[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji":3,"chapter-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-946":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Siheyuan: Food, Love, and Family in 1960s Beijing",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2314996,4526,"Chapter 946: I Don","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-946",946,"\u003Cp>Just having hot pot, don’t misinterpret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing happened; Li Xuewu wouldn’t take advantage of someone in distress to do something immoral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone here knows Li Xuewu is the most upright person, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hot pot restaurant was bustling; the three took a corner table. Han Jiankun hadn’t planned to come in, but Li Xuewu called him along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered Qin Jingru’s nagging and called home to report in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afraid of getting overheated himself and afraid Lin Tingting would too, Li Xuewu ordered only a clear broth base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered plenty of meat—Li Xuewu could eat, and Han Jiankun had a big appetite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the dishes were all set, and Lin Tingting remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eat first. Talk about matters after you’ve finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu handed her the chopsticks and tapped the table to remind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting looked up, took the chopsticks, stared at the food, watched Li Xuewu’s casual demeanor, and let out a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, eat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s reply to Lin Tingting’s thanks was simple. Seeing the white broth in the brass pot already boiling, he began adding meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting glanced around the dining hall, then picked up a piece of “donkey roll” with her chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hot pot isn’t suitable for conversation. If you want to discuss business or matters seriously, you’d eat stir-fried dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hot pot moves too fast and demands timing—you must fish out your food promptly, or it turns tough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pot isn’t large; you must keep adding food as you eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The savory, spicy, numbing flavor makes you eager to swallow the next bite, so once hot pot starts, no one talks much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially now, everyone has a hunger for meat; a pot costs two or three yuan—wouldn’t you stare at your plate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who actually chat and laugh are already full, sitting there burping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s trio ate quickly—he and Han Jiankun could eat fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting had things on her mind and ate little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun finished first, went to the counter for hot tea, brought it over, then stepped outside to smoke and prep the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sipped hot tea, picked up serving chopsticks, and placed some meat on Lin Tingting’s plate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eat up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting looked up at Li Xuewu, then lowered her head and whispered: “I want to tell you something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s… it’s… I want to apply for a transfer, to go somewhere else, but they won’t let me go—can you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Somewhere else?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow. “Who won’t let you go? The Supply and Marketing Cooperative or…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know the details.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting spoke in a low voice: “I applied to our director. He initially agreed, but later told me policy forbids it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked up at Li Xuewu: “It’s always hard to transfer into the city, never hard to transfer out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did Director Ma say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu asked. Seeing her nod, he nodded: “Then there must be difficulties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why suddenly want to transfer? Where to?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know. Anywhere. Far away. Just not Beijing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting’s tone was casual, but her lowered head, avoiding Li Xuewu’s gaze, betrayed her concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu studied her for a long while, then said: “It’s impossible for now. You understand why…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting put down her chopsticks, frowned: “My case has been investigated thoroughly, hasn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. No conclusion yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sipped tea: “Until this case is solved, all suspicions remain. You’re the last person known to have contacted her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I hurry to leave, I’ll be suspected, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting bit her lip, helpless and despairing: “If this case stays unsolved, this will mark me forever, like my family’s past—right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re oversimplifying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t directly comfort her. He lifted the lid and sealed the stove beneath the pot, speaking calmly: “The mark? You made it yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting frowned at him: “You’ve been helping me, haven’t you? With my family, with my workplace—right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All those times during the Great Study Movement, when the whip came down again and again, and I narrowly escaped—you were behind it, weren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu neither confirmed nor denied. He had connections in powerful departments and in the supply system; Lin Tingting guessing this wasn’t hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up the teapot and refilled her cup, then said: “I didn’t stop you from leaving. It’s truly a policy issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He met her stubborn gaze: “I’ve never interfered in your life. I never meant to burden you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting covered her face with her hands; tears streamed down. She knew—she knew—there was no such thing as unconditional love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One or two coincidences could be explained by fate. But after repeated escapes from blades aimed at her, how could she still fool herself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her parents were gone. Her brother was gone. The only person who could do this for her was right here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t want this. She didn’t want to carry the heavy burden of her family’s past, nor the weight of Li Xuewu’s care—pretending not to notice, pretending not to understand, deceiving herself again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After her parents’ case ended, she’d once thought of joining them. But she lacked the cruelty and courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t betray her parents’ love, nor Li Xuewu’s. So she wanted to change her life quickly, escape the gloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, she realized how childish and absurd that thought had been—the gloom had never vanished. It had always been beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regular visitors came to her home. Neighbors and street officials watched her with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Colleagues understood, but after the Great Study Movement began, their whispers became cold arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to leave. She really wanted to leave. Far from this place of scandal, to somewhere no one knew her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her family’s historical problem was a heavy shackle around her neck—eternally unbreakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In every storm of the Great Study Movement, every anxious, narrow escape peeled off another layer of her skin—and made colleagues treat her with even greater distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had she done? What had she paid to earn today’s peace?