Chapter 780: Competing Over Meals!

Li Li Xuewu and his group could not leave; those who had arrived with the garrison cadres directly moved into the former Public Security Battalion compound, now the Third Garrison Regiment compound, and immediately began the reorganization work.

The training work naturally would not start so quickly; both Li Li Xuewu and Wang Wang Xiaoqin were entitled to enjoy their Sunday leave.

Therefore, today being Saturday and the last day of this week, they needed to cooperate with the incoming garrison cadres and Qi Qi Yaowu's group to carry out the reorganization work.

The Reorganization Office was set up in the Public Security Battalion's conference room; personnel from the former battalion headquarters, having heard the reorganization plan at the general meeting, began preparing materials in a state of confusion and excitement, carrying personnel files, weapon records, equipment logs, and consumable inventories into the main conference room.

Meanwhile, Li Li Xuewu entered the small conference room with Qi Qi Yaowu and others to hold the first regimental cadre meeting after the Third Garrison Regiment's reorganization.

The reorganization work followed established procedures; Li Li Xuewu and his group did not need to rush or panic, as all tasks would unfold in an orderly manner—they only needed to perform their respective duties, leaving the rest to specialized personnel.

Li Li Xuewu sat to Qi Qi Yaowu's right according to rank hierarchy, while Wang Wang Xiaoqin sat to Zhao Zhao Zhenhua's right, which was the proper correspondence.

Also attending the meeting was Deputy Regiment Commander Chu Chu Nanfang, who sat to Li Li Xuewu's right; opposite them sat Chief of Staff Zhang Ren Chenggong, with Shen Fang seated to his right.

Under normal procedures, such a meeting should also include seats for the Director of the Political Department, the Director of the Logistics Department, and the Director of the Equipment Department.

Since the Third Garrison Regiment was undergoing reorganization rather than being newly established, the cadres for these positions had previously worked in the compound offices.

However, they were currently still up on the mountain, just as Qi Qi Yaowu and his group were all down here in the compound.

This was Li Li Xuewu's first time meeting Chu Chu Nanfang, and Zhao Zhao Zhenhua, sitting beside Qi Qi Yaowu, made the introductions.

It turned out that higher authorities, considering the merged Third Garrison Regiment lacked command-type cadres, had specifically selected and transferred him from another unit.

According to Zhao Zhao Zhenhua's introduction, he was a top scholar who had received higher education before Liberation, had undergone the trials of many battles, and was a formidable figure.

With such qualifications, he was to be responsible for combat operations and training, while Li Li Xuewu would handle administrative affairs and logistics.

Li Li Xuewu stood up to shake the other man's hand, sensing the other's goodwill and offering a warm smile in return.

From Zhao Zhao Zhenhua's rather subtle introduction, Li Li Xuewu guessed in his heart that this fellow had probably come to "gain experience"; otherwise, with such impressive credentials, how could he merely be a deputy regiment commander?

Perhaps because Chu Chu Nanfang was a newcomer, after Zhao Zhao Zhenhua finished introducing his background, Wang Wang Xiaoqin took the initiative to introduce the people from the Public Security Battalion side to him.

After everyone exchanged pleasantries, Qi Qi Yaowu presided over the meeting, the content of which was to discuss the upcoming merger and reorganization matters.

Li Li Xuewu briefly glanced at the reorganization plan in his hand: the Public Security Battalion side had over fifteen hundred operational personnel and fewer than one hundred headquarters staff, while the 816th Regiment side had over twenty-five hundred operational personnel and two hundred eighty-plus headquarters staff.

"The numbers are somewhat over the quota~"

"This is precisely the key point we need to discuss."

Qi Qi Yaowu tapped the tabletop with his pencil and said seriously, "The quota handed down from above is three thousand people, not counting headquarters staff."

"Obviously, a portion of the personnel must be removed."

Zhao Zhao Zhenhua's promotion from deputy to principal was also a result of the merger and reorganization; their regiment itself had been transferred in from outside, and its management personnel were not at full strength.

Hearing Qi Qi Yaowu finish speaking, he interjected, adding while addressing Li Li Xuewu and the others, "This includes downsizing the management personnel at headquarters as well."

Wang Wang Xiaoqin glanced at Li Li Xuewu and spoke up: "If this involves the original Public Security Battalion's headquarters and operational personnel, what is the placement plan for those removed?"

As Deputy Political Commissar and formerly the Political Commissar of the Public Security Battalion, she was in charge of personnel matters; she had both the qualification and the obligation to handle these issues.

Zhao Zhao Zhenhua nodded and said, "All personnel fall within the scope of downsizing, but earlier, Comrade Qi Yaowu and I communicated with the Garrison Command; in principle, we will try our best to retain the trainees from the Public Security Battalion."

