Chapter 1617: Riding on the Coattails

The person Li Li Xuewu had arranged to meet was not Guliyisha; their encounter at the club's tennis court was purely coincidental.

Regardless of whether Shen Shen Guodong believed it or not, he would offer no explanation, even playing for another half hour after resting.

When Gao Gao Yaqin arrived, the two had just finished a set, and it was Guliyisha who spotted her first.

"Greetings, President Gao."

"Hello, you play well."

Gao Gao Yaqin sized her up with a meaningful glance, focusing mainly on her attire, which was a bit too lively.

She was no country bumpkin; although tennis was a niche sport domestically, she was no ordinary person either.

She lingered on the other woman's short skirt for merely a few seconds before turning her gaze to Li Li Xuewu, nodding with a smile.

Li Li Xuewu found her smile somewhat peculiar, and glancing at Guliyisha walking past to brew tea, he understood perfectly; prejudice in the human heart is like Mount Huang.

"I looked everywhere for you but couldn't find a trace; I knew you wouldn't be idle."

Gao Gao Yaqin sat down in the rattan chair, casually patting the armrest as she sized up Li Li Xuewu, who reeked of hormones, and asked, "Feeling satisfied?"

"If you are asking about my sensations after exercising." Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow, lifted his teacup, and deliberately played along with her teasing.

"Heh—" Gao Gao Yaqin cared nothing for his innocence or lack thereof; reaching middle age, her pursuits were limited to just a few things.

If Li Li Xuewu were not her colleague but a male college student freshly assigned to the unit, she would not mind testing him and offering some guidance.

Do not speak of virtue and gentleness; although she had various flaws, she firmly believed herself to be a good person.

At least she was better than the smiling tiger sitting before her; Li Li Xuewu was the true villain who ate people without spitting out bones.

"You seem to greatly enjoy this game of hide-and-seek."

She did not stand on ceremony; with someone like Li Li Xuewu, there was no need for politeness—one might as well speak plainly, for when it came to beating around the bush, he was number one.

"Don't tell me that just because someone reported you, you dare not return to the unit and are hiding here to prove your innocence?"

She sized up Li Li Xuewu with some suspicion, saying, "Surely not?"

"If I wanted to hide, I wouldn't have called you." Li Li Xuewu gestured toward the tea Guliyisha had served her, saying, "Taste it; a friend gave it to me, claiming it's fine tea."

"When have you ever had inferior goods here?" Gao Gao Yaqin had not the slightest doubt about Li Li Xuewu's taste, for that scoundrel knew very well how to enjoy life.

She still had a family to support; although daily expenses were subsidized by the company, she knew how to manage a household.

Li Li Xuewu, however, was the most carefree person in the group.

A sweep of the surrounding courtyard revealed apparent tranquility, calm as an ancient well without ripples, yet who could ignore the circle of influence behind him?

Furthermore, behind him lay not just one circle.

Whether advancing or retreating, Li Li Xuewu always had room to maneuver; he was at least more calculating than she, who had worked for over a decade.

Young in age, yet free from financial worries, successful in career, with a very harmonious family, and even in leisure accompanied by beauties—who could help but envy him?

"Are you really ignoring that mother and two children from Gangcheng?"

She set down her teacup, glanced at the Miss carrying the thermos away, and said with a touch of helplessness, "It must be resolved eventually, isn't that so?"

Gao Gao Yaqin looked at Li Li Xuewu, frowning slightly as she said, "Didn't you tell me that competition in any form weakens the power of unity?"

"I am the one who is passive now."

Li Li Xuewu turned his head; his expression remained lazy, but his gaze was firm as he emphasized, "I haven't even struck back yet; is that not enough?"

"Are you certain?" Gao Gao Yaqin sized him up skeptically, saying, "I don't believe it; taking a beating passively is absolutely not your character."

"Then what do you want me to do?" Li Li Xuewu slumped back amusingly, crossed his legs, and said lightly, "Voluntarily admit fault?"

"Of course you have your calculations." Gao Gao Yaqin was utterly certain of this; after a moment's thought, she still reminded him, "The winds outside are strong lately; take it easy, don't knock down the whole house just to catch a cricket."

"Hehehe—" Li Li Xuewu chuckled softly, turned to look at her, and asked, "In your heart, is that truly my image? A rule-breaker?"

"What did you expect?" Gao Gao Yaqin lifted her teacup and glanced at him, saying, "Don't play the innocent little white rabbit before me; I know exactly what kind of creature you are."

