Chapter 261: Colorful and Mature

Yu Li's mind raced: if Yu Haitang really married Li Li Xuewu, what would that make her?

Yu Yu Haitang, being straightforward by nature, nodded when her cousin asked and said, "I came specifically for him. The Rolling Steel Factory is full of rumors about him, good and bad; I've never encountered such a complex person. I just want to see for myself what kind of man he truly is."

Yu Li's heart immediately sank to the bottom; how could this conversation possibly continue?

Say it's not allowed?

Who did she think she was?

Yet asking her to help her cousin investigate Li Li Xuewu felt strangely wrong.

"Yu Haitang, isn't that boyfriend of yours quite good? Just get along well with him then."

Yu Yu Haitang tossed her head and said, "He may be good, but we have nothing in common to talk about."

Hearing Yu Yu Haitang's words, Yu Li felt nothing but absurdity.

No common language with Yang Brother Wei Min, yet she thinks she'd have one with Li Li Xuewu?

Glancing at her cousin, Yu Li felt as though they were talking about two completely different people.

"You probably don't understand him; his personality likely isn't suited for you."

"Only the foot knows if the shoe fits; whether he suits me is something I'll only know after experiencing it myself."

Yu Yu Haitang was proud and stubborn, possessing a determination that refused to turn back until hitting a dead end.

In Yu Li's view, her cousin wouldn't turn back even after hitting that dead end; she'd insist on smashing the wall down before giving up.

"Hey, Sister, since you help him with his work, could you take me to see his home? I want to learn more about him from the side."

"Absolutely not; what would that make me?"

Yu Li felt her tone had been too harsh, so she softened it, saying, "Yu Haitang, if you come to visit me, I'll certainly welcome you, but if you want to investigate Li Li Xuewu, you must first obtain his permission before I can take you to his home."

Yu Li hadn't expected Yu Yu Haitang to be so persistent, actually wanting to peek into the rear courtyard.

Now she was already staring intently; if she saw the houses in the rear courtyard, wouldn't she just plant herself there permanently?

"I will conquer him; there is no one I, Yu Yu Haitang, desire whom I cannot obtain."

Seeing her cousin unwilling to cooperate, Yu Yu Haitang still proudly declared her stance.

Yu Li didn't know where her sister derived such confidence, feeling both envious and bewildered.

It seemed this sister wasn't just the center of attention in their own neighborhood; she was quite the flower at the Rolling Steel Factory as well.

Otherwise, how would she dare utter such bold proclamations?

What Yu Li didn't realize was that there was another person at the Rolling Steel Factory bold enough to make such grand statements.

"There is no one I, Li Li Xuewu, wish to arrest whom I cannot catch."

Li Li Xuewu, cigarette dangling from his lips, walked toward the exit accompanied by Shen Fang and Chief Duan Youting, uttering this line to Shen Fang as they strolled.

Shen Fang nodded and said, "Yes, yes, yes; with Director Li emerging from seclusion, you will surely sweep away such petty villains."

"Oh?!"

Li Li Xuewu took a drag of his cigarette and asked in surprise, "Director Shen, why are you speaking so literarily today? It sounds awfully awkward."

"Hahaha," Chief Duan Youting laughed, saying, "He got scolded on the way back yesterday, that's why."

"You ran away?"

Shen Fang glared at Chief Duan Youting, then rolled his eyes toward Li Li Xuewu and said, "Director Zheng said we should learn from you, stating that police officers in our new era must excel not only in professional skills but also in cultural knowledge."

Chief Duan Youting nodded at Li Li Xuewu, confirming this was true.

Li Li Xuewu also felt somewhat amused yet helpless; why did everything turn into "learning from me"?

Shen Fang frowned with a bitter smile and said, "With my junior high education, I considered myself top-tier among us station directors; you have no idea how difficult my exams were back then."

Then, with a look of helplessness, he continued, "Ask Old Chief Duan; his academic performance back then wasn't even as good as mine. He only graduated from elementary school. Even someone outstanding like me now needs to read books and study culture, hey."

Chief Duan Youting took a puff of his cigarette and said, "One lives and learns; having culture is simply better than lacking it. I'm five years older than you, yet now you're progressing faster than I am."

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said, "Your fingers are as thick as rolling pins now; can you still hold a pen? Hahaha, let alone reading books, I bet you don't even want to read newspapers."

"Isn't this all your fault!"

Shen Fang pointed at Li Li Xuewu, complaining, "We're brothers from the same trench, ah! Director Zheng merely made a casual remark, yet you took it seriously. Why did you even respond? Trying to show off? Couldn't you have just shouted along with us?"