"Because their basic cultural quality is higher."

Qi Qi Yaowu spoke up: "Although I also feel distressed and helpless, this is the reality."

Whether due to the heat or genuine anxiety, beads of sweat were scattered across his forehead, which was already somewhat shiny.

"There are too many personnel in the regiment whose cultural level fails to meet standards; they no longer adapt to current overall development and needs. This is an objective elimination and selection by the times."

Chu Chu Nanfang nodded and said, "I agree; the basic quality of personnel directly determines the team's development potential and their ability to accept new equipment."

While speaking, he glanced at Zhao Zhao Zhenhua and continued, "Especially regarding the new-era, new-period mission that the organization has entrusted to our regiment."

"Indeed~"

Zhao Zhao Zhenhua sighed helplessly and said to Li Li Xuewu, "If it were up to me to choose, I would naturally prefer to keep the veterans, since they can be used immediately without training."

"But this is also a drawback!"

Zhao Zhao Zhenhua's words were very clear and resolute, as if he were convincing himself as much as he was convincing Qi Qi Yaowu.

"We are a merged and reorganized unit; the direction of mission execution has changed, shifting from offense to defense—we are making a major turnaround."

Li Li Xuewu looked at Wang Wang Xiaoqin, frowned, and proposed, "I have a suggestion."

Seeing everyone look toward him, Li Li Xuewu spread his hands on the table and said, "Precisely because this is a merger and reorganization, the problems should be viewed and resolved from multiple aspects and angles."

"For instance, the original headquarters cadres and operational personnel of the 816th Regiment could go through diversion and placement channels."

"That's not very realistic."

Qi Qi Yaowu frowned and said, "Currently, personnel saturation in various units is very high; especially after the merger and reorganization, status issues have been fixed. Even if the Garrison Command accepts some, it won't be many."

This involved local management systems and actual conditions; the 816th Regiment had never been a special forces unit, and its personnel and cadres were not particularly outstanding, making placement indeed a problem.

According to the merger and reorganization plan in Li Li Xuewu's hands, eliminating these personnel equated to transferring them to civilian posts or discharging them from the military.

"I will go speak with Director Zheng regarding the Public Security Battalion side."

Wang Wang Xiaoqin spoke up: "Whether it concerns headquarters personnel or trainees, those eliminated can have their placement issues resolved."

"This is a huge trouble."

Zhao Zhao Zhenhua looked at Wang Wang Xiaoqin and nodded, expressing his gratitude.

Wang Wang Xiaoqin pursed her lips and replied, "This is what I ought to do."

Li Li Xuewu glanced at the frowning Qi Qi Yaowu and said, "First implement the merger and reorganization; eliminate those who must be eliminated, cut those who must be cut; handle this problem however it needs to be handled."

While speaking, he took out cigarettes and distributed them to the few people in the room; after lighting up, he added, "I have some connections here in Dongcheng, including with the Rolling Steel Mill; we'll solve as many as we can."

Then he leaned slightly toward Qi Qi Yaowu and whispered, "By year's end, the Rolling Steel Mill might establish a shipyard in Steel City; this matter can be discussed."

"How many can you solve?"

Qi Qi Yaowu hadn't expected Li Li Xuewu could resolve such a massive problem and couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised.

Li Li Xuewu tapped his fingers on the table and said, "It's uncertain; we'll talk about it when the time comes. If all else fails, there are other directions."

While speaking, he nodded at Qi Qi Yaowu, implying, "Pretending to be confused won't prevent death; handle things one step at a time."

"Alright, let's shelve this matter for now."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu confident in making arrangements, Qi Qi Yaowu's furrowed brows relaxed, and he turned to address the crowd: "Let us proceed to the next item, regarding the configuration of weapons and equipment..."

The merger and reorganization involved far too much work to be resolved in a single meeting or completed in just one day; especially since the two units originally did not belong to the same system, the situation appeared even more complex.

After lunch, Li Li Xuewu returned to his office and first placed a call to Dong Wenxue.

Although the one-month training was not closed-off, it would inevitably affect work over at the Rolling Steel Factory.

Although Dong Wenxue's main focus was no longer on the Rolling Steel Factory Security Section, as his direct superior and also the head of the Security Section, Li Li Xuewu needed to inform him immediately.

Dong Wenxue was quite surprised by this situation, but the merger and reorganization fell within Li Li Xuewu's expectations; back when preparing the Public Security Brigade, he had already communicated with Dong Wenxue about it.

As Li Li Xuewu's mentor, Dong Wenxue naturally supported his multi-faceted development, and transferring from the Public Security Brigade was indeed a good thing.

Li Li Xuewu himself was a demobilized serviceman; this leapforward progress served as a particularly solid guarantee for his status and future.

