Chapter 1688: Old but Not Dead

If Li Xuewu needed an argument, he wouldn't mind promoting the cooperation between the group and Sanhe as a successful typical case, or even touting the excellence of this compensation trade.

The cooperation with Sanhe has always been accompanied by contradictions and disputes, and there may even be changes in the future.

But this does not affect the mutual need and close cooperation between the two sides, and Li Xuewu is also willing to express his stance to the Japanese enterprise head in Japan.

They say businessmen have no bottom line, but Li Xuewu has principles, just not many.

"If Honda is willing, we can completely replicate this successful industrial model."

During the meeting break, he sat in the lounge with Kawashima Yoshiyoshi, chatting about private topics.

Private, not all ambiguous.

At least there is no such weird atmosphere between two big men.

What made Kawashima Yoshiyoshi a bit surprised was Li Xuewu's initiative, which made him a bit confused.

Why?

Because according to normal business negotiations or communication, any party would maintain restraint.

If you show too much eagerness, you will be manipulated by the other party, or even lose the initiative.

But the negotiation atmosphere today was a bit wrong from the beginning; he was a bit too excited.

No, it's not that the other party was too excited, but he was excited by what Li Xuewu said.

As the person in charge of production business for Japan's third-largest car company, he shouldn't be like this.

He was a person who had experienced wind and rain; after talking to this point, he had already calmed down.

And what made his nerves tense instantly was that the moment his emotions changed, this young man in front of him actually slowed down the rhythm of the conversation synchronously.

What kind of monster is this!

Not on the scene, no one can feel the fear of the negotiation rhythm and atmosphere being controlled.

Sometimes when you discuss certain viewpoints with someone, you might feel a similar situation, that is, what the other party says makes so much sense.

Li Xuewu now cites classics, every sentence is closely linked to the good prospects of business cooperation, and at the same time, he frankly and honestly stated the contradictions and problems in the cooperation with Sanhe Stock Company in the past.

This kind of frankness that is both active and does not cover up problems actually made him a bit surprised and panicked.

Absolutely cannot make a decision today, because he has already felt that he is about to be controlled.

Although his consciousness is constantly reminding himself, don't trust the other party easily, don't make a decision.

But! Every time the other party finished a sentence, he couldn't help but nod slightly, unconsciously agreeing.

Where did this monster, who looks Li Kezhang Fei on the outside but has a mind as fine as silk on the inside, pop out from?

China is indeed vast and rich in resources, a place where the spirits of the mountains and rivers gather, and for thousands of years, it has never lacked for young talents and dashing figures.

"Mr. Li, may I ask a question off the record?" Kawashima Yoshiyoshi did not hide his curiosity as he sized him up, and seeing him nod, he then asked in a friendly manner: "What is your specific position at the Red Steel Group?"

"I am very sorry to ask this, but I need to have an accurate judgment."

"That is nothing at all, Mr. Kawashima."

Li Xuewu had already slowed down the rhythm of the conversation, and at this moment, he smiled and introduced himself again:

"The Red Steel Group has one general manager and ten senior management personnel at the deputy general manager level."

His left eyebrow twitched slightly as he said, "I rank lowest among them, currently serving as the assistant to the general manager and secretary-general of the Red Steel Group."

"Oh—" Kawashima Yoshiyoshi's Chinese was very good, and it was not difficult for him to understand the job titles he mentioned.

However, before he could speak, Li Xuewu added: "At the same time, I also serve as the general manager of the Red Steel Group Industrial Corporation."

It was very clever—first suppressing and then elevating; if Kawashima Yoshiyoshi didn't take the assistant general manager and secretary-general titles seriously, the title of general manager of the Red Steel Group Industrial Corporation would definitely hit him over the head like a club.

Because he dared not underestimate this position; he himself held a similar post, and he knew all too well how much of Honda's lifeblood he held in his own hands.

So, in an instant, Li Xuewu noticed his eyes change several times, and the look he gave him held a bit more caution and seriousness.

"The Red Steel Group has some similarities with Honda; this is very interesting."

Li Xuewu did not confine the topic to his own position; this shock was not yet strong enough.

So he continued to introduce: "We both have our own unique scientific research institutions."

"Similarly, we both have branch structures with relatively strong professionalism."

