Siheyuan diet for men and women

Chapter 1572 The Great-Aunt Has Arrived

"Old Kuang, why don't you dare to fight with the boss?" Xu Sinian, who had a fiery temper, pointed at Kuang Yusheng and said angrily, "You need to stand up for yourself!"

"My relationship with Director Li is just so-so."

Kuang Yusheng is really good at this. He glanced at Li Xuewu, curled his lip, and gestured to Xu Sinian standing to the side, saying, "Director Xu is definitely more capable than me."

"Hmm—" Li Xuewu looked at Xu Sinian with feigned seriousness, his eyes slightly narrowed as he pondered, seemingly agreeing with Kuang Yusheng's point of view.

"Hey, boss, actually—"

Xu Sinian reached out and pressed his hand on the desk in front of him, tilted his head and said calmly, "I've thought about it, and actually, it's not unreasonable for the group to do this. Different starting points lead to different perspectives on the issue."

"Now I think there's some merit to what the group's leaders are doing."

“Look at this—” Lu Yuanshen’s lips twitched as he pointed at Xu Sinian and said, “I told you that Director Xu has a bright future ahead of him.”

"Hey! Old Lu, that's a bit much." Xiao Zihong picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Director Xu has a very low moral standard, but he's not shameless as you say."

"Go to hell—" Xu Sinian glanced at him, amused and annoyed, and said, "He's ruthless enough, but you're no better than him."

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’m speaking up for you, Director Xu.”

Xiao Zihong put down his teacup and said with a smile, "If you really want to go back to the group to buy us some time, then you must say a lot of good things about our Fengcheng Machinery Factory. I can't let those words go to waste."

"Now it seems you're the worst!"

Xu Sinian waved his hand and turned to Li Xuewu, saying, "Leader, do you see? It's not that we lack strength, it's that we're not united enough."

"They still dare to do this under your brilliant leadership? Do you think this matter can be accomplished?"

"Oh—I think I understand now."

Li Xuewu glanced at the people in the office and said, "So, since we didn't let you perform on stage during the Spring Festival, you've all come here to do a group comedy routine, huh?"

"Anyway, I have conveyed the instructions and work requirements from my superiors. Whether you do it or not is your business."

He spread his hands and said, "The most difficult job is the one that connects the past and the future. If you force me to be the bad guy, then I have no choice."

"Whether we do it or not is our business; if we can't do it, that's your business, right?"

Seeing that the others remained silent, Xu Sinian smiled wryly and said, "Alright, we can't make things difficult for the leader."

He turned to the group and said, "Let's do it this way then, and cooperate actively."

"Time is not nonexistent."

Li Xuewu put down his pen, pointed at the group, and said, "The new management company has just been established and is not yet fully prepared for the asset takeover..."

"I knew it!" Before Li Xuewu could finish speaking, Xu Sinian clapped his hands and said with a smile, "The Secretary-General couldn't possibly not give us time. Look, here we are."

"..." Li Xuewu stared at him speechlessly for a few seconds, and only asked calmly after he stopped talking, "Are you done? Should you talk or should I?"

"Please go ahead, please go ahead," Xu Sinian said with an awkward smile, "You are the leader."

"Due to a lack of relevant preparations, the group required the Organization Department, Financial Control Department, and General Management Department to form an asset integration working group."

Li Xuewu curled his lip, chuckled at the disappointed expressions on the faces of the crowd, and said, "I heard that the head of the finance department is personally leading the team..."

"Is it Section Chief Li?" It must be said that Xu Sinian was quick-witted; he understood as soon as he heard him say that.

Li Xuewu ignored him, tapped his fingers on the desk, and reminded everyone, "You should know the company's bottom line. Don't go too far."

"Over the years, I've never embarrassed you. Director Li has only one point to make—"

He paused here, his gaze sweeping over everyone, before saying, "Take care of yourself."

Xu Sinian wanted to say something, but seeing Li Xuewu's serious expression, he swallowed his words.

