MMB Chapter 1412 The Big Boss
Chapter 1412 The Big Boss
Chapter 1412 The Big Boss
Regarding Zhou Yamei's impulsive suggestion to take her child back to Beijing to settle down, Li Xuewu neither forced nor agreed, and let it pass.
In mid-April, accompanied by Gao Yaqin, Vice General Manager of the Group, a delegation led by Xiangtar, President of Shengta Yaji, visited Yingcheng for research and investigation. At President Xiangtar's request, a visit to the steel city was added to the itinerary, and his purpose in proactively meeting with Li Xuewu, Secretary-General of Hongxing Steel Group and head of the Group's Liaodong Industrial Leading Group, was made no attempt to conceal.
"Welcome, welcome, Ms. Chantal."
Group Secretary-General Li Xuewu personally greeted Xiangtar and his delegation at the entrance of the guesthouse where they were to stay.
In front of the glass door, the two sides shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, and Li Xuewu, on behalf of the Group's Liaodong Industrial Leading Group, also welcomed President Xiangtar and his delegation.
In the guesthouse's council hall, witnessed by staff from both sides' publicity departments, President Chantal delivered a warm opening speech, highly praising the cooperative relationship between Red Star Steel and Santayah Group.
She stated, "Santayah and Red Star Steel have built a solid foundation for cooperation, and our pragmatic cooperation is continuously moving forward."
Shantal cited a series of impressive data to support her point.
She pointed out that in the past year alone, bilateral trade volume has achieved remarkable growth, surging by nearly a quarter year-on-year to reach an outstanding $460 million.
This figure not only highlights the complementarity and huge potential of the two sides' economic construction and development, but also reflects the close ties between the two groups in the industrial and trade fields.
As a major partner of Santa Ya in the domestic industrial and trade sector, Hongxing Steel's position is becoming increasingly prominent.
Shantal noted, “According to last year’s statistics, Red Star Steel has risen to third place in the list of trading partners of the Santa Y Group. This significant progress is inseparable from the development plan for key areas of industrial and trade cooperation between the two sides approved by us after our visit to the Steel City Industrial Zone in July 1967, which has undoubtedly played a direct role in promoting it.”
When discussing areas of cooperation, Shantal emphasized the importance of energy, construction, and industry, listing them as priorities for collaboration between the two parties.
At the same time, she also placed high hopes on cooperation in high technology, innovation, technological development, and shipping.
Deepening cooperation in these areas will bring broader development prospects to both Hongxing Steel and Santayah Group.
In addition to industrial and trade cooperation, Chantal also mentioned the importance of cultural exchanges. She stated, "According to the agreement reached by both parties, we will hold a year of cross-cultural exchange between France and China in 72-73. This will further enhance the understanding and friendship between the employees of the two groups and lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of our relationship."
Shantal's opening remarks not only showcased the remarkable achievements of the cooperation between Red Star Steel and Santayah Group in multiple fields, but also foreshadowed that the two sides will engage in in-depth cooperation on more levels in the future.
In today's emerging globalized world, the close cooperation between Red Star Steel and Santayah Group will undoubtedly inject more possibilities into international trade and development.
Gao Yaqin, Deputy General Manager of Hongxing Steel Group, expressed new hopes for industrial and trade cooperation between the two sides on behalf of the Group, while Li Xuewu, Secretary-General of the Group, put forward suggestions on cooperation prospects in industrial and shipping development on behalf of the Group.
***
"United Construction's development is still too slow."
In the small meeting room, only essential staff remained, and Chantal's tone became more direct.
She looked at Li Xuewu and earnestly offered her opinions, which concerned the development of Hongxing United Construction Corporation over the past year and its development plan for this year.
Gao Yaqin frowned slightly and reminded her, "Ms. Shantal, you should see our efforts and foundation from scratch, which are inescapable innate conditions."
She is the group's deputy director in charge of economic development, and is referred to externally as the group's deputy general manager. She has a thorough understanding of the economic development of the group's various departments and units.
