[{"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-967":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},2315017,4526,"Chapter 967: Personnel Crisis","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-967",967,"\u003Cp>What are you going to Tianjin for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the small meeting ended, everyone began chatting casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No longer centered on Li Xuewu, they sipped tea and chatted among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While others in the room were talking, Yu Shui sat up, hugging her knees, and tapped Li Xuewu with her toes, asking him this question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned his teacup toward her, sneered, and said, “Why should you care?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his reply, Yu Shui huffed, mimicking his sneer: “Nothing good’s going on!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took a sip of tea, turned away from her, and listened as He Yuzhu recounted the morning’s events to the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard had been buzzing over housing matters—each family had its own reaction to the area allocations and exchanges, with some growing frantic and angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were all in the west courtyard—you didn’t hear!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu leaned back against the quilt, sitting crookedly on the kang, waving his hands as he laughed: “Hey! Second Uncle and Liu Guangqi almost came to blows!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Over the housing exchange rights and area allocation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li asked: “Second Uncle has three sons—whose else could it go to?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu stuck out his neck and said: “It’s Liu Guangqi’s fault—he pushed too hard and didn’t think things through!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I overheard a bit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He told them: “According to Second Uncle, Liu Guangqi already has a place to live—he doesn’t need to come back and crowd in with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if they exchange this house for an apartment, he plans to set it aside for Liu Guangfu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu explained: “Liu Guangtian doesn’t need it—he’s been transferred to Gangcheng and will settle there permanently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even a tiger doesn’t eat its own cub~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Yan stood up, sighed, poured hot water into the teapot from the thermos, and refilled everyone’s cups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shui waved off the offer, refusing more tea, and as Xiao Yan moved away, she nudged Li Xuewu and whispered: “Can our tertiary industry workers apply for housing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our factory’s tertiary industry staff can.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned to look at her, smiling: “You’re not even from our factory—you’ve got to get housing from the Textile Tertiary Factory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s discrimination!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shui pulled at her lip and said: “We’re making the same contributions—we want to live closer to work too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she pouted, and her foot started fidgeting again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu seized the chance to grab her foot and didn’t let go, yet replied seriously: “Even if they gave you the quota, would you dare trade your brother’s house for an apartment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t even think about it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu, overhearing, firmly waved his hand: “If the side rooms or back rooms are uncomfortable, fine—swap them for apartments. But my newly cleaned-up main room? No way I’m giving that up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, what’s so great about apartments? No courtyard—you’ve got to knock on doors going up and down stairs just to visit someone. Hard to even see people—it’s too inconvenient!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you think living in this courtyard gives you chances to visit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shui’s foot was caught by Li Xuewu; her ears turned bright red instantly, but she dared not shout with everyone in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pretended nothing was wrong and replied to her brother: “All these years, I’ve never seen you actually get close enough to anyone to visit every day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! That’s just how I am!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu clearly knew what she meant—he stuck out his neck: “I’m not swapping. Let whoever wants to, swap!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it were me, I wouldn’t swap either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li chimed in with a smile: “Even if apartments are more convenient, I still prefer living in the courtyard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s so good about this crappy courtyard?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Guodong chuckled and added: “Ten families crammed together—don’t you find it noisy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This morning, Old Seven’s wife was yelling in the street, saying someone nasty threw dirt clods at their window last night while they were asleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why doesn’t she mention her own loud voice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu grinned: “Waking up at dawn, screaming at each other? She deserves to be scared!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it’s solved then!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Guodong pointed at He Yuzhu: “Was it you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m telling you, that’s a cruel thing to do—Old Seven came out with a sour face this morning, and his wife’s hunting for the culprit, saying she’ll squeeze his balls out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen to her screeching?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu laughed: “If it were me, the one yelling wouldn’t be her—it’d be Old Seven!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on—when the Yan kid cries at night, we don’t say a word. Why would we do something nasty over her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu called out to Yu Shui: “Yu Shui, your room faces their house directly—did you hear anything last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm… huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shui had her head down, chin resting on her knees, face flushed—she startled at her brother’s question and replied nervously: “Banggeng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly she regretted it—if Qin Huairu heard, she’d accuse her of gossiping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the words were out, so she added: “I saw him playing with a slingshot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu, not noticing the shift in her tone, raised his eyebrows at Shen Guodong: “See? This courtyard’s got neighborly warmth—you’ll never experience this joy living in an apartment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So your joy in living in the courtyard is just waiting to watch other people’s drama?