MMB Chapter 1668 Cunning Old Man
Chapter 1668 Cunning Old Man
Chapter 1668 Cunning Old Man
"This short-term job in Liaodong is not easy to come by."
Li Huaide put down his teacup and said with a hint of worry, "Lu Qiming is not a philanthropist."
He patted the sofa armrest lightly and emphasized, "They won't be so kind as to help us fulfill our dreams."
Li Xuewu nodded slightly. He certainly agreed with Lao Li's point of view; Honggang Group was not a charitable organization.
"Any cooperation is based on profitability, and only then can the long-term goal of mutual help be achieved."
"So you believe them?"
Li Huaide looked at him and asked, "If we really turn these dilapidated factories into a conglomerate, will they invest in it?"
“It looks to me like they’re trying to get something for nothing,” he sat up straight, took the medicine Liu Bin had prepared from the coffee table and put it in his mouth. “Be careful of their emotional appeal.”
"Yes, that's the idea."
Li Xuewu smiled slightly and said, "This might be Hu Ke's idea. He has been studying our group."
"Hehe—" Li Huaide shook his head speechlessly, picked up his teacup and said, "How come none of you know how to work? All you know is to try and find your way across the river by feeling your way along with Honggang Group?"
He swallowed the medicine in his mouth with tea before continuing, "Many people in the capital are talking about 'resource integration' these days; it's a must-mention for them."
“Resource integration isn’t a cure-all,” Li Xuewu said, shaking his head helplessly. “If used incorrectly, it can be a poison that leads to bankruptcy.”
"Why should you care about them?" Li Huaide sneered. "They're just blindly imitating others."
"Now we need both Liaodong and Liaodong, so we need to come up with a foolproof plan."
He leaned back on the sofa, frowning, and emphasized, "I can't afford to ruin the harmony, but I also can't afford to lose my temper. It's a real dilemma—"
Who is being put in a difficult position?
Of course, this was meant to make things difficult for Li Xuewu, who was the newly established Northeast Industrial Development Corporation of Honggang Group.
“We can’t agree to their conditions for later investment,” Li Xuewu said very seriously. “We won’t take advantage of that.”
That's exactly what I mean—
Li Huaide pointed with his finger and said, "Trying to gain small advantages will lead to big losses."
"There are no easy bargains in this world; there are always hidden traps."
"So we need to get them on the boat first."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said, "Let them contribute their factory's fixed assets as shares, and we will provide management and technical resources."
“That’s what I was thinking at the meeting this morning,” Li Huaide said with a smile, “but Lu Qiming was having a good time and I didn’t want to interrupt him, but things can’t be done that way.”
"Technology and management can only be implemented when there is complete control over the situation."
Li Xuewu frowned slightly and emphasized, "Given the presence of industrial investors in Liaodong, how to achieve absolute control is a problem."
"Relying solely on written agreements is insufficient."
He pondered for a moment, then looked at Li Huaide and asked, "How about asking Liaodong Industry to send a vice president to jointly establish a group company?"
"They would send someone even if you didn't ask."
Li Huaide said with equal difficulty, "I'm afraid that both sides will have their own reasons."
"I need to think about this more."
He turned to look at Li Xuewu and earnestly emphasized, "We don't want to suffer losses, but others may not be willing to be fooled. It's hardest to have the best of both worlds."
"Then we might as well stick to the old path we're on now."
Li Xuewu tapped the armrest of the sofa with a serious expression and said, "We only export technology and management."
"So, can this project still be done?"
Li Huaide smiled and shook his head, saying, "Believe it or not, they've discussed this group-building project internally more than once."
"If they were confident they could handle it, they wouldn't share any of the profits with us."
That couldn't be more true; why ask others for help when you can do it yourself?
The key concern for both Li Huaide and Li Xuewu is that Honggang Group may appear to be seeking favors, but in reality, it is very likely that they are trying to deceive them.
Honggang Group is on someone else's turf, and local protectionism is very serious in this era. So what they say goes.
You mean Old Li's rank?
What about the background and connections of Honggang Group?
