Chapter 1527: People who can dance are never short on luck

"Do you like football?"

"Oh, Secretary-General Felix."

Li Xuewu was standing before the floor-to-ceiling window of the private box, lost in thought with his arms crossed, when a greeting suddenly came from beside him.

He turned and recognized the person: Wolfgang Felix, Secretary-General of the East German Economic Committee.

Like most German men, this old gentleman had long ago lost the trouble of having to wash his hair, which only made his appearance seem more amiable and approachable.

Those who didn't know him would certainly think so, but those familiar with him knew he had a nickname—the Vulture of East German politics.

"Germans love football."

Not having received an answer from Li Xuewu, he didn't mind much, standing by the window with his arms crossed just like Li Xuewu as he said, "Every city has its own football stadium and football team; the public's level of interest is very high."

Note that he used the word "public" here, not "the masses"—only capitalist countries would speak of "the masses."

"I've noticed; the popularization of sports education in Germany is indeed very high," Li Xuewu nodded in agreement. "You can see children playing football on the streets everywhere."

"A very interesting sport, isn't it?"

Felix turned his head to look at him, smiling as he asked, "Does China also value sports? Your football is also very impressive."

He raised his eyebrows and added, "You have a 'Li' who is very famous in Europe; he could be called the King of Football."

"China is the birthplace of football."

Li Xuewu returned the smile and said, "I don't know if the 'Li' you are referring to is Mr. Li Huitang; he truly deserves to be called the King of Football."

"We are also very fond of football. I'm busy with work now, but in the past, I often played football with my colleagues."

He wasn't talking about the Red Star Factory, but rather his time in the military. Football had been very popular in the armed forces over the years, which had to do with a certain high-ranking commander.

Although not as glorious as before the Liberation, the national team at this time was still well-known throughout Asia and even the world.

Whether it was youth training or national team players, they were all quite capable.

Who could imagine that before 1965, the youth team was studying and training in Hungary—a proper "study abroad" faction.

It was just that in the last few years, it had been neglected; from top to bottom, everyone was busy with the "Great Study," so who had time to care about sports?

If you were to say sports affected work, they would start weakening and banning them based on policy, yet policy didn't ban playing cards—isn't that strange?

Facing Felix's inquiry, Li Xuewu couldn't speak plainly and could only skirt around it, not giving the other party a chance to press the issue.

"No wonder you were watching so intently."

Felix seemed to want to express goodwill and didn't dwell on the previous topic, instead talking about his recent experiences.

"I heard you were a soldier before? If that's the case, I'm not surprised by the setbacks the KGB has encountered during this period."

"Isn't it the Kazan Metallurgical General Company?"

Li Xuewu smiled and said indifferently, "There is an old Chinese saying: those who follow the Dao receive much help, while those who lose it receive little. They have been too presumptuous."

"Indeed, they have been too presumptuous."

Felix nodded in agreement, leaning forward with his hands on the railing as he said, "But a weak nation has no diplomacy, and its internal affairs cannot be independent—that is the most tragic thing, isn't it?"

"Of course. As a nation that has also suffered harm in the past, I can empathize with and understand your feelings."

Li Xuewu lowered his arm, patted the railing with his hand, and said, "This is also the reason why we are actively learning, communicating, and striving for self-reliance and self-improvement."

"China is a great nation, and it also possesses a great people, which is why it has been able to thrive throughout the five-thousand-year river of history."

Felix turned his head to look at him and said, "Both China and Germany are walking on a very difficult path of development, and both are standing at a crossroads of history, making the most difficult choices."

"This topic is beyond my scope of ability. I apologize, Mr. Felix, but I cannot give you any response."

Li Xuewu nodded apologetically and said, "However, speaking for myself, I hold an open attitude toward international exchanges in the industrial and commercial fields, and we are currently doing just that."

"Of course, I can certainly see your efforts."

Facing the candid Li Xuewu, Felix had no complaints; he smiled, nodded, and said, "Please forgive an old man who talks too much."

"No, it is I who cannot understand your level."