Of course, the work at the Rolling Steel Factory could not be abandoned, nor could he give up his duties there simply due to a change in position.

This had been clarified during an organizational talk given to Li Li Xuewu by Zheng Zheng Fuhua together with leaders from the Garrison Command after today's conference.

They agreed in principle to allow Li Li Xuewu to retain both identities, mainly because the main body of the merger and reorganization was not the Public Security Brigade, yet the direction of mission execution leaned toward the Public Security Brigade.

The reason the Kuozi Kuozi Bayi Sixth Regiment was transferred to Jingcheng was to support local militia construction, as well as urban security and defense.

After the merger and reorganization, the objectives became clearer and the work more concrete, aligning exactly with the development direction Li Li Xuewu had defined for the Public Security Brigade.

Moreover, retaining Li Li Xuewu's identity was better suited for urban security work; appointing him concurrently as the First Deputy Political Commissar facilitated his liaison and coordination with local powerful departments.

During lunch, Qi Qi Yaowu had told him about the preliminary preparations of the Garrison Third Regiment; it was Qi Qi Yaowu who had strongly advocated and applied for Li Li Xuewu's transfer into the merger and reorganization sequence of the Garrison Third Regiment.

Qi Qi Yaowu particularly recognized Li Li Xuewu's capabilities in organizational management and routine administration, including reclamation area construction, cooperative production, equipment planning, development planning, and strategic vision.

He clearly understood the difficulty of building a team from nothing, from zero to fifteen hundred.

Li Li Xuewu had demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in organizational work, making him an indispensable partner for Qi Qi Yaowu.

The two had enjoyed a very harmonious relationship during their previous contacts and cooperation, progressing together and improving mutually.

Just as Dong Wenxue could see Li Li Xuewu's value, so too could he.

This created a dilemma for Dong Wenxue; he could not let Li Li Xuewu leave, yet he did not wish for Li Li Xuewu to miss this opportunity either.

Therefore, determining the person in charge of the Security Section for the upcoming month became the key point for the two of them to study deeply.

Facing Dong Wenxue's question, Li Li Xuewu proactively proposed that Xiao Xiao Zihong, the Deputy Head of the Security Section, temporarily take charge of the section's work.

It was not that he couldn't make phone calls; listening to reports and conveying orders during normal times posed no problem, it was merely a matter of being slightly busier.

After the merger and reorganization, the garrison location of the Garrison Third Regiment remained at its original site; as long as staff members were responsible for transmitting messages and documents back and forth, Li Li Xuewu was simply handing over temporary disposal authority to the other party.

Li Li Xuewu did not say it outright, but upon hearing Li Li Xuewu's arrangement, Dong Wenxue understood one thing clearly: Li Li Xuewu did not exclude the possibility of testing Xiao Xiao Zihong.

There was no need to mention Xiao Xiao Zihong's original post and rank; the two had just begun working as a team, so if Li Li Xuewu was temporarily unable to handle the Security Section's work, Xiao Xiao Zihong's future working methods could fully serve as the basis for Li Li Xuewu to judge his attitude.

Regarding this choice, Li Li Xuewu had considered many factors, including reactions from the Security Section, trade projects, Li Li Huai De, and other parties.

Most importantly, August was not peaceful; if not for this training matter, Li Li Xuewu would have prepared to go to Steel City anyway.

It had been nearly three months since he last went; this was not due to worry about Wen San'er and the others, nor was he eager to deploy arrangements in Steel City; by staying away from that side, he was also sending a signal to the people in Steel City.

Dong Wenxue did not hesitate regarding Li Li Xuewu's thoughts; considering that Li Li Xuewu was the person responsible for the Rolling Steel Factory Security Section's work, he respected Li Li Xuewu's judgment and ideas.

Li Li Xuewu also asked Dong Wenxue to pay close attention to the changing situation at the Rolling Steel Factory and to monitor shifts within the Security Section.

After finishing communication with Dong Wenxue, Li Li Xuewu attended the afternoon preparatory meeting for the merger and reorganization, and then rushed back to the Rolling Steel Factory at four o'clock in the afternoon.

Taking Li Li Xuewu's dual identity into account, Qi Qi Yaowu and others voluntarily took on part of Li Li Xuewu's workload, allowing him time to properly arrange matters at the Rolling Steel Factory.

According to the plan, training would officially begin next Monday, with instructors arriving today and tomorrow; this meant that starting next Monday, Li Li Xuewu would have to spend his entire workday studying and working within this compound.

This applied to Wang Wang Xiaoqin and Shen Fang as well; with the mountain-based training duties eliminated, all training tasks were transferred to the Training Section of the Garrison Third Regiment to be completed in coordination with the Political Training Office of the Red Star Training Ground.

