Chapter 836: Let Li Li Xuewu beat you!

"I am a cadre of the Steel Rolling Mill!"

"I am not a vassal of his Dong Wenxue!"

"I don't need to be loyal to him, let alone owe him any duty!"

"On what grounds?!"

Yang Yang Zongfang glared, slammed the table, and shouted: "On what grounds should we cover for him when he makes a mistake? Who is he!"

"Are you shouting at me?"

Seeing Yang Yang Zongfang dare to speak loudly to him, Li Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes slightly, tapped the table in front of him, and said: "You feel wronged, don't you!"

"I don't accept this!"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu's attitude turn gloomy, Yang Yang Zongfang's tone couldn't help but drop by several octaves.

Although he said he didn't accept it, he didn't dare to slam the table and shout again.

If Li Li Xuewu lost his temper at him, he would still have some confidence to retort a few times.

But with this kind of gloomy expression, he felt terrified just looking at him.

"Don't accept what?"

Li Li Xuewu pulled a cigarette from the pack, put it in his mouth, looked at Yang Yang Zongfang, and asked again: "I'm asking you, what don't you accept!"

While speaking, he took out a lighter and lit the cigarette.

After taking a hard drag, he raised his eyelids and asked: "Don't accept me? Or don't accept the Steel Rolling Mill?"

"You've grown arrogant, haven't even achieved any results yet, and now the Steel Rolling Mill can't control you anymore, right?!"

"If you don't accept it, are you going to find a waitress too? Young and pretty?"

"I think your Steel Plant Reception Center doesn't need to be called by that name anymore; change it to the Yihong Brothel."

Yang Yang Zongfang looked at his disdainful expression, especially the domineering way he flicked the cigarette ash, and knew this man was extremely overbearing.

But this indiscriminate attack, especially the official attitude, made the words in his mouth stuck.

Regarding the Steel Plant alone, he was him, and Dong Wenxue was Dong Wenxue; he could look down on Dong Wenxue's methods.

But from Li Li Xuewu's perspective, from the Steel Rolling Mill's perspective, he and Dong Wenxue were both people of the Steel Plant.

Li Li Xuewu expressed dissatisfaction with the Steel Plant, saying their reception center was a brothel; this slap hit his face as well.

What does that mean?

It means your leadership team has problems, and none of you are any good.

Want a thunderbolt?

Then when it strikes, don't even think about running!

"The Steel Plant has stabilized, so your minds have all become active, right?"

"Seeing that results are about to be produced, you have to engage in infighting, right?"

"Can share hardships, but cannot share wealth, right?"

"No."

Yang Yang Zongfang looked at Li Li Xuewu and said earnestly: "I am devoted to the public, devoted to the organization, I..."

"Enough~"

Li Li Xuewu waved the hand holding the cigarette, with an expression that said he understood everything, and said: "You tell me you're devoted to the public, that means you want to claim credit!"

"No need for that empty talk, just say what you want to do."

"Or what you want to do, make it clear~"

Li Li Xuewu smoked, nodded slightly, and signaled that Yang Yang Zongfang could offer his opinion.

Yang Yang Zongfang didn't speak now; could he say what he wanted to do and what he wanted?

But if he didn't speak, Li Li Xuewu would: "Claiming credit, right?"

"Speak, start from the beginning!"

Li Li Xuewu tapped his notebook on the table and said: "Whatever you want to say, I'll write it down, and later at the factory Party Committee meeting, I'll read it to you one by one."

"Is it seizing the opportunity, or stabilizing the situation?"

"Is it pioneering and enterprising, or technological innovation?"

"Is it a single word to revitalize the nation, or creating a grand situation?"

"Do you want to say that the Steel Plant's current situation was all planned and implemented by you, Vice Factory Director Yang?"

Yang Yang Zongfang pursed his lips and couldn't say a word, because these things were all done by the person in front of him.

Regarding seizing the opportunity, when the Steel Plant had problems and the management team collapsed, it was Li Li Xuewu who took the initiative to let Dong Wenxue and him settle in Steel City.

The two sides joined forces and occupied the Steel Plant's greatest political resource, and he even had the opportunity to leap from a section-level cadre to a deputy department-level.

Regarding stabilizing the situation, Li Li Xuewu sent the most capable and trusted backbone of the Security Division here.

