MMB Chapter 1496 Port City
Chapter 1496 Port City
Chapter 1496 Port City
What are the Four Modernizations?
Zhu Xiaolin had the air of a radical youth, counting on his fingers as he spoke to Lao Li: "Industrial modernization, agricultural modernization, national defense modernization, and scientific and technological modernization."
"The goal was set more than a decade ago, and it was planned to be implemented in two steps. The first step is about to be completed. Can we achieve it?"
"There are still ten years left, aren't there?"
Old Li remained quite calm, showing little empathy for Zhu Xiaolin, who had switched seats with Li Xuewu.
This is inevitable; Zhu Xiaolin is just as old as he is.
Zhu Xiaolin is basically confirmed to retire before March next year, but what about him?
Old Li is only in his early forties, almost fifty, which is the perfect age for him to work hard.
Don't let his illnesses fool you; if you really let him rise in rank, he'd be willing to work even while on an IV drip. That's just the kind of addiction some cadres have.
Zhu Xiaolin is about to retire, and it's inevitable that he will feel some regret and disappointment.
At this point, he can complain a bit and grumble, and no one will take it personally.
Even Director Du wouldn't argue with him; after all, everyone has moments like this.
No one needs to laugh at anyone else; who knows, they might not even be as good as him when they retire.
But Li Huaide was different. He was the head of a new industrial enterprise that the Ministry of Machine Building and higher-level leaders were paying close attention to. He was the helmsman of Hongxing Steel Group, a warship that was setting sail with its sails fully unfurled.
Whether in public or in private, every word he utters represents an attitude and a direction.
This is no joke; his words, in a sense, represent a certain level of credibility.
When people generally respect and trust him, his attitude will be seen as a barometer of policy changes.
It is generally believed that he has interpreted the meaning and purpose of his superiors' actions and will be driven forward in the direction he points out; this is influence.
Would Old Li dare to talk nonsense?
Even if he were on a plane on a group trip abroad, he wouldn't say a single wrong word, no matter how much he drank.
From this perspective alone, the cadres who came through the war years are indeed quite capable.
Look at the old cadres of Hongxing Factory, whether it's Yang Yuansong or Yang Fengshan, even the most useless Kumamoto Cheng still has some integrity.
Since Li Xuewu first met these factory leaders, he had sat with them at dinner parties and drinks, and there was no boasting or bragging involved.
I know in my heart what I should and shouldn't say, no matter how much I drink.
Those who spout nonsense aren't drunk; they're just using drinking as an excuse to act crazy and wicked.
It's like the frustration and unfulfilled desires in one's heart suddenly bursting forth. There are only two kinds of situations: one is like Li Bai, who drinks, writes poems, and curses people; the other is like Zhu Xiaolin, who doesn't drink but looks for opportunities to curse people, as if he wants to look like he's courting death.
Li Huaide really wanted to get up and switch places with the deputy director of Beijing Chemical Plant; he didn't want to talk to him anymore.
That's damn dangerous!
Old Zhu just hasn't given him that chance, and it wouldn't be right to do it that way.
Think about it, Lao Zhu switched seats with Li Xuewu and deliberately moved closer to Lao Li.
If Lao Li and Bai Changmin switch places, wouldn't it become a game of tag? Where would Lao Zhu's face be? It would really be annoying.
"Ten years? Ten years isn't enough!"
Zhu Xiaolin curled his lip and said, "It will take at least thirty years to establish an independent industrial system, and that's my optimistic assessment."
"Of course, your Red Star Steel Group doesn't count; one outstanding company doesn't make a spring."
He waved his hand, voluntarily placing Hongxing Steel Group under a special category.
Actually, Zhu Xiaolin wasn't talking nonsense; there was some truth to what he said.
In 1964, the four modernization goals set in 1954 were summarized, resulting in the "two-step" strategy:
The first step was to establish an independent industrial system (15 years); the second step was to achieve full modernization (end of the 20th century).
Five years have passed since 1964. Apart from the rapid development of the national industrial system in the first two years, the growth rate has slowed down in recent years, and has even regressed.
