Chapter 979: You

Director Li

Welcome, welcome!

Upon learning that the shipbuilding factory’s negotiation coordination meeting was progressing smoothly, Li Huai De had already arrived early at the Trade Management Center to wait.

As Li Xuewu entered, he greeted him warmly and also extended a welcome to Andrew and his team returning from their inspection.

“I am delighted that we have reached cooperation with Jili Xing Yacht Manufacturing Company in Jinmen; on behalf of...”

Li Huai De delivered his wishes regarding this cooperation in the lobby of the Trade Management Center’s office building.

The crowd gathered around him, listening and applauding—clearly, he was genuinely delighted.

Li Xuewu and Xu Siyear stood to one side, likewise smiling, but inside he was muttering: You’re celebrating too soon!

His gaze swept over Gao Yaqin and the others; the three had already returned to their respective teams.

Li Huai De was speaking enthusiastically in the center, while the ad hoc teams from Foreign Economic Relations, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already begun their discussions.

According to the information relayed back by the three, not only were the accompanying teams remaining in Jinmen working, but also the leadership in Jingcheng had begun making arrangements.

Li Huai De had been too busy yesterday to notice their reactions, still thinking they were all rejoicing over the rolling mill’s impending major contract.

Only after his speech ended did Director Sha Qi of the Foreign Affairs Office escort Andrew and his team away to rest, preparing for the upcoming signing ceremony.

Under Gao Yaqin’s signal, Li Huai De then joined an emergency meeting.

In the large conference room of the Trade Management Center, the four parties—the rolling mill, Foreign Economic Relations, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—stood on opposite sides.

Gao Yaqin, having been signaled by Li Xuewu’s gaze, clenched her teeth and looked at the bewildered Li Huai De : “Director Li, Foreign Economic Relations opposes this cooperation.”

“What?”

Li Huai De frowned, thinking he had misheard.

He glanced skeptically at her, then around the room’s atmosphere, and realized they hadn’t been cheering for him at all.

“Do you know what you’re saying?”

“To be precise, we oppose the rolling mill’s application procedure for this project.”

Gao Yaqin said solemnly: “For any foreign trade activity that operates outside Foreign Economic Relations’ oversight yet involves actual international trade, we have the authority to supervise and halt it.”

“Especially!”

She turned her gaze to Liu Shaozong seated across from her: “We firmly oppose any foreign business model that uses industrial capacity output as a condition for application.”

“What does that mean?”

Li Huai De ’s mind was reeling—they had finally secured the deal with the Italians, and now Foreign Economic Relations was stepping in to oppose it.

“It means opposing the project’s removal from Foreign Economic Relations’ regulatory scope.”

Li Xuewu, sitting behind him, quietly explained: “It likely relates to operations, foreign exchange, and management of international projects.”

Li Huai De nodded understandingly and turned to Gao Yaqin to speak, but Zhou Gancheng cut him off.

Amid the stern gazes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff, he wore a comical white gauze bandage and bluntly voiced his concerns about the project.

The investigated issues included ambiguous background checks on the Italian businessman Andrew, lack of oversight over the project’s financial operations, and insufficient foreign security safeguards by the rolling mill...

He spoke every word clearly, and Li Huai De understood each one—but together, they were confusing.

Li Xuewu, like a translator, sat behind Li Huai De and interpreted their meaning for him.

Zhou Gancheng concluded with the phrase “oppose cooperation on this project,” delivering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s official position.

Xu Siyear grew anxious and stepped forward to explain the origins of the cooperation and the issues involved in its process.

He wanted to clarify things himself, fearing these people were talking nonsense or harboring ill will toward them.

But Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid no attention to his explanation; one after another, they spoke or asked questions, emphasizing that this foreign trade activity carried the risk of bourgeois infiltration and must be resisted.

Good heavens!

Before Li Huai De could even open his mouth, the discussion had already spiraled to this depth.

If it slipped further, would he have to resign and go home to raise children?

He simply couldn’t understand why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had aligned with Foreign Economic Relations to oppose the shipbuilding project so clearly.

There must be a reason—why hadn’t any word reached him during the Yingcheng inspection?

Li Xuewu understood his look and whispered behind him: During the Yingcheng inspection, the heads of the three departments acted separately, not with the factory team.

Even when holding small meetings, they didn’t meet together; when asked in large meetings, they simply said they had no objections.