At this point, making a few jokes wouldn't make any sense. Everyone looked at each other, each already having their own opinion.

Kong Xiaobo of Gangfei stood up and said, "Gangfei has a weak foundation and has not experienced any famines in recent years. Any losses are due to the technology imports. I will deal with them when I get back."

“Yes, it’s good to travel light and be debt-free.” Li Xuewu nodded at him and emphasized, “This is the best thing for you. You don’t need to worry about any reception-related work in the future, and you don’t need to waste time on external affairs. Just focus on production.”

"Understood." Kong Xiaobo knew he was the adopted son and dared not negotiate with the leader; he had to bear the consequences himself.

However, after Li Xuewu came to Liaodong, he could indeed feel the difference in the way this young leader did things.

Compared to Dong Wenxue, he was more passionate, unconventional, trusted them, and delegated authority to them.

Dong Wenxue is a rather old-fashioned manager who is very strict about controlling power. When he was guiding the construction of the steel city industrial zone, he often put them in a tough spot, and some key projects were reviewed by them.

This is also the main reason why he was the first person they approached when problems arose with Furnace No. 4, because he had signed off on it.

It must be said that Dong Wenxue is very conscientious and responsible in his work, but he is a bit too serious and meticulous.

Li Xuewu is more magnanimous and ruthless than Dong Wenxue.

He delegated authority, trusted them, and encouraged them to make great strides. But if they didn't perform well or went against his conscience, he would deal with them ruthlessly.

Lu Yuanshen was two-faced and half-hearted in his work, so retribution came quickly. Li Xuewu didn't even lend a hand; it was merciful enough that he didn't kick him when he was down.

Everyone knows that Lao Lü's time at Steel & Auto is coming to an end, and he's just waiting for the group's next adjustment.

During this period, did Lü Yuanshen dare to complain or cause trouble?
He'd be scared to death. Li Xuewu could decide his life or death with a single word now. He had to stand guard until the very end and dared not slack off.

Everyone says that if he had had this loyalty and patience earlier, he wouldn't have messed up at such a crucial time.

Of course, everyone knows that Lü Yuanshen's situation was a coincidence, but it was also inevitable. He only has himself to blame for choosing the wrong side.

Li Xuewu had already been quite considerate. When the property service management company was established, he made it clear to them that Li Xue would be in charge of financial auditing, thus giving them preferential treatment.

There's no need to spell it out too clearly. This is to understand that they inevitably left some loose ends and loopholes in their work over the years, as well as the loopholes left by their rapid development under his encouragement.

Li Xuewu is giving them a chance to make amends now. This is their only chance; there won't be any more or less.

They gathered in Li Xuewu's office not to force him to resign, but because Li Xuewu had just finished a work meeting and had summoned them.

Everyone is well aware that this is their third year working in Liaodong, and with the official establishment of the group, adjustments will definitely be made to the organizational and personnel work.

Those with good performance will be promoted, while those with average performance will either stay on, be transferred laterally, or return to the group.

Back then, as middle-level managers at the Red Star Factory, which one of them hadn't spoken with Director Li? Whether they came out to build their empire voluntarily or involuntarily, weren't they all aiming for this future?

Li Xuewu can be considered their paver or guide, but he certainly didn't betray them.

The work that the group wants to promote cannot be decided or rejected by Li Xuewu alone. Regardless of Li Xuewu's attitude when the company was established, he has already done everything he could for them.

When Li Xuewu first came to Liaodong, he encouraged them to be bold and decisive, to put aside their burdens, and to roll up their sleeves and work hard.

Those who understand this statement certainly know what to do, and they boldly embark on actions that do not violate principles.

I didn't understand at the time, but I realized it today. I have to bear it no matter how much I regret it. It's their own fault for being so brainless.

After more than a year, the reins that had been loosened need to be tightened. The past accounts need to be settled, and Li Xuewu has made it clear how to carry out the work from now on. If they continue to run wild, no one will cover for them.

Xu Sinian and Kuang Yusheng were unwilling, but they knew that today's result was the best they could get, and the best result Li Xuewu could help them achieve.

