Chapter 938: Old Li Got Played

"Unity~ is strength~"

"This strength is iron, this…"

……

Before Li Xuewu’s car even entered the factory compound, he heard the loudspeaker mounted on top of the security booth playing this song from afar.

And when the car stopped at the gate waiting for security to open it, Zhao Yajun, on duty at the gate, said the song had been playing all morning.

Li Xuewu immediately understood what was going on—Old Li was pulling this stunt again.

Playing a song for Cheng Kaiyuan to hear, and for everyone in the factory to hear, would erase the impact of last week’s incident?

One can only say the person who came up with this idea was cleverly foolish.

The most reasonable solution was to ignore it, let it cool down, have no one mention it, no one pay attention—it would be over in a week, gone in a flash.

And now, as if everyone might forget last week’s drama, they’re constantly reminding everyone, aren’t they?

Who the hell is the idiot behind this idea, anyway?!

But then again, “unity” really is strength—a single ten-yuan note is a “big unity,” and ten of them can support a Class Eight worker.

The power here is genuinely substantial~

After chatting a bit with Zhao Yajun and telling him to visit his sister more often, Li Xuewu told Han Jiankun to drive on.

The command vehicle passed through the factory gate, then through the gate of the administrative zone, and finally stopped in front of the security building.

Perhaps they’d been watching him—he’d barely stepped out of the car when Peng Xiaoli was already waiting at the door.

He took Li Xuewu’s bag, smiled in greeting, and immediately began reporting the day’s schedule and agenda.

“The organizational meeting this morning—the Management Committee notified you to attend, but you weren’t there.”

Peng Xiaoli followed behind Li Xuewu, speaking quickly, his face showing no trace of the awkwardness from two days prior.

“Regarding personnel under administrative penalties and disciplinary detention, the Management Committee has instructed us to handle them promptly.”

“Also, there’s been major personnel changes in the Security Group—Director Li’s view is that you should shoulder as much responsibility as possible to give the new team time to adapt…”

On the third floor, a handcart stood in the corridor as several clerks from the office were moving out items.

As Li Xuewu passed by, he glanced over, and Peng Xiaoli whispered: “It’s Chu Yougong’s personal and office belongings.”

“Huh? Who ordered this?”

Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow—when did the Security Group’s bureaucratic manners become so swift?

Opportunism and kicking someone while they’re down don’t need to happen this fast, do they?

It’s only been a few days—the case isn’t even settled yet, and Chu Yougong’s fate is already decided?

It’s already decided—Old Li’s efficiency this time was astonishing. After that brief chat with Li Xuewu on Sunday, he probably went straight to other leaders to leak information.

And this morning, Li Xuewu had predicted he’d hold the organizational meeting, so he deliberately didn’t show up.

When it came to sharing glory, he avoided it; when it came to dividing the cake, he avoided it even more.

When Li Huai asked him for opinions on Security Group personnel, he didn’t mention a single name, nor did he make any specific demands.

At his current rank and position, he no longer needed to obsessively consolidate his own base—he should also broaden his tolerance and give others room to advance.

Ever since Xiao Zihong arrived at the Security Group, Li Xuewu had gradually delegated routine duties to him.

After the Security Group was established, he further refined responsibilities and actively supported both Xiao Zihong and Chu Yougong in management.

Even after Chu Yougong’s incident, Li Xuewu had not changed his decision.

Chu Yougong’s downfall wasn’t caused by the work system or Li Xuewu’s decision—it was because Chu Yougong himself was at the root of the incident.

In the workplace, if you seek advancement, you can’t keep carrying burdens, nor can you cling tightly to what’s in your hands.

Human capacity is limited; the number of things you can hold is limited. If you don’t let go of some things, you won’t have the strength to grasp new ones.

In short: let go.

Passing Chu Yougong’s office, then Xiao Zihong’s, Li Xuewu saw him still busy, with people constantly coming and going to report work.

Peng Xiaoli whispered that Xiao Zihong was also on the list of personnel adjustments this time.