Zhu Xiaolin wasn't speaking without reason; he was also aware of the difficulties faced by the Beijing Chemical Industry. If even the head of a trust company is in such a state, you can imagine what it's like.
Actually, looking at the whole country, this year is a little better, but we are still in the dead of winter.
Judging from the development pace of Hongxing Steel Group this year, it has been relatively conservative.
It's impossible not to be conservative. Overall economic policies are trending downward within the planned economy system. The more proactive Honggang is, the more it will be labeled.
You see, Lao Li likes to brag, but in reality he's very cautious and doesn't talk about anything mysterious.
"You have no idea how much pressure we're under. Just look at my face."
Old Li turned to Zhu Xiaolin and gestured, "I've never looked this haggard before. I look at least ten years older this year."
"Neither you nor I could tell, but your group's Comrade Gu Weijie certainly looks old."
Zhu Xiaolin raised an eyebrow and said, "Your team has certainly stirred things up this past year."
"I'm not old yet?" Li Huaide asked with a wry smile, pointing to the overhead luggage rack. "Do you know what I bring most when I travel for work?"
"Medicine, a whole bunch of Chinese medicine and Western medicine."
He gestured exaggeratedly with his hands and said, "After taking the medicine, I won't need to eat anymore."
"Hehe, that's how it is when you get old."
Zhu Xiaolin chuckled and asked in a low voice, "You also have a prostate problem?"
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about—"
Seeing Old Li looking at him with surprise, he nodded and said, "This is a common problem for men. Everyone gets a little bit sick as they get older."
"I haven't even reached the county yet."
Li Huaide sighed and said, "I have diabetes. I dare not eat or drink anything. I guess I'm destined to never have alcohol in this life."
"Diabetes? How do you get that?"
Zhu Xiaolin seemed to be hearing about this illness for the first time, and asked in surprise, "Overeating?"
"Heh—" Old Li glanced at him sideways and said, "How did you get it? You won the lottery."
"How did you get it? What kind of good disease is it?!"
He was practically rolling his eyes, and said irritably, "It has nothing to do with eating or drinking, it's just kidney disease, and it's related to all the internal organs."
"So it was kidney problems."
Zhu Xiaolin was also prone to taking things out of context, and at this moment he gave Lao Li a meaningful look.
This really annoyed Old Li. He was talking about diabetes, not that he couldn't get an erection.
On the contrary, it's Zhu who has prostate problems and can't get an erection, so what's he bragging about!
"Waiter, a cup of tea, please."
Old Li couldn't stand him anymore, so he raised his hand to signal the flight attendant to pour tea, interrupting Old Li's teasing.
The flight attendants were also annoyed by Lao Li. They knew it was on an airplane, but others might have thought it was in a hotel.
Call him "muddy-horse waiter," Lao Deng, why don't you call him "young waiter"?
***
"How did your preliminary negotiation meeting go?" Li Xuewu asked Bai Changmin beside him. "Are there any projects you're interested in?"
After Zhu Xiaolin switched seats, Li Xuewu sat next to Bai Changmin from Beijing Chemical Industry.
Speaking of Bai Changmin, he was a pragmatist, but he was just born at the wrong time.
He didn't have Old Zhu's methods, but he was about the same age as Old Zhu.
Based on a five-year term, he will not be the head of the new leadership team at Beijing Chemical.
Old Zhu brought him out this time, perhaps as a form of compensation, after all, they had been fighting for it for several years.
If he can secure a major project or make a significant contribution during this visit, he might have the opportunity to advance further.
Of course, the probability of becoming the class monitor is a bit low, but the deputy class monitor might be more likely.
Alternatively, one could leave Beijing Chemical and go to other branches or relatively smaller companies to have a chance to take on a leadership role.
However, even if someone is transferred to another post, it's just a temporary arrangement for someone else, so it's not very meaningful.
Li Xuewu greatly admired Bai Changmin; this old comrade had a strong sense of persistence and conviction.
Even though he is nearing retirement age, he still speaks calmly and methodically, without a trace of complaint or grumbling.
He spoke to Li Xuewu about practical matters, without a single bit of empty talk.