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li teased him, then turned to Li Xuewu: “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First a meeting—it’ll be noon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu, seeing Yu Li ask and everyone turn to look, loosened his right hand from the kang, lifted his left to check the time, and said: “Alright, that’s enough for tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone laughed and stood up, preparing to head home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Guodong and Xiao Yan still lived with their mother and had to return home every night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li and He Yuzhu lived in this courtyard—He Yuzhu was putting on his shoes, still joking about the earlier topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Uncle and Grandpa also stood up; after all that tea, they needed to relieve themselves—and feed the horse too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu swung his legs off the kang, still barefoot, when Yu Shui suddenly kicked him from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some in the room saw it, some didn’t—those who did were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu saw it—he was about to frown when Li Xuewu turned and slapped his hand over Yu Shui’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a slap, nor a caress—it was more like playfully covering her mouth and nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others didn’t know, but Yu Shui knew exactly what Li Xuewu’s right hand had been doing moments before—she shoved hard and shouted twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her protest, He Yuzhu laughed—he realized they were just fooling around getting off the kang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li also laughed, pulling Li Xuewu down from the kang while scolding Yu Shui: “You’re messing with him? You think you can win against his size?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~ Pfft~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shui spat twice, her face full of disgust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unclear whether she was disgusted by Li Xuewu—or her own feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu used the moment to step down and put on his shoes, chatting with Second Uncle and Grandpa, letting Yu Li help him on with his coat, no longer teasing Yu Shui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to tell you something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After everyone laughed and left, Yu Li hurried ahead of Yu Shui to walk Li Xuewu toward the west courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shui glanced at their backs, scowled, and walked into the ornate gate; Xiao Yan and her husband were heading home; He Yuzhu followed Grandpa and Second Uncle toward the main gate—they were going to the public toilet together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After passing the west courtyard’s screen gate, Li Xuewu noticed Yu Li hadn’t spoken—he asked casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li hesitated, until they reached the garage door, then mumbled: “Yu Zhe came to see me this morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu lit a cigarette, opened the garage door, turned to look at her, and asked: “What’s wrong? Is it him or you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s… him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li followed Li Xuewu into the garage; it was much warmer inside than out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stove burned fiercely, coal piled high—as if afraid his car would freeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yu Zhe told me he wants to court Su Qing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Xuewu was about to get in the car, Yu Li finally spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afraid he’d say something, she blurted out before he could respond: “I’m about to die from frustration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s expression didn’t change—he opened the car door, glanced at her, and said: “If it’s mutual affection, can you really control Yu Zhe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu left the second half unsaid—he trusted Yu Li understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pulled the steering wheel and settled into the driver’s seat, just before closing the door, he said to Yu Li: “But he’s a college student, right? You think why did Old Biao choose Mai Qinglan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without caring about Yu Li’s sudden change of expression, he slammed the car door shut with a bang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[100] Without waiting for Yu Li’s reaction, he slammed the car door shut with a bang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li was startled by him, glancing at Li Xuewu in the car and the engine already running, she pressed her lips together and dared not say more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the gate opened and she watched Li Xuewu’s Jeep drive away, she let out a deep sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brother’s pursuit of Su Qing must be stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s meaning was obvious enough—even if Li Wenbiao had chosen Mai Qinglan for marriage, matters concerning Su Qing were far from simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t support her brother pursuing Su Qing; not just because of the gap in education or family background, but even just with Lao Biao, it would be so awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wenbiao’s purpose in assigning Su Qing to work at the club was never pure—perhaps there were other ties between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if her brother had to find someone, he didn’t need to climb high and insist on a girl who’d had that kind of relationship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, after her question, Li Xuewu likely grew suspicious—his attitude toward her tonight made that clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had simply been worn down by her brother’s persistent nagging to pursue Su Qing; she’d wanted to bring this up since seeing Li Xuewu that morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she feared Li Xuewu would say she was discussing personal matters during work hours, so she waited until evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the evening, she had no chance to be alone with Li Xuewu, and asking in front of so many people was even worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then, unable to hold back, did she ask—and what was the result?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart felt cold and hollow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Li didn’t oppose her brother seeking love or marrying a college student—but anyone would do, except Su Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only would it look bad from Li Wenbiao’s side, but she also had no face to speak further to Li Xuewu, since she and Su Qing jointly managed the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight, she had clumsily stepped into Li Xuewu’s forbidden zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Monday, as soon as Li Xuewu arrived at work, he heard the guards in the security building discussing Saturday night’s Red Star Radio interview program.