It was inevitable—Li Xuewu had sensed it from Li Huai’s tone during their conversation yesterday.

When Li Huai was in the border region, he’d once mentioned that Xiao Zihong lacked in work, especially in neglecting interpersonal relationships.

But it made sense that Li Huai favored Xiao Zihong.

He could endure, he could work, he could take the blame—Li Xuewu liked him too.

When Xiao Zihong was demoted over the Engineering Department issue and transferred to the Security Group, no one knew if he harbored resentment, but his work ethic was serious.

Such cadres—who can go down and come up—are the most worthy of heavy use.

Note: here it’s “heavy use,” not “cultivation.”

Because such people focus primarily on work, possess strong independent thinking, and are more rational about work-related socializing.

In plain terms, it’s hard to win their loyalty—they won’t easily pledge themselves to anyone.

That’s why Li Xuewu uses him like a draft animal, yet never speaks to him about private friendship.

Both are exceptionally rational—using empty flattery would insult the other’s intelligence and lower one’s own stature.

Back in his office, Li Xuewu picked up the daily work bulletin and skimmed it; Peng Xiaoli handed him the Management Committee’s meeting resolution.

The resolution was simple: dismissal and investigation—dismissal of a long list of positions, investigation of a long list of people.

Regarding the brief chaos from December 3 to December 6, caused by certain cadres with ulterior motives attempting to sabotage the favorable development situation, which severely impacted the steel mill’s production and daily life:

After deliberation by the Factory Management Committee’s Organizational Meeting:

Remove Chu Yougong from his position as Deputy Head of the Security Group.

Remove Chen Shuyi from his position as Deputy Head of the Production Group.

Remove Wang Zongli from her position as Deputy Director of the Management Committee Office.

……

Among those dismissed, including Chu Yougong, Chen Shuyi, Dan Nanqi, Yuan Xiumei, Ding Xuebo, and others, all were placed under special investigation by the Management Committee’s Inspection Team; individuals violating public security regulations would also face punishment from the Security Section.

The dismissal list included not only those involved in this incident, but also personnel undergoing reassignment.

Including Deputy Director of Propaganda Section One, Cultural Propaganda Team Captain Yi Honglei, Production Section Director Lu Peizhong, Director of the Trade Office’s Tertiary Industry Management Division Yu Decai, and others.

These individuals, like Xiao Zihong, would be reassigned in the upcoming organizational personnel decisions.

Before Li Xuewu returned, the factory radio station and notice boards had already posted this dismissal resolution.

As for the appointment announcements, they were likely delayed until afternoon to allow staff time to react.

But since Li Xuewu now held the meeting results, it meant everyone in the factory administration who needed to know already did.

There was much discussion about Xiao Zihong’s appointment as Deputy Head of the Production Group—people in the administration were laughing and asking whether this was a punishment or a promotion.

According to the resolution, Xiao Zihong was dismissed precisely because, during his tenure leading the Security Group, his poor conduct and lack of competence had caused significant impact.

Now he’s being transferred, same rank, to a larger management group as Deputy Head—what a fine example of “poor conduct and lack of competence”!

The Security Group’s scale is certainly smaller than the Production Group’s; same title of Deputy Head, but the scope of management is vastly different.

Good, good, good!

Poor competence in the Security Group, but suddenly brilliant in the Production Group, is that it?

What does this prove?

It proves that working for Director Li truly isn’t a wasted effort to take the blame!

The other personnel changes also clearly show Director Li’s grip on the steel mill has further strengthened.

Yu Decai has been reassigned back to the Security Group as Deputy Head, while also serving as Deputy Director of the Economic and Trade Leadership Office.

Returning to the Security Group is a step up; moving from Director of the Tertiary Industry Management Division to the Trade Office is a major leap.

Jin Yaohui, transferred back from the border region, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Joint Tertiary Industry Management Division of the Trade Office—this is Li Huai’s final act of kindness toward him.

