MMB Chapter 1483 You're Useless
Chapter 1483 You're Useless
Chapter 1483 You're Useless
Li Xuewu ultimately failed to meet with Ding Zhichen, the vice president of Shouqi, and rushed to the airport early Friday morning.
"The specific details haven't been received yet. I called to urge them before I left, but there's been no reply."
Secretary Zhang Enyuan's expression was equally solemn, but he reported the urgent work in a very gentle tone.
This is a basic skill for secretaries: to remain calm even when faced with a major crisis, and not to let their attitude influence the leader's judgment on the event and the situation itself.
Who handled this situation at the scene?
Li Xuewu leaned back in his chair, gently pinching the space between his eyebrows. Being woken up by a phone call was extremely unpleasant.
Although he rarely sleeps in late now because of work, he still can't get up too early.
What particularly annoyed him was the content of his secretary's report over the phone.
"When Director Sun first called, he said that the duty room had reported the matter up the chain of command."
Zhang Enyuan glanced at the driver who was driving. Yu Zhe hadn't followed them back. He was a driver from the group's car fleet, and he was somewhat reserved in his speech.
"If nothing unexpected happens, Deputy Factory Director Yang and Deputy Factory Director Liu should have arrived at the scene by now."
"Oh, I see."
Li Xuewu opened his eyes and looked out the window. At four or five o'clock, Beijing was just beginning a new day.
It was still dark and the temperature was a bit low. Perhaps because he hadn't had breakfast yet, he still felt chilly even though he was wearing a wool vest.
He was able to receive a call from his secretary, Zhang Enyuan, and naturally, he also received a call from Li Huaide shortly afterward.
In terms of control over the group, Li is now more comprehensive than ever before.
In a series of organizational and personnel reforms, he had long since dismantled and reorganized the original organizational structure of Hongxing Factory. With the help of the merger of sixteen industrial enterprises in Beijing and the merger of Fengcheng No. 1 Machinery Factory, he achieved the goal of making cadres younger and normalizing the organizational ecology throughout the group.
The more young cadres there are at the grassroots and middle levels, the higher the collective's combat effectiveness will be. At the workshop level, there are already deputy directors and deputy secretaries in charge of organizational work who are only 23 years old.
Don't assume that just because Li Xuewu has reached the leadership level of a group at this age, this era belongs to young people; it's far from that.
Just look at the organizational structure and personnel hierarchy of the Second Automobile Works (FAW). There are more and more veteran workers and cadres, while the younger generation is rising, and the clash between the two sides is gradually intensifying.
However, within the Hongxing Steel Group, this clash did not escalate into a more intense competitive relationship.
The reason is simple: from the organizational structure level, the Group Management Committee detected this situation in advance, promptly proposed reform plans for organizational and personnel work, and made excellent choices and efforts.
In the middle and lower levels, there are many veteran comrades who stabilize the situation and help young people get started, as well as outstanding individuals with courage and ability who break through the encirclement.
The group is shifting its focus from prioritizing seniority and saving face to assessing ability and technical skills.
Li Huaide had one advantage: he listened to advice.
He listened to all of Li Xuewu's opinions and suggestions regarding the group's organizational and personnel work.
Boldly employing young people, giving them opportunities to make mistakes and grow, puts a lot of pressure on Lao Li.
The reason why everyone in the group says that Secretary-General Li Xuewu is a standard-bearer for young cadres is because young cadres have taken him, both now and in the past, as their role models and goals to learn from.
Li Huaide understands the mindset of young people very well, and he always tells the story of how Secretary-General Li Xuewu grew up at meetings with young cadres.
Can you believe it? Li Huaide can actually tell stories, and they're even embellished little stories.
When some of these anecdotes reached Li Xuewu's ears, he found them utterly baffling.
Perhaps Washington felt the same way when he heard the story of how he used to cut down trees as a child.
Old Li made no attempt to hide his admiration for Young Li, even openly expressing his hope to support more young people to become outstanding cadres like the Secretary-General.
We've set an example for you, and taught you how to do it. Young people, don't you want to work hard?
Old Li is Li Xuewu's scapegoat, and Li Xuewu is Old Li's flag bearer; their relationship is truly interesting.
It is precisely because Li Xuewu is his banner that Old Li is reluctant to let this banner fall.
In a phone call this morning, the two had a frank discussion about the emergency that occurred in the steel city.
