Chapter 1375: Young people don't know how good aunts are

How did Mercedes dare to be so presumptuous in the mainland, actually harboring the delusion of using bribery and other means to befriend the senior management of the Red Star Steel Group in an attempt to interfere with the Group's decision-making regarding shipping agency business in the Yingcheng Port area?

If one simply said that this was all his own willful and reckless decision, even a fool wouldn't believe it.

Chantalle knew in her heart that Li Li Xuewu was absolutely not someone who could be dismissed with a few words. Practically speaking, the development opportunities and foundation of the Santa Ya Group in East Asia still depended on the Red Star Steel Group.

If the cooperation foundation of both sides were affected because of one person's decision, then the choices she could make would truly be few.

However, selecting a vice president was not a simple matter, and dismissing a vice president was not easy.

Mercedes represented not only himself, but also the regulatory attitude of some French enterprises toward the Santa Ya Group.

This had to be said about the double setbacks in career and marriage that Chantalle encountered last year, forcing her to make some concessions.

To stabilize the European industry, she was reluctant to lose the cooperation relationship just established in East Asia. So grabbing both ends, her heart was very tired.

However, the case had already been investigated clearly, and the truth and evidence had already been placed in front of her. Regardless of how Mercedes would be handled afterward, the most urgent thing for her now was to explain clearly.

Explain what?

First, Chantalle represented the Santa Ya Group to express apologies to the Red Star Steel Group regarding the impact caused by the incident.

Second, she emphasized in her explanation that Mercedes' actions were entirely his own wrong decision and had nothing to do with the Santa Ya Group. And this behavior had already violated the consistent business work guidelines of the Santa Ya Group, and the group's board of directors had already approved the launch of an investigation into his work procedures in the interior.

Finally, Chantalle again emphasized the Santa Ya Group's emphasis on the cooperation relationship between the two sides and its confidence in the future development of cooperation.

Whatever was said was empty; even if the Red Star Steel Group was very dissatisfied with this matter, what could they do to Mercedes?

The other party was not only foreign-related enterprise management personnel, but also core management personnel that the enterprise focused on cultivating.

An interview was not equal to a quarrel, nor was it a threat or extortion, but an expression of attitude to occupy an advantage in future cooperation negotiations.

Regarding how the Santa Ya Group would handle Mercedes, or whether it would handle him at all, Li Li Xuewu didn't care at all.

If the other party were foreign affairs office personnel, or an independent reporter, he would have long ago notified the Foreign Affairs Department to deal with them.

In this era, dealing with some foreigners who didn't follow the rules in the interior truly wouldn't splash a bit of water.

Mercedes was different; he represented the Santa Ya Group after all, and his actions, although vicious, were intended for the Santa Ya Group to obtain the shipping agency rights in the Yingcheng Port area.

Starting from this point, he believed the Santa Ya Group wouldn't impose serious punishment on him either. Similarly, Li Li Xuewu didn't hope so either. It wasn't for the sake of the cooperation relationship between the two sides, but a vice president who had made a mistake would inevitably lack confidence at the negotiating table.

At present, the two sides had no cooperation projects to negotiate, but there were still frictions and contradictions in business communication.

Li Li Xuewu didn't pin his hopes on driving away this vice president who didn't follow the rules, so he thought in reverse, utilizing the bad situation, which also had unexpected effects.

Therefore, during the interview, Li Li Xuewu kept emphasizing that the group was very angry and dissatisfied with this matter. He even pointed out the dissatisfied attitude of Director Li Li Huai De toward this matter, but he didn't say himself.

What anger did Li Li Xuewu have? The world is bustling for profit, and the world is bustling for profit. As long as there is profit to be made, this kind of thing can't be stopped; it happened now, and it will happen in the future.

A businessman's sense of smell is keen; the coastline of the interior is so long, why are there so few ports opened for construction?

Don't say Jinmen Port, Yangcheng Port; these ports are all invested and operated by interior port companies. The Yingcheng Port, which is independently built and operated by other industrial enterprises through financing and other methods, is the only one.

Whether it is interior enterprises or foreign enterprises closely watching the economic development of the interior, they all have to think about whether the approval and construction of Yingcheng Port means that there will be more independent seaports in the future?