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi was already nodding; he was listening carefully to Li Xuewu's introduction.

This was slightly different from the content he had obtained from intelligence.

"Perhaps the difference is that the Red Steel Group focuses on comprehensive business development and possesses broader room for development within the country."

Li Xuewu had a hook in every sentence; he really didn't want to let Kawashima Yoshiyoshi off the hook easily.

Hearing him say this, Kawashima Yoshiyoshi asked curiously: "So you have a lot of say in your group; I am referring to the industrial part."

"Of course, almost all of the Red Steel Group's light and heavy industries are in Liaodong, and they are all under the Northeast Industrial Development Corporation that I am responsible for."

Li Xuewu explained very seriously: "Only the food industry and the affiliated tertiary industries are not within my management scope."

"Automobiles, aircraft, electronics, hardware, metallurgy, steel rolling, and so on."

He pursed his lips and nodded slowly, saying meaningfully: "Our group's general manager, Comrade Li Huai De, is also in this visiting team, but it is I who came to see you today."

"Hahaha—" Kawashima Yoshiyoshi couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Youth is truly a wonderful thing!"

Li Xuewu did not mind the distrust and banter mixed into his tone, and smiled as he responded: "You are also still very young; the future is promising."

"Oh? Hahaha!" Kawashima Yoshiyoshi seemed very interested in this way of putting it.

The two chatted for a while, then returned to the conference room, handing over the power of communication and negotiation to their respective teams, watching them argue based on reason.

The business team that the Red Steel Group spent a great deal of money to cultivate was no worse than Honda's team, and one could even say their combat effectiveness was even more formidable.

Honda's business team all came from within the enterprise; it was impossible for them not to have the mood of just going through the motions.

But the team assembled by the Red Steel Group was all here for the money—one part achievement, one part harvest.

What is meant by "under heavy rewards there must be brave men"? Li Xuewu always led his teams primarily with material rewards, supplemented by spiritual encouragement and emotional value.

Can you really be "good" just by shouting "Good, very good, very good" three times in the morning?

What a joke; with a monthly salary of 3,500, you still have to deduct hundreds in insurance—who would risk their life for you?

Calling you "leader" is just being polite; in the damn ancient times, eunuchs earned more than this.

If you can't pay a eunuch's salary, then don't pretend you're an emperor or a consort, right?

But if a leader is truly willing to spend money and sincerely treats and cares for the staff, then it's not about the money—this is clearly a lord!

I won't say "give one's all until one's heart stops," but if the overtime pay is sufficient, the whole company will be model workers!

Do you think those cadres and staff who went to Hong Kong, Australia, France, or even came to Japan to work were all making selfless contributions?

Which of these cadres and staff in the International Business Department wasn't carefully selected and absolutely reliable?

The more excellent and insightful these talents are, the more they understand what they should pursue.

So, while the Red Steel Group only just started trial operations for bonus and subsidy systems the year before last, the International Business Department had long since been distributing performance-based pay according to labor.

With domestic spiritual and honorary sustenance, and foreign bonuses and subsidies, these people instantly transformed into fire-breathing warriors the moment they got on the field.

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi certainly wouldn't think the negotiation team brought by the Red Steel Group could be that trashy, but he also hadn't expected the other side's team to be so fierce.

He was a bit dumbfounded; is this negotiating business for the company or for your own family?

Judging by the current situation, he really didn't dare to make a decision easily.

He had already lost his composure a bit during the process of clashing with Li Xuewu, and the company's team clearly didn't have relatively sufficient preparation.

Make a decision now?

Wouldn't that let them be torn to pieces?

So, adhering to the principle of "harmony brings wealth," he timely called a halt to today's negotiations just as both sides were about to flare up.

"Mr. Li, it is truly an honor."

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi shook Li Xuewu's hand, smiling as he saw him out the door, saying: "Your company's professionalism has left me convinced."

Remember, never trust the humility and flattery of the Japanese; most of it is fake.

The first time he says he admires you, you humbly wave your hand and thank him, saying you are insufficient and not good enough.

The second time he says he reveres you, you still humbly wave your hand and decline, saying you are insufficient and not good enough.

When he says he worships you for the third time, if you dare to show even a hint of pride, he will turn around and dare to curse you for having no substance in your dog's belly.

