MMB Chapter 1495 Flying Port City
Chapter 1495 Flying Port City
Chapter 1495 Flying Port City
"The green beans are delicious, but the meat isn't."
Li Shu used her spoon to carefully separate the slices of meat, only picking out the green beans from the bowl to eat.
Gu Ning only glanced at her and didn't say anything, but Er Ya was quite embarrassed.
"Next time I'll cook it a little tender."
"It's okay, she just doesn't like eating meat." Gu Ning picked up a piece of green beans and put it in Li Shu's bowl, indicating that she should eat properly.
"Thank you, Mom—" Li Shu was well-behaved and truly understood her mother's words.
Li Shu has a big temper, but she's not stubborn, which is similar to Gu Ning's personality.
In fact, the two children spent more time with Gu Ning and were more influenced by her.
Gu Ning never emphasizes anything to her children or forces them to do anything.
Right now, Li Shu has one small table and Li Ning has one small table.
From the very beginning, when Gu Ning was learning to eat with a spoon, no matter how messy it was, she never said a word.
She has that kind of patience to watch children go from not knowing anything to learning.
Li Xuewu was different; he was extremely anxious seeing his son covered in food while eating.
"Can you hold a rice spoon above your head?"
He raised an eyebrow and reminded his son, "You have to feed yourself."
Gu Ning only glanced at her son, completely ignoring the mess of rice grains scattered everywhere.
“Li Ning is learning much faster, thanks to his sister’s help,” Er Ya said with a smile, praising Li Ning. “Look how much he’s enjoying his food.”
"It's so delicious! Auntie will serve you more later. Eat your fill so you can grow big and strong."
"I want to eat meat!"
Li Ning pouted her oily lips and pointed with her spoon at the plate on the table, asking for meat.
"You and your sister really can eat together."
Li Xuewu picked up a piece of meat with chopsticks, cut it with a spoon, and put it on his small plate.
Li Ning really loves to eat; he clumsily tries to pick it up with a spoon, so he just grabs it with his hands.
"My little brother is a little glutton—"
Li Shu complained, "He even stole Li Tang biscuits from Grandma's house."
"You ate too, why are you talking about your younger brother?" Zhao Yaping teased her with a smile, "You ate more happily than anyone else."
"That was given to me by Li Tang—"
Li Shu emphasized, "I didn't reach out and snatch it like my brother did."
"Yes, what if Li Tang doesn't give it to you?"
Zhao Yaping raised her eyebrows, smiled, and looked at her, asking, "Don't you want to eat?"
"Of course I want to eat it."
Li Shu ate the rice in her bowl, shaking her head as she said, "If he doesn't give it to me, I'll beat him up."
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled and reached out to touch his daughter's cheek, saying, "You're not much better than your brother, and you're even more ruthless."
What did you say to your older brother?
Gu Ning turned to look at him and asked, "You seemed distracted during dinner that day."
"It's nothing, just giving him some advice," Li Xuewu said casually. "I'm a little jealous because he's so idle."
"My sister-in-law probably cares about this—"
Gu Ning glanced at him and reminded him, "Big Brother's personality is naturally reserved. If you keep talking nonsense, they'll cause trouble."
"You underestimate them both."
Li Xuewu chuckled as he divided the meat among his son's pieces, then turned to Gu Ning and said, "These two will never quarrel or get angry in their entire lives."
"Just look at how your sister-in-law treats your brother, and then look at how your brother treats your sister-in-law, and you'll know."
He chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Actually, my sister-in-law also wants him to move around a bit. He's practically a cripple. What kind of man would spoil him like that?"
"They never do anything productive all day long, either spending all their time in the library or in the lab. What kind of future can they have?"
With a mischievous grin, he raised an eyebrow at Gu Ning and explained, "I suggested he consider joining the Aircraft Research Institute to work on the drone project."
"That bottomless pit?" Gu Ning looked at him amusedly and said, "You're such a good little brother."
"It's alright, he has plenty of time."
Li Xuewu said casually, "Once my sister-in-law goes to work, he'll be even more free."
“I’m afraid he’ll become mentally challenged from reading too many books and won’t know anything about human relationships.”