As a result, Li Xuewu finished his work in Beijing and immediately set off for the airport to take a special plane back to Liaodong.
During his meeting with Ding Zhichen of Shouqi, Li Xuewu suggested that Lao Li entrust the matter to Gao Yaqin.
In terms of strategic planning, Gao Yaqin may not be as good as him, but when it comes to economic work, especially business related to trade and technological cooperation, she is very professional.
He showed particular talent, especially in negotiation. His collaboration with Li Xuewu was a breakthrough, and he achieved his desired goals in the subsequent negotiations he led independently.
In fact, he had already planned the confrontation and strategy with Shouqi. All that was left was to force the other party to submit.
As for future plans, there's no need to discuss them now; they will be taken care of when the time is right.
Just like Gu Litong of the Second Automobile Works, what good is a sudden, enlightening realization?
The Shanghai-brand sedan sped along the road, creating a speed difference with passing vehicles.
Zhang Enyuan was very worried about whether the car could withstand the ravages of such speed, as he had become accustomed to riding in the steady cars driven by Yu Zhe.
It must be said that the driver Han Jiankun brought was indeed quite capable. When a red streak appeared on the horizon, Li Xuewu had already gotten out of the car and was walking towards the gangway of the Red Star No. 1 business jet, which was preparing to carry out an emergency flight mission.
"Good morning, Secretary-General!"
Zhou Xiaoling greeted him professionally and took his luggage. This trip was rushed, and Er Ya hadn't had time to prepare, so she just found a few clothes.
"Good morning, Secretary Zhang!"
She greeted Zhang Enyuan with a smile, and after he nodded in acknowledgment, she didn't say anything more.
Inform the cockpit to close the cabin door and proceed with pre-flight preparations according to procedure.
Li Xuewu sat in his seat, staring blankly in the direction of the misty airport building, his brows slightly furrowed.
"Secretary-General, seatbelt."
Zhou Xiaoling received the takeoff notification, stepped into the cabin, and after helping Secretary Zhang Enyuan put away his luggage and making sure he fastened his seatbelt, she looked at the Secretary-General.
At this moment, Li Xuewu was more mature and composed than she had ever seen before, and his serious aura was overwhelming.
She knew from the moment she received the temporary flight notice that there must be some very urgent work that he needed to handle when he rushed back to Liaodong so early.
When are men most attractive?
It's when he's thinking.
Zhou Xiaoling could sense his silence and pressure. After helping him fasten his seatbelt, she only gently reminded him.
"Okay, thank you, we can take off now."
Li Xuewu came to his senses and saw that it was her squatting in front of him. He nodded slightly and said something.
"I have prepared breakfast for you and Secretary Zhang. I will bring it to you after the plane takes off."
Zhou Xiaoling's concern was imbued with admiration and respect, and was proactive and timely.
He received the call at four o'clock, and he had no time to eat breakfast, as did Zhang Enyuan.
"Okay, thank you for your hard work."
A faint smile appeared on Li Xuewu's face. Although it was only a slight smile, it was enough to make her feel gratified.
After getting up, Zhou Xiaoling quickly returned to the front, and after replying to the captain, she sat down in her seat.
This time, only two flight attendants were assigned to the pre-flight mission team. Upon hearing that the mission was to fly to Gangcheng, Zhou Xiaoling applied to lead the team without hesitation.
Who else could it be but Feigang City?
The Hongxing-1 business jet is based at Beijing Airport year-round and has been registered at 26 airports across the country.
In other words, within the civil aviation system, the Red Star-1 can apply to land at any airport.
You can even apply to fly to Hong Kong.
A few days ago, Gao Yaqin, representing Hongxing Steel Group, went to work in Gangcheng, and she traveled on the Hongxing No. 1.
What is strength?
The fact that group leaders no longer rely on trains and passenger ships for long-distance business trips demonstrates their strength.
What if you owned your own private jet?
That's awesome!
After the plane landed smoothly at Gangcheng Airport, a black luxury sedan with its hazard lights on pulled up, remaining steady even as heavy snow fell from the sky.
Goodbye, Secretary General.
"Goodbye, Secretary-General."
The captain and chief flight attendant Zhou Xiaoling only had time to stand at the cockpit door to see Li Xuewu off.
As soon as the plane came to a stop, Li Xuewu and Zhang Enyuan had already packed their luggage and were ready to disembark.
"Thanks, bye."
