Chapter 824: Bone-breaking discount

Jinmen

"Jin" takes the meaning of a ferry crossing, and "Men" refers to a gateway or portal.

This area of Jinmen was originally a vast sea, which slowly formed into a plain through the silt deposits of the Yellow River.

The Jinmen region had human inhabitants as early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties, but it only truly became a city during the Sui dynasty.

After the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal opened, the northern and southern canals converged at the Sancha River Mouth of the Jin Gang Bridge, historically known as the "Three-Meeting Sea Mouth."

Originally, Li Li Xuewu and his party were just passing through by car and intended to pay their respects to the historical sites.

Regrettably, the person receiving them said the Jin Gang Bridge was long gone, though the bridge piers still remained.

Li Li Xuewu looked out from the car window; indeed, the ancient bridge had vanished, though there were members of the Jinmen "River Jumping Team" playing at diving off the piers.

Hey! One by one, they looked just like crabs basking in the sun on the beach, legs splayed and limbs sprawled, looking quite at ease.

Wang Wang Zongli, who was in the same car, smiled and spoke to Li Li Xuewu about her impression of Jinmen: "People all say that living in Jinmen is much more comfortable than in Beijing—two degrees cooler in summer and two degrees warmer in winter~"

"Hehe~ That probably has something to do with the sea~"

Li Li Xuewu smiled as he looked out the car window, feeling that this place, Jinmen, really had a lot of water.

Xiao Liu, from the Trade Project Office, who had come ahead of time to handle the work, turned back to introduce to the two of them: "Jinmen has seventy-two 'Gu' (inlets), which is why it is also called Jingu."

"'Jin' is a ferry crossing, and 'Gu' is a place by the water. This place is also the tail-end of five rivers, a land of fish and rice."

"A good place indeed~"

Listening to Xiao Liu's introduction, Li Li Xuewu nodded with a smile and said, "I've only been here once before, and that was for training, over in Jingu."

"That's too far away~"

Xiao Liu was a talkative one; he leaned sideways to say to Li Li Xuewu, "To get to Jingu, you either take a train or a boat; driving really isn't worth the trouble."

Li Li Xuewu smiled as he looked at him and asked, "Have you been to all those places?"

"Yes, we needed to select a site, after all."

Xiao Liu smiled and said, "The transport advantages over at Xingang are huge. Didn't you emphasize the necessity of sea and freight transport at the meeting?"

"Mm, how is it?"

Li Li Xuewu asked, "How does it compare to the Zizhulin and Meihe wharves?"

"It naturally has advantages."

Xiao Liu twisted his body hard to introduce to Li Li Xuewu: "Jingu Xingang is much larger than Jingu Port, and it has more modern significance in terms of equipment and management."

"Hahaha~"

Listening to Xiao Liu's emphasis, Li Li Xuewu chuckled, patted his seat, and signaled for him to sit properly so he wouldn't be uncomfortable.

His gaze followed the slanting sunlight toward the city, but he said to Wang Wang Zongli, "Director Wang, everyone feels this place is more 'foreign' and fashionable, right?"

"That is indeed the case."

Wang Wang Zongli looked at the tall buildings outside the window and said with a smile, "Even the architectural styles carry a foreign flavor."

"After all, it is a concession city."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Looking at the layout of the streets, it was indeed built along the water. In terms of population, it might not compare to Beijing, but in terms of prosperity, it doesn't lose to Beijing."

"I actually quite like this relatively comfortable atmosphere."

Wang Wang Zongli was also in her forties; her personality seemed softer than Ao Ao Yuhua's, and she even appeared a bit sentimental.

Li Li Xuewu smiled and didn't pay it much mind; he understood the implication in Wang Wang Zongli's words—it was nothing more than feeling that the atmosphere in Beijing was too oppressive.

A political city naturally has its solemn and heavy side, while Jinmen, as a port city, naturally carries an open flavor in the air blowing in from the sea.

In this era, sailors represented the most advanced and fashionable vanguard.

No matter how lonely or bored they were on the ship, as long as they stepped off, that white uniform made them the sharpest-looking guys around.

Come to think of it, as an important northern seaport, Jinmen's geographical location was excellent, but its development had always been passive.

In '56, when the higher-ups were listening to a report from the Ministry of Communications, they looked at the world's merchant ship tonnage table at the time.

As the world's most populous nation with a long coastline, the country's maritime transport capacity was less than 0.3% of the world total.