"The preliminary negotiations didn't go very smoothly," Bai Changmin explained rather tactfully. "The chemical industry is inherently a very inclusive sector."
He pondered for a moment and said, "We do want to examine East Germany's overall chemical system and focus on tackling a few key projects."
"You couldn't even find the key points in the preliminary negotiations, and you're pinning your hopes on taking another look when you get to the location?"
Li Xuewu looked at him in surprise and said, "That won't do. We're very pressed for time from departure to return."
"Even if you win a key project, the team leader won't wait for you for another day."
He raised an eyebrow and emphasized, "Unless you have the ability to bring back the best technology from the entire East German chemical system, it's all set in stone."
"Of course I know--"
Bai Changmin shook his head with a wry smile and said, "We dare not release the hawks until we see the real thing."
"Then you'd better hurry up."
Li Xuewu opened his eyes and whispered a reminder: "There's only a week left. The first day is a group action, and East Germany isn't small."
"You must have conducted a detailed survey of the distribution of East Germany's industrial system, right?"
"This..." Bai Changmin looked at him in surprise and asked, "Do we still need to investigate this ourselves?"
"..." Li Xuewu looked at him speechlessly and asked, "Otherwise what?"
"Won't the organizing committee provide support?"
Bai Changmin asked in a panic, "Didn't we agree that we wouldn't bring more people?"
"Are you all so obedient?"
Li Xuewu looked at him in surprise and said, "Of course, you can't register too many people when you're with a group, but it doesn't say you can't go on your own."
"Huh? You're sending people yourselves?"
Bai Changmin sat up straight, looked at him, and asked, "Is it possible to do that?"
"Otherwise what?" Li Xuewu's eyes widened as he looked at him and asked, "Don't tell me it's just you and Director Zhu going to East Germany this time?"
"Of course not—"
Bai Changmin glanced at him and explained, "We brought a secretary and translator with us."
"..." Li Xuewu was truly shocked. Looking at him, he said, "This won't work. The white factory can provide secretaries and translators, but the negotiation team has to be organized by ourselves."
"Can't we talk?"
Bai Changmin had already realized the seriousness of the problem, but he still naively asked, "How many people did you organize to go?"
Are you asking about the negotiation support team, the logistics support team, or the organization office?
Li Xuewu counted on his fingers for him, and finally nodded to confirm: "At least 85 people, most of whom are temporarily borrowed from Hong Kong."
"Eighty...more than eighty people?"
Bai Changmin looked at him in surprise and asked, "Do we need so many people?"
Do you know the basic situation of the chemical industry in East Germany?
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and looked at him, saying, "Actually, the East German industrial sector was most outstanding in the chemical industry, accounting for 11% of the total industrial output and employing 10.6% of the total industrial workforce. Did you know that?"
Seeing Bai Changmin's blank expression, he shrugged and asked, "You don't know these things, but do you know where to visit?"
"Where...are we going to visit?" Bai Changmin asked nervously, gripping the handrail. "Didn't the conference organizers arrange for us to visit specific companies?"
"Yes, will you go?"
Li Xuewu said with a laugh, "What good stuff could they possibly show us?"
Even if they see something good, will they sell it to us?
He shook his head helplessly, took out paper and pen, placed them on the small table, and wrote as he spoke: "Our focus is not on chemicals. Even though I've looked at a few projects, I haven't taken many notes."
"East Germany's chemical production was mainly distributed in these areas: Halle-Leipzig, based on the mining of local lignite, and mainly developing the lignite chemical industry."
"In the eastern region, imported oil is processed to develop petrochemicals, producing chemical fibers, synthetic resins, nitrogen fertilizers, etc., with Berlin, Cottbus, and Frankfurt as production centers."
"The Dresden district has a favorable economic and geographical location, importing raw materials and fuels to produce synthetic fibers, pharmaceuticals, photographic paper, rubber products..."
"In the foothills of the Harz Mountains, chemical raw materials from the nearby mountains and waste from the non-ferrous metallurgical industry are used to produce potash fertilizer, sulfuric acid, roasted soda, etc..."
