Chapter 329: Awe and Reverence

Qin Qin Huairu frowned upon seeing Li Li Xuewu's strange reaction.

Early this morning, she had checked the guest registry and questioned the front desk clerk in detail.

The clerk admitted that Yan Brother Jiecheng had used Li Li Xuewu's driver as a pretext, and she hadn't dared to refuse.

Qin Qin Huairu was furious; if something happened, would this woman be considered Yan Brother Jiecheng's or Li Li Xuewu's?

Ruthless as she was, Qin Qin Huairu immediately held a meeting with the front desk staff, decreeing that anyone claiming to be Li Li Xuewu's guest—especially women—would henceforth be denied service.

Frowning at the woman hiding in the doorway, Qin Qin Huairu turned and followed Li Li Xuewu.

On the fourth floor, Qin Qin Huairu opened a room for Li Li Xuewu to inspect.

It had a private bathroom, shower, desk, sofa, coffee table, large bed, radio, and telephone—everything one could need.

In this era, this was practically a four-star standard.

At the very least, it was three-star.

Xu Ning had set the price at ten yuan a night, clearly intending to discourage casual guests.

As Qin Qin Huairu put it, it was practically highway robbery.

The third-floor rooms, lacking sofas, radios, and phones, were five yuan a night.

Only the standard rooms and dormitories on the third floor were fifty cents a night.

The front desk clearly displayed the service facilities and prices, allowing guests to choose for themselves.

The most innovative feature of the steel mill's guesthouse was the inclusion of meeting rooms and recreational areas.

The first floor had a meeting room for dozens, while the second floor served as both a small meeting room and a ping-pong hall.

Additionally, following Li Li Xuewu's suggestion, Xu Ning had partitioned an office on the first floor to create an infirmary.

It wasn't for major issues, just simple bandaging and preliminary treatment.

Since the steel mill had its own hospital, this infirmary was intended for those "good thing you came in time, or it would have festered" types of wounds.

They also set up a laundry room equipped with three washing machines from the Beijing Baiyun Washing Machine Factory.

The laundry room was on the third floor, with an exit leading to the roof of the annex building for drying clothes.

While Li Li Xuewu wouldn't dare bring a washing machine into his own home, he had no qualms about procuring them for the unit.

If you use it personally, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

But in the unit, it's serving the people!

Other security and vehicle arrangements for important guests remained on paper, to be dispatched from the motor pool and security division as needed.

Coming down from the floor, Li Li Xuewu pointed toward the water room and said, "You could renovate this into a tea room. Set up a few tea tables and screens; it would be convenient for guests to talk and generate tea revenue. It's killing two birds with one stone."

"I really admire your brain!"

Qin Qin Huairu glanced at Li Li Xuewu and headed toward the office.

She was leaving space for Li Li Xuewu and Xu Ning to talk.

Li Li Xuewu stood in the large meeting room with Xu Ning, looking at the podium, and said, "Hurry, speed up the arrangements for the work here."

Xu Ning looked at Li Li Xuewu and asked, "Li Kezhang, what are my next arrangements?"

Li Li Xuewu gestured to Xu Ning's arm and asked, "How is your arm? Can you still hold a gun?"

Xu Ning nodded and smiled, "It's fine now; I can return to the front line at any time."

Li Li Xuewu put his hands in his pockets, looked at the podium, and asked, "Do you want to go to Steel City?"

"Steel City?"

Xu Ning was taken aback. Where did that come from?

Wasn't he supposed to take over his position at the Security Division?

Although he knew Li Li Xuewu had been to Steel City recently, he didn't know why Li Li Xuewu would arrange for him to go there.

"Yes, Steel City."

Li Li Xuewu said, "The Security Division Chief at the Steel City branch has lost his spirit—he's a waste. The leadership there has collapsed entirely, and I need you to take charge of the work there."

Xu Ning nodded firmly, "I'll listen to you."

"Good, get ready. Solidify the work here."

Xu Ning asked, "Then... who will take over the work here?"

