Chapter 1523: The wind and waves rise again

"Although I cannot experience the environment you were in at the time."

Li Huai De was waiting in the hotel lobby. Seeing Li Xuewu, he walked over and held his hand, saying: "But I believe you made the most correct choice."

"No, Director Li, I cannot guarantee whether my choice was the most correct." Li Xuewu held his hand lightly and said: "But this choice was what I could think of, and also the only thing I could do."

"Good, is your body okay?"

Li Huai De patted his arm with his other hand and said: "Come with me to see Director Du; he has been waiting for you."

"I have caused trouble for the organization." Li Xuewu let go of Old Li's hand and walked toward the elevator with him.

Li Huai De's attitude didn't seem nervous or worried. Perhaps nearly five hours had passed since hearing about this incident. Everything that needed to be reported had been reported, and all the requirements that needed to be heard had been determined.

Now the only thing he needed to determine was whether Li Xuewu had left any handle for the other party during the whole process.

This was what he wanted to ask most, but he couldn't find an entry point.

"Don't worry, the organization will never abandon comrades, and will never blame comrades because of other people's mistakes."

Li Huai De nodded and asked softly before stepping into the elevator: "Are there any loose ends that need to be handled?"

"Don't worry, I have a sense of proportion in doing things."

Li Xuewu responded softly, and then walked into the elevator accompanied by foreign affairs cadres, along with security personnel.

He was now in a state of being protected, even though he had entered the hotel and even met the unit's leaders.

In Li Xuewu's view, the other party's behavior of protecting him also carried the purpose of monitoring, fearing that he would cause any more trouble.

The middle of the night was noisy, and this night was destined to be unable to let many people rest normally. Multiple parties negotiated and reached agreements on how to properly handle this matter.

"You know who the other party is, right?"

In the elevator, Old Li asked this without beginning or end.

Li Xuewu nodded slightly and said: "I know, but he wasn't in the action this time, and I didn't find him."

"Hmm, be careful."

Li Huai De's tone showed some fluctuation for the first time, perhaps already feeling the crisis-ridden situation on Li Xuewu.

"Should I change my clothes?"

Just after stepping out of the elevator door, Li Xuewu suddenly remembered that he was still wearing his blood-stained coat, and turned to look at Li Huai De.

Li Huai De had already seen it. At this moment, he shook his head slightly and said: "Let's go, don't keep the leader waiting. He won't care about these."

The secretary waiting for them at the elevator door looked at Li Huai De with deep meaning after hearing this, but didn't say much.

The group walked toward the room deep in the corridor, with Du Xian's secretary taking a few steps ahead to knock on the door.

"Leader, Director Li and Secretary-General Li have arrived."

Note here that the secretary often wouldn't use the word "and" when reporting, which is a subtle skill similar to official document writing.

Also, "arrived" and "came" cannot be used incorrectly; the context, environment, and situation are different, and the usage is different.

Li Huai De had just mentioned that Du Xian had been waiting for him to return, which is why Li Xuewu and the others had "arrived" rather than just "come."

"Come, I almost fell asleep."

Du Xian, wearing wide-rimmed glasses, rose from the sofa, a gray blanket still draped over his knees.

He stared at the two who walked in, his gaze lingering on Li Xuewu for a long time.

"I apologize, Leader, I haven't had time to change my clothes yet." Li Xuewu's explanation was timely, coming even before Du Xian could ask.

Li Huai De followed and said: "I asked him at the elevator door just now, but I didn't let him go back. I was also afraid of keeping you waiting."

"Come, sit." Du Xian waved his hand at the two, signaling for them to take a seat on the sofa.

After he sat down, the secretary draped the blanket over his knees again, then went to pour tea. There was no one else at the door.

Just now, when Li Xuewu and Li Huai De walked out of the elevator, the security cadre waiting at the elevator door handed over with the foreign affairs cadre and security officer who escorted Li Xuewu back.

Li Xuewu had always been airtight in his work. At the moment of parting, he even shook hands with the two and expressed his gratitude.

