Chapter 793: Getting Serious

Everyone was neither blind nor deaf; Li Xue had signaled with his eyes, and his words had also said it; plus Zhang Guoqi had served as the Office Director of the Management Committee, and then news spread that he was going to take over Xu Sinian's post.

Today, Wei Zaike and the others were picking on Zhang Guoqi, the reason being that this kid had done wicked things recently, was arrogant, and that was fine, but now he was poaching.

He had moved the interests of the circle, so everyone naturally excluded him, and no one paid attention to him after he sat down.

Xu Sinian had also been silent; he felt heavy-hearted after hearing Li Xue's words.

One was that he was about to leave the post he had worked in for many years; he was truly reluctant, and he really didn't want to move unless it was absolutely necessary.

The other was the shipyard; from what he understood, Li Xue's words were true—the leaders attached great importance to the shipyard.

It could be said that Li Xue threw out two pieces of meat as soon as he returned to the factory: one called shipbuilding, and one called car building.

Now the cadres in the factory with suitable levels and conditions were crazy running relationships; his mood didn't know how to describe it.

A bit "diao"?

Pride is a child who hasn't grown up yet; sometimes it will cry, sometimes it will laugh, always making you unable to figure out its temper.

Pride is a joy after careful planning, a calmness after surprise, an approval after the sublimation of emotion.

Just like Xu Sinian now, in his forties, he still had to endure the bitterness of being sent away.

If he were ten years younger, even five years, he would definitely be ecstatic after hearing this news.

But he was already in his early forties; a man of forty shouldn't be confused, meaning he shouldn't easily mess with himself anymore.

Every road he walked should be a cautious choice, and every friend he made should be beneficial.

He was very fortunate, just like the first interaction he had with Li Xue back then.

Fortunate to have such a friend who pushed him when he was changing stages in life, so he wouldn't be forced to leave the stage gloomily amidst the changing situation.

Fortunate with a bit of sadness, and sadness with a bit of gratitude.

But this is the workplace, this is the office; he understands the game rules here.

Going to Yingcheng is his best choice now, breaking the habit of serving others and tasting the feeling of being the number one person.

How could this kind of fortune not make him proud?

Pride is changeable.

Pride is not all fortune and gratitude.

Pride is also a thorn in the weak soul, a sense of fullness after vanity, a protective umbrella behind contempt and arrogance.

After Zhang Guoqi defeated his old rival Wang Jingzhang, he staged a show of arrogance and prejudice, letting everyone see his true nature.

A genuine opportunist, a sycophant.

He knew that everyone at the table looked down on him, and he also knew that most people in the factory didn't wait for him.

There were those who envied him, those who were jealous of him, and those who hated him.

No matter how glorious he was in front of others, as long as he returned to the circle he was once in, he would reveal his true colors, illuminated by their contemptuous gazes until he was riddled with holes.

What Wang Jingzhang did was not wrong in his own eyes; even today, Zhang Guoqi still thought so; he hadn't done anything wrong.

Maybe it was just the world that was wrong; he deserved to reach this point today.

The road he chose and the road he was walking were not determined by himself; what could he do?

Hearing Li Xue say that Xu Sinian was going to Yingcheng, the meaning represented was self-evident.

It was what he was striving for now, and it was also the only way for him to return to the Steel Rolling Factory's cadre management sequence.

But looking at everyone at the table joking or teasing Xu Sinian, he didn't taste the meaning of congratulations.

Because these congratulations didn't include him; the fun was theirs, and he had nothing.

Without the joy of taking over the Factory Office, it felt like eating a fly.

If he couldn't get respect in this circle, then it was fine not to integrate into this circle.

"I've finished eating; I have things to do."

Zhang Guoqi stood up with a smile, took his lunch box, stood up and said to everyone: "Everyone eat slowly~"

His standing up made everyone at the table go cold instantly, all looking at him until his back left the private room.

Li Xue faced the eyes of everyone and pursed his lips, shaking his head slightly.

In fact, he understood Zhang Guoqi's thoughts; his arrogance was actually a kind of self-dignity that couldn't get support.

Everyone was the same; who wasn't proud?