"Exactly, this is affecting the unity of our team."

Li Li Xuewu, amused yet helpless, said, "Alright, alright, next time whatever you shout, I'll shout along."

Shen Fang nodded in full agreement, saying, "Ah, that's right; unity is strength. If you're not united, running off so fast all by your lonesome, how can we possibly have strength?"

"Hahahaha!"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu open the jeep door and climb in, Chief Duan Youting smiled and said, "Truthfully, I truly admire someone like you: cultured, thoughtful, capable of handling cases, skilled at solving them, and able to devise clever strategies when facing difficulties."

"You mean I have too many dirty tricks, right? Hahaha."

"I don't care what kind of trick it is; as long as it catches the culprit, it's a good trick," Shen Fang said fiercely, flicking his cigarette butt away.

They were genuinely fed up with those shameless troublemakers; other districts combined didn't have nearly as many such cases as their two districts together. If this continued, they might as well quit being station directors.

Seeing Han Han Yating climb into the passenger seat, Li Li Xuewu slammed the car door shut with a "Bang," rolled down the window, and said, "Then it's settled; we're heading back. Tomorrow evening at the Rolling Steel Factory—Old Chief Duan, you come too. We're not just good comrades-in-arms; we can become good friends as well."

"Definitely."

Li Li Xuewu told Yan Brother Jiecheng to drive, and under the send-off gazes of Shen Fang and Chief Duan Youting, exited the police station gates.

Watching Li Li Xuewu's vehicle drive away, Shen Fang turned to Chief Duan Youting and said, "How about it? Did things go exactly as I predicted? Convinced or not?"

Chief Duan Youting, wearing an expression of deep admiration, said, "Convinced, I'm truly convinced; it really was a major move."

Shen Fang, looking exceedingly proud, said, "Ah, this is what they call 'once an expert extends a hand, you immediately know if they've got it.' The stuff this kid plays with, you'd better learn from it."

"Yes, yes, yes, I certainly need to learn from it, but what does this have to do with you, Shen Fang? Did you come up with the idea? Did you formulate the plan?"

Chief Duan Youting first nodded in agreement with Shen Fang's point, only to ultimately flip Shen Fang over completely with his final remark.

"Ah, our admiration is for Li Li Xuewu's brain and talent; what authority are you, Shen Fang, trying to flaunt here?"

"Oh my, oh my, burning the bridge after crossing the river, are we? Do you think you've already connected with this kid? Do you think I'm now optional, with or without me making no difference?"

Shen Fang wore an expression of "I see right through you," then said, "Without me, you wouldn't even know which way the gate of their factory faces, hehe."

Speaking thus, he took the lead and walked back.

Seeing Shen Fang's smug expression, Chief Duan Youting said helplessly, "Fine, fine, fine, you're formidable, alright? Who asked us not to have that kind of fate?"

Shen Fang tilted his head, looked at Chief Duan Youting, and asked, "Jealous? Hehehe, first digest his arrangements thoroughly before you talk."

After saying this, seeing they had entered the main hall, he dropped the subject and instead said, "Tomorrow night, come to my home to pick me up."

Chief Duan Youting asked curiously, "What's the situation? Is he inviting everyone from our station to dinner?"

Just now, watching Li Li Xuewu come out, the officers in the station kept greeting Li Li Xuewu, and Li Li Xuewu's replies were mostly "Tomorrow night."

Shen Fang said with a chuckle, "Last time, that case last time, right here, Li Li Xuewu said since everyone was working overtime on the case, he would treat everyone to a meal after it ended."

"Hehehe," Chief Duan Youting laughed in surprise, saying, "Truly has those jianghu habits."

"Ai, don't say such things in the future; who wasn't reckless in their youth? Were you not reckless when you were young, Old Chief Duan?"

Cutting off Chief Duan Youting's words, Shen Fang instructed, "Put some heart into this matter; there will be no lack of merit for you."

After the banter, he pulled Chief Duan Youting along to start studying Li Li Xuewu's plan.

"Li Kezhang, if only I could have a mind like yours someday," Han Han Yating turned her head and said to Li Li Xuewu.

"In the future, learn less from Xu Ning; I've already ruined him by training him; now he only knows how to flatter and fawn."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and scolded Han Han Yating with a remark, which instead made Han Han Yating laugh "hehehe."

"Xu Ning admires you so much; if he heard you say this, who knows how heartbroken he would be."

"Haha, if he gets heartbroken over just one sentence from me, that shows he still needs tempering; Deputy Factory Director Li praised him highly, saying he has the bearing of an ancient great general."

