confused. What she was happy about was that this difficult problem in her hand was finally solved; what she was confused about was what the difference was between material signed by two Secretary-Generals and material without signatures.

"You aren't silly from being happy, are you?"

The older sister was one to slack off; she had just come out from the leader's, and she had only just brought back this bottle of hot water.

However, the older sister was also a warm-hearted person. Seeing her confusion, she reminded her softly, "Be more careful, next time call him Deputy Manager Liang, how can you call him Director Liang."

"There's nothing much, it's not worth coming over every day."

Liu Yin lay on the kang, looked at her son, and smiled. Although that was what she said, the smile on her face was full of relief.

Li Xuewu glanced at the IV bottle hanging on the curtain rod, turned his head, and asked his father, "Don't we need to go to the hospital?"

"Forget it, I'm not going."

Before Li Shun could open his mouth, Liu Yin had already waved her hand, saying with stubbornness in her tone, "What a big deal, it's not worth the trouble of going back and forth."

Li Shun didn't say anything; this confident attitude was already the answer to his son's question.

He even felt his son was a bit annoying. Who exactly was the doctor in this house? Who was he doubting by asking like that?

Regarding the question of whether or not to go to the hospital, Li Xuewu had already asked more than once, and Li Shun couldn't be bothered to pay attention to him.

"It's just the change of seasons causing trouble, my throat is a bit dry, I didn't pay attention, and it got serious." Liu Yin knew her son was worried about her, so she added an explanation, "Just take some anti-inflammatories and it will be fine."

"Still need to be careful, don't let it develop into pneumonia."

Li Xuewu naturally wasn't doubting his father's medical skills, but rather his attitude, as well as his mother's stubbornness and reluctance.

For the sake of this family, his mother couldn't bear to be sick, and she couldn't let go of the old and the young. Even if she cut her hand while chopping vegetables, she treated it as nothing, just used alcohol to disinfect it and didn't take it to heart.

This time she had fallen ill, but as long as she could hold on, she wouldn't have dragged it out to the point of needing an IV.

Considering the medical level and technology of this era, he couldn't help but nag and annoy his father.

Li Xuewi stood to one side, secretly laughing. Yesterday, when boiling the medicine, he had been negligent with the heat and had already been lectured by his father. Seeing his second brother nagging their old father today, he felt relieved in his heart.

"Aren't you busy with work?"

Li Shun ultimately couldn't bear to lecture his son for his nagging; his wife enjoyed this filial piety, so he could only swallow his words.

Thinking that his mother was sick, his eldest sister-in-law had to go to work, and there was only the old lady at home to take care of the children. For the past few days, Li Ning had been at home being taken care of by Er Ya and hadn't been sent over here.

Since the child wasn't sent over, Li Xuewu also came over morning and night to check, looking very worried about his mother.

The fire in the backyard had never gone out. Fearing the spread of illness, during the day, the old lady stayed in the backyard with Li Tang.

Meals were easy; the kitchen in the inverted house could always provide a portion for here. Li Shun had been on leave at home for the past few days to take care of his wife.

"How can you not be busy? Just looking at him makes me feel tired."

Liu Yin looked at her son with concern, let out a long breath, and began to talk about things from when Li Xuewu and his brothers were young.

Li Shun sat to one side listening silently. Li Xuewi knew his mother was going to nag again, so he found an excuse and turned to go out.

"Last time, Xuewi muttered that it seemed like there were arrangements at school, that they could graduate normally. Is that true?"

Watching his younger son slip away, Liu Yin also reacted, feeling sour in her heart, but her mouth was still concerned about her son's future.

Li Xuewu sat on the stool next to the kang, reached out to touch his mother's hand, felt it was a bit cold, and got up to use the IV bottle from home to add warm water, placing it under her palm to warm it up.

"What about the eldest sister-in-law's side? I've been asking here too, but there's never been a definite word, all sorts of things are being said."

Actually, he knew in his heart that next year the authorities would definitely solve the employment problem of university students stranded at school, but he didn't want to say it too early.