Actually, there was no communication between the three along the way; to be precise, not a single word was spoken. The silence was maintained for three hours.

Whether it was the foreign affairs cadre or the security officer, they knew that what happened at the small station was very tricky. They had no right and no need to interfere, and even asking was a mistake.

So when Li Xuewu reached out to express his gratitude, both were stunned, but still said a polite word.

Du Xian's secretary had long since learned of Li Xuewu's tact and versatility; as he brought tea over, he first addressed him as Director Li, and here, he also referred to him as Secretary-General Li, showing not a hint of neglect or arrogance.

Li Xuewu was listening to Li Huai De's report, so he didn't speak, just nodded slightly to express his gratitude.

The secretary looked at the leader. Seeing that the other party had no other requirements, he quietly retreated.

The leader didn't intend to publicize this matter, and didn't have the idea of expanding the discussion and soliciting opinions, so he didn't need to wait here.

If he really needed to find someone or arrange work, the leader would naturally call him.

"... communicated with the Risa Steel Plant, and the other party stated there was no abnormality. They don't know who manipulated this matter."

Li Huai De reported the investigation results of the night one by one. He entrusted the Foreign Affairs Department to send inquiry letters to all the objects Li Xuewu met.

Clearly knowing who did it, why pretend not to know and send inquiry letters to these industrial units that had nothing to do with it?

Because according to normal thinking, Li Xuewu had an accident, and Hongxing Steel Group must send letters to these cooperative units to inquire.

Everything must be done according to procedure.

Of course, the reason Li Huai De sent letters to inquire was also Li Xuewu's opinion, just to take this opportunity to knock these Germans.

No one can guarantee that these German industrial enterprises will strictly follow the contract, and it can't even be guaranteed that this paper contract will take effect.

All cooperative relationships are built on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, from international cooperation to marriage and family.

I don't know if there will be any other ulterior motives from some people or units in East Germany in future cooperation.

It's also to let them think carefully: even the Russians were beaten by him, so what else would he not dare to do?

Therefore, Du Xian listened patiently to Li Huai De's report, nodding from time to time; he was also contemplating this inspection mission—how many cooperation agreements the Red Star Steel Group had signed and how many technology transfer tasks they had completed.

Perhaps because of this consideration, there was no blame in his gaze when looking at Li Xuewu, only appreciation and relief.

"I haven't asked the Secretary-General about what happened on the road." After Li Huai De finished reporting, he signaled to Li Xuewu: "So I'll ask him to report the situation at the time to you personally."

"Seeing you jumping around, you weren't injured, right?"

Du Xian turned his gaze toward Li Xuewu and said indifferently, "When Sun Wukong enters the belly of the Bull Demon King, some people find it hard to eat or sleep."

He picked up his teacup and took a sip, then looked at Li Xuewu again and said: "How is your mood now, excited or fearful?"

"More fearful, there were many of our comrades on the train." Li Xuewu answered with a serious face: "I asked before leaving the hospital, and two comrades were seriously injured and are undergoing surgery."

"Hmm, I've already heard."

Du Xian held his teacup and shook his head slightly, asking, "I heard everyone fainted; was it from injuries sustained in the fighting and trampling?"

"The enemy is indeed very cunning, and the means are also very despicable."

Li Xuewu's face suddenly showed murderous intent, and he introduced with a frown: "If it weren't for my headache from looking at the materials, and I opened the side window, I would have almost fallen into the trap."

"I can understand your mood."

Du Xian looked at the blood-soaked, murderous Li Xuewu, set down his teacup, and said, "We need an explanation for this matter."

"Do you have any requirements?"

"No, everything is up to the organization."

Li Xuewu answered very firmly, looking at Du Xian as he said, "If the organization has a need, I am at your command at any time."

"You are safe, relax."

Du Xian waved his hand, nodded, and said, "Since Comrade Huaide has already spoken, subsequent cooperation can be handled in Berlin. I think it's best you don't show your face before leaving, so as to avoid further complications."