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. She was certain she’d done nothing. And her “lover” had done nothing either. Someone had quietly protected her all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this case hadn’t happened, she’d have kept pretending—not knowing, not thinking—living out her life in dull calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But life is unpredictable. It kept turning her dignity over and over, torturing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially today, when she walked out of the investigation office—that clerk’s reminder tore off her mask and disguise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting had never actively sought information about Li Xuewu. She feared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She feared she’d start thinking of him. She feared she couldn’t bear the inner torment, couldn’t shoulder this silent, heavy care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flood of self-blame, regret, and despair overwhelmed her. She cried bitterly, hopelessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her like this, what could Li Xuewu do? This feeling could only be remembered later—when it was already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu wouldn’t offer comfort. Words would only make her cry harder—Qin Jingru knew that well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he sat quietly, sipping tea, shielding her from the curious glances around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about fifteen minutes, Lin Tingting stopped crying. She wiped her face with her handkerchief, voice hoarse: “Thank you. I’m sorry for the trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, why say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu shook his head, looking at her: “It’s nothing. Don’t hold it against yourself. Just live well. Live your life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I owe you too much. I can’t repay you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting wiped her eyes, picked up the meat in her bowl, chewed, and murmured: “The luckiest thing in my life was meeting you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t call me a good person!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu waved his hand, cutting off her heartfelt words, smiling: “My heart shines only by the Party’s light. If you praise me too much, I’ll float away—and then you’ll see I’m no good at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To me, you’ll always be an interesting person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting smiled faintly, tears glinting in her eyes as she looked at Li Xuewu. All past regrets and missed chances dissolved in that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you can, please protect me. I’m powerless against this world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t talk like that. Life is lived by yourself. What’s ability or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu scolded her gently, then smiled, gesturing toward the door: “Let’s go. I’ll drop you off. I can’t get home too late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah? Your wife’s pregnant, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting gathered herself, quickly packed her things, stood up: “I’m so sorry—I only talked about myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. At least you came to me when you had something. That means you still see me as a friend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took her out. He saw Han Jiankun already in the car, engine running—he wouldn’t freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, they exchanged a few casual words. As she got out, Li Xuewu told her to focus on work, cooperate fully with the investigation team, and live well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Tingting stood at the alley entrance, watching the jeep disappear before going home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted—her steps were lighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost love is never meant to be mourned. It’s aged, kept alone, savored—bitter, spicy, it’s all part of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jiankun wouldn’t dare mention Li Xuewu’s late return. Qin Jingru wouldn’t ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple had their own rules—learned from somewhere, mastered perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Han Jiankun’s view, if Li Xuewu truly wanted to hide something, who could possibly know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t kept in the dark about some things, nor did he mind that he knew—this was a form of trust in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could guess the woman’s situation today: she was likely one of Li Xuewu’s many ex-girlfriends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ex-girlfriend coming to ask him for a favor wasn’t strange at all; what would be strange is if you’d ever seen an ex-girlfriend shot dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly didn’t believe Li Xuewu would have anything with this woman, even if she was beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying it was intuition sounded too mystical—it was simply experience he’d gathered as a driver for the car squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there really was something serious between them, if they truly wanted to talk about feelings, would they invite him to dinner?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inviting him meant they wanted him to serve as a witness for the boss—not for others, not for family, but specifically for the ex-girlfriend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s simple logic: I’m not afraid to bring someone along because it proves I don’t want to talk about private matters with you, and I won’t develop that kind of relationship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So don’t misunderstand me—I won’t give you the chance to say such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you’re away from home, your reputation is your own doing. I urge you all: learn from Li Xuewu—speak carefully, act prudently, keep yourself pure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Xuewu got home, he first soothed his daughter to sleep, then saw off Qin Jingru and her husband, before heading upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Gu Ning even asked, he brought up the dinner that evening himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning was also surprised he mentioned it, looked at Li Xuewu who had just come out of the bathroom after a shower, and asked: “Did she have something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t press for details.