It made no difference whether his parents and family knew this news early or late; if he said it early, they would just worry about it.

"Your eldest sister-in-law has the same personality as you." Liu Yin looked at her son's attentiveness and filial piety with a smile, "If it's not a sure thing, how could she be willing to say it? She just said the school side is also waiting for news."

"Then let's wait a bit longer." Li Xuewu nodded to comfort his mother, "Anyway, he's currently interning at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, as long as he doesn't go out and mess around, it's fine. Sooner or later, arrangements will be made."

"I'm just thinking about the third one's marriage."

Liu Yin looked at the ceiling in the room and sighed, "He and Yuxiu have been together for almost three years now. We aren't in a hurry, but the in-laws' side must be. How can it go on like this forever?"

"Special circumstances. Did Yuxiu nag you?" Li Xuewu looked at the little specks of white hair on his mother's head, his tone becoming even gentler, "Just wait another half a year."

"You probably also know that now, let alone university students, even high school and middle school students are waiting for job assignments."

He explained to his mother, "For the past two years, the activities from above have been one after another; there must be a time for a summary."

"Then when will the summary be finished?"

"Alright, worry less about this." Li Shun was impatient with his wife's worries and advised her, "He's not in the education system. Even if you ask him, how much can he know?"

Perhaps because his son was right there, and the couple had lived like this their whole lives, Li Shun didn't feel that the impatience in his tone would hurt his wife's heart. But Li Xuewu was the son.

"Mom, don't worry about the third one's marriage. The young couple is very close; haven't you seen that they can't be separated for even a moment?"

"Go on, there's no such thing as making fun of your younger brother and sister-in-law." Liu Yin scolded her son with a smile, "You're the eldest brother."

"Isn't this the truth?" Li Xuewu was deliberately teasing his mother to make her laugh, holding her hand and saying, "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Your eldest grandson is already running around the courtyard. In the future, enjoy your blessings more. If there's anything, let us arrange it. If there's really something we can't handle, you can come out to oversee it and scold us a few times."

"Now you don't even want to listen when I talk."

Liu Yin scolded him, but she was smiling on her face. She looked at the son in front of her, but in her heart, she never expected this in a million years.

Never expected what? Earlier, she thought the eldest and the obedient one would definitely be able to support this family and take care of the younger brothers and sisters in the future. She never expected the naughtiest second one to mature so quickly and hold up the household.

Thinking of her children being filial, successful in their careers, and having many descendants, she felt happy in her heart, so happy she wanted to shed tears.

"How is the third one doing with his internship at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital?" Li Xuewu saw the relief and glimmer in his mother's eyes, and fearing she would be embarrassed, turned to look at his father and asked, "Has he caused any trouble?"

"He's just doing odd jobs, running errands and learning, how could he cause any trouble." Li Shun nodded, and as if remembering something, looked at his son and asked, "Did Zhao Yufeng ask you about the third one?"

"Are you talking about graduation assignments?"

Seeing his father ask like this, Li Xuewu smiled and replied, "He did ask me once, but I didn't respond to him."

"No matter what, the third one is still a student who hasn't left campus yet, his medical skills and personality need to be tempered."

He thought for a moment and continued, "Whether it's being a doctor at the United Hospital or doing management at the Pharmaceutical Corporation, it's not appropriate. Better to wait until he's worked for a few years and let him consider it himself."

"Hmm, the third one's personality is too jumpy."

Seeing his son say this, Li Shun felt relieved, but still exhorted, "Don't spoil him too much, he's already twenty years old."

"Hehe, I'm not spoiling him. Giving him the car is to prepare for family use, I don't have use for it over there anyway." Li Xuewu knew his father was dissatisfied with him giving the car to the third one, fearing he was too young and would cause trouble.

Li Xuewu understood his third brother very well; he liked new things, but he was very timid and wouldn't easily provoke trouble.

The old lady was also getting on in years, and there were little ones at home. Even if there was a car in the west courtyard, it wasn't convenient without a driver who knew how to drive.

