Chapter 1379: The Second Generation

If there is no Dehua, then create a Dehua.

Li Xue will no longer watch or take care of her second brother's children; even if she agreed, Li Shu would not.

Li Shu had long since said that there cannot be two big demon kings in one house. Either she stays or the little aunt stays; they cannot coexist.

"Second brother, let Yaping stay with me."

After eating lunch and drinking some wine, Zhao Gen and Yin Mancang rested for a while before rushing back.

They had only come to visit, to see the in-laws and pay respects to the old lady; after all, both sides had elderly relatives.

This is the etiquette of these times; when relatives interact, one should take the initiative to visit the elderly.

Li Xuewen never missed a year, and even though Zhao Yafang hadn't returned home since getting pregnant and giving birth, he, as the son-in-law, had to prepare holiday gifts.

As for the customs, they aren't actually that complicated: once for the Dragon Boat Festival, once for the New Year, and once each for the birthdays of the father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Even if one is reluctant to spend money on gifts, these four days of the year must be remembered; it is a gesture of sincerity, regardless of the amount.

Besides that?

If the other party has elderly people at home, you cannot visit empty-handed; no matter what, you must bring something.

If it is a close family relationship and they have children, you must buy some snacks; you cannot be lacking in thoughtfulness.

The Li family and the Zhao family are in-laws; it is only right for Li Xuewen to send gifts and visit his in-laws every year—they are close relatives, after all.

Looking at Li Xuewu, he even went to Hongxing Village for the past two years, either buying things for the elderly or bringing things for the children. If one were to say that the family was struggling before and city people looked down on rural goods, Zhao Gen could still convince himself not to come, but how could he be embarrassed now?

Li Xuewu isn't even the son-in-law, yet he has already been generous enough in taking care of the Zhao family, and then he even took care of Yin Qun.

Zhao Gen and Yin Mancang know that Li Xuewu is capable; arranging for two children to enter the factory is no big deal to him, but to them, it is a massive favor.

Not to mention anything else, in recent years, whether it was Li Xuewu's home or the unit's guesthouse, they have never lacked game or poultry.

When autumn arrives, they don't even need to buy firewood or winter vegetables themselves; Yin Mancang prepares them well in advance.

After winter sets in, Mongolian gazelles, rabbits, pheasants... whatever good things are in the mountains, they think of sending them to Li Xuewu.

During the years Li Shun and Li Xuewai were in the mountains, whenever they changed out of their clothes, they would be taken away by Zhao Gen's family or Yin Mancang's wife, Zhao Li, to be washed, and whenever there was good food, they would always think of calling the grandfather and grandson over to eat at their home.

Only by knowing gratitude and repaying kindness can a relationship last.

Why does Li Xuewu do this? In their eyes, it is because he values relationships and righteousness, and truly recognizes them as family.

If one thinks deeper, the head of the Li family is nominally still Li Shun, after all, he is only in his forties and in his prime. But the person who truly makes the decisions has long since become Li Xuewu.

Why is the Li family's life getting better and better, and why are they making progress? It is because Li Xuewu is the pillar supporting the family; when a family is in harmony, everything prospers.

Not to mention anything else, Zhao Yafang used to be quite stubborn, and when they were newlyweds, she always thought about moving out to live on their own.

But look at what she thinks now.

Li Xuewu is the younger brother-in-law, and he has taken care of both her younger brother and her cousin. Furthermore, leveraging the advantages of the Hongxing Factory, he has set up quite a few projects in Hongxing Village.

Zhao Yafang is not a fool; how could she not see that this is her younger brother-in-law taking care of her family and her relatives?

Even regarding her current job, Li Xuewen's previous arrangements, and her current progress—if she were to say it had nothing to do with Li Xuewu's connections, how thick-skinned would she have to be to get past such selfish thoughts?

With Li Xuewu's influence at the Hongxing Factory, everyone at Huaqing, from the vice president to the head of the security department, is connected to him. The situation hasn't been good these past few years, but has anyone dared to provoke the two of them?

Now that the surface-level turmoil has passed, the couple returns to school to teach and advance; has anyone come to settle scores?

She dares to say that with her younger brother-in-law's care, this connection is more useful than the backgrounds of many colleagues. Especially with the current partnership between the Hongxing Steel Group and Huaqing University, everyone knows her younger brother-in-law is a leader at the Hongxing Steel Group; who would dare not look at her with respect?