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu put on a robe, slippers on his feet, glanced at his sleeping daughter, then went to the study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She said she’s being transferred out, but her unit denied her application.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why came to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning closed the book in her hand and looked at Li Xuewu: “Is she asking you to use connections?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It might not be just that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu dried his hair, glanced at the bookshelf, and pulled out a university textbook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s probably trying to resolve old issues—this recent case must have made her situation even worse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it hard to handle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning brushed her hair behind her ear and said: “Should we ask your father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not necessary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sat across from the desk with the book, picked up Gu Ning’s teacup, took a sip, and said: “Her safety isn’t an issue for now—everything else can wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he set down the teacup and looked at Gu Ning: “Until the case is closed, no one involved can be trusted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning looked at Li Xuewu and saw his expression wasn’t joking—she fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her husband was good in every way, but he had too many guardrails in his mind, especially in relationships—he always assumed everyone might be out to get him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that bad? But his job demands it—during this time, he must hold up the family and protect their safety; it’s never easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you have plans, tell me...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No plans yet—I’m just telling you so you’ll know about it, and be prepared if she comes by later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu opened the textbook and added: “She might not even come—she mentioned you’re pregnant. If she does, just receive her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning showed no special reaction to Li Xuewu’s honesty—no jealousy, no joy—just calmness, as if he were talking about some distant relative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, any news from Jinling?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu flipped through the book, chatting casually with Gu Ning while keeping half his attention on the text.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom called me last weekend, I think—did she call you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning idly flipped through her book, hesitated, then looked up at Li Xuewu: “Can you stop telling Mom about my condition?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? What condition?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked up, smiled, and explained: “I didn’t bring it up—Mom keeps asking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if she asks, don’t tell her~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning pouted: “Once you tell her, she’ll come scolding me again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright~ alright~ alright~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded: “Next time I call Mom, I’ll tell her you told me not to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-.-”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning sat across from him, squinted, and stared—her look said: “How dare you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu felt the hostility from across the table and shrugged: “Two months until delivery—if you make Mom angry, she’ll fly back just to watch over you, you believe me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph~~~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning knew Li Xuewu was telling the truth, but why did it sound so much like a threat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a soft hum, thought for a while, then said: “If she asks again, say you don’t know, you’re not sure, you’re busy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time it was Li Xuewu who fell silent—he looked up at his wife: “Are you teaching me to deceive your mother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just say that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning grew impatient, glared: “Who talks about psychological or physical states over the phone? You’re a man!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at you, why get so worked up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu poured warm water and pushed it toward her, soothing: “What’s wrong with being a man? I’m not talking about anyone else—Mom asked, so what should I say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I say I don’t know, she’ll imagine all sorts of things, think I’m not taking care of you, and then fly back—what then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I say you don’t want me to talk about it, she’ll still call and nag you, won’t she?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu helplessly spread his hands: “I can’t handle Mom’s temper—I just say what’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had given up caring about appearances in front of his wife: “With Mom, I follow one rule: confess fully, resist and you’ll be punished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not dealing with you~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning stared at him—how he ruled outside, smashing Wei Guo’s head against the car hood with brute force, yet at home couldn’t even handle his mother-in-law’s questions—this “complete lack of resistance” left her speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where’s your strength?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where’s your dominance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where’s your promise to protect me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Have the courage to say no to tyranny!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you can’t even handle this little thing, hmph~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning pouted and stood up to leave, but suddenly stopped at the study door, as if remembering something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned gently, eyed Li Xuewu suspiciously: “You won’t go tell Mom what I said tonight, will you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! What are you talking about! Do you think I’m that kind of person?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at Gu Ning with wounded expression, complaining: “You hurt my feelings—do you really think so little of me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, you have to apologize right now—or this isn’t over!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so~~~?