"Look at how my relationships have turned out—"

Li Li Xuewu pushed himself up by the armrests, looked at the flowers and green grass beyond the court fence, and sighed deeply, "The wind fills the tower as the mountain rain approaches."

"Isn't this what you wanted?" Gao Gao Yaqin glanced at him before setting down her teacup, saying, "Isn't this move of yours called 'borrowing the east wind'?"

She set down her teacup, likewise gazing at the spring scenery filling the courtyard, and said leisurely, "I was hoping you would settle everything in one game."

"At least you are more pragmatic than them." Gao Gao Yaqin turned to look at him, raised an eyebrow, and added, "What a pity."

"Thank you for thinking so highly of me." Li Li Xuewu smiled indifferently; of course, he knew what Gao Gao Yaqin meant by that final "what a pity."

Given his current influence and scale, even if he slaughtered in all directions, what of it? He was still a hundred thousand miles away from settling everything in one game as she described.

What she regretted was that Li Li Xuewu was too young; if he were in Gu Gu Weijie's position and pulled off such a move, it would have saved all these messy troubles later on.

What a pity; even if Li Li Xuewu won this time, the group would not rest thereafter; one could only say that ecology breeds, as one wanes another waxes, and competition never ceases.

"In which month can the Gangqi Bus project officially commence operations?"

Knowing his stance, Gao Gao Yaqin spoke no more on the matter, turning instead to practical work.

Li Li Xuewu thought for a moment, squinting slightly as he said, "Around September, they say; they aim to complete this work before autumn sets in."

"And on your end?" He looked at her and asked, "How are the preparations for the exhibition proceeding?"

"Only now thinking to care about this project?" Gao Gao Yaqin picked up the teapot to refill her cup, looked at him, and said, "Would you like to participate in the preparations? Even offering some opinions or providing guidance would suffice."

"Hahaha—" Li Li Xuewu laughed, lifted his teacup, and politely declined, "Better not; I lack the energy, and it would only delay your work."

Gao Gao Yaqin did not mind his refusal, as this fell within her expectations; at this juncture, Li Li Xuewu would never waste time on such a project.

"Is the Shenfei project just being dropped like that?"

She turned to look at Li Li Xuewu and said, "They have arranged for financial personnel to audit the tertiary industry assets and accounts; it seems they are determined to cut ties completely, making a clean break."

"Mm." Li Li Xuewu had long known of this situation; nodding, he said, "Is there not still a 5% share?"

"Ha—" Gao Gao Yaqin looked at him amusingly and asked, "5%? Where is there still 5%? Didn't you mortgage it all to exchange for investment funds?"

"Mortgaging is mortgaging; does ownership not still reside with the group?"

Li Li Xuewu said with utmost seriousness, "I have never stated that I would not redeem this mortgaged property."

He turned his body and looked seriously at Gao Gao Yaqin as he said, "I sincerely hope Shen Fei can grow these tertiary industries bigger and stronger."

"And then?" Gao Gao Yaqin looked at him with an amused expression and asked, "After they grow these tertiary industries bigger and stronger, will the 5% appreciation you mortgaged outpace the loan interest?"

"Hahaha—" Li Li Xuewu laughed as he explained, "This is how the capital game is played; this is just the simplest kind."

"I always feel you are playing with fire."

Gao Gao Yaqin narrowed her eyes slightly and reminded him, "Do you think those above don't know about your maneuvers?"

"Wrong, I am not afraid of them knowing."

Li Li Xuewu emphasized very seriously, "Since the Honggang Group possesses such policies and resources, it should boldly attempt them."

"Do you believe it or not?" He tapped his finger on the table, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Sooner or later, the experience of the United Savings Bank will form a case study or lecture material placed before those managers in the financial sector."

"We cross the river by feeling the stones; they cross the river by feeling us."

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and spoke with no lack of dominance, "We are the first to eat the crab, the first to eat our fill of resources."

"But it is also very dangerous, isn't it?"

Gao Gao Yaqin came from a background in foreign trade work; whether in foreign affairs or trade work, a cautious character is required.

Her working ability in the economic field was impeccable; after Li Li Xuewu gradually let go of economic construction work under Li Li Huai De's hint, she completely shouldered this burden and responsibility.

Currently, most of the Honggang Group's economic and trade cooperation is hosted and planned by her, and sales business grows larger year by year.

It is precisely because sales have opened up the situation that this industrial behemoth of the group has gained the momentum for development and reform.

While Li Li Xuewu recognized her working ability, he also respected her caution.

"It would be too irresponsible for me to say that wealth is sought through risk." He thought for a moment and analyzed carefully, "Have you noticed that the current economic situation is developing and moving in a certain direction?"

