[{"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-977":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},2315027,4526,"Chapter 977: So Funny!","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-977",977,"\u003Cp>I recommend selecting Dock No. 3 as the yacht construction dock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised his hand and signaled the chief engineer of Jilixing Company, saying: “Per the letter of intent, the design and modification will be entrusted to David’s team.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for project management, my view is to uphold self-reliance, maintain comprehensive planning, and adhere to collective leadership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was loud, and his serious demeanor carried an inherent sense of authority; the attitudes of those present clearly showed his words were deeply trusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uphold technological innovation, uphold self-reliance, strive hard, establish a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable development outlook, and promote the overall advancement of production and ideological work across the factory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spoke with solemn seriousness: “The current development situation is arduous and fraught with hardship, and time waits for no one—it is urgent and cannot be delayed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is better to fight for a thousand autumns than to fight for a single moment… fighting for a thousand autumns means not fighting for a single moment…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On December 31, Comrade Li Xuewu, Deputy Director of the Management Committee Office and Deputy Head of the Security Group at Hongxing Rolling Mill, led a research team to the Yingcheng Shipyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also participated alongside representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Foreign Economic Relations, and the Foreign Affairs Force in coordinating the two-way processing trade agreement between Hongxing Rolling Mill and the Italian Jilixing Yacht Manufacturing Company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the coordination meeting, Comrade Li Xuewu delivered a speech titled “On Upholding Self-Reliance and Hardship Entrepreneurship, and Establishing a Scientific Technological Development Outlook.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his speech, he pointed out that all departments, branches, subsidiaries, and offices across the factory must earnestly advance the methodology of the scientific technological development outlook, in accordance with the requirements to coordinate supply and demand development, coordinate production development, coordinate joint trade and economic development, coordinate the joint progress of all factory workers, administrative staff, and departments, and coordinate harmonious cooperation between the rolling mill and various joint enterprises for mutual benefit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time Hongxing Rolling Mill had formally established and issued a guiding document for its new-era transformation work, and it represented a major strategic thought in responding to the challenges and opportunities of the new era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting ultimately determined that Hongxing Rolling Mill and the Italian Jilixing Yacht Manufacturing Company would sign the final cooperation agreement on December 31, 1966, at the Jinmen Hongxing Trade Management Center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the finalization of the two-way processing trade agreement, the Italian Jilixing yacht brand will officially be established at the Yingcheng Shipyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This marks a new advancement and another victory for Hongxing Rolling Mill in its transformation to reduce excess capacity and rebuild a healthy production system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In accordance with the agreement, Jilixing will station one deputy project manager, one chief engineer, seven marine engineers, and seventy technicians to form a technical guidance team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yingcheng Shipyard will station one project manager, two deputy chief engineers, three marine engineers, and two hundred technicians to form its technical production team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This team will join with the Jilixing team to form the Yingcheng Shipyard Jilixing Yacht Project Technical Management Team…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the last day of 1966, Zhou Xiaobai felt especially fulfilled and wonderful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she had good friends beside her, new companions to keep her company, and most of all, the person she liked right before her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As part of the delegation’s service staff, Zhou Miaomiao and others were the first to board the yacht under Peng Xiaoli’s arrangements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing by the ship’s portholes, they watched the crowd on the dock bidding farewell, their hearts brimming with excitement and admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, whether it was Zhou Miaomiao, who had already started working, or Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun, who were just passing time at the club, all gained a new understanding of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the people on the dock exchanged pleasantries, over a dozen young cadres, led by Secretary Xiao Liu of Director Xu, carried large boxes onto the ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the boxes tightly sealed, Zhou Xiaobai asked Peng Xiaoli and learned they were local specialties from Director Xu, meant as gifts for the leadership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao glanced curiously at the packaging and suddenly felt a sense of absurdity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the boxes were not other items—just the Yingcheng local specialties she had specifically bought the day before to give to Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difference was that she had bought many kinds, all fitting into a single bag, while Director Xu’s gifts required a ship to carry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly awkward. Zhou Miaomiao had never understood this—how humble and unadorned interactions among leaders truly were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did she understand the meaning behind Li Xuewu’s smile when he received her local gifts the night before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaders on business trips don’t lack time to buy local specialties for family and friends—they simply don’t need to waste time doing such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as