Li Huai’s penman, Shi Ruoweng, has filled Wang Zongli’s vacancy as Deputy Director of the Management Committee Office.

Wang Zongli was not on the investigation list—she was directly exiled to the Training Grounds as Director of the Management Division.

This position was formerly Ding Xuebo’s—Li Huai did this to respect her connections while still wanting to remove her.

Lu Peizhong of the Production Section had somehow aligned himself with Li Huai; in this reshuffle, he took over Yu Decai’s position as Director of the Tertiary Industry Management Division.

Yi Honglei, Deputy Director of Propaganda Section One and Cultural Propaganda Team Captain, was reassigned to Propaganda Section Four as Deputy Director and Radio Station Director.

Yu Haitang was promoted to Deputy Director of the Radio Station.

Zhang Li was promoted to Deputy Director of Propaganda Section One and Cultural Propaganda Team Captain.

Wang Yajuan was appointed Political Instructor of the Cultural Propaganda Team.

Zhou Miaomiao was promoted to Deputy Captain of the Cultural Propaganda Team.

Gu Cheng was transferred to Deputy Director (Section Level) of the Vehicle Management Center.

The main personnel changes in the Security Group are as follows:

Han Yating, bearing joint managerial responsibility, was transferred out of the Security Group and appointed General Manager of the Six Nations Hotel (Section Level).

Zhou Yao was promoted to Director of the Security Section.

Wang Yimin was promoted to Deputy Director of the Security Section.

Xu Ning was transferred to Director of the Border Affairs Office.

Han Zhan was transferred to Director of the Steelmaking Plant’s Security Group.

This personnel reshuffle was clearly rushed—though Li Xuewu’s opinion was sought, it was obvious Li Huai wanted to quell the incident’s impact as quickly as possible.

To be fair, Old Li went too far this time—from his trip to Jinmen, to Gangcheng, to Yangcheng—he’s been fishing all along.

Again and again, he fed Cheng Kaiyuan bait, aiming to permanently eliminate all instability.

On this trip to the border region, Li Huai had ample reason and preparation, but he wasn’t certain Cheng Kaiyuan would act.

Last time, when he went to Yangcheng for the trade fair and left Li Xuewu behind, he was already preparing to reel in the catch.

What a pity—Cheng Kaiyuan is as good as dead, not a single stir.

When Li Xuewu sped past the North Gate, he merely went over to take a look, showing not the slightest intention to act.

This time, Li Huai De insisted on bringing Li Xuewu along, fearing that if Li Xuewu stayed home, others would hesitate to act.

You told them to act—well, look, they did just that.

Old Li heard Cheng Kaiyuan had secured higher-level support and gained this new wind of momentum—he broke out in a cold sweat.

Fortunately, the earlier ambushes had all paid off, and even more luckily, Li Xuewu had always prepared for every one of his bold gambits.

A narrow escape—this sweat brought him the chance to finally wrap up the aftermath of the reforms, clearing internal obstacles and dissenting voices, fully eliminating dangerous elements from the reform.

Why did you move so many people but leave Cheng Kaiyuan untouched?

Because keeping Cheng Kaiyuan gives him more room to maneuver.

Replacing Cheng Kaiyuan would demand enormous political cost—something unjustifiable for the rolling mill, which now prioritizes stable development.

Cut off his arms and legs, smashed his mouth—left there as several crippled men—wouldn’t that be pleasing to the eye?

As for why Old Li is in such a hurry, it’s clear from the newspaper Li Xuewu read this morning.

The wind’s rising~!

This time, it’s a gale!

“Heh, ten rules cut to eight, rich broth turned to poison~”

Li Huai De tossed the newspaper aside, picked up his teacup, and shook his head helplessly.

Li Xuewu, however, remained cautious, saying nothing—just picked up the paper, glanced at it, and folded it casually.

“Under these circumstances, we’d better steady ourselves.”

“Yes, the Master has done all he could.”

Li Huai De nodded and said: “With this directive issued, every factory now faces the challenge of ideological construction in this new era.”

