[{"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-951":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},2315001,4526,"Chapter 951: No Choice","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-951",951,"\u003Cp>“My heart is kept in check by nothing but poverty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er crushed the cigarette under his foot and smiled: “If I had money, I wouldn’t be any good either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahahaha~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu laughed loudly: “You’re not good either right now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not now—it’s nowhere near as good as theirs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er raised an eyebrow, gesturing toward the two men standing by the gate: “What, aren’t you going to say hello?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He teased deliberately: “I heard you had something with Liu Lan—aren’t you two a matched pair?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go to hell~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t make things up~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu quickly raised his hand to stop him: “No connection at all—total nonsense, never happened!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Liu Lan by the guesthouse gate, and at her ex-husband Chai Yongshu, dressed in flashy clothes: “Hey! This kid’s been coming around a lot lately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why I say a man needs money and power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er chuckled: “Look at this—everyone used to say Liu Lan’s husband was useless. Clearly lying~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It wasn’t just lies~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu took a drag of his cigarette, eyes fixed on the gate: “That bastard must’ve struck it rich somewhere and come here to show off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Don’t envy him~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er raised an eyebrow, mocking: “His success proves that gold will always shine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bullshit—he shines? Even a lightbulb shines.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu sneered: “I’d believe anyone’s gold before I believe his. Dog meat never belongs on the table.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not so sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er shook his head slightly: “You’re not jealous, are you? Did you two really have something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No damn thing—not even a hip bone!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu took another hard drag and explained: “She wanted to live with me after the divorce—I turned her down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced up at the building with a disapproving look, then added: “Even if I were barefoot, I wouldn’t wear a used shoe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er had long heard the gossip about the guesthouse; now, after hearing Sha Zhu, he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, Chai Yongshu and Liu Lan finished their talk—one headed for the small canteen, the other toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chai Yongshu didn’t know Yang La'er, but he knew Sha Zhu—they’d worked at the same unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky was growing dim, the sun about to set, the air still dry and chilly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a wool overcoat, black leather shoes, and a fur-lined cap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This outfit was rare in the city—excessively flashy, something only the wealthy could afford.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu fell silent as Chai approached, openly sizing him up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, Chai had never spoken to him—they’d looked down on each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, Chai looked down at Sha Zhu with a half-lidded glare and sneered: “What a piece of trash~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for Sha Zhu’s reaction, he kicked his bicycle parked in the yard and walked off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu rarely got insulted—he stood frozen for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“F***…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Calm down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er, ever well-meaning, grabbed Sha Zhu’s arm: “The bosses are all here—don’t cause trouble!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu’s temper wasn’t what it used to be—he still liked to fight, but he knew when to hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing his temper, Dilinya had warned him several times, then finally issued a hard ultimatum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you kill someone in a fight, you’ll get shot—fine, I’ll be a widow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if you go to prison, I won’t wait for you—I’ll remarry and take the kid. Your child will suffer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That one threat was like the golden circlet on Sun Wukong’s head—it reminded Sha Zhu every day: he was a father now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when Yang La'er held him back, he gave up chasing—but still cursed under his breath, even dragging Liu Lan into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er patted his shoulder, advising him: “Today’s special—don’t let the bosses see you acting up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they returned to the kitchen, Sha Zhu’s mood hadn’t improved. Shang Debiao, prepping ingredients, glanced over and teased: “Oh? What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ran into a dog that bit people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu grabbed a cucumber and bit into it hard, then waved him off: “None of your business—today’s a rare chance, stick to your work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Qian Master, who stood watching Shang’s technique: “You take care—same trade, not far apart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, you’re too kind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Shutong nodded toward his second apprentice, Yang La'er, and his first, Wei Wei: “We three came to work here thanks to your help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the one being kind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu grinned: “You came to the steel mill because Deputy Li showed favor—don’t think I’m owed anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured to Shang Debiao: “Funny thing—Shang Master also got his job through Deputy Li. We’re practically family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a habit of spinning idle talk—within a few sentences, he’d drawn everyone closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d already greeted Li Xuewu; after losing his job, Shang Master had asked twice to find work, even accepted a basket of pigeons from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s reply was clear: wait for news. They’d asked near the end of October—today, the news finally came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steel mill planned to open a restaurant in town—not just lodging, but a dining hall, and dining halls need