Chapter 1509: Midnight Girl

"He's so pretentious—"

When Li Xuewu stated his speech topic, this was the mindset of the crowd below looking at this unknown little character.

"Heh—" Shao Kang from Shanghai Electromechanical chuckled and muttered in a voice that could hardly be heard: "Doesn't know the height of the sky or the depth of the earth."

Wang Youhan, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Auto, listened to Li Xuewu's speech, his eyes turned to glance at him, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but reveal a bit of disdain.

Also, having not seen Li Xuewu's sinister cunning beneath his hypocritical appearance, how could one know the danger level of this bad guy.

Doesn't know the height of the sky or the depth of the earth?

Who exactly doesn't know the height of the sky or the depth of the earth.

"... The international economic order should not be kidnapped by the political order, becoming a big stick waved by ambitious people to be arrogant and domineering..."

Holy crap—

Just heard a few sentences, and someone in the audience exclaimed in their hearts; can you scold people like this without dirty words?

This kind of speech with subjective ideology explained the concept and construction elements of international order from the side, and also expressed their own attitude.

Awesome—

There were basically no illiterates among the hundreds of people participating in the welcome banquet tonight; saying they were all high-level intellectuals was also too exaggerated.

Let's put it this way, there were hundreds of people in the banquet hall, and less than one-third could understand this sentence, but that was enough to cause exclamation.

The key is that those big shots sitting in the front must be able to understand it; look at their expressions looking at the podium, they have become a bit more solemn.

What is international order?

International order covers the two major fields of international politics and economy, referring to the orderly state presented by international actors under the guidance of specific norms.

The high-level meeting between the two sides had just ended in the afternoon; in a state where the results of the talks were not very ideal, Li Xuewu's speech and statement this time were standing on the commanding heights of theory, jumping on his feet and pointing at the other party's nose to scold the street.

The people in charge and representatives of the delegation who understood this sentence below widened their eyes; didn't the leader say not to be impulsive?

Yes, this bastard didn't act impulsively; he was just scolding people within the scope of rules and civilization; didn't you see that even if the other party's face was green, they were still enduring it.

Some people understood this sentence as scolding the street, but Li Xuewu didn't admit it; the attitude he wanted to express was to reshape the international order standard.

Specifically, international order reflects the harmonious state of non-violent resolution of conflicts among countries based on international norms, and also reflects the fit between the status quo of the international community and the political goals or value standards of the dominant country.

The viewpoint he wanted to emphasize was that international order, especially the construction elements in the economic field, is indispensable:

First, international norms must exist to provide codes of conduct for cooperation in the economic field among countries; second, the guidance of dominant values is crucial, which determines the construction direction of international economic cooperation norms; furthermore, effective institutional arrangements are indispensable to ensure that countries comply with international economic cooperation norms and punish violations.

"Currently, international order faces many challenges."

Now is the moment for Li Xuewu to open up; he said firmly and unhurriedly: "Such as the dominant position of Western values, the existence of dual international standards, and the control of Western countries over international order."

"Under the global influence of bipolar opposition, the phenomenon of international order disorder is becoming more and more obvious." He raised his head to look at everyone in the banquet hall and emphasized: "Therefore, rebuilding an orderly international order and formulating new international norms that are widely accepted has become an urgent task for the international community."

Li Xuewu's awesomeness lies in the fact that he is not scolding the street properly, but properly expounding the actual situation, and scolding the street by the way.

He defined the imbalance of today's international order as: "Western countries' control over international order has exacerbated these problems; for example, the dual international standards they promote and their dominant position in international affairs have made the construction of international order more complicated."

"Currently, these challenges make the international community more turbulent and unstable, and it is urgent for a great power with responsibility to stand up and seek new solutions."

Look, international economic problems and contradictions are all caused by you Westerners not being united, so a great power with responsibility needs to stand up and take responsibility.

At this time, you ask, who is the great power with responsibility?

Nonsense, talk about land area, talk about population size, talk about economic development potential, talk about international social status; does this question still need to be asked?