“Inevitable—we’re always on the road.”

Li Xuewu placed the folded newspaper aside, picked up a cigarette stuck in the ashtray, and took a drag.

“The Youth Shock Brigade still has fighting spirit—deepen the foundational reform activities and intensify ideological propaganda.”

“Especially the Propaganda Team.”

Li Xuewu exhaled smoke and said: “Break it into smaller units, spread more widely among the masses—use forms the workers can accept for propaganda work.”

“This point is crucial~”

Li Huai De nodded in agreement, sniffed the smoke drifting over, and couldn’t help but sniff again.

He took a quit-smoking pill from the drawer, mumbling: “Thankfully, it’s not all bad, right?”

“Right.”

Li Xuewu, watching him take the pill, sucked hard on his cigarette and replied: “Since the progressive teachers and students left early this month, the teams have already started moving in.”

“Hmm, I hope it’s not too late.”

Li Huai De lifted his teacup, thought the tea too strong, but the taste in his mouth was so unpleasant he swallowed it anyway.

“I think it’ll be fine.”

Li Xuewu opened his notebook and said: “Dongfeng Construction gave a 20-day timeline.”

“Hmm, the Foreign Affairs Office set the deadline for the 26th—that’s still a week’s buffer.”

He looked up at Li Huai De and asked: “The restaurant won’t change its name, right?”

“Not for now.”

Li Huai De waved his hand: “Let me think about it first.”

He pointed upward: “I’ll ask later—might get some policy leeway.”

“That’d be perfect.”

Li Xuewu smiled slightly and blew out another puff of smoke: “The management team for the guesthouse is assembled.”

“When you have time, go over and give some guidance—Zhang Songying has mentioned it several times, just waiting for you to speak.”

“Heh, what do I have to say?”

Li Huai De chuckled: “You did fine in Yangcheng—I read her report, it’s solid. Go ahead and run it.”

He paused, then tapped Li Xuewu: “Arrange personnel there early—show special consideration for Comrade Han Yating.”

“Understood.”

Li Xuewu nodded: “When we returned from Yangcheng, Director Fu gave explicit instructions—I’m the leader here, how could I not give it my all?”

“Hmm, I trust your work.”

Li Huai De smiled: “At the Yangcheng trade fair closing ceremony, Director Fu showed us favor—this debt we must remember.”

He raised an eyebrow, as if casually asking: “Ji Weidong isn’t on the mainland, is he? In Hongcheng?”

“Most likely.”

Li Xuewu pursed his lips, feigning uncertainty, and nodded: “I haven’t seen him in ages—I’d guess the same as you.”

“What a busy family~”

Li Huai De sighed, not caring about Li Xuewu’s vagueness—he already had his own sense of it.

After his sigh, he remembered something, looked at Li Xuewu smoking hard, and no longer felt annoyed.

He pointed at the folded newspaper Li Xuewu had set aside: “Has the Foreign Affairs Office prepared contingency plans for activities like this?”

“Yes—I was just about to report this to you.”

Li Xuewu stuck the cigarette in his mouth, flipped through his notebook, checked the notes, and reported: “The plan is to establish a reception station under the Foreign Affairs Office.”

“Its main duties: receive progressive teachers and students visiting for exchange and study—provide guidance, logistics, and service.”

“Per higher directives, the theme is uniformly ‘Receiving *** Guests,’ organized as group visits.”

As Li Xuewu reported, Li Huai De ’s face showed no pride—only a slight frown.

“Our factory is a big target, with clear banners—especially after recent major projects that stirred public attention.”

Li Xuewu took the last drag of his cigarette, crushed it in the ashtray, and continued: “So I expect the number of students won’t be small—they’ll likely become the top choice for industrial system visits in Eastern Jing.”

“Another burden~”

Li Huai De began calculating again, sighing: “It’ll increase administrative workload and disrupt normal production.”

His attitude made it clear—he didn’t welcome these people at all, especially the troublemaking monkeys.