cooks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mill had only a handful of decent cooks, already rotating among three locations. Adding a fourth kitchen in town would stretch them thin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So today’s arrangement: Shang Master would prepare his dishes. Deputy General Manager Zhang Song of the International Hotel had instructed that Qian Master and He Master taste first, then the bosses would decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu had brought Shang—he’d already passed his test. The real hurdle was Qian Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the bosses still had to taste, it’d be foolish to stumble here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Sha Zhu speak up for him, Shang Debiao politely thanked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Shutong didn’t act superior—he was a court chef, skilled in synthesizing all styles, well aware that someone always stands taller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A true expert’s first move reveals everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Shang’s medicinal dishes, he saw their unique brilliance—especially how they blended yin-yang theory with traditional Chinese medicine, using food as medicine. It was impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guesthouse kitchen was spacious. Sha Zhu didn’t interfere. Yang La'er and his senior Wei Wei shared one stove, preparing meals for guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight’s banquet for the bosses? Qian Master and Shang Master would prepare it together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a competition—Deputy Li simply preferred Qian’s cooking. Even when judging a new cook, he wouldn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four stoves: one for steaming rice, one for Yang La'er, one for Qian Shutong, one for Shang Debiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the bosses arrived in their private room, idle chatter vanished. The clatter of spatulas against woks rose in rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang’s strength lay in stews—medicinal food emphasized nourishment, not fiery stir-fries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t absolute—scallion-braised sea cucumber is nutritious, and even the national soccer team says it’s good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold dishes, then hot—plates, bowls, saucers, cups, pots—all filled with delicacies arrived on the table. The kitchen’s pace slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when the last bowl of soup was carried out did the kitchen finally quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apprentices rushed to wash dishes, scrub pots, and clean stoves. Others hauled out kitchen waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian’s rule: the kitchen must be spotless. Today’s work, today’s finish—no matter how late, clean before leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu, acting as judge today, pulled the nervous Shang Debiao to a small table in the kitchen corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was where cooks ate, drank tea, and rested—not out of arrogance, but necessity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who cooks regularly knows: after preparing a full banquet, the cook is full—can’t eat another bite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional chefs even more so—they must eat either before or after service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eating before was impossible—no such custom. So they always ate after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the table now held a few dishes identical to those served to the bosses—extra portions cooked just for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when Liu Lan ran this kitchen, she never complained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kitchen was its own world. As long as food didn’t go home, what they ate, how they used it—was up to the cooks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, many, like Sha Zhu, took food home—but only at proper times, following rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—your skill’s perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu reassured Shang, then glanced at Wei Wei, sitting alone inside, his cane beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wei Master, we’ve known each other a long time. You’re always so quiet—is that really natural?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang La'er, seeing Sha Zhu teasing his senior, quickly warned him, then glanced at Wei Wei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Wei’s hand froze mid-bite. He looked up at Sha Zhu, smiled faintly: “He Master, I’m sorry—I don’t talk much. Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was impolite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu waved it off: “We’ve never really sat down and talked.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Shutong sat silently, lifting his bowl to taste the chicken soup—Shang’s cooking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Debiao, preoccupied with his job prospects, sensed the awkward silence and quickly composed himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Getting the job was one hurdle; getting along with colleagues was another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Wei didn’t know why He Master had focused on him—he kept his head down, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the atmosphere froze, a server came over, saying the leader had enjoyed the meal and wanted Shang Master to come over for a talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Debiao raised his eyebrows in delight, bowed modestly as others offered their congratulations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu laughed and pushed him out the door, reminding him not to waste time here and keep the leaders waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three master and disciples at the table exchanged glances, all concealing their emotions, pretending He Master had never mentioned it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Zhu knew he’d spoken out of turn; he masked it by seeing Shang Master off, and when he returned, spoke only of tonight’s meal, avoiding Wei Wei entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Tuesday afternoon, Li Xuewu was reviewing documents in his office—materials forwarded from Yangcheng regarding the cooperation details with Wufenghang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The construction of the food processing plant was proceeding orderly; machinery and equipment were procured and transported by Wufenghang, with installation guidance provided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wufenghang also offered some assistance and support regarding food raw materials and cargo transportation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, one must mention Wufenghang’s “Three Express Trains” within the mainland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Kong’s population is predominantly from Guangdong and Guangxi, where food favors “fresh, lively, raw, and vigorous,” but Hong Kong’s land is limited, so food must largely rely on mainland supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the early 1960s, the “Three Express Trains for Fresh and Live Goods Supply to Hong Kong and Macao” emerged—the very “Three Express Trains” referenced in Li Xuewu’s documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cargo was transported from central, northern, and eastern China to Shenzhen Station, then to Lo Wu Station, where Wufenghang distributed it uniformly to Hong Kong markets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wufenghang’s suggestion was that this train route from northern China to Hong Kong often had spare capacity; could they prepare some raw material procurement?