Chapter 91: Braised Pork

After Li Xuewu finished speaking, Dong Wenxue and the other two all smiled at Han Shimu.

Dong Wenxue chuckled and praised: “What ambition! Han Laoshi, how’s my student doing?”

Han Shimu nodded approvingly and commended Li Xuewu: “A true man seeks to fulfill his life’s purpose—study the Five Classics diligently by the window. Xuewu, you must persevere.”

Dong Wenxue also encouraged: “I know you’ve just returned from the military, just started work, and are still young—you still feel constrained in your duties and daily life. But don’t let others’ opinions make you timid. No matter how well you perform, someone will always be dissatisfied.”

This was truly heartfelt advice from Dong Wenxue.

Li Xuewu nodded seriously and replied, “Yes.”

Dong Wenxue asked, as if hinting at something: “Xuewu, was your recent mission not smooth?”

All security department operations required Dong Wenxue’s review—he was their operational leader, especially skilled in documentation. He must have read yesterday’s escort log.

Li Xuewu didn’t know that his teacher hadn’t just read the escort log—he’d also heard a detailed report.

Now, when Dong Wenxue asked this, it couldn’t refer to the child breaking glass. The only business they’d discuss at home must relate to the child they brought back.

Li Xuewu paused briefly, then recounted the incident and explained his arrangements for the child.

None of Han Shimu or the others spoke. Only Dong Wenxue frowned and asked: “You’re still young—haven’t you considered how this might affect your marriage?”

“Master, you know me. I won’t speak of fate or empty words. In that situation, the child’s options were only three—and none were good. I simply couldn’t bear to let a life...”

Seeing Li Xuewu’s genuine emotion, Sister Xie patted him and said: “Xuewu and I haven’t spent much time together, but I can tell—he’s a sincere, honest man. He speaks honestly and acts honestly.”

“Xuewu isn’t my student, but I must speak up for him. Director Dong, don’t blame him. If this were me, I wouldn’t dare say I’d adopt that child. Xuewu is a good man.”

Han Laoshi smiled and nodded at Li Xuewu: “A true man acts when he must—and refrains when he must. This is how it should be.”

Dong Wenxue sighed bitterly and said nothing more.

Then the group shifted to family matters, current events, and work.

It was a small salon.

They mutually reinforced cultural understanding, exchanged ideas, and shared perspectives.

Being admitted into this circle meant Dong Wenxue valued Li Xuewu’s status and ability—he wanted to cultivate his own influence at work.

Li Xuewu’s family background also offered potential support; clearly, the Li family’s upbringing and future prospects were promising.

Li Xuewu listened more than he spoke. When he did offer opinions, they were phrased as questions—and all three gave him explanations.

They chatted and laughed until half past eleven, when Sister Xie and Han Shimu rose to cook. Li Xuewu brought out the pork and dried goods from the doorway and handed them to Shimu, then placed the dried fruits on the coffee table.

“Teachers, this is a wild boar I hunted in the mountains a few days ago—I brought some meat, so let’s taste it. These dried goods were brought by relatives—please try them too.”

Han Shimu, astonished by Li Xuewu’s sturdy physique, asked: “You have this skill too?”

Sister Xie laughed: “In front of you, Xuewu’s a literary youth—but down south, he’s a battle hero who walked through gunfire. Impressive! He has three military medals in his file.”

Seeing Han Shimu’s admiring gaze, Li Xuewu smiled: “All past now. Today, I’m just your student. Hahaha.”

At the time, the public held deep admiration for heroes, so they all admired Li Xuewu even more.

After hearing Li Xuewu’s background—especially his awards and commendations—and seeing his kindness, Director Ren studied him thoughtfully.

So this was the candidate Dong Wenxue had recommended. Now, aside from his appearance, he truly was a promising talent. Old Commander...

Han Shimu and Sister Xie went to the kitchen. Li Xuewu and the other two rose and stepped outside to smoke.

Standing by the garden flowerbed, Director Ren spoke solemnly to Dong Wenxue: “Did you make arrangements for what the Old Commander told you last time?”

Dong Wenxue lived in this courtyard because he had high-level connections. Li Xuewu didn’t deliberately eavesdrop—he simply observed the courtyard.

Though Li Xuewu didn’t know who Director Ren meant by “Old Commander,” he knew he wasn’t yet qualified to enter higher circles. So he kept quiet, listened less, and pretended he hadn’t heard.

Dong Wenxue hesitated, then said: “The steel mill is setting up a technical R&D office, planning to gather technology from foreign documents. Han Laoshi knows English—I’ll try to get support from the Steel School, bring in a few translators. Han Laoshi has management experience—maybe we can place him as deputy director of the plant office. A nominal post, shouldn’t be an issue.”

Director Ren glanced at Li Xuewu walking away and said: “Your factory is already registered—it won’t be heavily affected.”

Director Ren clearly thought this plan was viable.

Dong Wenxue thought for a moment: “It’ll take a few months to arrange. After the New Year. Let’s not discuss it now.”

Watching the children from both families playing in the snow, and seeing Li Xuewu return, they dropped the subject.

Lunch was lavish—one large pot of braised pork, and the children ate until their mouths glistened with grease.

After the meal, Li Xuewu drank tea with them, nibbled dried fruits, and chatted idly.

There was a breakthrough: Professor Han had finalized Li Xuewu’s plan to attend university while employed—he would enroll as a transfer student through night school and an internal recommendation.

My Healing System Game

Li Xuewu had originally not wanted this meaningless diploma, but Han Laoshi insisted, so he agreed.

Dong Wenxue wrote a recommendation letter. Han Shimu and Sister Xie scheduled a time to file Li Xuewu’s records. The rest was handled without his involvement.

When the conversation had lasted long enough, Dong Wenxue glanced at his watch, exchanged a look with Director Ren, and suddenly, the sound of an engine came from the gate.

As Dong Wenxue and Director Ren rose, so did Han Shimu and Sister Xie. Dong Wenxue said: “Xuewu, let’s first see Sister Xie off. Then you’ll come with me and Director Ren to visit a leader.”

Li Xuewu was puzzled. Why suddenly take him to meet a leader? And judging by the tone, it wasn’t a steel mill official—otherwise, they wouldn’t need such ceremony, nor would they bring along Director Ren from the Municipal Committee.

Sister Xie spoke up: “It’s just two steps away—why bother seeing me off? You all go about your business. I’ll take the kids home.”

As she spoke, she helped the children put on their cotton coats, hats, and scarves.

When seeing Sister Xie off, Han Shimu gave her half the remaining pork and dried goods.

PS: It is factual that employees could earn university diplomas while working—referenced in “Research on Part-Time Higher Education in the 1950s–XXs: A Case Study of BJ.” Those interested, you know what the XX number is—I won’t write it.