Right now, Li Huai De doesn’t need these monkeys to boost his reputation—especially after Nie Xiaoguang’s example, his impression of progressive students is poor.

“Then set the tone: receive them in batches and phases.”

Li Xuewu pulled another cigarette from the pack, lit it, ignored Li Huai De ’s look, and sucked hard: “Use safety and confidentiality rules as the reason.”

“Emphasize that construction is ongoing, and hazardous workshops cover a wide area—so the rolling mill can only receive visitors every Sunday.”

He waved his cigarette-laden hand before Li Huai De : “Five hundred people per Sunday—apply at least one day in advance, reserve and register.”

“Same-day applications will be rejected—insufficient time to complete safety checks and prepare visit conditions.”

“Oh~~ Brilliant!”

Li Huai De laughed and nodded at Li Xuewu: “Good idea—fulfills the directive while controlling risk. Solid.”

“On Sundays, organize the Youth Shock Brigade.”

Li Xuewu smiled—he was flattered, so he smoked even harder. How could he let Old Li quit smoking?

“When they want to tour, learn, exchange reform experience—we’ll sit and talk, lead by example!”

“I like it!”

Li Huai De nodded and smiled: “Five hundred isn’t too many, not too few—fully within our control.”

“Besides, I doubt five hundred actually want to visit our factory!”

“Even if they do, it’s fine.”

Li Xuewu flicked ash: “Split into zones and phases—this week assign some progressive workers, next week assign workers from other workshops—we won’t even get tired.”

“Good, good, good.”

Li Huai De finally felt relieved, looked at Li Xuewu still smoking, and lifted his chin: “Anything else? If not, go back.”

“Boss, you can’t be serious~”

Li Xuewu stood up, smiling: “You’re kicking me out after crossing the river?”

He circled the desk, rummaging, insisting: “You promised to quit smoking—you said any hard stuff left is mine!”

“Nonsense—I quit smoking, where’s any hard stuff?”

Li Huai De laughed, blocking him: “Don’t you see I’m taking quit-smoking pills?”

“You’ve been taking those for months—if you were serious, you’d have quit by now. You’re sneaking smokes, aren’t you!”

“Get lost! You’re stealing!”

Li Huai De waved to Li Haiyang, who was peeking in at the door: “Call Security Department—someone’s stealing!”

“Hehehe~”

Li Haiyang, seeing the bosses joke, grinned and pointed at Li Xuewu: “Isn’t Security right here?”

“Oh no!”

Li Huai De reluctantly pulled two packs of Zhonghua from behind the cabinet, deliberately blocking Li Xuewu’s view of the rest.

“Today I’ve met a bandit—take them, take them—who else but a security chief like you?”

“I’m helping you!”

Li Xuewu, having scored, didn’t thank him—he grabbed the two packs, nodded to Li Haiyang: “Watch that cabinet—those cigarettes are mine!”

“You’re a bandit!”

Li Huai smiled, pointing at Li Xuewu as he walked out and scolded him, then burst into laughter several times.

Li Haiyang watched enviously as the figure carrying cigarettes left down the corridor, especially against the backdrop of Director Li’s laughter.

What he envied wasn’t the two packs of cigarettes in Deputy Director Li’s hand, but the relationship with the leadership.

Two packs of Huazhi? What’s that? If he wanted to smoke, he could just take one or two boxes from inside—no one would say a word.

But he couldn’t make the leadership laugh while being robbed—that wasn’t about two packs of cigarettes; it was about Deputy Director Li’s social finesse.

He had helped the leadership solve a major problem, yet turned around and remained unassuming, refusing to seek favor, staying low-key as ever.

Sensing the leadership’s thoughts, he took the initiative to claim two packs of cigarettes as sufficient—how could any leader not like that?

With Li Huai, Li Haiyang knew clearly: the leadership wasn’t angry; on the contrary, he would remember this favor even more.

The less he treated this matter as important, the more the leadership would treat him as important—otherwise, the leadership wouldn’t be leadership.