"He said that after being in the Security Section for so long, he never discovered this kid's talent, and that if he had discovered it earlier, he would have transferred him to the office to manage reception, hahaha."

Han Han Yating said enviously, "Doesn't that precisely prove Xu Ning has this talent, and that you trained him well?"

Li Li Xuewu smiled, looked at Han Han Yating, and asked, "What? Resenting me for attending to one thing and neglecting another? For not training you?"

"No, no," Han Han Yating waved her hands and said, "It is I who have failed your expectations."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "My expectations for you are indeed higher than for Xu Ning, because your education is higher than his, you are more meticulous, and furthermore, you are one of the rare female comrades in the security system; your future is bright."

Han Han Yating turned around, lowered her head, and did not respond to Li Li Xuewu's words.

She also understood Li Li Xuewu's meaning: he wanted her to continue working in her post at the Public Order Section, and he also intended to continue cultivating her.

"In life, eight or nine things out of ten go against one's wishes; I know you have a knot in your heart. Regarding your matter, I have already communicated with Deputy Director Dong; we will consider you when a suitable opportunity arises."

"Thank you, Li Kezhang; rest assured, I will work hard."

Seeing that Li Li Xuewu had spoken about her arrangements, Han Han Yating gratefully expressed her stance to Li Li Xuewu.

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Just take this case as your test; it depends on your performance."

"Yes, I guarantee to complete the mission," Han Han Yating vowed solemnly.

With Li Li Xuewu's layout and arrangements, Han Han Yating felt full of confidence regarding this mission.

Returning to the factory, it was already afternoon; since they had missed mealtime, Li Li Xuewu took Han Han Yating and Brother Brother Jiecheng to the kitchen to find Seeing Sha Zhu, who prepared a special small meal for them.

While Li Li Xuewu was settling the bill, Seeing Sha Zhu reminded him, "Have you recently offended a petty person? The situation looks quite wrong; the women in the back kitchen have started gossiping about you."

Feigning ignorance, Li Li Xuewu asked, "Gossiping about what? I haven't heard anything; isn't it just that anonymous letter from last time?"

Seeing Sha Zhu frowned and said, "No!"

Glancing at the people in the back kitchen, he pulled Li Li Xuewu aside and explained in a low voice, "It's quite unpleasant; they say someone has reported you again, and it's not just about money and women this time; they say you appoint people based on nepotism, that you're building a faction; compared to those matters last time, what they're saying now is fierce enough to cost you your head."

"Hehe," Li Li Xuewu knew Seeing Sha Zhu meant it had escalated to ideology.

"The mouth is on their body; what can I do about it?"

Seeing that Li Li Xuewu didn't take this seriously, Seeing Sha Zhu said somewhat anxiously, "Let me tell you, today at noon in Xiaoshitang, Li Li Huai De wanted Fu Bin to cooperate with Yang Shuji in investigating you."

"How is that possible? We were out on field duty together just yesterday," Li Li Xuewu said with an expression of disbelief.

"Usually you're so smart; how come you're so dense at a time like this? Ma Hua heard it with his own ears."

Seeing Sha Zhu say solemnly, "I've told you; believe it or not is up to you, but make your plans early."

Saying this, Seeing Sha Zhu headed back to the back kitchen.

Li Li Xuewu looked at Seeing Sha Zhu's somewhat angry retreating figure and felt that he truly hadn't befriended the wrong person.

Upon returning to the office, he heard news regarding the Public Order Section coming over the broadcast, same as usual.

The broadcast station didn't know why the Public Order Section wanted to "expose its own shortcomings," sending in such manuscripts about "unfavorable battles" every day.

Even the station master of the broadcast station had consulted Xu Si, asking whether to stop the Public Order Section's applications, fearing it would cause negative influence.

Xu Si thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Cannot stop; broadcast exactly as the Public Order Section requests."

After saying this, Xu Si instructed again, "As long as Li Li Xuewu signs and applies for it, you broadcast it; he isn't afraid of death, so what are you afraid of?"

"Do what you're told to do; don't create trouble for yourself, and don't create trouble for me."

The broadcast station master didn't know what ghostly trick Li Li Xuewu was playing, but seeing Director Xu's expression and instructions, he knew Li Li Xuewu was up to no good again.

"Director Xu, have you seen through something? I don't understand his strategy at all."

Xu Si laughed "hehe" and said, "You? It's not that I look down on you, but if Li Li Xuewu's actions were clear enough for you to see through his strategy, he wouldn't be the Tiger of the Security Department; just watch, this tiger has already bared its teeth, hehehe."