He tilted his head and said, "The working environment at the group's research institute is a bit complicated right now, so it's a good opportunity to send him there for some training."
What if I don't adapt well?
Gu Ning reminded him, "Given Big Brother's temper, what if something happens?"
"Him? He's the most afraid of death, even more so than me." Li Xuewu said confidently, "He won't be in any danger if anyone else gets into trouble."
“When I was in school, he would even avoid me when I got into fights with my classmates, because he was afraid of getting blood on my body.”
Li Xuewu ate quickly. He put down his chopsticks first and looked at Zhao Yaping, saying, "Do you remember the first time your brother-in-law came to your house?"
Zhao Yaping didn't understand what her second brother meant by asking, and looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"The first time my older brother visited his father-in-law's house, he heard that someone had drowned in the village's latrine, so he would take a detour of several hundred meters to go to the toilet."
"Dinner's served—"
Gu Ning glared at him with displeasure and said reproachfully, "You've finished eating."
As he spoke, he gestured to Li Shu and Li Ning, saying, "Give them a wash of their hands and faces."
"I'll do it, no need for your second brother."
Er Ya eats quickly; with so many children in the family, they're used to fighting over food.
Even though I've been in Beijing for over a year, I still can't shake this eating habit.
She had intended to clear the dishes, but now she picked up Li Ning, who was still messing around with rice after eating, and walked out. Li Shu was in a better condition.
That's how it is when you have two kids; the younger one learns everything from the older one, including eating.
Li Ning started eating earlier than Li Shu, who was a year and a half old at the time and still couldn't use a spoon.
"I'll eat, I'm done."
Seeing Li Xuewu hug Li Shu, Zhao Yaping quickly finished her rice and reached out her hand.
She's gotten used to it; she's lived in this house for almost a year and does whatever she can.
My second brother rarely comes home, and we don't use him much on ordinary days, and we certainly won't use him now.
Only the couple remained in the restaurant. Gu Ning had finished eating and put down her chopsticks.
"Wen Hanze's wife is pregnant."
Gu Ning looked at him and said, "That's what Mom and Grandma said that night."
"Is that so?" Li Xuewu scratched his head and said, "It's Wen San'er's compensation."
"Hehehe——"
As if remembering something, he chuckled and explained, "He deserved it."
“He clearly lost weight during the months he was recuperating at home, and Fei Shanying is no pushover.”
"How did you know?"
Gu Ning looked at him and asked, "Did Wen Hanzhe tell you this?"
"Him? He's the one who's embarrassed."
Li Xuewu smiled and shook his head, saying, "It was Lao Biaozi who wrote back and told me about his third uncle's glorious deeds in Gangcheng."
"Is the port city fun?" Gu Ning asked, seemingly very curious. "Is it very bustling?"
“A false prosperity.” Li Xuewu glanced at her and explained earnestly, “Strictly speaking, the port city doesn’t even have its own currency.”
He didn't say much, just gave a brief introduction to the basic situation of the port city and the current social situation.
Gu Ning wouldn't like to hear about the lives of ordinary citizens; she was just curious why some people were so attached to the port city and flocked there.
Recently, there have been rumors in Beijing that people who tried to escape by sea have drowned in droves.
"I'm leaving on the 23rd. Find some time to visit her and bring her some eggs or something."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and then told Gu Ning, "Ask Yuxiu to come along. Your sister-in-law might not be able to get away, so you two can keep each other company."
Gu Ning's personality has changed a lot. Perhaps it was the children's influence, or perhaps she was passively tempered during the year that Li Xuewu was away from home.
They can communicate proactively, show concern for things they care about, and even scold people.
However, she remained aloof in public, always maintaining a cold expression towards everyone, making her seem unapproachable.
This is just a protective shell; she's actually just not used to being around strangers.
You see, she's a doctor. She wouldn't act like that when she's seeing patients. She can communicate normally with them, but she only talks about professional matters.
In fact, Gu Ning's personality is not unusual in the hospital; there are many more complex cases.
