Chapter 1682: Turning Over

"Just to level this piece of land, our finance department took out more than one million yuan."

Wang Lu pointed to the flat land in the distance and introduced, "If you add the 'four connections' (water, electricity, gas, and road)."

She also couldn't help but gasp, and then continued to introduce, "It would be three million."

"Not little, but not much either, right?"

Li Xuewu sat on the Hongtu business passenger bus, looked at the construction site outside the window, and asked Gu Litong, who was sitting diagonally opposite, "How much did your Second Auto invest?"

"Are you asking about the total investment or the first phase of the project?" Gu Litong naturally understood the meaning behind his words.

At this moment, he cooperated very well and introduced, "I don't know the total investment; it depends on the situation; we prepared 5 million for the first phase."

"What about you? Old Wang," Li Xuewu turned his head back and looked at Wang Mr., Deputy General Manager of Ji Auto, sitting behind him, "How much are you investing?"

"3.5 million for the first phase, total investment no less than 9 million."

Wang Mr. had been mixing with Li Xuewu for a long time, and his mouth started to run wild, daring to brag about anything.

Wang Lu naturally had a count in her heart, but she also knew that once the Auto City project started, the total investment of these enterprises wouldn't be less than this number they said.

The key is whether this project can be done.

"The Red Steel Group's total wages in the Steel City Industrial Zone this year have already exceeded two million, and this is only the first quarter and the second quarter."

He looked at Wang Lu, nodded slowly, and emphasized, "If I say the money your Steel City threw down has already been earned back, this isn't a lie, right?"

"Hahaha—" Hu Ke, sitting opposite him, laughed softly and said to Wang Lu, "Don't talk to him about this; you can't win against him."

"It doesn't matter; what Li Zong said is the truth." Wang Lu looked at the "God of Wealth" with a smile and said, "Steel City being able to have today is indeed thanks to everyone's blessing."

"You are too polite," Wang Mr. smiled, pointed at Li Xuewu, and emphasized, "We are also thanks to Li Zong's blessing."

"Why is everyone so polite today?"

Li Xuewu glanced back at the few people and said amusedly, "Where is that arrogant energy you usually have? You have to stand up!"

"Hahaha—"

The motorcade stopped on the side of the newly repaired road according to the guidance of the front car, and three Red Star Antelopes with warning lights protected the few Hongtu business cars.

Li Xuewu and others got off the car; those who didn't know would think the Red Steel Group's leadership had collectively mobilized.

Why do you say that?

Just look and you'll know: all white shirts, black trousers; even if not everyone wore leather shoes, they had to be black cloth shoes.

The Red Steel Group had absolute popularity in the Liaodong region long ago, and Red Steel's cadres all dressed like this.

This "white plus black" wind finally blew to Liaodong, blowing white the upper garments and blowing black the trousers and leather shoes.

"Whose territory is this?" Li Xuewu stomped his feet, looked at the construction site under construction, and joked, "South Auto's?"

"Ha Auto's," Wang Mr. explained, "Liu Yang from South Auto didn't come; one of their division chiefs is staring at the project progress here."

"Their piece of land is quite good!"

Hu Ke stood with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance, and couldn't help but say, "This can be considered the best plot, right?"

"Who let our luck be bad back then."

Wang Mr. sighed helplessly and explained, "We all came together, not in order; if we didn't draw lots, we would have fought."

"Hahaha—" Wang Lu remembered the matter of dividing the land back then and still found it funny, looked at Hu Ke, and introduced, "They divided the plots themselves."

"That side is Second Auto's, this side is South Auto's, and further away is our Ji Auto's; our plot is the worst."

Wang Mr. stood on Hu Ke's left, pointed at the few plots in front of him, and introduced, "However, the area of these few plots is the same."

"Where is Red Steel's?" Hu Ke looked for a long time, turned his head, and specifically asked, "Why didn't I see Red Steel's sign."

Looking from where they stood, they could see the project name sprayed on the construction project sign.