Another reason Qi Qi Yaowu insisted on cooperating with Li Li Xuewu was his reluctance to give up the mountain garrison; without Li Li Xuewu, there would have been no foundation for Red Star Village.

At some point, Li Li Xuewu had already bound the Public Security Brigade, the Rolling Steel Factory, and other joint units together with the Kuozi Kuozi Bayi Sixth Regiment, sharing weal and woe, with interlinked interests.

Since Li Li Xuewu controlled the forces of the Rolling Steel Factory, even if he did not participate in daily management work within the Garrison Third Regiment, his status was guaranteed.

This was also the reason Dong Wenxue advised him against abandoning his work at the Rolling Steel Factory; he knew better than anyone the importance of prioritizing correctly.

Upon returning to the Rolling Steel Factory, Li Li Xuewu's first stop was Li Li Huai De's office to report on his work.

Li Li Huai De had not received any news regarding this matter earlier, nor had Li Li Xuewu mentioned any related plans to him; thus, after hearing Li Li Xuewu's report, he momentarily did not know what to say.

After hesitating briefly, he first offered congratulations, but then immediately tested Li Li Xuewu's attitude by asking if he had any intention of transferring away from the Rolling Steel Factory.

Li Li Xuewu firmly stated that he would remain steadfast in his post and identity at the Rolling Steel Factory, and that his personal development must prioritize the Rolling Steel Factory.

At the same time, he subtly expressed the content of his work after the transfer, which relieved Li Li Huai De somewhat.

However, as he relaxed his tense expression, he could not help but wonder whether Li Li Xuewu's actual transfer might actually be a good thing for him.

After all, the general trend was now set and great matters were about to be accomplished; with one fewer person to share the cake, he could secure a larger share for himself.

But with Li Li Xuewu's firm answer, he abandoned those unrealistic fantasies.

Compared to sharing the cake after success, he preferred to continue cooperating with Li Li Xuewu; with Li Li Xuewu present, his odds of success would remain consistently high.

Furthermore, Li Li Xuewu's development would not affect his own personal growth; below him, a powerful figure was needed to help maintain his foundation.

Since their interests were aligned, the conversation went very smoothly, including Li Li Xuewu's proposal for Xiao Xiao Zihong to temporarily act as head of the Security Section, which also gained the other party's support.

Li Li Xuewu knew very well that although the Security Section no longer fell under Li Li Huai De's direct management, he could not detach himself from Li Li Huai De's circle; the person acting as head had to ensure their work pace remained consistent with Li Li Huai De's.

This was also his preventive measure to ensure the Security Section would not be infiltrated during the training period.

Guard against fire, guard against theft, guard against comrades; the person most likely to replace you is the one beside you.

Although Li Li Xuewu appeared to be advocating for Xiao Xiao Zihong's support during subsequent conversations with various factory leaders, this was fundamentally Li Li Xuewu's method of pulling them in to supervise and guarantee that the Security Section would not encounter chaos.

As for grassroots matters, he naturally had no worries; with Han Zhan and Han Han Yating present, no one could dismantle the unity of the Security Section without his knowledge.

Of course, Yang Yang Yuansong and others were met in their offices; Li Li Xuewu searched everywhere before finally finding Yang Yang Fengshan at the Workers' Club.

He did not display an expression of sympathy or encouragement, nor did he speak those irrelevant words; it was just like an accidental encounter where work happened to be discussed.

Yang Yang Fengshan was also very casual in his reaction to Li Li Xuewu, showing no lament over a hero's declining days; like Li Li Huai De, he offered congratulations and expressed high hopes for Li Li Xuewu.

Xiao Xiao Zihong was the last person Li Li Xuewu sought for a talk; he might have already heard some news, as he had not moved even as closing time approached, waiting continuously for Li Li Xuewu.

Li Li Xuewu had come to his office to talk; the two sat on the sofa, listening to the broadcast music drifting in from outside the window, knowing that quitting time had arrived.

"I've only just taken over the work; wouldn't it be better for Director Dong Wenxue, who is presiding over affairs, to take charge?"

Xiao Xiao Zihong frowned slightly, resting his hands on his knees as he looked at Li Li Xuewu and said, "Actually, communication is convenient enough now; I'll handle routine matters first, you can review them on the weekend, and if there's an emergency, I'll communicate with Director Dong Wenxue."

Li Li Xuewu waved his hand and said, "No need to make things so complicated; he has plenty of work on his end and cannot manage both."

After first mentioning Director Dong Wenxue's opinion, Li Li Xuewu brought up the situation on his own end.

