MMB Chapter 1480 I Love Studying
Chapter 1480 I Love Studying
Chapter 1480 I Love Studying
"I don't know how to explain it."
Li Xuewu spread his hands and looked helplessly at the members of the group's management committee in the meeting room, saying, "Maybe I've met my real opponent."
"What's that old saying again?"
He smiled and looked at Gao Yaqin beside him, asking a question before continuing, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. They know us too well; they've already started studying our 'Three-Year Plan' and 'Five-Year Plan.' How can we negotiate?"
"Hehehe—" Seeing that he was making fun of it, bursts of light laughter filled the conference room.
Li Xuewu is trying to play dumb, but Shenfei's latest offer has dropped by a full 220 million yuan.
What was Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's original valuation of Tadong Airport? Over nine million yuan, but now they've cut it back.
Tell me, Shen Fei knows Hongxing Steel Group so well, how come he cut himself in the process?
Su Weide smiled, but there was something else in his eyes when he looked at Li Xuewu.
He couldn't speak at this moment. The Li Xuewu sitting here today was no longer the former secretary-general of the management committee, but also held the important position of leader of the group's leading group for light and heavy industry in Liaodong.
Some people have asked, wasn't Li Xuewu already in this position when he left the group for Liaodong at the beginning of the year?
Yes, that's right, but at that time, the group's industrial enterprises in Liaodong were developing well on the surface, but a major crisis was lurking beneath the surface.
On the one hand, the implementation of organizational and personnel reforms has been slow to materialize, and on the other hand, the technological and production reforms led by Dong Wenxue in Liaodong have yet to produce tangible results.
In its process of becoming a group, Hongxing Factory was eager for quick success, either by merging or acquiring several local industrial enterprises, and by boldly expanding itself.
This behavior, which is perceived by outsiders as reckless and bold, actually carries hidden risks in production management.
At the time, neither the outside world nor the higher authorities, nor even the group's management committee headed by Li Huaide, believed that Dong Wenxue could change the status quo.
What should you do when management reaches a deadlock?
The organization had long been familiar with this, and that was to change the leadership.
The initial decision to send Li Xuewu to Liaodong was partly due to his own voluntary choice, and partly because Li Huaide lacked business acumen and needed Li Xuewu to solidify the foundation.
Looking back, whether then or now, Li Huaide didn't really trust Li Xuewu.
Su Weide could see this; from what he had seen, heard, and felt since joining the group, the group's management structure was riddled with loopholes.
Given that Hongxing Steel Group has an inadequate organizational structure and numerous contradictions and problems, why has the group been able to develop so well?
After several accidents, Su Weide summarized the following lessons learned.
Firstly, Li Huaide lacked business acumen.
Some people say that's nonsense, that the fact that key leaders don't understand the business is also a reason for promoting the positive development of the company?
To be fair, this is indeed the case in some situations: when business operations are so strong that the main leaders seem to be causing trouble, the company will develop in a positive direction.
Secondly, Dong Wenxue's support for Li Huaide, while stationed in Liaodong, solidified Li Huaide's influence over industrial enterprises.
Then there's Li Xuewu, a key figure who demonstrated extraordinary abilities and potential in multiple areas, including security, business, and economics.
Su Weide would bet Cheng Kaiyuan's head that if Li Xuewu hadn't been stirring things up behind Old Li's back and offering advice the first two times, he would have already killed Cheng Kaiyuan and Zhang Jingsong.
Most of today's frustration comes from Li Xuewu, and the rest is due to Li Huaide's incompetence and lack of virtue.
What right does such a lecherous man have to sit here and preside over the work? What were Dong Wenxue and Li Xuewu thinking, that they would be willing to support such a scoundrel?
In the end, most members of the group's management committee still supported Lao Li, especially Jing Yunong, the chief accountant who was very unfriendly to Li Xuewu.
The chief accountant is certainly more important than the chief engineer and the chief economist.
Su Weide considered himself a scholar, having worked in the Ministry of Machine Building for many years, and believed he possessed personal charisma.
Even if he lacks grassroots work experience, he's still better than Li Huaide, who's utterly useless, right?