He looked at Li Huai De and said: "Do a good job in security work and report any situation in time."

"Yes, leader." Li Huai De responded seriously, then stood up with Li Xuewu and said: "Leader, we won't disturb your rest."

"Rest well, we'll talk about anything tomorrow."

Du Xian shook hands with Li Xuewu and said, "Do not have any concerns or burdens; the organization will step in to handle this matter from here on."

"Thank the organization, thank you Director Du."

Li Xuewu showed a smile for the first time since entering the office, expressing his current state of mind, also to put the other party at ease.

Du Xian had waited for them for so long, yet he only listened to Old Li's report and asked him two questions before letting them go—what did this mean?

It was simple: Du Xian did not trust him, fearing that he had gone on a killing spree and would be unable to control his emotions after returning to the hotel, which would lead to further incidents.

If Li Xuewu's emotions were unstable, Du Xian would certainly not keep him; even if the Red Star No. 1 had to fly back alone, he would have to send him home.

"I'm afraid you didn't have time to eat on the road, so I prepared some food for you." Walking to the door of the room, Li Huai De signaled to Li Xuewu: "You don't have to be as polite to me as you are to the leader. If you're hungry, just speak up."

"Then I won't be polite—"

Li Xuewu smiled, nodded, and said: "I'm really sorry to trouble others, just for a bite to eat."

"Secretary Yang also hasn't rested."

Li Huai De opened the door and explained: "He was the first to accompany me downstairs waiting for you. Only after hearing the news that you were safe did he return upstairs."

After entering, he took off his coat, rubbed his almost bald head, and explained: "Director Du has old cold legs, which is very difficult in this season."

"I can see that his legs and feet are a bit inconvenient."

Li Xuewu saw that food was really prepared on the coffee table, didn't sit down according to his signal, but poured him a cup of tea.

What Li Huai De was most satisfied with about Li Xuewu was this point: always paying attention to details, always calm and composed, worthy of being a model for young people.

He took the teacup, pressed Li Xuewu's shoulder, and said: "Don't worry about me, eat yours. It might be a bit cold, so just eat a little if you're not hungry."

"It's still warm. Liu Bin prepared it?"

Li Xuewu lifted the lid of the lunch box and saw bread and meat sausage inside, and even a box of rice porridge. It should have been prepared by Liu Bin.

Old Li nodded, pinched his head, and said: "Taste it. If it's cold, eat less; just don't be hungry."

"Hmm, I'll just pad my stomach." Li Xuewu rolled up his sleeves and looked at the time on his hand; it was already two o'clock in the morning.

Actually, according to his habit, he wouldn't eat after dinner time, even if he was hungry, he wouldn't eat.

But since it was Old Li's intention, he couldn't refuse.

Actually, Old Li's preparation also meant to have a talk with him; otherwise, he wouldn't have prepared the midnight snack in his own room.

"If your family still has medicinal wine for treating old cold legs, you might as well send some to Director Du. There's nothing to avoid."

Li Huai De took a sip of hot tea, put down the teacup, and said: "He is still very concerned about you and trusts you very much."

"Hmm, I'm afraid the leader will think I'm meddling."

Li Xuewu could hear Old Li's meaning, but he didn't want to take sides, not even wanting to imply it.

However, Old Li still had some sincerity toward him, so he didn't say things too absolutely.

"He's in pain, so he won't dislike you."

Li Huai De chuckled and said: "I don't know if your father has medicine for this, so I didn't tell him about this."

"Think about it later. If it's inconvenient, just call his secretary and ask the other party to receive it on his behalf."

They were both old foxes. The dialogue between the two had give and take, without any stumbling, and each could understand the other's concerns.

Seeing him so frank, Li Xuewu nodded and said: "After I go back, I'll ask. If it's convenient, I'll ask my father to accompany me to visit Director Du. That would be more certain."

"I was just saying, you decide for yourself."

Li Huai De waved his hand and signaled him to eat, "You still have to be the main force tomorrow; don't let the other party look down on us."