"Although it's not closed-door training, it's the weekend and no one is working; there's no reason to make the comrades work overtime."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and continued, "Our division has never fought such a well-supplied battle before; in the past, when Director Dong and I attended training, we went one person per session, but now that you're here, I feel very reassured."

Xiao Xiao Zihong smoked a cigarette, glanced at Li Li Xuewu, and thought to himself: You're reassured? That would be a ghost story! I'm not even reassured about myself!

"Then let Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi run around more; it's not far anyway."

Seeing that Li Li Xuewu was about to speak again, Xiao Xiao Zihong raised his hand, the smoke from his cigarette wavering, and said earnestly, "I can temporarily act in this capacity, but necessary decisions must still be made by you; after all, my lack of experience is an objective fact."

Li Li Xuewu deliberated for a moment, nodded, and said, "Then let it be so."

Having said that, he shook his head with a bitter smile and added, "However, you should also be mentally prepared; I don't have much time on my end either, and if there's too much work in the evenings, I truly won't have any time to rest."

"Hehe, those with ability bear greater responsibilities."

Xiao Xiao Zihong laughed and made a joke with Li Li Xuewu; whether there were other meanings hidden in his words was unclear, but the message was expressed very clearly.

He could not take over Li Li Xuewu's position; whether he did well or poorly, it would be found fault with, and since he had only just transferred here, there was no need to rush to assume responsibility.

Especially during this period, he truly lacked the confidence to grasp the situation; the Security Division was not the Engineering Division, as it was too closely tied to the broader situation, and the slightest misstep could lead to disaster.

Moreover, given such close proximity, would Li Li Xuewu really relinquish all power to him?

Rather than eating half-cooked rice, it was better to divide responsibilities clearly from the start; whatever he was meant to bear, he would certainly handle with serious responsibility.

Given his current conditions, even if he led the Security Division to outer space, he would still only be a deputy director, so why provoke this smiling tiger?

In any case, he had long since decided: follow "Li's" rules and let "Xiao" follow; if Li Li Xuewu set the rules, they would follow the rules, and if Li Li Xuewu hadn't set rules, they would ask Li Li Xuewu to handle it—in short, he would not suffer any loss.

The conversation between the two lasted only the time it took to drink a cup of tea; Li Li Xuewu took the initiative to rise and take his leave, as he still had to arrange matters at the factory and then at home.

Although the Public Security Brigade was not far from home, he could not return on weekdays, and looking at the course schedule, there was even evening self-study.

When coming down from the building, most of the administrative personnel in the office area had already left work, while some others walked out of the building in pairs.

Li Li Xuewu paid little attention when he saw Xiang Xiang Jingyu's car approaching, but just as he was about to step toward the vehicle, that small car stopped.

Li Xue hopped out of the car holding her bag, closed the door, said something through the window, then saw the small car drive away before coming over to Li Li Xuewu.

"Second Brother, I'll leave with you."

"What's up? Did your leader dump you?"

Li Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and teased Li Xue, then got into the car amid Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi's amused expression.

Sha Sha Qizhi held the car door for Li Xue, and only after she was seated and the door properly closed did he get into the front passenger seat.

Li Xue did not answer her Second Brother's question; after stowing her bag, she glanced around at the car's interior fittings.

Although she had seen it many times before, this rough style still made her feel slightly disdainful; after all, Deputy Factory Director Jing's small car did not have a mess of antennas and radios inside.

The car started up; gazing at the small car ahead in the distance, Li Xue turned to look at Li Li Xuewu and asked, "Why is everyone spreading rumors that you're going away for training and study?"

"It's not rumors; it's true."

Li Li Xuewu pulled hard on the mechanism to open the window wider; the cool night breeze felt wonderfully comfortable, making one want to sleep.

Li Xue frowned and said, "At this time? And you have to leave for a month?"

Li Li Xuewu, however, looked at her with amusement and countered, "What's wrong? Are you afraid of being alone at the factory without me?"

Li Xue twitched the corner of her mouth and chided helplessly, "I'm being serious~"

"Who isn't being serious?"

Li Li Xuewu smiled and teased her again, then pointed to the front of the car and said, "The Public Security Brigade has been reorganized and is now under the management of the Garrison Command; I've accordingly entered the military system as a newcomer, just like you were back then, so I need training."

Li Xue stared at Li Li Xuewu in surprise; she suspected her Second Brother was joking, but seeing him say it in such a joking manner, she knew it was true.

This was truly extraordinary; could transfers really be handled this way?

"Then what about the work here?"

Li Xue asked anxiously, "Does this mean you won't be working here anymore in the future?"

Li Li Xuewu flicked his sister on the forehead with his finger, squinting slightly as he said, "Didn't I already tell you? One month; it's no different from before."

