Chapter 835: Are You Qualified!

The atmosphere in the conference room was oppressive, as solemn as the moment before a thunderclap.

The attendees sat with pens in hand, faces straight, brows furrowed, eyes narrowed, as if they had encountered some major difficulty.

But if one looked closely, their gazes would occasionally dart toward one spot.

Director Li was the center of attention, yet he felt no pressure at all, looking down at the white porcelain cup in front of him as if a turtle might crawl out of it.

The Secretary's voice remained resonant, a departure from his usual gentleness, carrying anger from the very beginning.

"Organizational construction requires carrying the banner high, walking dangerous paths, and taking bold steps. To fear difficulty and not advance is equivalent to deserting the battlefield!"

"Is someone trying to be a deserter?!"

"You must constantly remind yourselves: whose official hat are you wearing on your head, and whose grain are you eating to fill your bellies!"

The conference room door was tightly shut, yet it could not contain the Secretary's sharp voice.

Cadres and office workers on the third floor could hear it clearly as soon as they stepped out of their offices.

Li Xue stepped out of the Second Section of the Factory Office and glanced toward the small conference room, just as Peng Xiaoli came out of the First Section.

"Let's go, smoke a... uh... I have something to ask you."

Peng Xiaoli had spoken out of habit; he smiled embarrassedly and gestured for Li Xue to stop looking and follow him.

Li Xue twitched the corner of her mouth, glanced at the small conference room one more time, and followed Peng Xiaoli toward the stairs.

Office workers on the third floor liked to smoke at the stairwell corner. It wasn't that smoking was forbidden in the hallway, but it wasn't very convenient.

If you ran into someone you were close with, would you offer them a cigarette or not?!

If you ran into a leader, would you keep smoking or pinch it out in pain?!

More importantly, smoking in the hallway wasn't comfortable, and it didn't leave a good impression on others.

It was supposed to be a relaxing thing; if you had to be restrained, there was no point.

Li Xue didn't smoke. She glanced at Peng Xiaoli, signaling with her eyes for him to speak quickly.

Peng Xiaoli sheepishly took the cigarette from his lips, stuffed it back into the pack, and said, "Want to know what's happening in the conference room?"

Li Xue raised her eyebrows. She hadn't expected him to be so well-informed; the meeting was still going on, and he already knew everything?

Peng Xiaoli didn't show any smugness in front of Li Xue, nor did he engage in idle chatter; he went straight to the key point she wanted to hear.

"The Secretary has requested instructions from above to seize the factory's power."

"Right."

Peng Xiaoli saw Li Xue frown and nodded. "It's a struggle for power, more realistic than you think."

"What do you mean?"

Li Xue held her documents and walked up to Peng Xiaoli, signaling for him to be more specific.

"It's a head-on collision. Neither side wants to compromise anymore."

Peng Xiaoli crossed his arms and leaned against the railing, explaining softly, "Director Li stabilized his foundation step by step and grasped the factory's power. The Secretary isn't reconciled to that."

"In the past, it was Factory Director Yang charging at the front, with the Secretary watching from behind~"

"That's not the case anymore. If he doesn't make a move now, he won't have another chance."

Peng Xiaoli had a craving for a cigarette; he licked his lips, feeling awkward about smoking in front of Li Xue.

"Party Committee Secretary Gu, Discipline Inspection Secretary Xue, Deputy Factory Director Jing, Deputy Party Secretary Dong..."

He had wanted to continue, but glanced at Li Xue, rubbed his chin awkwardly, and stopped.

If he kept going, he would mention someone Li Xue wouldn't be happy about.

Li Xue curled her lip. "Aren't there still Deputy Factory Director Nie and Deputy Factory Director Cheng~"

"Heh~ not for long~"

Peng Xiaoli asked with a light smile, "Do you still see Deputy Factory Director Cheng easily expressing his stance at meetings?"

"As for Deputy Factory Director Nie... heh, he's even more dangerous."

"Can't you just speak plainly?"

Li Xue knew this guy had some tricks and could always find out key information.

What he said was still credible; at least the vast majority of the information he gave her was true.

"Speak plainly?!"

"How much plainer can I be?!"

Peng Xiaoli looked at Li Xue, speechless. He thought, if I were you, would I even need someone else to tell me?

Just go to the Security Division and ask, and you'd know everything!

