[{"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-985":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},2315035,4526,"Chapter 985: Genuine Leather","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-985",985,"\u003Cp>No wearing dawn-to-dusk garments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he really is a model worker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Xiao Li stood by the office window, watching the withered back of Yu Da Ru get into his car and leave, then smirked and turned back to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Acting like he’s some big-shot wolf with a bushy tail~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Peng Xiao Li’s muttering, Li Xuewu looked up at him briefly, then paid no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kid had picked up his secretary duties lately, and now he carried himself with noticeably more arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the word “arrogant” came from Gu Cheng; in Peng Xiao Li’s own terms, it was more like composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Composure in work, composure in facing challenges—composure like Li Xuewu’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Peng Xiao Li, it was truly hard: the boss had to handle his own duties, oversee the Management Office, and manage several projects like foreign trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steel rolling mill had so little work already, and adding the Second Battalion’s duties too—Peng Xiao Li felt even if he split himself a hundred ways, he couldn’t manage it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But look at Li Xuewu—he never seemed rushed, even when problems kept coming his way, he handled them all calmly and systematically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To outsiders, Li Xuewu clearly had the bearing of a general, the steadiness of a pillar holding back the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this calmness and composure came from countless nights and days of planning and building relationships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the first day, without the first step, how could there be today’s poise?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outsiders only see his success today, ignoring his past efforts—as if everything he did before was merely the fruit of today, reversing cause and effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before noon, Peng Xiao Li softly knocked and entered the office with two people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leader, comrades from the Propaganda Section and the Broadcast Station are here to see you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu was bent over reading documents, murmuring an automatic reply; only seconds later did he look up at the two who had already reached his desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li, good day!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Haitang naturally knew Li Xuewu well; seeing him look up, she smiled and greeted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu’s gaze shift to her colleague, she introduced him: “This is Chai Chunlian, chief of the factory newspaper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li, good day!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chai Chunlian was nervous; though he’d met Li Xuewu before, they weren’t close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Xuewu did know him; hearing Yu Haitang’s introduction, he set down his papers and said, “I know—you’re the factory’s famous pen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no, I couldn’t possibly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chai Chunlian bowed his head in modesty: “Before you, how could I dare call myself a pen? I’m far behind you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too modest, aren’t you~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stood up, smiled, shook hands with both, then gestured to the seats opposite and invited them to sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Haitang knew this office well—she’d come here many times before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, she’d been reckless, clueless, dreaming of being the Director’s wife, charging in headfirst and getting a bloody nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a while, this office was off-limits to her; even going up to the third floor drew questions and warnings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But times had changed: she’d made mistakes, taken a slap, and traded sacrifices for a chance at redemption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d hitched a ride with Director Li, taken another path, and returned to this office, seeing again the man she’d once longed for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking back, she regretted it herself—her impulsiveness had cost her much, but also shaped her greatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the day she received her appointment as Deputy Director of the Broadcast Station, she sat alone in the office and cried for a long time, asking herself over and over: What was I thinking before? Why did I do that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she truly love Li Xuewu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, she didn’t love Li Xuewu—she loved only the halo around him, his position, his glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even influenced by Yu Li, she’d seen Li Xuewu’s deep connections and hidden wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After rising and falling, she finally saw her true self: she wasn’t suited to be a Director’s wife—this lifetime, she might try becoming a Director herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li, we’ve come today to ask for your help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Haitang steadied her composure, glanced at Chai Chunlian, then spoke up: “With your and Director Li’s care and support, the ‘Red Star Interview’ program has launched…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mainly thanks to Director Li’s support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled and nodded at her, then said to both: “I heard the feedback on the program is excellent—the workers love it. Your Broadcast Station has done well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Deputy Director Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Haitang smiled back: “Without your care and help, we’d never have had the chance to make this program.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lavishing praise on Li Xuewu and seeing him smile, she added: “The last interview with Director Li was a huge success—we’d like to invite you for an interview in the next episode of ‘Red Star Interview.