Chapter 1535: Going to Beijing No. 1 Factory?

"We can be considered old friends."

Wang Xin sized up Li Xuewu and nodded seriously: "Even if you don't treat me as a true friend, we have been together for such a long time, you should understand me."

When he said this, he couldn't help but sit up straight, raised his eyebrows and said: "Everything is for the organization's work. The time for cooperation between our two units in the future is still long, and the space is even more needless to say, multi-directional and all-angle."

"It doesn't matter, you can say whatever you have." Li Xuewu also sat up straight, looked at him and said: "I am not a person who hides things."

"Then this is easy to handle—"

Wang Xin leaned forward slightly and asked straightforwardly: "What is your intention for the drone project you are doing, and why don't you accept joint research and development."

"Because this is a new project, and the research target is a scientific research field that has not been involved in China."

Li Xuewu spread his hands and also answered straightforwardly: "Even if we agree to invite Shenfei to participate in the project research and development and cooperate, you can't come up with corresponding conditions. This is just one of the complex reasons."

"Why don't you finish your words?" Wang Xin frowned and looked at him: "What mystery is hidden in this project?"

"A basin-sized, no." Li Xuewu lifted the document in his hand to signal: "A four-winged small plane as big as a document flies up. Do you think there can be any mystery in this project?"

"Impossible—" Wang Xin narrowed his eyes and stared at Li Xuewu, shaking his head slightly, firmly denying: "Even a toy plane can't do what you said, unless..."

"Unless what?" Li Xuewu smiled and put down the document, pointing his finger at the four corners of the document to explain: "I set up high-speed motors in these four positions and equipped them with propellers. Do you think it can fly?"

"How big is the motor?" Wang Xin looked at him with amusement: "Let alone in China, I'm afraid there is no motor with such a small volume and such strong power in the world."

"Besides, how heavy a battery pack does such a motor need?" He pointed to the document and asked: "Even if it flies up, do you intend to use it to transport battery packs? The batteries alone are enough for it, let alone significance."

"Good, you also said, shrink the motor, increase power, shrink the battery, increase capacity."

Li Xuewu didn't argue with him, crossed his hands on the document, and looked at him with a smile: "What if we can overcome these topics one by one?"

"That also—impossible—"

Wang Xin hesitated for a second, then shook his head firmly: "At first I thought you were researching fixed-wing drones, I didn't expect it to be this."

"Fixed-wing drones?" Li Xuewu smiled lightly: "Are there any units in China researching fixed-wing drones? Aren't you clearer than me?"

After saying this, he lowered his eyebrows and didn't pay attention to the sharp gaze bursting out of Wang Xin's eyes. He picked up the teacup and took a sip: "We just research this kind of small propeller drone, unswervingly."

"And then?" Wang Xin looked at him, raised his eyebrows and asked: "Even if you research it successfully, what can it be used for?"

He gestured with both hands to the document under Li Xuewu's hand and asked: "Sell it as a toy plane?"

"Millions of scientific research funds, do you think we will use it to make toys to sell?"

Li Xuewu put down the fountain pen in his hand with amusement, and it fell on the table with a thud.

"Let me tell you this, I can use it for high-altitude reconnaissance, spraying pesticides, and dropping bombs."

He pointed to the document at hand and said: "I can even make it bigger, lifting cars and weapons and equipment. Do you say it's a toy?"

"Too whimsical—"

Wang Xin even wanted to laugh when he heard his dream-like words, but he was facing Li Xuewu now, so he still had to give the most basic respect to his cooperative partner.

"We have no interest in this project."

"If that's really the case—"

Li Xuewu smiled frankly, spread his hands, and sat back in the chair easily: "It's not in vain that I took such pains to explain this project so clearly."

"What do you mean?" Wang Xin raised his eyebrows and looked at Li Xuewu: "Has your research institute become so arrogant that it even looks down on Shenfei's scientific research strength?"