"Forget it if you won't say~"

Li Xue glanced at him and turned to leave. He was being mysterious, so she wouldn't listen anymore.

"Hey, I was very plain~"

Peng Xiaoli pulled her back helplessly and continued, "Don't you see it yet? The sky over the factory is about to change."

"Hasn't it already changed~"

Li Xue didn't really want to leave; she was just teasing him. When he pulled her back, she turned around to continue asking.

Peng Xiaoli rubbed his face. "It has to change again. It only ends when there's only one sky left."

"Yesterday, the leaders all went to the factory hospital. I heard Director Li gave Secretary Xue a real lecture."

Peng Xiaoli looked at Li Xue and asked, "Think about it, what kind of situation is this?"

"Isn't it just..."

Li Xue wanted to talk about the incident at the factory hospital, but seeing Peng Xiaoli's subtle expression, she stopped herself and frowned in thought.

Peng Xiaoli waited for her to think for a moment before nodding. "Secretary Xue has already reached a tacit understanding with Director Li."

Peng Xiaoli had an "I see it all clearly" expression, nodding with a thoughtful look.

Li Xue raised her eyebrows. "Are you saying the factory is still going to..."

"Hmm~~~ no~~~"

Peng Xiaoli shook his head. "Director Li won't allow it, and Deputy Party Secretary Li won't allow such a thing to happen."

As he spoke, he pointed toward the conference room. "It will only be from above."

"The Secretary obtained a 'Heaven-Earth Ruler' and wants to force Secretary Xue to reveal the 'Mirror of Truth'."

"I don't know what will happen next; it depends on the attitude and results of the people in the conference room today."

"My opinion is to strictly follow organizational discipline and get to the bottom of this."

Xue Zhifu's face was solemn, his voice firm. "Our Discipline Inspection work dares to play the villain. We aren't afraid of offending people, we aren't afraid of chaotic discussions, and we aren't afraid of being labeled."

"The person is about to die, how else are you going to investigate!"

Li Huai De's opinion was prominent. He threw down his fountain pen and frowned. "I don't oppose Discipline Inspection work, but I must be responsible for the Rolling Mill's cadre team."

"I see that there are still outstanding issues within the organization—impure thoughts, impure motives, and impure work styles—that have not been fundamentally resolved."

"Scraping the bone to remove poison, rectifying work styles—this should start from this conference room and from everyone present."

"I disagree with the view of expanding the conflict."

Xue Zhifu frowned and directly refuted Li Huai De's opinion, saying quite bluntly, "Errors in Discipline Inspection work cannot be elevated to the level of principle, nor can they be handled with oversimplification or a 'one-size-fits-all' approach."

"It's not terrible for work to have problems; what's terrible is a weak ideological consciousness, failing to recognize the contradiction in the problem."

Li Huai De said sternly, "If we don't persist in work style construction, how can we restrain the team and promote comprehensive, strict, and thorough inspection work?"

"I think it's time to strike hard, use strong medicine, and conduct a major inspection from top to bottom, firmly maintaining the seriousness and authority of organizational discipline."

"Deputy Party Secretary Li, give your opinion."

Yang Yuansong didn't pay attention to the dispute between Li Huai De and Xue Zhifu, suddenly pointing to Li Xuewu to ask for his opinion.

"I'll speak from the perspective of Discipline Inspection case handling."

Li Xuewu emphasized earnestly, "Twenty-four characters: facts clear, evidence conclusive, characterization accurate, handling appropriate, procedures complete, compliant with regulations and law."

It seemed Li Xuewu's opinion had the effect of settling the matter. After he spoke, the meeting quickly reached a consensus.

Investigate strictly!

Everyone walking out of the conference room still had solemn expressions, with no communication between them.

But in the eyes of those who understood, this was already a result.

Soon, what had happened in the conference room spread throughout the office area, and everyone was discussing it.

There were those who understood, those who didn't, and those who didn't understand but pretended to.

Peng Xiaoli stood up, took two documents, and walked out. The "know-it-all" sitting at the door glanced at him and winked, asking where he was going.

Peng Xiaoli's eyes flickered slightly, signaling he was going out to handle some business.

The know-it-all curled his lips, his gaze becoming meaningful, a smirk appearing on his face.

