Chapter 1435: You Just Secretly Rejoice

"Xiaoling? I was just looking for you."

Wang Yajuan rode her bicycle into the factory gate and took the initiative to get off the bike without the security guard's reminder.

Zhou Xiaoling, who was walking in front, heard the greeting, turned her head, and saw it was her, pleasantly surprised, "Yajuan! Long time no see."

"You've almost forgotten me, right?"

Wang Yajuan glanced at her with feigned dissatisfaction and said, "You didn't even come to find me when you came to Steel City."

"Time was tight, and I had to prepare for duty at the airport in a while; how would I dare to disturb you."

Zhou Xiaoling explained with a smile, "If I really had time, I would definitely let you treat me to a meal."

"No way—" Wang Yajuan scrutinized her and said, "You've learned to lie, Zhou Xiaoling."

"What's with what—"

Zhou Xiaoling tidied the bag strap on her shoulder and said with a smile, "Why would I lie to you? I came yesterday and am going back today; time is tight, isn't it."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk—"

Wang Yajuan looked at her with an even more suspicious and teasing gaze and said, "Make it up, keep making it up—"

"Hehe—" Zhou Xiaoling helplessly and amusedly walked up to take her arm, pulling her along as she said, "There's no one like you; it's hard to meet, yet you keep making things difficult for me."

"Don't be ungrateful—"

Wang Yajuan teased, "Knowing you came yesterday and the accommodation environment at the reception house was tight, I even went to the reception house specifically to find you, wanting to pick you up to stay at my house."

"Don't tell me time was tight!"

She pointed her finger at Zhou Xiaoling's forehead and said, "You arrived in the afternoon and are flying tonight; you say you have no time in a whole day and night? Who are you fooling—"

"You really went to the reception house to find me?"

Zhou Xiaoling widened her eyes in surprise, looked at her and asked, "Then we didn't run into each other."

"Do you think I'm trying to trick you?"

Wang Yajuan suppressed her smile, and even though she couldn't suppress the teasing at the corner of her mouth, she still feigned seriousness and asked, "Confess honestly, where did you stay last night? Was there any special situation? Don't even think about hiding it from me."

She held up two fingers to gesture at her own eyes and said, "I have fiery eyes and golden pupils, I tell you; if you dare to lie, I can see through you at a glance."

"What special situation, there isn't one."

Zhou Xiaoling feigned stupidity, signaled in the direction of the reception house and said, "Are you busy? If you are busy, then we'll see each other next time; I really have to go to the reception house to assemble."

"Do you really think I'm tricking you?"

Wang Yajuan rolled her eyes at her and said, "I've already inquired about what time you should leave."

She pointed to the watch on her wrist, looked at Zhou Xiaoling and reminded her, "There's still an hour and a half before departure."

"Isn't it said that you were transferred to the Metallurgical Plant Radio Station? How come I feel like you were transferred to the Security Section instead."

Zhou Xiaoling shook her arm amusedly and teased, "Where did you go to find me?"

"In your dreams; where would I go to find you?"

Wang Yajuan curled her lips, looked at her playfully and said, "Are you going to say it or not? If you don't, I'll ask someone else; you didn't even tell us when you found a partner; you're really not particular."

"Where is there any partner—"

Zhou Xiaoling thought of something and lowered her head somewhat shyly, saying, "Just a friend."

She originally wanted to say a good friend, but she wasn't confident, and even the word friend was vague when she said it.

Wang Yajuan naturally heard that something was wrong and raised her eyebrows to ask, "You even stayed at someone's house? And you still say it's just a friend?"

"Xiaoling, you're not a confused person; don't suffer a loss or be fooled."

"Of course, I'm not stupid."

Zhou Xiaoling saw that she was serious, so she quickly explained, "There really isn't anything; I just rested for one night."

Actually, she wanted to say that she was eager to throw herself at him, but the other party wasn't willing.

"Are you really not in love?"

Wang Yajuan glanced at her sideways and said, "It's better to be cautious; come to my place next time you come."

"Don't even mention it; I wanted to go find you."

Zhou Xiaoling shrugged and said, "But I happened to run into him on the way."

"Who? Do I know him?"

Wang Yajuan saw that when she mentioned that person, that expression appeared on her face, and asked jokingly.

Zhou Xiaoling tried hard to maintain her usual composure, even though her eyes had already betrayed her.