There have been faint discussions below; the leaders of the delegation sitting at the front tables have consistent expressions, as if what was said on stage was just like that.

And the expressions of East Germany's relevant economic persons in charge were a bit complicated; the speech of the person on stage seemed to be scolding them for being fickle and having no international social responsibility, but in fact, it was scolding their master behind them.

You tell me, are they going to take the bait or not?

If they take the bait, it's asking for a scolding and asking for trouble; if they don't, they worry that this welcome banquet will cause unnecessary misunderstandings with their master.

That's right, no misunderstanding, they are still loyal.

The reconstruction of international order has only been ten or twenty years, mainly established based on the needs of the world after the end of World War II.

To put it bluntly, it was also a winner-takes-all situation at that time; the few countries with the most guns had the final say.

Everyone knows the current international situation; the war clouds of bipolar opposition cover the world, and even economic trade will be kidnapped.

"In the past 30 years, what we have witnessed more is the disintegration of the old order, while the outline of the new order remains blurred."

Li Xuewu said calmly on the podium: "This is not a situation where the new international political and economic order that the people of the world are full of expectations for after the war can be sound and stable soon."

"In the face of the rise of developing countries' power, the profound adjustment of the power comparison between great powers, and other changes in great power relations, this game of world economy needs a sense of responsibility and accountability."

He looked at everyone in the banquet hall and said sharply: "Chinese enterprises are stepping out of the country and will inevitably play an increasingly important role on the global economic stage, and their influence will definitely far exceed the past."

"We must admit that the complexity of international relations caused by significant differences in history, culture, ideology, and values between us and traditional great powers has further increased."

"But at the same time, we respect and pay attention to many countries traditionally regarded as small countries, which are now no less than great powers in history in terms of economic strength and population size; this is a metamorphic factor that weakens the dominant role and control of great powers over international relations..."

Oh? Who is this talking about?

People with hearts below turned their eyes and looked at the few tables in front; is this sentence implying, or is it fawning?

Günter Mittag, Chairman of the East German Economic Committee, raised his eyebrows and glanced inadvertently at Mr. Li sitting opposite.

Deputy Director Li listened very seriously and didn't care about the eyes cast on him from time to time; his expression was firmer than a rock.

"... In the critical stage of profound changes in the global enterprise construction of industrial chains and trade relations, various mixed phenomena of new and old undoubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities for the establishment of a new order..."

Li Xuewu turned a page and continued: "When exploring the reform or reshaping of international order, we often rely on past experience; however, these old experiences are often insufficient to deal with the challenges of the new era."

"Therefore, when conceiving the future international order, we need to inject new thinking and creativity. If we are limited to historical experience and the constraints of old international relations, we may lose our direction and miss precious development opportunities."

"I advocate that the current world may be able to promote common development through communication between great powers and peaceful competition between different systems."

"Made in China will definitely become the most eye-catching business card in future international trade; we still look forward to the orderly progress of international order reform and hope to actively participate in it and be a great power economy with responsibility."

"As a great power participating in the reconstruction of international order, China needs to draw wisdom from all parties, including learning from the valuable experience of other countries in participating in international system governance."

Li Xuewu said unceremoniously: "Objectively speaking, the influence of Chinese enterprises in the economic field has already emerged, but their influence in the institutional and ideological levels still needs to be further expanded."

"In a considerable period of time in the future, Chinese enterprises will not only be key participants in international order reform, but also active learners."

"By participating in the process of reform, Chinese enterprises will constantly draw wisdom from all countries and contribute strength to building a more harmonious and inclusive international order."

"Of course, the establishment of a new order will be a complex process full of challenges and opportunities."

Li Xuewu's speaking speed slowed down, and he began to finish the speech in a situation where the atmosphere at the scene had already appeared changes.

"It requires the joint efforts and extensive cooperation of all countries in the world."

He clenched his right fist in front of him, looked at the banquet hall and said: "And good cooperation cannot be separated from in-depth learning and mutual understanding between each other."