If there was really an emergency, it would be too late to regret it. Anyway, it was just a Willys Jeep, leaking wind and rain, nobody cared.

That's what he said, but in an era where riding a bicycle was considered top-tier, owning a car was ultimately standing out.

Ji Yuxiu didn't say it; it was the third one who told him privately that many young nurses at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were sticking to him, very proactively.

Without Li Xuewu's warning, Li Xuewi wouldn't dare to mess around either. Ji Yuxiu was extremely good to him. Don't look at how serious she was at work; by his side, she was gentle and soft-natured, what more could he ask for.

"I still wanted to ask you." Liu Yin heard the two men talking about the arrangements for the upcoming New Year and interjected, "Jicheng, your second uncle's side hasn't sent a letter for a long time. Did you ask?"

"I asked, they're doing fine." Li Xuewu's expression tightened, and he comforted his mother, "Second uncle and second aunt are busy."

As he said this, he heard a long sigh from his father sitting on the edge of the kang. The expression on his mother's face also tightened a bit.

"Your second aunt cares most about face."

Liu Yin placed the arm that wasn't getting the IV on her forehead, closed her eyes slightly, and said, "How could she endure such a thing."

Seeing his mother break the news in front of his father, and then looking at his father's reaction, Li Xuewu knew the old couple had already talked about it.

"What's past is past, and they aren't outsiders."

What could Li Xuewu say? He just comforted them, "When Xuewi came that time, I already said, don't mention this matter again."

"If you can think this way, it can also make your second uncle feel less guilty. I imagine he hasn't had an easy time these past six months either."

Li Shun sighed and said, "Brothers shouldn't be so embarrassed with each other, but children are all debts."

The meaning in these words was that for his nephew, the second uncle had lost face, and the eldest sister's behavior had truly broken his heart.

"How about... we go over there?"

Liu Yin ultimately couldn't rest easy, turned to look at her husband, and then looked at her son with some difficulty, "The New Year is right around the corner, I'm afraid the New Year won't be easy for your second uncle's family."

Li Shun was also somewhat moved, but still waited for his son to speak, after all, this matter involved his son.

Li Xuewu knew the old couple's wishes; his father and mother were afraid he had resentment in his heart and would stop them from going.

They were brothers after all, how could they stop interacting because of such a small matter.

The second uncle didn't have the face to contact this side, but as the elder brother, Li Shun couldn't watch his younger brother continue to harbor resentment.

"Go if you want, there's nothing much at home anyway." Li Xuewu looked at his mother with a smile, "But we have to wait until your health is better."

"It's better, it's almost better."

Seeing his son say this, Liu Yin and Li Shun clearly felt a weight lift from their hearts, and their faces became much more relaxed.

The couple let go of their inner entanglement and began to discuss what to bring to the second uncle's family, their faces becoming much more lively.

In the future, the son would be the head of this household, and whatever decision they made would ultimately have to listen to the son's opinion.

This is the principle of "the first thirty years look at the father to respect the son, the last thirty years look at the son to respect the father."

"Brother! I've been waiting for you—"

As soon as she saw Li Xuewu get out of the car, Zhou Xiaobai ran toward him from the billiards room with a smile.

I don't know who she learned it from, but she, who originally had short hair, had grown it long in the past six months, and now she looked much gentler.

It was just that this lively personality made this gentleness have a bit more innocence. Especially in her gray and black cotton-padded clothes, she looked youthful, beautiful, and appetizing.

Li Xuewu didn't come to "eat" her; someone on the second floor of the office area was already waving and greeting him.

"Aren't you ashamed?" Li Xuewu was hugged by the neck and pecked by her; although there was a hat blocking it, it still made people imagine things.

Zhou Xiaobai didn't care, smiling and saying, "There's no one in the club today, everyone is hiding in their rooms."

"Are your parents busy again?" Li Xuewu took her toward the office area, asking casually.

Zhou Xiaobai had returned from Jinmen two weeks ago. After directing the focus to Jinmen, she had completed her mission.

