[{"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-976":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},2315026,4526,"Chapter 976: Take Down Huang Silang","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-976",976,"\u003Cp>On the evening of December 30, the carefully prepared banquet at the shipyard became somewhat anticlimactic due to the sudden news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because everyone had just drunk alcohol, even if their expressions changed, the redness from the liquor masked it somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as the guest of honor, Andrew could still tell that after the secretaries left, everyone at the table grew distracted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Xuewu, acting as host, continued to greet them warmly and raised his cup in toast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chinese value perceptiveness, while Westerners understand restraint, so slowly, under Andrew’s initiative, the drinking began to wind down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goal was to let those sitting on pins and needles finish the banquet early and attend to their own matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Andrew laid down his chopsticks, polite farewells echoed through the private room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong and the others stood, shook hands with Andrew, exchanged a few words, exchanged a glance with Li Xuewu, and then walked out together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the door, they split apart—Liu Shaozong and the others hurried off to make phone calls, while Li Xuewu accompanied Xu Siyear upstairs to see Andrew and the others off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the meeting scheduled for after dinner had to be postponed; Andrew, experienced as he was, asked no further questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they came back downstairs, Xu Siyear pulled out a cigarette pack, offered one to Li Xuewu, and the two lit up beside the stairwell corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first neither spoke, but Xu Siyear couldn’t hold back—he exhaled a long puff of smoke, squinting slightly, and said: “What a turbulent season.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu lowered his head, exhaled smoke, paused, then said: “Winter is coming. We must prepare for it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear said helplessly: “How long will this winter last? When will spring come?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spring will come!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu lifted his head, staring firmly at Xu Siyear: “No matter how long winter lasts, do what must be done!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he said this, he took another drag, squinting at Xu Siyear: “Do you still wait for the dragon’s cry before celebrating the New Year?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear let out a long sigh: “I fear this New Year won’t be easy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That depends on how you spend it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu lifted his gaze out the window—the machine shop was already brightly lit, operating day and night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood on the upper floor, yet still felt as if he could hear the roar of machines and the fervor of the workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You still insist on economic development, trade first, welfare first, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear stood beside Li Xuewu at the window, gazing at the factory grounds: “You’re still so unconventional.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s not me who’s unconventional—it’s you who’s lost your way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sucked hard on his cigarette, squinting: “Persisting in economic development, prioritizing trade and welfare isn’t the result—it’s the cause of enterprise growth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You ask me, with winter approaching, what to do? I’ll tell you: band together for warmth; many hands make light work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Band together…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear smoked, gazing at the empty night sky, exhaling slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to grasp Li Xuewu’s meaning: only by sustaining economic growth can valuable goods be created.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only with economic value can you engage in trade proactively, seize market initiative, and claim the greatest benefits of preferential trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only with efficient gains can you provide welfare benefits to unite all factory workers, thereby ensuring the structural integrity of the shipyard—and even the rolling mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a complete structure and normalized management, the entire factory can continue developing its economy, forming a closed loop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interest and risk are a perfect couple—they never appear alone before you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Choose to embrace interest, and you must face the challenge of risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This holds true for Xu Siyear, for the shipyard, for the rolling mill, and for everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If— I mean, if”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear looked at Li Xuewu: “If this storm hits the shipyard, how do we handle it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How handle it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at him with narrowed eyes, his voice sharp: “What did I task you with forming the Youth Shock Team for? What was the point of creating the Propaganda Team?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat broke out on Xu Siyear’s forehead—Li Xuewu’s meaning was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t enough for the Youth Shock Team to act ruthlessly—they needed welfare incentives to motivate them, and the Propaganda Team to legitimize and protect them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This move was too ruthless—no wonder the rolling mill remained rock-solid despite the complex situation in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tossed his cigarette butt to the ground and crushed it underfoot, sneering: “A bunch of kids—if they really took to the sky, what chaos would follow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and walked down the corridor, leaving Xu Siyear standing there, staring blankly out the window, pondering his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao stepped forward, greeting him, then gestured subtly toward the small reception room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu lightly patted his arm: “Have Zhou Zhuang and the others returned?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao replied softly: “They went upstairs after dinner and said they’re waiting for you in Zhou Xiaobai’s room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded and walked toward the small reception room, adding: “Bring two cups of tea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing footsteps in the corridor, the reception room door opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru stood up from his chair, awkwardly offering a greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu waved dismissively: “Sit. Did you eat dinner?