She is currently a deputy department head; with this capability, her future progress will be routine—isn't this convenient?

Li Xuewen doesn't meddle in trivial matters and has an easygoing personality; Zhao Yafang has also shed her sharp edges and become the most straightforward person in the family.

She is respectful to her grandmother-in-law, gentle to her mother-in-law, and even more caring toward her younger brother, sister-in-law, and younger sister-in-law. The house at school has been tidied up well, but she never mentioned moving out again.

She cannot help with Li Xuewu's work, but she has always been in charge of the accounts at the recycling station, and it has been very steady.

Although the recycling station system cannot be called massive, it has many branches; without someone he trusts, Li Xuewu wouldn't be able to manage it all.

It is precisely because of her sister-in-law's help that he dares to look at the reports once a week; otherwise, how could he be so carefree?

When Li Shu and Li Ning are sent here, she helps look after them if she is at home. If she isn't at home, whatever she buys for Li Tang, she will also bring a share for Li Shu and Li Ning; she buys three of everything.

Buying three of everything seems to have become a habit for the Li family in raising children. Even if the children aren't together, she will buy good food and toys and send them to the other's home.

Zhao Yafang was never a stingy person, and with Li Xuewu leading the way, she, as the sister-in-law, cannot fall behind.

If her younger brother-in-law can give ten parts of sincerity, she dares to contribute twelve parts of true intent. Being short on money is fine, but being short on thoughtfulness is not.

Come to think of it, it's strange; the Li family has clearly split up, but their life is more united than families that haven't.

Li Xuewu handles external affairs, and Zhao Yafang handles internal affairs; they aren't a couple, but their straightforward way of making decisions complements each other perfectly.

Sometimes when there are things at home, a collision of their eyes is enough for them to know each other's intentions, and the matter is settled.

Li Shun and Liu Yin have no way to offer opinions even if they wanted to, because everything they could think of, these two had already thought of.

Is it stifling? Not really. Is it gratifying? A little helpless; the children are growing up fast, and they both feel they are getting old.

Li Xuewen, as the eldest brother, wants to slack off, but feels embarrassed in front of his younger brother and sister, so he also starts to strive for progress.

Not to mention Li Xuewai, Ji Yuxiu, and Li Xue. With a capable sister-in-law who manages the household and a wise, mature second brother in front, they have no choice but to become capable and mature.

Why does Li Shun dare to go to the mountains for two or three years and ignore everything at home? It's because he sees that the children can handle things on their own.

Without the children causing trouble, even Liu Yin and the old lady feel at ease; these past few years, there have been no quarrels or conflicts, and even better, no illnesses or disasters—everything has gone smoothly.

No matter how capable Li Xuewu is alone, he cannot attend to everything; the only person in the family he can rely on is his sister-in-law, Zhao Yafang.

He never complained about his sister-in-law's personality before; if a man doesn't have that much tolerance, he shouldn't go out to handle affairs.

He is magnanimous and accommodating, and he has also coaxed his sister-in-law well; with the two of them working together to manage this big family and take care of their own small family, how could the Li family's life not be flourishing?

If the younger brother-in-law can reach this point, then as the maternal family, whether it's Zhao Gen or Yin Mancang, they all keep it in mind.

They keep Li Xuewu's care in their hearts, but they don't talk about repaying the favor, because they can't repay it. They each understand that they are close relatives and can only maintain the relationship well.

Coming to the Li family for a meal today, neither Zhao Gen nor Yin Mancang had any intention of asking for favors.

Bringing up Zhao Yaping was completely unconscious; if they hadn't drunk a bit too much, they wouldn't have let it slip.

After leaving, Zhao Gen had opinions about his brother-in-law, blaming him for bringing this up at the dinner table and causing trouble for the in-laws.

Yin Mancang was also a bit embarrassed; he really hadn't thought it could be handled so quickly, he just felt sorry for his niece and mentioned it.

Thinking back, it really shouldn't have been done, after all, Zhao Yajun and his wife were at the table. Bringing this up in front of the Li family seemed like forcing the young couple to bring their sister into the city. It also seemed like criticizing the young couple for not taking care of their family and asking the Li family to help look after the child.

In any case, it pleased neither side. Zhao Yajun is honest and dutiful and wouldn't say anything, but he, as the uncle-in-law, cannot not speak; he cannot let the young couple feel stifled because of this.