Now that Wang Yajuan asked, she answered vaguely, "I probably don't know him..."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, I really didn't expect it."

Wang Yajuan saw that she couldn't ask anything, so she stopped asking; the two had only eased their relationship in the past two years, and since they were no longer in the Art Troupe, meeting naturally made them closer.

The previous unpleasantness and contradictions had already been forgotten with the passage of time; what could be remembered was only that friendship.

In fact, the relationship between the two was very average from the beginning; they were both such excellent girls, so they naturally hid a competition between each other.

Zhou Xiaoling looked better, delicate and lovely; Wang Yajuan's appearance wasn't weak, and her dance skills were even more excellent.

If they were in a dance troupe, Wang Yajuan would be the proper protagonist, and no matter how good Zhou Xiaoling looked, she couldn't compare.

But at this moment, both had jumped out of their original comfort zones and were developing in their respective fields.

That former competitive relationship had become an embarrassing memory in the depths of their hearts, and every time they thought of it, they would feel ashamed to speak of it.

It could only be said that they were too naive back then.

The current easing of the relationship had another layer of relationship, which was the politeness between acquaintances.

You came to my territory, so I have to fulfill the duty of a host, and also have to "compete" with each other.

Human feelings are often established under such circumstances, and friendships are also established this way.

It was just that the naivety of the past made them, who were together every day, unable to become friends; now that they were separated, they missed each other, and meeting made them even more enthusiastic.

"How do you have the nerve to lecture me?"

Zhou Xiaoling looked at her amusedly and said, "Do you know how much damage your leaving caused Zhang Mingyuan? He's become a bit autistic."

"It's my fault—"

Seeing Zhou Xiaoling mention the partner she was once engaged to, Wang Yajuan's voice couldn't help but lower a few degrees.

"It's all in the past; I was just joking with you; don't be like that."

Zhou Xiaoling knew she had said the wrong thing, so she quickly comforted her and said, "If you really feel it's not appropriate, can you force it together? There's no need for self-exile."

She looked back at the courtyard of the Metallurgical Plant and said to Wang Yajuan, "With such good development in the group, you insist on working below; is it worth it?"

"It's actually quite good here."

Wang Yajuan smiled, tidied her hair by her ear and said, "A poor foundation can be developed; it's even better if you can really do some work and make contributions."

"It still has to be you, with the drive."

Zhou Xiaoling smiled and said, "Out of the class we came from, only you can toss the most."

"Zhou Miaomiao's development isn't better than mine."

Wang Yajuan smiled and said, "I'm definitely not the best; I'll just chase after her."

"Hey—not necessarily."

Zhou Xiaoling said with a strange expression, "She is fighting with Han Lu; the two are neighbors upstairs and downstairs; I heard they are making a terrible scene."

"They used to have the best relationship; I didn't expect... I really didn't expect..."

"There are many things I didn't expect."

Zhou Linghua glanced at Sun Zhuren who had just passed by the office door and turned to say to Ma Baosen, "Look around next time you talk about these things."

"What's wrong with looking around?" Ma Baosen looked around strangely and said, "Aren't these all people from our office?"

"Walls have ears, Comrade Baosen."

Wang Min raised his head, took the thermos cup on the desk, unscrewed the lid and took a sip, looked at Ma Baosen and said feignedly old-fashioned, "You must always have a vigilant heart."

"You talk too much—" Zhou Linghua glanced at him amusedly, turned to look at Ma Baosen, and signaled to the office door, "Director Sun just passed by."

"So what? We didn't talk about him."

Ma Baosen said disapprovingly, "I was talking about Director Liao; he can listen if he wants."

"Are you stupid!" Zhou Linghua glared at him and said, "Your master will scold you when he comes back."

Ma Baosen heard him mention his master, shrank his neck with some fear, and stopped talking back.

Wang Min, however, leaned back in his chair with a smile, leaned closer to his desk and explained, "What you said about Director Liao is the same as saying about Director Sun; think about whether this is the truth."

Ma Baosen raised his eyebrows, wanting to defend himself, but remembered what Zhou Linghua had just said, and braked in time.

Wang Min saw that he knew the result but didn't know the reason, so he turned to look at Zhou Linghua and said, "He still thinks he's reasonable."

Ma Baosen glanced at him, turned his body away somewhat unconvinced, and went back to his own work.