Peng Xiaoli ignored him; the two were very tacit, and their eye contact was more efficient than speaking.

After Peng Xiaoli left, Old Yang, sitting on the other side of the door, glanced at the know-it-all and asked, "Where did Xiao Peng go?"

"How would I know~"

The know-it-all was earnestly reading his documents and didn't look up. "Probably went to the bathroom~"

Old Yang curled his lip, almost rolling his eyes at the kid.

Who the hell carries documents to the bathroom!

"Young comrades these days, none of them speak the truth."

Sister Zhou, sitting across from Old Yang, hummed. "You ask them east, they tell you west; you ask them about a train, they tell you about an airplane. They're slippery."

"Hey, Sister Zhou."

The know-it-all didn't mind, looking up with a smile. "You were also a young comrade who walked step by step to your current position as an old comrade. Were you also slippery back then?"

"Heh~ hehehe~"

A burst of low laughter erupted in the quiet office.

"You~"

Sister Zhou looked around at the laughter, glared at the know-it-all, and then said to Old Yang, "You ask about Xiao Peng; he's definitely gone to Deputy Factory Director Jing's place."

"Deputy Factory Director Jing?"

Old Yang looked at Sister Zhou across from him, confused, and scratched his face. "Isn't Deputy Factory Director Jing away on business~"

"Hey! Why don't you understand yet~"

Sister Zhou curled her lip and said softly, "Deputy Factory Director Jing is away, but isn't his secretary still there~"

"Oh~ oh~~~"

Old Yang seemed to understand something, hooting twice like a rooster crowing.

The know-it-all raised his eyelids and glanced at the two of them, humming, "Talk, talk, talk. If something goes wrong, it'll all be traced back to you two for spreading it."

"Hmph! Talking nonsense, who spread it!"

Sister Zhou widened her eyes, glanced at the people around her, and then regretted her loose tongue.

With the people in this office, none of whom had locks on their mouths, if something happened, they would definitely come looking for her.

Old Yang had started it, but now he was keeping his head down, pretending to be indifferent.

It was as if he had never asked the question and didn't know what had just happened.

In an office where people stayed long enough to have the title "Old" before their names, there wasn't a single fool.

Deputy Factory Director Jing had been gone for a damn week; could Old Yang not know?

Saying the young comrade was slippery—this old comrade had his slippery side too.

Everyone understood what Peng Xiaoli had gone to do, but they all pretended to be ignorant.

Only Sister Zhou, having fallen into the trap, realized something was wrong!

Women~

"Why are you here again?"

Li Xue glanced at Peng Xiaoli, her gaze returning to the document.

Peng Xiaoli didn't close the door, walking to the side of Li Xue's desk as if they were handing over work.

But his voice was low: "The result just came out: united as one, the Secretary is stuck, and Director Zhang is the scapegoat."

"What?"

Li Xue glanced at Peng Xiaoli. "You mean..."

"Exactly!"

Peng Xiaoli was smug now, because all his guesses were correct.

"Yang Shuji wanted to flip the table, but Secretary Xue didn't intend to investigate on a large scale. Director Li held down the table and wanted to curse, and in the end, everyone agreed to let Director Zhang stand out and end this dispute."

"Director Zhang has worked hard, but he's just a bit... hehe."

Peng Xiaoli sneered, "If he hadn't been babbling nonsense in the hospital, Director Li wouldn't have had to argue with Secretary Xue today."

"So that's not protecting him, right?"

Li Xue frowned in thought. "Actually, Director Li was testing Secretary Xue's bottom line while also putting pressure on Yang Shuji?"

"You've improved."

Peng Xiaoli raised his eyebrows. "If Director Li wanted to protect him, he wouldn't have done it during the meeting."

"Now, the more they emphasize work style, the more cautious the Discipline Inspection will be. Director Zhang is finished."

"As for Yang Shuji..."

Peng Xiaoli chuckled. "Who would support him acting like this? It's forcing Secretary Xue to take a stand; it's counterproductive~"

"Also, Deputy Party Secretary Li."

He explained to Li Xue, "What he said represents the opinion of all the mid-level cadres in the factory—don't flip the table!"

Li Xue nodded slowly, indicating she understood.

Secretary Xue wouldn't risk the disapproval of all the mid-level cadres in the factory to support Yang Shuji in a gamble.