The final conclusion reached was that we were too poor.

Therefore, the higher-ups unanimously decided to develop the shipping industry.

At first, they leased foreign freighters, but this undoubtedly cost a large amount of foreign exchange reserves. Later, it was suggested to take out loans to buy ships, but the leadership was unwilling, so they finally decided to build them themselves.

The Yingcheng Shipyard was actually a product of self-reliance in this era.

Last year, the country independently designed and built its first ten-thousand-ton ship, the "Dongfeng," which underwent sea trials and was put into use.

Then, ten-thousand-ton ships in the country started popping up like dumplings; shipyards in Modu, Bincheng, Yangcheng, and other places all went full throttle, and dozens of ten-thousand-ton giants were launched one after another.

The energy of a nation with a billion people concentrating its strength to accomplish great things was evident.

The Yingcheng Shipyard had originally aimed to build ten-thousand-ton ships, but it ended up in an awkward state of neither being here nor there, and after nearly ten years of effort, they still hadn't finished building the shipyard.

And the advice and plan Li Li Xuewu gave was to abandon the unrealistic dream of building big ships and aim for the two fields of fishing boats and freighters to first set up the framework.

For freighters, they would build the thousand-ton freighters that Dongfeng Shipping already had, and for fishing boats, the tonnage would be even smaller—five-hundred-ton ones were the easiest to build.

Along the way, Xiao Liu also introduced to Li Li Xuewu and the other two the development situation of small fishing boats at Jingu Port.

Never mind thousand-ton large fishing boats; even wooden sampans still existed.

There were too many names for fishing boats; Li Li Xuewu didn't understand this, so he just listened to Xiao Liu recite the names like a crosstalk performer reciting a menu.

Classified by hold capacity, there were sampans, "two-share" boats (commonly known as "in-gate drags" or "two-pulls"), "three-share" boats (red-headed pairs), "four-share" boats, "five-share" boats, "solo-catches" (large enclosure boats), etc., with load capacities ranging from 2 to 20 tons.

If classified by operation method, there were also names like gill nets, drift nets, pair nets, etc.

Drift nets were divided into "Shili" nets and "Dalin" nets; gill nets had distinctions like "Huzhou," "Eagle-catch," "Shrimp-service," "Small-sail," and "Large-catch."

Pair nets had varieties like "White-bottom," "Small-net," "Red-head," "Sampan," "Black-horn," "Flower-head," and "Red-flag."

In the fifties, the fishing industry at Jinmen Port developed rapidly, and aquatic companies and fishermen actively developed motorized sailboats for drift net and trawling operations.

Xiao Liu introduced that the fishing industry in Jinmen was currently promoting a plan, which was to achieve full motorization of fishing boats.

This goal was no longer anything special abroad; the fishing industries of developed countries had long since matured, and ten-thousand-ton fishing boats were not rare.

But domestically, wooden fishing boats were still being used as the main fishing vessels.

Fishing companies provided production materials like tung oil and fishing gear, while fishermen delivered 60% of their catch according to the plan.

It was precisely because there were no fishing trawlers or steel fishing boats like those in the late eighties that there was almost no deep-sea drift or line fishing, and the catch was also very small.

The work efficiency of wooden motorized sailboats was very low, and many fishing ports needed to iterate with small and medium-sized fishing boats.

Li Li Xuewu had come to Jinmen this time wanting to personally see the development situation of the fishing and shipbuilding industries.

Marine fishing was related to the subsequent cooperation of canned products and aquatic products entering Beijing.

The development of the fishing boat industry was related to the subsequent development goals of the Yingcheng Shipyard.

Cooperation with the Jinmen Marine Products Company naturally wasn't just about trading marine products from here, nor was it just about trading local specialties from elsewhere with them.

The ultimate goal was to promote the products produced by the Rolling Mill.

The trade project ultimately had to serve and create value through its own output.

For example, the Rolling Mill's small hardware items, automobiles, production tools, steel, as well as products produced by joint enterprises and industrial bases.

Only by continuously creating value itself and providing excellent and competitive products could it occupy a favorable position in trade activities.

Since they were already cooperating with the Marine Products Company, shouldn't they broaden the scope of cooperation?

Fishing boats—a large number of fishing boat orders. The Jinmen Port Shipyard was aiming at big ships and giant freighters for construction and development.

Especially with the assistance of the coal industry, the bigger the better; the stronger the transport capacity, the better.