It was just that after returning from Jinmen, before she could ask Li Xuewu for a reward, she was picked up by her father's driver and taken home.

I don't know where they got the news, but her parents knew someone was going to investigate the unit she was in and called her home for questioning. Originally it was for questioning, but her mother saw the change in her daughter and kept her at home to establish rules.

The daughter was finally grown up, and the couple was also in a difficult position. If they said it too lightly, they were afraid the daughter wouldn't listen; if they said it too deeply, they were afraid the daughter would rebel.

Zhou Xiaobai hadn't spent these two years in vain; her personality had matured a lot, and she had a bit more sense of responsibility.

She earnestly explained her current career and ideals to her father and also made plans and expositions for her own future.

To her mother, she took the initiative to confess her current emotional status, as well as her cognition and attitude toward love.

Looking at their grown and mature daughter, the couple talked for a long time, ultimately unable to bear forcing their daughter too hard.

It was her mother who took the initiative to talk to her about career, love, and future ideals, and the result should be quite good.

Although they took her home and kept her to learn rules, they didn't cut off her contact with the outside world.

Zhou Xiaobai only called him once, and in that conversation, she only said one sentence: I don't want my youth to have regrets.

Perhaps this sentence was also said to her parents, which was one of the reasons they understood her and let her out.

This time they met, Zhou Xiaobai's state of mind was different again. Although her parents didn't evaluate her career and ideals, they didn't stop her struggle and love either.

With the psychological burden lifted, the whole person became bright again, as if shining like a flower bud of youth.

She held Li Xuewu's hand, unwilling to waste a single moment, telling him of the bitterness of separation over the past two weeks.

Although Li Xuewu didn't have much confidence in her, or in this bizarre relationship, he could understand her recent pressure and hardship.

As she spoke, he responded, and laughing and talking, they arrived at the office area, where many people were waiting for him.

"Sit, sit, don't be formal, we're our own people."

After Li Xuewu entered the room and saw everyone stand up to greet him, he waved his hand to save unnecessary pleasantries.

Zhou Xiaobai had also become more sensible in the two weeks she was at home; she let go of his hand before entering the door, and after entering, she found a corner to stand in.

After he sat down behind the desk, Zhao Lao Si glanced at Yu Li and brought his younger brother to stand in front.

"Leader, I heard from Director Yu that you picked me to go to Steel City. I was so excited I didn't sleep for half the night." He said with gratitude, "Before, I didn't have the ability and didn't dare to think about it. Today, I finally have the opportunity to repay your kindness in recognizing my talent."

I don't know where he learned the old-school Jianghu rules, or if his master taught him, but he bowed all the way to the ground.

"I, Zhao Lao Si, am willing to lead your horse and hold your stirrup, and die for you."

"I, Zhao Lao Liu, am willing to be a dog or horse, to watch the house and guard the courtyard for you..."

"What kind of show is this?" Li Xuewu looked at the two of them with amusement and asked, "Are you going to sing a show? Did you teach him this? Even 'watch the house and guard the courtyard' came out, enough of a ruckus."

"Hehehe—" everyone in the room laughed.

Li Xuewu pointed to Zhao Lao Si and Zhao Lao Liu, letting them sit on the chairs opposite.

"Brother, isn't that how it's said?"

Zhao Lao Liu was a bit confused; he clearly remembered his second brother teaching him this, so why didn't the leader approve?

Zhao Lao Si awkwardly pushed his brother's hand away and looked up at Li Xuewu behind the desk with a dry laugh.

"Leader, I just wanted to express my loyalty."

"Hmm, I saw it, sit down."

Li Xuewu smiled, sized up the brothers, and said, "It's been almost three years since you came to the club, right? Time flies."

"It'll be three years after the New Year."

Seeing Li Xuewu point to the chairs for them to sit, Zhao Lao Si pulled his younger brother and sat down cautiously on the edge of the chairs.

However, their bodies were stiff, listening carefully to Li Xuewu's words and answering politely.

