MMB Chapter 1503 Night Lady
Chapter 1503 Night Lady
Chapter 1503 Night Lady
"He's such a show-off—"
When Li Xuewu announced his speech topic, this was the attitude of the audience towards this unknown little Karami.
"Heh—" Shao Kang from Shanghai Electromechanical chuckled softly, muttering in a barely audible voice, "Ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth."
As Wang Youhan, the vice president of Beijing Automotive, listened to Li Xuewu's speech, he glanced at him and couldn't help but show a hint of disdain on his lips.
Indeed, without witnessing the treacherous and cunning nature beneath Li Xuewu's seemingly respectable facade, one would have no idea how dangerous this villain was.
Ignorant of one's own limitations?
Who is it that is so ignorant and arrogant?
"...The international economic order should not be hijacked by the political order, becoming a big stick wielded arrogantly by ambitious individuals..."
Damn it——
After listening to just a few sentences, someone in the audience exclaimed inwardly, "Can you insult someone without using any swear words?"
Such statements, imbued with subjective ideology, indirectly explain the concept and building blocks of the international order, while also expressing one's own stance.
That's awesome!
Those who can attend tonight's welcome banquet are mostly literate; to say they are all highly educated intellectuals would be an exaggeration.
To put it simply, out of the hundreds of people in the banquet hall, less than a third could understand this sentence, but that was enough to amaze everyone.
The key point is that the big shots sitting in front will definitely understand it, and their expressions as they look at the podium have become more serious.
What is the international order?
The international order encompasses both international politics and economics, referring to the orderly state of international actors under the guidance of specific norms.
The meeting between the two sides' senior officials had just ended in the afternoon. Given the less-than-ideal outcome of the talks, Li Xuewu's remarks and statements were nothing short of a blatant attack from a theoretical high ground.
The leaders and representatives of the delegation who understood what he said widened their eyes. Didn't the leader say that we shouldn't act impulsively?
Yes, this bastard wasn't acting impulsively; he was just swearing within the bounds of rules and civility. Didn't you see how the other person's face turned green but they still held back?
Some people interpreted this as swearing, but Li Xuewu disagrees. He wanted to express the attitude of reshaping the standards of the international order.
Specifically, the international order reflects the harmonious state of conflict resolution among states in accordance with international norms and non-violent means, and also reflects the alignment between the current state of the international community and the political goals or value standards of the dominant countries.
He wanted to emphasize that the elements that constitute the international order, especially in the economic sphere, are indispensable:
First, international norms are essential to provide guidelines for economic cooperation among nations. Second, the guidance of dominant values is crucial, as they determine the direction of international economic cooperation norm development. Third, effective institutional arrangements are indispensable to ensure that countries comply with international economic cooperation norms and to punish violations.
"Currently, the international order faces numerous challenges."
Now is the time for Li Xuewu to unleash his full power. He spoke firmly and calmly: "The dominance of Western values, the existence of double international standards, and the control of the international order by Western countries."
"Under the influence of bipolar global confrontation, the disorder of the international order is becoming increasingly apparent." He looked up at the people in the banquet hall and emphasized, "Therefore, rebuilding an orderly international order and formulating new international norms that are widely accepted have become urgent tasks for the international community."
What makes Li Xuewu so amazing is that he doesn't just rant, but rather he seriously explains the actual situation while casually hurling insults.
He defined the imbalance in today's international order as follows: "The control of the international order by Western countries has exacerbated these problems. For example, their double international standards and their dominant position in international affairs have made the construction of the international order more complicated."
"Currently, these challenges have made the international community more turbulent and unstable, and there is an urgent need for responsible major powers to step forward and seek new solutions."
Look, all the international economic problems and conflicts are caused by the lack of unity among you Westerners. It is necessary for responsible major powers to stand up and take responsibility.
At this point, you might ask, who is the responsible major power?
Nonsense. In terms of land area, population size, economic development potential, and international standing, is there even a need to ask this question?
Faint murmurs had already begun to ripple through the audience, but the delegation leaders seated at the front-row tables maintained their composure, as if what was being said on stage was exactly what was going on.
