MMB Chapter 1673 Turnaround
Chapter 1673 Turnaround
Chapter 1673 Turnaround
"Our government spent more than one million yuan just to level this piece of land."
Wang Lu pointed to the flat plain in the distance and introduced, "If we also include Sitong..."
She couldn't help but catch her breath before continuing, "It will cost three million."
"Quite a few, but not too many, right?"
Li Xuewu sat in the Hongtu business van, looking out at the construction site, and asked Gu Litong, who was sitting diagonally opposite him, "How much has your Second Automobile Works invested?"
"Are you asking about the total investment or the first phase of the project?" Gu Litong, of course, understood the implication in his words.
He then readily explained, "I don't know the total investment; it depends on the situation. We've prepared 500 million for the first phase of the project."
"And you guys? Lao Wang," Li Xuewu turned around and looked at Wang Xiansheng, the deputy general manager of Jinan Automobile, behind him, "How much are you investing?"
"The first phase costs 3.5 million, with a total investment of no less than 9 million."
After spending a lot of time with Li Xuewu, Wang Xiansheng started to talk nonsense and dared to boast about anything and everything.
Wang Lu was well aware of the situation, but she also knew that once the auto city project was launched, the total investment from these companies would not be less than the amount they had mentioned.
The key question is whether this project can be successfully implemented.
"Honggang Group's total wages in the steel city industrial zone this year have exceeded two million, and this is only in the first and second quarters."
He looked at Wang Lu and nodded slowly, emphasizing, "If I said that the money you invested in Steel City has already been recouped, that wouldn't be a lie, would it?"
“Hehehe—” Hu Ke, sitting opposite him, chuckled and said to Wang Lu, “Don’t talk to him about this, you can’t argue with him.”
"It's alright, Mr. Li is telling the truth." Wang Lu smiled and looked at the God of Wealth, saying, "Steel City's success today is truly thanks to everyone."
"You're too kind," Wang Xiansheng said with a smile, pointing to Li Xuewu and emphasizing, "We're also benefiting from President Li's success."
Why are you all being so polite today?
Li Xuewu glanced back at the group and chuckled, "Where's your usual arrogance? You'd better straighten up!"
"Hahaha--"
Following the directions of the vehicle in front, the convoy stopped on the side of the newly built road, with three Hongxing Antelopes with warning lights protecting several Hongtu commercial vehicles.
When Li Xuewu and the others got out of the car, anyone who didn't know better would have thought that the entire leadership of Honggang Group had come out.
Why do you say that?
You'll see when you look; everyone's wearing white shirts and black trousers. Even if not everyone is wearing leather shoes, they're all wearing black cloth shoes.
Honggang Group has long enjoyed absolute renown in the Liaodong region, and this is how Honggang's cadres dress.
This wind, blowing white and black, eventually reached Liaodong, turning shirts white and trousers and leather shoes black.
"Whose territory is this?" Li Xuewu stamped his foot, looked at the construction site, and joked with a smile, "Nanjing Automobile's?"
“It’s from Harbin Automobile Group,” Wang Xiansheng explained. “Liu Yang from Nanjing Automobile Group didn’t come. One of their department heads is here overseeing the project’s progress.”
"Their land is quite impressive!"
With her hands behind her back, Hu Ke gazed into the distance and couldn't help but say, "This must be the best plot of land, right?"
"Who told us to be so unlucky back then?"
Wang Xiansheng sighed and explained, "We all came together, without any distinction in order. If we hadn't drawn lots, we would have definitely started fighting."
"Hahaha—" Wang Lu still found it funny when she thought about how the land was divided up back then. She looked at Hu Ke and explained, "They divided up the land themselves."
"That's the Second Automobile Works over there, this is Nanjing Automobile Works over here, and further away is our Jinan Automobile Works. Our plot of land is the worst."
Wang Xiansheng stood to Hu Ke's left, pointing to several plots of land in front of them and saying, "However, all of these plots are the same size."
"Where is Honggang?" Hu Ke looked around for a while, then turned around and asked specifically, "Why don't I see any Honggang signs?"
Looking out from where they were standing, they could see the name of the painting project on the construction project sign.
“Honggang’s factory is still in the industrial zone, on the very edge of the auto city.” Wang Lu pointed into the distance. “I even suggested reserving a separate area for them, but General Manager Li said it wasn’t necessary.”