At the same time, he increased reinforcements and support for the Steel Mill's Security Division, unconditionally supporting his work and quickly clearing out the remnants of the old forces.

When it comes to forging ahead, technical innovation, creating a grand situation, or building the nation with a single word, how could he dare to speak of any contribution or merit in front of Li Li Xuewu?

The reform of the Steel Mill was Li Li Xuewu's suggestion, the plan was under Li Li Xuewu's guidance, and the technology was Li Li Xuewu's support.

Even the newly built factory was sent over by the Security Division dismantling their own house, not to mention that when the project approval was initially sought, it was Li Li Xuewu who led the people to do it single-handedly.

Yes, Dong Wenxue is the Secretary and Factory Director of the Steel Mill, but everyone knows who drew the grand blueprint for the Steel Mill.

And they know even better who devised the strategies and helped support it to where it is today.

When it comes to merit, who dares to argue with the person in front of them?

"So, you want to be the Factory Director?"

Seeing him remain silent, Li Li Xuewu took a puff of his cigarette and continued to ask: "You think he is unworthy of his position, and you should bravely shoulder the heavy responsibility?"

He just looked at Yang Yang Zongfang sitting opposite him like this, his eyes full of questioning.

"You tell me you are wholeheartedly for the public, wholeheartedly for the organization; I don't think that's the case."

Li Li Xuewu shook his head slightly, raised his hand to point at Yang Yang Zongfang, and said: "Are you wholeheartedly for the public? You are just coveting his position!"

"You want to progress, this is a good thing, but you must also act according to your ability."

Li Li Xuewu just looked at the other party like this and asked bluntly: "I'll ask you one more time, and you should think about it carefully yourself: are you qualified?!"

"Let's not talk about whether you have any achievements, nor your seniority; I'm talking about your work attitude problem."

Li Li Xuewu raised his hand and tapped the tabletop lightly, saying: "Do you think the Steel Mill's Party Committee would let a cadre who engages in infighting rise to the top?"

"A joke!"

"I'll tell you clearly: even if he doesn't serve as this Factory Director anymore, you won't be able to serve as one either!"

"Moreover, every single member of your Steel Mill leadership team will have to move positions!"

"I said this, do you believe it or not?!"

Li Li Xuewu pointed at Yang Yang Zongfang and asked this; the other party was speechless, sitting there with a furrowed brow, unable to say a single word.

"Still want to be Factory Director, bullshit!"

Li Li Xuewu pressed the cigarette butt in his hand into the ashtray with dissatisfaction.

"What are you trying to do? Who is behind the scenes instigating you to do this, and what is your purpose?"

"Do you dare to say it out loud!"

"I think you are blinded by greed! You've been too clever for your own good!"

"What is the situation now? Now is a great opportunity for people's hearts to be settled, for the whole factory to engage in production and seek development."

"What are you jumping out to do?!"

"Are you dissatisfied with the Steel Mill or dissatisfied with Director Li?"

"Or are you and the people behind you trying to go against the twenty thousand employees of the entire factory!"

"Have you ever thought about whether doing this will affect the overall situation, affect the development of the Steel Mill, and affect the interests of all the factory's employees and the gains and losses of the organization?"

"You are confused."

Li Li Xuewu pointed at Yang Yang Zongfang and scolded: "The one who put you in this position is not any single person; it is the will and trust of the entire Steel Mill leadership team."

"Think carefully about what you just said to me; are you a cadre of the Steel Mill?!"

"Is this how a cadre who cares about the organization and cares about the employees does things?"

"Absurd!"

Li Li Xuewu's criticism was sharp, piercing straight into Yang Yang Zongfang's heart; sitting there, he finally felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.

These sentences stripped away his disguise and self-deception, exposing his inner calculations and plans, leaving him with nothing to say.

"Don't play tricks on the organization."

Li Li Xuewu let out a breath through his nostrils, his attitude softened, and he pointed at the tabletop, saying to Yang Yang Zongfang: "Do you think we are all villains, and only you are a gentleman?"

"Do you think we are incompetent, and only you have the courage to take responsibility?"

"Don't we know he has problems? Don't we know how to handle it?"

"Do we need you to remind us again and again?!"

"Do you understand what the overall situation is?"

Li Li Xuewu frowned and looked at him, saying: "The overall situation is that you cannot let a single rat turd ruin a whole pot of soup!"