Zhao Yajun and Wang Lu were also in a difficult position; they hadn't had a chance to speak before the eldest sister and second brother steered the topic away.

In just a few words, the arrangements for Yaping's entry into the city were decided, and speaking up again would make them seem insincere.

The uncle-in-law's apology and explanation also made the young couple feel self-reproach and guilt; this meal was quite uncomfortable.

Looking at the Li family side, after sending off her father and uncle-in-law, and then her younger brother and sister-in-law, Zhao Yafang felt quite self-reproachful.

"Yaping is only thirteen after the New Year, and Xiao Ning is already too busy at home taking care of two children..."

"Isn't it because I'm afraid you'll feel uncomfortable?"

Li Xuewu smiled, and seeing his sister-in-law walk slowly back to the room, he took the initiative to stand in the courtyard and listen to her speak.

"I can tell, the old uncle-in-law meant well; you don't need to feel embarrassed, Mom and Dad aren't stingy people."

"Yes, I didn't think much of that."

Although she said that, Zhao Yafang still felt a bit embarrassed as she raised her hand to tuck the hair behind her ear.

Her uncle-in-law bringing this up at the dinner table was most difficult not for her second brother, but for her, the eldest sister.

On one side is the husband's family, on the other is the maternal family, and there's also the younger brother and sister-in-law; caught in the middle, nothing she says is appropriate.

"Don't dwell on it, it's not like you aren't needed."

Li Xuewu put his hands in his coat pockets and said to his sister-in-law: "Our house only has these two rooms, where would you have Yaping stay?"

Although the eldest brother and sister-in-law have Li Tang, they have only been married for four years. It's fine for a younger sister-in-law to visit for a couple of days, but if it were for a long time, wouldn't they feel stifled?

Besides, there are no conditions in the countryside, the whole family sleeps on one kang, but that's not very good in the city.

Zhao Yaping will be thirteen after the New Year; sleeping on the same kang as her sister and brother-in-law, after a while, people will gossip.

Zhao Yafang also thought of this point, slightly frowning as she said: "I wanted to let her stay in the east courtyard with Li Xue and Yuxiu."

"Hmm, as for the house, our front and back courtyards are definitely enough, but think about it, is it appropriate?"

Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said: "Yuxiu and Li Xue are both working; after they get off work, their daily life and rest schedules are not synchronized with a student's."

He reminded her: "The house in my back courtyard is empty, but do you dare to let her live in the back courtyard alone?"

"This—" Zhao Yafang frowned slightly.

Let alone letting her younger sister live in the back courtyard alone, even if Li Xue were to move to the back courtyard, her father-in-law and mother-in-law wouldn't allow it.

Don't look at how secure this courtyard is, people can't get in easily, but what if? Li Xue is a grown young woman.

Furthermore, many families in this big courtyard have moved away; it's empty, and if something happens, you wouldn't even know who to call.

If her reputation were truly ruined, it would be too late to regret it.

So when Li Xuewu asked her, she hesitated and couldn't say anything.

"It's rare for the uncle-in-law to care for the girl; don't worry about what Gen-shu said, just let her go to my side."

Li Xuewu comforted her: "If she can really become a university student, you, as the older sister, will also be glorious."

"Sigh—how dare I think of that." Zhao Yafang sighed, looked at Li Xuewu and said: "Even if she enters the city to study, what of it? Nowadays, city children are all heading to the countryside."

"This is different, don't overthink it."

Li Xuewu's expression became a bit more serious, and he lowered his voice: "The education system will be restored sooner or later; at most, it's a matter of two or three years; this is the foundation of development."

"Really!" Zhao Yafang wouldn't doubt her younger brother-in-law's keen insight into politics and the situation; she was just surprised by his confidence and his judgment of the future.

"If enrollment can really be restored..."

There was hope in her eyes; thinking that if the family could cultivate another university student, that would be more than just glorious.

Her younger sister entering the city to study by leveraging her connections would also give her face when she goes home, although this face was given by her younger brother-in-law.

"Living at home, it's not convenient to go to school; you can't send her to school every day, right?" Li Xuewu nodded and said: "That would be such a long detour, and my eldest brother doesn't have the time."

"Living with Yuxiu, what if Xuewai and she get married this year?" He reminded his sister-in-law: "Even Li Xue has to come home to live; I was even thinking of letting Mom and Dad move to the back courtyard."

"Yes, in a blink of an eye, the third one is also getting married."