"Don't think so—"

Li Xuewu seemed afraid of his misunderstanding, raised his hand to signal: "These are two projects, two directions, wind and horse not related, completely not talking about high or low, good or bad."

Listening to his words and looking at his attitude, Wang Xin felt so angry, yet couldn't find any reason to argue.

Wang Xin also stared at Li Xuewu for a long time, then pursed his lips, suppressed the dissatisfaction in his heart, picked up the teacup and asked: "Good, then let's talk about tertiary industries, the conditions you can accept."

"Don't you want to talk about jet engines?"

Li Xuewu smiled meaningfully, looked at him and asked: "We have obtained jet engine production technology from the Ludwigsfelde factory in East Germany. Are you not interested?"

"Can we be interested?"

Wang Xin held the teacup, looked at him with dissatisfaction, and said: "Are you willing to take out good things to share? Listening to this tone doesn't look like your style."

"What is my style?"

Li Xuewu stood up with amusement, walked to the tea cabinet, took the thermos, came back, and refilled hot water for both of their teacups, saying: "We are brother units, joint construction enterprises, and even more close cooperative relations."

He looked at Wang Xin and said: "Just like you said, we are all working for the organization. Good things or bad things, sharing is a good thing."

"Sss—" Wang Xin tilted his body and looked at him carefully: "Don't you be digging any pit for me to jump into? You also have such a generous time? I'm a bit unaccustomed to hearing this."

"That's because you are suspicious of us."

Li Xuewu put down the thermos, walked back, and said with a smile: "You are not being a friend!"

"Ah, you still have the nerve to say me!"

Wang Xin looked at him with amusement and said: "Zhu Bajie rakes backwards, and I'm not being a friend?"

"Then what are you doubting?"

Li Xuewu spread his hands and said: "The drone project only accepts strategic investment, not scientific research project sharing. Even without my explanation today, you wouldn't be willing to invest."

"Don't talk about this drone project anymore."

Wang Xin put his hand on the desk and looked at him: "Be reliable, the jet engine you got has problems, right?"

"What problems?" Li Xuewu looked at him speechlessly: "Except that the technical age is a bit old, we don't know what problems there are."

"Yes, you haven't gotten the technology yet."

Wang Xin was also confused about what medicine Li Xuewu was selling in his gourd for a while. The sudden generosity made him a bit at a loss. He didn't believe that Li Xuewu was a philanthropist who could give up unit interests for the organization.

But without getting the technology, why is the Red Steel Group willing to talk about jet engine technology?

"I don't understand." Li Xuewu shrugged: "I don't know, why is Shenfei not participating in this visit?"

"Because we are a confidential unit."

Wang Xin curled his lips and said: "Even if we went, we wouldn't be able to get any key projects."

"On the contrary, enterprises like yours—"

He also looked at Li Xuewu with some depression, picked up the teacup and took a sip: "Walked dog shit luck."

"Then, honorable Shenfei brother, are you willing to participate in the cooperation with the Red Steel Group that walked dog shit luck?"

Li Xuewu said with a smile without caring: "Don't say otherwise, this time it was really the right trip!"

He sat back in the chair behind the desk, as if deliberately showing off: "How does that sentence go? The cub sells the grandfather's field, and the heart doesn't hurt!"

"This Ludwigsfelde factory was originally the industrial core of the German Air Force, an important enterprise mainly researching jet engines and related models."

Li Xuewu spread his hands, with a tone of fluke and regret: "They are now selling everything for money, including the most core engine technology."

"It may be that their technology is backward." Wang Xin said lightly, eating grapes and saying they are sour: "So they are willing to sell it for money."

"We think so too, but after all, that is jet engine production technology." Li Xuewu sighed along with his words, and emphasized again: "Our country still lacks depth in this area of scientific research. Does Shenfei have mature jet engine production technology?"

"Humph—" Wang Xin didn't want to mention this, and he was also very annoyed when he mentioned it.

Why?

