Chapter 645: You Really Know How to Talk

"You folks are quite busy."

Li Li Xuewu walked to the doorway and handed the unopened carton of Zhang Daqian Sect cigarettes to Director Ma.

Director Ma didn't even look at them before pushing them back, pointing to his throat and saying, "It's finished; I have a throat disease."

After speaking, he looked at the cigarettes in Li Li Xuewu's hand with a face full of desolation, saying, "The doctor said if I smoke again, I'll die."

Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and asked, "For real or fake? Can smoking actually kill someone?"

Director Ma closed his eyes at Li Li Xuewu's question, then helplessly explained, "The doctor said it might trigger throat cancer."

Li Li Xuewu also closed his eyes, startled by Director Ma's scare tactics, and countered, "What about Huazi? Why not smoke Huazi? Smoking Huazi doesn't make you cough."

"Cough, cough~"

Director Ma slapped Li Li Xuewu hard, pushing him while laughing and cursing, "Get going quickly; I haven't died from f***ing throat cancer yet, but I'm about to be angered to death by you first."

Li Li Xuewu laughed as he hopped into the car, gesturing toward the small shirt and trousers on Director Ma's body, saying, "Not bad; at a glance, it's clearly good stuff."

After speaking, he winked, stepped on the accelerator, and drove away.

Director Ma just shook his head with a bitter smile; this person was completely unorthodox, acting like a young man when not working, but like a f***ing old man when on the job.

He wouldn't dare go eat with Li Li Xuewu and Li Li Wenbiao; nowadays, for big or small family matters, his wife didn't even consult him anymore, going straight to Li Li Wenbiao instead.

His wife said that talking to him just meant endless nagging, whereas telling Li Li Wenbiao got things done in no time.

Even his daughter preferred Li Li Wenbiao; there was nothing Li Li Wenbiao didn't understand out on these streets.

As for whether he could tell that Li Li Wenbiao was deliberately currying favor with him?

How could he not see it? But since his whole family had grown accustomed to Li Li Wenbiao's help, he had grown accustomed to it too.

Besides, Li Li Wenbiao and his crowd never went too far in their actions; on the contrary, they helped him resolve many troubles.

Especially after Li Li Xuewu rose to prominence, Li Li Wenbiao and the others actually didn't need to curry favor with him as much as before.

But they didn't change; whatever they were like before, they were still like that now, even maintaining better relations with his family than in the past.

His wife also said that Li Li Wenbiao was very simple and honest; although he had some petty cleverness, he was still a very good person at heart.

Director Ma had also pondered his relationship with Li Li Xuewu and the others, finally concluding that they should just treat each other as friends.

Anyway, Li Li Xuewu never showed his face; it was always Li Li Wenbiao who went to the house, so what was there to say?

In handling affairs, Li Li Wenbiao never violated regulations; everything was strictly official business conducted through official channels.

Sometimes he even thought to himself that with such an ally, as long as he didn't commit major errors, he ought to show some care in return.

Since he was already in this position, showing care to anyone was still showing care, much less when it involved mutual assistance.

Just take the previous incident of jointly reselling borderland beef and mutton; that alone had made him famous within the Jingcheng supply and marketing system.

Who else had such capability, able to find meat supply channels from outside? That month, they completed more than half a year's worth of quotas.

The reason his position at the Jiaodaokou Supply and Marketing Cooperative became more and more secure was precisely because of this: capability plus connections.

Were Li Li Xuewu's connections not connections? Did the Supply and Marketing Cooperative think they were so mighty they touched the sky?

Everyone has their own affairs; who knows who might need whom in the future?

It was just that now, what he did for Li Li Xuewu and what Li Li Xuewu could do for him were no longer proportional.

Nevertheless, he would still decline when Li Li Xuewu invited him to dinner, simply because he felt too embarrassed.

During every festival and holiday, Li Li Wenbiao always brought gifts to his home, and even on ordinary days, he never arrived empty-handed.

If only his daughter weren't still so young; he would seriously consider recruiting Li Li Wenbiao as a son-in-law living with them.

So what if he was a bit ugly?

There was another reason for not accepting Li Li Xuewu and Li Li Wenbiao's invitation: the issue of status.

In the past, both Li Li Xuewu and Li Li Wenbiao were inferior to him, so going would have been meaningless.

But now, he was inferior to Li Li Xuewu, so going would still be meaningless.

If Li Li Wenbiao were to invite him now, he would mostly just call him over to eat at his own home, which his wife would also be willing to do.

The outfit Li Li Xuewu praised when leaving was actually foreign goods, something rarely seen even by city dwellers nowadays.