He certainly wouldn't use the Discipline Inspection Division and his own future as a stake for Yang Shuji.

Therefore, Secretary Xue compromised, Director Li stepped back, and the two had a more solid foundation for conversation and a broader space for negotiation.

This case should be settled like this; Director Zhang wouldn't talk nonsense anymore, and no one else would be dragged into it.

The "Heaven-Earth Ruler" Yang Shuji borrowed was wasted, and he had also exhausted his final prestige and influence.

The support he received from above was limited to this; in this game of cards, he showed his bottom card first, so he lost.

He couldn't see Director Li's bottom card, and he hadn't even thought about how big it might be—after all, he still had the leisure to go to Steel City.

Director Li just wanted to show this appearance, to make Yang Shuji lose thoroughly, completely, and be convinced of his defeat.

Yang Shuji wanted to jump, so he poured a basin of cold water on him, turning him into a drowned rat!

It was Yang Shuji who lost, but in reality, it was the support of the cadres in the factory.

Too complicated~

Li Xue shook her head with emotion; it had actually taken her more than three minutes to react!

It's really hard to survive in the bureaucracy!

During the trip to Jinmen, Li Xuewu had suggested that Li Huai De consider having Ao Yuhua, the Deputy Director of the Office, take over the Management Committee Office and the Factory Office Director position.

Perhaps Li Huai De had really listened to the suggestion, or perhaps he was deliberately disgusting Yang Yuansong.

This trip to Steel City was still arranged with Wang Zongli accompanying them.

And Wang Zongli seemed not to care about this situation; Director Li called her name, and she took the job.

After lunch, the group gathered at the gate of the factory office area and then took a vehicle to the dispatch workshop to board the commuter train to Steel City.

Compared to the short trip to Jinmen, the trip to Steel City could be called a long-distance journey.

The Dispatch Division arranged a carriage with soft sleepers directly, comfortable and quiet, providing the highest quality travel service for this half-day and one-night journey.

This was the benefit of a large factory; they had everything they needed, didn't have to squeeze into railway carriages, and could adjust and attach carriages as needed for travel requirements.

Perhaps affected by the morning's meeting turmoil, the group was very quiet. Everyone lowered their voices when arranging their seats, very afraid of disturbing the leaders.

Li Xuewu didn't feel he had any anger; if anyone should be angry, it should be Yang Shuji.

After settling his luggage in the soft sleeper carriage, he took his notebook and went to find Li Huai De.

The standard of the two people's carriages was the same, but since they both had secretaries, it wasn't convenient to be in the same carriage.

"Director Li."

Li Xuewu knocked on the open compartment door and then walked in.

Li Haiyang took the initiative to pour tea for Li Xuewu, while also making room for them to discuss work.

Li Huai De wasn't very talkative. The two only communicated and exchanged views on the work in Steel City, while also confirming the construction plan for the Jicheng Office.

This time going to Steel City, Li Huai De had his own work and tasks, and so did Li Xuewu.

Li Huai De was going to inspect the Steel City project and meet with Jing Yunong to discuss the shipyard project.

Li Xuewu had Discipline Inspection work and also had to go to Jicheng to inspect the work of establishing the office.

Because Jicheng's geographical location was important and its specialties were relatively rich, it was an important node that Li Xuewu and Li Huai De had planned long ago in their Northeast trade strategy.

But considering the Rolling Mill's current capabilities and actual situation in the Northeast, Li Huai De fully approved of his suggestion after hearing Li Xuewu's report.

It would still be based in Steel City; the Jicheng Office would be built, but the scale would be small, mainly responsible for project maintenance and communication.

Temporarily, it was decided that it would be handled by local trade distribution units in Steel City, and office personnel would be dispatched later if needed.

After discussing the work, Li Xuewu stood up to say goodbye. He also wanted to get some sleep in the afternoon.

Last night, Li Shu had another "flood," wetting her own small mattress, and then turned to squeeze into Li Xuewu's side.

Getting up in the middle of the night to change the mattress and coaxing the little ancestor to sleep, Li Xuewu really didn't have much energy.

Especially the meeting this morning—it came very suddenly and was also very frustrating.

He was young and slept soundly; he didn't mind the clattering of the train and slept directly until after five o'clock.

When he woke up, the carriage had already darkened, and there was only the sunset glow outside the window.

