Chapter 639: If you

Qin Huairu only said one sentence to Zhang Songying, then twisted her waist and walked out the door.

Zhang Songying curled her lip, looking at Qin Huairu's "half-acre of fertile fields," and only felt that being in such a rush to go home yesterday was a loss.

Then, thinking of the handover matter Qin Huairu had with her, she only hoped in her heart that the case of Deputy Factory Director Deng upstairs would become as big as possible.

Deng Zhiwang had never imagined that one day he would be "wished" well in such a way by someone.

In the morning, Li Xuewu, Xiang Yunnian, and Xue Zhifu had the attendant bring breakfast up to the floor, and they ate it together with Deng Zhiwang.

The interrogation chair in the room had long since been moved away, and Deng Zhiwang had also regained restricted freedom.

Sitting together with Li Xuewu and the other two for breakfast, he only felt that the once-sumptuous breakfast at the reception center now tasted like chewing wax.

It wasn't that the breakfast had spoiled, but that he himself had spoiled.

Li Xuewu ate a lot in the morning, and at this moment, he wasn't putting on any false modesty; he ate several large steamed buns with small pickled vegetables, paired with cornmeal porridge, slurping them all down.

Xiang Yunnian's mouth twitched as he watched Li Xuewu's appetite and eating speed; Xue Zhifu, however, didn't mind, as he knew Li Xuewu's past background.

He had joined the military at sixteen, just when he was in his prime growing years, and coupled with the average food standards, if he hadn't eaten heartily and eaten a lot, how could he have grown to such a large stature?

He broke his own steamed bun and handed half to Li Xuewu.

Seeing Li Xuewu look over, he waved his hand and said, "I can't finish it, share half; seeing you eat with such relish makes me want to eat half a bun more too."

"That's really true."

Xiang Yunnian smiled lightly and said, "Eating with him, you end up eating more without realizing it; watching him eat is just appetizing."

"Haha, you're treating me like a God of Food."

Li Xuewu smiled and gestured toward Deng Zhiwang, saying, "We didn't make things difficult for your wife and daughter; after the questioning last night, we arranged for someone to send them back."

Saying this, he paused, giving Deng Zhiwang time to think about the issue.

"As for the property and other items, after verification, some things will need to be secured and confiscated, but the rest will be returned to your family members according to policy after the value is calculated."

"Thank you."

Deng Zhiwang nodded with a hoarse voice; overnight, right before everyone's eyes, his hair had turned much whiter.

He was only in his forties, yet he looked like he was in his fifties or sixties; he must have rested very poorly last night, as one could tell just by the bloodshot veins in his eyes.

They hadn't used the interrogation chair to restrain him, and inviting Xiang Yunnian and Xue Zhifu to join him for breakfast was both to express gratitude for his cooperation last night and, more importantly, now that he had confessed, there was no need for him to self-harm.

Letting Xiang Yunnian meet him was to tell him that the few people handling this case were right here; there was no need for him to say anything—once they met, everything was understood.

As long as he cooperated, he would certainly be taken care of where appropriate, and where policy had to be executed, neither he nor his family members would be wronged.

This was Li Xuewu's political wisdom: making the opponent respect you, and even more so, making the opponent concede.

"No need, it's all as it should be."

Li Xuewu finished his meal in a few bites, put down his chopsticks, and said to Deng Zhiwang, who had stopped after eating very little, "I won't say much about how cooperating with the investigation is more beneficial to you; you know this better than I do."

Looking at the utterly dejected Deng Zhiwang, Li Xuewu said earnestly, "What I can say is that I hope you truly repent, because thanks to the efforts of the doctors at the hospital, they helped you make up for your mistakes; otherwise, the consequences would have been even more severe."

"I know, please convey my apologies to the relevant comrades on my behalf."

Deng Zhiwang nodded, his face pale as he said, "The harm done to them is my greatest source of guilt and self-reproach; I am sorry."

Li Xuewu pursed his lips, and seeing the attendant finish clearing the bowls and chopsticks, Li Xuewu stood up and said, "Then just rest here for now; I hope we can soon have a result that satisfies everyone."

After speaking, he invited Xue Zhifu and Xiang Yunnian to leave first, while he himself gave a few instructions to the security guards monitoring the area before finally exiting the room.

On the first floor, as Li Xuewu and the others went downstairs, they happened to run into Secretary Yang, Factory Director Yang, and the others who had just finished breakfast.