Stop joking. Before the profit-to-tax reform, local governments had absolute say in the management of industry and commerce. You can't explain that away.
"The shift from absolute control to technology and management output reflects the shareholding ratio."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and then said, "If the goal is simply to protect interests, it can be achieved by increasing the number of shareholders."
"In other words, this project can bring in more parties to share the risks."
"At this time?" Li Huaide hesitated before saying, "It's not certain that anyone will be willing."
He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Binding each other with interests alone won't work."
"It would have been better if the cadre exchange program had been implemented sooner."
Li Xuewu spread his hands and said with a smile, "This way, we're all interconnected, and we don't have to be on guard against each other anymore."
You still believe in this?
Li Huaide shook his head with a laugh and said, "I don't believe anyone who leaves Honggang Group can still care about this relationship, including me."
He pointed to himself. "Just think about it, if I can't even trust myself, how can I trust others?"
“Hu Ke is a very shrewd person,” Li Xuewu said thoughtfully. “He has accurately assessed our situation.”
"Yes, he's waiting for you."
Li Huaide nodded and said, "Seeing you put up the sign for Northeast Industry, I know we're ambitious. How about I give you a taste of our own medicine?"
"Alright, good things come to those who wait."
He looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Have you decided where to locate the headquarters of the Northeast Company? Steel City or Fengcheng?"
"We should still keep it in Fengcheng."
Li Xuewu carefully said, "Tadong Airport is in Fengcheng, and the key to Yingcheng's breakthrough in Northeast China's industry is also in Fengcheng."
"To achieve a broad industrial layout in Northeast China, we must make full consideration for the future."
He thought for a moment, then looked at Lao Li and explained, "What I mean is to take a multi-pronged approach. Currently, the headquarters of the Northeast Company is located in the steel city."
"When are you coming to Fengcheng?" Li Huaide asked. "You should know that the group is considering the Fengcheng International Hotel project."
"Yes, that's how I see it."
Li Xuewu explained, "The Northeast Company also needs time to develop. At present, its main business and work are still the construction of projects in Gangcheng and Yingcheng."
"Yingcheng Port Project, Beijing Chemical Industrial Park Project, and Automobile City Project."
He emphasized earnestly, "I will ensure the successful implementation of these projects this year, laying the foundation for the Northeast Company."
"At the same time, we will also consider the group's projects, mainly the Tadong Airport, Fengcheng Machinery and International Hotel projects."
Li Xuewu drew a triangle on the coffee table between the two of them with his finger, and explained, "This is the core support point for the group's operations in Fengcheng."
"Taking all factors into account, including time, we can select a site in Fengcheng this year to build the headquarters building of the Northeast Company."
He nodded again at the International Hotel and said, "It's entirely possible to combine the International Hotel with Tadong Airport and Fengcheng Machinery."
"Building a large building this year, with residents moving in next year or the year after?"
Li Huaide pondered for a moment and said, "That is a good idea, but you need to have confidence that the Northeast Company will grow and thrive within two years."
He looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "I'm only giving you this year. Are you sure this project can continue smoothly next year?"
"We can't just let people leave and forget about us, can we?"
Li Xuewu smiled and passed the buck to Li Huaide, saying, "To fully consolidate the operation of Yingcheng Port Area and ensure the smooth implementation of several projects such as Jingcheng Chemical, it will take at least three more years."
He emphasized, "I'm talking about at least three years. I'm not in Liaodong, so I really can't guarantee that the Northeast Company will still have this kind of execution capability."
"Comrade Secretary-General, you've given me a difficult problem."
Li Huaide said with a troubled and somewhat helpless expression, "I wanted you to go back to the group to take charge of the work, not to run back and forth between the two places."
"Yes, I understand your good intentions."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said with some regret, "The time was too short, and I didn't have time to fully set up the formation."
"I understand, I can understand you."
Li Huaide nodded and said, "To achieve so much in such a short time, no one else could necessarily do better than you."
Three years!
He let out a long sigh, tapped his fingers on the sofa armrest, and then looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Have you decided who will take over your job?"
“Let’s go with Xu Sinian.” Li Xuewu nodded and said, “Old Xu is capable of this, and he is prepared for it.”