So he didn't care what Kawashima Yoshiyoshi said; he only cared about the results of today's negotiations.

"Executive Kawashima, what is the result of today's meeting?" As soon as they appeared, reporters surrounded them again, pressing: "Is there any good news worth sharing with us? Please say a few words!"

"May I ask if your side has reached an intention of cooperation with the Red Steel Group? Or have you already cooperated?"

There were seven or eight reporters on the scene; although not many, it was still a bit chaotic when they all asked questions at once.

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi, very experienced, raised his hand to signal Li Xuewu, inviting him to answer these questions.

Li Xuewu, however, very humbly raised his hand to invite him to be interviewed first, emphasizing that the guest follows the host's lead.

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi first sized him up with a very appreciative look, then said to the reporters remaining at the scene: "Today's meeting was very successful and had sufficient constructiveness."

"I cannot say yet what progress has been made today, but I personally am full of hope for the future cooperative relationship between Honda and the Red Steel Group."

"Mr. Li! Will the Red Steel Group be the first to sign a cooperation agreement with Honda?!" Oshima Yoshiko, squeezed on the right, took advantage of a gap to ask loudly: "What differences are there between your meeting with Mr. Kawashima and the meeting with Mr. Nishikawa this morning?"

"Are the questions asked by Japanese media reporters always this sharp?"

Li Xuewu first made a joke, then smiled and glanced at the other party.

Judging by the performance on the scene, the two seemed not to know each other at all, and were even somewhat antagonistic.

It was Oshima Yoshiko who had followed them for a day and had asked several relatively sharp questions in succession.

Now Li Xuewu was being interviewed along with Kawashima Yoshiyoshi, and in a situation where the atmosphere was relatively good.

But because of one of Oshima Yoshiko's questions, the scene almost went cold.

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi glanced at the little reporter, then looked at Li Xuewu again.

This young man seemed to have a plan in mind and could still remain calm when facing such embarrassment.

Of course, he wouldn't blame or embarrass that female reporter; this wasn't a bad thing for Honda.

"Actually, I never evaluate our opponents or partners in public."

He smiled and raised his hand to signal Kawashima Yoshiyoshi beside him, saying: "Just like here, I won't say that Mr. Kawashima's humble, polite, truth-seeking, and pragmatic personality charm has won me over, and I certainly won't say that today's meeting was full of surprises and hope."

"Hahaha—" Some reporters at the scene had already laughed along very cooperatively.

Honda's big shots were not people they could afford to offend; they could embarrass the Red Steel Group, but they absolutely could not annoy Mr. Kawashima.

Seeing that the person in charge of the Red Steel Group was also being complimentary and polite, they naturally had to cooperate.

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi's face already had a smile; even Confucius couldn't resist being praised.

"Our team came to Japan with frankness and sincerity, seeking broader and more pragmatic cooperation; today's meeting truly opened my eyes."

"Do you mean that Mr. Nishikawa is impolite and is a competitor of the Red Steel Group?" Oshima Yoshiko was truly sharp; just as everyone was chuckling, she boldly asked: "Or are you saying he is not sincere enough?"

"Miss, please mind your manners!"

The person in charge at the scene saw Executive Kawashima frown slightly, and decisively issued a warning and reminder to Oshima Yoshiko.

"It's alright, thank you for your question."

Li Xuewu looked at Oshima Yoshiko very tolerantly and nodded, saying: "Mr. Nishikawa is a very good person, not like what you said. That is all."

Although he responded, this response was not as good as not responding at all.

The reporters at the scene were like they had been injected with chicken blood, their eyes fixed on Li Xuewu, wanting to continue digging into this news.

But this was Honda headquarters; they didn't dare to be presumptuous in front of Mr. Kawashima.

Oshima Yoshiko had already been warned, and they didn't want to be kicked out by the Honda side.

So they all looked at Oshima Yoshiko with envy and jealousy; she was truly a formidable girl!

"I look forward to our next meeting."

It was very rare for Kawashima Yoshiyoshi to personally see Li Xuewu and his party off to the first floor.

He shook Li Xuewu's hand once more, saying: "I hope we can cooperate happily."

"That is, of course, also my hope."