What was that sentence again?

Take care of yourself.
-
"Secretary-General, what does this mean?"

Li Xue was not the team leader; she was merely the person in charge of financial auditing. However, she was still somewhat caught off guard by the scene of Gangcheng welcoming her at the station.

Li Xuewu was also a little confused by the long lenses and microphones. He beckoned to Wang Yajuan, who was in charge of publicity, and asked, "What's going on here?"

"The company requires that all necessary group activities be documented with photographic or video recordings."

Wang Yajuan pursed her lips, looked at Li Xue with a slight smile, and explained, "Today we are just cooperating, mainly with reporters from CCTV."

Li Xuewu looked at the group of people carrying the video cameras again, turned slightly to the side, and asked in a low voice, "How many video cameras has your publishing house bought this time?"

"Made in China, so it's not expensive."

Wang Yajuan raised an eyebrow and explained, "They said there were automated stereo cameras a few years ago, and the agency allocated them to us, so we just used them."

"Hehe, you've all seen it too."

After listening to her explanation, Li Xuewu turned to Zhao Yong, the business management department manager in charge of the team, and said helplessly, "Now, not only are hospitality and asset management no longer under our jurisdiction, but even publicity work is done under the same roof."

"Hahaha—" The awkward atmosphere caused by the large scale of the event was instantly swept away.

Li Xue looked at the camera shooting at her and felt a little uncomfortable. She had no interest in standing in front of reporters and talking eloquently.

It is indeed the Honggang Group. Even the Hongxing Literature and Art Publishing House, a government agency with little power, can achieve self-sufficiency. Cadres who manage collective enterprises can feel the weight of the words "self-sufficiency".

"Actually, it's a good thing. The independent operation of the Literature and Art Publishing House shows that it is necessary for the group to reorganize and integrate its assets and hospitality resources."

Zhao Yong was already extremely satisfied to see Li Xuewu in the lobby, not to mention whether the secretary-general came down specifically to receive them.

With Li Xuewu setting the tone for today's publicity work, he naturally wouldn't disagree.

"The Finance Department calculates the losses every year, and the guesthouses of each branch office are losing money every year."

He is in charge of business management, which includes logistics and service work. As the head of the guesthouse, he is very qualified to say this.

"Apart from the group's guesthouse and international hotel, every operation there is a loss."

Zhao Yong glanced at Li Xuewu first, and seeing that he nodded, he continued, "If anyone has any questions, they can refer to the Literature and Art Publishing House."

"Everyone knows that the group's literary publishing house is a unit that relies entirely on the group's financial support and basically has no source of funding."

Standing next to Li Xuewu, looking at the officials present, he earnestly addressed the camera, saying, "So why is the publishing house now able to achieve self-sufficiency?"

"I have something to tell you today."

Zhao Yong pointed with his finger and said, "The Literature and Art Publishing House is not passively responsible for its own profits and losses. It only applied for independent financial operation after it had enough profits. Do you believe it or not?"

The people present looked genuinely surprised, clearly having never expected this.

What kinds of literary publishing houses are there?

He counted on his fingers and said, "United Broadcasting Station, United Industrial Newspaper, Cultural Troupe, right? Now they want to set up a TV station too."

"Which of these projects I mentioned can be profitable? It seems like none of them can, right?"

Zhao Yong smiled and said, "On the contrary, when we went to the Literature and Art Publishing House for research, we found that they had already achieved profitability across all projects. Don't disbelieve me."

"You should have heard the programs broadcast by CCTV. Any program that includes corporate or product promotions is charged."

He glanced around the room, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Even the United Industries Daily charges for any advertisements placed in its newspapers."

"These are just the tip of the iceberg of our income sources; the majority come from arts and cultural troupes."

Zhao Yong nodded and said, "Actually, the Literature and Art Publishing House is also involved in resource integration this time. You should have all heard about it, the theater."

"Previously, the theater's revenue belonged to the Literature and Art Publishing House, but this time it will be taken back."