Seeing Bai Changmin craning his neck to look over, Li Xuewu tapped the tip of his pen on the notebook in his hand and emphasized, "You can focus on this city."
Rostock?
Bai Changmin looked at the name on the notebook, not understanding the meaning behind his emphasis.
"Yes, Rostock."
Li Xuewu emphasized: "Rostock is a new chemical industry center, importing semi-finished ammonia from North Suvintspils to produce nitrogen fertilizer."
"A nitrogen fertilizer processing plant?" Bai Changmin frowned and thought for a moment, then suddenly his eyes widened.
Seeing that he understood, Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Talk about whatever they lack, and the more private the better."
"As long as we can secure this project..."
He tapped the pen, now capped, on the notebook and said, "You understand."
"I understand..." Bai Changmin opened his mouth slightly, this surprise was enough to stun him.
"Don't go with the tour group, and don't wander around aimlessly like a headless fly, unable to find the point."
Li Xuewu tore the text he had just written out of his notebook and handed it to him, whispering, "Keep an eye on this and take it down."
"I see."
Bai Changmin had already understood the deeper meaning in his eyes. As if obeying a leader's order, he took the few pages of paper that seemed light but were actually heavy, and put them away like treasures.
***
"This is really tiring."
Li Huaide looked out the window at the planes flying over the buildings and sighed.
The flight had only been going on for a little over five hours, but he just couldn't take it anymore.
This is a commercial airliner, not the Red Star 1 business jet; the comfort level is quite average.
Looking at the chaotic cityscape below and the towering skyscrapers that suddenly came into view, he was still somewhat shocked.
How can the economy of a city be so polarized?
"The area we just flew over must be a slum; the commercial area is just beyond that."
Li Xuewu explained to him, "The market economy determines people's survival mindset."
"I can't even imagine—"
Old Li shook his head slightly and sighed, "Is this the paradise those people yearn for?"
“Hehe—” Li Xuewu shook his head with a wry smile and said, “On the other hand, if this is paradise, then how difficult must their living conditions have been before they came here?”
Li Huaide suddenly stopped talking until the plane landed at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong.
There was another reason why Old Li suddenly stopped talking: the change in the situation outside the window.
Why do we say it's a change in circumstances, rather than a change in scenery?
Due to the unique nature of Kai Tak Airport, it is known as one of the ten most dangerous airports in the world.
For passengers on board, especially those seated on the right side of the cabin near the window, the plane's landing felt like it had taken the wrong flight path.
You can feel the plane getting closer and closer to the ground. The crowded streets, multi-story buildings and pedestrians in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok are clearly visible, but there is no runway in sight ahead.
Later, the buildings on both sides seemed to be about to hit the wing, and sometimes you could clearly see the couple having sex inside the house, or the color of the clothes drying on the roof.
The plane was turning over Kowloon City, and the runway was appearing ahead. A few seconds later, the landing gear touched down, and the plane landed on the runway in the center of the harbor.
For residents of Kowloon City living below the airway, there was once an exaggerated saying that you could sweep an airplane down by simply holding a clothes drying stick on a high floor of a building.
Old Li has lived for so long and has never seen such a crowded city. Is it really necessary?
Yes, it's really necessary. At the end of last year and the beginning of this year, more than 800,000 young people from Beijing were relocated to the countryside to participate in production and labor work.
Even before the relocation of residents, Old Li never felt that there were so many people and the houses were so small.
This isn't a skyscraper, it's a pigeonhole!
Just imagine, if a couple can make love in their home and be seen by people on an airplane, how dense must the population be? They'd practically want to live in an airport!
There are also relatively dense residential areas in Beijing, especially employee dormitories. But in Lao Li’s opinion, even the employee dormitories of the former Red Star Factory had more spacious and comfortable living conditions than this place.
After the plane landed safely, Li Xuewu could clearly feel Old Li next to him let out a long sigh of relief, as if he had survived a disaster.
"Hehe, if you are nervous or scared, you can close your eyes and take a deep breath."
Li Xuewu chuckled and gave him a gentle reminder.
Old Li stubbornly turned to look at him and said, "Am I nervous? What's there to be afraid of? It's just a chat and it'll be over soon."