Industrial development is not comprehensive; it is also "lame," unable to take care of all needs.

For example, automobiles—after the 212 Jeep appeared, other factories were all merged by it.

The goal was to conserve current development capacity and invest limited resources into places that needed them more.

When Li Li Xuewu talked about the Jeep the Rolling Mill was working on, he said it was too small, too refined, and overlapped with the positioning of the 212.

Actually, no—the 212 was marking time, and the Beijing Automobile Factory had already shifted its design energy toward sedans.

Regrettably, Li Li Xuewu knew that they had been working on sedans for decades as if it were just one day.

Yes, it had been decades, and it was still about the same as that very first day, with no progress.

The Rolling Mill's automobiles were temporarily not as good as the 212 Jeep, but the supply was not restricted, there were no production task restrictions, and they could be supplied to more units and individuals in need.

Good quality and low price—they were hitting the era gap.

Shipbuilding was the same; everyone was building big freighters, but the Yingcheng Shipyard insisted on not doing so.

Down-to-earth, starting from small things—first build small freighters to get near-shore shipping going, and build small fishing boats to satisfy the needs of marine fishing.

The key advantage of a company's diversified operations lies in flexibility, not being restricted by the overall industrial situation.

Every factory had its own "third industry," and the products produced by the third industry were sold by the factory itself.

Overall, many of the country's third-industry products were substandard, or the product designs were old and did not meet market and foreign trade needs.

Therefore, the state was unwilling to acquire and manage this part of the goods.

But the Rolling Mill's situation was different; the Rolling Mill was at the forefront of the third industry and had already started building cars and ships.

These two products would inevitably raise the Rolling Mill's advanced nature by a large margin.

Li Li Xuewu leaned back in the car's rear seat, his gaze looking at the three-story high-rises along the street, as well as the six-story buildings...

Don't laugh; at this time, three stories really were high-rises, and six stories really could be called a building.

Anything that looked particularly tall was definitely a landmark building; you couldn't look at it from a global perspective.

Beijing's Second Ring Road had just formed, and Jinmen was still a place the size of a palm; there was definitely no spectacular scene of high-rises standing tall and piercing the clouds like in later generations.

Just as Wang Wang Zongli said, the feeling Jinmen gave her was young and fashionable; against the historical background of the concessions, many buildings carried Western flair.

"We're here~"

Three Jeeps slowly stopped in front of the guesthouse of the Jinmen Marine Products Corporation.

Sitting in the lead car were Li Li Huai De and the Deputy Director of the Sales Department, Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu, who had arrived in Jinmen early to preside over the site selection work.

Li Li Huai De's secretary, Li Li Haiyang, was also there. As the vehicle stopped steadily, Li Li Haiyang jumped out of the car and opened the door on Li Li Huai De's side.

Li Li Xuewu didn't need Xiao Liu's help; he pushed the car door open himself and got out, his gaze involuntarily looking toward the simple yet grand building before him.

"It was the original 'Liu Fusheng Hua' Hotel. After Jinmen was taken over, it was handed over to the city for direct management. In '61, the Jinmen Marine Products Corporation was established, and this place was allocated to them."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu got out of the car from the other side of the lead vehicle, glanced at the people coming down the steps, walked around from the back of the car to Li Li Xuewu's side, and first introduced the background of the building in front of them.

Afterward, he smiled and made a gesture of invitation, signaling for Li Li Xuewu to go first.

He had arrived a week ago; when Li Li Huai De decided to come to Jinmen, he had come to pave the way.

From receiving Li Li Huai De at the train station, he had done the same thing as Xiao Liu along the way—reporting work to the leader.

Li Li Huai De didn't have Li Li Xuewu's grasp of the business; he just asked about the progress of the work here, and everything else was just big-picture issues, which were easier to handle than Xiao Liu's.

And now that he had a moment, he naturally wanted to go and greet Li Li Xuewu. Seeing Li Li Xuewu curious about the building in front, he took the initiative to introduce it.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu smile politely, he gestured toward the person coming down the steps and said softly, "The Deputy General Manager of the Marine Products Corporation, Zhang Zhang Changming."

"Deputy General Manager Zhang!"

Inviting Li Li Xuewu forward, Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu took the initiative to smile and greet the middle-aged man with glasses walking down.

"This must be Director Li, right~"

The person introduced as Zhang Zhang Changming, the Deputy General Manager of the Marine Products Corporation, was very polite and knew how to host guests.

