MMB Chapter 1516 The storm breaks out again
Chapter 1516 The storm breaks out again
Chapter 1516 The storm breaks out again
"Although I cannot fully comprehend the circumstances you were in at that time."
Li Huaide was waiting in the hotel lobby. As soon as he saw Li Xuewu, he walked over, shook his hand, and said, "But I believe you made the right choice."
“No, Director Li, I can’t guarantee that my choice is the most correct one.” Li Xuewu gently squeezed his hand and said, “But this is the choice I can think of, and it’s the only one I can do.”
"Okay, are you alright physically?"
Li Huaide patted his arm with his other hand and said, "Come with me to see Director Du. He's been waiting for you."
"I've caused trouble for the organization." Li Xuewu let go of Lao Li's hand and walked upstairs with him.
Li Huaide did not appear nervous or worried. Perhaps it had been almost five hours since he heard about this matter, and he had already reported what needed to be reported and confirmed what he needed to hear.
Now, the only thing he needs to be sure of is whether Li Xuewu has left any leverage over the other party throughout the entire process.
This was what he most wanted to ask, but he couldn't find a starting point.
"Don't worry, the organization will never abandon its comrades, nor will it blame them for the mistakes of others."
Li Huaide nodded and asked softly before getting on the elevator, "Is there any loose endeavor that needs to be dealt with?"
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Li Xuewu responded softly and then took the elevator accompanied by foreign affairs officials and security personnel.
He is still under protection, even though he has entered the hotel and even met with his superiors.
In Li Xuewu's view, the other party's act of protecting him also had the purpose of surveillance, fearing that he would cause trouble again.
The commotion in the middle of the night means many people will be unable to get a proper rest tonight. We need to reach an agreement through multiple parties to determine how to handle this matter properly.
"You know who the other person is, right?"
In the elevator, Old Li asked this question out of the blue.
Li Xuewu nodded slightly and said, "I know, but he wasn't involved in this operation. I couldn't find him."
"Well, be careful."
For the first time, Li Huaide's tone wavered slightly, perhaps sensing the looming danger lurking around Li Xuewu.
Should I change my clothes?
Just after stepping out of the elevator, Li Xuewu suddenly remembered that he was still wearing his blood-stained coat and turned to look at Li Huaide.
Li Huaide had already seen it, and now he shook his head slightly and said, "Let's go, don't keep the leader waiting, he won't care about these things."
Du Xian's secretary, who was waiting for them at the elevator door, gave Li Huaide a meaningful look upon hearing this, but said nothing more.
The group walked towards a room deep in the corridor. Du Xian's secretary went ahead and knocked on the door.
"Sir, Director Li and Secretary-General Li have arrived."
It's worth noting that secretaries often omit the word "and" when making reports, which is similar to the practice in official document writing.
Another point is that "到了" and "来了" cannot be used interchangeably. The usage will be different depending on the context, environment, and situation.
As Li Huaide just mentioned, Du Xian has been waiting for him to return, so Li Xuewu and the others "arrived" rather than "came to the capital".
"Come on, I almost fell asleep."
Du Xian, wearing large glasses, got up from the sofa, a gray blanket draped over his knees.
He stared intently at the two people who walked in through the door, his gaze lingering particularly on Li Xuewu for a long time.
"I'm sorry, sir, I haven't had time to change my clothes yet." Li Xuewu's explanation was timely, without even waiting for Du Xian to ask.
Li Huaide then said, "I was just asking at the elevator door, but I didn't let him go back because I was afraid you would get impatient."
"Come on, sit down." Du Xian waved to the two of them, gesturing for them to sit on the sofa.
After he sat down, the secretary draped the blanket over his knees again before making tea. There was no one else at the door.
Just now, when Li Xuewu and Li Huaide stepped out of the elevator, the security officers who were waiting at the elevator door with Secretary Du Xian handed over the duties to the foreign affairs officers and security personnel who had escorted Li Xuewu back.
