Chapter 889: Nightfall

"Let's just look at these."

Before getting into the car, Li Huai De greeted Li Xuewu, told him to make arrangements, and then climbed in.

Li Xuewu knew the leader had matters to discuss with him, so he waved over Zhang Songying and arranged for her to lead the project team in completing the remaining inspection tasks.

Zhang Songying was very surprised that the leader had stopped after looking at only two hotels.

Seeing that Li Xuewu was also leaving, she hurriedly asked, "Then what about the inspection report?"

"What do you mean, what about it?"

Li Xuewu glanced at her and said, "Of course, you are the one to make the call!"

Seeing that she was still hesitant, Li Xuewu beckoned Sha Qizhi over and instructed him, "You stay behind and assist Director Zhang in completing the rest of the inspection."

"Understood, Leader."

Sha Qizhi accepted the task straightforwardly, stood with Zhang Songying, and watched as Li Xuewu left in the jeep.

Zhang Songying looked back at the inspection team already on the minibus, feeling a bit unsure of what to do next.

Sha Qizhi, however, understood clearly why the leader had left him behind. He whispered a reminder to Zhang Songying: "Just follow the original route. You provide the main opinion, and I'll help you with anything you're unsure about."

Hearing him say this, Zhang Songying hesitated: "Then... the inspection report...?"

"It will naturally be the leader's opinion."

Sha Qizhi glanced at her; only now did he confirm that this Director Zhang's performance last night hadn't been a joke.

"How could I possibly represent the leader's opinion!"

Zhang Songying certainly had the ability to inspect the site; after all, she had been managing the guesthouse for over half a year.

But today's inspection task was presided over by Director Li; she didn't have the nerve to make decisions on his behalf.

Sha Qizhi didn't mind; he was already very accustomed to this way of doing things from the leader.

Of course, he never saw this from Li Xuewu. Unless the other party was on a business trip and had mandatory inspection items, it was never his turn to "borrow the tiger's might" (act with the leader's authority).

Now, Zhang Songying had to act with the leader's authority, representing Li Huai De in leading the team to inspect the guesthouse management tasks.

"Don't panic."

Sha Qizhi advised, "Pay attention and follow the leader's previous inspection opinions. As long as you don't go outside this big framework, there won't be any problems."

"Also."

Under Zhang Songying's hesitant gaze, he reminded her again: "You can expand the scope a bit and record more; that way, the leader will have a range to choose from."

"Understood."

If that was the case, Zhang Songying understood; it was nothing more than making the preliminary inspection work more detailed and precise.

After returning, the leader would distill a portion from her opinions, and that would be the leader's opinion.

Zhang Songying knew Sha Qizhi's character and trusted his relationship with Li Xuewu. She whispered a joke: "So, being a leader is this easy~"

"..."

This was something only Zhang Songying could say; in any case, Sha Qizhi was left speechless.

Li Xuewu could also be considered a leader, but he hadn't seen the slightest bit of how easy Li Xuewu's life as a leader was.

Li Huai De was a proper leader. Except for the first day at the exhibition site, and staying there for a short while on the second day, he disappeared for the rest of the exhibition time.

Do you think he really went off to have fun?

As long as it was a conference-style gathering, the main leaders of each unit never had it easy.

Listening to them talk about endless banquets and entertainment every day, you'd know the truth if you actually went: it was incredibly boring.

A group of old men gathered together, comparing their status based on their positions, stepping on those below, reaching for those above, repeating most of the ineffective social interactions.

But as the person in charge of a unit, he really couldn't afford not to go. Do you think the Steel Mill's exhibition activities had so many things going on without anyone managing them for no reason?

A leader: usually you might not see him, but at critical moments, he will definitely appear to solve things you can't handle.

In his position, he plans his politics; don't worry about what the leader is doing, just do your own job and don't add trouble for those above.

When you become a leader, you will face endless trouble from below, endless problems to solve, and what subordinates see as useless work.

Li Huai De called Li Xuewu to get in the car and leave together; was it to go swimming?

Or to go drinking and carousing, living a life of luxury and color?

What?

Don't know what "five lights and ten colors" means?