While holding Li Li Huai De's hand, he smiled and looked at Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu to greet him: "Welcome, comrades from the Rolling Mill!"

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu smiled and introduced to Li Li Huai De: "This is Deputy General Manager Zhang Zhang Changming of the Marine Products Corporation."

"Sorry to bother you."

Li Li Huai De smiled and shook Zhang Zhang Changming's hand, saying, "Thank you for providing convenience for our business trip to Jinmen."

"Hahaha~ We're family; you're too polite~"

Zhang Zhang Changming's gaze remained on Li Li Huai De, and he didn't notice Li Li Xuewu beside Li Li Huai De.

The two of them kept talking, not giving Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu a chance to introduce Li Li Xuewu.

By the time Zhang Zhang Changming raised his hand to invite Li Li Huai De up the steps, it was no longer appropriate to introduce him.

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu looked at Li Li Xuewu with an embarrassed face, truly afraid that this person would take offense at his suggestion.

Li Li Xuewu, however, didn't pay it any mind. This business trip was centered on Li Li Huai De, and the Deputy General Manager naturally came out to receive the person of equal status, Li Li Huai De.

Furthermore, Li Li Xuewu didn't believe Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu wouldn't have informed the other party who was coming from the Rolling Mill this time, and he certainly didn't believe Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu would dare to directly report his status as Deputy Director of the Security Department.

Since they all knew, and the other party didn't take the initiative to get to know him, it meant they didn't care about Li Li Xuewu, the Deputy Secretary of Discipline Inspection.

Just arriving in Jinmen, and still on someone else's turf, Li Li Xuewu had no intention of stealing the spotlight. He followed behind Li Li Huai De walking up the steps, just like an ordinary staff member, calm and composed.

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu didn't know if it was from anxiety or heat, but sweat appeared on his forehead. Perhaps it was because the other party didn't play by the rules, causing him embarrassment.

The guesthouse lobby looked very impressive, with a mix of Republican and Western styles rushing toward them.

Once they entered the lobby, it was even more magnificent and luxurious.

There was a rest area with leather sofas, antiques and books were scattered on shelves, and southern plants were dotted among them, appearing quiet and natural.

The solid wood bar counter in the front appeared historically heavy yet trendy; the Western-style reliefs carved on it made Li Li Xuewu feel as if he saw the fashionable guests who had stayed here decades ago.

Crystal chandeliers, wall lamps that were always on, and the sunlight spilling in through the high windows made the entire lobby dazzling.

Walking on the thick carpet, everyone's footsteps were muffled, leaving only polite greetings and the "ding-ding" sound of the tall Western grandfather clock in the corner.

"The rooms have all been arranged. Director Li, you all rest first."

Zhang Zhang Changming led everyone to stand still in the lobby and said with a smile, "At seven o'clock tonight, right in the banquet hall, our Director Han said he wants to drink with you until you're both drunk."

"Haha~ Director Han is too polite~"

Li Li Huai De smiled and waved his hand, saying, "A simple home-cooked meal will do. I mainly want to meet Director Han."

As he spoke, he shook hands with Zhang Zhang Changming again and said, "Since we're working together, we can't not have met. It wouldn't look good if we met next time~"

"Hahaha~"

Zhang Zhang Changming shook hands and said, "Director Han means the same thing."

"Fine, then you all rest first."

He gestured to the person who had been following him and introduced, "Our Office Deputy Director, Liu Lin. If you need anything, just tell him."

"Good, good~ Then thank you for your hard work."

Li Li Huai De smiled, turned back to look at Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu, and signaled for him to contact the other party, while he himself waved to Zhang Zhang Changming, watching the other party walk out of the guesthouse door.

This was still their working hours; Zhang Zhang Changming was here representing the Marine Products Corporation to receive them, and after arranging for Li Li Huai De and the others, he naturally had to leave.

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu communicated a few words with the remaining Liu Lin, and then let the other party lead Li Li Huai De and the others upstairs to rest.

While going upstairs, Li Li Huai De specifically called Li Li Xuewu along and whispered, "Put away your luggage and wash your face. In ten minutes, we'll gather in the lobby on the first floor and go see the location selected in Jinmen city first."

As he spoke, his finger tapped Li Li Xuewu lightly, reminding him, "I won't be at ease if I don't see the specific situation."

"Understood."

Li Li Xuewu nodded in agreement, took the luggage bag from the staff member behind him, and followed him up to the fourth floor.