Li Xuewu shook his hand and said very sincerely: "Honda and the Red Steel Group have a bond; I have always firmly believed in this point."

Kawashima Yoshiyoshi, amidst the surprised gazes of a crowd of reporters, saw Li Xuewu into the car, and even stood in front of the building entrance to watch the other party's motorcade leave.

This situation rarely occurred at Honda; only when those big figures or the chairman came would there be such actions and pomp.

And this made the reporters even more curious about just how powerful that Red Steel Group was.

Actually, they didn't know that what was truly powerful to Kawashima Yoshiyoshi wasn't the Red Steel Group, but Li Xuewu, the assistant general manager who could represent the Red Steel Group.

"I heard you talked very well at Honda?"

Gao Yaqin had already changed her clothes; the Red Steel Group's standard skirt administrative suit, a white shirt paired with a small blue-collared suit, looked very noble.

"It was just 'very well,' that's all."

Li Xuewu flipped through his tie, standing in front of the mirror and tidying it up somewhat clumsily.

Adding in his previous life, he hadn't tied a tie many times; it was only when suits became popular in the 80s and 90s of the later generations that these "beast-of-burden ropes" existed, right?

He was very resistant to this kind of thing, but he couldn't not wear it, unless he wanted to wear a sissy-style bowtie.

He wouldn't wear that thing even if he died; what difference was there between this and a grown man wearing lace?

"Let me help you; you look exhausted." Gao Yaqin walked over helplessly, almost snatching the tie from his hands.

"Who helped you tie this in East Germany?"

"To tell you the truth, I avoid wearing it whenever I can," Li Xuewu explained helplessly: "Later, I found someone to buy a fake elastic tie."

"What kind of thing is that?" Gao Yaqin asked, amused and curious: "What do you mean by a fake elastic tie?"

Elastic bands had existed for a long time, but they hadn't been fully popularized in the country, and very few people could afford to use them.

It was only when entering the 70s, with the improvement of the economy and industrial level, that supply and marketing cooperatives began to sell these elastic band products.

So someone might ask, did everyone use belts for their pants before?

Of course not; whether it was leather belts or nylon belts, they belonged to luxury goods in this era, and most people used cloth strips to tie them.

Some people looking at old photos might think that only the pants of people before liberation looked like flour bags, very wide, but actually, they existed in this era too.

It's just that city people enjoyed the benefits of industry and agriculture, so they dressed a bit more decently.

But in the countryside, many farmers' belts were still magical things of all kinds.

There were even more impressive ones, using iron chains as belts; this thing was popular again for a period in the 80s and 90s, and just thinking about it feels interesting.

"It's just that the collar part is an elastic band, and a pre-tied tie head is nailed to the front." Li Xuewu explained to her with a smile.

Gao Yaqin said, unable to laugh or cry: "How hard can this thing be? Can it be harder than your work?"

"It's mainly because I don't use it once in a whole year; who ties this thing in the country? It's pretentious."

Li Xuewu looked in the mirror, seeing her craftsmanship was very good, and asked with a smile: "Who did you learn this from? Not bad!"

"I've worked abroad," Gao Yaqin rolled her eyes at him and said: "Your brother-in-law also wore it for a period, and only stopped using it after he came back."

"Oh—that explains it—"

Li Xuewu smiled, looked toward the door, and said: "Director Li is here."

"Director Li," Gao Yaqin turned back to see it was him, nodded and greeted: "Are you ready?"

"Hmm, what about you two?" Li Huai De sized the two up, nodded slightly and said: "Young people are truly spirited."

"Look at what you're saying, how should I respond?" Gao Yaqin joked: "Should I envy him along with you? I refuse to admit I'm old."

"Should I shamelessly agree that I'm also young? You don't look old at all."

"Hahaha—" Li Huai De pointed at her and said: "With such wit, it's truly right to hand the negotiation work to you."

"Stop pulling my leg—" Gao Yaqin picked up her handbag and said with a smile: "I can't out-talk you anyway."

Regardless of how things were in the country or the group, coming abroad to Japan, the three of them had to put aside past grievances, must be of one heart, and twist into a single rope.

If they still played those power games at this time, they would lose face internationally.

So from the road when they came, until now, the relationship between the three had been very harmonious.

