MMB Chapter 1517 Personal grudges
Chapter 1517 Personal grudges
Chapter 1517 Personal grudges
"Secretary-General, this is..."
Sha Qi hesitated whether to introduce the representative of Max Schulte United Enterprises to Li Xuewu now.
"Hello, I am Li Xuewu, the representative of Hongxing Steel Group in this negotiation."
Li Xuewu did not give Sha Qizhi time to hesitate, which was extremely impolite in front of the guest and would also affect the credibility of all parties.
Seeing that he had extended his hand, the other party, with the help of the translator, shook hands with him and said, "Hello, Karl Brecht of Maxshut Corporation."
Brecht is not a particularly special surname, and Karl is an even more common first name, similar to Wang Erdan or Zhang Jianguo.
“I look forward to meeting you, Mr. Brecht.” Li Xuewu nodded and said, “God knows how difficult this is.”
"I have heard about what happened to your delegation, and it is truly regrettable."
Brecht carefully crafted his words, being extremely cautious in his choice of words, not wanting to leave Li Xuewu with any leverage.
Of course, Li Xuewu didn't expect to get any important clues or make any clear statements from him.
“However, I am even more looking forward to the next meeting.” Brecht’s gaze never left the lounge behind Li Xuewu during the small talk. His attitude was polite yet tactful, and he handled it very well.
“I look forward to it too.” Li Xuewu smiled slightly and gestured, “Our group’s general manager, Mr. Li Huaide, is waiting for you in the reception room. We will meet again in the conference room later.”
"Mr. Brecht, this way please."
After exchanging pleasantries with the leader, Sha Qizhi gestured for him to go see Li Huaide first, as was the original procedure.
Li Huaide is a man who cares about his image; he certainly wouldn't miss the opportunity to take photos during such international cooperation negotiations.
With no other options available elsewhere, he had to remain in Berlin to direct his comrades in battle.
The meeting and negotiations have been arranged at the hotel, and he won't miss it, otherwise he won't be able to write or publish a press release when he gets back.
They can't really write in the newspapers that he's stationed in the rear, supporting Li Xuewu and others fighting on the front lines, can they?
Red Star Steel Group is primarily engaged in the steel industry, so it was appropriate for them to arrange for the Max Schütt consortium to come to Berlin to negotiate and sign the agreement.
This way, the press release can also state that he led and participated in the negotiation and signing of important projects, making it much more appropriate to write other press releases.
It was obvious that the other party understood this approach, so they were very cooperative.
Or perhaps the other party also needs this high-level meeting to demonstrate the importance that their partners place on them in international cooperation.
Some people ask, what is the point of this kind of news reporting?
Currently, it hasn't reached the point where "whoever writes it, reads it; whoever writes it, reads it" as it will be in later generations; its propaganda significance is much stronger.
As the saying goes, it doesn't matter who appears in the newspaper frequently; what matters is who hasn't appeared in a long time.
If we ignore the need for publicity, we risk "social death."
Therefore, the group's leaders will proactively create publicity opportunities, and the publicity department will also actively allocate publicity resources to explain the leader's attitude towards the relevant work. This is the significance of this kind of news reporting.
For example, the fact that Li Huaide and Li Xuewu successively met with representatives of the Max Schutz conglomerate demonstrates the importance that Hongxing Steel Group attaches to industrial development and international cooperation, or more specifically, to the steel industry. The relevant content can certainly be interpreted through the reports.
Li Xuewu was the actual protagonist of this negotiation, but he was only a supporting character in the news reports. This supporting role was still his job and obligation.
Without a doubt, when participating in activities with Li Huaide, the main focus of news reports will definitely be Li Huaide, with only a small portion dedicated to him, and even then, the coverage will be brief, perhaps only including the final phrase "accompanied by Comrade Li Xuewu, Secretary-General of the Group".
Conversely, does Li Xuewu need this kind of publicity resources and news reporting?