Li Xue was also proud, just like what Li Huai said; he was prouder than anyone, confident and arrogant.

But if he were to let everyone at the table evaluate which kind of pride Li Xue belonged to, there might be different opinions.

But there was one kind that would definitely get everyone's approval:

As long as others didn't offend his pride, Li Xue would easily forgive others' pride.

"Want to drink a bit tonight?"

Wei Zaike put his hands in his trouser pockets, trying hard to reach, his shoulders a bit crooked.

He was short and had short arms, but he insisted on learning the dashing appearance of Li Xue and the others—white shirt, black trousers, hands in pockets.

Looking at his hard appearance, Kuang Yusheng reached out and patted his other shoulder, as if correcting a lathe in the workshop; if it was crooked, he would smash it back.

Watching Wei Zaike's hands retract halfway from his trouser pockets, everyone couldn't help but reveal a smile.

Standing in the shade of the tree at the canteen door, several people lit cigarettes, not afraid of smoking the bird's nest on the tree above their heads.

"Sigh~ the situation is changing, things are changing; Old Xu is going to make progress; this world..."

"Why? Do I have a grudge against you?"

Xu Sinian looked at Ding Zigui, who was sighing and shaking his head, and said angrily: "If you are envious, we can swap when the time comes; I actually quite like the work of the Personnel Division."

"No swap; I'm not willing to go dig in the mud pond."

Ding Zigui curled his lips and said: "I saw the information over there this morning; the shipyard hasn't been built yet, so going there means first leading workers to engage in construction."

"Only you, Old Ding, are smart."

Bu Qingfang was the same as the men, holding a cigarette in her hand, her demeanor no weaker than the old smoker Wei Zaike.

As she spoke, she looked at Li Xue, who was standing on the side, and asked: "Can you give us a heads-up next time there's such a good thing? Are you afraid we'll pit you?"

"Exactly~"

Gou Zirong said with a smile: "This is a good thing; why are you afraid of others messing it up for you?"

"Have one."

Feng Xingke and Lang Zhennan, who walked out of the canteen door, had long seen the circle here.

The two looked at each other and walked over silently.

Lang Zhennan was transferred from outside and had just become familiar with everyone; Feng Xingke was an old hand in the factory.

First, he took a cigarette from Wei Zaike, then lit it with Lang Zhennan, and took a puff while listening to what they were saying.

Li Xue nodded and greeted the two with a smile, and then answered Bu Qingfang's words.

"This month has been dark; only after returning did I find that a lot of work had piled up, and I was also cutting the Gordian knot."

As he spoke, he signaled to Lang Zhennan, who was standing opposite, and smiled: "Division Director Lang, I've caused you trouble."

Lang Zhennan waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's my duty, I'm duty-bound."

After finishing, he raised his eyebrows and asked: "Division Director Li, I just received the materials; you are the one who pushed the specific project; do you have any suggestions?"

Hearing him ask this, Kuang Yusheng looked at Li Xue, not knowing what this meant.

Li Xue smiled and explained: "Division Director Ding said it; the shipyard is still under construction, and Vice Factory Director Jing is responsible for this acquisition case; you need to go and pave the way."

Lang Zhennan listened to Li Xue's explanation and also introduced to others with a smile: "The Yingcheng Shipyard has been built for almost ten years, but some buildings have lagged behind due to materials and other reasons."

"This time I'll go first to see what's needed there, and then I'll have to make a budget when I come back; I want to hear Division Director Li's opinion on the later construction of the shipyard."

Lang Zhennan's attitude was very gentle, just like the weather in early September; he was an old hand at construction.

Li Xue didn't know much about him and didn't have much contact; at this moment, he pinched his chin with his cigarette-holding hand and said: "I'm a layman in construction; I can only speak from the perspective of safety and operation."

Glancing at Xu Sinian, Li Xue said: "Taking our factory's workshop as an example, during the double-plan rectification process, it was discovered that safety production issues were not considered at all when the factory was built; I believe the shipyard will have such a situation too."

"For example?"

Lang Zhennan's attitude was very serious; he knew that Li Xue was a person with real talent and learning, and asking this today wasn't just to talk for the sake of talking to enter this circle.