This guesthouse actually had an elevator, but it was just sitting there and no one used it, and Li Li Huai De was afraid of it, so they all took the stairs.

The corridor of the guest rooms was brightly lit, and the windows were all covered with white curtains, appearing very private and quiet.

Li Li Xuewu's guest room was next to Li Li Huai De's. Although Zhang Zhang Changming deliberately ignored Li Li Xuewu's status, there was no differential treatment in the reception conditions.

The facilities in the room were very simple and elegant, as if one were in the Republican era.

The decor was also luxurious, with exquisite crystal chandeliers and carved wooden furniture, every detail revealing classicism and nobility.

Li Li Xuewu really didn't expect the Marine Products Corporation to be so bold as to continue using a guesthouse with this style.

Of course, when he turned on all the lights in the room, walked to the window, and pulled open the heavy crimson velvet curtains, he saw the Jinmen city landscape outside the window.

At this moment, what he thought was: None of my business!

The evening breeze in September was a bit chilly, but it became soft and warm when it blew into the room.

The window was half-open, and the sea breeze blew in gently—moist and slightly salty.

After pulling the white gauze curtains shut, Li Li Xuewu put his luggage bag into the cabinet, went to the bathroom to relieve himself, washed his hands, took his notebook, turned off the lights, and went out.

There were a few people sitting in the lobby on the first floor smoking and waiting for someone. Li Li Xuewu glanced at them and walked toward the young man named Liu Lin.

"Hello."

"Hello."

Facing Liu Lin's greeting, Li Li Xuewu smiled, took out a cigarette from his pocket, and gestured to the other party.

Liu Lin hesitated for a moment, but still smiled and politely accepted it.

There was no relationship that couldn't be connected by a cigarette.

He didn't take out a lighter; he lit his cigarette from the other party's flame, took a puff, and sat on the sofa with his legs crossed.

Liu Lin threw the extinguished matchstick into the ashtray on the coffee table between the two of them.

Watching Li Li Xuewu sitting leisurely smoking, he didn't remain restrained anymore. He took a puff of his cigarette, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and asked, "You didn't take a rest?"

"Work first."

Li Li Xuewu smiled slightly; his language was very concise, giving people a feeling of a spring breeze, yet separated by ten thousand mountains.

Liu Lin sized up Li Li Xuewu, hesitated for a moment, and asked softly, "What is your position at the Rolling Mill...?"

"I am responsible for discipline inspection and security work."

Li Li Xuewu didn't state his specific position, just the work he was responsible for.

And Liu Lin opposite him, upon hearing his introduction, had a puff of smoke stuck in his throat and started coughing.

"Cough, cough~ You are..."

Liu Lin widened his eyes in disbelief and asked, "You are Deputy Secretary Li?"

"Yes."

Li Li Xuewu flicked the ash into the ashtray and asked with a smile, "Did Deputy Director Zhuang not give you the news that we were coming?"

"Cough, cough~ No, it's not that~"

Liu Lin stood up in a panic, coughing as he tried to put the cigarette in his hand into the ashtray.

But then he realized that wasn't appropriate, so he sat back on the sofa and explained to Li Li Xuewu, "Deputy Director Zhuang said the person coming was the Director of the Management Committee and a Deputy Secretary of Discipline Inspection. We..."

Liu Lin looked at Li Li Xuewu awkwardly; the look in his eyes meant they hadn't expected the Deputy Secretary to be this young man in front of them.

Li Li Xuewu nodded without minding, continuing to smoke the cigarette in his hand.

"I'm truly sorry."

Liu Lin said awkwardly, "I'll tell Deputy General Manager Zhang later; he probably didn't notice either."

"It doesn't matter."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and heard the talking and footsteps on the stairs behind him, knowing Li Li Huai De and the others had come down.

He took one last puff of his cigarette and gestured to the cigarette butt in his hand, saying, "Our leader doesn't smoke."

After saying that, he pressed out the remaining half of the cigarette butt in the ashtray in front of him.

And Liu Lin, sitting opposite, just reacted, stood up abruptly, and hurriedly pressed out the cigarette butt in his hand.

When he looked up at Li Li Xuewu again, he only saw the other party walking toward the stairs to meet Director Li.

As Liu Lin walked, he thought that this Deputy Secretary Li, who looked so young, was really a sharp one; his words were just right, and he did things without a single flaw.

"Oh, Director Liu, no need to trouble yourself."