Li Li Xuewu thought for a moment, turned to look at Xu Ning, and asked, "Can Qin Qin Huairu handle it?"

Xu Ning frowned and thought, "Barely, but..."

Seeing Xu Ning's expression, Li Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Between us, you can speak freely."

Xu Ning looked at Li Li Xuewu and said, "Don't worry about it; I'll make sure it's arranged."

"Really?"

Li Li Xuewu asked, seeing Xu Ning's reluctance to elaborate.

"When have I ever let you down?"

"Hahaha."

Li Li Xuewu laughed, led Xu Ning out of the meeting room, and said as they walked, "I have a small suggestion for you."

"Go ahead."

"Hehehe, don't be nervous, just a small suggestion."

Li Li Xuewu pointed around and said, "I've looked, and your guesthouse has fewer green plants than my office! There's no sense of vitality."

Xu Ning was stunned, then smiled, "I wish I could get the favor of those aunts in the service department."

Li Li Xuewu pointed at Xu Ning and walked out with a smile.

Xu Ning asked, "It's almost time to eat, why not stay and eat here?"

Li Li Xuewu waved his hand, bid farewell to Zhang Zhang Songying, and said to Xu Ning, "I'm leaving this afternoon, so I need to go home and pack."

Xu Ning and Zhang Zhang Songying saw Li Li Xuewu out until he turned the corner.

Seeing Xu Ning's solemn expression, Zhang Zhang Songying asked worriedly, "Is Li Ke dissatisfied? He seemed quite pleasant."

Xu Ning turned to look at Zhang Zhang Songying and shook his head, "It's not that."

Zhang Zhang Songying didn't press further; whatever it was, it wasn't her place to ask.

Xu Ning appreciated this quality in Zhang Zhang Songying.

"My position might be changing."

This explosive news stunned Zhang Zhang Songying.

"Ah?! But... but... you've only been in charge for a month."

Zhang Zhang Songying looked at Xu Ning and asked anxiously, "Is it because Li Ke is dissatisfied with your work, so..."

"No, it's a different assignment."

Xu Ning shook his head, "I might be going to work out of town."

"Oh!"

Zhang Zhang Songying asked in surprise, "A promotion?"

Seeing Xu Ning nod, Zhang Zhang Songying said happily, "You scared me. Congratulations, Xu Suozhang."

Xu Ning smiled, but then looked at the guesthouse building with reluctance, "But I'm reluctant to leave. We built this up bit by bit; it's your hard work and my heart and soul."

"Xu Suozhang..."

Seeing Xu Ning's reluctance, Zhang Zhang Songying asked in a low voice, "Is the person replacing you...?"

Xu Ning thought for a moment, then seemed to make up his mind, "You know how much Li Ke cares about and helps the guesthouse."

"Yes, I know."

Zhang Zhang Songying didn't know what Xu Ning was getting at, but nodded in agreement.

"From clearing out the old staff to the renovations, Li Ke has been involved in the design. Do you know what that means?"

Zhang Zhang Songying looked at Xu Ning, nodding and shaking her head in confusion.

Xu Ning looked at the building, "It means Li Ke also has the final say on personnel matters here."

"Oh!"

She seemed to understand, but wasn't sure, so she waited for Xu Ning to continue.

But Xu Ning stopped talking about Li Li Xuewu and started talking about Qin Qin Huairu.

"Since Qin Qin Huairu took over as the most important Guest Room Li Kezhang, she has been diligent and led the charge. I am satisfied with her work, and Li Ke was very satisfied with today's visit."

As he spoke, Xu Ning looked at Zhang Zhang Songying, "Especially you. Li Ke expressed recognition and praise for your conscientious work."

Zhang Zhang Songying looked into Xu Ning's eyes, her heart pounding with excitement.

"Director, what do you mean?"

Xu Ning smiled at Zhang Zhang Songying, "I hope that the foundation we've built can remain in our own hands; that's the only way to maintain consistency and better serve the people, isn't it?"

From Xu Ning's long speech, Zhang Zhang Songying caught a key phrase: "our own people."