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were also considering whether the food processing plant’s products could be shipped to Hong Kong via this channel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had no further opinions on cargo transport or raw material procurement; his only requirements were cost control and quality control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reviewing the documents, he instructed Peng Xiaoli to organize personnel to draft a plan, which still required Director Li’s approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu intended to fully develop the food processing plant’s supply chain, including negotiations with Jinmen Aquatic Products Corporation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhang Changming had been back for nearly a month with no news; he dared not put all his bets on the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he maintained communication and contact with the heads of the southern provinces’ fruit distribution corporations, ready to initiate cooperation at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Transportation has always been a bottleneck to development; the steel rolling mill was already preparing its third refrigerated train, and both existing trains now operated continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Trade Management Center in Jinmen coordinated with all offices and allied units via radio, dispatching mobile business personnel to various locations to conduct trade operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as business deals were secured and finance confirmed the actual trade value, procurement and transport would be arranged; the trade network was slowly but steadily taking shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though inefficiencies persisted due to systems and information barriers, compared to the past’s sluggishness, this had already surprised Li Huai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two trade trains raced along the rails like long dragons, carrying the market economy products of the steel rolling mill and its allied units under the planned economy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could say this networked trade system had provided certain inspiration to the leadership above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since the steel rolling mill remained true to its principles, never actively disrupting the balance of the planned economy, always following directives and implementing them flexibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because of this, some said Li Huai was walking a tightrope; others called him the first to eat the crab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still others slandered Li Huai, accusing him of going backward, regressing spiritually, dragging socialism down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai gave no direct response; whether in joint trade or foreign trade, seeing real gold and silver, his resolve was unshakable—his desire to make money could not be shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night at the guesthouse, he tasted again the flavor of power, listening to Shang Master explain the effects of food and medicinal tonics and recount his past work—he was deeply moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swallows once flew in the halls of the Wang and Xie families; now they nest in commoners’ homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai was no commoner, but palace medicinal cuisine or later recuperative diets were never within his reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the steel rolling mill had money, could hire more people, do more things, gain more fame, earn more profit—could you ask him to stop and preach unity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu and Jing Yunong’s economic trade management methods and foreign cooperation plans, he hadn’t read much of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that he couldn’t understand them—he simply didn’t care to read. One person could trick him, but Li Huai was certain Li Xuewu and Jing Yunong had a poor relationship; they wouldn’t conspire against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, Li Xuewu and Jing Yunong had clashed over tertiary industry operations; though relations had eased, the tensions remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai was certain: if Li Xuewu managed economics, Jing Yunong must manage finance—this was not putting all eggs in one basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, as he’d expected, although Jing Yunong had cooperated smoothly with them in Yangcheng, upon returning he showed no signs of closeness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had also had disagreements and arguments with finance and personnel during communications; he’d clashed with Jing Yunong in meetings too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai watched all this, worried on the surface, delighted inside, constantly mediating, smoothing things over on both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday morning, during the meeting discussing the car manufacturing plant acquisition, Li Xuewu expressed dissatisfaction with the acquisition plan proposed by finance and personnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially regarding finance’s recommendations on land exchange and machinery disposal, he voiced many criticisms, utterly dismantling finance’s proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This naturally angered Jing Yunong; the two exchanged sharp words during the meeting, but Li Huai managed to calm them down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, when Li Xuewu brought the acquisition proposal to Li Huai, he received some agreement and some criticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu could see: Old Li was starting to play dirty tricks. Did he really think the steel rolling mill was now at peace, that the rabbit was dead and the hunting dogs could be cooked?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He praised Li Xuewu to his face, deliberately belittled Jing Yunong a bit, then mildly criticized Li Xuewu’s attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pulling one way while pushing the other?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Jing Yunong’s side, the same tactic: he said things to belittle Li Xuewu, deliberately stoking conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t ask how Li Xuewu knew what Li Huai had said to Jing Yunong—it’s a secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, Shi Ruoweng’s change in attitude had caught Li Xuewu’s attention; this test had directly exposed Old Li’s tail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it’s true: lack of foresight invites immediate trouble. For a man like Li Huai, besides motivational talk, you must also teach him the art of dark manipulation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Li Huai cannot be easily moved; in this era, he can move anyone—but Li Huai, he cannot touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where else would you find such a perfect shield… leader?