The air pressure in the room was stifling in the morning, so the group exited the lobby and stood by the flowerpots in front of the reception center.

Li Xuewu took out cigarettes, introduced Xiang Yunnian to the leaders, and at the same time briefly reported on the interrogation process from last night, as well as the current arrangements of the Security Division.

Yang Yuansong listened to Li Xuewu's report, took a puff of his cigarette, and gestured toward the floor above; without needing to put the expression on his face into words, everyone knew what it meant.

Li Xuewu didn't speak, but instead turned his gaze toward Xue Zhifu, because he was the one responsible for the work of the Security Division, and the division of labor had already been decided last night.

Therefore, just now, he had only reported on the arrangements and progress of the Security Division regarding this case.

Xue Zhifu exhaled smoke, his gaze lowered as he said, "Everything that needed to be confessed has been confessed, and materials have been formed. Last night, the three of us briefly compared the situation with the investigations from all sides; generally speaking, there were no concealments or other circumstances."

After finishing this sentence, he paused, then continued, "There are many circumstances involving other units. Last night, we temporarily discussed it and decided that, upholding an attitude of respect, for matters involving specific units, we will hand the case over to them to handle themselves."

"Mm."

Yang Yuansong nodded, looked at Yang Fengshan, and seeing that he had no objections, he said, "Then let's do it that way. Work quickly, get the materials and evidence ready, and don't let any oversights occur."

Saying this, he gestured toward Li Xuewu and said, "When communicating with the various units, try to explain the situation as much as possible, but what needs to be reserved must still be reserved; pay attention to the scale and the impact."

The work of communication and coordination was, of course, to be done by Li Xuewu, because he was handling this case in the capacity of the branch bureau, as there had been a death.

Furthermore, Li Xuewu had very close ties with the various units, which made it convenient to say some things privately while handling official business.

This was the reason why Yang Yuansong respected and valued Li Xuewu; with such a person who handled matters properly and had an excellent network of relationships, they could avoid many awkward situations.

Li Xuewu, of course, understood Yang Yuansong's meaning: don't air dirty laundry in public, and likewise, don't air others' dirty laundry in public.

Since this matter now involves the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, there must be a connection.

No one involved can escape; mutual cooperation to minimize the impact as quickly as possible is the key.

Li Xuewu nodded while smoking; although he didn't speak, he was already prepared to make arrangements.

Seeing Li Xuewu nod, Yang Yuansong then said to Yang Fengshan, "It's better to be proactive in this matter. In a while, I will go to the Ministry with Comrade Zhifu, and you stay in the factory with Comrade Weijie to prepare to deal with the relevant brother units."

After instructing Yang Fengshan and Gu Weijie, he looked at Li Huai De and Nie Chenglin and said, "In extraordinary times, stability overrides everything. Comrade Chenglin must stabilize the workers' emotions; there can be no more chaos."

"Comrade Huaide."

When mentioning Li Huai De, Yang Yuansong paused and said, "Temporarily take over the residential area project, organize the factory Engineering Division as soon as possible to rearrange construction units to enter the factory, soothe the project construction personnel, and ensure that the impact on the project and personnel is minimized during this period."

"Comrade Yunong will assist in handling this matter."

Yang Yuansong rubbed his forehead with the hand holding the cigarette and said in a low voice, "First, take out a portion of the funds to ensure the smooth transition of the residential area project."

"Together with Comrade Huaide, sort out the finances, personnel, and project progress of the residential area project clearly. Later, we will hold a meeting to discuss where this project should go."

After speaking, perhaps because he hadn't rested well all night, Yang Yuansong's brow was deeply furrowed; he took a hard drag of the cigarette in his hand to refresh himself.

Looking again at the team members standing in a circle, as well as Li Xuewu and Xiang Yunnian, Yang Yuansong said with a serious face, "It's still that same saying: the Steel Rolling Factory is home; without the Steel Rolling Factory, everyone would be displaced, wandering ghosts."

"Talking about unity is a bit too hollow, but this is the truth."

Seeing the morning sun slowly rising in the east, Yang Yuansong's spirit gradually lifted, and his tone became even more serious: "During this period, I don't want to see any more changes or accidents. You are all the pillars of the Steel Rolling Factory; do not destroy the Great Wall yourself."

After speaking, he threw the cigarette butt in his hand to the ground and stepped on it to extinguish it, gestured toward the direction of the motorcade arranged by the secretaries, and took the lead in getting into the sedan.