He was busy, but his heart was still a bit confused; why couldn't he talk about Director Liao's affairs in front of Director Sun? The two weren't even in the same department anymore.

Besides, neither the audit nor the investigation action found Director Liao's problems; the Secretary-General didn't say anything, right?

Yes, he had indeed heard some rumors about Director Liao and Director Sun, but were those exaggerated words credible?

"What are you thinking? Tell me yourself."

Zeng Meiyi leaned forward slightly, placed the ashtray in front of him, took a puff of his cigarette, and observed Liao Jinhui sitting opposite him through the smoke.

Liao Jinhui appeared very indifferent at this time, nodded slightly and explained, "I've worked in this position for many years; I've really had enough; I want to change to a position."

"Had enough, so you want to go to the union?"

Zeng Meiyi lowered his eyelids, reached out to flick the ash and said, "This reason is a bit unconvincing."

"But this is the most real thought in my heart." Liao Jinhui looked at him frankly and said, "I've worked in the office for so many years; time is not my own; even my wife and children say I don't care about the family; it's really shameful."

"Hmm, I can understand this point." Zeng Meiyi nodded, took a puff of his cigarette and said, "But there's no need to go to the union, right? Retiring early?"

"The work of the union is relatively easier." Liao Jinhui looked completely like he was telling the truth and said, "This way I also have the energy and time to make up for the family."

"Is that really what you think?"

Zeng Meiyi scrutinized him and said, "I just came to the Metallurgical Plant, and you're giving me a problem."

He exhaled smoke from his nostrils, raised his hand to signal in the direction of the next room, and said, "Does the Secretary-General know about this?"

"I haven't had time to tell him yet." Liao Jinhui smiled and said, "Didn't I come to talk to you first."

"Heh—" Zeng Meiyi looked at him and said, "Don't play tricks with me; I know what you're thinking."

His gaze stared at Liao Jinhui deeply; just as the other party withstood the pressure and looked over, he lowered his eyebrows and said, "I don't agree with you being so rash, but I also fully respect your opinion."

"However, I must remind you that the organizational personnel adjustment work for the cadres and employees of the Metallurgical Plant has just ended; you are likely to attract fire by popping up at this time."

Zeng Meiyi smiled and said, "If you ask me, it's normal to be physically and mentally exhausted; why not take a few days off to go out and turn around, play, and relax your mood."

"Hehe, it might not be such a simple matter." Liao Jinhui lowered his head and said indifferently, "It's precisely because the organizational personnel work has been adjusted that I dare to make suggestions to the organization; otherwise, if it affected the plan arrangement, I would feel even more ashamed."

"Alright, I'll say it again."

Zeng Meiyi nodded, restrained the smile on his face, looked at Liao Jinhui seriously and said, "There is no turning back once the arrow is fired; I respect your willingness, but you must obtain the Secretary-General's consent."

"Although I am the deputy factory director in charge of organizational work, you also know that I haven't been here long."

He spread his hands and said frankly, "The Secretary-General already knew about some work; if you take the initiative to go over and talk, and talk about your thoughts, there might still be a turning point."

"Thank you, leader; I'll listen to you and go talk to the Secretary-General." Liao Jinhui obtained the attitude he wanted from Zeng Meiyi, so he stood up and took the initiative to say goodbye.

Zeng Meiyi rarely stood up to send him out the door and comforted him softly, "Work, after all, shines everywhere; I just feel it's a pity for you to do this."

"There's nothing to pity; it's all fate."

Liao Jinhui smiled and said formally before going out, "Thank you for your guidance."

"Hey, don't say that; we are all comrades."

Zeng Meiyi waved his hand and said, "Go, go talk to the Secretary-General; he has more experience in organizational work than I do."

"I've caused you trouble; I'm sorry."

Liao Jinhui could hear that Zeng Meiyi's words had hidden meanings, but he was already prepared to retreat, so what was there to think about?

Retreating while successful, without desire, one is strong.

He no longer had the desire for progress or utilitarianism; no matter what the other party wanted to say or provoke, he would pretend not to understand.

Coming out of Zeng Meiyi's office, Liao Jinhui became even more determined to retreat.

Why?

Because the new deputy factory directors, as well as those who originally stayed, were not simple goods.