Li Xuewu did not lose his composure despite having to deal with urgent matters. He calmly shook hands with the two men before getting off the plane with their help.
Below the gangway, Zhang Jing and driver Yu Zhe were waiting for him, holding up large black umbrellas.
Zhou Xiaoling shivered as the cold wind swept into the cabin, but her heart was still warm as she watched Li Xuewu, wearing a wool coat, steadily walk off the plane.
This is what a man should be like.
After watching him shake hands and have a brief conversation with his colleagues from Liaodong Industry, he got into his car, and the cabin door closed behind him.
She sniffed, feeling the air warm again, and tried to cheer herself up.
The Hongxing-1 will undergo routine maintenance and repairs at Gangcheng Airport. After refueling, it will immediately fly back to Beijing. There is also another flight to Guangzhou this morning.
So Zhou Xiaoling could only take him this far; it was confirmed that they would not be able to meet again tonight.
She wasn't particularly disappointed. Even if she didn't return to Beijing tonight, judging from Li Xuewu's condition, she might not be able to see him anyway.
What exactly happened that made Li Xuewu of Hongxing Steel Group so anxious to return to Liaodong?
Many people are asking and speculating about this issue, as the dedicated line from Gangcheng to Beijing is already fully booked.
What worried Li Huaide and Li Xuewu was not the incident itself, but the trouble that would ensue if things got out of control.
"Secretary-General, there are reporters at the door."
As the car approached the metallurgical plant, Li Xuewu could already see the crowd standing at the entrance through the heavy snow, seemingly waiting for some important news.
Yu Zhe heard the reminder from office director Zhang Jing, but did not receive instructions from his superiors. He slowed down slightly but did not stop. Instead, he honked his horn as a warning and pushed through the crowd.
The noise outside the car was quite loud, with reporters asking questions and security guards reminding them, but Li Xuewu showed no intention of rolling down the window. He just looked at them, appearing somewhat indifferent.
When did journalists develop such a keen sense of smell? Or rather, how dare journalists of this era do such a thing?
He certainly wouldn't meet with them at this time, even if these people might write something inaccurate.
Li Xuewu was already mentally prepared; in this era, newspapers wouldn't write nonsense, and the Red Star Steel Group wouldn't allow any media to write or fabricate stories.
He had heard Zhang Jing's report when he got off the plane that the heavy snow had started falling at 11 p.m. and showed no signs of stopping.
This is a snowfall that only comes around once every ten years.
The car stopped in front of the office building. Yu Zhe got out, opened the car door for him, and held up a black umbrella.
Li Xuewu stepped out of the car, looked up over the edge of the umbrella at the gray sky.
With such heavy snow, this year must be a good year, as the saying goes, "A timely snow promises a bumper harvest."
-
"Secretary-General, you have to stand up for us! Old Yu won't do that—"
As soon as Li Xuewu stepped into the hall, someone rushed towards him, crying and wailing.
"Old Yu would never commit suicide, he would never!"
"Sister-in-law—Sister-in-law—"
Sun Jia, the director of the metallurgical plant's office, grabbed her arm and pulled her up, preventing her from kneeling in front of the secretary-general.
There were already busybodies and reporters at the factory gate, and no one could guarantee what might happen at this moment, but Sun Jia assured them that no accident would occur.
“Secretary-General, this is Comrade Yu Tiecheng’s wife.” Seeing the unusual situation, Zhang Jing stepped forward to introduce her, and then reached out to support her other arm. “Comrade Yaqin, shouldn’t we let the secretary come in and talk?”
"Ah—Old Yu—"
Liu Yaqin was covered in tears, and her whole body seemed to have lost all strength as she slumped against the two of them.
Her hands waved unconsciously, as if she couldn't accept the fact that her lover had passed away.
Li Xuewu glanced at her, and after confirming that she was unable to communicate, he walked into the hall and instructed Yang Zongfang, who came to greet him, "Take her to the reception room first, and ask the factory hospital to send a doctor over. Don't let the situation get worse."
Yang Zongfang could feel immense pressure from his words, but he could only nod in agreement.
Li Xuewu didn't say anything more. He glanced at the crowd of onlookers in the hall and stepped up the stairs.
Perhaps it was the power of that one glance that caused the onlookers to disperse without needing any persuasion.
Zhang Jing, along with Sun Jia and Zhou Peilan who had just started work, persuaded Liu Yaqin and her two children to go upstairs and were placed in the reception room as arranged by the secretary-general.