What does it mean to be "our own people"?

This is a question many cadres ponder and pursue.

Zhang Zhang Songying's heart skipped a beat, and she smiled at Xu Ning, "I understand, Director."

She had fantasized about such a day, where she could ride the wind and waves and take the fast track.

But she never imagined it would come so soon.

The personnel structure of the guesthouse was clear: the service department was split into two parts—her supply and marketing service department and the hygiene service department.

Added to that were Qin Qin Huairu's Guest Room Department, Liu Lan's Catering Department, Xu Ning's acting Finance Department, and the Maintenance Department formed by the newly transferred workers.

If Xu Ning left, who would take over?

Zhang Zhang Songying hadn't been sure before—either Qin Qin Huairu or Liu Lan.

She had a rough idea of both their backgrounds.

She never expected she might have such an opportunity.

The temptation of moving further up lingered in her mind.

Xu Ning knew Zhang Zhang Songying was a smart person; not only was she well-educated, but she was also more adept at handling people than Qin Qin Huairu.

But Qin Qin Huairu had more "practical ability" and "other abilities," otherwise Xu Ning would have preferred Zhang Zhang Songying to succeed him.

"Work hard. The guesthouse is in your hands now. I've done all I can. Unite with Comrade Qin Qin Huairu, and let's progress and improve together."

Zhang Zhang Songying smiled, "I wish you a bright future and continued promotion, Xu Suozhang."

"Hahahaha."

Li Li Xuewu looked at the long-wheelbase jeep in the garage and smiled at the mechanic, Old Zhang, "Is there no car you can't fix?"

Old Zhang closed the car door and smiled, "There was nothing wrong with it; it was just covered in mud."

He kicked the dirt on the ground and said, "I checked it the day it arrived. The mud had affected the engine parts. I didn't touch it, just left it here for a few days, and look."

Li Li Xuewu saw the dirt on the ground; it was the frozen mud and ice from the car body that had thawed due to the temperature in the repair shop.

Old Zhang tapped the inner wall of the car with a wrench, and dirt fell from the engine area.

"I'll drive it to the cleaning bay. It's just a small matter."

Old Zhang got in the car, turned the key, and the engine roared to life.

Li Li Xuewu quickly covered his nose and mouth; the shop was filled with dust like a smoke bomb.

The cleaning bay was next door, using warm cooling water, so it wouldn't freeze.

Large factories at this time were truly self-sufficient, handling everything themselves without needing to ask for help.

This also led to resource waste and duplication.

But there was no choice; the hardest things to manage were resource allocation and coordination.

For example, the steel mill had its own gas station, hospital, and auto repair shop.

Without these, you'd not only have to beg for help, but you'd also have to occupy other factories' resources, and the approval process could kill you.

That's why factories were more comfortable than local areas; even the popsicles and soda in summer were produced by the mill's own logistics factory.

The manufacturing process for these wasn't high-tech, so basically, large factories had their own.

Hard work and self-reliance—that's what it meant.

After waiting at the shop door for a while, Old Zhang drove the cleaned GAZ-69 double-door version out.

"All clean?"

"My god!"

Old Zhang jumped out of the car and smiled, "The dirt I washed off could fertilize two acres of land."

"Hahaha."

Li Li Xuewu gave Old Zhang a cigarette and said, "Then I'll file an application with the factory to plant two acres this year. That counts as self-reliance, right?"

"Hahaha, you're something else. You clear a field, and I'll plant it!"

After joking with Old Zhang, Li Li Xuewu asked, "How much for the repairs? I'll go settle it with finance."

Old Zhang smiled, "How do you want to calculate it?"

He pointed to the dirt on the floor and the cleaning bay, "You can't charge for letting it sit here for three nights and giving it a bath, right?"

Old Zhang nudged Li Li Xuewu's arm, "If you insist on paying, no one will dare use the cleaning bay anymore."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and pulled an unopened pack of cigarettes from his pocket, placing it in Old Zhang's hand, "Then thank you, Master Zhang. The effort of checking the car is always worth something."