Let's put it this way: if it weren't for the identity of the group Secretary-General, Li Xuewu might not necessarily be able to suppress them.

Liao Jinhui had experienced several major leaders of the Metallurgical Plant; he had long seen through the reality inside.

Can you say Old Luo didn't do things?

You can't, right? How did the Metallurgical Plant get through those years? Without Old Luo holding back the pressure, the factory would have gone yellow long ago.

Look at Dong Wenxue again; this person had also really overturned the car and made mistakes, but can you say he achieved nothing and had no accomplishments?

Finally, look at Li Xuewu, who came to Steel City in the season when all things revived in spring, and used the clever means of spring rain moistening things silently to subdue the "former" people of the Metallurgical Plant.

In more than half a year, he didn't cut off a project, nor did he take the initiative to play shady tricks to squeeze out a deputy factory director.

Those people in the government were like mirrors; if Yang Shuxing and Yin Zhongyao hadn't gone to the group to gossip during such a critical period, they wouldn't have gone down so quickly.

News from the Secretary-General's office actually said that the Secretary-General had long known that the two were not right.

Since he had long known that those two were not right, why did he delay taking action?

The reason was very simple: any work had to give way to the group's main work, and one had to distinguish between priority and sequence.

That is to say, organizational structure reform and organizational personnel reform had to come slowly.

It was just that Yang Shuxing and Yin Zhongyao couldn't bear it anymore, and couldn't bear Li Xuewu's rock-solid attitude even more.

If they couldn't bear it, they didn't have to bear it.

Now the two didn't even have the chance to see Li Xuewu, so naturally they didn't have to bear it.

News from the group said that the two's cases hadn't been tried yet, which showed how many problems there were.

The audit work of the Metallurgical Plant was over, but the storm brought up by those two was far from over.

Even now, cadres were occasionally called to the group to accept questioning; some came back, and some didn't.

The Secretary-General didn't look like he was dissatisfied when facing the handling of Yang Shuxing and Yin Zhongyao; he was used to it.

More than half a year had passed; no matter how they opposed the group's organizational structure reform, no matter how uncomfortable these changes were for the cadres of the Metallurgical Plant.

However, hadn't things been done?

No one realized that the problems and goals mentioned by the Secretary-General at the meeting were being realized.

Looking at the scene, you might not be able to see it, but comparing before and after, you would definitely find changes—changes that were moistening things silently.

Everyone accepted it without feeling any inconvenience compared to before, and slowly got used to it.

Organizational structure reform and technical research and development goals had been steadily promoted; Liao Jinhui already knew that there wasn't much time left for him.

What had he done? Who didn't know?

The Secretary-General naturally knew, so why didn't he move him? It was because he took the initiative to admit his mistakes.

Supervision had talked to him, and no one knew the content, but he also emptied his savings.

These money and things weren't his to begin with; now he was taking the initiative to admit mistakes and take responsibility.

His mistakes were no longer suitable for continuing to undertake important work, so he was adjusted.

But in his view, this kind of adjustment wasn't enough; people left him face, so he had to know how to behave.

If you retreat, then retreat; he had really had enough of these years, especially after tossing like this.

No matter how much you can toss, isn't it just a joy in vain? Who can never retire? Isn't it the same waiting for death after retirement?

He got an astronomical telescope and liked to look at the vast universe even more; that was the eternal eternity that remained unchanged through the ages.

"Steel City is a key coal city."

Li Xuewu turned his head to look at Xu Ning, the deputy general manager of United Energy beside him, and emphasized, "It not only possesses coal mining industries but is also a city with a large coal consumption."

"Because there are many steel enterprises, I can understand this." Xu Ning followed by his side, nodded slightly and said, "We attach great importance to the business in Steel City."

"Emphasizing importance is useless; you still have to come up with something practical." Li Xuewu waved his hand, felt the gradually cooling autumn wind, and said, "You are engaged in resource integration work in the coal industrial zone; you can't always draw knives inward."

"Then who should we draw knives against outward?"

Xu Ning teased jokingly, "We haven't made preparations to annex other mining industries yet."

"Is that all the fighting spirit and pursuit you have?"

Li Xuewu glanced at him with a smile, continued to walk forward, nodded and said, "Telling you not to always draw knives inward is to let you take the initiative to go out and take a look."

"Go see how excellent enterprises operate, and how they develop and succeed."