"We are very grateful to the Santayana Group for its support and assistance to our group in various aspects over the past few years. We also cherish the opportunity to cooperate with you and are working hard towards the goal of win-win cooperation..."
It can be said that Gao Yaqin's attitude is very much in line with the current situation and policies of Hongxing Steel Group. As long as you can understand her, you can understand her sincerity.
In her work on foreign trade and economic development, Gao Yaqin demonstrated professionalism that was consistent with her past work experience, and her speech and behavior were flawless.
However, this experience and conservative attitude also confined her to these rules and regulations, making her appear somewhat rigid. For Shantal, who was accustomed to the cutthroat world of international trade, this was somewhat inadequate. While she could still save face for others in public, she displayed arrogance in private.
That's right, women will make things difficult for other women.
No matter how polite or tactful Gao Yaqin was, it was all hypocritical to Xiangtar.
She kept her eyes on Li Xuewu's, ignoring what others said; she just wanted to hear what Li Xuewu had to say.
This attitude made Gao Yaqin very embarrassed and annoyed. She was used to dealing with foreign affairs departments and both sides adhered to diplomatic etiquette. The more flexible and cunning thinking of foreign businessmen caught her off guard and left her speechless.
So she said a few words, but when she saw that the other person wasn't listening to her at all, she frowned slightly and stopped.
The scene froze for a moment. None of the main leaders spoke, and the accompanying staff dared not utter a sound.
Last time, the group's vice president Mercedes angered Red Star Steel Group, and the two sides had a fierce battle. They didn't know how much the group paid in the end, but they did know that the group's management control was once again returned to the president.
The Mercedes vice president is a representative of the new shareholders. The process of group financing and restructuring is inevitably accompanied by the evolution and change of power, which is also a special change within the group.
The fact that the group president didn't invite the Mercedes vice president during his inspection of industrial and trade cooperation in mainland China speaks volumes.
The consensus within the group is that Mercedes has lost its original authority and future. Staying in the mainland is more like going through the motions. No one in the Far East branch listens to him anymore, but the president has not transferred him.
Few can understand the intricacies of this situation, but what is evident is the increasing focus of the group's president, Ms. Xiangtal, on the mainland market, even going so far as to personally visit the front lines.
At Yingcheng Shipbuilding and Yingcheng Port Area, Ms. Xiangtar, wearing a safety helmet, personally went down to the construction site to check the construction progress and project plan.
Even though there were no construction projects in Yingcheng directly related to the group, the president still went to inspect them. Ostensibly, he was there to check on the work of the United Construction Engineering Corporation and to see the group's 10,000-ton cargo ship in Yingcheng Shipyard, but what was the real purpose?
Almost everyone could see that her goal, besides construction and shipping, was the modern port under construction in the Far East.
If an international trader can secure a partnership with a port area located in a major market, it will directly determine whether it can become a large international trading group in the future.
Shantal doesn't feel she's made enough money, so she's reluctant to give up shipping, and even more reluctant to give up the port area.
Now that she's here, we'll see how Li Xuewu reacts.
When all eyes in the small meeting room turned to him, Li Xuewu knew he had to speak.
"To be very frank, the development of the domestic construction industry is still in the initial stage of accumulation."
Li Xuewu put down his teacup and looked at Xiangtar, saying, "I have reason to believe that Red Star United Construction is already in the first tier of the domestic construction industry."
“I’m talking about technology and development thinking.” He waved his hand, interrupting Shantal who was about to speak, and continued in a very domineering manner: “Of course, I also know that this is not the main reason you came here to see me today.”
"What I can tell you is that United Construction is a joint venture between Red Star Steel Group and Santay Group. We both hope that it will grow rapidly, but this will take time and a necessary process."
He raised his hands in a gesture, and then emphasized: "We will take the initiative to assume our due responsibilities and duties. If you hope to see longer-term development, we are very grateful and hope that you will make more efforts."
beep--
Upon hearing Li Xuewu's blunt remarks, Gao Yaqin's eyebrows twitched in surprise. If she hadn't been familiar with Li Xuewu's personality, she would have turned pale with anger and tried to stop him.
