Chapter 439: Red Light

Li Li Xuewu made it very clear: this person's professional skills were beyond question, having been thoroughly tested.

Zheng Zheng Fuhua nodded and asked Li Li Xuewu about the matter of the Red Star Training Ground.

The leader nodded without asking further, indicating approval, while Shen Fang, sitting nearby, also understood the leader's intent and realized this matter would ultimately fall on his own shoulders.

As he followed Li Li Xuewu out of the leader's office, he proactively inquired about Pazile's situation.

Li Li Xuewu, of course, hoped Pazile could enter training status as soon as possible, so he agreed with Shen Fang to have Pazile seek him out tomorrow.

Although Shen Fang was being transferred to the Public Security Battalion, the transfer order would still take a few days, and he still had handover duties to complete, which was plenty of time to handle this matter.

When Li Li Xuewu emerged from the office building, he glanced at his watch; just as Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi had said, it was already three o'clock.

It would take over two hours just to reach Red Star Village, not counting inspection time, and another two-plus hours to return.

Alas~ there was no help for it; if he didn't go today, he would have to go tomorrow.

Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi had already filled tomorrow's schedule to the brim.

"Let's go, depart!"

Li Li Xuewu gathered his Qi, climbed into the jeep, and signaled Han Han Jiankun to set off.

After the command vehicle exited the main gate, Sha Sha Qizhi turned around and handed documents to Li Li Xuewu for approval, one by one.

This had been agreed upon beforehand; this time on the road was perfectly suited for approving the backlog of documents.

Furthermore, the factory office had forwarded new documents today.

When young, one always thought that growing up meant no more homework, never expecting that as an adult, there would still be damn homework!

Li Li Xuewu was like an elementary student rushing to finish assignments before school started; even as the car swayed, he had to approve documents.

After much difficulty, they swayed their way to Red Star Village around 5:30, arriving just as the trainees were dining, so he missed seeing the training session.

Since Li Li Xuewu intended to return early, he did not dine in the cafeteria.

Han Zhan, the training supervisor currently on duty at the training ground, accompanied Li Li Xuewu in inspecting the training facilities, dormitory hygiene, duty logs, and so on.

"Have you completed the handover with Wei Tong?"

Standing at the cafeteria entrance, Li Li Xuewu took a look; the number of diners was indeed not small, with several thousand people eating together, which was quite a spectacular sight.

This was already with meals served in shifts, and those from the city's Public Security Battalion working here still lived in the city; otherwise, there would be even more.

Every month, supplies and provisions alone required truckloads to transport; this was truly something extraordinary.

However, of these several thousand diners, only a few hundred belonged to the Rolling Steel Factory or were trainees; the rest were from the Support Regiment.

The large communal dormitories at the rear were already full, and the main office building was also fully occupied, so space was just barely sufficient.

Later, the regimental headquarters here would move into the city, which might free up some space.

Furthermore, there would be garrisons on the mountain in the future, so the training ground below would serve primarily as an office and centralized training base.

"The handover is done; knowing you were coming, I've been waiting right here for you."

"Looking for a ride?"

Li Li Xuewu looked at Han Zhan, smiled, and reached out to pat his shoulder.

Han Zhan also smiled and said, "It's been a long time since I sat with you; I was just thinking about it."

"Mm-hmm, you've learned how to talk."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, joined up with Wei Tong, who had just finished his training supervision duties, summoned Ding Ding Xuebo as well, and together they met with Regiment Commander Qi, who was temporarily stationed here.

Aside from exchanging mutual pleasantries, Regiment Commander Qi rather politely chatted with Li Li Xuewu about his bandit-suppression exploits from years past.

Li Li Xuewu knew Wei Tong must have come here boasting.

Wasn't this showing off one's axe before Lu Ban, inviting ridicule from experts?

Seeing the expression on Li Li Xuewu's face as he looked at his subordinate, Qi Qi Yaowu smiled and asked, "I heard the battle was intense? Light machine guns and grenades were even used?"

Li Li Xuewu glanced at Wei Tong, unsure how to continue spinning this tall tale.

Seventeen professional emergency response personnel against a dozen or so bandits, employing light machine guns and grenades?

"It was a heavy snow day; we wanted a quick decisive engagement to protect the livestock, as the cattle and sheep of the pasture are public property."

In such a short time, this was the only excuse Li Li Xuewu could devise; he swore that from now on, he would never again cover up someone else's boasting with lies.

"Oh! No wonder~"

Qi Qi Yaowu was just making a joke and didn't press further, after all, they were cooperative partners.

Seeing through things without exposing them is how good friendships endure.

Seizing this opportunity, Li Li Xuewu introduced Wei Tong to him and simultaneously proposed the intention to jointly establish a Training Section.