leaders provide more support to branch factories and departments in their operations or policies, these gifts become irrelevant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reflecting inwardly, she looked again at Li Xuewu, surrounded by shipyard cadres as they escorted him onto the boat, and her thoughts churned—she could no longer calm her emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Miaomiao stop speaking after her question, Zhou Xiaobai looked in surprise along her gaze and realized she was watching the boarding party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pretty impressive, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao noticed Zhou Xiaobai’s attention, turned to her with a faint smile, and said: “This is the beauty of power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai pursed her lips, not because she didn’t understand the words, but because she couldn’t comprehend Zhou Miaomiao’s obsession with power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such grandeur was common in her father’s world—she had seen it too often to find it beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her view, her father was always trapped by work, trapped by these displays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People watched him constantly—even his car rides and meals became news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One misstep, one wrong word, one mistake, and it could affect many people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the cadres chatting with Li Xuewu right now, she didn’t find admirable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her father had similar sycophants—praising him to the heavens to his face, yet gossiping behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, because of his position, her father controls resource allocation—but what if he lost it one day?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai was certain these people would flee faster than startled hares; who would then praise her, or her father?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never heard her father boast about this “beauty”—only complain at home about how hard it was to be a person, how much harder to be an official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the longing and envy in Zhou Miaomiao’s eyes, Zhou Xiaobai found it ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After two days together, she had learned from others about Zhou Miaomiao’s identity, and from that night in Jinmen, she knew of her abnormal relationship with Director Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It truly proved her father’s words: some people will do anything to advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Body, health, reputation—even their lives—they are willing to trade their souls to the devil for power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when they finally gain power, they find themselves already a \"medicine bottle,\" poisoned in every way, their health and life in critical condition, unable to enjoy anything—what’s the point?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai didn’t understand, but she wouldn’t plainly voice her thoughts to Zhou Miaomiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Luo Yun’s eyes, she might seem inexperienced or naive—but could a child raised in such a family really be naive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They might have unusual interests in leisure or entertainment, but when it came to their own domain, these resources beyond ordinary people’s reach were simply their normal life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last people to bid farewell shook hands with Li Xuewu and others, and under Director Xu Si’s escort, Li Xuewu boarded the yacht.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the ship’s horn sounded, it slowly set sail; the cadres on the dock waved farewell, while Li Xuewu and others stood at the bow, waving back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far apart now, everyone entered the cabin; Zhou Xiaobai and the others volunteered to brew tea, while Peng Xiaoli and Xiao Liu hurried to help the leaders with their coats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cabin’s temperature was comfortable; Li Xuewu wore only a sweater and invited everyone to sit on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew, uncomfortable with the shipyard’s farewell scene, had boarded early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he came out to greet everyone, then returned to his room to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t bother with formalities—he treated the lounge like his own home, calling everyone over to drink tea and chat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After completing their service, Zhou Xiaobai and the other two retreated to a corner, whispering and laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young people rarely dwell long on worries and sorrows—as if no trouble could outlast their tendency to forget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You look radiant—anything good happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun, noticing Zhou Xiaobai carefully folding her leather coat, narrowed her eyes and said: “Did you really get bought off by someone’s money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s such a crude way to put it~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai pouted: “So only I got something, you didn’t, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could that be the same?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun winked mischievously: “I didn’t get the chance to spend the night with him last night~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! How dare you say that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai pointed at her, whispering angrily: “I haven’t even settled the score with you yet, and now you’re provoking me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Settle what? Thank me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun laughed: “Without our help, you might’ve lain awake all night, tossing and turning~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go away~ I wouldn’t have~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai rolled her eyes and pouted: “You’re all bad, completely unreasonable~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun pouted: “I ask you—did the thing that didn’t work last time finally succeed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you talking about~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai blushed slightly, feigning ignorance: “I have no idea what you’re referring to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm~mm~ Keep pretending! Go on!