She had never seen anyone speak to foreign businessmen like this before, but the results were indeed unexpected.
Especially the last two sentences, which are neither humble nor arrogant, but sharp and direct, which can be translated as: If you can do it, then you do it.
United Construction is a joint venture between the two parties. We are confident that we have done our best. Now you are pointing fingers at us. If you are unhappy with the current pace of development, you can increase your investment in technology and capital.
Do you think Shantal would agree to this?
She hoped to see Hongxing United Construction Engineering Corporation grow rapidly, but she hoped even more that Hongxing Steel Group would increase its investment, rather than that of the companies themselves.
Li Xuewu's words were barbed and pointed, truly teaching the arrogant French woman a lesson.
His next words, however, made no attempt to conceal his true feelings.
"Now you can tell me why you came to Steel City to see me. I'm all ears."
The ball was kicked to Chantal's side, and with unusual force, much to the dismay of the French female CEO.
"I came here with the utmost sincerity, not to argue or quarrel with you."
She squinted slightly as she looked at Li Xuewu and said, "If it can help United Architecture grow, we are certainly willing to do more."
"For example?" Li Xuewu asked calmly, picking up his teacup. "How much more? In reality?"
The Santa Ya Group's entourage all looked at him, and then at their own president.
This person is so rude, why should we treat him with courtesy?
Xiangtal, however, did not take Li Xuewu's bluff seriously. As a businesswoman, she could do a lot.
For example, back in Beijing, she could do 360 degrees... never mind, those who know, know.
Now, facing a heartless man who has abandoned her, she showed no anger or resentment, because that's just how the business world is.
As Lu Xun once said, the marketplace is like a battlefield.
"For example, Santa Y Group supports Hongxing Steel Group in building a world-class standard hotel in Beijing."
"No one wants to be outrageous, and no one knows whether the female president of Santayar Group had prepared this suggestion before coming to Gangcheng to meet Li Xuewu, or whether she was persuaded by the secretary-general of the founder of Hongxing Steel Group's economic construction."
If what she said were to get out now, it would be enough to cause a tsunami-like impact on the economic and construction sectors of Beijing.
"There isn't a single world-class hotel in Beijing, or even in China, right?"
Whether intentionally or not, Shantal spoke with a slightly arrogant tone, as if turning the tables on someone, saying, "I've never stayed in a hotel like this in mainland China."
"That's right, just as you see."
Li Xuewu readily acknowledged the other party's arrogance, nodding and saying, "I am indeed shocked by your remarks, but I hope you have given them careful consideration rather than speaking carelessly."
"There is a Chinese idiom, 'a word is worth nine tripods,'" Xiangtar said earnestly to Li Xuewu. "What I am saying now is worth nine tripods, ten tripods, eleven tripods."
Gao Yaqin's lips twitched slightly after hearing her words; she didn't know how to comment on the other person's Chinese.
You could say she's very good at it; she knows the meaning of "a promise is a promise" and can use it appropriately. But if you say she's a China expert, how could she just randomly change idioms?
"At 100 meters high, it must be the tallest building in China, a 100-meter-high international standard hotel."
Shantal had truly put Li Xuewu in a bind, forcing him to back down, or else he would have to admit that Red Star Steel Group couldn't accept her opinions and was even less capable of engaging in equal dialogue with her and Santayah Group.
Of course, Li Xuewu could not deny that her preparations were thorough and that she was serious about it, because the benefits that Hongxing Steel Group could gain from building the tallest building in the country were far less than the prestige that Santayar Group could gain.
If Santayar Group can truly support and help Hongxing Steel Group build the tallest building, then they will become a domestic monopoly-type foreign enterprise within the next thirty years.
Whenever skyscrapers are built, they will inevitably be remembered, and their standards, technologies, machinery, etc., will be used. In that case, the construction industry will have no room to speak for itself.