The answer is yes. When he is in charge of related business work, he will reduce such publicity and even allocate these resources to the grassroots level.
However, after assuming the position of Secretary-General of the Group's Management Committee, he proactively changed this mindset and thinking because he needed influence.
When in charge of business operations, excessive influence can directly affect his work. Only when he reaches a certain level and can control and mobilize this influence to assist his work is it the best time for him to actively participate and increase news publicity and exposure.
This can be considered a kind of workplace philosophy.
What Shaqi admires most about Li Xuewu is this: he is clear-headed and meticulous in his work.
How to allocate resources for such activities, whether to take the initiative or cooperate, is a question that tests a cadre's resilience and character.
Li Xuewu's approach is exemplary.
Instead of attending Li Huaide's meeting with the other party, he met with them in the conference room. Those in the know understand this approach; it shows considerable tact and skill.
Seeing him take the initiative to defuse the awkwardness of their sudden meeting, even Hohenzollern, who was waiting for him in the lounge, couldn't help but nod.
“Mr. Hohenzollern, I can forgive your offense just now, because you are Ms. Anna's father, and I understand your feelings. But!”
Li Xuewu returned to the lounge, squinted slightly at the other party, and emphasized, "This is not a reason or excuse for you to impose your intentions on me."
“I have never been afraid of anything, and I believe you understand what I mean.”
Seeing that the other person wanted to speak, he pointed his finger and said in a more emphasizing tone, "But I need to explain to you again that I have no intention of making enemies. Our purpose in coming to East Germany is to exchange ideas and learn. Do you understand?"
“In my view, the Chinese are synonymous with courage,” Hohenzollern said casually. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have come to see you today.”
"Chinese people never call recklessness bravery. I can offer my bravery to my comrades and friends."
Li Xuewu grasped the doorknob and said, "I won't be used as a tool by others. Have a nice day, goodbye."
He said something polite, then turned and left without hesitation, giving the other party no chance to provoke him again.
It seems that Hohenzollern did not take him seriously, or rather, he only regarded him as an ordinary young man who was reckless, impulsive, and prone to acting rashly.
Given his status in East Germany, if he had asked that question, most young people would have already started having wild thoughts, or even dared to do something big.
But actually?
He made no promises, nor did he make any statement in his official capacity; he was wearing a sharp suit.
If Li Xuewu truly believes that he has a powerful backer in East Germany and can launch a retaliatory operation, then he will face an irrecoverable situation.
Needless to say, he was Anna's father; Li Xuewu immediately recognized him as an important figure in East Germany.
So, through Anna's conversation, Li Xuewu also learned about the current views of the German public towards the military, and there's a lot to say about it.
Li Xuewu did not intend to stay in East Germany for a long time, nor did he think there was any immense wealth to be gained there, so he had no interest in getting involved.
Simply put, he is neither controlled nor exploited by the other party, so don't try to use his attitude towards Anna to blackmail him.
Doesn't this guy realize that he's gotten to where he is today, daring to dominate on the train? Can't people see through his tricks?
Another important factor that kept Li Xuewu's mind clear was prioritizing the overall situation.
What's the big picture?
The overall goal is to successfully maintain the technology transfer and trade cooperation agreements reached with East Germany, do the work well, and secure the profits.
During this time, he had to suppress any personal emotions and grievances, not to mention that he had no grievances at all. The dead people carried off the train had already borne his grievances and anger, and he was in a good mood now.
Of course, some people might say that Anna's father was dishonest, but Li Xuewu didn't care much, because he wasn't a good person either.
Anna's father wanted to use him, but he also used Anna. In all honesty, he was the one who benefited.
However, one thing must be made clear: it was thanks to his upright character, chastity, perseverance, and purity that he didn't get involved in any romantic entanglements with Anna, that naive and innocent girl. Otherwise, Mr. Hohenzollern would have come to talk to him as his father-in-law, and he would have been left with no choice but to suffer in silence.
Is Anna pretty?
