Chapter 1501: Fei Gang City

"The string beans are tasty; the meat isn't."

Li Shu pickily used her spoon to push the meat slices aside, selecting only the string beans from her bowl to eat.

Gu Ning merely glanced at her without saying anything, while Er Ya felt quite embarrassed.

"Next time I'll make it more tender."

"It doesn't matter; she simply doesn't like eating meat." Gu Ning picked up some string beans with her chopsticks and placed them in Li Shu's bowl, signaling her to eat properly.

"Thank you, Mom—" Li Shu was obedient and had truly understood her mother's words.

Li Shu had a terrible temper but wasn't stubborn, a trait that mirrored Gu Ning's character.

Speaking of which, the two children spent more time with Gu Ning and were more influenced by her.

Gu Ning never emphasized anything to the children or forced them to act in a certain way.

Just look at now: Li Shu had her own small table, and Li Ning had his own small table.

From the very beginning, when they were learning to use a spoon to eat, no matter how messily they made things, Gu Ning never said a word.

She simply had the patience to watch children progress from not knowing how to doing something to mastering it.

Li Li Xuewu was different; seeing his son covered in food while eating made him extremely anxious.

"Can you lift the rice spoon over your head?"

He raised his eyebrows and reminded his son, "The food is meant to go into your own mouth."

Gu Ning only glanced at her son, completely unconcerned about the rice grains scattered everywhere.

"Li Ning is learning much faster; he has his older sister as a reference." Er Ya smiled and praised Li Ning, saying, "Look how happily he's eating."

"It's so delicious; Auntie will serve you more in a moment. Eat until you're full so you can grow big and strong."

"I want to eat meat—"

Li Ning puckered his greasy little lips and pointed the spoon in his hand at the plate on the dining table, demanding meat.

"You and your sister really are cut from the same cloth."

Li Li Xuewu used his chopsticks to pick up a piece of meat, cut it apart with a spoon, and placed it onto his son's small plate.

Li Ning truly loved eating; being clumsy, his attempts to pick up food with the spoon were ineffective, so he directly used his hands to grab it.

"Little brother is a little gluttonous cat—"

Li Shu reported, "At Grandma's house, he even snatched cookies from Li Tang."

"Didn't you eat some too, yet you're criticizing your little brother?" Zhao Ya Ping teased her with a smile, adding, "You ate more enthusiastically than anyone else."

"That was because Li Tang gave it to me—"

Li Shu emphasized, "I certainly didn't reach out and snatch it like my little brother did."

"Is that so? What if Li Tang hadn't given it to you?"

Zhao Ya Ping raised her eyebrows, looked at her with a smile, and asked, "Didn't you want to eat it?"

"Of course I wanted to eat it."

While eating the rice in her bowl, Li Shu shook her head and declared, "If he hadn't given it to me, I would have beaten him up."

"Heh-heh—" Li Li Xuewu chuckled lightly, reached out to touch his daughter's cheek, and said, "You're not much better than your little brother; in fact, you're even fiercer."

"What did you say to Eldest Brother?"

Gu Ning turned to look at him and asked, "You seemed distracted during the meal that day."

"Nothing much; I just offered him some suggestions." Li Li Xuewu said casually, "Seeing him with so much free time made me a bit envious."

"Eldest Sister-in-law is probably concerned about it—"

Gu Ning glanced at him and reminded, "Eldest Brother's personality is already rather reserved; if you keep talking nonsense, they might start quarreling."

"You underestimate the two of them."

Li Li Xuewu amusingly divided some meat for his son, then turned to Gu Ning and said, "That couple will never argue or get angry with each other in their entire lives."

"Just observe how Eldest Sister-in-law treats Eldest Brother, and then see how Eldest Brother treats Eldest Sister-in-law, and you'll understand."

He chuckled lightly and shook his head, saying, "Actually, Eldest Sister-in-law also wants him to get moving; he's nearly becoming useless from idleness. What family indulges a grown man like this?"

"Day after day with no proper business, either loitering in the library or squatting in the laboratory—what future can he have?"

With a mischievous smile on his lips, he raised his eyebrows at Gu Ning and explained, "I suggested he consider joining the Aircraft Research Institute to work on the drone project."

"That bottomless pit?" Gu Ning looked at him with amusement and said, "You really are a good little brother."

"It's fine; he has plenty of time."

Li Li Xuewu said casually, "Once Eldest Sister-in-law starts working, he'll have even more free time."