However, for Hongxing Steel Group, if they can actually build the tallest building in China, it will be a very rare opportunity for United Construction. It will not only make Santay Group famous, but United Construction will also become the number one in China.
This is both cooperation and competition. With the resources of United Construction, Hongxing Steel Group can fully compete for the right to set the future standards and influence in the domestic construction industry.
Shantal was essentially trying to get Li Xuewu onto the gambling table, to gamble on the future, on the competition and cooperation between the two sides.
Now everyone can see that she is gambling with Li Xuewu on the luck of both groups, and Li Xuewu can see even more clearly the changes in the relationship between the two sides after further cooperation.
This can be seen in Red Star United Construction and its cooperation in foreign trade, as well as in technology-related collaborations.
Currently, Hongxing Steel Group is the host, and Santay Group is the guest; they cooperate for mutual benefit. But what if one day the situation and policies change, reversing the roles and with one group usurping the other's position? How will Hongxing Steel Group respond then?
Can Shangtal really foresee the development of China over the next thirty years like Li Xuewu?
No, there's a consensus in the investment world: invest in people, not projects. Shantal happens to be that kind of person. She admires Li Xuewu's dedication and hard work at Hongxing Steel Group; she thinks this young man is extraordinary.
"The Santayana Group will provide absolute support in terms of international loans and technology, in all aspects..."
"We can discuss this slowly."
Li Xuewu suddenly interrupted her tempting words, saying directly, "Now we can talk about shipping."
-
"You're being rather impolite."
Gao Yaqin returned to the office with Li Xuewu and said jokingly, "Is it because you two are friends?"
"What kind of friends?" Li Xuewu turned to look at her and asked with a smile, "You would befriend your business partners? Isn't that like asking a tiger for its skin?"
"Huh—no way—"
Gao Yaqin looked Li Xuewu up and down, and asked with some disbelief, "Didn't everyone say you were friends?"
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled and led her into the office, casually placing his notebook on the desk. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said, "You're being too honest. You say we're friends, so we're friends?"
"If that's the case, then I have so many friends, I can't even count them all."
He looked at Gao Yaqin, who had followed him into the room, and said, "There are plenty of people in our alley who kowtow and become sworn brothers. Some of them turn around and start fighting right after they finish kowtowing. Is that what you call brothers?"
"You really are—"
Gao Yaqin only said half of what she wanted to say; the rest was expressed as admiration and respect for Li Xuewu's shamelessness.
She has a small face, so she can't say or do such things, and her upbringing doesn't allow her to do so.
However, none of this prevented her from expressing her endless admiration for Li Xuewu.
Li Xuewu didn't pay attention to her complicated gaze. He casually gestured for her to sit down, then stood up, picked up the phone on his desk, and called Hongxing United Construction Engineering Corporation.
"I am Li Xuewu from the group. Please help me pick up Ms. Wu Shuping, the vice president of your company."
He spoke into the phone, listened to the operator's response, and then put the phone aside.
Gao Yaqin raised an eyebrow at him and asked, "Are you tempted?"
"Of course you're interested, aren't you?"
Li Xuewu curled his lips, walked to the tea cabinet to refill his teacup with hot water, and then carried it back, saying, "Even if you say you're not tempted, I won't believe you."
He placed the teacup on the desk, walked back behind it, sat down, held up two fingers to point to Gao Yaqin's eyes, and then pointed back to his own eyes.
"When she mentioned building an international standard hotel, your eyes practically popped out of their sockets."
"Go away—" Gao Yaqin glared at him and said reproachfully, "Your eyeballs are the ones that can pop out of your head."
"That's called description, a rhetorical device."
Li Xuewu teased her on purpose, then said with a smile, "I also have a suggestion for you. In the future, when you encounter someone who can brag like this, you should be more reserved and not act like you've never seen the world before."
"Hey, Li Xuewu, you're really something!"
Gao Yaqin was both amused and annoyed. She looked at him and said, "You laugh at me for being ignorant, but you think you are knowledgeable?"