"Yes, then please let go of my hand."
Li Xuewu raised his arm, gesturing to his stiff, nervous hand, and said with a laugh, "People will misunderstand if they see this."
"Heh—hahaha—"
Old Li laughed heartily when Little Li saw through his thoughts. At that moment, everyone was looking out the window and no one noticed what was happening here.
"Damn it, it would be a lie to say I'm not scared. How could I not be scared?!"
The plane had landed and was taxiing, so Lao Li was able to speak fluently.
He whispered to Li Xuewu, "That building is about to hit my face. I was just thinking what would happen if we both died here."
"..." Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "It's okay, I have long legs, I can just take a step and jump down, at most I'll break a bone."
"Hehehe, stop joking."
Li Huaide said with a smile, "I've never heard of getting off a plane halfway through a flight."
Even if you have the ability to pilot a helicopter, it doesn't necessarily mean you can fly.
“That’s a different matter.” Li Xuewu nodded, looking in the direction the plane was heading, and said, “I dare to jump from a helicopter, but I wouldn’t dare to jump from a passenger plane.”
"Okay, we've finally arrived."
Li Huaide said with a sigh, "You know me, I'm afraid of this thing."
"I would never dare to fly on that plane, no matter how much I wanted it, but I couldn't escape it after all. I did fly on a plane once."
"It's very far to East Germany, can you even row there?" Li Xuewu said with a smile, "The airplane should be the greatest invention of this century, allowing people all over the world to share resources."
“So this is what you’re focusing on—” Li Huaide nodded and said, “You really are a person with a broad mind and lofty aspirations.”
"You must be kidding me—"
Li Xuewu smiled, stood up, took their luggage, and then helped Bai Changmin with his luggage.
Halfway through the flight, perhaps having finished his conversation with Lao Li, or perhaps reminded by Bai Changmin, Zhu Xiaolin voluntarily returned to his seat.
The two people in front of me talked non-stop the whole way, focusing on the information provided by Li Xuewu.
Zhu Xiaolin didn't pay attention to this trip, and Bai Changmin didn't understand the higher-ups' intentions.
So even Li Xuewu couldn't stand it anymore and gave Bai Changmin some pointers.
When they heard Li Xuewu say that Hongxing Steel Group had organized a team of more than 80 people to follow them, it would be a lie to say that the two of them were not envious.
Putting aside the issue of group tours, just consider the cost of supporting these eighty people.
You said you were on loan, but you just sent them back so easily?
Sending these people to East Germany and then bringing them back would be a huge expense.
What did you say to them?
When they got off the plane, Lao Li specifically asked Li Xuewu what he had just talked about with Bai Changmin.
Li Xuewu gave a brief introduction, which wasn't exactly a "nice guy" attitude.
Li Huaide, of course, understood perfectly. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Aren't we paying attention to Rostock because of the shipyard?"
"Yeah, I didn't say we were heading to the chemical plant."
Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "It's alright, they've always been very lucky."
"Heh—" Li Huaide said with a light laugh as he walked forward, "He's really unlucky to have met you."
"Shouldn't it be 'acceptance'?"
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Neptune Shipyard, or Valno Shipyard."
"If we can't buy it, let Beijing Chemical buy it, and then we'll exchange it back."
He looked at Old Li and said, "If they can really achieve their expected goals, they'll even make a profit."
"If we let them run around like headless flies, they might get scammed."
"So, according to you, they're going to get scammed sooner or later anyway, so they might as well let you scam them?"
Old Li watched with amusement as Zhu Xiaolin and Bai Changmin hurriedly walked ahead, thinking to himself that the two old men had actually been fooled by the little rascal.
Sincerity may not be the truth, but it is definitely a sure-fire weapon.
***
When transiting in the port city, the plane doesn't just stop there and leave. They need to change to a different airline in the port city before flying to Berlin, the capital of East Germany.
There is a short stopover between when the flight lands and when it takes off again from the port city.
As required by the team leader, no company representative is allowed to leave the team without permission.
From the moment they boarded the plane, they were a unified group, and only after landing in Germany and participating in group activities were they allowed to conduct their research activities.