Don't say, Shenfei really has its own turbojet engine production technology, not only has engine production technology, but Shenfei also has mature applicable models.

In June '54, the Fengcheng Aviation Engine Manufacturing Factory officially started construction. More than 8,000 talents of all kinds were mobilized from all over the country to fully support the factory construction. And completed the civil engineering task one year and three months ahead of schedule.

In order to produce jet engines within two years, the Fengcheng Aviation Engine Manufacturing Factory implemented the "vanguard batch" approach, and officially entered mass production in February '56. A full year and four months ahead of the original plan.

On August 2, '56, the WP-5 engine was successfully equipped, and the domestically produced J-5 aircraft successfully passed the test flight appraisal.

The domestically produced J-5 is the first jet aviation engine in China, and it made the front page headline of the People's Daily that day.

It can be said that the successful development of the WP-5 engine marks that our country has become one of the few countries in the world that has mastered jet engine manufacturing technology at this time.

However!

Only this WP-5, and no core fighter appeared again.

Just in the confrontation last year, we still suffered losses in air combat, so we have been holding back fire.

Li Xuewu said that the Red Steel Group obtained jet engine production technology from East Germany, and Wang Xin only had a sense of absurdity of the era in his heart.

When did even jet engine production technology be placed on the shelf for a big clearance sale?

At the end of World War II, it was the Germans who researched and manufactured jet fighters, allowing human aircraft to enter the jet age.

With the defeat of the Germans, the US and Soviet Union soon produced the first generation of jet aircraft, which are the "MiG" and "F" series.

During the North-South Dynasty war, Su Mao helped us build a basic military industry system, and also placed the aircraft manufacturing industry in the Northeast.

After the "156 Project" started, Su Mao handed over the technology of jet engines to China, and experts and technical workers from Su Mao taught hand-in-hand to build the "State-owned 410 Factory" in Fengcheng, which is the Fengcheng Aviation Engine Manufacturing Factory, externally called Liming Aviation Engine Company.

Since then, we have been buying and building, embarking on the road of Soviet-style aviation engine research.

China's early "J" series were all imitated from the Soviet "MiG" series, and the engines were also imitated from Su Mao engines.

However, with the changes in Sino-Soviet relations in the 1960s, Su Mao stopped all aid to us and also stopped almost all military sales. Aircraft and engines were not sold, which was equivalent to cutting off the food for our air force.

At this time, our military industry could manufacture ready-made aircraft and engines, but industrial technology has been developing, and international fighter jets have been updated every few years, and the technology is becoming more and more advanced.

The air force lost a stable source of technology. At this time, the active aircraft such as Q-5, J-5, J-6, and J-7 were first and second-generation aircraft, while the US and Soviet Union already had third-generation aircraft in manufacturing, and the gap between the two was huge.

It was precisely the confrontation last year that made the high-level realize that we urgently need new engine technology to fill this gap and strengthen the air force.

Last year, the domestically produced "WP-8" engine went offline, but its life was too short to be used.

And major international powers have entered the "turbofan engine" era, and our country is still blank in this regard.

Wang Xin is the deputy factory manager of the aircraft manufacturing factory and knows the basic situation of domestic jet aircraft best. He can both show a disgusted attitude towards the jet engine technology mentioned by Li Xuewu, and feel that the domestic technological development speed is precarious.

Li Xuewu knew that in the later years, under the guidance of Mr. Zhou, we purchased the Spey engine from the British "Rolls-Royce" company.

It doesn't matter if you don't know Rolls-Royce. This company is also making luxury cars while engaged in aviation engine production, which is Rolls-Royce cars.

At this time, "Rolls-Royce" had long launched the Spey turbofan engine, and in '64 it was equipped on civil aircraft, and the military version in '68 was equipped on the "Phantom Fighter", which is the F-4.

This engine is 5.2 meters long, weighs 1.8 tons, and uses a five-stage fan and a twelve-stage compressor, with a thrust-to-weight ratio of over 5.