Li Xue signaled Kuang Yusheng, who said bitterly: "For example, there are no safety doors in the workshop, there is only one main gate for entry and exit, the main gate is not fireproof, there are no indicator signs for safety passages..."

Kuang Yusheng was in charge of production, and Li Xue was in charge of safety production; although the two had a good relationship, the Production Management Division was often cleaned up by the Security Division's Inspection Section.

Especially the joint inspection by the Inspection Section and the Fire Section; there were problems everywhere, and rectification was not only troublesome but also seemed useless.

But the double-plan work was on the headlines, and production departments across the country were implementing this regulation; even with the influence of major study activities, the factory's system had to be learned and issued.

The double-plan Li Xue was promoting was being promoted nationwide, and the benefits could already be seen.

People in the Steel Rolling Factory workshop were annoyed by the double-plan and safety production standardization, but during the monthly summary, they all knew that no casualties was a good report.

Lang Zhennan listened very seriously, nodding from time to time, and finally made an appointment with Kuang Yusheng, saying he would go to the workshop to take a look in the afternoon.

Li Xue said with a smile: "The shipyard is also similar to our workshops; considering everything, grasp safety with one hand and grasp operation efficiency with the other; the overall goal should be to safely build big ships."

"Hehehe~ you speak in sets."

Wei Zaike stepped on the cigarette butt and teased Li Xue with a smile: "When you become a leader, we'll have to suffer."

"When I become a leader, the first thing I'll do is arrange for you to guard the gate, so you won't have to suffer!"

Li Xue returned with a smile, also threw away the cigarette butt, and walked back with everyone.

They were just smoking a cigarette at the door and blowing bubbles; if they gathered together to talk about work for a long time, it would be better to call various departments to the large conference room for a meeting.

Because the small canteen was behind the main office building, they dispersed after walking a few steps.

Xia Zhongquan and Kuang Yusheng followed Li Xue to the Security Building; Xu Sinian had also thought about coming over, but seeing Xia Zhongquan and Kuang Yusheng go, he went back upstairs.

His matter hadn't been decided yet; although Li Xue said it was basically decided, this was an office, and anything could happen.

The people eating lunch today all looked good, but it was hard to guarantee that this news wouldn't spread.

He wasn't afraid of accidents, but at this time, chasing after him in a rush would inevitably make people say his eating posture was ugly.

Xia Zhongquan and Kuang Yusheng weren't afraid of this; they were old cadres, and the Production Management Division and Technical Division had cooperation with the Security Division; now that the big cake of automobile production had been thrown out, it was normal for them to gather together.

On the third floor, in Li Xue's office, Sha Qizhi prepared tea for the three and went back to rest.

The Security Building was very quiet at noon, because of Li Xue's habit of taking a nap, the office personnel here would more or less take a nap for about half an hour.

Facts proved that after resting at noon, the work efficiency in the afternoon would be higher.

Including the fire brigade, it was the same; Li Xue wouldn't go to inspect work at noon, just to avoid disturbing their rest.

After the Steel Rolling Factory established a professional fire brigade, it had always maintained a state of being ready at any time, just like the factory guard team, both were on duty twenty-four hours a day.

When going upstairs, Kuang Yusheng said that he didn't know how it spread, but now there was a habit of taking a nap in the workshop.

In the past, after eating lunch, workers would either go for a walk, or gather together to talk about idle things, play cards; now most of them found a place to take a nap.

Li Xue joked that a nap could reduce noise, and Kuang Yusheng nodded in agreement after laughing.

"How is the automobile manufacturing plant being considered?"

Kuang Yusheng was relatively straightforward; if he had something to say, he would say it directly and ask directly.

The engine R&D center was invested in by the Security Division to work with the Technical Division, and the existing automobile maintenance project was a cooperation with their two divisions.

Kuang Yusheng asked about both the engine R&D center and the automobile maintenance project.

After all, the Production Management Division also participated in the project in terms of new car design, contributing people and effort.

Especially in the research of gearboxes and vehicle frames, the construction workshop had rich processing experience.

Since they had already heard the news about establishing an automobile manufacturing plant, they had to care about the interests of their respective divisions.