Li Xuewu wouldn't lie to himself; he greatly admired this kind of healthy beauty, but did he really need to possess it?
Not necessarily, and there's no need to at all.
He would observe girls who liked to wear brightly colored dresses with admiration when he walked down the street, but he wasn't a pervert who would take them all.
Li Xuewu would not look at girls with prejudice, nor would he abandon his principles for the sake of girls with prejudice.
If you don't understand, learn about Sigma Men.
Anna is a naive and innocent girl. Li Xuewu used her for her own good, giving her credit and awards, and broadening her experience. Putting aside the fact that he used Anna, just tell me if he's a good person or not!
Hohenzollern saw through his intentions, which is why he came to test him and try to take advantage of him.
Such a person might be reluctant to sell their daughter, but they are willing to use their daughter as bait to catch those foolish fish.
Li Xuewu had seen this kind of person before; Qin Huairu was one of them.
She ate so many big steamed buns from those men in the workshop. Has anyone heard of anyone eating her big steamed buns?
According to Qin Huairu, it wouldn't be appropriate to give it to anyone, so no one should eat it. That way, everyone would be happy, and she would be happy too.
Hohenzollern also wanted to play fishing, and might even want to take advantage of the visit of Li Xuewu's delegation to achieve certain goals. Would Li Xuewu let him take advantage?
He's really out of his mind. He doesn't even bother to ask around in the alley. He's always the one taking advantage of others, not the other way around.
That's right, he has to go see Anna tonight, because Anna, with her asymmetrical fractures, still has value, and he can't let her go.
Don't get the wrong idea! He's not trying any of those weird positions you're thinking of! He's a perfectly respectable person!
-
"We want stainless steel smelting technology."
When the negotiations reached a point of substantial progress, Li Xuewu stated frankly the purpose of the negotiations.
This caught the other party off guard. They had just entered the meeting room and sat down for less than three minutes, their chairs barely warm, and you've already brought up the topic?
Isn't it said that Chinese people are relatively reserved and don't express their demands directly, but rather go around in circles?
“We have already obtained the complete rolling and smelting technology for stainless steel pipes from the Riza steel plant, but we are still missing some of it.”
Li Xuewu completely disrupted the pace of today's negotiations, speaking the absolute truth in every word, leaving the other side somewhat overwhelmed.
"We can offer three forms of cooperation: technology exchange, cash introduction, and third-party cooperation, but we do not accept technology cooperation."
He crossed his hands on his open notebook and looked at the other delegation members as he explained Honggang's basic demands.
The representatives and heads of the Max Schulte consortium exchanged glances, and it was Karl Brecht who responded.
"We prefer to sell in cash."
Seeing that Li Xuewu was very straightforward, he stopped hiding anything and frankly said, "However, we all want to hear about the other two options."
Sha Qizhi was sitting to Li Xuewu's left. At this moment, a smirk appeared on his lips, and he couldn't help but want to laugh.
How do you say that?
The fish in this pond are so easy to catch; you can catch them even with just a twig. The most skillful techniques often come from returning to simplicity.
Who says a secretary-general doesn't set traps? Who says a secretary-general's frankness is without its tricks? Sometimes frankness is a trick in itself.
See? Now the other party has revealed everything. As long as they ask, they're bound to fall into the trap.
Listen to what the leader just said: "We do not accept technical cooperation." That one sentence completely baffled the other party.
Many member units of the visiting delegation were afraid that East Germany would be reluctant to give up the technology, so they mostly opted for a compromise and achieved technology transfer through technical cooperation. It was a loss, but in this day and age, how many people don't suffer losses when learning technology? They were used to it.
But Li Xuewu doesn't suffer losses, at least not in this kind of way.
"If it's a technology exchange, there are many areas we can offer, such as the hardware industry and alloy technology."
Sha Qizhi readily handed over the technology exchange catalog, asking the other party to listen and look at it simultaneously.
"Our group's hardware industry is developing very well, and our products are sold throughout Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. I can guarantee that."