"Red Steel's factory is still in the industrial zone, belonging to the very edge of the Auto City." Wang Lu pointed into the distance, "I even said I would leave a separate piece for them; Li Zong said it wasn't needed."

"It's adjacent to the machine processing factory, which is convenient for the development of the parts industrial park."

Li Xuewu just explained it casually, then looked at Wang Mr. and asked, "Have your Ji Auto's production equipment been decided?"

"Almost, Beijing Second Machinery is doing it; everyone's is about the same." Wang Mr. looked back at him and asked, "Has your equipment arrived?"

"No, they said they wanted to redesign," Li Xuewu walked forward a few steps, looked at the construction site, and said, "Don't know when it will be done."

"Still you have this convenient condition—" Wang Mr. said with envy, "Even the production equipment is custom-made."

"Actually, you can also do it this way." Li Xuewu pointed at Gu Litong, who was talking to Wang Lu, and said, "Second Auto is also doing it this way."

"Second Auto's strength is stronger than ours."

Wang Mr. couldn't help but sigh and said, "Their 130 sells well; they have money in their pockets."

"Isn't your Huanghai 651 sales also okay?" Li Xuewu asked amusedly, "You've started envying them?"

"Envy can't be envied; you still have to work—"

Wang Mr. said with emotion, "Just deal with it for one year this year; next year, when we catch our breath, we are preparing to do a big job."

"Then you have to hurry up."

Li Xuewu turned around, smiled, and said, "Report the production process and parts data as soon as possible."

"This engineering project is bigger."

Wang Mr. shook his head with some mental fatigue and said, "Parts generalization is a problem everywhere."

"Another thing, such a large-scale car manufacturing integration project, I don't know how long it will take to straighten it out."

"That's why I say 'many hands make light work'."

Li Xuewu nodded slowly and introduced, "The Red Star Research Institute organized more than 60 experts and more than 200 backbone members to specialize in this subject."

"Parts standardization and generalization, right?" Gu Litong heard their conversation, turned his head to look at the two, and said, "Now it depends on whose progress is faster."

"Whether the project is completed first, or the equipment is completed first, or the standardization and generalization of production processes and data are completed first."

"Hehe—" Li Xuewu said lightly, "The Red Steel Group took out 300,000 to reward this project."

He walked confidently in front of the crowd, turned his head, and said, "Whoever's team completes the project ahead of schedule can share a part of it."

"Good fellow, there must be brave men under heavy rewards!"

Wang Mr. said with a smile, "No wonder your Red Steel's scientific research results come one after another; it turns out this is the secret!"

"Have you thought about what technology you want to bring back this time when you go to Japan?"

Gu Litong stubbed out his last cigarette, sat in the ashtray, squinted his eyes, and looked at Li Xuewu opposite, asking, "Cars are needed, right?"

"Hmm, I have this idea."

Li Xuewu nodded slightly while thinking and explained, "The suggestion given by Sanhe is that besides electronics, the most attention should be paid to the automobile industry."

"Mainly in the field of machine processing."

He supported the sofa armrest with both hands, straightened his body, crossed his right leg, and said, "They are already at the forefront of the world in the field of machine processing."

"Any industrial production cannot be separated from machine processing; this is basic industry." Gu Litong picked up his teacup, put it down, and said, "If the Red Steel Group can bring back advanced technology and experience, we can also enjoy this result."

"Don't know what can be obtained yet."

Li Xuewu also explained hesitantly, "Everyone knows that the cat teaches the tiger, but the skill of climbing trees cannot be taught; not to mention the little 'Ghost'."

"How many experts are you bringing?"

Gu Litong drank a mouthful of hot tea, put down the teacup, and said, "Anyway, we are prepared to bring fewer clerks and more engineers."

"You have to be mentally prepared."

Li Xuewu glanced at him and reminded, "The project will eventually be finalized at the negotiating table; you can't bring engineers to negotiate."

"Hmm, I know," Gu Litong nodded and explained, "We also prepared a negotiation team."