"You mean—" Gao Gao Yaqin lifted her eyes and tried to ask, "But the meeting hasn't been convened yet, has it?"

"But the wind has already blown down."

Li Li Xuewu pulled a stack of newspapers from under the tea table, placed them on it, and tapped the eye-catching headlines to remind her, "Don't lose your sense of smell, my comrade."

Seeing the headlines emphasized by Li Li Xuewu, she finally reacted, her brows deeply furrowed as if pondering something.

Li Li Xuewu gave her time, waved to Guliyisha sitting not far away, waited for her to come over, whispered an instruction, and then let her leave.

"I still don't quite believe it; how could it be—" Gao Gao Yaqin's face turned several shades paler; she had thought the changes in the group's organizational ecology were independent, never expecting that behind the ecological changes lay the influence of changing "weather."

"If it were only one aspect, it could still be treated as an isolated incident."

Li Li Xuewu took a sip of tea, put down his teacup, and said indifferently, "I tell you that the wind and rain are about to come and fill the tower, yet you still take me for a rule-breaker."

"But—" Gao Gao Yaqin lifted her head to look at him and asked hesitantly, "Are you so certain that That Person will..."

"Among these leaders of the group, whose poor health do you fear the most?" Li Li Xuewu glanced at her and said, "I won't ask whose poor health you hope for the most."

Gao Gao Yaqin naturally would not treat this sentence as nonsense; she did not answer, only frowning even more deeply.

"You also know that Li Li Huai De has an incurable disease and relies entirely on insulin to maintain his health," Li Li Xuewu said indifferently. "He doesn't take it seriously, but some people are still hoping his insulin expires or becomes completely ineffective."

"You can think about it." He looked at Gao Gao Yaqin and asked, "If Li Li Huai De's health deteriorates at this time, what will happen within the Management Committee?"

"You have been paying attention to this, haven't you?" Gao Gao Yaqin looked at him very seriously and asked, "Not just Director Li's health, right?"

Li Li Xuewu merely smiled and did not answer the question she had already figured out; looking at the distant heat waves steaming in the air, he lifted his chin slightly and said, "You hope I will settle the universe in one move, but this universe has one hundred and eighty moves."

"What is your idea?" Gao Gao Yaqin asked with a furrowed brow, "Since you have been paying attention to these things for so long, you must have some idea, right?"

"Of course I hope Director Li holds on until the end," Li Li Xuewu said without any avoidance. "His life is still long, as long as insulin maintains it."

"The longer he holds on, the healthier the Honggang Group will remain for a few more years."

Right in front of Gao Gao Yaqin, he spoke very plainly, "At this time, Director Li had best not have any problems; if he coughs, the group catches a cold."

"You don't trust Deputy Director Gu?" Gao Gao Yaqin tried to probe his thoughts from another angle, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Who do you trust?"

She added with emphasis, "If Director Li really meets with misfortune."

"I never make preparations for assumptions."

Li Li Xuewu was not bluffing her; instead, he looked at her very seriously and said, "All I can do is support Director Li, that's it."

Gao Gao Yaqin stared at him carefully for quite a while, then lowered her brows and head to say softly, "You do not have high hopes for Deputy Director Gu, and you have even lower hopes for the others."

"Hehe—" Li Li Xuewu smiled faintly and said, "How do you expect me to say it? Don't treat Director Li like a fool."

"He hasn't reached the point of being dizzy and confused yet; through all these years of wind and rain, he can distinguish what is good and what is bad."

"Of course, of course I understand your meaning." Gao Gao Yaqin already understood; she understood Li Li Xuewu's double entendre; it was the same meaning.

Li Li Huai De had never given up his control over personnel authority and other management permissions; in the Honggang Group, his word still carried immense weight.

Over these many years, from the Red Star Factory to the Honggang Group, the management layer has not lacked figures capable of grasping the overall situation.

For example, Cheng Kaiyuan; when he arrived, he served as the Executive Deputy Factory Director, so look at how much influence he has now?

Li Li Huai De never struck with ruthless force, but he has always been taking action.

If one truly raises their perspective to carefully observe and analyze the Honggang Group's organizational structure and ecology, one will discover that the management layer is neither particularly weak nor particularly strong.

Old Li truly achieved balance; this skill can be said to be second to none.

Thinking carefully, has Old Li ever had a time when he sought to exterminate everyone?

No, he allows different voices below, and even now, he sees the little tricks of Zhou Wanquan and Su Weide clearly.