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I listened to Director Li’s interview—he laid out the factory’s goals and future plans.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu first affirmed the success of the last interview, then added: “Your Broadcast Station performed excellently in interviewing and broadcasting—well done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But an interview with me isn’t appropriate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled at the two, raised a hand to stop Yu Haitang from speaking, and explained: “First, timing—it’s the beginning of the year, we need policy announcements and publicity, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he said this, Li Xuewu deliberately nodded toward Chai Chunlian of the factory newspaper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued: “Second, other factory leaders should also have their chance to speak to the workers—leaders should go first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled at Yu Haitang: “As for policy-related talks, I simply don’t have the authority to speak about them on the broadcast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, here’s the thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Haitang gestured to the newspaper chief beside her and explained: “The Broadcast Station wants to do a joint interview with the factory newspaper—about your work experiences and life over the past year, sharing your success stories with everyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I really have nothing to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spread his hands and smiled: “I’m barely twenty, just started working a year ago—what success stories could I possibly share with the workers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing Li Xuewu’s words, Yu Haitang and Chai Chunlian instantly thought of that title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They imagined: if they wrote an eight-hundred-word essay titled “Only,” it would go viral.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, “viral” meant the article would explode—and they’d explode their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only! Twenty-something! Just two years in the factory! We’re already looking up to you! What more do you want for success?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Xuewu’s life last year didn’t count as success, then no one in the steel rolling mill had the right to speak the word “success.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before they could say more, the noon dismissal bell rang—it would be rude to keep the leader from lunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stepped out of Li Xuewu’s office, exchanged glances, and felt their minds utterly blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This visit wasn’t without gains—they’d just redefined their understanding of “success.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From today on, anyone under twenty-one who hasn’t reached deputy director rank—or any deputy director over twenty-one!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do! Not! Call! Themselves! Successful!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Director Li, good day~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leader, good day~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming down from the Security Building’s third floor to the small canteen behind the main office, people kept greeting him along the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only ones Li Xuewu ever stopped to greet himself were a handful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So everyone saw only Li Xuewu’s humble, polite side—nodding in response to every greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young, high-ranking, capable, talented, wealthy, poised—no wonder people watched and talked about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over 1.8 meters tall, lean and upright, wearing a tower cap, a black wool overcoat, black trousers, black leather shoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old saying is right: black clothes attract followers, white clothes confuse crowds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing Li Xuewu was married, even knowing they had no chance with him, there were still girls in the offices who kept thinking of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not like they’re serious—just keeping him in mind isn’t illegal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s only twenty-one after the New Year—so young! Perfect for anyone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the canteen, Li Xuewu hung his overcoat and cap on the coat rack by the door—staff managed it there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steel rolling mill’s office area still followed the layout from before the takeover, with only the Security Building and auxiliary buildings added later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small canteen had existed from the start—it wasn’t originally a dining hall, so it wasn’t connected to the main office building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In spring, summer, and autumn, it was fine—except on rainy days, getting to the canteen was easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But winter in the north could freeze you solid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the canteen’s location: the main office building blocked all sunlight; wind howled, and it was bitterly cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking from the office to here without a cotton coat, you’d shiver uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if you wore a cotton coat, think about how brutal the steel mill’s heating was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside: minus twenty degrees; inside: plus twenty degrees—a fifty-degree difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the room wasn’t like walking into a bathhouse, but eating in a cotton coat? You’d sweat buckets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You could endure sweating inside, but after eating, you’d have to go back outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cotton coats back then had real cotton lining—not down jackets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the best cotton couldn’t block this old northern wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minus twenty degrees, plus a shaded spot—forget it, you’d catch a cold for sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This year, no matter what, we’re building a covered walkway—or I’ll freeze to death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui followed Li Xuewu inside, shivered, took off his cotton overcoat, and handed it to the attendant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu ahead, he couldn’t help muttering under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu turned back to look at him and smiled: “Who was it who said back then, just endure it and it’ll pass?