The biggest advantages of the Spey engine are fuel saving, high reliability, and long service life.

To put it this way, the life of the Spey engine eliminated by the British at this time is longer than the life of the new engine just off the line in our country.

If the advanced jet fighter research and development in the international arena has entered the third generation at this time, then does the jet engine technology sold by the Ludwigsfelde factory in East Germany mentioned by Li Xuewu still have any use?

Needless to say, of course it has scientific research value.

Even if it is backward jet engine technology, it is relative. How many countries in the world can master this core technology?

Just as Wang Xin said, it is because East Germany is clear that China, which is in the same Soviet aid system, has technology in this area, so they dare to sell junk.

For both sides, this technology is considered average, but when it is really produced, it is also a high-performance engine. Do you say Wang Xin is interested?

He wants technology in this area to fill the foundation and deficiencies of Shenfei's scientific research.

What about the Red Star Steel Group?

"What are you doing with jet engines?"

Wang Xin frowned and looked at Li Xuewu: "Don't you intend to enter the fixed-wing aircraft market?"

"That's not necessarily—"

Li Xuewu smiled first, then shook his head helplessly: "Of course, this is just a dream of mine. Who doesn't know that fixed-wing aircraft are more valuable and can create more economic value."

He pointed to the KH-4 helicopter model on the bookshelf and introduced: "You know that Steel Flight can only produce this little thing now, and the international market price is 50,000 US dollars, heh—"

"Heh—?" Wang Xin raised his eyebrows and looked at him with amusement: "You still think it's too little?"

"Subtracting costs, shipping costs, and marketing expenses, we are trying our best not to lose money."

Li Xuewu emphasized very seriously: "But at least from now on, for every helicopter sold, we have to lose 8,000 to 10,000 yuan. This is the price."

"The price of cultivating mature technical workers?"

Wang Xin understood his words very clearly, and also nodded helplessly, drank a mouthful of hot tea and said: "When the technology is mature, it will make money."

"These are all things for later—"

Li Xuewu pursed his lips and said: "We also have Jaguars and Alouette 3s, hoping that we can lose less money and the production technology can mature as soon as possible."

Wang Xin also realized at this time that Steel Flight is not a small factory that can only build one type of helicopter, but a modern helicopter manufacturing factory with multiple models and advanced production equipment, a unit that really cannot be underestimated.

His hand holding the teacup paused slightly, and after putting it down, he looked at Li Xuewu and asked: "And then? You got the jet engine, what do you want to do?"

"Do you want the engine?"

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and smiled: "If Shenfei wants it, then we will cooperate in production. Anyway, it can't be a loss. If domestic aircraft manufacturers don't need these engines, then we will build planes and sell them out."

He rotated the fountain pen in his hand and explained: "To tell you the truth, we were able to buy this technology by accident. What we really value is the marine diesel engine production technology of the Ludwigsfelde factory."

"They also have relatively advanced machine tools and stamping and forging technology, which we can use."

"For the Fengcheng Machinery Manufacturing Factory?" Wang Xin knows Red Steel Group very well, understands what he is saying, and nodded slightly: "In this way, Fengji Factory really has become the industry leader."

"Still far from it—" Li Xuewu was slightly modest, and then said: "However, in the machine tool production business, especially CNC machine tools." He looked at Wang Xin and said with a smile: "Then we still have a certain status in the industry. You know I won't lie."

"Hehe—" Wang Xin could naturally see what kind of person he was, and the only answer was a light laugh.

Li Xuewu shrugged: "I know, the jet engine research and development projects that can be brought back are two sets, one is the Me328/Porsche 109-005 series; the other is the MeP1079 series."

"You may know that the Porsche 109-005 turbojet engine matched with the Me328 model was not really put into production, it was just at the technical level."