Li Li Xuewu is his designated successor, but he doesn't mind letting Li Li Xuewu endure some more wind and rain during this period.

It is both to temper the willpower and action capability of young cadres, to grind down the sharp edges of the young people, and to clip wings that have grown too long; now is not yet the time to let the young people fly.

Did he see Li Li Xuewu's little tricks?

Of course he saw them; even Li Li Xuewu's change in attitude and the methods he used were seen by him, and he made a response.

Since Li Li Xuewu wants to play a single suit in Liaodong, he must bear this pressure; if he doesn't want to play, he shouldn't make it so big or be so rushed.

Contradictions are not one-directional; Su Weide is targeting Li Li Xuewu, but it is also because Li Li Xuewu was too rushed and his methods too intense.

If you punch someone, you cannot expect them not to strike back, can you?

Li Li Huai De saw Li Li Xuewu's ulterior motives, but he did not notice Li Li Xuewu's hidden schemes.

The punch thrown at Su Weide was more of a bait, a feint; the real strike was yet to come, for how could one catch a big fish without casting a long line?

It had long been agreed upon with Xiang Xiang Jingyu that he needed to bolster Su Weide; otherwise, how would the other party have the confidence to challenge Li Li Huai De, whose series of actions in the first half of the year were even more intense than his own?

People can always see the shortcomings of others but fail to see their own.

It was not Li Li Xuewu who made the first move; it was Li Li Huai De who first targeted Su Weide, who was like a dead dog, as well as the weak Cheng Kaiyuan and Xiang Xiang Jingyu, sparing not even the others.

At that time, Su Weide was also very agitated, eager to rise from the ashes, biting onto Dong Wenxue and refusing to let go, his eyes fixed on the piece of meat that was Liaodong.

Standing from Li Li Xuewu's perspective, what choice should be made, and how should one act?

He could not refuse Li Li Huai De, yet he did not wish to follow Li Li Huai De's intent to suppress Dong Wenxue, as that would be too obvious; was it not killing the donkey after the millstone was ground?

Since they were going to play, they might as well play big; he might as well remove the shackles from Cheng Kaiyuan and even reveal part of the plan to Xiang Xiang Jingyu.

Cheng Kaiyuan was neither an honest nor an obedient child; even if the shackles on his body were removed and the rope around his neck loosened, he would not dare to bite just anyone.

Indeed, Li Li Xuewu had not even expected him to stand by his side at a critical moment.

Then what was he aiming for?

Firstly, just as he did not want Old Li to be taken out of the game at this stage, Cheng Kaiyuan, who possessed considerable talent in industrial management, had his own reasons and necessity for existence.

Secondly, with Cheng Kaiyuan like a dead dog, there was no need for him to keep watch, as countless people were waiting to kick him while he was down; he had no other options.

Finally, he had no more mind to spend on a plan to save the other; rather than letting Cheng Kaiyuan act with restraint and passively take beatings, it was better to let him free his hands and feet to possess the power to strike back.

As Cheng Kaiyuan's influence gradually recovered, the pressure on Xiang Xiang Jingyu lessened, and Li Li Xuewu could gain support in terms of industrial management, personnel, and financial management.

Even if Xiang Xiang Jingyu's support for him was invisible, it undeniably existed; this could not be denied.

With the strength of Cheng Kaiyuan and Xiang Xiang Jingyu greatly increased, Li Li Huai De's actions would become more cautious, and the pressure would be shifted onto others.

Furthermore, when facing the danger of the plan failing, Li Li Huai De would no longer weaken Dong Wenxue's influence but would instead offer support and care.

Even for him, who was far away in Liaodong, Li Li Huai De would focus on appeasement and would no longer think of weakening his management authority; thus, the second step was achieved.

What about the third step?

It was simple: Jingcheng Industry arranged for Zhou Wanquan to break the deadlock, alleviating Su Weide's pressure and naturally forming a connection.

Li Li Xuewu had not calculated that Zhou Wanquan would come, but the plan was adjusted accordingly.

Su Weide would not let go of Dong Wenxue; no matter how fiercely he fought back, the other party would not easily release their grip, as that would mean completely losing the opportunity to control Liaodong's industry.

They intended to seize Dong Wenxue, thereby implicating Li Li Xuewu; even if they could not directly harm Li Li Xuewu, they aimed to cut off one of Li Li Xuewu's aids.

Su Weide's goal was simple: either pin Li Li Xuewu down in Liaodong for ten years or cripple him and recall him to the group to serve as a full-time Secretary-General.