The expression of the East German economic officials was rather complicated. The speaker on stage seemed to be criticizing them for going back on their word and lacking international responsibility, but in reality, he was criticizing their masters.
So, tell me, are they going to respond or not?
If I respond, I'll be asking for a scolding and making a fool of myself; if I don't respond, I worry that this welcome dinner will cause unnecessary misunderstandings with my master.
That's right, there's no misunderstanding, they remain loyal.
The international order has only been rebuilt in the last ten or twenty years, mainly based on the needs of the world after World War II.
To put it bluntly, it was a winner-takes-all situation at the time, with the few countries that had the most guns calling the shots.
Everyone is aware of the current international situation: the shadow of war looms over the globe, and even economic and trade activities are being affected.
“Over the past 30 years, we have witnessed more of the collapse of the old order than the outline of the new order.”
Li Xuewu calmly stated on the podium: "This is not a situation where the new international political and economic order that the people of the world are looking forward to after the war will soon be sound and stable."
"In the face of the rise of developing countries and the profound adjustment of the balance of power among major powers, the world economy needs a greater sense of responsibility and commitment."
He looked at everyone in the banquet hall and said with a sharp gaze, "Chinese enterprises are going global and will inevitably play an increasingly important role on the global economic stage, with influence far exceeding that of the past."
"We must acknowledge that the complexity of international relations has been further increased by the significant differences between us and traditional great powers in terms of history, culture, ideology and values."
"However, at the same time, we respect and pay attention to many countries that were traditionally considered small, but now their economic strength and population are no less than those of historically large countries. This is a distorted factor that weakens the dominant role and control of large countries in international relations..."
Huh? Who are they talking about?
Those in the audience who were paying attention turned their eyes to the tables in front of them, wondering if this was a veiled criticism or a flattering remark.
Barzel Christer, the head of the East German Economic Council, raised an eyebrow and glanced casually at Mr. Li sitting opposite him.
Deputy Director Li listened attentively, ignoring the occasional glances cast his way, his expression more resolute than a rock.
"...At this critical juncture of profound changes in global enterprises' construction of industrial chains and trade relations, the mixture of old and new phenomena undoubtedly brings new challenges and opportunities to the establishment of a new order..."
Li Xuewu turned the page and continued, “When discussing the reform or reshaping of the international order, we often rely on past experiences. However, these old experiences are often insufficient to meet the challenges of the new era.”
"Therefore, we need to inject new thinking and creativity into the conception of the future international order. If we are bound by historical experience and old international relations, we may lose our way and miss valuable development opportunities."
"I advocate that the world today may promote common development through communication among major powers and peaceful competition among different systems."
"Made in China will surely become the most dazzling calling card in future international trade. We still look forward to the orderly reform of the international order and hope to actively participate in it, becoming a responsible major economy."
"As a major country participating in the reconstruction of the international order, China needs to draw wisdom from all parties, including learning from the valuable experience of other countries in participating in the governance of the international system."
Li Xuewu bluntly stated: "Objectively speaking, Chinese enterprises have begun to show their influence in the economic field, but their influence at the institutional and ideological levels still needs to be further expanded."
"For a considerable period of time to come, Chinese companies will not only be key participants in the reform of the international order, but also active learners."
"By participating in the reform process, Chinese enterprises will continuously draw on the wisdom of other countries and contribute to building a more harmonious and inclusive international order."
"Of course, the establishment of a new order will be a complex process that is both challenging and full of opportunities."
Li Xuewu slowed down his speech and began to wrap up his presentation as the atmosphere in the room changed.
"It requires the joint efforts and broad cooperation of all countries in the world."
He clenched his right fist in front of him and looked towards the banquet hall, saying, "And good cooperation cannot be separated from in-depth learning and mutual understanding."
"While we cannot predict the exact form of the new order, it is certain that it will place greater emphasis on inclusiveness to meet the common needs of a wider range of participants."
"A world that embraces diversity will undoubtedly be more beautiful and full of hope."