He continued to introduce: "The MeP1079 series was put into production in '42, including the MeP1079/1 pulse jet engine, MeP1079/10C, which is the SR500 pulse jet engine, etc. These models shared technology with the V1 missile."

"What you are talking about should be the Argus AS014 pulse jet engine, right?" Wang Xin frowned and said: "This engine indeed used the same engine as the V1 missile."

"Don't know, I'm just parroting."

Li Xuewu didn't hide his novice status in the relevant knowledge field, spread his hands and said: "The above conclusions and content were all told to me by experts."

He looked at Wang Xin with a smile and said: "Just listen to it. If you really want to cooperate, you have to let experts talk to you."

Seeing him like this, Wang Xin's mouth couldn't help but twitch. After arguing for so long, he thought Li Xuewu had secretly studied in the middle of the night, why did he know so much.

"I don't understand aircraft engines, but I know some car engines."

Li Xuewu drank a mouthful of tea to moisten his throat and continued: "A very mature example, East Germany inherited part of the aviation technology that originally belonged to Germany, and there was the 4VD14.5/12-1SRW diesel engine used by the W50 truck introduced by the cooperation between Chuanqi and Jiqi."

"And Su Mao, who obtained these technologies, also developed the NK-12 turboprop engine."

"And MiG-9." Wang Xin said silently: "It was also the technology provided by these Germans."

"Maybe—" Li Xuewu didn't care much and pursed his lips: "What I want to say is that these technologies can provide a research and development foundation for the Vehicle Engineering Research Institute of Red Star Technology Research Institute. We want engines."

"Car engines?" Wang Xin really didn't expect that Red Steel's purpose was this.

"That's right, car engines." Li Xuewu nodded very firmly: "There are many well-known car companies in the world that have aviation engine businesses, and we also want to take this road."

He took a document out of the drawer, placed it on the table, raised his head to look at Wang Xin and said: "So, organizing or cooperating to produce a series of jet engines, whether sold to domestic manufacturers or foreign manufacturers, anyway, these technologies cannot be lost in our hands."

"Second point, help us overcome car and marine engine technology and improve the manufacturing level of engines."

"Third point, we can share all jet engine technologies, but you cannot commercialize automotive engine scientific research achievements. This is our core."

Wang Xin was not ready yet, but listened to the three conditions of cooperation he said, and his brain was spinning urgently.

After a while, he frowned and asked: "What about the investment ratio? Whether it is production or research and development, it requires costs. Do we take it or do you take it?"

"That depends on what Shenfei means."

Li Xuewu smiled and said: "In terms of production, it is best to use your engine manufacturing factory. We don't have a plan to produce aircraft engines. It is also fine to use your production to enter shares."

"In terms of research and development, we need car and marine engines, and you need jet technology. Our demand in this regard is greater, so the investment is also greater."

He opened the document in his hand and introduced: "The initial investment we can give is 2 million, and we can add more."

"Good courage—" Wang Xin couldn't help but sigh: "You are really rich—"

"Just pretending to be fat."

Li Xuewu smiled, closed the document and said: "But it is worth it to be able to achieve the top of the domestic industry in the research and development and production of car and marine engines."

"Hehe, Jingqi is in danger this time."

Wang Xin suddenly laughed, looked at Li Xuewu and said: "In the past, it could cause pressure on Steel Flight at the engine technology level. If you really achieve transcendence in this regard, what advantages do they have left?"

"Jingqi? You mean 212 cars?"

Li Xuewu smiled lightly: "They are not our competition target. Our target is the stars and the sea."

He turned back and pointed to the cargo ship model on the bookshelf and introduced: "Do you know how many cars we exported last year? About 70,000, only more, not less."

"You might feel that we made a lot of money when you hear this, but actually no, we really didn't make much money."

Li Xuewu explained frankly: "Whether it is Red Star Antelope, Aries, or Gemini, they are all products of helplessness and have 'heart disease'."

"The Red Star Generation 1 engine is a maintenance product of the GoDevil 441 four-cylinder water-cooled engine."