He shrugged and emphasized, "From now on, the theater will have to pay the performing arts troupe a performance fee whenever it organizes programs, and the same goes for showing movies."

hum-

The officials present were also drawn into the discussion by his words, forgetting the rules and suddenly a murmur of conversation broke out.

Li Xuewu didn't care. Today was the first day the work group arrived, and it was also his idea to call over the cadres involved in Liaodong industry for a meeting, also known as an on-site briefing.

His meaning was very clear: ask now if you don't understand anything, and raise any opinions now.

If we don't mention it or ask about it today, then let's not talk nonsense in the future. We should cooperate as required.

Zhao Yong understood his meaning, which is why he explained the purpose of their visit on the spot.

Upon hearing that the Literature and Art Publishing House was also part of the integration process, everyone understood the group's determination to do so, but they didn't quite understand the purpose behind it.

In fact, they don't need to understand. The more detailed the explanation from the manager, the more confused the subordinates become.

Zhao Yong glanced at Li Xuewu, and seeing that the other nodded to signal him to continue, he then clapped his hands and said to the crowd, "Listen to me."

"I used the publishing house as an example to illustrate that the departments and units involved in this integration must be mentally prepared."

He emphasized earnestly, "Integration doesn't mean the group will guarantee you profitability like a publishing house; you'll have to work hard yourself."

"Resource integration and adjustment are intended to free you up, unify service and management standards, and make your management and operations more convenient."

Zhao Yong walked to the center of the crowd, looked around, and raised his voice, saying, "In the future, whether it's reception work or comprehensive property management work, you only need to follow the procedures and don't need to consider other impacts."

"Starting today, our working group will register and divide your personnel, finances, assets, and so on."

He waved his hand and said, "From now on, you will be under the unified management of Hongxing Property Service Management Corporation."

Some people understood, while others were confused. Those who understood might not know what they were thinking, but they pretended to be confused. Those who were truly confused were genuinely confused, but they didn't dare to say anything. They stood there with a bitter and resentful expression, pretending to understand, afraid that others would see through their confusion.

Sometimes it's like that. In the course of a business, not everyone can understand the impact of an opportunity. They are just ordinary waves in the tide, experiencing ups and downs.

Just like their lives, they are often passively swept along by the ebb and flow of life, unable to see the future clearly.
-
"I have two missions here."

Li Xue walked into her second brother's office and couldn't help but pout as she looked at the spacious and luxurious environment.

Don't get me wrong, I'm just envious.

Her office in the group is probably only one-fifth the size of her second brother's.
There was nothing she could do; she was just a section chief. The main office was divided into two sections: one was her private office, and the other was the offices of the two deputy section chiefs. That was the standard arrangement.

And look at my second brother's place, wow, it's not much worse than his office at the company.

Tea or coffee?

Li Xuewu wasn't as formal as his sister. Even in the office, even when discussing work, he couldn't avoid the fact that she was his sister.

Moreover, Li Xue herself knew that when she walked into the office first, her colleagues silently reviewed her relationship with her second brother.

Well, Manager Zhao, who was leading the team, hadn't even had a chance for a private meeting yet, but she had already enjoyed coffee brewed by her second brother himself. That's reality.

Why is it so bitter?

Li Xue wrinkled her nose in complaint and looked at her second brother suspiciously, "How did you rush in?"

"Bitterness proves that the coffee is real."

Li Xuewu sat behind his desk, raised his chin, and teased, "You can't even handle this little bit of hardship, yet you claim to have grown and matured?"

"Isn't this just forcing myself to endure hardship when I can't?"

Li Xue wasn't going to be led by the nose by her second brother. She put down her coffee and said, "I'll only stay here for half a month at most. I still have work waiting for me at United Energy, so..."

"Yeah, you're busier than me."

Li Xuewu glanced at his sister. In fact, he had seen his family less often in the past year or so, and his sister even less often.

Even when he takes a vacation and goes home, his sister is away on business trips, so the chances of them sitting down and chatting are few and far between.