"Being next to a machining plant makes the development of the parts industrial park more convenient."
Li Xuewu gave a casual explanation, then looked at Wang Xiansheng and asked, "Has your Jinan Automobile's production equipment been finalized?"
"It's almost done. It's all from Beijing No. 2 Machinery Company. Everyone's equipment is about the same." Wang Xiansheng turned to look at him and asked, "Has your equipment arrived yet?"
“No, they said they need to redesign it,” Li Xuewu said, taking a few steps forward and looking at the construction site. “I don’t know when that will take.”
“You guys have such convenient conditions,” Wang Xiansheng said with a hint of envy, “even your production equipment is custom-made.”
“Actually, you can do it this way too.” Li Xuewu pointed to Gu Litong, who was talking to Wang Lu, and said, “Second Automobile Works does it this way too.”
"Second Automobile Works is stronger than us."
Wang Xiansheng couldn't help but sigh and said, "Their 130s are selling well, they have money in their pockets."
"Your Huanghai 651 sales are pretty good too, aren't they?" Li Xuewu asked with amusement. "Are you already envious of them?"
"You can't get by with envy, you still have to work hard—"
Wang Xiansheng said with emotion, "Let's just get by this year. Next year, once we've recovered, we'll be ready to go all out."
"Then you'd better hurry up."
Li Xuewu turned around and said with a smile, "Report the production process and component data as soon as possible."
"This project is even bigger."
Wang Xiansheng shook his head wearily and said, "The standardization of parts is a problem everywhere."
"Furthermore, with such a large-scale integrated automobile manufacturing project, it's hard to say how long it will take for the truth to be fully realized."
"That's why I say there's strength in numbers."
Li Xuewu nodded slowly and introduced, "The Red Star Research Institute has organized more than 60 experts and more than 200 key personnel to specialize in this project."
"Standardization and universalization of parts, right?" Gu Litong overheard their conversation, turned to the two of them and said, "Now it's a matter of who's faster."
"Which should be completed first: the engineering project, the equipment, or the standardization and generalization of production processes and data?"
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu said with a light laugh, "Honggang Group has set aside 30 yuan as a reward for this project."
He walked confidently to the front of the group, turned around and said, "Whoever's team finishes the project ahead of time will get a share of it."
"Good heavens, a generous reward always brings forth brave men!"
Wang Xiansheng said with a smile, "No wonder Honggang has achieved one scientific research result after another. So this is the secret!"
-
"Have you thought about what technology you want to bring back from Japan this time?"
Gu Litong took the last drag of his cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray, and squinted slightly as he looked at Li Xuewu across from him, asking, "You still want the car, right?"
"Yes, I do have that idea."
Li Xuewu pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly and explained, "The advice given by Sanhe is that, besides electronics, the automotive industry is the one we should pay the most attention to."
"It's mainly about machining."
He straightened up, bracing himself on the sofa armrests, and crossed his right leg, saying, "They are already among the world's leading levels in the field of machining."
“No industrial production can do without machining; it’s a fundamental industry,” Gu Litong said, picking up his teacup. “If Honggang Group can bring back advanced technology and experience, then we can also enjoy the fruits of that success.”
"We don't even know what we'll get yet."
Li Xuewu hesitated before explaining, "We all know that a cat can teach a tiger how to climb a tree, let alone a little devil."
How many experts are you going to bring?
Gu Litong took a sip of hot tea, put down the teacup, and said, "Anyway, we plan to bring fewer clerks and more engineers."
"You need to be mentally prepared."
Li Xuewu glanced at him and reminded him, "The project will ultimately be finalized at the negotiating table. You can't bring the engineers with you to the negotiations."
“Yes, I know,” Gu Litong nodded and explained, “We have also prepared a negotiation team.”
"The automotive industry must be a major sector."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and emphasized, "The negotiations will definitely be very intense. That's all I can say."
"Why?" Gu Litong asked in confusion, "Because we all need automobile manufacturing technology?"
"No, it's because Honggang's cars are being exported," Li Xuewu explained casually. "Everyone is in Northeast Asia, and we're all competitors."
"Is there any point in negotiating?" Gu Litong asked, frowning. "Even if we manage to reach an agreement, will we be able to acquire the advanced production technology?"