Li Xue glanced at the uniform her Second Brother was wearing; he said there was no difference, so why did he usually wear black-and-white, yet today he was dressed all in green?

"Aren't you afraid problems will arise here at our factory?"

Glancing at Sha Sha Qizhi and the driver sitting in front, Li Xue pretended to be casual as she nudged her Second Brother, blinking her eyes as she said, "Do you really dare to leave for a whole month?"

"Hehe, the Earth will keep turning no matter who leaves."

Li Li Xuewu brushed her fingers aside and pushed away her little head leaning toward him, twitching the corner of his mouth as he said, "Speak properly; do you act like this with your leaders too?"

Li Xue merely pursed her lips, blaming her Second Brother for not understanding her careful intentions and her desire to look out for him.

However, from her Second Brother's words, she also understood that he greatly trusted his secretary and driver.

So she spoke her mind directly: "Our leader is not as big-hearted as you; the joint enterprise has encountered problems again, with the Red Flag Commune and the East Wind Commune causing serious trouble."

Having said that, she raised her eyebrows again and asked, "Second Brother, did you do this on purpose?"

"On purpose about what?"

Li Li Xuewu was looking out the window, pondering his own affairs, and he treated Li Xue's words merely as a little sister's chatter and coquetry with her older brother.

Li Xue leaned close to Li Li Xuewu again, staring into his eyes as she said, "You deliberately used the opportunity of training to avoid danger... to find peace and quiet."

Li Li Xuewu did not indulge her; he flicked her on the forehead again, then looked seriously at his sister and countered, "Does your Second Brother look like that kind of person?"

"This is the choice of the era, and also the choice of the people."

Li Li Xuewu turned his gaze back to the window and began lecturing his sister on politics, speaking even more eloquently than the Secretary's speech at the study session.

Li Xue, however, did not believe it; not a single word her Second Brother said with such solemnity was trustworthy.

Seeing his sister's expression, Li Li Xuewu seemed to discover something and asked with a smile, "Do you think I'm afraid, or that your leaders are?"

"Ungrateful hearts~"

Li Xue wore an expression of someone who cared yet was misunderstood, but facing her second brother's question, she turned her gaze toward the window.

Li Li Xuewu exchanged a glance with Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi, who had also turned his head, and both smiled.

Upon returning in the afternoon, Li Li Xuewu went to report work to the main leaders, while Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi remained busy; there were serious tasks to handle, and not-so-serious ones too.

In the time it took to go downstairs, he had already reported the factory's current events to Li Li Xuewu, who also heard him mention the matter regarding Deputy Factory Director Xiang Xiang Jingyu.

Speaking of which, this joint enterprise truly suffered a ill-fated destiny; from its initial project approval to the current halt in production and work, it was like pulling a cart through furrows, stumbling over every step.

Li Li Xuewu hadn't seen Xiang Xiang Jingyu, but he could understand her bitterness; now, from Li Xue's words, he could discern a hint or two of it.

Her days were likely spent in constant fear and trembling.

If the factory offered opportunities for external training, I'm afraid a huge crowd would scramble to go.

If the Red Flag Commune caused trouble, naturally all production zones would become targets; the joint enterprise's production zone lay just outside the wall, and some of its workers were former employees of the Steel Rolling Factory, so how could it possibly be defended?

Furthermore, Li Li Huai De was now inviting relevant leaders from the joint enterprise to drink and eat every day, and his intentions were far from pure.

He and Wang Wang Jingzhang were like two people racing; Wang Wang Jingzhang had fewer supporters behind him but dared to risk everything, while Li Li Huai De had many supporters but sought stability.

Thus, both were currently striving to unite every possible ally, including the joint enterprise.

A single unit of strength could become the decisive key to overwhelming an opponent; a single unit of strength could become the winning treasure for turning the tide against the wind; in their struggle, they fought over every tiny bit.

While Wang Wang Jingzhang vied for mass support, Li Li Xuewu played the card of the Youth Commando Team.

While Wang Wang Jingzhang vied for the support of grassroots managers, Zhang Zhang Guoqi played an East Wind card for him.

When Wang Wang Jingzhang wanted to instigate conflict, Li Li Huai De played a pair of cards: the Worker Correction Team and the Propaganda Team.

By the time Wang Wang Jingzhang sought support from above and outside the factory, Li Li Huai De's influence was already capable of beating him soundly in three rounds.

In terms of work ability, Li Li Huai De might not rank high within the Steel Rolling Factory, but when it came to eating and drinking!!!

Good heavens! Could Li Li Huai De possibly be outdone by him?!

"What's going on here?"

As Li Li Xuewu entered the courtyard with Li Xue, the Old Lady was coaxing Li Shu to play in the yard.

"Ya!"