Old Zhang declined once before accepting; Li Ke always gave good cigarettes.

"Then I'll be thick-skinned and accept. If you have any trouble in the future, come find me. I can't do everything, but I can fix cars."

"Good, good, good."

Li Li Xuewu waved goodbye to Master Zhang, got into the GAZ-69, and steered toward the steel mill gate, ready to go home and pack.

Just as he exited the gate, he saw Yu Li walking out, while Yan Brother Jiecheng stood at the gate, staring blankly.

Li Li Xuewu parked the car next to Yan Brother Jiecheng, frowned, and rolled down the window, "What are you doing? Standing there like a telephone pole."

"Oh, oh, Li Kezhang."

Yan Brother Jiecheng was stunned, gave an awkward smile, and hesitated.

Seeing Yan Brother Jiecheng stammer, Li Li Xuewu looked him over and said, "Arrange for people to leave early. Are you looking to die by putting them in the guesthouse?"

"Sec... Li Kezhang..."

Yan Brother Jiecheng was about to explain, but Li Li Xuewu started to roll up the window.

"Li Kezhang, I saw Li Kezhang Han assembling the team..."

Li Li Xuewu rolled the window back down, "And?"

Yan Brother Jiecheng knew Li Li Xuewu had a bad temper and hated hesitation, so he blurted out, "Are you driving there? Do you need me to..."

Li Li Xuewu looked at Yan Brother Jiecheng and interrupted, "You'd better stay at the factory. The Northeast isn't your lucky land; it doesn't suit you."

"But..."

Before Yan Brother Jiecheng could finish, Li Li Xuewu rolled up the window and drove away.

When he reached Yu Li, he honked the horn.

Yu Li turned, saw Li Li Xuewu waving from the driver's seat, and opened the door to get in.

Li Li Xuewu drove onto the main road and turned to look at Yu Li, "When did you come?"

Yu Li wiped her face and said, "After you left."

"Why didn't you ride your bike?"

Li Li Xuewu's bike was at home, and Yu Li knew where the key was.

Yu Li didn't speak, leaning against the passenger seat and looking out the window.

Seeing Yu Li's low mood, Li Li Xuewu didn't press her and drove in silence.

"I came to find him today..."

Yu Li paused, then continued, "And talked about the divorce."

*Click. *

Li Li Xuewu took out his lighter and lit a cigarette.

"You've really decided?"

"Yes."

Yu Li nodded, "He agreed, too."

"Hehehe."

Li Li Xuewu smiled but said nothing.

Yan Brother Jiecheng liked a woman's gentleness, while Yu Li wanted a man's sincerity.

But in this world, nothing is cheaper than the gentleness of someone who has achieved nothing and the sincerity of someone who is penniless.

Yu Li held the car handle, turned to look at Li Li Xuewu, and said, "When I mentioned divorce, he hesitated for a moment and then agreed, saying the house was mine, hehe."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, "That's quite generous."

"Bullshit!"

Yu Li turned to look ahead, sneering, "The house was already mine. He only said that so I wouldn't talk about the divorce or make a scene."

Li Li Xuewu held the steering wheel, took a puff of his cigarette, and asked, "He's not a mouse; he can't hide it forever. Why not let you talk about it, hehe."

Yu Li also sneered, "He said that once he takes the kids back, I won't need to cover for him anymore."

Li Li Xuewu's hand holding the cigarette paused. Although he wanted to laugh, he didn't; it wouldn't be appropriate right now.

Yu Li looked at Li Li Xuewu, squinting, "Are you hiding something from me? He agreed too readily. I feel like there's something going on."

"What?"

Li Li Xuewu was stunned, then thought for a moment, "Nothing. The woman he's with isn't a decent person; I told you that."

"No."

Yu Li shook her head, unable to figure it out, then asked, "How much is your factory guesthouse per night?"

If Yu Li had asked yesterday, Li Li Xuewu might not have known, but having just come from the guesthouse, the price was posted on the wall.

