MMB Chapter 1527 Those who wish take the bait
Chapter 1527 Those who wish take the bait
Chapter 1527 Those who wish take the bait
How did Lü Yuanshen know about Li Xuewu's time in Germany?
If Lü Yuanshen found out, does that mean that more people already know about these things?
This kind of thing really can't be kept secret. After making such a big fuss, not to mention his own people, the Stasi might still be cleaning up his mess.
It's only because of his special status and Anna's powerful background that he was able to take the blame; otherwise, he would have been implicated long ago.
When facing the public in Germany, the public propaganda machine naturally has a specific target.
Since neither the delegation nor Li Xuewu personally was willing to take responsibility for this matter, but instead attributed all the credit to Anna, the Economic Committee was naturally happy to downplay the issue.
After all, they were unwilling to confront the Soviet Union and Mao Zedong, and even less willing to involve the Stasi in the economic sphere.
Therefore, with Li Xuewu himself and Hongxing Steel Group remaining silent, a tacit understanding and balance were reached among the various parties.
The only one who might feel wronged is Anna's father, because his daughter's fame is not a good thing for either him or Anna.
Anna's father had originally planned to use a visiting delegation to hold her hostage and gain the support of the Economic Committee to transfer her to the political sector, but his efforts were in vain, as none of the parties had taken him into consideration.
The current situation is that the KGB dares not take any rash actions, fearing that the two missing comrades might suddenly reappear and reveal some deadly news.
Based on the information they currently have, the fate of these two comrades is unknown.
Since death is uncertain, the possibility of survival must be fully considered; it is also a ticking time bomb.
The team members didn't have much information, but the other was the squad leader who was carrying out the operation.
In East Germany, officers at the squad leader level were already well-informed.
How can you do anything if you can't have a comprehensive understanding of the overall situation when leading a team independently?
When they are on a mission, they are called an action team; when they are on a standalone basis, they are called a special agent.
Vasikin failed to take the two colleagues away from Li Xuewu, and he also dared not detain Fritz Fleischer, because Li Xuewu would seize on this as leverage. After all, he had not found Fritz Fleischer's family and could not use them as bargaining chips.
It was in this tacit understanding and helpless balance that the Chinese delegation returned home, leaving many loose ends, but also marking the end of the matter.
Apart from East Germany suffering damage to buildings and residents' property, and the KGB suffering casualties, there were no other losses.
But there will always be people who will use this incident to make a fuss and express their stance.
Especially when Li Xuewu, representing Hongxing Steel Group and the first inspection team to return to China, was the first to step out of the plane, countless eyes flashed with jealousy and resentment. It would be strange if he didn't cause some trouble.
There are bad people outside the wall, and there are bad people inside the wall.
Upon hearing Lü Yuanshen mention this, Li Xuewu sensitively picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at the other man, asking, "What happened? How come I didn't know?"
"Ah? This—" Lü Yuanshen smiled awkwardly, scratched his cheek, and explained, "I heard it from them that the security situation in East Germany was not very good, and you encountered danger several times there."
"It's not that exaggerated, it's just a rumor."
Li Xuewu put down his teacup and said calmly, "It was just a traffic accident, but it was exaggerated into a dangerous situation."
"Oh, I see." Lu Yuanshen glanced at him and explained to himself, "Three men can make a tiger. This rumor that came back from East Germany thousands of miles away has become so distorted."
"When I first heard this news, I couldn't believe it either. It was just too... too unbelievable."
He chuckled and, while observing Li Xuewu's expression, said, "What you said about scaling walls and taking down a bandit with a single shot in East Germany."
"And they even said you took down dozens of people on the train with just a stove shovel, and the number of corpses carried out was countless... Look at me—"
Lu Yuanshen smiled sheepishly and said, "I just believed whatever I heard and didn't think about the actual situation carefully at all."
"Flying over rooftops and scaling walls? And taking down a bandit with a single shot?" Li Xuewu shook his head with amusement and said, "Why don't you just say I can fly?"
"You know what, there really is such a rumor."