"Advanced technology?" Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Keep your eyes open and make sure your engineering team is careful not to be fooled."
"Damn it—" Gu Litong cursed under his breath, "I knew that brat had no good intentions. I still need to think about who to take with me."
“There’s another reason,” Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and explained, “the construction of the Steel City Automobile City.”
“In the past two years alone, Honggang Group has exported more than 100,000 cars to Eastern Europe, a number that should be enough to scare them.”
He let out a long breath and said, "Leaving aside Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and how much money we've made, this production capacity alone is frightening enough."
"If it were you, could you not be on guard at all?"
"That makes sense—"
Gu Litong nodded in agreement and said, "If it were me, I would definitely hold back a trick."
Let's combine the strengths of many schools of thought—
Li Xuewu said casually, "Honggang won't focus on the automotive industry; our scope of investigation is very broad."
"You guys are really capable."
Gu Litong said enviously, "Even sitting at the negotiating table, you have plenty of leverage to negotiate."
"Envious?" Li Xuewu said with a laugh, "Tell your factory manager to push for group-based development as soon as possible."
"It's not that easy to push."
Gu Litong couldn't help but sigh again, "Even if we try to push and pull, we can't do it as quickly as you did back then."
He couldn't help but complain, "I'm afraid everyone will follow your example. In principle, the big fish don't eat the small fish in Beijing's industry anymore."
"Heh—" Li Xuewu chuckled, "Isn't everyone talking about resource integration?"
"This word came from you, didn't it?"
Gu Litong glanced at him and said, "Big fish can't eat little fish, but little fish can band together. Is this what you call resource integration?"
"Hahaha—" Li Xuewu could hear the complaint in his voice, and shook his head slightly to emphasize, "Integration doesn't discriminate between big and small; even a small fish can eat an elephant."
"You're really talking nonsense—"
Gu Litong shook his head slightly and said, "It might not be possible to succeed even in three more years. Our annual budget is like squeezing toothpaste."
"The purpose of building a factory in Liaodong this time is to raise funds as soon as possible. Even the money to buy equipment was obtained through a mortgage loan."
He gestured with his chin and explained, "We only have enough money for the first phase of the project; we don't have any money left to buy equipment."
"Luckily we arrived early, otherwise the United Savings Bank wouldn't have been able to come up with so much money in such a short time."
"What did you use as collateral?" Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Equipment or shares?"
"How much are the shares and equipment worth?"
Gu Litong was really tired. He said, "The credit department of United Savings Bank said that we can't mortgage too much equipment because as long as we have it, it's considered an outdated product."
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu laughed as well, and nodded, saying, "That's right, once you've bought it, it's definitely not the latest model."
"You guys at Honggang know how to make money."
Gu Litong picked up his teacup and said, "If Second Automobile Works had your strength, wouldn't it be able to do whatever it wants?"
"Look, we can do whatever we want now?"
Li Xuewu looked at him with amusement and said, "You wish! You don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of the household. Our lives aren't easy either."
“If you keep complaining about being poor, we really deserve to die.”
Gu Litong raised an eyebrow and asked, "Does Liaodong Industry have some new project in mind?"
"That's the advantage of being a large corporation; you get all the good things first."
"That sounds so sour."
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "There is indeed a project, which is the resource integration I just mentioned. They are preparing to conduct a pilot project for group-based operations."
"No wonder Old Wang and the others are all crowding here," Gu Litong said with a sudden realization. "If this works, wouldn't it mean..."
"Sounds simple, right?" Li Xuewu said with a smile, "But it's actually not easy at all."
“Group conglomeration is not a dream, nor is it like molding clay and it’s done. There are just too many intricacies involved.”
"I can understand that."
Gu Litong thought for a moment and said, "How long does a project take? Is the rate of return low?"
He said with a smile, "Knowing you as I do, you're capable of anything if the return on investment is high."
"You guessed right," Li Xuewu said with a wry smile, "The return is low, and the risk is extremely high."
"Then why did you still dare to take this job?"
Gu Litong asked in surprise, "Could it be that they threatened you?"
"You're overthinking it. No one can threaten Honggang Group," Li Xuewu said calmly, picking up his teacup. "If this project succeeds, the risks will be reduced infinitely, while the returns will increase infinitely."