This was understandable, and Li Xue had long been prepared with a response plan.

"I've talked to Division Director Xia before; the automobile industry cannot seek to be big and complete, and all parts cannot be handled by ourselves; that's not worth it."

Li Xue leaned back on the sofa, crossed his right leg, and talked very seriously: "The Beijing Automobile Factory spends 80,000 yuan to build a Red Flag sedan, and 20,000 yuan to build a 212."

"But the car building cost I arranged for Division Director Xia is only 2,500 yuan; this is not only a technical difficulty, but also an industrial operation means."

Xia Zhongquan nodded: "We all understand putting the automobile manufacturing plant in Steel City; considering the overall development of the Steel Rolling Factory, this is a very correct decision."

"Of course, one should seek government in one's position."

Xia Zhongquan frowned slightly again and said: "Putting vehicle manufacturing and assembly in Steel City, and trying to procure supporting parts, is a challenge for our existing automobile maintenance."

"Yes."

Kuang Yusheng also took the conversation: "It's easy to go from frugal to luxurious, but hard to go from luxurious to frugal; many technicians in the workshop are worried about the automobile maintenance subsidy; after all, they have eaten something fragrant these few months."

"Hehe, that's why it's called a subsidy~"

Li Xue gave a light laugh, then waved his hand, not letting the two continue.

"I am not a person who kills the donkey after the mill; I have thought about the things you are worried about, including the workers who worked hard for the automobile maintenance project for several months, as well as the engineers and workers who struggled in R&D work."

Under the worried faces of the two, Li Xue said with a smile: "First of all, it must be clear that this project will not stop for the time being; as long as it operates, the subsidy will be issued."

"In other words!"

Li Xue raised his finger and pointed, his expression gradually becoming serious, emphasizing: "When the project needs to stop, the subsidy will also stop; this is an objective fact; the project has no obligation for compensation!"

"Secondly!"

Li Xue spoke again solemnly while the two frowned: "Workers and technicians all have their own main jobs; remember this point; don't give up eating because of choking."

"Finally!"

Li Xue restored some smiles on his face and said warmly: "Considering the engineers' and technicians' focus and love for the car-building industry, I fully understand everyone's enthusiasm and drive."

"I have already talked with Vice Factory Director Jing and Director Li; in principle, the recruitment of the automobile plant will lean toward everyone; those who are willing to transfer to the Steel City Automobile Plant can apply, and those who have children who need to be settled can also apply."

Li Xue nodded with a smile and said: "Vice Factory Director Jing will arrange for special personnel to conduct docking and review; those who meet the conditions will realize the transfer of work positions after the automobile plant is completed."

"Of course."

Li Xue said again: "Whether it is the automobile maintenance project or the automobile industrial production project, we will not forget these participants in R&D; they will have a bonus after the project is completed."

"This..."

Xia Zhongquan had thought it would be this result; the establishment of the automobile manufacturing plant would inevitably cause an impact on automobile maintenance; this was unavoidable.

He wanted to strive for greater and more benefits for the designers and technicians in his division, which was his duty; now that Li Xue had said it so well, he couldn't bring up anything else.

Kuang Yusheng nodded and said: "The Production Management Division has many people who participated in manufacturing and maintenance; having the condition of settling children's employment is already very good."

"I won't say words of thanks."

Xia Zhongquan also nodded and said: "I'll think of a way to speed up the R&D speed later and let the project land as soon as possible."

Li Xue waved his hand and said: "Our cooperation together is not for mutual thanks; mutual progress and common improvement are the foundation."

As he spoke, he glanced at the two, then picked up the teacup and took a sip, and asked again: "Have you ever thought about the relationship between automobile manufacturing and trade projects?"

"What relationship?"

Kuang Yusheng and Xia Zhongquan looked at each other, both frowning, obviously not having thought about this problem.

Li Xue put down the teacup in his hand and said with a smile: "The twenty Willys transported last time sold very hotly."

"I know this."

Kuang Yusheng raised his eyebrows and asked: "You mean to say that as long as the assembly line turns, the automobile plant's cars won't worry about selling, and will sell very well?"