As if speaking to the broadcast station master, yet also as if speaking to himself, Xu Si stood up, looked in the direction of the Security Building, and said softly, "Stand aside and watch carefully, learn a thing or two, and see how others play politics."

The broadcast station master looked at Xu Si in a complete fog, then followed Xu Si's gaze to look at the Security Building.

He didn't know whether Director Xu was looking at the Security Building or the people in the Security Building.

Regarding the escalating incident of anonymous letters, Li Li Xuewu maintained an attitude of indifference, acting as if he knew nothing of the matter; he did what he needed to do, continuing exactly as before.

Around four in the afternoon, Han Han Yating slipped into Li Li Xuewu's office, looking as if she were hiding from something.

"What are you doing? So mysterious."

"Li Kezhang," Han Han Yating quietly walked to Li Li Xuewu's desk and said in a low voice, "Yang Shuji has brought people here, saying they want to conduct an investigation, but didn't specify what they are investigating; Yang Shuji took people to the third floor to find Director Fu, and the Inspection Section personnel are already questioning people, all asking about matters concerning you."

"Hehehe," Li Li Xuewu closed his notebook, smiled, and said to Han Han Yating, "Is this worth you coming so mysteriously to leak information?"

Standing up, he walked to the coat rack, put on his clothes, and said, "Alright, since Yang Shuji is conducting an investigation, I'll step aside. It's just as well I head home early. Remember to come to the dinner gathering tomorrow night."

As he spoke, he pulled open the door and stepped out; just as he took his first step, he saw Yang Shuji approaching with two others.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu heading out with a bag in hand, Yang Shuji smiled and called out, "Li Xuewu, leaving work already?"

"Ah, Yang Shuji." Li Li Xuewu took Yang Shuji's hand and shook it, saying with a smile, "Welcome, Yang Shuji, to conduct research at the Security Section. Forgive my inadequate hospitality; I must head out on field duty."

"No problem; I'm just here to take a look. You attend to your matters first."

"Alright, thank you, Yang Shuji." Li Li Xuewu replied, then turned to Han Han Yating, who had just come out behind him, and said, "Let Yang Shuji use my office; it's more convenient for discussions. Make sure to host Yang Shuji well in my stead."

Speaking thus, he released Yang Shuji's hand and said apologetically, "I truly have urgent matters; after speaking with Deputy Factory Director Li, I must leave. My room isn't locked, so feel free to use it; just let Xiao Han know when you're done."

"Hahaha, then we shall be imposing."

"You're too polite."

After exchanging greetings, Li Li Xuewu slung his bag over his shoulder and headed out, while behind him, Yang Shuji and his two companions watched Li Li Xuewu's departing figure.

Watching Li Li Xuewu enter the main building, the Chief of the First Inspection Section smiled and teased, "His nose is truly sharp."

"This shows he is upright and honorable, filled with righteous qi, with a selfless heart that makes the world feel wide; he even gave up his office for us to investigate."

The Chief of the First Section glanced at Investigator Old Li, then asked Yang Shuji, "What do you think? Is this Li Li Xuewu truly filled with righteous qi?"

Yang Shuji withdrew his gaze from Li Li Xuewu, turned to look at the Chief of the First Section, and said, "What's real cannot be made false, and what's false cannot be made real; we'll know once we investigate."

Having spoken, he led the way toward Li Li Xuewu's office.

Han Han Yating had been standing at the door of Li Li Xuewu's office waiting; seeing Yang Shuji approach, she now opened the office door.

Yang Shuji walked to the doorway and took a measure of the place, observing the layout of Li Li Xuewu's office.

This was Yang Shuji's old habit; he believed that one could discern a person's character from their living habits and work environment.

Li Li Xuewu's office was very simple, yet very cluttered.

These two points appeared contradictory, yet they precisely described the current state of Li Li Xuewu's office.

Immediately to the left upon entering was a wooden coat rack nailed to the wall, standard equipment for a small office.

But unlike the coat racks in other offices, Li Li Xuewu's rack held four sets of clothes hung in perfect order.

One set was the Security Section uniform, one set was the uniform of a Deputy Chief of the Police Station, one set was combat attire unfamiliar to Yang Shuji, and one set was the training uniform commonly seen now at the Guard Team training grounds.

All four sets hung from hangers on the wall; below them were two pairs of shoes: one pair of suede boots and one pair of yellow canvas shoes.

The clothes were folded neatly with sharp creases, and the shoes were arranged meticulously, just like Li Li Xuewu himself, always neat and orderly.

To the right, against the wall in the corner, stood a wooden sofa and a tea table; further inside was a desk facing the door, with two filing cabinets on its side, stuffed full.