"This..." Gu Litong thought for a moment, then suddenly opened his eyes and asked, "You want to specialize in this? To provide group-level guidance specifically for enterprises?"
"To be precise, it was Liaodong Industrial that taught us step by step." Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and emphasized, "They even provided upfront funding."
"Damn, I can't take this job."
Gu Litong shook his head and reminded him, "If you really get caught up in it, no one can save you. Honggang is just too big."
"So we're still in talks," Li Xuewu shrugged and said, "Our current idea is to combine the automobile city, chemical industrial park and other projects to first develop a set of supporting industrial models."
"We plan to build a refinery in Yingcheng with Beijing Chemical, and then supply the entire Northeast region."
He thought for a moment and continued, "United Energy and the sales headquarters will also follow suit and strive to build more gas stations."
"Where does the oil come from?" Gulitong asked, frowning. "I'm talking about crude oil."
"At sea," Li Xuewu looked at him and said, "buy oil wherever it's cheapest. Take advantage of the current low crude oil prices and get the refinery up and running as soon as possible."
Is this to pave the way for the development of the automotive industry?
Gu Litong pondered for a moment and asked, "If there are more cars, then there will be more fuel needed, right? That's the supply and demand relationship, isn't it?"
"Not necessarily. Automotive fuel is not as good as industrial fuel."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and then explained, "We have set up an air transport hub at Tadong Airport and are preparing to operate an air transport business."
Gu Litong was a little overwhelmed by his pace, and couldn't help but widen his eyes, asking, "You've been busy with these things for the past two years?"
"Really—" he exclaimed, "I never see you busy with anything usually, but in the blink of an eye, you've laid this foundation for Honggang Group in Liaodong."
“I conquered that place all by myself,” Li Xuewu said with a smile. “I only did my part.”
"That's too modest, I can't even imagine."
Gu Litong exclaimed in amazement, "In less than three years, we have completed industrial integration and created new projects. The key is that we have completely opened up local relations."
He raised his eyebrows and said, "You clearly have the advantage in terms of relationships with Liaodong Industry and with the city."
"We have to thank the heads of various units for this," Li Xuewu explained without taking credit, "They are all very good at handling local relations."
“That’s good enough!” Gu Litong thought for a moment and said, “Our manufacturing plant in Steel City will not be able to start production until at least the middle of next year.”
"The interest payments during this period were completely unpaid, making development very difficult."
"Aren't you guys any better than Old Wang and the others?"
Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "They don't have any other income. But you still get dividends from the steel company's shares."
"I really have to thank you for this." Gu Litong smiled and said, "It was you who said that cooperation had a future, which is why we agreed."
"No need to thank me, you deserve this." Li Xuewu nodded and said, "If you didn't have this courage, you wouldn't have earned this money."
Gu Litong knew what he was talking about, and nodded to assure him, "Don't worry, we'll be in sync in Liaodong."
-
Li Xuewu wanted more than just to be in sync with Gu Li. After talking with Gu Li, he also chatted with Hu Ke for a bit when he saw her off.
Hu Ke's trip wasn't in vain; at least she got the bottom line from Honggang Group.
In fact, it's less about Honggang Group's bottom line and more about Li Xuewu's ideas.
On May 14, Li Xuewu's application to resign from his position as director of Gangcheng Metallurgical Plant, submitted to the management committee of Honggang Group, was approved.
On May 16, the Group's Management Committee issued a personnel notice announcing the proposed appointment of Xu Sinian, Director of Yingcheng Shipbuilding Plant, and Kuang Yusheng, Director of Gangcheng Steel Rolling Mill, as Vice Presidents of Northeast Industrial Development Corporation.
On May 18, Li Xuewu took a train to Fengcheng to meet up with Li Huaide, who had already arrived there. They would then travel together with other industrial representatives on a special plane from Fengcheng to Tokyo.
Having learned from their previous experience visiting East Germany, Honggang Group once again arranged for a large team to fly from the port city to Tokyo in advance.
Germany was much smaller than East Germany, with a comparable industrial base, but it had a unique advantage in technology.
As America's industrial backyard and a synonym for OEM manufacturing, Japan's economy took off like a rocket during this era.
This, of course, foreshadowed the Plaza Accord later on. Without the ability to absolutely protect themselves, Tokyoites actually shouted that they wanted to buy America.