Li Xuewu also saw their caution and didn't pay much attention, asking a few more questions about Zhao Lao Wu, who was far away in the frontier.

"He's doing great, told me he can eat all the beef and mutton he wants."

Hearing the leader ask about his younger brother, Zhao Lao Si's face also showed envy and a smile.

He nodded and replied, "My two younger brothers have simple personalities, thanks to your care, otherwise they would have starved to death outside."

"Hehe, not that bad." Li Xuewu smiled lightly and looked at Zhao Lao Si, "Twenty this year?"

"Yes, twenty." Seeing his second brother didn't speak, just looked at him encouragingly, Zhao Lao Liu grinned and answered.

Seeing his simple and honest appearance, everyone in the room also carried smiles, listening to Li Xuewu talk to them.

"That's good, you're big guys now, you should be able to stand on your own and take responsibility." Li Xuewu nodded, looked at Zhao Lao Si, and said, "Hand over clearly with your younger brother, if there's anything you don't know, ask Yu Li."

"Handed over clearly, I've also entrusted Director Yu."

Zhao Lao Si nodded and replied, "I've written everything important in a notebook, let him get familiar with it for a few days."

"Anyway, it's just at the club, everyone will understand and give pointers if there's more or less, you don't need to worry about this side."

How well Yu Li could speak; seeing Li Xuewu and Zhao Lao Si both mention her, she smiled and interjected, "I'll also pay more attention to him."

"Thank you, Director Yu. With him in front of you, what do I have to worry about." Zhao Lao Si was also a sharp person, turned his head, smiled, and said politely, "If it weren't for rushing to pave the way for the leader, I would have wanted to learn a few more skills from you. I'm just afraid of doing things poorly and delaying the leader's big events."

"Look at what you're saying, it makes it seem like I'm driving you away." Yu Li carried the thermos to refill their hot water, joking, "Leaving the club, I wish Fourth Brother prosperity and success."

"Thank you, Director Yu, thank you for everyone's care and guidance over the past two years, thank you leader for giving me this opportunity, thank you, thank you."

Like an old ox bowing in all directions, Zhao Lao Si was flawless in his conduct. He thanked Li Xuewu, thanked Yu Li, and then thanked everyone in the room, leaving no loose ends.

Li Xuewu was his proprietor, Yu Li was the person in charge of contacting all branch stations in Beijing, both were people he should curry favor with.

And these few people in the room, which one wasn't a rank higher than their brothers, how could they dare to be rampant.

The closer one was to Li Xuewu, the more one was valued within the recycling station system, unless one had a special skill.

He was a ruffian by origin, and by now, how could he not see the root of the disaster buried under the chaotic situation in Beijing.

Li Xuewu pointing him to Steel City was not only giving him an opportunity but also keeping him away from this complicated whirlpool to save his life.

One more thing, he was leaving, and this position was given to his younger brother. Although the three brothers were going in different directions, they all had a future.

Kindness, a lifetime wouldn't be enough to repay.

Gratitude, endless gratitude, he only hoped that it would truly be as Yu Li said, prosperity and success.

"Brother Biao returned to Steel City early to sort out relationships and do the handover with Sister Zhou, this time is probably going to take half a month."

Yang Zhao, the second child, made a report to Li Xuewu, while Yu Li added supplements on the side; she knew Li Xuewu wanted to train him.

"According to Brother Biao's meaning, he won't talk to Zhou Changli, leaving this opportunity to Sister Zhou, so as to fix the relationship."

Yang Zhao had a notebook spread out in his hand, but he didn't even look at it, obviously knowing the content above by heart.

Li Xuewu listened earnestly, nodding from time to time, or taking the initiative to ask about the arrangements for several people.

Among them were the use of the Thirteen Taibao, as well as the handling and arrangements for Brother Biao going to Jicheng to report the funeral.

For what Yang Zhao didn't answer comprehensively, and what Yu Li didn't know, Shen Guodong made supplementary reports.

He had another task in Beijing, which was to cultivate follow-up strength. Li Xuewu set a small goal for them, to use three years to thoroughly build the entire trade and channel network in the Northeast.