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat down, gesturing toward the door: “It’s still mealtime—if you haven’t eaten, don’t be polite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru sat beside Li Xuewu, but only half on the chair, leaning forward slightly, lacking confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu leaned back casually, legs crossed, studying him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao entered with two cups of tea, placing one before Yu Daru and one beside the leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before the leader went to see the foreign guest, Yu Daru had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader noticed his signal, merely turned his head slightly, and Peng Xiao brought him here to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of the previous unpleasantness, the secretary had given him no warm reception—left him waiting, even without tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Yu Daru had shown up, he naturally didn’t care about the secretary’s coldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t touch the hot tea before him, but spoke directly to Li Xuewu: “Deputy Director Li, I’ve come to apologize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu waved his hand, signaling Peng Xiao to leave, then raised an eyebrow: “So you’re truly sincere?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That doesn’t sound right~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up the teacup, eyes lowered to the tea, saying: “You didn’t come to watch me fail, did you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...How could I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru forced a crooked smile, unable to muster one, hesitated, then said: “I’m sincere—I just fear you’ll misunderstand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. You won’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sipped his tea, glanced at Yu Daru: “I suspect you arrived in Yingcheng before me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He narrowed his eyes at Yu Daru: “Did you come alone? Didn’t bring anyone to arrest me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru glanced at the door—he knew he’d walked into a dragon’s den, and it was his own doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re joking. Even if you gave me a hundred courage, I’d never dare act recklessly before you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too polite. I should be the one fearing you, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu set down his teacup, adjusted his shirt cuff, and said casually: “I should just give up resistance and surrender...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru interrupted softly, earnestly: “I truly want to apologize—not for this matter, but for betraying your trust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded slightly, watching him silently, waiting for more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About the case, I can give you an explanation, a full account—if you need it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru said seriously: “I’d rather speak openly with you—we have no blood feud, do we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, who are you asking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu frowned, coldly staring: “Do you not know about the cold shot from the Foreign Affairs Force? Or am I wronging you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you treating me like a child?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please believe me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru sat upright, telling Li Xuewu: “The Foreign Affairs Force’s actions have nothing to do with us—I swear it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you swear it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tilted his head, gesturing toward the door: “Shall I call Zhou Gan Cheng down to confront you? Or will you play Jianghu  tricks and cut off a finger?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru was left speechless by Li Xuewu’s words—any further defense was useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu shifted his crossed legs, looking at Yu Daru: “If you want to stall, show some sincerity. Why send a little shrimp like you to block my gun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced over Yu Daru with disdain: “I’m not looking down on you—you’re just too small to matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He put his legs down, stood up, and said: “Remember what I told you—come at me straight. Don’t waste time with these tricks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru rose and called out to Li Xuewu, who was about to leave, frowning slightly: “Whether you believe me or not, I truly came here with sincerity today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned around, looked up at Yu Daru, and asked: “Where’s your sincerity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I guarantee I won’t interfere in this case again, nor meddle in the branch’s arrangements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru said earnestly: “We give up the trade train—consider it my apology for this reckless move. I’ll never bother you again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled softly, studied him again, and narrowed his eyes: “Did your superiors tell you to say this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Yu Daru’s momentary shock, he shook his chin slightly and said coldly: “Don’t be childish. Don’t think I’m as naive as you—that’s an insult to my intelligence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned sideways, pointed a finger at him, and said: “Tell your superiors: I took the cold shot from the Waishi Force, but this isn’t over. Let’s play this out slowly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru watched Li Xuewu leave and hurried after him, calling out: “Deputy Li…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Show him out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t look back, stepping firmly up the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru tried to follow, but Peng Xiao forced himself in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Yu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao’s face was cold. He gestured toward the guesthouse entrance and said grimly: “Please leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Daru glanced at him, then toward the stairs, then reluctantly turned and walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the door, he turned to say one last thing to Peng Xiao—but as soon as he turned, Peng Xiao had already shut the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, they really closed the door on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looks like he’s truly offended him now—this is going to be a fight to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiny snowflakes had begun falling from the sky, dusting the ground. Yu Daru walked to his car, glanced once more at the upper floor, sighed deeply, and stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upstairs in the guesthouse, in Zhou Xiaobai’s room, three girls were chattering away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu knocked and entered, finding Zhou Xiaobai trying on a short leather jacket with a fur collar—adorably stylish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu, Zhou Xiaobai excitedly greeted him, spun around, and asked: “Do I look good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled, studied her carefully, then nodded: “Beautiful. You’ve got great taste in clothes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miaomiao helped me pick it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai grinned, walked over, and casually linked arms with him, standing together before the room’s mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more they looked, the more perfect they seemed together—she grinned until her eyes crinkled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu saw only a playful little girl beside him, utterly adorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Show-off time can wait. This room’s sweltering—don’t you feel suffocated?