Li Xuewu is always secretive in his dealings. When they parted, he shook hands with the two men to express his gratitude.
In fact, the three of them didn't communicate much along the way; to be precise, they didn't exchange a single word and remained silent for three hours.
Whether they were foreign affairs officers or security officers, they all knew that what happened at the small station was extremely troublesome. They had neither the right nor the need to interfere, and even asking questions would be a mistake.
So when Li Xuewu extended his hand to express his gratitude, both of them were taken aback, but still said something polite.
Du Xian's secretary had long been familiar with Li Xuewu's shrewdness, so when he brought over the tea, he first addressed Li as Director Li, and then addressed him as Secretary-General Li, without showing any sign of negligence or arrogance.
Li Xuewu was listening to Li Huaide's report, so he didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly to express his gratitude.
The secretary glanced at the leader, and seeing that the other party had no other requests, quietly withdrew.
The leader had no intention of publicizing this matter, nor did he intend to expand the discussion or solicit opinions, so he didn't need to wait here for orders.
If someone really needs to be contacted or a task needs to be assigned, the leader will naturally call on him.
"...We communicated with the Riza steel plant, and they said there was nothing unusual and they didn't know who was behind it."
Li Huaide reported the results of the evening's investigation one by one. He had entrusted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send inquiry letters to all the people Li Xuewu had met.
Knowing full well who did it, why pretend not to know and send letters to these industrial units that have no connection with each other?
According to normal thinking, if Li Xuewu got into trouble, Hongxing Steel Group would definitely send letters to these partners to inquire.
Everything must be done according to procedure.
Of course, Li Huaide sent the letter of inquiry at Li Xuewu's suggestion, hoping to use this incident to give these Germans a warning.
No one can guarantee that these German industrial companies will strictly abide by the contract, or even that the contract will be effective.
All cooperative relationships are based on equality and mutual benefit, from large-scale international cooperation to small-scale marriage and family relationships.
It remains to be seen whether any individuals or organizations in East Germany will harbor ulterior motives in future collaborations.
This is also to make them think carefully. If he dares to beat up even the Russians, what else wouldn't he dare to do?
Therefore, Du Xian listened patiently to Li Huaide's report, nodding from time to time. He was also thinking about how many cooperation agreements Hongxing Steel Group had signed and how many technology introduction tasks had been completed during this inspection.
Perhaps because of this, there was no blame in his gaze towards Li Xuewu, only admiration and satisfaction.
“I haven’t asked the Secretary-General about what happened on the road yet.” After Li Huaide finished his report, he gestured to Li Xuewu to speak, “So please ask him to report the situation to you personally.”
"You're so lively and energetic, are you alright?"
Du Xian turned his gaze to Li Xuewu and said calmly, "Some people are having trouble sleeping and eating now that Sun Wukong has entered the belly of the Bull Demon King."
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked Li Xuewu up and down again, asking, "How are you feeling now? Are you excited or scared?"
“I’m more scared than scared. There were many of our comrades on the bus.” Li Xuewu replied with a serious expression, “I asked around before I left the hospital, and two of our comrades were seriously injured and are undergoing surgery.”
"Yes, I've already heard about it."
Du Xian, holding his teacup, shook his head slightly and asked, "I heard they all fainted. Were they injured in the fight or trampling?"
"The enemy is indeed very cunning, and their methods are also despicable."
Li Xuewu's face suddenly turned murderous as he frowned and explained, "If I hadn't been looking at the documents and getting a headache, I would have almost fallen into their trap."
"I can understand how you feel."
Looking at Li Xuewu, who was covered in blood and exuded murderous intent, Du Xian put down his teacup and said, "We need an explanation for this matter."
"Do you have any requests?"
"No, I'll do whatever the organization says."
Li Xuewu answered resolutely, looking at Du Xian and saying, "If the organization needs me, I will obey orders at any time."
"You're safe now, relax."
Du Xian waved his hand and nodded, saying, "Since Comrade Huaide has already said that the subsequent cooperation can be held in Berlin, I think you should not show up before you leave, so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble."
