[{"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-974":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},2315024,4526,"Chapter 974: High Waves, Strong Winds","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-974",974,"\u003Cp>What?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m a landmine?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai looked at everyone in confusion—their expressions clearly meant that!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ice cube in Liu Shaozong’s mouth fell back into his glass with a crisp sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This jolted the others out of their thoughts, and they all turned to look at Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given Li Xuewu’s status and the current situation, he wouldn’t be joking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then… that girl’s identity must be extraordinary indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who’s daughter could make Li Xuewu say everyone must die?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all moved in Beijing’s circles, and they admitted their own ranks weren’t high enough—but they never imagined anyone with the surname Zhou…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It couldn’t be… because that person has no children, so it must be…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the three of them scrambled through possible targets in their minds, but the surname Zhou was simply too common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among the top few families, there were more than a dozen with the surname Zhou—how could they possibly narrow it down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Li Xuewu didn’t introduce her, none of them dared to ask, and the atmosphere fell into a sudden silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun walked behind Zhou Xiaobai and poked her with her finger, whispering with a sly glance: “Li Ge is using you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai turned to look at her, shook her head, and said: “Using me for what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re so naive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun glanced toward the sofa, covered Zhou Xiaobai’s ear with her hand, and whispered: “He’s using your father’s status to scare these people!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~ And then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai nodded indifferently: “I understand that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you understand, then why…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun raised her eyebrows, staring at Zhou Xiaobai in disbelief: “You two… didn’t… do it, did you?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai glanced at Li Xuewu on the sofa, then pushed Luo Yun to the farthest drink table and whispered: “Don’t talk nonsense anymore—Li Ge is a good person!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A good person?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun stared at her in disbelief, whispering: “Has he drugged you with some love potion?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled Zhou Xiaobai slightly, glanced cautiously toward the sofa, and said: “Have you ever considered that Li Ge invited you out for fun with another motive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never thought about it—I came of my own accord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai said firmly: “It’s you—he insisted I invite you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So I’m extra, right~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun stared at her speechlessly—she was now ready to sing, “I shouldn’t be here, I should be under the car…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai explained: “I mean, he didn’t ask me to come—I came on my own. There’s no using or being used here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Li Xuewu’s back and said: “Look how troubled he looks right now—how hard it is for him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun’s breath caught in her chest—she nearly choked from anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Troubled?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hard for him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did you forget he just threw a glass at someone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiaobai, tell me the truth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun gripped Zhou Xiaobai’s hand and asked seriously: “You two definitely don’t have that kind of relationship, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai nodded seriously: “No, really not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then… last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun eyed her suspiciously: “You two slept in the same bed… he didn’t… you know…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai hesitated, then confirmed: “Really not!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I actually believe you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun covered her forehead in exasperation: “If you hadn’t done it, you wouldn’t have hesitated for a second.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai wanted to protest but didn’t know how to explain. She glanced around the living room, then turned back to Luo Yun and whispered firmly: “Kissing and touching don’t count!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I*@%￥&%*”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun’s words churned uselessly in her mouth—she couldn’t say a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation resumed on the other side of the living room, but the two of them stood in the corner, neither knowing what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Luo Yun finally asked: “He’s doing this… you know he’s using you—doesn’t it upset you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai turned her body indifferently, looking toward Li Xuewu: “He didn’t ask me to do anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head: “Isn’t it nice to be able to help him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun didn’t know the term “love-struck,” but that’s exactly how she felt now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hugged Zhou Xiaobai from behind and gazed toward the living room, murmuring: “Do you like him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being hugged by Luo Yun, Zhou Xiaobai felt the warmth from her friend—without having to face her directly, some words didn’t feel so embarrassing anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun sighed helplessly: “Are you going to marry him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai lowered her voice but still turned to stare at Luo Yun in surprise: “He’s already married.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know that?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun stared at her helplessly: “Then what are you thinking now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait for him to divorce?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or become his mistress?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What promises did he make you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or have you just given yourself up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“None of those.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai took a deep breath and looked toward Li Xuewu: “He made no promises to me, gave me no temptation—I’m the one who chose this on my own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you like about him?