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun gestured to Zhou Miaomiao: “Neither I nor Miaomiao saw you come back—you still claim you’re innocent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am innocent~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai pouted: “Don’t use your filthy thoughts to judge my boundaries and standards—and don’t underestimate his good character.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~ Good character?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun secretly pointed toward the sofa where Li Xuewu was chatting merrily and asked Zhou Xiaobai: “You’re so virtuous—tell me, what kind of person would throw a cup at someone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Xiaobai silent, Luo Yun turned to Zhou Miaomiao: “Miaomiao, what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao glanced at her with amusement, gesturing toward the sofa: “You don’t know he’s my superior?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~ Hypocrite~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun muttered, then protested: “He’s not even your direct superior—why are you afraid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who told you he isn’t your direct superior?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao glanced at her, then explained seriously: “He’s Deputy Director of the Management Committee Office, responsible for coordinating the entire factory’s work—especially propaganda, especially us—he’s our direct supervisor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh~ He oversees a lot, doesn’t he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun raised an eyebrow, gesturing to Li Xuewu: “Is he the strict type in your factory, or the nice-guy type?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao smiled faintly, turning the question back—she wouldn’t answer this girl’s questions; her mind was too clever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You think she’s still a girl?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she went out with Li Xuewu—how can you be sure that if you say something about him, she won’t go tell him later?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think he’s terrifying~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun pouted: “Just by his face, you can tell he’s no good—I was too scared to speak to him the first time I met him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re just talking nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai pouted: “You were the one who started talking to Brother Li first—we’re not even meeting for the first time anymore, and you’re still bringing this up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t remember that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun flipped it around: “Didn’t you start talking to Brother Li?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go to hell~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai pouted again: “You’re always looking for trouble—I won’t take you out again next time~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooh~ ooh~ ooh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun teased with a laugh: “So you’re already defending him? Are you two really together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Li is a proper man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai said seriously: “He’s a good person—someone trustworthy and worth relying on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun whispered skeptically: “So he slept with you all night and didn’t do anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then watch out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shook her head meaningfully, sneering: “It’s not that he’s incapable—it’s that you’re incapable, or he’s got some bigger plan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s judging a gentleman by the standards of a petty man!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai couldn’t bear hearing her speak ill of her beloved—she shot back instantly, making Luo Yun so furious she lunged to tickle her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao stood aside, watching the commotion with a smile, but inside she was pondering Zhou Xiaobai’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Li exuded a bandit-like aura, acting with authority and dominance, yet he treated women with gentleness and thoughtfulness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only… if only Li Xuewu—or Li Huai—were as charming as Li Xuewu…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you talking about?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun had been too loud, disturbing the conversation on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned and glanced at them; seeing all their flushed faces, he waved them over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai’s face turned even redder. She nudged Luo Yun playfully, then followed Li Xuewu’s gesture and joined them on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the living room sat Li Xuewu, Xu Siyear, Xia Zhongquan, and other cadres from the rolling mill, along with Zhou Gancheng, Liu Shaozong, and Gao Yaqin and other accompanying cadres from the department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, Liu Shaozong and the others had wanted to speak privately with Li Xuewu—he was still uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Siyear had sailed with them to Jinmen; with other accompanying cadres aboard, they’d chattered nonstop since boarding, leaving no opening to interject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now three girls had arrived—it was as if Li Xuewu truly had no intention of discussing that plan with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu offered Zhou Xiaobai the seat beside him; Peng Xiao and Little Liu brought chairs for Luo Yun and Zhou Miaomiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Casually, after they sat down, Li Xuewu introduced the three to the leaders in the living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao was the head of the factory’s dance troupe—some cadres from the rolling mill knew her, others didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She introduced herself confidently, thanking Li Xuewu for bringing her to Yingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu waved his hand, telling her not to be formal; everyone had drunk heavily at lunch, and the air in the living room still carried the scent of alcohol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andrew, though bustling about, couldn’t hold his liquor—Li Xuewu merely exerted a little effort, and the old man was already dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He told Zhou Miaomiao to treat it as casual chat—no need to worry about etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When introducing Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun, Li Xuewu simply said they were sisters of club classmates, also from the compound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just