He looked at the trees in front and said, "For enterprise management to enjoy long-term stability, it must draw on the experience of others, summarize experience and lessons, and walk a characteristic path of its own."

"You naturally know the group's development ideas, so United Energy cannot go backward."

Li Xuewu waved his hand, took the hot water cup handed over by Secretary Zhang Enyuan, took a sip, and continued, "If you just rely on the group to give you tasks and set goals, then you will be eliminated sooner or later."

"The pressure the group puts on us is too great."

Xu Ning said bitterly, "Our own pressure is already very great; if we put pressure on the people below again, I'm afraid this line will collapse."

"Who said to let you put pressure downward?"

Li Xuewu turned half his body to look at him and emphasized, "I mean that your management team should have achievements and breakthroughs in work ideas."

He pointed at Xu Ning and said, "Don't take two steps after being whipped; the group has lost patience and confidence in you, and you have also lost opportunities."

"What do you mean..." Xu Ning asked hesitantly, "Should we continue to deepen cooperation with Liaodong industrial enterprises, is it aimed at mining or industry?"

"Do you plan to walk on one leg?"

Li Xuewu glanced at him, continued to walk forward, and said, "Without mines, there is no coal; without industrial enterprises, coal cannot be sold; you tell me what to do."

"Furthermore, these mines are just lying underground; whoever discovers them first is theirs; what are you still waiting for?"

He walked with his hands behind his back, his pace calm, talking about the situation and looking at the situation.

Once autumn begins, the weather is refreshing, and even the wind blowing on the body is cool and very comfortable.

Xu Ning came to the Metallurgical Plant to coordinate coal and electricity work and was taken out for a walk by Li Xuewu.

After working in Liaodong, Li Xuewu's work habits changed, especially after Zhou Ya Mei left Steel City for Beijing, he would sometimes work overtime.

But it wasn't the kind of crazy overtime, but choosing to continue studying in the office.

After all, the environment was better, and the quality of reading was higher.

He still maintained the habit of taking a nap at noon, and when the weather was good in the afternoon, he would go out for a walk.

The Metallurgical Plant didn't have the sky-covering trees of the Beijing Steel Rolling Mill factory area, but it won by cooling down quickly.

From time to time, sunlight would scatter through the gaps in the leaves, and the mottled light spots on the ground had a special meaning.

This was the pleasantness that summer should have, but the footsteps of autumn were getting closer and closer.

"We are striving to get the coal procurement projects of several large metallurgical plants in Steel City."

Xu Ning took the initiative to report, "The power plant has already proven with actual actions that our coal quality is very good."

"If you can point out a clear path for us, or help us find some connections, that would be even better."

"Let Ji Jiuzheng come and beg me."

Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "I praised him for making progress when I returned to the group a few days ago, and today you are setting a trap for me?"

"Look at what you're saying; I didn't say anything else."

Xu Ning explained with a smile, "Director Ji really can't find any connections; he has used everything he can."

"To forge iron, one must be strong oneself."

Li Xuewu shook his head with emotion and said, "United Energy should be the least lacking in connections."

He turned his head to look at Xu Ning and said, "Possessing foreign capital relationships, and behind it is the Red Star Steel Group, which possesses absolute influence in trade and economic work, yet you can't open up the energy cooperation market."

He pointed his finger at Xu Ning and said, "When you go back, tell Ji Jiuzheng that the tight hoop on his head has tightened again."

"You're not letting me offend people."

Xu Ning shook his head with a smile and said, "I can't pass on these words, but I can tell Director Ji and ask him to come and report work to you."

"Old Ji, he's mysterious."

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Last time he said he would work hard and do something big, but what happened?"

"This matter really can't blame Director Ji."

Xu Ning explained bitterly, "Obviously the cooperation framework agreement was signed, but the project was adjusted."

"Human effort cannot do it; it can only be forgotten."

"This is the reason why his score in front of the group leaders is too low." Li Xuewu pointed his finger and said, "What everyone sees is always his failed side, and it's almost becoming a stereotype."

"He can only fight a turnaround battle and surprise all the group leaders; only then can he reverse the facts."

"I will definitely pass this on to Director Ji."

Xu Ning nodded seriously and said, "I heard that we are going to launch cooperation with Shenfei? Does this project have any results?"

"It has already entered the negotiation stage."