"I'm afraid if he reads too many books, he'll become simple-minded and won't understand any social niceties at all."

He tilted his head and said, "The current working environment at the Group Research Institute is somewhat complicated; it's perfect to toss him in there for some training."

"What if he can't adapt?"

Gu Ning reminded him, "Given Eldest Brother's temperament, I worry something might happen, won't I?"

"Him? He cherishes his life more than anyone, even more than me," Li Li Xuewu said confidently. "Anyone else might meet with trouble, but he certainly won't."

"Back when we were in school, if I got into a fight with classmates, he would even detour to avoid it, terribly afraid of getting blood splattered on himself."

Li Li Xuewu ate quickly; he put down his chopsticks first, looked at Zhao Ya Ping, and said, "Do you remember the situation when your Eldest Brother-in-law first visited your family home?"

Zhao Ya Ping didn't understand what her Second Brother was asking about and looked at him puzzledly.

"The first time Eldest Brother went to his in-laws' home, just because he heard someone had drowned in the village's manure pit, he detoured several hundred meters just to use the toilet."

"We're eating—"

Gu Ning glared at him dissatisfiedly and chided, "You've finished eating, haven't you?"

Saying this, she gestured toward Li Shu and Li Ning, instructing, "Wash their hands and faces."

"I'll do it; no need for you, Second Brother."

Er Ya ate quickly too; with so many children in the family, she had long been accustomed to fighting for food.

Even though she had been in Jingcheng for over a year, she still could not break this habit of eating.

She had intended to clear the bowls and chopsticks, but instead picked up Li Ning, who was full yet still making a mess of the rice, and walked outside; Li Shu's situation was slightly better.

Two children in the family were just like this; Qin Qin Laoer imitated everything his elder sibling did, including how to eat.

Li Ning had learned to eat earlier than Li Shu; Li Shu still could not use a spoon even when she was one and a half years old.

"Let me do it; I'm finished eating."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu go to pick up Li Shu, Zhao Ya Ping quickly finished the rice in her bowl and voluntarily reached out her hand.

She had grown accustomed to it; having lived in this home for nearly a year, she did whatever she was capable of doing.

Second Brother returned home rarely and for short periods; usually, he was not needed, and now even less so.

Only the couple remained in the dining room; Gu Ning had also finished eating and put down her chopsticks.

"Wen Wen Hanze's wife is pregnant."

Gu Ning looked at him and said, "That's what Mother and Old Lady talked about that night."

"Is that so?" Li Li Xuewu scratched his head and said, "Consider it compensation for Third Brother Wen."

"Hehehe—"

As if recalling something, he chuckled lightly and explained, "He also got what he deserved."

"During those few months he stayed home recovering from injuries, he obviously looked thinner; Fei Fei Shanying is no pushover either."

"How do you know?"

Gu Ning looked at him and asked, "Did Wen Wen Hanze tell you?"

"Him? He would be too embarrassed."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and shook his head, saying, "It was Lao Lao Biaozi who wrote back in a letter, recounting his third uncle's glorious deeds in Gangcheng."

"Is Gangcheng fun?" Gu Ning seemed very curious and asked, "Is it very prosperous?"

"A false prosperity." Li Li Xuewu glanced at her and explained seriously, "Strictly speaking, Gangcheng does not even have its own currency."

He did not say much, simply introducing the basic situation of Gangcheng and its current social conditions.

Speaking of the citizens' lives, Gu Ning would not like to hear that; she was merely curious why some people remained obsessed with Gangcheng and flocked there.

Recently, rumors had reached Jingcheng saying that groups of people attempting to flee by sea were drowning in droves.

"I'm leaving on the 23rd; find a time to visit her and bring some eggs or the like."

Li Li Xuewu thought for a moment and instructed Gu Ning, "Arrange to go with Ji Ji Yuxiu; Sister-in-law might be unable to get away, so you two can keep each other company."

Gu Ning's personality had changed considerably; perhaps it was worn down by the children, or perhaps during the year Li Li Xuewu was away, she had passively undergone training herself.

She could now communicate proactively, show concern for matters she cared about, and even scold people.

However, outside the home she remained icy, wearing a faint expression toward everyone, appearing as though she were not easy to get along with.

This was merely a protective coloring; in truth, she was simply unaccustomed to interacting with strangers.

Look at her as a physician; when seeing patients, she is not like this at all and can communicate normally with them, though she speaks only about work-related matters.