"Don't you have this confidence?"

Li Xue raised his eyebrows and said: "Since we also build jeeps, then we will benchmark against the Beijing Automobile Factory."

"They build 800 cars a month because they guard their own automobile parts production plant and supply them without limit."

"My estimated production capacity is fully considering the difficulty of supplying various parts, as well as other environmental factors; 300 units is a minimum standard."

"Let's analyze from the basic data."

Li Xue knocked on the sofa armrest and said: "The 212 jeep has 75 horsepower, can carry cannons, can climb mountains and cross ridges, and can pull six or seven people."

"This goes without saying; the car we designed is actually still a Willys, 65 horsepower, less than 1.3 tons of load; the data comparison is not good."

"However!"

Li Xue tilted his head and said: "The car we want to produce is not for carrying guns and cannons, climbing mountains and crossing ridges; why not four doors, but keep the two-door structure?"

"Overall vehicle performance."

Xia Zhongquan frowned and said: "Our car body size is smaller than the 212 jeep; this is limited by the chassis and original data."

"Yes!"

Li Xue pointed at Xia Zhongquan and said: "This car has been tested in actual combat; its various data are mature; as long as it is built, it won't worry about selling."

"Official business, engineering, rescue, transportation, protection, and even military procurement."

Li Xue nodded and said: "Since it doesn't worry about selling, there are three directions to realize profit maximization."

"One is production; since we want to build an assembly line, we must improve production capacity as soon as possible; the first batch of parts procurement is experimental; whoever can't keep up, go find someone else, and fully guarantee production capacity."

"Two is sales; the sales office has already selected sites across the country to open offices, which are both anchors for trade projects and sales outlets for this type of commodity."

"Three is after-sales; this is a new development direction; from what I understand, there is not a single automobile plant in the country that is engaged in after-sales; they all repair it themselves when it breaks."

Li Xue knocked on the sofa armrest, looked at the two and said: "From the above three points, there is still a lot of work you can do; don't just limit your vision to the factory, limit it to an automobile maintenance project."

Xia Zhongquan raised his eyebrows, looked at Li Xue and said: "Engaging in production, engaging in design, we are good at it; finding factories, setting parts, we can also do it."

While speaking, he glanced at Kuang Yusheng and said: "This selling cars and after-sales, how do we do it?"

"I don't know~"

Kuang Yusheng knew that Li Xue was thinking of ways to seek welfare for them and the workers of the two divisions; he didn't understand, but it didn't prevent him from having confidence in Li Xue.

Li Xue smiled and said: "Doesn't selling cars need technicians? You pull someone from the factory at random, and they understand the structure and performance of the car? Does the buyer understand?"

"Don't have the idea that 'good wine is not afraid of deep alleys'!"

Li Xue looked at the two and said: "You can have confidence in the product, but you can't have an arrogant attitude; professional technical ability is also needed in the process of product promotion."

As he spoke, he pointed to Kuang Yusheng and asked: "You go to buy a watch, ask the salesperson, and they don't understand anything; are you still willing to buy it?"

"Of course, there are few automobile plants now, and the types of cars on the road are few; everyone has no choice; it won't worry about selling when it's built, but what about later?"

Li Xue said seriously: "Each office is a sales office for automobiles, and also an after-sales maintenance office; as long as it is a quality problem of the car itself, we are responsible for maintenance."

"You mean...?"

Kuang Yusheng widened his eyes and asked: "Let the workers go to repair cars?"

"Why? Is there a distinction between high and low in work?!"

Li Xue stood up, went to the tea cabinet to get a thermos, poured hot water for the two, and said: "Now there are many people in the factory and few positions, many children, and few who can take over; are you willing to watch the children at home not study and play around?"

"Hey! Who wants to!"

Xia Zhongquan said with emotion: "My second son, learning from others to engage in reform, wanted to rebel against me, his father; I gave him a few sticks and drove him to his second aunt's place in the Northeast; go farm, go feed cows!"

"Hehe~ that's appropriate."

Kuang Yusheng said: "Organize a training class, specifically teach these kids to learn to repair cars, and let them go out of Beijing; it will also make parents worry less."