Li Xuewu smiled faintly and praised, "I am very interested in the German Democratic Republic's education system and sports education."

"Oh? I thought you were only interested in industry." Felix stood up straight, smiled, and waved, signaling for Li Xuewu to sit on the sofa, looking as if he were prepared to have a good chat.

The Economic Committee had prepared a private box for the visiting delegation; the door was open, and they could choose any box they liked.

While it was called watching a football match to show off the charm of East German sports, in reality, it was no different from a banquet—it was just a social event.

In the larger boxes, no one paid attention to the match on the field; instead, they held wine glasses and gathered together to discuss commercial cooperation.

Those who could attend this event were all units that had signed cooperation agreements with the visiting delegation, and they were also there to see them off.

Li Xuewu had left this opportunity to show his face to Li Huai De and the members of the International Department, finding a small, empty box for himself.

He hadn't expected that he would attract attention wherever he went, nor had he expected that the host of today's event would come to find him personally.

Although he wasn't exactly flattered, he was inwardly surprised by the other party's attitude, so they began to chat before he knew it.

"Actually, East Germany's education system is very special and also very purposeful," Felix said after sitting down, watching the battle on the field as he introduced it. "I say this without being critical; I am only stating facts."

He emphasized this cautiously before continuing, "In general, East Germany's educational work is the responsibility of the Youth Affairs Bureau, which is responsible for implementing national policies toward the youth."

"Of course, the purposefulness I speak of is reflected in other aspects; for example, nurseries are managed by the Ministry of Health."

Felix looked at Li Xuewu, smiled, and then continued, "Some highly specialized higher education institutions and vocational schools, in addition to being managed by the Ministry of Higher and Professional Education, are also under the leadership of relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of National Defense, and so on."

"Hmm, I can understand that; we are similar." Li Xuewu gestured and explained, "Our petroleum colleges are under the Ministry of Petroleum; the same goes for power colleges, water conservancy colleges, and so on."

"The system determines the institutions and policies."

Felix nodded and said, "East Germany has a 10-year general education comprehensive technical middle school, which is the school that realizes compulsory education and is the core of the national education system."

"An important hallmark of it is that grades seven through ten have comprehensive technical education courses, and the principle of comprehensive technical education is implemented in every subject."

He looked at Li Xuewu and raised an eyebrow. "Sounds very complicated, right?"

"It's alright; we are also trying this path." Li Xuewu didn't show any surprise, but his attitude was somewhat serious. "The point that students need to cultivate industrial and agricultural qualities is similar."

"Hmm, East Germany's comprehensive technical education consists of three courses: Introduction to Socialist Production, Technical Drawing, and Productive Labor."

Felix continued, "The productive labor for grades nine and ten is mostly carried out under realistic industrial production conditions."

"Same here; we have our own cooperative colleges, and some colleges even have their own school-run factories." Li Xuewu could understand his words and provided the common points of the domestic education system.

"The next point might be somewhat different."

Felix pinched his fingers and looked at him as he said, "In East Germany, students can, under the guidance of professional personnel in production departments, directly realize the enterprise's production plan and participate in the process of technical innovation and production rationalization."

"The participation level is that high?"

Li Xuewu was actually a bit surprised this time, raising an eyebrow as he said, "Middle school students already possess the ability for technical innovation?"

"That is our goal—"

Felix smiled and said, "What walks out of the school are true workers."

"Then I really would like to learn."

Li Xuewu said seriously, "Our group established an independent vocational education system the year before last. What is the situation of vocational education in East Germany?"

"What is the goal of the vocational education system? It is to cultivate a labor force at the level of skilled workers, right?"

Felix raised his eyebrows and, without impatience, patiently introduced, "The East German vocational education system is similar to the 'dual vocational training system' of the Federal Republic of Germany, adopting a training method that combines theoretical instruction in vocational schools with practical training in enterprises."

"Which is what I just mentioned, the elevation and extension of the comprehensive technical middle school education system."