He didn't know what brand it was called; it just had a rabbit head with two ears sticking up, comfortable to wear and making one look young.

The scene of Director Ma standing at the doorway talking with Li Li Xuewu was witnessed again by people inside the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, so everyone now understood why this young man dared not to queue.

Those who knew it wasn't for this reason were the sales clerks; they all knew that Li Li Xuewu skipping the queue was mostly intentional, because why? Everyone understood.

"Didn't you want to see Jingcheng's clubs? Today I'm taking you to broaden your horizons."

Ai Ai Jiaqing gestured outside the car, saying, "We've arrived; it's just ahead."

Selena glanced in the direction Ai Ai Jiaqing was pointing and asked, "Is this a historical building?"

"Not really; it's a private residence."

Ai Ai Jiaqing explained, "The club I mentioned was converted from this kind of mansion."

Selena looked at the several large gates along the street; listening to Ai Ai Jiaqing's introduction that these all belonged to the club, especially the main gate with its carved beams and painted pillars, she was utterly astonished.

"Private ownership, yet it can be this large? In Jingcheng?"

"Yes."

Ai Ai Jiaqing pressed her lips together and smiled; after the car entered through the club's parking gate, she then asked, "Remember what you said yourself yesterday?"

"What?"

Selena was currently shocked by the scenery upon entering the courtyard; she recalled that Ai Ai Jiaqing had told her that houses in the city were all redistributed later on.

Official mansions from the previous dynasty had basically been confiscated; during her few days in Jingcheng, she had visited former dynasty sights, but mansions this large were basically all public property now.

She was still looking when Ai Ai Jiaqing suddenly asked her a question, leaving her unable to react in time.

Over there, Ai Ai Jiaqing had already gotten out of the car and nodded with a smile at the simple-looking young man who had come to greet them at the entrance.

"Director Ai, you've arrived."

"Yes, has Deputy Comrade Li Chu arrived?"

"Not yet, Director Li hasn't given a specific time."

Zhao Laosizi wore a beaming smile, glanced at the yellow-haired man getting out of the other side of the car, his smile unchanged on his face, but his eyes shifted slightly.

Ai Ai Jiaqing knew what he meant and explained with a smile: "We made an appointment with your Director Li yesterday to meet here, yet the host himself has arrived late."

"You're joking, Director Li's home isn't here."

Zhao Laosizi laughed off the remark and replied immediately: "But Director Li did tell us to treat this place as our home."

After speaking, he gestured toward the training ground and said, "It's still early, why not go take a look at the training ground? We just opened the traditional martial arts program; the master said it's quite suitable for women to exercise."

"Or go to the underground shooting range, a training facility that just opened this week where you can practice firearm shooting."

"Forget it."

Ai Ai Jiaqing smiled and said, "I didn't bring spare clothes; if I get all sweaty, I won't be able to stay. Let's just walk around the garden, you get back to your work."

After speaking, she looked at Zhao Laosizi and gestured toward Selena's side.

Zhao Laosizi understood Ai Ai Jiaqing's meaning, nodded, and made a "please" gesture with a smile.

Ai Ai Jiaqing gestured to the somewhat stunned Selena, then walked into the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Zhao Laosizi remained standing in place; when Selena looked back, she could still see that young man who looked like a butler talking to the driver, instructing him on how to park.

"Are you saying this mansion belongs to that person from yesterday... that Director Li?"

When Ai Ai Jiaqing was talking to the butler just now, Selena was stunned, and now she couldn't help but ask this question.

Ai Ai Jiaqing asked teasingly, "What did you say about him yesterday? Oh, that he lived in straitened circumstances, right?"

"..."

Selena had noticed Ai Ai Jiaqing's expression was off yesterday; when she asked her last night, Ai Ai Jiaqing wouldn't say anything, and it turned out she was saving it to publicly execute her today.

"How is that possible!"

Selena said in disbelief, "Isn't he one of your cadres? Don't you represent the workers and peasants? How could there be such a big house?"

"Let me correct you on a few points."

Ai Ai Jiaqing gestured around and said, "This is called a mansion, not a house; the meaning is different."

"Furthermore, we advocate uniting all forces that can be united; as long as hearts are directed one way, everyone is equal."

"Of course."

Ai Ai Jiaqing nodded with a smile and said, "This Director Li indeed comes from an ordinary family; his family does not have such a large mansion. As for how this mansion came to be, I don't know."

After speaking, she took Selena to tour this large mansion, explaining to her the features and history of courtyards nested within courtyards, and the various layouts and buildings within the courtyards.

When Li Li Xuewu arrived, it was already eleven o'clock; the sun was high, right in the heat of the day.