"Although we cannot predict the specific appearance of the new order in the future, what is certain is that such a new order will pay more attention to compatibility and inclusiveness to adapt to the common needs of more participants."

"A world of harmony but difference will undoubtedly be more beautiful and full of hope."

"He's so awesome—"

This was the mindset of the crowd after Li Xuewu's speech ended and they hadn't recovered, but uncontrollable applause had already sounded.

First, he thanked Felix, the Secretary of the East German Economic Committee, who invited him to the stage; Li Xuewu then walked off the podium calmly.

"Who is he?"

"Where is he from?"

The eyes of everyone in the banquet hall gathered on Li Xuewu, accompanied by him walking down the steps and back to his seat.

Welcoming him were not only applause, but also Shao Kang, who had his mouth wide open as if he didn't recognize him, but sighed that he was really awesome.

He really wanted to ask Li Xuewu how he did it, but he was speechless at this moment, shocked and unable to speak.

He could probably write this kind of speech draft in half a month, but he definitely wouldn't dare to talk nonsense on such an occasion.

Even if he had the courage to speak here, he was sure he couldn't achieve the effect of Li Xuewu's speech just now.

This person is really unscrupulous; he fires when he says he will; pointing at the mulberry and scolding the locust is light; this is also bringing discord.

Are the thirty-six stratagems being used in turns?

Looking at it now, even the person in charge of East Germany can't explain clearly what kind of taste is in his heart.

Don't doubt their ambition; the helplessness and sadness of a defeated country is something you won't understand if you haven't experienced it.

Do you think they hate the failed art student because he started the war?

Fart, what they hate is that that person didn't lead Germany to win the war.

"Hello, Mr. Li, I am a reporter from the 'Weekly Post', can I interview you?"

"Hello, Mr. Li, I am from the 'New Rhine Newspaper'..."

"... I am from the 'New German Newspaper'..."

When Li Xuewu walked out of the banquet hall, he no longer had the composure and comfort he had when he came; he was blocked by long guns and short cannons and couldn't take a step.

Even the hotel and the organizers as well as the foreign affairs department had prepared security forces, but they didn't expect such an explosive situation at the banquet.

The security was blocked outside and couldn't get in, and Li Xuewu was blocked in the middle and couldn't get out.

Of course, the translators couldn't get in either.

But even if some reporters had switched to English and French to ask questions, Li Xuewu responded with silence, squeezing forward without saying a word.

Giving a speech on stage was authorized and required by the leader; he hadn't received authorization and permission to represent any party to speak at this moment.

If they really want to interview him, they can wait until he finishes this visit activity and can represent the Red Star Steel Group to speak.

Very quickly, the security broke through the reporter's blockade and opened a path to the elevator for Li Xuewu.

The reporters holding long guns and short cannons kept asking questions and taking pictures, but they were squeezed to the side, yet they still didn't give up chasing questions.

The hotel staff and guests who didn't know why outside the banquet hall looked over here one after another; the media with keen sense of smell who couldn't enter the banquet hall to record and take pictures swarmed up, adding a more chaotic situation to the scene.

Li Xuewu was angry; on the first night of landing in East Germany, he ignited a fire in the winter because of his speech at the welcome banquet.

Voices had already come out, saying that this was the first shot fired at bipolar opposition and artificial obstruction of international economic development patterns.

It was also interpreted as a sign of the Eastern great power about to intervene in international relations; the key is that Li Xuewu's attitude was too strong.

Coupled with the fierce look on his face and his mature and restrained temperament, reporters had already defined him as a key figure of the Eastern great power in the future.

Otherwise, how could he be on stage to give a speech as a representative? The representative of East Germany was Günter Mittag, the Chairman of the Economic Committee.

Even if he couldn't be compared to Mittag, it could be seen that this Mr. Li's status was not low.

Shao Kang and Wang Youhan were at the same table as Li Xuewu; the two were originally leaving the venue with the participants after the leader left.

When leaving the venue, although there were still many eyes paying attention to Li Xuewu, the discussion about him didn't stop.

But it didn't reach such a chaotic situation.