He paused here and explained to Lao Li, "After the establishment of the Northeast Industrial Company, the Liaodong Industrial Leading Group can be dissolved."
"I don't want to go back to the old system of egalitarianism. The vice president team of the Northeast Company must be professional and dedicated."
Li Xuewu frowned slightly and emphasized, "If I, as the general manager, am only a part-time employee, and the vice president team is also part-time, then the Northeast Company cannot be established."
"Even if it's set up, it'll just be a shell, completely devoid of any fighting power."
"What do you mean?" Li Huaide thought for a moment and asked, "To have Xu Sinian withdraw from Yingcheng Shipbuilding? To take up the position of deputy general manager of the Northeast Company full-time?"
"Yes, he has to make a choice."
Li Xuewu nodded and said seriously, "You either stay at Yingcheng Shipbuilding or become a full-time vice president. You can't have two choices."
"Furthermore, I am preparing to apply to the group to resign from my position as the director of the metallurgical plant, so as to set an example for everyone."
"Yes, you're right."
Li Huaide carefully considered his statement and said, "If we want to unite our forces, we cannot fight alone."
"How could he possibly consider the overall situation from his position in the city's ships?"
He thought for a moment, then looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Do you have any other candidates for vice president?"
"Also, have you decided who will take over the shift at the metallurgical plant and who will take over the shift at Yingcheng Shipbuilding?"
"If the group asked me to consider it, I would like to bring Ji Jiuzheng to the metallurgical plant. He is more suited to the production unit."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment, then continued, "I haven't thought about the location of Yingcheng Shipyard, but I do have a few candidates for vice president."
"How about sending Ding Zigui to manage the Yingcheng ships?" Li Huaide asked. "Do you think he's capable of it?"
"I have no doubt about his abilities."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment, then raised an eyebrow and said, "It would be better to send Wei Zaike to Yingcheng Shipyard than to send him there."
"You mean, Wei Zaike should go to Yingcheng Shipyard, and Ding Zigui should go to the Medical Education Administration Bureau?" Li Huaide thought for a moment and nodded, "That's an idea."
"Yes, we'll discuss this when we get back."
He looked at Li Xuewu and said, "You have been in Liaodong for many years and know them best. The group should listen to your opinion."
"The metallurgical plant director wants to appoint Ji Jiuzheng?"
Mentioning this name, Old Li's eyes only showed disappointment, and he said with some dissatisfaction, "Does he still have this ability?"
"Well, I've thought about Ji Jiuzheng," Li Xuewu explained. "At this time, the metallurgical plant needs to be cautious and not rush things."
"The foundation has been laid very well. We can focus on steady development this year without making any major moves. Using him is still quite appropriate."
"Heh—" Li Huaide clearly still didn't want to use it, but he felt that Li Xuewu's words made sense, so he could only hum in response.
"What about the vice president?" he asked, skipping over the candidate. "You need to at least ensure that there won't be a shortage of capable successors for the next few years."
"Well, besides Xu Sinian, I've also considered Comrade Kuang Yusheng," Li Xuewu introduced. "Kuang Yusheng has worked in production positions for many years and is fully capable of coordinating and managing industrial work."
"With Xu Sinian leading the attack and Kuang Yusheng leading the defense, the two of them can cooperate to ensure the smooth progress of the plan for the next few years."
He pointed to the ground and said with a smile, "If it were someone else, I would really be a little worried, especially in Liaodong."
"Well, I trust Xu Sinian," Li Huaide said with a smile. "That kid is cunning; he won't be easily tripped up."
"What about the others? Are there any other candidates?"
He said with a smile, "One person attacks and the other defends; they also need to cooperate."
“That’s easy to consider.” Li Xuewu nodded and explained, “Considering that these two are both veteran comrades, the other deputy general manager candidates should be leaning towards younger cadres, which is also to consider the reserve force.”
"You've considered things very comprehensively," Li Huaide said with satisfaction. "It seems this wasn't just a whim of yours."
"You know that the group's leadership team may be reshuffled this year."