"He's so awesome!"
This was the state of mind of the crowd when Li Xuewu's speech ended, before they had even recovered from the shock, but uncontrollable applause had already begun.
After thanking Felix, the Secretary General of the East German Economic Committee, for inviting him to the stage, Li Xuewu calmly stepped down from the podium.
"Who is he?"
Where is he from?
All eyes in the banquet hall were on Li Xuewu as he walked down the steps and back to his seat.
He was greeted not only with applause, but also with Shao Kang, who stared wide-eyed as if he didn't recognize him, yet exclaimed how amazing he was.
He really wanted to ask Li Xuewu how he did it, but he was too shocked to speak.
He could probably write such a speech in half a month, but he would never dare to make such outrageous remarks in this kind of setting.
Even if he dared to say it here, he was certain that he could not achieve the same effect as Li Xuewu's speech.
This person is truly unscrupulous, launching attacks without warning. Making veiled accusations is the least of it; this guy is even trying to sow discord.
Do you use the Thirty-Six Stratagems in different ways?
Looking back now, even the leaders in East Germany couldn't quite describe how they felt.
There is no doubt about their ambitions; one cannot truly understand the helplessness and bitterness of a defeated nation without experiencing it firsthand.
Do you think they hate art students who failed their exams because they started a war?
Bullshit, what they hate is that man for not leading Germany to victory in the war.
***
"Hello, Mr. Li, I'm a reporter from the Weekly Post. May I interview you?"
"Hello, Mr. Li, this is the Neue Rheinische Zeitung..."
"...I am from the Neues Deutschland..."
When Li Xuewu walked out of the banquet hall, he was no longer as relaxed and at ease as he had been when he arrived. He was surrounded by cameras and microphones and could not move an inch.
Even though the hotel, organizers, and foreign affairs department had prepared security forces, they did not expect such an explosive situation to occur at the banquet.
The security guards were kept outside by the reporters and couldn't get in, while Li Xuewu was surrounded by reporters and couldn't get out.
Of course, translators also couldn't get in.
Even when reporters switched to English and French to ask questions, Li Xuewu remained silent and pushed his way forward without saying a word.
Speaking on stage is authorized and required by the leader; he has not been authorized or permitted to speak on behalf of any party at this moment.
If you really want to interview him, you can wait until he finishes this visit and is able to speak on behalf of Hongxing Steel Group.
Soon, the security guards broke through the reporters' blockade and cleared a path for Li Xuewu to the elevator.
Reporters with their cameras and microphones, who were constantly asking Li Xuewu questions and snapping photos, were pushed aside, but they still didn't give up asking.
Unaware of what was happening, hotel staff and guests outside the banquet hall all looked in this direction. Media personnel with keen senses who hadn't been able to enter the banquet hall to record or take photos swarmed in, adding to the chaos at the scene.
Li Xuewu became an overnight sensation, his speech at the welcome banquet on his first night in East Germany igniting a fire in the winter.
Some voices have already emerged saying that this is the first shot fired at the bipolar confrontation and the artificial obstruction of the international economic development pattern.
This has also been interpreted as a sign that a major Eastern power is about to intervene in international relations, the key point being that Li Xuewu's attitude is too domineering.
Combined with his fierce expression and mature, reserved demeanor, reporters had already defined him as a key figure in the future of this great Eastern power.
Otherwise, how could he be allowed to speak on stage as a representative? The representative from East Germany was Barzel, the director of the German Economic Council.
Even if he can't be compared to Barzel, it's clear that Mr. Li's status is not low.
Shao Kang, Wang Youhan, and Li Xuewu sat at the same table. The three of them were supposed to leave with the other attendees after the leaders left.
Even as he left, many eyes were still fixed on Li Xuewu in the banquet hall, and discussions about him continued unabated.
However, it shouldn't have caused such a chaotic situation.
Seeing Li Xuewu being escorted away only intensified the already complicated feelings in my heart.
Why is he so awesome?