“At least I’m more knowledgeable than you.” Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and emphasized, “Did you see me show even the slightest surprise when she said those things just now?”
No way—
He tapped his fingers on the table and said with a smile, "When it comes to bragging, I've certainly seen someone who can brag even more than her."
"Old Sun from the front yard, before he drank, he was the neighborhood boss, but after he drank, the whole world was his."
"Is this how you train?" Gao Yaqin looked at him with a more complicated expression, it was hard to tell whether it was envy or surprise. If this kind of experience could train a big heart like Li Xuewu, then their street would produce diplomats.
“That’s what you see and hear.” He ran his finger around his ear and said, “What you see and hear doesn’t count; you have to think these things through in your mind.”
"Take our neighbor, Old Sun, for example. He drank heavily his whole life and boasted his whole life, but when he died, he didn't even get a decent coffin."
His expression suddenly turned serious, and he said, "From that moment on, I knew that what you say when you're drunk is useless, and you don't need to be afraid of the boasts you make when you're sober, because they're no match for the bragging you make when you're drunk."
"You mean..." Gao Yaqin asked, her eyes slightly narrowed, "She's bluffing you? This isn't true?"
"What is false may be true, and what is true may be false; let's make it a mix of reality and illusion."
Li Xuewu could already hear the dial tone coming from the receiver. He responded to Gao Yaqin with a word and then answered the phone.
"Yes, I am Li Xuewu."
The person on the other end of the phone was Wu Shuping, the current deputy general manager of Hongxing United Construction Engineering Corporation, who is in charge of financial work.
She was somewhat surprised that Li Xuewu would contact her through this channel, so she acted very professionally.
"Hello, Secretary-General, is there something you need?"
"Well, there's a project I want to talk to you about."
At that time, telephones did not have a clear tone; when talking on the phone, you could hear it from almost two miles away.
Gao Yaqin is currently in his office, so Li Xuewu naturally needs to be careful with his words.
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Contact the design institute and help me produce a comprehensive report on a 100-meter-high international standard hotel building."
"Why? One hundred meters high? And an international standard hotel?" Wu Shuping couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Is this a project of the group? Isn't it a bit unsuitable for the domestic market?"
She reminded Li Xuewu somewhat urgently, "Such large expenditures don't exist in China. You should be careful."
Wu Shuping was well aware of Li Xuewu's influence in Hongxing Steel Group. He was not asking her for this paper without reason, nor was he teasing her. He had no intention of using it to make fun of her.
The only explanation is that the group is indeed considering building a 100-meter-tall international standard hotel in Beijing, which would make it the tallest building in the country.
Given the group's current development status, it's quite possible they'll actually do this; the fame for this thing comes out incredibly fast.
As long as this project is invested in, the building's reputation will remain with the Red Star Steel Group, and the group's leaders will certainly benefit.
As Li Xuewu's personal advisor, Wu Shuping did not want him to make such a self-destructive decision; she was more optimistic about his development within the Hongxing Steel Group.
While undertaking such large-scale projects may bring Li Xuewu fame in the short term, it will also jeopardize the group's future.
It would be such a waste for Hongxing Steel Group to squander the little bit of wealth it has managed to build up.
Li Xuewu understood her reminder, but still insisted, "Just because it's not happening now doesn't mean it won't happen in the future."
He explained briefly over the phone: "This is a cooperation project between Hongxing Steel Group and Santay Group. We will also attract other investments later. Don't worry about these for now. Just give me a report as soon as possible."
What could Wu Shuping say? Li Xuewu couldn't explain anything more to her over the phone, and she couldn't say anything more either.
Therefore, the call between the two ended quickly.
Gao Yaqin listened to the entire conversation between the two, and only after he hung up the phone did she ask with a smile, "I didn't know that you were friends with this mysterious Vice President Wu."
The word "friend" in her statement should be in quotation marks because she used the word "friend" with a deeper meaning.
Li Xuewu simply said, "Those who follow the right path will find many helpers, while those who stray from it will find few. If I want to do something, I will have capable people to help me."
