Chapter 865: The Person I'm Waiting For Still Hasn't Arrived~

"Ai!"

Seeing she was about to cry, Li Li Xuewu quickly teased, "Why can't you take a joke?"

Zhang Zhang Songying pressed her lips together, tears swirling in her eyes as she looked at Li Li Xuewu with pure grievance.

Li Li Xuewu quickly glanced around; because he had come out late to make a phone call, he was also eating late, so there weren't many people in the Xiaoshitang at this moment.

He nudged Zhang Zhang Songying's arm and gestured toward the guesthouse direction, saying, "I was just pulling your leg."

Zhang Zhang Songying's tears still fell, but fearing others would see, she wiped them away herself.

Following behind Li Li Xuewu like a little daughter-in-law, once they reached the small path, she finally complained with grievance, "You shouldn't tease like that."

"Hehe~ When has my word ever failed to count?"

Smiling at her, Li Li Xuewu said, "Didn't I already tell you I'd take you? Just start packing your luggage; do you really need someone to send you a formal invitation?"

"It's not that~"

Wiping away a tear, Zhang Zhang Songying said with frustration, "Everyone else has received notice and started preparing; only I was left waiting dryly..."

"Only you are going to the guesthouse; who is organizing it, and who was supposed to notify you?"

Li Li Xuewu reached out to wipe her tears, explaining, "You are going with me; when the time comes, I will lead you and accompany Director Li to inspect the hotels in Yangcheng."

"Others received notice from their team leaders; I am your team leader, so wasn't the notice given to you long ago?"

"I hate you~"

Zhang Zhang Songying recalled what Li Li Xuewu had said while in bed; under those circumstances, who could possibly take such words as a formal notice?

Even if it wasn't formal, it should have been serious, but since neither of them was being serious at the time, how could the notice be serious?

Seeing her break into a smile through her tears, Li Li Xuewu found it amusing and rubbed her head, gesturing toward the office building as he said, "Go do whatever you need to do; I still have work."

"Understood~"

Zhang Zhang Songying held absolute admiration and faith in Li Li Xuewu; whatever he said was the truth.

If her male god said he was busy with work, she believed Li Li Xuewu was working from dawn to dusk, handling ten thousand affairs daily, and truly had no time to play around with her.

So, watching Li Li Xuewu leave, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward, and she happily returned to the guesthouse.

At noon, Qin Qin Huairu looked around but couldn't find Zhang Zhang Songying anywhere, assuming Li Li Xuewu must be upstairs.

But opening the room door, she found no one inside either; going downstairs to look again, she saw Zhang Zhang Songying returning with a smile and couldn't help but chide, "It's not even spring yet~"

"I hate you~"

Hearing Qin Qin Huairu's remark, Zhang Zhang Songying couldn't help but retort with a chide.

To Qin Qin Huairu's ears, this "I hate you" meant that spring had indeed arrived.

Looking at Zhang Zhang Songying with amusement, Qin Qin Huairu pulled her back into the office and asked, "Is he that charming? Do you really need to meet him just to relieve your lovesickness?"

"I went to ask about the business trip itinerary~"

Zhang Zhang Songying explained seriously, "Aren't I supposed to accompany the group to inspect the operations of the guesthouses and hotels in Yangcheng? That's what I went to ask about."

"Who did you ask?"

Qin Qin Huairu pursed her lips and said, "Don't tell me you asked the office; even if you did, I wouldn't believe it."

Without waiting for Zhang Zhang Songying to answer, she pursed her lips to herself and said, "I think you were planning to do something naughty~"

"Get lost! You're the one thinking about it!"

Acting coquettishly angry, Zhang Zhang Songying moved close to Qin Qin Huairu and tickled her, persistently demanding, "Confess! Did you sneak any food at home!"

"Come on! Me sneaking food!"

Curling the corner of her mouth, Qin Qin Huairu said, "If I were to sneak food, I'd want someone like you; I'm old and faded now, who would still love me?"

As she spoke, thinking about being rejected by Li Li Xuewu a few days prior, her heart felt somewhat sour.

Especially this time, Li Li Xuewu was taking Zhang Zhang Songying to Yangcheng without even asking her, making her mouth water with acidity.

Although her family had elders too old and children too young, meaning she couldn't go even if asked, ultimately he hadn't even given her the chance to be rejected, had he?

Zhang Zhang Songying also detected the sourness in Qin Qin Huairu and leaned close to tease her deliberately, "If you didn't sneak food, then are you just unsatisfied~?"

"The more you talk, the more absurd it gets~"

Sitting down on a chair, Qin Qin Huairu looked at Zhang Zhang Songying and said, "You should be a bit more reserved; if others see you, who knows what they'll say."

"Especially regarding the trip to Yangcheng; keep it quiet and don't go broadcasting it."