Therefore, Li Xuewu and Li Huaide didn't need to look for the sign to pick them up at the station, nor did they need to worry about where they would stay tonight; they could just follow the signs in front of them.
As Li Xuewu walked out of the departure channel, he couldn't help but look at the crowd of people waiting to pick him up, because he saw familiar figures there.
Wearing a beige short trench coat, a white sweater, and blue pants, she was so dazzling.
It is a longing gaze, a glance that feels like an eternity, a meeting that is difficult and a parting that is even more difficult.
Li Xuewu didn't greet them, and the other person didn't wave, but in each other's eyes, the surroundings instantly became quiet, and there was no one else around.
She stood there gazing at him, her eyes glistening with tears.
Li Xuewu walked forward until his gaze caught the attention of Old Li beside him, at which point he turned around.
"Why? Do you know someone?"
Li Huaide glanced at the crowd of people waiting to pick up passengers, but couldn't see anything unusual.
"People from Oriental Times Bank have arrived."
Li Xuewu didn't hide it from Lao Li, but he didn't tell him the whole truth either.
Old Li didn't need his honesty; from beginning to end, he never asked Li Xuewu about the background of the Oriental Times Bank.
Why ask so many questions? Knowing this will only put him in a more passive position. It's enough to just identify a few key points.
Just like we saw from the plane we arrived, this place isn't all paradise.
Hong Kong has a clear boundary with the mainland, but it also has its own boundaries.
Even if you give him the resources of Hong Kong, what difference will it make? Will he still be able to develop his career in Hong Kong?
"Is this General Manager Lou?"
Li Huaide knew the name, but he didn't know how Lou Xiao'e got to Gangcheng.
The situation was quite complicated at the time, and it also involved the investigation department, so he didn't ask.
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "They should come to see us later. Let's go with the group first."
“That’s for sure, don’t make any mistakes.” Li Huaide emphasized softly, “You see her first, and I’ll see her again if necessary.”
“Then let’s not meet,” Li Xuewu said decisively. “We’ll talk about it when we get back?”
"Okay, then we'll talk about it when we get back."
Li Huaide appeared to be agreeable, but in reality, he had no intention of seeing Lou Xiao'e.
We're from two different worlds, so what difference does it make if we have business collaborations?
He couldn't bear the responsibility of meeting with Gangcheng Capital privately, and he didn't want to take that risk.
If it were Li Xuewu who went to meet them, there would be no problem, because Hongxing Steel Group has an office in Gangcheng, and it is normal for the group's leadership to pay attention. The only exception is the leader, who should not be too proactive.
Li Xuewu's meeting with Gangcheng Capital represented a rather conservative and reserved attitude.
Even those above could understand this stance, which is why Li Xuewu could see him but not him.
This sounds complicated and convoluted, but that's exactly how it is.
Everything has its limits. No one can clearly define where the limits are, but everyone understands them in their hearts.
The organizing committee booked hotels near the airport for everyone, stipulating that they were not allowed to go out, but they also left room for flexibility, namely the application system.
Flights are subject to change; the flight arrives in the port city in the afternoon and flies to East Germany in the morning.
So everyone only has one night to stay in the port city, and most people can only stand on the high-rise buildings of the hotel and look at the city scenery.
A Rolls-Royce smoothly pulled up to the hotel's reception desk. The doorman tried to open the car door, but was stopped by the bodyguards who arrived shortly afterward.
"We're here to pick someone up."
The bodyguard calmly explained and nodded to his colleague who was walking into the hall.
In the lobby, Li Xuewu was sitting on the sofa reading the Hong Kong newspaper, which was free.
Besides, even a glass of water costs money, which made Li Huaide so angry he wanted to curse.
He still has some manners; Zhu Xiaolin and others have already cursed him, and they've used some very offensive language.
Li Xuewu took the initiative to report to the team leader, and it was Li Huaide who vouched for him.
Old Li made it very clear that he was not in a position to come forward in person, but hoped that the group's secretary-general could take a look at the group's business situation in the port city and meet with the group's best partner in the port city.