She was promoted to attending physician after graduating with a master's degree this year. She is considered young and promising and is a key talent that the hospital is focusing on developing.
Because of the university study campaign, hospitals throughout Beijing are now short of doctors.
The number of patients will not decrease because of the university study activities, so the doctor's workload has increased, and she has caught a good time.
It may sound inhumane, but that's the reality. If those old and middle-aged Dengs hadn't been transferred, there wouldn't be any opportunities for these younger Dengs to take the stage.
Being a doctor is definitely a profession that requires growth. Even the best surgeons are trained through countless surgeries. No one can learn everything in just one or two years. Only when the number of patients increases can their skills improve accordingly.
Gu Ning has been exhausted these past two years. The senior professors at the hospital have been performing surgeries almost every day in order to train her to become an apprentice, and they still have to oversee the work after the surgeries.
To put it bluntly, practice makes perfect. With this kind of training, Li Xuewu was able to wear a white coat.
You know what, the person who performs your surgery isn't necessarily a professional. They might be someone who studied economics and got promoted through something like +4 or +8.
You feel timid watching the doctor operate on you, and you feel timid looking at him with the scalpel in your hand.
You tell the doctor this is your first time on the operating table, and the doctor smiles and tells you it's an honor, as this is also his first surgery. Surprised?
Of course, Gu Ning wasn't cultivated in this bizarre way. She spent four years in medical school plus a year of frontline training, and after returning, she studied with professors until she was obsessed with performing surgeries.
In the past two years, Li Xuewu has felt sorry for Gu Ning. She has to work during the day and squeeze in time to read thick books at night. She also took the opportunity to learn traditional Chinese medicine from her father, Li Shun. She seems to be developing in all aspects.
She has such passion for her career, and she makes the most of her personality strengths.
With her simple mind, she appears even more focused. Being young, she also possesses considerable strength, and her experience supporting the front lines has made her known for her steady, accurate, and ruthless knife strikes.
Soon, if things continue like this, she'll become a "key surgeon" in their hospital.
Before going to bed that night, Li Xuewu habitually read a book for a while, but Gu Ning did not go to the study.
"How long are you going?"
After washing up, she tidied her hair and looked at Li Xuewu, who was lying on the bed, and asked.
Li Xuewu looked up at her and replied, "I'm not sure, but normally it should take about a week."
What constitutes an abnormal situation?
Gu Ning frowned slightly and asked, "What dangers might there be?"
"Hehe, it's not dangerous." Li Xuewu put down the book in his hand, waved to her and explained, "If the cooperation is not completed, or the business volume exceeds the target, we will have to postpone our return to China."
"Does it have to be all discussed at once?"
Gu Ning didn't quite understand. Instead of sitting down as he invited, she sat at the foot of the bed, curled up her legs, and looked at him, asking, "Is it necessary?"
"Why do you ask?"
Li Xuewu tilted his head and looked her over, asking, "Don't you want me to go on business trips, or be away for a long time?"
"No—" Gu Ning pulled the blanket over her legs and said calmly, "I heard that it's dangerous abroad, and some places aren't very peaceful."
“That’s true.” Li Xuewu lay on the bed, turned to his side and looked at her, saying, “That’s Northern Jiangsu’s territory. We might not get any benefits this time.”
"But what they mean is, how will we know it won't work if we don't try?"
He reached out and tickled Gu Ning's toes, saying, "The higher-ups have high hopes for the group, hoping that we can secure more technological collaborations, and it would be even better if we could achieve commercial cooperation."
"I don't really understand. You clearly have better options, don't you?"
Gu Ning seemed to suddenly become interested in his work and asked, "Don't you have collaborations with French and Japanese companies?"
“You’re right, we do have cooperative channels, including technical and sales cooperation.”
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and explained, "But these technological collaborations and market channels are not given to us for free; they come with many additional conditions."
"The essence of these international trading companies' cooperation with Hongxing Steel Group is to deprive us of our cheap labor and use technology to entice us to produce."
Since Gu Ning wanted to know, he explained earnestly, "We want to explore technological cooperation, or even trade exchanges, from a different angle."
"Only fair trade is sustainable, and the same applies to technological cooperation."