He looked at Li Huaide and said, "You must do a good job in security and report anything that happens in a timely manner."
"Yes, sir." Li Huaide replied solemnly, then stood up with Li Xuewu and said, "Sir, we won't disturb your rest any longer."
"Take a good rest, we can talk about it tomorrow."
Du Xian shook hands with Li Xuewu and said, "Don't have any worries or burdens. The organization will handle this matter from now on."
"Thank you to the organization, thank you Director Du."
Li Xuewu smiled for the first time as he entered the office, expressing his current state of mind and also to reassure the other party.
Du Xian waited for them for so long, but only listened to Lao Li's report, asked him a couple of questions about the situation, and then let them go. What does this mean?
It's very simple. Du Xian was worried about him, afraid that he would go crazy and not be able to control his emotions after returning to the hotel, which would cause trouble.
If Li Xuewu's emotions become unstable, Du Xian will definitely not keep him; even if it means Red Star One goes solo, he will still be sent back to China.
"Tell me all about your experience sometime when you have time." Du Xian smiled as he saw them to the door, then instructed his secretary who was standing guard there, "Is the kitchen still open? Arrange some late-night snacks for them."
"Thank you, Director Du, but it's no trouble at all."
Li Xuewu explained politely, "I ate a quick bite of bread on the way back, so I'm not hungry now, just a little tired."
"Then get some rest and go."
Du Xian nodded and watched Li Xuewu and Li Huaide leave together before saying to his secretary, "Help me schedule the earliest call tomorrow. The capital is still waiting for our news."
"Okay, boss, you should rest now."
The secretary replied softly, "I'll call you after the call connects."
"In these turbulent times, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease."
After saying this, Du Xian turned and went back to his room. His secretary lingered at the door for a moment, and only left after hearing that he was resting.
No one knew better than him how much the leadership valued this matter, even going so far as to personally call higher-ups to put pressure on the German side.
Behind this emphasis lies the importance attached to Hongxing Steel Group, as well as to the people in charge of Hongxing Steel, Li Huaide and Li Xuewu.
Despite setbacks in the planned industrial and trade negotiations, it was Hongxing Steel Group that turned the tide. To date, Hongxing Steel has basically completed its established technology import targets, ranking first among all industrial enterprises, demonstrating formidable strength.
In the trade sector, Honggang is making moves on multiple fronts, and it is fully prepared for tomorrow's trade negotiations, which will undoubtedly result in an excellent performance.
The preferential treatment that comes with such excellence is something that other industrial enterprises can neither envy nor be jealous of.
Who could have imagined, or seen, the shock and complex emotions the leaders displayed when they heard about Li Xuewu's behavior on the train?
When he heard about this, his first thought was that it was a misrepresentation, or that someone was exaggerating or giving false information.
When the data from the German side arrived and completely matched the information reported by the foreign affairs department, there was a long silence in the office.
At that moment, he only had one thought in his mind: How did he do that?
The data was enough to shock and scare the Germans, and it also shook them. It is believed that Beijing was also in turmoil at this time.
But behind the storm, the enormous turmoil is only related to one person.
A heart of steel yet a heart of music?
"I was worried you wouldn't have time to eat on the way, so I prepared some food for you." As they walked to the room door, Li Huaide gestured to Li Xuewu and said, "You don't need to be as polite to me as you are to your superiors. Just let me know if you're hungry."
"Then I'm not welcome -"
Li Xuewu smiled and nodded, saying, "I'm really sorry to trouble them, especially since it's for a stutter."
"Secretary Yang has also not taken a break."
Li Huaide opened the door and explained, "He was waiting for you downstairs with me at first, and only came back upstairs after hearing that you were alright."
After entering the room, he took off his coat, rubbed his nearly bald head, and explained, "Director Du has rheumatism, and this season is very difficult for him."
"It's obvious that he has some difficulty walking."
