[{"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-988":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},2315038,4526,"Chapter 988: Young Lady, Don","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-988",988,"\u003Cp>“Hey~ Comrade Xiao Bai~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan smiled and greeted Zhou Xiao Bai, then sat down opposite Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Qing, who came in with him, merely nodded a greeting before moving to another table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother Huang~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiao Bai was already very familiar with Huang Gan and his group; now she gave an awkward little smile and lowered her head to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if noticing something odd, Huang Gan raised an eyebrow at Li Xuewu, glancing toward her with a questioning look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu ignored his exaggerated expressions, scooped up some rice, and asked: “How’s it going in Chadian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last week I went there specifically and met with their director and party secretary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan grew more serious when talking about work, eating as he explained: “They’re naturally eager for the project, but they still need to consider your opinion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Consider what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow. “Still reluctant to give up that tiny little winery?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be so forceful~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan smiled. “It’s official-to-official cooperation—they’re wearing hats, carrying burdens, tied down and dragging their feet. They’ve got to move carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the leverage we’ve offered isn’t small either; their attitude is still very positive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is basically poverty alleviation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at him. “I don’t care about the details, but you’ve got to give me a firm commitment—this matter must be seized.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do I seize it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan chuckled. “Should I apply for a transfer there, or should you become the director?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop talking nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smirked, took a sip of hot soup, and said: “The steel mill’s yacht project needs a massive amount of wooden structures and solid wood furniture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added seriously: “Yachts need it, but so do cargo ships and fishing boats. If we do this right, I’ve got foreign trade orders lined up too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan swore, widened his eyes, then frowned: “Why didn’t you say this sooner? You’re just handing them a free gift!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After glancing around the dining hall, he leaned in and whispered to Li Xuewu: “What if we replaced all the personnel in Chadian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiao Bai sat beside them, hearing nothing but absurdity—just because of a project, because they feared non-cooperation, or... they wanted to replace everyone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s ridiculous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just that—there was something even more ridiculous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked up at him and asked: “How would you replace them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you offer in exchange?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Huang Gan could answer, Li Xuewu continued: “Planting a stake takes at least three to five years. Are you guaranteeing their future five years from now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think more. Don’t act like a fool.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After eating a bite, seeing Huang Gan frowning in thought, he added: “Those who don’t obey now will still have those who won’t obey in the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what do we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan couldn’t eat anymore, poking at his rice. “You’re pouring in industrial and agricultural resources—aren’t you afraid you’re just making someone else’s fortune?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why I’m telling you—seize control properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu finished his meal in a few bites, put down his chopsticks, and said: “Manipulating power invites betrayal through power. You’ve got to play a more sophisticated game.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me—what’s sophisticated?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan put down his chopsticks, fixed his gaze on Li Xuewu, waiting for his “sophisticated” answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sophisticated means using strategy at the highest level—conquering without fighting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tapped the table, looking at him: “Do you plan to resort to ‘abusing power for personal gain’ every time you face this kind of problem?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan fell silent, frowning. He knew full well that controlling personnel was the simplest, most direct method—but it carried undeniable drawbacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Li Xuewu’s words made sense—he wasn’t ignorant of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But given the current situation and their shallow foundations, when sudden benefits appeared, the most immediate thought was always the simplest solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This needs to be done slowly. Don’t fear inconvenience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu moved his utensils aside and spoke softly: “The old saying goes: to take, you must first give. Don’t fear giving—fear getting the direction wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan nodded slowly. “I’ll talk to my father later—no worries about policy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t meddle in personnel matters—not yet. You don’t have the authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu warned: “Even if you got these projects, you couldn’t handle them. Only cooperation brings mutual benefit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He emphasized: “Projects seek profit; you seek influence; they seek results.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Use profit to guide influence; use influence to nurture people. Cause and effect cycle, mutually reinforcing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu concluded: “What role you should assume to intervene—no need for me to say it. You already know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan nodded, a little embarrassed. “I’ve been blinded by greed~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled lightly. “A bit~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it’s a good thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan raised an eyebrow. “You’re right—I don’t want to go suffer in Chadian myself, so if I push others there, I inherit their karmic burden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Worse still—the more I cling to these projects, the more they become burdens, useless scraps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially if I alienate current personnel—it’s not worth it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment longer. “Better to launch the projects as partnerships—clear, direct financial interests, clean and straightforward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Like you said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan smiled at Li Xuewu. “I get no real benefit from the project—yet I’m the one playing chess while becoming the pawn. That’s a step down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I know you’re smart—no need to show off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled and gestured toward Zhou Xiao Bai, who had listened in surprise. “Don’t corrupt the nation’s flowers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Flowers must face darkness—how else will they bloom brilliantly at dawn?