Xue Zhifu glanced at Li Xuewu, then followed the Secretary into the car.

A secretary followed with the materials organized last night and got into the front passenger seat, and only then did the sedan slowly drive out of the courtyard.

Yang Fengshan also extinguished the cigarette butt in his hand, glanced at the few people, and followed into his own car.

The following people also got into their cars, and the motorcade slowly drove out of the courtyard, heading in their respective directions.

Li Xuewu remained at the end, because Li Huai De hadn't left yet; he clearly had something to say.

"Send Section Chief Xiang to the Security Building; I'm going to the hospital with Deputy Factory Director Li."

After giving instructions to Sha Qizhi, he whispered an explanation to Xiang Yunnian, "News just came in that Han Yating has woken up. Weidong is over there, so I'm going over with the leader to take a look."

"As it should be."

Xiang Yunnian knew that Li Xuewu had something to discuss with Li Huai De, but visiting a subordinate at the hospital was also true.

Especially since this subordinate of Li Xuewu's was also Ji Weidong's partner; bringing a leader along also carried the meaning of apologizing and offering condolences.

This was an internal matter within their factory, so he naturally didn't want to get involved.

Therefore, he shook hands with Li Xuewu, and when Li Xuewu's driver brought the car over, he exhorted Li Xuewu, "Please send my regards to Weidong, and convey my best wishes to the injured comrade on my behalf."

"Good."

Li Xuewu agreed, sent off Xiang Yunnian, and seeing Li Huai De get into the car, he waved to Zhang Songying, who was standing at the door.

Zhang Songying had long been prepared; she carried the insulated lunch box that Qin Huairu had already instructed her about and trotted to Li Xuewu's side.

Li Xuewu, however, didn't go to take it, but instead opened the front passenger door of Li Huai De's car and gestured for Zhang Songying to get in.

Zhang Songying also hadn't expected Li Xuewu to make such an arrangement; she glanced at the awkward expression on Deputy Factory Director Li's secretary's face, then pursed her lips and got into the passenger seat.

Before Li Xuewu could even close the passenger door to explain to the secretary, Li Huai De lowered the car window and instructed the secretary standing by the car, "First, help me prepare the materials for the residential area project."

"Then notify the comrades from the Engineering Division to go to my office in half an hour to report on the current status of the project."

"Tell the Factory Office that I want to coordinate an administrative meeting with Deputy Factory Director Jing and the relevant departments this morning; the theme is the issue the Secretary just instructed on."

"Yes, I'll go handle it immediately."

After Li Huai De finished instructing, before the secretary could even finish agreeing, the car window had already been closed.

Li Xuewu saw the secretary's awkwardness, quietly stuffed a pack of cigarettes into the secretary's Zhongshan suit pocket, patted his arm, and opened the car door to get in.

Watching the large sedan leave the reception center courtyard, Secretary Li Haiyang then walked quickly toward the office area with his notebook.

Actually, it wasn't very far; the factory leaders' cars were here because the Factory Office was worried that the leaders might have arrangements in the morning, so they had all been dispatched.

The secretaries naturally also had to wait here; last night they had also spent the night at the Factory Office duty room, and some hadn't even slept, as there were just too many materials.

This morning, the factory leaders gathered at the reception center, cars were lined up in the courtyard, and secretaries were running back and forth, which indeed made many people look from afar and discuss it in whispers.

As the excitement dissipated, only Li Haiyang walked back to the office area, which naturally made him feel a bit embarrassed.

But once he was out of sight of the reception center, he reached into his pocket to feel around, and after looking down, he pulled his hand back out of his pocket.

"Huazi!"

Naturally, it was Huazi; now that Li Xuewu's ammunition had been upgraded, with what Li Huai De gave him, he naturally wouldn't smoke Qianmen anymore.

He actually wanted to give him Qianmen, but he didn't have any on hand for the moment, so he could only let Li Haiyang benefit.

However, this secretary was new to Li Huai De, as Jin Yaohui had been left at the border office, so he had just been found.

But the young man was very honest and very capable; Li Xuewu didn't look down on him, and they got along quite well.

Giving him cigarettes wasn't to curry favor, but because he had arranged for Zhang Songying to take his spot.

Li Xuewu had always been particular about how he conducted himself and handled matters; he would absolutely never owe anyone anything.