If there are, then for interior enterprises and foreign enterprises, it is no less than a formal notification to them that the door to foreign trade has been opened.

If not, then Yingcheng Port will become the most important seaport in the entire Northeast Asia in the future. Even the Jingu Port under the jurisdiction of Jinmen cannot compare.

The Red Star Steel Group's appetite and determination are very large, and the investment in the Yingcheng Port project far exceeds that of Jingu Port.

Similarly, Yingcheng Port was designed and constructed from the beginning according to international advanced port standards. The cargo throughput form of the seaport adopts the most advanced container terminal.

And the Red Star Steel Group itself is also jointly building relevant container railway transport standards and services with the Beijing Railway Department.

In the Steel City, the container manufacturing plant jointly invested and built by the Red Star Steel Group and Beijing Railway has been in production for two years.

Chantalle has no doubt about how huge the cargo trade volume will be here after Yingcheng Port is put into operation. International third-party shipping companies are like flies, already eyeing this side.

The attitude of the Red Star Steel Group waiting for a price is already very obvious. At this time, one cannot be too honest; one should strike when it is time to strike, and the near water tower gets the moon first. The Santa Ya Group, which already has a cooperation foundation, would be a fool if it couldn't eat the cake.

So the small actions made by Mercedes cannot be put on the table, but they are also understandable.

Don't you see that the general manager of Geely Star Shipping has come to Beijing many times to lobby, and has even "lobbied" into bed?

If it weren't for the fact that she couldn't let go, that she still had some spare time, and that she knew all too well that Li Li Xuewu was a cunning wolf who would eat people without spitting out the bones, Chantal would have wanted to take the field herself. It would also be a good way to let Li Li Xuewu see what it means to be a young man who doesn't know the value of an aunt, mistakenly treating a young girl as a treasure.

Ask again, did Mercedes make a mistake?

The mistake is a real mistake; what Chantalle said just now was not all perfunctory and coaxing Li Li Xuewu to stabilize the Red Star Steel Group.

This matter has already happened; regardless of the angle of management or the direction of private friendship, she must let Mercedes recognize the root cause of this mistake, which is the most important thing.

Mercedes was ultimately a bit arrogant; after arriving in the interior, he didn't take the planned economy here seriously at all, thinking that the environment he grew up in and the economic theory he learned were superior.

And the result?

He didn't know that the commercial attributes here were not determined by the market, but by "policy" and "the people."

The commercial inertia means and the essence of driving interests that Mercedes thought of using to operate this project were wrong from the beginning.

And his attempt to approach the leaders of the Red Star Steel Group was itself a serious cognitive error. The leaders of the Red Star Steel Group are not the persons in charge of enterprises in capitalist countries who value personal interests.

The enterprise leaders here do not measure their own development and value by money, because money without tickets is garbage.

Rank, treatment, power—these are the hard currency; Mercedes looks talented, but ultimately a bit young.

Chantalle also fell many times after arriving in the interior and suffered many hardships before knowing that the management of the interior is not about fighting and killing, but about human relationships.

Just like this interview meeting, Li Li Xuewu sitting opposite was speaking harsh words righteously, but in reality?

She was already preparing to find a time to "interview" Li Li Xuewu, even if there wasn't a single accurate word in this bastard's mouth.

How did that saying go?

If you don't give up the child, you can't catch the wolf; if you don't give up yourself, you can't catch the lecher.

The cooperation between the Santa Ya Group and the Red Star Steel Group now seems intimate, and the business volume is increasing year by year. But the international situation is evolving rapidly, and the economic and trade pattern is developing rapidly; who can guarantee that the Santa Ya Group's cooperation in the interior will always be legal?

Furthermore, the Red Star Steel Group has obtained trade freedom rights through various means in the upper levels, and also has autonomy in commercial communication with the outside, which means the Santa Ya Group is not the only choice.

Wanting to maintain the cooperation relationship between the two sides, the Santa Ya Group is becoming more and more strenuous. Not only does it have to actively digest the foreign trade production capacity of the Red Star Steel Group, but it also has to satisfy the other party's growing technical needs and equipment introduction needs.