In short, Li Huai De was told that as team leader, he was completely unaware of their positions and opinions—this was purely a deliberate setup by the three.

Li Huai De wasn’t a fool; he didn’t believe Li Xuewu’s explanation.

But the situation was clear: even if Li Xuewu had offended them, or someone truly intended to target the rolling mill, it was impossible for two agencies to conspire together like this.

What kind of power would that require?

To prove his loyalty and clear his name, Li Xuewu stood up again to reiterate Andrew’s identity and the source of their trade relationship.

He emphasized the cooperation forged during the Yangcheng exhibition and the leadership’s high priority on foreign trade.

Regarding the issues raised by Foreign Economic Relations, he also, building on Xu Siyear’s words, highlighted the essential nature of the rolling mill’s cooperation with Jili Xing.

Based on the ship production qualifications registered with the Ministry of Industry, the rolling mill would manufacture on behalf of Jili Xing, while Jili Xing would provide guidance and feedback on advanced foreign technologies.

From a trade perspective, this was a two-way cooperation with financial and technological exchanges—its uniqueness warranted vertical management under the Ministry of Industry.

On the issue of foreign exchange funds, Li Xuewu further stressed the significance and major impact of ship trade.

He emphasized the necessity of secure financial and technological management by Jili Xing in this cooperation.

To avoid trade risks, cooperation with Jili Xing could only proceed in this form.

Li Huai De nodded in strong agreement as he listened to Li Xuewu’s speech.

He was also thinking: perhaps the two departments coveted this project, or the higher-level connections hadn’t been properly handled.

In his explanation, Li Xuewu had already revealed the project’s background and made clear the rolling mill’s determination to secure it.

Soft and hard tactics combined—Li’s deputy director spoke with clarity and depth, even surpassing Xu Siyear.

He thought: We’ve said all this, and Deputy Director Li has explained it so clearly—surely you understand now?

But before Li Huai De could even show a look of pride and confidence, the staff and investigators from both departments clung stubbornly to the issue of foreign involvement.

Foreign Economic Relations insisted on strict foreign control.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained fixated on foreign risks.

No matter how they explained, it seemed only the rolling mill’s cooperation carried such controls and risks.

Li Huai De ’s expression grew grim; even his gentle temper was now dissatisfied with the two departments’ remarks.

But he still held back, wanting to stand up and use his authority to suppress them.

Yet today was truly strange—everyone could speak, yet he could not.

Before Li Huai De could speak, Liu Shaozong stepped forward to express affirmation and support for the rolling mill’s shipbuilding project policy.

This gave the eager Li Huai De a moment’s relief—someone was helping; it wasn’t all bad, the Ministry of Industry stood with him.

Liu Shaozong, speaking from the Ministry of Industry’s standpoint, elaborated and emphasized the significance and impact of the project.

He further expressed the Ministry of Industry leadership’s high regard for the project and their positive attitude toward the rolling mill’s goal of becoming a conglomerate.

He pointed out that the suspicions of Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were unrealistic, interfered with development, and harmed the bigger picture.

During the project’s approval process, the Ministry of Industry had provided full guidance and had already coordinated background checks on the Italian businessman Andrew.

Regarding ship manufacturing policies, the Ministry of Industry also had the authority and capability to help the rolling mill obtain more advanced technology and financial support.

In closing, Liu Shaozong reaffirmed the compliance of the rolling mill’s shipbuilding project, denied any risk of bourgeois infiltration, and urged support for the project.

Listening to him, Li Huai De slowly began to understand.

It wasn’t just about the rolling mill—it was Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs resenting the Ministry of Industry for monopolizing the project.

Now he had some clarity; he felt it was time for him to speak.

But today’s meeting was determined to suffocate him—everyone could speak, yet no one gave him a chance.

Every time he prepared to speak, someone would jump in Qiangxian ; he couldn’t interrupt them.

Think about it—he was the top leader of the rolling mill, and they wouldn’t let him speak. How unbearable was that?

Hey! The more unbearable, the better!

Li Xuewu sat behind him, watching his subtle under-table movements—clearly, he was desperate.

You’re desperate?

I’ll make you even more desperate—desperate enough to lose your temper!

Li Huai De tried to speak, but Gao Yaqin and Foreign Economic Relations once again cut him off, systematically refuting Liu Shaozong’s remarks point by point.