"I'll ask you again."

Li Li Xuewu asked Yang Yang Zongfang in a stern tone: "Do you have solid evidence for pursuing this matter?"

"When did you know about this problem, and why didn't you report it at that time, but instead reported it at this time and in this situation?"

"Ask yourself, do you dare to say to the organization that you are wholeheartedly for the public and have no selfishness?"

"You don't dare!"

Li Li Xuewu stared at him and said: "In handling this matter, I don't even dare to say I am wholeheartedly for the public; what right do you have to say you dare?"

"Do you know what I was thinking when Secretary Xue asked for my opinion?"

"I was sweating profusely, as if standing on the edge of an abyss."

"What was I afraid of?"

"Was it that I would lose face if my teacher made a mistake? Was it that I would be embarrassed if he stepped down?"

"None of that; it was that the current excellent situation would be destroyed in an instant!"

"Don't you know what I have sacrificed for the Steel Mill's today?"

"Don't you know how much effort I have put into stabilizing the situation in the Steel Mill?"

"Who gave you the guts to come and smash this plate? Do you know what kind of behavior this is?"

Li Li Xuewu straightened his body, looked at Yang Yang Zongfang, and said: "His problems must be addressed, and your problems must also be discussed."

"As a member of the leadership team, you didn't investigate or speak up when you first discovered the problem; anything you say now is wrong."

"If you have other intentions, we will calculate that separately, but I still have that same sentence: if you don't want to work, then get out."

"If you want to say I'm biased or have selfish motives, that's fine."

Li Li Xuewu tapped the table and said: "I am asking you now, do you have any objections to the organization's handling?"

"No."

Yang Yang Zongfang's mouth twitched, and he said: "I have no objections."

"That's good."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said: "On behalf of the organization, I criticize your actions and demand that you correct your attitude and work earnestly, understand?"

"Understood."

"Secretary."

Sha Sha Qizhi knocked on the door of the conference room and reminded the leader standing by the window: "Comrade Wang Wang Shumin has arrived."

"Hmm."

Li Li Xuewu turned around and looked toward the door; standing beside Sha Sha Qizhi was the server he had seen last time.

"Come, come in and sit."

"Please come in."

Sha Sha Qizhi raised his hand to signal Wang Wang Shumin to go over and sit, and then, at the leader's signal, went to the tea cabinet to pour a cup of hot water and placed it in front of her.

After the secretary closed the door and left, Li Li Xuewu finally sized up the female comrade sitting opposite him.

Her long hair had been changed to a short, ear-length cut, the liveliness in her eyebrows had been replaced by a lowered head, and the vividness and cleverness on her face had also turned into calmness and anxiety.

"I called you here today to represent the organization in understanding some situations with you."

Li Li Xuewu opened the notebook in front of him, took out more than a dozen letters from it, and laid them out in front of him.

"The Factory Discipline Inspection Division received your letter. Secretary Xue attaches great importance to it, and knowing I was coming to Steel City on a business trip, he specifically instructed me to have a talk with you."

Wang Wang Shumin sat opposite, lowering her head, not daring to look at Li Li Xuewu, and even less daring to look at the letters laid out on the table.

Li Li Xuewu looked at her like this, nodded slowly, and said: "Don't have pressure, and don't have psychological burdens; it's just to get an understanding."

"Secretary Li, I..."

Wang Wang Shumin raised her head to look at Li Li Xuewu and said: "I was wrong; can I stop reporting?"

"I'll take back these letters; I don't want to..."

"Listen to me."

Li Li Xuewu raised his hand to press down, signaling her not to be agitated.

"You have the right to protect your own interests, and even more so the right to write to us when you are treated unfairly."

"This is a very normal organizational procedure."

Li Li Xuewu signaled to the letters in front of him and said: "As long as we receive a letter, we will investigate and collect evidence according to the procedure, and conduct an organizational talk."

"This includes you, the parties involved, it's all the same; we won't target anyone, and we won't suppress anyone; we only speak based on facts."

Wang Wang Shumin pursed her lips and lowered her head again; she didn't dare to face Li Li Xuewu, and even less dared to face these words he said.

Li Li Xuewu seriously looked at the several points summarized in the notebook from her whistleblowing letters.

"First, I want to confirm with you whether the content of your whistleblowing letters is true."