He sighed and said with some melancholy, "The destination of Deputy Director Gu has been basically determined, as well as the position vacated by Su Weide."
"There are at least two gaps in the group's leadership team right now, which is a big variable."
Listening to Old Li's introduction, Li Xuewu hesitated and asked, "Where is Deputy Director Gu going? Was it decided so early?"
"Still early?" Li Huaide glanced at him and said slowly, "Go to the First Ministry of Machine Building, Third Bureau."
"One?" Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said, "That's good news. Our group's work will be much easier from now on."
"Hehehe—" Li Huaide said with a laugh, "I hope so."
Sometimes it's hard to say what's going on. Just like what Lao Li said, no one who leaves Honggang Group will necessarily consider their old company.
However, when your former employer comes to you for help, you must have a positive attitude.
Just like how we treat relatives in the countryside in this era, we not only have to provide them with financial assistance, but we also have to treat them to fine grains when they come to visit.
If they come too often, you can't get angry. If you do, they'll go back and talk nonsense, and you'll never be able to go back to the village again.
Some people say that if you don't want to reply, then don't. Why should you compromise your reputation for this?
It's impossible to understand the feelings people have about their roots in this era from a later perspective. City dwellers might go to the cemetery to sweep the graves of their relatives, but villagers don't.
Every family has its own burial ground, unless they are outsiders or have migrated here; everyone has their own roots.
Back in your hometown, you have your own parents and siblings. You can be ruthless towards your relatives, but your family still cares about their reputation.
This theory applies to working relationships as well. Gu Weijie may have been dissatisfied with Lao Li's work while in the group, but things changed after she left.
Li Xuewu said this to remind Lao Li to change his mindset in time and avoid stirring up hatred during the period when Gu Weijie is about to leave.
Old Li has been making frequent moves lately, using the pretext of checking inventory to specifically point out various problems that occurred in the metallurgical plant and within the group last year.
Gu Weijie disliked his constant meddling, so she cooperated with Zhou Wanquan several times in group meetings to reject Lao Li's proposal.
Old Li knew that Gu Weijie was leaving, and there was no need to escalate the situation at this point, so he continued with his usual routine and did not force the issue.
When is Deputy Director Gu leaving?
Li Xuewu tentatively asked, "Are there any new candidates at the top? I mean, for the core leadership group position."
“This is also something I wanted to talk to you about,” Li Huaide said, rubbing his temples. “We have to be prepared.”
Of course, preparations must be made. Just as Lao Li had to consult Li Xuewu on personnel arrangements at Liaodong Industrial, the higher-ups also had to fully consult Lao Li on personnel matters at Honggang Group.
"Do you have someone in mind?"
Li Xuewu looked at Old Li and asked, "Will Deputy Director Zhou take over Deputy Director Gu's position?"
"This is basically settled."
When Li Huaide heard him ask this, he couldn't help but sigh again.
Zhou Wanquan's further advancement stemmed from his superiors' dissatisfaction with his work and their reminder that he didn't have much time left.
"Then we'll have to change direction."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and then reminded Old Li, "You must make up your mind as soon as possible. Deputy Director Dong is not suitable."
"I've already considered this, but Comrade Wen should hold off for a while."
He hesitated before saying, "Comrade Yu Nong is a good candidate, but I'm afraid the higher-ups won't be satisfied with him."
"As for other candidates..."
"How is General Manager Xue?" Li Xuewu asked. "General Manager Xue previously served as the head of discipline inspection at Hongxing Factory, and now he is the chief engineer."
“He…” Li Huaide frowned slightly, he had some concerns, but he didn’t want to say them out loud.
Li Xuewu knew his concerns and said frankly, "I think it's better to choose President Xue than to gamble on the person arranged by the higher-ups."
“That’s true,” Li Huaide said. “It seems I’ll have to talk to him when I get back.”
"The sooner we talk, the better, to minimize being on the defensive," Li Xuewu said earnestly. "The next three years are very important for the Northeast Company, and equally important for the group."
"Yes, three years—"
Li Huaide sighed softly. If things had gone according to plan, he should have risen rapidly in his career by the third year after the group was founded.