He tilted his head and explained, "Training often ends with passing a professional worker examination, which is what I emphasized: true workers can walk out of the school."

"Currently, the most important type of vocational school in East Germany is the enterprise vocational school, which is what you mentioned—the vocational education schools founded by your units. It accounts for 75% of the total number of vocational training institutions, and two-thirds of apprentices receive training there."

"As a supplement to the vocational education system, East Germany also has a type of central vocational school that only accepts sporadic vocational apprentices."

He spread his hands and introduced, "In addition to apprentice training, the vocational education system also includes continuing education for professional workers and other on-the-job personnel, and intermediate professional technical personnel are cultivated by specialized colleges."

"I must say, it occupies an important position in the national education system." Felix looked at Li Xuewu, pursed his lips in a smile, and shook his head slightly as he said, "Enrollment in specialized colleges generally does not implement examinations, but adopts the method of recommendation by relevant parties and approval by the principal."

To tell the truth, Li Xuewu was stunned.

What the hell is the difference between this and the domestic situation?

East Germany's vocational education system is actually the vocational education college belonging to the Red Star Steel Group. What is the difference between East Germany's comprehensive technical middle school and the combination of study and labor currently advocated above?

Finally, the enrollment of specialized colleges that cultivate technical workers and cadres for industrial enterprises also does not implement examinations, and also adopts the method of recommendation and approval. Isn't this the "Worker-Peasant-Soldier University" that will start next year?

The world is a circle; this saying is indeed correct.

In the subsequent conversation, Felix also popularized East Germany's emphasis on and cultivation policies for the sports industry for Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu didn't pay much attention to this point, because he knew that East Germany was too focused on sports achievements and didn't treat athletes as human beings at all.

After the war, Germany was divided into the NATO and Warsaw Pact camps. To show its strength, East German competitive sports became the front line of confrontation with the United States. To win gold medals, they actually forced athletes to take banned substances.

Can you imagine? From the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to the 1988 Seoul Olympics, in just 20 years, the German Democratic Republic won a total of 519 Olympic medals, ranking 3rd in the world in total medals.

If calculated by population average, the number of medals won by East Germany was 10 times that of the Soviet Union and 13 times that of the United States.

Li Xuewu had read historical investigations and had a relatively comprehensive understanding of the East German sports world at this time.

Regarding the issue of athletes taking banned substances, it was said that the East German management was not fully aware of it, and this practice also violated East German law.

But because the confidentiality work was done well, it wasn't until after the Berlin Wall fell that East German sports intelligence gradually became known to Western countries.

At least 10,000 East German athletes had been taking various banned substances for a long time under the instigation of the Stasi, causing at least 100 athletes to die.

Many athletes experienced physical mutations after taking banned substances for a long time, such as female athletes' vocal cords deepening, dysmenorrhea, etc., and some even developed cancer or gave birth to deformed children.

According to Felix, at this time, East Germany had 7,000 coaches and more than 10,000 sports workers, and sports students were cultivated by the government from a young age.

But as such a "powerful" sports nation, why did it fall behind in later generations?

Some scholars believe that after the reunification of the two Germanys, it was not a strong-strong alliance for German sports.

Because West German sports ideology occupied a dominant position, they were more respectful of athletes' personal wishes, and their own commercial operations were more mature; East Germany's so-called elite did not bring much substantive change to Germany.

Interesting, right? Li Xuewu listened to Felix's introduction and had already thought of the complexity and contradictoriness of the sports system.

In the conversation, Felix mentioned the *Gesellschaft für Sport und Technik*, which is the Society for Sports and Technology.

This is a mass organization of the German Democratic Republic.

Its purpose is to organize young people who love sports and technology for collective activities, provide them with corresponding equipment, such as motorcycles, airplanes, and radios, and promote related sports competitions.

Such as shooting, motorcycle racing, etc.

The organization, together with the military, assisted in the militarization of society, organizing military training in schools, universities, and factories.

Hearing this, Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows, and the thoughts in his brain instantly reorganized, giving him new ideas.