Qi Qi Yaowu did not refuse, after all, his regiment's purpose was also to support the construction of local armed forces.

However, the training objectives and requirements Li Li Xuewu proposed at the appropriate time made him ponder for a while.

In addition to basic training in politics, culture, and physical fitness, training subjects would also include shooting, hand-to-hand combat, climbing, vehicle driving, anti-hijacking, hostage rescue, riot control and bomb disposal, wilderness survival, swimming, reconnaissance, and counter-reconnaissance.

Qi Qi Yaowu and Zhao Zhao Zhenhua, sitting nearby, could now see Li Li Xuewu's objective; this was aimed at professional training.

"Basic physical fitness training is no problem."

Zhao Zhao Zhenhua responded on behalf of Qi Qi Yaowu: "We can assist with items such as shooting, hand-to-hand combat, climbing, wilderness survival, swimming, reconnaissance, and counter-reconnaissance, but the others fall outside our professional scope."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Political courses will be supported by personnel dispatched from the Branch Bureau, cultural courses by Tsinghua University, and vehicle driving by the Rolling Steel Factory."

Glancing at his notebook, only the three most critical contents—anti-hijacking, hostage rescue, and riot control/bomb disposal—remained without an organization to conduct the learning.

He thought for a long time but couldn't think of anyone else who could teach this; previously, he had assumed that with so many people in this regiment, surely there would be capable experts.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu's dilemma, Qi Qi Yaowu felt a bit awkward himself; just moments ago he had been boasting to Li Li Xuewu, and now he too had encountered something he couldn't handle.

"Ah, you've really found the wrong person."

Qi Qi Yaowu explained with a smile: "What we train is all offense, emphasizing charging forward without hesitation; we have nothing on defense or rescue. Generally speaking, the things you want to train are meant to be used against people like us."

"Hahaha."

Li Li Xuewu thought about it and realized it was indeed true; the two exchanged a smile, both feeling a bit awkward.

"However, I know a place where there should be experts in this field."

Qi Qi Yaowu leaned close to Li Li Xuewu and whispered, "I don't know if you have connections in the Training Directorate, but if you go there to look, you're sure to find someone!"

"The Training Directorate?"

Li Li Xuewu was all too familiar with this department; all military training and military academies in the army fell under its management.

Even the training plans for the support regiment were designated by this department.

Furthermore, the current core militia, school military training, and so on, all came under their jurisdiction.

Li Li Xuewu frowned, thought for a moment, and asked, "Which department within it has them? They have many departments."

"You actually have connections?!"

Now it was Qi Qi Yaowu's turn to be surprised.

He had merely felt that it was awkward for Li Li Xuewu not to find anyone through him, so he mentioned an impressive place to make Li Li Xuewu retreat in the face of difficulty, without making himself look incompetent.

But he never expected that even in this situation, Li Li Xuewu would still have connections.

Li Li Xuewu also noticed Qi Qi Yaowu's surprise and said somewhat embarrassedly, "We're all in the same Four-Nine City; it's inevitable to have a few dangling connections~"

"..."

Could even this sort of thing have dangling connections?

The Four-Nine City was so vast; if everyone reasoned this way, we'd all be fellow villagers.

"Just a little bit of a connection."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and asked again, "For skills of this type, which department would have them?"

Qi Qi Yaowu realized he had encountered a true master.

He had truly underestimated this Deputy Division Chief before; being able to claim connections across any of the Eight Major Ministries was truly impressive.

"The Combat Training Department should have them."

Qi Qi Yaowu looked at Li Li Xuewu and said seriously, "In the past, there was no shortage of impressive figures from the Guo Dang who had studied abroad."

"This is truly the first time I've heard of it."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "I understand this matter now; our Training Section will need to invite you for guidance and assistance often."

"No problem, easily done."

At this moment, Qi Qi Yaowu did not know whether Li Li Xuewu was boasting or truly had someone.

No need to rush; the truth cannot be faked, and the fake cannot become true; once the person arrives, we'll know.

After discussing the training matters, they also communicated about the upcoming resettlement work on the mountain and in the city.

Just after the meeting ended and dinner was finished, Yin Yin Mancang was invited over by Sha Sha Qizhi.

After seeing Li Li Xuewu off, Sha Sha Qizhi went to Zhao Zhao Yajun's home, delivered the fabric to the Zhao family, and only then went to invite Yin Yin Mancang.

Seeing Yin Yin Mancang enter, Li Li Xuewu shook hands with Qi Qi Yaowu and Zhao Zhao Zhenhua, marking the conclusion of this symposium.