One was the deputy director of a Shanghai electromechanical company, and the other was the deputy general manager of a Beijing automobile company. In the end, they became background figures, just like everyone else.
Others may not have noticed yet, but the well-informed Wang Youhan had already discovered that reporters from the two major newspapers, Xinhua and People's Daily, were taking photos at the banquet.
The purpose is self-evident.
Perhaps in less than three days, the two most authoritative newspapers in China will publish articles containing the press release of Li Xuewu's speech today.
If this speech contributes to China's influence in the international community, or has a positive impact on the economic and industrial sectors of this visit, then Li Xuewu will receive a different treatment upon his return.
It's not impossible to write an article for the People's Daily.
If even articles can be published, then one's status within the Hongxing Steel Group will be entirely different.
They might look down on this young man with the title of secretary-general while sitting at the same table for dinner, but after tonight they would never dare to have such thoughts again.
Wang Youhan was prepared. To put it bluntly, Gangcheng Automobile of Hongxing Steel Group developed by riding on the coattails of Beijing Automobile.
Don't talk about sticky packaging or shady practices. Back then, those bastards were targeting the 212 market and making their efforts to penetrate it.
Now it's clear that Steel Jeep's products are designed and developed around the 212, aiming to seize the 212's established market share.
Sadly, they still managed to win.
This year, Beijing's flagship car model, the BJ212, saw its first inventory of unsold vehicles. Although sales remained strong, a crisis had already emerged.
The money to buy one Jeep 212 can buy up to five Red Star Antelopes. How can the Beijing auto industry survive?
The key is that even with such low operating prices, Red Star Antelope remains the product with the highest profit margin in the steel and automotive industry.
Previously, Hongxing Factory dismantled the 212 to imitate and manufacture the Hongxing Antelope. Now, Beijing Automotive is secretly dismantling Steel Auto's Tundra to learn new technologies.
As the vice president and deputy factory director in charge of technology research and development at Beijing Automotive, Wang Youhan was naturally familiar with the key figure who single-handedly created the Hongxing Factory automobile brand, to the point that he knew Li Xuewu's ancestors for eight generations.
Having ideas and abilities is not scary; what is scary is that Li Xuewu can actually design. The news that has been circulating is that Li Xuewu's influence is evident in the design and development of all models in the automotive industry system of Hongxing Steel Group.
Li Xuewu is even revered as the chief designer in the automotive industry.
Although Wang Youhan had never seen Li Xuewu draw blueprints, he didn't believe that a cadre from a security background would know anything about design.
But these comments all came from within the Red Star factory. From the Red Star Antelope to the Comet, Aries, Gemini cars, and so on, whether it was the exterior or interior design, he had to say, "That's fucking awesome!"
If he had this kind of thinking and ability, he wouldn't have allowed Steel Auto to bully others by stepping on Beijing Auto's shoulders.
The domestic automobile industry is currently experiencing a wave of technological transformation, and this time it is Beijing Automotive Group's effort to go global in search of new opportunities.
The assembly line system is not unique to Hongxing Steel Group, and the seemingly miraculous supply chain system is not the exclusive domain of Hongxing Factory.
Beijing Automotive has been trying for over a year, but still cannot get support from above to get rid of its burdens.
In other words, they became the last insurance for the domestic automobile industry, and could only watch helplessly as steel and automobile companies surged ahead, making and selling cars and raking in huge profits with the ease of the industry.
They want to provide a safety net to ensure the ultimate security of this industrial system.
They're protecting companies like steel and automobile manufacturers, but who the hell is protecting them?
Therefore, we can't just get rid of burdens; instead, we should focus on becoming large and comprehensive.
Since steel and automotive companies have assembly lines, they also implement assembly line operations. Since steel and automotive companies have supply chain support, they integrate the resources of their auto parts manufacturing plants to build their own supply chain.
These factories can not only provide spare parts for Beijing Automotive Group, but also compete for supply chain customers of Hongxing Steel Group and attract more partners.