Behind the desk was a single bed, placed right against the radiator, with the quilt on top folded neatly.

Two maps hung on the wall: one was a floor plan of the Rolling Steel Factory, and the other was a map of the workers' residential areas in the city belonging to the Rolling Steel Factory.

It was called simple because the furnishings in the room were kept very clean and minimal; it was called cluttered because of the towering piles of books and materials stacked on the desk.

Furthermore, the maps on the wall were heavily marked, obviously having been worked on frequently.

"Yang Shuji, please sit; I'll pour you some water."

Han Han Yating offered an invitation, ushered them into the office, and used the thermos and teacups from the tea cabinet by the door to pour hot water for the three of them.

As if she had forgotten Li Li Xuewu's instructions, Han Han Yating poured the water, said "Please enjoy," and then left, never returning.

This caused the Chief of the First Section and Investigator Li to glance at each other in surprise, both turning their eyes toward Yang Shuji.

"Since they have provided us with convenience, let us not disappoint their kindness; look at whatever you wish, but do not mess things up."

Having finished speaking, he stood before the two maps and began to examine them.

The Chief of the First Section stood up first, walked to Li Li Xuewu's filing cabinet, opened the door, and began examining Li Li Xuewu's archived documents.

These archives contained all documents Li Li Xuewu had handled, including those assigned from above and those he had applied for and filed himself.

Li Li Xuewu had filed all archives according to date and month, making them very easy to search.

Inside the filing cabinet were also training outlines and documents inspecting training progress.

Additionally, there were the emergency drill plans and emergency response protocols formulated by Li Li Xuewu; these constituted the bulk of the contents.

Because Li Li Xuewu had already formulated plans targeting the Rolling Steel Factory, even though only the Security Department's plans were detailed while other departments had only outlines, these still occupied half a cabinet.

The final, smallest portion consisted of Li Li Xuewu's study notes and ideological articles.

The Chief of the First Section was also a skilled writer in the Discipline Inspection Commission and a man of action, so he paid close attention to Li Li Xuewu's filing cabinet and chose to inspect this area first.

Investigator Old Li was a man of action; starting from the doorway, he inspected Li Li Xuewu's uniforms, cabinets, desk, and even the bed.

The Chief of the First Section looked at Old Li with disdain, feeling Old Li was too rough; which cadre would hide illegal or disciplinary violations in their office?

The Chief of the First Section believed that corrupt cadres would hide their finances, but their thoughts could not be hidden; clues would inevitably leak through the lines of their writing.

Therefore, when investigating, the Chief of the First Section preferred to examine a cadre's documents and letters.

He pulled out a bound document booklet, neat and tidy, with a cover made of neatly trimmed hard kraft paper.

Several horizontal lines were drawn on the cover with a ruler, labeled respectively with the document name, content, date, and so on.

Looking at Li Li Xuewu's handwriting, the Chief of the First Section couldn't help but reveal an expression of appreciation.

There is an old saying that scholars despise one another, but there is also a saying that geniuses recognize kindred spirits.

Looking at Li Li Xuewu's neat handwriting, the Chief of the First Section felt that the handwriting reflected the person, and nothing more needed to be said.

Furthermore, looking at Li Li Xuewu's comments and opinions on the documents, one could tell from the content that Li Li Xuewu's ability to handle official documents was extraordinary.

Yang Shuji had not come here today with just these two people; all seven members of the First Inspection Section had been mobilized, and he had also brought the experienced Investigator Li.

The Chief of the First Section had only taken a preliminary look, planning to have his staff review the documents here after finishing their talks with the Security Section's administrative personnel.

He returned the document in his hand to its original position and then took out Li Li Xuewu's study notes and articles.

Once he started looking, he could not tear his eyes away.

When Investigator Li finished inspecting Li Li Xuewu's office, he discovered the Chief of the First Section sitting on the sofa, reading a document.

"Did you find anything?" Investigator Li walked over and asked.

The Chief of the First Section handed the document in his hand to Yang Shuji, who was looking over, and said, "Take a look at this."

Yang Shuji took the document handed over by the Chief of the First Section, held it in his hand, and looked it over; as he read, his brows gradually furrowed.

"This is the topic regarding how to do a good job in Party building during the new period that you assigned at the last organizational life study meeting, correct?"

"Mm, this is indeed an issue we should be contemplating right now; I assigned this problem to everyone, hoping we would pool our wisdom and strength to jointly explore a constructive path that meets actual needs."

The Chief of the First Section looked at Yang Shuji and asked, "So, what do you think of this article titled 'Invite Them In, Go Out, Look Back, Sit Down'?"

