MMB Chapter 1449 Life and Death
Chapter 1449 Life and Death
Chapter 1449 Life and Death
“Your request has surprised and taken us by surprise.”
It was not a good time for Zhou Zicheng to speak first, otherwise he would have no room to bargain.
So Wang Xin glanced at him first, and then spoke after he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Are you surprised by our demanding conditions?" Gao Yaqin glanced at him, then looked at Zhou Zicheng's face and said, "Or are you surprised by our honesty?"
Since Shen Fei's weapon was already on the negotiating table, she, representing the Red Star Steel Group, naturally aimed at the other side and unleashed all her firepower.
She's a lesbian, so even the most hurtful words can be forgiven.
Li Xuewu kept his eyes on Wang Xin, even though the other party was just a spokesperson.
"Sincere cooperation leads to mutual success."
Wang Xin smiled and continued, "Although we are sitting at the negotiating table representing our respective organizations, we share a common goal—cooperation and mutual benefit."
"Therefore, no matter how harsh the conditions you have proposed today, we believe they are justified."
As expected of the representative arranged by Shenfei to be in charge of negotiations and coordination, he knew how to speak effectively.
He neither commented on whether the conditions proposed by Hongxing Steel Group were harsh or appropriate, but only talked about the significance and goals of this cooperation.
Gao Yaqin also turned her gaze to the opposite side. No wonder Li Xuewu said he was a smart person.
"Since we are sitting here, we all have a firm commitment to honesty."
Wang Xin raised his hand to signal to his colleagues and superiors, and said, "The fact that Director Zhou is sitting here on behalf of Shen Fei speaks volumes about this."
Zhou Zicheng nodded, indicating his agreement with his statement.
Li Xuewu then looked at him, knowing that this person of high status might have something to say.
"My surprise and astonishment stem from the pragmatism you have demonstrated this time."
Wang Xin turned to Zhou Zicheng and nodded, saying, "I believe Director Zhou has also seen it."
"This is the first time I've heard that your company is also conducting research on drone projects."
Zhou Zicheng smiled and nodded, then continued, "What I didn't expect was that your side would invest such a huge amount."
"In terms of manpower and material resources, in my opinion, it is in no way inferior to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation."
He raised his hand to Wang Xin beside him and asked, "It seems that none of our project research and development projects have ever had a single investment exceeding five million, right?"
"Yes, there are no single transactions."
Wang Xin nodded in agreement, saying, "I am particularly shocked by the field of new aircraft."
"In fact, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation has a drone project, but of course it is a secret project."
Zhou Zicheng briefly revealed a secret, which enhanced the authenticity of his statement without compromising the confidentiality of the agreement.
"After listening to Mr. Gao's introduction, it seems that our drone research and development direction is..."
At this moment, he looked to the other side, where Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's deputy chief designer was located.
The other person nodded in confirmation, saying, "If I heard correctly, it should be two directions."
"Our drone development is aimed at guiding targets and also at long-range reconnaissance."
Zhou Zicheng is in management, but he also has a good understanding of the business and speaks eloquently about it.
“Your drones sound smaller, more sophisticated, and have a smaller combat radius.”
He shrugged and said, "The two types of drones should not be used in the same application scenario."
"However, I am pleased to see domestic companies expanding into emerging fields."
"It's not exactly a new field."
Li Xuewu glanced at Cheng Kaiyuan, then looked at him and said, "Small drones have a wide range of applications and are definitely not limited to combat needs. Your thinking is too narrow."
"Even jet-powered drones can be used for civilian aerial photography, logistics, and other applications."
He emphasized, "Hongxing Steel Group is a company dedicated to providing solutions for a variety of industrial developments and applications."
"Our products are designed primarily for the civilian market, applicable to a wider range of applications, and created to improve our lives."
This statement indirectly reversed Zhou Zicheng's perception of Hongxing Steel Group's research in the field of aircraft from another perspective.
However, Li Xuewu's remarks also confirmed Wang Xin's report on the comprehensive development of Hongxing Steel Group in categories such as automobiles, electronics, hardware, metallurgy, and mining, its deep integration with the civilian market, and its rapid economic development.