"Organizing sports competitions and training through the Society for Sports and Technology, and even including military training..."

Since they could engage in military training under the guise of sports training, why couldn't they do the opposite?

Currently, the country doesn't allow sports competitions, so couldn't they use the guise of military training to get sports activities going?

"Why are you suddenly interested in education and sports again?"

Li Huai De had chatted with Li Xuewu before getting on the plane, but he hadn't expected him to be reading a book—a book about education and sports.

"A task assigned by Director Han."

Li Xuewu put away the book Felix had given him and answered with a smile, "He asked me to write a report on East Germany's vocational education system and sports education."

"Oh—" Li Huai De thought for a moment and said in a low voice, "You can write about the vocational education system, but don't write about sports education."

He patted Li Xuewu's arm and explained softly, "It's not that I don't want you to show your talent, but the current situation is not suitable."

"Understood, I was hesitating too."

Li Xuewu nodded knowingly and replied, "At this time, the domestic situation is like oil on a fire. Who am I to add to the chaos at this time, lest I cause a bigger storm?"

"Writing this might have been fine before, but it's different now." Li Huai De smiled and pointed at him, saying, "But if a piece of paper reaches the ears of the heavens, one must be cautious, cautious, and even more cautious—"

"Hehe, you think too highly of me."

Li Xuewu shook his head amusedly and said, "Let's talk when I have your status and level. For now?"

"Humility is a good thing, but you must also have a keen sense of smell." Li Huai De raised an eyebrow and reminded him, "Haven't you noticed the change in the leadership's attitude toward you? After you go back this time, think about it carefully."

After finishing, he didn't dwell on this issue, pressed Li Xuewu's arm, and signaled that it was time to board.

"Director Li, Secretary-General, I'm here to see you off."

Sha Qizhi followed from the side and reached out to take their suitcases, but was waved away by both of them.

"We aren't seventy or eighty years old; go away, go away."

Li Huai De smiled and said to Sha Qizhi, "Those who don't know might think I, Li Huai De, can't walk or carry luggage anymore."

"What day have you set for your return?"

Li Xuewu knew Sha Qizhi wanted to take this opportunity to show off, so he didn't mind his habit of sucking up.

"The day after tomorrow; we'll go back as soon as things here are handled."

Sha Qizhi chuckled and rubbed his hands, looking at Li Huai De as he said, "Director Li, the things you asked me to bring are all prepared for you. Just remember to receive them when they are shipped back."

"Good, thank you for your hard work—"

Li Huai De didn't avoid Li Xuewu, smiling as he patted Sha Qizhi's arm before explaining softly to him, "It's for the family."

"I've prepared your share too, all together."

He waved his hand very generously and said, "You were busy outside at the time, so I didn't ask you. Qizhi found a female colleague to help pick them out."

"How could I be so embarrassed—"

Li Xuewu said with a grateful expression, "I was thinking of buying them at the airport; I didn't expect you to still be thinking of me."

He made a gesture to take out money and said, "How much? I'll reimburse you."

"Go on, go on—" Li Huai De smiled and patted his arm, saying, "Don't pull that stuff; don't I know you?"

He smiled, raised his eyebrows, and said softly to Li Xuewu, "What is the little bit of money issued by the delegation enough for? It must have been spent long ago, right?"

"Alright, consider it a New Year's gift from me."

Representatives of the visiting delegation were already queuing up in front, so he didn't let Li Xuewu say more, greeted Zhu Xiaolin, and went to joke with them.

Sha Qizhi was in a hurry, leaned over to Li Xuewu, and reported in a low voice, "Selina personally sent Fritz Fleischer to Hong Kong; it was this morning's flight. I watched them leave."

"What about the contract? Did you get it?"

Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "Be careful. This place is heavily infiltrated. If you aren't sure, just let it go."

"It should be no problem." Sha Qizhi explained softly, "Selina organized a professional legal team responsible for the entire procedure of receiving and canceling."

"Once we get the ownership, we will start the dismantling operation, ensuring the entire set of equipment and technology is packed and taken away."