Precisely because they were the first to eat the crab, the Santa Ya Group occupied the cooperation opportunity with interior enterprises; similarly, they now have to face the competitive pressure of other foreign enterprises.

The agency contracts and cooperation agreements signed by the Red Star Steel Group are all short-term, or signed according to projects.

On the other side, the Red Star Steel Group is building a buyer's club in Hong Kong City, actively contacting international trade enterprises, and building a commercial club in Jinmen to connect with the buyer's club located in Hong Kong City.

She has already received definite news that the foreign cooperation of the Red Star Factory will be directly connected through the Jinmen Binhai Club and the Hong Kong City Andrew Buyer's Club.

This means that international traders do not have to bear political risks to inspect the interior, but can conduct initial business contact in Hong Kong City.

After determining the cooperation foundation, traders can choose to complete the signing of the contract directly in Hong Kong City, or choose to be invited to the interior for inspection through the club before and after signing the contract.

Although the customs conditions are relatively harsh and limited to specific commercial trade areas, there is indeed progress.

Once the door to cooperation is opened through the club, the Santa Ya Group will truly encounter price wars and challenges in raw material output and technical output cooperation.

So the cooperation with the Red Star Steel Group must be deepened and maintained, and the shipping agency in the Yingcheng Port area must be obtained as soon as possible.

Possessing trade cooperation orders but unable to master shipping, the Santa Ya Group is like being cut off at the hands and feet. She cannot bear the fact that a large number of international shipping vessels arrive at the port after Yingcheng Port is put into operation, but there is no cooperation relationship with the Santa Ya Group.

This has to be said about Mercedes' second mistake; he shouldn't have excessively intervened in the ideological and business opinion disputes of the Red Star Steel Group, which is a very dangerous move.

Secondly, loyalty that is not absolute is absolute disloyalty.

From the beginning, the Santa Ya Group's close contact was Li Li Xuewu, the current secretary-general of the Red Star Steel Group. She never refused the friendship of other leaders of the Red Star Steel Group, but always cherished the interaction with Li Li Xuewu, so she could cooperate smoothly many times.

This time, Mercedes not only stretched out a foot to stir up the Red Star Steel Group, but also contacted other group leaders in many ways; what is the nature of this? Li Li Xuewu's anger is actually in this position.

No way, his temper is big.

Temper? What temper?

Li Li Xuewu has no temper at all now, and his attitude is as gentle and respectful as possible, because he is sitting in the office of Director Du of the First Ministry of Machine Building at this moment.

"Comrade Li Xuewu, you have to wait a little longer."

Han Song, Deputy Director of the General Office, walked in, and seeing him stand up, he smiled and waved his hand to signal him to sit down, explaining: "Director Du's meeting is overtime, but he specifically named to see you."

"You are too polite, Deputy Director Han."

Li Li Xuewu didn't sit down immediately according to his meaning, but waited until the other party stood in front of the single sofa and prepared to sit down, before sitting down together.

"Suddenly hearing the leader's call, I was a bit nervous; this moment is just right for me to buffer."

"Hahaha——" Han Song smiled and narrowed his eyes to look at the young man sitting on the sofa, saying nothing, but couldn't help but say "the future generation is formidable" in his heart.

Looking at it, he is truly too young, counting up to twenty-something; if it weren't for the good situation and precedents, how could such an age have such opportunities and achievements?

However, it still has to be said that the times create heroes.

The situation and opportunities are the same, fair and equal to everyone; always being well-prepared and possessing keen insight, one deserves the praise of "young and promising, the future generation is formidable."

Han Song's contact with Li Li Xuewu is not much; after all, Li Li Xuewu was only the person in charge of the security group of the Red Star Factory before, and hadn't reached the level of his reception. But things are unpredictable, and in a blink of an eye, the person is right under his nose; you say where to reason.

Although it is said that the number of times seeing Li Li Xuewu is not much, the name is deafening. Can't say hearing it once a day, but if you don't hear it this month, you will hear it early next month.

When he was in charge of security work, he was a bit "not doing his proper job," and later he took charge of office work, and it became unstoppable. Whether in industrial management or economic construction, he has made outstanding contributions to the groupization of the Red Star Factory.