Isn't it just five... lights, plus five... makes ten colors...

Li Xuewu didn't know these things either; he didn't often... no... never... it was all things he heard friends mention.

Of course, there was no "five lights and ten colors." Li Huai De, after a morning of deliberation, was going to give Li Xuewu a reply regarding the proposal to invest in and build an electronic industrial base in Steel City.

"Your ideas are a bit ahead of their time."

Li Huai De sat in the car, tapped his knees lightly, and said with some difficulty: "I've considered it, and this matter is not easy to handle."

"Deputy Director Jing also mentioned it to me."

Li Xuewu sat beside Li Huai De, looking at him sideways and saying: "To say it was a spur-of-the-moment idea is absolutely impossible..."

"So it was premeditated, right?"

"Hehehe~"

Li Huai De interrupted Li Xuewu's explanation, chuckled, waved his hand, and said: "Young people should have drive and ideas."

He looked at Li Xuewu with a scrutinizing gaze and asked: "Otherwise, why would I put you in this position? Right?"

"Yes, thank you for your trust, Leader."

Li Xuewu smiled sincerely and said: "It was I who caused you trouble."

"Ayy~~~"

Li Huai De waved his hand again and said indifferently: "This isn't called trouble. If all the cadres in the Steel Mill had your talent, I would truly have nothing to worry about~"

The driver in front was brought by Li Huai De, and his secretary, Li Haiyang, sat in the passenger seat.

The two leaders were talking in the back; they didn't even dare to turn their heads.

Especially the secretary, Li Haiyang. If it were an ordinary cadre, he would have turned around to help the leader build rapport by now.

Either saying how much the leader valued the other party, or saying how much the other party respected the leader—in any case, it would be about connecting the top and bottom.

Only when Li Xuewu was present did Li Haiyang act like a newcomer, resolutely not daring to interrupt casually.

This wasn't because he feared Li Xuewu, but out of respect for the capable.

If Jing Yunong were sitting in the back, he wouldn't dare turn his head to interrupt with random remarks either.

In his heart, Li Xuewu's status and ability were above those of the various deputy directors.

This wasn't something he said, nor was it a definition he gave Li Xuewu; it was something Li Huai De had said to him personally.

Li Huai De had to acknowledge Li Xuewu's ability, but he was also limiting Li Xuewu's potential.

Just as he had said, young people should have drive and ideas, but as a leader, he also had to maintain control; he couldn't let young people run wild.

Having one Li Xuewu in the steel mill was enough; it wasn't as he had said, that it would be fine if everyone were like Li Xuewu.

If that were truly the case, let alone resting easy, he would be buried alive even with his eyes wide open.

With one Li Xuewu constantly digging holes and whipping him, if there were ten, a hundred, or a thousand Li Xuewus... he wouldn't need to live anymore.

"The project is absolutely a good project, and the plan is also seamless."

Li Huai De took the file bag from Li Haiyang's hands, placed it on his knees with great care, and said with emotion: "If this matter can be facilitated, the steel mill won't lack construction funds in the future."

"I understand your feelings very well, and I am also very clear about your intentions."

Li Huai De turned his head to look at Li Xuewu, gazed at this face that was excessively young, nodded slightly, and after a long silence, said again: "You are a talent, a great talent!"

"Not at all, Leader, let's not praise each other since we are family~"

Li Xuewu smiled politely, not minding the hesitation and awkwardness in Li Huai De's words, and maintained a normal mindset throughout.

"Hehe~"

Li Huai De was also infected by him, smiled lightly, and said: "Family members see things the most clearly, and it is most regrettable for you."

"Leader, please speak freely."

Li Xuewu smiled and said: "Precisely because we are family, right?"

"Mm, I like this mindset of yours~"

Li Huai De pointed his finger at Li Xuewu and said: "No matter what you do, you must have perseverance, and even more so, determination!"

"Tell me again about the key points of why this project must be launched."

He kept his hand pressed on the file, did not return it to Li Xuewu, but instead requested a further discussion.

Li Xuewu's eyebrows also jumped slightly, and he said: "Looking solely at the electronic industry production environment and industrial layout, the Northeast region is not lacking in electronic factories."