Li Xuewu packed his things, and under Liu Bin's request, went out and downstairs with Li Huai De.

"I heard the harvest was pretty good today?"

In the elevator, Li Huai De asked: "Is the chance of reaching an agreement with Honda high?"

"I don't know; I don't have that confidence right now." Li Xuewu thought for a moment and explained: "Honda probably didn't expect us to be so proactive and positive."

"Actually, choosing Nissan is also fine," Gao Yaqin said: "Nissan's engine technology is very good."

"What about your side?" Li Huai De turned to look at her and asked: "Do you have confidence in the Beijing Chemical project?"

"Think about the strength of Beijing Chemical." Gao Yaqin smiled and said: "Bai Zhangmin is very shrewd; he went straight to the point—he just wants the technology."

"If they are willing to spend money, what technology can't they buy?"

Li Xuewu nodded and said: "Unlike us, who want both technology and the future, always thinking about the big picture and planning for the future."

"This, of course, cannot be compared," Li Huai De also looked at him with great understanding and said: "We are planning for ten, twenty years from now."

"We cannot learn from them, being short-sighted and filled with regret," he truly understood, emphasizing: "If you slack off now, the debts in the future will be hard to repay."

There were only the three of them and Liu Bin in the elevator; Old Li revealed some genuine feelings, saying to the two: "I don't care anymore; if I really pursued fame, I would just spend money recklessly to buy technology and launch projects."

"But you two can't; the Red Steel Group will eventually develop and grow in your hands. If I overdraw the group's potential, you will be in trouble later."

Gao Yaqin didn't expect Li Huai De to be able to say such things, and couldn't help but look at Li Xuewu.

Seeing Li Xuewu's calm expression, she was momentarily enlightened.

Right, Li Xuewu was on the same line as Old Li; he had probably heard these caring words from him countless times and had long since become immune.

And the tacit understanding between the two was definitely not something she, an "outsider," could understand, or rather, benefit from.

It was just because she was here today, by chance, otherwise Old Li would definitely not have used her to talk.

The Red Steel Group could be Old Li's, or it could be the next generation's Little Li's, but it was definitely not for an outsider like her.

Actually, jumping out of the three realms and looking back at the Red Steel Group, she had long discovered this situation, so whether she fought for it or not didn't matter.

Zhou Wanquan had also been fed some kind of love potion or soul-stealing soup, actually thinking about controlling the Red Steel Group through Gu Weijie's methods.

What a joke!

Could Zhou Wanquan, relying on the city's support, achieve what Gu Weijie hadn't been able to do for so many years?

Others might not know, but Gao Yaqin was clear about some of Li Xuewu's connections; if you talk about the city's support...

Hehe—

Sometimes when she thought about these complex relationships, she found it funny.

No matter how strong the city's support for Zhou Wanquan was, could it be stronger than the support from Deputy Director Zheng of the city for Li Xuewu himself?

You say Zhou Wanquan is fighting for it—fighting for what? From beginning to end, it was the Red Star Factory lineage that was controlling the Red Steel Group.

Look at Old Li's age, then look at Li Xuewu's age and seniority; even if Dong Wenxue had problems, could it really be handed to Zhou Wanquan?

Looking at it from two directions, in Gao Yaqin's view, Zhou Wanquan might actually have a chance to achieve something in the Red Steel Group.

Why do I say that?

Because Li Xuewu's position is currently too low, and Li Huai De can't stay in the Red Steel Group forever waiting for him.

So during this period, could Zhou Wanquan balance things and get the person-in-charge position?

One must also consider that the attitude and policies of the higher-ups toward industrial and transport enterprises have already shown a situation where business and organization are being separated again.

That is to say, after going around in circles, it will still return to the old path of organizational work being abstract and business work being pragmatic.

By then, whether Zhou Wanquan is pragmatic or abstract—if he can get the secretary position, that's fine, but if he really becomes the general manager, he'll be roasting on a fire.

If Zhou Wanquan is the general manager, then Old Li must be the secretary; by then, Li Xuewu will have advanced even further. You tell me, is there any point in Zhou Wanquan being this general manager?

Looking at the whole group, how many votes can Zhou Wanquan get?