There were no large shade trees inside the mansion, nor even in the Forbidden City; trees in Jingcheng were scarce to begin with, and most were planted later.

Why were there no trees in the Forbidden City? It was to prevent thieves from entering, hiding in trees where they couldn't be seen, and then harming the nobles of that time.

"Nobles" did not refer solely to the Emperor's wives, but to people of noble status.

And the reason there were few trees in the mansions of ministers was largely the same; if there were trees, they were not tall trees, mostly potted plants, bonsai, or fruit trees that didn't grow tall.

As soon as Li Li Xuewu parked the car, he glanced at the scorching sun, tugged at the corner of his mouth; if he said he wanted to build a garage, people would surely say he was full and bored.

But for the sake of his own backside, he still asked Zhao Laosizi to find a piece of cardboard to cover the driver's seat cushion.

Only after walking into the shade did he ask Zhao Laosizi, who was winking and making faces, "What's wrong? Acting like that?"

"Director Li, that Director Ai who came last week is here again."

Zhao Laosizi reported, "She also brought a foreigner, yellow hair, white face, blue eyes, seems to be a Russian."

Li Li Xuewu sized up Zhao Laosizi and said, "Your eyesight is still quite good, a bit interesting."

After speaking, he waved his hand again and said, "She isn't considered Russian anymore now; it's fine, I know."

"Alright, as long as you know."

Zhao Laosizi smiled and gestured toward the management office, saying, "Director Lou is waiting for you; he said to invite you over as soon as he saw you arrive."

Li Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes and looked at Zhao Laosizi again; how did it feel like this kid had intentions of betraying him?

Zhao Laosizi could only smile bitterly; he was under Director Lou's management, and working here meant he had to listen to the boss.

But facing Li Li Xuewu, he was helpless, stuck in the middle and feeling uncomfortable.

To be honest, he didn't know what kind of relationship Director Lou and Li Li Xuewu had.

Not knowing, not thinking about it, not speaking, not asking, not processing it; his master taught him that to do well, one must grasp the main relationships.

Li Li Xuewu looked at Zhao Laosizi's bitter-melon-like face, tugged at the corner of his mouth, and asked, "Is the staff enough? Can you handle it?"

"No problem."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu ask this, Zhao Laosizi feared Li Li Xuewu would say to transfer people over, so he quickly replied, "Guaranteed no problem."

Li Li Xuewu saw through his little scheme, let his eyelids droop, and said, "Tomorrow go to the Rolling Steel Factory, find the security office at the gate, say I sent you, and bring back a dog."

"Hey! Thank you, Director Li."

Hearing this, Zhao Laosizi realized it was just adding a dog; then he wasn't worried, as dogs were better than people.

Li Li Xuewu couldn't be bothered to deal with him, walked west along the shaded corridor, and went to the security office.

Zhao Laosizi stood in place and wiped the sweat from his head; he was truly working hard, very afraid Li Li Xuewu wouldn't use his people anymore, and was doing his utmost to maintain the security environment of the courtyard.

Especially regarding human relations and worldly wisdom, whenever Sundays came and there were many people, he would actively squat by the gatehouse, afraid something would happen here.

Thinking of the club security section currently training on the mountain, Zhao Laosizi felt a sense of crisis.

He knew clearly in his heart that in terms of combat power, someone like him, and even his younger brother, would surely not compare to those ruffians from beyond the Great Wall.

But if he wanted to stay here and continue working, and have his own position, what should he do?

He had to find another path, do things those people couldn't do.

Zhao Laosizi had asked his master about this matter; his master also affirmed his line of thinking, which is why Selena felt like she was seeing a butler from one of those wealthy families in Gangcheng when she looked at him.

Sigh! This was the trick Zhao Laosizi came up with.

You know how to fight, shoot, and have a strong body, but I know how to talk, handle affairs, and manage receptions.

Zhao Zhao Lao Si pondered that when these Security Section members returned, they couldn't just stand at the gate greeting people and seeing them off, could they?

He could!

He could put aside his pride, he knew how to talk, and during this time, not only did he learn household management from his master, but he also worked hard to memorize the personal information of these members.

Including temporary members like Ai Ai Jiaqing; without needing to flip through the ledger temporarily, he could accurately know whether a visitor was allowed into the courtyard.

Zhao Zhao Lao Si had taken involution to new heights; not only did he memorize everything himself, but he also made his younger brother memorize it, and made the several young men who came with him memorize it too.

He taught the knowledge he had acquired to these people as well, and he gradually began to cultivate his own faction.

So what if one guards the main gate?

Can't a gate guard become a top scholar?