Li Xuewu pointed to the office building, signaled to walk back together, and said while walking, "Shenfei sent an invitation letter this morning, inviting group leaders to visit."

"Does that mean they want to talk?"

Xu Ning asked with great interest, "Is there any service value we can provide?"

"Want

At the airport, the Red Star No. 1 had already made preparations for takeoff; the standby flight crew was on duty and would escort Li Xuewu and Secretary Zhang Enyuan back to Steel City.

Rushing back to Beijing, he hadn't even had time to see the children, let alone the morning sun.

Perhaps this was the significance of the Red Star No. 1 business jet; Li Xuewu was also transforming from the identity of a father and husband to a role that was more important and needed him more.

"Are you really not preparing firecrackers?"

Zhang Jing was confirming the final details with Sun Jia and glanced at the factory area of the Steel Rolling Mill; it was indeed different from the Beijing Red Star Factory.

The Red Star Steel Group developed from the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill, and there was no need to mention the history before that; the process of merging the first, second, and fourth factories was too complicated.

And with the establishment of the Red Star Steel Group, the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill was the main body, the foundation, and the key business.

But since formulating the development plan three years ago, determining the transfer of the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill to Steel City, achieving optimal integration of steel rolling and metallurgical projects, and simultaneously driving and developing other projects to form an integrated, modernized industrial zone, the fate of the Beijing Red Star Steel Rolling Mill also began its countdown.

Similarly, the steel rolling business also began from that time, no longer the group's only core industry.

Mixed development of light and heavy industries and opening up the upstream and downstream structure of the industrial chain became the group's development goal.

Forming a professional, modernized steel rolling industry became a key task of the group.

The Red Star Steel Rolling Mill hadn't gone bankrupt, nor had it disappeared, but had turned into sparks, lighting up the entire group.

The original number of employees of more than 13,000, with workers directly participating in production exceeding 8,000.

Nowadays, the fully completed Steel City Steel Rolling Mill, with the last piece of mechanical equipment installed, inherited the glory of the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill, but the total number of people was only 8,000.

Other workers and cadres were those sparks, scattered in every corner of the group, and also became the backbone force supporting other brother units, and even more so the pillars supporting the Beijing industry in forming the New Beijing First Steel Rolling Mill.

From today on, the Beijing Red Star Steel Rolling Mill officially entered the countdown, and the Steel City Red Star Steel Rolling Mill also began the countdown, preparing to undertake the production plans assigned by all parties.

In fact, many workers from the Beijing Red Star Steel Rolling Mill had already been coordinated away; only the main industry was absorbing the most important industry, and others mostly went to the New Beijing First Factory.

Many workers couldn't accept going to Steel City to work, leaving their hometowns, staying away from their families, and the difficulties of commuting thousands of miles.

Similarly, the group's expectations and goals for industrial enterprises also made many old workers flinch, and they actively chose to go to the New Beijing First Factory to work.

Although they were reluctant to part with the Red Star Steel Group's treatment, and even more reluctant to part with the working environment here.

However, news came out that the management handover of the New Beijing First Factory by Beijing industry would be even later.

Many people were guessing whether Beijing industry hadn't made full preparations, or had other purposes.

It was too simple; the Red Star Steel Group was developing really well, the steel rolling industry was so complete, and the products were especially rich; as the own flesh and blood of the Red Star Steel Group, although the New Beijing First Factory changed its surname, there was always a blood relationship.

Not borrowing this east wind, not taking this advantage—wouldn't that be a bit too much of a loss?

If they could complete the production plans assigned by Beijing industry and have the conditions to undertake the production tasks given by the Red Star Steel Group, that would be great.

The Red Star Steel Group also intended to maintain its influence on the New Beijing First Factory, directly expressed in its care and concern for the workers.

At the same time, the New Beijing First Factory maintaining its production capacity could also provide certain assistance to the Red Star Steel Group's industrial production in the North China region in the future.

Therefore, when the Beijing Red Star Steel Rolling Mill was about to close, and when the Steel City Red Star Steel Rolling Mill was about to start operation, Beijing industry began negotiation work with the Red Star Steel Group on the latest cooperation project.

After all, the Red Star Steel Group had to gain a foothold in Beijing, and there were still many light industries and office areas here.

The group's worker new village was also here, and the entire Liangma River Ecological Industrial Zone was also under the jurisdiction of the other party.