Anyway, as long as Li Xuewu is there, Gao Yaqin knows that her vote must be cast for Old Li.

Jing Yunong and Dong Wenxue will definitely be the same.

Some time ago, she learned of a situation: Li Xuewu's relationship with Zhang Jinsong was actually very close, even mutually trusting.

And Li Xuewu and Xue Zhifu were once comrades in the same trench, both on the discipline inspection front; you tell me, is this relationship complex or not?

Anyway, she didn't believe Zhou Wanquan could stir up any waves in the Red Steel Group, and he was very likely to become a scapegoat.

This kid Li Xuewu is definitely not a kind person.

Before, everyone didn't feel it, but now thinking about it, his progress was the fastest and also the steadiest, a very clear step-by-step progression.

Three years after returning to the group, he must sit in the position of the first deputy, and then it will be time for Zhou Wanquan to give up his position.

But thinking carefully, these three years are crucial for Li Xuewu; are they irrelevant for Zhou Wanquan?

Of course not; these three years are also a chance given by the city to Zhou Wanquan—if he stands firm, he stands firm; if he doesn't, he really has to move house and get out.

With Li Huai De controlling the overall situation and Li Xuewu stirring up trouble, unless the city can replace the management of the Red Steel Group and redistribute resources, the Red Star lineage is deeply rooted, and no one can shake Li Xuewu's position.

After struggling for so many years, Li Huai De had long since forged an invincible golden body in the Red Steel Group, and choosing Li Xuewu as his successor was also publicly acknowledged and tacitly approved.

Even Dong Wenxue had to give way and pave the way for Li Xuewu; what waves could an outsider like Zhou Wanquan stir up?

Standing from Gao Yaqin's perspective, she came from the foreign trade sector, and from the day she entered the group, her future was almost fixed.

Taking advantage of the convenience of the Red Steel Group's foreign trade development, she could display her ambitions and abilities, and then jump to other positions, like a tiger with wings.

The country needs talents to develop the economy at any time; with such a brilliant resume, managing a region or a company is not a problem.

Before coming to Japan, she heard that Jing Yunong was active, wanting to move her position, which reminded her.

Actually, Gu Weijie was also doing this before, the reason being that these two had long seen through the ways of the Red Steel Group.

The leaders above also tacitly approved this; Li Huai De's choice had received the recognition and support of the entire group, so what the hell are they fighting for?

Whoever fights loses, whoever fights dies—a dead-end situation.

Unless Li Huai De and Li Xuewu both suffer, the group will definitely be run by these people of the Red Star lineage.

"What are you thinking about?"

Li Xuewu saw Gao Yaqin lost in thought after getting in the car, nudged her with his elbow, and asked: "Thinking about what to eat tonight?"

"Heh—" Gao Yaqin rolled her eyes at him and said, annoyed: "Am I that shallow in your eyes?"

*Cough cough*—

She coughed lightly and emphasized: "I am thinking about the work ahead, and how to play this game after returning to the country."

"Ah—so that's how it is."

Li Xuewu nodded knowingly and said: "Then I was the shallow one; I was just thinking about what to eat tonight, and it would be best if I didn't have to eat sashimi."

"Hahaha—" Old Li, sitting in the passenger seat, couldn't help but laugh and said: "Why are you so timid?"

"It's pufferfish sashimi; I guess you're the only one not afraid of death—" Li Xuewu said, amused: "If this thing isn't handled well, you're done for."

"But pufferfish is delicious!"

Gao Yaqin teased him: "The Japanese have been eating it for so many years, and they haven't died out yet; what are you afraid of?"

"You'd better not say things like that."

Li Xuewu glanced at her, amused, and said: "Risking your life for a bite of food is really not worth it."

He actually hoped the pufferfish would try a bit harder and let the people in this place die out; who told them to be gluttonous, not eating cooked food but eating raw food.

"You really should pay attention."

Li Huai De turned back to look at the two and emphasized: "Although tonight's meeting was a bit abrupt and unexpected, we cannot be the side that is impolite."

Tokyo Shirokanedai, a high-end residential area at the southwest end of Minato Ward, is quiet, green, dense with prestigious schools, and has convenient transportation; it is known as the "Platinum Avenue" and is a high-quality residential area recognized by Tokyo's "old money and new rich."