Lu Yuanshen confidently stated, "Some people say that you piloted the helicopter to escape danger, thwarting the enemy's ambush and thoroughly outmaneuvering them."
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "If that's the case, then I think it's more reliable to take down dozens of them on the train with a stove shovel."
"Hahaha!" Lü Yuanshen laughed and chimed in, "That's why I didn't believe it either."
He raised an eyebrow and looked at Li Xuewu teasingly, "Looking at your kind and gentle face, you don't seem like the type to fight and kill. How could you possibly do such an unbelievable thing?"
“Hey! Director Lü, that’s a bit much—” Li Xuewu looked at him with narrowed eyes and emphasized, “I can barely accept that I’m gentle and refined, but do you think I have a kind and benevolent face?”
“Your expression is either fierce or kind; that’s just how I see it.”
Lu Yuanshen explained with a smile, "Let's talk about this in private. My mother is a Buddhist. When I was little, she always told me that you have a face like a Vajra but a heart full of love. Look at you with us and with Liaodong Industry, aren't you strict but kind?"
“But as the old saying goes, righteousness doesn’t govern wealth, and compassion doesn’t govern an army—” Li Xuewu smiled slightly and asked, “Am I being too lenient with my comrades?”
"Hey—" Lü Yuanshen understood the meaning behind his words and said with a smile, "Isn't that just your personality—strict with yourself and lenient with others—"
He nodded and said, "This is something that everyone in the group, not just our Liaodong Industrial Group, knows. Everyone talks about how good you are to your subordinates."
"I just can't bring myself to do it."
Li Xuewu twirled his teacup in his hand, looked across at the person opposite him, and said with some emotion, "We are all comrades who eat from the same pot, and we are comrades who have come all the way together."
He shook his head and sighed as he said this, "Forget it, I won't say anymore. It's pointless to talk about it anymore."
I completely understand how you feel.
Lu Yuanshen raised his head slightly and said, "It is indeed difficult to manage such a large team, especially since our Liaodong industrial business covers a wide range and the industry is divided into several regions."
He pointed to the desk and emphasized, "It's really not an easy task to truly unite our comrades into one mind and work together as one."
"If everyone in Liaodong Industry could understand me like Director Lü does, my job would be much easier."
Li Xuewu nodded and looked at him, saying, "Oh, right, I forgot to tell you, this year Gangcheng Automobile has received recognition and praise from the group's leaders in terms of both production capacity and technological development."
He smiled and said, "You've worked hard all year, so I've nominated you for the Outstanding Individual Award. Get ready to go on stage and receive your award."
"Thank you, Secretary General! Thank you!"
Lu Yuan bowed slightly in gratitude and said, "I never expected that I would receive such high expectations from you and the group for doing only what I should do."
"You deserve it. You've worked really hard this year." Li Xuewu nodded with a smile and said, "Director Li mentioned you at the group's office meeting, saying that you deserve a lot of credit for the development of Gangqi today."
"It's all thanks to the excellent development plan formulated by the group, and it's the result of your leadership in our hard work in Liaodong Industry."
Lu Yuanshen said earnestly, "If there is any glory, it should be attributed to the collective."
This flattery was so pointed, because Li Xuewu rarely accepts honors, and even his answer was very similar to Li Xuewu's. It has to be said that Lü Yuanshen is very good at interpersonal relationships.
"It is both collective and individual."
Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "Your achievement brings glory to Liaodong Industry."
"This year, the development tasks for the steel and automotive industry are even heavier, with many new projects and greater challenges in technological innovation. You must persevere, build on past achievements, and make further progress."
"Yes! I will certainly live up to your and the organization's expectations and do my best to lead the Steel & Gas team well."
Upon hearing his words, Lü Yuanshen made a serious and earnest statement.
Li Xuewu nodded, stood up and shook hands with him, saying, "This year is the first year of the second Three-Year Plan. The industrial structure of the entire group is undergoing drastic changes, and the steel and automotive industries cannot fall behind."
He patted Lü Yuanshen's hand and emphasized, "This year, the group will continue to reduce the equity ratio of its three industries and increase investment in emerging and important projects. Your Steel & Auto Group must seize this opportunity."