After seeing Qi Qi Yaowu and the others off, Li Li Xuewu discussed with Yin Yin Mancang the matter of him and Lao Lao Biaozi taking the lead to cooperate with Qi Qi Yaowu's regiment in setting up a quarantine zone on the mountain and raising livestock within that zone.

Yin Yin Mancang had previously known Li Li Xuewu's ideas, but this sudden arrival of dozens of cattle and hundreds of sheep transported up the mountain in tarp-covered trucks still gave him a fright.

If Li Li Xuewu hadn't come today, Yin Yin Mancang would have been unable to resist going down the mountain tomorrow to seek Li Li Xuewu's counsel.

Fortunately, Li Li Xuewu explained the entire plan to him at this time and mentioned that Qi Qi Yaowu had tacitly approved the matter; otherwise, vehicles would not have been dispatched to pick them up.

Yin Yin Mancang had already walked very far with Li Li Xuewu on this "road of no return" called entrepreneurship; now he couldn't jump off the vehicle even if he wanted to, because Li Li Xuewu had welded the doors shut.

"Those animals ate some corn along the way."

As Yin Yin Mancang saw him out, Li Li Xuewu walked toward the vehicle and said, "There is no corn on the mountain; we must think of a way to solve the fodder problem for the livestock."

Transporting corn by train inevitably resulted in some spillage or leakage from the bottom; knowing that livestock were being transported, Wei Tong intercepted and retained over ten bags of corn, which is what allowed the cattle, horses, and sheep to survive the journey.

"I've thought about this."

Yin Yin Mancang, with his hands behind his back holding his tobacco pipe stem, smiled and said, "Although it is a time when green crops are not yet ripe and old stores are exhausted, a living person cannot be strangled by urine."

Speaking thus, he sighed with emotion; when had Red Star Village ever possessed so many livestock?

Although they did not belong to him, based on Li Li Xuewu's intentions, this was to be a three-party cooperation.

Immediately after the livestock were transported back, Yin Yin Mancang had organized the villagers to settle them.

Of course, the village did not belong solely to his family, nor did everyone listen to him; when arranging personnel, he had to find those who were honest and reliable.

As the head of the village, his power at this time was truly boundless.

"There is plenty of withered grass on the mountain; that will provide something to chew on for now."

Seeing several people standing by the vehicle, Yin Yin Mancang did not walk any further forward.

The topic the two were discussing was truly unsuitable to be spoken in front of others.

"In another month or so, fresh grass will appear; I think there won't be any major problems with that, but as for the second half of this year..."

"Make silage."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and gave the most suitable answer.

"Dry grass must also be prepared; if bean cake blanks can be obtained, think of a way to get them."

"Mm."

Yin Yin Mancang nodded and said, "The commune has an oil press; I'll scrape together some more, and it will be enough."

Li Li Xuewu glanced at Yan Brother Jiecheng, who was standing by the vehicle talking with Sha Sha Qizhi; he was the person Li Li Xuewu had asked Sha Sha Qizhi to find and wait for him.

"It's late today; Lao Lao Biaozi will be going up the mountain in the next few days; if there's anything, let him tell you."

Knowing that Li Li Xuewu had matters to attend to, Yin Yin Mancang still lingered a moment.

"Just stay overnight at my home tonight and return tomorrow morning."

Yin Yin Mancang looked at the moon that had already risen and said to Li Li Xuewu, "Your aunt is preparing a meal for you at home."

"No need."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and shook hands with Yin Yin Mancang, saying, "I still have to go to work tomorrow morning; getting up too early is too exhausting."

After exchanging a few jokes, he finally walked over to the vehicle.

"Wei Tong, the horses our factory purchased are here with Secretary Yin."

While speaking, he introduced Wei Tong and Yin Yin Mancang to each other, then added instructions: "Have Secretary Yin find a few people to teach you how to ride; once you've learned, teach everyone from our factory currently undergoing training here."

Wei Tong shook hands with Yin Yin Mancang, exchanged greetings, and then acknowledged Li Li Xuewu's orders.

"Are those horses meant for use at our factory?"

"Nonsense!"

Li Li Xuewu glanced at Wei Tong, tapping his chest as he reminded him, "I don't need to say it for you to understand the situation with this batch of trainees; you must, must manage them well—absolutely no mistakes allowed!"

"Yes, I guarantee completion of the mission!"

Wei Tong saluted, giving Li Li Xuewu his assurance.

Li Li Xuewu nodded and turned his gaze toward Yan Brother Jiecheng.

"How are things going working here?"

This was the first time Li Li Xuewu had shown concern for his work, and Yan Brother Jiecheng felt deeply moved.

But seeing the frown on Li Li Xuewu's face, he now had no idea what Li Li Xuewu's attitude toward him actually was at this moment.