"Including the Jinmen Electronic Factory, the Beijing Television Factory, and other electronic industries, they are blossoming everywhere in the North China region."

"But this kind of industrial distribution can only solve the basic needs for electronic products and cannot form an absolute industrial advantage."

"Especially in terms of supply chains and capacity conversion, there are innate deficiencies."

Li Xuewu explained in a steady tone and at a measured pace: "According to the existing production model, those who produce televisions only do televisions, and those who produce radios absolutely do not touch televisions."

"Just like our factory, capacity overflow, right?"

Li Huai De interjected: "This isn't just one enterprise saying this; it's already under investigation."

"Yes, that is exactly it."

Li Xuewu nodded and said: "The electronic industry base that the steel mill wants to build is to integrate categories, consolidate resources at the production source, form cluster-style production, and thoroughly solve the problem of capacity loss."

"Mm, costs will be reduced, and output will increase."

Li Huai De summarized: "This is an important reason why I am reluctant to return it to you."

As he spoke, he patted the file on his lap and said softly: "This is a cornucopia."

"From the strategic perspective of the electronic industry, creating an electronic industry cluster in the Bohaiwan is conducive to forming an absolute commercial occupation of the surrounding electronic industry environment."

Li Xuewu explained from another angle: "We lack creative ability in high-end scientific research fields; if we lose production capacity as well, this will undoubtedly become a loophole."

"There are no shortcuts to development; the loopholes left today will have to be compensated for a hundredfold or a thousandfold in the future."

"Most importantly,"

Li Xuewu looked at Li Huai De and stated: "Catching up takes time; whoever occupies this field will not easily let others climb over this wall."

"By then, I'm afraid there won't even be an opportunity to catch up."

Li Huai De lifted his head slightly, very clear about the weight of Li Xuewu's words.

What Li Xuewu was talking about now was not the gain or loss of the steel mill alone, but the future of the entire Bohaiwan electronic industry environment.

Especially in the file, Li Xuewu had already provided the progress of the intent negotiations for distribution agencies, proving that this project had development potential and was profitable.

This made him even more reluctant to give up the file in his hands; his eyebrows couldn't help but furrow slightly as he seriously pondered Li Xuewu's explanation.

"Finally, returning to the layout for consuming the steel mill's capacity overflow,"

Li Xuewu said cautiously: "Talking about heavy industry industrial adjustment and developing light industry to solve the burden, it all boils down to industrial complementarity."

"You saw the performance of heavy industry at the trade fair; the overall level is lagging by more than ten years."

"If the steel mill wants to rely on metallurgy and steel rolling to make a breakthrough in the heavy industry field, or even become a key enterprise, it must complete self-innovation."

"Whether it is production processes, industrial equipment, or the technical ability of workers, an overall upgrade is needed."

"Capital is the most difficult threshold hindering our factory from taking this step."

Li Xuewu's tone gradually became intense, and he pointed his finger at his palm, saying: "Developing light industry is to utilize the remaining advantages of heavy industry to realize the transformation of the industrial center as soon as possible and raise funds for the transformation."

"Including the automotive industry, shipbuilding industry, hardware and small hardware industry, military production, etc., all are extensions of capacity from heavy industry to light industry."

"Although our factory made a splash at the trade fair and achieved certain results, this is far from enough for the industrial transformation involving millions."

Li Xuewu calculated on his palm with his finger: "The metallurgical industry needs overall improvement, the entire set of steel rolling systems needs to be updated, and the important thing is research and development."

"Without the progress of science and technology, we will always eat the leftovers of others; we must start from scratch, starting from our generation of leadership."

He stared at Li Huai De with burning eyes, not wanting him to give up every project and every layout currently in place.

Li Huai De was also reluctant to let go of the "pie" in his hands; it was truly because what Li Xuewu had painted was too tempting.

"Tell me how to realize industrial monetization; you know what our factory needs."

"Our factory doesn't need money."

Li Xuewu looked at Li Huai De and said: "Our factory needs projects, technology, equipment, and channels to sell products."

"If it's a problem that can be solved with money, then for you, and for the steel mill, it's not a problem."