The key figures on this trip were not the accompanying personnel, but the heads of various companies.
Therefore, Li Xuewu obtained the exit permit by virtue of the name of Hongxing Steel Group and Lao Li's guarantee.
If you're asking whether anyone else besides Li Xuewu got an exit permit?
Of course, it's possible. Even without the resources and circumstances of a Red Star Steel Group, it's still possible for a red-themed enterprise to come and pick up people.
Because the responsibility for the guarantee no longer rests with the responsible parties, but with these companies.
"Mr. Li, Mr. Lou has come to pick you up."
A woman in a suit walked up to Li Xuewu and greeted him.
Of course, from Li Xuewu's perspective, he should address the other party as "comrade," but she called him "Miss."
Yes, in this era in Hong Kong, "Miss" is still a respectful term, referring to someone from a prominent family.
It's obvious that the fact that she could accurately find Li Xuewu among so many people in the hall means that she knows Li Xuewu or has seen him before.
Coincidentally, although Li Xuewu had never met her, he had already guessed who she was.
"Xiaohan, right?" Li Xuewu stood up, smiling as he extended his hand.
Lou Xiaohan looked at him with surprise, but still reached out and shook hands with him.
"Mr. Li, I didn't expect you to know me."
"No, I just guessed."
Li Xuewu smiled and let go of her hand, saying, "Xiao'e mentioned your help to her many times in her letters, so I think it should be you who comes to pick me up."
"Thanks--"
Lou Xiaohan was genuinely moved, even though he only said a few polite words.
The fact that he recognized her and even knew about her situation shows that Lou Xiao'e truly thought that way.
The latter sentence, in particular, shows that Li Xuewu trusted Lou Xiao'e.
So she couldn't help but say thank you.
"Mr. Li, please come with me."
Lou Xiaohan smiled and nodded, his usual serious demeanor replaced by politeness.
This is quite different from when she worked at the group; her colleagues might be surprised if they saw her like this.
Lou Xiaohan, the second sister of the general manager, does not hold any important position within the group.
She was merely the general manager's legal counsel; the position was more of a service role.
Lou Xiaohan clearly held no official position, yet she always managed to act on behalf of Lou Xiao'e in issuing orders.
Especially when representing Lou Xiao'e at occasions where it's inconvenient for her to appear in person, her lawyer's license and family ties make things very convenient for her.
Just like now, countless eyes are watching the members of this delegation.
Everyone who leaves the hotel will be watched; it's like flies swarming an egg without a crack.
It's a pity that this delegation was of a very high caliber; ordinary people really couldn't get close to them.
Lou Xiaohan's presence here is proof of her strength in the port city.
"May I take this newspaper with me, if possible?"
After confirming with the receptionist, Li Xuewu took the newspaper and left with Lou Xiaohan.
Lou Xiaohan was puzzled. He was clearly very busy, so why did he bring a newspaper?
As the two appeared at the entrance of the hall, flashes of light went off, and Li Xuewu frowned slightly and glanced away.
Lou Xiaohan witnessed this scene and wanted to see the man's reaction.
I never expected him to be so decisive and ruthless, the kind of person who could kill with just a glance.
The bodyguard first opened the back door for him, and after the Rolls-Royce started, he jumped into the Mercedes that followed.
Don't think about the purpose of the flash; this is a port city, and there are only so many Rolls-Royces in the entire port city. Of course, you have to take a picture when you see one.
“You look even more dazzling than I imagined,” Li Xuewu said, looking at Lou Xiao’e beside him. “The flash almost blinded me.”
"They came for you."
Lou Xiao'e's voice was choked with emotion, as if she had just been crying; she had waited for him for too long.
"Maybe so, I'm just not used to it."
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly, took her hand, and said, "Including the night view outside the window."
He turned to look out the window; neon lights flashed, row upon row passing by the car window, allowing him to inspect them.
"But I've been watching it for three years."
Lou Xiao'e had only eyes for him at that moment, her hands clenching tighter and tighter, unwilling to let go.
"Well, thank you for your hard work."
Li Xuewu nodded understandingly, then turned to look at her and asked, "Do you want to cry?"