Zhao Zhao Lao Si was set on this path; as long as he perfected the skill of guarding the main gate, he didn't believe there wouldn't be a place for him in this large compound.

Even if the people from the mountain returned, he would still be the one calling the shots at this main gate.

This is why they say the workplace is hard to navigate; you never know how much harder others are working than you.

Li Li Xuewu knew Zhao Zhao Lao Si was very competitive, but he hadn't expected him to be the king of involution.

The Comrade Comrade Li Chu was still the same as before, except there were more people coming and going, many new coaches and attendants.

By noon, things here had become busy; Li Li Xuewu glanced toward the training ground, saw it was lively, and didn't go in.

Walking back, he saw Sister Lou's office door was open, so he walked in.

Sister Lou was busy beside her desk; seeing Li Li Xuewu enter, she didn't acknowledge him, her hands striking the abacus so fast it made a loud 'click-clack' sound like a mountain collapsing.

Li Li Xuewu glanced left and right, picked the single-seat sofa, and sat down.

"I told you to come early, why did you arrive so late?"

Sister Lou calculated twice more, organized the ledger, and only then walked over to chide Li Li Xuewu.

She snatched the palm-leaf fan from Li Li Xuewu's hand and turned on the electric fan on the small table.

To speak of the electric fans of this era, they were truly loud; once Sister Lou turned on the fan, Li Li Xuewu felt as if he were sitting next to a helicopter.

For the sake of this breeze, suffering such torment to his ears wasn't worth it, so Li Li Xuewu reached out and turned it off again.

"Spare me, will you? You're going to blow me deaf."

While saying this, Li Li Xuewu reached again for the palm-leaf fan beside Sister Lou, preparing to fan himself.

Sister Lou, however, felt sorry for him; she picked up the fan first and sat on the three-seater sofa next to Li Li Xuewu.

"You were born with the fate of a master, unable to endure even the slightest grievance; you complain an electric fan is too loud—if you have the ability, why don't you install an air conditioner?"

While speaking, her hand movements were relentless, waving the palm-leaf fan 'whoosh-whoosh' to cool Li Li Xuewu.

Since Li Li Xuewu was already enjoying the comfort, he couldn't try to win verbally; he nodded and said, "I'm useless, I can't endure grievances, I'm a pampered young master."

Seeing him speak this way, Sister Lou felt sorry for his appearance again; she pursed her lips, and the words of scolding she wanted to say simply wouldn't come out.

She was already a few years older than Li Li Xuewu, so she ultimately had to act like an older sister, especially since Li Li Xuewu usually yielded to her.

"I asked you a question earlier, why didn't you answer?"

"Nothing, I was at home reading books."

Leaning back on the sofa with his eyes closed, Li Li Xuewu said, "Final exams are at the beginning of next month; I have to study. If I don't attend class but let my studies go to waste, wouldn't that be losing face?"

"Heh~ I forgot you were attending university."

Sister Lou laughed lightly at him, then asked, "Have you actually learned anything? Don't tell me you're just slacking off?"

"Hey! You actually hit the nail on the head."

Li Li Xuewu pointed at Sister Lou and said with a smile, "I am a university slacker; I've been a slacker since childhood. When I reached high school, I thought that was the end of the line, but unexpectedly~"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu's smug appearance, Sister Lou was so angry her teeth itched; she knew one shouldn't spoil this rogue, or he would climb right over your head.

He clearly knew she hadn't attended high school or university, yet he was deliberately provoking her here.

She struck Li Li Xuewu hard with the palm-leaf fan and chided, "Keep bragging; you're definitely going to fail the exam."

Li Li Xuewu didn't mind Sister Lou's jinx; he smiled, lifted his chin, and said, "When you're slacking, you'll pass no matter how you take the exam."

Just as they were talking, Father Lou walked in from outside; seeing Li Li Xuewu in the room, he smiled and said, "It sounded like your voice."

"Dad."

Sister Lou stood up and called out, and Li Li Xuewu also stood up to greet him.

After all three sat down again, Sister Lou felt too embarrassed to sit in front of Li Li Xuewu fanning him, so she moved to sit opposite him.

Father Lou leaned back on the long sofa, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and asked, "I saw that Director Ai arrive?"

"Mm, he went to our factory yesterday."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "He came to inspect the refrigerated train; he brought a few people for the inspection, including that blond-haired fellow."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu speak interestingly, Father Lou smiled and said, "When I was young, there were even more in Jingcheng; you could often see them on the streets."

Speaking, his gaze drifted forward as he recalled, "Most of those who came here back then were people who couldn't survive in their own countries; either land grabbers or hooligans, anyway, not a single good person among them."