Seeing that there was indeed food prepared on the coffee table, Li Xuewu did not sit down as he was told, but instead made him a cup of tea.
What Li Huaide was most satisfied with about Li Xuewu was this: he always paid attention to details and was never arrogant or impatient, making him a role model for young people.
He took the teacup, patted Li Xuewu's shoulder, and said, "Don't worry about me, eat yours. It might be a little cold."
"It's still warm. Did Liu Bin prepare it?"
Li Xuewu lifted the lid of the lunchbox and saw bread and sausages inside, as well as a box of rice porridge, which must have been prepared by Liu Bin.
Old Li nodded, rubbing his head as he said, "Try it. If it's cold, eat less. Just eat until you're not hungry."
"Hmm, I'll have a bite to tide me over." Li Xuewu rolled up his sleeves and looked at the time on his hand; it was already two in the morning.
Actually, according to his habit, he wouldn't eat after dinner time, even if he was hungry.
But he couldn't refuse Old Li's kind offer.
Actually, Lao Li's preparations were also meant to have a talk with him; otherwise, he wouldn't have prepared the midnight snack in his room.
"If you have any medicinal wine at home that can treat rheumatism, you might as well give some to Director Du. There's nothing to be ashamed of."
Li Huaide took a sip of hot tea, put down the teacup, and said, "He still cares about you and trusts you very much."
"Yes, I'm afraid my boss will think I'm meddling."
Li Xuewu understood what Lao Li meant, but he didn't intend to take sides, nor did he even think about it.
However, Lao Li still had some genuine feelings for him, so he didn't completely cut off all possibilities.
"He's in so much pain, he wouldn't possibly despise you."
Li Huaide chuckled and said, "I didn't know if your father had any medicine for this, so I didn't tell him about it."
"Think about it later. If you feel it's inconvenient, just call his secretary and ask them to receive it on your behalf."
Both are seasoned veterans; their conversation flowed smoothly and without any awkwardness, with each understanding the other's concerns.
Seeing his composure, Li Xuewu nodded and said, "I'll ask when I get back. If it's convenient, I'll ask my father to accompany me to visit Director Du. That way, we'll have a better chance of success."
"I'm just saying, the decision is yours."
Li Huaide waved his hand, signaling him to eat, "You still have to play as a key player tomorrow, we can't let the other side underestimate us."
"You saw the contracts between Neptune Shipyard and Valno Shipyard, right?" Li Xuewu reported while eating, "They have excellent technical reserves in the fields of cargo ships, icebreakers and fishing boats."
"Especially cargo ships, they are very good at building container ships, which is our most serious weakness at present."
“Yes, I consulted with Professor Yuan.” Li Huaide nodded and said, “We’ve picked up a bargain in shipbuilding.”
"In fact, East Germany was full of leaks."
Li Xuewu looked up at him and said, "To put it bluntly, they're just two-faced fools."
"Is it really that serious?" Li Huaide asked, frowning. "I've heard people talking about this privately lately, and I never expected—"
He shook his head slightly and looked at Li Xuewu, asking, "Is the situation the same in other industrial sectors?"
"Yes, this is not a one-dimensional problem."
Li Xuewu nodded and explained, "East Germany's economic problems were riddled with holes. Those on the stage made too many promises but could do too little."
"They are too dependent on the OECD and on being fed by them, and have lost the ability to hunt for themselves."
He pointed to his plate and said, "This time when I visited their steel manufacturing industry, I found that they couldn't come up with any new ideas beyond breakthroughs in existing technologies."
"Compared to neighboring West Germany, they have fallen completely behind."
"So that's really how it is—"
Li Huaide's expression grew increasingly serious, as if he were pondering some difficult problem.
Before coming to East Germany, Li Xuewu and Dong Wenxue's team not only conducted a detailed investigation and research on East Germany, but also conducted some research on West Germany, which shared the same roots, making thorough preparations.
Li Xuewu said that East Germany's industrial technology development was lagging behind in all aspects, and Li Huaide only confirmed the information he had read and knew that it was true.