"The automobile industry must be a big item."

Li Xuewu thought for a while and emphasized, "The intensity of the negotiation must be very high; I can only say this much."

"Why?" Gu Litong asked in confusion, "Because we all need car manufacturing technology?"

"No, because Red Steel's cars have been exported." Li Xuewu explained indifferently, "Everyone is in Northeast Asia, and we are in a competitive relationship."

"Then there's still something to talk about?" Gu Litong frowned and asked, "Even if it's negotiated, can we get advanced production technology?"

"Advanced technology?" Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Polish your eyes, let your engineering team be cautious and careful, don't be fooled."

"Damn it—" Gu Litong cursed secretly and said, "Knew the little 'Ghost' didn't have a good heart; I still have to think about who to bring."

"There is another reason," Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and explained, "The construction of the Steel City Auto City."

"In just the past two years, the Red Steel Group has exported more than 100,000 cars to Eastern Europe; this number is enough to scare them."

He let out a long breath and said, "Not to mention the ones in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, nor how much was earned; this production capacity alone is scary enough."

"If it were you, could you have no precautions?"

"This is also true—"

Gu Litong nodded in agreement and said, "If it were me, I would definitely leave a hand."

"Gather the strengths of all families—"

Li Xuewu didn't care much and said, "Red Steel won't focus its eyes on the automobile industry; the scope of our investigation is very wide."

"Still you have strength."

Gu Litong said with envy, "Even sitting at the negotiating table, you have enough chips to talk."

"Envied?" Li Xuewu said amusedly, "Tell your factory manager to promote groupization as soon as possible."

"This isn't so easy to promote."

Gu Litong sighed again and said, "Even if we push, pull, and drag, it's impossible to be as fast as you were back then."

He couldn't help but complain, "I'm afraid everyone will learn from you; now Beijing Industry basically doesn't allow 'big fish eating small fish'."

"Heh—" Li Xuewu smiled lightly, "Isn't everyone talking about resource integration?"

"This is also the word that came from you, right?"

Gu Litong glanced at him and said, "Big fish eating small fish is not allowed, small fish huddling together is okay; is this the resource integration you mentioned?"

"Hahaha—" Li Xuewu could hear the complaint, shook his head slightly, and emphasized, "Integration doesn't distinguish between big and small; small fish can also eat elephants."

"You can really bluff—"

Gu Litong shook his head slightly and said, "It won't necessarily be done in another three years; our annual budget is like squeezing toothpaste."

"This time building a factory in Liaodong is to raise funds as soon as possible; even the money for buying equipment is from mortgage loans."

He pointed his chin and explained, "The money in our hands is only enough for the construction funds of the first phase; there is no money to buy equipment."

"Fortunately, we went early, otherwise United Savings wouldn't have been able to take out so much money for a while."

"What did you use for mortgage?" Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and asked, "Equipment or shares?"

"Shares, equipment isn't worth much money."

Gu Litong was really tired and said, "The credit department of United Savings said that equipment cannot be mortgaged too much, because as long as it is in hand, it belongs to backward products."

"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu also laughed when he heard it, nodded, and said, "That's right, once bought, it's definitely not the latest model."

"Still you Red Steel know how to make money."

Gu Litong picked up his teacup and said, "If Second Auto had your strength, wouldn't we do whatever we wanted?"

"Look at us now, are we doing whatever we want?"

Li Xuewu looked at him amusedly and said, "You think too beautifully; if you don't run a house, you don't know the price of firewood and rice; our days aren't easy either."

"If you guys cry poor again, we should really die."

Gu Litong raised his eyebrows and asked, "Does Liaodong Industry have any new projects for you again?"

"This is the benefit of a group-type enterprise; all the good things go to you first."

"This sounds sour."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "There is indeed a project, which is the resource integration just mentioned; they are preparing to do a group-ization pilot."

"No wonder Old Wang and the others are squeezing here." Gu Litong suddenly realized, "If this is done, doesn't it mean..."

"It sounds simple, right?" Li Xuewu said with a smile, "It's not easy at all."