After two consecutive heavy snowfalls, Beijing finally enjoyed a stretch of good weather.

The rolling mill seemed to have emerged from a snowstorm into the light again; everyone’s face bore a bright, positive smile.

After resuming office order on Monday and issuing personnel adjustments, the rolling mill entered a busy phase of reorganization and comprehensive inspection.

After consulting with Li Huai, Li Xuewu also communicated with Jing Yunong, and finally drafted, under the name of the Economic and Trade Office, a 1966 Industrial Development Report for the Rolling Mill.

The report stated that, facing current practical difficulties and special shifts in circumstances, the rolling mill’s economic and trade operations had entered their most difficult period.

On one hand, new projects were being launched; on the other, political ideological construction was underway, all while ensuring the protection of the broadest interests of workers.

Therefore, based on reality, the rolling mill would adhere to the principle of consolidating foundations and enhancing efficiency, deeply cultivating existing industrial projects…

This report formally addressed the rolling mill’s development rhythm for the end of this year and early next year.

It was also a formal response to upper-level concerns about the rolling mill’s rapid development.

But while the rolling mill was to remain low-key and slow down new investment projects, new tasks arrived from above.

On Saturday, after finishing a meeting with Yu Decai and others, Li Xuewu was still discussing Phase III enrollment for the Training Department’s dual-preparedness program when Peng Xiaoli came in to report: Director Li had a phone call.

Li Xuewu answered the phone—it was Li Haiyang speaking, asking him to prepare, as industrial ministry leadership would soon arrive for an inspection.

“When was this decided? Why didn’t I hear about it?”

“It was arranged last-minute.”

Li Haiyang’s voice was full of helplessness: “Director Li has already taken the team to the gate. You should prepare too.”

“Understood.”

Li Xuewu hung up, glanced at his schedule, and realized he had an appointment that day with Vice President Pei Dayu of the Steel Institute.

Who the hell was this leader, so disrespectful of protocol, playing surprise attacks?

“If I can’t get free by noon, call Vice President Pei for me—just tell him the truth.”

Li Xuewu patted Peng Xiaoli on the shoulder as he entered, then took his overcoat from the hook, swapped his shoes, and headed out.

Li Huai had specifically told him to go—there must be a reason.

Today’s visit, he was certain, wasn’t for commendation or apology.

He never imagined that not only would there be no commendation or apology, but he’d be tricked!

The leadership team was large—several high-ranking officials came along.

The team leader was Director Yu from the First Machinery Ministry, in charge of industrial production, and his demeanor was very amiable.

Accompanied by Li Huai and other plant leaders, the inspection team toured the rolling mill’s rolling workshop, experimental workshop, integrated factory, and project management office.

In the project management office, Deputy Director Li Xuewu of the Economic and Trade Office gave the team a detailed explanation of the rolling mill’s new projects and its industrial development strategy implementation plan.

Later, in the third-floor conference room of the main office building, Li Huai presided over the Rolling Mill Industrial Development Symposium.

The First Machinery Ministry leaders each raised questions regarding what they had just observed and key concerns from the industrial ministry’s perspective.

Li Xuewu and Jing Yunong were both deputy directors of the Economic and Trade Office, so they were the main responders.

He handled operations and project management; Jing Yunong handled finance and personnel—jointly providing comprehensive, multi-angle answers to the visiting leaders.

Of course, Gu Weijie was also present, offering professional responses to organizational questions raised by the inspection team.

Director Yu maintained a smile throughout, especially when observing the unity and professionalism displayed by the rolling mill’s cadres in answering questions.

He didn’t know that these responders were united—the disunited ones hadn’t even been given a chance to speak.

Of course, in such a setting, even Cheng Kaiyuan wouldn’t dare bluff—otherwise, not only would Li Huai deal with him, but the higher-ups wouldn’t let him off either.

The symposium was heated; nearly every visiting leader raised questions.

Finally, Director Yu posed two questions related to the automobile industry: one on plant site selection, the other on foreign technology importation.