We both came from the Ministry of Machine Building, so is Jing Yunong blind? How come he can't see himself?
Others may not know, but he himself does, and he has done a lot of work on Jing Yunong behind the scenes.
They tried to contact him proactively or asked former colleagues and friends for help, but to no avail.
His enthusiasm was met with indifference, which left him feeling extremely frustrated.
Su Weide couldn't understand Dong Wenxue and Li Xuewu, couldn't handle Jing Yunong, and couldn't even deal with the defeated general Cheng Kaiyuan. He was almost ready to consult a shaman.
It was all planned long ago. Li Xuewu couldn't possibly clean up the mess of Liaodong's industry so quickly. Li Huaide's move was extremely risky. If Liaodong's industry ran into problems, it would definitely cause a complete collapse.
No one will believe that the young Li Xuewu can shoulder such a heavy responsibility; in the end, it will be the old Li who will be proven wrong.
For nearly a year, Su Weide both caused trouble for Liaodong and tripped up Lao Li.
What no one expected was that while Li Xuewu was swift and decisive in the group, he was gentle and kind in his dealings with people below.
Even if this rain is a soft knife, it couldn't have eliminated everyone so quickly.
Were Xu Sinian, Lü Yuanshen, Kuang Yusheng, and Bi Yuding, these former section chiefs, just sitting idly by?
Damn it, these bastards are really good for nothing! Back when Dong Wenxue was in Liaodong, these dogs were all big talkers, but when Li Xuewu went to Liaodong, he scared them all off with just one banquet. You tell me, aren't they just good for nothing?
What is there to be afraid of about Li Xuewu!
Ah!
Suweid couldn't accept this fact. He almost smashed his cup and cursed when he saw these scoundrels pledging their loyalty in the newspaper. They surrendered way too fast!
That's utter nonsense. Others may not know, but that's what Lü Yuanshen, the biggest braggart, thinks.
If you, Su Weide, are so awesome, why don't you confront Li Xuewu head-on and let us take the lead?
We're not throwing fast, we're afraid we won't be as fast as Li Xuewu's bullets. You say we're vegetarians, but you also think this scoundrel is a vegetarian, right?
We don't blame you for arriving late to the group, but you should ask around and find out how this scoundrel managed to rise from a lowly security section chief to where he is now.
He's climbed to where he is today by stepping on a bunch of heads; we don't want to give away our lives.
No matter how powerful Li Xuewu is, he didn't act arrogantly when he came to Liaodong. Besides, everyone can see that this scoundrel is just here for a transition period. What's wrong with letting him stay for three to five years?
When Dong Wenxue was in Liaodong, he didn't initially hold the position of deputy director of the management committee.
Think about it, we all come from the same background. Why should kings and nobles be born with special privileges? Who's afraid of him?
But Li Xuewu is different. This scoundrel came down with the hat of the secretary-general of the management committee. He almost had the power to act first and report later in Liaodong. You come here.
Now it seems that Li Xuewu changed his working approach in Liaodong and used mature governance techniques.
But what about back then?
Who the hell dares to bet that Li Xuewu's arrival in Liaodong was either a warning to others or something?
Only an idiot would bother arguing with a jerk like that. If you, Su Weide, are so awesome, why don't you just take him down at the management committee meeting? Say something!
"The Secretary-General is well-versed in economics. Even Director Li said that with you in Liaodong, everything is guaranteed to be safe."
Suweide finally spoke, but something felt off about his tone. Was he trying to curry favor?
"If you ask me, gold shines wherever it is, and Comrade Xuewu is good at seizing opportunities."
He smiled and looked at the others, saying, "Sometimes you can gain the upper hand by approaching things from the best angle, especially in negotiations. It's really impressive."
"I believe everyone is already aware of the situation at Tadon Airport, right?"
Li Huaide ignored his flattery; such a petty person was not worth admiring or trusting.
He looked around and then said to Li Xuewu, "Let's not go into the details. Tell me your thoughts and opinions on airport operations."
"Whether or not to acquire Tadon Airport depends on the timing..."
Li Xuewu did not become arrogant after being flattered by Su Weide; instead, like Old Li, he chose to ignore it and focused on his work.