"Have you seen the contract for the Neptun Shipyard and Warnow Shipyard, right?" Li Xuewu reported while eating: "They have good technical reserves in the fields of cargo ships, icebreakers, and fishing boats."

"Especially cargo ships, they are very good at building container cargo ships, which is our most serious shortcoming at present."

"Hmm, I consulted with Professor Yuan." Li Huai De nodded and said: "In terms of shipbuilding, we picked up a leak."

"Actually, East Germany is full of leaks everywhere."

Li Xuewu raised his head to look at him and said: "To put it bluntly, they are also like donkey dung eggs, shiny on the outside but rotten on the inside."

"Is it really that serious?" Li Huai De frowned and asked: "Recently I also heard people talking about this problem privately. I didn't expect—"

He shook his head slightly, looked at Li Xuewu, and asked: "Is the situation in other industrial fields the same?"

"Hmm, this is not a problem at a single level."

Li Xuewu nodded and explained: "East Germany's economic problems are riddled with holes. Those people on stage promise too much and can do too little."

"They rely too much on the economic cooperation organization, and rely too much on people's feeding, losing the ability to actively hunt."

He pointed at the tray and said: "This time I visited their steel manufacturing industry. Besides breaking through on the original technology, they can't play any new tricks."

"Compared to West Germany next door, they have completely fallen behind."

"So that's how it really is—"

The expression on Li Huai De's face became even more solemn, as if he were thinking about some difficult problem.

Before coming to East Germany, the team led by Li Xuewu and Dong Wenxue not only conducted detailed investigations and research on East Germany, but also searched for information on West Germany, which had the same roots, and were well prepared.

Li Xuewu said that East Germany's industrial technology development was completely lagging behind. Li Huai De only verified the materials he had read, and also knew this was the truth.

"The rolling process of the Risa Steel Plant is very average, barely maintaining the international third tier."

Li Xuewu ate very quickly, solved the food in the tray in two or three bites, wiped his hands with a paper towel, and continued to report: "I didn't gain anything there, except for the 5-ton electric furnace technology and a set of stainless steel pipe rolling machine units."

"5-ton class, is it enough?" Li Huai De really didn't understand the business. Even though he had heard many reports and handled many relevant documents, Hongxing Steel Group's technological transformation work was changing with each passing day, and he couldn't keep up with the learning progress, so he couldn't necessarily manage industrial business.

Where would he have so much time to learn? At his step, not advancing means retreating; it doesn't rely on learning, but on the foundation.

However, lacking learning, his future was also limited.

"Not enough, definitely not enough."

Li Xuewu shook his head and said: "Need technology, take the equipment back, dismantle it, figure out the principle, and imitate it as soon as possible."

He looked at Li Huai De and explained: "At least build a 50-ton furnace to be enough. Iron is seriously lacking here, so they can't afford big furnaces."

"What about stainless steel technology?" Li Huai De still could grasp the key points, looked at him, and asked: "Since this part of the technology can be obtained from the Risa Steel Plant, is there still a need to talk to the Maxhütte United Enterprise?"

"Must talk. The stainless steel technology of the Risa Steel Plant has defects."

Li Xuewu stood up to pour himself a cup of hot water, walked back, and explained: "Their pipe-making process is reliable, but they can't be considered proficient in other rolling technology fields."

"However, the contract with the Risa Steel Plant will be helpful for tomorrow's talks. At least the other party can see the situation clearly."

Li Huai De nodded as if he understood, he was a very cautious person, and would absolutely not give blind commands in fields he didn't understand.

This was a principle he had summarized from the lessons learned over the past three years, and he wouldn't easily break it.

"That Peter brought back by Shangguan Qi." Li Xuewu took a sip of hot tea and explained to Old Li: "The other party is an optical technology expert in East Germany, with a good foundation in the lithography field."

"I understand, it's chip manufacturing technology, right?"