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun frowned at Zhou Xiaobai, so close: “I took you to the club to broaden your horizons, not to make you fall head over heels and get stuck!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai turned to look at Luo Yun: “You like Zuo Jie—are you going to marry him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…We’re talking about you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun pursed her lips: “Besides, when did I say I liked him—or that I’d marry him?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai turned away, speaking calmly: “You’re just like me—deceiving yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re not the same!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun snapped: “No matter what happens between me and Zuo Jie, it’s normal—we can marry, or we can break up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How is that different?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai said calmly: “You’re dating Zuo Jie, enjoying youth—you’re unsure if you’ll marry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m doing the same—enjoying love, enjoying youth, enjoying his goodness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She patted Luo Yun’s hand resting on her stomach: “The only difference is—you’re unsure if you’ll marry Zuo Jie, while I’m certain I won’t marry him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right now, except for our different future goals, we’re exactly the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun frowned: “Great minds say love without marriage is just cheating!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And what about you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai brought the question back: “You’re dating Zuo Jie—are you going to marry him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun, caught in her own tangled logic, finally let go of Zhou Xiaobai in frustration: “I’m not dealing with you anymore!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Youth is always full of fantasies and blindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai clearly understood her own state, and even more clearly understood Li Xuewu’s attitude toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From start to finish, he had never overly familiarized himself with her, nor had he ever mistreated her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever she needed care and affection, all she had to do was find him—and she would receive the warmest protection and understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t even sure if this counted as love, but who among young people her age could truly say they understood it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly should love be like?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know. I’ve never seen it. I don’t understand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you don’t even know the answer, how can you understand her youth and thoughts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already felt her heart stir, experienced the sweetness of a kiss, and enjoyed the joy of being together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to that, who really doesn’t understand love?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai wasn’t deaf to Luo Yun’s words, but she liked Li Xuewu—under the condition that it didn’t disrupt his life or work, couldn’t she simply enjoy a beautiful moment with him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she could use even a small part of her ability to help him solve some problems, Zhou Xiaobai would gladly do so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at this man—his gaze sharp, his expression radiant, speaking with confidence—who could fail to like him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I strongly dislike your line of reasoning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tapped Zhou Gancheng and gestured toward Liu Shaozong: “Industrial development cannot be judged by immediate gains and losses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he turned to Liu Shaozong and asked: “You’re the head of the Planning Department. With the whole country as one chessboard, which enterprise has ever pledged to you that it would definitely meet its targets after returning home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Liu Shaozong fall silent, Li Xuewu spread his hands and said: “No one dares guarantee any enterprise project will succeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Liu Shaozong: “Does that mean enterprises shouldn’t make plans? Shouldn’t pursue development? Shouldn’t strive for the Four Modernizations?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our factory is the same!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded slowly: “We don’t know how enterprises should develop or progress, but we must create value.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why we established the hardware industry, the shipbuilding industry, and the tertiary industry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once products are made, we must solve the sales problem. Placing them under planned economy brings multiple restrictions, so we thought of the Yangcheng Trade Fair.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We don’t know what results we’ll achieve at the fair—success is possible, failure too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised his hand toward the bow and said: “We never imagined we’d meet Andrew from Italy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shipbuilding wasn’t even on our list of key exhibition items, but when business walks to your door, can you refuse?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, while we’re cooperating with Andrew, we’re also cooperating with Bincheng Shipbuilding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned to Zhou Gancheng: “Can you really say our foreign cooperation strategy is wrong or carries foreign risks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why didn’t you say he was risky when you let him into Yangcheng for the fair?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough, cough~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng cleared his throat and nodded: “I understand your point. You’re operating on premises; we’re operating on goals. Our thinking directions differ.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if you’re going to conduct foreign work, shouldn’t you first consider the thinking of the supervisory departments?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! You’ve said it all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patted his knees and looked at him: “If we were truly hiding something or doing something underhanded, would you be sitting here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to Liu Shaozong and Gao Ya: “Even the leaders of the Industrial Ministry and the Waimao Force wouldn’t be here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, I’d actually like to hear your opinion on shipbuilding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya, legs crossed, looked at Li Xuewu and said: “Your materials and explanations seem to carry a hint of self-interest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you insist on interpreting it that way, I can’t stop you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu shrugged: “Our Yingcheng Shipyard currently has three projects underway. One is a thousand-ton cargo ship—that’s our main project.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another is coastal fishing boats between two hundred and five hundred tons, commissioned by Jinmen Seafood Corporation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The third is the yacht manufacturing project we’re discussing now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s talk about this one!