This is not the conclusion Han Song made for Li Li Xuewu, but when Director Du found Li Li Huai De of the Red Star Steel Group for a talk a few days ago, it was Director Du who asked, and Li Li Huai De said it himself. Han Song was at the scene at the time.

Now looking at this young man sitting in front of him, gentle without losing sharpness, steady temperament yet full of vitality, it is truly a rare good seedling, worthy of being called a dragon and phoenix among people.

Perhaps after reaching a certain status and level, one will cherish talent; truly encountering a good seedling, one is happy and joyful from the bottom of one's heart.

"Originally, Director Du's schedule today was full, and there was no time to see you, but he was worried, so he decided to arrange for Deputy Director Yang to talk to you."

Han Song's tone was very gentle: "Deputy Director Yang is very concerned about your group, including you."

He said so, and Li Li Xuewu listened carefully; as for why Director Du was "worried," what he was worried about, and why Deputy Director Yang was very concerned about the group and him, he knew clearly in his heart.

Deputy Director Yang is Yang Kuang Yusheng, Deputy Director of the First Ministry of Machine Building. At the beginning of the year, several group leaders were sent to the Steel Group by him.

Actually, the superior-subordinate relationship is not that complicated; the management team of the Red Star Steel Group has three people sent down by him, so there is a connection; it is said that Deputy Director Yang is more concerned about the group.

This is a kind of saying in the agency; who knows whether he is truly concerned or not? Perhaps it is just hearing Deputy Director Yang ask a question, and others exaggerated or interpreted it intentionally, and it became concern.

Spread it out and think about it, the Red Star Steel Group is now the red-hot fried chicken of the First Ministry of Machine Building; isn't it normal for the ministry leaders to pay attention?

Understand in the heart, no need to express on the face, just respond humbly; anyway, Han Song is also killing time.

Speaking of which, this Deputy Director Han is the one who truly "pays attention" to him; this inquisitive gaze is like a searchlight.

"Coincidentally, there was an emergency meeting in the ministry, and the schedule happened to be staggered, so Director Du decided to talk to you personally."

Han Song observed Li Li Xuewu for a long time; whether it was his mental state or his response, it could be called a young talent.

Especially this concentration, no matter how he circled, this young man was not panicked or confused, and his eyes were always clear.

Han Song understood this young man's identity background, but he had only been married for three years. And that Gu Can went to Jin Ling not long ago; he didn't believe Li Li Xuewu could have today entirely because of his father-in-law's promotion and teaching.

If he really had this ability, the Gu family children would have become monsters; even if Li Li Xuewu had this understanding, he would have become a talent early.

The old saying goes that a poor family produces a noble son; actually, it is very difficult. The reason for saying so is because "noble sons" are very rare.

"This is my honor." Li Li Xuewu nodded with a smile, responding: "Director Li instructed me to learn seriously from the leader."

"Hahaha——" Han Song laughed, and seeing the movement behind him, he pointed at Li Li Xuewu and stood up, saying: "Near vermilion, one gets red; near ink, one gets black."

Li Li Xuewu's ears were also sharp; he had long heard the movement in the corridor, just not sure if it was him. At this moment, seeing Han Song stand up, he knew this footstep must be Director Du returning.

Sure enough, the half-open office door was pushed open, and Director Du walked in hurriedly with his secretary.

Seeing Han Song and Li Li Xuewu standing by the sofa, he waved his hand, said nothing, and went straight to the teacup on the desk.

After gulping down a mouthful of warm tea, he looked at Han Song and Li Li Xuewu who were still standing, nodded and said: "Sit, waited anxiously, right."

Hey, this question, how let Li Li Xuewu answer? Should he say you clearly knew I waited anxiously but didn't come back early?

Fortunately, knowing Li Li Xuewu was hard to answer, and couldn't let the atmosphere cool down, Han Song smiled and explained: "We chatted for a while."

"Hmm, just right, you are peers now."

Director Du was not a stern and rigid person; managing industry, stern and rigid wouldn't work.

He handed the teacup he was holding to the secretary beside him, and signaled Han Song and Li Li Xuewu to say this.