Li Xuewu began by discussing the rolling mill’s technological upgrading and layout adjustments in Beijing, especially highlighting how heavy industry was unsuitable for Beijing’s economic zone.

Then, based on the rolling mill’s industrial foundation in Gangcheng, he explained the convenience of transportation, raw materials, and automotive parts supply chains.

Jing Yunong first reported on cooperation opportunities related to automobile technology at the Yangcheng Trade Fair, then introduced commercial negotiation prospects with Japanese merchants in Beijing.

Director Yu clearly showed strong interest in the rolling mill’s heavy industry development, and following Li Xuewu’s response, raised the issue of industrial relocation.

He stated that the state needed the rolling mill to remain in Beijing and the North China region for the layout of heavy industry.

Especially now, as other industrial departments restructured their layouts—with factories in Northeast China being relocated—the rolling mill’s actions contradicted upper-level strategic intentions.

After some thought, Li Huai stood up to answer this question.

He didn’t directly oppose the leadership’s words or policies, but framed his response around the rolling mill’s own developmental needs.

First, he outlined the rolling mill’s backwardness in rolling technology and equipment.

He proposed either the higher-ups fund technological and equipment upgrades, or the mill must save and transform itself to survive.

Second, he discussed the future development pattern of the rolling mill’s location, referencing the sustainable development strategy Li Xuewu had mentioned countless times, including predictions for the city’s future.

He proposed that the higher-ups approve permanent industrial land use and guarantee no restrictions on transportation, power, or environment.

Finally, centered on multi-party trade and technology equipment imports, he explained how the rolling mill traded innovation for technology and space for time.

Li Huai tied this to Jing Yunong’s mention of foreign merchants’ disdain for domestic heavy industrial equipment at the Yangcheng Trade Fair, and raised the slogan of self-reliance and confidence.

After explaining these reasons, Li Huai emphasized that relocating rolling industry required time and continuous production and planned tasks.

Investment, construction, and technological upgrades at the Gangcheng rolling mill would take at least two to three years; trial operation would require at least six months to a year.

Li Huai promised that within five years, Beijing’s rolling mill boilers would never shut down—relocating rolling industry was precisely to better develop light industry.

Director Yu was clearly moved by the rolling mill’s detailed development plan and clear strategic intent.

He nodded at Li Xuewu and asked several focused questions about joint production and food industry development plans and key goals, then smiled again.

He first praised the rolling mill’s performance at the Yangcheng Trade Fair and its bold, innovative work approach.

Li Xuewu was used to criticism; suddenly hearing praise from leadership made him uncomfortable.

He wasn’t the only one uncomfortable—Gu Weijie and Jing Yunong exchanged glances, then both fixed their eyes on Li Huai.

Li Huai subtly raised an eyebrow; seated beside the leader, he made no large movement, but sensed something was off.

Sure enough, after lavishing praise on the rolling mill, Director Yu turned to mention difficult enterprises in Beijing and its surroundings.

He specifically named several machinery plants and component factories, discussing their historical origins and the managerial flaws of their leaders.

The implication was clear: this wasn’t an inspection—it was a begging trip.

From materials distributed by the office secretary, Li Xuewu learned that the difficult enterprises Director Yu mentioned were mostly failed automotive experiments.

It wasn’t that so many enterprises had sprung up during the Great Leap Forward to build cars; rather, heavy industry factories had blindly overconfidently launched automotive projects.

After seven or eight years, money had been poured in—some had produced cars, others hadn’t.

The cars produced either had defects or couldn’t be mass-produced, always plagued by congenital flaws.

The strangest case was a Beijing automobile factory that once produced a car without a reverse gear.

It could only move forward, never backward!

So they named it the “Forward” brand!

Perfectly named—it truly couldn’t reverse!

Projects that never produced cars were even worse—after a flurry of chaotic operations, they were left with nothing but broken machines.

Oh, right—also a group of workers urgently needing solutions to their survival problems.