So the relationship had to be handled well; everyone was an acquaintance, and the negotiation progress was mainly centered on future cooperation; Beijing industry also had to actively cooperate with the Red Star Steel Group's outlook and arrangements for the future.

Both sides hoped that each other would live well; in this friendly atmosphere, cooperation was naturally easy to talk about.

At today's Steel City Steel Rolling Mill completion ceremony, there were representatives from Beijing industry participating.

They came early, unlike Li Xuewu who was in such a rush.

In fact, Li Xuewu also made preparations in advance; it was the group that temporarily summoned him back for a meeting, so he flew overnight.

It was said that not many people could take a plane in this era, but for flight commuting, Li Xuewu still didn't like it, because no matter how good the environment and service were, they couldn't offset this sense of fatigue.

He fell asleep as soon as he got on the plane, but had to wake up four hours later; once he arrived at the metallurgical plant, he couldn't sleep even if he wanted to.

It wasn't that the people below were troubling him, but that he couldn't sleep; as soon as the sun came out, he lost his sleepiness.

As the protagonist of the day, he had to represent the group and give a speech at the ceremony, and Kuang Yusheng also made preparations.

He represented the group to talk about the outlook, and Kuang Yusheng represented the steel rolling mill to make a statement; the activity started at 9 o'clock, but they had to make preparations from 7 o'clock in the morning.

"Your eyes are a bit red."

Zhou Peilan looked at the Secretary-General who had changed his clothes and came out of the office, and reminded him, "Why don't you rest for a while? There's still some time before the activity starts."

"Forget it, there's no time."

Li Xuewu checked his watch and said, "The guests have all arrived by now; if I don't appear again, people will say we are neglecting the guests."

"Director Zhang has already gone over to explain."

Zhou Linghua came out of the office, looked at him and reported, "You still have half an hour to prepare."

"Hmm, is Factory Director Wang from Shenfei coming?"

Li Xuewu walked into the large office, which was the preparatory office for this activity.

Wang Min handed him a list, which was the roster of units that had decided to attend the activity so far.

Li Xuewu opened it and looked at it casually, nodded and said, "I can't remember how many there are; you guys look at it and prepare; every unit and every individual participating in the activity must have a gift."

"Make it practical."

He reminded them and said with a smile, "Eating and taking, it'll be easier for them to speak well of us when they go back."

"Director Zhang has already prepared it."

Zhou Peilan saw that his collar was a bit crooked, pointed her finger at him and reminded him, "Do you need me to help you?"

"Wang Min, come here; his hands are convenient."

Li Xuewu pointed to Wang Min who was closest to him and didn't use Zhou Peilan.

He could still consider this level of attention; he didn't care, mainly because Zhou Peilan was still young, and it wasn't good for an unmarried girl to get entangled with him.

It was best not to have any gossip.

"This suit of yours is really neat—"

Wang Min looked at him with a smile and joked, "Especially your height; you really suit clothes."

"Wait for the next opportunity and I'll let you go up and speak."

Li Xuewu teased him and said, "But you have to strive for me; Professor Liu said your mouth is glib, but you haven't made any progress in your business."

Zhou Peilan and the other three worked for Li Xuewu, and they also had a benefit, which was the professor's cultivation.

It was Li Xuewu who, in order to cultivate them, invited professors from the college to help and cultivate them one-on-one.

They had to regularly report their work and academic progress to the professors, which counted as graduate student steps.

Graduate students without a degree or certificate—who knew how many years it would take; it all depended on their own efforts and fortune.

Zhou Peilan was the only one among them who was particularly hardworking; Li Xuewu admitted this.

Li Xuewu only stayed in the office for a while, talked with the four of them, relaxed his mood, and then led them downstairs; the car was already waiting for him.

So at least six years older, holding two gold bricks?

It's not impossible...

"Second Brother, are you asleep?"

Zhou Xiaoling wore white silk pajamas with floral patterns, looking graceful.

Li Xuewu looked back at her and nodded, saying, "Not yet; why haven't you rested? It's very late."

"New environment, a bit unable to sleep."

Zhou Xiaoling plucked up her courage and walked into his study, stepping on soft-soled cotton and linen slippers.

"Who is that person you asked me to call Third Uncle?" She asked for the sake of talking, "Quite interesting."

"Do you know Shen Guodong?"