Li Shu, wearing small blue cloth shoes, heard the "beep-beep" sound, knew Tell Baba had returned, and even ran a couple of steps toward the gate, preparing to be hugged.

But she hadn't expected that along with Tell Baba entering the courtyard was the Bad Auntie; after crying out once, she turned and ran back immediately.

Seeing her behave this way, Li Xue chased after her laughing, deliberately trying to scare Li Shu.

Even after Li Shu threw herself into the Old Lady's arms, she was still caught by the pursuing Bad Auntie and given a spank on the bottom.

"It's nothing; she just happened to arrive when I got off work, so she came along,"

Li Li Xuewu explained with a smile, then looked at Gu Ning standing in the porch; Gu Ning had also seen Li Xue and waved with a smile.

Li Xue called out "Sister-in-law" and entered the inner room with a smile as well.

Li Li Xuewu took his daughter, lifted the bag in his hand, and negotiated with the Old Lady, "Grandma, we won't return to the big courtyard this week, okay?"

After saying this and seeing the clothes the Old Lady had already prepared, he suggested again, "Or I can drive you back later, and pick you up again on Monday."

The Old Lady frowned slightly and asked, "What exactly has happened?"

From the moment Li Li Xuewu entered the courtyard, she had sensed something was wrong.

It wasn't just that Li Li Xuewu had changed clothes, nor merely that Li Xue had come along; the main factor was Li Li Xuewu's mood.

Outsiders might not notice, but for her own grandson, who had grown up right before her eyes since childhood, the moment Li Li Xuewu opened his mouth to speak, she knew something was amiss.

Li Li Xuewu was quite honest; there was no need to hide such matters from the family, so while walking indoors with the Old Lady, he explained everything.

"This... can things change like this?"

Hearing Li Li Xuewu's explanation, everyone in the family was surprised; Gu Ning stared with wide eyes, looking at Li Li Xuewu in disbelief, while Gu Yan, who was at home, smiled and congratulated Li Li Xuewu on returning to the great melting pot.

Qin Qin Jingru didn't quite understand what was happening, but she reasoned that perhaps Li Li Xuewu had advanced again?

The only one worrying for Li Li Xuewu here was the Old Lady; in her mindset, anyone with a military identity faced the danger of sacrifice.

It was at least more dangerous than being a police officer.

The Old Lady didn't fully understand what Li Li Xuewu meant by Deputy Regiment Commander or how being responsible for city defense work differed from before; her brows were tightly knitted in worry, yet she did not voice her inner fears.

Li Li Xuewu handed Li Shu over to Gu Yan, who had come to fetch her; she got along well with her little uncle because he would get her whatever she wanted, though sometimes he would tease her to tears.

Unbuttoning his shirt, Li Li Xuewu held the Old Lady's hand and explained his current job to her again from the perspective of personal safety.

No matter how much was said, only when Li Li Xuewu guaranteed that even if things got serious, he would be in the command post and not on the front lines, did the Old Lady finally speak up.

Considering her second grandson's character and his current work, the Old Lady did not say anything discouraging, merely instructing Li Li Xuewu to stay safe and work hard.

When Li Li Xuewu proposed sending her home to rest for a few days, the Old Lady waved her hand to refuse.

Her second grandson was undergoing a month-long training; if he left for a week, how could she feel at ease leaving this side?

Not to mention Gu Ning was pregnant; she couldn't feel at ease about Li Shu either, so she rejected Li Li Xuewu's suggestion to go home.

Gu Ning also tried to persuade her, saying she could manage with Li Shu, but the Old Lady did not agree, stating that going back once a week before had caused no issues, and they could return when there was time.

Saying this, she stood up and went inside to change clothes, leaving Gu Ning looking somewhat embarrassed as she glanced at Li Li Xuewu.

Li Li Xuewu squeezed Gu Ning's hand, giving her a comforting look, then looked at Gu Yan, who was holding Li Shu, and asked, "Have you received news about your school starting?"

"Not yet; I'm even afraid the school might close down~"

Gu Yan, behaving quite improperly, lifted Li Shu high up, making her giggle, but then threatened to throw her into the pond to feed the fish.

Li Shu had become familiar with her little uncle and wasn't afraid of him at all; grabbing Gu Yan's collar with her small hand, she pointed to the sky, indicating she wanted to go even higher.

Seeing that nothing else was wrong, Qin Qin Jingru looked at Li Li Xuewu and asked, "Then... shall I start cooking?"

"Good."

Li Li Xuewu glanced at Li Xue and said with a smile, "Staying here tonight?"

"No thanks, I still have things to do back home."

Li Xue was already a grown young lady; while teasing Li Shu, she could still show a mischievous side, but outside, even in her second brother's home, she behaved very quietly and maturely.