"But once they arrived here, they put on a Western suit, pretended to be civilized people, yet everything they did was vicious."

"And there were indeed people of our nation who bought into their act, thinking that monks from outside could all chant scriptures, not expecting, heh heh, that they were rotten to the core."

Li Li Xuewu nodded; needless to say about the past, were there fewer such people even in the future?

Some people, for the sake of foreign accolades, disregarded the public interest, engaging in flattery and obsequious behavior, doing disgusting things all too often.

Calling it tragedy is inaccurate; the reality is that their spines are still bent; having knelt for so long, their waists hurt when they try to stand and speak.

After exchanging a few casual remarks, Li Li Xuewu looked at Father Lou and asked, "How is the preparation for the Joint Bank plan progressing?"

"Still in progress."

Father Lou reported seriously, "We are working on contingency plans; since I went to Gangcheng to start planning, every day and every step has been calculated meticulously. The materials you brought are highly valuable for reference; Gangcheng is indeed developing quickly."

"Inevitably."

Li Li Xuewu did not bother explaining the reasons, but looked at Lou's father and asked, "Do you have any plans regarding the economy over there? These past two years are precisely when that financial crisis is hitting; neither talent nor land prices are worth much."

"We still must seize the port as the key."

Lou's father frowned and said, "During my time there, I will make the port a key task to conquer; with the port, the bank will have flowing transactions, and thus a channel for money to breed money."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, agreeing with Lou's father's viewpoint, even though he had already prepared collaborations with Ji Ji Ruixuan and Ai Ai Jiaqing, including trade conducted from the interior.

But what belongs to oneself must still be earned through one's own efforts; Li Li Xuewu intended to establish his own footing in Port City.

In the coming years, policy changes will be too rapid; the actions of some people are utterly incomprehensible, causing enormous losses.

Those public units can bear such losses, but Li Li Xuewu cannot; this is his own money.

"Ji Wang Weidong and the people from Steel City will arrive before you; by then, the port operations will be handed over to them."

Li Li Xuewu would never put all his eggs in one basket, and neither would Sister Lou.

The bank would not encounter trouble, because Ji Wang Weidong would be there; the port would not encounter trouble, because Sister Lou would be there.

Do not speak of some chivalrous loyalty from the Jianghu; Li Li Xuewu knows only that wealth moves the human heart. Do not use money to test friendship or kinship; that is immoral behavior.

Li Li Xuewu had never said that anyone else could decide how the money was spent; the money was his, and everyone else was merely managing it on his behalf.

After finishing the discussion on preparing the joint bank, they talked about the club's work, including the equipment and facilities currently under construction, and the areas gradually opening up.

Sister Lou mentioned the training situation of the security section on the mountain, which she had inquired about via telephone.

Due to the issue of uniforms, those on the mountain were all borrowing training clothes; Li Li Xuewu had not thought of this, so he agreed to Sister Lou's proposal to procure directly from the Rolling Steel Factory's Labor Protection Factory.

As for the issue of firearms upon their return, Li Li Xuewu planned to decide later, because in a short while there would be a major adjustment of weapons and equipment, with some being phased out that could be reused.

After all, it was just a club, and there would be no major armed conflicts, so basically the Da Da Wusi and the Type 56 would be sufficient.

There was no need to mess around with absurdities like anti-aircraft guns.

Finally, regarding the issue of uniforms, Sister Lou stood up and called upstairs to Huang Gan, who was playing cards.

Huang Gan had arrived early and played cards upstairs for a while; after coming downstairs and seeing Li Li Xuewu, he smiled and greeted him.

Upon hearing Sister Lou ask about member benefits, he nodded and introduced some relevant situations.

"The sewing machines have been purchased, and equipment for leatherworking, cutting, and tailoring has also been acquired; the old masters are currently teaching, so it may take a few days."

Huang Gan waved his hand and said, "But don't rush; our people there are very eager to learn knowledge in this area, including cutting and making clothes, leather shoes, leather belts, leather bags, and so on; there must be a learning process."

"That is acceptable."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "I was just asking, not rushing you; after all, your side cannot possibly serve only our establishment."

Having said that, he tilted his head back and asked, "Have you found other partner units yet?"

"Not yet; where would it be so easy to find them?"

Huang Gan complained, "Do you really think designing a set of clothes and hanging them up means they will sell?"

"Then find a breakthrough point."

Li Li Xuewu gestured toward the east and said, "Go promote at our factory first; ask whether the various factories want to custom-make uniforms for their administrative personnel, a unified Bai Jiahei."

After saying this, he added with a smile, "However, you may need to spend more effort on our factory; many people have already started dressing like this."