This was not hard to understand; Li Li Xuewu was the group's secretary-general, and Han Song was the ministry's general office director; they were truly peers.

Li Li Xuewu looked at Han Song, smiled and showed his white teeth, politely saying: "I will learn more from Director Han."

"Hahaha——" Han Song shook his head, amused: "Why does this sound familiar?"

It was said intentionally. In his prime, how could he not remember that this was what Li Li Xuewu just said, saying he wanted to learn more from the leader. Now he threw it on him following Director Du's words.

Truly a guy who dared to climb up as soon as he saw a pole; no wonder he was young and promising.

"Just now we chatted and he gave me such a sentence, saying Li Li Huai De instructed him to learn more from you."

"Li Li Huai De——" Du Hu Xian sat down on the sofa, and after seeing the two sit down, he let out a laugh and shook his head.

Although he didn't say anything, both Han Song and Li Li Xuewu understood the meaningfulness in his laugh.

This kind of attitude the leader could put on, but Li Li Xuewu couldn't respond, and couldn't be too "understanding," just understand a little.

Fortunately, Du Hu Xian found him for a talk, not to criticize Li Li Huai De in front of his subordinate.

"Putting you in Liaodong, Li Li Huai De played a risky move." Du Hu Xian's time was precious; seeing the secretary set up the teacups, he spoke straight to the point: "I told him, but he wasn't convinced."

Li Li Xuewu found it even harder to answer this; no matter how he said it, it seemed he was too anxious, too anxious to defend himself. Actually, at this time, a thousand words were not as good as saying nothing, just listening to the other party speak.

Explanation was useless; Du Hu Xian wouldn't manage across levels, and Li Li Xuewu didn't need to report his great ambitions to him.

At this time, what Du Hu Xian wanted to see was not him speaking, but him as a person, his attitude, and he wanted to speak to Li Li Xuewu himself.

So Du Hu Xian opened his mouth, and Li Li Xuewu just made a respectful listening posture, even putting the notebook he had prepared on his knees, unscrewing his fountain pen to take notes and records. This attitude was serious enough, right?

Han Song saw Li Li Xuewu's reaction; although it didn't show on his face, he nodded in his heart.

Cadres should never leave their pens and notebooks; a good memory is not as good as a bad pen, and it looks good in front of the leader.

Just like now, the tone of Director Du's conversation was a bit urgent at the beginning, but after seeing him take notes, the speed of speech slowed down unconsciously, and the tone also softened a lot.

What is called overcoming hardness with softness, this is it.

"Li Li Huai De praised you a lot in front of me, talking about your work achievements and contributions over these years."

Du Hu Xian was perhaps tired of talking, his mouth was dry, so he picked up the teacup and looked at Li Li Xuewu and asked: "What do you think?"

"Saying achievements are attributed to the collective, and contributions come from unity; is this a bit fake?"

Li Li Xuewu's answer was a bit unexpected; it was answering his question with a question, and Du Hu Xian couldn't help but smile.

He was drinking tea, and hearing Li Li Xuewu say so, he almost spat out the water, his gaze drifting to Han Song sitting on the side.

Han Song was not surprised by Li Li Xuewu's wit, listening to his answer with a smile, seeming very appreciative.

Li Li Xuewu didn't smile, but said seriously: "I'm telling the truth; if there were no support and help from comrades, how much work could I do even with three heads and six arms? If there were no spirit of working together, where would the contributions come from?"

He looked at Director Du very frankly and said: "Seeking truth from facts, I don't deny my own efforts and achievements, but I won't forget the support and unity of my comrades."

"Hmm, is this your answer?"

There was no satisfaction or dissatisfaction on Du Hu Xian's face; he nodded noncommittally, put down the teacup and said: "Can you tell me why you want to go to Liaodong? You don't like your current work?"

"Just now Deputy Director Han said you were very concerned about the development of our group; I was still confused, now I know."

Li Li Xuewu said meaningfully, and then continued to answer: "I am a member of the organization, and I shouldn't choose a position based on my own preferences; I should be conscientious and act according to my ability."

He said very frankly: "In my past work experience, every position is worth my paying and learning."

"As a member of the young cadres of the Red Star Steel Group, when the group needs us, I have the obligation and responsibility to stand out, pioneer and innovate, and forge ahead."