Li Huai De folded his hands and stacked them on his legs, looking at him and saying: "Electrical appliances need chips, airplanes need them, and ships need them too."

"Drones also need them." Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and emphasized to Old Li: "If there can be a breakthrough in the lithography field, the drone project will definitely speed up."

"Are you full of confidence in this project?" Li Huai De looked into his eyes and shook his head slightly: "Sometimes I wonder if I can see the day when drones take off in my lifetime."

"Definitely can, I guarantee it to you."

Li Xuewu smiled and explained: "Peter, brought back by Shangguan Qi, will not only become our research institute's first foreign expert, but also a benchmark for foreign experts to work in China."

"Buying a horse bone with a thousand gold? I understand."

Li Huai De nodded knowingly and said with a smile: "Since you say so, then I'm relieved."

"I'm not urging progress—" He also explained with amusement: "Old Bao from the Credit Union has asked me about the drone project several times, very afraid that this investment will fold in his hands."

"Haven't heard of it, he hasn't come to ask me." Li Xuewu shook his head and said: "Haven't heard from him for a long time."

"He can't let go of his face—"

Li Huai De said with a smile: "This time when you go back, you should be more active. People definitely invested real money."

"This time when I go back? I'm afraid he'll take the initiative to come to the door—"

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said: "The first sentence he says when he sees me will be 'You are too unparticular—' Hehe."

"Hahaha—" Seeing him learn Bao Peigang's tone to a T, Li Huai De couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This trip to East Germany, if the technology introduction can be fully implemented, then Bao Peigang will definitely take the initiative to come to the door as Li Xuewu said.

"The help from General Manager Catherine of Jilixing Shipbuilding was needed to get the technology introduction contract for the Ludwigsfelde factory."

Li Xuewu glanced at Old Li from the top of the teacup while drinking tea, specifically mentioning Catherine's efforts in this project.

Old Li also nodded knowingly, picked up the teacup, and asked: "Is Jilixing Shipbuilding interested in participating in the operation of Yingcheng Port?"

"She was forced by her father." Li Xuewu explained with a smile the reason why Catherine was working so hard on this project, which made Old Li stunned.

"Didn't expect that the children of capitalists are also so tired."

Li Huai De sighed and shook his head slightly: "At first, I was thinking whether Jilixing Shipbuilding had other ideas."

"There are still other ideas." Li Xuewu explained: "Besides the operation qualification of Yingcheng Port, she also has investment intentions herself."

"Oh?" Old Li looked at him unexpectedly and raised an eyebrow.

"She should have obtained some technology projects in East Germany."

Li Xuewu pointed at the sofa armrest and explained: "If my prediction is correct, she will definitely contact us later, take the channel of affiliated enterprises, and do this set of compensation trade."

"It seems this road of compensation trade has been paved by us."

Li Huai De smiled and asked: "Do you know which aspect of technology she obtained?"

"I really don't know this. I just judged that she has this plan." Li Xuewu used "judged" instead of "guessed", giving Li Huai De a more precise attitude.

Li Huai De also nodded and responded: "We can chat later. If it's technology we need, we can do compensation trade."

"If we don't need it, and she wants to use our channels for compensation trade, we also welcome it."

He looked at Li Xuewu and said: "Money can't be earned up, the main theme of future international trade must be cooperation, especially technical cooperation."

"You are right, I will contact her later." Li Xuewu explained: "I was also afraid she would suddenly propose some ideas, so I asked you in advance."

"You understand this aspect of business better, you decide." Li Huai De waved his hand and said: "Especially in terms of foreign cooperation."

He looked at Li Xuewu and said: "You can discuss more with Comrades Wenxue, Yunong, and Yaqin; they have more experience."

"Understood, I will report to the leaders when I go back."

Li Xuewu nodded and said: "Regarding the automobile industry, the previously contacted bus manufacturing plant has problems."

He explained Vashikin's words on the train to Old Li, and said with some worry: "Although we have arrangements and counterattacks, I worry that the other party won't play by the rules, and the final cooperation will also have problems."