"Even then, I can open up the market."

Huang Gan narrowed his eyes and said, "How much does it cost for them to make their own? On my side, it's just the cost of fabric and thread, at most wasting two steamed buns; who can compete with me on price?"

Li Li Xuewu's words had also inspired a line of thought in him; just like the books being sold now, as long as one finds the right market, the situation becomes one of supply failing to meet demand.

It was not impossible for him to sell the clothes he made through the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, but those cooperatives were part of the same system as them, so issues of price and cost would arise.

It would be better to target various units directly and specialize in work uniforms.

People in the workshops all have labor protection suits, made by the Labor Protection Factory, but personnel in administrative units do not have work uniforms.

Except for Li Li Xuewu's own Security Division; frontline personnel there have uniforms, which is different.

A white short-sleeved shirt, black trousers, and black leather shoes; making one set oneself, plus buying from outside, would cost at least forty or fifty.

But if produced at the First Prison, the cost could be driven down to less than ten yuan, and it would be even cheaper once scale was achieved.

This was because there were no labor costs; workers in the factory still had to be paid wages, whereas here, simply raising the food standard would suffice.

Why did Huang Gan say that the enthusiasm for learning among their people was so high? Just look at how the people in the papermaking and printing workshops eat differently.

The key is that they can eat their fill; it is no longer thin soup and watery broth, and they can learn a skilled trade, without having to sit bored in a room all day.

At this time, there were actually other jobs available, such as smashing stones or farming, and so on.

But those were prisons located outside the city; the Paoju side had none of that—where would they get land or stones for them to work on?

Fearing they would cause trouble if fed too well, they were kept at half-full; as long as they did not starve to death, that was enough.

Only those in the workshops could eat their fill, but once they had worked, they no longer had the energy to cause trouble.

But there were still differences; at the very least, the living environment and the food provided were not the same.

Therefore, with new projects available, these people were eagerly rushing forward, waiting to eat their fill and move to a new environment.

Since they had already been admitted, with sentences of ten or even twenty years, they could not just suddenly die.

While inside, they must have something to hope for; if they were not thinking about escaping prison, then thinking about living better and eating better should be acceptable, right?

No wonder Huang Gan was so impressive now; with money in hand, his heart was not anxious.

The papermaking, printing, comic books, carving, and other operations at the First Prison were all in a development stage; he was not worried about being unable to sell, only fearing there would not be enough people in the prison.

Previously, he had always complained that other units were dumping people into their prison nearby, but now it was different; Huang Gan had informed all the security teams that they could send people over however they liked, with no problem.

His family had connections within the judicial system, and they were making extra efforts to accept people; if the prison cells were not enough to house them, they would build more, since they had money now.

The First Prison was now a far cry from its past; when speaking with Li Li Xuewu, Huang Gan also had confidence, ordering all sorts of equipment immediately without any fear of it going unused.

The complaints he had just made to Li Li Xuewu were all deliberate boasting, waiting for Li Li Xuewu to take the bait.

Li Li Xuewu had not expected to let him pull off this show of arrogance, and he repeatedly cursed his bad luck.

The few of them chatted and laughed until it was time for lunch; Lou's father left the door first, with the others following, all heading together toward the dining hall.

On the way, they happened to meet Ai Ai Jiaqing and Selina, who were returning from a detour at the back; the two of them were perhaps hot, as sweat had appeared on their faces.

Li Li Xuewu smiled, exchanged greetings and handshakes; fearing Selena might draw unwanted attention, he invited them to the private room where they had dined the previous week.

After arranging for the two to rest briefly and instructing the waiter to bring cold water, he went over to greet his classmates from the restaurant side.

Everyone knew he had arrived, but each group kept to themselves; unlike the large gathering of the previous week, they sat in small clusters of two or three at various tables to eat.

The meals last week were free because it was the first occasion; thereafter, dining at the restaurant required payment, which is why the dishes varied from table to table.

Much like the Daisuoshitang, the food was prepared in bulk and then portioned out; the taste was quite acceptable, after all, these were the Lou family's private chefs.

Mother Lou was an inheritor of Tan Family Cuisine, so naturally she was particular about food; Li Li Xuewu did not understand much of it himself, merely instructing Sister Lou to prepare four dishes and one soup for the private room.

He did not sit down with this group either; since each table was paying for their own meals, Li Li Xuewu felt too awkward to join them.

After chatting briefly, he stepped outside, where he spotted Master Dou.

Before he had even finished descending the steps, someone chased out from behind; Li Li Xuewu turned to see it was Zhou Hu Zhengquan.

"What's wrong? Why such a troubled look?"