The people at the reception center saw it very clearly; their eyes were sharp, and they would all say a word or two while working.

"Why did Deputy Section Chief Li give him cigarettes?"

"Nonsense, didn't our Deputy Director get in the car? You still don't know Deputy Section Chief Li's character?"

"Then why did Deputy Director Zhang get in the car?"

"The hospital, obviously!"

"What else could it be? I heard the Security Division Chief of the Security Division was injured, that woman, Han Yating."

"Then something really big must have happened yesterday!"

"Indeed~"

"Just look at how many leaders gathered here and you'll know; didn't you notice who was missing?"

"Ah! ~"

There were those who were surprised, and those who were paying attention elsewhere. Seeing them talk, someone said enviously, "Look at Deputy Section Chief Li standing among the leaders without being intimidated; he really looks like a leader~"

"Little Jin, you're talking nonsense~ You dare to say anything!"

"Hee hee~ It's just that his bearing looks like one! He doesn't lose out to the Factory Director or the Secretary at all."

Calling Zhang Songying to get in the car was naturally for Han Yating at the hospital. It wasn't clear what was going on with Ji Weidong, and it wouldn't be right to let a man take care of a female comrade.

After Li Xuewu got in the car, he explained it to Li Huai De, and also let Zhang Songying, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, know.

Li Huai De didn't mind this, but instead directly started talking about work.

"In a while, come with me to see the comrades from the Engineering Division, and at the same time, strengthen the security work for the residential area project."

"Good, I'll instruct the comrades in the division later."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "It's not just a personnel issue; regarding the preservation of property involved in the case, the Beijing Steel Rolling Factory must take responsibility for the occurrence of this matter."

"Mm, you think thoroughly."

Li Huai De nodded and continued, "You should also participate in the morning meeting; it's not just a matter for the Security Division."

Saying this, Li Huai De emphasized, "Including the construction and project management of the relevant projects, you find a way to take charge of it."

"Me? That doesn't seem very appropriate."

Li Xuewu hesitated and said, "Not to mention that my work here is truly too busy to handle, this project also involves many disputes; regarding the views from above and the research of the Factory Office meeting, it's better to seek stability in this matter."

"Do you think I want to?"

Li Huai De glanced at Li Xuewu, then pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "Didn't you see the Secretary's meaning? He said it was a meeting, but in reality, he wanted to arrange it for me; otherwise, he wouldn't have let the Engineering Division coordinate with me."

Li Xuewu frowned slightly after hearing Li Huai De's words and said, "This project, in its current situation, is not very convenient to take over, especially with the constraints on funds and personnel..."

"Sigh~~~"

Li Huai De sighed and said, "It was right to send Wenxue to the Steel Rolling Factory; if I don't seek breakthroughs, I won't have anyone to use."

As he spoke, he said with great emotion, "How many loads of grain can my shoulders carry? Grow up quickly."

Li Xuewu couldn't respond to this exclamation of Li Huai De's; it wouldn't be right to say that he also wanted to advance and reach the sky in one step.

He still had to pull the topic back to the matter at hand. Seeing that the car had already entered the factory hospital gate, Li Xuewu said, "Stabilize first, investigate the problems and the situation clearly, which will also facilitate the subsequent meeting."

Li Huai De nodded, essentially agreeing with Li Xuewu's opinion.

"Then let's do it that way for now; it's a method that isn't a method."

After speaking, seeing that the car had stopped steadily, he didn't wait for the driver to open the door and got out himself.

There were quite a few people at the factory hospital, and he wouldn't put on the airs and prestige of a Factory Director in front of the workers.

When facing grassroots personnel and workers, Li Huai De was even more cordial than Li Xuewu; he was an old performance artist.

Zhang Songying followed behind Li Xuewu and got out of the car, her face still showing a look of lingering shock.

What had she heard in the car just now? It seemed to be some earth-shattering major events.

These words represented the attitudes of both Li Xuewu and Li Huai De; if they were to spread, they would cause unnecessary rumors and gossip.

Although she was shocked to hear them, she wouldn't dare spread them—not to mention that her relationship with Li Xuewu meant she wouldn't talk nonsense, and she had also mastered the "Zen of Silence" at the guesthouse, just like Qin Huairu.

Even if she were asked to repeat them, she couldn't; she seemed to understand what the two men were saying in her heart, but she just couldn't describe it.