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first episode, featuring Li Huai de, Director of the Rolling Mill Management Committee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red Star Radio had begun broadcasting over a month ago; its programs, closely tied to the workers’ lives and work, had drawn widespread attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last month, when a representative from Jinmen Seafood Corporation came to Beijing for negotiations, Yu Haitang proposed the idea of an interview program during the banquet and dance, winning approval and support from the leadership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the turmoil at the beginning of the month, Yu Haitang took further steps, becoming Deputy Director of the radio station, and devoted herself wholeheartedly to shaping the program.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, the first interviewee had to be Director Li Huai de—and his decision to accept the interview at this moment carried deep significance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That Saturday night, I was waiting for Gu Cheng in the car pool and heard the whole thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli followed his superior into the office and reported: “Based on feedback from that day and the past two days, the program has generated tremendous response.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so? I’d forgotten about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu pinched his temples, sat behind his desk, and while flipping through documents, said: “Do you have the interview transcript?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I specifically requested it from the Committee Office.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli put down his bag, found the interview draft on the desk, handed it to his superior, then picked up the teacup and went to the tea cabinet to brew tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I jotted down the gist: Director Li spoke of three developments and one future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First development: Industrial development of the rolling mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It mainly covered industrial innovation and upgrading, technological iteration, and the needs of industrial development in the new era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It specifically mentioned future plans for the rolling mill’s equipment and workforce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, it covered steelmaking industry development plans, including applications of special steel in automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, food and hardware, electronics, and electrical industries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, it addressed integrated tertiary industry and trade development plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He outlined the existing three-sector projects, future development goals, group-based production and operations, the construction of a united trade chain, and the development of node offices in various regions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second development: regarding the development of rolling mill workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First is the development plan for current staff, including training, evaluation, reassignment, promotion, retirement, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second is the development plan for newly recruited workers, covering training, education, safety, ideological guidance, and other aspects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the development plan for future worker children entering the factory, including education, policy, and eligibility criteria for employment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third development: regarding welfare construction at the rolling mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, the current welfare conditions in clothing, food, housing, and transportation—Director Li mentioned the ticket-free supply of United Three’s products, including wool and woolen goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also discussed food-related benefits, such as meat and fruit, and the centralized allocation of apartment buildings for workers whose living conditions were disrupted by the earthquake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, he addressed welfare initiatives currently under discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Li stated in the interview that, in the future, barriers between United Three’s production and its trade chain will be dismantled to enable mutual ticket-free supply of products across units.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Product categories such as textiles, leather, food, chemicals, glass, hardware, and training will be shared, forming an internal service and distribution system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A comprehensive large hospital will be established in the future, and he emphasized that the factory clinic is already recruiting medical personnel and students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The factory management committee plans to build a worker village in Jingcheng starting next year, and eventually one in Gangcheng as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A worker wellness and vacation zone will also be built in Gangcheng, featuring a comprehensive facility with hot springs, dining, skiing, sports, and medical services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final future vision: Director Li said the Hongxing Rolling Mill will build a high-density integrated urban center based on the Liangma River Industrial Park, combining medical, residential, commercial, scientific research, educational, media, and office functions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Li stated that as long as everyone works hard and unites in effort, Hongxing Rolling Mill will rapidly achieve its group-oriented goals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Achieving groupization will benefit everyone, granting them all these future welfare benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for public reaction, Li Xuewu hadn’t felt anything yet—it was only his first day back at work—but he’d heard many people in the building talking about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But knowing he accepted this interview at this moment, and that it was well-prepared, Li Xuewu understood: Old Li is starting to paint big pictures for the workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Set up a meeting with Deputy Director Gu. I’ll report to her at nine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu set aside the interview report and picked up the documents awaiting his review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was traveling this afternoon and would be away for several days—handle as much work as possible on the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao finished organizing his files, heard the order, responded, and went to make arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At nine a.m., Li Xuewu carried several documents up to the third floor of the main office building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Director Gu’s office door was open; from outside, he could see Deputy Group Leader Bu Qingfang reporting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade Xuewu, come in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Xuewu could knock, Gu Weijie turned and spotted him, smiling and nodding in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled back, saw Bu Qingfang looking over, gestured for her to continue, and waited patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang quickly summarized her matter, then turned back to study Li Xuewu and joked, “Deputy Director Li, you’re dressed so stylish today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re teasing me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stood up from beside the sofa, crushed out his cigarette, and said, “You mean I don’t know how to coordinate clothes, no sense of style, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at those fancy words you use~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang laughed, stood up, shook her head slightly, and teased Deputy Director Gu, “I’ve never heard the word ‘style’ before, but as soon as I heard it, I understood exactly what it meant. When it comes to word choice and phrasing, it’s still Deputy Director Li who’s the master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you quietly tell me—have I offended Deputy Group Leader Bu somehow?