Although single-family houses are very hard to find here, there are still magnificent luxury Japanese-style courtyards.

Japanese vocabulary is very easy to understand; a single-family house is a building with only one household, which is what we call a private entrance and courtyard.

A luxury Japanese-style courtyard is equivalent to a three-courtyard *Sihe Academy*, much smaller and more exquisite than a manor.

The Mercedes-Benz car paused slightly at the entrance, and security personnel in suits raised their hands to signal toward the high platform.

Japan's land area is narrow, and earthquakes occur frequently, so while continuing the Sui and Tang styles in architecture, they also had unique creativity.

It can be said that although the sparrow is small, it has all the internal organs, and it even developed into a unique style.

One can feel this point from the Japanese-style renovations of later generations; a normal door could be used, but they insist on making a three-seven split door, not afraid of the trouble.

Heaven knows that many Japanese bathtubs are for squatting and soaking; in the eyes of Chinese people, this is incomprehensible—how can you relax like this?

The place is too narrow, doing a dojo in a snail shell, wanting everything, so isn't it just squeezing in?

The courtyard they arrived at clearly had a Japanese style; one could see green pines, ponds, streams, pavilions, and even rockeries.

Actually, the place isn't big, but the walking path is very narrow, made of stone slabs laid one by one.

Other locations are courtyard landscaping, with moss growing even on the tree trunks, showing how long the history of this house is.

"Hello, please follow me."

A middle-aged man in traditional clothing walked over and guided the few people who got off the car into the courtyard; his attitude was not arrogant and was very polite.

Li Xuewu stayed a step behind, waiting for Old Li and Gao Yaqin to go first, then brought Liu Bin along.

The four walked along the stone slab path to the main house, where girls in kimonos were kneeling on the ground waiting.

At first, the four didn't understand what was going on, and it wasn't until the middle-aged man reminded them softly that they knew they were there to help them take off and store their shoes.

Isn't this nonsense? They had never enjoyed such treatment, so they were a bit at a loss.

Ginger is indeed spicier when old; brave people enjoy the world first. Old Li calmly let the girl serve him by taking off his leather shoes and stepped onto the wooden floor.

Gao Yaqin and Li Xuewu twitched their lips, but in the end, they couldn't overcome the hurdle in their hearts, took off their leather shoes themselves, and thanked the girl who collected the shoes.

Their leather shoes wouldn't be taken away, but would be cleaned by the girl and placed on an open storage cabinet under the porch of the main house.

*Whoosh*—

The wooden sliding door opened, and the three walked along the corridor, turned a corner, and saw the protagonist of tonight, the host who invited them to be guests—Matsumura Kenzo.

"Gentlemen, please don't blame this old man for being demanding," Matsumura Kenzo didn't stand up, but was supported by a girl to bow slightly, explaining somewhat weakly: "I truly have regrets in my heart, and I couldn't help myself."

"Mr. Matsumura, hello," Li Huai De saw Nishida Kenichi's figure as soon as he entered the room.

However, he didn't pay attention to the other party first, but greeted Matsumura Kenzo politely.

Although others in the room were also bowing and saluting, the three of Li Xuewu didn't follow their rules, but insisted on using the handshake.

Matsumura Kenzo didn't seem to mind this, sized the three up with a smile, and said: "The last time I went to Beijing, I missed meeting you all."

"I have seen you," Li Xuewu looked at him and took the initiative to speak: "At that time, Mr. Nishida was also there; you might not remember me."

"I'm old, no longer useful."

Matsumura Kenzo pointed to his head very modestly and said with a smile: "I'm going to die."

The Japanese have another unique understanding of death, yearning for the longevity of turtles and pines, but also worshiping the glory brought by death.

Take Matsumura Kenzo, for example; he is on the verge of death, and this life is about to end.

And after he dies, his descendants will definitely make a final judgment on his name based on this period of history.

In a sense, he can already be considered to have left a name in history; how could he not be proud?

It is also this pride that prompted him to be increasingly humble and reasonable, not daring to fail to protect his reputation in his later years.

Actually, as long as one is human, one has shortcomings and weaknesses, and the pursuit of fame and fortune is the same.

The three took their seats at Matsumura Kenzo's invitation, and Li Huai De's group also greeted Nishida Kenichi.