"Group-ization isn't a dream, nor is it molding mud figures; it doesn't become one just by molding; there are too many things to say here."

"I can understand this."

Gu Litong thought for a while and said, "How long will a project take? Is the return rate not high?"

He said with a smile, "Based on my understanding of you, if the return rate is high, you would dare to do anything."

"You really guessed it right," Li Xuewu said bitterly, "The return rate isn't high, but the risk is particularly high."

"Then you still dare to take this job?"

Gu Litong said in surprise, "Could it be that they threatened you?"

"You think too much; no one can threaten the Red Steel Group." Li Xuewu picked up his teacup and said indifferently, "If this project is done, the risk will be infinitely reduced, and the profit will be infinitely increased."

"This..." Gu Litong thought for a while, suddenly opened his eyes, and asked, "Are you going to specialize in this item? Specifically to provide group-ization guidance for enterprises?"

"To be precise, Liaodong Industry let us teach them hand in hand." Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and emphasized, "And it's the kind that advances funds first."

"Damn, this thing can't be taken."

Gu Litong shook his head and reminded, "If you really fall into it, no one can save you; the volume of your Red Steel is really too big."

"So we are still talking," Li Xuewu shrugged and said, "The current idea is to combine projects like Auto City and Chemical Industrial Park to first create a set of supporting industrial models."

"We are preparing to form a refinery in Yingcheng with Beijing Chemical, and we also participated in this project."

He thought for a while and continued, "United Energy and the Sales General Company will also follow up, striving to build more gas stations."

"Where does the oil come from?" Gu Litong frowned and asked, "I'm talking about crude oil."

"Sea," Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "Go buy oil wherever it's cheap; while the crude oil price is cheap now, build the refinery as soon as possible."

"Is it to lay out the development of the automobile industry?"

Gu Litong asked while thinking, "More cars mean more oil? Is this the supply and demand relationship?"

"Not necessarily; car oil can't compare to industrial oil."

Li Xuewu thought for a while and introduced, "We formed an aviation hub at Tadong Airport and are preparing to operate the aviation transport industry."

Gu Litong couldn't keep up with his rhythm, his eyes couldn't help but open wide, and he asked, "Have you been busy with these things in the last two years?"

"Really—" he exclaimed, "Usually I don't see you busy with anything, but in the blink of an eye, you have laid down this foundation for the Red Steel Group in Liaodong."

"It's not just me who laid it down alone," Li Xuewu smiled and said, "I just contributed a share of effort."

"Too humble, can't imagine."

Gu Litong exclaimed, "In less than three years, industrial integration and the creation of new projects were completed; the key is that the local relationship has been completely opened."

He raised his eyebrows and said, "Regarding the relationship with Liaodong Industry and the city, it's obvious that you have the advantage."

"In this regard, I have to thank the persons in charge of each unit." Li Xuewu didn't mean to take credit at all and explained, "They all have a way in handling local relationships."

"Very good!" Gu Litong thought for a while and said, "Our manufacturing factory in Steel City wants to achieve production, at least it will be the middle of next year."

"The interest during this period is completely carried, and development is very difficult."

"Aren't you stronger than Old Wang and the others?"

Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "They don't have other income; at any rate, you still have the share dividends of Steel Auto."

"This really has to thank you." Gu Litong smiled and said, "Back then, it was you who said 'cooperation has a future,' and we agreed."

"No need to thank me; this is what you deserve." Li Xuewu nodded and said, "If you didn't have this courage, you wouldn't have earned this money."

Gu Litong naturally knew what he was talking about, and also nodded to guarantee, "Rest assured, in Liaodong, our steps are consistent."

Li Xuewu wanted more than just consistent steps; after talking with Gu Litong, he also chatted for two sentences when sending Hu Ke away.

Hu Ke didn't come for nothing this time; at least he got the bottom line of the Red Steel Group.

Actually, rather than saying it's the Red Steel Group's bottom line, it's better to say it's Li Xuewu's idea.