"Mm."

Li Huai De nodded, indicating that this was indeed the case: "So you want to engage in compensation trade, and then do processing with supplied materials and production outsourcing."

"Exactly, this is the optimal path for the steel mill to break through industrial field limitations."

Li Xuewu looked at Li Huai De and explained: "The Japanese use outsourcing production as an unconventional means of marketing breakthrough; for us, it is the same."

"This is not hard to understand."

Li Huai De nodded and said: "Whether it's commercial cooperation or other cooperation, mutual need is the foundation of stability."

Li Xuewu knew that Old Li was very cunning; he understood the logic as soon as it was explained.

Li Haiyang, sitting in the passenger seat, quietly recorded this sentence Li Xuewu had said.

The previous record was "If it's a problem that can be solved with money..."

It was said so well; hadn't he noticed that the leader's tone had become much lighter? Obviously, he was very satisfied.

Li Haiyang had to admit that in terms of conversational skills and reporting work, he was a long way behind Li Xuewu.

To be able to make a leader keep a plan he was prepared to reject and be reluctant to hand it over, and even persuade the leader to ask question after question, showed how deep this reporting skill was.

It didn't matter if the gap was large; nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets their mind to it!

He would learn! He would record these words of Director Li and refine them into his own rhetoric later.

A secretary, after all, learns from the leader, learns from comrades, learns in life, and learns at work.

It was unlikely he would be as young, promising, and talented as Director Li, but with effort, he also wanted to strive for the title of a promising youth.

"So, on the basis of joint enterprises and tertiary industry production, we should develop the food industry and electronic industry separately."

Li Xuewu looked at Li Huai De and explained: "Automotive industry, shipbuilding industry, and other extended light industries can effectively support the industrial transfer of heavy industry."

"The food industry and electronic industry can quickly solve the funds and time needed for industrial transfer."

"Mm, to put it bluntly, it's still money."

Li Huai De nodded and said: "Time is also money; you still feel that the steel mill's group-based process is too slow."

"Time flows like this, never ceasing day or night."

Li Xuewu's eyes narrowed slightly, and he said very firmly: "The cash flow push generated by one food industry is too slow; add an engine to speed up the group-based goal."

Cash flow push... engine... speed up...

Li Haiyang, sitting in the passenger seat, was busy writing so fast his pencil was about to fly; he had to record all of Director Li's golden sentences.

It was truly amazing; these words were all commonly seen, but through clever substitution, he had connected them so magically.

How Li Haiyang judged whether this sentence was good or not depended entirely on Li Huai De's reaction behind him.

Now that Director Li wasn't speaking, it meant the leader had listened and was thinking carefully.

If a leader can think seriously about your words, it means your words have absolute value.

Li Huai De was silent for more than ten minutes before looking at Li Xuewu and asking: "Did you go out for social engagements last night?"

"Yes."

Li Xuewu nodded and replied: "I had a meal with the Fruit Distribution General Company from Gui Province and Chuan Province; I wanted to solve the raw material supply for joint trade and the food industry."

"Mm, thank you for your hard work."

Li Huai De nodded and said: "I have also been busy with social engagements during this time and haven't been able to spare the time to think carefully."

"You have more things to do than I do."

Li Xuewu smiled, not minding Li Huai De's sharp turn, jumping from one topic being discussed to another.

Many leaders have this bad habit, intentionally, just to keep you from grasping their thoughts.

Li Xuewu also spoke in circles, testing while answering.

"You must pay attention to your health; don't quit smoking to maintain your health, only to have it ruined by alcohol."

"Hahaha~"

Li Huai De laughed softly, patted the file on his knees, and said: "Quitting smoking without quitting alcohol is like having nothing at all."

After finishing, he gestured to the file in his hand and said: "However, the alcohol consumed during this time wasn't in vain."

He turned his head to look at Li Xuewu and said: "The leaders of the Fourth Light Industry Bureau in charge of economic trade and the electronic industry are all in Yangcheng; I found out that they are holding a meeting at the Yangcheng Hotel."

"Director Li?"