"Fifty cents a night."

Yu Li looked at Li Li Xuewu, "Even if he didn't give me his salary this month, it wouldn't be enough for him to stay long."

Yu Li looked suspiciously at Li Li Xuewu, "You didn't lend him money, did you?"

"Hehehe."

Li Li Xuewu shook his head, "I'm not his father, and I'm broke myself. Where would I get money to lend him?"

Yu Li glared at Li Li Xuewu, "Then besides you, even his father wouldn't lend him money. Where would he get the money to support that woman?"

"Every dog has its day; he'll find a way."

Yu Li's confusion remained until Li Li Xuewu parked the car in the West Courtyard garage.

Old Lao Biaozi and the others were moving sofas in the courtyard. Seeing Li Li Xuewu arrive, they stopped and gathered around to look at the car he had brought back.

"Brother Wu, is this our car?"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu get out, Old Lao Biaozi jumped into the car, gripped the steering wheel, and asked happily.

Li Li Xuewu smiled and tossed the keys to Old Lao Biaozi, "Wait a few days, go find Li Kezhang Shen at Jiaodaokou and get us our own plates."

"Got it!"

Old Lao Biaozi caught the keys and agreed readily.

It was clear Old Lao Biaozi really loved the car.

Wen San'er kicked the rear bumper and asked with a raised eyebrow, "How much can this thing carry?"

Li Li Xuewu smiled, "It says 690 kilograms, but I've seen this thing hauling infantry guns across mountains."

"Hehehe."

Wen San'er kicked the sturdy carriage again and smiled, "I like this kind of sturdy, durable stuff."

Li Li Xuewu patted Wen San'er's arm, "Don't be afraid to use it. Use it for collecting scrap and delivering small goods."

Wen San'er walked around the car once, then said to Li Li Xuewu, "We can't go out like this."

Old Lao Biaozi jumped out of the car and asked, "Why? Isn't it clean enough? What else do you want? It's 80% new."

"No, no, no."

Wen San'er shook his head, "It's too clean, too new. Here's what we do: get some rust, sprinkle it on the body, and use paint to fix it in place."

"What?"

Wen San'er looked at Old Lao Biaozi, "Reduce it from 80% new to 5% new."

"What?"

Old Lao Biaozi touched the clean paint and said indignantly, "You're ruining a good thing!"

Li Li Xuewu smiled at Wen San'er and patted Old Lao Biaozi's shoulder, "Listen to your uncle. When have you ever seen him lose out?"

Wen San'er looked at his nephew and said, "I did the books for a 5% new vehicle, calculated at scrap price—only 100 yuan. If you don't make it look like junk, are you looking to die?"

"But it's still... it's heartbreaking..."

Old Lao Biaozi touched the clean paint, murmuring, "Can we..."

"Stop the bullshit and do as you're told!"

With that, Wen San'er grabbed a brick and started smashing the car body.

*Clang! Clang! Clang! *

Every time Wen San'er hit it, Old Lao Biaozi's face twitched.

Old Lao Biaozi watched his uncle smash dents into the car body with a brick, tears welling up.

You could have at least let me drive it out to show off once!

Old Lao Biaozi couldn't bear it anymore and went out of the garage to find paint.

Wen San'er smashed it for a while, threw down the brick, clapped his hands, and said, "It's heartbreaking, but it has to be done. If we don't smash it, it won't be ours."

Li Li Xuewu truly admired Wen San'er's brain and courage; not everyone could resist such temptation.

Seeing the car covered in dents, Li Li Xuewu smiled and threw a cigarette to Wen San'er, "You certainly have courage!"

"Get lost! You told me to do it for 100 yuan, so I really thought it was a car ready for the scrapyard!"

So he was heartbroken too.

Smashing a perfectly good car body into a battle-worn state—even though Wen San'er talked tough, the tougher he acted, the more it hurt.

Lighting his cigarette, Wen San'er pointed at the car, "This thing is worth more than ten thousand!"

Li Li Xuewu smiled, "I'm going to Steel City this afternoon."