Actually, a personality like Gu Ning's is not considered unconventional in the hospital; there are far more complex ones.

After graduating with her master's degree this year, she was promoted to attending physician; she could be called young and promising, a key target for the hospital's cultivation.

Due to the Great Study Campaign, hospitals across all of Jingcheng were currently short of physicians.

The number of patients would not decrease because of the Great Study Campaign, so the doctors' workload had increased; she happened to catch a good timing.

Putting it this way might seem inhumane, but the situation is exactly so; if those old and middle-aged fellows hadn't been transferred away, where would there be a stage for us young ones to perform?

Being a physician is absolutely a growth-oriented profession; even the best surgeon is forged through countless operations; no one learns everything in just one or two years; only when the number of patients increases can their skills rise with the tide.

Gu Ning had truly been exhausted these past two years; the hospital's old professors, to train her to completion, performed surgeries almost every day, and she had to remain on duty even after the operations ended.

To put it bluntly, practice makes perfect; with such training, even Li Li Xuewu could manage to wear a white lab coat.

Don't say it couldn't happen; the one performing surgery on you might not necessarily be a professional; they could be an economics graduate who got in through some '4' or '8' exam.

You feel timid when the physician cuts into you, but he holding the scalpel feels just as timid looking at you.

You tell the physician, 'This is my first time on the operating table,' and the physician smiles, telling you he is honored because this is also his first surgery; surprising, isn't it?

Of course, Gu Ning was not cultivated through such bizarre methods; four years of medical school plus one year of frontline rotation training, followed by studying under professors upon her return, until she frantically participated in surgeries.

Over these two years, Li Li Xuewu felt heartache watching Gu Ning; busy with work during the day, she still squeezed time at night to read thick volumes, and even sought opportunities to learn traditional Chinese medicine from her father, Li Shun, aiming for comprehensive development.

She possessed such enthusiasm for her career, leveraging her personality advantages to the fullest.

With a pure mind, she appeared even more focused; being young gave her strength, and her experience supporting the frontline made her renowned for her steady, accurate, and ruthless scalpel work.

Soon; developing at this pace, she would sooner or later become her hospital's "Number One Blade."

Before going to sleep at night, Li Li Xuewu habitually read for a while, but Gu Ning did not go to the study.

"How long will you be gone?"

After washing up and tying back her hair, she looked at Li Li Xuewu, who was lying against the bed, and asked.

Li Li Xuewu raised his head to look at her and replied, "Uncertain; under normal circumstances, about a week."

"What counts as an abnormal situation?"

Gu Ning frowned slightly and asked, "Will there be any danger?"

"Hehe, no danger." Li Li Xuewu put down the book in his hand, beckoned to her, and explained, "If the negotiations aren't completed, or if the business volume exceeds the standard, the return to the country Must Be Delayed."

"Must it all be negotiated in one go?"

Gu Ning did not quite understand; instead of responding to his beckoning and sitting over, she sat at the foot of the bed, curled her legs, and looked at him asking, "Is it mandatory?"

"Why do you ask this?"

Li Li Xuewu tilted his head, sizing her up, and asked, "You don't want me to go on a business trip, or to be away for a long time?"

"No—" Gu Ning pulled the quilt over her legs and said faintly, "I heard it's very dangerous abroad; some places are not peaceful either."

"Indeed," Li Li Xuewu said, lying on the bed and turning to his side to look at her as he spoke. "That is Northern Su territory; going there this time may not yield any benefits."

"However, the leadership's view is: how can we know it won't work unless we try?"

He reached out to scratch Gu Ning's foot and explained, "The leadership has high hopes for the Group; they hope we can secure more technical cooperation, and it would be even better if we could achieve commercial partnerships."

"I don't quite understand; you clearly have better options, don't you?"

Gu Ning suddenly seemed interested in his work and asked, "Don't you have collaborations with French companies and Japanese companies?"

"You are correct; we do have channels for cooperation, including both technical and sales partnerships."

Li Li Xuewu thought for a moment before explaining, "But these technical collaborations and market channels were not given to us freely; they come with many additional conditions."

"The essence of these international trade enterprises collaborating with the Red Star Iron and Steel Group is to strip us of our cheap labor, exchanging technology for production capacity."

Since Gu Ning wanted to know, he explained earnestly, "We wish to shift direction to obtain technical cooperation, or even trade exchanges."