Meanwhile, under Zhou Gancheng’s lead, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs began chiming in, lecturing the Ministry of Industry on foreign affairs discipline.

Though the Ministry of Industry had fewer people, their voices were loud—their orders were absolute: they must not relinquish control of this project.

Once they lost the management authority over this project, all future foreign industrial exports would have to follow the same precedent.

This was no longer just about the rolling mill’s shipbuilding project—it had escalated into a battle over future management authority.

Good heavens, the meeting room was a riot!

The three departments argued fiercely, each refusing to yield, unwilling to let anyone leave until the matter was settled.

Who in this room could control whom?

Though all three team leaders were deputy division-level cadres, could Li Huai De restrain them?

Impossible—they were sent down from the ministries; they were his superiors.

Not even half a rank higher—they were a full rank above. Li Huai De , no matter how hot-tempered, dared not provoke them.

You think he’s the top dog at the rolling mill, with a single pen deciding everything.

But go to the Ministry of Industry—just a lowly section chief can drive you to despair.

Forget local enterprises coming to pitch projects—even Beijing-based companies struggle to secure projects within the Ministry of Industry.

Can Old Li dare to go up against the Deputy Director of the Foreign Economic Relations Department?

Of course not—he may not hold a high rank, but his approval authority is immense.

Think of that man with spotless integrity, sleeves clean as wind, only seventy thousand yuan in his salary card, struggling so badly he eats plain noodles—how did he amass all that money in his house?!

In this place, sometimes even a Deputy Director—or even a regular Section Chief—can be worth more than a Bureau Chief!

Old Li Xuewu was now stunned, watching the three departments brawling like tangled hemp, his head buzzing.

He’d been working for years, a seasoned cadre—how had he ever encountered such a chaotic scene?

The three departments were locked in a knot—who had the power to untangle it?

Sha Qizhi walked in from outside, seeing the room in chaos, thinking he’d stumbled into a market.

Not knowing what was going on, he slipped quietly behind Li Xuewu and reminded him the signing ceremony was ready, asking when to begin.

Li Huai De had sharp ears—he heard the report, turned around, and was about to speak.

But just then, Li Xuewu said: “What signing? Can’t you see they’ve fought so hard their brains are spilling out like dog guts?!”

Sha Qizhi and Li Xuewu worked together with perfect Moqi —he saw the boss, with his back to Director Li, winking at him, and instantly understood.

He knew what was going on, but he couldn’t say it aloud—he had to play along with Li Xuewu’s script.

He put on a look of urgent distress: “But the signing ceremony and banquet are already scheduled—we can’t make the foreign investors wait! That’s a grave breach of etiquette!”

“And furthermore!”

Sha Qizhi glanced at the noisy meeting room and complained to Li Xuewu: “They’re bickering back and forth—what do they gain if they win? What do they lose if they lose?!”

“We’re different!”

He glared: “Even if they eventually reach a good outcome, the time we waste? The losses? They’re all ours!”

“How dare you speak like that!”

Li Xuewu frowned and rebuked: “How can you serve as Director of Foreign Affairs and dare to criticize department leaders so bluntly? Don’t you care about unity?!”

“Yes.”

Sha Qizhi lowered his head, ashamed under Li Xuewu’s scolding, yet his expression remained anxious and defiant.

His emotions directly affected Li Huai De , who’d been listening all along—especially since he feared the signing would be delayed, that profits would vanish, and Li Xuewu was now stoking the fire by invoking departmental constraints and opinions.

“I think Qizhi is right!”

Li Huai De was now furious—he finally spoke up.

How could he not be furious? He was about to sign and earn foreign exchange—and these people stormed out to oppose him! Who bears the loss?!

“Director Li.”

Li Xuewu, still not satisfied, added fuel: “We must always operate under the leadership of our department.”

“If they persist in opposition, our future work will become a nightmare.”

He glanced at Sha Qizhi: “If this project fails, it’s just a delay in funding, a setback to next year’s development plan, a slowdown in our group’s progress—but if…”

“Stop talking!”

Li Huai De ’s chest ached from Li Xuewu’s words—he could hear his heart dripping blood, *thud… thud…*

All these delays? They were his money!

And now they’re hurting funding, development plans, delaying group integration!

That’s no small sin!

I, Li Huai De , spent my whole life chasing one big goal, finally made some money, finally earned some reputation—was it easy for me?!