"Whether we can achieve our goal of leading the transformation of the automotive industry and building a high-quality automobile manufacturing enterprise in the second Three-Year Plan depends on your performance."
“I am well aware of the heavy responsibility on my shoulders, and I will certainly not let you and the organization down.”
Lu Yuanshen shook his hands and nodded, saying, "After I get back, I will organize my comrades to offer suggestions and gather excellent advice, and I will come up with a work plan that meets the development needs of the new era as soon as possible to report to you."
"Okay, I look forward to your plan."
Li Xuewu saw him off at the door, giving him plenty of face, and even chatted with him for a while at the entrance.
A moment of silence fell over the reception room as the two men pondered the meaning of their words.
Before the Secretary-General returned from his business trip, Old Lü was the one whose moral decline was the most severe, and many rumors originated from him. Who would have thought that today, after only meeting with the Secretary-General once and talking for less than twenty minutes, his attitude was more firm and positive than ever before.
How did the Secretary-General manage to do it?
"Your group has spent over 20 million yuan in the past week." Ji Weidong adjusted his expensive watch and looked at Li Xuewu in the helicopter pilot's seat, asking, "Don't you want to say something?"
"What? Money really doesn't last long?"
Li Xuewu turned all the buttons back to the off position and jumped off the plane.
"I have never regarded the 30 million in Gangcheng as a necessary reserve condition or standard for the group's development."
He and Wang Xiaonan unloaded ski equipment from another helicopter, while Li Yong, the helicopter pilot who came with them, set up a temporary tent.
That's right, Ji Weidong is back again, this time because he misses home and his son.
Li Xuewu didn't believe this bullshit reason at all. He was living a life of debauchery in Hong Kong, how could he possibly remember that he had a home on the mainland and that his child had a father?
I don't know what Han Yating sees in him. Even if there's no gossip, doesn't she know what kind of man she is? She didn't even react.
After being transferred from the International Hotel to the Red Star Literature and Art Publishing House as deputy editor-in-chief, she truly endured loneliness, taking care of her child while working.
Of course, Ji Weidong wasn't without self-awareness. Whenever he was with Li Xuewu, he always spoke highly of Han Yating, without a single flaw.
How did he describe Han Yating?
Ji Weidong said he was lucky to have found a good wife. He said if it were him, he would guarantee that every hair on his man's head would be green.
"Be careful, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow!"
He skillfully switched to his skis, gesturing with his ski poles to remind Li Xuewu, "Someone might already be eyeing your company, a fat pig—"
"Thank you so much! If you hadn't reminded us, we wouldn't have known we were in such big trouble!"
Li Xuewu yelled at him impatiently, then turned around and gave Wang Xiaonan a brief instruction before using his ski poles to prop himself up and gliding down the valley without hesitation.
Skiing is a sport that tests your heart and courage; it's an economical sport where danger and excitement are the main themes and the core fun that attracts skiing enthusiasts.
Skiing can be addictive; it's a way for humans to challenge nature and achieve a sense of accomplishment. People like Li Xuewu and Ji Weidong love to challenge themselves and push their limits.
No matter how many fun activities there are in the steel city, they can't compare to his carefree life in the port city, except for skiing, which is still a unique feature.
To entertain Ji Weidong, who always comes home showing off every month, Li Xuewu invited him to try skating in the wild.
In the not-too-steep valley, the snow layer, more than a meter deep, was enough for them to have a thrilling and exciting time.
Ski suits and a full set of ski equipment are hard to find in China; Ji Weidong brought them back through connections.
Wearing one purple outfit and one blue outfit, Ji Weidong specifically chose the rather purplish purple one, as he was already used to this flamboyant style of dressing in Hong Kong.
The whistling mountain wind dispersed the snowflakes kicked up by the skis, which were then passed through by the two as they sped away.
"That's fucking exciting—"
Ji Weidong shouted as he chased after Li Xuewu, not caring whether Li Xuewu heard him or not, and quickly shut his mouth as the cold wind rushed into his throat.