When he had decided to accept early regularization and been assigned to the training grounds, he too had felt regret.

Yet the hardest thing to buy in this world is regret medicine.

"It's alright..."

"That's good then."

Before Yan Brother Jiecheng could finish speaking, Li Li Xuewu nodded, signaling Sha Sha Qizhi and Han Zhan to board the vehicle, while he himself opened the car door.

"The reason I called you over was to pass along a message from your family."

Glancing at Yan Brother Jiecheng, Li Li Xuewu said, "Your father wants you to find time to go home once, and furthermore..."

Hearing the sound of Han Han Jiankun starting the engine, Li Li Xuewu held onto the front seat as he climbed into the back, telling Yan Brother Jiecheng, "There are phones here too; stay in contact with your family more often."

Having finished speaking, without waiting for Yan Brother Jiecheng to say anything more, he directly pulled the car door shut and signaled Han Han Jiankun that he could drive.

Receiving Li Li Xuewu's command, Han Han Jiankun pressed the accelerator and slowly drove out of the training ground compound, heading down the mountain.

After seeing Li Li Xuewu off, Wei Tong and the others each went about their own business, leaving only Yan Brother Jiecheng standing in place.

He had originally thought Li Li Xuewu had called him over to show concern for his work; he had even fantasized that Li Li Xuewu might transfer him back to the factory.

But never in his wildest dreams did he expect it was merely to relay a message to his family.

A few days ago, his father had already called here, but he had been at work and hadn't answered.

When he received the notification, he hadn't planned to call back either.

Because this wasn't the first time his father had called; in just these few days, several calls had come in, and the security guards in the duty room were already looking at him strangely.

His father's calls were always about trivial matters, and today he had even escalated things to Li Li Xuewu.

The words Li Li Xuewu spoke as he left made him lose too much face.

Just now, he hadn't been told to call home or to care for his family; that had been a reprimand.

In the courtyard, the two of them were neighbors, so anything could be said, but outside, within the unit, Li Li Xuewu was his superior's superior's superior.

With so much busyness, must he still relay messages for him over personal matters?

Yan Brother Jiecheng knew that his score in Li Li Xuewu's mind had dropped again.

Indeed, that was the case.

Upon hearing that Third Master had entrusted him to pass a message to Yan Brother Jiecheng, Li Li Xuewu had already formed an unfavorable opinion of Yan Brother Jiecheng.

Wasn't there a phone here? How could contact with family possibly be severed?

Wasn't Third Master essentially asking him to use his status to pressure Yan Brother Jiecheng into going home?

Bringing work home was what he detested most.

The remark he had just made to Yan Brother Jiecheng was also a reminder: this would happen only once.

"Section Chief, we won't arrive home until past nine o'clock."

"Mm."

Li Li Xuewu nodded; it was dark inside the vehicle at night, making it impossible to read documents, so right now he was simply closing his eyes to rest.

"You must be hungry? You've worked hard today."

All three of them were hungry; only Han Zhan had eaten.

Li Li Xuewu had also been rushing against time; even though the cafeteria here had already served meals, he hadn't eaten.

It was all to inspect more of the training ground's work and conduct checks.

"It's fine; we're not hungry yet."

Sha Sha Qizhi smiled and replied, then added, "I just wanted to ask if you need us to pick you up a bit later tomorrow morning."

"Stick to the normal schedule."

Li Li Xuewu understood Sha Sha Qizhi's implication; he was currently holding concurrent positions in two areas, so even if he arrived late, no one would know which side he was working for.

This had been clarified when the sub-bureau initially transferred his personal files: Li Li Xuewu's work was implemented under a special system.

Even his salary was double, because he held two formal employment units.

As soon as he returned from his business trip, when seeing Li Li Xuewu home, Sha Sha Qizhi had handed over Li Li Xuewu's two salaries.

Both positions were at the deputy division level, one paying 138 yuan, the two together totaling 276.

Adding to that Li Li Xuewu's one-and-a-half months of salary from the sub-bureau side, along with scattered manuscript fees, this month Li Li Xuewu had over 300 yuan extra in hand.

This was truly a huge sum; enough to buy two bicycles, ride one and discard the other.

Since he had collected his wages, he must work hard; Li Li Xuewu would not allow himself to be lazy.

This kind of thing, once it happens, will happen again; if you let your guard down, it will never end.

"Tomorrow, call Director Yu; we'll conduct an inspection."

Li Li Xuewu closed his eyes, planning tomorrow's work.

"Yes."

Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi turned around, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and asked, "Morning or afternoon?"

"Afternoon."

Li Li Xuewu replied, "Afternoon is when people are most likely to relax."

"Yes."

Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi smiled, knowing Li Li Xuewu had many thoughts, and asked, "Then shall we schedule it after visiting the Design Section to inspect the fire equipment?"

"That works."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said to Han Han Jiankun beside him, "Tomorrow, you take the key personnel to accompany me in inspecting the fire equipment; familiarize yourselves in advance and prepare ahead."

"Yes."

Seeing Han Han Jiankun agree, Li Li Xuewu then instructed Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi, "Remind me to watch the time tomorrow, and ensure you all clock off on schedule to enjoy a pleasant weekend."

"We've all been resting for over ten days already."

Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi glanced at Han Han Jiankun and continued coordinating tomorrow's itinerary with Li Li Xuewu.

He had a notebook containing Li Li Xuewu's daily schedule and the tasks Li Li Xuewu had assigned.

It was not only for arranging future times but also for reminding Li Li Xuewu to check on and complete previous work.

Since he hadn't handled any Rolling Steel Mill business for more than ten days, Li Li Xuewu would appear quite busy.

Although there was no light now to read the notebook in his hand, the schedule was all in his mind; he could match it with Li Li Xuewu off the top of his head.

Li Li Xuewu observed that Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi was gradually adapting to the secretary's work and dared to entrust him with certain tasks.

For instance, today he had him coordinate the budget matters with the Design Section; tomorrow when Li Li Xuewu visited the Design Section again, there would be room for buffer.

Whether agreeing to increase the budget, studying it further, or increasing it at his discretion based on construction progress, there would be a stance for negotiation.

One cannot simply let the Design Section lead one by the nose; collaboration between departments is exactly like this—mutual cooperation and mutual restraint.

People are just like that; once they prove handy to use, one slowly begins to cultivate them with care.

Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi also knew that Li Li Xuewu was slowly cultivating him, including Han Han Jiankun, who was driving.

Today, the two of them had seen a negative example: that Yan Brother Jiecheng, who refused to drive for a section chief yet insisted on becoming a driving instructor.

This matter was nearly becoming a joke throughout the Security Section; some even teased Han Han Jiankun, saying he had picked up a huge bargain.

Which leader cares enough about subordinates to ensure they clock off on time on Saturday to enjoy their weekend rest?

Anyway, Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi was now very satisfied and no longer held any doubts about Li Li Xuewu's arrangements.

Now, if Li Li Xuewu asked him to arrange someone's onboarding, he wouldn't even think twice.

While the three were talking, they suddenly felt the vehicle speed drop sharply, and Li Li Xuewu abruptly stretched out his hand to brace against the seat in front.

"Section Chief!"

Han Han Jiankun looked at the windshield ahead and said with some surprise, "Just now, it seemed like a red light flashed across the sky."

"In the sky?"

Li Li Xuewu frowned, leaning forward to take a look.

By now, Han Han Jiankun had restored the vehicle's speed; looking ahead, there was only the glow of the headlights and the city lights far in the distance.

"Could it be a mistake?"

Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi, with his back to the front while discussing work with Li Li Xuewu, had not seen the red light Han Han Jiankun mentioned.

Han Han Jiankun was not someone who joked about work; usually, he wouldn't speak a word when driving and being talked to, so he certainly wasn't joking now.

But since there was nothing outside now, Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi could only assume it was an illusion.

"I saw it very clearly."

Han Han Jiankun's mood was now somewhat uneasy; although he was a veteran, witnessing such a supernatural phenomenon still instilled a sense of fear.

Han Zhan silently placed his hand on his holster; right now, only the gun grip could bring him a sense of security.

Li Li Xuewu frowned, thought for a moment, glanced at the sky ahead again, and then sat back in his seat.

"Don't be afraid; it might be fireworks, or a signal flare."

Li Li Xuewu offered several possibilities, thought for a moment, and then instructed, "Stay alert after getting home; if anything seems wrong, deal with it immediately."

"Section Chief, are you saying...?"

The look in Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi's eyes as he regarded Li Li Xuewu now also carried terror.

It wasn't that he feared some supernatural phenomenon; he was afraid the Russians to the north might act recklessly.

At this time, the construction of the "Three Defenses" was in full swing, and this was exactly what was being propagated.

"I said nothing; don't guess wildly."

Li Li Xuewu's brows remained furrowed as he looked out the window and said, "No news must spread from your mouths; just stay vigilant."

Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi looked at Li Li Xuewu; it seemed he wasn't talking about matters concerning the Russians.

But... apart from the Russians acting recklessly, what else could cause such danger?

The three in the car, seeing Li Li Xuewu was unwilling to speak, all secretly decided in their hearts that they wouldn't sleep a wink tonight.

Anyway, tomorrow was Saturday; just hold out a bit and it would be Sunday; staying awake one night wouldn't kill anyone.