"This is a key point."

"Secondly, I want to know if Comrade Dong Wenxue used his position for personal gain to help you obtain private benefits."

"Furthermore, I want to know if you have a private relationship with Comrade Dong Wenxue, apart from a work relationship."

"Finally, I want to know if you were instigated by others to report Comrade Dong Wenxue, and then denied this behavior after reporting."

"No!"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu ask this, Wang Wang Shumin raised her head, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and said: "No one instigated me; it was myself. I used the opportunity of serving him to try to threaten him."

"Hmm, continue."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, not caring that she started answering from the last point, and picked up his fountain pen to record in the notebook.

Wang Wang Shumin looked at Li Li Xuewu, and seeing that he was serious, she slowly lowered her head.

"I didn't mean for it to be like this."

Her voice carried a crying tone, and she said: "I don't know what happened to me. When people gave me money, I thought it was good, and I thought it was very simple for him to help handle things."

"You took money?"

"No."

Wang Wang Shumin shook her head and said: "He said this kind of thing couldn't be done, and didn't let me take the money, so I returned it all."

"I felt very aggrieved at the time; what was I doing this for? I had no face, and no actual..."

As she spoke, she raised her head, looked at Li Li Xuewu, and said: "You don't need to write it down. I admit I used his status as a server to take money before, but I don't admit to having had a relationship with him."

Li Li Xuewu looked at her, capped the fountain pen in his hand, indicating he wouldn't write it down.

"If you want to pursue my whistleblowing behavior, I accept it."

Wang Wang Shumin wiped away her tears and said: "It was all my own fault, asking for trouble."

"I need to explain this to you."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said: "Secretary Xue cares about your problem because this matter involves Comrade Dong Wenxue."

"And I, as the Deputy Secretary of Discipline Inspection, coming to talk to you also represents the importance attached to you."

"As for the whistleblowing letters,"

Li Li Xuewu pointed to the letters in front of him and said: "This is just a means and form of supervision. As long as you are not using these to obtain private benefits and causing a bad influence, it doesn't involve any disciplinary action or handling."

"So I told you just now, don't have any pressure or burden; I am just here today to listen to you talk about the specific situation."

"Okay."

Wang Wang Shumin nodded and said: "I guarantee he has never helped me do anything, and I have not obtained any private benefits from his help."

Li Li Xuewu nodded, indicating he understood the result of this problem, and asked her to continue.

"Also, no one instigated me; it was a moment of impulse. After I realized it, I wanted to take back these whistleblowing letters, but I didn't know how to take them back."

Wang Wang Shumin wiped her tears and said: "I admit my admiration and feelings for him, but I know now that this is wrong."

"I am willing to take responsibility and correct my mistakes; I don't want to cause him trouble and pressure."

"And even less do I want to..."

She thought for a moment, then continued: "And even less do I want to be used by others to complicate this matter."

"Someone did come to find me, but I didn't agree."

Wang Wang Shumin looked at Li Li Xuewu and explained: "The relationship between us is a personal one, it has nothing to do with work, and I don't want to harm him, really."

"Hmm, I know."

Li Li Xuewu nodded; the questions he asked were very logical, but Wang Wang Shumin's answers were somewhat agitated and chaotic.

But this was only brought about by her emotional fluctuations, and it didn't hinder Li Li Xuewu from determining her thoughts and state.

"Regarding the personal relationship between you and Comrade Dong Wenxue, do you have anything else to say?"

"No."

Wang Wang Shumin shook her lowered head, her voice hoarse, and said: "It's all in the past; I don't want to talk about it anymore, and I don't want this matter to affect me anymore, or affect him."

"Okay, I know."

Li Li Xuewu closed the notebook in front of him and said: "Let's end today's talk here. If the organization has other questions, we will find you to understand them then."

Watching Wang Wang Shumin raise her head, Li Li Xuewu sighed and said: "Being able to let go is the best relief, and it is also the most rare great wisdom in life."

Wang Wang Shumin looked at Li Li Xuewu and thanked him: "Thank you, I've caused you trouble."

"It's not trouble, it's work."

Li Li Xuewu signaled to the letters in front of him and said: "If you have any opinions or suggestions, you can write to us; we will definitely investigate and handle them according to the work procedure."

"The result might be different from your expectations, but we firmly defend and uphold your right to speak."