He patted his shoulder and said, "I'm here. Here, you can have my shoulder."
"This place has always been mine."
Lou Xiao'e, having removed her armor, suddenly spoke softly before leaning on his shoulder. Though she was smiling, tears streamed down her face.
Lou Xiaohan, sitting in the passenger seat, didn't dare to turn her head; she couldn't afford to offend either of the two people behind her.
Her younger sister, Lou Xiao'e, goes without saying. People just think she's enjoying a life of luxury thanks to her sister, and that she's incredibly successful in the group. But what's the reality?
In reality, Lou Xiao'e wasn't very close to her. Although she fully satisfied her self-esteem materially, she remained indifferent emotionally.
Lou Xiao'e never called her "sister" and seemed not to acknowledge their relationship.
But if you say she doesn't admit it, she knows about some of Lou Xiao'e's social connections.
Take the person in the back for example; from what she knows, he's also a very important person.
If Lou Xiao'e didn't trust her, why would she let her guard down in front of her?
It's contradictory and complicated.
Li Xuewu was a name she had heard countless times, and it was even frequently mentioned by Wen Hanze, who had already left, and later by Li Wenbiao.
She thought Lou Xiao'e was impressive enough, but the prince of Port-au-Prince was even more impressive.
But when they get together for tea, they all speak of this man with respect. Just how amazing must this man be?
The head of a trust group in mainland China is so young that it's enviable.
When they first met, the other person didn't acknowledge her by name, but they still called her by her first name, without her surname.
This was also why she was slightly surprised; if there was no such relationship, how could he know her?
So, what is his attitude towards himself?
Lou Xiao'e understood her own distance; those who didn't understand could understand by looking at ancient dynasties.
To prevent relatives from interfering in politics, countless emperors racked their brains trying to figure out such a thing.
Social etiquette has long been passed down, and Lou Xiao'e did this because of this idea.
If we get too close, I'm afraid she'll have inappropriate thoughts; if we're too far, I'm afraid she won't be loyal enough.
Satisfy her financially, but keep her emotionally detached, leaving her absolutely loyal while caught in a dilemma.
After exchanging only a few words, the car fell silent. Lou Xiaohan couldn't resist glancing secretly in the rearview mirror, only to be caught red-handed.
Lou Xiao'e leaned on his shoulder as if she had fallen asleep, with tears still on her face.
Looking at him again, he was watching her with a mocking gaze, as if he had caught a little kitten peeking at her.
Lou Xiaohan blushed for a moment, then looked away and gazed out the window.
Actually, you can see the back seat from the rearview mirror. From this angle, he still looks quite handsome, not that scary.
Yes, in the waiting area, she accompanied Lou Xiao'e as she waited for Li Xuewu to come out, and her first reaction upon seeing him was fear.
The man had an absolutely terrifying face, but after looking at him again, I wasn't afraid at all.
Because he sided with himself.
Of course, he wasn't looking at her, but at Lou Xiao'e beside her, and his cold gaze instantly softened.
That was such a complex look in her eyes; she still remembers it vividly to this day.
She had never heard Lou Xiao'e mention him, nor had she ever heard Lou Xiao'e talk about their relationship.
But she was certain that the two people behind her were lovers, and in a very serious relationship.
Born in Hong Kong, she had long seen through love, realizing it was nothing more than either emotional or physical attraction.
After the initial panic of making eye contact, she finally had the courage to observe him.
But I no longer saw his mocking gaze in the rearview mirror or the side mirror.
He leaned back in his seat with his eyes slightly closed, letting Lou Xiao'e sleep soundly against him.
At this point, Lou Xiao'e looked more like a child; in fact, she was only in her early twenties.
It's truly remarkable that they came from the mainland to Hong Kong and managed to build such a large storefront.
Looking at Lou Xiao'e now, it further demonstrates that Li Xuewu's power is unimaginable.
She tried to observe him closely, hoping to discern something from his appearance and clothing, but after a long time, she couldn't figure it out.
He is very tall and has a strong presence, but his personality is definitely not rigid; in fact, he is quite mischievous.
What kind of person is he, really?