On May 14, Li Xuewu's application to the Red Steel Group Management Committee to resign from the position of Factory Manager of the Steel City Metallurgical Plant was approved.

On May 16, the Group Management Committee issued a personnel notice appointing Comrade Xu Sinuian, Factory Manager of Yingcheng Shipbuilding Manufacturing Factory, and Comrade Kuang Yusheng, Factory Manager of Steel City Rolling Mill, as Deputy General Managers of the Northeast Industrial Development General Company.

On May 18, Li Xuewu took the train to Fengcheng to meet with Li Huai De, who had already arrived there; they would take a special plane from Fengcheng to Tokyo together with other industrial enterprise representatives.

Because of the experience of going to East Germany last time, this time the Red Steel Group still arranged a large team to fly from Hong Kong to Tokyo in advance.

Japan is too small, not much bigger than East Germany, with equivalent industrial foundation, but has unique advantages in technology.

As America's industrial backyard and synonymous with OEM, Japan's economy in this era can be described as flying like a rocket.

This naturally laid the groundwork for the later Plaza Accord; without absolute self-protection ability, Tokyo people actually shouted to buy America.

"Li Zong, what time did you arrive?"

As soon as Li Xuewu got off the car, he saw Li Huai De and others walking in the park; this is the guesthouse in Fengcheng, the courtyard is very large, there are several foreign-style buildings with good conditions, and the scenery in the courtyard is also very good.

Li Huai De had just finished dinner, was chatting with everyone, and walking; seeing Li Xuewu get off the car, he waved and signaled, "Just waiting for you."

"Gu Litong left from my place."

Li Xuewu smiled and pointed at Gu Litong, who was waving to greet him, and explained, "Arrived a few days earlier than me."

"Arrived at Tadong Airport after 11 o'clock in the morning."

Li Huai De explained with a smile, "Looking at the airport, it is different from before; the equipment and facilities are good, and the functional buildings are also presentable."

"There is already news about the plane." Li Xuewu whispered to Old Li and didn't say anything else; there were many people here.

Old Li nodded knowingly, his face unable to hide his smile, and nodded, saying, "You've worked hard."

"It's work, how can it not be hard."

Li Xuewu didn't care and pointed to the cafeteria direction, asking, "How is it, is the food good?"

"It's okay," Li Huai De nodded and said, "The ministry is also attentive."

"Then I'll go eat first, and I'll come find you after a while."

Li Xuewu responded and walked toward the cafeteria according to the direction Old Li pointed.

He wanted to eat on the train, but he slept until he arrived, and when he was hungry, he could only get off the train.

Because he was on a business trip, he didn't bring Ma Baosen, only Qi Yan, who sent him here to meet up.

According to the organizational process, these industrial and commercial representatives would take the same plane, and the accompanying personnel had already gone to Tokyo 3 days ago.

The reason for taking the same plane was to cooperate with the leaders; there would be very important interviews and recordings by then.

Li Xuewu didn't want to show his face, but Old Li didn't want to be separated from him; last time in Germany, something almost went wrong.

"Li Xuewu? It really is you!"

"Director Han, are you leading the team this time?"

Li Xuewu turned around when he heard the greeting and recognized the person calling him as Han Song, Director of the General Office of the First Ministry of Machine Building.

Seeing him holding a lunch box, he said, "It's really a coincidence; I just saw our Director Li, and he didn't say you were here too."

"Hmm, I just arrived here too."

Han Song looked him over and asked with a smile, "I heard you are doing very well in Liaodong, right?"

"I wouldn't dare to be humble in front of you."

Li Xuewu smiled and invited him to join, politely saying, "If I were humble, wouldn't you criticize me for being arrogant."

"Hahaha! You, you!"

Han Song pointed at him and laughed loudly, saying, "Sharp-tongued; our system belongs to you as the most talented, and also the most eloquent."

He put down his lunch box, sat opposite Li Xuewu, raised his eyebrows, and asked, "I heard you also represented the education system to attend the meeting?"