“The steel rolling process at the Riza steel plant is mediocre, barely managing to stay in the third tier internationally.”
Li Xuewu ate quickly, finishing the food on his plate in a few bites. He wiped his hands with a tissue and continued his report: "I didn't gain much there, except for the 5-ton electric furnace technology and a stainless steel pipe rolling mill."
"Is a 5-ton capacity enough?" Li Huaide really didn't understand the business. Even though he had heard many reports and processed relevant documents, the technological transformation of Hongxing Steel Group was changing rapidly. If he couldn't keep up with the pace of learning, he might not be able to manage the industrial business.
He doesn't have that much time to study. At his level, it's not about studying, but about having a solid foundation; it's about moving forward or falling behind.
However, his lack of education limited his future.
"Not enough, definitely not enough."
Li Xuewu wiped his mouth, shook his head and said, "We need the technology, take the equipment back, disassemble it, figure out the principles, and replicate it as soon as possible."
He looked at Li Huaide and explained, "We need to build at least a 50-ton furnace to make use of it. There is a severe iron shortage here, so we can't afford a large furnace."
"What about the stainless steel technology?" Li Huaide was still able to grasp the key point and asked him, "Since we can get this technology from the Rissa Steel Plant, do we still need to negotiate with the Max Schutz consortium?"
"It must be discussed that the stainless steel technology at the Riza steel plant is flawed."
Li Xuewu got up, poured himself a cup of hot water, and came back to explain, "They are quite reliable in tube manufacturing technology, but they are not very proficient in other steel rolling technologies."
"However, the contract with the Riza steel plant will be of some help to tomorrow's talks; at least the other side will be able to recognize the situation."
Li Huaide nodded as if he understood, but he was a very cautious person and would never give orders in areas he didn't understand.
This is a principle he derived from summarizing the lessons learned over the past three years, and he will not easily break it.
"The Peter that Shangguan Qi brought back," Li Xuewu took a sip of hot tea and explained to Old Li, "is an optical technology expert from East Germany with a very good foundation in the field of photolithography."
"I've looked into it, it's chip manufacturing technology, right?"
Li Huaide crossed his hands on his lap and looked at him as he said, "Electrical appliances need chips, airplanes need them, and ships need them."
“Drones are also needed.” Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and looked at Lao Li, emphasizing, “If we can make a breakthrough in the field of lithography technology, the drone project will definitely accelerate.”
"Are you really confident about this project?" Li Huaide looked into his eyes, shook his head slightly, and said, "Sometimes I wonder if I'll live to see the day when drones take off."
"Absolutely, I guarantee it."
Li Xuewu smiled and explained, "The Peter that Shangguan Qi brought back will not only become our institute's first foreign expert, but also a benchmark for foreign experts working in China."
"Spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones? I understand."
Li Huaide nodded knowingly and said with a smile, "Since you say so, then I'm relieved."
"It's not that I'm rushing things—" he explained with a laugh, "Old Bao from the credit union has been asking me about the drone project several times, and I'm afraid this investment will be lost in his hands."
“I haven’t heard anything about him. He hasn’t come to me to ask about it.” Li Xuewu shook his head and said, “I haven’t heard from him in a long time.”
"He couldn't possibly save face—"
Li Huaide said with a smile, "When you go back this time, be more proactive. They must have invested real money."
“Going back this time? I’m afraid he’ll come looking for me.”
Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said, "Believe it or not, the first thing he said to me was, 'You're so uncouth—' Hehe."
"Hahaha—" Li Huaide couldn't help but laugh when he saw that he had imitated Bao Peigang's tone perfectly.
If the technology transfer from this trip to East Germany is successfully implemented, then Bao Peigang will definitely take the initiative to visit, just as Li Xuewu said.
"It was thanks to the help of General Manager Catherine of Geely Star Shipbuilding that we were able to secure the technology transfer contract for the Ludwigsfeld plant."
While drinking tea, Li Xuewu glanced at Old Li from the rim of his teacup and specifically mentioned Catherine's efforts in this project.