"I'll get you the money."

Wen San'er nodded, "There's nothing there right now, so don't think about shipping anything back. Whatever you can bring back is better than nothing."

As he spoke, he walked toward the door, and Li Li Xuewu looked at the scarred car and followed.

After Li Li Xuewu finished his arrangements at home and went to the guest room to eat, Wen San'er had the money ready.

He put a cloth bag into Li Li Xuewu's satchel and whispered, "I didn't take it all; I took three thousand. It should be enough."

Li Li Xuewu nodded to show he understood and sat down to eat with the others.

It was the first day of business, so everyone stayed in.

In the morning, they sorted the goods, moving furniture that could be sold to the old woman's place, and moving items that couldn't be sold yet to another warehouse.

In the afternoon, the scrap company's large truck would come to load the goods, and Wen San'er and Old Lao Biaozi would have to help load and deliver them.

They had accumulated two truckloads of scrap since before the New Year, and Wen San'er wanted to sell it quickly to repay part of the money entrusted by the neighborhood and the office.

Li Li Xuewu didn't need to worry about this. After eating, he grabbed his bag, and Old Lao Biaozi drove him to the steel mill.

He got out at the gate and waved for Old Lao Biaozi to go back.

Li Li Xuewu greeted the guards and walked inside. Just as he passed the guard room, he saw two cars parked in front of the security team building.

One patrol car, one command car.

The security team members were assembling in front of the cars.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu approach, Han Zhan saluted, "Report, Li Kezhang. The security team for this mission is assembled. 15 personnel expected, 15 present."

This time, Li Li Xuewu planned to take ten security team members, plus five police dog team members and five dogs.

"Is all the equipment ready?"

Han Zhan nodded, "We installed a water tank this morning, prepared food with the cafeteria at noon, brought four barrels of oil, and all our gear is ready."

Li Li Xuewu tossed his bag to Han Zhan, "Get ready. I'm going to call Yang Shuji, and then we'll set off."

As Li Li Xuewu entered the office area gate, he saw Yang Shuji walking out of the building with three others.

These four were carrying luggage and document bags, clearly well-prepared.

Li Li Xuewu smiled and took Yang Shuji's luggage, "I was just about to go greet you."

Yang Yang Yuansong waved his hand, "We're all comrades, no need for such formalities."

He pointed to the people behind him and introduced, "This is Yang Yang Zongfang from the First Inspection Section; you know him."

Li Li Xuewu shook hands with Yang Yang Zongfang and smiled, "Fresh in my memory."

Yang Yang Zongfang felt the strength in Li Li Xuewu's grip and gave an awkward smile, "Likewise."

Yang Yang Yuansong saw their interaction but said nothing, continuing, "These are Xiao Liu and Xiao Wang from the First Section."

Li Li Xuewu shook hands with them and pointed toward the security team, "We're ready on our end."

"Then let's go."

Yang Yang Yuansong waved his hand and followed Li Li Xuewu toward the security team dormitory.

The security team members didn't have bags like Li Li Xuewu's group; they carried backpacks, which they wore on their backs.

As soon as Li Li Xuewu gave the order, the fifteen people and five dogs quietly boarded the vehicles.

They stowed their bags under their seats and sat on the side benches with their guns in hand.

Han Zhan drove the command car, Yang Yang Zongfang sat in the passenger seat, and Li Li Xuewu and Yang Yang Yuansong sat in the back.

Xiao Liu and Xiao Wang went to the patrol car.

With that, after Li Li Xuewu gave the departure order over the intercom, the two cars drove out of the steel mill compound one after another.

Many people stood at the windows of the office building watching, some already calculating their future plans.

Those who didn't know were asking around why the Security Division was acting with the Inspection Commission.

Both those who knew and those who didn't were filled with anxiety.

Standing at a third-floor window of the Security Building, Fu Bin watched Li Li Xuewu's car leave the compound. His trembling hand placed his cigarette on the windowsill.