Why does Shenyang Aircraft Corporation want to cooperate with Hongxing Steel Group?
One of the purposes was to leverage Hongxing Steel's market conversion capabilities.
To put it simply, no company in China doesn't envy Hongxing Steel Group for having a monetization channel like the Tianjin Trade Management Center.
Similarly, Hongxing Steel Group, through its affiliated bank's cooperation with Gangcheng Bank, bypassed foreign exchange channels to achieve a powerful transformation of capital and technology, and coordinated development of domestic supply and external demand.
Of course I'm envious. I envy Hongxing Steel Group for using export profits to achieve its modernization and upgrade its equipment.
With modern industrial capacity, it enabled the support and feedback from both the planned and free markets.
The money earned from exports couldn't be recovered, but it upgraded the factory's equipment and processes.
The factory has increased its production capacity and gained more profits by using new processes and equipment.
At first, few people could see why Hongxing Steel Group was going through all this trouble, but now they all understand.
Yes, I understand, but the opportunity to learn is gone. Foreign trade has blocked this path. There are no more approvals for mutual exchange between domestic and foreign banks, nor are there any import and export trade licenses.
The path taken by Hongxing Steel Group is a new one that has overcome numerous obstacles, but the path back has been blocked. It can be said that there is no one like it before or since.
Other companies can only watch helplessly, unable to directly secure a share of the profits.
If we want import and export trade channels and opportunities for technological iteration, we can only cooperate deeply with Hongxing Steel Group.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) is the best aircraft research and manufacturing center in Liaodong and one of the four major aircraft manufacturers in China.
Following this logic, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) is not short of money. All its research activities and equipment facilities are funded by government grants, so it doesn't need to find ways to raise funds on its own.
But actually?
Poor, struggling, pockets jingling.
Zhou Zicheng didn't say it aloud, but the company's meager situation didn't need to be mentioned.
Look at the cadres from Hongxing Steel Group sitting across the negotiating table, and then look at the accompanying personnel sitting behind them!
Putting everything else aside, just look at their uniform attire and their overall spirit; they've already outshone the "ragtag army" sitting on Shen Fei's side.
They were all dressed in matching black and white outfits, even the briefcases they carried were stylish and elegant, and the notebooks laid out in front of them all had matching leather covers and gold lettering.
In terms of expertise, Zhou Zicheng had learned a lot about Wang Xin's innovative management model from his introduction, but today's meeting was even more impressive than the last time he had met him.
The terrifying details of the Red Star management model advocated by Director Lu of Liaodong Industrial Park can be seen from the plastic identification card and plastic badge worn on the other party's chest.
The front of the red identification card contains the employee's basic information and photo.
In this day and age, it's still quite fashionable to use plastic as an office material, especially when it's so refined and clear.
Sitting across the conference table, he could clearly see the text and photo on Li Xuewu's left chest identification card. This management tool made him think of a possibility: no one would dare to impersonate a cadre of Hongxing Steel Group, nor would there be the cost of committing such a crime.
According to Wang Xin, this type of identification card is the first of its kind used by Hongxing Steel Group, and it is already the second generation product. The first generation was made of metal and included a badge on the chest.
Although plastic products are cheap in later generations, plastic was a scarce material at that time.
Lightweight and convenient plastic badges are not only exquisite but also have a certain degree of flexibility.
Currently, the nickel alloy or other alloy badges that are commonly worn are so heavy that they can cause wrinkles in a shirt, and the pins can also stain the shirt.
What truly matters is the attention to detail; not to mention, their negotiation team traveled to Fengcheng by private jet for the negotiation meeting.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation is an aircraft manufacturing company, but as its leader, Zhou Zicheng had to admit that they did not have a business jet.
If you don't even have a private jet, don't argue about whether it's luxurious or not; it's shabby.
I'm so envious! I want that too!
When Li Xuewu revealed the key point that they both understood without words, Zhou Zicheng also became serious, and Wang Xin even leaned forward slightly.
Who doesn't want an advanced management model? Who doesn't want their company to unleash its unlimited potential? Who doesn't want to be a group leader?
Just sit here and look at their titles. The title of "vice president of the group" sounds much more prestigious than that of a factory leader, not to mention the benefits and treatment they receive.