Du Hu Xian raised his eyebrows listening to his words, and also didn't make a comment, and then asked a few more questions.

His intention was not to force Li Li Xuewu to make mistakes in a hurry, and fall into a predicament of self-doubt under pressure.

But from beginning to end, Li Li Xuewu's answer remained in a state of neither warm nor cold, neither urgent nor impatient, without the slightest urgency and flaws.

Only after a few questions were asked, Du Hu Xian had to admit that he still underestimated this young cadre.

"Finding you today is not because I am worried about the Steel Group, and even less because I doubt your work ability." This sentence Du Hu Xian answered Li Li Xuewu's initial teasing, "A personnel change is a fuss; I, this top leader, am not that idle."

"Hahaha——" Han Song couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Just now Li Li Xuewu teased Director Du for "being very concerned about the development of the Steel Group," which meant meddling in other people's business.

Perhaps Director Du was also a bit uncomfortable being said so, and explained it specifically at this moment, which sounded funny.

Du Hu Xian looked at him and also smiled, and his gaze toward Li Li Xuewu became a bit more broad-minded.

"I am very curious about you."

He didn't circle around either, looking at Li Li Xuewu and saying: "Li Li Huai De praises you, and Yang Jun also praises you after returning."

"You just said you don't have three heads and six arms, but what I heard and saw, you have quite a few right-hand men."

"Unity is strength." Li Li Xuewu didn't know his motive, and said with a smile: "It's all for work."

"Hmm, not humble, nor arrogant."

Du Hu Xian looked at him and nodded, saying: "I hope you continue to maintain this non-arrogant and non-impatient attitude in your subsequent work."

"Thank you, leader, I have remembered your requirements."

Li Li Xuewu nodded seriously, his waist was very straight, and his response was sonorous and powerful, showing the steadiness and vitality of a young man.

Du Hu Xian didn't ask him anything else, stood up and waved his hand, saying: "Alright, go back, do your work well."

"Leader, I have an uninvited request."

Seeing Director Du decided to end this talk, Li Li Xuewu took the initiative to perform once, looking at him with an earnest attitude.

Du Hu Xian turned his head in surprise to look at him; even the secretary who had just entered the door and Han Song who was standing up were surprised.

"It is a commemorative model of the 25,000-ton container cargo ship newly developed and built by the Yingcheng Shipyard of the Red Star Group."

He said so, walked to the office door and pulled over a paper box more than a meter long and thirty centimeters high.

Han Song didn't notice when Li Li Xuewu brought it in, and didn't find the box placed beside the coat rack at the door.

"This is——"

Du Hu Xian frowned slightly, watching Li Li Xuewu dismantle the box, and then discovered what his so-called commemorative model was.

A steel big ship, the hull was divided into two colors, black below the waterline and white above the waterline. The ship was not empty, and containers were stacked on the container cargo positions.

The gazes of Han Song and the secretary were also attracted; the office had a moment of silence. It was truly because the model was exquisitely made, and it looked like a real big ship loaded with container goods sailing toward them.

Li Li Xuewu placed the bracket on the small table beside the sofa, and then held the big ship and placed it on it, beautiful and fashionable.

Du Hu Xian's eyebrows had long been smoothed out; he raised his eyebrows and looked at Li Li Xuewu, amused: "No merit, no reward; besides, I don't accept gifts."

"This is not me thanking you for your guidance, but using the actual work to report to you on behalf of the group."

Li Li Xuewu's answer was very clever; it both denied the gift-giving and bypassed Du Hu Xian's rule of not accepting gifts.

He said this was not a gift, but a display of achievements and a report.

"Hahaha——" Han Song looked at Director Du and teased: "It seems you have to accept this report."

"Is it your ghost idea or Li Li Huai De's?"

Du Hu Xian didn't wait for Li Li Xuewu to answer, pointed at him and scolded with a smile: "This Li Li Huai De, he has shown off to my office!"

January 9th, the third 15,000-ton cargo ship ordered by Dongfeng Shipping had a trial voyage, and the news was published in the United Industrial Newspaper.