Li Xuewu nodded and continued, "We also have some technical expertise in the alloy industry, such as special alloy steel and special profile steel, etc."
He gave a brief introduction based on the catalog. Because there were many technical items, the introduction took a while, enough for the other party to see all the technologies.
But after he finished speaking and the other party finished reading, Li Xuewu did not see a satisfied or surprised expression on the other party's face.
"If it's a third-party collaboration, then the scope becomes a bit narrow. We have sales channels in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, sales channels in mainland China, and advantages in international trade."
“International trade?” Karl frowned, somewhat puzzled, and said, “We are in the steel industry sector and have never been involved in international trade.”
"Of course, that's also what I wanted to say; these options are still somewhat immature." Li Xuewu nodded understandingly and said, "Because of the cooperative relationship, our group controls certain food resources in Southeast Asia, such as sugar, canned goods, snacks, and coffee."
"Of course, you may not need it."
Seemingly oblivious to the other person's surprised expression and gaze, Li Xuewu shrugged and said, "Let's talk about a cash transaction..."
"Wait—Mr. Li—"
Carl realized what was happening and waved his hand, saying, "Perhaps we can talk about food trade; we're quite interested in that project."
"Oh? Doesn't your company not engage in international trade?" Li Xuewu asked, flipping through the documents in his hand with a puzzled look. "Could I have remembered wrong?"
"No, you're not mistaken. We didn't have any international trade business before, but we will soon."
Karl Brecht flipped his palm and said in a slightly helpless tone, "As you know, our industrial enterprises are currently facing some difficulties, and we are trying to solve these problems."
“Of course, of course, international trade is a good option.” Li Xuewu seemed a little slow to react, as if he hadn’t yet caught the other party’s change in attitude, and asked hesitantly, “Then you…”
"Sugar or coffee, either is fine."
Karl Brecht said earnestly, "If the canned goods you're talking about suit our Western tastes, that's fine too."
"Vegetables? Sweet corn? Sweet beans?"
When Li Xuewu heard that the other party was interested in canned food, he tried to mention a few things. These were the answers he had selected.
"Of course, none of these are a problem."
Karl Brecht waved his hand and said, "You may not know this, but the whole of Western Europe is short of sugar and coffee."
What he said was both right and wrong. Some Western European countries lacked sugar and coffee, but others were able to obtain sufficient resources through trade.
For example, in Britain, or in France, Chantal never told him that France also lacked coffee.
Of course, this is also related to the fact that the Saint-Tartars Group operates multiple coffee plantations in Southeast Asia; France cannot lack coffee.
What about West Germany?
West Germany also lacked these resources, but they could acquire them through extensive trade and their position in the world.
East Germany was the only one lacking these supplies; even its big brother, the Soviet Union, was short of them, so there was no quota available for them.
Global sugar and coffee production is increasing year by year, but not suddenly, so the shortage will continue.
"But this falls under the category of third-party cooperation."
Seeing that he had fallen into the trap, Li Xuewu revealed his true intentions, saying, "We won't be a direct supplier of sugar and coffee, but canned goods are acceptable."
"In cargo transshipment and trade, there may be involvement from Western countries. Is this situation acceptable to you?"
"Is that so?" The representatives of Maxshut Union frowned cautiously; they would rather starve than be beaten to death for choosing the wrong side.
So after hesitating for a moment, Karl Brecht frowned and asked, "Do we know which countries will be involved?"
"In France, we have a deep partnership with a French company."
Li Xuewu frankly explained, "They have extensive sugar and coffee plantation industries in Southeast Asia..."
Oh—France—
Before he could finish speaking, the people opposite him visibly breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had let go of their sudden worries.
However, what does the tone of "France—" mean?
As a man, Li Xuewu seemed to have figured something out. Could it be that these old men had also had in-depth cooperation with France when they were young?
Just like him and Chantal, the president of the Santa Y Group...