"According to Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's clear stance, once Tadong Airport is sold, the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry will no longer provide funding or policy guidance and assistance."
He pointed to the documents beside him and emphasized, "In other words, from the day we officially take over Tadon Airport, we will have to accept the reality that the airport is losing tens of thousands of yuan per month on average."
"Do you have the specific data yet?"
Xue Zhifu flipped through the meeting documents in his hand and asked the chief accountant, Jing Yunong.
"No, because it can't be calculated."
Jing Yunong quickly provided the answer: "The operating data of Tadong Airport is a complete mess."
She moved aside the documents provided by the conference organizing committee, glanced at Xue Zhifu, and then explained to everyone, "The Third Ministry of Machinery Industry provides the backing, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation handles the operations, and also takes care of some passenger aircraft start-stop business."
"I had the finance department conduct a preliminary audit of some of the financial accounts provided by the other party and found that they had no profit target at all; all the accounts were loss-making."
"What a mess!"
Gu Weijie looked at Li Huaide and asked, "Director Li, what did the leaders of the First Ministry of Machine Building say?"
She paused, then continued, "If we take over Tadon Airport, are there any other requirements regarding policies and operations?"
That's a very pertinent question, and everyone's eyes turned to Li Huaide.
Li Huaide pondered for a few seconds before speaking: "Director Du means that Hongxing Steel Group is developing towards diversification and three-dimensionality."
"He mentioned Gangfei and Yingcheng Shipbuilding."
As he spoke, Old Li sat up straight and nodded to everyone.
"According to him, since airplanes and ships have been built and foreign trade has been established, it is reasonable to purchase an airport to operate it."
He scratched the head of the man in the Bright Peak, a snort escaping his nostrils, and said, "As for policy, Director Du's point is still to focus on business."
"If business development requires it, then we will apply according to the procedures; if not, then we really don't have it."
"After all, it's not a subordinate unit."
Su Weide then explained, "The First Ministry of Machine Building did not have the scope of aircraft and airport management, so it was impossible for it to provide the policies and conditions of the Third Ministry of Machine Building."
"My thought is that guiding policies are better off not having, as they will restrict development to some extent."
Li Xuewu spoke again, explaining quickly, "The losses are not irreversible, including those in route construction and airport operations."
"There are two directions. For every domestic route opened, there will be a loss. That's for sure."
He spread his hands and said, "To make a profit, we need to open international routes, which is very difficult."
"The second direction is airport operations."
Li Xuewu pushed the airport operation plan he had on hand forward and said, "Making the most of the flights landing in Fengcheng, improving service quality and expanding service scope is also a way out."
He turned to Li Huaide and emphasized, "Since the group can set industry standards in automobiles, aircraft, and hospitality services, why can't it set a benchmark in the shipping industry?"
"I think this line of thinking is correct."
Gu Weijie pointed with her finger, glanced at Li Xuewu, and then said to Li Huaide, "When any industry's business reaches or exceeds the standard line, it will generate a clustering effect in business volume."
"If we can gather all the flights landing in Fengcheng, even half of them could turn the situation around."
She looked at Li Huaide and emphasized this point, because only Old Li could do this.
Some people say that Lao Li is incompetent, but he is actually quite capable, at least in terms of social skills.
Just tell me, what kind of resources do you need? Aside from offending the Northern Industrial Daily with his outspokenness, he has friends all over the industrial system.
Are fair-weather friends no longer considered friends?
Over the years, the number of leaders from various units that the Hongxing Factory has entertained is so large that even a train couldn't keep up. Old Li's personal entertainment expenses always exceed the limit, but Jing Yunong never complains.
why?
The reason is simple: when there's work that needs coordination, Lao Li's intervention is really effective.
People in this era still have some principles: they don't drink alcohol for free, and they don't eat meat for free.
"Should we communicate with Liaodong about this?"
Li Huaide really didn't understand this, and looked at Li Xuewu to ask, "Should we contact the civil aviation authorities?"
"We need both, and we need to do both at the same time."
Li Xuewu's answer was concise and to the point: "When you are doing your work, please be mindful of the degree of progress and don't be too far ahead of the curve. You need to leave room for our negotiation work."