"Thank you."

Wang Wang Shumin pointed to the letters on the table and asked: "Can I take them back?"

"Yes."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and pushed the letters in front of him toward the other party.

Wang Wang Shumin took a deep breath, then picked up the letters on the table, stood up, bowed to Li Li Xuewu, and then turned and left.

Li Li Xuewu watched her back and didn't say anything else.

The situation will foster a person's ambition, and so will power.

When a person suddenly gains a resource that transcends their original life or that they cannot control themselves, they will become extreme and confused.

If this kind of resource is mixed with the relationship between men and women, it is a disaster.

It is for both parties, including those involved.

Li Li Xuewu is not a saint or a gentleman, nor is he Liu Xiahui; he definitely wouldn't dare to say he can cut off his desires, is unaffected by any selfishness, and does everything fairly.

He is a person, a living person, with seven emotions and six desires, the kind that eats grain, not an office machine.

Li Li Xuewu can only say that in the process of doing things, he can fully consider the overall impact, and has a calm mind and wise thinking.

As for what he did and how far he took things, he is certain that his choices were correct and he has no regrets.

In life, where is there time for you to think and judge the right and wrong of the situation in everything, and where is there absolute fairness and justice?

You can only demand of yourself not to let down your heart or your past.

Therefore, living is very difficult.

Perhaps the afternoon's talk was a bit heavy.

Or perhaps the arrival of Li Li Huai De and Li Li Xuewu brought pressure to the Steel Mill's leadership team.

At the evening welcome banquet, everyone was quite restrained, and the number of times glasses were raised could be counted on one hand.

It wasn't until Li Li Huai De finally joked to Li Li Xuewu that "I said earlier that organizational talks are best placed on the last day" that smiles finally appeared on everyone's faces.

Li Li Xuewu didn't talk much at the banquet table; accompanying the leader out, he didn't need to show off.

As for the leadership team members toasting him, he didn't refuse anyone, and every cup was drained.

It wasn't a big deal to begin with; the winds and clouds of the Steel Mill had dispersed, and he knew exactly what the anxiety in these people's hearts was about.

It wasn't necessary.

He didn't need to keep a straight face and scare people with his Discipline Inspection status.

These people didn't need to worry that the two were here to pick faults; if they really wanted to move the Steel Mill's leadership team, they wouldn't have come directly.

But pressure still had to be applied; Li Li Huai De said this deliberately to express dissatisfaction with the performance of the Steel Mill's leadership team members during this stage.

I don't care which side you stood on before, but now you all have to work hard on production.

I don't want to force you to take a stand, but you must have a down-to-earth attitude toward doing things.

If you don't do things and still look for trouble, then don't blame him for being ruthless.

The current production environment is very difficult, technical reform and development are stagnant, and the Steel Mill needs opportunities and improvement; Li Li Huai De is more anxious than anyone else.

Whether the Steel Mill can make progress this year and whether he can make progress depends entirely on the Steel Mill's results.

Just as Li Li Xuewu said, if the Steel Mill develops steadily and the Steel Mill strides forward, he would really dare to ask for a group company from above.

By then, the road ahead of him would be wide and straight.

Not just himself, but the cadres of the entire Steel Mill would benefit.

Just look at where the leaders of the 17th Factory were promoted directly and what heavy burdens they were carrying, and you would know how much Li Li Huai De longed for development.

Within the Steel Mill, he can gain control of the situation through means and planning, as well as the Management Committee.

But externally, if he wants to make progress and show results, he must have something to show.

You can't just say you can fight, grab, and struggle; that won't work.

The sentence Li Li Xuewu said to Yang Yang Zongfang was not to fool him; it was indeed the case.

No matter how many activities the organization holds, it will absolutely not let someone who only knows how to fight become the top leader.

This is the rule, and it is also an iron law.

There isn't a single fool among the Steel Mill's leadership team members who could sit in this position.

But the things they were doing were confused; Li Li Huai De's trip was to make them see the situation clearly, stand in the right position, and not provoke him to take action.

Did they really think that he brought Li Li Xuewu, this Deputy Secretary of Discipline Inspection, Secretary of the Security Division, and Deputy Section Chief, because he liked Li Li Xuewu's eloquence and chatting?

He was telling these people: if you don't submit, I'll let Li Li Xuewu beat you!