Zhao Yafang holds a management position at school; although her understanding of the situation and policies isn't as advanced as Li Xuewu's, judging from the current placement of junior and senior high school graduates in the countryside, university students should also be assigned jobs upon graduation.

Once Li Xuewai is assigned a job, Ji Yuxiu, who has been waiting for the third one for several years, must enter the family.

The third one is getting married, and Li Xue is growing up; everything in the family must be prepared and arranged.

Thinking back, her younger sister was only 9 when she got married, and now she's a grown young woman; time really doesn't wait.

"There's a school bus from my house to the United School; Li Shu is also going to school, so it's just right to have someone to take her along, saving her from always thinking about playing all day."

Seeing his sister-in-law troubled, Li Xuewu smiled and comforted her: "Don't say I have selfish motives; just go home and visit more on the weekends; I'm not at ease with the mother and children at home."

"What are you saying? Would I not go if you didn't speak up?" Zhao Yafang scolded him: "Mom was still mentioning you two days ago, asking what would happen to the family if you went to Steel City."

"No way, Xiao Ning lives there, it's closer to her unit." Li Xuewu nodded and said: "If it weren't for that, I would have let her come home to live."

"What about you? When are you leaving?"

Zhao Yafang looked at him and asked: "Even if work is busy, can't you come back once every ten days or half a month?"

"How can that be certain? If I don't get the work sorted out, I won't feel at ease when I come back."

Li Xuewu shook his head slightly, looked at the house, and arranged: "You should still ask more about the mountains; don't let Gen-shu feel embarrassed, try your best to give the girl a chance."

"I'll explain the rest to Wang Lu, and she can come forward to handle the transfer procedures at the United School; it'll tire her out too."

Arranging it this way doesn't mean Li Xuewu has no connections in the education system; on the contrary, for Zhao Yaping to go to school, he only needs to make a phone call to Ran Qiuye.

Then why let Wang Lu handle the procedures?

It's very simple; he has to make the phone call, he can't keep Ran Qiuye in the dark, otherwise, it would be troublesome if a misunderstanding arises.

But he also can't bypass Wang Lu and Zhao Yajun, otherwise, the guilt in their hearts would become a rift.

It should be used; the sister-in-law handling affairs for the younger sister-in-law, no one can say anything wrong about it, and it also saves Li Xuewu from coming forward.

If he were to come forward to arrange it, it might not be a good thing for Zhao Yaping; how many eyes would be staring at her.

January 14th, Tuesday.

Since the two-level discipline inspection issued notices one after another and the investigation team withdrew, the atmosphere in the office has slightly recovered.

However, the corridors are still rarely lively, and everyone speaks cautiously, very afraid that a fire at the city gate will bring disaster to the fish in the moat.

Even the group leaders have saved a lot of external research and inspection trips, hiding in their offices to avoid the limelight, let alone them.

It has always been that when the King of Hell fights, the little ghosts suffer; the case involved such a huge pile, and the discipline inspection is still investigating it to this day.

The big ones have been let go, but Director Li said that if they are going to investigate, they must investigate to the end and root out the evil.

Who knows how much "evil" there is under the beautiful prospects of the group's rapid development. Anyway, just be careful.

It's just that the atmosphere today is a bit hard to suppress, especially since the factory newspaper announced the final results of the "Top Ten Youth" and "Ten Golden Flowers" activities of the group that started evaluating last month.

Buzz—

Not long after work started, a low-frequency sound of conversation came from the corridor; there were too many people discussing it.

Li Xuewu also saw the newspapers stacked on his desk, one corner pointing directly to the front-page headline of the United Industry News.

In this era, basically every unit holds title evaluation activities, normal ones like advanced individuals, production pacesetters, excellent cadres, etc. There are also non-mainstream ones like the Hongxing Steel Group, which held a "Top Ten Youth" and "Ten Golden Flowers."

As for previous years, advanced individuals and production pacesetters were available in both the office and the factory, distributed according to proportions.

It was only this year that the group organizational structure reform was initially completed, stretching from a factory-level management structure to a group management structure.

In the formulation and evaluation activities of honorary titles, it was necessary to focus on office work, and evaluating with titles like production pacesetter seemed a bit inconsistent with the reality.

So Li Xuewu proposed at the meeting to hold a competition specifically for the three-level office management system. A total of twenty spots; those who make the list naturally need to be cultivated with emphasis.

Other group leaders also felt this was appropriate, as it neither occupied the honorary spots of production units nor was it innovative.