He introduced: "It is the technology we mastered and upgraded during the maintenance process of Willys cars."

"The Red Star Generation 2 engine is also based on this, combined with Japan's engine technology for related upgrades, but there are too many restrictions."

"You intend to research new engines."

Wang Xin nodded understandingly and said: "Used to achieve the goal of complete product iteration?"

"That's right, the Red Star Generation 3 engine must achieve a qualitative transcendence in all-round technology."

Li Xuewu said decisively: "Cast iron engines have long been outdated, and now they are all aluminum shells."

He pointed to the document at hand and said: "We have prepared a full set of technology and 2 million, look?"

"Mm, I understand this condition."

Wang Xin nodded solemnly and said: "Give us some time, soon, I will definitely give you an answer."

He looked at the document in Li Xuewu's hand and said very seriously: "This does not include our other cooperation."

"Of course, the Tadong Airport project."

Li Xuewu smiled suddenly, looked at him and asked: "Have you thought about what to exchange?"

"Tertiary industry projects—" Wang Xin was obviously prepared with sincerity, and Shenfei must have held a meeting to study it and made a final decision.

However, he was a bit vague at this time, looked at Li Xuewu and asked: "The project mentioned by your Bu Zong just now..."

"Why? Are you interested?"

Li Xuewu smiled and said: "It might be a bit troublesome, but it's also easy to handle."

He thought for a moment and said: "Don't the manufacturing factories under Shenfei need stable power supply?"

"What do you mean?" Wang Xin raised his eyebrows and asked: "Lead electricity from Steel City to Fengcheng?"

"The United Energy Development Company won't have only one Steel City No. 7 factory." Li Xuewu tapped the table and emphasized: "Cooperation is always the foundation of mutual trust."

"You mean, if we use United Energy's electricity, we can cooperate on related tertiary industry projects?"

Wang Xin felt that this matter was a bit... complicated.

"If I were to say, this is good for you, more convenient for management and supervision, isn't it?"

Li Xuewu pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows: "Those factories will be profitable after they are built. You can see how to divide them. If they have money, they can also build supporting industries in Steel City, a win-win situation."

"Let's study this later."

Wang Xin was a bit moved. At present, whether it is engineering materials or metallurgical industry, they are all in short supply. As long as they can be produced, they will definitely make money.

There is no need to doubt this, the rest is investment and return. Red Steel Group does not do loss-making business.

Rather than saying he trusts this project, it is better to say he trusts Red Steel's vision in the field of tertiary industries.

"We agree to exchange Tadong Airport for Red Steel's tertiary industry shares in the Liangma River Industrial Zone."

"Wait, I have to remind you."

Li Xuewu pointed to the table and said: "These tertiary industries are not all ours. Most of them are cooperative joint operations, and some tertiary industries are not for sale."

He raised his finger and emphasized: "It's not that I'm fooling you, nor am I deliberately making trouble, this is a fact."

"We have already investigated."

Wang Xin nodded knowingly and said: "We want textiles, packaging, chemicals, plastics, thread, leather, glass, and all auto parts factories."

"Smart choice—"

Li Xuewu calculated the tertiary industries he mentioned in his heart, and finally nodded and said: "They are all profitable projects, especially the Jiangnan Leather Factory, which is very profitable."

"I hope it is as you said—"

Wang Xin also sighed helplessly and said: "If there were no cooperation project for the jet engine today, I would really want to argue with you."

"Don't think about it, hardware and food are not for sale."

Li Xuewu explained with a light laugh: "I know you have investigated the logistics and transportation project we cooperated with Beijing Railway. There are more restrictions, no play."

"Anyway, you don't sell the ones that make big money."

Wang Xin glanced at him, and there was still some unwillingness in his heart. He was prepared to take a bite of meat today.

It was just that he didn't expect Li Xuewu to stuff him with a power plant supporting industry and engine cooperation project in advance.