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui showed not a hint of shame, shook the lunch box in his hand, and said: “Who asked us to handle this mess in the first place?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s this called?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nudged Li Xuewu and teased: “Now that I’m not in charge anymore, I can afford to be clueless about the price of rice and firewood!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then pay for it from the committee’s budget.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Yuyu, who was ahead in line, glanced back at the two and snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui chuckled and pulled Li Xuewu into line behind her: “Leader, whose money it comes from doesn’t matter—what matters is not letting our comrades freeze, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back to Li Xuewu and smiled: “I’m just being thoughtful, wanting everyone to eat well~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, I think so too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chimed in from behind: “Director Ding’s right—we should make sure everyone eats well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emboldened by Li Xuewu’s support, Ding Zigui turned to Jing Yuyu ahead: “Leader, Deputy Director Li agrees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he agrees, let him pay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Yuyu didn’t turn around: “If the Security Group’s budget is generous, I’ll support using it for everyone’s benefit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wouldn’t dare touch the Security Group’s funds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of money, Li Xuewu immediately changed his tone: “All budget approvals must go through our group leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added, glancing back at Ding Zigui: “Why don’t you wait a bit? I’ll go tell Deputy Director Dong first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re something else~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui sighed: “You’ve just sent me all the way to Gangcheng!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back to Jing Yuyu: “If we wait for Deputy Director Dong’s approval and finish all the paperwork, spring will already be here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t that perfect~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Yuyu smiled at him, stepped forward, and handed her meal box to He Yuzhu: “Less this time, Chef He.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu was on duty at the small canteen today; seeing leaders in line, he willingly took the meal box to serve the food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once the first round of procedures is done, we can start construction right after spring.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Yuyu glanced at Li Xuewu, then said to Ding Zigui: “I’m afraid that by this time next year, Deputy Director Li still won’t have finished his paperwork.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui sighed helplessly: “Leader, you really understand Deputy Director Li’s nature!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remark was half-joking, meant lightly—but to Jing Yuyu, it sounded like an insinuation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Li Xuewu, ignored Ding Zigui’s joke, took the meal box from He Yuzhu, and turned to walk upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui stared after Jing Yuyu’s back, then looked at Li Xuewu: “What… what’s wrong with the leader?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How would I know~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tugged at his mouth, gesturing ahead: “Get your food.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui handed his meal box to He Yuzhu, still muttering: “Did I say something wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded casually to He Yuzhu and said offhandedly: “Women always have a few… hmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave Ding Zigui a knowing look and left it there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui pursed his lips, nodding in understanding, took his meal box, and shook his head: “Women’s hearts—deep as the ocean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Li Xuewu again, adding playfully: “You really understand women’s hearts~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go screw yourself~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu stepped forward, handed his meal box to He Yuzhu, picked two dishes, and asked for soup poured over his rice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch what you say—offend a leader, and they’ll make your life hell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah! You’re the one who should watch your words!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui waited beside him, winking: “I noticed Deputy Director Jing’s look at you—watch yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smirked softly: “Know it’s true, but saying it out loud hurts unity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu watched them banter, chuckled, and served their meals—adding an extra portion of meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His favoritism toward Li Xuewu was so blatant he didn’t even care about appearances—luckily, this was the cadre canteen, where few would gossip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this were the big canteen, during He Yushui’s mealtime, such favoritism would spark endless whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the small canteen isn’t large, it’s never empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cadres at deputy division level and above can eat here—including those from the tertiary industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the tertiary industry workshop cadres were transferred from other factories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They understood technology, management, and production; they followed the tertiary industry’s leadership and planning, cooperating to meet production targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the start, the rolling mill factory showed generosity toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the personal benefits enjoyed by rolling mill workers, all public benefits—including the small and big canteens—were extended to tertiary industry cadres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This included the bathhouse, barber shop, movie screenings, service department, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The position of tertiary industry workshop director was deputy division level—half a rank lower than the rolling mill’s production workshop director.