If this new honor can truly be made valuable, I believe office cadres and staff will also have the work drive of production workers.

Isn't that right, twenty office "Future Stars" have been released, and it can truly be said to be highly anticipated.

The most discussed topic in the office recently is this; who doesn't hope they can make the list.

Whether it's organizational recommendation, self-recommendation, or multiple selection channels like organizational inspection, it has also given young cadres a meaning to strive for.

Don't say, this month at the end of the year is the busiest and the hardest, and something always happens somewhere.

But this year there wasn't; young cadres worked actively, and in terms of attitude, they prevented the emergence of any problems.

Li Huai De was still sighing at the meeting that if young cadres could maintain this month's work attitude and spirit, the three-year plan that is about to be completed would soon see results. Even the five-year plan could greatly shorten the time limit and exceed the task.

That's what he thought, but he also knew that thinking this way was impossible; if there were no honorary stimulation, how would these young people be willing to put in sincerity and effort.

If you say there's an evaluation every month, then this honor is too worthless, and young people won't chase it.

Therefore, while stimulating the work enthusiasm of young cadres, it is also necessary to fully ensure the value of the honor.

Coordinating relevant relationships is crucial, and looking forward to an evaluation every three years, the first batch of "Top Ten" and "Golden Flowers" seems even more precious.

"Have you seen the United Industry News?"

Fan Hua passed by the office and, seeing Wang Lu there, walked in and whispered to her: "Your Zhao Yajun is on the list."

"I saw it long ago, just waiting for Comrade Wang Lu to treat us—" A young secretary in the office made a joke.

"Hahahaha—"

Whether it was sincere or out of envy and jealousy, everyone laughed.

At this time, naturally, no one would be blind enough to say anything else. Not to mention Wang Lu's background connections, one also has to see who brought up this topic.

Fan Hua is the director of the External Affairs Office of the Comprehensive Management Department, a small leader.

"Alright, alright, I'll treat you, okay?"

Wang Lu was also quite generous, smiling and saying to everyone: "But we also have to be humble; it's too flashy to celebrate at this time."

"Phew, who else could say a word against it!"

An older sister in the office shouted: "Your Captain Zhao truly completed a special mission last year; this honor is deserved; whoever gossips is just asking for a slap."

"That's right—that's right—"

Regardless of what everyone thinks in their hearts, Wang Lu was already satisfied that they could say these words.

These "Top Ten Youth" and "Ten Golden Flowers" seem infinitely glorious, but in reality, they have also become targets in the eyes of office youth.

Of course, what is promoted in the newspaper is a benchmark, but sometimes isn't a benchmark a target?

She didn't want to offend her office colleagues, so she followed everyone's words and said she would treat them, also to shut their mouths.

She doesn't ask them to help Zhao Yajun say good things when they go out, just hope they don't say bad things.

Fan Hua is such a smart person; she smiled and watched their interaction, patted her on the shoulder, and urged: "Don't forget to call me when you treat us." After saying that, she left.

Even the department leader took the initiative to ask for a treat; this face is truly something else, and everyone's gaze toward Wang Lu became even more enthusiastic.

Sometimes fame is like pouring oil on fire; it's not all good. You don't have to be trembling with fear, but don't be flashy everywhere.

Wang Lu's humility and politeness made her colleagues give up; the praise was given, the compliments were made, and since she didn't seem arrogant, they naturally gave up.

Do you think they were all sincerely praising Wang Lu?

Stop it, there are no good people in the office; they wish Zhao Yajun would get ahead and Wang Lu would be arrogant and fail.

They aren't willing to support someone's progress, nor do they have the ability, but it's too easy to ruin someone.

Wang Lu also felt tired; it's just that this time those who obtained the honor are all around thirty, too young and dazzling.

Top Ten Youth:

Deputy General Manager of the Energy General Company, Xu Ning.

Training Li Kezhang of the Group Security Department, Zhao Yajun.

Director of the Metallurgical Plant Security Department, Han Zhan.

Vice President of the Beijing United Hospital, Han Tianfu.

Supervision Li Kezhang of the Construction General Company, Liu Xinhua.

Deputy Li Kezhang of the Steel City Automobile Manufacturing Plant, Li Yang.

Production Li Kezhang of the Beijing Rolling Steel Plant, Zhou Jianshe.

Deputy Li Kezhang of the Group Technology Department, Zhou Tan.