With Su Weide's focus on Liaodong, Zhou Wanquan was also drawn to devote part of his energy there; Old Li's side was slightly relieved, yet he dared not act rashly.

Old Li now had the qualification to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, but the options in his hands remained few.

To put it plainly, he could not abandon Dong Wenxue, much less Li Li Xuewu, so he was waiting for an opportunity suitable for him to enter the fray.

If one were to use Gao Gao Yaqin's words, he was the one who needed a single battle to decide the outcome.

But Li Li Xuewu could not grant him his wish; even if Su Weide became more agitated, it should not be him who delivered the final blow, for that would be the foolish behavior of destroying one's own Great Wall.

He was the Secretary-General of the Honggang Group, not Li Li Huai De, and did not possess the qualification to deliver a killing blow to Su Weide; Li Li Xuewu could only use the opponent's force against them, letting the other party loop the noose around their own neck.

Li Li Xuewu could tolerate Cheng Kaiyuan's ambition, indulge Xiang Xiang Jingyu's narrow-mindedness, and even understand the goals of Gao Gao Yaqin and others, but!

He could not tolerate Su Weide's aimless recklessness, let alone his betrayal from within.

Just based on his action of dragging Northern Industry News into this, Li Li Xuewu had ten thousand reasons to bury him.

However, it was necessary to unite the opinions of everyone on the Management Committee; it had to be a case of him cutting himself off from humanity.

Therefore, Su Weide had to push the pressure toward Steel City and toward him, and he could not fight back; he needed to give the impression of prioritizing the big picture and swallowing his pride.

He was young, had plenty of time and opportunities, and would not care about gains or losses regarding face.

Think about it: it was now mid-August of 1970; how much longer could Su Weide's method of suppressing others with momentum last?

He was reading the newspaper; perhaps starting from this month, the person behind him should also be jumping in frustration, for once a person loses persistence in their beliefs, they become foolish.

Thus, when people look back at history, they always feel that those who could not possibly be so foolish would insist on doing bizarre things, even acting so childishly that it made one want to laugh.

Let him investigate; let him investigate; it would be good if he found something, for what Li Li Xuewu wanted was the truth.

Su Weide's focus was on Liaodong, but he was also in Liaodong; he had the confidence to ensure that the group's industry in Liaodong would not be affected.

This was far better than the opponent focusing their energy on the group, in which case the losses would be more than just a little.

Furthermore, with Su Weide's energy tied up in Steel City, Cheng Kaiyuan, Xiang Xiang Jingyu, and others gained more space to develop.

Li Li Xuewu's thoughts and reasoning aligned closely with De De Xiang Fa at least during this period: neither wished for anyone too powerful to emerge.

If the branches on anyone's head grew too lush, they would be trimmed; if anyone's leaves withered, they would be watered and fertilized.

In short, sending Su Weide away was not the goal; the goal was to make everyone on the Group Management Committee recognize a fact: that those who betray from within shall not die a good death.

Furthermore, anyone who dared to covet Old Li's position would surely bring about their own destruction; the only one who could decide when Old Li leaves is no one else but should be him.

This time was truly the ultimate battle for Li Li Xuewu to solidify his position within the group.

Gao Gao Yaqin left with a heart full of doubts and an understanding of Li Li Xuewu's attitude; while others were hard to say, at least on her side, she would no longer shift with the wind.

Because she dared not.

Winning people over with virtue, Li Li Xuewu's perspective on issues and his precise grasp of the future, which could be discerned from the newspapers, were abilities sufficient to awe her.

What did Gao Gao Yaqin see in the newspapers?

Li Li Xuewu did not explain it so thoroughly; he only reminded her to look at how all parts of the country were actively developing agricultural chemical industries and vigorously promoting the fertilizer and pesticide sectors.

This was also the project Li Li Xuewu was currently discussing and researching with Jingcheng Chemical Industry; next, the authorities above would certainly strengthen the development and construction of agriculture and rural areas, and policies would actively warm up.

It must be known that previously, with the development of the situation regarding going down to the countryside, the enthusiasm for the Great Study Campaign had shifted from cities to rural areas.

Now, Li Li Xuewu reminding her to pay attention to this news was telling her that agricultural work was also warming up, and there would certainly be positive changes in policy.

If this were the case, then the dynamic of the situation would also change accordingly.

It was not difficult for her to connect the key point Li Li Xuewu was hinting at; having worked for so many years, she knew immediately what this change reflected.

To say nothing of anything else, just based on Li Li Xuewu's casual pointer showing their tacit understanding, she would not dare to be a fence-sitter.