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sat down across from Gu Weijie, winked at her, and feigned a whisper: “Why does she always target me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Envy, jealousy~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu make Deputy Director Gu laugh, Bu Qingfang didn’t wait for the boss to speak—she evaluated herself first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she walked out, she turned back and pointed at Li Xuewu: “I’ve noted your outfit—I’ll get one just like it for my husband when I get home~ Ha ha~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It really looks good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie waited until Bu Qingfang left, then smiled and appraised Li Xuewu, nodding in approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at himself and said, “The leather jacket was a gift from my brother-in-law; the white shirt was already worn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just had the pants tapered because my family feared snow and mud splashing up—I still don’t see anything stylish about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have presence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie knew how to compliment—she flipped through the documents Li Xuewu handed her and said, “No wonder she wants to get one for her husband—maybe she’s taken with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, there’s actually some truth to that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu joked, “Too many people are taken with me—being good-looking is a burden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not joking, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie looked up at him, then couldn’t help laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two exchanged a few lighthearted remarks in the office, then turned to the document Li Xuewu had brought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They discussed Li Huai’s feedback on this year’s personnel work summary and next year’s personnel work plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half an hour of discussion, prompted by Li Haiyang, the two went together to Li Huai’s office for a small meeting on personnel matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recently, Li Huai had been busy, so the annual work summaries and plans submitted by various departments were reviewed by several chief officers in the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of seriousness and full trust in Li Xuewu, the annual summaries and plans for personnel, finance, and technology were entrusted to him for review and evaluation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai only read Li Xuewu’s comments on the reports and plans, then held small meetings with department heads regarding relevant matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For finance, Li Xuewu proactively communicated with Deputy Director Jing, made revisions and improvements based on his feedback, and received Li Huai’s approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several key personnel matters needed arranging, so the meeting was moved to Monday morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Haiyang quickly prepared tea for both, then left—when leaders discussed important work, he dared not interrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judging from this year’s personnel work, next year’s pressure will be greater and more challenging.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu frowned slightly, rubbed his forehead, and reported to the two while looking at the documents: “Mainly concerning housing, medical care, training, and education.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially education—that’s a major issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at them and explained: “Neither the summary nor the plan submitted by the personnel department addressed the education of workers’ children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade Xuewu has some opinions he wishes to express on this point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai sat up straight, looked at Gu Weijie, and explained: “We discussed this last week and wanted to invite you over to talk about it—this issue must be handled with care.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie nodded to Li Xuewu, then reported to Li Huai: “Just now in the office, Comrade Xuewu mentioned this—personnel has indeed held back on the education issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The situation is what it is—we all understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide shrugged, leaned back in his chair, and placed his hands on the armrests as he said seriously: “But one thing about learning martial arts is correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He who does not plan for ten thousand generations cannot plan for a single moment; he who does not plan for the whole cannot plan for a part. Education is the foundation of enterprise development and decisively determines its quality and momentum.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie affirmed this, then turned to Li Xuewu and said: “You understand my concerns and those of Director Li. Feel free to voice any opinions or suggestions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She then turned to Li Huaide and added: “I hope these opinions and suggestions are brought here for discussion and study, to avoid certain repercussions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, that’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide nodded, his gaze fixed on Li Xuewu, waiting for him to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu shifted his teacup, opened his notebook, and said: “Education is a hurdle we cannot avoid. If we don’t act today, tomorrow we’ll be one day behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We must act, but we must fully consider the risks and primary contradictions. My view is: we shouldn’t follow others—we must do it ourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide and Gu Weijie had a full understanding of Li Xuewu’s work style and thinking ability; they knew he wouldn’t bring a notebook unless he had something substantial to say about education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they listened intently, brows slightly furrowed, not even touching their teacups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From Hongxing Primary School to Hongxing Middle School, our factory has no management responsibility or capacity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu said seriously: “Precisely because of this, any intervention is wrong. On this premise, my suggestion is to change this fundamental situation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the other hand, what is the purpose and meaning of education?