Li Li Huai De said to Liu Lin with a smile, then gestured toward the door and said, "We're going out for a stroll."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu walked to Liu Lin's side and explained a few words. Liu Lin accompanied everyone to the door and said with a smile, "Then please enjoy the scenery of our Jinmen, and don't forget the time for dinner."

Li Li Huai De and Li Li Xuewu walked in front talking, ignoring his remark, and it was Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu who mumbled a few words to him.

Afterward, everyone got into the Jeeps they had arrived in and headed to the Zizhulin Meihe Wharf.

The time had already reached 4:15 PM; the sun was slanting to the west, shining on the road through the low buildings.

There wasn't much traffic on the road; it wasn't time to get off work yet, so they didn't see the peak flow of bicycles, and the road was very smooth.

This time, Li Li Xuewu was sitting in the same car as Li Li Huai De, with Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu in the passenger seat, turning back to look at the two in the back seat and introducing the specific situation of the site selection.

"It was originally the office address of the East Asia Bank during the Japanese puppet period. It has an independent courtyard and office building, as well as complete living facilities and dormitories."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu opened a map and handed it to the back, leaning over to find the specific address and signaling it to the two of them.

"It's along the street and directly faces a freight wharf. Within a one-kilometer radius, there are seventeen trading companies, twenty-two commercial shops, and four relatively large restaurants..."

He had clearly done his homework well; although he was still holding a notebook, he introduced it very fluently.

Li Li Xuewu and Li Li Huai De first looked at the geographical location of this place, as well as the important departments in the surrounding area.

Li Li Huai De didn't like looking at maps, so he didn't speak, leaving it to Li Li Xuewu to ask: "What's the situation with those seventeen trading companies?"

"It's very complicated."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu explained: "There are offices like ours, but there are very few directly affiliated with factories; most are offices for trading companies from various parts of the north."

"Two of them are also involved in foreign trade."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu blinked and said: "Actually, the trading companies within the city are nothing more than nine categories: non-staple food, sugar, coal construction, department store, repair service, catering, scrap, welfare, grain, etc."

"What is the attitude toward outside commerce?"

Li Li Xuewu looked at the map in his hand and asked about business issues.

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu didn't dare to underestimate Li Li Xuewu; Li Li Xuewu was the one making the decisions for the trade project.

On this work, Gou Gou Zirong had to listen to Li Li Xuewu, let alone him.

"Before '65, it was very conservative. The import quota couldn't even satisfy local needs, let alone anything else."

"However, it has changed since last year. The Municipal Planning Committee established a Foreign Aid Office."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu introduced: "The main targets are Beijing, Hebei Province, Xishan, and Inner Mongolia."

"Besides economic aid, there is also technical aid, and there is policy-based care for enterprises from other provinces to settle in Jinmen."

Li Li Xuewu nodded; he knew this policy. Soon, they would all be changed to Foreign Economic Liaison Offices, and some units would have even higher levels.

The motorcade moved very quickly; they had only just started talking when they arrived at the place.

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu got out of the car first, took the keys, and signaled for Li Li Haiyang, who had followed, to open that closed gate.

After the motorcade entered this small courtyard along the street, Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu, who had followed in, continued to introduce after Li Li Huai De and the others got out of the car.

"We contacted the Foreign Aid Office in advance, and this location was actually recommended by them."

As he spoke, he gestured to the gate keys that Li Li Haiyang had returned to him and said: "I said the leader wanted to come and see it, and they lent us the keys, saying we could look around as we pleased."

He raised his hand to signal the office building along the street for Li Li Huai De and Li Li Xuewu to see, while narrating the area of the building and the specific situation.

Actually, Li Li Xuewu and Li Li Huai De no longer had the heart to listen to his narration; the building in front of them really had nothing to do with the one they had imagined in their minds.

It was really too damn big—not that there were many offices in the building, or that it could accommodate many people, but the height of the building itself.

It was really... the three-story building displayed the dominance of a six-story building. No wonder it was an old bank building; just looking at the exterior, one could tell it was very wealthy.

They walked out from the backyard and circled to the front, looking at the Roman columns rising straight to the roof; the high gate lintel was even more dominant than the Rolling Mill's main office building.

The open space of this building was really too high; it was very suitable for use as a bank!

It was also suitable for trade. Li Li Xuewu felt that the kind of fire truck the factory was renovating could be driven inside.

Li Li Huai De was a bit dumbfounded and scratched his face, then looked at Li Li Xuewu blankly, wondering if this was really okay.