Product Department of the Steel City Electronics Manufacturing Plant, Chen Fengshou.

Labor Protection Department of the Group Workers' Union, Han Wenming.

If the introduction of the work resumes of the Top Ten Youth in the United Industry News was eye-catching, then the introduction of the Ten Golden Flowers was even more topical.

Ten Golden Flowers:

Deputy Li Kezhang of the Group Finance Department, Li Xue.

Station Manager of the Literary Publishing House Radio Station, Yu Haitang.

Director of the Group Security Department, Zhou Yao.

Deputy Li Kezhang of the Energy General Company Organization Department, Wang Xiaotang.

Deputy General Manager of the Sales General Company, Zhang Songying.

Project Manager of the Group Scientific Research Institute, Shangguan Qi.

Principal of the United School Middle School Department, Ran Qiuye.

General Manager of the Hongxing International Hotel, Han Yating.

Deputy Li Kezhang of the Food General Company Discipline Inspection Department, Wang Meiqi.

Deputy Chief Designer of the Yingcheng Shipbuilding, Zhu Chaoying.

Are there any sour words?

Yes, there are all kinds of people in the office, with different characters, so it's no surprise that sour words emerged.

However, the United Industry News not only announced the list of Top Ten Youth and Ten Golden Flowers, but also posted the reasons for inspection and evaluation, as well as their personal work resumes.

Looking at those who failed to be selected and comparing them with the names in the newspaper, even if they wanted to say sour words, they had to find a place where no one was around.

If they really said it openly, I'm afraid they would be laughed at.

Among these twenty people, who can they criticize?

Xu Ning, starting as a security officer in the security section, has experienced a lot in four years, moving between the guesthouse, the metallurgical plant security section, the frontier office, and was sent by the group to Hong Kong for training.

Reaching the position of deputy director at the age of twenty-seven, this resume is truly convincing.

The person who evaluated him in the United Industry News was not his old leader from the security department, Li Xuewu, but the group's top leader, Director Li.

Director Li's evaluation of him was very good, praising his achievements at the frontier office and his results in sales work, which is why he received the treatment of being ranked first among the Top Ten Youth.

Of course, the Top Ten Youth have no ranking, only order. It's just that his name is ranked first, which is a form of treatment.

Zhao Yajun went to Japan to execute a security mission for a training class; Han Zhan is the most ruthless cadre of the group in the Liaodong Industrial Zone; Han Tianfu is the best doctor at the United Hospital...

If there is anything to be said about the Top Ten Youth, perhaps it is only Zhou Tan, the deputy section chief of the technology department.

But if one were to say something, one couldn't say his technology is not good, nor could one say his achievements are not enough. Because there are notes of multiple design achievements on his resume, making it impossible for people to pick out faults.

But there is one thing: his wife is Zhou Miaomiao.

Zhou Miaomiao's reputation needs no further explanation; no matter how dazzling Zhou Tan's resume is, it would be suspected by people when placed on this.

As for what is suspected, it won't be explained; those who understand, understand. If one really wants to talk about it, if someone said behind his back that he became one of the Top Ten Youth because his wife slept with people, I'm afraid he would vomit three liters of blood.

However, Zhou Tan's personality has always been humble and low-key, and even if he happened to hear some gossip, he pretended not to hear it.

It's not that he's cowardly, but he feels it's not worth it. Life is his own, and gossip is someone else's. If he really gets angry and annoyed, can he deny Zhou Miaomiao's past?

In the end, it would just be the couple drifting apart, letting people watch the fun.

Living in a big house, riding a small motorcycle, still a deputy section chief in the design section, a young backbone of the design department. Truly mastering these conditions and abilities, let whoever says whatever they want.

The heated discussion about the Top Ten Youth lies in the treatment of this honorary title; these people are to be cultivated with emphasis.

Unlike the Ten Golden Flowers, male comrades have more drive and more room for progress; in the next few years, it is very likely that these "Top Ten Youth" will represent the cadre cultivation direction of the group.

Whether it's a deputy section chief or a deputy director, it's a session every three years; by then, I'm afraid they will at least be deputy directors.

So everyone is sour in their mouths, envious, jealous, and hateful.

Now everyone is commenting on the names in the newspaper; perhaps in less than three years, everyone will have to call them leaders.

Compared with the Top Ten Youth, the topicality of the Ten Golden Flowers is a bit less, but the colors are much richer.