You all come and mess it up—these people are truly hateful!

Li Huai De ’s fury boiled to his scalp, yet he had no solution—he was powerless.

After all, he was under someone else’s roof—he had to bow his head.

As Li Xuewu said, this project could be delayed—but what about future work?

The steel mill must always operate under the leadership of various departments.

You might think Old Li knows nothing about operations, but he’s a natural genius at management.

After taking full charge of the steel mill’s management, his greatest insight was:

There is no problem the steel mill can’t solve—so long as it’s mine!

If there is one, it’s only because I haven’t yet asked Li Xuewu.

Li Huai De , seething with rage, turned to Li Xuewu: “What should we do about this?”

“Well…”

Li Xuewu paused, feigning hesitation and caution—just to make Li Huai De anxious.

When he felt the moment was right, he analyzed: “I think these people have gone mad—they’re willing to sacrifice everything for control, turning our factory into a chessboard, a stepping stone for advancement, turning this into a battleground.”

“Especially…”

Li Xuewu’s eyes narrowed slightly, whispering: “Could they be using the Shanghai incident to test the higher-ups’ stance through our factory?”

“That’s unacceptable!”

Even if Li Huai De were a fool, he knew: never stand beneath a crumbling wall.

He also knew the old sayings: a tall tree invites the wind; a pile on the bank invites swift current; one who rises above others invites criticism.

Do you think he’s bold enough to wade into this murky water?

He didn’t want any part of it—he’d run far away if he could!

“Tell me!”

Li Huai De frowned at Li Xuewu: “What should we do?”

“In my view, this calls for speed—cut the knot with a swift blade.”

Li Xuewu whispered: “It’s time for you to show the steel mill’s muscle, flex your fist.”

Muscle? Fist?

Li Huai De looked at his arms, then his fists—where was there anything to show?

But he understood: Li Xuewu meant he must show the steel mill’s resolve.

It was time to be firm—to display the authority of the steel mill’s top leader, and teach these people a lesson.

Li Xuewu’s meaning was clear: since the person behind the scenes dared to target him through the steel mill, he’d have to stop playing nice.

He had to untie the rope around Li Huai De ’s neck, show him these people were sabotaging the steel mill’s bright future, blocking its progress, threatening his advancement.

Think about it—what would a dog do if it heard someone planned to steal its bone?

*Slap!*

Li Huai De slammed his fist on the table, silencing everyone in the room.

He sat there, face stern, voice hard: “This is the steel mill—this is not your place to rule!”

“Is this how your department cadres behave in meetings?!”

Old Li was truly furious—though he didn’t name names, his tone was scathing: “No organization! No discipline!”

“If you have problems, come to me, discuss with me, sit down and solve them calmly—can shouting solve anything?!”

His outburst slightly cooled the tempers of those in the room.

When everyone turned to him, waiting for his words, Li Huai De pressed his hand on the table and began laying out the Foreign Economic Relations Department’s position.

He started with the department’s views on factory development, then moved to the steel mill’s actions after the Yangcheng exhibition.

From the Yangcheng exhibition, he pivoted to the Foreign Affairs Department.

He directly challenged them on the issue of Andrew’s identity—who was to blame here?

Li Huai De rarely lost his temper—he’d entered full “debate the scholars” mode. The steel mill staff stared, dumbfounded.

Old Li had always been the refined, scholarly general—when had he become so fierce?

This was brutal: slapping the table, cursing in front of so many—it was shocking.

Worse—he didn’t wait for them to reply. He shoved back his chair, stood, and walked out.

The three factions were left staring at each other, unsure what to do next.

Old Li wasn’t fleeing—he was only getting angrier. He didn’t want to waste words. He walked straight next door, dialed Beijing, and demanded to speak to the leadership of the Ministry of Industry by name.

In the meeting room, everyone fell silent. Even the Ministry of Industry cadres, who’d been glaring at the other two departments, now held their tongues, waiting to hear what happened.

The room was dead quiet. The corridor, too. Only Li Huai De ’s voice boomed through the phone as he demanded answers: “Why did Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs interfere during the Tianjin negotiations?!”

Old Li was relentless—the angrier he got, the more resolute he sounded, the more confused and flustered the Ministry of Industry leadership became, unsure how serious this crisis was.

Li Huai De told them: “Three departments are now in total chaos—will this agreement be signed? Will we earn foreign exchange?!”