The moment Li Xue stepped out of the car, he finally felt a sense of pride, like a father seeing his daughter grow up.

She's twenty years old this year, has been working for four years, and should be mature by now; she looks like a grown woman.

Li Xue, however, couldn't stand her second brother's "kind" gaze. She pursed her lips, looked to the side, and said, "Don't try to trick me."

"I know, my sister is the reincarnation of Bao Gong, who is incorruptible and impartial. How could I bear to make things difficult for you?"

Li Xuewu looked at her with a smile and said, "If you really find something wrong with your second brother, you don't need to do anything corrupt. Just take action."

"Timid—" Li Xue's lips curled up in a disgusted expression; she didn't believe her second brother's nonsense at all.

To find incriminating evidence against him?
Is it even her place to investigate?
As far as she knew, countless people were eyeing her second brother, and countless people had investigated the accounts in Liaodong.

The fact that no one has come forward yet speaks volumes, doesn't it?

Either the second brother was ruthless and eliminated those people before they even had a chance to show themselves.

This is impossible to even think about. Even if the second brother had absolute power in the group, he couldn't have reached this level. Besides, the second brother's word doesn't count.

Either your second brother is very capable at work, and even though you know he's bold and meticulous in his work style, you just can't find anything wrong with him, which is infuriating.

It's clear that the second brother is more likely to be the latter. Based on her years of experience working in the group's finance department, no one can remain absolutely innocent in their work.

It's not that everyone was corrupt, but there will always be loopholes in the business operations.

The most common issue is write-offs. It's impossible for all procurement to be handled by the procurement and supply department; some units also have their own authority.

At this point, who can guarantee that the projects procured independently are genuine?
I need a shovel, but I can only use it to clean up the accounts of those who make a dustpan. Do you think I should sign this document?

Given that the price is the same and everyone knows there's no embezzlement, if the supervisor doesn't sign the document, it will delay business operations; if they do sign it, they risk being investigated for misconduct.

It's tough for anyone doing sales, especially for leaders in charge of sales.

Do you think that as long as you manage compliance and don't sign any biased applications, that's enough?

To put it simply, the examples of shovels and dustpans are common in daily business management. If you don't sign off, it will really affect the overall work process, including the work enthusiasm of those below you.

If your subordinates know you're serious, they won't dare to take responsibility. How can a team that sticks to the rules have the courage to take risks?

How can a team without combat effectiveness expect to achieve results? How can a business leader without results expect to advance?
This is a vicious cycle.

Therefore, to succeed in business, one must have the ability to coordinate with superiors and subordinates, and be prepared to take responsibility and face disciplinary action; otherwise, one will not last long.

Li Xuewu used to work in the logistics department, and later in the discipline inspection department and the factory office. At that time, he was very strict with his pen and would not sign anything that wasn't his.

why?
Since it doesn't involve business operations that require flexible handling, he needs to carefully manage his writing.

Things are different now. It's not just that he himself needs to relax a bit, but also that the heads of the units below him need to be more daring.

He told Yu Li that the reason why you can't easily take action against grassroots cadres is this: if you want the horse to run, you can't stop it from eating grass.

He needs to deal with the bad apples and those who overstep their bounds, while those who are doing things properly should be protected.

The reason for inviting Li Xue in to talk was also to protect her younger sister, as she was afraid that Li Xue might be too stubborn.

Do you think I'm really childish?

Li Xue noticed the worry and concern in her second brother's eyes, and asked with a slight pout, "Do you still think I'm not up to the task?"

"You know perfectly well that I'm just concerned about you, so why say hurtful things?"

Li Xuewu ignored his sister's complaints and said frankly, "I hope you are impartial, intelligent and brave, and I hope you can handle your work and interpersonal relationships properly."

"You mean..." Li Xue hesitated for a moment, then frowned and asked, "Someone will try to bribe me?"

"There's no need to be so blunt."

Li Xuewu leaned back in his chair, looked at her, and said, "Nobody likes doing this kind of thing, and nobody is born a bad guy."