that brief introduction, without detail, made everyone understand their backgrounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Zhou Miaomiao’s formal manner, Zhou Xiaobai and Luo Yun’s introductions were casual—they lacked social experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Li Xuewu present, no one minded; some praised, some asked questions, exchanged pleasantries, and the atmosphere warmed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled and asked Zhou Xiaobai beside him: “I just saw you two chatting lively—what were you talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We were talking about…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai sat up straight, about to speak—then hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t say they’d been discussing romantic relationships—or their relationship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun watched her with amusement, waiting to see how she’d answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao also watched curiously—she knew exactly what they’d been discussing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai glanced at the group, her face slightly flushed, and said: “We were discussing how you uphold your original intentions and essence while exercising your authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone: “…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“??? ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun stared at Zhou Xiaobai in disbelief—she never expected her to twist the topic like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Miaomiao was equally baffled—had they really been talking about this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who said this girl was naive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With just one answer, the atmosphere in the living room instantly rose a notch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at those cadres who’d been acting loose after drinking—they now sat rigidly upright, posing as upright gentlemen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could resist the affirmation of a young girl?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled at Zhou Xiaobai and asked: “Are your casual conversations already this sophisticated?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The topic isn’t sophisticated—it’s the environment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai smiled at him: “Because everyone here is a high-caliber cadre, our conversation can only be high-caliber too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough—cough~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear cleared his throat, nodded to Zhou Xiaobai, and said: “Xiaobai comrade has exceptional insight—she saw right through our essence. Impressive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at him, then at Zhou Xiaobai, and said: “Don’t be clever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sipping tea, he continued: “Did you gain any insights?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai glanced at Luo Yun, pouting: “Luo Yun just messed around—I wanted to ask you, but she wouldn’t let me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun raised an eyebrow—thinking: Sis, don’t say that without feeling guilty!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t stop you from asking him that question!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sis, I was trying to keep you from running to him with complaints!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhou Xiaobai ignored her threatening glare, glanced at the thoughtful Zhou Miaomiao, and asked Li Xuewu: “Brother Li, tell us about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Deputy Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear egged him on: “Tell us how you’ve remained steadfast in the turbulent tide of officialdom, never losing your original intentions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, tell us~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear goaded him further; even Gao Yaqin, who disliked Li Xuewu, now chimed in: “Director Li is young and capable—surely you have deeper insights. Share them with us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun leaned close to him, smiling: “Just treat it as a lesson for me and Xiaobai~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you pay tuition?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu watched Xu Siyear stirring things up, others joining in the laughter—especially Luo Yun and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled at her, then ruffled Zhou Xiaobai’s hair: “You’re always helping by making things harder~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai covered her mouth, giggled, then nodded seriously: “Luo Yun and I both want to learn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, then I’ll tell you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu was pushed into it—he’d never given a political lecture before, and now he had these mischievous colleagues eavesdropping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But eavesdropping or not, Li Xuewu had no intention of letting them off easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think about it—he never did anything with just one goal in mind. If he didn’t drag two or three others down with him, he’d be wasting his honeycomb-like mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, I must state an objective fact!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu said half-seriously, half-jokingly: “The world is unfair. Some are born in wealthy regions, others in barren lands—this is how life is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, let’s talk about the barriers to power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled at Zhou Xiaobai: “Who is the greatest obstacle to acquiring power?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not someone else—it’s yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Zhou Xiaobai could answer, before anyone could think further, he paused a few seconds, then continued: “In our work, in career planning, we usually impose limits on ourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think carefully—after you started working, what goals did you set for yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What goals?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone, hearing this, asked themselves silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps, from the start, they’d never imagined what achievements they’d reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So after walking with heads down for so long, when they finally looked up, they felt lost, helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even finding a direction forward seemed impossibly difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sipped tea, giving everyone several minutes to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as some had begun to understand, nodding inwardly, he continued: “Those who hold power generally possess seven traits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He counted them off on his fingers:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, ambition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, boundless energy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third, focused action.