She couldn't even repeat their exact words; it was as if she had heard everything, yet also as if she hadn't remembered anything at all.

This is the art of leadership communication in government offices: those who understand will naturally understand, and those who don't will be left feeling completely lost, even if you are standing right in front of them.

Li Xuewu and Li Huai De stepped up the stairs, where someone from the factory office on duty had already come out to greet them and briefly introduced the relevant situation regarding Han Yating.

The person in charge of the hospital also came over subsequently and accompanied Li Huai De up to the second floor.

By the time they entered Han Yating's ward, the group accompanying Li Huai De to visit the injured comrades from the Security Division had grown even larger.

A secretary followed Li Huai De into the room and greeted Han Yating, who was by the bedside and on the hospital bed, saying, "Deputy Factory Director Li has come to visit you."

Ji Weidong was naturally familiar with their routine, and given his temperament, it was impossible for him to accompany them in acting.

However, this was Han Yating's workplace, Li Huai De was Han Yating's leader, and Li Xuewu was also standing behind the crowd, signaling him with his eyes.

Just for the sake of last night's dumplings, he couldn't let Li Huai De lose face, could he?

After shaking hands with Li Huai De, the hospital leaders and the attending physician in charge introduced the treatment situation regarding Comrade Han Yating to Li Huai De.

A secretary from the factory office took photos with a camera, and another secretary placed the prepared gifts on the cabinet behind Li Huai De.

Li Huai De sat on the bed, placed his hand on Han Yating's arm, and deeply expressed condolences and greetings to her on behalf of the factory, while expressing admiration for Han Yating's heroic actions.

Representatives from all parties in the ward applauded simultaneously, and then Li Huai De made several requests to the comrades at the hospital.

Summarized, these were to ensure Comrade Han Yating's living and medical conditions, and to guarantee Comrade Han Yating's recuperation and convalescence environment during this period.

Finally, he shook hands with the patient's family member, namely Ji Weidong, expressed the factory's gratitude, and expressed thanks and respect for his support of Comrade Han Yating's hard work and selfless dedication at the factory.

Perhaps it was because Li Huai De treated him as Han Yating's family member for the condolence visit that made this "donkey with smooth fur" feel comfortable, so he also politely replied to Li Huai De with a few words.

In the end, the condolence activity concluded successfully, and the hospital person in charge sent Li Huai De and his party downstairs, while also taking this time to report the hospital's situation and work to Li Huai De.

Li Xuewu took advantage of this time to bring Zhang Songying and stay behind at the end.

Ignoring Ji Weidong, he walked to Han Yating's hospital bed and held Han Yating's hand.

Knowing that she had undergone surgery and could not speak yet, he nodded and comforted her: "Well done. The comrades in the division are all proud of you. Rest well; the comrades are waiting for you to return and continue the fight."

Han Yating nodded, and tears flowed out somewhat uncontrollably. Ji Weidong clumsily took some tissue paper to wipe them, but Zhang Songying snatched it first.

Zhang Songying used a handkerchief to wipe Han Yating's tears and softly urged her not to cry anymore, as it was bad for her wounds.

Li Xuewu nodded, let go of Han Yating's hand, looked at Ji Weidong, and asked, "Have you eaten breakfast?"

"Not yet. Isn't this waiting for you to bring it?"

Ji Weidong looked at the insulated lunch box Zhang Songying brought, curled his lips, and said, "Your leader is really stingy. He only knows how to flap his lips. Bringing breakfast would have been a gesture of sincerity. Hypocritical."

"Too much nonsense!"

Li Xuewu snapped at him, then signaled to Zhang Songying and said, "This is the deputy director of our guesthouse. You go to the guesthouse to eat in a while. After you finish, get lost immediately. Comrade Yating is left to her care."

"I...!"

Seeing Li Xuewu say this, Ji Weidong's gaze turned toward Han Yating lying on the hospital bed.

Han Yating seemed not to see his gaze; she turned her face to the side and closed her eyes slightly.

"Tell Director Zhang if you need anything. I have to return to the division; the case has already been processed."

Li Xuewu nodded at Han Yating while pulling Ji Weidong out the door.

At the doorway, Li Xuewu nudged Ji Weidong and asked with raised eyebrows, "You're useless even when given an opportunity. It's already early morning, and there's been no progress at all!"

"Who says there isn't!"

Ji Weidong glared and was about to retort, but seeing Li Xuewu glaring back, he remembered what happened last night.