However, the group has encountered a series of problems in the past two years, and he has lowered his score considerably from the group to the factory.
It's impossible for him to make any further progress next year; like Dong Wenxue, he will need to work for another three years.
There can't be any major problems within three years, and we have to deliver a satisfactory result; otherwise, it will be another three years after that.
If Li Huaide was like this, wasn't Li Xuewu the same?
If Li Xuewu hadn't achieved these results in Liaodong, even if Lao Li wanted him to return to the group, he wouldn't have been able to.
How could things have turned out like this, with promotions and positions like assistant general manager?
Li Xuewu is now fully qualified to represent Honggang Group and exercise decision-making power on behalf of Li Huaide.
However, he was busy with the affairs of the Northeast Company and had not yet had time to deal with the group's affairs, so he did not show off his power as the general assistant.
***
Li Huaide stayed in Fengcheng for three days and reached a preliminary cooperation agreement. The next step was to hand over the negotiation work to the Northeast Industrial Development Corporation.
Old Li fully considered the suggestions given by Li Xuewu, and he showed a very confident attitude when inspecting and researching Fengcheng Machinery and Tadong Airport.
The chances of further progress next year are slim, but he remains confident in stabilizing the situation.
When Li Xuewu returned to Gangcheng from Fengcheng, Gu Ning called to inform him that his royalties for his new book had arrived.
"Don't donate anymore, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it."
He instructed over the phone, "Keep the money for now, we'll talk about it when we figure out how to use it."
Gu Ning was not greedy for money. Even though Li Xuewu's royalties were all kept in her hands, she never touched them.
The money had accumulated to nearly 20,000 yuan, which she felt was too much, and reminded Li Xuewu to spend it.
It wasn't that they had money to burn; like Li Xuewu, they were afraid that their success would attract unwanted attention and cause misunderstandings.
It seems the biggest storm has passed, but many boats have still capsized in the gutter.
Gu Ning's concerns were not unfounded. Although she did not care about current affairs and politics, she had developed a certain intuition from listening to Li Xuewu talk about it at work and at home.
At this moment, anyone with a keen sense of smell could detect an atmosphere of progress permeating the air.
Even Li Xuewu, who was in Liaodong, could sense the unusual nature of Lu Qiming's sudden hardening attitude; one can only imagine how others felt about it.
In late April, Li Xuewu was invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Beijing Chemical Industry Park project and participated in the symposium.
Jingcheng Chemical attaches great importance to this project and finalized the planning and design of the industrial park as early as the end of February.
Throughout March, Bai Changmin traveled between Yingcheng and Gangcheng.
First, we need to determine the next construction plan with both locations; second, we need to determine the construction period and coordinate the preliminary work with the joint construction company.
With Li Xuewu's support, United Construction still managed to secure the project, with a total contract value exceeding 600 million yuan.
While it may not be the largest project since the establishment of United Construction, it can certainly be considered a top-tier project in the industry.
The main industrial park is located in Yingcheng, while the supporting industries for the automobile industry project are set up in Gangcheng.
It can't even be called a complete chemical industry; rather, it can be said to be a component of the Honggang Industrial Park.
In mid-March, once the weather conditions met the requirements for construction machinery, the foundation work began.
The groundbreaking ceremony organized in April was more like a publicity event; the foundation work was already mostly completed thanks to the construction machinery and a large number of workers.
The factory buildings were built first. The foundation work was simpler than that of the office buildings. In those days, land was worthless, and no one cared if you built it haphazardly.
Li Xuewu deliberately kept a low profile, not wanting to be the villain who would steal the show, but Bai Changmin found him in a corner of the banquet hall.
"What's wrong? Are you shy?" Bai Changmin greeted him with a smile. "I looked all over and thought you had left early."
"If I had known you were coming to find me, I would have left long ago."
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "Why are you coming to see me, someone who has nothing to do with you, instead of accompanying your God of Wealth?"
"Who said you're irrelevant?"
Bai Changmin said with a laugh, "If it weren't for your suggestion, there wouldn't be today's groundbreaking ceremony."
"Director Zhang wanted to talk to you, but he was short on time and couldn't leave, so he asked me to come and find you."