He tilted his head and said, "If we can import more advanced production technology from East Germany, it will put pressure on these companies that have already started cooperating, which means we have a backup option."
"Having these partner companies will also put pressure on East German companies."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said, "This way, we will be in a more advantageous position during the negotiations."
"Of course, the essence of technological cooperation is still trade cooperation. We are also eager to open up the international market of the Warsaw Pact. Being able to sell our products is the fundamental solution to the problem of business operations."
Dodging Li Xuewu's strange hand, she asked a few more questions, all about his work.
Li Xuewu answered all her questions in detail, just as he had promised. He would tell her everything she wanted to know, and everything he knew, without reservation.
Seeing her unusual behavior, Li Xuewu tried asking, "You've asked so many questions today, did something happen?"
"No—" Gu Ning lowered her head and thought for a moment before raising her head to look at him and saying, "A colleague asked me about you, and I realized that I knew nothing about you."
"Hehe, it's okay."
Li Xuewu sat up and pulled her into his arms, gently coaxing her and comforting her, "If anyone asks me again, just say that I'm in charge of a classified project recently, and I don't even want you to ask."
Gu Ning gently pushed him. She didn't know if the project this scoundrel was in charge of involved classified information, but she knew that his hands were "involved in classified information."
***
Time passed in a series of meetings, and Li Xuewu didn't even know how many meetings he had attended since the day he returned.
Hongxing Steel Group doesn't hold pointless meetings; this is explicitly prohibited by the regulations governing government work. All meetings must have a purpose and a result.
These days, the meetings he attends most often are the pre-departure preparation meetings.
The service and support staff in the port city had already departed for East Germany, and the negotiation team formed by the Red Star Steel Group had also undergone intensive training and went to the port city for transit three days ago.
Gao Yaqin and Dong Wenxue, who had been in charge of the initial negotiations, finally breathed a sigh of relief on the 23rd, and the remaining work was handed over to Director Li and Secretary-General Li Xuewu.
The two did not fly to Hong Kong on the Red Star No. 1, but instead traveled with the group on a domestic airline flight. There was no other purpose than to convey a sense of meaning.
"Boss, you look ten years younger!"
Wang Lu met Li Xuewu, who was wearing a suit, in the corridor and smiled as she complimented him.
Li Xuewu usually dresses in a more mature style, making him look more like a thirty-year-old.
This time, in accordance with the travel requirements, everyone was dressed in uniform, so Li Xuewu wore a suit and looked more like a groom.
Unlike Director Li's potbelly, Li Xuewu had a straight posture and looked even more energetic in a suit.
Speaking of suits, the one Li Xuewu was wearing was a standard issue suit, but it had been extensively repaired.
Few people may remember or even have seen suits from that era.
It's loose-fitting, with no slimming design whatsoever, making it look more like a burlap sack covering your body when you wear it.
If you have a big belly, it's a little better, as you can fill out the suit. Otherwise, wearing this kind of uniformly issued baggy suit is not only unattractive, but also doesn't look good; it's like a monkey wearing a crown.
When Li Xuewu first received his clothes, they were the same size—the largest size, very loose.
He couldn't stand it, so he called Shen Guodong and asked him to take his and Li Huaide's clothes to the prison and ask Master Li to re-tailor them.
Li Guangnian didn't know how it was done, but according to Li Xuewu's requirements, the waist and pants were modified so that they looked particularly good and comfortable.
Li Huaide hadn't paid attention at first, but after trying it on, he realized there was a lot to it.
When the two of them came out of the office and made their appearance, the employees in the organization who saw them all looked at them with surprise and envy.
The group leaders' outings already attract enough attention, but their unusual attire only draws more eye-catching attention.
From the group headquarters to Beijing Airport, that road is inevitably paved with Old Li's big red flag.
Every time Li Xuewu rode in this car, he had the thought that he could take its place.
But when he looked back at Old Li, who was growing old and withering away, he gave up the idea.
It's lonely at the top, and it's especially tough for Lao Li in this position, particularly this year.
Every single person and matter he dealt with required his judgment and coordination.