"Secretary-General."
Li Xuewu had just taken off his overcoat when Zhang Enyuan was making him tea, and Yang Zongfang walked in.
"Come, sit down and talk."
He responded to the greeting calmly, and then instructed Zhang Enyuan: "Go to the meeting room and check if the family member is conscious and stable. Let me know."
"Yes, Secretary General."
Zhang Enyuan placed the freshly brewed hot tea beside him, said something, and then left.
Yang Zongfang didn't wait for Li Xuewu to ask, and took the initiative to introduce, "The scene was discovered by the security patrol team."
Having already eaten breakfast on the plane, Li Xuewu didn't feel cold. He was only wearing a white shirt and a wool vest, looking quite refined.
But Yang Zongfang didn't dare to fool him like he did with Dong Wenxue. He said what he meant without any subjective opinions or attitudes. His attitude was very clear.
As the executive deputy director of the metallurgical plant, he was the main person in charge when Li Xuewu left; this was a hard rule.
Moreover, Li Xuewu is very meticulous in his work. He had spoken with him before returning to Beijing and made work arrangements.
Now that such a big problem has occurred in the factory, regardless of whose responsibility it is, he cannot escape his responsibility.
So there was no concealment or self-defense; he explained the details of his duty shift last night and the course of events in detail.
Li Xuewu frowned as he listened, and only after the man finished speaking did he put down his teacup and ask, "Who was the first to arrive at the scene?"
"It was me. When I received the report from the security department, I arranged for the duty room to notify Comrade Liu Yongnian."
Yang Zongfang's tone was somewhat subdued, but he explained clearly, "He was only less than twenty minutes later than me. We exchanged opinions on the spot before deciding to report this matter to you."
He looked at Li Xuewu with some trepidation, not daring to look him in the eye; Li Xuewu was quite frightening at that moment.
"What did the security department say?"
Li Xuewu's lips moved slightly as he asked, "Were any clues found at the scene?"
“I understand what you mean.” Yang Zongfang had no choice but to meet his eyes and nodded, saying, “The duty room requested Han Zhan to come to the scene immediately after the incident, and he had just arrived when I got there.”
"The survey was conducted by Han Zhan himself."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "The possibility of homicide cannot be ruled out, but the evidence at the scene only supports the conclusion of suicide, and no further clues have been found."
"Can't we rule out the possibility of homicide?"
Li Xuewu frowned even more deeply and looked at him, asking, "What does that mean?"
"Comrade Yongnian and I also expressed our doubts about this opinion," Yang Zongfang reported. "Han Zhan's point is that the evidence provided by the family members and the findings of the patrol team at the scene do not rule out this possibility."
He glanced back at the door and heard a sobbing sound coming from the reception room not far from the office. He was certain that it was Yu Tiecheng's lover.
According to Yu Tiecheng's wife, he was not on duty last night and went home on time.
Yang Zongfang frowned amidst the sobs and explained, "Although the recent review and investigation by the working group has put some pressure on his work, he has not shown any unusual behavior on a daily basis."
“His wife said that he talked about philosophy with his two children during dinner, hoping that they could look at and learn about problems from a philosophical perspective.”
"The scene was discovered in the early morning."
Li Xuewu tapped his fingers on the table, glanced at the door, and saw Han Zhan walk in.
He continued, "How did Yu Tiecheng end up in the No. 4 furnace workshop? What did his family say?"
"It was around 9:30, and Yu Tiecheng was preparing to rest at home when he received a phone call."
Seeing that Han Zhan had not relinquished his reporting authority upon entering, Yang Zongfang continued, "We've already checked; the call was made from the factory area."
"It's the No. 4 furnace workshop, we just found it."
Han Zhan, with a resolute expression, nodded and reported, "We found the exact location from the operator."
Who is in charge of the No. 4 furnace workshop?
Li Xuewu first glanced at Han Zhan, then looked at Yang Zongfang and asked, "Who has the key?"
After the safety accident in the No. 4 furnace workshop, the workshop was shut down due to design flaws.
The group has handed over the investigation authority for this accident to the Liaodong Industrial Leading Group.
In reality, this was to give Li Xuewu room to investigate and ensure that the matter could be resolved smoothly.
At the time, Liu Yongnian took the initiative to say that he would investigate thoroughly, but almost four months have passed and there is still no news.