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yushui was director of the tertiary textile workshop; though not a rolling mill cadre, she still received these benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if you ask whether He Yushui was a deputy division cadre, that wasn’t under the rolling mill’s jurisdiction—she was a cadre of the Third Textile Factory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where He Yushui ate depended entirely on where her brother was on duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her brother around, how could she ever go hungry?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Chef He!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui, watching Li Xuewu collect his meal, suddenly remembered something and asked He Yuzhu: “How’s Director Liu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How would I know~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu laughed: “I’m just a worker—how dare I ask about leaders’ affairs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry up, your food’s getting cold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nudged Ding Zigui, gesturing for him to head upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui glanced at He Yuzhu, then whispered to Li Xuewu: “I seem to recall someone telling me they were… you know… involved?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, two legs even!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu climbed the stairs, replying: “One leg’s no fun~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehe~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui was the type who seemed carefree off-duty but took work seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only joked like this with Li Xuewu—in front of leaders, he’d never say such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if you think he trusts Li Xuewu so much he treats him like family and says everything, that’s pure nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if someone overheard their private banter, what harm would it do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is Liu Lan unwilling? Is He Yuzhu unwilling? Does Ding Zigui care?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you say a senior director gossiping is unbecoming, he does care—but these are two deputy division cadres chatting; ordinary people aren’t even entitled to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the workplace, there’s no idle gossip—only useless people gossip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui’s casual remarks created a topic of conversation with Li Xuewu and planted a small probe—that’s true cunning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, these remarks would spread, and everyone would blame Li Xuewu for gossiping behind others’ backs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this single incident alone couldn’t prove anything—there might be other motives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they’d need to watch Li Xuewu—or investigate why he brought this up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s fishing for topics because he’s already paying attention to that case, possibly even knows the Tianjin incident is connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much he knows, and what he intends to do—that’s why Ding Zigui suddenly appeared beside Li Xuewu today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young people really know how to play~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui chuckled at Li Xuewu’s tease, glanced down the stairs, and said: “Director Liu’s luck’s been bad~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nudged Li Xuewu: “With so many protecting her, she still crashed—what a shame…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Ding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu winked and asked playfully: “Why are you suddenly interested in her? Are you two… you know… involved too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui laughed and followed Li Xuewu into the private room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone had already arrived: Wei Zai and Bu Qingfang were discussing the spring publicity campaign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu and Ding Zigui enter, everyone greeted them and moved to make room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Deputy Director Li, how was your trip to Tianjin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zai teased: “I heard you came back with a haul!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Later!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang smiled at Li Xuewu and warned Wei Zai: “Say another word and Deputy Director Li’ll hit you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He won’t hit old Wei with his ‘fists’~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui joked with Bu Qingfang’s words, winking at the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go fuck your dad!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang wouldn’t indulge him; she immediately cursed him, then pointed at him and said: “Still a chief? How embarrassing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, she warned Li Xuewu: “Stay away from this guy—don’t pick up his bad habits!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m embarrassing?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui, face full of grievance, pointed at Li Xuewu and asked the group: “He’s the one teaching me bad habits?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t try to cling to us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang gave him a scornful look, then asked Li Xuewu: “Didn’t the factory newspaper and broadcast station staff visit you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deputy Group Leader Bu, you know about it~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled helplessly and said: “They just came to my office about it, but I turned them down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What exactly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked confused—they hadn’t caught what Bu Qingfang and Li Xuewu were talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang glanced at Li Xuewu and smiled, then explained to the group: “The factory newspaper and broadcast station came to me and submitted an application to interview and do a feature on Deputy Director Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s a good thing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zai chuckled and said: “Deputy Director Li is the leader among our factory’s young cadres, a red flag of progressive thinking—he really should be properly publicized.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang smiled and said: “Deputy Director Li is young and capable—he should give today’s youth a lesson on how to be a good cadre.