"Then after we finish eating, I'll walk you out."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, released Gu Ning's hand, stood up, and said to Gu Yan, "If you're not returning to the unit, then help look after the house for me; I'll give you the job of Security Battalion Commander."

Gu Yan pursed his lips and asked, "Is there a salary?"

"Yes, absolutely yes."

Li Li Xuewu said with a wicked smile, "In our family, major decisions like this have always been mine to make."

Having said that, he gestured toward the sofa and added, "However, I can only promise there will be a salary; the minor matter of actually paying it is your sister's responsibility."

Holding Li Shu up, Gu Yan looked at Li Li Xuewu, then at his sister, and helplessly looked up at Li Li Xuewu, who was heading upstairs, saying, "If you don't want to pay, just say so directly."

"Hey!"

Standing on the stairs, Li Li Xuewu pointed at his brother-in-law and warned, "Don't speak carelessly; that remark of yours carries a hint of insinuation~"

"Brother-in-law, it's truly a pity you became a police officer!"

Gu Yan said through gritted teeth, "You should have gone to the Investigation Department~"

"Don't say that; where could the Investigation Department be as carefree as life is now?"

As his voice drifted down, he had already gone upstairs to bathe and change clothes.

Gu Yan twitched the corner of his mouth and said to Li Shu, "Say that your dad is bad!"

Li Shu widened her eyes, kicked her dangling little legs, pointed her small finger upward, and shouted "Ya!" urging him to quickly lift the Great Demon King high up!

Because of Li Li Xuewu's sudden decision, dinner preparation took a bit longer.

Originally, Qin Qin Jingru had only prepared for herself and Gu Yan, but now with the whole family present and Li Xue added, it was a rare occasion of lively bustle.

Fortunately, vegetables were abundant at this time of year; everything in the courtyard had been harvested, so preparing a few extra dishes was convenient.

This wasn't Li Xue's first time eating here, but the living conditions at her second brother's home were much better than at her own, making her feel somewhat restrained.

Perhaps because she had grown up, or perhaps due to environmental factors, like Gu Ning, she didn't speak much.

At the dinner table, the Old Lady attended to Li Shu, who required two people to serve her alone, while Gu Ning also sat nearby to help.

After chatting with Gu Yan for a while about matters in the unit, Li Li Xuewu looked at Qin Qin Jingru, who was drinking soda, and smiled as he asked, "How are things going between you and Han Han Jiankun?"

"Pfft~ *cough cough*~"

Qin Qin Jingru was startled by Li Li Xuewu's words; the soda in her mouth nearly choked her, and she coughed twice before finally suppressing it.

Afterwards, realizing that everyone at the table was smiling at her, she felt somewhat embarrassed.

Even with the most simple-minded personality, one still has a shy side when facing such matters.

If one didn't, that would be big trouble; she would either be a foolish girl or an experienced "Miss"—if she could even be called a Miss...

"I... my sister said we should go home and discuss it~"

Qin Qin Jingru stopped drinking her soda, lowered her head to look at her rice bowl, and replied to Li Li Xuewu's question.

Li Li Xuewu hadn't been home last weekend; when she and Han Han Jiankun visited the compound, they didn't see him, and she only learned about it afterward when her mother and the Old Lady mentioned it briefly.

Qin Qin Jingru rarely brought honor to her sister, but her stay at Li Li Xuewu's place wasn't in vain; saying she gained knowledge might be an exaggeration, but it was true that she understood more about human relations and worldly wisdom.

Would you say she is simple-minded and foolish?

Yet she isn't truly stupid; she is just bold from lacking exposure due to coming from a closed rural environment, which is different from the recklessness of Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi.

Seeing Lao Lao Biaozi is the type who recklessly charges toward Tiger Mountain knowing tigers dwell there, whereas she is the type whose greed makes her fearless out of ignorance.

Having seen the grand world, earned hard-earned money, experienced city life, and gotten her feet on the ground, her intelligence has once again occupied the high ground, and she has become sensible.

Entering the compound together with Han Han Jiankun, carrying several seasonal gifts, she actively greeted people she met and even shyly introduced Han Han Jiankun; the two truly made the compound residents envy them for quite a while.

How could they not be envious? From what they later heard from Jia Jia Zhangshi's mouth, their family's Qin Qin Jingru had found a boyfriend who was a driver in the small car squad, and that driver was even Li Li Xuewu's driver, so what more was there to say?

People in the compound had seen Comrade Sha Sha Qizhi many times, but Han Han Jiankun basically never got out of the car, so that day they finally got to see him.

Jia Jia Zhangshi's family had no relatives worth boasting about, so this time she finally had a chance to save face; since he was Li Li Xuewu's driver, she felt secure in her heart and blew her trumpet to her heart's content.