He tidied up the documents on the table and continued, "Besides, what's so mysterious about her identity? Just because you don't know doesn't mean others don't know, right?"
"Yes, you are right."
Gao Yaqin smiled and didn't dwell on the issue too much, instead asking about the port.
-
"Good morning, Deputy Factory Director Liu—"
"Good morning, Deputy Factory Director Yang!"
"Yin—"
The security guards on duty at the entrance of the office building habitually salute and greet every leader who comes to work.
Until he saw Deputy Factory Director Yin, his mouth reacted slower than his brain, and he ended up saying half a Corgi.
He was used to greeting Deputy Factory Director Yin with his mouth, but then it suddenly dawned on him that Deputy Factory Director Yin had gone back to the Beijing Group headquarters, so why was he suddenly appearing?
Yes, it wasn't just the security guards who were stunned; even the deputy factory director Yin, who came to work that morning, was surprised.
Everyone was waiting for him to bring back good news of victory, but he just quietly came back to work?
How dare you come back? Didn't we agree to die trying?
Who said that! Yin Zhongyao never said such a thing. How could he possibly pay the price of his life for fame and fortune? These are just some people's true feelings.
They could only hope for one of two scenarios: either Deputy Factory Director Yin would return triumphantly and Li Xuewu would flee the steel city in defeat, or Deputy Factory Director Yin would die in protest against the Group's Management Committee.
In the end, none of the materials could be made into anything, no wonder people said he had no face to come back.
In fact, Yin Zhongyao also felt ashamed, but he couldn't stand being turned away and given the cold shoulder at the company so much that he couldn't take it anymore and had no choice but to slink back home.
He also knew that returning like this would disappoint those people and cause him to lose his foundation and hope.
But if he doesn't come back soon, he'll have no hope left in the group or the metallurgical plant.
So, as everyone can see, Deputy Director Yin ended his business trip and returned to work at the metallurgical plant.
As for what business trip he went to the group company for, everyone already knew. Now it seems he definitely didn't go to complain; he must have had other plans all along.
The guard's half-hearted greeting made Yin Zhongyao's face turn extremely ugly. He ignored the guard's attempt to make amends and went straight into the building.
But once inside the building, he felt as if the whispers and criticisms behind him were surrounding him, and even walking quickly back to his office, he felt there was nowhere to escape.
Actually, he was being too sensitive. At that moment, everyone looked at him and didn't know how to greet him, but they still held his position as deputy factory director in awe.
However, the reactions and behavior of those in his circle became a laughing stock and the focus of discussion throughout the entire government agency.
After Deputy Director Yin returned to work at the metallurgical plant, no one had any "connections" to bother him.
To put it simply, unless absolutely necessary, people would even try to bypass him for business signatures, as his subordinates didn't want to offend him.
No one even discussed the outcome of his trip to the capital in private, because everyone could see it coming.
If the group company really had a problem with the secretary-general, or had other plans, it wouldn't have arranged for the president of Santay Group to visit and conduct research in the steel city; that would be against the rules.
Furthermore, Gao Yaqin, the deputy director of the group, made several trips to the steel city in a short period of time, which definitely wasn't because she was idle.
With such frequent exchanges and the group valuing the Secretary-General's opinion so highly, who would dare say he'd slink back to Beijing in disgrace?
Therefore, Yin Zhongyao's sudden appearance seems to be a verification and result of certain predictions.
Some people in a certain circle may be trembling with fear and anxiety, while others are continuing to observe.
Zhang Enyuan came up the stairs carrying a stack of documents, and his apprentice Ma Baosen rushed over to help him.
The master and apprentice delivered the documents to the leader's office together, and Ma Baosen voluntarily went out.
"Boss, this is a document from the group."
Zhang Enyuan arranged the organized documents on Li Xuewu's desk in layers and quietly reported, "Deputy Factory Director Yin is back."
"Hmm." Li Xuewu responded softly, then looked up at the documents on the table and asked, "Are there any documents related to the joint construction project?"