"Could something have happened?"
Li Xuewu glanced at him and emphasized, "Today I only brought my eyes and ears, not my mouth."
"That's not up to you."
Bai Changmin made a joke, but after sitting down, he explained seriously, "The Liaodong industrial sector has made a suggestion for us to consider."
He saw Li Xuewu's eyebrows twitch and knew that Beijing Chemical Industry was not the only option for Liaodong Industry.
Since Honggang Group was also included in Liaodong Industry's plan, he was no longer worried and asked bluntly, "Have you received this suggestion as well?"
"You go first, I know what you're talking about," Li Xuewu said, feigning ignorance. "How would I know if you ask me like that?"
"Liaodong Industry proposed to form a separate chemical group with us."
Bai Changmin frowned slightly and said, "The specifics are simple. We can select a chemical plant in Liaodong to merge with, and then cooperate with Liaodong Industry to integrate other chemical plants and form a new chemical group."
"How will the cooperation work?" Li Xuewu asked. "Will it be cash or fixed assets as equity?"
“You’ve hit the nail on the head.” Bai Changmin’s eyebrows twitched as he explained, “The Liaodong side is willing to provide the funds and assist us in acquiring the chemical plant.”
“Unlike our current situation where we are based in Beijing and it is just an industrial transfer, Liaodong Industry requires that the chemical plants under the newly established group company be located in Liaodong.”
“I understand what you mean.” Li Xuewu nodded slowly and said, “They want you to take the lead in forming a chemical group through mergers and acquisitions, so the factories don’t need to be relocated.”
"That's exactly what I mean." Bai Changmin looked at him and asked, "What are your group's plans? They must have talked to you about it, right?"
"Yes, we talked, but not like this."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment, then looked at him and asked, "Even if we give you support to merge with other chemical plants, are you confident that you can control them?"
“This is not your original factory, where you can manage it however you want. First of all, a management framework needs to be established.”
He reminded Bai Changmin, "Cooperation also carries risks. You need to be sure that Liaodong will not unilaterally breach the contract."
"This involves the issue of the cost of breach of contract."
"There's no cost involved—"
Bai Changmin frowned and said, "Can we go and sue them?"
"But the problem now is, if we don't agree to this cooperation, will our projects in Liaodong be thwarted?"
He hesitated before asking, "Also, even if we are willing to cooperate, what should be the future and goals of this project?"
"I can't say for sure, because we're also considering this."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, "I can tell you the background of what Liaodong did."
"At the beginning of the year, Hu Ke from Liaodong Industry proposed the idea of a group-based club when he and I attended a meeting in Fengcheng."
He briefly explained the content of the idea, and then said, "But later someone raised questions in the internal report."
"Deputy Director Lu from Liaodong asked me to write an article to explain, which led to the current roundabout strategy."
"That's too much—" Bai Changmin wanted to say something, but he held back.
"If we had followed the original plan, we would have provided management and experience to companies in Liaodong that have relatively mature group-based qualifications."
After Li Xuewu had fully digested the information, he continued, "How to achieve the group structure is something they will have to figure out themselves."
"Now Liaodong Industry wants to bypass this step and avoid external doubts, and wants to use our group's name to achieve group-level operation."
He smiled and said, "And they were reluctant to give up the original companies, so they chose companies with weak industrial foundations to conduct experiments."
"No, this project can't be done."
After listening to him finish speaking, Bai Changmin shook his head and said, "I think it would be difficult for us to choose a large factory and then merge with other factories."
He glanced at Li Xuewu and said, "Of course, your Honggang Group has the ability to turn lead into gold, which we can't match."
“A stone will always be a stone; it can never become gold,” Li Xuewu said calmly. “We’re putting this project on hold for now; we don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
“Then we won’t talk anymore,” Bai Changmin said decisively. “Without you guys leading the way, we have no confidence at all.”
"You're being too subjective. You can't just keep copying our homework, can you?"
Li Xuewu said with a laugh, "Besides, the conditions we're giving you are much better than the conditions we're giving us, and you're still not satisfied?"