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning squinted, frowned, and studied Li Xuewu: “Then how did Mom find out I complained about you not letting me exercise enough last time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did that happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t know about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked genuinely confused at Gu Ning: “Who did you say that to? Think carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only told you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning squinted at Li Xuewu: “Who else was home that night? Would I tell Qin Jingru something like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I get it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stood up and walked out, not even pausing as he passed Gu Ning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed toward the master bedroom and declared firmly: “It was Li Shu! This kid needs discipline now—she’s even calling to snitch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“????”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d seen kids who betrayed their fathers—but never a father who framed his own daughter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Xuewu! Do you think I’m an idiot?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu in the master bedroom woke up to the voices outside, half-asleep, sat up to get water—but after listening for a moment, she realized something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly: half-asleep, jolted upright—a black pot flies straight at me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank goodness she heard this—how many other things had she been blamed for without hearing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many black bags had she carried for her father before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, I need to report something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jian knocked and entered the office: “The third batch of emergency training, the third batch of dual-preparedness training, and the second batch of security cadre training—all three classes are opening together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wei Tong at the training ground wants to know if you’re available to preside over the opening ceremony.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What date?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu flipped through the calendar on his desk, heard Sun Jian say it was this Saturday, and shook his head: “I might not make it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know—there’s a case at the branch office; work could come up anytime, and it won’t be resolved these few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at the work report on his desk and the schedule prepared by Peng Xiaoli, saying: “No, we still have a meeting this week about procuring auto parts, and HR needs coordination on some matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jian stood in front of the desk and said: “Comrade Xu Ning from the steelmaking plant is arriving this afternoon—should we reserve time for his report?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, we won’t see him today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu set down the work report and instructed Sun Jian: “Tell him to go home and rest for a day, then come back tomorrow morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the training field opening…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded at Sun Jian and said: “Tell Deputy Group Leader Yu to take charge—these three training classes still need attention.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jian made a brief note, then reported: “Comrade Wang Zongli has completed her personnel transfer. What do you think about the position of Director of the Training Field Management Office?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has HR given any opinion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu kept his head down, reading documents, paying little attention to his remarks about cadres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jian observed Li Xuewu’s expression and reported: “HR is still waiting for our input, and the Fire Prevention Section is too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then wait a bit longer—it’s not worth rushing over a few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu placed the signed documents aside and looked at him: “Year-end is coming. The Security Group has already seen major personnel changes—let’s slow down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have Wei Tong pay more attention to the Training Field Management Office—doesn’t the Fire Prevention Section still have a Deputy Section Chief?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded at Sun Jian and warned: “Watch the Security Section—Comrade Zhou Yao is still young.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jian finished his notes, bid farewell, and left; at the door he nodded to Peng Xiaoli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli watched him go, unable to suppress a sneer—he still thought Sun Jian was no good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Traitors deserve to die!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially that old bastard who used and deceived me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he really think I believed he generously forgave him and Gu Cheng’s actions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just because of his current status—his leniency is nothing but leveraging power to suppress me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of secretarial skills, my position is no lower than Sun Jian’s—but now he uses that incident to hold me down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many tasks that should have been reported through me are now being reported directly by him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This undermines my work credibility and greatly weakens the influence of my position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Office Director doesn’t trust me, how can others in the office trust or respect me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over time, even the leadership will think I’m unreliable—why must everything come straight from subordinates?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now you understand what ‘slow knife killing without blood’ means—this place is deeper than you think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good thing I’m not just sitting around—I’ve been in the factory office for two years; what kind of nonsense haven’t I seen?~!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leader, I delivered the documents to Director Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli first reported on work, then added: “Just now, I ran into Deputy Director Jin from the Third Industry Management Office heading into Deputy Director Shi’s office.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rumors say Deputy Director Jin wants to launch a new project under Third Industry Management—something related to daily necessities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of daily necessities?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t look up, but his voice came out: “Is this for this year’s project or next year’s?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably next year’s.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli replied: “This year’s budget has already been finalized and closed—no funds left to apply for. It’ll have to wait until next year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for what they’ll produce, I only heard Gu Cheng mention it—something like plastic washbasins, towels, toothbrushes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Cheng said they plan to sell them as welfare items and supply them to the Rolling Mill and United Factory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, good idea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded: “Deputy Director Jin is burning his first three fires as a new appointee—good thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, I don’t understand this stuff.