Old Li nodded knowingly, picked up his teacup, and asked, "Jilixing Shipbuilding intends to participate in the operation of Yingcheng Port, right?"
"She was forced into it by her father." Li Xuewu explained with a smile why Catherine was working so hard, leaving Old Li stunned.
"I never imagined that the children of capitalists could be so tired."
Li Huaide sighed and shook his head slightly, saying, "At first, I was wondering if Geely Star Shipbuilding had other ideas."
“She has other ideas,” Li Xuewu explained. “Besides the operating rights of Yingcheng Port, she also has the intention to invest.”
"Oh?" Old Li looked at him in surprise and raised his eyebrows.
"She must have obtained some technical projects in East Germany."
Li Xuewu pointed to the sofa armrest and explained, "If I'm not mistaken, she will definitely contact us later and use the channels of affiliated companies to do this compensation trade."
"It seems we've successfully pioneered the path of compensation trade."
Li Huaide smiled and asked, "Do you know what kind of technology she obtained?"
"I really don't know. I only guessed that she had this plan." Li Xuewu used "judgment" rather than "guess," giving Li Huaide a more accurate assessment.
Li Huaide nodded and replied, "We can talk about it later. If it's the technology we need, we can do compensation trade."
“If we don’t need it, and she wants to use our channels to conduct compensation trade, we welcome that too.”
He looked at Li Xuewu and said, "You can never earn all the money in the world. The main theme of international trade in the future will definitely be cooperation, especially technological cooperation."
“You’re right. I’ll contact her later.” Li Xuewu explained, “I’m also worried that she might suddenly bring up some ideas, so I’m asking you in advance.”
“You know more about business, so you make the decisions,” Li Huaide waved his hand and said, “especially regarding external cooperation.”
He looked at Li Xuewu and said, "You can discuss this with Comrade Wenxue, Comrade Yunong, and Comrade Yaqin. They have more experience."
"Understood. I will report to the leaders when I get back."
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Regarding the automotive industry, the bus manufacturer we contacted earlier has encountered problems."
He explained Vasilykin's words on the train to Old Li, saying with some concern, "Although we have made some preparations and counterattacks, I am worried that the other side will not play by the rules, and the final cooperation will also be in trouble."
“There’s no such thing as a perfect plan in this world,” Li Huaide shook his head slightly and said, “I know you work very hard and strive for perfection.”
"However, you have to accept the possibility of failure."
He pointed at Li Xuewu and emphasized, "If you can't accept failure, you can't face the future. Am I right?"
Seeing Li Xuewu nod in agreement, Li Huaide leaned back on the sofa and said, "A bus manufacturing plant isn't worth your worry. You're destined for great things, so you need to broaden your horizons."
"If the other party threatens you with this again, just tell them that we don't need it anymore and let them go."
To be honest, Li Huaide, who has become the general manager of Hongxing Steel Group, really seems to have plenty of money.
However, this is supported by the achievements of many technology introductions. He can afford to lose a bus manufacturing plant. If Honggang's achievements are zero so far, do you think he will be anxious?
"Ms. Serena, the general manager of Gangcheng Oriental Trade, is working hard on this project, and I am also waiting for news from her."
Li Xuewu frankly stated, "This is what I think: regardless of whether the bus manufacturing plant project can be successfully completed, I will give her a bonus."
"Here, give me a lot, don't be lazy."
Li Huaide waved his hand generously and said, "Dongfang Trade is our main partner in the port city's import and export channels. The fact that she put aside her work to help is already a great favor."
"If you have difficulty applying for funding, give it to me and I'll approve it for you. You should spend money sparingly, but don't skimp on this kind of money."
"Understood, I'll wait for her reply before making a decision." Li Xuewu tidied up his teacup and said, "It's getting late, I'll report back to you on the next steps tomorrow."
"Well, let's go back and rest."