"From the overall benefit perspective, repairing cars may not necessarily earn less than selling cars."

Li Xue said with a smile: "After all, selling cars is temporary, and repairing cars is for a lifetime; I dare not say that our cars will never break!"

"Hehehe~"

The problem was solved, and Kuang Yusheng and Xia Zhongquan were also happy, saying with a smile: "I heard that the joint enterprise is also going to rely on the automobile plant to engage in parts production; this can settle workers and build parts to sell; it is truly a good thing."

This could only be said at this time; it wouldn't work before; everyone knew that the joint enterprise was Li Xue's biological son.

The biological son was taken away by someone else to raise; could the biological father not be angry?

It's different now; their news is very well-informed; they all know that the foster mother has handed over the management rights of the biological son back to the biological father.

Like all workers, they all hope that the joint enterprise will be set up; who doesn't have children; they all want their children to take over.

However, the joint enterprise that Jing Yunong engaged in earlier was too high-end; she had no resources in her hands, and wanted to force it, engaging in tricks like producing first and then recruiting workers.

Workers were unwilling to wait; their vision was only so short; if they didn't use them, it wouldn't work.

It's different now; Jing Yunong gave in to Li Huai, admitted her shortcomings to Li Xue; Li Huai needs her help, and Li Xue needs her cooperation.

This is politics—mutual compromise; one person can't take all the benefits.

Just like Wang Jingzhang and Zhang Guoqi, both wanted to eat and take more; the result now is dogs biting dogs, a mouth full of hair.

Jing Yunong provided Li Xue with personnel and budget support, and Li Xue gave the joint enterprise production resources.

At the same time, Li Xue was still the manager of the trade project; Li Huai really hesitated again and again whether to weaken Li Xue's influence; this time returning the trade project to Zhang Guoqi was a good opportunity.

However, Li Huai didn't let go until the end, even if Li Xue used the Steel Mill project and shipbuilding, car building projects to push it away, he didn't push the trade project away.

This was also the reason why Zhang Guoqi's complexion was wrong during lunch.

He went to find Li Huai upstairs after separating from Li Xue, and besides inquiring about the news of the Factory Office Director, he also asked about the trade project.

Zhang Guoqi naturally saw the profit of the trade project; previously, he handed this work to Li Xue because he was going to be responsible for the East Wind business; now that the task was completed, should he take it back?

But Li Huai didn't give an accurate answer, but asked him to continue to cultivate the major study activities and continue to promote the progress of the big discussion.

Zhang Guoqi wasn't stupid; he found Li Huai in a hurry just to return to the Steel Rolling Factory's cadre management sequence; he didn't want to be a lonely ghost and a scapegoat anymore.

Still engaging in activities?

Yang Fengshan went down, Wang Jingzhang went down; who else was left in the factory now?

Li Huai used the excuse of eating lunch to quickly end his conversation with him, forcing him to continue running forward, hitting the next target he set for Zhang Guoqi.

Zhang Guoqi's legs were shaking; Yang Fengshan wasn't brought down by him at all; it was that grandson Wang Jingzhang.

And what was Wang Jingzhang's encounter after pulling down Yang Fengshan?

It could be said that he was the one who pulled down Wang Jingzhang, but it wasn't; that was the direction of people's hearts and the general trend; he was just the one who did the work.

And he only did a little bit of work; look at the attitude of people in the factory toward him now—guarding against him, despising him, distancing from him, just short of building a cage to lock him up.

The work he was striving for had no result, and the business he wanted to take back went down the drain; could he have a good mood toward Li Xue?

Li Xue was also unwilling to accept the trade project now, and even more unwilling to confront the current Zhang Guoqi.

This was the time when Zhang Guoqi was expanding, proud and triumphant; how could he tolerate others stealing his limelight?

Li Xue helping Zhang Guoqi up was just to trip Li Huai; while checking and balancing Wang Jingzhang, he was just a stepping stone for the establishment of the Management Committee.

He couldn't let Li Huai be too smooth in the Steel Rolling Factory, and he couldn't let his influence expand too fast; there had to be someone to help him lose popularity.