“I don’t want you to do this work with your own subjective emotions and desires. You have to remember that you are independent and have a standard in your hand.”

He took a sip of hot tea from his teacup and said, "You don't need to feel awkward. I believe you have the confidence to refuse any valuable gift."

"But some things are not absolute, and a certain degree of balance needs to be maintained."

"For example?" Li Xue seemed to understand what her second brother meant. She had never heard him speak to her in this tone or with this attitude before.

She wasn't some greenhorn; of course she had witnessed the situations her second brother described.

She certainly has the ability to refuse expensive gifts, and she has experience with it.

If we're talking about lacking money, who doesn't these days? If we're talking about gold and silver jewelry, everyone would be confused if it were right in front of them, but she has that kind of confidence.

It's not that she's rich and doesn't need this, but rather that she has a good older brother and sister-in-law guiding her, and she hasn't suffered any grievances since she started working, making her more immune to such temptations.

If she really wanted gold and silver jewelry, she could ask her second brother. He might not give her ten or eight tons, but he could at least give her a box of it. But where would she wear it?

She had seen her second sister-in-law's jewelry box before; it contained many fine items, but she had never seen her wear it.

Li Xue had long since passed the stage of being a passionate young woman; it was her second brother who personally guided her through her growth.

So what my second brother is talking about today must be what she needs to think about and learn at this stage.

“You have grassroots work experience, but not enough grassroots experience, and you lack certain experience.”

Li Xuewu pointed at her very seriously and explained, "Don't think that just because you're a section chief now, you're capable of being a workshop director in a metallurgical plant."

Li Xue frowned slightly, feeling somewhat indignant at these words, but she had no way to refute them, as she had never done production management.

“If I ask you to check the financial accounts, you can follow the rules and get things done efficiently in the office. But business management is different.”

Li Xuewu nodded slightly and looked at her, saying, "I don't expect you to go to the production line to experience life, but I hope you can put aside the constraints of time and do this investigation work seriously, and learn something from this experience."

"Instead of superficially showing off your professional knowledge, and even more so, don't flaunt your calculations and experience in front of lower-level managers."

Li Xue was stunned. She opened her mouth but couldn't express the grievances and resentment in her heart.

She forced herself to calm down and think it over. First of all, her second brother would never harm her, much less let her suffer any injustice; he must be doing it for her own good.

Having set a limit for herself, she carefully recalled what her second brother had just said and gained a different understanding.

After a while, until the coffee was almost cold, she nodded and said, "I understand."

"Well, that's all I have to say."

Seeing that she understood, Li Xuewu stood up, smiled with satisfaction, and said, "Stay at my place while you're in Steel City. I won't let you lose even an ounce of weight here."

"I'll be fine staying in a guesthouse."

Li Xue knew that her second brother was very busy, even busier than her, as he had to meet with other people later.

However, given that her second brother was not afraid of other people's strange looks and speculations, and did not shy away from talking to her first, she did not need to doubt his intentions.

So when Li Xuewu walked around the desk to see his sister off, Li Xue hugged him from the side.

Seeing her leaning on his shoulder, the older brother's heart softened again.

"If you have any difficulties, just ask me."

He patted his sister on the back and gently comforted her, "If someone threatens you, ignore them and tell me. I'll back you up."

"Don't treat me like a child."

That's what Li Xue said, but in her second brother's arms, she still looked like a little sister.

If it weren't for the overwhelming emotions, and if they hadn't seen each other so little these past two years, and if she hadn't thought about what her second brother had done for her, she wouldn't have been so bold as to hug him.

She was caught off guard when the half-open door was knocked open, and Zhang Jing and Ma Baosen appeared at the door, just in time to witness the scene.

Zhang Jing knew what was going on, but Ma Baosen was so frightened that his face turned pale. He had seen something he shouldn't have, and he even imagined how he would die.

"Hehe, sorry."

Zhang Jing walked into the office calmly and said with a light laugh, "I need to speak with the Secretary-General."