Li Li Xuewu also couldn't help but scratch his chin and looked at Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu, asking: "How did you choose this location?"

"I made the request to the Foreign Aid Office: near the wharf, must have an independent courtyard and warehouse, must have an office building and living facilities..."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu also said helplessly: "There really aren't many that meet these requirements. The other few locations are mostly old bank sites or office spaces for cultural and artistic purposes."

He glanced at Li Li Huai De with some concern, walked closer, and said softly: "I asked around; the courtyards for cultural and artistic purposes were all vacated not long ago... it's not very appropriate."

Li Li Huai De glanced at him, narrowed his eyes, said nothing, and stepped into the building that had already been opened.

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said helplessly to Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu: "Confucius said not to speak of strange forces and chaotic spirits; don't talk nonsense to the leader."

He patted Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu's arm and said with a smile: "However, I very much approve of your choice."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu also smiled helplessly and said: "As long as the leader is satisfied."

"Don't have any grievances; set your mind at ease."

Li Li Xuewu said softly with a smile: "The leader doesn't want to use that kind either; didn't you see he already went in? Let's look and see."

Comforting Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu, Li Li Xuewu also stepped onto the steps and walked into the building.

What is called "opening one's eyes"? Now is what's called opening one's eyes. When Li Li Xuewu entered, he saw Li Li Huai De looking up at the decorations and layout on the ceiling.

"Too damn big."

Li Li Huai De knew Li Li Xuewu had walked over. The other staff members stood far away, including Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu, all knowing the leader had opinions.

Li Li Xuewu also learned from Li Li Huai De and looked up at the ceiling. It had probably been a long time since this place was used; there was thick dust on the ground.

"It really is too big."

Li Li Xuewu turned back and looked outside; standing in the darkness, there was a blurred feeling of light and shadow interlacing.

"But the space is really enough."

As he spoke, he looked inside the counter; there was also thick dust piled up, as if no one had been here for eight hundred years.

Li Li Huai De shook his neck, which was a bit sore, looked down at the dust under his feet; after being stepped on, part of the floor tiles were revealed—it was a marble pattern.

He beckoned Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu over and asked: "What's the situation? Has it been empty and unused since it was taken over?"

"That's not it."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu explained: "After it was taken over, it was rented to a trading company. Later, through private-public joint operation, the original company was merged away."

He gestured to the furnishings in the lobby and said: "This place is a bit too big; ordinary units can't use it, and those who can use it aren't willing to rent it, so it's been empty for five years."

"Rent?"

Li Li Xuewu turned to look at him and asked: "Are you talking about renting?"

"No."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu twitched the corner of his mouth and explained: "The Foreign Aid Office coordinated with the Housing Management Office. If we can talk, we can go through the purchase procedures."

As he spoke, he spread his hands and said: "I estimate they have no choice with this property either; empty is not as good as sold."

Li Li Xuewu raised his head slightly, indicating he understood. It was only at this time that people dared to sell these properties.

Chaos has its benefits; at least there are bastards in power who don't care about the loss of state assets.

Properties like this are generally held by the Housing Management Office. Units that need housing or office space apply, and they coordinate.

If it's for public use, it goes through allocation procedures; if it's for public institutions, it goes through rental procedures.

There are very few ways to handle commercial sales; after all, this is also a form of asset loss.

But what time is it now?

Li Li Xuewu estimated that the Housing Management Office had also "reformed," and there were people taking advantage of their positions to fish for things.

Li Li Huai De perhaps thought of himself and also understood the mentality of the people in the Housing Management Office.

The two of them went upstairs to look around. Even though there was a lot of dust and many dilapidated places, the flaws didn't obscure the virtues; the more they looked, the more they liked it.

The open space is high, and people feel bright in it. If the infrastructure is complete, this location is really suitable as a trade office.

"As a bridgehead for the trade project's expansion and the expansion of sea transport exports, the Jinmen office has its important significance."

Li Li Xuewu said seriously: "Jinmen has rich marine resources, an excellent geographical location, and developed transport and trade foundations. In the future, it must become an extension of trade project management."

Li Li Huai De paused slightly while going downstairs, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and asked: "Do you think this location is suitable?"

"I think Jinmen is suitable."

Li Li Xuewu's hand rested lightly on Li Li Huai De's elbow, signaling to continue walking down, while saying: "When I came, I was still hesitating whether to set up an office in Jinmen or in Jingu."