Li Xuewu widened his eyes in surprise, looking at Li Huai De in disbelief; he really hadn't expected Old Li to be so bold as to talk directly to the higher-ups.

Li Huai De, however, wasn't as awesome as Li Xuewu thought, daring to take him into the meeting venue to find the big bosses.

Instead, he raised the file in his hand and said: "I pulled some strings and got five minutes; when they are resting and smoking, you will have five minutes to report."

"Five minutes!?"

Five minutes for greetings, self-introduction, and project introduction—how much would be left after a round?

"Okay!"

Li Xuewu nodded firmly and said: "Even if it's only one minute, I must strive for it!"

"This attitude of yours is exactly what I want."

Li Huai De pointed at Li Xuewu and said: "The food industry is easy to talk about, but the electronic industry involves too much; without the approval procedures from above, we absolutely cannot open up the situation."

"Especially what you said about electronic industry clusterization, and it's also an export-oriented trade order; after passing the Ministry of Trade, we still have to pass the Fourth Light Industry Bureau."

"Understood."

Li Xuewu nodded in confirmation; he truly understood that all electronic industry production in the country must be carried out under the leadership of the Fourth Light Industry Bureau.

This was a different matter from the workshop run by the prison; the project Li Xuewu designed had seriously exceeded the scale and authority of an enterprise running a "small factory."

No enterprise could ignore the leadership above and launch cluster-style industrial projects at will.

Including the food industry, hardware and small hardware industry, and automotive industry, these were all procedures Li Huai De had been running for a long time, or was still running.

The Yingcheng Shipyard didn't need these procedures because when it was acquired, the procedures were complete.

Li Huai De was also very distressed; since Li Xuewu took over project management, the projects in the factory had been like a game of whack-a-mole.

One after another, he had just finished running for this one, and that one came up; he ran for that one, and this one appeared here.

Mentally exhausted, Li Huai De was truly tired.

This was far from his expectation of continuing to play music and dance after becoming the director of the Management Committee~

He had decided several times to resolutely stop accepting project reports submitted by Li Xuewu, and even more so, not to agree to run projects or approval procedures for him.

But every time a project report was handed to him, seeing the bright output estimates at the very beginning, he couldn't help but feel a tightness in his heart.

He knew, he knew, Li Xuewu was fishing him, using this vulgar filth to fish him!

But when clinking glasses, someone would say: "Old Li, you're doing great! I heard you're building cars, and ships, and now the steel mill's products are going to sea?! Amazing, amazing!"

Li Huai De knew very well that he had lost himself in these praises and could no longer find the joy of playing music and dancing.

Dancing was nowhere near as interesting as being praised for being awesome, especially when figures who were more awesome than him initially took the initiative to praise him.

Let alone clearing relationships to find big bosses for project approval procedures, even if he had to smash pots and sell iron, he had to support Li Xuewu's dream!

A young person's dream is priceless!

The jeep, bearing the license plate of the Yangcheng Garrison, entered the parking lot of the Yangcheng Hotel without obstruction.

The three of them got out of the car. Li Huai De waved at the person standing at the entrance, then, while leading Li Xuewu toward the entrance, exhorted: "Be careful, speak boldly."

"Understood."

On the car ride over, Li Huai De had already explained that the main person to meet this time was the Deputy Director of the Economic Planning Commission and member of the Party Group, Deputy Director Zheng.

Although the economic plan had been disrupted and some leaders had adjusted their work, economic work was still operating.

Deputy Director Zheng had come this time to investigate the trade fair, see the feedback from the site and the exhibitors, and most importantly, assess whether this year's economic trade would be affected.

Li Huai De had exhorted him in the car that as long as he signed, the subsequent problems would be easy to solve.

Whether it was the Ministry of Trade or the Fourth Light Industry Bureau, they wouldn't block his approval.

So this time, Li Huai De pulled strings and found Director Zhang, who was responsible for coordinating the trade fair.

Director Zhang was also worn down by Li Huai De and could only agree to help coordinate.

But when Li Xuewu followed Li Huai De into the lobby, passed through the hall, and stopped outside a meeting room, Director Zhang, who had gone ahead and returned, said very awkwardly: "Things have changed a bit; Deputy Director Zheng is going to rest for a while, and the secretary is blocking visitors."