"If anything happens, communicate and contact me in time."

Li Xuewu was a bit worried about him and exhorted, "If there's really something you can't handle, call Anna; she will help you."

"Secretary-General, that's the Stasi." Sha Qizhi said with worry in his eyes, "Will it attract the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs..."

"The person I told you to contact is Annabelle von Hohenzollern, not the operations captain of the Stasi's Dresden branch?"

Li Xuewu glared and said, "Don't contact her easily. If there is danger, retreat; if you can't retreat, then contact her."

"Understood: if you can fight, fight; if you can't, run—"

Sha Qizhi understood what he meant and gave a chuckle; his expression truly had a bit of the shameless style Li Xuewu had back in the day.

"Let's go, going home. You guys stay safe." Li Xuewu waved his hand with a smile and said, "Waiting for your return."

"Goodbye, Secretary-General—"

"You representing the Red Star Steel Group to invite the East German Economic Committee Secretary-General Felix to send a cooperative unit group to visit, and welcoming the East German cultural department to build a cultural center in the Liangma River Industrial Zone—that move was brilliant!"

On the plane, Zhu Xiaolin gave Li Xuewu a thumbs-up across the aisle and praised, "After all, it's a big group; it really has boldness."

"Did I offend you?" Li Xuewu glanced at him amusedly and said, "Is it necessary to mock me like this?"

"Don't blame me; I'm purely jealous."

Zhu Xiaolin laughed and said, "Representing the visiting delegation to be the first to get off the plane—I'm truly envious to death."

"How about you go first?" Li Xuewu draped the blanket given by the flight attendant over his legs and turned to Zhu Xiaolin, saying, "I don't want to be too high-profile."

"Even if Director Zhu's skin were thicker, he wouldn't dare steal your limelight!" Dong Qiaomu of Harbin Steam Turbine joked, "Now you have to be high-profile even if you don't want to be."

"Envy is envy, but if you let me walk first, I'd be a bit nervous." Tang Rongxuan raised his chin at Li Xuewu and said to the people around him, "It still has to be young people who are bold; he should go first."

"Is this a question of being bold?"

Wang Mr. chimed in and praised, "This is the leadership considering everything comprehensively and distributing according to merit. Secretary-General Li deserves it."

"Look, I said Old Wang has the potential to be a lackey."

Tang Rongxuan and the others were familiar with each other, so they dared to make any joke now. He gestured in Li Xuewu's direction and said, "Don't be in a hurry to leave after going back; go to Red Steel for a turn first. 'Hospitable Red Steel' isn't just an empty phrase."

"You have to tell our Director Li about this."

Li Xuewu gestured to Li Huai De beside him and said, "If Director Li doesn't speak, you won't get a proper reception even if you go."

"Ai hei, that's not what you said last night!" Tang Rongxuan looked at Li Huai De and greeted him with a smile, "General Manager Li, right?"

"Welcome, welcome everyone to Red Steel Group." How could Li Huai De not hear that Tang Rongxuan was helping them build momentum?

When they first heard that Li Xuewu was the first to walk out of the cabin door, those who already had opinions about him were even less happy.

You could tell by the plane arrangements; those who could get on this plane were all those who had gained something in East Germany, and it was the first flight to depart. It was different from when they came; the leaders were all sitting in the front.

When they arrived, the airport they landed at had long since had no welcome ceremony, and they even encountered discrimination from the locals.

Returning this time could be considered "returning home in glory," and it was time for everyone to hold their heads high, so their voices were very loud.

Those who had opinions about Li Xuewu watched coldly, but were startled by the banter of the crowd.

Since when did the Red Star Steel Group have so many friends? Compared to the small group when they first went to East Germany, the number of people was much larger this time.

It had to be said that those who could get on this plane, units in the commercial field, had also noticed, and their gazes toward Li Xuewu became even more complex.

Rich, capable of fighting, and having many friends—who wouldn't be afraid when they met someone like that? Their original little thoughts were all put away, and they didn't dare to talk nonsense.