Just before he came out, the main leaders of Beijing Automotive Group had already traveled to various places to meet with major automobile manufacturing companies to discuss the goal of jointly building a supply chain to compete with the supply chain of Hongxing Steel Group.
He doesn't know the exact details about other car companies yet, but Factory 17 has already decided to make a preliminary cooperation to jointly integrate parts production resources.
The two companies are in similar situations, both facing the predicament of being unable to get rid of their burdens and having no choice but to carry them along.
This is certainly a disadvantage, but conversely, it could also be an advantage.
Upon arriving in East Germany, Factory No. 17 set its sights on the German truck industry and, with the help of higher authorities, had already begun cooperation negotiations.
Beijing Automotive, on the other hand, has its sights set on Germany's automotive manufacturing technology, and plans to import the most advanced production lines in their entirety.
The initial production line of the steel company came from Britain, Japan, and France, and was not part of the same system as Germany.
Li Xuewu initially claimed to have combined the strengths of various schools of thought, but this could not hide the awkward situation of a hodgepodge.
If it weren't for the involvement of the Beijing Second Machinery Factory in the redesign, even if the Red Star Factory had ten years, it still wouldn't have been able to handle these generic products.
But now Beijing Automotive faces a different situation. They have the opportunity to import the most advanced production line from East Germany without dismantling or modifying it.
The only thing that needs to be changed is the technology of the production model in terms of process and workstation, which is nothing to worry about.
Therefore, Beijing Automotive Group regards this group visit as the best opportunity to turn things around. If they can solve the production line problem, they can achieve a leapfrog development.
While it cannot be said that it will surpass steel and automobiles in every aspect, it can at least break free from the constraints of the supply chain and the comparison of production costs.
They will sell at a lower price than Red Star Antelope in the future, depending on which domestic unit chooses.
Because he understood Hongxing Steel Group and Li Xuewu, he never underestimated Li Xuewu from the beginning.
Even so, Li Xuewu, who was at full power today, still gave him a fright.
As for Shao Kang, this is probably the first time I've seen such an amazing young man. Shanghai is definitely not as rich in resources and talented people as Beijing.
When it comes to economic development, Shanghai naturally has a unique historical and environmental advantage, but when it comes to ideological development and talent cultivation, Beijing is still the place to go.
Are you very familiar with him?
Shao Kang was no simple character either; he had already seen the deep fear that Wang Youhan held for Li Xuewu.
He had no intention of sowing discord, but he was still unable to calm down and was still affected by his speech at the banquet.
“I’m not very familiar with him, and I’ve never even had any direct contact with him.” Wang Youhan let out a sigh of relief, and after the reporters chased after him to the elevator, he said casually, “He’s already a celebrity in Beijing’s industrial system.”
"Because he's younger?"
Shao Kang looked at the direction of the elevator entrance with some surprise, and said after a slight pause, "He does have the attitude of a newborn calf not afraid of tigers."
"You still think he's a naive brat?" Wang Youhan looked at him amusedly and said, "Do you know his nickname in Beijing's industrial sector?"
"Which one?" Shao Kang turned around in surprise and asked him, "He has a nickname? Tell me quickly."
As Lu Xun once said, there are no wrong nicknames, only wrong given names.
Just by hearing someone's nickname, you can roughly tell what kind of person they are.
“Back when he worked in the security department, he was known as the Tiger of the Security Department.” Wang Youhan said with a slight upturn of his lips, looking at the commotion in front of him, “Now, in private, everyone calls him the Red Star Steel Fox.”
"Hehe—" Shao Kang couldn't help but laugh out loud, shaking his head slightly as he said, "It used to be a tiger, now it's a fox. Has it regressed?"
"What do you think?" Wang Youhan glanced at him playfully and said casually, "I can only say that he's even more difficult to deal with."
What do you want to do with him?
Shao Kang chuckled and said, "Isn't Beijing Industry a harmonious and loving big family?"
"..." Wang Youhan curled his lip, looked him up and down, and asked in return, "Is this how the industry in Shanghai is too?"
-
"Learn martial arts, come here—"
Du Xian took off his reading glasses, waved to Li Xuewu who was standing at the door of the room, and asked, "Did you eat well tonight?"