Brother Biao was going to Hong Kong, and handing over the entire Northeast operation to Zhou Ya Mei made them feel insecure.

Originally, Yang Zhao and Shen Guodong both wanted to go, but seeing Brother Biao determined to use this opportunity to train newcomers and the next generation, they both gave up continuing to strive for it.

"Call Jicheng, tell Xilin to be prepared, if Da Qiangzi can't solve the Bingcheng matter, then replace him with her."

Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes slightly and arranged, "Third uncle should just rest well, consider it a vacation."

Shen Guodong took the initiative to ask about Wen San'er's next work arrangement, which was probably Brother Biao's request, fearing his uncle would overthink it.

Li Xuewu didn't respond too much; he had already said a few days ago that he would arrange for Wen San'er to prepare to take over Dongfeng Construction.

Shen Guodong had an extra thought, fearing Wen San'er wouldn't adapt to the current environment in the interior, and wanted to find a job for him in advance.

"What was Third Aunt's reaction?" Li Xuewu didn't want to talk about this problem anymore, looked at the few people, and asked with a smile, "Didn't beat him, did she?"

"Hehehe—" a few people laughed lightly.

Perhaps Shen Guodong saw it, winked, and said, "Third Aunt is such a smart person, how could she take action, she was too busy caring and loving him."

"I finally understand, women just can't be too tough, this move of overcoming hardness with softness is truly ruthless."

According to Shen Guodong, when Fei Shanying saw Wen San'er, she didn't cry or make a scene, didn't even say a harsh word, just kept asking about his well-being.

She didn't care that they juniors were still there, hugged Wen San'er with heartache, which really left them dumbfounded.

After all, Wen San'er couldn't bear to part with himself, didn't want these few bastard boys to watch the live broadcast, and drove them away.

As for what happened later, with Third Aunt's methods, Third Uncle would never dream of seeing the prosperity of Hong Kong again in this lifetime.

Of course, there were also his lovers.

Li Xuewu listened to these words as a joke, and after laughing for a while, he gave a few instructions to the second child.

Yang Zhao understood, in the future, that stall in Jinmen would have to be supported by him; Zhou Xiaobai and Wu Laoshi couldn't be counted on.

Zhou Xiaobai was actually fine, she had only been following and learning for the past two years, doing some formal work. It was Wu Laoshi; if Brother Wu really had other uses for him, he would be panicked if he had to take over suddenly.

How strong Li Xuewu's layout ability was, they had already witnessed, and in their hearts, they had long treated his words as imperial edicts.

As long as they did things according to Brother Wu's meaning, they wouldn't suffer losses or go astray. Whatever he told them to do now, they would do.

Wu Laoshi could still be eased for a while, but Zhou Xiaobai's side was about to explode, just didn't know how Brother Wu could bear it.

"Hah—"

Truly young, the lung capacity was frighteningly high, and the physical strength recovered quickly, showing no signs of decadence at all.

Even if hit hard, after resting for ten minutes, she was full of life again, looking forward to it with eager eyes.

Li Xuewu, however, knew how to maintain health; no matter how good the tea was, he wouldn't drink it wildly, drinking too much would cause stomach pain.

"Do me a favor, go to the train station this afternoon and get two train tickets for me, just give them to Yu Li."

"Where are you going? Going on a business trip?"

Jumping down from the bed, Zhou Xiaobai hugged his neck from behind and asked intimately, "Can you take me too?"

"Two tickets, use that little brain of yours to think." Li Xuewu put his hand behind his back and patted her bottom, saying with amusement, "Even if I were going on a business trip, I wouldn't need you to help me get tickets."

"So it's not—" Zhou Xiaobai slipped down in disappointment, sat in front of him, but her hands didn't let go.

"My parents, going to Jicheng to my second uncle's house." Li Xuewu explained casually, "I've already greeted the station side, you just go get them, it's not convenient for me to go over."