According to the habits of heavy industry enterprises in this era, when things went wrong, they naturally blamed others.

First, they separated these car projects into independent factories, with independent finances and personnel systems.

Then they ran to the top, wailing and crying, begging anyone they could—“We simply can’t afford these factories anymore.”

If you pressed them, they’d produce a mountain of excuses, especially claiming that all decisions made during the Great Leap Forward were ordered from above.

So who should bear this heavy burden?

The industrial ministry couldn’t carry it—so they’d pick from among their subordinate enterprises: whoever was doing well would get these motherless children dumped on them.

So what the hell was this for?

A mixed bag?!

Li Xuewu flipped through the materials—he was even considerate, afraid the rolling mill’s automotive industry development was too slow.

Look at what’s here: jeeps, motorcycles, buses, pickup trucks, light trucks, heavy trucks…

No wonder they used to say: “How bold your ambition, so great your harvest.”

If all these automotive industries succeeded, why import cars from abroad? One Beijing auto plant could supply the whole nation.

Director Yu was very bold—seeing the rolling mill staff Ditou reading materials without responding, he immediately made a decision for them.

“We’ve also discussed internally, considering the actual situation of these struggling factories, right?”

He smiled at Li Huai and said: “After all, the rolling mill is vigorously developing the automotive industry and urgently needs equipment and skilled workers.”

Then he nodded to the Planning Department leader: “Deputy Director Zhang, didn’t the rolling mill submit a technology application?”

Deputy Director Zhang was a smart man—he knew this was a trap, a task to make enemies, so he smiled but gave no clear answer.

Director Yu didn’t mind, nodded, and said: “The First Machinery Ministry’s conclusion is that the rolling mill should take over these struggling factories.”

"Director Li, if you have any difficulties, speak up—we're all here. You helped the department solve a major problem; we'll help you with part of yours, right?"

Fine, Li Huai De was cornered—this was coercion under the guise of mutual aid, using the department to pressure him.

As Li Xuewu had predicted, the department intended to bundle these struggling units and dump them onto the Rolling Mill, extracting funds to resolve historical issues.

They know the Rolling Mill has money—didn’t they just say how many orders they brought back from Yangcheng?

The Rolling Mill must develop, but it must also consider the bigger picture—it’s still an organization’s Rolling Mill.

"Comrade leader, our factory’s automotive industry has just been launched—we haven’t even begun construction yet."

Li Xuewu wasn’t afraid of offending anyone; here, he held the lowest rank and had to buy time for Li Huai De .

"The factories you mentioned are all facing urgent production and living problems. I believe the Beijing Automobile Factory has the greatest capacity to resolve this."

"You’re Deputy Director Li, right?"

Director Yu glanced at Li Xuewu and nodded: "If the Beijing Automobile Factory can handle it, we wouldn’t have come here begging from the Rolling Mill, would we?"

After addressing Li Xuewu, he turned to Li Huai De : "Director Li, you can’t pick and choose when doing work."

Li Huai De glanced at Li Xuewu, saw his eyes flick upward, his finger tapping the table, his gaze narrowing slightly, then turned to Director Yu: "Yes, Director Yu—we accept the department’s decision."

"Ah~"

Director Yu smiled and patted Li Huai De ’s arm: "You’re a veteran of industry—your style doesn’t need me to emphasize."

"Since the leader has spoken, I’ll make a request."

Li Huai De , borrowing from Director Yu’s earlier words, said: "Our factory can absorb these factories, but we won’t take any cadres above the deputy section level, nor staff in supporting services, logistics, security, or any roles unrelated to production."

After speaking, he watched Director Yu’s expression darken, then pressed on under pressure: "The acquisition must include these factories’ equipment, land, and research results."

When he finished, Director Yu’s smile vanished—his earlier warmth was gone.

"Not taking cadres above section level—that can still be discussed."

He frowned: "Why refuse staff in supporting services, logistics, and security?"

"Can we negotiate terms in an industrial merger led by the department?!"