"Hmm, hehehe—"
Li Huaide understood the meaning behind Li Xuewu's reminder and nodded with a light laugh.
"I'll take another look at the details of the airport operation plan. I think there shouldn't be any problems."
He tilted his body and glanced at everyone, his eyes asking a question.
Gao Yaqin chuckled and said, "I have great faith in the Secretary-General's experience in economic work, and I also have faith in his organizational abilities."
“Since the chief economist has said so—” Li Huaide, making sure everyone had no objections, looked at Li Xuewu with a smile and said, “Since you’re in Liaodong, then you’ll have to work harder and make the preparations.”
Old Li's implication was that he was temporarily delegating the operational and management authority of Tadong Airport to Li Xuewu, including both operational and management rights.
"I have a few suggestions regarding the construction of air routes," Li Xuewu said after nodding. "Looking at Northeast Asia, Fengcheng cannot miss the new development and new opportunities for economic construction in the new era."
"The Soviet Union, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia should all actively establish dual air routes and provide landing conditions."
He boldly stated, "Even if it doesn't work out this year, we must try our best next year. Even if it doesn't work out the year after next or the year after that, it will still be a success."
“This—” Su Weide suddenly frowned and began to speak, “Comrade Xuewu just mentioned those four countries in Northeast Asia, aren’t they a bit…”
“Civil aviation—” Xue Zhifu glanced at him and said, “That’s not restricted.”
Su Weide looked at Li Xuewu, wanting to confirm this point of view, but Li Xuewu nodded.
"Due to time constraints, I will briefly introduce the civil aviation situation here, which will also facilitate your coordination and assistance in carrying out the project in the future."
He began by saying, "As everyone knows, civil aviation was very small in its early stages, with only 12 small aircraft and 3 international routes and 9 domestic routes."
"Two lines were opened with Tianjin as the base, connecting Tianjin, Beijing, Hankou, Chongqing, and Guangzhou."
"Mountain City, Jin City, Xichang, Huadu, and Spring City, three lines have been opened based on the mountain city."
"There are also several local lines..."
He only introduced the key points, and everyone listened attentively, showing that Li Xuewu had done his homework.
"Currently, we operate 26 domestic routes, including shipping infrastructure in cities such as Jinjiang and Tianjin; and 4 international routes, to Sudan, North Korea, South Korea, and Myanmar."
After Li Xuewu finished his introduction, he looked at Su Weide and said, "The construction of civil aviation routes is not their responsibility, but ours. It depends on whether we are willing to build transportation bridges."
“Hmm—” Suwei asked thoughtfully, “If that’s the case, then we could also establish air routes to France and the port city?”
"If it's a cargo plane or a charter flight, that's fine."
Li Xuewu stated very clearly: "This is also the third point I want to make."
He turned to the crowd and explained, "Compared to the embarrassing situation of insufficient passenger traffic, freight transport is a profitable sector in the shipping and transportation industry."
"Moreover, the conditions for setting up cargo routes are more lenient than those for passenger routes, and the same applies to charter flights."
“We can charter flights, but what about cargo?” Xue Zhifu asked, raising his head slightly. “Do we need to buy a few more transport planes?”
“It can be rented.” Jing Yunong suddenly spoke up, answering Xue Zhifu’s question. She looked at Li Xuewu with a frown and asked, “You mean to conduct related business through the logistics headquarters?”
"That way it's perfectly legitimate."
Li Xuewu nodded, confirming her guess, and then looked at everyone again to explain, "The group has a relatively close business relationship with the Santaya Group, and the transportation conditions have been met."
“The Santayah Group has recently made great strides in Southeast Asia, so let’s get a piece of the pie too.”
"What are you transporting?" Su Weide still didn't understand, and asked with a frown, "Hardware and electrical appliances?"
“Transporting planes and food.” Li Xuewu looked at him, raised an eyebrow slightly and said, “Gangfei’s KH-4 helicopters have considerable sales in Southeast Asia.”
"Food trade has a certain exemption from inspection, which can serve as a supplement."
He then looked at the others and said, "Precision machinery can also be used for shipping, depending on the cost. I value imports more than exports."