"I think it's necessary for us to have a detailed discussion on the specifics of international trade and exchange views."
Karl Brecht smiled and said, "I believe you are prepared to participate in today's trade discussions and will bring these resources to the meeting for cooperation?"
"If you are willing, Maxshut Associates can take on all your trade requests."
"But—" Seeing that the fish had taken the bait, Li Xuewu quickly pulled it back a little. He couldn't keep letting out the line, for fear that the fish would get off the hook.
"Can Max Schulte, as a heavy industrial steel company, undertake so many trading projects?"
"There is no doubt about our sincerity."
Karl Brecht smiled and shrugged, explaining, "Maxshut Associates, as you can tell from the name, we are actually a joint venture, and we have a certain level of capability."
He pointed at Li Xuewu and emphasized, "Especially in the heavy industry and steel industry, I believe there are many areas where our cooperation can be realized in the future."
There was no need to spell it out; Li Xuewu had already understood the olive branch the other party was extending.
A consortium of steel industry enterprises, controlling multiple steel mills, instead of focusing on industrial development, has set its sights on trade.
If it were an exchange between heavy and light industries, that would be one approach, but these guys are thinking of exchanging technology for sugar and coffee. Isn't that magical enough?
What are sugar and coffee used for?
This is something that provides pleasure to humankind; it is a spiritual consumable. The other party is willing to take this opportunity to open up international trade channels through technology exchange.
To be honest, even when Li Xuewu was still immature and acting like a scoundrel, he wouldn't have dared to make such a decision back then. Li Xuewu was truly impressed.
However, this behavior also fully reflects the social situation and economic structure of East Germany at that time.
They haven't inherited much of the traditional craftsmanship, but they've mastered the Russian concept of "live for the moment" in less than 20 years.
Being vigilant against the trend of prioritizing entertainment and against cultural nihilism will always be a key focus of our organization's propaganda work.
Seeing the situation in East Germany at that time, Li Xuewu felt a deep sadness. He thought about how necessary, timely, and accurate it would be to propose a theory for the future revitalization of culture and national rejuvenation.
If the University of Tokyo had made the wrong choice even once, it would never have been able to stand at the top of the world again. That's the advantage of learning and reflection.
"If you can achieve the established trade agreement before March, then at the latest by May, cargo ships fully loaded with coffee and sugar will arrive at your designated ports."
After reviewing the agreement prepared by Honggang, the negotiators from Max Schulte United Company discussed it briefly.
Li Xuewu didn't want to waste time, so the agreement he offered was very attractive, leaving them with little room for negotiation.
Less than five minutes later, Karl Brecht, representing Max Schulte Associates, made the decision: "I believe this will definitely not be our last collaboration. It's a pleasure working with you, Mr. Li."
"It's a pleasure to cooperate, Mr. Brecht." Li Xuewu stood up, smiled, and shook hands with the other party. Representatives from both sides also stood up.
“You can call me Karl.” Right after both parties made the decision, the organizing committee began preparing the signing process.
During this time, Karl Brecht displayed an unusually intimate attitude, saying, "Lee, we're friends now, right?"
"Of course, it's an honor." Li Xuewu seemed to understand the goodwill in the other person's eyes and nodded with a smile.
"You and Mr. Hohenzollern..."
Karl Brecht finally couldn't resist asking this question as the two of them went to the window to rest.
Li Xuewu pursed his lips and said, "Actually, I'm not familiar with Mr. Hohenzollern; we only met today."
Who was standing in front of Karl Brecht?
This is Li Xuewu, a fishing master!
Does he ever speak without a hook?
Just as Karl Brecht was beginning to wonder, he added, "He came to me because of Anna—"
The irony is that Li Xuewu only mentioned Anna's name up to this point, without saying anything more.
Moreover, the complex expression on his face gave Karl Brecht ample room for his imagination to fill in the blanks.
Even this wasn't enough for Li Xuewu.
Do you know Mr. Hohenzollern?
Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "I'm going to visit Anna tonight. He should be here too, if you'd like..."
"No, no, I've only seen him before."
When Li Xuewu actually invited him to go together, Karl Brecht quickly waved his hand, feeling both grateful for Li Xuewu's kindness and wryly smiling at himself for not having the ability or courage to go with him.
Don't get the wrong idea this time; he was definitely thinking the wrong thing.
He didn't know who Anna was, but he could tell from Li Xuewu's words that she was Hohenzollern's daughter.
What could possibly be the reason that would bring a girl's father to come in person and even argue with her in the lounge?
This young Chinese man is really something. They've only been in East Germany for a few days, yet they've managed to cause such a huge mess.
However, in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise.
What does it mean that Mr. Li was able to say he was going to visit Anna that evening, and that Mr. Hohenzollern might also be there?
East Germany also had the tradition of meeting the parents!
If we look at it that way, then his decision to pursue a long-term partnership with Hongxing Steel Group was the right one.
Fortunately, he witnessed this scene along with other responsible persons, so he didn't need to explain himself; everyone was already guessing what was going on.
From the very beginning of the negotiation meeting, everyone looked at the young man with strange eyes, yet the negotiation went surprisingly smoothly.
Karl Brecht was a shrewd businessman in Germany and in the industrial world; he could see through anything.
This decision was made so quickly because everyone had their own opinion; they all felt that Mr. Li had a connection with the Hohenzollern family.
What's there to discuss? Between technology export and the import of scarce resources, did they make any wrong choices?
Rather than saying they're investing in a project, it's more accurate to say they're investing in a future.
There's a reason why the Hohenzollern family has remained powerful for so many years.
“I believe it’s fate that we were able to reach a cooperation agreement so quickly.” Li Xuewu stood beside Li Huaide, watching him personally sign the cooperation agreement. Accompanying personnel snapped photos, and he smiled as he spoke to Karl Brecht, who had just stood up, “I really hope that you can come to China for a visit and take a look around.”
"Welcome to Hongxing Steel Group."
With Li Xuewu's reminder, Lao Li picked up the conversation and extended an invitation with a smile while exchanging cooperation agreements.
"I believe that such a day will come in the not-too-distant future."
Karl Brecht shook hands with Li Huaide, then with Li Xuewu, and said, "Mysterious China, excellent industry."
-
Why sugar and coffee?
As Liu Bin accompanied Li Huaide and Li Xuewu to the trade fair, he asked them this question in a low voice on the way.
He participated in today's negotiations from beginning to end, and it was somewhat unexpected that the Secretary-General's team would prepare such a plan.
Li Huaide glanced back at his secretary, then smiled without saying a word.
"Because we need to bring the Santa Ya Group in."
Seeing that Liu Bin dared not ask Old Li any more questions and looked at him expectantly, Li Xuewu smiled and offered an explanation.
Liu Bin paused for a moment, still not understanding, and walked behind the two, asking softly, "What's the point of this?"
"You need to relearn 'On Contradiction'."
Before entering the hall, Li Huaide turned back and nodded to Liu Bin before walking into the exhibition hall.
Li Xuewu patted Liu Bin's arm and explained to him, "We have no roots here, and we have no advantage in cooperation."
"You can't expect them to follow the contract, right?"
"That's true, but—"
Liu Bin followed him inside, knowing that the leader was very busy, so he quickly asked, "Won't East Germany have a tense attitude towards Western countries?"
"Who told you that?" Li Xuewu glanced at him with amusement, pointed to the red wine on the table, and said, "Are you sure that red wine with a Moldova label necessarily comes from the OECD?"
"France also produces red wine—"
Seeing that Liu Bin didn't understand, he picked up his wine glass, swirled it, and looked around at the various exhibition areas, trying to find a suitable target to wander around.
Liu Bin lacks a certain spark compared to Li Haiyang, which means he is destined to be inferior to Li Haiyang in the future.