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, new clothes always feel great no matter when you wear them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai laughed, took off the jacket, unzipped it, revealing a white fitted sweater that hugged her youthful figure perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had no interest in “little” girls—even if he did, he wouldn’t show it with Zhou Miaomiao and Luo Yun watching so intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both girls, seeing his clear gaze, felt a teasing disappointment, yet awkwardly covered their mouths and giggled at his blank expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai had already noticed their mischief, and, annoyed, pouted and slapped them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the afternoon outing had drawn the three closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew how Zhou Miaomiao did it—but it wasn’t hard to guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao was only eighteen or nineteen, just two or three years older than Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun—all girls, naturally they’d get along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially with money and coupons to spare, shopping together became the perfect catalyst for bonding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several outfits lay on the bed—Zhou Xiaobai’s, Luo Yun’s, and of course, Zhou Miaomiao’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Xuewu entered, the three were trying on their new purchases, showing off their day’s haul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the laughter, Zhou Miaomiao pulled out a large bag and smiled: “I bought you a toy, Big Brother Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took it, hefted it, raised an eyebrow, and chuckled: “Even if I weighed it by the jin, the money I gave you still wouldn’t cover this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s for all three of us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao glanced at Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun, smiling: “Honestly, I didn’t know what to buy—we picked it together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I forgot to tell you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled helplessly: “You can buy anything—just make sure it’s sturdy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured to the bag, puckered his lips: “My daughter’s still too young, or I’d have gotten her a hand grenade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three had younger siblings—they understood exactly what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they found it embarrassing to say such things aloud, scolding him for speaking so casually about his daughter in public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright! Got the gift!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled at the three: “You’ve been out all day—boating, shopping—get some rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Zhou Xiaobai came over. He patted her head and warned: “We’ll set sail after lunch tomorrow. You can stroll the beach, but stay safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned to leave, Zhou Miaomiao hurried after him with another bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu paused, staring at the bag she offered: “What’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s local specialty we bought while shopping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled, pressed the bag into his hands, and added: “We knew you’d be busy, so we got you a special one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Thanks!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu accepted it with a smile, gesturing: “Since it’s your thoughtfulness, I’ll gladly take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Deputy Li~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao and Zhou Xiaobai walked Li Xuewu to the door, where Zhou Miaomiao specifically thanked him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d been able to go shopping in town only because of Li Xuewu’s arrangements—including the money and coupons for clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Liu, the driver for Director Xu of the shipyard, had accompanied them all day, taking them wherever they wanted, paying for everything they bought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No need to ask—the local vouchers in the driver’s hand proved Peng Xiao’s words about “leadership arrangements” weren’t empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao’s salary was decent, but not enough for such spending—she never bought things casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun were even worse off—relying only on pocket money from home, barely enough for daily needs, let alone shopping sprees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three were at that age when every girl wants to look dazzling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a man was willing to spend lavishly on her, buying only what she loved without counting the cost—who could resist such affection?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing Li Xuewu off, Luo Yun gave Zhou Xiaobai a nudge from behind, gestured toward the hallway, and whispered: “Aren’t you going to chase after him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai blushed and tried to retreat inside, but Luo Yun and Zhou Miaomiao blocked the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao grinned, urging: “We had so much fun today because of you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Luo Yun, then added with perfect understanding: “I can’t repay this favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun chimed in with a laugh: “We’re giving you as payment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao and Luo Yun pushed Zhou Xiaobai—still only in her white sweater—out the door and slammed it shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai’s face burned red. She pounded on the door, but inside, the two only laughed and urged her to hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a guesthouse—people lived on both sides. She couldn’t shout loudly, only begged them to stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were determined to help her all the way—no matter how much she pleaded, they refused to open the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Zhou Xiaobai had no choice. She couldn’t stand in the hallway forever—people were