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan teased Zhou Xiao Bai: “Isn’t that right, Comrade Xiao Bai~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t understand what you’re saying~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiao Bai smiled faintly, gave him a playful scowl, and went back to eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan picked up his chopsticks and laughed. “Honestly, when it comes to selecting and using people, I really don’t envy you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smirked at Li Xuewu, nodding seriously: “When it comes to manipulating minds, you’re absolutely worthy of the title ‘Master.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop degrading the title ‘Master’!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu gave him a disgusted look, then turned to Zhou Xiao Bai and warned: “Next time you see him, steer clear—he’s no good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiao Bai smiled obediently, knowing Li Ge was just teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation didn’t return to Chadian. Huang Gan ate while describing conditions at the detention center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mostly about the center’s project operations and joint initiatives with the three detention centers in Xicheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The papermaking equipment had already been labeled; once Chadian’s cooperation was confirmed, it could be moved anytime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also mentioned Brother Xuewen’s leave—his wife had given birth, and no one would stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he wasn’t imprisoned in Detention Center One—he just lived there, and no one watched him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation in Huaqing had calmed somewhat, but recent developments in Shanghai had stirred new complications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Li Xuewu didn’t speak up, and Brother Xuewen had no intention of returning to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Huaqing printing factory still existed—it was to be relocated to Detention Center Three in Xicheng, along with its printing assignments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Detention Center Three was outside the Second Ring Road, in the suburbs—large area, its own brick factory and small farm, ripe for expansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one mentioned where Brother Xuewen would work, no one asked, and he himself was confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Huang Gan’s view, he should stay in Detention Center One—he couldn’t bear to let the electronics teacher go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His willingness to hand over these projects relied entirely on that small radio assembly factory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the projects, they turned to the detainees held there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mainly those involved in Dongcheng’s biggest case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, higher-ranking individuals wouldn’t be detained there—near Beijing there was Qincheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan mentioned it as a joke: “Those two hundred-plus detainees under me? They’re running around like crazy—every day’s entertainment never ends.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people were incredibly resourceful, powerful—terrified of being sent to labor farms, they all wanted to stay in Detention Center One.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their families and connections were also helping, some even reaching out through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wanted care, comfort, full meals—even special treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan shook his head, amused, telling Li Xuewu: “I don’t even know what to say—they still treat me like their old boss, chatting and laughing, trying to build ties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be too sincere~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu scolded him: “They’re in trouble, not dead yet. Don’t go making yourself hated—this isn’t entertainment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You think I don’t know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan blinked, grinning slyly: “Everyone here’s sharp—they wouldn’t dare bring anything to me. But do you know why I say I can move people in Chadian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To puff you up~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu gave him a amused look. “Even picking up trash gives you a sense of superiority~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan stared at Li Xuewu, exasperated. “You put it so perfectly—but are you even letting me eat?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed helplessly. “Can’t you say something nice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait till you become a judicial…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu’s sentence trailed off—he realized that given Huang Gan’s family background, current achievements, and age advantage, it was entirely possible he might one day actually reach that position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lunch, Huang Gan left in a hurry. He and Li Xuewu had already planned their next steps—time to act immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The project itself didn’t matter; the money went to the state. But if he could secretly control Chadian Farm, his father would praise him as a worthy son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Huang Gan left, Zhou Xiaobai cleared the dishes and followed him out the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, I understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai, hands in her pockets, looked up at Li Xuewu. “You’re using immediate benefits to make them follow you, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Xuewu could answer, she continued: “You use certain tactics to influence their decisions, then bind or tempt them with Chadian Farm’s future prospects to turn them into your allies…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Am I wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she finished, Li Xuewu studied her closely, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu blinked, then nodded seriously. “I underestimated you—you’re actually very sharp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai playfully slapped him, blushing. “I just listened to you two talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh~ pretty impressive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled and nodded. “If Huang Gan understands it, so do you—meaning you can do what he can.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai spoke with self-awareness. “Huang Ge is amazing. You just didn’t hide things from me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked up at Li Xuewu, hesitantly asking: “Is your work environment usually this complicated?