Li Xuewu turned back and looked at the big book on the desk, saying casually, "They are together."

"I know Manager Shen; who in our factory doesn't know him." Zhou Xiaoling walked gracefully to his side, stood by the desk, and said, "I've seen Manager Shen, just haven't seen this Third Uncle; he really can talk."

"He just relies on that mouth to live."

Li Xuewu muttered, raised his head to look at her with her hair scattered, and asked, "Don't you fly tomorrow?"

"I fly, but it will be late."

Zhou Xiaoling seemed very worried about hearing him say words to drive her out the door; that would be too embarrassing.

Her already small courage was rapidly exhausting; she feared this Second Brother even more.

"I can't help you if you can't sleep."

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "If you are willing to let go, I will go downstairs and get a stick."

"To knock me out?" Zhou Xiaoling saw him joking, so she felt a bit relieved and said something funny with a coquettish tone.

Who hasn't thought about red sleeves adding fragrance when they were young? Reading with a beauty late at night—what kind of feeling is that?

"Knocking you out is making a mistake."

Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I mean to give you a stick to go back to sleep, so you'll have a sense of security."

"Do I still lack a sense of security in your house?"

Zhou Xiaoling smiled beautifully and said, "With you here, the thing I lack least is a sense of security."

Saying this, her gaze couldn't help but glance at the pistol placed next to the fountain pen on the desk.

This is really not ambiguous at all; holding a gun while reading—how cautious must he be when working?

"It was my lack of consideration." Li Xuewu seemed to have remembered something, sighed and said, "The relocation of the Steel Rolling Mill has a procedure; I didn't expect that plans couldn't keep up with changes, and so many people came all at once."

"It doesn't matter; I'm actually very happy to have this fate today."

Zhou Xiaoling stood on the side, showing her figure to the fullest; the loose pajamas couldn't block her youth.

"If the reception house wasn't full, I wouldn't have met you, and I wouldn't have been able to come to your house to enjoy better accommodation treatment."

"The hospitality was not good; you ate your fill at dinner, right?"

Li Xuewu looked at the big book in his hand and said, "The child downstairs is the son of Qin Huairu, the director of the group's reception house; he is studying in Steel City and living with me."

"This house is also rented by me; I don't usually cook, and eating is a problem for both of us."

"It's already very good; what else is there to say about the restaurant's food." Zhou Xiaoling was afraid that Li Xuewu would be polite, so she said with a smile, "I want to keep my figure, so I don't dare to eat too much."

It seemed to be an explanation for why she didn't eat much at dinner, but she could lead the topic to the direction she wanted to say.

Even if Li Xuewu didn't take her topic, he couldn't help but glance at her.

Sure enough, Li Xuewu didn't take her topic, but the gaze that swept over made her body numb.

Not having experienced human affairs yet, she had both expectations and fear for that kind of thing; after all, it had to be someone she liked, right?

"How old is he? Is he fifteen?"

Zhou Xiaoling saw that he didn't speak, so she had to speak herself, and could only pull the topic to Banggeng.

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Not fifteen, fourteen; he hasn't finished school yet, came to Steel City to apprentice, and is temporarily living with me."

"He told me it wasn't you who let him read."

Zhou Xiaoling scrutinized his profile; it was the side with the scar, because she felt that this half of Li Xuewu's face looked more masculine and had more temperament.

"It's his teacher; this is his teacher's house." Li Xuewu raised his head to look at her and said, "If you can't sleep, you can find a book to read; the books in the study are all his teacher's collection."

"Oh, I don't read much."

Zhou Xiaoling awkwardly tidied her hair by her ear, not daring to look into his eyes and said, "I can't read into it."

"Then chat?"

Li Xuewu saw her appearance, sighed helplessly in his heart, but didn't show it on his face, put away the book, nodded, and signaled her to sit down and talk.

Zhou Xiaoling was secretly happy; if she could sit down and talk, that would be best, preferably sitting on the bed and talking.

Today's opportunity was too rare; she didn't dare to guarantee whether she would have another chance to step into this home, nor did she dare to guarantee whether she would have another chance to be alone in a room with him.

"Second Brother, did I disturb your reading?"

She was quite sensible, and even more green tea; she had already sat down, and only then said this sentence.

If she had already realized this problem just now, shouldn't she have taken the initiative to leave?