“You know me well,” Li Xuewu explained with a light laugh. “Back in the army, I was known for my big appetite.”
"That's what I thought of."
Du Xian smiled and nodded at him, then gestured to the coffee table next to the sofa, saying, "Come on, let's have some more."
"I can't accept this—"
Li Xuewu waved his hand and said, "I'll just bear with it and it'll pass. I can eat it tomorrow morning, it'll be the same."
“I could tell a long time ago that you didn’t really like the food here.”
Ignoring him, Du Xian went to the sofa first, sat down, pointed to the opposite side, and said, "With things on your mind, how can you eat well?"
"Thank you, Director Du. Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Li Xuewu smiled and sat down on the sofa opposite him, but instead of picking up his chopsticks, he picked up the telephone that was temporarily placed aside and called Sha Qizhi.
"Qizhi, could you please bring some wine and food to Director Du's room? Hmm, I'll be right here."
After hanging up the phone, before Du Xian could speak, he explained, "Don't be so polite with me, their food is better than ours."
"Was it your group that first sent the work team?"
Clearly, Du Xian was fully aware of the work and arrangements of Hongxing Steel Group; either Lao Li reported it voluntarily, or someone reported it.
However, Li Xuewu prefers that both are present, as the adult world also has its share of childish tattling games.
"The team was formed in the port city."
Li Xuewu took the initiative to set out the simple meal on the table, explaining, "Our group has established an international business division in the port city, and this time it's finally coming in handy."
"Yes, that's quite prescient."
Du Xian nodded slightly, glanced at Li Xuewu, and asked with a smile, "This was your idea, wasn't it?"
"Don't overestimate me; this is a collective decision made by the group."
Li Xuewu smiled and handed him the chopsticks, saying politely, "Let's eat first, he'll be up in a bit."
"It seems you and Li Huaide really do share the same interests and ideals."
Du Xian glanced at the simple peanuts and bread on the round coffee table and thought of Li Huaide's reputation as a gourmet.
Looking at Li Xuewu's meticulous and refined manner, that's when I came up with this comment.
Li Xuewu didn't think anything was wrong. He set out the food and waited for the other person to start eating before picking up a peanut and putting it in his mouth.
“Actually, it’s not so bad.” He understood what Du Xian meant and took the initiative to say, “The yearning for a better life is the goal that we Red Star people tirelessly pursue.”
"You must have heard the advertising slogan for Ya Telephone, right?" Li Xuewu asked with a smile, raising his eyebrows.
"Hmm, elegant and naturally refined, crafted with ingenuity?"
It seems Li Huaide didn't just give away appliances to the industrial system leaders for nothing; look, Du Xian remembered it.
"We are dedicated to making good products so that people can enjoy a better life."
Li Xuewu smiled as he clicked on the advertising slogan, which completely elevated the concept of running a business.
Du Xian glanced at him in surprise and said, "No wonder Li Huaide values you so much and said he can't live without you."
"Thank you for your kind words, but our General Manager Li was just joking with you."
Li Xuewu heard a knock at the door and turned around to see Du Xian's secretary standing there with Sha Qizhi.
"Secretary Liu, I sent him."
He stood up, walked to the door, and explained to his secretary. The secretary glanced at the room, suppressing her surprise, but her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
Looking at the food and drinks the other party brought, is he going to have a few drinks with the leader?
Who exactly is the secretary-general of the Red Star Factory?
"Secretary-General Li, our leader is not in good health and cannot drink too much alcohol. Please be careful."
He did his best, and before leaving, he didn't forget to remind Li Xuewu of something.
Li Xuewu naturally nodded in agreement, explaining with a smile, "It's just to keep the leader company a little, you don't need to worry."
He gestured to Sha Qizhi to bring the food and wine into the room, and then exchanged a few words with Secretary Liu.
Secretary Liu waited until Sha Qizhi came out before leaving with him.
"Is that the head of your group's international business division?"