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only those who overestimate themselves and believe every rumor can be moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So last week, when Jing Yunong saw in the work bulletin that Li Xuewu, due to being busy, had assigned Shi Ruoweng to oversee the opening preparations for the Hongxing International Hotel, she knew this little rascal was digging a pit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d only ever seen Li Xuewu take small losses, never fall for big traps—who dares provoke him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scoundrel had secretly signaled her during the meeting, then launched an attack on the financial report—what didn’t she understand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are never lacking fools; even after countless others have fallen into his traps, some still refuse to believe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I believed your nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan’s anxious heart finally settled when Li Xuewu pulled out a “design sketch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew this little rascal calling him here meant trouble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to doubt his suspicion, no need to examine the “design sketch” on the table—he knew the steel rolling mill’s greatest inventor had a new stunt ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of attitude is that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glared at Xia Zhongquan, who recoiled as if the design sketch were a venomous snake—wasn’t that extremely impolite?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who do you think I’m doing all this hard design work for? Isn’t it for our factory? Isn’t it for the workers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just tell me! Answer honestly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu slapped the table and pointed at Xia Zhongquan: “If the Technical Department could produce even a few product designs as groundbreaking as mine, would I have to work day and night designing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Deputy Director, don’t speak untruths!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan held up the “design sketch” and asked coldly: “You call this a groundbreaking product design born from day-and-night labor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did the phrase ‘day and night’ go off track, or did ‘groundbreaking’ sprout legs? Where’s any design here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you look down on my designs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes, feigning menace as he tapped the sketch: “Tell me—you don’t know what I drew?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I know! If you say that, I could draw ‘groundbreaking’ product designs too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan casually tossed the sketch aside, covering his face with both hands—he wanted to bang his head against the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could clearly see it was a motorcycle—a step-through, low-displacement model.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu brought him this piece of garbage, told him to treat it as a design, and turn it into a real product—it was outright bullying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This little rascal comes up with one crazy idea after another. The steel rolling mill is so big—why pick him to torment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, the jeep had a prototype to reference; he could redraw blueprints with real data. But what the hell is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Deputy Director, let’s be honest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan was now trapped in a tiger’s den. As Chief Engineer, he had to face reality: this “design master” held authority over all industrial and trade projects at the steel rolling mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, even he fell under the jurisdiction of the Technical Development Leadership Office—and Li Xuewu was its deputy director.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, Li Xuewu used incentives to get him to work; now he used power to pressure him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under someone else’s roof, one must bow. Xia Zhongquan only wanted to know one thing: “Are you sure you didn’t accidentally grab your daughter’s work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xia Engineer, you can eat anything, but don’t speak recklessly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glared: “Do you think my work is terrible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Er… I wouldn’t call it ‘terrible’…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan stared at the tiny motorcycle, utterly at a loss for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Terrible? How could you call it terrible? It was pure dogshit!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he dared not voice his true thoughts to Li Xuewu; he could only dodge and change the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did you suddenly decide to design a small motorcycle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sighed deeply, picked up the cigarette pack, and lit one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exhaling a puff of smoke, he said: “You don’t think our factory is about to merge with some car manufacturers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan looked at the pile of dogshit in his hand and asked: “But what does that have to do with a motorcycle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because they can’t make anything else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sighed and said, “I don’t support buying those scraps, but what can we do—we can’t afford to cross them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s all out of desperation. Those people and machines they brought over are completely incompatible with our production equipment—they’re just piles of trash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He frowned and said, “But we can’t just throw trash away. We have to find ways to reuse it. We can’t keep feeding them idle meals, can we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’re thinking of making motorcycles?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan stared at Li Xuewu in surprise. “How on earth are you thinking? Who’d even want this thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Don’t be so absolute.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tapped his finger at the man. “Who was it that called my Red Star Antelope design crap?