“I don’t think so,” Bai Changmin shook his head and said, “At least your foundation in Liaodong is stronger than ours.”
"If we are asked to form a separate group company now, it will definitely affect the process of Beijing Chemical Group's transformation into a conglomerate."
After thinking it through, he decisively said, "We can't take advantage of this, let's just forget about it."
"Hehe, you've really got me hooked." Li Xuewu gave him a deep look and said, "You come to talk to me and then reject Liaodong Industry. Hu will surely blame me for ruining their plans."
"That's just the truth."
Bai Changmin was really stubborn. He spread his hands and said, "If it weren't for your opinion, I wouldn't have dared to make this decision."
Seeing that Li Xuewu was about to glare at him, he smiled and explained, "Actually, Liaodong Industry this time is like taking off your pants to fart, going the long way around instead of the right thing to do."
"Whether your Honggang Group is in Gangcheng or Yingcheng, just the number of companies you have cooperating with is enough to form a group company."
"You can't say that to Hu Ke!"
Li Xuewu nudged him and warned, "If you dare to betray us, I'll make things difficult for you in Steel City."
"Hahaha—" Bai Changmin stood up, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "You should think about how to refuse Liaodong Industry first."
***
Of course, we refused, but refusing is not a break in cooperation; rather, it's for the sake of better cooperation.
Li Xuewu returned from Yingcheng and met Hu Ke, who had come to visit, in Gangcheng.
"You must be exhausted from handling this all by yourself."
He ushered the other person into the reception room and joked, "Why don't you talk to your deputy director and he become the director?"
"Don't embarrass me. If it weren't for you guys," Hu Ke glanced at him with displeasure and said, "would I need to go through all this trouble?"
After he sat down, he asked with some dissatisfaction, "Did Beijing Chemical Company talk to you?"
"Hmm, you know that?"
Li Xuewu leaned to one side, crossed his right leg, and explained, "I just came back from Yingcheng. The news spread way too fast."
He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Could it be that Bai Changmin told you to?"
"Then you'll have to ask him."
Hu Ke said irritably, "We are very sincere. Since they have mature experience in the chemical industry, why can't they pass on that experience to Liaodong?"
"And you, what are you all thinking?"
He looked at Li Xuewu with a frown and asked, "Are you afraid we can't come up with the money, or are you afraid we'll discard you after we've served our purpose?"
"Both are possible, we're afraid of both situations." Seeing that he asked so directly, Li Xuewu answered just as directly, "We are the weaker ones."
"Damn it—" Hu Ke couldn't help but curse, saying, "Don't you even have this much trust anymore?"
"This isn't about trust or distrust; we don't believe anything written in black and white."
Li Xuewu explained nonchalantly, "How much importance does foreign cooperation place on the acceptance of contracts? What do you think of our cooperation with Sanhe?"
"Hasn't it been bumpy and full of twists and turns even now?"
He looked at Hu Ke very seriously and said, "It's not that we don't care about feelings, nor that we don't trust you and Deputy Director Lu."
"Now, let me explain a situation: what if you two are transferred?"
So you were actually hoping we'd leave?
Hu Ke couldn't help but complain, "What kind of thinking is this? Does it mean we'll quit our jobs just because we're transferred?"
"Hey! You said it, not me."
Li Xuewu pointed at him and said bluntly, "You can't give a guarantee, not even Deputy Director Lu can."
"The phenomenon of 'the tea grows cold when the person leaves' is something we need to guard against within our group, and it is even more so for you."
He emphasized very seriously, "This project cannot be discussed any further unless you step back and let us talk directly to the company."
"You can't be both the referee and the player, right?"
Li Xuewu emphasized, "Now, Beijing Chemical's concerns are even deeper than ours. If the fundamental issue of trust cannot be resolved, they dare not discuss projects."
"So, all that you told Bai Changmin was what you were waiting for me to do?"
Hu Ke said, both amused and annoyed, "You've put aside the cooperation with Beijing Chemical Industry and want us to talk to you first?"
"What's wrong with that?"
Li Xuewu shrugged and said, "Only if we reach an agreement can you have a basis for negotiation, right?"