Cheng Kaiyuan naturally did not dare either; it was not fear of Li Li Xuewu's ability to grasp the situation, but rather fear of his insidious and ruthless tactic of digging pits to bury people.

Different strokes for different folks.

Li Li Xuewu never explained to Dong Wenxue why he had deliberately dragged out the No. 4 Furnace production accident into a burden, allowing the other party to seize leverage.

Because without the No. 4 Furnace, the other party could still conjure up a No. 5 or No. 6 Furnace; since the matter was real yet not that critical, it was better to use the pit to bury someone.

The first time, the second time, Li Li Xuewu admitted he had indeed influenced the investigation team's judgment and conclusions, all to amplify the uproar; plainly put, it was deliberate mystification.

If he hadn't done so, would Su Weide have firmly believed there was a major problem with the No. 4 Furnace?

If he hadn't done so, would Su Weide have stubbornly believed that the No. 4 Furnace production accident alone could restrain Dong Wenxue?

You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing a child; you can't catch a pervert without sacrificing a woman.

In the first year or two after Dong Wenxue returned to the Group, he was destined not to gain Li Li Huai De's trust and support, because his merits in Liaodong were simply too great.

What was the purpose of confining Dong Wenxue to the Liangma River Industrial Zone?

Because the Liangma River Industrial Zone was a long-term project; construction and development alone would take no less than a decade.

By the time merits were truly assessed, Li Li Huai De would long cease to view Dong Wenxue's achievements as a threat.

Therefore, the predicament Dong Wenxue now faced had little direct connection to the No. 4 Furnace; even without it, Su Weide would not have let him go, nor would Li Li Huai De have missed the chance to use Su Weide's hand to suppress him.

The outcome would be the same; it all depended on whether Dong Wenxue could come to terms with it.

If Li Li Xuewu had completed his meritorious service in Liaodong and returned to the Group for a posting, he too would have encountered this scenario, unless he was terrifyingly powerful, leaving no one daring to play dirty tricks.

Thus, Li Li Xuewu was in no hurry to return to the Group; cultivating more at this juncture offered advantages.

Regarding the exhibition, Li Li Xuewu pinned high hopes on it, and he believed Gao Gao Yaqin was also fully aware of the significance of this event.

The first four-door ordinary sedan launched by Steel Auto last year had never generated a particularly strong response in the mainland market, possibly due to limited influence.

Being capable of producing a fine vehicle like the Hongxing Hongxing Lingyang did not guarantee the ability to produce a fine sedan.

Li Li Xuewu had to admit that, whether in design or manufacturing, the Aries model still lagged significantly behind internationally renowned automobile manufacturers.

But the saving grace was that this model was cheap.

What he emphasized was good quality at a low price; this was hardly fraud—selling genuine low-end products was hardly objectionable, was it?

Moreover, Steel Auto was not devoid of progressive thinking; after the East German engineers arrived, they immediately participated in rectifying and developing existing models.

These people were not invited for nothing, nor was the money spent in vain; they had to be utilized to the fullest.

After seeing Gao Gao Yaqin off, Li Li Xuewu took a bath, changed into the clothes Guliyisha had retrieved, and emerged from the room at precisely the right moment.

He had an evening appointment with Bai Bai Changmin, who had not come alone but had also invited Director Zhang, the newly appointed head of the Jingcheng Chemical Industry Bureau.

Li Li Xuewu brought only Guliyisha; the moment the other party alighted from the car, he sensed Li Li Xuewu's intention, and a relaxed smile appeared on his otherwise somewhat rigid face.

"The environment here is truly excellent." Director Zhang, named Zhang Zhanshan, possessed an imposing aura, yet his countenance appeared amiable, marking him unmistakably as a scholar.

After stepping out of the car, he surveyed the front courtyard; under the glow of the large red lanterns, it felt as though one had truly entered a deep mansion from a bygone dynasty.

Introduced by Bai Bai Changmin, the two shook hands and exchanged a few brief pleasantries, thus becoming acquainted.

Li Li Xuewu did not neglect Guliyasha, naturally introducing her to them; whether they remembered her or not, however, remained unknown.

Guliyisha felt quite content; she did not care whether the leaders knew who she was, feeling only that the current Secretary-General possessed exceptional temperament and even greater magnanimity.

Neither Zhang Zhanshan nor Bai Bai Changmin felt that Li Li Xuewu bringing an inconsequential person was an eyesore; with this Miss present, tonight's atmosphere became all the more harmonious.

Do not misunderstand; none of the three men harbored any such intentions, merely feeling that a first meeting held in private seemed somewhat abrupt.