Seeing Li Xuewu leaving under the protection of security with a complicated mood, the heart was even more mixed.

Why is he so awesome?

The two were a deputy factory director of Shanghai Electromechanical and a deputy general manager of Beijing Auto, but they became background boards like everyone else.

Others might not have discovered it, but Wang Youhan, who had extensive knowledge, had already discovered that reporters from the two major authoritative newspapers, Xinhua and People's Daily, were taking pictures at the banquet.

What this is going to do is self-evident.

Perhaps in less than three days, the two most authoritative newspapers in the country will publish articles, writing the speech draft of Li Xuewu today.

If this speech promotes China's influence in the international community, or has a positive effect on the economic and industrial fields of this visit, then Li Xuewu will be treated differently when he goes back.

It is not impossible to write articles in the People's Daily.

If even articles can be published, then the status in the Red Star Steel Group will be another situation.

They could look down on this young man with the title of Secretary-General when eating at a table at night, but after tonight, they wouldn't dare to have such thoughts.

Wang Youhan was prepared; to put it bluntly, the Red Star Steel Group's Steel City Auto developed by stepping on Beijing Auto.

Don't say anything about sticking to it; these bastards were aiming at the 212 market to attack and exert force from the beginning.

Now, of course, they can see clearly that the Steel Auto Jeep products were designed and developed around 212, and they were going to grab the established market of 212.

What's sad is that they grabbed it successfully.

This year, Beijing Auto's ace product BJ212 appeared in stock for the first time; although sales were still good, the crisis had already appeared.

The money to buy a 212 Jeep can buy at most 5 Red Star Antelopes; how can Beijing Auto live.

The key is that with such low-price operation, Red Star Hongxing Lingyang is still the product with the largest profit margin of Steel Auto.

Previously, Red Star Factory dismantled 212 to imitate the manufacture of Red Star Hongxing Lingyang; now it is Beijing Auto secretly dismantling Steel Auto's Tan Tu car to learn new technology.

Wang Youhan, as the deputy general manager and deputy factory director of Beijing Auto responsible for technical research and development, was of course familiar with the soul figure who single-handedly created the Red Star Factory automobile brand, familiar to the point of knowing Li Xuewu's ancestors for eight generations.

Having ideas and ability is not terrible; what is terrible is that Li Xuewu actually knows how to design; the news spread is that Li Xuewu has a shadow in the design and research and development of all car models in the Red Star Steel Group's automobile industry system.

Li Xuewu is even respected by the automobile industry as the chief designer.

Wang Youhan had never seen Li Xuewu draw drawings, nor did he believe that a cadre from a security background knew what design was.

But these words were spread from within the Red Star Factory; from Red Star Hongxing Lingyang to Comet, Aries, Gemini cars, etc., whether it was the appearance or internal design, he had to say "really awesome—"

If he had this train of thought and ability, he wouldn't have let Steel Auto step on Beijing Auto's shoulders and act recklessly.

The domestic automobile industry is rolling up a wave of technological change; this time is Beijing Auto's effort to go abroad to find new opportunities.

The world's assembly line system is not only owned by the Red Star Steel Group itself, and the magical supply chain system is not Red Star Factory's patent.

Beijing Auto has tried for more than a year, but still couldn't get support from above to throw away the burden in their hands.

That is to say, they have become the last insurance for the domestic automobile industry and can only watch Steel Auto ride away, building cars, selling cars, and making a fortune in the most relaxed posture.

They are guaranteeing enterprises like Steel Auto; who the hell is guaranteeing them.

So throwing away the burden is not possible, so they turn around and engage in big and complete.

Doesn't Steel Auto have an assembly line? They also engage in assembly line operations; doesn't Steel Auto have supply chain support? They integrate the automobile parts production factories and form their own supply chain.

These factories can not only provide parts for Beijing Auto, but also grab the supply chain customers of the Red Star Steel Group and pull more partners.

Just before he came out, the main person in charge of Beijing Auto had already rushed to various places to meet with major automobile industry enterprises to discuss jointly forming a supply chain and competing with the Red Star Steel Group's supply chain.