"Where in this world is there a perfect plan?" Li Huai De shook his head slightly: "I know you work very hard and pursue perfection."

"However, you have to accept the possibility of failure."

He pointed at Li Xuewu and emphasized: "If you can't accept failure, you can't face the future. Am I right?"

Seeing Li Xuewu nod in agreement, Li Huai De then leaned on the sofa and said: "A bus manufacturing plant isn't worth your worry. You are destined to do big things; your mind needs to be open."

"If the other party comes to threaten you with this kind of thing again, you just tell him we don't need it anymore, let him go."

It must be said that Li Huai De, who had become the general manager of Hongxing Steel Group, really had a feeling of not being short of money.

However, this was also supported by many technology introduction achievements. He could not care about one less bus manufacturing plant. If Honggang's achievements were zero to date, see if he would be anxious.

"General Manager Selina of Oriental Trade in Hong Kong is running around for this project, and I am also waiting for her news."

Li Xuewu said frankly: "This is what I think. Regardless of whether this bus manufacturing plant project can reach cooperation, I will give her a bonus."

"Give it, give more, don't be stingy."

Li Huai De waved his hand and said heroically: "Oriental Trade is our main cooperative merchant for import and export channels in Hong Kong. Her being able to put down her work to come and help is already a great favor."

"If there are difficulties in applying for funds, you bring them to me, and I will approve them for you. Money should be saved, but don't save this kind of money."

"Understood, then I will wait for her reply before making a decision." Li Xuewu tidied up the teacup and said: "It's very late, I will report the next work to you tomorrow."

"Hmm, go back and rest."

Li Huai De stood up, patted his arm and said: "Tonight, Tang Rongxuan from Chuan Auto and Wang Mr. from Jiqi both called to ask about you. This shows that we still have friends."

"It's about cooperation on the W50 truck project." Li Xuewu explained straight away: "The technology they got from the cooperation between the two families, but I estimate that the implementation of these technologies will have a certain degree of difficulty."

"Are they seeking help from our research institute?"

Li Huai De tilted his head, nodded knowingly, and said: "Fine, I know. I will handle this matter."

If it were business work, Li Huai De would absolutely not take it all on himself, but in human relations work, he was the old fox.

As long as business wasn't discussed, he could play the other party in circles.

Besides, with Li Xuewu's reminder here, he had already explained the other party's intentions so thoroughly, could he still fall into a pit?

"No one has moved your room, be careful."

Standing at the door, Li Huai De explained softly: "The last two nights, don't have anything happen again."

This sentence was what Old Li wanted to say to him. In the last bit of time, absolutely nothing else could happen.

Li Xuewu nodded, pointed to his room, opened the door, and walked in.

Li Huai De stood at the door and waited for a while before returning to his room.

Sha Qizhi was still in Risa, and Huang Zongfang was in Leipzig, so there was no main person in charge on duty in Berlin for the time being.

Li Xuewu didn't need the two to come back. He would preside over the negotiations with the Maxhütte United Enterprise tomorrow, and at the same time represent Hongxing Steel Group to attend the trade cooperation meeting.

Just as Old Li said, he had to take the lead; otherwise, he would be mocked by others for being scared out of his wits in the end.

It was just that Old Li's crow's mouth really fulfilled that saying: plans can't keep up with changes.

On the morning of the 30th, having slept for less than 5 hours, Li Xuewu got up to wash and rushed downstairs for breakfast.

There were two meetings at the Leipzig Hotel today, so most of the delegation member unit leaders rushed back.

They cared about the negotiations on the last day, but also valued trade-related cooperation, even if they lacked export trade qualifications.

Hongxing Steel Group wasn't restricted in this regard, and performed more boldly, even entering the negotiation venue in advance to prepare.

Other member units were surprised by Honggang's initiative and followed suit, but they were in a hurry and couldn't perform fully.

"Are you okay?" Catherine rushed into the lobby, searched for a while, and found Li Xuewu's figure.