passing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She muttered a curse at the girls inside, hesitated, then turned toward Li Xuewu’s room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had just finished tidying his room, was about to strip off his clothes for a bath, when he heard a knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He threw on a sweater and opened the door—there stood Zhou Xiaobai, standing there, delicate and shy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her pouting, little-wife expression, he chuckled: “Still have something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai pouted, head down, hands clenched, embarrassed: “They won’t let me back in…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu instantly understood. He stepped aside, gestured inside: “Come in, sit a bit. I’ll settle this for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai stepped in hesitantly, saw the scattered clothes, noticed him bare-chested in just the sweater, and lowered her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Find a place to sit. I’m going to bathe—the hot water’s ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai nodded hesitantly—then turned to see Li Xuewu pulling off his sweater, revealing his muscular chest, covered in scars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to hide again, but found Li Xuewu had already turned and gone to the bathroom, paying no attention to her presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the clothes on the bed and listening to the sounds from the bathroom, Zhou Xiaobai’s blush spread all the way to her earlobes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though deeply shy, she felt a small joy at Li Xuewu’s casualness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She bent her knees slightly, pinched Li Xuewu’s clothes with careful fingers, and cautiously glanced toward the bathroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing no movement, she moved like a startled fawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, she neatly folded the clothes she had worn that day, then placed Li Xuewu’s prepared outfit for tomorrow at the head of the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she had finished tidying, she hesitantly walked to the door, gathered her courage, and pushed open the bathroom door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I’ll wash your back~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breakfast was simple; no one ate together—whomever woke first ate first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu came down with Zhou Xiaobai; everyone assumed they had met by chance, and no one paid attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao had already prepared breakfast and brought it over the moment they appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai was still unaccustomed to his service; though her home had attendants, none had ever prepared her breakfast or handed her chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing Li Xuewu absorbed in reviewing Peng Xiao’s materials, and Peng Xiao still giving his report, she softly thanked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The focus of the negotiations remains on the project and equipment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao smiled in response, then continued softly introducing the shipyard’s proposal to Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Regarding equipment and manpower investment, Jili Star also has requirements—they want to build a more complete manufacturing team.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat beside Zhou Xiaobai and relayed the other side’s core demands to Li Xuewu, who sat across, eating while reviewing documents, then waited for Li Xuewu’s instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not realistic, but worth considering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took a sip of porridge, looked up at Peng Xiao, and said: “Coordinate with the shipyard and see how much material and manpower they can provide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped the documents beside him and warned: “Don’t just listen to what Jili Star says—have your own thinking. We’re building the ships, not them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao took notes, gathered the documents across from him, then placed another file down: “The shipyard’s security department’s work report.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu glance at it briefly, he reported softly: “Mainly concerning personnel and management systems.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does Director Xu think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at him while holding his porridge bowl and said: “If it’s a work report, follow procedure. If it’s a work plan, include it in next year’s plan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting down the bowl, he picked up his chopsticks and asked: “Why submit this now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Xu suggests transferring a security officer from the rolling mill’s security office to oversee the overall setup.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao cautiously studied Li Xuewu’s expression; seeing it turn serious, he said carefully: “Personnel is secondary—the main issue is the system.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew how to grasp the core—he understood Li Xuewu’s concerns—so he made the office management system the focus of his report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Xu wishes to fully implement the rolling mill’s office management system at the shipyard, but current conditions are difficult—he needs the factory’s support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The system issue can be resolved through the Commission’s office, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took the half-steamed bun Zhou Xiaobai handed him and accepted it without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Transferring security officers still carries drawbacks—it could create an impression of distrust within the leadership.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he said this, he understood Xu Si’s difficulties here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the complex situation at the steel plant, the shipyard’s situation was even more pronounced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Si wanted to strengthen his authority and needed to take full control of the security department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu would certainly support his work, but distant help couldn’t solve immediate problems—the shipyard’s security department was deeply entangled with local interests and hard to manage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Si became head of the security section, he could naturally devote energy to handling these people and matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had to oversee the entire operation and coordinate internally and externally—where would he find the time and energy to focus solely on one department?