Even under the blazing sun, the temperature in the Qianshan area was below minus thirty degrees Celsius, and the sunlight brought almost no warmth.
Whistle—
The skis traced a long S-shaped arc on the snow before finally coming to rest in a low-lying area of the valley.
Wang Xiaonan and Li Yong hovered the helicopter above the two men, waiting for the signal to descend.
"Ha—" Ji Weidong stopped steadily beside Li Xuewu, exhaled a puff of white breath, and said excitedly, "This is a hundred times more fun than artificial snow!"
"There are already artificial snow ski resorts in the port city?" Li Xuewu looked at him in surprise and asked, "The cost must be high, right?"
"It's not Hong Kong, so I can't tell you."
Ji Weidong chuckled, took out a smoke machine from his backpack, and pulled it open, releasing a plume of thick red smoke.
***
"Still no news from Art?"
Li Xuewu shook the white towel in his hand and applied it to his face, then moved his body to the bottom of the pool, immersing himself in the 41-degree Celsius hot spring water.
It must be said that the hot spring resort currently under construction is definitely worth a visit, and it will be developed into a must-visit destination for the group's cadres and employees for recuperation in the future.
Li Xuewu did not participate in the design; he only raised some design requirements that he knew.
Actually, it's fine not to mention it. There are hot springs everywhere in the world. The French design team is very skilled.
Furthermore, the Oriental Sanyi Architectural Design Institute has thousands of years of experience in traditional construction standards.
Li Xuewu and Ji Weidong aren't the first people in history to soak in hot springs and chat at noon. The emperors and concubines of the Tang Dynasty loved hot springs even more than they did.
"I don't know, there's been no news for over half a year."
Ji Weidong huddled in the pool, only his face showing, floating like a crocodile waiting to prey.
Of course, as anyone who has taken a bath knows, this position will cause some parts to float to the surface, which is unsightly (it doesn't matter if they are too small).
“I told him it wasn’t necessary, but he was determined to save face, saying he couldn’t get by there otherwise.”
Ji Weidong suddenly sat up straight because it was snowing and the protruding parts of his body felt a little cold.
They were soaking in an outdoor hot spring pool, the edge of which was piled with last night's snow and melted ice.
It must be said that the few pine and cypress trees beside the hot spring pool built of natural stones completely upgrade this landscape, cleverly integrating leisure into nature.
The hot spring sanatorium is not yet fully completed, but that does not preclude the trial operation of some functional areas.
The cadres and employees of the Steel City Industrial Zone have been organized to come here for recuperation in batches, and he was not the first to experience it.
"Tell me, I don't care anymore, but he's still making a fuss about it. What's the point?"
Ji Weidong counted on his fingers and said, "How much business must he have lost in the past six months, and how much money must he have missed out on!"
"Perhaps the accounts aren't calculated that way."
Li Xuewu lifted the towel to cover his head, letting the snowflakes patter on his face; they were icy cold and refreshing.
"Then how should we calculate it?" Ji Weidong rubbed himself and raised an eyebrow. "Giving away a whole ship of weapons and equipment for nothing, just to save face and get justice?"
"Who did he give the weapons and equipment to?"
Li Xuewu turned to look at him and asked, "Are you aware of the conflict between the two factions in Syria?"
"I know, Shia and Sunni."
Ji Weidong shrugged and said, "I've been mowed down by a light machine gun, how could I not know?"
He explained, “Shia Islam is the home of the Alawites and Persians, while Sunni Islam is the territory of the Arabs, Kurds, and Armenians.”
"Since you know all this, then what do you think Art is staying there for?"
Li Xuewu smiled slightly and said, "I think Ate wasn't fighting out of spite; he felt that the struggle on that land wasn't fierce enough or exciting enough."
"You mean-"
Ji Weidong was so surprised he almost stood up, but his feet were on large pebbles, and he ended up tilting in the water.
He thrashed about a couple of times, wiping his face with both hands, and still couldn't hide his surprise as he asked, "Does he want to start a war?"
"No, it should be called an escalation of the war."