"Hehehe," Yang Shuji placed the article he had finished reading on the armrest of the sofa, tapped it, and said, "You are the pen-pusher of our Party group; as for how well this article is written, you have the most authority to speak on it."

The Chief of the First Section smiled, glanced at Yang Shuji, and said, "In that case, let me offer a humble opinion to elicit valuable ones and share my thoughts."

Encouraged by Yang Shuji's gaze, the Chief of the First Section said, "This article proposes four work directions for our organizational work: inviting people in to offer opinions, going out to listen to opinions, looking back to find opinions, and sitting down to diagnose opinions."

"Since the content has not undergone practical testing, I hesitate to comment on that, but in terms of writing style, structure, and ideology, it can be described as exquisite and sharp, uniquely powerful, and richly mature; this is a rare article that can serve as a writing template."

"Hahahaha!"

Yang Shuji made no comment on the Chief of the First Section's evaluation, but his action of taking all of Li Li Xuewu's other articles and flipping through them one by one already revealed his attitude.

While Yang Shuji was here looking through Li Li Xuewu's notes and articles, the Chief of the First Section led people to begin inspecting Li Li Xuewu's files.

Investigator Li led people to the guesthouse to conduct interviews with Xu Ning.

Li Li Xuewu carried his bag up to the third floor of the main building and knocked open Li Li Huai De's office door.

Seeing that Li Li Huai De was currently sitting on the sofa drinking tea, he smiled and opened his mouth to say, "Leader, I've come to seek reinforcement."

"Oh?" Li Li Huai De lifted his head, saw it was Li Li Xuewu who had entered, and smiled as he said, "What's wrong? Tell me; if it's something I can handle, I certainly will."

Li Li Huai De still thought Yang Shuji's side had taken action and that Li Li Xuewu, unable to hold out, had come to seek help, which was why he made such a remark.

Although Li Li Huai De said, "If it's something I can handle, I certainly will," this did not mean Li Li Huai De would support Li Li Xuewu unconditionally.

The implication in his words was, "If what you say is something I don't want to handle, then it certainly becomes something I cannot handle; speak with caution."

Clearly, Li Li Huai De did not hold a proactive attitude regarding Li Li Xuewu's matter of reporting via letter.

Li Li Xuewu also caught Li Li Huai De's meaning and, with his expression unchanged, said, "No matter what, you must help me with this matter."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu acting shamelessly, Li Li Huai De's eyes turned sharp; coming to seek connections immediately after Yang Shuji's departure suggested the contents of the reporting letter were not false.

"Ho? So you're acting shamelessly, are you? If everyone came to me wearing me down with soft and hard tactics like you do, our factory's work would become impossible to carry out."

After speaking, he glanced sideways at Li Li Xuewu and said, "Our work must still observe organizational discipline; you should have gone to your superior, Director Fu Bin; bypassing levels to report is not the behavior of a good comrade."

Li Li Xuewu walked up and stood firmly before Li Li Huai De, saying, "This isn't me bypassing levels; it's simply that no one but you can handle this."

Seeing that this piece of stubborn plaster could not be shaken off, Li Li Huai De could only stand up and walk toward his desk, saying as he walked, "Then tell me, what work is it that only I can handle?"

Li Li Xuewu walked up to Li Li Huai De's desk and reported, "When the last case concluded, I was thinking of treating the comrades in the section."

"Later, thinking that the comrades from the Investigation Department and the Bureau stations related to this case had also worked hard, I expanded the scope of the treat somewhat."

"After all, they are brother units; we will need to collaborate with each other in the future."

When Li Li Xuewu mentioned this, Li Li Huai De was quite surprised; he hadn't expected Li Li Xuewu to be talking about something other than Yang Shuji's investigation.

"Mm, mm, this is indeed appropriate."

Seeing Li Li Huai De sit down, Li Li Xuewu continued, "I reported this matter to Deputy Director Dong, and he agreed; the location was chosen as the first floor of the guesthouse."

Li Li Huai De nodded and said, "Very good; this represents our factory's attitude; I think it's acceptable."

"But now Deputy Director Dong has gone away for study, and I, a mere small section chief, cannot hold the fort alone; I can only invite you, this great Buddha, to preside."

"Oh?" Hearing Li Li Xuewu say this, Li Li Huai De's expression softened somewhat, but he still tried to decline, saying, "You could go invite Director Fu Bin; he is still capable of representing our Security Division."

Li Li Xuewu said with a bitter smile, "I just came out of the Security Building; Yang Shuji is over there right now; this certainly implies my division director's opinion is involved; how would I dare violate discipline by inviting him? After all, this counts as a private banquet."