With these projects, how could he open his mouth to ask for the tertiary industries that Red Steel had already developed into shape.

"Since the cooperation can proceed, then I will say a word from the heart."

Li Xuewu stood up and looked at him: "All tertiary industries developed by Red Steel have development potential."

"Take auto parts as an example, Beijing Chemical is preparing to expand the factory based on this."

"Beijing Chemical?" Wang Xin asked in surprise: "Are they also preparing to develop tertiary industries?"

"This is the result of this visit to East Germany."

Li Xuewu nodded very firmly and introduced: "Beijing Chemical, Chuanqi, and Jiqi and other enterprises are preparing to participate in the auto parts industry development cooperation group led by the Red Steel Group. This organization is currently under preparation and will be officially operated soon."

"Is it a way to deal with Jingqi and 17 Factory?"

Wang Xin looked at him very excitedly, as if he were the person in charge of Red Steel!

What are you excited about? You are not representing the Red Steel Group to grab territory with Jingqi!

"How did he smile... like a fox?"

Bu Qingfang, who had already left, appeared in Li Xuewu's office again, standing by the window looking at Wang Xin, who was preparing to get in the car and leave downstairs.

Li Xuewu was tidying up the documents on the desk and said with amusement: "How is it like a fox?"

"A fox that stole a live chicken—"

Bu Qingfang turned back to look at Li Xuewu and said: "Did he say he was going to participate in the power plant project?"

"Eight or nine out of ten, I tried my best anyway, the rest depends on you."

Li Xuewu shrugged, looked at her and said: "Although the Tadong Airport cannot create any benefits in Shenfei's hands, nor does it have actual value, it is a large piece of land after all, and it is still in the urban area of Fengcheng."

"Do you need to compensate for cash?" Bu Qingfang watched Wang Xin's car leave, walked back to the desk, and looked at Li Xuewu and asked: "How much can be compensated?"

"Enough for you to acquire more than a dozen power plants."

Li Xuewu said with a light laugh: "How much are our tertiary industry shares left after two years of dilution? It's impossible to exchange

"So we have to make them spit back out the cash they've eaten," Bu Qingfang said earnestly. "First, build up the supporting industries for Steel City Factory 7, set an example, and maybe we can lure out even more capital."

"They still have to keep enough R&D funds."

Li Xuewu glanced at her and reminded her, "Don't be greedy. The other side isn't stupid. If you make your move too big, it's easy to arouse their suspicion."

"What's the estimated value of the Tadong Airport?"

Bu Qingfang thought for a moment and said, "I'll go back and raise the money now to get Steel City Factory 7 up and running first."

"The New Year is just around the corner—"

Li Xuewu looked at the time on his wrist and asked her with an amused look, "Do you really need to push yourself this hard?"

"Of course I do! Otherwise, are you going to help me?"

Bu Qingfang looked into his eyes and said, "I've heard that the results will be out before the New Year. There are only so many positions available; if I don't work hard to show my worth, will I even have a chance?"

"It's not that serious; there will be opportunities in the future." Li Xuewu comforted her, "Look at me, I'm still at the division level, aren't I? I'm not in a rush, so what are you rushing for?"

"You're not in a rush because you have a solid foundation."

Bu Qingfang curled her lip and said, "Even if you aren't promoted along with the group this year, it'll happen early next year. Who can suppress you now?"

"I'm different. Compared to them, I arrived late, and I haven't produced results in my work yet."

She emphasized in a competitive tone, "After this time, everyone will truly be ranked by their standing. I don't want to be sitting at the very back."

"You're making it sound more and more mysterious—"

Li Xuewu understood her feelings, nodded, and said, "You know my situation. It's not appropriate for me to help anyone. When the time comes, whoever gets promoted, I will support them."

"Don't blame me for not giving you face."