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya glanced at Liu Shaozong, then asked Li Xuewu: “Is it appropriate to classify technology transfer as industrial engineering?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me say first—I had no knowledge of this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong waved his hand: “I was only notified last-minute to join this delegation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya gave a knowing little laugh, glanced at him, then turned back to Li Xuewu, waiting for his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at Liu Shaozong and asked: “Director Liu, wasn’t this project registered with the Industrial Ministry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Maybe. I’m not sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong answered vaguely: “I’ve only just taken over this part. Go ahead and explain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned to Gao Ya: “We separated this project from foreign trade for two reasons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, we have no technology—all advanced technology comes from Andrew. We’re only doing contract manufacturing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, the yachts built by Yingcheng Shipyard carry no mainland markings—they bear Italian factory labels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So we lack the foundation for foreign trade. We can only report this project under industrial capacity building.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After explaining, he turned to Liu Shaozong: “Isn’t that right, Director Liu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~ oh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong, seeing Gao Ya’s gaze, awkwardly stammered twice but gave no clear answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya said discontentedly: “I suspect you’re deliberately evading foreign trade controls—including import-export contract regulations, transportation controls, foreign exchange controls, and more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! Absolutely not!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu denied firmly and solemnly: “We are a key unit of Beijing Steel Enterprise, a national industry, a benchmark!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Liu Shaozong: “Ask Director Liu—he knows our factory has always operated and managed in full compliance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right, Director Liu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah? Right~ right~ right~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong, called out by Li Xuewu, glanced at Gao Ya’s serious face and could only nod in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gao Ya’s face was full of skepticism. Her main purpose in joining the trade negotiation team was to monitor whether this project exceeded the scope of foreign economic and trade oversight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coincidentally, when the steel plant submitted its foreign projects, aside from the food industry declared by Wufenghang, everything else—including hardware, electronics, shipbuilding, handicrafts—was declared as industrial manufacturing output. Can you believe that?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is hardware and electronics even considered industrial manufacturing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder she had issues with Li Xuewu—she wasn’t targeting him personally, but the steel plant itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Industrial Ministry hoards all benefits for itself; as long as the food stays in the pot, they don’t care how the steel plant operates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when foreign exchange from trade transactions is directly deposited into Hong Kong banks and used for reinvestment or purchasing industrial equipment, they turn a blind eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How the hell can you regulate that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong really wanted to say: Let’s switch places. If you were in my position, would you restrict your factories from buying industrial equipment abroad?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhou Gancheng discussed foreign risks, both he and Gao Ya shared the same concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when it came to project benefits, Liu Shaozong wouldn’t yield to Gao Ya—it was a matter of principle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya wouldn’t let them off either—any export right must be constrained and regulated by foreign economic and trade authorities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you can evade regulation under the guise of industrial capacity output today, tomorrow you’ll be shitting on the neck of foreign economic and trade oversight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After successfully sowing discord between Liu Shaozong and Gao Ya, Li Xuewu turned to Zhou Gancheng again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If your Waishi Force truly believes this project is problematic, we have no objection to reporting it upward and re-investigating Andrew’s corporate background.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t threaten me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng waved his hand: “What Andrew does in Hong Kong has nothing to do with me. I don’t oversee that region. I’m here only to talk to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he wouldn’t engage, Li Xuewu silently thought the old man was too cunning, but said aloud: “When I return, I’ll report this matter truthfully upward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, by the way”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to remember something, rubbing his forehead with his middle finger: “Next month I’ll attend a ministry meeting—there’ll be an award ceremony.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three watched him, frowning slightly—especially Liu Shaozong, who didn’t believe Li Xuewu meant the Industrial Ministry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Industrial Ministry had no award plan, nor any independent award for grassroots cadres—including the May Day Labor Medal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Li Xuewu’s award must refer to his other identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng clearly knew this. After hesitation, he asked seriously: “Are you certain you want to do this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should be cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong gently warned: “Even if this solves the problem, it will leave a hidden danger in your life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Youthful impulsiveness is normal—but you’re different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya, unusually speaking up, added: “Your identity and position directly determine the final outcome of this matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If—I’m saying if—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said with concern: “Your actions cause a larger impact, even affect… have you thought about that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m already dead—why should I care who else dies?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu gave her a mocking glance, then shrugged helplessly: “I don’t even know who my opponent is. I have no desire to fight. I’ll just lie down and do nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lie… lie down?