"Only fair trade is enduring; the same applies to technical cooperation."

He tilted his head and said, "If we can introduce more advanced production technology from East Germany, it will create pressure on those enterprises we are already cooperating with, signaling that we have backup options."

"Conversely, possessing these current partner enterprises will also exert pressure on East German firms."

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said, "This way, we will occupy a somewhat advantageous position during the negotiation process."

"Of course, the essence of technical cooperation remains trade cooperation; we are also eager to open up the Warsaw Pact international market, as selling our products is the fundamental solution to the enterprise's operational problems."

Dodging Li Li Xuewu's mischievous hand, she asked several more questions, all concerning his work.

Li Li Xuewu answered each one in detail; just as he had promised before, whatever she wanted to know and whatever he knew, he would tell her without reservation.

Observing her unusual behavior, Li Li Xuewu tentatively asked, "You've asked so much today; has something happened?"

"No—" Gu Ning lowered her head, thought for a moment, then lifted her gaze to him and said, "A colleague asked about you, and I realized I know nothing about your affairs."

"Hehe, it doesn't matter."

Li Li Xuewu sat up, pulled her into his embrace, and coaxed her softly, comforting her: "If anyone asks about me again, just say I'm currently responsible for a classified project, and even you are not allowed to ask."

Gu Ning gently pushed him; she didn't know whether the projects this rascal was responsible for were actually classified, but she knew his hands were "classified."

Time passed amidst a continuous series of meetings; Li Li Xuewu didn't even know how many meetings he had attended since the day he returned until now.

The Red Star Iron and Steel Group held no nonsense meetings; this was explicitly prohibited by the Administrative Regulations for Organizational Work, requiring every meeting to have a clear purpose and result.

The meetings he attended most frequently during these days were the preparatory sessions before departure.

Service and support personnel from Gangcheng had already departed early for East Germany, while the negotiation team assembled by the Red Star Iron and Steel Group had undergone centralized training and traveled to Gangcheng for a connecting flight three days ago.

Meanwhile, Gao Gao Yaqin and Dong Wenxue, who had been responsible for the preliminary negotiations, finally breathed a sigh of relief on the 23rd; the remaining work was now handed over to Director Li and Secretary-General Li Li Xuewu.

The two did not fly to Gangcheng aboard Red Star One but traveled with the delegation on a CAAC aircraft; there was no other purpose, only symbolic significance.

"Leader, you look ten years younger."

Wang Lu encountered Li Li Xuewu dressed in a suit in the corridor and praised him with a smile.

Usually, Li Li Xuewu deliberately dressed in an older style, making him appear closer to thirty years old.

This time, adhering to the dress code for the trip, Li Li Xuewu wore a suit, looking so spirited he resembled a groom.

Unlike Director Li's potbelly, Li Li Xuewu stood straight and tall; wearing a suit made him appear even more energetic.

Speaking of this suit, although the one Li Li Xuewu wore was uniformly issued, it had undergone major alterations.

Suits from this era might be something few people remember, or have even seen.

Loose-fitting, without any tailored styling, wearing them felt like being covered in a sack.

If one had a large belly, it was slightly better, as it could fill out the suit; otherwise, wearing these uniformly issued, oversized garments was not only unflattering but somewhat akin to a monkey wearing a crown.

When Li Li Xuewu first received his clothes, they were the same: the largest size, extremely loose.

Finding them unacceptable, he called Shen Shen Guodong and had the clothes for himself, Li Li Huai De, and others taken to the First Detention Center, asking Master Li to re-tailor them.

No one knew exactly how Li Guangnian operated, but following Li Li Xuewu's requirements, he adjusted the waist and trousers, making them fit exceptionally well and look comfortably sharp.

Li Li Huai De initially paid no attention, only realizing the depth of the craftsmanship after trying them on.

When the two emerged from the office and made their appearance, employees throughout the organization cast looks of surprise and admiration their way.

Group leaders traveling already attracted sufficient attention; seeing them dressed differently than usual drew even more eyes.

The route from the Group Headquarters to Jingcheng Airport was inevitably traveled in Old Li's big Red Flag car.

Every time he rode in this vehicle, Li Li Xuewu harbored the thought that he could replace its owner.

But when he looked back at Old Li, growing increasingly aged and withering in spirit, he extinguished that notion.

Heights are lonely and cold; Old Li found this position especially difficult, particularly this year.

Every person and matter he handled required his judgment and coordination.