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli grinned foolishly, eyes darting: “But I heard the project is personally initiated by Deputy Director Jin—he wants to register it under the Management Committee Office as a special welfare item.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows slightly, still smiling: “It doesn’t matter where the project is registered—as long as it benefits the factory, production, and daily life, it’s the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s what I thought too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli smiled and poured Li Xuewu a fresh cup of tea as he walked over: “Soon we’ll be buying cheap daily goods straight from our own factory—saves a fortune!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me tell you something interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood in front of Li Xuewu’s desk and whispered: “Gu Cheng is naive—he heard this news and ran into Director Lü of Third Industry Management.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Industry Management Office, like the Trade Management Center in Jinmen and the Production Base Management Office in Gangcheng, is a deputy director-level unit, all under the Economic and Trade Leadership Group Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Economic and Trade Leadership Group Office has one director and three deputy directors: Director Li Huai, and Deputy Directors Dong Wenhua, Jing Yunong, and Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These four fully manage the Rolling Mill’s economic and trade affairs, leaving no room for others to interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü Peizhong was promoted from head of the Production Section to head of Third Industry Management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Yaohui returned from a border office and was promoted from section chief to deputy director by Li Huai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both are deputy directors, but in management ability and prestige, Lü Peizhong easily crushes Jin Yaohui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at their level, ability alone can’t judge a cadre’s overall quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Yaohui has Li Huai’s backing and has always worked in the bureaucracy, so he doesn’t feel overshadowed—he barely cares about Lü Peizhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Cheng told Director Lü: factory workers’ lives boil down to clothing, food, housing, transportation, birth, aging, illness, and death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clothing? Textile Workshop. Meals? Canteen and Welfare Service Office. Housing? Worker New Village Project. Transportation? Auto Manufacturing Plant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Childbirth and illness? Factory Hospital, soon a general hospital. Aging? Retirement security. Only death remains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli vividly recounted to Li Xuewu: “He told Director Lü: since Deputy Director Jin wants to produce daily goods for everyone, when are we going to build our own crematorium and cemetery? That’s serving the people wholeheartedly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked up at Peng Xiaoli and asked: “Did you teach him to say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli protested: “Does that guy even need me to teach him? He’s never been a good one to begin with!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, a pair of shit-stirrers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu scolded him, then ignored him and went back to reading documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing his leader’s criticism, Peng Xiaoli blinked and smiled with his lips pressed shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t care—why should he? The leader just called him and Gu Cheng a stick—so what?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it is a bit dirty, I suppose~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli had his own methods for gaining leadership favor and trust—no one else could match him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t believe me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even taught Li Xue—look how much Deputy Director Jing values her now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget all the connections—just tell me, how does Deputy Director Jing treat Li Xue?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among all the office staff in the Rolling Mill, in terms of writing skills, theoretical knowledge, or seniority, he doesn’t rank at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when it comes to overall competence, secretarial insight and technique—he refuses to yield. Not to anyone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is the highest achievement in secretarial work?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not how good your own performance is, or how high your execution ability—what matters is helping your leader achieve results and ensuring their directives are carried out effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learn patience, learn observation: fulfill your duties thoroughly, and also use your personal charm to become your leader’s trusted assistant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Note: assistant, not secretary—anyone could be a secretary, even if you gave them two steamed buns and a dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Shaqi: I fuck your dad, I had blind eyes!)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jian wanted to suppress him and seize his resources—Peng Xiaoli couldn’t just openly defy him and ruin unity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be reckless—he’s low-ranking and voiceless; any move he makes is wrong and only wastes opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli wouldn’t fight Sun Jian head-on—Sun Jian has positional advantage, but Peng Xiaoli has his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, the factory’s gossip and rumors—Sun Jian would never dare mention them to leadership; if Peng Xiaoli says them, it’s casual talk, but if Sun Jian says them, it’s stirring trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His status ensures he’s closer to and more trusted by leadership than Sun Jian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes Peng Xiaoli really wanted to point at Sun Jian’s nose and say: I can be the leader’s dog—can you? You little trash, how dare you compare yourself to me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t think “dog” is an insult—it’s just a concrete metaphor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It represents assistance, reconnaissance, protection, loyalty—not literal animals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, this time, Director Li assigned Jin Yaohui, who returned from the border—why didn’t he ask HR, but instead asked Deputy Director Li? What does that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Director Li couldn’t go snooping elsewhere—he had to pick a suitable position from within his own sphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third Industry Management has always been Deputy Director Li’s focus; after a series of upheavals, a three-way power balance was established, visibly reflected in the Economic and Trade Office’s authority distribution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Director Li isn’t giving Jin Yaohui a piece from his own bowl—he’s taking a piece from Deputy Director Li’s. What should Peng Xiaoli do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—he must aim for