After Li Xuewu returned to the house, Du Xian glanced at him and gestured to Sha Qizhi, who had just left, and asked him a question.
“Sha Qizhi, my secretary during my time working in the security department, was a very capable person, eight years older than me.”
Li Xuewu unpacked the package, took out two crystal wine glasses, unscrewed the five-star Moutai delivered by Shaqizhi, and poured a glass into each.
"Secretary Liu just reminded me that we shouldn't let you drink too much. Let's stop here."
"Let's drink, no need to stop when we've had a little."
Du Xian glanced at him with displeasure, and without waiting for him to touch his glass, he picked it up and downed it in one gulp.
Li Xuewu smiled and drank a cup with him.
"How is your father-in-law's health?"
Just as Li Xuewu was refilling their glasses, he suddenly asked this question.
In fact, Li Xuewu's initiative to introduce his former secretary and mention his age was not to show off, but rather to help Sha Qizhi.
Du Xian understood, but didn't pay much attention to it.
Thinking of Li Xuewu's undeniable background, I came up with this sentence.
Li Xuewu's hands remained unaffected as he slowly nodded and explained, "It's been alright these past two years; my dad keeps an eye on sending me medicine."
"What exactly is wrong with him/her?"
Du Xian frowned and asked, "Why do I hear another version of the story?"
"Three men can make a tiger, so even if it's not true, it's not true." Li Xuewu put down the wine bottle and said helplessly, "His experiences are all there in history, how could his children dare to joke about this?"
Du Xian glanced at him, picked up the beef that he had asked someone to bring, took a bite, and slowly nodded without saying a word.
"To be honest with you, my father-in-law's suggestion to compromise is still my suggestion."
He also picked up a piece of food and said as he ate, "Back then, when he was busy, he would forget to go home, and he would even forget to take his medicine."
"Although I am not his son, I still worry about him."
"Yes, I understand how you feel."
Du Xian nodded, put down his chopsticks, and said, "Our generation carries too many regrets and traumas."
“You are in better condition than him.”
Li Xuewu raised his glass to toast him, drank it down in one gulp, and said, "Xiao Ning and I took the children to Nanjing to see him, only to find out that all ten of his toes were severely deformed, yet he still insisted on going to work."
“Your father-in-law is a man of strong character.” Du Xian breathed a sigh of relief and looked him over, saying, “Everyone admires his discerning eye in finding such a fine husband as you.”
“He’s really good to me, he never puts on airs,” Li Xuewu said, eating his meat and vegetables. “He also doesn’t interfere with my work.”
"So?" Du Xian looked at him inquisitively and asked, "Are your current thinking and abilities innate?"
"Hehe, what do you mean by that?"
Li Xuewu looked up at him, his eyes full of composure, and said, "Didn't you see my learning ability and hard work?"
"Hehe—" Du Xian nodded with a smile, which was considered an admission.
Li Xuewu already knew why they were talking about Gu Haitao and why they were asking about his thinking and abilities.
Du Xian invited him to dinner tonight, but the real reason was to test him and find out if there was a "master" behind his tough attitude.
Li Xuewu did not overreact, but only emphasized his learning ability and dedication.
It's no use. Even if he explained that he got to where he is today without his father-in-law's guidance and help, people wouldn't believe him.
Who could believe that his extraordinary vision and crisis management skills were truly "innate"?
However, Du Xian's lack of in-depth investigation was also due to the books he had written. Nowadays, not to mention enterprises, even within the system, there is a lack of cadres who are both literate and capable.
It seems that young people like Li Xuewu, who are skilled in both literature and martial arts, are still rare.
Being able to write articles isn't impressive; being able to publish books and consistently achieve results every year is truly rare.
He had to make sure that Li Xuewu would not speak for any particular party within the industrial system, much less act as a puppet of any party.
He didn't care before; no matter how capable Li Xuewu was, he was just a mid-to-high-level cadre in the Hongxing Steel Group.
But things may change after tonight, as Li Xuewu's reputation at the Hongxing Factory over the years has begun to take hold.