Li Xuewu shook his head and emphasized, "Judging from his act of giving weapons to these tribal chiefs, he intends to escalate the war."
“In the past, the swords and spears used by those tribes only cost a few coins, and how many bullets would a rifle or light machine gun fire aggression?”
He turned to look at Ji Weidong and smiled slightly, saying, "When it really comes down to rocket artillery duels, that's when real money is exchanged for weapons. That's probably what he's thinking."
"Does he even have that kind of mind?"
Ji Weidong was somewhat forced to believe Li Xuewu's words, but he dared not, or rather, was unwilling to, believe the fact that Ate possessed such cunning and intelligence.
If he admits this fact, wouldn't that mean he's a complete fool for being kept in the dark by Art?
"Perhaps, maybe I'm wrong?"
Li Xuewu glanced at him with amusement, then pulled the towel off his head again; his face was a little cold now.
Ji Weidong's expression changed several times before he let out a long breath and said, "Your swearing is really vulgar."
What the hell did you mean you guessed wrong? This is just a deliberate mockery of your own reluctance to admit your mistake.
He rubbed his face with the hot spring water, looked up and said, "Even so, what's he up to after months of silence? Is he trying to get rid of Kadafie?"
“If the enemy is used properly, he can also be used as a pawn; the goal is not necessarily to eliminate him.”
Li Xuewu said calmly, "If he can really influence the situation in Syria and make those tribes want to do evil, he might actually make a fortune."
At this point, he thought of a possibility and turned to Ji Weidong to ask, "Do you think there are other forces behind At?"
"What do you mean? You mean—"
Ji Weidong frowned and said, "I've investigated his background, and I haven't received any reports on that."
“Your intelligence network in North Africa and Central Asia is too weak to be worth mentioning.”
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "How much can we really find out about his background and connections?"
"I'm just guessing, but his way of doing things is quite similar to that of the United States."
"Why are we bringing up the US again?"
Ji Weidong grabbed the tea tray from the stone, took a sip of hot tea, and said, "Do you think those ugly people are standing behind At?"
"I'm just offering a guess."
Li Xuewu looked at the starry sky and said, "The specific situation depends on the intelligence feedback; that's your job."
"You seem to know a lot about international relations."
Ji Weidong chuckled and leaned closer, asking, "What? Planning to come to the investigation department and be my colleague?"
"Can you stay away from me?" Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "Don't let your stupidity get to you."
"I may be slightly less cunning than you, but you're far superior in being sarcastic and biting!"
Ji Weidong rolled his eyes, then lay down next to him again and said, "Tell me about the style of the Ugly Country."
"How do you do your job? Do you really need me to guide you on this kind of basic intelligence and analysis?"
Li Xuewu glanced at him sideways and said casually, "Have you ever looked into proxy warfare?"
"Do I need to explain that to me?"
Ji Weidong retorted, "I'm a professionally trained technician, specializing in this."
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu's laughter fully expressed his doubts, almost making Ji Weidong angry.
You can doubt his character, but you can't doubt his professionalism, after all, that's how he makes a living.
"Think about it, who supported Gaddafi's rise to power? If he doesn't make a formal statement or do something, will they let him off the hook?"
Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "While I may not be a professional in international relations, I have eyes to see things, unlike you guys."
"What did we do wrong!" Ji Weidong, unable to bear the scolding any longer, jumped up and shouted, "Explain yourself—"
"Hello, you have a far-sighted vision and accurate judgment, and you never miss a favorable opportunity..."
"Alright, alright—" Ji Weidong dared not let Li Xuewu continue cursing, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"I cannot represent the Investigation Department on my own."
He thought for a moment and said, "You see it so clearly, why don't you do it yourself?"
"Hehe, you were right."
Li Xuewu turned to look at him and said, "I might have to change jobs this month."
"Changing jobs? To Honggang Group?"
Ji Weidong was startled, then realized that this was impossible; Li Xuewu could not possibly leave Honggang at the moment.
Then there is only one answer!
"Any results from the Third Guard Regiment?"
He stared at him and asked, "What do you mean by 'garrison area'? Are you staying or not?"