But with a beautiful lady present, it was different—a gathering of friends, sharing dinner, and casually discussing work-related matters felt perfectly natural, did it not?

Since Li Li Xuewu had brought her, they had no fear that topics discussed at the dinner table would leak out; besides, did words spoken over wine even count?

Rather than saying tonight's meeting was a statement of position, it was more accurate to say they were testing the waters.

Li Li Xuewu was not a direct cooperating party, but since he harbored the cunning intention of controlling the entire situation, he had to be somewhat cautious and exert extra effort.

"This is a club I joined during my tenure at the sub-bureau; you could call it a small circle." Li Li Xuewu raised his hand to guide them toward the standalone courtyard restaurant.

"Truly unexpected." Zhang Zhanshan followed him into the courtyard within a courtyard, then turned to remark to Bai Bai Changmin, "I have been to this area before, but never knew such a hidden paradise existed here."

"It is not the height of the mountain that matters, but the presence of an immortal that makes it famous."

Bai Bai Changmin was truly adept at this; smiling at Li Li Xuewu, he praised, "Among all the people I know, Secretary-General Li is the most blessed."

"Hahaha—" Li Li Xuewu laughed and waved his hand, modestly responding with courtesy, "Only when Director Zhang arrives here can it truly be called a blessed land."

"Hahaha!" Zhang Zhanshan was equally polite, smiling as he stepped into the large courtyard.

This was merely idle banter in private; what mattered was the attitude. Who would care about a couple of flattering remarks? If one kept being overly polite, it would be disgustingly hypocritical.

From the moment they entered the main gate, they saw only a single guard; anyone unaware might have thought it an empty compound, perhaps even a haunted house.

It was only upon reaching the inner courtyard that they discovered it had been transformed into a restaurant.

Led by Li Li Xuewu into the side room, they found the furnishings and furniture exuding an antique charm; the waitstaff had already prepared the wine and dishes, as if timing it to the minute.

Looking at the Bai Mao Jin provided for wiping hands, Zhang Zhanshan could not help but shake his head; such luxury was rare even for someone of his standing—Li Li Xuewu had truly shown off today.

Was this meal free? Was it delicious?

He had long learned from Bai Bai Changmin about the basic situation of the affiliated unit, Red Star Factory, and even more about the entire process of Red Star Factory evolving into Red Steel Group.

The fact that he understood it in such detail made it impossible to claim he had no ulterior motives.

Coming to tonight's banquet was intended to probe Li Li Xuewu's capabilities, to see whether he truly possessed the diamond drill needed to undertake their porcelain work.

Four people, six dishes; since it was summer and Li Li Xuewu had ordered wine, they prepared four cold and two hot dishes, with a special addition of fish soup, thus giving ample face.

Zhang Zhanshan had certainly seen such banquets before, so as the waiter poured his wine, he jokingly remarked to Bai Bai Changmin with courtesy, "We are under pressure now, hehe."

"Hahaha!" Bai Bai Changmin laughed, gesturing toward Li Li Xuewu, "Secretary-General Li does not mind this; we cannot compare to the conditions here."

They were referring to the matter of returning the invitation; since Li Li Xuewu had shown such great face, the next meeting should be arranged by them.

The deeper implication hidden in their words was to gauge Li Li Xuewu's sincerity; if Li Li Xuewu presented something this time, they too would give sufficient "face."

Li Li Xuewu understood instantly but did not rush; only after the service staff had departed did he raise his cup to propose the first toast of the evening.

It must also be mentioned here that, unlike Yu Li's management style, Zhou Wang Yamei, after assuming responsibility for the club, never made an appearance at occasions like this.

Whether it was Li Li Xuewu receiving guests or anyone else, she would never personally attend to them, nor would she make a show of coming over to offer a toast.

Li Li Xuewu did not evaluate the merits or faults of the two women's management styles, nor did he care about their reasons for doing so; as long as they could manage the team well, whatever they did was correct.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, the conversation naturally turned to Guliyisha, after all, she was the only female comrade present, and one who could drink alcohol at that.

"Do all broadcasters possess a fine voice?" Zhang Zhanshan asked curiously, "Is it innate or learned later?"

"Director Zhang, I used to be a dancer." Guliyisha was also quite skilled at conversation, no longer bearing that bookish arrogance she once had.

This statement left the other party momentarily stunned, before he immediately burst into laughter.

"This Red Steel Group truly hides dragons and sleeps tigers!" he praised, "A former dancer can still shine in the broadcasting industry; so multi-talented."