The Steel Mill's leadership team members ate this meal like chewing wax, unable to swallow.

But facing Li Li Huai De's words, they had to put on a scene of unity and prosperity.

After the meal, these people sent Li Li Huai De and Li Li Xuewu up the stairs and then dispersed.

Li Li Huai De's attitude toward Dong Wenxue was still okay; he said a few casual words and cared about Han Shu's situation.

Between the lines, he reminded Dong Wenxue that work is important, but taking care of the family is equally important.

Dong Wenxue listened to Li Li Huai De's advice to go home and visit often, and his mouth felt inexplicably bitter.

He had never thought that because of his own desires, things would become so embarrassing, and he would be so shameless in front of leaders and students.

When they reached the third floor, Li Li Xuewu accompanied Dong Wenxue to send Li Li Huai De into his room, then followed him into his room.

A server with a goose-egg face walked in nimbly to pour tea for the two, and then ironed hot towels for them separately before leaving.

Dong Wenxue saw Li Li Xuewu's gaze toward the server and introduced with a bitter smile: "She's a relative from my hometown."

"No wonder."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said: "It's quite good; Han Shu comes less often, the children are grown, and you need someone to take care of you here, so you do need to find a suitable person."

"Sigh~"

Dong Wenxue sighed deeply and said: "I have let Han Shu down, let the children down, and even more so, I have caused you trouble."

Perhaps because he drank a lot of wine in the evening, or perhaps because he finally had someone he could confide in after this period, Dong Wenxue said a lot.

Li Li Xuewu sat on the sofa and listened silently; what the teacher needed now was not life guidance, and even less pity and comfort.

He just needed someone who could open his heart and speak his mind.

Li Li Xuewu knew that he could be trusted by his teacher, and he was also the only one who wouldn't mock him for this or use him.

Dong Wenxue reflected on his own actions while confiding, and expressed regret.

Li Li Xuewu didn't care about this; if he really had that determination and perseverance, why bother bringing a relative from his hometown to put here for people to see.

If this matter were Li Li Xuewu's, he would frankly say he did what he did, and whatever punishment they wanted to give, they could give.

First, be clear about the determination that the red flag at home won't fall, regardless of the attitude toward how many colorful flags are outside.

Second, be clear about the perseverance to accomplish things; either you lock me at home and don't let me out, or you don't interfere with what I do.

Third, be brave enough to admit that this behavior is shameful, wrong, and in poor taste.

However, admitting mistakes, recognizing mistakes, and correcting mistakes does not mean demanding of yourself not to make this mistake again in the future.

At worst, if something happens again, I'll change it again; change it and then commit it again, commit it and then change it again, tempering it a thousand times.

Indulging your unspeakable desires on one hand while regretting your actions on the other is a bit meaningless.

No wonder Li Li Yunlong always said intellectuals are pretentious; it really is that kind of logic.

The server who was said to be a relative from his hometown came in twice during the two's conversation, and like the first time, she didn't knock.

She didn't say a word, kept a straight face, and was more serious than a Bodhisattva in a temple, which made even Li Li Xuewu feel a bit unbearable.

Han Shu was still too ruthless; this time she cut off the teacher's evil thoughts from the root, and it would be a waste of talent if he didn't take out a Buddhist scripture to contemplate life.

But thinking about it, it's also true that Han Shu didn't fail to give him a chance; it was he himself who was useless.

Now don't blame others for being ruthless; if you want to continue living, you have to keep yourself pure.

This also gave Li Li Xuewu a reminder and a demonstration: a rabbit doesn't eat the grass around its nest, and if it does, it doesn't pick grass that has an owner.

The server sent another hot towel to Dong Wenxue; he wiped his tears, which counted as organizing his emotions.

"Speaking my mind to you, my heart feels much lighter."

Dong Wenxue covered his face with the hot towel, easing his emotional wounds.

Perhaps Han Shu's hurt to him was great, or perhaps Wang Wang Shumin's turning her back on him was an even greater hurt.

He was still too concerned about his own face; otherwise, he wouldn't have shed tears in front of Li Li Xuewu.

He thought it was a story of a beauty loving a talented man, which led to the story of red sleeves adding fragrance to night reading.

But who would have thought that she only loved the halo on him; a talented man without wealth also has no feelings.