"Yes, there is one." Zhang Enyuan accurately picked out the copy that the leader wanted from the pile of documents.
Li Xuewu took the document, glanced at the title, and shook his head in disappointment.
Santayar Group President Chantal stayed in the steel city for only one night and left the next day.
Gao Yaqin, the deputy director of the group who accompanied her, naturally went back with her.
He didn't give Chantal the answer he wanted until he saw him off; he was still waiting for United Construction's proposal.
Without scientific and systematic discussion, Li Xuewu could not draw conclusions, much less make unfounded claims.
Of course, it can't be said that the president of the Santa Y Group, Chantal, came to the steel city and didn't achieve anything.
The two sides held five meetings in succession to discuss in detail the development and construction of Hongxing United Construction Engineering Corporation.
With Li Xuewu and Gao Yaqin present, these discussions are real and can be precisely implemented.
United Construction will conduct its first expansion this year in accordance with the agreed-upon terms and plans.
The original construction engineering company will establish seven subordinate units: the Design Institute, the Survey and Research Institute, the First Engineering Company (infrastructure and port construction), the Second Engineering Company (construction and steel structure), the Third Engineering Company (installation and decoration), the Fourth Engineering Company (power and transportation), and the Municipal Engineering Company, totaling seven branches.
The parent company's shareholding structure remains unchanged; it is still a Sino-foreign joint venture under the group, only now it has become more specialized.
The reason for expanding the three-tier branch network is mainly to facilitate precise support from Santay Group in all aspects, from technology to funding, to promote the rapid development of United Construction.
Therefore, even without the international standard hotel project, the relevant cooperation plan would still have been reached, which shows that the impact of this tallest building in China is not on United Construction, but on others.
Don't assume that all foreigners are straightforward. The world is complex, and there's no such thing as people being honest and kind, or people not picking up lost items on the street.
A simple and honest folk culture only exists in societies with stable public security, and the idea of not picking up lost items only exists under surveillance.
Li Xuewu wasn't surprised at all that this French woman was playing games with him; he had already tested her abilities long ago.
The documents submitted by United Construction were a draft for soliciting opinions on the group's investment in sports facilities and equipment, including an equestrian club, football field, tennis court, badminton court, basketball court, and table tennis court, in the Liangmahe Industrial Zone.
This was something that Li Xuewu had discussed and decided on with Li Huaide earlier; the construction company was just asking about the specific plans and construction requirements.
The group's building is quite tall, so there's no need to waste the space and area on the roof. A tennis court could be set up there, or even badminton and table tennis courts.
Of course, the equestrian club couldn't be located on the rooftop; this is an entertainment project that the group already has.
The horses at the equestrian club mainly came from the patrol team of the former security department, which is a unique feature of the eco-industrial zone.
To this day, the security department still maintains the configuration of mounted police, with patrol teams in uniform. They are mainly responsible for security patrols near the park and also cooperate with citizens who come to visit to take photos.
It wasn't really a vanity project. Even in later generations, some regions still retained the mounted police force, which was especially necessary in the fields of tourism and cultural development.
Since Hongxing Steel Group aims to create an eco-industrial zone in Liangmahe where people, industry, and nature coexist harmoniously, it cannot do without projects with such humanistic traditions.
Actually, it would be more convenient for patrol teams to ride bicycles or motorcycles, but they just don't look as dashing as mounted police.
Since the organizational restructuring of the Security Department, both the form and content of its work have undergone significant changes.
Take mounted police, for example. They used to be all men, but now they've all been replaced by women. This makes them more approachable and aesthetically pleasing.
Hongxing Liangmahe Ecological Industrial Zone has become a must-visit scenic spot for Dongcheng District residents. Here, you can't feel the harshness of industry at all. The river flows gently and tourists flock here. It's more like an industrial theme park.
Li Xuewu wrote several comments on the opinion letter and made annotations on the comments given by other leaders.
He was the group's secretary-general, and this opinion was essentially the final hurdle for him; only Director Li remained. And Director Li, in particular, wanted to hear the secretary-general's opinion.