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you complimenting me or mocking me~?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu waved his hand with a smile and said: “I don’t have the qualifications to appear on the broadcast for a feature. If they’re going to interview anyone, it should start with the leaders and the veteran comrades.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re just too modest~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang, though inwardly admiring Li Xuewu’s humility and caution, still praised him aloud: “If you keep saying that, the feature’ll turn into an investigation~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone laughed, teasing Li Xuewu for how his excessive modesty was just pride in disguise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But who could blame him for having the right to be proud? Everyone wanted to envy him, yet felt they had no right to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This private room was practically monopolized by their little circle; they were the regulars every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing by the door, you often heard laughter from inside—no one knew what they were talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some cadres naturally aspired to this room; everyone has a voyeuristic urge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what drew people to this room was status, influence, and the circle itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To eat here, you first had to earn their approval and fit into their conversations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, you had to earn their trust—enough to hear them talk about real work matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yuding and Yu De and others could certainly join them for meals, but they rarely came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when there was a work need for private discussion, or to coordinate with that leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, they wouldn’t step into this room just to chat nonsense with this table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at who’s sitting at this table—none are below the level of director-grade group leaders, or seasoned veteran comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add to that Li Xuewu, a man with such calculating thoughts, and even eating here felt like choking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet some still longed for it—like Feng Xing and Lang Zhennan—either from branch factories or transferred from outside, all wanting to enter the core circle of the rolling mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People naturally have a psychological need for self-preservation, always fearing being left behind or falling behind others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that thin curtain not only blocked the outside gaze—it also blocked their confidence to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the topics discussed inside weren’t necessarily highbrow, serious, or what outsiders needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, right now, Ding Zigui had somehow picked up the thread and dragged Liu Lan back into the conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think about it: a woman who chased after leftover food in the canteen and got involved with Li Huai—even if she’d somehow stumbled into the position of deputy canteen chief, what more could you dig up about her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a pile of chicken feathers~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t want to talk about her—he knew Ding Zigui brought up Liu Lan to steer the conversation toward that case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others bringing up Liu Lan weren’t interested in her—they were all after the case, and the ripples it had stirred in Jinmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pebble dropped into a lake—the ripples spread; once set in motion, you couldn’t just press them down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the commotion in Jinmen, if only Li Xuewu had participated in the case and Li Huai had indirectly gone there, and Liu Lan had been involved—how much attention would it have drawn?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now it’s different: the unusual attitudes of the Waishi Force and Waimao Force, and the later actions of the Ministry of Industry—all had been relayed back to Jingcheng through countless informants, reaching the ears of those at the rolling mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some heard more, some less—but to know the full picture, nothing compared to hearing it straight from Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They started talking about Liu Lan to gauge Li Xuewu’s stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he wanted to speak, he’d pick up the thread; if not, they’d drop Liu Lan and move on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire from this case had spread from the credit union to the branch, and could climb higher still—so they sensed there was substance to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there wasn’t, why would Li Xuewu be involved at all—even dragging Li Huai into it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Huai hadn’t gained anything, why would he have firmly stood by Li Xuewu in this clash?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything, when traced backward from the outcome, clearly showed there was real profit to be had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do these people truly want to gain something from it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not necessarily—some may have other connections behind them; others simply fear losing out while others gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one rises, another falls—we’re all on the same level. If I stand still while your position climbs higher, isn’t that the same as me falling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the ripples spreading today had become a public relations problem Li Xuewu could no longer avoid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as they spoke, he didn’t rush to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ate his meal as usual, waited until the conversation gradually turned to the case, and only when all eyes turned to him did he finally speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, it’s nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu folded the napkin he’d used to wipe his mouth and placed it beside his chopsticks, calmly saying: “It’s just a naive girl who developed some ideas during her arranged marriage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang frowned slightly and asked: “I heard they’re digging back years—over two hundred people are involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Girls get married—they make mistakes~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu said casually: “During her growth, she met certain people and experienced certain things, and gradually stirred up a big mess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zai, as if remembering something, shook his head slightly and sighed: “Steal a needle as a child, steal gold as an adult—today’s fruit comes from yesterday’s seed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang glanced at him, lips twitching but saying nothing; instead, she turned back to Li Xuewu and asked: “Then how did it drag in the branch? I heard it even pulled you in?