Li Huaide stood up, patted his arm and said, "Tonight, Tang Rongxuan from Sichuan Automobile and Wang Xiansheng from Jinan Automobile both called to inquire about you. This shows that we are still friends."
"It's a collaboration about the W50 truck project," Li Xuewu explained frankly. "The two companies acquired the technology through their collaboration, but I estimate that implementing this technology will face some difficulties."
"Are you looking for help from our research institute?"
Li Huaide tilted his head, nodded knowingly, and said, "Okay, I understand. I'll handle this."
When it comes to business operations, Li Huaide would never take on everything, but when it comes to interpersonal relationships, he's a true veteran.
As long as business isn't discussed, he can completely manipulate the other party.
Besides, with Li Xuewu here to remind him and explain the other party's intentions so clearly, how could he possibly fall into a trap?
"No one has touched your room, be careful."
Standing at the door, Li Huaide whispered, "Make sure nothing else happens on the last two nights."
This is what Lao Li really wanted to tell him: in these last few moments, nothing else can go wrong.
Li Xuewu nodded, pointed to his room, opened the door, and went inside.
Li Huaide stood at the door for a while before returning to his room.
Shaqi is still in Riza, Huang Zongfang is in Leipzig, and there is no business in Berlin for the time being, so the International Business Division is not on duty.
Li Xuewu doesn't need the two of them to return. He will preside over tomorrow's negotiations with the Max Schutz consortium and will also represent the Red Star Steel Group at the trade cooperation meeting.
Just like Lao Li said, he had to take on the main responsibility, otherwise he would be ridiculed for being scared out of his wits.
But Old Li's jinxed mouth really proved the saying true: plans can't keep up with changes.
***
On the morning of the 30th, after sleeping for less than 5 hours, Li Xuewu got up, washed up, and went downstairs for breakfast.
There are two meetings at the Leipzig Hotel today, so most of the heads of the delegation's member units have returned.
They were very concerned about the final day of negotiations, but also valued trade-related cooperation, even though they lacked export trade qualifications.
Hongxing Steel Group was not subject to these restrictions and acted more boldly, even moving into the negotiation venue in advance to prepare.
Other member units were surprised by Honggang's initiative and followed suit, but they made hasty preparations and were unable to perform as fully.
"Are you alright?" Catherine hurried into the hall, searched around, and found Li Xuewu.
She immediately grabbed Li Xuewu's arm and asked anxiously, "I heard you were attacked, it scared me to death—"
"The attack was real, but I'm fine."
Li Xuewu smiled and patted her arm, gently reassuring her, "Don't worry, I won't act without preparation."
That's too risky—
Catherine looked him up and down, as if trying to determine if he was missing a piece of flesh.
"It's really nothing, I was just about to look for you."
Li Xuewu gently pinched the hem of her clothes and whispered, "I've spoken with Director Li about your matter. Find an opportunity to express your gratitude later."
"How much do you need?" Catherine really didn't waste her time studying the language in Northeast China; she not only learned the local customs but also knew how to express her needs.
"Don't be too direct, it's easy to hurt people."
Li Xuewu tapped his finger twice to remind her, "His wife has some legal knowledge. Doesn't your company need legal consulting services since you operate in mainland China?"
“Oh—” Catherine nodded knowingly. As the daughter of a capitalist, she understood this kind of knowledge better than Li Xuewu.
However, she was still too young, and actually looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Does that Mrs. Li really understand legal knowledge?"
"If you say she understands, then she understands."
Li Xuewu glared at her amusedly, and fearing she might say or do something wrong, he specifically reminded her, "However, Director Li's wife isn't in good health, so please don't bother her unless it's absolutely necessary."
"As long as Director Li is alright, what could possibly happen to me?"
Catherine raised an eyebrow, indicating she completely understood, and nodded, saying, "Should I try to please your lover?"
She asked with a smile, "You won't make things difficult for me, will you?"
"Sure, no problem!"
Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "She works at a hospital and needs special cases to practice her techniques. Why don't you go and handle it yourself?"