Almost without any publicity, it is widely recognized within the industrial system that Hongxing Steel Group offers the highest and best welfare benefits.
Northeast China is also a leader in industrial enterprises nationwide, and its workers enjoy the best welfare resources.
While workers in other factories were still unaware of Shandong jujubes, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation workers were already enjoying ribbonfish from the Bohai Bay.
Compared to the abundant supply of non-staple foods from Hongxing Steel Group, ribbonfish doesn't seem so appealing.
Are free benefits the best?
This is a fallacy.
Hongxing Steel Group offers virtually no free benefits. Free benefits are only offered twice a year: once on Labor Day and once on New Year's Day.
Other holidays only extend greetings to specific groups, such as Teachers' Day and Children's Day.
Hongxing Steel Group has an independent education system, an independent medical system, and a non-staple food supply system. Wouldn't you call that good welfare benefits?
Hongxing Steel Group provides its employees with housing security, commuting security, financial security, etc., can this be considered a welfare benefit?
The two sides sat at the negotiating table, each probing what the other wanted and pondering what they had in their own pockets and whether they could exchange it.
This was the second round of negotiations, but Hongxing Steel Group had already figured out what Shenfei wanted.
Hongxing Steel Group's management experience, welfare standards, trade channels, financial cooperation, technology introduction channels, and market transformation capabilities.
So, does Shen Fei know what Hongxing Steel Group wants?
Whether they knew it or not, Gao Yaqin had already spoken at the beginning of the meeting.
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's advanced manufacturing processes, advanced research capabilities, and abundant technological potential...
Well, they want too much, but we can't blame the other party for making exorbitant demands, can we?
Asking for an exorbitant price, but settling for a bargain.
****
Whether or not this cooperation is successful, it will not affect the friendship between the two companies and between us.
Wang Xin, representing Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, hosted the midday banquet and delivered a warm toast.
Zhou Zicheng, one of Shen Fei's associates, only made a brief appearance before the banquet began. After exchanging a few pleasantries with the leaders of Hongxing Steel Group, he left early.
Wang Xin took the initiative and livened up the atmosphere, making it very lively.
Although everyone knew that Director Zhou left in a hurry to attend the midday office meeting.
The attitude expressed by Hongxing Steel Group and its willingness to seek common ground while reserving differences have already laid out their sincerity on the table, and they cannot remain silent.
To give a response as soon as possible, we can only hold a meeting at noon to finalize the decision.
Wang Xin was in charge of hosting the banquet, while the other leaders of Shenyang Aircraft Corporation were in a meeting in the conference room.
Wang Xin's opinion was already very clear. Even though everyone was waiting for the afternoon's results and only taking small sips of their wine, he remained confident in the outcome of the negotiations and the meeting.
This can be seen in his excited attitude as he chatted with Li Xuewu and others while holding a wine glass after giving his toast.
It seemed that this banquet was not a welcome banquet during the break, but a celebration of the successful negotiations.
At this point, Wang Xin was certain that his strongly advocated suggestion would bring new development opportunities to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation from the Hongxing Steel Group, which was located far away in Beijing.
"I heard it from Director Hu. Liaodong organized a financial investment conference." He raised his wine glass and spoke softly to Li Xuewu, "Is it for your group's international hotel project?"
"Yes, Deputy Director Lu and Director Hu are very decisive," Li Xuewu sincerely praised. "I was also surprised when I heard the specific amount of funding."
"It must be said that Liaodong Industry's enthusiasm and confidence in Hongxing Steel Group far exceeded everyone's expectations."
Wang Xin lightly clinked his wine glass against Li Xuewu's and said with a smile, "I'm really curious about what kind of magic the Red Star management model advocated by Deputy Director Lu has."
"Haven't you already seen it?"
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said, "Fengcheng Machinery Manufacturing Plant is a perfect example."
"Indeed, you're absolutely right!"
Wang Xin nodded in agreement, took a small sip of baijiu with gusto, and said, "That's right!"
This burly man from Shandong always spoke with a touch of his hometown dialect, which was quite interesting to listen to.
Seeing his reaction, Li Xuewu smiled, drank his wine, and said, "A true expert makes a move."