If there was no strength in this era, would one dare to order three 10,000-ton cargo ships in one breath? And they were all the most advanced container cargo ships.

Although Dongfeng Shipping was an empty shell, it had been purchasing 1,000-ton cargo ships one after another these past two years, and the coastal and inland shipping had spread very quickly.

Especially in terms of crew training and logistics support, after more than three years of development and tempering, Dongfeng Shipping already had a complete education and training system.

These three cargo ships were first contacted by Li Li Xuewu; now that this news was published in the United Industrial Newspaper, it was more like a sign.

The news of the ministry leader summoning Li Li Xuewu had already spread throughout the group, and everyone was saying that he had already entered the leader's eyes.

The facts seemed to be indeed the case; if there were no leader's attention, how could he be summoned to the ministry for a talk alone?

Just going to Liaodong to preside over industrial management work was not enough; Dong Wenxue hadn't enjoyed this treatment either.

If one had to be serious, it

This kind of qualification is hard to define or explain; it cannot be seen or touched, yet it exists in a very real way.

The specific manifestation of this influence was that ever since the Group's Management Committee finally decided late last year that he would go to Liaodong to preside over industrial management, the attitudes of several parties had become slightly sluggish and resistant.

But after Director Du's summons, there was even news from well-informed sources that the leadership was very satisfied with the Secretary-General's report.

There is no smoke without fire; if this weren't true, it wouldn't be spreading so wildly from above, with all sorts of rumors going around.

However, what could be confirmed was that Director Du's office now had a model of a 10,000-ton container ship manufactured by the Yingcheng Shipyard.

Many people who went to report for work saw it, and on the wooden base of the model were engraved four small red characters: Great Nation Shipping.

There is no need to doubt it; this was definitely the Secretary-General's handiwork. Those familiar with the Red Star Factory's external affairs work know very well that every year, the Secretary-General approves a portion of special funds specifically for making these gifts.

Reciprocity is something one can never refuse, but giving cigarettes, alcohol, tea, or sugar would seem vulgar.

At the Secretary-General's request, the Group uniformly customizes activity gifts, including small nail clippers, stainless steel water cups, development brochures, and so on.

Scaled-down ship models and helicopter models have also been made in large numbers; these things are quite fashionable and make for eye-catching ornaments.

There is no need for others to show off; Director Li's office is already filled with quite a few, though only the most valuable ones are displayed.

Three types of iron helicopter models, various cargo ship and fishing boat models, and car models produced by the Red Star Factory.

Whether used as ornaments or gifts, these things are a thoughtful gesture—both stylish and not at all inferior.

If you call them valuable, they are art pieces cast and polished from metal; how much could a lump of iron be worth?

But if you say they aren't worth anything, the significance these models represent is extraordinary; this is a display of the Red Star Steel Group's development achievements. To look down on these achievements is to look down on the Red Star Steel Group, and Old Li would surely ask if you are jealous.

If the United Industrial News publishing a news piece on a ship's sea trial didn't count for much, and the Group leadership's summons could be explained away, then shortly thereafter, when the Director of the Liaodong Industrial Management Bureau led a team to visit and research the Group, it completely tore away the Secretary-General's disguise of having already gained the upper hand.

The Director of the Liaodong Industrial Management Bureau was Hu Ke, the former Deputy Director who had been transferred back from the Liaodong Office in Beijing last year.

It could be considered returning a favor, but it was more like remembering the source of the water one drinks.

The timing of Hu Ke's visit was truly too coincidental. After the two sides met and he uttered the words welcoming Li Li Xuewu to work in Liaodong, the attitudes of the committee members changed in various ways.

Li Li Xuewu was a Beijing local who had also found a father-in-law with a deep background. It was one thing for his network in Beijing to be stable, but now that he was going to Liaodong, why was someone rushing to welcome him?

This absolutely could not be Dong Wenxue's doing; before the handover was completed, who would be foolish enough to open a bottle of wine to celebrate?

Besides, the Group would absolutely avoid such overt relationships; what could be spoken of openly was definitely a genuine connection.

Those who knew Hu Ke already understood, and those who didn't couldn't help but mutter to themselves that the Secretary-General had eyes and ears everywhere.