Li Xuewu didn't pay much attention to those people's gazes. If you aren't envied, you are mediocre. He was never mediocre, so why make things difficult for himself?

The topic Zhu Xiaolin brought up was also because he saw that the atmosphere on the plane was wrong, so he was standing up for him.

If a Beijing Chemical Industry unit didn't count for much, then what about many heavy industrial enterprises across the country together?

"Ai, seriously, this trip wasn't in vain."

Zhu Xiaolin listened to their clamor and said to Li Xuewu across the aisle, "I saw their shipyard in Lubmin. Now that I think about it, the shock at that time is still spinning in my brain."

He gestured and introduced, "Compared to the Bincheng Shipbuilding and Tianjin Shipbuilding I've been to, their shipyard is not as good as ours in terms of scale or equipment, but their sales volume is much higher than ours."

"This isn't just a matter of work efficiency."

Seeing that everyone had turned to look and listen to him, Zhu Xiaolin raised his voice and said, "Especially, some of their local enterprises can squeeze out a portion of products for export to exchange for foreign currency."

"In this point, we are not as good as them. Our enterprises have too little power, and there are also problems in operation and management."

"Deputy Director Li went to inspect East Germany's agro-industrial complex."

Han Song, who was sitting in front, also joined in when he heard them chatting enthusiastically. He stood in the aisle, looked at the crowd, and said, "You probably can't imagine that their agro-industrial complexes not only engage in agriculture and animal husbandry but also do their own processing, and have their own sales outlets."

"Hearing what Old Zhu just said, I'm also thinking, can our industrial enterprises also actively combine with agricultural production?"

He looked at the crowd, nodded, and said, "Everyone here should ponder this after going back. Combine industrial enterprise development with agricultural production and walk a path belonging to our own agro-industrial complex."

"Don't just stare at Red Steel's policies. Red Steel can have today because people fought for it brick by brick. If you have this boldness and ability, I will also speak to the higher-ups and apply for exceptional policies for you."

Han Song had long felt that the atmosphere on the plane was unusual, but he took the opportunity to say it now.

"If you ask me, opportunities are equal; it just depends on whether you've reached that point. Once you do, the policy will naturally follow."

He turned his head to look at the crowd behind him, not missing a single one, and pointed at them as he said, "Whether you returned fully loaded or empty-handed this time, summarize it. You can't have come in vain."

"Not bringing back technology is a multifaceted problem, but if you didn't even bring back lessons learned and knowledge, then that is your problem."

Han Song was a leader after all; his words were truly forceful, pounding in everyone's hearts. Once these words were out, everyone's expressions changed.

"Today is the 31st; tomorrow is New Year's Day."

He looked at the time on his hand, scanned the crowd, and said, "Comrade Li Xuewu's article, 'Reconstruction, Challenges, and Opportunities of the New Era International Industrial Order: The Responsibility of a Great Power,' should have already been published in major newspapers."

"You can also pick up your pens and write something."

Han Song walked toward his seat, saying, "This morning, I asked Comrade Li Xuewu for a contribution again. I want him to write an inspection report on East Germany's education system and sports cultivation."

"Do you think I'm making things difficult for him?"

"Hehehe—" His gradually relaxing attitude eased the atmosphere in the plane, and the crowd also found a gap to agree with a light laugh.

"You aren't making things difficult for him; you are testing him."

Zhu Xiaolin was a veteran and was about to retire, so he had no scruples. He joked, "True gold isn't afraid of fire!"

"Ai! I love hearing that—"

Han Song turned back, pointed at Zhu Xiaolin, and emphasized, "The old saying goes that true gold isn't afraid of fire; gold shines wherever it is."

"So, you are here to inspect industry and commerce, but have you paid attention to other aspects of East Germany, such as the education system?"

This question pushed the crowd's laughter back. He stood in the aisle and scanned the crowd, saying, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. You encountered all kinds of difficulties in the negotiations; haven't you thought that it was because of cultural differences and different customs?"