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I mean…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afraid he’d misunderstand, she added: “I mean… do you really need to use these… these kinds of… tactics?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean deceitful, cunning calculations?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu asked casually, then slowly nodded. “The workplace isn’t complicated—it’s people’s hearts that are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“People don’t mean harm, but tigers still have the heart to hurt. You get it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I get it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai nodded seriously. “So you have to be on guard—or strike first, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Something like that. Maybe even harsher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu rubbed his chin, smirking. “Sometimes I calculate against others for personal gain, even resorting to violence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she heard him say “calculate” and “violence,” Zhou Xiaobai’s eyes widened slightly, then she nodded knowingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t need to be afraid~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu glanced at her and smiled. “I’m not exactly a good person either~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai couldn’t help laughing, then covered her mouth, nodding and admitting his words were true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu tilted his head, looking at her seriously. “I heard everything you said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai froze, realizing he meant her earlier confessions—before Huang Gan arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he brought it up, even though they were near the garden and no one else was around, she couldn’t help lowering her head, cheeks flushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I… really…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not your fault~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled. “Actually, it’s my fault. I made you feel something that wasn’t real.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai snapped her head up, staring at Li Xuewu. “I… I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to say it was her own choice—but looking into his sincere eyes, she couldn’t speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded slowly, understanding. “Youth is priceless. It holds infinite possibilities—let you waste it, feel it, understand yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My youth was even wilder, more reckless, more careless than yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, I allowed myself to be reckless in youth—but now I can’t afford to be irresponsible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially toward someone as young as you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu looked at her sincerely. “What you want, I can no longer give. What I can give, you’ll have in the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhou Xiaobai’s face turned pale and tears welled in her eyes, he continued firmly: “A flower that blooms too soon is stunning—but it risks dying young.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai felt her throat dry, choked, unable to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a traveler lost in the desert, her body drained of water, on the verge of withering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were blunt, almost cruel—heartbreaking, yet confusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your youth is perfect—just budding, beautiful. But you met a scheming, cunning, deceitful villain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled, raising an eyebrow seriously. “This villain’s sin is making you feel something that wasn’t love. Girl, that wasn’t love.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for her reaction, he turned and walked toward the parking lot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being harsh doesn’t mean being heartless—it’s the most responsible way to say goodbye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Zhou Xiaobai clumsily confessed, she had already made their relationship clear—and the outcome was destined to be this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu is deeply responsible toward his family and utterly loyal to his partner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can call him promiscuous, flirtatious, even question his marriage and say he doesn’t truly love Gu Ning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he honors his promises, stands by his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to couples bound by tradition, ritual, habit, or gossip, Li Xuewu and Gu Ning live with clarity and freedom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning believes he’s suitable—her family approves, and she can accept him. Even with gaps between them, they maintain mutual respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After his experience with Lin Tingting, Li Xuewu understands that your life partner isn’t necessarily the one you love most—or who loves you most—but the one best suited to walk beside you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even with Lou Xiaoe, Qin Huaiju, Yu Li… even with many good women he met,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>whether there was affection or not, he clearly understood his own needs and expressed them honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Three No’s aren’t without principles—Li Xuewu isn’t a lowlife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any dangerous relationship threatening his boundaries, he firmly rejects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he thought—if a girl needs experience, growth, and wants his help, he’s willing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if she confuses friendship for love, he’s powerless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Xiaobai is still young—she’s never had illusions shattered, never felt the pain of love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse, she mistook her feelings and illusions for a lifelong future—something Li Xuewu could never give.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dares to betray anyone in this world—except a girl’s heart, a woman’s loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People like Ouxin, a few years older than Zhou Xiaobai, are far wiser. Though they haven’t entered society, their circle is a small one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having seen more, they understand clearly the limits of playing with these “big brothers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hugging, teasing, flirting—fine. But don’t fall in love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Gan and the others all have families, lovers, wives—their hearts long ago lost the soil for love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even if Pei Pei flirted with Huang Gan, she never asked him to be together or demanded responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From start to finish, it was friendship—mutual aid in social exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu and Huang Gan aren’t saints, nor are they Liu Xiaohui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they have boundaries, principles—know what they can eat and what will give them indigestion. Without that sense, how could they even enter this circle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is Zhou Xiaobai wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—Li Xuewu already said clearly: it’s not her fault, it’s