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, it has nothing to do with me~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu helplessly spread his hands and explained: “The connection to the branch isn’t direct—it’s the son of the former Public Security Chief, Lai Shanchuan, Lai Yide, who got involved in the fraud and murder case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This case isn’t complicated, but it’s a bit convoluted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu scratched his head and walked them through it from the beginning, all the way to the night’s operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout, he never exaggerated his own contributions or the support he’d provided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he downplayed his role, focusing mainly on the case itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the others heard why Liu Lan was involved, though they stayed silent, each silently cursed her for being foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was already deputy of the small canteen—still greedy for a wristwatch, still trying to climb higher—she was truly hopeless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A worker’s daughter who no longer had to labor on the front lines should be satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially working in the canteen, managing the cadre canteen—that’s a position with enormous perks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Li Huai didn’t get transferred, she could walk around there like a queen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at Old Gu from the big canteen—he wouldn’t even want to be a director; he’d happily stay as canteen section chief till he dies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that—Old Gu even wants to pass the canteen chief’s position to his son like a throne!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why people must cherish their blessings—Liu Lan’s downfall is entirely her own doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After discussing Liu Lan, then Lai Shanchuan, and finally the fate of the instigator, everyone had finished eating and now sighed with melancholy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fate plays tricks—life’s greatest enemy isn’t others, but oneself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seven emotions and six desires—if any one is poorly managed, you become a walking corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang still remembered her question, studying Li Xuewu and asking: “So why are they targeting you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui had already figured it out; now he spoke with a dark look: “Dispute over the spoils.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s too crude~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang glared at him, but knew he meant well for Li Xuewu, so she didn’t scold him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now she turned to Li Xuewu and advised: “Dogs biting each other, both lose fur—I understand now, but I don’t recommend you getting involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if you want revenge, now isn’t the time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said earnestly: “You’re still young—your future is long. It’s not necessary, and not worth it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade Qingfang is right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zai nodded in agreement: “You handled the Jinmen matter beautifully already—what needed to be hit, you hit; what needed to be cut, you cut. You didn’t lose out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for Comrade Qingfang’s mention of revenge…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Li Xuewu and said: “For you, it wouldn’t be a good thing—you don’t need to confront them head-on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honestly, I’m just as helpless~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu spread his hands, smiling bitterly: “I still don’t know who I’ve angered or whose interests I’ve disturbed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at them with a touch of grievance: “Ever since this case started at the branch, I’ve already been avoiding it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But look—you think I can run from this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu let out a long breath and said, “Ji Jian actually called me to a meeting, but I kept avoiding it—I didn’t want to get involved in this mess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, it’s just a few hats, what’s the big deal? Am I supposed to jump out of the steel mill and steal hats?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! Don’t say that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui raised an eyebrow and squinted at the group: “You don’t want to, but that doesn’t mean others think the same!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Li Xuewu: “That official from the Confidentiality Department who came to the factory today looking for you—that’s the bastard you mentioned, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You shouldn’t have bothered with him at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Zigui already guessed the answer and snapped: “Just tell the guard to refuse him entry—don’t even let him through the gate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Xuewu can handle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bu Qingfang gently advised Ding Zigui, then pointed at Li Xuewu: “We’re all sitting here together—not because we need to hear your words, but this matter mustn’t damage your future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She now spoke with serious tone: “If it ever comes to the point where you must act, just tell us—we won’t hesitate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zai and the others nodded one after another, saying nothing about brotherhood—such words would sound fake now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn’t some sworn brotherhood