While speaking, she glanced toward the door and reminded Zhang Zhang Songying, "Those who can't go and feel resentful might just use you as a target."

"She wouldn't dare!"

Zhang Zhang Songying's eyebrows shot up, her tone stern as she declared, "Back when she had backing, I didn't even bother with her; now that she's notorious, she dares to drag me into it?!"

"Keep your voice down!"

Qin Qin Huairu was startled; seeing her shout, she reached out and patted Zhang Zhang Songying, chiding, "The more you talk, the less proper you become; are you just trying to stir things up?"

After saying this, she glanced at the door again, pulled Zhang Zhang Songying down to sit, and said, "Taking you out for training is just giving you a learning opportunity."

"Rein in this temper of yours; it works for now, but later when you're managing your own section, who will clean up your messes!"

"I just can't stand the sight of her."

Zhang Zhang Songying said dissatisfiedly, "Acting like a bitter woman, pulling a long face every day; who is she putting on a show for?"

"Anyway, it's not for you to see; why do you care so much~"

Qin Qin Huairu glared at her, then said with empathy, "How is she not also a person of bitter fate? Why must women make things difficult for women?"

"You're overthinking things again."

Seeing her expression, Zhang Zhang Songying said dissatisfiedly, "It was a mistaken love from the start; did you expect it to last forever or something?"

Speaking thus, she moved close to Qin Qin Huairu, poked her, and chided, "Don't tell me you're planning to go bury yourself in their family graveyard?!"

"Go on~ The more you talk, the less proper you become."

Qin Qin Huairu chided, "Aren't you afraid that one day you'll end up living just like her?"

"Never afraid, because that day will never come!"

Zhang Zhang Songying spoke with great confidence: "First of all, my involvement with him isn't for profit or gain; I simply appreciate his straightforwardness and his true masculine spirit."

"If one day he no longer wants me, then I will disappear from his world; we part on good terms, and life goes on well enough without anyone."

"Just like now."

Thinking of her own family, Zhang Zhang Songying pursed her lips and said, "My husband hasn't been seen for nearly a year, yet aren't I living quite happily?"

"Right now, him being alive only on our marriage certificate is a gain for me; the day he exists only on a cremation certificate would be my true loss."

"With just this one nominal husband, I enjoy my ease and freedom; no one can criticize me, and if anyone dares, I'll slap them hard across the face."

Zhang Zhang Songying looked at Qin Qin Huairu, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Perhaps precisely because there is such a nominal living person, he likes me even more."

"Ugh~ I'm truly afraid of you!"

Qin Qin Huairu twitched the corners of her mouth, unable to bear Zhang Zhang Songying's rebelliousness and nonsense.

Yet after thinking it over in her heart, it seemed this was indeed the case; was it because Zhang Zhang Songying had a family that Li Li Xuewu had accepted her?

What about herself?

Pah~ Need that even be said? Who doesn't love a young widow, especially when she takes the initiative?

When a man establishes a family and a career, he must ultimately make a choice between being married and being with a woman.

Li Li Xuewu's choice was... a married woman!

"Leader, Leader!"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu about to head out, Xiao Zhou, from the exhibition project office temporarily located in the Security Building, chased after him.

"You still need to review the final list of personnel joining the group; I am about to confirm the itinerary for each individual."

"Haven't we already reviewed it?"

Li Li Xuewu gestured for Sha Sha Qizhi to wait a moment, then took the document Xiao Zhou handed over and began flipping through it.

Xiao Zhou explained, "In accordance with Director Li's instructions, personnel assignments for the Propaganda Team have been adjusted, and management staff for several projects were added at the last minute."

"Let me see."

Li Li Xuewu responded verbally while flipping through the documents in his hands.

For this trip to Yangcheng, the accompanying personnel mainly included staff from the exhibition project office and six members of the Propaganda Team.

Relevant business departments such as the Sales Division, Finance Division, and Production Division had all assigned personnel.

Additionally, the group included Chief Engineer Xia Xia Zhongquan, several professors from Huaqing, the shipyard engineering team, the automotive industry team, specialty steel smelting experts, and so on.

Most crucial was the logistics team, comprising secretaries, security personnel, translators, and general affairs staff.

Translators were easy to find; cooperation with Huaqing had infinitely increased the Roll-Steel Factory's talent depth, covering several key languages including English, Russian, and Japanese.

Li Li Xuewu saw the personnel Li Li Huai De had transferred, including Zhou Zhou Miaomiao from the dance troupe, a person he remembered.

Then there were several heads of metallurgy and steel rolling; perhaps Li Li Huai De had his own purposes for them.

Li Li Xuewu paid it little mind, returned the document to Xiao Zhou, and instructed him to finalize this work as soon as possible.

They were departing tomorrow, yet the accompanying list was still not settled; if Li Li Huai De weren't causing trouble, he would have cursed aloud.