He wanted to walk back to his desk, but felt dizzy after one step. He held onto the windowsill for a long time before he could stand steady.

He walked slowly to his desk and sat down. After thinking for a long time, he reached for the brand-new telephone on his desk.

But before Fu Bin could dial, the door was pushed open with a *bang*.

"Xu..."

Before Fu Bin could finish, Xu Si, with an unprecedentedly serious expression, said, "Comrade Fu Bin, please put down the phone and cooperate with our work."

Fu Bin looked at Xu Si's expression, then at the others who had entered with him—the Li Kezhang of the Second Inspection Section and others.

*Clang. *

The phone in Fu Bin's hand didn't land on the base, but slipped onto the desk, emitting a buzzing sound.

Meng Niansheng, Li Kezhang of the Second Inspection Section, looked at Fu Bin, whose hair was as withered and yellow as wild grass, and walked to the front of his desk. He said to Fu Bin, who had lost so much weight, "Comrade Fu Bin, entrusted by the Red Star Steel Mill Wind Discipline Investigation Working Group, I am now issuing a summons. Please come with us to accept investigation and provide an explanation regarding the issues involving the cases of Fu Changhua, Fu Haiba, and others."

Fu Bin's eyelids twitched. He held onto the chair and looked at Meng Niansheng, "Where are we going? Do I need to be handcuffed?"

He held out his thin, withered hands as he spoke.

Meng Niansheng looked down at Fu Bin's hands and said, "No, not for now. Coming with us is also part of the investigation. The location has been arranged by the working group at the guesthouse; the environment is guaranteed."

Fu Bin nodded, slowly lowered his hands, and then held onto the desk to stand up.

But his legs were weak. Fu Bin tried to maintain a dignified and calm expression, but his trembling legs betrayed his inner state.

This day had finally come. After his daughter, son, nephew, and wife, it was now his turn.

Xu Si watched Fu Bin's trembling state, as if he might fall at any moment, and waved his hand behind him.

Two young men from the Second Section walked to Fu Bin's sides and supported his arms as he stood up.

But to Fu Bin and the others, this support looked more like an arrest.

The two young men supported Fu Bin as he walked step by step. As soon as they stepped out the door, they saw many people standing in the hallway.

People were standing at the doors of offices on one side, watching them with expressions of indifference, seriousness, relief, or terror.

Some met Fu Bin's gaze, only to look away in a panic.

Fu Bin knew that this investigation was different from the last one; no one could save him this time.

The little guy who had truly become the "Tiger of the Security Division" would not let him rise from the ashes.

As he walked out of the office and down the stairs, Fu Bin began to recall every moment he had spent with Li Li Xuewu.

It felt as if Li Li Xuewu had reported for duty just yesterday.

It seemed every floor had been notified; hallways and office doors were crowded with people watching the stairwell.

Xu Si, Meng Niansheng, and the others walking with Fu Bin didn't stop the onlookers; this was also a form of warning education.

Only lessons seen with one's own eyes could make cadres feel awe and prevent them from touching the red line.

After walking out of the Security Building, Fu Bin was handcuffed by the security team members and guards standing at the door.

This was standard procedure; the Inspection Commission was responsible for bringing him down, while the security team was responsible for custody.

The Security Division had arranged a car specifically for this. After Fu Bin was handcuffed, four guards escorted him into the car and headed toward the guesthouse.

Although it wasn't far, it was unsightly to escort Fu Bin on foot with so many people, so Li Li Xuewu had specifically instructed Wei Tong before he left.

Upon arriving at the guesthouse, Fu Bin was escorted down by the guards and taken directly to the fourth floor.

Several rooms at the end of the fourth-floor hallway had been requisitioned by the working group until the case was concluded.

Because the fourth-floor rooms were well-equipped, quiet, and convenient for both living and handling the case, Li Li Xuewu had suggested placing the investigation work there.

This was also experience gained from later generations, as Fu Bin was still in the investigation stage, not under formal arrest.

Therefore, the guesthouse was more appropriate.