He didn't know the exact news of other car companies, but Factory 17 had decided to cooperate initially and jointly integrate parts production resources.

The situation of the two families is similar; both are facing the dilemma of not being able to throw away the burden and can only run with the burden.

The situation of the two families is similar; both face the dilemma of not being able to shake off their burdens, so they can only run with them.

This is of course a disadvantage, but conversely, it might also be an advantage.

Coming to East Germany, Factory 17 aimed at Germany's truck industry and had already started cooperation negotiations with the help of the upper levels.

And Beijing Auto aimed at Germany's automotive manufacturing technology, preparing to introduce the most advanced production line in its entirety.

The original production line of Steel Auto came from the UK, Japan, and France, which was not the same system as Germany's.

Li Xuewu initially talked about gathering the strengths of all, but it couldn't hide the awkward situation of a hodgepodge.

If it weren't for the participation of Beijing No. 2 Machinery Factory in the redesign, Red Star Factory wouldn't have been able to handle these miscellaneous goods even if given ten years.

But now the situation Beijing Auto faces is different; they have the opportunity to introduce East Germany's most advanced production line in its entirety, without needing to dismantle or modify it.

The only things that need to be changed are the technology of the production models in terms of craftsmanship and workstations; there's no need to worry about this point.

Therefore, Beijing Auto viewed this delegation visit as the best opportunity to turn things around; being able to solve the production line problem would allow them to achieve overtaking on a curve.

It can't be said that they will fully surpass Steel Auto, but at least they can get rid of the constraints of the supply chain and the comparison of production costs.

In the future, they will sell at a lower price than the Red Star Hongxing Lingyang, and we'll see which one domestic units choose.

Precisely because he understood Red Star Steel Group and Li Xuewu, he hadn't underestimated Li Xuewu from the beginning.

But even so, Li Xuewu, who was firing on all cylinders today, still gave him a fright.

As for Shao Kang, this person was probably seeing such a badass young man for the first time; Magic City is ultimately not as rich in resources and talent as Beijing.

When it comes to economic development, Magic City naturally has a unique history and environment, but when it comes to ideological construction and talent cultivation, it has to be Beijing.

"Are you very familiar with him?"

Shao Kang was not a simple character either; he had already seen the deep dread Wang Youhan had for Li Xuewu in his eyes.

He didn't have the intention to sow discord, but his mood was still somewhat unable to calm down, still influenced by the banquet speech.

"Not very familiar, we haven't even dealt with each other directly." Wang Youhan let out a long breath, and after the reporters chased to the elevator entrance, he said lightly, "He has long been a celebrity in Beijing's industrial system."

"Because he's younger?"

Shao Kang looked at the direction of the elevator entrance with some surprise, slightly stunned, and said, "He does have an attitude of a newborn calf not fearing the tiger."

"Do you still think he's a calf now?" Wang Youhan looked at him amusedly and said, "Do you know his nickname in Beijing's industry?"

"Which one?" Shao Kang turned his head back in astonishment and asked, "He has a nickname? Tell me quickly."

Mr. Lu Xun once said that there are only wrongly named people, no wrongly called nicknames.

As long as you hear the other party's nickname, you can roughly know what kind of person they are.

"When he worked in the Security Division before, he had the title of 'Tiger of the Security Division'." Wang Youhan's mouth raised slightly as he looked at the liveliness ahead and said, "Now everyone privately calls him the 'Fox of Red Star Steel'."

"Heh—" Shao Kang couldn't help but laugh out loud, shaking his head slightly and saying, "He was a tiger before, now he's a fox; has he regressed?"

"What do you think?" Wang Youhan glanced at him playfully and said lightly, "I can only say he's become harder to deal with."

"Why do you want to deal with him?"

Shao Kang laughed lightly and said, "Isn't Beijing's industry a happy, united, and loving big family?"

"..." Wang Youhan curled his lips, sized him up, and asked back, "Is Magic City's industry like that too?"

"Xuewu, come—"

Du Xian took off his reading glasses, waved at Li Xuewu who was standing at the room door, and asked, "Are you full tonight?"