Beckoning to Sha Sha Qizhi, Li Li Xuewu took the briefcase from his hand and said, "You don't need to follow me to the Garrison Command; just keep a close eye on sorting out the itinerary again."

After saying this, he patted Sha Sha Qizhi's shoulder, then carried the briefcase and headed downstairs.

Since he was going on a long business trip, he naturally had to return to the Third Guard Regiment to request leave and also report to the Garrison Command.

Of course, his situation was very special; he rarely worked at the Third Guard Regiment usually, so getting leave was extremely easy.

The main reason for leaving work early was to arrange matters for tomorrow's trip to Yangcheng.

The Roll-Steel Factory side would be handled by the office, but Sister Lou required his personal notification.

There was also the Recycling Station side, where he had some arrangements to instruct Shen Shen Guodong to carry out.

First, he went to the Garrison Command to request leave, then returned to the Third Guard Regiment to assign tasks.

Qi Qi Yaowu dragged him into chatting for a while, listening to his arrangements and configuration research regarding the Type 66-6 rifle.

The experimental rifles had already been delivered here, completing the handover and experimental coordination.

Over the next few months, the Third Guard Regiment would conduct experimental training centered around the new weapon.

Qi Qi Yaowu had seen the real gun and handled it personally; very satisfied with its shooting accuracy, he intended to use this rifle to stir up some matters.

Li Li Xuewu had no time to deal with him; after saying a few words, he rushed toward the club.

Sister Lou and Shen Shen Guodong, having received his notification, were both waiting for him here.

Sister Lou's mood was clearly not high; one could even tell she had been crying.

She had suddenly heard Li Li Xuewu's notification telling her that they would depart for Yangcheng this Saturday.

Starting several months ago, she had been waiting for this day, guarding against this day; yet this day had finally arrived.

Traveling from Jingcheng to Gangcheng, going far away to a strange land across Tiannanhaibei, leaving Li Li Xuewu to venture out alone; thinking of this helplessness made one's heart ache no matter how one looked at it.

Because Shen Shen Guodong was present, Li Li Xuewu could not speak any words of comfort and could only assign the necessary work arrangements.

First was Sister Lou; she needed to carry many documents to Gangcheng and prepare all kinds of procedures.

Included here were plans prepared for her by the think tank, a directory of resources that could be allocated by the Jingcheng Recycling Station, and project proposals for future cooperation.

Sister Lou naturally could not swim across to Gangcheng, nor could she row a boat; she would take the formal route.

Ji Ji Ruixuan lacked the ability to get many people over, but arranging for just one person to cross to Hong Kong via formal channels was very easy.

This included helping Sister Lou obtain legal identity and procedures for conducting business in Hong Kong, and cooperating with her to carry out a series of economic maneuvers.

The money was still in Li Li Xuewu's hands; the funds Ji Ji Ruixuan used to set up operations in Yangcheng were advanced by Ji Ji Ruixuan himself.

After arriving in Hong Kong, this account must be settled first, followed by operations such as bank acquisitions and share mergers for real estate companies.

Sister Lou still had the mind for romantic sentiments now, but once she reached Hong Kong, a heap of matters would await her, and she would have no time for weeping then.

Secondly, regarding the trip to Yangcheng, Li Li Xuewu instructed Shen Shen Guodong to prepare one hundred thousand copies of the Little Red Book, as he intended to make a big move at the exhibition.

A single red heart—who could be more devoted than him!

Not just the Little Red Book, but exquisite badges, colored portraits, notebooks, and so on—all the goods the First Detention Center had accumulated at his request were to be transferred away.

Shen Shen Guodong's main task tonight was to arrange the transfer of goods, ensuring everything on Li Li Xuewu's list was sent to the Steel Rolling Plant.

Tomorrow night, a special train with attached carriages would carry these goods out of Jingcheng, heading to Yangcheng alongside the Steel Rolling Plant's exhibition merchandise.

Finally, regarding the arrangements here in Jingcheng: with Sister Lou's departure, management of the club was formally handed over to Yu Li.

During Li Li Xuewu's absence from Jingcheng, Shen Shen Guodong had to ensure the recycling station operated normally and maintain uninterrupted scheduling links with Gangcheng and Gangcheng.

While taking over the club, Yu Li also needed to begin establishing the framework for the management office; Lou Yu would return to Jingcheng after completing the handover with Sister Lou in Yangcheng.

Sister Lou understood Li Li Xuewu well; this man had an excessively strong desire for control, wanting everything within his consideration.

He had even prepared contingency plans for potential mishaps during the trip to Yangcheng, including scenarios where the handover might not go smoothly.

One such plan stated that if she were unable to reach the other shore, Li Li Xuewu would prepare a boat to ferry her across the sea.