"Who said that inspecting industry and commerce means you don't need to care about other aspects?"

His continuous questioning made the atmosphere in the cabin instantly much more oppressive, as if atmospheric pressure had surged into the cabin.

"Technology wasn't brought back, orders weren't brought back, and you are even ignorant of the situation in East Germany." Han Song looked at the crowd and said, "After you go back, when the comrades in the leadership team ask, how will you answer?"

"Ah, just say how well the waiters in the hotel danced and how beautifully they were dressed, right?"

"Cough cough—" Old Li suddenly felt his throat tighten and couldn't help but cough lightly twice.

"It's alright, Director Li, I'm not talking about you."

Han Song was truly vicious. Hearing the sound, he turned his head to look at Li Huai De and said with a smile, "The Red Star Steel Group performed very well in this visiting activity; it is worthy of praise and commendation."

"Hai, it's nothing; everyone is very excellent."

Li Huai De was truly capable of setting the scene. He raised his chin and replied, "It's just that our luck was a little better."

"People who can dance are never short on luck, right?"

Han Song looked at him amusedly, then turned his head to look at the crowd who were holding back laughter, and said, "If you really brought back technology and orders, let alone dancing and learning foreign languages, I wouldn't care even if you brought people onto the plane. That's your ability."

"If you don't have that ability, but only know how to talk behind people's backs and engage in small actions, then I will have to have a word with you."

He patted the seat and said with a serious attitude, "After you go back, you aren't going to have a party and drink, right? It doesn't matter; I'll treat you to a drink. At that time, we will have a good chat about how to do work, do work well, and do work properly, okay? Comrades."

On December 29th, the second page of the *People's Daily* published the speech report of Comrade Li Xuewu, Secretary-General of the Management Committee of the Red Star Steel Group, a member unit of the visiting delegation to East Germany, delivered at the welcome banquet on the night of his arrival, namely the article "Reconstruction, Challenges, and Opportunities of the New Era International Industrial Order: The Responsibility of a Great Power."

The editor gave it a super high evaluation: expounding the great pattern of international industrial construction with an international perspective and ultra-long-distance foresight.

On the night of January 1st, the first return flight of the industrial and commercial visiting delegation to the German Democratic Republic arrived at Beijing Airport, and representatives from industry, commerce, and other industries arrived at the scene to welcome them.

When the plane slowly landed, the reporters had long been unable to wait and aimed their cameras at the cabin door.

When the cabin door slowly opened, a figure with a tall posture and a solemn face appeared at the cabin entrance, waving lightly to greet the welcoming team, and bursts of applause rang out from the welcoming team in response.

Li Xuewu had tried his best to keep a low profile, only staying at the cabin entrance for a short time before taking the initiative to walk down the plane.

Han Song had privately told him that he could stay a little longer; how many such glorious moments can a person have in their life? If he waited a little longer, everyone would understand.

It was just that Li Xuewu didn't have this intention, and even less of an idea to block the cabin door and not get off the plane. Perhaps Old Li could do such a thing, but he couldn't bring himself to lose face like that.

He was still young and relied on his face to make friends; Old Li was different. Once you reached his level, you could afford to be shameless.

Li Xuewu didn't receive his luggage because his luggage had already been received by the Group General Manager's Office, including Li Huai De's.

Heaven knows how much Old Li bought; just his, Old Li's, and secretary Liu Bin's luggage used a 12-seater Hongyun bus.

Liu Bin dared to bet his head that his luggage was just two bags—one brought from home and one bought for his wife and children.

What about Old Li?

Not only did he buy a big pile for Li Xuewu, but he himself intended to spread the love; he didn't leave out any of his "good sisters."

Li Xuewu didn't linger at the welcome ceremony. After shaking hands with the leaders who came to welcome them, he got into Old Li's big Red Flag.

The heads of other units who arrived in Beijing might still have to go to the guest house, but Zhu Xiaolin, Li Huai De, and others didn't need to; they could go straight home.

Before getting on the plane, everyone didn't feel there was any gap between them, but at this moment, parting ways, they realized that enterprises in Beijing were just different.