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fourth, unshakable confidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth, the ability for self-reflection.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sixth, the ability to empathize.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seventh, the ability to face conflict.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he finished speaking, the living room was filled only with the hum of the ship’s engines and the wind outside the cabin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was comparing themselves against these seven standards, asking whether they possessed these qualities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the comparison, they turned to look at the others in the living room, wondering if those people possessed these qualities too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, every pair of eyes settled on Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young and accomplished, he certainly lacked no ambition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Healthy and strong, he certainly lacked no drive or energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harmonious family life, he certainly lacked no focus or stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep connections, he certainly lacked no confidence or determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the remaining three abilities, everyone had witnessed Li Xuewu’s excellence through his handling of the trade negotiations and the behind-the-scenes influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Self-reflection, empathy, sound judgment, calm under pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for this setting, if not for the events unfolding right before their eyes, everyone had their insights—but they might have thought Li Xuewu was just boasting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then... how do you gain power?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai looked at Li Xuewu, confused, and asked: \"You set a goal, cultivate these qualities, and then work hard?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Half and half.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled and said: \"Half through effort, half through calculation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for Zhou Xiaobai’s reaction, he turned to Xu Siyear and asked: \"Isn’t that right, Director Xu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why ask me?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear waved his hand and laughed: \"I’ve made it this far walking on thin ice, step by step—all through effort, never through calculation!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in the room knew their own situation well—they didn’t believe a word of Xu Siyear’s claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as they laughed at Xu Siyear, they also reflected on themselves—wasn’t this just a mocking reflection of their own past?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then how do you calculate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun dared to ask—she was just a girl, not yet employed, and curiosity was no crime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at her and said: \"First step: become the most noticeable one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun was confident she could do that—her outgoing, open personality and her unusual background made her a standout in her circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then you acquire resources.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patted her thigh and pointed to the cigarette pack on the coffee table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun eagerly lit him a cigarette, as if she were eager to climb the ladder of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took a drag and continued: \"Because whoever controls resources controls power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like right now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved the cigarette in his hand and told Luo Yun: \"If you want knowledge from me, you must obey my instructions—that’s what resources and power mean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun stared at the cigarette in Li Xuewu’s hand and said: \"It’s already started?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You saw Luo Yun fawning over Li Xuewu, begging him to say more—yet it was only fleeting curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who truly took Li Xuewu’s words to heart, who wrote them down in notebooks, were the secretaries standing in the corner of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third step: weave relationships—that’s the eternal way to sustain power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu gestured to the people in the room and told Luo Yun: \"If you get everyone’s contact info and keep in touch, maintain friendships, they’ll become your connections in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun widened her eyes, staring at everyone around her—her hungry, blunt gaze made several leaders laugh out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was actually serious about acting on it, prompting Zhou Xiaobai to yank her hard, trying to stop her from making a spectacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patted Zhou Xiaobai’s hand, signaling it was fine, then continued: \"Fourth step: perform and speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does that mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took another drag and explained: \"You might be introverted, but you must force yourself to appear extroverted, to be skilled at communication.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking means boldly voicing what you’ve done, and expressing your opinions through proper methods so others hear your voice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For example, you, Luo Yun.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at her and said: \"If you want to be head of security for the club, you must show responsibility—and tell your superiors about your performance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I get it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun’s eyes lit up, pointing at Zhou Xiaobai in surprise: \"No wonder Zhao Laosi always acts so enthusiastic whenever Brother Li comes to the club—he goes over to flatter him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shh~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu slapped her lightly and scolded: \"Understand me correctly—I’m not teaching you to do bad things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fifth step.