Where the boat would come from or how it would be rowed to the other side was not specified in the plan, yet Li Li Xuewu was brimming with confidence.

Looking at these contingency plans for various sudden issues, she couldn't tell whether to feel grateful for Li Li Xuewu's concern for her safety or resentful that he was going to such lengths to send her away.

After finishing this discussion, Shen Shen Guodong left to arrange the goods transfer; taking advantage of the fact that it wasn't dark yet and the First Detention Center's warehouse staff hadn't clocked off, he needed to make preparations.

Meanwhile, Li Li Xuewu wanted to comfort Sister Lou, but she pushed him out the door.

He had hoped to spare some time to accompany the woman who was about to embark on a long journey, as a form of compensation and consolation.

But at this moment, Sister Lou's heart was twisted in turmoil; she only said that after completing the handover with Yu Li, she would go home to keep her mother company.

Knowing her daughter was going to Gangcheng, Mother Lou had returned from Hongxing Village and was now staying at the club, hoping to spend more time together.

When a child travels a thousand miles, the mother worries; even though it was a daughter, she was still Mother Lou's most beloved flesh and blood.

Carrying his bag out the door, Li Li Xuewu felt somewhat awkward and helpless; despite his myriad reluctance to part with Sister Lou, this step ultimately had to be taken.

If Sister Lou did not leave, the preliminary arrangements would be thrown into chaos, and the Lou family's restlessness and lingering troubles would inevitably surface.

Lou Yu's title of "Lou Half-City" was not earned for nothing; did people really think the sufferings he endured later were his original sin?

Even if the protection policies of the Federation of Industry and Commerce were lackluster, they shouldn't have allowed a capital representative in his situation to encounter such severe problems.

While Xu Xu Damao's denunciation played a role, the factor of a tall tree catching the wind also contributed.

The Lou family had to shift the spotlight; the more outstanding Sister Lou's achievements in Gangcheng and the closer her alignment with the Organization, the more stable the Lou family would be in Jingcheng.

The first wave of wind had mostly blown over; the authorities' attention was no longer fixed on these people. Once the fuse burned out, who would care about a few "broken households"?

The second wave of wind about to begin had even less to do with them; as long as they performed actively with a single red heart, the future still belonged to them.

Sister Lou's appearance in Gangcheng signified that this small group of the Lou family had completed the transfer of their funds.

What methods were used need not be investigated, nor could they be investigated.

In this era, there was no surveillance, no internet, and no banking system; the flow of funds was a mystery.

Otherwise, how do you think those exchange rate speculators along the coast made their fortunes?

Paper currency wouldn't be effectively controlled until the twenty-first century, let alone gold in the present day.

Whether money or gold, for the upper echelons and for the entire domestic economic system, neither was of primary importance.

What mattered was the influence that the economic system could represent and generate, and whether it could provide feedback to domestic development and certain sectors.

Otherwise, how did the Galaxy Group and the Wufeng Group develop?

Gangcheng had always been under surveillance and always under control.

It wasn't that Yingjiang was unwilling to return it; rather, we simply hadn't planned to take it back yet.

With such a tiny piece of land existing, the interior had a window to view the world, and wind could blow in from outside.

Sister Lou was like a sunflower placed by Li Li Xuewu on the windowsill, forever following the sun.

"Godmother~"

Li Li Xuewu had just stepped out of the car when the greeting already left his lips.

Wang Wang Shuhua had also just arrived home, carrying vegetables she had just bought; seeing Li Li Xuewu's car arrive, she waited at the courtyard gate.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu get out of the car and head straight to the trunk to unload items, she felt both warmed and saddened.

What warmed her heart was that Li Li Xuewu brought them gifts every time he visited, visiting more diligently than biological children during holidays and festivals.

What saddened her was that her own children were immature; despite such a good relationship, they failed to conduct themselves properly, instead causing their godson to suffer grievances.

If speaking of closeness versus distance, naturally she would side with her biological children.

But it depended on how one looked at it; she and Zheng Zheng Shusen were not senile fools, nor were they the type to be blind to right and wrong, blindly spoiling their children.

Judging the matter on its merits, Zheng Chen Xiaoyan had run back to complain to them that Li Li Xuewu had acted unfairly, leaving her in a lurch and causing her to be criticized by the factory leadership—something even she, as a mother, found unacceptable.

Business was business; Li Li Xuewu had not sought personal favors in this matter, nor had he asked the Tianjin Electronics Factory to provide any special care.

He had merely used Zheng Chen Xiaoyan as a go-between to establish communication channels for purchasing electronic components; why burden oneself with so much responsibility?

Especially calling Li Li Xuewu repeatedly to urge and inquire about this matter, acting as if she truly bore some great burden.

If one followed her implied meaning, wouldn't that require Li Li Xuewu to pressure the First Detention Center into castrating itself?