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He elaborated: “Regarding the current policy from above to establish small factories and large schools within public transport enterprises, I temporarily interpret it as the factory’s mission to cultivate future workers and cadres aligned with progressive thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In other words, our factory’s educational efforts should abandon starting from primary school and instead focus on outcomes: how to realize the successor plan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My proposal is to quickly reach an agreement with the Steel Institute to jointly establish a vocational training school and build our own industrial worker training institution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t oppose this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie replied seriously: “We’ve been communicating with the Steel Institute on cooperation; I believe results will come soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, this is a key issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide accepted Gu Weijie’s explanation and turned to Li Xuewu: “Tell us about Hongxing Primary and Middle School.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mainly about defining responsibilities and authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took over: “After establishing the goals of education and training, work backward and restructure the educational framework and methods of Hongxing Center and Primary School.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since local authorities dare not touch education, our factory should handle our own issues—I suggest we fully build our own educational structure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Taking the opportunity of worker village construction, I propose rebuilding the primary and middle schools and reconfiguring teachers and teaching management.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We should halt external enrollment; sort and classify current students based on whether they are suitable for future work in the rolling mill, and separate them from existing schools.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Starting next academic year, primary and junior high will admit students exclusively from within the rolling mill, strictly enforce discipline, strictly follow superior directives on industrial education, and strive to achieve phased goals of industrial training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, that’s a viable approach.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie pondered carefully and said: “You mean, at this stage, we focus only on training future technical workers starting from primary school?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Including technical workers, but not limited to finance, security, or even secretarial training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu explained: “Once the worker village is completed, we train from kindergarten, through primary school, to junior high, then to vocational training school.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can train workers, secretaries, accountants, drivers, guards—even chefs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think that’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide tapped the table and turned to Gu Weijie: “So you mean extending vocational education directly to primary school, with workers’ children educated under the assumption they’ll inherit factory jobs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But we must fully preserve students’ future growth plans and learning directions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded slowly and affirmed: “Comrade Xuewu exaggerates about drivers and cooks—I believe training accountants, secretaries, and specialized technical workers is perfectly fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie thought for a moment and said: “The focus is still on education and teaching. Teachers can be hired—but who bears responsibility for education?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our factory must establish a teaching management structure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu picked up the thread: “The Youth Shock Brigade isn’t suitable; the Propaganda Team isn’t either. I suggest selecting comrades from workers and cadres who have passion for educational management.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good suggestion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie nodded: “Separating teaching from education ensures both learning opportunities and learners.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it’s settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide sat upright, his finger tapping the glass on his desk, looking at the calendar beneath it, and said: “Comrade Weijie, take charge of vocational education.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for organizing and planning the middle and primary schools…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flipped back through the dates, paused at July, then looked up at them: “Give everyone time—let’s set it for the new semester in July.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I’ll oversee this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie nodded: “Building new school facilities, recruiting teachers, and establishing the educational management structure—I ask Comrade Xuewu to assist me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu, seeing Li Huaide’s gaze, nodded: “The timeline is generous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, that issue is settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide turned to Gu Weijie: “Next item.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s my issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie nodded, opened her file, and began: “At the start of this year, our rolling mill had 15,000 workers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In 1966, we recruited workers nine times: first, the Security Department expanded its team by 360; second, construction workers were adjusted with an additional 500.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third, we recruited 350 high school graduates specifically for sales, finance, and logistics positions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fourth, we expanded by 2,000 workers for joint industrial production.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth, the Propaganda Team expanded in two batches totaling 278 people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sixth, we planned to add 8,000 recruitment slots for automotive, tertiary industry, and steelmaking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Originally scheduled to be completed over one year in four batches, we’re now in the third phase of the first batch—2,000 recruited—and the final batch of 3,000 will be completed in March next year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventh, second batch, first phase: internal recruitment of 3,000, mainly targeting technical positions in factories and auto plants, with assignments focused on adjusting existing rolling and steelmaking workers and building automotive technical backbone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eighth, third batch: recruit 3,000, of whom 1,000 are from Gangcheng and Yingcheng, targeting shipbuilding, hardware, food, and electrical industries.