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped Luo Yun’s thigh, where she sat on the arm of his sofa, and said: \"Win people over with virtue—build a good reputation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Laosi is exactly like this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Yun had finally found her teaching benchmark—reorganizing Li Xuewu’s words, she realized there was a giant toad hiding in the club!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These greenhorns like her were mere children before Zhao Laosi—easily fooled, easily manipulated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai also recalled Zhao Dezhu’s slow climb within the club—just as Brother Li had described.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Incredible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Luo Yun, she too gasped in astonishment once she understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing their exclamations, the others in the room smiled faintly—Li Xuewu had stripped bare the very nature of cadres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, sitting here under the gaze of the staff behind them, they felt as if they were naked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s lecture wasn’t just pleasant—it had hooks, and damn it, traps too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now let’s talk about the steps to overcome difficulties and turn defeat into victory in the workplace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Li Xuewu spoke, reactions varied across the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Liu Shaozong and his two companions—their gazes at Li Xuewu were especially strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if to say: You’ve humiliated the steel mill cadres, and now you’re going to execute us in public?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t care about their attitude—he casually told Luo Yun: \"Don’t give up on yourself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second: keep doing what you’re good at.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finally—and most crucially!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s gaze swept over Liu Shaozong and his two companions, implying: \"Always act as if you will win in the end!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fuck!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong truly wanted to jump up and curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t public execution—it was spitting in their faces!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy had no shame—he was using kid’s talk to point at us!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can’t you see?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Liu Shaozong’s bulging eyes, Gao Yaqin wanted to say, I can’t see it—but give me a chance first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re about to pop your eyeballs out like lightbulbs!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s mockery and teasing made her teeth grind—so all that show on the boat was just a con?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now they were on his boat, and he didn’t fear their rebellion—he was now making sarcastic remarks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy was truly hateful!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng was more pragmatic—he was already rubbing his forehead, his head throbbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, his head felt like it would split—he couldn’t tell if Li Xuewu was playing them or retaliating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind couldn’t keep up with Li Xuewu’s pace—he just felt the kid had more tricks waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just told you: I’m fake, just scaring you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if they showed even a hint of resistance, he’d unleash a thunderous counterstrike and cut off all their escape routes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The promises he made wouldn’t be fulfilled—because they broke faith first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you confronted him, he’d say: I was just joking with the kids—did you really believe me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would you say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would you say: When you joked with kids, I took it seriously? I believed you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s just asking for humiliation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So listen to him—ten words out of ten are true, but behind every single one, not one is true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you take him seriously, you’re the biggest fool on earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Shaozong had never been fooled by someone like this in the department, never met such a ruthless, heartless type—but among grassroots cadres, there were many like him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gancheng had met more people, understood more—he’d rarely seen anyone as cunning as Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he’d seen plenty of people with dark intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So one time being fooled was enough—from now on, whatever Li Xuewu said, he’d treat as bullshit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No! Even farting could be true!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But! Li Xuewu’s words can never be trusted!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yaqin saw Zhou Gancheng remain silent; she pondered inwardly and realized it was indeed the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So as she watched Liu Shaozong fuming and muttering, glaring with bulging eyes, she merely turned her face away in helpless disdain, refusing to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the more she looked, the angrier she became—how had she sunk to this state, associating with such people, even engaging in dealings with tigers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu sitting over there, smirking as he watched Liu Shaozong rage, Gao Yaqin became even more certain of her inner thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where did this little brat come from!