He didn't need to emphasize the second half of the sentence; it was a double entendre. Wang Xin looked at the wine glass in his hand with a wry smile, then resignedly tilted his head back and downed it all in one gulp.
Not much, just two ounces of wine.
But getting the information Li Xuewu wants from this meal won't be something that can be done with just a couple of drinks.
If you want Li Xuewu to speak freely and without reservation, he'd have to drink at least five jin of liquor.
But he doesn't have that kind of alcohol tolerance. He probably won't remember what Li Xuewu said or what he asked after drinking about 1.5 jin (750ml).
He already knew from Hu Ke that Li Xuewu was a well-known wine connoisseur in Beijing, so he didn't dare to take the risk. These issues could be discussed in a friendly atmosphere after the framework agreement was signed.
Since we couldn't talk about official business, we could only talk about personal matters. We started by discussing Li Xuewu's work and life in Liaodong, comparing the differences in customs and traditions between the capital and Liaodong. There were plenty of topics to discuss.
Wang Xin's thoughtfulness ensured that Gao Yaqin and Cheng Kaiyuan were not neglected, and the atmosphere at the dinner table remained excellent throughout.
Until a secretary quietly walked up behind him and reported something.
Remaining calm and composed even when faced with a collapsing mountain is a principle of self-cultivation for cadres.
Wang Xin truly achieved this, but Li Xuewu could already sense a hint of joy in the way Wang Xin looked at him.
Sure enough, after lunch, the representatives from both sides took a short rest, and the afternoon negotiation meeting was held as scheduled, in the same meeting room and the same location as in the morning.
"I am very sorry that I was unable to enjoy drinks with our distinguished guests who have come from afar. I have really failed to provide adequate hospitality."
Zhou Zicheng smiled and said politely, "It's unexpected that today's negotiations have progressed so smoothly. Our team members also held an emergency meeting during the lunch break."
"I should thank Shenfei for his hospitality; this is the most sumptuous lunch I have had since I came to Liaodong."
Li Xuewu, abandoning his cautious attitude from the morning, took the initiative to express his gratitude.
"Director Li asked us to convey his sincere invitation. I believe we will have the opportunity to fully enjoy our time together in Beijing next time we visit."
"It's an honor for us."
Zhou Zicheng gave a brief reply, and then asked the deputy chief designer, who was acting as the negotiating representative, to explain Shenfei's cooperation terms.
Since Hongxing Steel Group wasn't harsh or demanding, Shen Fei naturally had to maintain his composure.
Based on the morning's negotiations, the parts that both sides agreed upon were basically determined.
The subtle differences mainly lie in the basis and degree of connection between the two parties' cooperation.
While envying the progress of Hongxing Steel Group, they still hesitate to emulate its advanced achievements.
Shen Fei knew that Hongxing Steel Group had taken a unique development path, and they wanted to learn from it rather than copy it, so the framework agreement was full of contradictions and self-contradictions.
However, in Li Xuewu's view, this contradiction is more of a limitation and constraint of the times, an inherent characteristic of a way of thinking that has not yet had time to learn and change, and cannot be used as a standard for judgment.
So when the other party expressed their hope to send cadres to the steel group for exchange and learning starting in the second half of the year, Li Xuewu said, "Since it's an exchange and learning, why can't it be in the form of exchanging cadres?"
Amid Zhou Zicheng and Wang Xin's slightly surprised expressions, he continued, "Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me. Doesn't Shenfei's management have any experiences and strengths that we can learn from?"
This question stumped Zhou Zicheng, because the negotiations had set the tone from the very beginning that they would learn from the Red Star management model.
Sending cadres to study is not a simple, abstract action; it involves a systematic examination, learning, and summarizing of the management experience of the Red Star Factory.
During the study tour, it's inevitable that people will try to learn about the operating indicators and secrets of Hongxing Steel Group, which is something everyone is wary of.
Cheng Kaiyuan frowned slightly. He was okay with training courses or expert lectures, but it was a bit sensitive to actually involve management personnel in the group's organization.
This is completely different from the superiors arranging for cadres to take up temporary posts for training; this is about dismantling the organizational structure of Hongxing Steel Group.