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ninth, combined with merged workers: first phase, 2,500 from a shipyard merger; second phase, the final batch this year, merging 3,200 production and technical workers from twelve auto manufacturers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie flipped through the file, raised her head, and said: “Original workforce: 15,000. Recruited and merged workers: 17,000. As of the current deadline, our factory now has 32,000 employees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If next March’s merger and recruitment plans are fully completed, staff will reach 37,000—still not precise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you understand why I presented these figures?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie looked at Li Huaide: “Though we didn’t meet our 25,000 recruitment budget, that was never something our factory could shoulder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide nervously lifted his teacup and took a sip—25,000 was a boast he’d made to other units.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the current 17,000 was giving him a headache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew what Gu Weijie meant without her saying it: wage pressure was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple: the first batch of 2,000 newly trained workers had just started, while the other 15,000 were still in training, producing no labor value—this was a personnel deficit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much the rolling mill earned this year, it couldn’t afford to pay 15,000 people just for learning and training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie looked at both and asked seriously: “I must ask: in next year’s personnel plan, should we terminate training for the current 15,000 early and deploy them in batches to production?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade Xuewu, you speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide frowned slightly and looked at Li Xuewu: “You’ve been following recruitment and training closely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu put down his teacup and said: “I oppose ending new employee training early—the drawbacks are too obvious. Compared to wage pressure, the losses would be unacceptable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, the new employees who completed systematic training in the first batch have performed exceptionally well when replacing existing positions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially in standardized operations, safety production, and technical mastery—all superior to veteran workers. This alone proves the importance of systematic training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, back to the pressure issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu said: “These 15,000 workers, trained in batches and phases, are meant to directly fill frontline production roles within the next six months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rolling and metallurgical industries are manageable, but automotive? We have no foundation—these workers will bear the main burden!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even for rolling and metallurgical roles, these trainees must immediately replace underperforming veteran workers upon arriving at their posts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we cut training short, the significance of this technical and ideological renewal vanishes. We don’t lack workers—we lack new ideas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So training must continue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at Gu Weijie: “Regarding wage pressure, cutting training early will destroy the seedlings. New workers won’t be able to perform, displaced workers will resent it, and things will get worse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand your point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie nodded but still frowned: “The financial data clearly shows overwhelming personnel pressure. I don’t want to pull up seedlings to help them grow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You just mentioned these 15,000—excluding next March’s 3,000—won’t begin production until as late as June next year, and some may not start until year-end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I fully understand that new factory workshops and technical positions require fully competent workers. I don’t oppose technical reserves and training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie warned them: “Given our current personnel management state, we must find a way to relieve the pressure caused by this year’s massive project launches.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, let me say a few points.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide weighed his words carefully before speaking: “First, strictly control the progress of current projects, slow construction speed, and avoid wasting human resources.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, seize this rare training opportunity, fully motivate new workers’ learning enthusiasm, and ensure they can handle their roles, withstand pressure, and transform the overall spirit of our rolling mill workers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third, tighten production order, accelerate technical restructuring. To address current manpower pressure, optimize departments like services, logistics, and production workshops by removing those unable to perform or merely filling seats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reassign these personnel quickly—to tertiary industries, construction units, anywhere. Speed up technological innovation—time waits for no one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide spoke with grave seriousness: “Better to have empty positions than low productivity. Fully mobilize workers’ enthusiasm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It may trigger widespread emotional backlash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Weijie warned cautiously: “Adjusting positions across multiple departments and perspectives will provoke worker resentment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Especially given the current complex external situation\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, then continued: \"The current stability within the factory has been hard-won; any measures or policies targeting workers must be formulated and implemented with great caution.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gu Weijie finished speaking, Li Huaide’s brow furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This crisis was within his scope of consideration; his recent decision had been somewhat impulsive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huaide looked up at Li Xuewu, his gaze saying: I can’t think of a worse plan—now it’s up to you!\u003C\u002Fp>",5264,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","30a53a56419a79e795e9693fa7b2cc7a26e78799606b47869b23fa32f87172b9","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-968","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-966",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]