Speaking of having eyes and ears everywhere, the "everywhere" wasn't the heaven above, but the heaven of Fengtian; and wasn't the guest who came this time from Fengtian?

Hu Ke's visit to Beijing for research and visits wasn't specifically to cheer for Li Li Xuewu; he had a purpose.

First, he needed to confirm whether Li Li Xuewu would indeed go to Liaodong to work, as this concerned the future development relationship between Liaodong industry and the Red Star Steel Group. Hu Ke had already vaguely positioned the Red Star Steel Group as the stepping stone and guide for Liaodong's external development.

It couldn't be said that it had to be Red Star, but Red Star was currently the trend in foreign trade, and it was the only one in the industrial system independently developing foreign trade and establishing shipping ports.

Li Li Xuewu was the trumpeter for the Red Star Group's layout in Liaodong, and Hu Ke and Liaodong industry naturally welcomed him to work in Liaodong.

Secondly, he came to Beijing to determine the Red Star Steel Group's next industrial layout in Liaodong, as well as its future development plans.

With such a massive scale and involvement in so many industrial categories, the Red Star Steel Group was no longer the small fry it once was; it was qualified to stand in the center and give a "V" sign.

Finally, Hu Ke, representing Liaodong industry, wanted to maintain the existing relationship with the Red Star Factory and was preparing to meet with Li Li Huai De to talk.

As the helmsman of the Liaodong Industrial Management Bureau, he needed to send a positive signal to the Red Star Factory, supporting and guiding the Red Star Steel Group to increase investment and accelerate its pace of development.

The progress and development of the Red Star Steel Group would drive the economic development of the entire Northeast outward.

Although the Northeast in this era did not lack industrial products, the strategic position this land occupied was too far forward.

Having lost development opportunities time and again, and rising and falling in the waves of the economy, it eventually headed toward an awkward situation.

If the layout for Northeast Asian trade cooperation began at this time, then the future economic and trade zone of the Bohai Bay would truly have great potential.

Hu Ke's visit wasn't entirely aimed at Li Li Xuewu, but once the propaganda machine started running, there was inevitably blowing and posturing.

Since the Group's Management Committee had already made the decision, the United Industrial News naturally had to do a special report, and also review the Secretary-General's work achievements and resume over the past few years.

Li Li Xuewu's work resume was quite shallow, especially in terms of time span, but his work achievements were solid.

The propaganda focus of the United Industrial News was placed on his contributions to industrial management and economic construction.

Li Li Xuewu knew who was behind this and called Ding Yan Zigui to remind him to restrain himself and take it easy. But Ding Yan Zigui didn't take it to heart; he felt that while one could be low-key and cautious within the Group, since he was going to Liaodong to preside over work, he couldn't let people look down on him.

Li Li Xuewu really didn't know when he had ever been looked down upon, but he had to admit that what Ding Yan Zigui said made sense.

Influence and power are formed bit by bit in everyday work; one cannot just have amiability, one must also have sharpness.

Ding Yan Zigui didn't believe Li Li Xuewu was going to Liaodong to be a "good guy"; sooner or later, he would have to make a bold move.

Rather than letting those people look down on him, it was better to beat the grass to scare the snake now and display his majesty.

He reminded Li Li Xuewu that while the Group had indeed developed over the past two years, the personnel structure had also changed; it couldn't be called a mix of good and bad, but it could certainly be called a mixed bag.

It was fine within the Group's headquarters, as everyone knew his background and work ability, but it was hard to say once he went to the local level.

He wasn't afraid of Li Li Xuewu being bullied, he just felt that if some small fry really were blind enough to provoke him, it wouldn't be worth getting angry over.

Therefore, in the latest issue of the United Industrial News, his work photo was included in the introduction of Li Li Xuewu's resume.

A profile photo in a Zhongshan suit and a field photo of him researching at the food factory were printed very clearly.

This was posturing, and also a reminder to those petty people in Liaodong with ulterior motives that the Group's Secretary-General was no mere "dragon crossing the river."

Of course, the resume couldn't list his "battle record," but the series of security achievements were solid.

Once the atmosphere was set, there were naturally people to publicize and explain how many people the Secretary-General had sent away in the past.

(End of chapter)