If it's for learning purposes, that's understandable, but what if there are other motives?
Hongxing Steel Group should at least not take this risk.
After the other party raised their opinion, not only did the Hongxing Steel Group react sensitively, but Wang Xin, the liaison, also became somewhat nervous.
He already knew the specific terms of the negotiation, but he was worried that they might not be able to reach an agreement on some details, which could cause the negotiations to break down.
Unexpectedly, Li Xuewu's speech hit the nail on the head, directly opening up the deadlock of the conflict from another angle.
Since Shenyang Aircraft Corporation wants to send officers to learn, they should be able to accept equivalent conditions, right?
In this way, everyone shares the same risk; after all, everyone has a few secrets.
The deputy chief designer who raised this condition at the work meeting was sweating profusely.
Zhou Zicheng made the final decision, nodding in agreement with Li Xuewu's point of view.
"I strongly agree with and affirm Secretary-General Li's opinion; learning is always a two-way street."
He said sincerely, "We are willing to humbly learn from the advanced management experience of Hongxing Steel Group and seek the true secrets to improving technology and production capacity."
"Similarly, we also welcome cadres from Hongxing Steel Group to come to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for exchange and learning."
Zhou Zicheng spread his hands and said, "We are willing and able to provide the best working and learning environment for our comrades who come to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for exchange and learning with the utmost enthusiasm."
"I am already looking forward to meeting you in the capital."
Gao Yaqin was the first to stand up and extended her hand, saying, "Welcome to Hongxing Steel Group."
"Thank you, definitely!"
Sensing that the negotiation had reached an agreement, Zhou Zicheng stood up, took her hand, and shook it.
Wang Xin was the happiest of all, and he reached out his hand across the conference table to signal to Li Xuewu.
Li Xuewu smiled and shook hands with him, saying, "Welcome to Hongxing Steel Group."
"Definitely, I've been longing for it for a long time."
Wang Xin excitedly shook hands with him, and then went to shake hands with Gao Yaqin, who had just let go of his hand.
He was probably the only one in the room who was full of hope for the negotiations and genuinely wanted to connect the two companies.
He was so excited because he never expected that such an important cooperation agreement could be reached in the second round of negotiations, which was truly rare.
When Li Xuewu shook hands with Zhou Zicheng, he formally extended an invitation on behalf of Li Huaide, the director and general manager of the management committee of Hongxing Steel Group, inviting him to meet in Beijing.
A verbal invitation was not enough to express the importance and attitude towards this cooperation, so Li Xuewu also handed over an exquisite invitation letter and a gift.
The invitation was handwritten by Li Huaide, and the gift was a metal model of the KH-4, the first helicopter produced by the Steel City Aircraft Manufacturing Plant of Hongxing Steel Group.
The model is made of the same metal material as a helicopter fuselage. Not only can the propeller rotate, but the seats and operating structures inside the curved glass are also clearly visible, making it a very exquisite work of art.
Such art groups have dedicated departments to organize production, and each batch is numbered, making them exclusive gifts for the group's guests.
Zhou Zicheng looked very happy as he looked at the invitation and model gift in his hand.
With Wang Xin's help, he also gave a return gift to Li Xuewu and two others who were in charge of the negotiation team of Hongxing Steel Group.
The gift was a pure steel pilot's watch, with matching men's and women's styles, and it looked very exquisite.
Other members of the negotiation team also received a gift: a fountain pen with the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation logo, seemingly inspired by the steel group.
-
On the afternoon of September 14, Li Xuewu parted ways with Gao Yaqin and Cheng Kaiyuan. The two will take a chartered plane back to Beijing to report the results of the negotiations to the Group's Management Committee.
Li Xuewu then took the train back to Gangcheng to take care of the backlog of official business in the short time he had.
He will rush back to Fengcheng on September 16 to accompany Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's signing team back to Beijing.
This was the result of discussions among the three parties after the negotiation meeting.
Zhou Zicheng and Wang Xin sincerely invited him to visit Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and tour its factory.
However, Li Xuewu, citing that he had been away from the steel city for more than half a month, expressed his desire to visit Shenyang Aircraft Corporation again in the future, and boarded the train back to the steel city.