"If you didn't wake up, I would have had to call you."

Sha Qizhi stood up from the sofa opposite with a smile, turned on the desk lamp on the small table, and walked out with a towel.

(Last time a reader questioned why there was a sofa in a soft sleeper; as shown in the picture, there is a sofa and wardrobe on the right side.)

Li Xuewu rubbed his face, glanced outside the door, and yawned.

How long had it been since he had such a good nap? No need to worry about afternoon work, no need to fear someone coming to find him.

Perhaps he was still groggy; when Sha Qizhi brought back the hot towel, Li Xuewu was still sitting on the bed in a daze.

"The train attendant notified that we can have dinner. Should I help you get it, or...?"

"Is the leader up?"

Li Xuewu took the towel and wiped his face, his voice somewhat low.

Traveling like this is bad; the rhythm of all actions must follow the leader's pace. Otherwise, why are they called leaders, right?

Sha Qizhi understood Li Xuewu's character and way of doing things; he had long since gone to check on the next compartment.

Li Haiyang also hadn't rested; he didn't even dare to go out to smoke, fearing that opening and closing the door would disturb the leader.

Just now, when he saw Sha Qizhi, the two had spoken a few words. Perhaps because the relationship between the leaders was good, the secretaries got along well.

But Sha Qizhi was older and had depth; he knew what should be said and what shouldn't.

"Secretary Li just went to get hot water and said Director Li is already up."

"Got it."

Li Xuewu put on his leather shoes, stood up, tidied himself, and walked out the door.

Passing Li Huai De's compartment, he knocked on the open door.

Seeing it was Li Xuewu, Li Huai De nodded. "I thought you'd have to sleep a while longer."

As he spoke, he pointed to Li Haiyang. "Tell Director Wang to inform everyone; we're going to the dining car to eat. Let's have a drink tonight so we can sleep well."

Good heavens, Li Xuewu could sleep if he went back now, but if he went to the dining car and tossed and turned, he might not be able to sleep half the night.

But the leader had spoken, so he had to accompany him—a drink was just a drink, who was afraid of whom!

Li Xuewu went to the restroom first, then walked to the dining car with Li Huai De.

Passing the hard-seat carriage, they greeted the commuting workers.

Li Xuewu didn't pay much attention to this, but Li Huai De had a full smile, dispelling the gloom brought by the morning meeting.

Under the dim light, the carriage was full of smiling faces.

The leader's complexion is today's weather.

The leader's attitude is today's temperature.

The leader's temper is today's wind direction.

Everyone didn't understand what the morning meeting represented and had been anxious all afternoon, but in the end, it was just Li Huai De's feint.

Sometimes, don't pay too much attention to the leader's intentions; you can't guess them, so don't trouble yourself.

If you aren't at that level, just do your own work well. What you care about might not even be as important as air in the leader's eyes.

Leaders are also people, not tigers that grab people and lose their temper at will.

However, any leader you respectfully consider a leader has their own cultivation. You might see them reprimand a secretary or a person in charge, but you will absolutely never see them lose their temper at someone at the grassroots level.

Of course, this refers to leaders, not those small cadres, even though they are also called leaders in their departments.

The food in the dining car was actually quite good. When ordering, Li Xuewu casually gave the dining car chief a box of cigarettes, and the food served to the table looked a bit different.

Li Huai De saw it but didn't say anything, his impression of Li Xuewu's ability to get things done becoming even deeper.

If Li Xuewu's ability wasn't too outstanding, this would be a very good candidate for a secretary.

He hadn't just noticed this now; Yang Yuansong and Yang Fengshan had also thought of this point.

It was just that by the time they thought of it, Li Xuewu had already taken off—the kind that even the Party couldn't stop~

After eating and drinking, everyone agreed to go back to the carriage to play cards for a while before resting.

Li Xuewu had slept enough in the afternoon, so he wrote documents for a while after returning to the compartment before lying down.

The itinerary was calculated; the train would arrive in Steel City at exactly seven o'clock in the morning.

When the train broke through the morning light and arrived at the dispatch station, everyone had already washed up and packed their luggage, ready to get off.

Through the train window, Li Xuewu saw the Steel City factory team members waiting to meet them, with his teacher, Dong Wenxue, standing at the very front.