"It's been so long, and I've only been using your connections to get things done, without even giving you a reputation."
"I don't care, why are you in such a hurry?"
Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "I've wanted to quit that part-time job for a long time, but the reports I submit are always returned, so there's no point in submitting them again."
"They would never let you go!"
Ji Weidong said indignantly, "The better Honggang Group develops, the less likely they are to let you go."
"By the way, where are you being transferred to this time?"
He looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "You wouldn't just randomly give me a staff officer position, would you? That would be too disrespectful."
"No, it's to the Zhengfa Cadre School."
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said a name that greatly surprised Ji Weidong.
"The Zhengfa Cadre School? The one in Xicheng?"
Ji Weidong was certainly familiar with the various departments in the capital, but he was surprised by the wide range of Li Xuewu's job transfer.
Which is the Central Political and Legal Cadre School?
This school has changed its name several times, and the name was different in each period.
It was originally called the North China Security Cadre Training Class, the North China Industrial Security Cadre School, and the Central Industrial Security Cadre School.
Before it was renamed, it was called the China People's Workers' Safety Academy, which was an academy for rotating and training in-service police officers. It was a very important training institution in the workers' safety system.
"What will you be doing there? As a cadre? Or as a teacher?"
"I don't know, we're waiting for notification."
Li Xuewu looked at the snowflakes falling from the sky and said, "The leader just talked to me."
"They really know how to pick their timing—"
Ji Weidong curled his lip and said, "They're treating you like a god of wealth, putting you wherever they need money."
"Hey, I advise you to come up with a money-making idea sooner rather than later, otherwise you'll be stuck when people come to you."
"Are you teaching me how to do something?"
Li Xuewu turned to look at him and said, "Is it ready? I'm hungry. Let's go back and eat."
-
She couldn't escape it after all; Shen Fei's Wang Xin cornered her in his office, where Bu Qingfang was still giving a work report.
"It's okay, we're talking about you guys."
Wang Xin waved his hand naturally and said with a smile, "I have plenty of time, I can wait."
He didn't stand on ceremony with Li Xuewu and went to the tea cabinet to make himself a cup of hot tea.
Bu Qingfang looked at him with a puzzled expression, then at Li Xuewu, not understanding what he meant.
“Deputy Director Wang from Shenyang Aircraft Corporation,” Li Xuewu introduced her, then looked at Wang Xin and said, “Or I should have Zhang Jing come over…”
"No need, no need, you're busy."
Wang Xin waved his hand, picked up his teacup, walked to the sofa, sat down, and said, "I've waited for half a month, what's another thirty or fifty minutes?"
Bu Qingfang noticed the emotion in the other person's tone and asked, "Should I come back later?"
"It's alright. Deputy Factory Director Wang is also interested in tertiary industries. You can go ahead and say what you want."
Li Xuewu raised his hand and pressed it down, indicating that she was alright.
Bu Qingfang glanced back at the other person before continuing her report: "The handover at Factory No. 7 has been completed, and we're just waiting for the dismantling and modification next year."
"The financial budget I submitted to the group was returned, and they said it had to be redone."
She nodded and said, "I know it's related to the technology transfer from Germany. President Jing called me and said that the Seventh Factory project can proceed as planned."
"What about the power plant's subsidiaries?"
Li Xuewu crossed his arms in front of his lower abdomen, leaned back in his chair, and asked, "Did she agree to solve it for you?"
"I don't even want to think about it. She didn't even ask me anything, she just told me that these were the only solutions."
Bu Qingfang rubbed her forehead with a wry smile and said, "It seems I'll have to figure out a solution for the subsidiary companies myself."
"What approach are you considering? A loan?" Li Xuewu asked, looking at her. "Or cooperation with relevant companies?"
"Cooperation would be too disadvantageous—"
Bu Qingfang emphasized: "It is almost certain that once the power plant is operational, it will definitely be profitable."
"As for the subsidiary companies, both electrolytic aluminum and electroplating are industrial technologies that our group has already mastered, and they are very profitable."
She shrugged and said, "Do I even need to mention the remaining brick factories, cement plants, and sand and gravel plants?"