"Wasn't it agreed to be five minutes!"

Li Huai De raised his eyebrows, looked at Director Zhang, and said: "Are there other problems?"

"Old Li,"

Director Zhang glanced behind him, pressed Li Huai De's arm, and said: "I am only responsible for coordination work and cannot influence the leader's time."

After finishing, he looked at his watch, thought about Li Huai De's background and connections, gritted his teeth, and said: "I will take you over now to test the secretary's attitude; if we can get in, we get in; if we can't, we withdraw."

"Okay!"

Li Huai De patted Director Zhang's hand, gestured to Li Xuewu, and led him to follow Director Zhang toward the lounge deep in the corridor.

Arriving at the lounge entrance, Director Zhang took the responsibility and knocked on the door.

When the secretary pushed the door open and stood in front of it, Director Zhang introduced: "These are comrades from the Beijing Steel Mill who have work they want to report to Deputy Director Zheng."

"Didn't I say the leader is going to rest?"

The secretary looked at Li Huai De and Li Xuewu impatiently and snapped at Director Zhang.

Li Huai De replied: "Comrade, please rest assured, the visit will definitely not exceed five minutes."

"Everyone says that."

The secretary looked Li Huai De up and down and said impatiently: "Who hasn't come and stayed for half an hour?"

Seeing the secretary's attitude soften, Li Huai De said earnestly: "Rest assured, if it exceeds the time, please kick us out."

"Let them in."

Before the secretary could answer, he heard the leader's voice from inside the lounge.

"Yes."

He first answered, then pointed at the watch on his hand to Li Huai De and Li Xuewu, signaling them to pay attention to the time.

Li Huai De nodded, composed himself, and led Li Xuewu into the lounge.

Director Zheng was not very old, but his spirit was not very good, possibly due to too much work and overwork.

Li Huai De was very straightforward this time, leading Li Xuewu into the room to sit down, presenting the materials and requesting instructions.

And Li Xuewu only reported two sentences:

One was: How can the Bohaiwan break through the blockade without its own light industry electronic and electrical industry cluster?

The other was: The steel mill is willing to enter the game, combining economy and trade, striving for a breakthrough in heavy industry transformation internally, and striving for the lead in light industry electronic industry strategy externally.

Deputy Director Zheng did not feel that Li Xuewu was insignificant because of his young age.

He didn't look at the thick investment proposal but held the application and looked at it; everything that should be there was there.

"The current economy is very difficult; the Economic Planning Commission is in the process of governance and rectification, and in principle, no new projects are approved."

"There are always exceptions to principles, right?"

Li Huai De said: "We will raise all the funds ourselves and undertake corresponding production plan tasks after production and operation begin."

"Hehe~"

Deputy Director Zheng obviously knew Li Huai De, looked at him and smiled, saying: "Let's see~"

Li Xuewu looked at the time on his hand; four minutes had already passed, so he gave Li Huai De a wink.

Li Huai De was also resolute; upon receiving his hint, he immediately took his leave.

Deputy Director Zheng was also surprised by his initiative and waved his hand with a smile to keep them: "Sit for a while longer, no rush."

"We have an appointment beforehand."

Li Huai De smiled at the secretary standing at the entrance and said politely: "You rest; we won't disturb you anymore."

As he spoke, he took two paper bags from Li Xuewu's hands and placed them on the coffee table.

One was a gift package of the steel mill's small hardware products, packed in a gift box.

The other was specially prepared by Li Huai De; it was an old item from Deputy Director Zheng's era when he worked in the Northeast, along with several precious photos, all packed in a gift box.

Whether it was called ingenious or utilitarian, both of their purposes were for the steel mill's project.

Walking out of the lounge under the secretary's slightly surprised gaze, they met up with Director Zhang, who was waiting at the entrance, and the group walked out of the hotel.

"Old Zhang, thank you very much this time!"

Li Huai De shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with Director Zhang, and at the same time took a bag identical to the one just given to Deputy Director Zheng from Li Haiyang's hands and handed it to the other party.