You might say he doesn't understand the business, but he was quite relaxed when he was mainly developing the business.
But when the group carried out organizational and personnel reforms, he was very tired.
If you ask him how tired he can be, let me put it this way: Zhou Miaomiao, Han Lu, or even the later ones have all had a long vacation this year and rarely see him.
Another thing is that Old Li's health has deteriorated, so he cherishes his remaining energy and spirit more and more.
This kind of vitality can't be restored by tonics. He's already drunk those kinds of wines, and I haven't seen him dare to try them again without stopping.
The wine is good, and it has an effect after drinking it, but what happens after you finish drinking it?
"I'm not as good as I was last year."
In the car, Lao Li said to Li Xuewu next to him, "I'm often sleepy, but I can't fall asleep."
"Sometimes I have a bad temper and I always feel like I can't control myself, which gives me a terrible headache."
"Is it menopause?"
Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Feeling irritable and restless doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with your health."
"Menopause?" Old Li asked, looking bewildered. "Men have that too?"
"I have heard that claim."
Li Xuewu smiled and explained, "You should see a doctor and take care of yourself in this condition."
“Maintenance is one thing, but seeing a doctor is quite troublesome,” Li Huaide said with a sigh. “I’ve tried to make an appointment with your dad several times, but something always gets in the way.”
He rubbed his face and said, "I'll definitely take a look when I get back."
In fact, Lao Li had been seeing traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, hoping to solve his diabetes problem.
Why didn't he go through Li Xuewu to find Li Shunlai for treatment?
It's very simple: refusing to seek medical help due to ignorance of one's illness.
He didn't want his health condition to be fully exposed to Li Xuewu.
Nonsense, if Li Shun knows, it's the same as Li Xuewu knowing; they're father and son.
He consulted many doctors, but none of them seemed to work; he had had enough of the bitter taste of the medicine.
Whether Li Shun's skills are good or not, there's no need to ask. Does he not know whether that medicinal wine is effective or not?
Those who have personally experienced or used it all say it's great, absolutely fantastic.
So after going around in circles, he decided to ask Li Shun to take a look.
Having consulted so many doctors and gone through a long process, I know everything I need to know, so I no longer have any reservations about Li Shun.
Li Xuewu didn't respond on behalf of his father, but instead said with a smile, "You need to change your lifestyle habits."
"Quit smoking and drinking, sigh—"
Li Huaide sighed deeply, turned to look at Li Xuewu and asked, "You said smoking is prohibited, but now you're not allowed to drink alcohol either. What's the point of living?"
"As the old saying goes, life is all about tobacco and alcohol, isn't it?"
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu was also amused by his words. He had never heard this sentence before. Could it be that Mr. Lu Xun said it?
"When you get old, you're no longer useful."
Li Huaide leaned back in his chair, shook his head slightly, and sighed. Then he said to Li Xuewu, "From now on, it will be the world of you young people."
"It's too early for you to say that."
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "You're still in the youth's race."
"Me? Hahaha—"
Li Huaide laughed heartily, showing no trace of his earlier frustration, while Li Xuewu was getting annoyed; the old man was relentlessly probing him.
The large red flag did not head towards the airport passage, but instead, following the directions of the road traffic controller, it entered a special passage and drove straight to the lounge.
They will meet up with the other members of their group here and board the plane together to transfer in the port city.
Among the people traveling with the group this time, Li Xuewu was probably the youngest and lowest-ranking; most of the others who could be seen were senior and mid-level wardens.
As the two men, both wearing wool coats, got out of the car, Liu Bin walked behind them carrying their luggage.
When the three of them entered the VIP room under the guidance of the staff, they attracted a lot of attention.
Especially since the VIP lounge was quite warm, both of them opened their coats, and their well-tailored suits completely outshone their companions.
What is Old Li's favorite thing?
Some say it's delicious food, some say it's beautiful women, but actually, he just loves to show off.
Especially on occasions like this, he would love to throw off his coat and put on a fashion show for everyone.
"Oh my, Mr. Li, it's been so long! You look even more radiant than before!"