The First Detention Center was a local establishment in Jingcheng; originally outsiders venturing into this field, they engaged in this entirely for the sake of reputation, seeking achievements in labor reformation.

If they actually managed to Gaochumingtang, that was their own capability; if you couldn't compete with them and instead tried to manipulate supply and channels, wasn't that just acting like a rascal?

What dissatisfied Wang Wang Shuhua about her daughter was that, although public matters should be handled publicly, she insisted on mixing private emotions into it and voluntarily assuming responsibility for communication, all driven by that bit of utilitarian ambition.

To gain the appreciation of leadership, she was willing to abandon her godparent relationship with Li Li Xuewu; Wang Wang Shuhua didn't know how to lecture her daughter anymore.

Anyone could criticize Li Li Xuewu, but her daughter saying he was in the wrong was unacceptable; hadn't Li Shun helped cure the hidden ailment when they were urgently trying to have a child?

Thus, Zheng Chen Xiaoyan returned to Jingcheng in tears, and upon arriving home, was scolded by her parents until she cried again.

Several product categories sold by the Tianjin Electronics Factory in Jingcheng consecutively received return orders and were removed from shelves; supply and marketing cooperatives, department stores, and foreign trade shops all experienced situations of delisting and clearing stock.

The sales department of the Electronics Factory in Jingcheng was completely baffled, unaware of what had happened; after asking around, they discovered that the cooperative relationship had encountered problems.

Huang Gan of the First Detention Center was never a timid or honest soul; if others didn't provoke him, all was well, but provoke him, and he would jump up and curse in the streets.

Leaving aside his family connections, he was also an active member within the club.

The movies watched every Sunday, the games played, and the food eaten were largely prepared by him.

Though it was said to be aid from the First Detention Center to a brother unit, everyone knew this kid had surplus resources and knew how to support his brothers.

The Xicheng Court Yard and the Third Detention Center were the first to reap the benefits, competing fiercely to launch reforms in their labor education projects.

Their slogans were shouted loud enough to shake the mountains: "Break down... Rebuild...", "Tear down... Construct again..."

Righteous and stern in their words, their eyes fixed greedily on the Dongcheng First Detention Center and the Xicheng Third Detention Center, drool practically dripping from their mouths.

Shen Shen Guodong's stature was too small and his rank insufficient to engage in joint detention center construction; this matter required Huang Gan to take the lead, with him providing support.

Regarding the establishment of an electronics factory, the First Detention Center might have been joking at first, but now that the Tianjin Electronics Factory was pulling these tricks, those bastards would certainly not let the other party off lightly.

Thus, all sorts of underhanded and ruthless tactics were deployed, reeking of shared hatred against a common enemy.

Especially after Huang Gan connected with the Jingcheng Television Factory, his backbone stiffened and his confidence surged; with a wave of his hand, he was ready to challenge the Tianjin Electronics Factory.

This was Jingcheng, after all, ultimately their turf; while they might not be able to help you expand your market, if it came to tripping you up, they were professionals.

Do not underestimate Huang Gan, nor the connections within a single system like this club; you never know who is related to whom.

In any case, now that things had blown up, even Huang Gan did not know who was helping to hold up the scene.

Radios from the Tianjin Electronics Factory were voluntarily removed from shelves and cleared out by department stores, and rumors even began circulating that their factory's product quality was problematic.

Originally there was no trouble in the world; it was mediocre people who disturbed themselves.

Zheng Chen Xiaoyan had originally taken on the task thinking it would be an easy merit to claim, but now it had become a hot potato.

Not only was the matter mishandled, but major errors had occurred; even considering Zheng Zheng Shusen's face, the leaders of the Tianjin Electronics Factory were dissatisfied.

Helpless, Zheng Chen Xiaoyan found that Li Li Xuewu was no longer answering her calls, so she ran home to cry and complain.

Just as Li Li Xuewu entered the courtyard carrying two bags, she was coming out of the room.

"Mom, let me carry those for you."

"No need."

Wang Wang Shuhua raised her hand, brushing past her daughter's attempt to curry favor, and went to the kitchen with a cold expression.

Li Li Xuewu's face still retained the smile he had worn while speaking to his godmother, yet he did not speak to Zheng Chen Xiaoyan either.

After delivering the two bags to the kitchen, he washed his hands at the basin by the door.

From the kitchen, Wang Wang Shuhua watched her daughter standing awkwardly in the courtyard and felt truly helpless.

On one side was a filial and polite godson, on the other her own immature biological daughter; now that they were all home, why would one need an impartial official to judge family affairs?

"Go get a Mao Jin for Li Xuewu; what are you standing there for?"

"Oh, yes."

Hearing her mother's instruction, Zheng Chen Xiaoyan answered and went into the room to fetch the Mao Jin.

Li Li Xuewu, however, smiled and said to his godmother, "No need, a shake and it'll be dry."