The Ministry of Industry leadership was overwhelmed. They clearly supported him and promised to coordinate.

“Take your time coordinating—I won’t wait!”

Old Li was truly bold—he hung up without giving them any face.

When he stepped out of the office, he saw Sha Qizhi standing in the corridor. He waved him over: “Ignore them—we sign ours!”

“Let’s go!”

Got it!

At Li Huai De ’s order, the steel mill staff no longer paid attention to the department cadres. They all filed out together toward the hall.

The department cadres exchanged glances. Though their faces were cold, with the Ministry of Industry leading the way out, the other two factions followed.

In the Trade Management Center’s hall, a temporary signing podium had been erected: a table covered in red cloth, with a banner hanging behind it.

It looked official enough—Li Huai De shook hands with Andrew, exchanged pleasantries, and signed.

The steel mill’s publicity officer snapped photos: *click, click.*

First, handshake photos; then, signing photos; finally, the group photo.

The group photo originally planned to include three departments was canceled by Li Huai De ; he didn’t invite a single one to the stage.

Since they refused to show face, the rolling mill won’t coddle them either.

Officials from the Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs departments stood at the periphery of the signing venue, watching coldly.

Everyone knew Li Huai De had lost his temper; they wouldn’t confront him directly, but they stood there watching, waiting to see how he’d lose face when the higher-ups refused him.

These people are holding their breath— you won’t follow our orders, you won’t submit to our oversight— let’s see how you die today!

From the information and situation received, the higher-ups also disapprove of how the rolling mill and the Industrial Department are handling this.

Especially the recent reports, which call for broader criticism of this project.

Now that everyone understands the higher-ups’ stance, what’s left to doubt? Just do it.

Even if they can’t match Li Huai De ’s rage right now, isn’t it fair to stand here and wait for him and the rolling mill to lose face, then show their sneers and smugness?

Not at all!

Not even a little!

The joy of knowing the future isn’t something everyone can experience.

But!

On the sidelines, Gao Yaqin and Zhou Gancheng showed no trace of foreknowledge or triumph; their expressions starkly contrasted with their team’s.

Everyone still assumed these two were feigning solemnity to spare the rolling mill some face.

Bullshit about sparing face!

Gao Yaqin and Zhou Gancheng were probably already cursing inside.

They teamed up to play the villains just to serve as cannon fodder for the rolling mill.

They never imagined Li Xuewu would drag Li Huai De into this—and make him explode.

They thought they were three taking the blame for Li Xuewu, but turns out there’s a bigger pot behind the pot.

This pot’s so big, it could be used as a cannon.

Who’s been pushing the two departments to rush in and slap the rolling mill’s face? Exactly these two.

Ever since Li Xuewu proposed this plan on the boat to Yingcheng, they’d felt doomed.

The chain of events that followed proved them right— this affair grew weirder and weirder.

But if they didn’t drag their own departments in, they’d be the ones getting beaten.

So let the other guy burn, not me— let’s all go wild!

Officials from the Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs departments watched coldly; the Industrial Department, by contrast, glared with righteous fury.

They supported the signing, and more so, supported the Industrial Department’s control and expansion of oversight over such trade enterprises.

Watching Li Huai De shake hands with Andrew, sign, and pose for photos—even though they weren’t invited—they still clapped.

They clapped, but they couldn’t bring themselves to be happy.

They weren’t fools; they knew how much pressure the Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs departments had put on the rolling mill.

Though the project signed without the other two departments, whether it could proceed still depended on the higher-ups’ approval.

They argued with boldness, but inwardly, their confidence in the project was shaky.

This directly led to the Industrial Department’s cadres bearing heavy resentment when facing the smug expressions of the other two departments—yet they were powerless.

The signing ceremony ended on stage; everyone took photos and gave speeches.

As Li Huai De was speaking, Li Haiyang suddenly stepped onto the stage, stood behind him, and whispered something into his ear.

Li Huai De ’s reaction was a slight pause, then he narrowed his eyes and asked: “What?”

Li Haiyang thought he hadn’t heard clearly and moved closer to repeat it.

But Li Huai De turned his head, scanned the crowd, and said coldly: “Speak up!”

“Yes!”

Li Haiyang was startled, then understood his superior’s intent and shouted: “The department’s reply: Comrade Zhou has instructed: Proceed according to the current plan.”