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! To gain something, you must lose something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu grinned, squinting, and began explaining to Luo Yun and the others the cost one must pay for power:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, the pressure under great reputation is immense—it’s a psychological burden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, you gradually lose control over yourself and your autonomy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Peng Xiaoli and said: “Now he’s my superior; I have to consult him about everything I do every day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiaoli chuckled awkwardly and waved his hand, daring not to say a word—today’s boss had gone completely wild, leaving not a single person in the room untouched!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled, ignoring his reaction, patted his thigh, and sighed: “You must also sacrifice family and personal life—you spend more time with colleagues than with your own family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, in the workplace, not everyone is trustworthy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Li Xuewu waved his hand with a smile, gesturing to everyone in the room: “Don’t take it personally, everyone—I’m not talking about you! I still trust you all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone chuckled along, but the laughter was bitter, absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listen—you’ve just heard the biggest joke of the day!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did you hear that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Director Li says he trusts us!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How hilarious!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Siyear clenched his teeth hard, barely holding back a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is there anyone in this world Li Xuewu can trust?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe there is—but he’d stake his life on it: that person is definitely not on this boat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu knew his performance wasn’t good enough, so he pretended not to notice the mocking glances from everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The final point—and the most regrettable one!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head slightly, sadly saying: “Power has a tendency to addict.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Addiction...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone fell silent again. This bastard was truly formidable—some words made you rage, some left you speechless, and others plunged you into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder such a man deserves to rise!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai felt this deeply. Ever since Li Xuewu began speaking, she and Luo Yun had stopped talking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because their father and mother were exactly like this—if they hadn’t been consumed by work and obsessed with power, how could their children have been left to run wild?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At home, they were like stray sheep—no one watched over them, they could do whatever they wanted, play whatever they pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She told Li Xuewu her family knew—but knew what? There was no one home to report to!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mother had been sent down as part of a work team to support four rectification campaigns; her father had gone to another province to oversee work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Li Xuewu’s words—she understood them too well, knew them all too clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she felt moved, her mood darkened, and she leaned silently against Li Xuewu’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All things begin and end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu patted the hand Zhou Xiaobai had placed on his arm and said: “Wherever power emerges, power also fades.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze swept meaningfully over the group: “Now let’s talk about how people lose power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, after gaining power, you become blindly arrogant, crude, dismissive of all, believing everything is your due.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, excessive confidence makes you less vigilant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third, you lose patience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fourth, fatigue makes you relax your guard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifth, you become overly proud of your past experience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sixth, you cling desperately to power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, outside the cabin, the sunlight had vanished—darkness had quietly descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the cabin, everyone remained lost in Li Xuewu’s words, unable to break free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu, after finishing, let out a long, quiet sigh: “Even if you understand clearly, who can guarantee they won’t make mistakes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted Zhou Xiaobai’s hand and said: “Always take care of yourself—never expect fairness or justice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because the very pursuit of fairness and justice is itself unfair and unjust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the night sky, the Jinmen Port dock glowed brilliantly; the city’s unassuming lights held a peculiar charm in the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yacht arrived at the dock precisely at five o’clock, slowly docking with the help of port staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the light, Li Xuewu had already spotted the figure of Sha Qizhi, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office, waiting to meet the boat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trip to Yingcheng—whether the steel mill, the shipyard, or even for himself—had been immensely rewarding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the people around him, dressing and preparing to disembark, wore varied expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some, like him, had gained something; others had lost their very souls in Yingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Qizhi smiled faintly as he saw the figures on the yacht—he was tasked with escorting the leadership and the foreign delegation back to the Jinmen Management Center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, a signing ceremony and a grand banquet had already been prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But given the complex and turbulent situation, could the signing and banquet proceed smoothly?\u003C\u002Fp>",5403,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4908108c7ada97f943aae3f670f099ce4c2b227fdba7fdcb181bfe88b5ec4057","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-978","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-976",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]