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong couldn’t keep up with Li Xuewu’s thinking—what the hell was this now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from the wording and context, it seemed Li Xuewu meant business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Deputy Director, I truly understand you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu cut him off before he finished: “You understand me? Then this matter is yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong stared at Li Xuewu, dumbfounded—what new trick was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s mine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The problem~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spread his hands: “You understand me—you must know my situation, and how I should handle it. So you’ll bear the burden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… Li Deputy Director—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong fell silent, yet forced out: “This is your affair!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow: “It’s my affair—so you’re going to manage my affairs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong’s words choked in his throat—he couldn’t utter a single syllable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Xuewu’s actions absolutely couldn’t be left to him—if it blew up, the first to be crushed would be them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, they were truly all on the same boat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone threatened Li Xuewu, and instead of helping, they were dragging him down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Li Xuewu chose to smash the pot—drill a hole in the boat, and let them all sink together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng’s worst fear had come true: if Li Xuewu chose to burn the bridges, he’d be the first to suffer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he’d said on the train—just don’t hinder his progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, Li Xuewu had laid the problem bare—the organization’s first target would be him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who instructed him to sabotage the steel mill’s operations? Who ordered him to target Li Xuewu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tell me—what should he say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resist strictly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine—every issue stops at him. In short: he takes all blame, bears all consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But can he bear it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu isn’t some ordinary deputy department-level cadre—his friends, his background, the interests entangled with him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the time comes, it won’t be a matter of whether he wants to speak or not. One side is his own connections, the other is Li Xuewu’s. If he refuses to speak, he’ll die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about confessing and seeking leniency?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Useless—it’ll only drag more people down with him, including Liu Shaozong and Gao Ya, who’ve already turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they had no direct involvement, Liu Shaozong once said plainly: after returning to Beijing, someone would come settle accounts with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This case has already toppled nearly three hundred people—starting with him, it might unleash a sandstorm, sweeping everything away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beijing, already simmering with hidden currents, didn’t know how many families, how many innocent people would be dragged in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that point, even if he didn’t want to die, he’d have to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, cold sweat broke out on his spine, and the wound on his forehead throbbed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had gone limp—but they’d all be flattened with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three now sat on pins and needles, trapped on a tiger’s back, watching Li Xuewu’s innocent expression, grinding their molars to dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Liu Shaozong and Gao Ya—right now, their gazes toward Zhou Gancheng were filled with murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did we jump into the well with your child? Do you have to screw us like this?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter had nothing to do with us. Even if there were work-related doubts, they could’ve been handled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Zhou Gancheng had subtly hinted at something—and dragged them all into the pit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Liu Shaozong and Gao Ya had “broken ties” with each other, they now “went their separate ways” from Zhou Gancheng too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few sentences, one got beaten, two got scolded—and in the end, it was all their fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No! It was mutual fault!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu wasn’t at fault—but he couldn’t admit fault, or disaster would strike!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong signaled Gao Ya to persuade Li Xuewu—but she ignored his look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she could’ve persuaded him, she’d have done it long ago—why wait till now?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wouldn’t take his signal—but she passed it on to Zhou Gancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meaning: whoever caused the trouble, fixes it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng was helpless—he knew this was Li Xuewu’s trap, deliberately splitting them apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the facts were right before them—even if they knew something was off, they had to grit their teeth and deal with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Deputy Director, let’s be open—I don’t want to offend you, and I don’t want to put you in a bind, truly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng paused, then continued: “You know what kind of person I am—we’ve had brief contact, you should understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t ruin others’ affairs—not even if a knife’s at my throat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But this knife isn’t at my throat—it’s invisible. You understand?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng looked at Li Xuewu with sincere expression: “Since we’ve hit a problem, I won’t avoid it—let’s find a solution together. Is that acceptable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really—speak up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured to Li Xuewu: “What’s your opinion? Any plan? Tell us, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right~ Right~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong, seeing Zhou Gancheng turn to him, nodded eagerly: “We’re all comrades—some issues can be handled calmly, no need to escalate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as it doesn’t violate principles, I have no objection.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya ignored the other two and looked directly at Li Xuewu: “Work is work, principles are principles—if you need my help…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded slowly, then fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you put it that way~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows, his gaze sweeping over the three, a faint smile curling his lips: “I actually have a plan I’d like to discuss with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and waved to the two murmuring in the corner: “You two, stop whispering—go pour wine. One glass each—we’ll drink and talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng: What did I just say?