He said this directly to Li Xue, after seeing her turn away in embarrassment, almost hiding behind her boss.

It's so embarrassing, but it's precisely at times like this that you can't hide away, or what would that look like?

Zhang Jing was no novice or a fool. He knew about Li Xue's relationship with the leader. Even if he didn't know, he would still walk in and face the situation calmly.

The more normal and composed he is, the less embarrassed the leader will be.

"Hehe, you're a grown woman now, and you're still crying."

Li Xuewu teased his sister, let go of her hand, and said, "This is Director Zhang from the office."

Just as Li Xue blushed and nodded in greeting, Zhang Jing introduced himself: "Hello, Section Chief Li, I am Zhang Jing, Director of the Liaodong Industrial Leading Group Office."

"My supervisor has already told me that if the working group has any problems during this period, we can raise them with us, and we will be responsible for coordination and communication."

"Thank you, Director Zhang." Li Xue didn't dare look at him, and turned to her second brother, saying, "I'll go back now."

"Go ahead." Li Xuewu nodded, and after she left, he pointed at Ma Baosen, who was standing dumbfounded at the door, and said, "You're drooling."

"Huh?" Ma Baosen was surprised by Director Zhang's courage. How could he dare to face such a thing!

Seeing the leader's calm demeanor, he became somewhat confused again. Was this kind of thing... normal?
Does that mean that once a leader reaches the position of secretary-general, they can do *that* in the office?

How old is Comrade Li Xue this year?

Zhang Jing ignored him and followed Li Xuewu back to the desk, saying bluntly, "You've grown so fast in the blink of an eye."

"Although I have been working for several years, I have always been in the finance system and lack experience and training."

Li Xuewu sat down behind his desk and said without any modesty, "I do have some ability."

“Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to bring the team to Steel City.” Zhang Jing chimed in, “I recognized her as soon as she got off the car. The last time I saw her was when she was Deputy Director Jing’s secretary.”

Ma Baosen, who was standing at the door, listened carefully to the conversation between the two. He thought about it and it didn't seem to be the case. If they were in that kind of relationship, would they be talking about it so openly?
Even if Director Zhang is a close confidant of the leader, he wouldn't say such a thing in the office.

So the female cadre who just went out was named Li Xue? It seems she shares the same surname as the secretary-general?
But that's not surprising at all; the secretary-general even shares the same surname as Director Li.

He was stunned by the scene just now, and his mind couldn't process it for a moment; a normal person would have reacted long ago.

"So I have to give her a few words of advice."

Li Xuewu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Old Xu and his team are too careless in their work. I'm afraid she's not prepared and might cause some trouble."

“I have already called Director Xu and the others, and reported and reminded them.”

Zhang Jing is very meticulous and thorough in his work. He reported, "It shouldn't be too troublesome. If it really doesn't work, I'll follow up on the whole process and coordinate it later."

"Then you'll have to work harder."

Li Xuewu thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Keep an eye on the matter of the East German technical personnel being deployed. After they complete their training in Beijing, they will go directly to their respective units to start work."

"My idea is that since the necessary training has been completed, we should not discriminate against them anymore."

"However, there is one thing you should pass on."

Li Xuewu nodded and emphasized, "Foreign affairs are not allowed, especially fighting or emotional issues. Absolutely not allowed."

"Whoever crosses the line will be dealt with, and whoever fails to supervise properly will be dealt with. This is the red line."

"Understood. I'll refine the resettlement and management plan later. I'll have the security department follow up on this matter."

“This isn’t something that will happen in a few months.”

Li Xuewu frowned slightly and said, "When the experts from Beimao came to provide support, similar disputes arose, and the mess is still a huge issue."

He couldn't say whether his daughter Li Shu's situation was directly related to this kind of thing, but there must be an indirect relationship, otherwise what was Li Shu's biological father doing?
He couldn't bear to see human tragedy, nor did he want to cause a tragedy due to his own negligence.

Emotions are fragile in the face of absolute reality, yet they are something we cannot help but consider.