"Mr. Li, what time did you arrive?"
As soon as Li Xuewu got out of the car, he saw Li Huaide and others strolling in the park. This was the guesthouse of Fengcheng City. The courtyard was very large, with several well-equipped Western-style buildings, and the scenery in the courtyard was also quite nice.
Li Huaide had just finished dinner and was chatting and taking a walk with everyone when he saw Li Xuewu get out of the car. He waved and said, "I've been waiting for you."
“Gulitong still left through my place.”
Li Xuewu smiled and pointed to Gu Litong, who was waving to him, explaining, "He arrived a few days earlier than me."
"I arrived at Tadon Airport around 11 a.m."
Li Huaide explained with a smile, "The airport looks different from before. The equipment and facilities, as well as the functional buildings, are all much better now."
"We've got news about the plane," Li Xuewu whispered to Old Li before falling silent, as there were many people around.
Old Li nodded knowingly, a smile he couldn't hide on his face, and said, "Thank you for your hard work."
"Work is never easy."
Li Xuewu gestured casually in the direction of the cafeteria and asked, "How's the food?"
"You haven't eaten yet, have you?" Li Huaide nodded and said, "Go on, they'll be cleaning up soon."
"Then I'll go get something to eat first, and come back to find you later."
Li Xuewu responded and walked towards the canteen in the direction Old Li had pointed out.
He wanted to eat on the train, but after falling asleep, he got hungry and had to get off the train.
Because I had to go on a business trip, I didn't bring Ma Baosen with me. Only Qi Yan came along, so I still brought him here to meet up.
According to the organizational procedures, these representatives of industry and commerce will travel on the same plane, and their entourage had already gone to Tokyo three days earlier.
The reason we had to travel on the same plane was to cooperate with the leaders, as there would be important interviews and recordings.
Li Xuewu didn't want to show his face, but Old Li didn't want to be separated from him. Last time in Germany, something almost happened.
"Li Xuewu? It really is you!"
"Director Han, are you leading the team this time?"
Upon hearing the greeting, Li Xuewu turned around and recognized the person who called him as Han Song, the director of the General Office of the Ministry of Machine Building.
Seeing that the other person was holding a lunchbox, he said, "What a coincidence! I just saw our Director Li, and he didn't even mention that you're here too."
"Yeah, I just got here too."
Han Song looked him up and down, then asked with a smile, "I heard you're doing very well in Liaodong, is that right?"
"I dare not be modest in front of you."
Li Xuewu smiled and invited him to join him, saying politely, "If I were to be modest, wouldn't you criticize me for being arrogant?"
Hahaha! You, you!
Han Song tapped him and laughed, saying, "You're quick-witted and eloquent. You're the most talented and talkative person in our system."
He put down his lunchbox, sat down opposite Li Xuewu, raised an eyebrow and asked, "I heard you also represented the education system at the meeting?"
"Sigh—I fell for it too."
Li Xuewu sighed as if in difficulty and said, "You probably won't believe it, but when I went there, I didn't even know what kind of meeting it was."
"Was it your college that arranged for you to go?"
Han Song looked at him and said, "You need to be clear about priorities. You're an associate professor now, so it's fine for you to attend this kind of meeting, but I would prefer you to be General Manager Li."
This sentence is a rather subtle reminder, reminding Li Xuewu to be mindful of his status and to exercise discretion.
Li Xuewu understood this clearly. If he expressed his opinion in another system, the other party would likely find out his identity and make trouble for him.
He won't be the only one embarrassed; the leaders who arranged for him to go to the college will also be questioned about their motives.
Therefore, he needs to keep a low profile and remain appropriately silent.
Han Song meant well. He must have overheard some things at the Ministry of Machine Building and didn't think Li Xuewu's excessive involvement in education was beneficial.
Of course, if Li Xuewu could obtain an associate professorship in engineering, he might be groomed as a capable cadre.
A professor of criminal psychology—that has nothing to do with industrial enterprises.
However, Han Song couldn't be too explicit. By using his position as a leader to ask Li Xuewu to focus more on the company, no one would say anything to him.
"Yes, the meeting will take a long time."
Li Xuewu explained, "We haven't received any notification about holding a group discussion yet, and I estimate we'll have to wait a while longer."
"You just need to understand the priorities."