Li Huai didn't want the people under his hand to be dominated by Li Xue and Dong Wenxue alone; trying hard to support Zhang Guoqi's rise was to check and balance Li Xue.

Plus supporting Feng Xingke who had been transferred to the Logistics Division, Gou Zirong of the Sales Division, Bi Yuding of the Dispatch Division... etc.; he had risen, and he also had to learn to engage in balance like Secretary Yang.

Engaging in balance wasn't the patent of the superior; Li Xue was also engaging in balance.

Gu Weijie was a natural ally, and Dong Wenxue's relationship was also the actual number three person in the factory; this didn't need to be chosen.

On Li Huai's side, Cheng Kaiyuan was not credible; Li Xue felt that he wouldn't last long before he was finished.

Nie Chenglin had been marginalized; he wanted to help Yang Fengshan rise again, but Yang Fengshan had too many things, and he didn't have this ability.

What could be thought of were Xue Zhifu and Jing Yunong; Xue Zhifu was a full-time Discipline Inspection Secretary, exercising his duties without being controlled or influenced by Li Huai; of course, he wasn't influenced by Li Xue either.

But as long as it was used well, Li Huai would have to stand on his opposite side, at least in a situation of being supervised.

And the only remaining Jing Yunong, after sending a signal of easing to him, he had already prepared to support her.

The more people above, the thinner the power; if the influence is not concentrated, there is room for maneuver.

Now the Steel Rolling Factory as a whole, Yang Yuansong represented the Party Committee, but his influence was weakened severely, barely maintaining influence over Xue Zhifu and Gu Weijie.

Li Huai had Gu Weijie, Dong Wenxue, and Jing Yunong after easing the relationship.

The rest were Cheng Kaiyuan, Nie Chenglin, and Xiong Bencheng, none of whom formed a system.

The relationships were intricate, but overall, Li Huai had already occupied the advantage, but not much; this was the situation Li Xue wanted.

If the Steel Rolling Factory really became a situation where Li Huai had the final say, then he wouldn't have to play; at that time, he would be Li Huai's opponent.

So Li Xue had to be willing to give up the joint enterprise, let Jing Yunong rise, and be willing to give up the name, let Zhang Guoqi rise.

Without bad people, how to highlight good people; without comparison, how to make people in the Steel Rolling Factory miss the "Tiger of the Security Division"?

"Secretary Xue."

"Hey, Vice Secretary Li, please come in."

Seeing Li Xue enter the door, Xue Zhifu stood up from behind the desk and invited Li Xue to sit on the sofa.

Others called Li Xue Vice Regimental Commander Li; calling him Vice Secretary Li was all with ulterior motives; only here in Discipline Inspection was calling Li Xue Vice Secretary Li correct.

"Secretary Xue, your complexion is not good."

Li Xue sat down, looked at Xue Zhifu, and said with concern: "Is it a physical reason?"

"Old illness~"

Xue Zhifu waved his hand, pointed to his lungs and said: "Old hidden wounds; it will act up when the weather is dry."

Li Xue nodded and said: "Raise more flowers and plants, keep the room moist."

Looking at the sunlight outside the window, although it was September, the scorching sun didn't reduce the heat, which was indeed unfriendly to lung disease patients.

"It's autumn soon; it will be even harder for you."

"Hmm."

Xue Zhifu was usually not smiling; it wasn't that he was hard to get along with, but such cadres were purer.

"What about you? You've been gone for more than a month, right?"

Looking at Li Xue, he wasn't dark or thin; this didn't look like he went for training at all, but rather like he went on vacation.

"Young people are still better; you have more vitality and spirit than us."

"I just strengthened political study; my physical fitness is up to standard, no need to accept military training."

Li Xue explained with a smile, and then said: "You also have to strengthen physical exercise and keep your body healthy."

"Old, can't move."

Xue Zhifu looked at Li Xue and nodded, looking very appreciative, and then asked

Li Xuewu explained with a smile, then added, "You also need to strengthen your physical exercise and keep your body healthy."

"I'm old; I can't move around like I used to."

Xue Zhifu looked at Li Xuewu and nodded, appearing quite appreciative, then asked, "Is there something you wanted to say to me?"