“…”

The venue fell silent, so quiet a pin could be heard dropping.

All eyes fixed on Li Haiyang, unable to believe what they’d just heard.

Not just the Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs departments— even the Industrial Department couldn’t believe it.

What’s going on?

Did the rolling mill pull a fast one?

Send a secretary to fake an imperial decree and fool them?

Impossible!

The rolling mill doesn’t have the guts, nor any reason to risk it just to mock them.

Then there’s only one possible truth…

Li Xuewu stood to one side of the stage, exchanged a glance with Xu Siyear, and both shouted in unison: “Director Li is awesome!”

“Good!”

“Oh!”

“Director Li is badass!”

…

“Hahahaha~”

Sudden joy flooded the Trade Management Center hall; every cadre and worker from the rolling mill and Industrial Department erupted in cheers.

The Jili Star people had no idea what was happening— what’s “badass”?

Didn’t they just sign? Why didn’t they cheer then? This delay is ridiculous!

The scene was electric; everyone cheered and clapped, directing smug glances toward the Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs departments.

At this moment, every cadre and worker at the rolling mill trusted Director Li’s firm stance; they now had a shared sense of unity— this was a victory of solidarity.

Officials from the Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs departments felt like they stood on the edge of a cliff, utterly embarrassed; their smug anticipation instantly froze— it was unbearable.

You cheer all you want, but why keep staring at us?

Especially several Industrial Department cadres, who smiled broadly and clapped for Gao Yaqin and Zhou Gancheng.

The two departments’ officials wanted to argue, but the two of them stopped them.

Their departments were angry and frustrated, yet these two remained calm, their composed expressions unchanged.

Because Gao Yaqin and Zhou Gancheng knew: this round, though they seemed to have offended the rolling mill and Li Huai De , they lost completely.

But they’d landed safely— if they weren’t still rational, they’d be clapping along with the Industrial Department right now.

Look at how happy those people are, clapping and cheering!

Yet Liu Shaozong, the Industrial Department’s team leader, couldn’t be happy.

Though the rolling mill won and the Industrial Department won, he lost.

On the surface, he became the lone hero, the one standing alone against them—but he knew he’d angered the man behind the scenes.

Because he had no direct contact with that person and was exposed publicly, the man wouldn’t directly target him.

But what about later?

If Li Xuewu doesn’t bring down and destroy that man this time, what then?

Besides, a dead centipede still wriggles— will he become a vengeful ghost, helping Li Xuewu crush the enemy and prevent its ashes from reigniting?

Damn it, Li Xuewu’s boat is not to be boarded— otherwise, it’ll never end, he’ll control you for life.

So a curious scene emerged.

Cadres from the rolling mill and Industrial Department cheered joyfully, but Liu Shaozong wore a gloomy face; even when pulled to clap, his smile looked more like a grimace.

Officials from the Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs departments stood with grim faces, avoiding the triumphant glares— yet Zhou Gancheng and Gao Yaqin remained calm.

At dinner time, it got even stranger: the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations officials didn’t want to stay.

But late at night, where else could they find food? With so many people, without the rolling mill’s hospitality, they’d starve halfway.

So they gritted their teeth and sat down; when rolling mill’s foreign affairs cadres came to toast, they clutched their cups, unwilling to drink.

Not drinking?

This is a victory toast! Look— our Deputy Director Li toasted Comrade Gao and Comrade Zhou, and they drank! Do you look down on us?!

Hey! This toast is bitter as hell!

The Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations officials truly believed Gao Yaqin and Zhou Gancheng could endure this— real cadres, swallowing humiliation and drinking it all.

Fine, let’s comfort ourselves— whenever Industrial Department or rolling mill cadres came to toast, they drank without hesitation— after all, it was just wasted liquor.

Worse, they took the initiative to toast the Industrial Department cadres.

We argued earlier— we were just doing our jobs, what can you do? That’s our role.

Now it’s different— at the banquet table, let’s talk about personal feelings.

Good heavens, they were all drinking on the rolling mill’s victory toast.

The boldest move? They dared to toast Liu Shaozong, the Liu Director.

Just look at Liu’s face— he looked like he was swallowing medicine, yet he couldn’t refuse.

Why?

Because this is a victory toast! The Industrial Department won!

You Industrial Department won, I’m toasting you— if you don’t drink, you’re saying you’re bitter about winning!

Winners must show grace, must show face, must drink this toast.