Director Zhang could see the importance and wanted to refuse, but was stopped by Li Huai De.

Waving his hand, everything was understood without words.

"Looking at you two, is the matter settled?"

Jing Yunong had just sent off a guest and hadn't had time to return to her room when she saw Li Huai De's car return.

As soon as the two got out of the car, she asked with a smile.

Li Huai De looked at Li Xuewu's expression, which was neither happy nor sad, then pointed at himself amusingly and asked in return: "Do we look like we are overjoyed?"

"Yes! Like you've achieved success~"

Jing Yunong chose pleasant words, making both of them happy.

Li Huai De gestured to the rattan chairs for rest, letting the two sit down; they were going to hold a briefing meeting.

"I also hope to achieve success in one battle."

As he spoke, he waved his hand wearily, signaling Li Haiyang to prepare hot towels for himself and Li Xuewu.

"We seemed to have seen the Wufengxing motorcade when we came back."

"Yes, they just left."

Jing Yunong glanced at Li Xuewu and reported: "Ms. Fu Caining from Wufengxing led the team and conducted the final negotiation; the cooperation agreement has been signed."

"Signed is good!"

Li Huai De took the towel to wipe his face and pointed at Jing Yunong: "It's in the bag; the cooperation agreement is signed, so we can prepare for construction."

"I'm afraid we'll have to wait until next year."

Li Xuewu explained: "It's already late October; if we start construction, it will be November, and the ground will be frozen."

"However, with three months of preparation time, I believe the engineering construction after starting will not be slow."

"Don't worry about this work."

Li Huai De waved his hand, giving instructions to Li Haiyang, and also saying to Li Xuewu: "Hand this matter over to the logistics team to handle, and ask Deputy Director Xue to preside over it."

"Yes, I will go back and connect with Deputy Director Xue."

Li Haiyang was only recording; in this setting, he had no qualification to answer, and the one speaking was Li Xuewu.

"Including the shipyard side, as well as the business of the Steel City Industrial Base, I will connect with the corresponding leaders and comrades after returning."

"Mm, you handle this."

Li Huai De nodded, handed the towel back to Li Haiyang, and responded: "You take charge of the coordination work; don't fix your energy on one thing; you'll be too busy."

"Understood."

Li Xuewu unfolded the towel that Li Haiyang had long since handed to him and wiped his face and neck.

He had been sweating all over, especially when reporting to Deputy Director Zheng; he was truly uncomfortable now.

Li Haiyang went to change the towel, his heart shaken again and again; today's instructions from the leader clearly showed Li Xuewu's status in the steel mill.

It was called coordination, but from now on, all project work in the factory would be within Li Xuewu's jurisdiction.

Even Director Li had to consider his feelings when arranging this work and provide an explanation.

The two cooperated tacitly, each knowing the other's bottom line, with no intention of crossing the line.

Jing Yunong, sitting on the side, could also see the meaning in Li Huai De's words, not just for Li Xuewu, but also for her.

Going to Yingcheng once was Li Huai De's probe; going to Steel City once was Li Huai De's solicitation.

Coming to Yangcheng was to see her attitude, and also to guard against a one-sided situation if she stayed in Beijing.

As long as the finances were in his hands, even if Beijing jumped to the sky, he could knock it down at will.

Further broadening and elevating Li Xuewu's management responsibilities was also stripping her and other deputy directors of their authority.

Of course, as far as she was concerned, she highly approved of Li Xuewu coming forward to coordinate project work.

Not to mention Li Xuewu's coordination and work ability, nor his vision and layout, just looking at the changes in the steel mill these few times, the other party had already given her a lot of face and benefits.

Joint enterprises and tertiary industry production started in full swing, deep layout of the shipyard, and regulation of the hardware and small hardware industry, all actively invited her to participate.

On financial and personnel issues, including Li Huai De, no one had excessively interfered with her authority.

The workplace is like this: mutual restraint, mutual cooperation; there are no constant winners, otherwise you are a lonely person.

So, regardless of anything else, Jing Yunong highly approved of Li Xuewu's promotion; this is the essence of compromise.