If you claimed he didn't understand the business, he had been quite relaxed during the earlier period focused primarily on business development.

But when the Group launched reforms in organizational and personnel work, he became extremely exhausted.

If you asked how exhausted he was, let me put it this way: whether Zhou Zhou Miaomiao, Han Lu, or those who came later, this year could be considered a long vacation for them, as they rarely saw him.

Furthermore, Old Li's health had deteriorated; his condition was not good, so he increasingly cherished his limited vitality.

This vitality could not be restored merely through tonics; he had tried those wines, yet he never dared to attempt them continuously again.

The wine was good and produced effects upon drinking, but what happened after finishing it?

"I am not as good this year as I was last year."

In the car, Old Li said to Li Li Xuewu beside him, "I am often sleepy, yet unable to fall asleep when tired."

"Sometimes my temper is bad; I feel unable to control it, and my head hurts terribly."

"Has menopause arrived?"

Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Irritability and restlessness do not necessarily indicate a physical problem."

"Menopause?" Old Li asked with a blank expression, "Do men have this thing too?"

"I have heard such a saying."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and explained, "For a condition like yours, you still need to see a doctor and pay attention to your health maintenance."

"Maintenance is one thing, but seeing a doctor is such a hassle," Li Li Huai De sighed, saying, "I've tried several times to schedule an appointment with your father, but something always came up to divert us."

He rubbed his face and said, "Let's wait until we get back; I will definitely get checked out then."

In fact, Old Li had been seeing traditional Chinese medicine doctors all along, hoping to resolve his diabetes problem.

Why didn't he ask Li Li Xuewu to arrange for Li Shun to treat him?

It was very simple: he feared treatment and avoided doctors.

He did not want his health status to be completely exposed before Li Li Xuewu.

Nonsense; if Li Shun knew, it would be the same as Li Li Xuewu knowing, since they were father and son.

But although he had sought no small number of doctors, he always felt it was of no use, and he had had enough of the bitter taste of medicine.

Whether Li Shun's skills were adequate needed no inquiry; could he not tell if that medicinal wine had potency?

Those who had personally experienced it and used it all said it was good, the kind of good that made one howl with praise.

So, after going around in circles, he finally decided to ask Li Shun to take a look.

Having sought so many doctors and looked everywhere, he now knew what he needed to know, and thus had no further reservations about Li Shun.

Li Li Xuewu did not answer on behalf of his father, but instead smiled and said, "You also need to change your lifestyle habits."

"Quit smoking and quit drinking, sigh—"

Li Li Huai De let out a long sigh, turned his head to look at Li Li Xuewu, and asked, "You say no smoking is acceptable, but now no drinking either; what meaning is there left in life?"

"As the old saying goes well, 'A life lived, two words: smoke and wine,' isn't that right?"

"Hehe—" Li Li Xuewu was also amused by his words; he had never heard that saying before—could it have been said by Mr. Lu Xun?

"I am old and no longer of any use."

Leaning back in his seat, Li Li Huai De shook his head slightly and sighed with emotion, then said to Li Li Xuewu, "From now on, it will be the world of you young people."

"It is still too early for you to say that."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and said, "You still belong on the track of the young people."

"Me? Hahaha—"

Li Li Huai De laughed heartily, showing none of the depression from just moments before, while Li Li Xuewu felt a bit annoyed; this old codger never relaxed his probing of him for a single moment.

The Red Flag car did not head toward the airport terminal but, under the direction of ground traffic control, drove into a special lane, heading straight for the lounge.

They were to meet up with other members of the delegation here before boarding together to fly to Port City for a transfer.

Among the personnel traveling with the delegation this time, perhaps only Li Li Xuewu was the youngest in age and the lowest in rank; most of the others visible were old codgers and middle-aged codgers.

When the two men stepped out of the car wearing woolen overcoats, Liu Bin followed behind carrying the luggage.

As the trio entered the VIP lounge under the guidance of service staff, they truly attracted considerable attention from many people.

Especially since the indoor temperature of the VIP lounge was quite high, both men had opened their overcoats, and their well-tailored suits completely overshadowed the other accompanying personnel.

What was Old Li's favorite thing?

Some said gourmet food, some said beautiful women, but in reality, what he liked most was showing off.

Especially on occasions like this, he wished he could fling open his overcoat and put on a fashion show for everyone.