"I know—heehee—"

Zhou Xiaobai greedily hugged him and pecked him, still unsatisfied, and scolded, "Why are you dodging!"

"Do you think I'm dirty, or do you think you're dirty?"

"Eww—" Li Xuewu curled his lips and glared at her, "How can a big girl say such things."

That... one who hasn't been married or had children is a big girl, right?

"I want to—" Zhou Xiaobai shook her body, her eyes like silk, the longing in her eyes wishing she could eat Li Xuewu.

"Does it take a day and a night or two days and a night to get to Jicheng?"

She asked proactively, "Do you want me to find someone to help buy two sleeper tickets? It's very easy."

"Already arranged, do I need to trouble you for this little thing?" Li Xuewu looked at her with a smile and said, "General Manager Zhou should be a person who does big things, can't be greedy for pleasure."

"No use, I won't listen—"

Zhou Xiaobai seemed welded to him, unwilling to let go easily, no matter how he negotiated.

Youth, it's really good.

Youth, it's not all good either.

Qin Huairu heard her son's grand strategy and wished she could just faint and die.

"You're going to worry me to death—"

"Anyway, I'm not studying anymore, do whatever you want, at worst I'll skip class every day."

Banggeng was thirteen or fourteen, the age when rebellious psychology was at its most severe, how could he listen to his mother's words.

The more Qin Huairu spoke, the less he listened, and in the end, the mother and son fell out, and neither spoke to the other.

A son can not listen to his mother, but a mother cannot ignore her son, after all, it relates to her son's future for a lifetime.

The day after Banggeng decided to drop out of school, Qin Huairu carried a bag of fruit and found Ran Qiuye's home.

"Oh, Banggeng's mom, why are you here."

Ran Qiuye was truly surprised; although she didn't have much interaction with Qin Huairu, they were still familiar with each other.

Especially with the establishment of the United School, after Ran Qiuye became the principal of the junior high department, she knew even more that Qin Huairu was the director of the reception center.

Both were cadres, so it was convenient to talk.

"Haven't seen you for a long time, I'm off today so I came to see you." Qin Huairu said with a smile, "Teacher Ran, you've been doing well lately, right."

"Director Qin, you're too polite."

Ran Qiuye couldn't talk to her at the door, so she quickly let her in; Qin Huairu was the first guest after she moved.

That... he doesn't count, he is the man here.

"Didn't buy anything, just a little token."

Qin Huairu put down the fruit, but her gaze swept over the shoe rack at the door, discovering a pair of men's slippers.

How come I didn't hear that Ran Qiuye found a partner?

She came today to handle business, temporarily suppressing the doubt in her heart, and chatted with Ran Qiuye about daily life after moving.

Both families had just moved into new buildings, so there were too many topics to chat about. It was just that both had things on their minds, so talking and talking, they went straight to the theme.

"Teacher Ran, you say, what should be done about this child."

Qin Huairu was full of worry, "He just told me he's not studying anymore, no matter how I persuade him, he won't listen."

"I did hear from his head teacher, don't worry, drink some hot water first."

Ran Qiuye sat next to her and advised softly, "Little boys are all like this, it's the most complicated age."

"Actually, he told me since last year that he didn't want to study, and I was coaxing him and persuading him."

Qin Huairu explained, "In the end, there was no other way, I asked He Yuzhu from our courtyard to take him to learn cooking."

"Do you still remember He Yuzhu?"

"Hmm, I remember, Master He."

Seeing she was going to nag, Ran Qiuye felt helpless in her heart, but couldn't show it on her face, so she could only respond and listen.

Qin Huairu was also sharp at reading people's faces, and knew she couldn't be long-winded, so she took the initiative to beg, "This child is a stubborn one, he doesn't listen to anyone in the family. I thought since you were his former head teacher and now his principal, could you not..."

"Director Qin, I don't understand the situation yet." Ran Qiuye asked with patience, "Does Banggeng say what he wants to do if he doesn't study?"

"Sigh—" Qin Huairu sighed, replying with difficulty, "He said he wants to raise... raise... chickens."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 1365 =====