Jin Yaohui’s ass and bite it hard when he least expects it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Li is testing Deputy Director Li’s loyalty—so Peng Xiaoli will use this to demonstrate his own loyalty to Deputy Director Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli and Gu Cheng, this pair of troublemakers, are scheming to incite conflict within Third Industry Management, terrified Lü Peizhong and Jin Yaohui won’t fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s report was just to gauge leadership’s attitude—he got a “scolding” as a shit-stirrer, and he understood exactly what the leader meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re willing to get dirty, you must stir the pot hard—otherwise why would the leader call them that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, leaders can’t do certain things themselves, and they can’t explain them too clearly or directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, the secretary must fully understand the leader’s intentions and take the initiative to complete the task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doing good deeds is naturally difficult, but as for doing bad ones, he doesn’t need anyone to teach him—just hold back a little and perform normally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ning arrived in Jingcheng on the afternoon of December 17th; as soon as he got off the train, he went straight to the Security Building to report in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Xuewu was in a meeting and didn’t see him—Sun Jian received him instead and informed him of the leader’s arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fully demonstrated Li Xuewu’s concern for him and, even more so, his trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially this time going to the frontier, when Han Yating handed over duties to him, she said that after this trip, he might well be called Deputy Director Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ning clearly understood this: from the Public Security Squad to the Security Section, then to the Guesthouse, then to the Gangcheng Security Office, and now to the Frontier Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His position had rocketed from staff member all the way up to Level-Positive Section Chief—how could he not understand the significance of this frontier assignment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most important purpose of going to Gangcheng was to help Dong Wenhua stabilize the situation, establish a firm foothold, and fully connect the hierarchical relationships between the Rolling Mill Security Office and the Steelmaking Plant Security Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he had accomplished his mission and stepped back—Dong Wenhua had firmly seized the reins of the Steelmaking Plant, and the Rolling Mill’s oversight over the Steelmaking Plant had cleared all bottlenecks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His black gloves no longer suited Dong Wenhua, nor the Steelmaking Plant, nor even himself if he kept them in Gangcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Xuewu came to Gangcheng for inspection, he had intended to report his thoughts to the leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the factory kept experiencing one upheaval after another, so he figured that if Li Xuewu needed him, he’d be transferred sooner or later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s two most capable subordinates were him and Han Yating—they belonged to the first echelon of security cadres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Yating was pregnant and temporarily burdened with the blame from early in the month; she couldn’t shoulder major responsibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So whenever a vacancy arose, he was always first in line for promotion—but he never expected he’d be sent all the way to the frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ning had no hesitation about this outcome: wherever he went, it would be at least three years, and his Level-Positive Section Chief rank would certainly have to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Xuewu wasn’t promoted, he couldn’t be promoted; if Li Xuewu was promoted, the successor would definitely be him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he didn’t climb step by step, he was unquestionably in the highest-priority sequence of Li Xuewu’s planning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on, the future Security Group might see Li Xuewu succeed Dong Wenhua, Yu De step up as First Deputy Group Leader, and him return to Jingcheng to become Deputy Group Leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, all this was just what Xu Ning had pondered on his way back—three years wasn’t long, but it wasn’t short either; anything could happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he failed to open up the frontier like that useless Jin Yaohui, his return outcome might not even be better than that useless man’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had a complete cadre succession plan—he knew that if he failed, someone else would replace him without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This pressure wasn’t spoken aloud by Li Xuewu; it was clearly laid out before him, and he felt it himself—he couldn’t afford to slack off for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So on the 17th, he returned home to reunite with his family and handle personal matters; on the morning of the 18th, he arrived at the Security Building to wait for Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He absolutely had to meet Xu Ning—not only to hear his report on his work in Gangcheng, but also to hear his plans for the frontier, and to give further instructions and arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today’s meetings were numerous: first, he co-chaired the Automotive Parts Procurement Meeting with Jing Yuyong and Xia Zhongquan, then held a Personnel Coordination Meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Procurement Meeting began with Xia Zhongquan’s report on the procurement plan, followed by discussions with automotive engineering experts and financial managers; after analysis and deliberation, the general direction and agreement terms for all parts were largely finalized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ensure production quality, safety, and efficiency, the procurement plan—following Li Xuewu’s advice—established a scheme where three factories would supply special components.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant there were three procurement channels for non-substitutable parts; if any one failed, it wouldn’t affect the production line’s car output.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t compete on quality with the 212 Jeep, so he’d have to make the Rolling Mill play dirty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, he’d set his own prices and slash them ruthlessly, forcing procurement units to turn their eyes to the Red Star Antelope Jeep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, he’d raise service standards, making the Antelope Jeep’s production rate far outpace the 212 Jeep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If my price isn’t lower and my output isn’t higher, I absolutely must bite off a big chunk of this market!\u003C\u002Fp>",5501,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","48e4ff894450c06218dadbdc7f34fe4575127f5e78b80a08da59d2465668c0ee","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-947","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-945",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]