"Along with Wufengxing, there are also representatives from Oriental Trade, General Manager Li from Yuanda Trade, Mr. Nande from Nanguo Trade, and representatives from Dongfeng Shipping."

Jing Yunong looked at Li Xuewu, her gaze flowing, her eyes meaningful: "Both unilateral and bilateral contracts have been signed and completed; we can proceed to the next step of work."

"Thank you, Leader, you've worked hard."

Li Xuewu smiled and thanked her, saying very sincerely: "I was overestimating my capabilities; I didn't expect a work collision to actually happen."

"Hehe, purely an accident."

Li Huai De smiled apologetically and said: "I also heard about such an opportunity; how could I be willing to give up this project!"

He knew why Li Xuewu took the initiative to thank Jing Yunong; on the way, Li Xuewu had said that he had an appointment to negotiate with Wufengxing's representatives in the afternoon.

They couldn't make it back no matter how they calculated, so they could only temporarily find a phone to call Deputy Director Jing to preside over it on their behalf.

Jing Yunong also fulfilled the promise she made to him a few days ago and really helped him take over the work.

Actually, this work wasn't as hard as imagined; it was purely Li Xuewu being polite.

Everything that needed to be negotiated had been negotiated; with so many units coming together, whatever needed to be tangled was resolved by everyone making concessions.

So the contracts were signed quickly, though the photos and subsequent talks took up some time.

"It's all for the steel mill, don't be polite."

Jing Yunong smiled, looked at Li Huai De, and said: "Director Li has been running around for our project and hasn't rested his feet; I haven't taken the initiative to thank him~"

"Hahahaha~"

Li Huai De heard Jing Yunong's subtext and laughed loudly, while waving his hand: "No need, I don't need you to thank me!"

"It is I who want to thank you!"

He looked at Jing Yunong and Li Xuewu with a full face of smiles and said with emotion: "It is precisely because you are here that the steel mill has today's achievements."

"It is precisely because we are united as one, all thinking about the future development of the steel mill, that we can gather here today."

"I am very gratified; being able to struggle and work together with comrades is a very happy thing."

Li Huai De said with a serious attitude: "The strength of the collective is always greater than the individual; the interests of the collective always need us to struggle for them."

"Including you and me, and Deputy Director Jing."

He pointed at Li Xuewu and said to Jing Yunong: "We are comrades in the same trench; achieving something together and sharing the moment of honor is what makes me happiest and most fortunate."

Regardless of whether Old Li said this from the heart, with the pressure of the electronic industry project suddenly lifted and other projects completed, the emotions of the three were resonating at this moment.

Jing Yunong also nodded slowly, acknowledging that Li Huai De had certain abilities and opportunities, and was full of hope for the future of the steel mill.

This year is the development year of the steel mill; multiple projects have been approved and built, and more projects are waiting for discussion and filing; the cause is truly booming.

Even if Li Huai De is immoral and muddled, as long as he makes the correct political choice and does not make personnel judgment errors, his future is promising, and the future of the steel mill is promising.

Li Xuewu also felt that her future was promising; no, not future, if there were a bottle of red wine tonight, maybe it would be promising.

The idea was good; Deputy Director Jing happened to be free tonight.

But!

After dinner, news came from Wen Saner that Ji Weidong was coming to Hong Kong to pick up goods tonight.

This was the agreed signal; the timing in Hong Kong was ripe, and Following Lou Jie was about to set off.

With Following Lou Jie leaving, Li Xuewu had no mood for anything else; he called Sha Qizhi to go out in a jeep and headed straight for the agreed pier.

Why bring Sha Qizhi?

Because discipline regulations state that during the business trip in Yangcheng, no one except the driver can use vehicles.

If you need to go out, you need a special application, and it must be two or more people; everyone knows what they are guarding against.

Halfway through the journey, after passing the iron bridge head, two kilometers away from the pier, Li Xuewu got out of the car himself.

He was the security supervisor; no one could control him if he acted alone.

The order Sha Qizhi and the driver received was to continue forward and wait for him at the pier.

As for how he would get to the pier, that was none of their business.

The jeep moved forward, losing Li Xuewu's figure in the night.