She grabbed Li Xuewu's arm as soon as she came up and asked nervously: "I heard you were attacked, you scared me to death—"

"The attack was real, but I'm fine."

Li Xuewu patted her arm with a smile and comforted her softly: "Don't worry, I wouldn't take action without preparation."

"That's too risky—

As long as business wasn't being discussed, he could run the other party in circles.

Besides, with Li Xuewu here to remind him, having explained the other party's intentions so thoroughly, could he still fall into a trap?

"No one has touched your room, be careful."

Standing at the doorway, Li Huai De whispered, "For the last two nights, don't let anything else happen."

This was the sentence Old Li really wanted to say to him; in this final stretch of time, absolutely nothing else could go wrong.

Li Xuewu nodded, pointed to his room, opened the door, and walked in.

Li Huai De stood at the door and waited for a while before returning to his own room.

Sha Qizhi was still in Riesa, Huang Zongfang was in Leipzig, and there was no business in Berlin for the time being, so the International Business Department had no main person in charge on duty.

Li Xuewu didn't need the two of them to return; he would preside over tomorrow's negotiations with the Maxhütte United Enterprise and would also represent the Red Star Steel Group at the trade cooperation conference.

Just as Old Li said, he had to take the lead, otherwise, he would end up being mocked by others for having been scared out of his wits.

It's just that Old Li's crow-like mouth really lived up to the saying that plans cannot keep up with changes.

Early on the 30th, having slept for less than 5 hours, Li Xuewu got up, washed, and rushed downstairs for breakfast.

There were two meetings at the Leipzig hotel today, so the heads of most of the visiting delegation's member units had rushed back.

They cared very much about the final day of negotiations, but they also valued trade-related cooperation, even if they lacked export trade qualifications.

The Red Star Steel Group was not restricted in this regard and acted more boldly, even entering the negotiation venue ahead of time to prepare.

Other member units were surprised by Red Steel's initiative and followed suit, but they were only able to prepare in a rush and could not perform as fully.

"Are you alright?" Katherine hurried into the lobby, searched for a moment, and found Li Xuewu's figure.

As soon as she approached, she grabbed Li Xuewu's arm and asked nervously, "I heard you were attacked; you scared me to death—"

"The attack was real, but I'm fine."

Li Xuewu smiled, patted her arm, and comforted her softly, "Don't worry, I wouldn't act without being prepared."

"That was still too risky—"

Katherine looked him up and down, as if judging where a piece of flesh might be missing.

"I'm really fine, I was actually looking for you."

Li Xuewu pinched the corner of her clothes and reminded her softly, "I talked to Director Li about your matter; later, you should find an opportunity to show your appreciation."

"How much is needed?" Katherine really hadn't learned the language in the Northeast for nothing; she had even learned the local customs and knew what "showing appreciation" meant.

"Don't be too direct; it's easy to offend people."

Li Xuewu pointed his finger vaguely and reminded her, "His wife has some knowledge of law. Doesn't your company need legal consulting services while conducting business in the mainland?"

"Oh—" Katherine nodded in understanding. As the daughter of a capitalist, she understood this set of rules better than Li Xuewu.

However, she was still too young, and she actually looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Does that Mrs. Li really understand legal knowledge?"

"If you say she understands, then she understands."

Li Xuewu glared at her amusingly, fearing she would say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, and specifically reminded her, "However, Director Li's wife is not in good health; don't go disturb her if you have nothing important."

"As long as Director Li is fine, what could I possibly have to worry about?"

Katherine raised an eyebrow, indicating she understood his meaning completely, and nodded, saying, "Should I try to curry favor with your wife?"

She asked with a chuckle, "You won't give me a hard time, will you?"

"Sure, no problem—"

Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "She works in a hospital and currently needs special cases to practice her skills. Why don't you go yourself?"

"Let's forget about that—"

Katherine also knew that a joke was a joke; she pulled the topic back and said, "You won't be going out again these next two days, will you?"

"Don't worry, I know to pay attention to safety."