You're oversimplifying things.
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "Just the equipment, technology and workers in these factories represent a huge investment. We can't get that amount just through loans."
"I've come to you to beg for alms."
Bu Qingfang smiled and said, "We are, after all, part of Liaodong's industry. You can lend us some funds to solve our practical difficulties, or you can directly authorize the power plant in the industrial zone to form a joint venture."
"I have no money, I really have no money left—"
Li Xuewu shook his head and said, "The more than ten million yuan in the group's Hong Kong is untouchable. That is a special fund prepared for technology introduction and is capital to ensure the smooth implementation of those projects. I have no right to move it."
"Because of the diversion of these funds, the group will have to tighten its financial budget this year."
He explained earnestly, "At the work meeting, I took the lead in stating that the budget for Liaodong Industry would be reduced."
“No matter how much we cut back, the overall budget for Liaodong industry is still there,” Bu Qingfang calculated. “How about you transfer some of your budget funds for the second half of the year to me first, and I guarantee I’ll plug this hole for you before the middle of the year? How about that?”
"You dare to use it, but I dare not move it."
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Don't even think about my meager resources. I already allocated the budget at yesterday's leadership group meeting. I don't have any left."
"Even if there's only a little bit left for emergencies, it won't be enough for you. Stop thinking about other ways."
"You can't just stand there and watch the money lie on the ground without picking it up, can you?" Bu Qingfang said shamelessly, "No way, I'm not leaving until you give me the money—"
"Ahem—" Wang Xin, who was sitting on the sofa, couldn't help but cough when he heard this.
“Look at you, the fact that you said you weren’t leaving really scared Deputy Factory Director Wang. He’s still waiting for me.”
Li Xuewu joked, "If your subordinates see the head of the United Energy Development Corporation acting like a scoundrel in front of me, your prestige will be in jeopardy—"
"I don't care. I'll lose face anyway if I don't get the money, so I might as well lose face here."
Bu Qingfang turned to the side, hugging the back of the chair, and pouted, "Then we'll let the comrades see just how stingy our secretary-general is."
"Hey—me's stingy?"
Li Xuewu chuckled and pointed at her, saying, "Who helped you pave the way when you set your sights on Factory Seven? Now you're turning around and blaming me. You shouldn't be like this!"
"If I had a way to do that—"
Bu Qingfang turned to look at him and said, "Boss, I'm in a bind now. If this project fails, how am I supposed to get back to work?"
"Cough cough, it can't be that bad—"
Perhaps the wait had been a bit long, or perhaps he was starting to feel tempted, Wang Xin said, "Honggang Group, you can't even come up with this much money?"
“Look, there are some tougher guys than us.” Li Xuewu smiled and gestured towards the sofa, then said to Bu Qingfang, “Why don’t you ask Deputy Factory Director Wang? Maybe you can get some money from him. Shen Fei is much richer than us.”
"Deputy Factory Director Wang, please be the judge."
Bu Qingfang turned to Wang Xin and introduced, "We, United Energy, acquired the No. 7 Power Plant in Gangcheng. We plan to use our coal resources to develop industrial power generation. The acquisition is now in its final stage, but the leaders say they don't have the funds to develop the supporting industries. Isn't that putting us in a difficult position?"
"What kind of industrial electricity business?"
Wang Xin asked curiously, "Is it the same as the power supply?"
"A separate power grid for industrial enterprises," Bu Qingfang explained. "We're currently using Factory No. 7 as a pilot project. We plan to establish power generation and supporting facilities in major industrial zones in Liaodong, such as electrolysis and electroplating plants..."
She's quite the eloquencer; she used to work in propaganda, so you can imagine how weak her speaking skills were.
They not only introduced Wang Xin to the future of the power generation industry, but also to the supporting tertiary industries, each of which is currently in short supply.
"This is like money falling from the ground—"
Wang Xin turned to Li Xuewu and asked, "Why doesn't your group invest in projects like this?"