So Liu Shaozong suffered inside, but he still forced himself to drink every toast offered.

Only Li Xuewu still had a shred of conscience—he made Zhou Gancheng and Gao Yaqin drink their fill but didn’t come after Liu Shaozong.

Everyone assumed the Industrial Department and the Rolling Mill were superior and subordinate; today they were one family, wearing the same pants, so no need to toast each other.

This liquor, the more you drink, the more you pour, and the less taste it has.

Not just the cadres from the Foreign Affairs Department and Foreign Economic Relations, but even the Industrial Department cadres, after drinking too much and savoring the flavor, found it dull.

After all that competition, who actually won?

Didn’t the Rolling Mill win itself? In the end, as shipbuilding industry developed, it was the Rolling Mill that gained both profit and prestige—why were they all cheering and making a fuss?

So after three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, the cadres from all three departments left early—even coordinating with the railway to catch the night train back to Jingcheng.

They didn’t even want to spend one more night there—how dull it all was.

Li Xuewu was truly righteous—he, as the Rolling Mill’s cadre representative, rushed to the train station to see everyone off.

He even distributed local specialties brought back from Yingcheng to everyone.

You say these department cadres blame themselves, blame the Rolling Mill—but do you think they’d blame Li Xuewu for giving gifts?

Of course not—work is work, personal feelings are personal feelings.

But someone here would blame Li Xuewu—big time.

Liu Shaozong had vomited beside the railway embankment, half-dazed, staring at Li Xuewu and pointing at him mumbled: “You! Deputy Director Li! You’re ruthless!”

Oh! What’s going on here!

When the crowd saw Deputy Director Liu and Deputy Director Li clashing, everyone turned to look.

An Industrial Department cadre pulled Liu Shaozong aside and whispered: “Deputy Director Liu, you’re drunk—that’s Deputy Director Li!”

“I’m talking about Deputy Director Li!”

Liu Shaozong couldn’t even stand—he swayed violently, only kept upright by others holding him.

The man supporting him whispered: “We won. Deputy Director Li didn’t even challenge you to drink. What are you so angry about?”

“We won? We won?...”

Liu Shaozong’s eyes welled with tears; he pounded his chest and shouted: “I’m so wronged!”

“...”

The onlookers were stunned—what’s wrong with Deputy Director Liu? He won and still cried foul—then shouldn’t we losers jump onto the tracks?

This guy is just too hateful!

Who knew why Liu Shaozong felt wronged?

No one knew—only those directly involved knew: Li Xuewu, Gao Yaqin, and Zhou Gancheng.

But even though they knew, who could speak up? Not even the drunken, raging Liu Shaozong dared say a word.

As the train pulled into the station, Gao Yaqin waved her hand, signaling them to hurry Liu Shaozong aboard, then glanced at Li Xuewu.

Though she said nothing, Li Xuewu understood the meaning in her eyes: You’re truly ruthless!

Li Xuewu gave a forced laugh, scratched his forehead, and waved: “Can’t go back tonight—you’re in too much of a rush. Let’s get together after we return to Jingcheng!”

Gao Yaqin ignored him. Once Liu Shaozong boarded, she turned and followed him onto the train.

Zhou Gancheng, reeking of alcohol, studied Li Xuewu, then shook his head slightly, patted his shoulder, and whispered: “You’re really ruthless.”

“What are you saying? We’re all friends.”

Li Xuewu wore an earnest smile, braving the cold wind on the platform, seeing each of them onto the train.

At parting, he urged the three to visit the club after returning to Jingcheng, promising to introduce them to his friends.

Zhou Gancheng boarded last, standing at the door, gazing through the glass at the impossibly young Li Xuewu, feeling a bitter, sour ache in his chest.

Including himself, even those behind the scenes hadn’t anticipated trouble in Mo City, let alone that Li Xuewu would unleash Li Huai—a vicious hound!

So young, and no honor at all!

December 31, evening, the last day of 1966—the Industrial Department formally coordinated with the Foreign Economic Relations Department, Foreign Affairs Department, and other relevant agencies to issue a document: industrial capacity exports should focus on foreign exchange earnings, and such international cooperation was generally approved.

By this precedent, all outward-oriented industrial capacity projects—the Electrical Industry Base, Food Industry Base, Hardware Industry Base, etc.—could now proceed.

The Rolling Mill won big~