Secretary Zhang Enyuan had already received the news in advance and was waiting at the entrance of the train station with his driver.
Upon seeing him, she took the initiative to take his luggage and congratulated him with a smile.
"It's just normal cooperation."
Li Xuewu smiled, and the driver who opened the car door for him nodded and got into the car.
Zhang Enyuan quickly put his luggage into the trunk before jumping into the passenger seat.
"Director Kong of Gangfei has already received the news and is waiting for you in his office."
He turned to Li Xuewu and said, "I've already reminded him that you won't be coming to the factory, but will go straight home, but he still wants to wait for you."
"I won't go. Tell him for me to be prepared and to proceed according to plan."
Li Xuewu leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes slightly, and made no attempt to hide his exhaustion.
I got up at 7 a.m., only took a short half-hour break at noon, and was busy until 3 p.m.
Even with some rest on the train, the fatigue from the tense meetings and the journey could not be eliminated.
If he weren't physically strong, and if Lao Li had been running such a tight schedule, he might have developed glycogenemia from diabetes.
Zhang Enyuan understood what he meant, so he didn't report on work-related matters anymore.
Now that the leader has returned, he will be in the office all day tomorrow handling official business.
When the time comes, anyone who wants to report on their work can meet with him in turn as he arranges.
Li Xuewu had already told him that he had to return to Fengcheng on the morning of the 16th, and time was very tight.
Zhang Enyuan had compiled a list of urgent official matters by the afternoon.
Even the most important tasks require the Secretary-General to have sufficient time and energy.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of the villa. Before Li Xuewu could even open his eyes, Zhang Enyuan and the driver had already gotten out of the car.
The driver opened the car door for him, while Zhang Enyuan went to the trunk to get his luggage.
"Uncle Wu—"
The big-faced cat appeared at the doorway and then trotted over.
"Alright, that's enough for now."
Li Xuewu raised his hand, gesturing to Zhang Enyuan, and said, "Just give him the luggage."
"Then please take a good rest, boss."
Zhang Enyuan smiled and handed the luggage to the chubby boy who jogged over, then looked at Li Xuewu and said, "Xiao Zhang and I will pick you up tomorrow morning."
"Thank you for your hard work, please be careful."
Li Xuewu nodded and stepped into the courtyard after Banggeng had taken the luggage safely from him.
The aroma of food wafting from the open doorway was definitely not from a restaurant, as it wasn't as strong.
The smoky aroma that can only be found in the kitchen when frying, stir-frying, and cooking is like the taste of home.
Don't go to a restaurant and claim you tasted your mother's cooking. Do you call the kitchen auntie "Mom"?
"Aunt Zhou said you've worked hard and she's going to make you braised pork and fried ribbonfish."
Banggeng reported with a smile, "There's also very nourishing chicken soup, the kind I can drink too."
"Have you gained weight again?"
Li Xuewu looked at him suspiciously and asked, "Did you keep up with your exercise routine while I was away from home for the past two weeks?"
"Of course—" Bang Geng emphasized, stretching his neck, "I exercise every day!"
"Don't believe me? Take a look—"
He rolled up his sleeves and gestured to the muscles on his arms, saying, "Look at these muscles."
"You call this 'tendon meat'?" Li Xuewu chuckled and pinched it, saying, "Where would you get fat from 'tendon meat'?"
"This is the fat I've saved up for winter, to keep warm."
Banggeng followed him into the entryway, muttering, "I'm not cold this winter."
"Then there's no need to accumulate fat on your face. Does having thick skin make you more resistant to the cold?"
Li Xuewu changed into slippers and asked Zhou Yamei, who was standing at the kitchen door, "You're back too?"
"I'm a little worried about you."
Seeing that he was alright, Zhou Yamei went back to the kitchen, saying, "Take a shower first. The food will be ready in half an hour."
"We're just waiting for you to cook it."
Banggeng put his luggage on the sofa and laughed as he agreed, "I'm getting impatient waiting."
"Hehe, eat more tonight."
Li Xuewu looked at him with a mischievous smile and said, "Otherwise you'll be hungry during the five-kilometer run tomorrow morning."
He pointed at Bang Geng's chubby face and said, "I bet you haven't been exercising regularly."