his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of her background or connections, she’s just a girl inexperienced in the world—Li Xuewu owes her basic respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhou Xiaobai hadn’t spoken today, perhaps in the future she’d be like Ouxin and the others—learning life’s lessons from these “big brothers,” understanding human warmth and coldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she leaves, she won’t say she gained anything—but she can say she didn’t lose anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She might even grow stronger—using family connections or club influence—to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, everyone will give her the attention and respect she deserves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhou Xiaobai later chooses to develop a personal relationship with Li Xuewu, that’s another matter entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, Li Xuewu won’t exploit his experience to harm a young girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were cruel—but Zhou Xiaobai heard them deep inside, understood his sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passion always troubles the heartless; seeming heartless, yet full of feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winter winds blew, wiping away her tears, melting the ice in her heart, clearing the sudden gloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Li Xuewu was about to open the car door and get in, he suddenly heard a shout from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey! That bad guy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned around and saw Zhou Xiaobai smiling through tears, wiping her eyes as she called out: “I’m just about to learn how a bad guy is made—can I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu suddenly smiled, waved at Zhou Xiaobai, and said: “Don’t learn too fast—it’s hard to learn well, but easy to go bad in a flash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he nodded, opened the car door, and stepped into the command vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Laosi, who was opening the gate at the entrance, muttered to himself—he’d been startled by Zhou Xiaobai’s shout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This girl usually seemed so smart—why today did she lose her mind and call Li Chu a bad guy?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she wants to learn how a bad guy is made!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can a bad guy even be made? Teachers never taught it, elders never explained it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s the famous bad guy of Dongcheng—how could he not know how a bad guy is made?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bad guy is just a bad guy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Sunday afternoon, Li Xuewu didn’t waste his time—he went home to visit his sister-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His elder brother had put down his book and, under his wife’s direction, was organizing the documents and materials needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple, having nothing else to do, had already begun preparing for their child’s household registration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But household registration required one prerequisite: they had to name the child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naming a child was a real hassle—the more cultured the family, the worse it got.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In ordinary households, when conditions were poor in the past, they’d just pick any name that sounded good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or they’d follow the times: boys named Ge, Jun, or Guo; girls named Shu, Fang, Ya, or Xiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the least educated would pick any name—whatever they saw outside, they’d name the child after: like Bian Dan, Mu Tou, or Chu Tou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that was all jokes—the real reason cultured families struggled was due to choice anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When not naming, they didn’t care—but when it came time, every character seemed perfect, yet none seemed right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had to consider the Five Elements, Eight Trigrams, Qimen Dunjia, even the child’s destiny—there were endless rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li family genealogy had a rule: names alternated between one-character and two-character generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, Li Shun’s generation used single characters; his younger brothers did too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewen and Li Xuewu’s generation used two characters; girls weren’t listed in the genealogy and weren’t bound by the rule, so Li Xue was single-character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the rule, it was now time to name Li Xuewen’s child—another single character was required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Single characters were even harder: one character had to express the parents’ and family’s hopes, match the birth chart, and avoid taboo or conflict with the surname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taboos here weren’t just mystical—they included the names of elders and close relatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, when Li Xuewen named his child, he had to avoid all direct close relatives’ names from his father’s and his own generation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shun, Gan, Tong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuewen, Xuewu, Xuecai, Xue, Juan, Xueli, Xuehan—all forbidden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the names of the old lady, Liu Yin, and Zhao Yafang—all the women in the family—were off-limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The restrictions were many, the demands high—his elder brother held a dictionary, picking out every character he liked and writing them on a long sheet of paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it was no longer his business—his family status was fully reflected in this naming process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d done the first round of screening—did he really get final say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would that make him swell with pride?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second round required approval from the women of the family and Li Shun, plus Zhao Yafang’s endorsement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, they had to consider Li Shu’s name and prepare two backup options—one for a boy, one for a girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You say Gu Ning is pregnant too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not name them both at once?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impossible—after Gu Ning gives birth, they’ll go through the whole tedious ritual again. That’s the point: the ceremony must be arduous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu watched his elder brother flipping through the dictionary, arguing with his wife over which names were good or bad, smiled, and slipped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mother Liu Yin was listening too—naming a child felt, to the family, like a sacred and vital ritual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His visit was brief: he brought some nutritional supplements and a basket of eggs—for his sister-in-law’s milk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mother didn’t scold him for wasting money this time—she was willing to give everything for the arrival of the family’s firstborn son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu wasn’t jealous—his family wasn’t some old noble house with vast estates to fight over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they were, his father Li Shun had only one wife, and all three sons were legitimate—what family intrigue could there be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no such thing—family assets were meager, barely enough to scrape by. Li Xuewu didn’t care, and he didn’t envy his elder brother’s child as the firstborn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A family’s prosperity was marked by a growing population—more people meant hope, meant a future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at Gu Ning—she’s already tired of this one pregnancy; who knows if she’ll even have another?