Li Xuewu couldn't wait that long. The personnel who were originally involved in the project design and construction had been transferred, and the group had also reorganized the design team to carry out a rescue-style renovation design for Boiler No. 4.
According to the already issued notices and requirements, Yu Tiecheng, as the designer of Furnace No. 4, should not return to the workshop site, let alone touch the equipment and facilities here.
But here's where the problem arose: Yu Tiecheng came here after receiving a call from the No. 4 furnace workshop at 9:30 a.m., and then hanged himself here.
Furnace No. 4 has been shut down for a long time, and even if the design team were to move in, they wouldn't be working at night.
So who called Yu Tiecheng from the No. 4 furnace workshop at 9:30?
Was this phone call a major cause of Yu Tiecheng's death, or did the person who made the call murder Yu Tiecheng and stage a suicide scene?
The challenge now lies with Han Zhan, who needs to determine the cause of Yu Tiecheng's death based on the existing clues at the scene.
If it is determined that Yu Tiecheng committed suicide, then the investigation will focus on who made the phone call and why.
If Yu Tiecheng is found guilty of murder, then this is a serious matter, and the murderer must be found and severely punished.
Therefore, this matter has split into two directions: one is to ask Han Zhan to determine the cause of Yu Tiecheng's death, and the other is to determine the reason why Yu Tiecheng went to the No. 4 furnace workshop.
"During the closure of the No. 4 furnace workshop, it was managed by the security department, and the keys were also in the hands of the security department."
Han Zhan answered decisively: "After the investigation team moved in, the security department handed over two of the keys to the investigation team. After the design department moved in, the security department handed over two of the keys to the design department."
He glanced at Li Xuewu's expression and continued his report: "The remaining keys are still in the security office."
"Is the key left at the security office reliable?"
Li Xuewu looked at him and asked, "Did anyone go out alone with the key last night?"
"The key is kept in the confidential room."
Han Zhan replied, "Without a warrant and registration, the confidential office will not provide the remaining two keys."
He reported very seriously: "I have checked the retrieval records. According to the patrol regulations, the patrols are scheduled to be conducted three times a week at night. Last night was not within the patrol cycle."
"So, the security department's key couldn't possibly open the lock on Boiler No. 4, right?"
Li Xuewu asked him a question, and after seeing Han Zhan nod, he looked at Yang Zongfang and said, "From the time No. 4 furnace was shut down until now, four months have passed and anything could have happened. No one dares to say that the number of keys is correct."
"Yes, I thought of that too."
Yang Zongfang nodded in agreement and said, "I mentioned this when we were investigating the keys. It's very likely that the workers in the No. 4 furnace workshop kept the keys for entering and exiting the workshop."
“That’s very likely,” Han Zhan agreed. “The No. 4 furnace workshop has never been without staff during operation.”
"Hmm—" Li Xuewu let out a long breath, but the worry on his face did not lessen at all; instead, it increased with more concern. "The number of keys is uncertain."
“We were unable to extract fingerprints from the workshop telephone handle; someone deliberately wiped them off.”
Han Zhan reported, "It is precisely because of so many doubts that we are unable to determine the cause of Yu Tiecheng's death."
"Don't worry about these external factors for now," Li Xuewu decisively ordered. "First, arrange for a forensic doctor to examine the deceased and use technical means to determine the cause of death."
“Take a two-pronged approach. Tell the investigators to completely disregard the impact of the incident itself and start the investigation solely from the fact that Yu Tiecheng hanged himself, and investigate all related matters.”
He tapped the table with his finger and said to Yang Zongfang, "We can't ignore those people at the door. You need to come forward and give a briefing on the case. Just tell the truth about what you just said, and don't hide anything."
"This—" Yang Zongfang did not expect Li Xuewu to do this, revealing the details of the case without any concealment.
Those people at the door are of dubious origin and clearly came with an ulterior motive to conduct the interview. Isn't this just handing over a knife?
Do you think you can keep this a secret?
Li Xuewu frowned and glanced at him, then picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Don't hide it. Just tell them what they want to know, and tell them what we know."
"I understand, I'll go right away."
Yang Zongfang stood up and said, "Comrade Yongnian is still here. Should we call him back?"
"Let him stay there."
Li Xuewu's eyelids drooped, he put down his teacup and stopped talking. Yang Zongfang understood what he meant.
Han Zhan glanced at the two of them, then silently followed Yang Zongfang out of the office.