“Hehe—” Li Xuewu shook his head with a wry smile and said, “Didn’t I tell you that our group is upgrading its industries? We will no longer invest in small projects like these, especially those that cannot form an integrated industry. We will sell off our existing industries.”
"Ah, ah, that's true—"
Wang Xin recalled this situation; not long ago, Li Xuewu had recommended the tertiary industries of Hongxing Steel Group to him, saying that they were sure to make a profit.
He glanced at Bu Qingfang and asked, "Is there any guarantee for your project?"
"What other guarantees do you need?"
Bu Qingfang widened her eyes and said, "We mine the coal ourselves and send it directly to the power plant to generate electricity. The cost is only this much. What guarantees do we need?"
"That—that's true—"
Wang Xin was still thinking about the profit points and project returns she had just introduced, and his mind was a little foggy.
He thought for a moment, then looked at Bu Qingfang and boldly asked, "How much money do we need to invest in these projects?"
"Huh? Shenfei wants to invest?"
Bu Qingfang hesitated at this moment, glanced back at Li Xuewu, and said, "Isn't that a bad idea...?"
"Why not?" This piqued Wang Xin's curiosity. "Didn't you just say you were short of money? Why don't you want to invest now?"
“We do lack money, but what we lack is construction costs,” Bu Qingfang explained earnestly. “For projects that are guaranteed to be profitable, under low-risk conditions, we just need to find a way to raise construction funds.”
"So, you mean there's no need for us to share the money?" Wang Xin figured it out. "Is that what you mean?"
"Comrade Qingfang, why don't you go back first and think of a solution?" Knowing when to stop, Li Xuewu interrupted their conversation, saying, "I'll go down and ask the leaders about this money, see if it's feasible, okay?"
"Then you'll have to be careful—"
Once Bu Qingfang saw that he had agreed, she ignored Wang Xin completely, greeted him, and then got up and left.
Wang Xin glanced at her retreating figure, then turned to Li Xuewu and asked, "Didn't you say you weren't planning to invest in this project?"
"It's because Honggang Group doesn't intend to invest."
Li Xuewu tidied up the documents on his desk, emphasizing, "But United Energy Development Corporation has other joint ventures under its umbrella, so we'll have to ask them."
"Why make it so complicated?"
Wang Xin picked up his teacup, walked to the spot where Bu Qingfang had just been sitting, crossed his legs, looked at him, and asked, "So, you mean 'keeping the good stuff in the family'?"
"Look at you, saying that again."
Li Xuewu looked up at him and said with a smile, "Shenfei is also a partner of Honggang. We are family. Why are you being so polite?"
"You can't be polite—"
Wang Xin glanced back at the doorway and said, "Isn't this obviously a way of keeping an eye on us?"
"Deputy Factory Director Wang, let's talk about something practical."
Li Xuewu looked at him and said seriously, "Even if we give you the investment rights for this project, are you really planning to invest?"
“You’re an aircraft manufacturer, what’s the point of investing in a power plant? The profits from this power plant are slow and steady, and it may take one or two years to turn a profit.”
"This is what you call a steady, long-term relationship?!"
Wang Xin looked at him and said, "So you're saying a project has to be profitable in three to five months to be considered a good project?"
“We just spent 125 million euros in Germany to buy a complete bus production line and supporting industrial equipment.”
Li Xuewu calmly introduced the project to him, saying, "From signing the contract to dismantling, transportation, and loading, the bus production plan can be realized in as little as eight months. What do you think of this project?"
"Eight months!" Wang Xin looked at him in surprise and asked, "Eight months to make a profit?"
“125 million, that’s more than you can earn back with just one car.” Li Xuewu chuckled, took a sip of his tea, and said, “It’ll take at least a year and a half.”
"125 million, profit in a year and a half."
Wang Xin muttered something to himself, then raised an eyebrow and asked, "How about exchanging Tadong Airport for shares in your Steel & Automobile?"
"Then I'll have to take a closer look."
Li Xuewu put down his teacup and leaned forward to carefully observe Wang Xin's face.
Wang Xin also felt quite uncomfortable being stared at, and asked him, "What are you looking at?"
"You think you're pretty? You're dreaming!"