Finishing, he gestured toward the room and said, "Don't bother yourself; go check on my godfather, I have matters to attend to shortly."

"You are not allowed to leave; you were called here specifically to eat dinner."

Wang Wang Shuhua said discontentedly, "How long has it been since you last visited? Is your work really that busy?"

"To be perfectly honest with you, I have been truly exhausted lately."

Seizing the opportunity to complain, Li Li Xuewu said, "There is a mountain of issues at the factory, and there is also a project advancing over at the Garrison Command; in these past two months, I've spent more than half my time traveling on business."

"Your mother told me."

Wang Wang Shuhua took the Mao Jin from Zheng Chen Xiaoyan's hands and passed it to Li Li Xuewu; seeing that her daughter still looked somewhat embarrassed and unwilling, she couldn't be bothered to scold her.

If you don't act like an older sister, how can you expect others to respect you as one?

Gesturing for Li Li Xuewu to enter the room, she nagged, "No matter how busy work is, you must carve out time to rest; you haven't just started working yesterday, and work has no end."

"Come, come, come!"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu enter, Zheng Zheng Shusen put down the book in his hand and beckoned to him, "Your mother has been talking about you for days; you've finally arrived."

"I was just complaining to my mother."

Li Li Xuewu smiled, first responding to his godfather's greeting, then pulling out a cigarette from his pocket and greeting Zheng Zheng Xicai, who was also in the room: "Big Brother is at home."

"Just arrived."

Having learned his lesson from last time, Zheng Zheng Xicai did not put on airs before Li Li Xuewu this time.

He couldn't put on airs before Li Li Xuewu anyway; how could a section chief of a housing management office presume to act superior before a deputy regiment commander and deputy director of the Security Department of the Garrison Command?

Politely accepting the cigarette Li Li Xuewu offered, he declined Li Li Xuewu's offer to light it, gesturing that he would do it himself.

Li Li Xuewu first lit one for his godfather, before lighting one for himself.

Accustomed to the house being filled with swirling smoke, Wang Wang Shuhua said nothing, simply placing an ashtray in front of the three men.

"My troubles are a basketful; I suppose you've been working hard lately too?"

Taking a puff of his cigarette, Li Li Xuewu finally opened his mouth to pick up the thread with Zheng Zheng Shusen.

Zheng Zheng Shusen waved his hand and said, "Desirelessness brings strength; I have grown accustomed to it."

"As for your factory, I have seen quite a bit about it in the newspapers recently; you are moving very fast."

"Seizing every moment; the situation is urgent."

Blowing out a cloud of smoke, Li Li Xuewu said with some helplessness, "We have tried our best to seek stability, yet we cannot stop ourselves from jogging forward."

Hearing Li Li Xuewu's words, Zheng Zheng Xicai unconsciously raised his eyebrows.

This statement sounded like Li Li Xuewu was engaging in Biao Gong, yet looking at the expression on his face, his helplessness seemed genuine; what exactly did this mean?

His father's words were not explicit either; was there really a problem at the Rolling Steel Factory, or was his father intentionally warning Li Li Xuewu?

After all, his sister was his biological sister; with his parents inviting Li Li Xuewu to their home, surely they weren't really just here to talk about feelings?

While Zheng Zheng Xicai indulged in these wild thoughts, Li Li Xuewu and Zheng Zheng Shusen had already exchanged their respective thoughts and attitudes regarding the status and situation of the Rolling Steel Factory.

The two were perfectly in sync; with just a few words, they said little but conveyed a great deal.

Especially in front of the Zheng family, their cryptic conversation made the brother and sister seem unable to join in, looking like fools.

Zheng Zheng Xicai pondered for a moment, then turned to see his sister's sour expression, finally realizing his father and Li Li Xuewu were chatting so enthusiastically that he had forgotten the main business.

"Dad, Li Xuewu works at the factory; why are you telling him about city affairs?"

Zheng Zheng Xicai interjected, "If you need connections in the city, isn't it enough to just come directly to you?"

"Right, Li Xuewu?"

"..."

Li Li Xuewu glanced at Zheng Zheng Xicai but did not answer him, instead waiting for Zheng Zheng Shusen's response.

Coming to the Zheng home today, he had deliberately positioned himself as an outsider; there was no need to cause trouble for his godmother and godfather.

Zheng Zheng Shusen, eyelids drooping, ignored his son's remark, pointed toward Zheng Chen Xiaoyan, and asked Li Li Xuewu, "Is the situation at the Tianmen Electronics Factory very troublesome?"

"I truly don't know about that."

Facing his godfather's directness, Li Li Xuewu understood the other man's intent; treating him without reserve meant truly not regarding him as an outsider.