"You know me." Li Xuewu explained with a light laugh, "When I was in the army, I was famous for being able to eat."

"I thought of that."

Du Xian smiled and pointed at him, then gestured to the tea table beside the sofa, saying, "Come, accompany me and eat a little more."

"How could I be so rude—"

Li Xuewu waved his hand and said, "I'll just endure it and it'll pass; eating tomorrow morning is the same."

"I saw long ago that you don't really like the food here."

Du Xian didn't care about him; he came to the sofa first, sat down, pointed to the opposite side, and said, "With things on your mind, how could you eat well."

"Thank you, Director Du, then I won't be polite."

Li Xuewu sat down on the sofa opposite him with a smile, but didn't pick up the chopsticks first; instead, he picked up the telephone temporarily placed on the side and called Sha Qizhi.

"Qizhi, help me send some wine and food to Director Du's room; yes, I'm here."

Putting down the phone, he didn't wait for Du Xian to speak, but explained first, "Don't be polite with me either; their food is better than ours."

"Is this the working team arranged by your group first?"

Obviously, Du Xian knew everything about Red Star Steel Group's work and arrangements; either Old Li reported it actively, or someone reported it.

However, Li Xuewu was more inclined to believe it was both; the adult world also has the game of childishly reporting others.

"It's a team formed in Hong Kong."

Li Xuewu took the initiative to set up the simple food on the table, explaining, "Our group established an International Business Department in Hong Kong; this time it's finally being put to use."

"Hmm, quite farsighted."

Du Xian nodded slightly, sized up Li Xuewu, and asked with a smile, "This was your idea, right?"

"Don't hold me in too high regard; this is a collective decision of the group."

Li Xuewu smiled and handed the chopsticks to him, saying politely, "Let's eat first; he'll be up in a while."

"It seems you and Li Huai De really have similar interests and are like-minded."

Du Xian glanced at the simple peanuts and bread on the round tea table, thinking of Li Huai De's title as a gourmet.

Looking at Li Xuewu's appearance of being fastidious about food, he said this.

Li Xuewu didn't feel there was anything wrong; he set up the food, and after the other party picked up the chopsticks first, he picked up a peanut and put it in his mouth.

"Actually, there's nothing bad about it." He understood the meaning in Du Xian's words and took the initiative to say, "The yearning for a better life is the goal that we Red Star people pursue tirelessly."

"You should have heard the advertisement for Elegant Appliances, right?" Li Xuewu asked back with a smile, raising his eyebrows.

"Hmm, 'Elegant Rhyme, Ingenious Craftsmanship'?"

It seems the appliances Li Huai De gave to the leaders of the industrial system weren't given in vain; look, didn't Du Xian remember it.

"We work hard to make good products, and the people enjoy a better life."

Li Xuewu smiled and opened up this advertisement, completely sublimating the artistic conception of running an enterprise.

Du Xian sized him up with surprise and said, "No wonder Li Huai De values you so much, and even said he couldn't do without you."

"Thank you for the leader's love; our General Li Zong is joking with you."

Li Xuewu heard the knocking at the door and turned his head to see Du Xian's secretary accompanying Sha Qizhi standing there.

"Secretary Liu, I asked him to come."

He stood up and walked to the door to explain to the secretary; the secretary glanced into the room, holding back the surprise in his mouth, but his eyes couldn't hide it.

Looking at the wine and food brought by the other party, was he going to have a few drinks with the leader?

What kind of background does this Secretary-General of Red Star Factory have?

"Secretary-Li Zong, our leader is in poor health and cannot drink too much alcohol; you must be careful."

He was indeed doing his best; before leaving, he didn't forget to remind Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu naturally nodded in agreement, smiling and explaining, "I'm just accompanying the leader to show respect; you don't need to worry."

He signaled Sha Qizhi to send the wine and food into the room and said a few words to Secretary Liu.

Secretary Liu waited for Sha Qizhi to come out before leaving together.

"Is that the person in charge of your group's International Business Department?"