Damn it, it's really embarrassing, and in front of this kid too. All his former glorious image is completely lost.

How can he stand tall in front of Li Xuewu in the future!

He can't stand tall anymore; in Li Xuewu's eyes, Ji Weidong is just scum now!

Scum of love!

"Still saying you're useful, damn it! Only thinking about eating!"

Li Xuewu grabbed Ji Weidong's shoulder and whispered, "Buddy, I'm asking you, do you still want this partner or not? What about the marriage?"

Ji Weidong: "I..."

He was also very conflicted. Whether his feelings for Han Yating were real or not, he knew himself, but his work situation was also like this; he couldn't give it up.

After the separation of life and death, he also realized the meaning of regret, and now facing Li Xuewu's question, he began to hesitate.

Li Xuewu didn't have time to hesitate with him here. He patted Ji Weidong's face and said, "I'll give you a suggestion: if you want to continue this relationship, you must show the spirit of a man, handle your own affairs well, and then come here to discuss it sincerely."

"If you don't have that spirit,"

Li Xuewu looked him up and down and said, "Get out quickly. There's nothing for you here anymore."

After speaking, he turned and left, because Li Huai De couldn't wait for him for too long, and the small talk with the hospital side also had its limits.

There were still people from the Engineering Division waiting to report in the office, and Li Xuewu also had some work that needed to be delegated.

Ji Weidong looked at Li Xuewu's back and reached out his hand, wanting to call him back to ask a few more questions, but looking at Li Xuewu's hurried appearance, he really had no reason to say it out loud.

After all, it was his own business, especially regarding feelings; it was really not good to trouble others anymore.

Thinking again that he was a few years older than Li Xuewu, he should also be more mature in terms of feelings.

He turned his head to look at Han Yating in the ward, then turned and walked downstairs.

Downstairs, Li Xuewu managed to get into the car at the end of Li Huai De's conversation; it was also because Li Huai De had deliberately waited for him for a while.

The vehicle started, and the two had a preliminary discussion on relevant matters. Relying on the suggestions given by Li Xuewu, Li Huai De gradually felt more confident.

It's no wonder people say that the safe of the Security Division Director holds the brilliant strategies for the future development of the Rolling Mill; Li Huai De now has a deep realization of this.

It's not that he really thinks Li Xuewu can predict the future and has stacks of brilliant strategies in the safe; what he's talking about is Li Xuewu's brain and ability.

Most importantly, it's his vision. A long-term vision is not just about seeing one's own work goals and the challenges to be faced in the future, but also being able to see the specific situation of related work.

Li Xuewu can talk about one or two things about the factory's affairs; this is Li Xuewu's ability and vision.

Li Huai De used to discuss these matters mostly with mid-level cadres like Fu Bin and Dong Wenxue, but now he rarely seeks out Zhang Guoqi and the others.

It's not that Zhang Guoqi and the others' thinking and ability have regressed, but that he has a better, more direct choice.

In every strategic adjustment, Li Huai De's designed future for himself has never lacked a place for Li Xuewu.

He is now accustomed to asking for Li Xuewu's opinion when encountering tricky problems.

This is not because his vision is insufficient, nor because his ability is lacking, but because human power has its limits, and vision also has its limits.

Every piece of advice Li Xuewu has given him is pertinent, with extremely strong purpose and feasibility.

There's no need to waste time discussing; being able to hear a relatively complete opinion, why would he need the nonsense of people Li Kezhang Guoqi?

Even if Li Xuewu's thinking is relatively conservative, his conduct is too upright, his requirements for himself are too harsh and strict, and he is always somewhat hesitant in cooperating with him.

But problems have two sides; this is also a merit, and it is also the reins he has prepared for himself to "rein in at the brink of the precipice."

Calling it reins is not as good as calling it a bottom line. People cannot be without a bottom line. In this struggle, Li Huai De also doesn't know when he will touch the bottom line.

Since he will lose control sometimes, it's better to set an action standard for himself, or rather, a bottom line.

Li Xuewu never thought he would become Li Huai De's bottom line, but this is not strange either; after all, his character is right there.

A cadre like him, who is strict with himself and lenient with others, can also be considered a benchmark in the Rolling Mill.

The car stopped at the entrance of the main office building, and Li Huai De's secretary and Sha Qizhi were already waiting at the entrance.

Seeing the two get out of the car, their respective secretaries stepped forward to report on their work.