Of course, there were still people recalling the applause that rang out when Li Xuewu got off the plane just now, and they couldn't say what kind of taste was in their hearts.

However, Li Xuewu had forgotten, because the applause wasn't for him, but for the entire visiting delegation member unit he represented.

Or to be precise, the applause was for the units on this plane that had completed the introduction and sales tasks, congratulating them on their achievements.

What about Li Xuewu? He was just the first representative to walk out of the cabin door and couldn't represent anything.

However, the flashlights were focused on him. No need to think, tomorrow's front page of major newspapers would definitely have his figure.

At this moment, it seemed he could represent something.

"Are you going home or to the hotel?"

Li Huai De was truly a bit tired. At this age, having so many good sisters, his body had already been hollowed out.

During his time in East Germany, he hadn't been idle either. Although he hadn't put it into actual action, he hadn't drunk less alcohol.

Sitting on a plane for a full thirty-plus hours, even Li Xuewu couldn't stand it, let alone him.

Li Xuewu raised his watch to look. The car had just left the airport, and the time was approaching midnight.

"Send you to the International Hotel first; my home is closer."

He explained softly to Li Huai De, "Perhaps knowing I'm coming back today, Gu Ning might be waiting for me."

"Youth is good, and love is pure."

Li Huai De didn't mind his choice, but smiled and instructed the driver to send Li Xuewu home first.

"It's on the way to send you too; I'm not in a hurry here." Li Xuewu smiled embarrassedly, "I see you are almost asleep."

"On an occasion like tonight, who could sleep?"

Li Huai De glanced at him and said, "Believe it or not, tomorrow your office phone won't stop ringing."

"Then I won't go to the office; I'll ask you for a leave to have a good rest." Li Xuewu said with a smile, "If there's anything, just find you."

"Hehe—I can give you this leave anytime, but not tomorrow."

Li Huai De said with a light laugh, "I can't stop tomorrow's calls. The ones below are easy to talk to, but what if the ones above want to find you?"

"I'm just the group's Secretary-General; what is there that you can't handle?" Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "I've been tired for a week and want to have a good rest. I plan to rush back to Liaodong as soon as possible."

"Worried?" Li Huai De looked at him, wanting to confirm if this was his true thought.

Why wouldn't the phone stop tomorrow? Because this was Li Xuewu's high-profile moment, and there would always be people taking the initiative to build relationships.

Li Huai De said he couldn't stop them because he couldn't stop those who wanted to express appreciation for Li Xuewu, or even those who wanted to make a fuss about Li Xuewu's glory.

He didn't know if Li Xuewu had taken this opportunity to build relationships with those above, so he didn't respond to Li Xuewu rashly.

Now seeing that Li Xuewu seemed more concerned about the work in Liaodong, he couldn't help but relax his mind and nod.

"I've been out for more than half a month; I'm really worried." Li Xuewu explained seriously, "There were many problems that hadn't been handled before I left. If I waste time in Beijing, it will be troublesome when I go back."

"Hmm, I can understand your feelings."

Li Huai De thought for a moment and said, "But you can't be too anxious. Come to the group tomorrow morning, and take the afternoon off."

He patted Li Xuewu's knee and said, "You are now the group's Secretary-General. In the future, you will have to handle more complex work. You can't be without relationships above; this is very important."

"I'm not omnipotent; I can't handle all the difficulties for you. What if I get transferred?"

Li Huai De said very considerately, "At this time, you should also start building your own relationships; both above and below are needed."

"A bit too early, right?" Li Xuewu hesitated and said, "I'm only responsible for business work now..."

"When do you think is appropriate?"

Li Huai De glanced at him amusedly and said, "Burn incense only when you need help, and embrace the Buddha's feet temporarily?"

He patted Li Xuewu's knee again and said, "Go ahead and make friends boldly. No matter what their intentions are, in a word: keep the relationships you can use, and don't leave the ones you can't use hanging." ===== CHAPTER 1528 =====