After Li Xuewu returned to the room, Du Xian glanced at him and gestured to Sha Qizhi, who had just left, asking.

"Sha Qizhi, my secretary during my time working in the Security Division; he is a very capable person, eight years older than me."

Li Xuewu unpacked the packaging, took out two crystal wine glasses, unscrewed the Five-Star Moutai sent by Sha Qizhi, and poured a glass for each.

"Secretary Liu just reminded me that I can't let you drink too much; let's stop at a point."

"Drink if you want, what stop at a point."

Du Xian glanced at him with dissatisfaction; he didn't wait for him to clink glasses, but picked it up and downed it in one gulp.

Li Xuewu smiled and accompanied him with a drink.

"Is your father-in-law's health okay?"

Just as Li Xuewu was refilling the two wine glasses, he suddenly asked this.

Actually, Li Xuewu taking the initiative to introduce his former secretary and mentioning his age wasn't showing off, but rather helping Sha Qizhi.

Du Xian understood, but didn't pay much attention.

Thinking of the background Li Xuewu had that couldn't be ignored, he said this.

Li Xuewu's movements didn't show any effect; he nodded slowly and introduced, "It's barely okay these past two years; my dad keeps sending medicine."

"What exactly is the problem?"

Du Xian frowned and asked, "Why have I heard other versions?"

"Three people make a tiger; even if it's not true, it becomes true." Li Xuewu put down the wine bottle and said helplessly, "His experiences are all there in history; how would we as children dare to joke about this."

Du Xian sized him up, picked up the beef brought by someone he asked to bring, ate a piece, nodded slowly, and didn't speak.

"To tell you the truth, my father-in-law stepping back was actually my suggestion."

He also picked up a piece of food and said while eating, "Back then, when he got busy, he wouldn't even go home, let alone forget to take his medicine."

"Although I'm not his son, I was worried for him."

"Hmm, I can understand your feelings."

Du Xian nodded and put down his chopsticks, saying, "Our generation carries too many regrets and traumas."

"Your condition is better than his."

Li Xuewu raised his wine glass to toast him, and after drinking it in one gulp, said, "When Xiao Ning and I took the kids to Jin Ling to see him, we found out that all ten of his toes were severely deformed, yet he still insisted on going to work."

"Your father-in-law is a person of tenacious character." Du Xian let out a long breath, sized him up, and said, "Everyone admires his eye for being able to get such a good son-in-law."

"He is indeed very good to me and never puts on airs." Li Xuewu said while eating the meat, "He also doesn't interfere with my work."

"So?" Du Xian looked at him inquiringly and asked, "Is your thinking and ability innate?"

"Heh, how do you say that?"

Li Xuewu raised his head to look at him, his eyes full of calmness, and said, "Haven't you seen my learning ability and hard work?"

"Heh—" Du Xian nodded with a smile, acknowledging this point.

Why they were talking about Gu Haitao, and why he asked about thinking and ability—Li Xuewu already understood.

Du Xian eating with him tonight was actually a test, wanting to know if there was an "expert" pointing him in the right direction behind his tough attitude.

Li Xuewu didn't react excessively, only emphasizing his own learning ability and dedication.

It was useless; even if he explained that he hadn't received his father-in-law's guidance and help to get where he was today, people wouldn't believe it.

Who could believe that his far-reaching vision and ability to handle crises were truly "innate."

However, the reason Du Xian didn't delve deeper was also because of the few books he had written; now, not to mention enterprises, even within the system, there was a lack of cadres who were both civil and military.

Young people like Li Xuewu who were both civil and military were still rare.

Being able to write articles wasn't impressive; being able to publish books and have achievements every year was what was rare.

He had to ensure that Li Xuewu wouldn't speak for any side in the industrial system, and even less could he be a puppet for any side.

He didn't care before; even if Li Xuewu had ability, he was only a mid-to-high-level cadre in Red Star Steel Group.

But after tonight, the situation might change; the reputation Li Xuewu had accumulated in Red Star Factory over these years had already begun to ferment.