The "Golden Flower" title is not evaluated based on beauty, otherwise, what would the group's activities become?

Golden Flowers represent the excellent qualities of female young cadres in the Hongxing Steel Group, evaluated based on work performance.

But it's a coincidence that the Golden Flowers selected this time not only have outstanding work performance, but are also generally eye-catching in appearance.

If one wants to say who is ugly, there is only one, Yingcheng Shipbuilding's deputy chief designer Zhu Chaoying; her appearance is masculine, resolute and serious, without a hint of feminine gentleness, and she is also relatively serious in her work.

Looking at other "Golden Flowers," Li Xue is young and promising, Yu Haitang was once the "factory flower," and Shangguan Qi is also a great beauty.

Zhou Yao, who also has short hair like Zhu Chaoying, is still working in the security department, but her heroic spirit is even more feminine.

Others like Han Yating, Zhang Songying, etc., also know how to dress up, and they look very beautiful and generous in photos.

This has caused some gossip, and it is not questioning the basis of the evaluation, but rather it fits the group beauty pageant results that some idle people privately engaged in some time ago.

At that time, opinions differed, but one by one, the targets were aimed at the art troupe, knowing that there are beauties there.

Even Zhou Miaomiao, who had already transferred away from the art troupe, was in the discussion; they didn't care about Zhou Miaomiao's reputation.

Even the woman who made Director Li unable to help but shout that he had an illness, they naturally felt she was qualified to be selected for a beauty pageant.

It was precisely these boring actions of idle people that added a woman who had nothing to do with the Ten Golden Flowers to the gossip.

Who? Deputy head of the art troupe, Wang Yajuan.

Wang Yajuan used to be very low-key; after arriving at the Hongxing Factory, she soon left the dance team and never wore tight clothes again.

It was precisely because of this that many people didn't know there was such a great beauty in the art troupe.

Wang Yajuan was able to stand out among the little sisters in the hutong and get Li Xuewu's pursuit; naturally, she had a foundation.

Furthermore, she had practiced dance for many years, plus the temperament she developed after being promoted, which was very attractive.

Her topic changed as it was passed around; some busybodies dug up her privacy, and only then did they know she was "going" to get married.

Going to, why add double quotes?

It's very simple; when the busybodies found out, Wang Yajuan was originally going to get married, but by the time they evaluated, she somehow decided not to get married and canceled the engagement.

The person who was on a blind date with her was also confused and angry, not knowing what she was thinking; all the preparations for the wedding were ready, and the good day was at the end of the month, but she suddenly said she didn't want to get married.

Freedom of marriage, no one can interfere with her decision on this point, but such a sudden breach of promise still made her "fire" once because of the beauty pageant topic brought out by the Ten Golden Flowers.

Gossip, after all, only needs to be topical enough to cause discussion. Saying that security department director Zhou Yao once performed a shoulder throw on a leader of the work team at the big venue and then stepped on her feet was boring; if there were a story like "After Breaking the Engagement, I Became the Heart's Pet of a Certain General Manager," everyone would be ready with their little stools.

It's just that the rumors came fast and went fast.

Saying it went fast here doesn't mean everyone stopped talking about Wang Yajuan's gossip, but suddenly found there was nothing to say.

Because Wang Yajuan left fast.

After the transfer order came down, she left, transferring from the position of deputy head of the group art troupe to serve as the head of the metallurgical plant art troupe in Steel City.

It can't be said whether it was progress or choosing to avoid it due to the influence of rumors; anyway, the person left, and there was nothing to say.

However, some people guessed that perhaps Wang Yajuan knew she was going to be transferred, or she had a conflict with her partner because of this. After all, there are many examples of choosing work or choosing family.

One side is progress, living apart, the other side is family, giving up opportunities. It was as if they found a reason, and the rumors gradually dissipated in a few sighs.

"Hey! Don't say I'm not thoughtful!"

Xiao Jianjun smiled and shook hands with Li Yuanchao, nodded to Zhang Haiyang, and said: "Brothers are thoughtful enough."

"Nothing to say, coming from so far away to see us off."

Zhang Haiyang was wearing a board-green uniform, full of joy, and said: "It's just that our trip can't compare to your journey here."

"Hahahaha—"

Li Yuanchao and the others laughed. He patted Zhang Haiyang on the shoulder, pointed to Xiao Jianjun and said: "He's slippery!"

"You just say whether I came to see you off or not."