Seeing Zhou Hu Zhengquan's expression, Li Li Xuewu asked with a smile, then added, "Between us, if there's something, just say it directly."

"It's about that case you handled."

Zhou Hu Zhengquan spoke with some embarrassment: "It's regarding Liu Xia Zhongquan; his father was an old subordinate of my father-in-law. I don't know how this mess arose; they searched everywhere but couldn't figure out your exact connection, so they ended up coming to me through a roundabout way."

"Oh? There's such a connection?"

Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow, gestured to Master Dou, who was unsure whether to approach, signaling him to wait in the shaded area of the courtyard.

Then, pulling Zhou Hu Zhengquan aside by the hand, he finally spoke: "It was like cutting grass and catching a rabbit by accident."

Li Li Xuewu offered only that explanation, but added: "But this rabbit is exceedingly fat; once caught, it's not easily let go."

"I know; I've also made some indirect inquiries with the branch bureau."

Given Zhou Hu Zhengquan's connections, learning the details of a case naturally required little effort on his part.

His main reason for seeking out Li Li Xuewu was to ask whether there was any personal grudge involved; that side feared their son had offended someone powerful, hoping to untie the visible knot, for unless the hidden knots were loosened, no one would dare undo the obvious ones.

Li Li Xuewu understood the implication behind Zhou Hu Zhengquan's words; having already investigated everything, coming to him again could only mean one thing.

"I'm speaking the truth; this truly wasn't targeted at him personally. It primarily relates to a joint assault case."

As he spoke, he briefly outlined the situation involving one death and one injury to Zhou Hu Zhengquan, causing the latter to furrow his brow.

Li Li Xuewu could neither allow Zhou Hu Zhengquan to be put in a difficult position because of him, nor allow Zhou Hu Zhengquan to create difficulties for him.

So he gently patted Zhou Hu Zhengquan's shoulder, saying, "You're too late; no matter how early you come, it's still too late. That night, it wasn't just our department handling this; I can only tell you this much."

"As for how it will be handled, that's no longer my concern; it has all been handed over to the criminal investigation division."

Li Li Xuewu made himself perfectly clear: he had already transferred the case, leaving no room for intervention; seeking him out further would be futile.

At the same time, he hinted at the underlying circumstances to Zhou Hu Zhengquan, leaving him to ponder the stakes and consequences on his own.

He would not involve himself in subsequent matters; if the family elders had the capability, they could devise their own solutions. Even if the outcome were an acquittal, he would have no objection.

Since he bore no personal grudge against Liu Xia Zhongquan, there was no need to say or do more.

Zhou Hu Zhengquan nodded with a furrowed brow, saying, "I understand; the matter is very complicated. I came to ask merely to see if there were any issues on your end, so that side could make some amends."

"No need."

Li Li Xuewu refused firmly and unequivocally; he would have no further contact with that side, nor would he seek any compensation on behalf of Han Han Yating.

Because this matter was never about compensation; even if obtained, it would be useless, and establishing contact would be foolish.

"Speaking of which, I ought to apologize to you."

Li Li Xuewu smiled at this point, saying, "The case was urgent, and the ministry was pressing hard. I used force at the suspect's residence, which the suspect's mother witnessed. Please convey my apologies on my behalf."

"No, it's fine; that was normal procedure."

Zhou Hu Zhengquan hadn't expected Li Li Xuewu to be so meticulous in his conduct, remembering even this detail to mention to him.

In truth, even if Li Li Xuewu had not said this, that side would have been unable to pursue any complaint.

Not to mention Li Li Xuewu's own connections; Li Li Xuewu's position itself was precisely for such matters. If powerful departments during this era lacked certain methods, how could they maintain a stable situation?

Which of those in this line of work never used force? Even if the suspect's mother witnessed it, so what? The facts and evidence stood clearly before everyone.

Whether Li Li Xuewu employed inducement during interrogation was perfectly clear; he had not violated any regulations whatsoever.

Furthermore, that side knew they were in the wrong; currently, they were focused solely on saving their lives, having no mind to pursue this matter.

Nevertheless, seeing Li Li Xuewu bring this up, Zhou Hu Zhengquan still felt compelled to clarify this relationship on his behalf.

He could neither allow Li Li Xuewu to harbor lingering concerns, nor allow the other party to dwell on this incident.

This polite remark effectively blocked any further requests from Zhou Hu Zhengquan; there would be no solving the problem through him.

They should seek out whoever they needed to, and employ whatever influence they possessed.

Li Li Xuewu patted Zhou Hu Zhengquan's arm, signaled toward Master Dou, and then departed.