"Aiya, Director Li, long time no see; you look even more distinguished than before—"

"Hahaha—"

Hearing the teasing greeting, Li Li Huai De did not mind in the least; the more these people made a fuss, the more it showed how important he was in their eyes.

To put it plainly, the other party was jealous.

Being able to make the other party jealous meant that Old Li had succeeded in showing off! Congratulations and well done!

"Director Zhu."

Li Li Xuewu saw Zhu Zhu Xiaolin, the top leader of Jingcheng Chemical Industry; some time ago, he had heard that Zhu had reached retirement age and was preparing to move to a secondary line position.

Seeing him here now proved the rumors were true; this should be his final shift of duty.

Unlike Li Li Huai De, Zhu Zhu Xiaolin had reached the appropriate age, and during his tenure at Jingcheng Chemical Industry, he had made no special achievements, so there was no opportunity for further promotion.

Taking this opportunity to travel around could be considered enjoying his last bit of glory; he did not expect to bring back much technology from the chemical industry sector from this trip to East Germany, as long as he himself felt comfortable.

This way of thinking was actually quite normal; approaching retirement, and without any precedents of caution, most cadres would feel a sense of crisis that power unused would expire and go to waste, leading them to recklessly overdraw their authority, resulting in irreparable consequences.

Without any predecessors serving as "examples" by courting death, they still failed to realize the importance of a smooth landing; Li Li Xuewu could see that among the old codgers in the VIP lounge today, at least three to five were in a situation similar to Zhu Zhu Xiaolin's.

For activities like this, generally, cadres with considerable work experience or those empowered to make decisions would be selected for dispatch, while those nearing retirement like him were not considered.

But who could blame him, since he was still the top leader of Jingcheng Chemical Industry and thus possessed the authority to decide who would go.

"Secretary-General Li, hello."

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin spoke very politely; seeing Li Li Xuewu greet him, he smiled and replied.

Li Li Xuewu signaled to Li Li Huai De, then exchanged greetings with several other heads of key units he knew, quickly circulating through the group.

These people stood in a circle and began their pre-departure exchanges and discussions.

Those gathered here were, without exception, affiliated units of the Red Star Iron and Steel Group.

It was precisely Li Li Xuewu's initiative and the connections forged with the Red Star Iron and Steel Group as the link that gave this circle a certain degree of actual influence.

Among those already confirmed to participate in this event, the leaders Li Li Xuewu knew included Zhao Zhinan, Deputy Director of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade; Lu Yun, Deputy Director of the State Council General Office; Director Du of the First Ministry of Machine Building; Han Song, Director of the General Office of the First Ministry of Machine Building; as well as the heads of various key industrial enterprises.

Of course, within this lounge, Li Li Xuewu could only meet some of the enterprise heads.

Because there were many personnel accompanying on this trip, it was impossible for everyone to fly out on the same plane.

Li Li Xuewu had not expected to fly on the same plane as the leaders above, and Old Li had not expected it either, or rather, did not even want to, as the pressure was too great.

"Stop bragging; the year is almost over, so let's take a look at each other's account books."

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin, not knowing who he was joking with, smiled and said, "If you ask me, the most brilliant one belongs to the Red Star Iron and Steel Group; we cannot compare to that."

"Check the account books, check the account books."

Li Li Huai De waved his hand, saying, "If you don't look at the ledgers, you really think we've made that much profit."

"Haven't made that much—"

The person in charge from Jingcheng Steel, with an obvious Tianjin accent, exclaimed in surprise, "How much do you consider a lot? Aren't you trying to compare us out of existence—"

"Where would we compare you out of existence—"

Li Li Huai De smiled bitterly with a slightly affected posture, saying, "You haven't seen it; our liabilities exceed our profits."

He gestured to Li Li Xuewu beside him and said, "If you don't believe me, ask Li Xuewu. Since the beginning of this year, haven't we been surviving by selling confiscated goods?"

Li Li Xuewu would never indulge these top bosses in their jokes; it would seem far beneath his dignity.

He merely watched the lively scene, contributing a couple of amused laughs for good measure.

"Hey, we're talking about you—"

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin, hands in his trouser pockets, pointed at Li Li Huai De and said, "Your factory's tertiary industries are going to be sold off in a fire sale? How are we affiliated enterprises supposed to operate?"

"Operate just as you always have."

Li Li Huai De glanced at him and explained, "What we plan to swap is only equity; it has nothing to do with operations."