If they are truly given special attention, they may have the opportunity to soar to great heights.
This is an era brimming with opportunities; the ceiling for young people to showcase their talents and make their mark has been shattered.
He couldn't tell Li Xuewu what to do or how to do it, but he had to ensure that Li Xuewu wouldn't do anything wrong.
"What are your plans for the future?"
Du Xian took a sip of his drink, looked at him, and asked, "Your Hong Kong team arrived almost twenty days early. Have you made any progress?"
"There have been gains, of course, but we still need to work harder."
Li Xuewu chuckled and drank a cup with her, but his words weren't as sincere as when he was drinking.
Actually, he wasn't very sincere when drinking; he only drank the first glass of wine, saving the rest for Old Li.
Du Xian muttered "cunning" to himself, but a smile appeared on his face.
"Great! It's clear you're very confident, which is a good thing."
He took the initiative to pick up the wine bottle to pour wine for Li Xuewu, but seeing that Li Xuewu was holding the glass with both hands, he waved his hand, indicating that Li Xuewu should put it down.
"I hope you are doing well, the better."
Seeing that Li Xuewu obediently put down his wine glass, he then refilled both of their glasses, saying, "You'd better give me a surprise."
“Our CEO, Mr. Li, is already under enough pressure.”
Li Xuewu shook his head with a wry smile and looked at him, saying, "When I came out, I went to his room and saw him scratching his head, trying to figure out a solution."
"Him? Heh—" Du Xian shook his head with amusement, looking at Li Xuewu expectantly and said, "He's a good leader, right?"
"Look at what you're saying, aren't you a good leader too?"
Li Xuewu chuckled and ignored his comment, instead sending the question back to him.
Du Xian found it even more amusing, and as he savored the food and wine brought by Li Xuewu, he felt much more at ease.
“Deputy Director Li may leave early.” He rarely spoke to Li Xuewu about the arrangements for this visit.
"He's going to Dresden tomorrow, do you want to go with him?"
"No, I have other plans."
Li Xuewu directly rejected his question and explained earnestly, "From tomorrow until the end of the trip, I won't have time to participate in any other activities. I have to leave tomorrow morning."
"Yes, I knew you would make this choice, so I declined Deputy Director Li's invitation on your behalf."
Du Xian smiled at him and asked, "You won't hold a grudge against me, will you?"
"Not at all, I'm too grateful to thank you."
Li Xuewu sincerely raised his glass and said, "If it were Deputy Director Li who said this, I really wouldn't know how to refuse him."
"Hahaha—" Du Xian loves dealing with smart people the most. Some things don't need to be said outright to be understood. What a promising talent!
What he didn't know was that Li Xuewu's attitude towards Deputy Director Li was one of respectful distance, not just towards Deputy Director Li, but towards all leaders.
Even Du Xian couldn't avoid Li Xuewu because the other party was the head of the industrial system; otherwise, Li Xuewu wouldn't have approached him.
What level is he at now? Don't be fooled by his position; he's still 800 meters away from the real central leadership.
Excessive contact and probing at this time will only bring storms or opportunities that he cannot handle at present.
What's the point of "a mirage"?
So Du Xian first tested him, and then took the initiative to explain and help him decline Deputy Director Li's invitation. Li Xuewu was genuinely grateful to him.
Du Xian understood his thoughts and attitude, and would no longer test him.
Having finished their conversation, the two of them, without needing any further persuasion, truly stopped at the point and tacitly quickened their pace of eating.
When Li Xuewu came out of Du Xian's room, he glanced at the time on his hand and saw that it was already past midnight.
Li Xuewu stepped into the elevator, rubbed his face, and wondered whether this was dinner or a late-night snack.
Ding--
After the elevator traveled one floor, the doors suddenly opened, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor rang out, and a young woman dressed in a beautiful outfit walked in.
Li Xuewu stood blankly in the corner, glancing at the other person but making no attempt to strike up a conversation.
It was obvious that the other party was targeting him.
"Sir, are you alone too?" The woman smiled and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Is it boring at night?"