"Oh? When did this happen? How come I didn't know? What is Yang Shuji doing at your Security Section?" Li Li Huai De asked with a serious face.

Li Li Xuewu also wore an expression of confusion, saying, "I truly don't know about that; as you know, I've been busy recently and haven't had time to attend to other matters in the division or the section; today, upon receiving Yang Shuji's investigation notice, I came out; we must cooperate with their work, after all."

"Mm, mm, mm, I very much agree with this attitude of yours; our cadres must possess this kind of breadth of mind; very well, Sunday evening, right? I will go, but there is one condition: no extravagance allowed."

"Yes, rest assured; the ingredients were game I hunted over at Hongxing Village, and the wine was provided by the Waste Products Company, our cooperative co-construction unit."

Speaking to this point, Li Li Xuewu emphasized, "I have kept Director Fu Bin's requirements firmly in mind; I haven't taken a single bit of advantage at public expense."

Seeing Li Li Huai De's face stiffen, Li Li Xuewu said in a low voice, "He He Yuzhu said the goods you had stored in Xiaoshitang are gone; so, I've stored some for you again at the guesthouse; we certainly can't let others gossip, can we?"

"Taking this opportunity, let's also test the skills of the new chef hired by Director Xu; if you are still satisfied, then handling things at the guesthouse will be more convenient than at Xiaoshitang in the future, won't it?"

"Hehehe, you ah, I really can't do anything with you; just this once; next time, don't store anything for me anymore."

Li Li Xuewu did not agree to Li Li Huai De's words but instead smiled and said, "Let's talk about next time later; well, you get busy; today I happen to have an excuse to avoid suspicion and leave early, so I'll clock off before you do."

After saying this, he left Li Li Huai De's office.

Because he got off work early, when Li Li Xuewu arrived home the sky was still bright; just as he entered the courtyard gate, he saw Lao Lao Biaozi and the others riding a tricycle heading out.

"Where are you going? It's already this late and you're still going out?"

Wen San'er, having successfully proposed, pedaled the tricycle and said, "Isn't this just Lao Lao Biaozi acting on a whim? He said to take advantage of this time to go chisel ice in the lake and net fish."

Li Li Xuewu looked up at the sky, then looked at Lao Lao Biaozi and asked, "Why didn't you plan this earlier? Going at this hour, won't you be busy until midnight?"

Lao Lao Biaozi said helplessly, "I wanted to go yesterday, but by the time we finished tidying up the east room, it was too late, so we couldn't make it; Shen Guodong's grandmother has already prepared the nets, so we were thinking we could still use them on Sunday."

These few were the type who would risk their lives rather than give up profit; knowing that the volume of waste recycling on Sunday was large, none of them were willing to give up daytime hours, so they were thinking of making a sudden strike on Saturday night.

"Alright, wait for me; I'll go get the car; if we're going to do this, let's do it properly."

After speaking, Li Li Xuewu pushed his bicycle into the shed, let Lao Lao Biaozi and the others help add hot water, removed the license plates, started the vehicle, and squeezed the four of them in tightly before driving west.

Li Li Xuewu didn't drive far; he just turned along the alley into Mao'er Jinyu Hutong, went straight through Di'anmen Outer Street along the Jinyu Hutong, and rushed past the entrance of the Huode Temple to reach the edge of Qianhai.

When passing a certain courtyard in Mao'er Jinyu Hutong, Lao Lao Biaozi even pointed out "Wen San'er's home" to Li Li Xuewu.

This naturally earned Lao Lao Biaozi a slap from Wen San'er, who was sitting in the back seat.

Actually, Shichahai at this time did not have the scenic function it would have in later generations, but was instead a public fishery.

Shichahai at this time also had autumn fishing, just like Chagan Lake, which was hyped up in later generations; both conducted fishing harvests in the autumn.

Although the scale of Shichahai's autumn fishing could not compare to that of Chagan Lake, the volume of the catch when the nets were hauled in and the liveliness of the crowds gathering to watch were still magnificent enough.

In Li Li Xuewu's memories from before he joined the army, the autumn fishing at Shichahai happened at least once a year.

It was especially lively in this area of the Front Lake.

Because there was an island in the middle of the Front Lake, two nets could be cast simultaneously.

One net was cast from the east side of the Yinding Bridge, and the other from under the Houmen Bridge; avoiding the lake-center island, both were hauled in at the pier on the northwest shore of the lake.

These were drag nets with meshes as large as a child's palm, allowing fish under one jin to slip through and continue growing.

After casting the net, people on shore pulled the cables, while several small wooden boats on the lake surface spread the net out.