"Yes, there is some work I would like to report to you."

Li Xuewu resumed a serious expression and said, "During the period I was away for training, I handed over the work to Deputy Division Chief Xiao to preside over. I thought nothing would go wrong, but I didn't expect..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Xue Zhifu had already furrowed his brows; he already understood what Li Xuewu was about to say.

Li Xuewu was very direct with him: "At the time, the Security Division acted as a fire brigade; with no other options left, we could only prioritize the interests of the broader masses."

"But now that the situation has stabilized, it is time to settle these accounts."

Li Xuewu was not carrying any documents in his hands; with so many eyes fixed on him, if he had really brought things with him, he feared someone might have run off by the afternoon.

"The Security Division conducted preliminary investigations into the chaos at the time, and we have specialized files registered to facilitate the investigation work."

"Is that so~!"

Xue Zhifu also straightened his posture, looked at Li Xuewu, and asked, "Are these investigations targeting the several organizations involved in the 'Great Learning' and the individuals who caused trouble?"

"Both."

Li Xuewu said sternly, "This includes the main organizations, Red Flag and East Wind. As of now, we do not interfere with normal activities, propaganda, and study discussions, but taking advantage of the wind to spread evil, lining one's own pockets, and engaging in illegal or criminal acts will not be tolerated."

"Hmm, you are right."

Xue Zhifu frowned and said, "This wave has passed, but the people who need to be dealt with must still be investigated."

As he spoke, he looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Have you sought instructions from the main leadership regarding this matter?"

"I haven't sought instructions from anyone; you are my main leadership."

Li Xuewu sat on the sofa, looked calmly at Xue Zhifu, and said, "The investigation files involve some cadres of the Steel Rolling Mill, which is why I came to report to you."

Xue Zhifu naturally knew the situation inside; the Discipline Inspection Division was not just sitting around doing nothing, and the necessary investigations and supervision would certainly take place.

However, what did Li Xuewu mean by doing this?

The Discipline Inspection Division had, of course, already begun investigation work into some cadres, and it was under his own direction.

Li Xuewu had not been home for this past month, and the relevant work had not yet been reported to him, yet here he was receiving his proactive application.

Xue Zhifu knew that Li Xuewu had great influence in the factory; the reason he hesitated was that he feared Li Xuewu would use the means of the Discipline Inspection Division to achieve some goal.

He wanted to get work done, but he could not be used as a tool by others.

Although he was the one who proactively suggested Li Xuewu join the Discipline Inspection Division, that did not mean he could not see the complex relationships behind Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu maintained a certain silence while Xue Zhifu considered, but he also emphasized his own opinions and principles:

Discipline inspection work must maintain absolute independence and rigor; it is a type of supervisory work that is not influenced by any relationships or forces. Cadres who violate regulations must be dealt with seriously to prevent future trouble.

Looking at the situation of the entire factory, it is very necessary for the Security Division to unite with the Discipline Inspection Committee to form a tight, serious, and severe crackdown operation to clear out the black sheep among the Steel Rolling Mill's cadres, rectify organizational discipline, and restore normal production order.

Li Xuewu firmly stated that this time the Security Division was going to play for real, strike hard, and deliver heavy blows to clear out all personnel who had violated regulations and laws over the past month in one fell swoop.

Changes in the situation are beyond one's control, but strictly guarding the bottom line is not; Li Xuewu's attitude surprised Xue Zhifu, but he did believe that Li Xuewu was going to take action this time.

After all, if such a big move ended up being all thunder and no rain, in the end, it would be his own credibility and the factory's support for him that would suffer.

But there was a key point: the Security Division was now proposing to unite with the Discipline Inspection Division to investigate, and to do so secretly.

One targeting factory workers, the other targeting factory cadres—a dual-pronged attack.

How many people were to be investigated among the factory workers? To what standard? And what were the opinions on how to handle them?

How far should the investigation into factory cadres go? Influenced by the movement, what rules should be relied upon to measure the violations?

Li Xuewu had already thought about these things before coming; facing Xue Zhifu's questions, he said very directly, "If the money went into their own pockets, that is a violation; if they caused injury or disability to others, that is a crime!"