At this moment, Zhang Enyuan came over from next door to report the situation in the reception room to Li Xuewu.
"Sir, the family's situation is somewhat better."
"Well, I see."
Li Xuewu glanced at the heavy snow falling outside the window, stood up, and said, "Please call Director Li of the group back for me and tell him I'm already at the office."
“Yes—” Zhang Enyuan picked up the navy blue jacket from the coat rack by the door and helped him put it on.
It wasn't cold inside the office building, even though it was snowing heavily outside, but Yu Tiecheng's family needed to be respected at this moment.
-
"Secretary-General—"
As soon as Li Xuewu entered the room, Liu Yaqin's tears started flowing again, and no matter how Zhou Peilan tried to wipe them away, she couldn't get them out.
Li Xuewu nodded and sat down in the seat that Zhang Jing had given him.
"I understand the situation."
He looked up at the other person and said in a heavy but powerful tone, "First of all, I advise you to protect yourself. No matter what the outcome, you must take responsibility for handling Comrade Yu Tiecheng's funeral arrangements. That is certain."
"Secondly, I can understand how you feel right now. It's not just that you've lost your loved one, but also that the company has lost an excellent designer."
Li Xuewu nodded slowly and said, "Finally, I'll give you my assurance: the Security Department will do its utmost to investigate this matter, and the Group will also set up a corresponding investigation team to follow up and give a definite answer as soon as possible."
"Secretary-General—"
Liu Yaqin, holding a tissue herself, looked at him with teary eyes and emphasized, "Old Yu won't commit suicide."
"Yes, I have already heard the reports from Comrade Zong Fang and Han Zhan." Li Xuewu nodded and said, "I just told them that we need to determine the cause of Comrade Yu Tiecheng's death and also the source of that phone call."
"It's really my fault—"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yaqin suddenly slapped herself and cried, "Old Yu was about to leave after answering the phone. I should have asked him more questions."
"Uuuuuu——"
She cried, "If I had asked him, maybe he wouldn't have come to the factory, and then... sob sob sob—"
Li Xuewu remained silent for half a minute before saying, "Don't make things difficult for yourself, and don't be harsh on the deceased."
He looked at Zhou Peilan and said, "Please take a break from your work and focus on protecting the family members."
As he said this, he glanced at Yu Tiecheng's two children sitting on the other side.
When he entered the house, Zhang Jing had already introduced him to his eldest son, Yu Yang, who was eighteen years old and had just started working in the city's post and telecommunications department.
My youngest daughter, Yu Jia, is sixteen years old and in middle school.
The two children's faces were filled with confusion and sadness; the pillar of their family had collapsed.
"You can make any requests to the organization."
Li Xuewu then looked at Liu Yaqin, who was covering her face, and said, "Although this case is still pending, Comrade Yu Tiecheng's past contributions are undeniable."
"Secretary-General—"
Liu Yaqin raised her head, her face streaked with tears and her hair disheveled, and said to him, "Old Yu is gone, and I want him to leave with a clear conscience."
"There are no other requirements."
She shook her head firmly and said, "I only ask that he leave with a clean conscience."
"Yes, I understand your request."
Li Xuewu nodded solemnly and replied, "I hope you can be strong too, and not let him leave in unease."
"Thank you, thank you, Secretary-General—"
As she said this, Liu Yaqin started crying again, and once she started, she couldn't stop.
Perhaps because she had received recognition from the group's leaders, or perhaps because she had found a pillar of support, she no longer had to endure this kind of pressure and burst into tears, wanting to vent all the pain in her heart.
Li Xuewu sighed, nodded, stood up, and said to Zhang Jing, "Arrange for someone to go to Comrade Yu Tiecheng's house and make sure they are well taken care of."
"Secretary-General, what happened next—"
Zhang Jing followed him out of the reception room and asked softly at the door, "Should we follow up?"
"No need, leave it to the metallurgical plant to handle."
Li Xuewu said calmly, "This case must have an answer; it cannot be handled ambiguously."
"I understand, I'll make the arrangements right away."
After agreeing, Zhang Jing went to his office. The incident was so sudden that it disrupted the office's work rhythm and filled every corner of the metallurgical plant's office building with discussions.
Yu Tiecheng's mysterious cause of death and the bizarre scene have sparked various speculations and discussions.
The most absurd theory is the doctrine of vengeance.