Regardless of what happened before, here they were partners.

And Nishida Kenichi used dirty tricks, and Li Xuewu's counterattack wasn't very honorable either.

So it can be said that both sides traded blows, half a catty to eight taels; neither should look down on the other.

Furthermore, Nishida Kenichi suffered a secret loss, so Li Xuewu and his group naturally wouldn't feel bad.

"I am very happy to see in my lifetime that enterprises like Sanwa can carry out closer, broader, and more pragmatic cooperation with China's industrial and trade enterprises."

Matsumura Kenzo's voice was a bit weak, and his body leaned slightly on the girl beside him.

Li Xuewu glanced at the girl; she was bowing her head slightly, her kimono was very proper, and she looked like a younger generation of Matsumura Kenzo's family.

"If I am lucky enough to see more such possibilities, or even the normalization of diplomatic relations."

He paused, took a breath, and then continued: "That would truly be a great fortune."

"We came here precisely with such a purpose," Li Huai De nodded slightly, looked at him and said: "Thank you for the efforts you have made for the relationship between the two sides, and thank you for the contributions you have made to the stable development of trade between the two sides."

"It's insignificant—"

Matsumura Kenzo smiled modestly, nodded to the middle-aged man who guided Li Xuewu and his group, and then continued: "The hospitality is poor; let's have dinner first."

"I don't know what your tastes are."

He looked at Nishida Kenichi and said: "You must have tasted authentic Chinese cuisine, right?"

"Of course, it is a great honor."

Nishida Kenichi sat there and bowed slightly: "Each has its own merits, each has its own history."

Li Xuewu couldn't help but glance at him; what a thief, what do you mean "each has its own history"?

Damn it, does Japan have history?

Japan's history is a history of vassalage, a history of paying visits, a history of asking for titles.

"How was the banquet the other day?"

Matsumura Kenzo looked at Li Xuewu and the others humorously and asked: "I heard you got used to it?"

"Actually, I didn't get used to it." Li Xuewu dared to say it; he first glanced at Nishida Kenichi, then said to Matsumura Kenzo: "I don't really like eating raw things; I'm afraid of getting a stomachache."

"There's another point: the dishes and staple food at the banquet were too little, so I ate the delicacies I brought myself after returning."

"Oh—" Matsumura Kenzo sized him up with some surprise and asked: "What did you eat after you went back?"

What kind of old man is this? How can you ask like that? If I tell you what I ate, can you eat a meal too?

"Roast chicken, brought in vacuum packaging."

Li Xuewu smiled slightly and said: "Goubangzi flavor."

"I know it; I've eaten it."

Matsumura Kenzo nodded slightly and said: "That is indeed delicious."

Nishida Kenichi knew Li Xuewu was talking about him, so he lowered his gaze, looked at the table in front of him, and just held his wine glass in silence.

Playing deaf, can't hear, curse all you want, as long as you don't make a move.

He was over forty years old; if he really took a beating from Li Xuewu, he would surely die this year.

It wasn't that he hadn't done any investigation or understanding; he was afraid of Li Xuewu's combat power.

"Then try the delicacies of my house."

Matsumura Kenzo, this old man, seemed to be pretending to be stupid on purpose, raised his hand to signal the girls who were just entering from the door, and said: "It can be very delicious."

Li Xuewu narrowed his left eye slightly and glanced at Nishida Kenichi again.

Hmm, if you have the ability, you should shrink your head into your pants and stop showing it.

Matsumura Kenzo's intention to protect the other party was too obvious; what conditions was he going to give?

"I haven't asked yet; I am very surprised and shocked that Mr. Nishida appeared here."

Li Xuewu looked at Matsumura Kenzo with a smile and asked: "I don't know if he is your..."

"I am a student of Teacher Matsumura."

Nishida Kenichi suddenly raised his head, looked at Li Xuewu and introduced: "We have known each other for almost thirty years."

"Yes, almost thirty years."

Matsumura Kenzo seemed to have remembered something, looked at Li Xuewu and asked: "Little friend, looking at your face, you don't seem to be thirty years old, right?"

"..." Li Xuewu's eyes narrowed slightly, and he thought to himself: "To be old and not die is to be a thief!"