At this point, Li Xuewu glanced at Old Li, who immediately understood what he meant—East Germany!
"Then let's prepare from multiple angles."
Seeing that everyone had no questions about the airport and flight route setup, Li Huaide didn't give them time to dwell on other details.
Because details do not need to be discussed in a meeting, especially specific implementation plans.
Don't say that Lao Li is overly cautious; he talks about unity but doesn't actually trust his comrades.
At this level, who does he trust?
Especially for those people on the management committee, their job is to set the direction and policies, not to discuss how to implement them. Entrusting it to the right people is the right choice.
"Route acquisition, route establishment, cargo route development, and cargo aircraft leasing..."
He wrote down the results of the discussion in his notebook and said, "Next, Shouqi."
After speaking, he stopped writing with his pen, looked up at Li Xuewu, and said, "Tell me about the progress of the cooperation negotiations with Shouqi."
-
How prepared and confident are we in the construction and development of Hami Mining?
Li Xuewu walked out of the conference room and asked Xue Zhifu, who was with him, a question.
Xue Zhifu took a puff of his cigarette and replied, "I might dare to say that if it were North China or Northeast China."
He glanced at Li Xuewu, frowned slightly, and said, "Even though we have been operating in the border region for several years, our foundation is still somewhat weak."
"The office was initially set up in Wucheng, and the branch office was also built in Wucheng afterward."
Xue Zhifu flicked his cigarette ash and said, "Although the frontier branch has developed well in recent years, it still can't reach that level of influence."
"Then let's see who has the best skills." Li Xuewu raised his eyes and said, "If they really don't give us a chance, then let's flip the table and see who the hell is sucking up to us."
You can't think like that—
Xue Zhifu said with a wry smile, "The construction company is in a difficult situation. Do you still want to take on business in other regions in the future?"
"It's the Energy Corporation—"
He turned around and asked Zhang Jingsong, who was walking behind him, "Old Zhang, how's the situation on your end?"
"The other party is still quite concerned about the joint venture nature."
Zhang Jingsong was also smoking; he had been feeling suffocated in the meeting room and was now looking for a kick in.
Smoking isn't prohibited in the meeting room, but the meeting agenda is so tight that it can easily slip by if you're not paying attention. Everyone is focused and trying their best to refrain from smoking.
He stubbed out his cigarette, took a couple of steps to catch up with the two men, and said, "The message that came back yesterday afternoon said that Hami asked for the joint venture company's information."
"Headquarters or a branch office?"
Li Xuewu had a reason for asking this question: Hongxing United Energy Development Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the group, and there is no joint venture involved.
The United Mining Company under the Energy Development Corporation is a joint venture, with social capital accounting for 40% and Santay Group accounting for 25% through technical support and nominee shareholding. Therefore, this is the joint venture.
Initially, domestic policy conditions were taken into consideration, and the joint venture work was standardized to a certain extent.
“It’s a mining company.” Zhang Jingsong walked on Xue Zhifu’s other side and said with great concern, “The border region is relatively conservative in its economic and development policies. I estimate that this mining cooperation is going to be in trouble.”
"Does United Mining have concerns? Do United Enterprises have concerns about the machinery and equipment they produce?"
Li Xuewu pursed his lips and said, "If United Mining fails this time, then we'll sell the machinery and equipment. We can't go for nothing; we have to earn back the travel expenses."
"You certainly know how to scheme—"
Gao Yaqin came over from behind, perhaps having overheard their conversation, and said with a smile.
They walked towards the elevator together; the meeting had ended, and they were getting ready to go downstairs for dinner.
This was Li Xuewu's first time eating a work meal at the group's headquarters building; he had heard the food there was quite good.
Compared to the kitchen in the steel rolling mill, the kitchen here features a modern style that combines Chinese and Western elements, with extensive use of stainless steel plates.
There is no doubt that stainless steel can be produced in this era. As a representative of the metallurgical and steel rolling industries, wouldn't it be a joke if the kitchens of Hongxing Steel Group couldn't use stainless steel?
Initially, no one thought of using stainless steel to make kitchen equipment and decorations; it was the Frenchman's idea.