What can Li Li Xuewu do about a teacher who still believes in love like this?

He couldn't just say, "I believe in your mother's love for selling fried dough twists!" could he?!

"Are you going back to the capital?"

Li Li Xuewu sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, his tone very peaceful, without any color.

This was the first time he spoke since the pleasantries when he entered the room: "There is a trade project in Jinmen, and Director Li said he would let me be responsible for it."

"I'm not going, I'm not going anywhere."

Dong Wenxue slowly sat up straight, took the white towel off his face, and said with a gradually firm tone: "I have already given up once; do I have to give up again?"

Li Li Xuewu nodded, indicating he understood.

That's fine; he still knows his name and what he wants.

He knows even better that his talent is worthless in front of his career, and where the respect people have for him comes from.

"I also don't suggest you leave now."

Li Li Xuewu's voice paused, and he continued: "People say you should climb up from where you fell, not to mention you haven't been beaten down yet."

"I have this responsibility and obligation."

Dong Wenxue nodded, indicating he understood the meaning of Li Li Xuewu's words.

"Regarding family, regarding work, regarding the people who care about me, I have the responsibility and obligation to do well in Steel City."

"Don't be too tired either."

Li Li Xuewu nodded slowly; the other party was a senior and a teacher, and there were many things he couldn't say too much about.

"Knowing I was coming to Steel City on a business trip, Han Shu also entrusted me to give you a few reminders before I left: pay attention to the cooling weather, add clothes, and she said the weather in the Northeast changes quickly, don't neglect your health."

Li Li Xuewu sized up Dong Wenxue and said: "I have already talked to Yang Yang Zongfang; there will be no changes for the time being. If he dares to cause trouble again, I will deal with him first."

"The Steel City's career is related to the transformation and upgrading of the Steel Mill within the next two years; this is the most important and also the key work that Director Li focuses on."

"As long as you control the direction well and master the situation, no one can move the current pattern."

"Don't have any burdens; just do what you should do. The Steel Mill will definitely have great development, and no one can erase the contribution you have made in its development."

Li Li Xuewu's words were very overbearing, and also very direct and powerful, making the server who came in to pour tea look sideways.

She didn't know who this young man who came was, but the fierce aura on his body, as well as his overbearing tone, made her clearly know that this person was not to be trifled with.

Especially in his attitude toward talking to Dong Wenxue, it seemed like a teacher-student relationship, but also treated as equals, which was very complicated.

Not only did the server feel the complex changes in Li Li Xuewu's emotions, but Dong Wenxue himself also knew clearly that the relationship between teacher and student was no longer what it used to be.

Li Li Xuewu was still very concerned about him and respected him, but the look in his eyes when he looked at him inevitably mixed in other things, complicating it.

Dong Wenxue felt somewhat inferior when facing Li Li Xuewu, and Li Li Xuewu helplessly accommodated his inferiority, which in turn weakened the trust between them.

This was unavoidable; Li Li Xuewu could only do so much.

Watching the server make his bed, Li Li Xuewu said a few last casual words, telling him to return to the capital more often and let Han Shu come to Steel City more often, then got up and left.

Sending Li Li Xuewu downstairs, Dong Wenxue returned, looking at the wine and tea leaves Li Li Xuewu brought him, feeling very uncomfortable in his heart.

The server finished tidying the bed, walked over, and asked softly: "Second Uncle, what should I do with these things?"

"Put them away."

Dong Wenxue sat on the sofa powerlessly, waved his hand, and said: "He is different; you just keep the things he sends."

"Understood."

The server's words were very cautious; before coming out, her family had exhorted her, and her Second Aunt had also told her to speak less and do more.

Since her Second Uncle said she could keep them, then she would keep them.

It was just that she was also very strange; usually, he wouldn't even accept a cigarette from others, so why did her Second Uncle treat this young man differently?

What exactly was "different"?

"Why did you come so late?"

Zhou Wang Yamei heard the sound of a car at the door and got up to check; seeing that it was that person, she hurried downstairs.

The car that brought Li Li Xuewu had already left; he walked in as if returning to his own home, opened the gate, and walked inside.

Seeing the woman who came out to welcome him in her pajamas, Li Li Xuewu smiled slightly and said: "It's cool at night; hurry inside, you'll catch a cold."

Zhou Wang Yamei pursed her lips and sized him up properly before entering the house first.