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan had no idea how his words had reached the other man’s ears. Now he was speechless—after all, that design had been put into production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, this wasn’t the first time he’d criticized Li Xuewu’s designs—it had started back with the fitness equipment and fire trucks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t expect the workers absorbed from other factories to be skilled technicians. Even if they are, they won’t give them to us—we won’t get any bargains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tapped the table. “Our auto plant isn’t open to just anyone. We’ll inevitably have to lay off a bunch of people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Xia Zhongquan. “If we strictly follow factory rules, will these people riot? Will they blow up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Motorcycles…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan now understood Li Xuewu’s meaning. He thought for a moment. “That doesn’t seem quite right, does it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the contrary—I’ve carefully investigated motorcycle manufacturing these past few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu leaned his arm on the table and asked Xia Zhongquan, “How much does the cheapest motorcycle in stores cost now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least three or four thousand yuan~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan frowned slightly, then noticed Li Xuewu’s eyes gleaming. He asked in surprise, “Why are you asking that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If our factory produced one of these motorcycles…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tapped his groundbreaking design draft, winking at Xia Zhongquan. “If we sold it for a thousand yuan, do you think anyone would buy it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A thousand yuan?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan stared at Li Xuewu, then gripped the draft paper. “How is that even possible?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled. “It’s just putting an engine on a bicycle. Costs can be kept under five hundred yuan easily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait a minute~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan stared at Li Xuewu helplessly. “We already pissed off enough people with the Red Star Antelope price war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now you’re doing this again? You want to make enemies of every single ally we’ve got, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of talk is that?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu frowned. “Who am I doing this for? Isn’t it for the factory? For our workers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here we go again—Xia Zhongquan’s ears were worn out from hearing this same line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied the crude sketch in his hands, unable to see how the cost could possibly be five hundred yuan, let alone the selling price of a thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen to me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tapped the draft. “We keep the assembly line. Buy cheap parts from suppliers; if something’s too expensive, we make it ourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can build the frame ourselves—hand it off to the hardware factory or tertiary industry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Engines and gearboxes? The merged factories can make them. We’ll set up a separate small plant and integrate it into the supply chain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Use the smallest, cheapest 50CC engine. For other parts, avoid metal entirely if a new material will do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan scratched his head, flipping through the design specs. “It just looks unreliable. Aside from redesigning the exterior and adding flashy lights and leather seats, there’s nothing innovative here~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t get it. This is marketing. This is economics. This is trade!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu wouldn’t tell him that in the future, Lei Jun played even bigger games—and at least he had his own factory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resource integration, when chasing cost-effectiveness, is the art of turning trash into something smart and affordable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Funny enough—Li Xuewu’s family ran scrap recycling and reuse. Perfect match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan simply didn’t understand marketing. He couldn’t see anything from the drawings—he had to find clues in the design specs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Li Xuewu’s requirements for each component, it was clear: simplify wherever possible; if you can’t simplify, replace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shell would be one-piece plastic. As Li Xuewu said: if you crash on a motorcycle, steel won’t save you either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But plastic? It might actually protect you at critical impact points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 50CC engine is ideal for city roads—positioned as a faster alternative to bicycles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially in cost control: if you can cap it at five hundred, cap it. If you can cap it at three hundred, cap it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the cost could be held to three hundred yuan, Li Xuewu had already decided to price the motorcycle at six hundred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How utterly insane. The auto industry’s troublemaker had now invaded motorcycles. This guy would leave no friends in steel production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could afford a three-thousand-yuan motorcycle. But a six-hundred-yuan one, mass-produced and sold without ration tickets? It would spark a craze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even, Li Xuewu told Xia Zhongquan, if costs could be controlled, the factory could launch a cost-dumping campaign internally to popularize motorcycles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan was speechless. He shook the papers in his hand. “Are you really serious about this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed. “Even if you made trucks or buses, that’d be better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No~ no~ no~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu firmly denied. “Our factory has no spare resources for auto manufacturing. We must first secure our footing with the Red Star Antelope before moving forward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Motorcycles are the product of resource integration—forced upon us by circumstance, our only way to survive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Xia Zhongquan. “The merger has just begun, and we’re already facing so many problems. More will come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan was only responsible for technical management. Li Xuewu was the boss—he had to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But why haven’t I heard about this from any other leaders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? What’s strange about that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu shrugged. “Other leaders don’t handle industry or trade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wrong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Zhongquan suddenly snapped alert. He stared at Li Xuewu. “Are you setting someone up again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not me again, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>December 24th. The front of the newly renamed Red Star International Hotel was decorated with lanterns, drums beating, firecrackers exploding, crowds thronging, red flags waving…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of that was possible. In this era, at this time, in this position, anyone who dared do that might wake up to a closed door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was called an opening ceremony was really just a visit by factory leaders and heads of sister units.