"Then let's make a bet."
Banggeng arrogantly shouted, "How about I bet you'll let me go to Fengcheng?"
"Going to Fengcheng?" Li Xuewu sized him up and asked, "What are you going to Fengcheng for?"
"Something happened in Fengcheng, didn't it?"
Bang Geng said enthusiastically, "You have to give me a chance to show my abilities."
"What are your abilities?"
Li Xuewu walked into the bathroom and saw the bathtub covered by a bamboo curtain. He knew that Zhou Yamei had prepared hot water for him, and his heart felt warm.
Banggeng's heart was also warmed. Standing at the bathroom door, watching him take a bath, he insisted, "I can fight!"
"Oh, how many can you hit?"
Li Xuewu's tone didn't exactly convey doubt, but it also lacked sufficient trust.
This greatly excited Young Master Jia, who tried his best to prove himself, saying, "I can take on ten of them!"
"A kindergarten child?"
Li Xuewu turned to look at him and said, "Do you think you can brag to me without paying taxes, so you're bragging as much as you can?"
"I said I could take on ten, not ten at once," Banggeng retorted stubbornly. "Just a few days ago I..."
"Huh? What else?"
Li Xuewu seemed to have noticed something, turned to look at him and asked, "Did you mess with Huo Zi?"
"No, I was just saying."
The kid was clearly hiding something. Before Li Xuewu could say anything more, he turned and left through the door.
When Zhou Yamei called him for dinner, he was already asleep in the bathtub.
Warm water can indeed relieve fatigue and help you sleep, but it can also deplete your energy and exacerbate fatigue.
Li Xuewu had little appetite for the delicious dishes prepared by Zhou Yamei.
It's not that the food tastes wrong; it's a reaction to fatigue from a hard-working state.
"If I had known you would act like this, I would have let you eat first and then take a bath."
Zhou Yamei refilled his bowl of rice and said with a hint of helplessness, "Another bowl, please."
"Just one night—"
Li Xuewu took the rice, glanced at her with a smile, and the meaning was self-evident.
Zhou Yamei was both annoyed and amused. She glared at him and then gestured to the hamburger who was gnawing on a bone.
Li Xuewu didn't pay much attention, and turned to tease the pheasant, asking, "How have you been living these past few days while your Aunt Zhou and I were away?"
"How else can we live?"
Banggeng looked up at him with a puzzled expression and said, "It's what it is, it's what it is."
"But seriously, Uncle Wu."
He looked at Li Xuewu, pursed his lips, and said, "The time you were away from home was the most relaxing time I've had since I came to Gangcheng."
"What do you mean? Are you annoyed with me?"
Li Xuewu picked up a piece of pork rib and ate it, asking, "Do you still think I'm a burden?"
"No, it's just that I feel very relaxed and free."
Banggeng nodded seriously and said, "Now I finally understand why some people choose to leave their parents after they become adults."
"Just because you're free?" Li Xuewu sized him up and said, "Aren't you free at home?"
"Is that even a question?" Banggeng curled his lip and said, "My grandma nags when my mom is at work, and my mom nags when my mom comes home from get off work."
Can you imagine how boring and helpless it would be to have someone constantly nagging you from the moment you wake up until you go to bed?
Without waiting for Li Xuewu's reply, he shook his head slightly, sighed, and said, "It's terrible!"
"How bad is it? Worse than running five kilometers?" Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said, "Or worse than being caught doing something wrong?"
"If you get caught, you've obviously made a mistake."
Banggeng, gnawing on the bone in his hand, said arrogantly, "What hasn't been discovered is a secret."
"That makes sense—"
After Li Xuewu finished eating, he put down his chopsticks and gave Banggeng a thumbs-up.
"It seems you may not have been exercising these days, but you must have been reading."
He nodded, looking at the smug-looking Bang Geng, and said, "I hope you can be just as tough and quick-witted when trouble comes knocking."
"I'm going to Fengcheng, how am I supposed to find you?" Banggeng retorted, "Even if you do find me, is it really trouble if you can't find me?"
"Who said you were going to Fengcheng?"
Li Xuewu looked at him seriously and said, "I won't let you leave until trouble comes knocking. Just wait, young master."