Why is it described as a fusion of East and West? It incorporates Western steaming and baking techniques, but for different foods, while retaining Chinese stewing and boiling techniques, resulting in the delicious flavor of large pot rice.
"Bu Qingfang from the Energy Corporation is back."
When Zhang Jingsong entered the restaurant, he said to Li Xuewu, "Why don't you come with me to meet her this afternoon?"
"Is it about Hami Mining?"
Li Xuewu looked at him with a puzzled expression and asked, "What's there to be so conflicted about? If you can do it, do it; if you can't, find another one. There will be plenty of projects like this in the future."
"That's not it. She's come up with a development plan for the energy company. Take a look at it first."
Zhang Jingsong explained, "The Energy Corporation's business is mostly in Liaodong, you must know something about that."
The group's headquarters restaurant has a variety of dining areas, including private rooms, semi-private seating, and large standard four-person tables.
Private rooms and semi-private rooms are mostly prepared for people who need to talk, entertain, or work.
Inside the steel rolling mill, the group's leaders still dine together in a private round table room.
They sat down wherever they could find a place. Since Zhang Jingsong had found him, the two of them found a semi-private seat and sat down.
There are plenty of food windows, covering an entire wall, so there's no need to worry about crowding or not being able to get a table.
After all, the company is not yet at full capacity, and no workers have come to eat. How many cadres and employees can the group headquarters have?
The canteen here has reopened, which has relieved the burden on the steel rolling mill's main canteen, and most of the cadres have come over.
Zhang Jingsong's secretary and Zhang Enyuan went to fetch the food together, and the two worked together quite well.
"Logistical conditions are now better."
Looking at the stainless steel plates and bowls, Li Xuewu said, "They are more in line with modern standards."
"What standards are we talking about these days?"
Zhang Jingsong smiled and said, "What Director Weijie said at the meeting makes a lot of sense."
"From a business perspective, it means artificially creating market barriers."
Li Xuewu explained by chopping his hand on the dining table: "Dividing the market makes it easier to provide services that match value, and this is the prototype of a standard."
“Then our group’s logistics services should have a standard.” Zhang Jingsong smiled and said after hearing his explanation, “We’re all a group company, shouldn’t we have standards?”
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "The food tastes as good as ever. I hope that no matter how the conditions and standards change, this won't change."
"We've recruited over a hundred more people this year."
Zhang Jingsong explained to him, "I feel like all the best chefs in the city have come to our group."
"It all comes down to Director Li being willing to invest—"
While eating, Li Xuewu couldn't resist teasing Li Huaide, and Zhang Jingsong across from him laughed.
Well, Li Huaide was particularly generous and attentive to the issue of food.
He was the one who started the small canteen culture, and the whole group has a strong sense of the importance of food.
"Qin Huairu of the guesthouse submitted a report to the logistics department, applying to establish a catering management company."
Zhang Jingsong glanced at Li Xuewu casually and said, "Her idea is to build on the existing three brands and form a large-scale industrial service."
"She still has some ideas."
Li Xuewu didn't pay attention to his probing gaze; it was he who had given this suggestion to Qin Huairu.
As for why it took so long to bring it out, it's probably because of Qin Huairu's cautious personality.
This is no longer the era where you can just submit a report and do it if it works, and abandon it if it doesn't.
Any written agreement must bear corresponding responsibility; it cannot be resolved with just a few words.
"So, it sounds like the three restaurants in town are making money? And they want to expand their operations?"
He took a bite of the stewed potatoes, and sure enough, it really did taste like braised pork, but he couldn't see any meat in it.
The way this is made is out of necessity, because with thousands of people eating, no matter how much braised pork you make, it won't be enough. It's better to make braised pork stewed with potatoes.
When potatoes taste like meat, even if you can't see the meat, you'll feel like you're eating meat, since the meat is right in the pot anyway.
Eating meat in the cafeteria is like winning the lottery; you should be secretly happy when you find meat in your bowl.
"She gave me a financial report, which looked quite professional."
Zhang Jingsong explained with a smile: "Including the existing restaurant in the guesthouse, not counting the tea room on the first floor of the headquarters, their guesthouse's net profit this year exceeded 37 yuan."