"Hahaha--"
Hearing the teasing greetings, Li Huaide didn't care at all. The more these people made a fuss, the more important he was to them.
To put it bluntly, the other party is jealous.
If he can make the other party jealous, then it means Old Li has successfully shown off! Congratulations!
"Director Zhu."
Li Xuewu met with Zhu Xiaolin, a senior executive at Beijing Chemical Industry Group. He had heard some time ago that Zhu Xiaolin was about to retire from his frontline position.
Seeing him here now proves the rumors are true; it must be his last shift.
Unlike Li Huaide, Zhu Xiaolin had reached the age limit and had not made any special achievements during his time working at Beijing Chemical Plant, so he had no chance of being promoted.
Taking this opportunity to go out and travel is a way to enjoy one last bit of glory. He doesn't expect to bring back much technology in the chemical industry from East Germany; he just wants to be comfortable.
This kind of thinking is quite normal. As they approach retirement, without any precedents to follow, most cadres will feel a sense of crisis that if they don't use their power, it will expire and become worthless. This leads to a retaliatory overspending of their power, causing irreparable consequences.
Without a succession of "role models" to follow suit and risk their lives, they still don't realize the importance of a smooth landing. Li Xuewu could tell that at least three or five of the old men in the VIP room today were in similar situations to Zhu Xiaolin.
For events like this, we usually select experienced or capable cadres to go; we don't consider someone like him who is nearing retirement.
But since he's still the head of Beijing Chemical Industry, he has the power to decide who goes.
"Secretary-General Li, hello there."
Zhu Xiaolin spoke very politely, and when Li Xuewu greeted him, he smiled and replied.
Li Xuewu gestured to Li Huaide, and then greeted several other heads of key units he knew, quickly greeting everyone in the group.
These people stood in a circle and began their pre-departure exchange and discussion.
Those gathered here are all affiliated with Hongxing Steel Group.
It was precisely Li Xuewu's initiative and the connection through the Hongxing Steel Group that gave this circle a certain level of influence.
Those who have confirmed their participation in this event include Zhao Zhinan, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation; Lu Yun, Deputy Director of the General Office of the State Council; Director Du of the First Ministry of Machine Building; Han Song, Director of the General Office of the First Ministry of Machine Building; and heads of key industrial enterprises.
Of course, Li Xuewu could only meet with some of the company leaders in this lounge.
Because there are many people traveling with us this time, it's impossible for them all to fly over on the same plane.
Li Xuewu never imagined he would be on the same plane as his superiors. Old Li hadn't thought about it either, and didn't even want to, because he was under too much pressure.
"Stop bragging. The year is almost over, let's take a look at each other's accounts."
Zhu Xiaolin, seemingly joking with someone, said with a smile, "If you ask me, the most dazzling one is Hongxing Steel Group; we can't compare to them."
"Look at the ledgers, look at the ledgers."
Li Huaide waved his hand and said, "If you didn't look at the ledger, you would really think we made a lot of money."
"How much does Huanmei earn—"
The Beijing steel executive, clearly speaking with a Tianjin accent, asked in surprise, "How much do you consider a lot of profit? Aren't you trying to bankrupt us?!"
"Where is it? It's gone—"
Li Huaide smiled wryly, with a slightly affected air, and said, "You guys didn't see it, our assets and liabilities are more than our profits."
He gestured to Li Xuewu beside him and said, "If you don't believe me, ask Xuewu. Starting this year, haven't we been surviving by selling confiscated goods?"
Li Xuewu would never respond to their jokes; it would make him seem too undignified.
He was just watching the spectacle, occasionally adding a couple of laughs when he found it amusing.
"Hey, and I'm talking to you guys too—"
With his hands in his pockets, Zhu Xiaolin pointed at Li Huaide and said, "Your factory's tertiary industry is going to be sold off in a massive clearance sale? What are we related companies supposed to do?"
"Just do it the way you always have to."
Li Huaide glanced at him and explained, "What we're planning to exchange is just the equity; it has nothing to do with operations."
"Our factory's tertiary industries have contributed a lot to your economy these past few years, haven't they?"