"Sigh—I was also fooled."

Li Xuewu sighed as if it were difficult and said, "You might not believe it, but when I went, I didn't even know what meeting I was attending."

"Did your academy arrange for you to go?"

Han Song looked at him and said, "Distinguish between primary and secondary; you are an associate professor, so it's okay to attend this kind of meeting, but I hope more that you are Li Zong."

This sentence can be considered a relatively implicit reminder, reminding Li Xuewu to pay attention to his identity and also to pay attention to propriety.

Li Xuewu could understand this kind of thing; if he expressed opinions in another system, it was very likely that the other party would seize his identity to talk about it.

By then, it wouldn't just be him who was embarrassed; the leaders who arranged for him to go to the academy would also be questioned about their motives.

So he had to keep a low profile and remain appropriately silent.

Han Song was definitely well-intentioned; he must have heard some content in the First Ministry of Machine Building and didn't think that Li Xuewu's excessive participation in education work had any benefits.

Of course, if Li Xuewu could get an associate professorship in engineering, he might still treat Li Xuewu as a cadre with professional ability to cultivate.

Criminal psychology professor—this doesn't match industrial enterprises.

However, Han Song couldn't speak too clearly; using the leader's identity to require Li Xuewu to put more energy into the enterprise, no one would say anything about him.

"Hmm, the meeting will last a long time."

Li Xuewu introduced, "Currently, I haven't received a notice to hold a small group discussion meeting; I estimate I have to wait a while."

"You understand the primary and secondary, that's good."

Han Song nodded, picked up his chopsticks, and started eating, asking while eating, "Do you have any preparations this time? You gained so much last time in East Germany."

"Of course I have." Li Xuewu introduced, "We formed a commercial team even larger than the one in East Germany and went a long time in advance."

"You have a very good cooperative enterprise in Japan, right?" Han Song asked, "Is it called Sanhe Stock Company?"

"Yes, it's called Sanhe Stock Company."

Li Xuewu nodded and explained, "Cooperated since 1967, until now, it's been 4 years."

"Hmm, 'close to the water gets the moon first'."

Han Song smiled and asked, "Do you have any goals? I believe you are still the main commercial representative of your Group this time, right?"

"Our Group's Comrade Gao Yaqin also came." Li Xuewu introduced, "She is responsible for our Group's economic work."

"Hmm, you are responsible for industry."

Han Song said in understanding, "She is responsible for economy, you are responsible for industry; are you planning to divide the work and cooperate?"

"The task volume this time is a bit large." Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Last time in East Germany, it was a bit stretched."

"This time, no matter what, I have to make good preparations and make some leeway."

He explained softly, "Our Li Zong didn't let me say it, but he actually wants to do a big one, and the money prepared is still considered sufficient."

"If the word 'sufficient' comes from your mouth, then it must be sufficient." Han Song nodded and said, "Your Group has strength; wanting to do big projects naturally has conditions."

"But I'll nag one more sentence: big projects are also formed by many small projects; you must be cautious."

He pointed on the dining table and emphasized, "Although we go to escort you, you must know that it is in Japan."

"In a foreign land, strength is not enough."

"Understood, I understand what you mean."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Director Li feels that the last time in East Germany allowed the Group's various work to develop rapidly; this time coming to Japan should also be an opportunity."

"The opportunity is naturally real." Han Song nodded and said, "We facilitated this visit, isn't it to create opportunities for you."

He ate very fast, and Li Xuewu wasn't slow either; the two finished eating almost at the same time, put down their chopsticks, couldn't rush to get up, and chatted again.

"You have ties with Japan in the fields of automobiles, electronics, and aircraft; you may need to engage in deep cooperation when the time comes, so prepare yourselves mentally."

Han Song reminded him, "And now the external situation is getting better day by day; with you as the 'pearl and jade' in front, it is very likely that you will break through external constraints in the future and completely realize free foreign trade."