Li Xuewu gestured toward the venue and said, "Go, try to scrape together a bit more in this final time; you never know if you might land some benefits."

"That is exactly my intention." Katherine smiled and said, "If I don't spend all the money, I always feel like I'm letting myself down."

"If you don't know how to spend it, come ask me." Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I'm an expert at making money, and I'm an expert at spending it too."

"Then teach me—" Katherine said with a smile, "I have a special reward for you."

"A special reward—" Li Xuewu smiled and advised her, "If you can't buy technology, then buy products."

"Medical equipment, optical instruments, and mechanical equipment are all fine, just don't buy electrical appliances." Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Go, I have another meeting to attend; we'll talk when we meet tonight."

He parted from Katherine, only to be blocked in the corridor. From the other party's attire, he couldn't tell their identity at all, but he knew who had come.

"Mr. Hohenzollern?"

"Let's find a place to talk."

The German giant, who was about the same height as Li Xuewu, tilted his head, gestured toward the lounge, and took the lead in walking over.

Li Xuewu waved his hand, signaling the security guards not to come over.

Old Li was a bit overly suspicious; today, as soon as he went downstairs, he had arranged for two plainclothes and one uniformed guard to follow him, fearing he might be in danger again.

He had to preside over the meeting, so naturally, he had to meet strangers, but strangers represented danger; even if he was a high-level fighter, there were times when he could be negligent.

The security guards had already noticed the situation here, and even after seeing Li Xuewu's reminder, they still followed.

Just as they reached the entrance of the lounge, two burly men with bulging waistlines blocked them.

They weren't blocking Li Xuewu, but the security guards who had followed him. Neither side spoke the other's language, and they almost came to blows.

The half-open door opened, and a man who looked like a secretary said a few words to his companion at the door, then looked at Li Xuewu and gestured toward the lounge, saying, "Ms. Anna's father would like to have a word with you."

"I appreciate Mr. Hohenzollern's sincerity."

Since the other party could come to find him personally, rather than sending a secretary or guards, Li Xuewu had to respond accordingly.

The secretary spoke in French, so he responded in French as well.

Hohenzollern had just spoken in French; it seemed Anna had already woken up, otherwise, the other party wouldn't have known he spoke French right from the start.

Telling the security guards to stay at the door, Li Xuewu pushed the door open and walked into the lounge, which contained only two sofas and a coffee table.

"Is Ms. Anna alright?" Li Xuewu asked with concern, "How is her health?"

"Fractured forearm, fractured lower leg."

Hohenzollern pointed to his own left arm and then to his right lower leg, looking at Li Xuewu as he said, "She has already returned to Berlin and is now recovering in the hospital."

"I don't know whether to say I'm fortunate or regretful."

Li Xuewu clenched his fists and let out a sigh of relief, looking at the other party sincerely as he said, "I must apologize to you; it was I who implicated Ms. Anna."

"I already know about the situation on the train." The other party didn't pay much attention to his apology but said seriously, "How do you intend to strike back?"

Seeing Li Xuewu's surprised expression, he frowned and asked, "Do you not intend to strike back? Or do you want to just let it go like this?"

"I don't quite understand what you mean."

Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes slightly, then said frankly, "Thanks to Ms. Anna's protection, I was saved from danger several times. I am very grateful for her efforts and dedication."

He nodded and said, "If you don't object, I will personally go to the hospital to express my gratitude after today's work is finished."

After saying this, Li Xuewu pointed outside the door and said, "I have to meet with the representatives of the Maxhütte United Enterprise in a moment, so I won't be able to keep you company. Once again, I express my apologies for Ms. Anna's ordeal."

"What are you afraid of?" The other party pressed on the door to prevent Li Xuewu from leaving, but he didn't expect Li Xuewu to be so strong, and the door was yanked open with a bang.

Just at this moment, Sha Qizhi, who had rushed back overnight, accompanied the representatives of the Maxhütte United Enterprise as they walked over. The two sides met just like that, and the result was that they stared at each other in blank dismay.