But if something truly happened, that sleep wouldn't last just one night; it might last a lifetime.

The descent down the mountain had delayed them; once on flat ground, the vehicle speed gradually picked up, and the ride inside became less shaky.

Yet the atmosphere inside the carriage grew increasingly Solemn.

The source of this changing atmosphere was Li Li Xuewu; ever since that incident just now, he had been staring out the window without speaking.

Han Han Jiankun, who was driving, and Sha Sha Qizhi, sitting in the passenger seat, stared ahead without speaking.

Han Zhan, sitting beside Li Li Xuewu, mimicked him by gazing out the window, as if little monsters might appear by the roadside at any moment.

Driving through the black night always gave people a sense of oppression, especially after what had just happened.

Once they entered the city and the streetlights grew more numerous, Sha Sha Qizhi and the others finally relaxed a little.

Yet Li Li Xuewu showed no change; his brows remained furrowed.

Upon reaching the entrance of Sihe Academy, before getting out of the car, Li Li Xuewu instructed Han Han Jiankun, "After dropping off Han Zhan and Sha Qizhi, drive the car home; don't make another trip back to the factory."

"Yes, Director."

Watching Li Li Xuewu exit, Han Han Jiankun pushed open his door and said to him, "Director, we have a telephone at home; if you need anything, just call me."

"Understood, go back now."

Li Li Xuewu stood at the main gate, waved to the command vehicle, and then entered through the gate.

The gate hadn't been closed yet; inside the gatehouse, several young men were playing poker.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu enter, Lao Lao Biaozi squeezed out from the gatehouse.

"Wu Ge."

"If you haven't gone to sleep, why are you here playing?"

Li Li Xuewu hadn't actually noticed who was in the gatehouse just now; normally, Lao Lao Biaozi didn't come here.

"It was Da Lao; seeing that you hadn't returned yet, he told me to come over here and wait for you, afraid the gate might be closed."

"Let's go back."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and, taking Lao Lao Biaozi with him, walked into the courtyard.

Glancing at the windows of the east room, he saw that the Thirteen Bodyguards were inside reading books, and Xilin was there too.

"Why hasn't anyone gone to sleep?"

Seeing the lights on inside, Li Li Xuewu entered the room and took a look toward the west room, where Da Lao and Ye Ye Erye were lying on their pillows smoking.

The radio was playing opera, with chirping and warbling sounds; Li Li Xuewu couldn't make out what was being sung.

Since Yang Erhai and the others had gone to bed early, Li Li Xuewu didn't go into the west room; it was enough that Da Lao saw he had returned.

At this moment, bringing Lao Lao Biaozi into the east room, he asked Pazole a question.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu return, Pazole put down the book in his hands and stood up.

"I'm used to it; I can't fall asleep."

Saying this, he waved the book in his hand and said, "Reading novels, studying a bit."

Li Li Xuewu reached out, took it, and looked; it was Water Margin.

That thing had been printed in such huge quantities that it was everywhere on the streets.

"I've never heard of studying by reading novels."

Smiling, Li Li Xuewu returned the book to him and joked, "Study what? Rob the rich to help the poor, become bandits in the marshes, seize a mountain and rule as king? Heh heh."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu enter, Xilin stopped reading, sat on a stool with legs crossed, and said to Li Li Xuewu, "He was bored to death today; he chopped all the firewood and even went to the backyard to help Seeing Gelin."

"Is that so!"

Smiling, Li Li Xuewu looked at Pazole and said, "Alright, get up early tomorrow; I'll have Lao Biaozi take you to handle the procedures."

"Really! Thank you, Platoon Leader!"

Excitedly, Pazole saluted Li Li Xuewu.

"Heh heh."

Smiling, Li Li Xuewu patted Pazole's arm and said, "First, take your documents to the subdistrict office to register your household registration, then go to the subdistrict office to complete the formalities; after that, go with Lao Biaozi directly to the training ground to join the training."

"Yes!"

Smiling again, Pazole saluted Li Li Xuewu once more.

By rights, upon being discharged and returning to his native place, he should have received an arrangement, but who could have expected the local area to lack the conditions?

Besides, at this time there were simply too many discharged soldiers; they couldn't possibly arrange placements for all of them.

Now, not only could he enter Jingcheng, but he could also join the police force; he was indescribably excited.

Thinking of his former life of hardship, this rough-looking man was on the verge of tears.

"Don't go crying and sniveling; it looks terrible."

Smiling, Li Li Xuewu reached out and pushed Pazole's face aside, then turned to ask Seeing Gelin, "How is your study progressing under Da Lao?"

Seeing Gelin, who was also reading a book at that moment, grinned broadly upon hearing Li Li Xuewu's question.