On Sha Qizhi's side, he briefly told Li Xuewu about the arrangements for Xiang Yunnian, as well as the progress of the case, the organization of the evidence chain, and the dynamics of the Security Division today.

Li Xuewu patted Sha Qizhi's arm and arranged: "Let Ren An lead a team to the residential area project site, focusing on maintaining safety and stability, while also controlling the residential area project office."

"Also, have Director Yu prepare for the handover of this case. After the discipline inspection departments of various units come over this morning, transfer the clues and evidence of the case, but keep copies and receipts."

Seeing that Li Huai De had already walked into the lobby, Li Xuewu gave his final instructions to Sha Qizhi: "Make arrangements to send coordination letters to the units related to this case, and also call these units in my name to briefly explain the situation, urging them to send people to take over the case."

"Understood."

Seeing that Li Xuewu still had things to be busy with, Sha Qizhi handed the notebook he had organized in the morning to Li Xuewu; it contained the briefing of this case and related work content.

Li Xuewu took it and walked into the lobby; he still had to have a meeting with the Engineering Division people together with Li Huai De.

Li Huai De is so attentive to this work not because he has given up, but because Yang Yuansong has challenged him, pushing the problem in front of him and making him start to be alert.

If this problem is not handled well, then the investigation team from above will think that the people handling the follow-up work at the Rolling Mill are incompetent, which will undoubtedly dig a big hole in his path of advancement.

He does things that dig holes for others, but he will never do anything that digs a hole for himself.

When Li Xuewu went upstairs, he saw that the office building was much busier today than in the past.

It was as if the leader's mood had really been conveyed to them; everyone had a sense of crisis.

For office meetings, the meeting location is generally arranged according to the number of participating departments and the number of personnel.

It seems that for this departmental coordination meeting regarding the project, because it was mainly for the Engineering Division to report work, the Security Division was nominally assisting in the work, but actually, it was for Li Xuewu to assist Deputy Factory Director Li in his work.

Therefore, the meeting location was chosen in Deputy Factory Director Li's office.

There is an unspoken rule here: if there are many people and the levels are equivalent, the sofa area will be chosen.

And when there are fewer people and the leader's status needs to be highlighted, the office area will be chosen.

Li Huai De's office is not small; the secretary added seats for several people in front of Li Huai De's desk, which was clearly this situation.

Li Xuewu sat very consciously diagonally opposite Li Huai De's right hand, and the chief and deputy chief of the Engineering Division sat directly opposite Li Huai De.

And the person in charge of the residential area project brought by the Engineering Division sat next to them, while some other staff members sat on the sofa.

There were quite a few people at the meeting, and there was only one topic for discussion: how to realize the work that the Secretary had delegated at the guesthouse in the morning.

Li Xuewu didn't even flip through his notebook; he sat there smoking, listening but not speaking, as if Xu Shu had entered Cao Cao's camp.

Li Huai De didn't let him speak either; bringing Li Xuewu here was not to discuss with these people from the Engineering Division, but to let Li Xuewu understand the first-hand information, making it convenient for him to intervene at any time.

The meeting didn't last long, about forty minutes, mainly with the people from the Engineering Division reporting the specific situation of the project respectively.

Li Xuewu listened carefully; it was roughly a few points: lack of money, lack of people, lack of technology, and unstable morale.

Li Huai De's brows were also deeply furrowed; several buildings started construction at the same time, and it had been two months, yet not even one was completed. This work was done in a mess.

Li Xuewu was also frowning. Damn it, the buildings for the residential area project were not skyscrapers, but a six-story design; how could it take so long?

Of course, he didn't understand architecture, and asking this question was also layman talk; perhaps it really needed so long.

But from the situation learned from the person in charge, the management of the residential area project was extremely chaotic; previously, Deng Zhiwang's mind was not on this at all.

Li Xuewu looked at Li Huai De and knew how to open this breakthrough.

Li Huai De also understood Li Xuewu's meaning. After fully understanding the relevant situation, he let these people prepare for the next multi-department coordination meeting, while he himself let the secretary close the door and discussed it with Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu's opinion was very direct, only one: if you want to stabilize and continue to carry out the project work, you must first restore the management order of the project.

This is a big problem; it's afraid that the project office will have to be cleaned up from top to bottom.

It seems that it really had an effect as if Yang Yuansong had lost his temper at the guesthouse; the morning meeting went very smoothly and efficiently.