Think about it, is there love during the years of famine and displacement?
Ironically enough, even in a modern world with such advanced economy and technology, there are still instances of a collapse in views on love.

What does it mean to be "too full of yourself"? Those who take their partner's dowry and salary without working and then call themselves independent women are examples of this. They're full of themselves yet still have the audacity to idolize foreign things...

Having witnessed enough demons and monsters, Li Xuewu was determined to take precautions against such matters.

He would never transform his technology worship into personality cult just because he needs the other party's technology. In his eyes, those engineers and technicians are just tools that he will eventually have to get rid of.

How to retain talent?

Unless the Soviet Union disintegrates within five years, East Germany is doomed, and these people are left homeless and their assets are wiped out, there is little chance of keeping them.

Of course, we can't be absolute; there are always some special cases.

However, the technology introduced by Honggang Group cannot be controlled by one or two Einsteins. What use will a few engineers be when the project is completed?

He was not well-liked in East Germany and was not a good person.

Don't call Li Xuewu a scumbag. Just because he doesn't want it doesn't mean I don't want it either. That's reality.

This technology transfer may last until next year at the latest. According to the contract, relevant East German companies are required to cooperate with Honggang Group to complete equipment installation, technological innovation, and worker training programs.

The contract will not be considered complete until the equipment is running normally and Honggang Group can handle production tasks on its own.

The Gangcheng Hongxing Industrial Zone and Yingcheng Shipbuilding Industrial Zone have vacated their corresponding dormitory areas and formulated relevant work management standards and regulations.

While East German technical experts were conducting training, Honggang Group was also strengthening its cognitive management efforts through publicity and training.

Li Xuewu made his intentions clear to Zhang Jing: he didn't want these Germans to leave behind a bunch of messy relationships and emotional debts, or even mixed-race children.

He couldn't have come up with, nor could he have done, that kind of insane gene-improvement plan that the little devil was talking about.

***
Why didn't Li Xue come back with you?

As soon as Li Xuewu arrived home, Yu Li glanced behind him and, seeing no one there, her face showed disappointment, even self-blame and guilt.

"She has a meeting tonight and other work to do, so she said she's in a hurry."

Li Xuewu explained, "Are you worried she won't come? Or are you hoping she can help you with the work?"

"Speaking of which, what use would I have her for?"

Seeing him say that, Yu Li felt much more at ease. She helped him take off his coat and asked, "Didn't you say you were going to stay for quite a while? Why are you so busy as soon as you get here?"

"It's busy right from the start; we need to figure things out first." Li Xuewu changed into slippers and walked into the living room, explaining, "Everything is difficult at the beginning."

Yu Li straightened his coat and followed him in, saying, "I've already taken her share."

"If you miss her, go see her tomorrow." Li Xuewu turned to look at her and said with a smile, "If you really bring her something delicious, she'll be delighted to receive you."

"I wanted to host her—"

Yu Li felt even more relieved when he agreed to let her go to Li Xue's workplace.

That's what she says, but she won't cross the line.

It wasn't intentional to curry favor with her sister-in-law; Li Xue had never called her sister-in-law before, this was after the divorce.

But from the old lady's perspective, everyone in the Li family took good care of her, and the old lady was especially close to her.

Although she had no official status, Li Xuewu had given her everything he could, so she was sincere towards Li Xue and didn't need to flatter him; she was simply honest with him.

It was awkward a long time ago. Her house was in the same courtyard as Li's third son. Before the third son got married, Li Xue and Ji Yuxiu lived there and often saw each other.

She didn't know what Li Xue was thinking, but as long as she didn't dislike her, she could just be friends with her.

In the kitchen, she found a lunchbox, set aside a portion of the braised pork ribs from the plate, and packed in the other prepared dishes, saying, "Take this to her tomorrow morning, and tell her to come over for dinner when she's not busy."

"Do I have to bring her food?"

Li Xuewu chuckled and "complained," "People will probably accuse me of bribing the imperial envoy."