Atheists, of course, scoff at this, but these same people emphasize that Yu Tiecheng committed suicide in the No. 4 furnace workshop because he felt guilty.
Just four months ago, a major accident occurred here, claiming the lives of more than a dozen workers.
Even though Yu Tiecheng, the chief designer of Furnace No. 4, escaped the investigation by the working group, he still could not deceive himself and could not forgive his mistakes.
Therefore, some people say that those who lost their lives in the accident are seeking revenge on Yu Tiecheng.
This kind of argument only circulates in private, because in public everyone is a noble atheist.
Another, more complex version of events suggests that Yu Tiecheng was silenced.
Such a big incident happened at Furnace No. 4, and the investigation has been going on for four months without any results. There has been a lot of discussion about it, but it just hasn't come to a head yet.
Now that we have the trigger, what cause and effect could be more bizarre than the suicide of the No. 4 furnace master designer?
This conspiracy theory was severely criticized as soon as it emerged, but it still couldn't stop its spread.
Compared to the vengeful theory, the murder theory is more realistic and aligns with people's psychological speculations.
Even Li Xuewu's initial reaction upon hearing the news was to wonder if someone had intentionally caused him harm.
Murder to silence witnesses and cover up the truth; it's possible that someone was desperate and resorted to such a desperate measure, fearing exposure.
As the chief designer, Yu Tiecheng was under the most pressure when the No. 4 furnace encountered problems.
He couldn't take the pressure and was about to say something. Wouldn't that scare people?
When these remarks reached Li Xuewu's ears, he did not believe them. It wasn't that he didn't believe Yu Tiecheng, but rather that he didn't believe the group-level investigation team couldn't find any problems with Yu Tiecheng if he really had issues.
As the primary target of the investigation team, Yu Tiecheng underwent no fewer than ten rounds of scrutiny from top to bottom and inside to outside, and even his family members were under tremendous pressure.
This is why Liu Yaqin demanded that the metallurgical plant clear Yu Tiecheng's name and let him leave with a clear conscience.
Whether Li Xuewu is innocent or not is not up to him to decide; he is more determined to let the investigation results speak for themselves.
***
After leaving the reception room, Li Xuewu stood by the window in the corridor and looked out for a long time.
Just then, he heard footsteps behind him, and his secretary, Zhang Enyuan, whispered, "Boss, Deputy Factory Director Liu is here."
Li Xuewu didn't actually want to see him, and seven out of ten reasons for this were related to him.
He didn't want to say "if," but is it reasonable for a case to take more than four months to investigate?
"Secretary-General, I know that resigning at this time is tantamount to desertion and a sign of incompetence."
Liu Yongnian said in a hoarse voice, "I will persevere until the results are in."
He stood ramrod straight, looking at Li Xuewu's back, and said, "I will resign from my current position as soon as there is a result, and I will take responsibility for this matter."
Liu Yongnian spoke decisively, but Li Xuewu, looking out the window, still ignored him.
This isn't something that can be resolved by simply making a statement; that's not what Li Xuewu wants to hear.
If statements were effective, what would be the point of an investigation team? Just bring out the suspects and make them state their positions.
Liu Yongnian stood behind him, looking like a primary school student with his head drooping in the corridor.
Although they knew the leader was in an awkward position, people still passed by because of work requirements.
Every employee who walked by seemed to pierce him with their eyes.
Liu Yongnian thought that if vision could also cause harm, he would be torn to pieces by now.
"Let's end the investigation as soon as possible."
Li Xuewu finally spoke, saying, "The group and I have lost patience and the determination to investigate the No. 4 boiler accident. It is thanks to you."
"I'm sorry, Secretary General."
Liu Yongnian raised his head, his eyes red, and said, "If anyone wants to take my life, then let them take my life. I am willing to take responsibility."
How will you take responsibility?
Li Xuewu turned around and looked at him, asking, "Resign? Or leave the company?"
"I'll just ask you one question: can you handle the problems with Furnace No. 4? Can you bear the consequences?"
He pointed at him with his finger and said, "If you can carry it, then stand up straight and you'll be a real man."
Liu Yongnian's face turned deathly pale. These were the words he least wanted to hear and the person he least wanted to face.
Li Xuewu could see into his heart and know what was going on in his mind.
Standing there in the corridor, in front of him, I felt like a greenhorn.
Li Xuewu glanced at him and walked towards the office. "I gave you the chance, but you were useless."