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong: We’ve been tricked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Ya: Is it too late to regret now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good afternoon, Li Deputy Director! Li Deputy Director, you’ve worked hard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Yingsheng Shipbuilding Factory’s cargo dock, Xu Siyear and the shipyard’s cadres had arrived early to welcome them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time a leadership delegation from the steel mill had arrived by boat—especially such a fine one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After descending the gangway, Li Xuewu first shook hands with Xu Siyear, then stepped aside to introduce the man behind him: “This is Xu Siyear, head of our Yingsheng Shipbuilding Factory—you’ve met him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Andrew shook hands with Xu Siyear, he introduced Andrew to him: “Mr. Andrew, head of the Italian Jili Xing Shipbuilding Factory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha! Mr. Andrew, welcome!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear laughed loudly, gripping Andrew’s hand with exaggerated enthusiasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The display made Andrew deeply awkward—he hadn’t expected such fervent hospitality from local cadres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them, Liu Shaozong and the others looked utterly bewildered—anyone watching might think they were a consolation team delivering New Year gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why else would the shipyard be so enthusiastic?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the warmth wasn’t for them—Xu Siyear knew Li Xuewu well; this behavior was reserved only for the gods of wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After brief pleasantries with Andrew, Li Xuewu introduced Liu Shaozong and the other three to Xu Siyear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear politely shook hands with each, though his expression darkened when he saw the first two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the last one—why was his forehead wrapped in bandages?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So dedicated?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d seen fathers bring sons to work, husbands bring wives—but never someone with a bandaged head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Accidentally bumped into it while boarding!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Siyear’s eyes constantly flicking to Zhou Gancheng’s forehead as he shook hands, Li Xuewu volunteered the explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear’s lips twitched—the edge of the bandage revealed a faint red, bowl-shaped mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised an eyebrow at Li Xuewu—don’t think I’m fooled, was this really a bowl collision?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu winked at him—don’t act the fool, it’s no big deal, why obsess over it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Doesn’t it look like it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He emphasized: “Doesn’t it look like an accident?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! Yes! Very much so!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear chuckled nervously, nodded, and glanced at Zhou Gancheng—poor guy, landed in this bastard’s hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to ask—the wound wasn’t from anyone else; the culprit stood right there, winking at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! If you hadn’t said anything, I’d have believed it was an accident!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng looked at them silently, shuffled past, utterly defeated—so long as he wasn’t embarrassed, others would be!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing off the group arriving at port, Xu Siyear grabbed Li Xuewu’s arm as the last to board, raising an eyebrow: “You did this, didn’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell did I do?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glared at him: “So in your eyes I’m not a good person, right? Anything bad happens, it’s always me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did I wrong you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear tilted his neck, gesturing toward the ship behind them: “With only these few people here, who’d dare fight in front of you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did I wrong you?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s lips moved; he glanced at him, opened the car door, and climbed in impatiently: “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear got in from the other side, sneering: “That guy with the bandages is a half-baked medic—didn’t even cover those bloody marks. Was it intentional?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s lips twitched; he gazed out the window: “The shipyard’s changed so much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“... Is that how you talk?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear tapped the window: “You just finished your research here last month—we haven’t had any external construction this month. How’d you notice changes?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You switched topics too abruptly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I really think it’s changed a lot~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu kept staring out at the shipyard, murmuring casually: “If it keeps changing, they’ll probably replace the boss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear stared at him helplessly: “I’m not here to watch your show—I just want to know what’s going on!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think: am I the kind of person who stands by and laughs when you’re in trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned, studying Xu Siyear’s face closely, then sneered: “Now that I look closer, it’s even more true!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You hurt me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear looked at Li Xuewu with exaggerated sorrow, nodded, and cried out bitterly: “You’ve damaged our bond!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eww~ that’s disgusting~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patted Peng Xiaoli on the passenger seat: “Do you think I have any emotional connection with Director Xu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli turned around, smiling: “To me, it’s flowers with intent, water without feeling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Xiaoli’s improved!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear pointed at Peng Xiaoli and grinned at Li Xuewu: “Exactly—that’s me, the flower with intent; you, the uncaring water.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost! You’re the one who’s...