Li Li Xuewu spoke plainly, glancing at the aggrieved Zheng Chen Xiaoyan, and explained to Zheng Zheng Shusen, "The warden of the First Detention Center is Huang Gan, a classmate from my training course."

"Lao Lao Biaozi has some cooperation with him; I'm unclear on the specifics, but initially, regarding this electronics factory matter, they did indeed ask me for help."

Gesturing toward Zheng Chen Xiaoyan, he continued, "What I told Sister Chen Xiaoyan was also that official business should be handled officially; I was merely helping a friend."

"I've already gotten involved in this favor."

Zheng Chen Xiaoyan picked up the thread, "Initially, you didn't say they were operating on such a large scale; I even instructed you not to let them affect our factory's product sales..."

"Enough, say less."

Seeing her daughter still stubborn about this, Wang Wang Shuhua frowned and scolded, "You don't understand 'official business handled officially'? Is that Li Xuewu's concern?"

"Just because you said not to let them affect things, he had to relay that message and make that decision for you?"

Since everyone present was family, Wang Wang Shuhua saved her daughter no face, speaking bluntly, "Have you never asked anyone to handle affairs before? You didn't do your part well, yet you push the blame onto others; is that how you do your work?"

Scolded by her mother again, Zheng Chen Xiaoyan felt she couldn't save face; pressing her lips together, she was on the verge of tears once more.

Zheng Zheng Xicai couldn't stand it anymore; lifting his chin, he said, "It's just such a small matter; is it worth all this?"

"Li Xuewu, you too, trying to lump every unit together; could that detention center possibly produce anything good?"

Naturally siding with his sister, he complained to Li Li Xuewu with neither light nor heavy tone, "Especially this recent conduct is improper; smashing someone's rice bowl is unacceptable."

"Don't you speak!"

Wang Wang Shuhua glared at her son, saying, "This has nothing to do with you; we're talking about Chen Xiaoyan!"

After scolding her son, she turned to her daughter, "Are you overthinking things again? Does public business require you to shoulder the burden?"

"You're foolish beyond measure!"

Wang Wang Shuhua tapped her daughter's forehead, saying, "You've been used as a spear by others, yet you're still here nursing grievances."

Having finished with her daughter, she looked at Li Li Xuewu and said, "We called you home today not to set up a debating stage for you and your sister to argue over who is right or wrong."

"Yes, I understand."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and followed his godmother's lead, saying, "As I mentioned on the phone, this matter should be handled however it needs to be handled."

"I have neither the ability to interfere with the electronics factory's sales work nor any ulterior motive to affect Chen Xiaoyan's future."

"The conversation is drifting too far."

Wang Wang Shuhua glared dissatisfiedly at her daughter and also addressed Li Li Xuewu, "Over such a trivial matter, the brother and sister cannot reconcile; must you harbor resentment against him while he feels uncomfortable toward you?"

"Chen Xiaoyan lacks the demeanor of an elder sister, and you, as the younger brother, feel bad seeing her in difficulty; if anything reaches me, can it not be clarified?"

Her words were repetitive, advising Li Li Xuewu while scolding Zheng Chen Xiaoyan; she winked at her daughter to take the initiative, yet Zheng Chen Xiaoyan still kept her face turned aside, silent.

Zheng Zheng Shusen frowned slightly, pointed at Zheng Zheng Xicai who was about to speak, and signaled him to shut up.

"Go back and tell your leaders: if problems arise, solve them; wherever mistakes were made, admit them proactively and come to Jingcheng to apologize."

"This world does not revolve around you; if you want to do business in Jingcheng, then you must abide by Jingcheng's rules."

"Human relations and worldly wisdom are also rules!"

Seeing his daughter turn around, defiant and about to speak, Zheng Zheng Shusen suddenly raised his voice, frightening Zheng Chen Xiaoyan into silence.

"Are you the director of the Tianmen Electronics Factory, or the head of the sales department, or have you gone mad with ambition for promotion?"

Zheng Zheng Shusen cast an annoyed glance at his daughter; his wife had spoken so clearly, yet she still didn't understand the situation, so he couldn't blame himself for speaking so harshly.

In educating his children, he was somewhat lax, always thinking peace is a blessing, never demanding they be overly ambitious or go far.

Yet both his son and daughter were restless, always harboring little schemes.

Zheng Chen Xiaoyan had returned home seeking her parents' support simply because she saw the factory leaders wanted to take a shortcut, saving face while regaining face.

Being a native of Jingcheng herself, with a father who was the city's helmsman, a few flattering words from others had trapped her.

On this trip back, she intended to regain face for the factory so she would have something to say before her leaders.

But who could have expected that neither her father nor her mother supported her; instead, they exposed her little schemes, making her even less able to accept Li Li Xuewu's portrayal as a victim.

"This matter ends here."