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she gave birth to one for him, he’d never go outside to find someone else just for “population growth”—absolutely impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he only hoped his elder brother and sister-in-law would spend these years doing nothing but having children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more, the better—Li family unity meant every child was treated as if born of their own blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Li Xuecai—once education resumes in two years, he must finish his diploma and secure a job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grab the tail end of this era—marry Ji Yuxiu early, have children early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s truly willing to sacrifice—he won’t let Gu Ning suffer, yet he’s counting on his elder and younger brothers to do the work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked Shen Guodong to accompany him, loaded a truck with vegetables and fruit, plus dried fruits, frozen fish, and frozen meat, and delivered them to Han Shu’s home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past few months, Han Shu had visited Gangcheng often and grown more concerned about Dong Wenhua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Xuewu bring more gifts, she didn’t refuse, but insisted they stay for tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She mentioned the previous communication between Vice President Pei Dayu of the Steel Institute and her—school officials had been planning and studying the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Shu’s view was: Li Xuewu shouldn’t rush—the current situation for the school was especially complex and dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that Pei Dayu was hesitant—he was actively pushing the project—but he wasn’t the president, and the school wasn’t his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu didn’t mind—plans for the vocational technical school had already begun at the rolling mill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to schedule, the first batch of students would be enrolled in July, classes would start in September, and the integrated technical training program would officially launch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Dayu’s progress didn’t interfere with or delay the rolling mill’s plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu also made his position clear to Han Shu: time could be given, but there must be a plan—no later than May this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Steel Institute couldn’t deliver, he wouldn’t hesitate to find another school—or even poach teachers from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take Huaqing University as an example—how many teachers and graduating students were idle? With connections, solving educational resource issues wouldn’t be hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Shu’s willingness to respond meant Pei Dayu was truly acting on this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t underestimate this cooperation—the rolling mill could not only support Pei Dayu with industrial backing, but also offer a natural official legitimacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, the workers still carried weight—this was a practical path Pei Dayu had found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The school couldn’t let its students just wander aimlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Xuewu left Han Shu’s home, she reminded him of his own studies, urging him not to neglect them—especially since the school had already arranged for a teacher to give him private lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu smiled bitterly in agreement—he knew he had to get that diploma, at least to appear as a graduate on the Steel Institute’s list of distinguished alumni, not as a dropout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Piu~piu~!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Li Xuewu stepped through the door, his daughter “shot” him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu had somehow gotten a machine gun, held it in her hands, mimicking firing, and blasted several rounds at him as he entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu playfully went along, pretending to collapse, making Li Shu laugh uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After picking her up from the floor, changing his slippers, and entering the house, he saw Qin Jingru tidying up and asked with a smile: “Who taught her that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From a picture book.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru, still cleaning the sofa, looked up and smiled, then complained wearily: “You’re finally back—hurry up, she’s been tormenting me all afternoon, and I haven’t finished a thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s Jiankun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu, holding his daughter, looked around but didn’t see Han Jiankun, who had come over that morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru straightened her back and stretched. “He went to the market—our seasonings are low. He’s running to several places to stock up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The supply system was strange back then—each store limited single purchases; unless you visited multiple places.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu had already stocked the house with rice, flour, oil, and grain—he often brought home fruits and vegetables—so only seasonings were missing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru, busy cleaning, naturally assigned Han Jiankun to run errands—he was her little soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled: “You should’ve just told me—you could’ve taken them straight from the factory’s service department.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who thought of it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru walked into the bedroom near the entrance and gestured inside: “I’ve cleared out the first floor—you and Xiao Ning can sleep here tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After introducing it, she added with concern: “Be careful tonight—don’t sleep too soundly. Watch out—you might not notice if her water breaks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do I watch?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sighed: “I can’t set an alarm to wake up every half hour to check.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, you~ Still a big leader~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru teased: “No one checks every half hour for pregnant women. I just mean be alert—in case Xiao Ning calls and you don’t hear her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu sighed and said to his daughter: “This family still needs Dad—without Dad, nothing gets done~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh~~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru wrinkled her nose in mild disgust and teased, “Don’t go asking him to do anything—what a lot of words you’re saying!