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sneered and cursed him, then thumped the passenger seatback: “You’re siding with your old boss, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He straightened his back, cleared his throat, and addressed the front: “I’ve got a tough task for you—if you fail, you stay in Yingcheng to serve Director Xu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli turned around, bewildered, glancing between Li Xuewu and Xu Siyear, as if paralyzed by choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear chuckled and gave him a light slap: “Why look at me? I don’t have a spot for you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied Peng Xiaoli carefully, then nodded: “You actually look human now—good thing you followed the right leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Director.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli had once worked under him and had been transferred to the factory office by him—he was clearly the “old boss” Li Xuewu meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu leaned back, gazing out the window: “When we reach the office, keep a close eye on Liu Shaozong—watch out for him causing trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you plotting against now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear stared at Li Xuewu, exasperated: “So your trip to Yingcheng has some hidden agenda?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell agenda do I have?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu pointed at the cars ahead: “They’re the ones with agendas—them, and the people behind them, are plotting against me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t Director Liu one of us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear fell silent. Peng Xiaoli ventured the question he’d been wondering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at him, then looked out the window: “One of us? The ones who betray you are the ones who do the worst things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear glanced at still-inexperienced Peng Xiaoli, thinking: in Li Xuewu’s mind, probably no one qualified as “one of us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he knew Peng Xiaoli had been with Li Xuewu too short a time—he hadn’t learned the lessons yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked now: “Did your case take a turn?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know—I haven’t been paying attention.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu scratched his eyebrows irritably, murmuring: “Xiang Yun is handling it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you trust him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear raised an eyebrow at Li Xuewu, lips curling: “You’d trust me more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sneered at him: “How’d you even hear about this case?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’d I hear about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear tapped his own chest: “I came to Yingcheng to work, not to move my whole family here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A case this big, dragging in so many people—how could I not know?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied Li Xuewu up and down: “You’ve become famous, you know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t know before—now I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sighed: “Everything and anything comes knocking—I didn’t even handle this case, and I did nothing wrong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! You’re wrong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear tapped Li Xuewu: “Your mistake is being indecisive, not ruthless enough—you wanted to use it to catch a bigger fish!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now the big fish has bitten, and it’s dragging you down with it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re actually quite clever~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear insulted Li Xuewu, then praised him—but the tone was off: “You even know how to strike from afar, using Xiang Yun to lure the big fish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But have you considered—on Xiang Yun’s boat, is he the only one steering?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm... I didn’t think it through~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu leaned back in his seat, lost in thought, yet said aloud: “I guess I was a bit greedy, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You think so?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear snapped: “This case reached my ears—how many people are watching you now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So I took an Italian ship, didn’t I~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned, smiled at Xu Siyear: “If it were anyone else’s ship, I wouldn’t dare board it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine! Forget I said anything!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they neared the office zone, Xu Siyear frowned at Li Xuewu: “I don’t care what your calculations are—don’t explain them to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if you ever need me, say the word—I can’t promise full support, but I’ll give it my all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop trying to sweet-talk me~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled, gripped Xu Siyear’s arm, sat upright, and gazed at the car parked in front of the office building, sighing: “I’ve really changed—I’m nothing like I used to be.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back, looking at Xu Siyear: “If it were the old me, what would’ve happened today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What could’ve happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear smiled helplessly; once the car stopped, he replied: “At least he wouldn’t have just gotten a head wound.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A passenger aboard a vessel, while admiring the sea, accidentally fell overboard. Despite immediate rescue efforts, high waves and strong winds caused the passenger to vanish...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu burst out laughing, opened the car door, and stepped out, walking toward the entrance as Peng Xiaoli stared blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear followed closely; passing Peng Xiaoli, he frowned, tapped his shoulder, and warned: “Learn. Observe. This opportunity is rare!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, oh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli snapped to attention, grabbed Li Xuewu’s bag, and sprinted after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahead, Li Xuewu—wearing a wool overcoat, a black top hat, posture erect, aura commanding—was already walking with Andrew and his group, smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood on the office building’s steps, pointing toward the work zone, laughing and speaking with Andrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression and demeanor showed no trace of the ship’s turmoil, nor fear of Zhou Gancheng’s scheming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He radiated the youthful grandeur of a man commanding the land, directing the course of events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai and the other girls watched, enchanted, dazzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong and the accompanying cadres stared, blinded, trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shipyard’s cadres and workers gazed up in awe, speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly: sword at brow, power in hand—one call, and mountains and rivers tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>",5188,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","80ebbf8da10ce3bf7d492561f35dd51dcd44423407608c259177216e02a3bce3","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-975","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-973",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]