How do you say that?
Without the secretary-general's annotations, it's difficult for Director Li to write anything down.
-
"Old Gou, come along, why don't you go eat too?"
Zhou Yongyuan, clutching a lunchbox, caught up with Gou Zhenbei, the warehouse workshop director who was walking ahead.
His greeting not only earned him a glare from Gou Zhenbei, but also made everyone else who heard it burst into laughter.
The surname of Director Gou is correct in both its literal meaning and pronunciation, and will not lead to any misunderstandings. However, it is problematic when pronounced quickly or with a slight accent.
People who don't know might think his name is Lao Gou, but the important thing is that this surname actually exists.
"I said, it's almost the end of the month—"
Zhou Yongyuan leaned closer to Gou Zhenbei, tapped his fingers on the lunchbox, and, ignoring Gou Zhenbei's attitude, whispered, "Our guy isn't reacting at all."
Who is our "one"?
Who else could it be but their "mastermind" and "ringleader," Deputy Factory Director Yin Zhongyao?
This is considered a code, a specific term that is conventionally agreed upon and will never be misspoken or misunderstood.
He nudged Gou Zhenbei with his shoulder and reminded him, "It's one thing that ours hasn't made a move, but why hasn't the other one made a sound either? Has this trend just passed?"
Who? Which one?
As mentioned earlier, "that person" is a specific term, belonging to the category of "those who know, know".
That person was naturally referring to Li Xuewu, the group's secretary-general and director of the metallurgical plant.
"You know, neither of them has made a move. Is our current one waiting for an opportunity?"
Zhou Yongyuan asked with great confusion, "Look, he's been back for so many days, and he hasn't reacted at all."
"Opportunity? What opportunity?" Gou Zhenbei turned to look at him and asked, "Are you going to create an opportunity for him?"
"Me? I'm nothing special, not even enough to fill someone's teeth," Zhou Yongyuan said self-deprecatingly, then raised his chin and said, "But I can't withstand the heat of a raging fire."
Gou Zhenbei looked ahead in the direction he was pointing and saw the audit team lining up for their meals.
"It's been almost a month since we arrived, when will this ever end?!"
Zhou Yongyuan stood beside him and muttered to himself, not afraid of being overheard, because they were already used to each other's voices and could guess what was going on even if they couldn't hear clearly.
"Do you think the group intends to have a talk with the secretary-general?" Gou Zhenbei curled his lip and said, "I don't see it at all."
"Nonsense, I can't even tell, how could you?" Zhou Yongyuan retorted without any politeness, truly in the same boat, showing no courtesy whatsoever. He kept his eyes fixed on the other side of the line and said softly, "I don't think this fire will burn out so easily."
What do you think? Heh—
Gou Zhenbei chuckled softly, shook his head slightly, and walked forward; it was his turn to get his food.
It's no wonder Zhou Yongyuan was overthinking things. Li Xuewu had already started his second attempt, and Yin Zhongyao had also responded. But it was almost the end of the month, and there was still no movement. Those who loved watching the drama felt that things were getting a little too small.
It's okay if it's a small matter, but it's important that it doesn't become a big deal.
Look, there are some people with a lot of curiosity and idleness. They've already started gambling in private, betting on whose fire will start first.
Just as these people were getting impatient and wanted to test what Deputy Factory Director Yin was waiting for, on April 29, Sun Jianhua, Deputy Manager of the Group's Organization Department, and Zhou Zechuan, Director of the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Department, suddenly arrived in Gangcheng.
The two first met with Secretary-General Li Xuewu, and then, led by Office Director Liao Jinhui, met with Deputy Factory Director Yin Zhongyao.
Just as everyone was speculating about what big move the group might be making, Deputy Factory Director Yin, looking ashen-faced, clasped his hands together, clutching a piece of clothing wrapped around his wrists, and was escorted out of his office by two young disciplinary and supervisory staff members.
For a moment, the entire metallurgical plant was quiet.
(End of this chapter)