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Gu Ning descended the stairs from the second floor, moving slowly but steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was healthy and young; pregnancy hadn’t greatly restricted her movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that Qin Jingru reminded her often, and her mother kept calling to urge and worry about her, making her hesitant to act recklessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, with Li Xuewu paying her no mind about her movements, she’d have gone back to work long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mother-in-law was also worried about her, but feared saying too much would annoy her; even though Li Xuewu gave her maximum understanding, she still dared not move freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pregnancy does allow exercise, but carries some risk—Li Xuewu had seen women kick punching bags at seven months, and even swim in the sea at eight months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In foreign countries, some women jog on treadmills the very next day after giving birth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that’s only possible with the right conditions—Qin Jingru’s mother, pregnant and about to give birth, still went out to work with the production team without missing a day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the countryside, especially in places with backward thinking like this, being pregnant doesn’t mean taking a break.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some even returned to work the day after giving birth, because if they didn’t work, they had nothing to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knows health is important, everyone knows childbirth is a life-or-death ordeal, but few truly take it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu understood and valued it, but he prioritized science and respected Gu Ning’s profession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was military-trained; now, having him manage, handle economics, or oversee safety posed no problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But ask him to talk about childbirth or medicine—even with knowledge and experience—could he out-debate Gu Ning, a surgeon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s ridiculous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when Gu Ning wanted to do something, Li Xuewu never objected—he reminded her when needed, comforted her when needed, and giving her space and reducing her stress mattered more than anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pregnant women often suffer hormonal imbalances and emotional instability, easily becoming irritable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning’s temperament was fine—she never voiced her feelings, but that was precisely what made it scary: the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stairs were inconvenient, so the night before last, before bed, Li Xuewu casually mentioned he wanted to move downstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning thought going up and down the stairs wasn’t a big deal, but considering how long Li Xuewu had never criticized her, she agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple always got along well, discussing everything, never forcing their will or teasing capriciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when Qin Jingru heard Li Xuewu’s suggestion, she cleaned out the downstairs room today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old lady’s belongings had been removed; all the luggage was moved down from upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they were just living there, clothes and such remained upstairs—Li Xuewu had to go to the second floor to work or read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning glanced at the downstairs bedroom; when Qin Jingru asked if she needed anything else, she shook her head, indicating it was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru had long wanted to remind her, but dared not say it—she could only quietly hint to Li Xuewu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, having finished cleaning, she did everything she could, fearing Gu Ning might be upset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu saw her little bed had been moved downstairs too, and thought it was meant for her—her face froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Li Xuewu noticed his daughter’s distress, Li Shu was already crying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not just you sleeping alone—you’ll sleep with Daddy and Mommy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu chuckled as he soothed her: “You, Daddy, and Mommy—all sleep in this room. It’s not just yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shu hugged his neck; seeing he was serious, she stopped crying and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Jingru patted Li Shu’s small hand and teased, “Look at your little mind—why so many thoughts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu soothed his daughter nestled in his arms, then helped Gu Ning sit on the sofa to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Qin Jingru went to the kitchen, he asked, “Has Sister Zhou written to the family? I heard she’s coming to Jingcheng next week.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She mentioned it the day before yesterday~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning frowned slightly, thought for a moment, then nodded: “She said she has work, and will stop by to see me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s just worried about you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu took her teacup, filled it with warm water, and said, “Today at the club, Yu Li mentioned she’s recruiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning nodded, sipped the warm water, and said, “I told Jingru—prepare the upstairs room for her. She’s bringing the child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know. Probably.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, “The recruitment is handled by Gangcheng—they didn’t tell me anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning glanced at him; seeing him sit beside her holding the child, she whispered, “Have you made preparations for Jinmen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Preparations for what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows—he didn’t understand what Gu Ning meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning frowned: “Childbirth requires many things—how will she manage alone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! That matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Xuewu nodded: “I’ve arranged someone there. As for the supplies… I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ning looked at Li Xuewu, who knew nothing about anything, sighed, and said, “I had Jingru prepare a list—figure out how to send it there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she sniffled and added, “The child must take the Li surname, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>",5318,"2026-06-20T13:47:03.676Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2a4698491e05c1fa13b98da5974cb85bd3f22650c8b7c87871e997b47b865695","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-989","the-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-chapter-987",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-siheyuan-food-love-and-family-in-1960s-beiji-cover.jpg"]