After the train stopped steadily, everyone got off in order, exchanging greetings and handshakes.

The scene was very lively. Li Xuewu focused on his teacher's expression; it was still normal.

After Dong Wenxue shook hands and spoke with Li Huai De, he also shook hands with his student.

During this handshake, there was different content in both of their eyes.

The station wasn't the place to talk. The Steel City factory office staff arranged vehicles to take everyone directly to the guesthouse.

Learning that the group hadn't had breakfast, everything had been prepared here.

In a third-floor suite, Li Huai De and Li Xuewu sat at the dining table, listening to the report from the Steel City side while eating breakfast.

Only Dong Wenxue and Production Factory Director Yang Shuxing were in the room, and the report was mainly given by Dong Wenxue.

Li Huai De had asked the two to join them, and both said they had already eaten. The few of them talked while eating, appearing to be dedicated to the public interest.

Li Xuewu didn't speak, just finished his breakfast quickly.

After putting down his chopsticks, he took his notebook and recorded some of the itinerary reports and work content Dong Wenxue had mentioned.

After Li Huai De finished eating, while the waiter was clearing the table, Li Xuewu mentioned the itinerary requirements for the day to the Steel City Office Director, Zhang Jing.

In the morning, the group would visit the construction site and factory area; in the afternoon, there would be a symposium, followed by individual talks.

Li Xuewu communicated to the Steel City side that he wanted to talk to the Discipline Inspection person in charge here, Yang Zongfang.

And there was also the service staff, Wang Shumin; one of the purposes of his trip was her.

Dong Wenxue might have heard his conversation with Zhang Jing, and when he came out, his face was somewhat embarrassed and helpless.

Li Xuewu didn't explain anything; he was doing this to show others.

It was a close relationship to begin with; could he hide it so others wouldn't see?

So Li Xuewu used an official tone, which also blocked the mouths of the people on the Steel City side.

He was good at blocking others' mouths, especially...

"Since the project was approved in March this year, we have been gradually promoting the research and development of special steel and the innovation of smelting technology."

Yang Shuxing, wearing a rattan safety helmet, stood in front of the group. Beside him was the large furnace in the metallurgical workshop. He stretched his neck to introduce the production situation.

There was no way not to shout; the sound of the fan was too loud, and the workshop was too noisy. If he didn't speak loudly, it would be like a silent film.

"In April, under the requirements and guidance of Secretary Dong, the production and technical departments organized professional technical personnel to go to Jin Province for inspection and study."

Yang Shuxing walked while introducing, "In May, after receiving the materials sent back by the inspection team, we organized forces to plan, design, and implement the first furnace of special steel smelting in advance."

"At the same time, after applying and obtaining the consent of the general factory, the special steel workshop was officially established."

After walking out of the workshop, the noise dropped significantly, and everyone's ears felt more comfortable.

"In July this year, the expert group that returned from Jin Province participated in the design and research of smelting technology, which accelerated the technical innovation significantly."

Yang Shuxing stood outside the workshop and pointed to the workshop that was smoking. "From the first furnace of special steel to the first furnace of standard steel, it only took us two months."

"Now, several types of special steel produced by our factory have been verified by engineers to meet quality standards and design specifications."

Li Huai De also wore a rattan safety helmet, looking at the workshop with his hands behind his back, nodding. "The application of special steel is very extensive."

"Yes."

Dong Wenxue stood to the side and introduced, "The technology learned from Jin Province helped us a lot and also solved the material problem for hardware production."

"Hmm, this project is done well."

Li Huai De raised his hand and pointed, saying to the people around him, "The Steel City factory shouldn't just be a material supply factory for the Rolling Mill; it must have its own development and transformation."

"It's very good now!"

He waved his hand and said with a smile, "I think in a few years, the scale of the Steel City factory might not be worse than the Rolling Mill."

"We have confidence."

Dong Wenxue said earnestly and sincerely, "Under your leadership and guidance, the Steel City factory has the confidence to grow bigger and stronger and create brilliance."

"Good."

Li Huai De listened to Dong Wenxue's words and nodded with a smile, turning back to ask Li Xuewu, "When that time comes, should we report to the higher-ups that we can't manage the Steel City factory anymore?"

"Hehehe~"

He said this, and after finishing, he laughed, but the people present felt tight in their hearts and couldn't laugh at all.

Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows. "When that time comes, you report that our factory also wants to learn from the 17th Factory and establish a group company."

"You must prepare well; maybe there really will be such a day."

"Hahahaha~"

Li Huai De pointed at Li Xuewu; this time his laughter was louder and more solid.

Dong Wenxue glanced at Li Xuewu and continued to accompany Li Huai De to tour the factory area.

They couldn't see all the developments and content in one morning; they could only look at flowers while riding a horse, letting the leader know they had done practical work.

From the steelmaking workshop to the industrial production base under construction, to the hardware production workshop that had already been completed.

Connected, from beginning to end.

Li Huai De didn't say much, just watched earnestly and listened to the people from the Rolling Mill explain.

It was only when he was more interested in the hardware workshop and the automobile assembly workshop that he talked a few times.

He mainly asked about progress, engineering, and construction; these were the contents he cared more about.

Because the steelmaking furnace playing with flowers couldn't add anything new to his credit book.

But the hardware workshop and the automobile factory were different; these things could be shown and talked about.

He couldn't build a car, but if he could build one and let him brag, he could talk for hours.

"In this workshop construction, we fully considered future development and progress."

Dong Wenxue pointed to the workshop in production and introduced, "One step in place; the factory building construction reserved space for new products and new processes."

"In terms of product composition, we have done sufficient preparation work."

"Including tools, daily life, professional, plumbing, and construction hardware."

Dong Wenxue introduced it in great detail and very clearly; it was obvious he knew the production situation very well.

"We are now fully guaranteeing the production and operation of products that have been experimentally mature and have opened up sales channels, while taking into account the experiment and processing of new products."

"Including security equipment, mounting tools, instruments, and weapons integrated from the Rolling Mill."

Dong Wenxue pointed to the courtyard area with security guards on duty and introduced, "This is our military-industrial production factory, independent production, independent management."

"You have to thank Comrade Xuewu for this."

Li Huai De didn't want to go in and see, just looked at the gate of the military-industrial factory and said, "The Security Division has made a great contribution and a great sacrifice."

"Yes."

Dong Wenxue smiled and replied, "The development of the Steel City factory's hardware industry really has to thank Xuewu for his dedication and advice."

"One family, no need to speak of two families."

Li Xuewu smiled slightly and said to Li Huai De, "The Security Division belongs to the Rolling Mill. If the Rolling Mill develops well, the Security Division will be fine."

"Look, this is the awareness of the flag-bearer of the factory's younger generation."

Li Huai De teased Li Xuewu with a smile, then led the group and continued walking forward.

They didn't stop all morning; he wouldn't have a count or a bottom line if he didn't finish touring the entire factory area.

After seeing the hardware tools in the finished product workshop and confirming the quality one by one, he finally had a genuine smile.

Especially seeing the security equipment that the Rolling Mill had already done well, the quality was surprisingly excellent after being replaced with special steel.

Especially seeing the precision shooting rifle that Li Xuewu had named 66-6, Li Huai De was even more overjoyed.

He had confidence in the future of these things and didn't say that Li Xuewu and Dong Wenxue were tossing around in vain.

It wasn't that Li Huai De was militaristic and liked weapons, but he liked the content behind weapon manufacturing and what it represented.

Can producing tracks be considered ability? Producing channel steel is essential work. But what if you can produce cars, ships, small hardware commodities, and also be responsible for military-industrial production?

The group company Li Xuewu mentioned needed these things to create influence and strengthen weaknesses.

When brothers ask their parents for things, of course, they give them to whoever is more important. The military-industrial production factory Li Xuewu added to the Steel City factory was definitely an important stroke.

When introducing defense equipment and weapons, Li Huai De asked a question about "using one's own spear to attack one's own shield" with a smile.

The obviously joking question was a test for Dong Wenxue.

Li Xuewu didn't make it difficult for him, saying with a smile that they would know after trying it later.

This was a military-industrial factory; where would they have bullets for them to experiment with? Li Xuewu's meaning was also to do this after returning to Beijing.

On one hand, it was to relieve Dong Wenxue; on the other hand, it was to explain the product ideas he provided.

Who among those present would care about this? As long as the guns were well-made, the shields were well-made, and they could be sold, that was enough.