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So one must speak what needs to be said, understand what must be understood, and help when help is needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who does Director Xu want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu bit into the bun and picked up some pickled vegetables with his chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asked this question, Peng Xiao hesitated, then answered: “Director Xu said… Director Sha is fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s chopsticks paused mid-pick. He looked at Peng Xiao, speechless: “Fine? Should we also bring over Deputy Group Leader Yu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao felt embarrassed too, but Director Xu had said exactly this to him—what could he do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leadership had plans for Director Sha—he was currently Deputy Director of the Security Group’s General Office, yet still held the additional post of Director of the Foreign Affairs Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once foreign affairs concluded, or foreign trade stabilized, Director Sha might be reassigned to the Trade Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Peng Xiao’s knowledge, the Trade Office’s three directors were Zhuang Cangshu from Jinmen, Cen Fuyao from Gangcheng, and Lü Peizhong and Jin Yaohui from Jingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them held at least deputy division-level rank; Director Sha’s next posting should be to Jinmen or Gangcheng as a full-section deputy director.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Trade Office is currently in a growth phase, a prime time to achieve results—if he seizes the opportunity, he could soar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, after several years as deputy director, he could naturally resolve his deputy division-level status upon becoming chief director.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he stayed in the Commission’s office, who knew how many years he’d have to wait?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Set this aside for now. Let’s discuss it after we return—focus on the negotiations first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao gathered the documents on the table, nodded, and went outside to find Xu Si.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took a bite of the bun and noticed Zhou Xiaobai watching him; he smiled and asked: “What are you looking at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai laughed and said: “You look so serious when you work—it’s very charming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said to her: “Then I’ll have to work seriously from now on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm!~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai nodded and said: “A man must have a career—it shows his true character.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled: “Since you say that, I’ll tell the factory cadres that men who work seriously are the most charming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh no~ Don’t tease me~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai playfully slapped his handback, pouting: “I’m not your colleague—you can’t say that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it’s a lie then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu teased her: “Looks like you were just flattering me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai looked shyly at Li Xuewu and said: “You really were charming just now—strong, decisive, full of authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded, as if he understood, and looked at Zhou Xiaobai: “You like the dominant type—the strong type~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not exactly~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai lowered her head, blushing, and whispered: “It’s just… you were perfect just now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu finished breakfast, tapped the table in front of Zhou Xiaobai, and said: “I’m off to show off my charm—you’re free to do as you please. Remember to come back for lunch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai sprang up energetically, took the dishes from him, and urged him to get to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You go ahead—I’ll clean up…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Who are you talking to?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t noticed—she thought Li Xuewu was still standing beside her—when Luo Yun’s voice came from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun grinned mischievously: “I just got here, and you’re telling me to go? What am I supposed to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai blushed furiously and shoved her. “It’s all your fault!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun widened her eyes, feigning indignation: “So you’re going to throw me away after using me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You wouldn’t cross the river and then break the bridge, would you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong and two others blocked Li Xuewu in the corridor and pulled him into a small reception room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yaqin stood at the door; all three looked exhausted—they clearly hadn’t slept well last night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng’s eyes were bloodshot—he’d clearly stayed up all night, reeking of smoke like a smoked ham.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Deputy Director, I’m serious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu didn’t answer, Liu Shaozong grew anxious, glaring: “We made the calls, we handled the matters—now that trouble’s come, you won’t…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Won’t what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow, glanced around the room, and asked the three: “When did I ever say I’d cross the river and break the bridge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong frowned and asked Li Xuewu: “Is your plan still going ahead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned to Gao Yaqin: “Director Gao, what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yaqin stared at Li Xuewu, knowing this kid was up to his usual tricks again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the ship, he was always like this—skilled at sowing discord and breaking alliances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them were originally united, but after his constant scheming and manipulation, they ended up like this—how could they not understand his tactics?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now that Li Xuewu had asked, she could only grit her teeth and firmly say: “If you keep your word, I won’t break mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu called out loudly, “Good!” then turned to Zhou Gancheng and asked: “Director Zhou, did Master Yu come to see you last night? How did it go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng sat in his chair, unsure how to answer, only raising both hands to cover his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he hadn’t treated it properly after returning, and with staying up late last night, the swelling on his forehead had grown larger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go ask around on that one mu of land in Dongcheng—no one will deny I value integrity above all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu said solemnly: “Whoever works with me doesn’t fail to speak of benevolence and righteousness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you believe him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng lifted his head, looked at Li Xuewu, and sighed: “I don’t even know who to trust anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t force you—the path is yours to choose!