But before Li Li Xuewu could close the door behind him, she threw herself into Li Li Xuewu's arms.

"Why did you only come now~"

Did this not mean the same thing as the question just now?

Li Li Xuewu didn't have time to think; he bent down slightly, held her, and walked toward the living room.

"Is the child asleep?"

"What do you think?"

Zhou Wang Yamei pouted slightly and said: "What time is it now~ I waited for you on the left and you didn't come, I waited for you on the right and you didn't..."

Li Li Xuewu put her on the sofa and said with a smile: "I'm here."

Perhaps because they hadn't seen each other for several months, Li Li Xuewu felt that Zhou Wang Yamei was a bit different.

It might also be because she couldn't bear the pain of lovesickness, Zhou Wang Yamei felt that Li Li Xuewu was also a bit different.

They couldn't say exactly where it was different; it was just a feeling.

The villa's living room wasn't lit; the white gauze curtains that had been drawn before going to sleep at night swayed with the white moonlight, spilling onto the living room floor and casting several patches of light and shadow.

Some clothes were messily thrown on the floor; clearly, the owner of the clothes was in a hurry and didn't have time to tidy them up.

The brass pendulum of the wall clock swung rhythmically, making a clicking sound.

When the clock's hands pointed to the hour, a series of ding-dong sounds rang out, unusually crisp in the quiet night.

When the minute hand turned two circles and the ding-dong sound rang twice, the table lamp on the small side table in the living room finally lit up.

"You go first, I'll get your clothes."

Zhou Wang Yamei bent down to tidy up the clothes on the floor, urging Li Li Xuewu to take a bath while going upstairs to get his clothes.

By the time the two came out of the bathroom, the minute hand had already walked another circle.

Zhou Wang Yamei poured a cup of warm water, drank it herself first, then poured a cup for Li Li Xuewu and brought it to him.

"I thought you weren't coming; Fu Zhidong was making a fuss and wouldn't sleep, waiting for you, so I forced him to sleep."

"I talked to the teacher for a while."

Li Li Xuewu held a dry towel and wiped his hair, took the warm water, and drank it in one gulp.

Zhou Wang Yamei took the teacup he handed over, put it away, and took the dry towel from his hand to wipe his hair.

"How many days can you stay?"

"I don't know."

Li Li Xuewu leaned back on the sofa, looked up at Zhou Wang Yamei, and asked: "Why? Something up?"

"Nothing~"

Zhou Wang Yamei's gaze looked at Li Li Xuewu's hair, wiping it carefully, while her mouth said insincere words.

"Three or four days, I still have to go to Jicheng."

Li Li Xuewu closed his eyes, enjoying her rare tenderness.

Hearing Li Li Xuewu say only three or four days, Zhou Wang Yamei's mouth twitched, and the movement of her hands couldn't help but stop.

Reacting again, she wiped quickly and hurriedly, covering up her inner feelings.

Li Li Xuewu glanced at her and said helplessly: "This is a head, not an iron pot; no need to wipe so hard."

"Heh~"

Zhou Wang Yamei heard his words and knew she had used too much force, and couldn't help but laugh.

Looking down at his face, she asked: "Why are you so hateful?!"

"Who says it isn't so~"

Li Li Xuewu twitched the corner of his mouth, squinted his eyes, and said helplessly: "Sometimes I even hate myself; why am I so charming and so likable?"

"Sigh~ this damn charm also makes me very helpless~ very troubled~"

Zhou Wang Yamei pouted and said: "Why don't you say you are shameless; how can you praise yourself like this!"

She said this with her mouth, but standing behind the sofa and looking down at Li Li Xuewu's face, she could never look enough.

Over the past few months, she had gradually forgotten what Fu Fu Haibo looked like, or rather, he had long since left her life.

And this man was just as much of a bastard as Fu Fu Haibo, not showing his face for months, but she just couldn't forget him.

This bad, bad expression and the way he talked nonsense with a straight face made her unable to extricate herself.

His boasting wasn't nonsense; she missed him, and her son Fu Fu Zhidong also missed him, often muttering about when Uncle would come and when they would go to the capital.

She also wanted Li Li Xuewu to come often, and she also wanted to go to the capital to find him, but reality didn't allow it.

She only belonged to Steel City, and belonged to him in Steel City.