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hotel’s interior had been fully renovated, preserving its original style as much as possible while adding modern design elements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many facilities were upgraded: the old elevator, all lighting, and service equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Matching the standards of Yangcheng Hotel, it now offered 24-hour hot water, indoor air conditioning, indoor bathrooms, solid wood furniture, and high-standard room service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many devices were urgently purchased from specialized factories. Zhang Songying, together with the factory’s design team, also developed custom equipment: kitchen systems, fire suppression, sewage systems, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai returned to the scene, still moved—but this time, unlike his previous dull visit, he looked distinctly proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many design elements had been prepared long ago by Zhang Songying, repeatedly reported and approved before final decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To personally create a grand hotel, Li Huai couldn’t help but smile as he faced the factory leadership and visiting heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when others praised its advancement or reminisced about its era-specific features, he silently roared inside: Mine! All mine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been looking for you~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru glanced at the steel plant leaders wandering the restaurant, then pulled Li Xuewu’s arm toward the dance hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small dance hall wasn’t huge, but it could easily hold a hundred people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since leaders were visiting today, all the lights were on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru glanced outside, then shut the door—the soundproofing was excellent; no one could eavesdrop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m telling you—Du Xiaoyan really has problems!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you go see Xiang Yun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sat down on a sofa, raising an eyebrow. “Or did you investigate yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t try to fool me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru sat beside Li Xuewu, glaring. “I don’t believe you didn’t call him after I left!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu asked calmly. “Did you really find all this yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru affirmed. “I couldn’t investigate her credit union issues, so I dug into her past!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said something very reasonable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped the coffee table. “Zhang Shuqin’s fraud had no motive, no gradual buildup—it was too abnormal, too sudden!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one commits such a big crime on impulse. No one could possibly avoid any preparation beforehand—it’s too unnatural!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So I thought backwards: Du Xiaoyan cleaned up her record so thoroughly—could she herself be the problem?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Turns out, I found something major.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru narrowed his eyes. “You said Du Xiaoyan’s wealth and lavish lifestyle came from Zhao Ziliang’s embezzlement, from him smuggling goods from elsewhere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But Zhao Ziliang’s parents, siblings—none of them benefited. Only Du Xiaoyan did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve investigated Du Xiaoyan’s natal family—her parents and brothers are all wealthy, with watches and bicycles galore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Li Xuewu and asked, “How could people from rural backgrounds afford such things?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve dug into Du Xiaoyan’s natal family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu fell silent for a moment, then raised his head and asked Yu Daru, “Don’t tell me you acted on your own initiative and investigated all this alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t need to worry about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru waved his hand and said, “This case is definitely suspicious—it involves far more than just her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So your target isn’t Du Xiaoyan, nor even this case, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spoke in a low tone: “Investigating without scruples—aren’t you afraid someone will ambush you in the dark?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not afraid of ambushes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru looked at Li Xuewu and said, “I’m afraid someone will shoot me in the back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think that day isn’t far off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu said coolly: “If you investigate like this, even your superiors won’t dare protect you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Li Xuewu say this, Yu Daru’s earlier passion vanished entirely, and he fell into an unusually deep silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sat there, and in the silent dance hall, voices from the corridor were clearly audible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I must solve this case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru’s voice was dry as he raised his head and looked earnestly at Li Xuewu: “Even if I have to take the blame and carry the black pot, I have no choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded and asked, “Are you still planning to seek out Xiang Yun? To get him to help you investigate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I came to find you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru shook his head slightly and said, “I’d like you to introduce me to Deputy Director Zheng of the branch bureau.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Yu Daru for a long moment, then slowly nodded and said, “No problem. I can do it—anytime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I can pass Deputy Director Zheng’s test, does that mean you’ll step in and help me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can you put it like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spoke with a hint of reproof: “Serving the people is my standard of conduct; safeguarding the people’s lives and property is my vow!”\u003C\u002Fp>",5214,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","55150135fc542e6626510144a645d2a57651db56fe469d136c27fcb6396f4964","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-952","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-950",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]