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spread his hands and said: “Master Yu and the others betrayed me, yet still came to Yingcheng to wait for me—that proves they’ve run out of tricks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How you choose doesn’t matter—I don’t trust him, and I won’t give him any damn opportunity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Li Xuewu shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced at the other two: “If we’re playing, we play to the end—I won’t let go until a few are dead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong stood up, stopping Li Xuewu: “We’ll cooperate however you need, but please finish the project negotiations and return to Jinmen as soon as possible!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sized him up, then turned to Gao Yaqin and asked: “Director Gao, what’s your opinion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yaqin studied Li Xuewu; though giving up oversight of the project pained her, she had more urgent work ahead and nodded: “I agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll coordinate matters here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded and replied: “As soon as the project negotiations are complete, we’ll set sail back to Jinmen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stepped out the door, he reminded the silent Zhou Gancheng: “Once you’re at the table, you must accept that bets are final—or you’ll please no one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying that, he ignored the three of them and headed straight for the meeting hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong’s brow was knotted; he glanced at Zhou Gancheng and asked suspiciously: “Old Zhou, you’re not going to pull the ladder out from under us now, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yaqin shot him a glance, her tone impatient: “Do you really think he’s that foolish?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned aside, gesturing toward the door: “Get on with your work—you’re all men. Don’t tell me you’re more hesitant than I am.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the jab, she left too, as if too proud to associate with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong ignored her, squeezed his eyes hard, then rubbed his face: “Come on, Old Zhou—they’ve already shouted ‘bets are final.’ If you hesitate any longer, you’ll lose every chip on the table.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng waited until Liu Shaozong left, sat there thinking for five full minutes, then dragged his weary body out the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Li Xuewu’s plan, Gao Yaqin reported her assessment of the project to Jinmen’s foreign economic and trade team, and also submitted feedback to higher authorities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her opinion opposed the steel mill’s foreign business activities, citing reasons including but not limited to lack of economic trade reporting, foreign affairs risks, insufficient management capacity, and non-compliance with cooperation protocols.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong directly called his superiors to relay his rebuttal and opposition to this opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his submission, he argued that the shipyard had the capability to complete shipbuilding infrastructure and even export foreign shipbuilding capacity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also refuted Gao Yaqin’s views, asserting that the shipyard’s management team was combat-ready, united, and hardworking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the leadership of the steel mill—they possessed foresight and long-term strategic thinking, worthy of affirmation and support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the two, Zhou Gancheng called to report the dispute between the foreign economic and trade and industrial departments, and offered his own opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recommended that higher-level forces intervene in resolving this matter and swiftly achieve a decisive resolution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them took turns making calls in the phone room, lying without blinking, each more professional than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This plan was ruthless: three factions turning on each other, shifting blame, and armed with counterattack capability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now they waited for the anxious one to take the bait—whether Li Xuewu would crush him outright or toy with him like a cat with a mouse, they could no longer control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all knew cooperating with Li Xuewu was like bargaining with a tiger or dancing with wolves—but now they had no retreat, only one path forward to the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were not just deceiving the person behind the scenes; to protect themselves, they’d even deceived their own Jinmen team and their superiors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deliberately creating conflict, deliberately shifting blame—with two ministries involved, the sword meant to strike Li Xuewu had become entangled, and someone had to untangle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Li Xuewu only needed to watch who stepped forward first—and eliminate them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t care whether the one who stepped forward was truly the one behind the scenes; Huang Silang died never understanding how he’d been killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t need to find Huang Silang—he only needed to kill the one everyone believed to be Huang Silang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the one behind the scenes…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would naturally be the one most desperate, the one most eager to sweep away their own traces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone is even willing to erase their own tail, what power do they have left to stand in this circle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He won’t need Li Xuewu to act—someone else will use this wind to clean him up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All that’s missing now is for Li Xuewu to light the first fire; he doesn’t need to decide who to burn—someone else will drag the one behind the scenes onto the pyre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the morning, the shipyard convened the remaining parties to continue last night’s meeting; at first, both sides still argued fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment Li Xuewu spoke, everyone fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew who held the power to decide—their bickering was meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu first affirmed David’s design philosophy and contributions to development, then publicly praised the shipyard’s engineering team for their innovation and sense of responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally…\u003C\u002Fp>",5371,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4e6572b53a464e527db408f461ec640a3286769b8ef6c2301f497eaf609ecdb5","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-977","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-975",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]