Guards were on duty in the room at all times, and personnel were stationed in the hallway 24/7, with working group staff stationed in the rooms on both sides.

The investigation began the moment Fu Bin entered the room.

Li Li Huai De came up with Xu Si to take a look, but said nothing before returning to his office.

The investigation proceeded according to established procedures. The Second Section staff were veterans at asking questions, investigating, and determining what to look for, so they didn't need Li Li Huai De's guidance.

Li Li Huai De and Xu Si's side progressed very smoothly, but Li Li Xuewu's side suffered.

He had already suffered the hardship of driving a few days ago, and now he had to suffer it a second time, with a third time likely if things went smoothly.

The most bizarre thing was encountering a marathon race while leaving the city.

Of course, it wasn't called a marathon then, but a "Spring Festival Round-the-City Race," but the meaning was the same.

Looking at the crowd outside the car window, Yang Yang Yuansong introduced with a smile, "This race has quite a history; this is the tenth year."

Li Li Xuewu puffed on his cigarette and looked out. Everyone was wearing sportswear and white sneakers, with white numbers pinned to their chests and backs.

"I used to come watch when I was a kid. Later, my dad said there were too many people and it was dangerous, so he wouldn't let me come."

Yang Yang Yuansong nodded, "Indeed, there are too many people. There are over three thousand runners, and I estimate over a hundred thousand spectators."

This wasn't an exaggeration. The Spring Festival Round-the-City Race was co-founded by news organizations like the People's Daily and the Guangming Daily.

The first race had 1,450 participants from factories, schools, and government agencies, and was hailed as the "largest mass long-distance running competition."

This race was quite impressive; the starting point was actually... well, it's unimaginable now.

The timing was also excellent: the third day of the Lunar New Year, the first day of work for the year.

Some units would give workers a day off to cheer for their factory's athletes.

Because it was lively and festive, the race became a fixed program for Beijing citizens during the Spring Festival starting in 1956.

Yang Yang Zongfang interjected, "The prizes are interesting, too: a badge and a set of thermal underwear. My uncle participates every year."

Li Li Xuewu smiled, "Not this year; he won't be able to participate. Next year, I'm definitely signing up."

Yang Yang Zongfang was trying to ease the tension with Li Li Xuewu, which was why he had spoken up.

The last time had been very unpleasant. Now that Li Li Xuewu had been "cleared of his grievances," the Secretary had reminded Yang Yang Zongfang before they left.

Li Li Xuewu joining the working group meant something very clear.

Furthermore, Dong Wenxue, who was still in training, was standing behind Li Li Xuewu, looking on with a tiger's gaze.

Anyone could see now that Li Li Xuewu was running around with a big sword; who would dare provoke him?

Yang Yang Zongfang turned and asked Li Li Xuewu with a smile, "Why? Do you like that kind of badge?"

He nodded, "It's actually quite nice. It's a rare item in the circle of long-distance runners."

Li Li Xuewu opened the window, flicked the ash outside, and smiled, "I don't care about the badge. I just want a set of thermal underwear; I happen to need one."

"Hahahaha."

Everyone in the car laughed. Yang Yang Yuansong laughed at Li Li Xuewu, "You're so confident. How do you know you can make it into the top six?"

"Hehehe."

Li Li Xuewu looked out the window at the now-empty street; clearly, the motorcade had turned off the race route.

"These two long legs of mine aren't just for show. One of my steps is worth two of theirs."

Li Li Xuewu was indeed tall, a rarity in this era.

Such burly men were usually found in the military or in government departments.

Everyone chatted and laughed as they left the city, following the same road Li Li Xuewu had taken back last time, heading north toward Steel City.

"Yu Haitang, this is the news draft for this afternoon. Please broadcast it."

Everyone, stop waiting. I don't know which keyword triggered it, but it's always being blocked. I'll wait for the review tomorrow and see.

"Yu Haitang, this is the news draft for this afternoon, please broadcast it."

Everyone, don't wait. I don't know which keyword was touched, it's always blocked. Wait for the audit tomorrow to see.