"We also think so." Li Xuewu wiped his hands with a paper towel and introduced, "So at the end of this year, to the beginning of next year, in the Yingcheng Port area, we are preparing to form a Free Trade Management Center."

"By then, we will invite commercial representatives from more countries to participate in competition and cooperation together, and the market will be completely opened in the Northeast."

"Hmm, I have read the plan you submitted."

Han Song nodded and said, "The idea is naturally very good, but I am very worried that you will easily have problems in the process of execution."

"The hidden dangers and risks in this regard naturally exist," Li Xuewu didn't rush to refute the other party's worries, but explained with understanding, "The Group's meaning is to experiment first, and at the same time do a good job in research."

"This is the consistent style of your Group's work."

Han Song knew that these cadres of the Red Steel Group had their own ideas and wouldn't listen to him easily, so he only advised one sentence and didn't mention it again.

The two washed their lunch boxes and walked back to the accommodation building together, chatting about idle topics on the way.

Han Song knew his background relationship, so he took the initiative to ask about his father-in-law's situation.

This didn't have any special meaning; he had been hearing people discuss his father-in-law's name recently.

It couldn't be counted as a good omen, but his father-in-law wasn't a "frightened bird," so his father-in-law was indifferent, and he, the son-in-law, was even more indifferent.

Asked about Li Xuewu's father-in-law, asked about Li Xuewu's family, and chatted about the topic of children; the two chatted all the way until they separated in the corridor.

Li Xuewu first returned to the room to tidy up, then went to the duty desk to ask which room Li Huai De was staying in.

After finding it, he just knocked on the door, and Liu Bin appeared at the door.

"Finished eating?" Li Huai De saw it was him, nodded, and said, "The food is okay; the ministry is also attentive."

"Indeed okay," Li Xuewu walked to the sofa and sat down, reporting, "I just met Director Han in the restaurant."

"Hmm, I know he is here, but I haven't seen him." Li Huai De nodded and explained, "He is the squad leader of

"Why is he the one coming?" Li Xuewu asked, raising an eyebrow. "Could it be that there's some good news?"

"Hehehe—" Li Huai chuckled and said, "He should bring it up once he returns this time."

"I haven't inquired about the specifics; I'm just going by what they said."

Old Li shook his head and said, "Another reason is that he speaks Japanese; he worked in the Enemy Work Department in the past."

"Oh—" Li Xuewu nodded in realization. "So that's how it is; I didn't even know he had that work experience."

"We are people of this age, after all."

Li Huai waved his hand and said dismissively, "If one hadn't experienced anything, how could one have such rich experience and ability?"

"Of course, you are still lucky."

He smiled, looked Li Xuewu over, and said, "You served in the military and have a very good foundation, which is why you've been able to seize opportunities over these years and know what you want."

"Hmm, there is that aspect to it."

Li Xuewu thought for a moment, nodded, and said with a smile, "Otherwise, why would they say young cadres should exercise themselves more while they are young?"

"Hehehe—" Li Huai understood his meaning and said with a smile, "Does your Northeast company need people? Should I arrange some for you as well?"

"It's enough for now," Li Xuewu said, raising an eyebrow. "The growth of an enterprise is also the growth of its cadres and staff; it all requires a process."

"Are you saying I'm suspected of forcing the shoots to grow?"

Li Huai laughed quite casually, waved his hand, and without letting Li Xuewu explain, said, "At this time, we always need some people to grow up as quickly as possible and take on the heavy responsibilities."

He said meaningfully to Li Xuewu, "If there is a lack of successors, who will become your support? Right?"

"You are still the one who thinks far ahead," Li Xuewu just smiled and did not pick up on his topic.

Regarding Old Li's personnel layout within the group, he had not directly participated, even if, as Old Li said, it was all for his own good.

In fact, there was an inherent condition here: he would have to follow the established rules after Old Li left the group.

That is to say, the personnel relationships Old Li prepared for his own good were also ropes that bound him.

Therefore, Li Xuewu would not comment on his work, but regarding personnel, he could not agree with Old Li's approach.