"After all, the port environment in Jingu is better than the one in Jinmen city."

Li Li Xuewu's voice was very soft, and only the two of them could hear: "But now it seems that we must make a choice within Jinmen city."

"Oh?"

Li Li Huai De replied: "Are you saying we don't need to look at Jingu anymore?"

"No, we still have to look."

Li Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows slightly and said: "Our purpose in coming isn't just for those small commodities; there's also the most important ship trade."

Li Li Huai De frowned slightly, walking down step by step, saying: "The trade project is in the starting stage, and the product list is under construction. We shouldn't take too big a step."

As he spoke, he looked up at Li Li Xuewu and said: "It's easy to tear your balls."

"Yes, it's because it's close to Beijing."

Li Li Xuewu said with a smile: "It's mainly that you'll have to work harder in the future, running between Beijing and Jinmen."

"Hehe~ Will I have less work to do?"

Li Li Huai De chuckled, pointed at Li Li Xuewu, walked down the steps, walked to the middle of the lobby, and took another look at the screen wall facing the gate; the totem painting on it was actually quite good-looking.

Beckoning Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu over, Li Li Huai De raised his eyebrows and asked: "What's their asking price?"

"This..."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu glanced at Li Li Xuewu, then said softly: "We haven't reached the stage of asking for a price yet, but the news I heard is that some units asked for 280,000."

"Nonsense!"

Li Li Huai De scolded not too lightly or heavily, then waved his hand and said to Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu: "Press it to 150,000 before talking!"

After speaking, he walked outside with his hands behind his back; he wanted to take another look at the Roman columns at the door—this kind of thing wasn't used much in Beijing architecture.

"Deputy Secretary Li... this..."

Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu looked at Li Li Xuewu with difficulty, spreading his hands with a bitter face.

This wasn't a matter of bargaining; this was a bone-breaking price cut.

Li Li Xuewu patted his arm and said with a smile: "Listen to the leader; press it to 150,000 first."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu say the same, Zhuang Zhuang Cangshu shook his head helplessly; he really didn't know what to say.

Everyone returned to the backyard, looked at the dormitories and other equipment and facilities, and then got into the car to go to the next place.

In less than two hours, the party looked at four locations, all of which were courtyards with office buildings, but Li Li Huai De didn't say much about the following three.

The reason for the requirement of a courtyard was because the office was going to sell cars, so they had to prepare an exhibition hall and warehouse for the cars, and also leave enough living space for the resident staff.

The Rolling Mill hadn't thought about hiring a large number of local office staff; this had to do with the personnel management system at the time.

Li Li Xuewu could see that Li Li Huai De still liked the old bank site in his heart; at least compared to the four locations they had seen, that one had more face.

On the way back, Li Li Huai De told Li Li Xuewu to refine the goals of the trade project and formulate a short-term and long-term development plan.

Conduct detailed research and discussion on key issues such as personnel allocation, capital investment, etc., and summarize a set of feasible implementation methods.

Li Li Haiyang sat in the passenger seat, twisting his body to take notes—this was about the work Li Li Huai De and Deputy Secretary Li were discussing in the back.

The two exchanged detailed views on the creation requirements and future development direction of the Jinmen office.

Li Li Huai De talked about several key points regarding the plan Li Li Xuewu gave, requiring Li Li Xuewu to come up with feasible specific measures for resource integration, market development, and talent cultivation.

As the sun set, the conversation in the car continued. Regarding the Jinmen office and the establishment standards for other offices of the trade project in the future, the outline was gradually drawn in their conversation and conception.

On the way back to the guesthouse, they happened to pass by the Meihe Wharf. The sea breeze carried a rich commercial atmosphere, and the busy scene of the port was in full view.

This was the economic pulse of Jinmen. Without Li Li Xuewu emphasizing it, Li Li Huai De could also see the key to it.

No matter where the location was chosen, the two of them deeply experienced the difference in the commercial environment between Beijing and Jinmen during this trip.

This was also the reason why Li Li Huai De agreed that they could do so after Li Li Xuewu proposed the goal of transferring and developing the trade project to Jinmen.

Only commercial soil could match the survival environment of trade and bear fruitful results.

The motorcade arrived at the Jingu Port Guesthouse again. At this time, night had fallen, and the discussion in the car had gradually come to an end.

Li Li Xuewu and Li Li Huai De looked at each other and smiled, their hearts filled with anticipation and confidence for the future. ===== CHAPTER 825 =====