"Then let's forget about it—"
Catherine knew it was just a joke, so she steered the conversation back on track, saying, "You won't be going out again these next couple of days, will you?"
"Don't worry, I know to be careful."
Li Xuewu gestured towards the venue and said, "Go ahead, try to make the most of this last bit of time, you never know when you might get something out of it."
“That’s exactly what I was thinking too.” Catherine smiled and said, “I feel like I’m letting myself down if I don’t spend all the money.”
"If you don't know how to spend your money, just ask me," Li Xuewu said with a smile. "I'm an expert at making money, and I'm also an expert at spending it."
“Then teach me!” Catherine said with a smile, “I have a special reward for you.”
“Special reward—” Li Xuewu smiled and instructed her, “If you can’t buy the technology, then buy the product.”
"Medical devices, optical instruments, and mechanical equipment are all fine, just don't buy electrical appliances." Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Go on, I have a meeting to attend. We'll talk again tonight."
He said goodbye to Catherine, but was blocked in the corridor. The person's identity could not be discerned from their clothing, but he knew who it was.
"Mr. Hohenzollern?"
Let's find a place to talk.
The German man, who was about the same height as Li Xuewu, tilted his head, indicated the direction of the lounge, and led the way.
Li Xuewu waved his hand, indicating that the guards didn't need to come over.
Old Li is a bit paranoid. As soon as he went downstairs today, he arranged for three guards—two in the shadows and one in the open—to follow him, fearing that he might be in danger again.
He needs to preside over the meeting, which naturally requires meeting strangers, but strangers represent danger. Even with his high combat strength, he can still make mistakes.
The guards had already noticed the situation and, despite Li Xuewu's warning, still followed.
Just as they reached the door of the lounge, two burly men with bulging waists blocked their way.
They weren't stopping Li Xuewu, but rather the guards who had come with him. Due to the language barrier, they almost came to blows.
The half-open door opened, and the man who looked like a secretary said a few words to his companion at the door, then looked at Li Xuewu and gestured to the lounge, saying, "Ms. Anna's father would like to talk to you."
"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Hohenzollern."
Since the other party came to him in person instead of sending a secretary or guard, Li Xuewu had to respond.
The secretary spoke French, so he responded in French as well.
Hohenzollern just spoke French, so it seems Anna is already awake; otherwise, he wouldn't have known she spoke French right away.
After instructing the security guard to stay at the door, Li Xuewu pushed open the door and entered the lounge, which contained only two sofas and a coffee table.
"How is Ms. Anna?" Li Xuewu asked with concern. "How is her health?"
"Forearm fracture, lower leg fracture."
Hohenzollern pointed to his left arm, then to his right calf, and said to Li Xuewu, "She has returned to Berlin and is now recovering in the hospital."
I don't know whether to feel fortunate or regretful.
Li Xuewu clenched his fist and breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at the other party, he said sincerely, "I must apologize to you. I have implicated Ms. Anna."
“I already know what happened on the train.” The other person didn’t seem to care much about his apology, and instead asked seriously, “How do you plan to retaliate?”
Seeing Li Xuewu's surprised expression, he frowned and asked, "Aren't you going to fight back? Or do you just want to let this go?"
"I don't quite understand what you mean."
Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes slightly, then said frankly, "Thanks to Ms. Anna's protection, I was able to escape danger several times. I am very grateful for her dedication and efforts."
He nodded and said, "If you don't object, I will personally go to the hospital to express my gratitude after I finish my work today."
After saying this, Li Xuewu pointed to the door and said, "I have to meet with a representative of Max Schulte United Enterprises in a little while, so I won't keep you company any longer. I apologize again for what happened to Ms. Anna."
"What are you afraid of?" The other person pressed down on the door, trying to stop Li Xuewu from leaving, but unexpectedly Li Xuewu was very strong, and the door was ripped open with a bang.
Just then, Sha Qizhi, who had rushed back overnight, came over with a representative from Max Schulte United Enterprises. The two sides met and looked at each other blankly.