Zheng Zheng Shusen, eyelids drooping, ignored his daughter's grievance and his son's indignation, beckoning Li Li Xuewu and saying, "Don't pay them any mind; the road has been too smooth for them; they need to suffer some hardships to improve."

"If you put it that way, I truly have no place to stand."

Li Li Xuewu gave a bitter smile, glanced at the people in the room, and said, "Tonight I will communicate with the First Detention Center and try to mediate."

"I will also do some work on Sister Chen Xiaoyan's side; after all, the two units have a foundation of cooperation, so there is room for dialogue."

"What are you doing?"

Seeing Li Li Xuewu rise, Wang Wang Shuhua called out to him, saying, "Aren't you even staying for the meal?"

"Mom, look at what you're saying."

Li Li Xuewu smiled, actively stepped to Wang Wang Shuhua's side, and explained, "Tomorrow I am traveling on business to Yangcheng; I will be gone for over half a month and won't return until the end of the month; there are many matters at home left unarranged."

"That's still about a meal's worth of time away."

Seeing Li Li Xuewu had already greeted his beloved, Wang Wang Shuhua still wanted to keep him for dinner, but Li Li Xuewu had already stepped out.

"Truly too busy to manage."

Li Li Xuewu smiled, holding his godmother's hand, and said as he walked out, "When I get back, I'll bring you some specialties from Yangcheng, and then have a few good drinks with my dad."

Zheng Zheng Shusen had also thrown on a coat to see him out; knowing Li Li Xuewu was feeling upset, he didn't know what to say.

Li Li Xuewu, however, was quite open-minded; paying no mind to his godfather and godmother's attitudes, he waved his hand, got into the car, and departed.

Wang Wang Shuhua watched Li Li Xuewu's jeep drive off into the distance before frowning and turning back.

Seeing her beloved in the same state, she couldn't help but sigh, shaking her head helplessly.

Sons grow up and no longer heed their mothers; now that both son and daughter have established their own families and careers, their words no longer carry weight.

Clearly acting for their children's sake, they now seemed as if the old couple were biased toward outsiders.

If they truly had sided with Li Li Xuewu, the old couple wouldn't have felt wronged; they only felt their children were immature, narrow-sighted, and incapable of achieving greatness.

As parents, who doesn't favor their own flesh and blood? Even if someone else's child is excellent, could they possibly be better than one's own?

Li Li Xuewu agreed with this point, so in the Zheng family, he never intended to compete for anything; expressing his stance was sufficient.

Toward his godfather and godmother, he always remained grateful for their help and support, so how they interacted before is how they would interact henceforth.

As for Zheng Zheng Xicai and Zheng Chen Xiaoyan, those who walk different paths cannot plot together.

After leaving the Zheng residence, Li Li Xuewu checked his watch; it was already past mealtime.

Remembering the fruit he hadn't eaten last night, he had Han Han Jiankun drive him to the residential area where the Ran family lived.

"Come pick me up here at twenty-one fifteen."

Li Li Xuewu instructed Han Han Jiankun, "Find a place to sort out your own meal; I won't worry about you."

"Yes, Leader."

Han Han Jiankun didn't ask Li Li Xuewu what he was doing nor inquire who lived here; the moment Li Li Xuewu got out of the car, he drove away.

Li Li Xuewu glanced at the door number, lifted the items in his hand, and went to knock on the door.

Hearing the doorbell, Ran Ran Qiuye was startled; it was already dark outside, and she was alone in the house.

Because of her parents' matters, she no longer maintained contact with people from school; who would come calling at this hour?

She dared not think of that scoundrel; he hadn't shown up after she waited all night yesterday, so could it be him today?

"Why is it you!"

"Why couldn't it be me?"

Seeing Ran Ran Qiuye standing stunned at the door, Li Li Xuewu asked with amusement, "Have I come at an inconvenient time? Are you expecting someone else?"

Ran Ran Qiuye pressed her lips together, tears falling uncontrollably, and said angrily, "Yes, I am waiting for a bastard, a promise-breaking bastard."

"Heh, then what bad luck; I am not the person you are waiting for."

Li Li Xuewu, making himself right at home, squeezed past her into the inner room; it was quite cold standing outside.

Having come directly from his unit, he was still wearing black trousers, a white shirt, and an administrative jacket.

How did that saying go again?

The administrative jacket is extraordinary: worn over a white shirt, it is waterproof, windproof, and rot-proof; fair, just, and open; breathable, sweat-wicking, and transparent; dirt-resistant, wear-resistant, and inspection-resistant; value-retaining, price-stable, and integrity-preserving.

It can withstand great winds and huge waves, withstand petty profits and small favors, withstand beauties throwing themselves into one's arms...

"You did this on purpose, didn't you!"

Ran Ran Qiuye pressed her lips together, teardrops swinging on her eyelashes; though secretly delighted by his sudden arrival, her mouth still called him a dead ghost.