Zhou Hu Zhengquan returned inside, where Wang Wang Xiaoqin pulled him aside and asked in a low voice, "What did he say?"

"He didn't say much; it has nothing to do with him."

Zhou Hu Zhengquan whispered, "He said it's a joint operation involving multiple departments; the focus isn't on Liu Xia Zhongquan at all. He simply made things too big for himself."

"That's exactly what I said."

Wang Wang Xiaoqin nudged Zhou Hu Zhengquan, saying, "In the future, try to take on as few of these matters as possible. They unnecessarily affect everyone's relationships; it's not worth it."

"Big Sister, I didn't want to either."

Although Zhou Hu Zhengquan was actually older than Wang Wang Xiaoqin, he addressed her as everyone else did following Li Li Xuewu's lead; he complained bitterly, "My father-in-law asked personally; how could I not help? Fortunately, this has no connection to Li Li Xuewu."

"You must be careful."

Wang Wang Xiaoqin reminded him in a low voice, "If even Li Li Xuewu dares not touch this, yet you still hope to gain favor from this person? The subsequent problems will be deadly."

Zhou Hu Zhengquan understood this logic as well; if Li Li Xuewu could have handled it, he would have already claimed the Liu family's gratitude long ago; how could it possibly have fallen to him?

He had also heard from the Liu family that upon entering the courtyard, Li Li Xuewu immediately ordered that family to keep silent and not seek connections, obviously indicating he had completed his investigation before arriving.

Since he explicitly stated not to invoke connections, what else could it be but sensitivity?

Hearing Wang Wang Xiaoqin's words, Zhou Hu Zhengquan also smacked his lips, finding no flavor in them.

Especially regarding his father-in-law; sometimes, one really must learn to refuse.

Wang Wang Xiaoqin also glanced at the people in the room and said, "You're currently counting on your father-in-law; just look at everyone here—how many rely entirely on their families? Unity is strength, do you understand?"

"Understood, understood."

Zhou Hu Zhengquan was a grown man; naturally, he understood Wang Wang Xiaoqin's meaning. This address of "Eldest Sister" was not given in vain; she had reminded him at the right time.

He did not mind that Wang Wang Xiaoqin had directly pointed out his connections; this was simply fact. If someone of lower rank said it, it would be an insult to him; if someone of higher rank said it, it would be looking down on him.

Only when these classmates said it, when Wang Wang Xiaoqin said it, was it to awaken him.

Li Li Xuewu understood unity; therefore, when facing Zhou Hu Zhengquan, he did not speak in official jargon or haggle with him.

Instead, he stated the facts and laid out the reasoning, telling everything to Zhou Hu Zhengquan and letting him decide for himself.

They were all adults, all cadres at this level; there were some things Zhou Hu Zhengquan already understood, only certain uncontrollable factors were influencing him.

Li Li Xuewu walked over to Master Dou and gave a few instructions regarding the building east of the Public Security Brigade; he told Master Dou to unload a cart of sand at that entrance every day for the next few days.

Although this stuff blocked their doorway, it wasn't completely sealed off, but having shoes full of sand when going in and out was still unpleasant.

Li Li Xuewu had no time to haggle with them, nor the patience to argue with those intellectuals, so he simply played dirty.

This move was too vicious; under the pretext of preparing materials and labor, it made these people unable to argue with the workers, and there was no worry about these intellectuals digging out the sand.

If they had the strength to dig out sand, they wouldn't be intellectuals.

Anyway, one cart per day; in seven days, it would be completely blocked. If they didn't move, they could just suffocate inside.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu in this state, Master Dou was torn between laughter and tears; intellectuals truly could not stand up to real hooligans—they couldn't play that game.

He didn't care about that; since Li Li Xuewu had told him to do it, he would do it.

Li Li Xuewu had also instructed that after the site was cleared, the renovation of the building would also be handled by him.

Repainting the walls, replacing windows, modifying water and electricity, building beds, and so on; there was plenty of work.

He always said that following Li Li Xuewu meant there was meat to eat; look, wasn't work arriving now?

Li Li Xuewu only spoke a few words with him, as there were still people waiting in the private room.

After dismissing Master Dou, Li Li Xuewu went back to the private room.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu return, Ai Ai Jiaqing smiled lightly and teased, "You're quite busy."

"No choice."

Li Li Xuewu washed his face and hands with water from the basin at the doorway, then entered the room.

He signaled the waiter at the door to serve the dishes, while he himself took the seat the two had reserved for him.

"Simple fare; taste our craftsmanship here."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and introduced, "They say whether dishes are good or bad depends not on the cuisine style, but entirely on the chef's skill."

"You really know how to talk~"