The Engineering Division and the residential area project office raised difficulties, Li Huai De and Jing Yunong raised problems, and other departments provided solutions.

After the meeting ended, Yang Fengshan and Gu Weijie also held a problem briefing meeting with the persons in charge of the units related to this case who came to the factory, as well as the persons in charge of the discipline inspection departments.

Similarly, Li Xuewu also attended this meeting; after all, it was a case assisted by the Security Division.

Because there were opinions prepared long ago by Xue Zhifu, and Li Xuewu's relationship was here, Yang Fengshan and Gu Weijie played "good cop, bad cop," which made it so that the people from these units wouldn't be too embarrassed.

After the meeting, Li Xuewu gave a brief introduction and arrangement to these people, and then took them to the Security Building.

Because it was close to noon after several meetings were finished, but the Secretary and Deputy Secretary Xue had not returned yet, Li Xuewu knew that the problem was a bit difficult to handle.

Intensify communication with these units; those who should take clues should take clues, and those who should move accounts and evidence should act quickly. No matter how busy they are, key receipts and handover signatures are necessary.

At noon, Li Xuewu originally wanted to arrange a meal for these units, but these people didn't know if they were really busy with work or were too embarrassed to stay. After handling the case, they left with the relevant personnel.

Because of the continuous operation all night, plus the fact that these units had just come to take people away, the case-handling area suddenly became quiet.

Only the personnel related to the Rolling Mill were still being detained, and even those who resold oil tickets had been taken away by Xiang Yunnian.

And Xiang Yunnian also didn't stay for lunch; knowing that the Rolling Mill was brewing a thunderous storm, how could he stay here to watch the excitement?

Li Xuewu sent Xiang Yunnian out of the building entrance; when shaking hands, he didn't say any words of thanks, but just sincerely said some small talk.

Xiang Yunnian maintained a serious face all year round while handling cases, but that didn't exist with Li Xuewu.

Smiling and saying he would make an appointment to eat when he had time, he let Li Xuewu send him to the car.

Li Xuewu also shook hands with other people from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection; everyone still remembered Li Xuewu's thoughtfulness toward them. None of them had the face of discipline inspection personnel, and their smiles revealed that they were very satisfied with the previous subsidies.

After sending these people away, Li Xuewu looked back at the government personnel pouring out of various office buildings who were bustling downstairs to eat, and then looked at the noisy factory production area.

Every day at this time, many workers would gather from all directions to the factory's large canteen for meals.

The scene of more than ten thousand people flowing was even more spectacular when standing in the sky, and Li Xuewu stood in front of the building entrance, personally feeling the vitality and charm of the Rolling Mill.

"Director, why didn't you go eat?"

"Oh, smoking a cigarette."

Li Xuewu was standing by the flower bed feeling emotional when he heard someone greeting him. Turning around, he saw Zhou Yao carrying a large jar, looking like she was about to go eat.

"You go eat quickly; there are many people, and you might not be able to grab a good seat."

There are many people in the Rolling Mill, the canteen is only so big, and seats are limited. Those without seats can only wait for the second wave or take it back to the workshop or office to eat.

Zhou Yao looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Is Section Chief Han's situation better?"

"Yes, I've already arranged for someone to take care of her."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "The doctor said it depends on recuperation."

"That's good~"

Zhou Yao nodded with a smile, signaled toward the canteen direction, and said, "You go eat quickly too; I'm leaving."

After speaking, she walked toward the canteen direction. Her skirt swayed gently with the breeze, adding a touch of vitality and charm to the Rolling Mill.

The atmosphere in the guesthouse canteen at noon was a bit strange. On the seats reserved for the chief and deputy section chiefs, everyone was sitting and eating, with few opening their mouths to chat.

It seemed as if the atmosphere had suddenly become serious. When Li Xuewu walked in, he thought the situation had changed again.

Seeing him come in, Zhang Guoqi beckoned him to sit at his table.

Li Xuewu nodded and signaled to others with a smile, then sat down beside Zhang Guoqi.

"How is the situation?"

"What do you mean how is it?"

As soon as Li Xuewu came in, he discovered that the gazes of the people around him looking at him carried awe, wariness, and even more unclear meanings.

Seeing Li Xuewu playing dumb, Zhang Guoqi pursed his lips and said, "You brother, don't treat us like fools. I'm asking what the situation was like after work yesterday?"