Li Haiyang's father worked in the finance department and gave his son many lessons in politics, teaching him from a young age, so that he could learn to behave well.
Li Huaide didn't want to let Li Haiyang go for training, but he had no other choice. If he didn't let him go, he would really ruin Li Haiyang's future, so he finally let him go.
This shows how thoughtful Li Haiyang is; you can't do things if you don't have a sharp mind.
However, Liu Bin also had his merits: he was calm and cautious, quick-witted, and dared to ask questions when he didn't understand something. He had noticed Li Xuewu's kindness.
"Don't overthink it. It's just an exchange of benefits, only with some personal intentions mixed in."
Since Li Xuewu didn't see Lao Li, he took Liu Bin for a walk and told him about the project.
The secretary that Li Huaide keeps by his side is someone he should take care of, and the other party will remember his kindness.
"You mean..." Liu Bin asked in surprise, "They want to be traitors?"
"Economic cooperation? Where would a traitor come from?!"
Li Xuewu didn't expect this kid to be so straightforward. He turned around and glanced at him, then said with a smile, "Didn't you read the data? The annual trade volume between East and West Germany was very large."
"I know, but with France—"
Liu Bin said with a puzzled look, "I don't quite understand. They could have traded directly with each other, right?"
"Yes, that's right, but unfortunately it won't work."
Li Xuewu stated firmly, "Firstly, East Germany's trade is restricted, so they can't act recklessly."
"So, if we bring up these sugar and coffee deals at a trade fair, who will host us?"
"It must be the foreign trade department of East Germany, right?"
He pointed at Liu Bin and said, "It's a pity they can't offer the price we want, let alone spend such a huge amount of money."
“But East German industrial enterprises are different. Even if they get this order, the foreign trade department will not give it to Brecht’s factory, because a steel industrial enterprise has nothing to do with this kind of trade.”
Li Xuewu stopped and looked at him, emphasizing, "But things are different now. Brecht and his group want to open this door and use technology exports as a channel, so there's an opportunity."
"Once we can close the first order, I believe we will receive a steady stream of transaction requests."
He said decisively, "Just look at the scene and you'll see what kind of light industrial and other industrial products East Germany could offer."
Liu Bin looked around, frowned slightly, and said, "They seem to be missing something..."
"Yes, they lack the essential aspects of life."
Li Xuewu patted his arm, gesturing for him to come along, and said, "This is how the Soviet Union controls them."
“Industrial enterprises have their own set of rules for survival. The fact that they are now being forced to take other paths proves that there were problems with East Germany’s management and systems.”
“It’s like…” Liu Bin suddenly widened his eyes, his gaze filled with disbelief, and there were some things he dared not say.
"No, this place is different from ours."
Li Xuewu knew what he wanted to say and patiently explained, "We have abundant resource reserves, vast land, and strategic depth."
"If we only look at economic development, we have a broader space and foundation for development, and we are not controlled by other parties."
This last sentence is the key, and it's the crucial one that awakens Liu Bin.
"So what we want is technology, Brecht wants economics, and the Santayana Group wants to get involved in East Germany."
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Look, all three parties are satisfied, so why not?"
"Aren't you afraid that the Santaya Group..." Liu Bin leaned closer and whispered, "...will cause trouble?"
"What does this have to do with us?"
Li Xuewu glanced at Liu Bin and said, "We only need the technology. We'll lend them a name. If we're talking about a transaction, then we're giving the Santayana Group a trade compensation deal."
"So whatever happens here has nothing to do with us."
He pointed with his finger and said, "If you had observed carefully just now, you could have seen the greed in the other person's eyes."
"Sugar and coffee are just the beginning. What the Santayah Group can send in the future depends on how the West wants to lull them into complacency."
-
"Hey, isn't that Train God of War?"
Zhu Xiaolin saw him and walked over, but her words carried a hint of personal grudges.
Swearing is so dirty!
"Director Zhu, you're here too."