The net was cast before noon and slowly dragged toward the hauling point; the entire process took several hours, usually finishing around three or four in the afternoon.

When the fishing net was pulled to within a few dozen meters of the shore, the crowded school of trapped fish began leaping out of the water one after another—a sight that truly made one's heart surge with excitement.

Once the net reached the shore, the fishermen, holding large fish scoops, scooped the fish into truck beds waiting on the bank, filling several trucks in one go.

At that time, Li Li Xuewu had no idea where all the fish were transported.

The catch consisted mainly of silver carp and grass carp; Li Li Xuewu once saw a huge grass carp that a fisherman carried by the gills as he passed Li Li Xuewu—that fish was larger than a small child.

It is worth mentioning that at that time, the deck of the Yinding Bridge was basically flat, whereas in later generations it was restored to its old appearance, becoming an arched bridge.

When the flat bridge still existed, there was a wooden sluice gate on the west side of the bridge to hold back water.

In Li Li Xuewu's memory, because the Yinding Bridge deck was not wide, whenever the sluice gate was opened to release water, frightened fish would occasionally leap out of the splashing waves.

It was truly a fine view: watching the mountains from the west of the bridge, and admiring the fish from the east.

Although it was public property, after the autumn fishing season ended, nearby residents were not restricted from fishing with rods.

People like Li Li Xuewu and his friends, who could not afford proper gear, were rare exceptions; if caught by the management office, they would definitely get a beating.

Li Li Xuewu and his group had been caught before, and it was Director Wang from the sub-district office who had to come and take them back.

But Director Wang was quite protective of his young charges, and since the management office was right next to the Jiaodaokou Sub-district, they even threw in two extra fish as a bonus.

Having learned from past lessons, Li Li Xuewu did not immediately reveal the net; instead, he first drove the vehicle to a position out on the lake.

The engine kept running; in this place with the cold wind blowing hard, they dared not turn it off.

They had no ice picks, but those people drilling holes in the ice to fish did; with five strapping young men knowing how to be "polite," borrowing ice picks was easy enough.

Each of the five men took an ice pick, marked out a circle two meters in diameter, and began exerting their strength.

This was truly a labor-intensive task; ice three feet thick does not freeze in a single day.

Breaking through ice that thick was no easy matter.

Those fishing with rods seemed to guess the group's intentions; they all reeled in their lines, sat on their folding stools, and watched this side.

"Fish thieves" with such audacity were rarely seen; today there was definitely a good show to watch.

Ignoring the stares of those people, the group chiseled through the ice in one continuous effort.

The duty room at the management office had spotted Li Li Xuewu and his group's jeep arriving long ago, but seeing them make no other moves, they had not come out.

Now, seeing the several men drill such a large hole, the three guards from the fish farm stood at the window, looking over in this direction.

The reason they hadn't come out was that, for now, it looked like fish stealing; if they went over to make a big issue of it, these brats would surely start cursing in the street.

"We haven't done anything, so why are you coming over? Do you even manage people drilling ice for fun?"

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi carried half a sack of fragrant fried corn grits and scattered it directly into the water, which excited the surrounding people terribly.

"Damn it, these people are aiming high; spending so much capital like this, who knows how big a haul they're planning to make."

The people at the management office had already put on their hats; the only reason they hadn't come out yet was that Li Li Xuewu and his group hadn't cast their net.

If they rushed out making a racket right now, and these five bastards pulled out fishing rods, it would be awkward.

"I'm here to fish; I just drilled a slightly larger hole in the ice, so what?"

After scattering the corn grits, Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi unhurriedly returned to the vehicle, then came down again carrying another sack.

The crowd and the people at the distant management office thought he was going to chum the water again, but the five men merely squatted in a circle watching, making no move.

The people at the distant management office were also puzzled: "What are they doing? Where did these silly boys come from? Could it be they drilled a hole in the ice just to feed the fish?"

Those fishing nearby had already spotted Li Li Xuewu and his group's subtle movements of casting the net, but none of them made a sound.

This fish farm didn't belong to any of them, so who would bother meddling in this affair?

Seeing the five men make no move, the people at the management office relaxed their vigilance, but before they could even lift their teacups for a sip, trouble stirred up over there again.

They saw that big flat-faced fellow over there drag a huge piece of burlap sacking from the back of the jeep.

Why call it a huge piece? It looked as if it were pieced together from more than ten sacks; were these damn guys just squatting until tired and then sitting down to watch?

Not knowing what these bad boys were up to, the captain of the guards could no longer sit still; picking up his club, he said, "Let's go, over to see what these few boys are playing at."