"Quite well."

"Heh heh."

Li Li Xuewu saw what book Seeing Gelin was reading: Woodworking; this was actually something Wen San'er had dug up and presented to Da Lao like a treasure.

Da Lao had flipped through a couple of pages and then set it aside.

Everything written and illustrated in that thing was something he already knew; moreover, many things he knew weren't even written in that book.

Since Seeing Gelin was willing to learn, Li Li Xuewu felt reassured.

This big fellow was quite kind-hearted, possessed considerable strength, and worked carefully; he was perfectly suited to learn a craft.

"If there's anything you don't understand, just ask Da Lao; don't keep it bottled up."

"Oh, understood."

The big fellow responded in a muffled voice, glanced at Li Li Xuewu, and then lowered his head to continue reading.

Xilin stood up and asked Li Li Xuewu, "Why were you busy until so late?"

"I went outside the city to inspect work."

Li Li Xuewu looked at Xilin and asked, "How is it here? Are you getting used to it?"

"I can go anywhere."

Xilin smiled and said, "It's just that there are enough rats here."

"Rats?"

Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and turned to look at Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi.

This Sihe Academy is an old house; having rat holes is nothing strange, and even rats running inside the walls is nothing strange.

But what does it mean that there are so damn many rats?

"Don't know what's going on."

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi said helplessly, "We just came back from collecting the carts and saw them chasing rats all over the courtyard."

"So many?"

"Indeed!"

Xilin chimed in, "Just the ones killed must be over thirty, not counting the ones that ran away."

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi laughed, "The rats are moving house~"

Li Li Xuewu frowned and said to Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi, "Go to Third Uncle's house and tell him not to sleep tonight."

"Wu Ge..."

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi also saw that Li Li Xuewu's expression was wrong and looked blankly, wanting to ask.

Li Li Xuewu waved his hand and said, "Hebei shook yesterday, something doesn't seem right."

"It did shake."

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi nodded and said, "But it just swayed a bit, what's the big deal?"

"Listen to Li Xuewu."

At this moment, Hearing Da Lao and Ye Ye Erye also got up, putting on their clothes.

Ye Ye Erye walked over and said, "Li Xuewu's analysis makes sense; this kind of thing happened in the early days too."

Hearing Da Lao nodded and said, "Chickens flying, dogs barking, rats running away, even our horses won't go into the stable; this might be the reason."

Everyone in the room who heard these words lifted their heads, looking at Hearing Da Lao and Ye Ye Erye in surprise.

Ye Ye Erye said to Li Li Xuewu, "We wanted to find you to talk about it tonight, but we never waited for you, so we sent Lao Lao Biaozi to intercept you at the gatehouse."

"With so many of us, guarding a bit won't keep us from sleeping."

Li Li Xuewu patted Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi's shoulder and said, "Go, tell Third Uncle, don't make a fuss."

"K... know it."

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi was a bit panicked, rubbed his hands, and then took the key to Li Li Xuewu's bicycle from the wall.

Riding a bike at night, Li Li Xuewu's bicycle is still the most convenient because it has an electric headlight.

As he walked out, Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi thought that after notifying Third Uncle's house, he would also have to notify his own home.

At this moment, Shen Shen Guodong in the west room heard the conversation here, put on his clothes, and got up.

"Wu Ge, I'll go home to sleep tonight."

Shen Shen Guodong's family still has an old grandmother; usually sleeping here was fine, but hearing Li Li Xuewu's words now, he couldn't stay at all.

"Go ahead."

Li Li Xuewu instructed, "Remember to go tell Chen Chen Xiaoyan's family."

"Yes!"

Shen Shen Guodong responded, buttoning his coat as he walked out, very afraid of getting home late.

After saying this, the eyes of the few people in the room were a bit panicked; they couldn't read their books anymore.

"Two people per group, taking turns on night watch."

Li Li Xuewu said to the Thirteen Brothers, "If you see something wrong, sound the alarm immediately."

"Got it, Wu Ge."

Huo Huo Yongfang responded first, then looked at his younger brothers and instructed, "Don't take your clothes off to sleep today."

At this moment, Xilin looked at Li Li Xuewu with a somewhat pale face, not knowing what to say.

Li Li Xuewu looked at the worried Pazile and knew he was worried about his sister.

"Let the two of them sleep in the west room; you don't sleep."

"Okay."

Pazile responded, and said seriously to Dilaya and the other two, "You two sleep with your clothes on under my quilt; I won't sleep tonight."

"Aka."

Dilaya, nervous, spoke their language again.

Pazile forced himself to calm down, patted his sister's hand, and said, "It's nothing; this is a single-story house."

Li Li Xuewu knew that saying more comforting words now was useless; safety was the first priority.