He raised his eyebrows meaningfully and said to the heads of related companies standing around him, "From now on, who takes over the tertiary industry has nothing to do with continuing to provide services and make profits, so don't worry."
"Are you really going to give up?"
Zhu Xiaolin asked in confusion, "What were you thinking? These projects are all profitable."
"Besides, these light industrial enterprises are all located within your Liangmahe Industrial Zone."
"What happened in the Liangmahe Industrial Zone?"
Li Huaide looked at him with amusement and said, "The capital city even approached us this year to discuss expanding the scale of the Liangmahe Ecological Industrial Zone."
"It's normal that many industrial enterprises will move into the Liangmahe Industrial Zone in the future."
He then looked at the other managers and said, "During the group's industrial transformation, many businesses are undergoing downsizing, so we can't afford to focus on this one."
"Of course, it's not that we're the only ones who can exchange them. If you feel it's not enough, you can also trade your shares. That's fine too."
He glanced at Li Xuewu again to make sure he was right, and then continued, "In principle, Hongxing Steel Group no longer holds shares in the tertiary industry, but some enterprises still need to be taken care of."
"If you have any ideas, you can come and talk to us. Some of our tertiary industries are developing well and can operate independently."
This remark sparked a lot of discussion, with the main focus still being the issue of dividing the family property.
The question is whether to split up and live separately, or to tolerate the new shareholders taking over and continue making money together.
In fact, Hongxing Steel Group has made them lazy. They reaped the benefits when they cooperated with the tertiary industry and integrated resources.
When the tertiary industry no longer needs their continuous investment, and even the daily operating costs can be recovered or even make a profit, who would still be willing to do it themselves?
Think about it, tool factories. In the past, many industrial enterprises had this unit. No matter the size, as long as they needed tools, they could produce them themselves.
You mean buy it in the market?
That's impossible. Let's not even talk about whether they're even for sale; let's just talk about how shameful it would be.
Everything is made in-house; the factory even makes its own toothpicks, not wanting to ask anyone for help.
But which is more expensive, maintaining a tool factory or directly purchasing tools?
This question is not difficult to answer. If there are comparable tertiary industries, businesses can save on this cost.
Therefore, it is impossible for the family to split up, and the focus of everyone's discussion gradually shifted to the new shareholders.
Over the past year, Hongxing Steel Group has "sold off" a lot of its shares, and this time it has attracted a lot of attention mainly because of the concentration of these shares.
Everyone knows that Hongxing Steel Group needs funds; that building in the city alone is enough to fill it—it's a bottomless pit for money.
Selling equity to recoup costs and then reinvesting has become a consensus within the group.
Upon receiving the news, industrial companies in Beijing also increased their holdings in this sector.
Hongxing Steel Group no longer needs its tertiary industries to build flood control reservoirs, but they still do.
The flood control capabilities of these tertiary industries simply cannot keep up with the group's development speed.
At this point, larger projects with greater cash flow are needed to support the project.
For example, industrial park management can attract more businesses to move in and generate profits from services and technical support.
For example, a more mature industrial system has increased its own risk resistance, which has caused the once-valued tertiary industry to gradually lose its former glory.
"This trip to East Germany is also an opportunity."
Zhu Xiaolin said, "Look at how others run their businesses. If you have any ideas, we can discuss them in a meeting when we get back."
"If we could introduce new technologies to the tertiary sector from East Germany, perhaps we could even create companies no less successful than the Hongxing Steel Group—"
"Hahaha--"
Everyone laughed at his description. "How about another one like Red Star Steel Group?"
If that were the case, they wouldn't need to live anymore; they'd be dying of envy.
"Wow, it's quite lively here."
Du Xian, the director of the First Ministry of Machine Building, walked in and, seeing their lively conversation, said something.
Everyone turned around and greeted Director Du, showing great enthusiasm.
Du Xian put his hands in his coat pockets, looked everyone over and said, "Good, everyone looks very energetic, especially Li Huaide and you two."
He had clearly just come from outside; he was still chilly and hadn't even taken off his coat.
But seeing Li Xuewu and his companion, both dressed in tailored suits, they stood out like cranes among chickens.