"How did they do that?" Li Xuewu had never heard Qin Huairu mention this data before; perhaps it hadn't been compiled yet, but the data was truly astonishing.
"Not needing a ticket is one aspect, but another is the service and taste."
Zhang Jingsong thought for a moment and said, "I've been to all three restaurants, and they do have different impressions."
“How should I put it——”
After a moment's hesitation, he said, "From the service level and attitude of the waiters to the dining environment, it should be the best restaurant in Beijing."
"This might be what Director Weijie was referring to as exceeding industry standards."
"Hmm, now that you mention it, I remember something."
Li Xuewu put down his chopsticks, took a sip of radish soup, and casually asked, "How should we allocate these profits?"
“I’m thinking about that too,” Zhang Jingsong said. “Qin Huairu’s idea is to distribute part of it as a bonus to reward and encourage the staff of the guesthouse.”
"Part of the funds will be used for renovations to refurbish the guesthouse area, since it will still be needed in the future."
He explained, "She wants to use the surplus funds from this year to buy land in the city to further expand her business."
"Are you opening branches? How can you guarantee the taste?"
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "If that's really what she's thinking, then applying for a catering management company is the right thing to do."
“Hmm, I’ve thought about it. I can give her this opportunity.” Zhang Jingsong took a bite of potato and said, “This catering management company is affiliated with the property management company.”
"It involves land, right?"
Li Xuewu nodded understandingly and said, "Okay, I don't think there's any problem."
After finishing his meal, he put down his chopsticks and said, "Taking advantage of the current low prices of vacant storefronts in the city suitable for running restaurants, we can indeed exchange some of them for logistics."
"Exchange it for the vacated houses, right?"
Zhang Jingsong nodded with a slight smile and said, "I think the same way as you. Buying may not be suitable, but exchanging is definitely okay, as long as we don't cross the line."
What is the red line? It is when the group purchases a large number of stores, which conflicts with the current rigid management practices and will attract unnecessary scrutiny and attention. That is what they need to consider.
Li Xuewu wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and said, "It would be best to choose a few representative buildings. There's no need to open restaurants all over the city; that would be foolish."
"I've already spoken to her."
Zhang Jingsong finished eating, drank the remaining soup in his bowl, ate some radish, and then put down his chopsticks and said, "Setting up a company is fine, but the profits must go to the logistics department."
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "She will definitely agree."
"Of course, there's nothing she wouldn't want to do."
Zhang Jingsong raised an eyebrow and said, "I've done my best. Let's see how she performs."
The two stood up together and, with their respective secretaries, carried their trays to the handwashing area. The employees dining there all looked over and whispered among themselves.
That's how it is in government offices; whatever a leader does will spark discussion and speculation among subordinates.
Look, the Secretary-General is walking with Deputy Director Zhang. Don't they have a closer relationship now?
After all, Deputy Director Zhang almost fell into the pit back then, and it was the Secretary-General who helped pull him out.
It's no exaggeration to say that the two have a good relationship now.
Anyone familiar with the relationships among the group's leaders knows that these two are unlikely to end up together.
-
The management committee's working meeting lasted all morning, and related meetings and talks lasted all afternoon, and the day was over.
When Li Xuewu got home, it was already dark. He looked at the time on his wrist and it was only 5:30.
"Brother Guodong arranged for someone to deliver firewood."
When Er Ya saw him enter the courtyard, she gestured to the carriage parked at the gate and gave him an explanation.
Li Xuewu glanced at the man carrying firewood and the young man, who seemed to be a father and son, and nodded.
"Is Li Shu out of school?"
"He's learning the piano from Wu."
Er Ya explained, "Teacher Xiao Xiao arrived early today; she picked up Li Shu from kindergarten."
Li Xuewu could already hear the piano music coming from the foyer as he walked in the courtyard; it sounded quite nice.
"dad--"
Before they even entered the house, Li Ning threw down the toy he was holding and ran over, wanting a hug.
The two-year-old chubby boy felt heavy, even when Li Xuewu held him, he must have weighed thirty pounds.