Li Xuewu feigned innocence, looking at him with a completely clueless expression, and asked, "When did you get back? I didn't see you yesterday."
"That's right, I almost didn't make it back because of what you said."
Zhu Xiaolin leaned closer, staring at him as she asked, "Li Xuewu, tell me the truth, were you doing this on purpose when you persuaded us to go?"
"What are you doing? Trying to pull those street smarts?"
Li Huaide walked over at this moment, glanced at Zhu Xiaolin, and said indifferently, "You also want to test his skills?"
"It's nothing, Director. Director Zhu was just joking with me."
Li Xuewu chuckled and glanced at Old Li, then looked at Zhu Xiaolin and said, "We almost got into trouble in Rostock, but we didn't expect the situation there to be so complicated."
"As you've probably heard, this trip wasn't easy for us."
"Can I believe you?"
Zhu Xiaolin looked him over, still feeling somewhat resentful, but when she thought of Li Xuewu's misfortune, her resentment subsided.
What else could they do? He jumped into the pit voluntarily. No one explicitly said what was on the other side; they figured it out themselves.
In the end, he was still greedy, thinking he could make a quick buck to prolong his life, but he never expected that he would almost lose his life.
There's a saying that goes, "A blessing in disguise."
Li Xuewu smiled and looked at him, asking, "I heard that Beijing Chemical has acquired nitrogen fertilizer production technology and equipment from Rostock."
"You might actually benefit from this misfortune if you go to Lubmin."
Zhu Xiaolin glanced at him impatiently and snorted, "We'll settle this matter when we get back."
"Yes, that's fine, no problem."
Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and gestured to Sha Qizhi, who had walked over, and said, "We just happened to acquire chemical fiber and synthetic resin technology in the Dresden area and are planning to build a factory in Liaodong. Is Beijing Chemical interested?"
"Don't think that giving us technology will heal the wounds in our hearts." Zhu Xiaolin's face twitched, his eyes betraying him, and he was even a little feverish as he spoke.
"Who wants to give you the technology?"
Li Huaide glanced at him and said, "I'm just asking if you're interested in cooperating. Don't push your luck."
"Am I pushing my luck?" Zhu Xiaolin was clearly interested, but he also wanted to take advantage of his grievances to get more, so he became shameless.
Beijing Chemical Company actually resorted to shameless tactics.
"Tell me, if it weren't for him, would we have been stuck in Lubumin for so long, only to get a nitrogen fertilizer production technology?"
He pointed at Li Xuewu and said, "If we hadn't listened to him and had gone to Dresden, wouldn't this technology have been ours?"
"Oh dear, what are you saying—"
Li Huaide said, both amused and exasperated, "Don't leave. Talk to the leaders and you can stay here and be in charge of technology import."
"We're not going to compete with you; let's see how much you can negotiate down."
He turned to Li Xuewu and said, "See? Director Zhu isn't interested. It would be more appropriate for us to talk to Liaohua later."
"Li Huaide, you're really not loyal enough—" Zhu Xiaolin pointed at Li Huaide, then looked at Li Xuewu, "And you, you took someone's bullet for them, and this is all you get in return?"
"We did acquire stainless steel production technology," Li Xuewu said with a smile. "So, is Beijing Chemical willing to cooperate?"
"Didn't you say you got the W50?"
Zhu Xiaolin raised an eyebrow and said, "What? You support us starting a car manufacturing plant?"
"Who told you we got the W50?"
Li Xuewu looked at him strangely and said, "You haven't read the briefing since you came back?"
"You know Tang Rongxuan, the deputy factory director of Sichuan Automobile, right? He told me about it." Zhu Xiaolin seemed to realize something and frowned as he asked, "What? You didn't get it? They all said you were going to jointly build a factory."
"Damn it—" Li Xuewu and Old Li exchanged a glance, almost cursing.
He often did this kind of thing, using someone else's name as a shield, but one day he was the one who got exposed.
"Let's go find Old Tang and settle this personal score."