To use Gao Yaqin's words, it was overbearing and unreasonable; sometimes organizational personnel really would interfere with the development of a project.

Old Li could listen to opinions, but he was somewhat headstrong in supervision, as if he were guarding against someone.

They only rested for one night in Fengcheng before officially boarding the special plane at two o'clock the next afternoon, ready to set off.

Li Huai did not sit with Li Xuewu but was further forward; the seating arrangement this time was very particular and disciplined.

As a deputy general-level cadre of the group, Li Xuewu could only sit further back with Gao Yaqin.

According to Han Song's arrangement, Li Huai and the others were to follow the leadership off the plane, while Li Xuewu and the others would be the last batch to disembark.

Li Xuewu had no objection to this arrangement and even hoped that the cameras would have already interviewed enough material by then and would no longer pay attention to him.

"Are you a bit nervous?" Gao Yaqin was sitting right next to him, and seeing him with his eyes closed and frowning slightly, she asked with doubt.

Li Xuewu opened his eyes, looked at her, and shook his head, saying, "No, what is there to be nervous about?"

"You looked so miserable, I thought you were nervous."

Gao Yaqin smiled and said, "This is my first time participating in such an important activity; I used to be the organizer."

"Then you must enjoy it well," Li Xuewu joked. "They all say that in Japan, bathing doesn't distinguish between men and women; they are all in the same pool."

"What the hell?!" Gao Yaqin was shocked beyond measure, looked at him, and asked, "Are you sure this isn't a joke?"

"He isn't joking; it's true."

Wang Youhan, the deputy factory director of Beijing Automobile sitting in the same row, smiled and introduced, "However, not all bathhouses are like that; you have to pick."

"What else do I have to pick—" Gao Yaqin curled her lips and said, "You scared me."

"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu looked at Wang Youhan across Gao Yaqin and greeted him with a smile, "I almost fell asleep just now and didn't see you."

"It doesn't matter; I could almost hear your snoring." Wang Youhan seemed to have forgotten the unpleasantness they had in East Germany.

At this moment, he joked magnanimously, "If one could really just sleep until arrival, that would truly be a good thing."

"I was planning to do just that."

Li Xuewu pointed to Gao Yaqin, who was still wondering why Japan had bathhouses where men and women were in the same pool.

"Our General Manager Gao is very afraid that the journey will be dull, so she has blocked me in here to keep her company and pass the time."

"What does your Beijing Automobile want to see?" Gao Yaqin was truly unreserved, thinking the other party was a good friend like Gu Li.

Wang Youhan twitched his mouth, deliberately glanced at Li Xuewu, and explained, "Just looking around."

"Heh—" Li Xuewu was amused by him and said quite strangely, "We are preparing to go to Toyota for a look; it's already been arranged."

He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you want to come along? It's convenient for us."

"No need, thank you," Wang Youhan said blandly. "I have to follow the leadership; we aren't going the same way."

There was indeed truth in that; he couldn't go the same way as Li Xuewu, and Beijing Automobile couldn't go the same way as Red Star Automobile either.

The Red Steel Group took the lead in establishing an automobile factory in Steel City, and even Beijing Second Automobile went to invest, but Beijing Automobile was the only one left out.

Of course, there were many enterprises in the country with car-making capabilities and businesses at this time, but only a few truly counted.

Li Xuewu actually had the ability to find these enterprises from all over the country to invest together in Steel City and build some kind of "Automobile City."

He had already learned that this project intended to realize the universality and standardization of automobile parts.

This meant that the production costs of these enterprises would be further reduced.

Especially with the new factory area, new equipment, and new workers, once they reached the level of Red Star Automobile, all automobiles in the country would face the opportunity of a major price reduction.

In any case, they were about to give up; although the 212 had been modified and upgraded this year, the decline in sales was truly too severe.

In the past, the 212 never had inventory cars, but now not only were there inventory cars, they were accumulating more and more.

He was wary of Li Xuewu, thinking that this time Beijing Automobile had to turn things around.