"Hearing Da Lao, Ye Ye Erye, you keep an eye on things."

Li Li Xuewu gestured toward the backyard and said, "I'll make a phone call."

"Go ahead."

Hearing Da Lao frowned, took a puff of smoke, and exchanged a glance with Ye Ye Erye.

The two had just been talking about this matter earlier, but hadn't told anyone else; at this time, loyalty was emphasized, and one couldn't recklessly speak superstitious words.

Generally speaking, such old sayings carry a touch of fantasy color.

They are reasons that cannot be explained, using events that have already happened as substitutes, thus creating this situation.

Li Li Xuewu actually knew that this phenomenon could be explained scientifically.

He had been recalling ever since Han Han Jiankun finished speaking about seeing the red light, but he just couldn't remember.

In his memory, only the incident in Tang City remained vivid; he knew nothing of what had come before.

At this hour, most households in the courtyard were already resting, no one suspecting anything unusual today.

Most people in this courtyard worked outside and weren't home; those who were home wouldn't pay attention to a stray rat running out.

Only Li Li Xuewu's family in this courtyard kept three chickens, and they were all in the rear yard.

Bang Geng had noticed the chickens acting strangely but assumed it was from the river shrimp fed to them that morning; muttering that his aunt had lied, he said nothing upon returning home.

When Li Li Xuewu returned home, he found Yu Li still waiting, though He Yushui was not there at this moment.

"So late?"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu enter the room, Yu Li moved to help him remove his coat, but noticed he had walked in still wearing his shoes.

"I need to make a few calls; I'll be going out again shortly."

"Alright."

Noticing the look on Li Li Xuewu's face, Yu Li became cautious as well.

Yet seeing him return so late, she still asked with concern, "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

Li Li Xuewu walked into the inner room, picked up the telephone, and said, "Fix me something to eat if you can; I'm starving."

After saying this, he placed a call to Li Li Huai De.

Li Li Huai De had just arrived home at this hour; he had washed up but had not yet gotten into bed.

Several unit leaders had treated him to dinner tonight, and he had drunk quite a bit; now his wife was attending to him to help sober him up.

The Steel Rolling Mill's major moves naturally could not be hidden, and leaders from these units swarmed up like flies.

Their sole purpose was to ask where the meat had come from.

"Heh, why call at this hour?"

Li Li Huai De dipped his feet into the footbath his wife had prepared; holding the phone, he was quite surprised to hear it was Li Li Xuewu.

He knew Li Li Xuewu had not been at the factory today, having said in the afternoon that he was going to the training grounds.

"Leader, something bad might happen."

"What?"

Holding the phone, Li Li Huai De froze, involuntarily rising to his feet and nearly kicking over the water basin beneath him.

Seeing his wife approach to clean up, he waved his hand to signal her not to come over.

Regarding work matters, Li Li Huai De maintained a cautious and careful attitude, saying nothing to his family unless absolutely necessary.

Given Li Li Xuewu's position, if he said something bad might happen, it was certainly no small matter.

Moreover, calling specially at such a late hour made it even more impossible for this to be a trivial issue.

Over the phone, Li Li Xuewu reported to Li Li Huai De the events of the day, his own analysis, and the history known by the elder.

He also recounted Bai Xingcheng's situation from yesterday morning, hoping to alert Li Li Huai De.

"That can't be right~"

Li Li Huai De's mind was currently unable to process; he lowered the receiver from his ear and looked at it, wondering if he had drunk too much.

"This Four-Nine City has never experienced an earthquake."

"Yes."

Li Li Xuewu also knew Li Li Huai De was correct; areas surrounding Jingcheng had experienced quakes, but this Four-Nine City never had.

"But we cannot afford to be unprepared."

"Based solely on your speculation?"

Glancing at his wife, Li Li Huai De asked into the phone, "Do you know how great the impact of such a matter would be?"

On the other end of the line, Li Li Xuewu frowned, finding it difficult to continue speaking.

He understood Li Li Huai De's meaning; only factory-level leadership could decide on full-factory alert status.

Yet factory-level leaders cared even more about their authority; issuing reckless orders that caused losses would entail bearing responsibility.

Li Li Huai De was currently striving for the position of Executive Deputy Director; how would he take on such a risk?

Even if something truly happened, he would bear no responsibility for not having issued this warning.

But if tonight he listened to Li Li Xuewu's words and issued an order for a full-factory alert, the responsibility he would have to bear would be enormous.

PS: At the end, I recommend a book of the same type, "Sihe Academy: The Advancing He He Yuzhu"; it has sufficient word count and is worth sampling.

A book of the same type, over 300,000 words; those suffering from a book drought can give it a try.