"Haven't our factory's tertiary industries contributed quite a bit to your economy over these past few years?"

He raised his eyebrows meaningfully and addressed the heads of the affiliated enterprises standing around, saying, "Whoever takes over the tertiary industries afterward will continue to serve and profit; there's no need to worry."

"Are you really planning to let go?"

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin asked puzzledly, "What are you thinking? These projects are still profitable."

"Besides, all these light industrial enterprises are located within your Liangma River Industrial Zone."

"So what if they're in the Liangma River Industrial Zone?"

Li Li Huai De looked at him amusedly and said, "Jingcheng approached us this year to discuss expanding the scale of the Liangma River Eco-Industrial Zone."

"In the future, many industrial enterprises will jointly settle in the Liangma River Industrial Zone; this is perfectly normal."

He then turned to the other heads and said, "The group is undergoing industrial transformation; many operations are contracting management, so we can't attend to this sector anymore."

"Of course, it's not saying only we can swap; if you feel you can't match up, you can also trade the equity you hold; either way works."

He glanced at Li Li Xuewu again, confirmed he was speaking correctly, and continued introducing, "In principle, Hongxing Steel Group will no longer hold equity in tertiary industries, but some enterprises still need care."

"If anyone has any ideas, feel free to come talk to us; some tertiary developments are doing quite well and could operate independently."

These words indeed sparked heated discussion among everyone, with the focus of the debate remaining on the issue of splitting up.

Whether to split and live separately, or endure the entry of new shareholders and continue making money together.

Actually, Hongxing Steel Group had spoiled them; back when they cooperated on tertiary industries and integrated resources, they already reaped those benefits.

When tertiary industries no longer required their continuous investment, and even daily operational inputs could break even or earn a little profit, who would still want to do it themselves?

Think about it: tool factories. Many industrial enterprises used to have such units, regardless of size; as long as tools were needed, they could produce them themselves.

You say go buy them on the market?

That's impossible; aside from whether there are any for sale, just consider whether it's shameful or not.

Everything was made in-house; factories wished they could even make their own toothpicks, unwilling to ask anyone for help.

But which cost is higher: maintaining a tool factory or directly purchasing tools?

This question isn't very hard to answer; if there are benchmark tertiary service industries, enterprise operations can completely save on this portion of costs.

Therefore, splitting up is impossible; the focus of everyone's discussion gradually shifted to the new shareholders.

Over the past year, Hongxing Steel Group has already "sold off" a lot of equity; this time it attracted everyone's attention mainly because it was relatively concentrated.

Everyone knows Hongxing Steel Group needs funds; just that building in the city is enough—it's a bottomless pit for sucking up gold.

Selling equity to recoup costs and then reinvesting has become the group's consensus.

Upon receiving the news, Jingcheng's affiliated industrial enterprises also increased their holdings in this portion of shares.

Hongxing Steel Group no longer needs tertiary industries as a flood-control reservoir, but they still do.

The flood-control capacity of these tertiary industries simply cannot keep up with the group's development speed.

At this time, larger-scale projects with greater cash flow are needed for support.

For example, industrial zone management, attracting more enterprises to settle in, and obtaining profit-generating projects related to services and technical support.

Or, for instance, a more mature industrial system enhances its own risk resistance, causing the once-valued tertiary industries to gradually lose their former glory.

"This trip to East Germany is also an opportunity."

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin spoke up, saying, "Let's see how they manage enterprises; if anyone has ideas, we'll hold another meeting to discuss after we return."

"If we can introduce new technologies for tertiary industries from East Germany, perhaps we could even spawn enterprises no less impressive than Hongxing Steel Group—"

"Hahaha—"

Everyone laughed at his description; another Hongxing Steel Group?

If that were truly the case, they wouldn't need to live anymore; they'd be envied to death.

"Yo, quite lively here."

Du Hu Xian, Director of the First Machinery Department, walked in and, seeing their lively discussion, made a remark.

Everyone turned around, greeting Director Du enthusiastically, appearing very eager.

Du Hu Xian, with both hands in his overcoat pockets, sized up the crowd and said, "Good, everyone looks spirited, especially you two, Li Li Huai De."

He had obviously just arrived from outside; his body still carried a chill, and he hadn't even taken off his overcoat.

But seeing Li Li Xuewu and the other person dressed in tailored suits, they stood out like cranes among chickens, dazzlingly bright.