in a righteous hall; party cadres don’t lightly promise things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just saying yes means they’ll support you—whether they’ll speak up or actually act depends on your own strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’ve got real power to fight back, they’ll add their weight; if you back down, they won’t even bother watching the show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu said nothing about being moved—true emotion can’t be spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over lunch, they clarified all the disturbances in the factory caused by this case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai wouldn’t show his face—he was too high-ranking; even if he took Li Xuewu’s side, even if he made his stance clear, he was willing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the same unit, superiors looking out for subordinates—or protecting their own—is only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, Li Xuewu won’t be in danger—he has many people standing behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Gu Hai Tao, for instance, or Zhou Zhenan, or…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you even know how many honorary fathers-in-law Li Xuewu has?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Huai didn’t believe that girl named Zhou Xiaobai had no connection to Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would she come to Jinmen if there was no connection?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at Zhou Miaomiao—why did she follow him to Jinmen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You don’t seriously think she came here to do service work, do you?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it’s service… it’s special service!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first floor of the small canteen, He Yushu finished lunch on time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu come down the stairs, she went to the sink to wash her meal box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give it to me—I’ll wash it for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took Li Xuewu’s meal box naturally and scrubbed the grease inside with the factory’s cheap alkali powder right at the sink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at her, then glanced toward the canteen window—where He Yuzhu was squinting at his sister—and chuckled, waving his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu saw his open smile and couldn’t help twitching his mouth—he felt like the meat he’d given him had been fed to a dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell is so good about this brat?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s so special about him?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why the hell do girls like him so much?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others might not know, but didn’t he know exactly what kind of guy Li Xuewu was?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s rotten to the core!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew—but didn’t He Yushu know too?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the courtyard, when he was just a mischievous kid, she wouldn’t even look at him—now what’s she doing?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hadn’t seen it, fine—but right in front of him, she’s washing his meal box?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unthinkable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This behavior is too… too…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu was at a loss for words—he couldn’t find the right term to describe He Yushu’s actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To call it indecent in public felt like he was being ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to say his own sister was throwing herself at that brat—he couldn’t accept that either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yushu was grown now; she had her own thoughts, her own limits—she’d never done anything improper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Li Xuewu—no matter who else—he wouldn’t do anything wrong, not with He Yuzhu watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially now, smiling at him like that—without a clear conscience, how could he smile so smugly?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s just trying to annoy me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yuzhu knew him too well—he turned away, refusing to look at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring them didn’t ease his anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he knew—nothing would happen between them; both were decent people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu saw He Yuzhu turn away and smiled, pointing toward him for He Yushu to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once she looked, he said: “I’m going to put on my coat—I’ll wait for you at the gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yushu glanced at her brother, lips curling—then, upon hearing Li Xuewu’s words, glared at his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to say: Why are you so sure I’ll go with you?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she scrubbed the meal box, lost in thought, she scrubbed harder than necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But looking at the box in her hand, she felt both angry and amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amused at herself—what was she even doing? Angry at him for teasing her, and angry at herself for being weak, losing her head whenever she saw him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially last week in the back room—why had she suddenly decided to provoke him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She scrubbed the meal box clean, shook off the water, packed each one in its cover, and walked toward the gate without once glancing back to see if her brother was watching her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn’t stealing—why should she feel guilty?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the gate, Li Xuewu had already put on his coat and hat, waiting for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re so precious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Yushu handed him all the meal boxes, making small talk: “Everyone uses wool to knit—why do you insist on real leather?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think you’re real leather~”\u003C\u002Fp>",5571,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","43bf704d29a0bbd103504c3eb2c96356651fb4ab7bd76743c6a660c25107800e","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-986","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-984",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]