Zhou Yamei watched the father and son bickering, amused by the spectacle. She knew that Banggeng had gotten into trouble.
-
"Don't you want to get some rest?"
After dinner, on days when there are no TV dramas, it's best to go to bed early and rest.
Zhou Yamei looked at him with some concern and asked, "Aren't you supposed to be at work tomorrow? And you have to rush to Fengcheng the day after tomorrow..."
"Work is work, and life is life; that's the principle."
Li Xuewu patted her arm and, seeing her suspicious look, said, "Come on, let's go. This is a matter of dignity, and I can't let you look down on me."
"I have never underestimated you."
Zhou Yamei gave him a coquettish look, knowing that her concern had hurt his pride.
"In my mind, you have always been a tall, mighty, and incredibly strong figure."
"Isn't it a bit late to say all this now? I feel like you're just trying to comfort me," Li Xuewu asked, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Do you really think I'm trying to get hard?"
"Do I have to take the initiative to admit my mistake?"
Zhou Yamei chuckled and lay down beside him, gently patting him and saying, "Alright, sweetie, go to sleep, okay?"
“You provoked me first, Zhou Yamei.” Li Xuewu turned over and looked at her, emphasizing, “Prepare for battle, comrade.”
"You're serious, comrade."
Zhou Yamei patted his chest with a smile and said, "Let me tell you this first, don't blame me for nagging you if you're not energetic at work tomorrow."
"I don't have that habit."
Li Xuewu propped himself up on his arms, looked at her, raised his eyebrows, and said, "But I can give you this sentence, don't say I went too far."
Will you give me the opportunity to say these things?
Zhou Yamei's eyes were only on him. She reached out and put her arm around his neck, then asked with a smile, "Or do you need some time to mentally prepare yourself?"
"Good job, don't cry later."
Crying was out of the question; at most, she might wail a few times, but she tried her best to restrain herself.
Zhou Yamei didn't want to face Bang Geng's strange looks the next morning, and she didn't want to explain why she was crying.
She was naturally responsible for extinguishing the flames of war she had started; she had enough experience to handle such situations, and at worst, she could just faint.
"How's the situation in Fengcheng?"
With the moon high in the sky and the wind and rain subsiding, Zhou Yamei returned from the bathroom, changed into her pajamas, and asked Li Xuewu, who was lying on the bed, a question.
Li Xuewu grunted twice before saying, "We're still looking for the person."
"Do you think it's either of them..."
Zhou Yamei didn't finish her sentence. Instead, she got back into bed and looked at him.
"What do you think?"
Li Xuewu opened his eyes, looked at her, and asked, "Are they worthy of suspicion?"
“How would I know? I didn’t go to Fengcheng to see them.” Zhou Yamei frowned slightly and said, “But I’ve thought about it for a long time and I still can’t figure out why they would do this.”
"I couldn't think of that either, so I stopped thinking about it and let them do it."
Li Xuewu closed his eyes again and said, "No matter who did it, there must be a purpose."
"I don't want to wait until his ponytail shows after a long time, and I don't have the patience to waste time with him."
"In that case..." Zhou Yamei asked hesitantly, "Won't the business in Fengcheng be ruined, and even affect Gangcheng and Jicheng?"
"Then we'll see what the mastermind is trying to achieve. You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub."
Li Xuewu opened his eyes, looked at the ceiling, and said, "If we don't reveal any flaws, how can the other side fall for it?"
"But the price is a bit too high."
Zhou Yamei frowned and said, "It's difficult to get back into the business after you've exited it."
"I never consider personal gain or loss when I do things; people are more important."
Li Xuewu reached out and touched her smooth face, and smiled slightly, saying, "There are people who can do things. If there are no people, there will be no people to do things."
"You're planning to send Banggeng to Fengcheng?"
Zhou Yamei looked at him and asked, "Isn't it a little too small?"
“Learn from them and broaden your horizons.” Li Xuewu turned to look out the window and said, “Having skills alone is useless without courage.”
"Lin Chong dared to go to Liangshan because he had no other choice. If he had any other choice, he would not have become an outlaw."
He sighed and said, "Let's see how he chooses. Life and death are predestined."
(End of this chapter)