Anyway, Li Huai De didn't intend to play with guns in this life, and he didn't even think about holding a shield and letting Li Xuewu shoot at him for fun.

After a working lunch and a short rest, Li Huai De presided over a symposium on industrial production in the Steel City factory.

Attending the meeting were cadres from the Rolling Mill's industrial management, main members of the Steel City factory team, and some grassroots management cadres and frontline workers.

At the meeting, they listened to the work reports of the Steel City factory team members and also invited grassroots representatives to speak.

Finally, Li Huai De spoke. His main purpose was to stabilize people's hearts and promote the smooth transformation and handover of the Steel City factory's organizational structure to the Management Committee.

Unlike the turmoil and changes in the Rolling Mill, the Steel City factory was relatively stable and smooth due to geographical reasons.

This morning, Li Huai De teased Dong Wenxue several times, not to deliberately make things difficult for him, but to support him.

Those who can be directly reprimanded, directly named, and joked with are the leader's confidants.

If one day Li Huai De doesn't talk about him, doesn't name him, and doesn't ask about the Steel City factory's work, that means he has become the leader's confidant... major trouble.

He was smiling and talking during the tour, but at the symposium, his expression was more serious, emphasizing the expectations and attitude of the Rolling Mill team toward the Steel City factory.

At the same time, he elaborated on the current changes in the situation and the goals to strive for on the good foundation of the Steel City factory.

The meeting mainly revolved around industrial production and organizational structure. The purpose was very clear; no one would jump out at this time to say anything against it.

Even if there were opposing thoughts and opinions, they had to be reserved first.

Because next, after the meeting, Li Huai De, representing the Rolling Mill Management Committee and Party Committee team, and Li Xuewu, representing the factory's Discipline Inspection, would conduct organizational talks with the Steel City factory team members on their performance of duties. That was the time to speak, and they wouldn't be able to avoid it.

"Deputy Party Secretary Li."

After a knock, Yang Zongfang pushed the door and walked in.

"Come, sit."

Seeing Yang Zongfang enter, Li Xuewu beckoned for him to come over and sit.

This room wasn't an office, but a small conference room Li Xuewu had specially chosen.

The conference table wasn't big, but for two people, the distance was still not small.

This distance was like the status of the two people; they were both deputy division level before, but now they were walking further and further apart.

Yang Zongfang looked at Li Xuewu across the conference table and felt some emotion, but reality was just like this: Li Xuewu sat on that side, and he sat on this side.

"How have things been lately?"

Li Xuewu sized up Yang Zongfang and asked with a smile, as if he were a friend sitting in a teahouse. "Is work going smoothly?"

"It's okay."

Yang Zongfang's heart was actually beating like a drum. He hadn't expected the factory's attitude toward Dong Wenxue's handling to be this way.

Initially, when the Secretary sent him news, he thought that even if Dong Wenxue didn't leave, he would have to give up the position of factory director.

Especially after the Secretary gave his promise, he ignored the previous conversation Li Xuewu had with him in Beijing and resolutely launched an investigation into Dong Wenxue.

Now, it couldn't be said that Li Xuewu was here to settle scores, but he was definitely here with ill intent.

"That means it's going very smoothly."

Li Xuewu's smile gradually disappeared. He looked at Yang Zongfang and said, "It seems the Discipline Inspection work in the Steel City factory has reached a high level and achieved results."

Yang Zongfang was slightly stunned. He hadn't expected Li Xuewu's attitude to be so direct. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "What do you mean?"

"You are the person in charge of Discipline Inspection in the Steel City factory, and you ask me what I mean?!"

Li Xuewu slapped the table and shouted sternly, "Have you forgotten that you are still the Deputy Factory Director of the Steel City factory!"

"Did I recommend you to come here to do things, or to find trouble, damn it?!"

"I told you to maintain stability, what are you doing!"

Li Xuewu glared and shouted, "What do you want to do?!"

"Want to be the factory director? Are you qualified!"

"Not convinced?!"

"Then fight! Struggle! No need to worry about the good situation in the Steel City factory anymore!"

Li Xuewu raised his hand and pointed at Yang Zongfang. "I'll tell you this: even if it means delaying car production for a year, delaying ship production for a year, I'll make you roll off to the Northwest to plant trees. Do you believe me? Don't be shameless!"

"A person's life—it can be long, it can be short. Just look forward."