Director Du, ever the joker, pointed at the two and said, "Dressed so stylishly, are you planning to be a groom or something?"
"Hahaha--"
The crowd burst into laughter, but their gazes toward the two people over there were still tinged with envy.
If they had known that suits could be altered like this, they would have done it long ago.
You know what, with us standing next to them, these two actually look quite smart in their clothes.
"You've brought the meeting here?" Du Xian walked to the middle of the group and looked at them, saying, "Sure, I'll support you if you need a meeting room for work."
"Director Du, are you on the same flight as us?" Zhu Xiaolin asked with a smile. "I'd like to ask you some questions. Is that convenient?"
"What are you going to do?"
Du Xian glanced at him with amusement and said, "You usually avoid me when I ask you to come to my office, but now you want to talk to me?"
"Since you want to talk, then let's talk."
He said with a smile, "I'm on this flight, on the same plane as you."
"Li Huaide—"
Seeing that Old Li didn't speak, Du Xian smiled and nudged him, saying, "What, you don't welcome me?"
"How could that be—"
Li Huaide said with a smile, "I'm so happy I've gone crazy."
"Hahaha—" Everyone laughed again.
Du Xian looked at him with amusement and said, "You, Li Huaide, can be stupid sometimes?"
"This time, on our way to East Germany, we'll need to detour through the port city. Let me say a few words."
He also became serious and emphasized: "Abide by work discipline, pay attention to the needs of foreign affairs work, and you can tell the service staff what you need in your life. It is absolutely not allowed to stay out overnight."
"Now that we've gone out, we're representing the organization and the country, so we can't tarnish our own reputation."
When Du Xian's gaze swept over Li Xuewu, he said with a smile, "You're the youngest, aren't you?"
"I don't know, it shouldn't be, right?"
Li Xuewu pretended to be stupid and said with a smile, "There are plenty of people more capable than me."
“Hey—” Du Xian nudged him, then looked at everyone and said, “After you go to East Germany, don’t leave the group. That’s the most important thing.”
“Especially for those who don’t speak a foreign language, if you get lost, you might never find your way back.”
"I am determined to follow the organization."
Zhu Xiaolin said with a smile, "Wherever Director Du goes, I'll go too, I won't leave his side for even a moment."
"Okay, just don't follow me to the toilet."
Du Xian glanced at him with amusement, then said a few more words. When reminded by the staff, he waved and led everyone to board the plane.
Li Huaide only brought Li Xuewu with him, so they carried their own luggage.
Liu Bin, as a service worker, will take another flight to the port city, where we will meet up.
Needless to say, the plane carrying Li Xuewu and his entourage must have been safer and received more attention.
They didn't sit anywhere; Li Xuewu sat next to Li Huaide.
"It's not as good as Red Star No. 1, is it?"
Sitting in the front, Zhu Xiaolin turned around and asked with a smile, "How does it feel to fly on a passenger plane like this after being used to business jets?"
"I'm not used to flying."
Li Huaide said with a somewhat nervous expression, "I've never even been on an airplane once."
Hearing him say that, Zhu Xiaolin's eyes widened in surprise, and he asked, "You have a private jet? You've never used it even once?"
"I don't really like sitting in this thing."
With the help of the flight attendant, Li Huaide fastened his seatbelt, muttering to himself, "What if I fall..."
Before he could finish speaking, Li Xuewu nudged him with his elbow, and the rest of his words fell back into his stomach.
The flight attendant who came to help saw his actions and couldn't help but smile slightly.
In this day and age, there are many more old-fashioned people who complain about the dangers of flying than just this one.
Besides, this guy doesn't look like an ordinary country bumpkin; he must have a very high status.
Nonsense, there are no ordinary people on this plane. Even the flight attendants were investigated, including three generations of their families.
"To be honest, this is my first time on a plane, so I don't know what it will be like."
Zhu Xiaolin chuckled lightly and said frankly, "Perhaps this is the first and the last time."
"You two are really good friends." Li Xuewu looked at Lao Li and Zhu Xiaolin speechlessly and said, "Why do you talk in such a scary and strange way?"
"Hahaha--"