Xiao Jianjun also laughed, looked at them and said: "I rushed back from the frontier, just rested for one night and came to see you off, is that how it is?"

"Alright, brothers accept your sentiment."

Li Yuanchao smiled, put his arm around his shoulder and hugged him, sighing: "But I don't know when we brothers will meet again."

"Are you still going to leave after coming back this time?"

He shook his head slightly and said: "It's not easy for us to go to the frontier, and it's even harder for you to come back. If we want to come back to visit relatives and you happen to be back in Beijing, that would be so difficult."

"Fate brings people together from a thousand miles away; as long as the friendship between brothers remains, there will be a time to meet sooner or later."

Xiao Jianjun could see the desolation on his face and smiled: "You, Li Yuanchao, still need to be so petty?"

"Sigh, looking at you, I know I really have to go through this, go out and exercise for a few years."

Li Yuanchao had known Xiao Jianjun for two years, but they weren't that close; they only got to know each other again at the club.

This time Xiao Jianjun happened to be back and knew they were leaving today, so he thought of coming to see them off.

More than half of the members of the club youth gathering had left; Zuo Jie had been sending them off for days, and was too busy.

And Zuo Jie had things on his mind and didn't like this kind of farewell scene; it was hard not to think of Luo Yun.

Luo Yun had already left, leaving Beijing almost at the same time as Zhou Xiaobai, and he didn't go to see her off.

Luo Yun didn't say break up, but he knew this didn't mean Luo Yun could still remember him. Perhaps he would receive a breakup letter in a month, perhaps he wouldn't receive a letter in a year.

Not receiving a letter meant they had completely broken up.

Xiao Jianjun came back to register for marriage with Su Yu, and then they would go to the frontier together.

He was grabbed by Zuo Jie to send Li Yuanchao and his party off, and they weren't strangers.

That's why this scene on the train station platform happened.

At this time, Xiao Jianjun had long since shed the greenness of four years ago; his skin was a bit dark, and he no longer had the impetuousness of before.

He didn't feel nervous talking to an old oil like Li Yuanchao, and even had a bit of ease.

Li Yuanchao had been eating with his mouth for two years and envied capable people the most.

Seeing Xiao Jianjun come back after exercising for a few years, not to mention the expensive leather jacket he was wearing, even his whole outfit was scary enough.

Not to mention money, he wasn't without money; after selling the car, he had several thousand yuan in his hand.

But to truly wear out a temperament like Xiao Jianjun, he felt he really had to go out and exercise according to his father's arrangements.

How does the old saying go?

Even if you put on a dragon robe, you don't look like a crown prince; without temperament, no matter how good the clothes are, you can't reflect the essence.

"It's good to go out and exercise for a few years." Xiao Jianjun hammered his shoulder: "You've always been in Beijing and haven't seen the customs of the outside world; a good man has ambitions in all four directions."

"Hearing you say that, I feel relieved."

Li Yuanchao smiled and looked at Xiao Jianjun, saying: "I don't want to be like you, reaching the Tianshan grassland and still coming back to Beijing to choose a horse; I want to conquer the whole grassland."

"Hahahaha—" Zhang Haiyang laughed, winked and said: "You'd better not say that; if you were really assigned to the grassland, you wouldn't be willing again."

"Then send me to the frontier." Li Yuanchao laughed: "Send me to the door of Xiao Jianjun's yurt, I want to appear in front of him and give him a big scare!"

"Stop talking nonsense, who told you I live in a yurt?" Xiao Jianjun glared at him, amused and angry: "If you were really sent to the frontier, I guarantee to treat you well, I'm just afraid you won't want to go, and won't be able to stay if you go."

"Don't provoke me—" Li Yuanchao raised his eyebrows: "I'll go stand guard for you then!"

"Forget it, you like this?"

Xiao Jianjun looked at him and laughed: "I'm afraid you'll lose the gate!"

Beijing Jianguomen Railway Station.

From the station square to the platform.

The bustling station square and platform will always stage sad scenes of parting with relatives.

At this moment, the square and platform are not just a random scene in a corner, but the whole station is immersed in the melancholy of parting.

It's just that this dull atmosphere is so out of place with the layout of the station.

The square is filled with colorful flags fluttering in the wind, the sky of the square is filled with colorful balloons, and huge red banners are hanging on the station platform.

The sound of gongs and drums resounding through the clouds in the square cannot suppress the crying in every corner.

A tragedy of an era will begin from here...