Director Du knew how to joke too; pointing at the two, he said, "Dressed so stylishly, are you preparing to become grooms or what?"

"Hahaha—"

Everyone burst into laughter, though the looks in their eyes as they gazed at the two over there still carried envy.

If only they had known suits could be altered like this, they would have done so long ago.

You don't say; with people like us for contrast, the clothes on those two actually look quite spirited.

"You've brought the meeting here?" Du Hu Xian walked to the center of the crowd, looked at the few people, and said, "Fine; as long as it's for work needs, if you require a conference room, I support it."

"Director Du, are you on the same flight as us?" Zhu Zhu Xiaolin asked with a smile: "I wanted to seek your advice; is that convenient?"

"What do you want to do?"

Du Hu Xian looked at him amusedly and said, "Usually when I ask you to come to my office you dodge far away, yet now you want to have a talk with me?"

"Since you want to talk, then let's talk."

He said with a smile: "I am indeed on this flight, traveling on the same plane as you all."

"Li Li Huai De—"

Seeing Old Li remain silent, Du Hu Xian smiled, nodded at him, and said, "What's wrong; don't you welcome me?"

"How could that be—"

Li Li Huai De said with a smile: "I'm just so delighted I've gone silly."

"Hahaha—" Everyone laughed again.

Du Hu Xian also looked at him amusedly and said, "You, Li Li Huai De, have moments of being silly?"

"For this trip to East Germany, we need to detour through Port City; let me say a few words."

His demeanor turned serious as he emphasized: "Observe work discipline, attend to the requirements of foreign affairs; whatever you need for daily life, you can fully tell the service staff, but staying out overnight is strictly prohibited."

"Since we are going abroad, we represent the organization and represent the Motherland; we absolutely cannot bring shame upon ourselves."

Du Hu Xian's gaze swept over Li Li Xuewu as he said with a smile: "You are the youngest, aren't you?"

"I don't know; probably not, right?"

Li Li Xuewu deliberately played dumb, saying with a smile: "Aren't there plenty of people more capable than me?"

"Ai—" Du Hu Xian pointed at him, then looked at everyone and said: "After arriving in East Germany, under no circumstances leave the group; this is the most critical point."

"Especially for comrades who do not speak foreign languages; if you get lost, you won't be able to find your way back."

"I will firmly follow the organization."

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin said cheerfully: "Wherever Director Du goes, I go; not even half a step apart."

"Fine, just don't follow me into the toilet."

Du Hu Xian looked at him amusedly, then spoke a few more words; upon seeing the service staff give a reminder, he waved his hand and led everyone to begin boarding.

Li Li Huai De had brought only Li Li Xuewu to accompany him, so they carried their own luggage.

Liu Bin, serving as service staff, would take a different flight to Port City, where they would rendezvous upon arrival.

Without needing to ask, the plane Li Li Xuewu and the others were taking certainly had higher safety standards and would receive a greater degree of focused attention.

Their seats were not chosen at random; Li Li Xuewu sat together with Li Li Huai De.

"Not comparable to Red Star One, is it?"

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin, sitting in front, turned back and asked with a smile: "After being accustomed to private jets, what does it feel like to fly on a passenger plane like this?"

"I am not accustomed to flying."

Li Li Huai De said with a somewhat nervous expression: "In fact, I have never even taken a plane once."

Hearing him say this, Zhu Zhu Xiaolin widened his eyes in surprise and asked, "You have a private jet, yet you've never used it even once?"

"I don't really like riding in that thing."

With the flight attendant's help, Li Li Huai De fastened his seatbelt, muttering under his breath, "In case it falls..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Li Li Xuewu jabbed him with an elbow, causing the remaining words to retreat back into his stomach.

The flight attendant who had come to help saw his action and could not help but let the corners of her mouth curl up slightly.

In this era, there was more than just this one country bumpkin muttering about the dangers of air travel.

Besides, this one clearly wasn't an ordinary country bumpkin; his status and position must be very high.

Nonsense; where on this flight are there any ordinary people? Even the cabin crew had their three generations of ancestors investigated.

"To be honest with you, this is my first time flying too; I don't know what it feels like."

Zhu Zhu Xiaolin said lightly and frankly with a smile: "Perhaps it will be the first time, and also the last time."

"You two are truly good friends." Li Li Xuewu looked speechlessly at Old Li and Zhu Zhu Xiaolin, saying, "Why do you both speak in such frightening and bizarre ways?"

"Hahaha—"