"Thank you for your praise; I simply encountered good leaders and good teachers." Guliyisha held the wine pot, filled his cup to the brim, then looked toward Bai Bai Changmin and said, "Leader, please drink a bit more; looking at you, one can tell you have a high tolerance for alcohol."

"Can alcohol tolerance be seen just by looking?" Bai Bai Changmin smiled, gestured toward Li Li Xuewu, and asked her, "How would you assess your leader's alcohol tolerance?"

Actually, he was being mischievous, deliberately teasing her.

Even he knew that Li Li Xuewu's alcohol tolerance was invincible, let alone the young lady Li Li Xuewu had brought along.

Guliyisha smiled, glanced at Li Li Xuewu, and spoke with undisguised admiration: "Our leader is the proud snow upon Tianshan, the eagle of the grasslands."

"Well now—"

"Hahaha!"

Laughter rang out in the restaurant on this summer night; even Li Li Xuewu felt embarrassed by the praise and voluntarily drank a cup of wine with her.

This frankness and worldly savvy were observed by Zhang Zhanshan and the other, prompting another round of contemplation.

They were all thousand-year-old foxes; they had never considered Li Li Xuewu a novice, judging solely by this bearing and method, he was truly remarkably young.

With a little white rabbit-like girl placed right before his eyes yet he made no move, no wonder she was called the proud snow upon Tianshan; truly proud enough.

"Praise Director Zhang and Factory Director Bai more," Li Li Xuewu teased her in return, gesturing toward the two opposite him and saying, "You are suspect of selling your own melons like Wang Po."

"Hahaha—"

After the jesting, Bai Bai Changmin proactively asked Li Li Xuewu about his work in Gangcheng, then followed up on the topic by inquiring about the connection with Liaodong Industry.

Hadn't the topic just turned around to this?

Li Li Xuewu simply introduced the process of how he came to know Hu Ke, also describing the other party's working style, illustrating it with practical examples.

Similarly, while introducing Hu Ke, he took the opportunity to mention Lu Qiming, the deputy director supervising Liaodong Industry, speaking of the other party's emphasis on industrial development.

Up to this point, at least as far as Li Li Xuewu was concerned, Jingcheng Chemical and Liaodong Industry had not yet had formal contact; he could not guarantee whether there were any private relationships between the two sides.

Therefore, his words were very sincere, neither exaggerated nor false; he candidly introduced the Red Steel Group's development and situation in Liaodong.

If there were difficulties, speak of the difficulties; if there was gratitude, speak of the gratitude; sincerity is the ultimate skill for getting along with one another; when meeting privately, there is no need to put on airs.

Seeing that there was no topic concerning her, Guliyisha properly attended to the wine banquet, while also relaxing enough to pick and eat the dishes she liked.

"I heard some news a few days ago."

Bai Bai Changmin extinguished the cigarette butt in his hand, his eyes slightly narrowed from the smoke, as he explained: "It concerns the launching of the first missile destroyer."

He looked at Li Li Xuewu and asked, "I heard that your Yingcheng Shipyard also participated?"

"They issued us medals and letters of appreciation." Li Li Xuewu nodded very candidly, explaining, "However, it was not cooperation on the main project, but related to component production."

He deliberately steered the topic closer to the main theme, emphasizing: "The advantages of integrated production have been fully demonstrated in industrial manufacturing."

"Is this a project of the Sixth Ministry of Machinery?"

Zhang Zhanshan rested his arm on the dining table, similarly narrowing his eyes slightly while smoking a cigarette, and said: "Even Shanghai Jiaotong University has been transferred into the organizational structure of the Sixth Ministry of Machinery."

He exhaled a mouthful of smoke and said: "This shows that industrial development still requires talent cultivation and scientific research work; your Red Steel Group has walked ahead in this regard."

"This path is not easy to walk; we too have stumbled along the way." Li Li Xuewu explained with a bitter smile: "Every year, we invest no less than a million solely in the areas of talent absorption and cultivation."

"But you have walked the right path." Zhang Zhanshan looked at him and spoke with meaningful intent: "Now in Jingcheng Industry, take any enterprise you like, who does not envy you?"

"Even we have benefited from the spill-over."

He glanced at Bai Bai Changmin, smiled, and said: "The graduates from the Joint Vocational and Technical College this year are truly excellent; in my opinion, they are more professional than the university students assigned in previous years."

"One cannot say that." Li Li Xuewu replied politely with a smile: "One can only say that different specialties require different expertise; just like with this group integration project, we too only gained accumulation after experiencing it."