"I still want to learn the piano—"
In the living room, Li Shu also envied her younger brother, but because Teacher Xiaoxiao was there, she could only pretend to be dissatisfied and remind her brother, when in fact she was looking at her father.
Xiao Xiao understood what the little girl was thinking all too well. She glanced at her and said, "Shall we take a break?"
"Teacher, are you tired?"
Li Shuduo, being quite eloquent, jumped off the piano bench and said, "Have a glass of water and take a break."
After exchanging pleasantries with Teacher Xiaoxiao, she turned and ran to the living room to lie down next to her father.
"Dad, I want to go to Grandma's house to play."
It turned out she was longing for the lively atmosphere of the courtyard house. She said quite frankly, "I miss my madam and grandmother."
"You just got back, are you going now?" Li Xuewu put Li Ning on his lap and asked his daughter, "Don't you have school tomorrow morning?"
“I’ve already spoken to He Zhuang about it—”
Li Shu chattered on and on, saying, "I'm going to teach him to sing too."
"Learning something new and then putting it into practice? Heh—"
Li Xuewu looked at Xiaoxiao who was walking over with amusement and said, "Don't spoil her. It's okay to be strict with her."
"Teacher Xiaoxiao is so kind—"
When Li Shu saw her father say that, she quickly ran to Xiao Xiao's side and pulled her to sit on the sofa.
Seeing Li Shu about to serve her tea, Xiao Xiao quickly pulled her hand and reminded her, "Be careful, it's hot—"
"Hiss—" Li Ning teased, imitating the feeling of being burned when he heard Xiao Xiao say it was hot.
Li Xuewu found him amusing, kissed him on the cheek, and asked, "How does a kitten meow?"
"Kitty—"
Li Ning speaks with a slightly naive tone, and his lisp is a bit thick, otherwise he could pronounce "Dad" and "Mom" clearly.
"My little brother can imitate pig noises—"
Li Shu skipped over and sidled up to her younger brother, asking, "Little brother, how do pigs squeal?"
"Hmph—" Li Ning actually listened and imitated a pig's squeal, and it actually sounded quite good.
Xiao Xiao watched Li Xuewu interact with the two children, and he really didn't have any of the professional demeanor he usually displays.
"There's no need to worry about Li Shu. She's very self-motivated in her studies and is making rapid progress."
She praised Li Shu a few times, and it was obvious that the little girl was starting to raise her head, like a little rooster.
"I love studying!"
As she said this, she even flexed her legs, as if trying to show off but feeling embarrassed.
Li Xuewu smiled and glanced at her, then looked at Xiaoxiao and asked, "How's work? Do you feel burdened teaching her?"
"It's alright, I don't feel any burden."
Xiao Xiao smiled and explained, "I've moved behind the scenes. My teacher said I should start thinking about the future."
"You're not dancing anymore?" Li Xuewu asked, somewhat surprised. "Isn't it a bit early? Dancers can perform on stage even at forty. What were you thinking?"
"At forty, I was riddled with illnesses."
Xiao Xiao's smile was tinged with bitterness as she looked at Li Shu, who was leaning closer, and explained, "The teacher means that I should become a teacher and mentor young people."
“You’re still young, no need to be discouraged.” Li Xuewu nodded and encouraged her, “Among your batch, you’ve persevered the longest.”
"I'm a little reluctant to part with it."
Xiao Xiao looked up at him and said, "But there's nothing we can do. Our bodies are already set, and there's no room for improvement. We might as well be realistic."
"The golden age for dancers is very short, and most of them will move behind the scenes, which is a very good way out."
"It depends on your interests and opinions."
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Liking something and working hard for it is also a kind of happiness."
"However, it's also true from a practical standpoint; there are many opportunities to develop by moving behind the scenes."
He looked at Xiaoxiao and asked, "Didn't Han Lu, who was with you, become a theater manager?"
"I can't do it; she's better than me."
Xiao Xiao smiled and tidied her hair behind her ear, saying, "I'm just not good at managing people. I can't be serious, and I can't bring myself to speak harshly."
Just then, Gu Ning returned home from get off work and came over when she saw them talking in the living room.
"If you're not leaving this weekend, let's have a meal together. Teacher Xiaoxiao has been working very hard lately."