He spread his palms and explained, "I basically have no say in organizational and personnel matters, especially since coming to Liaodong. Below the deputy general level is fine, but above that—"

Seeing Li Xuewu shake his head slightly, Bu Qingfang understood and said calmly, "It's better if you don't help. When the time comes, everyone will rely on their own abilities, and everyone will accept the outcome."

She raised her head again, looked at Li Xuewu, and said, "I'm just afraid they won't come to you, but will go and embrace other 'Buddha's feet' instead."

"It doesn't matter. The Buddha's feet are right there. If someone wants to go worship them, can I stop them?"

Li Xuewu spread his right hand and said, "You're the same. At a time like this, if you really have connections, you must use them. Don't be foolish and talk about fairness; there's no such thing as fairness. Keep these words of mine to yourself, and don't go spreading them."

"Alright, don't I know that already?"

Seeing that he was being thoughtful, Bu Qingfang smiled, nodded, and said, "Don't worry about this matter. Whether it succeeds or not is up to fate. With my inherent disadvantages, what else is there to say? In any case, it won't be blamed on you."

"Even if you blamed me, there's nothing I could do—"

Li Xuewu stood up with a smile and said, "Before the New Year, I have to be busy with practical work and project implementation. If I happen to catch the organizational and personnel meetings, I'll attend; if not, I won't participate."

"Aren't you returning to the capital soon?"

Bu Qingfang walked out with him and asked with a raised eyebrow, "I heard you're going to preside over the commendation meeting?"

"Sigh—" Li Xuewu sighed helplessly, looked at her, and asked, "Deputy Director Gu must be very annoyed, right?"

"I haven't heard that—" Bu Qingfang smiled and explained, "I just heard it from others."

Li Xuewu knew about her relationship with Gu Weijie, nodded, and said, "Director Li, she wants to build a united team and wants to treat everyone equally without letting anyone take more than their share. Do you think that's possible?"

Bu Qingfang didn't take the bait. As the Secretary-General of the Management Committee, Li Xuewu had the right to sit at the table and speak, but she did not have the right to make evaluations, so remaining silent at this moment was the most reasonable response.

Li Xuewu didn't mind her attitude. It was lunchtime, so he took her downstairs with him.

"Let's wait a little longer. Once the New Year passes, it will be fine." He said with some emotion, "Everything will be settled, and everyone will have a clear idea of where they stand."

"Some people say that the higher-ups will adjust the group's management team. Is this true?"

Bu Qingfang only dared to ask such questions in private between the two of them; she wouldn't dare ask in the office.

Li Xuewu shook his head, looked at her, and said, "I don't know. I really don't know where this news came from, but I've heard it too, and it sounds quite plausible."

"I actually think there's some truth to it."

Bu Qingfang reminded him softly, "By this year, Deputy Director Gu, Deputy Director Jing, Deputy Director Xue, and Deputy Director Cheng will all have been working at the factory for three years."

She raised her eyebrows slightly and emphasized, "If the higher-ups think someone's work is unqualified, or that they can't meet the development needs of Red Steel, wouldn't they make some adjustments?"

"Furthermore, the New Beijing Factory 1, which belongs to the capital's industry, was established with the help of our group."

Bu Qingfang walked beside Li Xuewu and reminded him, "Will they transfer leaders from the group to serve as the main leaders at New Beijing Factory 1?"

"I know that the acting leader of New Beijing Factory 1 is Deputy Director Zhou from the capital's industry. He can't supervise Factory 1 for the long term; sooner or later, they'll have to find someone to take over."

"Who told you about this situation?"

Li Xuewu smiled, looked at her, and asked, "Was it Deputy Director Gu? Or some other leader?"

"Don't worry about who said it."

Bu Qingfang also smiled, blinked at him, and said, "I just heard it. They say it's very likely they'll transfer you over to take the lead, because the leaders of the capital's industry appreciate you very much and think you're very talented."

"Hehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled, "Alright, if they really transfer me to Beijing Factory 1, I'll take you with me."

"Secretary-General! Don't use public office to settle private scores—"