If he were truly focused on being investigated, perhaps he would have the opportunity to soar into the sky.

This was an era that didn't lack opportunities; the ceiling for young people to display their talents and stand out had already been shattered.

He couldn't demand what Li Xuewu should do or how he should do it, but he had to ensure that Li Xuewu wouldn't do anything wrong.

"What are your plans for the next steps?"

Du Xian drank his wine and looked at him, asking, "Your Hong Kong team arrived nearly twenty days early; have there been any gains?"

"There have been gains, of course, but we still need to work hard."

Li Xuewu laughed and accompanied him with a drink, but his words weren't as sincere as his drinking.

Actually, his drinking wasn't sincere either; except for the first glass which he drank, he left the rest for Old Li.

Du Xian thought "cunning" in his heart, but his expression had a few more smiles.

"Fine, I can see you are very confident; that's a good thing."

He took the initiative to pick up the wine bottle to pour for Li Xuewu; seeing him hold the cup with both hands, he waved his hand, signaling Li Xuewu to put it down.

"I hope you do well, the better the better."

Seeing Li Xuewu obediently put down the wine glass, he filled both their glasses and said, "Best if you can give me a fright."

"Our General Li Zong's pressure is already big enough."

Li Xuewu shook his head bitterly and said, "When I came out, I went to his room to check; he was scratching his head trying to find a way."

"Him? Heh—" Du Xian shook his head amusedly and looked at Li Xuewu with expectation, saying, "He's a good leader, right?"

"Look at what you're saying, aren't you also a good leader?"

Li Xuewu laughed and didn't pick up his words, instead sending them back.

Du Xian felt even more amused; tasting the wine and food brought by Li Xuewu, he also felt much more comfortable in his heart.

"Deputy Director Li might leave early." He rarely talked to Li Xuewu about the arrangements for this visit.

"He's going to Dresden tomorrow; do you want to follow?"

"No, I have other arrangements."

Li Xuewu refused his inquiry very directly and explained earnestly, "From tomorrow on, until the end of the itinerary, I don't have time to participate in other activities; I have to leave early tomorrow morning."

"Hmm, I also knew you would make this choice, so I declined Deputy Director Li's invitation on your behalf."

Du Xian looked at him with a smile and asked, "You won't resent me, will you?"

"Not at all, I'm too grateful to you."

Li Xuewu raised his wine glass sincerely and said, "If Deputy Director Li had asked, I really wouldn't have known how to refuse him."

"Hahaha—" Du Xian liked dealing with smart people the most; some things didn't need to be said clearly to be understood—what a good seedling.

Actually, he didn't know that Li Xuewu's attitude toward Deputy Director Li was to keep him at a respectful distance; it wasn't aimed at Deputy Director Li, but at all leaders.

Even Du Xian, because he was the person in charge of the industrial system, he couldn't avoid him; otherwise, Li Xuewu wouldn't have gotten close to him either.

What level is he at now? Don't look at the position he's holding; he's still eight hundred meters away from the true center.

At this time, excessive contact and testing would only bring storms or opportunities that he couldn't handle as he was now.

Flowers in the mirror, moon in the water—what's the point.

So Du Xian tested him first, then took the initiative to explain that he had helped him refuse Deputy Director Li's invitation; Li Xuewu was truly grateful to him.

Du Xian also understood his thoughts and his attitude, so he wouldn't test him again.

The things that needed to be said were said; without needing to urge them, the two tacitly accelerated their eating speed.

When he came out of Du Xian's room, Li Xuewu glanced at the time on his hand; it was already midnight.

Li Xuewu walked into the elevator and rubbed his face; should this count as dinner or a midnight snack?

Ding—

After the elevator ran for one floor, the door suddenly opened, the sound of high heels stepping on the floor rang out, and a young woman in beautiful attire walked in.

Li Xuewu stood in the corner with a numb expression, only sized the other party up once, and had no intention of striking up a conversation.

But obviously, the other party was aiming for him.

"Sir, are you also alone?" The woman smiled and raised her eyebrows, asking, "Is the night very boring?"