Han Song nodded, picked up his chopsticks and started eating, asking as he ate, "What preparations have you made this time? You gained so much in East Germany last time."
"Of course we did," Li Xuewu explained. "We assembled a much larger business team than we did in East Germany, and we went there well in advance."
"You also have a close business partnership in Japan, right?" Han Song asked. "Is it called Sanhe Co., Ltd."
"Yes, it's called Sanhe Corporation."
Li Xuewu nodded and explained, "We started cooperating in 1967, and it's been going on for four years now."
"Yes, being close to the water tower gives you an advantage."
Han Song smiled and asked, "Do you have any goals? I believe you'll still be your group's main business representative this time, right?"
"Our group's Comrade Gao Yaqin is also here," Li Xuewu introduced. "She is in charge of our group's economic work."
"Yes, you're in charge of industry."
Han Song said understandingly, "She's in charge of the finances. Are you planning to divide the work?"
“This mission is a bit demanding,” Li Xuewu said with a smile. “We were already stretched thin last time in East Germany.”
"This time, we absolutely have to plan ahead and make room for contingencies."
He explained softly, "Our CEO, Mr. Li, doesn't want us to say. He actually wants to do something big, and he has prepared enough money."
"If you use the word 'abundant,' then it must be abundant." Han Song nodded and said, "Your group has the strength, so it naturally has the conditions to undertake large-scale projects."
"But let me add one more thing: large projects are formed by combining many smaller projects, so you must be careful."
He pointed at the table and emphasized, "Although we're going there to protect you, you should know that it's in Japan."
"In a foreign land, there is nothing I can do."
"I understand, I get what you mean."
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Director Li believes that the East German incident led to the rapid development of the group's various operations, and this trip to Japan should also be an opportunity."
“The opportunity is real,” Han Song nodded and said, “We facilitated this visit precisely to create opportunities for you.”
He ate quickly, and Li Xuewu was no slower; the two finished eating almost at the same time. After putting down their chopsticks, they couldn't get up in a hurry, so they started chatting again.
"You have a connection with Japan in the fields of automobiles, electronics, and aircraft. You may need to cooperate deeply in the future, so be prepared."
Han Song reminded him, "Moreover, the current external situation is getting better day by day. With your excellent example, it is very likely that we will break through external constraints and completely realize the freedom of foreign trade in the future."
“That’s what we’re thinking too.” Li Xuewu wiped his hands with a tissue and explained, “So at the end of this year or the beginning of next year, we plan to set up a free trade management center in Yingcheng Port Area.”
"When we invite business representatives from more countries to participate in the competition and cooperation, the market in Northeast China will be fully opened up."
"Yes, I've read the proposal you submitted."
Han Song nodded and said, "The idea is certainly good, but I'm worried that you might run into problems during the execution process."
“Of course there are hidden dangers and risks in this regard,” Li Xuewu did not rush to refute the other party’s concerns, but explained understandingly: “The group’s idea is to experiment first and do a good job of research at the same time.”
"That's typical of your group's work style."
Han Song knew that the cadres of Honggang Group were all opinionated and would not easily listen to him, so he only offered one piece of advice and then did not mention it again.
The two washed their lunchboxes and walked together toward their accommodation building, chatting idly along the way.
Han Song knew about his father-in-law's background and connections, so he took the initiative to inquire about his father-in-law's situation.
There's no special meaning to it; he's just heard people discussing his father-in-law's name lately.
It wasn't exactly a good omen, but the father-in-law wasn't easily frightened, so he remained calm, and the son-in-law was even more so.
They asked about Li Xuewu's father-in-law and family, and then talked about their children. The two chatted all the way until they parted ways in the corridor.
Li Xuewu first went back to his room to tidy up before going to the duty desk to ask which room Li Huaide was staying in.
After finding him, he had just knocked on the door when Liu Bin appeared at the door.
"Finished eating?" Li Huaide nodded when he saw it was him and said, "The food is alright, the ministry has put in a lot of effort."
“That’s certainly possible,” Li Xuewu said, sitting down on the sofa. “I just ran into Director Han in the restaurant.”
“Yes, I know he’s there, but I haven’t seen him.” Li Huaide nodded and explained, “He’s the squad leader for this mission.”
"Why him?" Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is there some good news?"
"Hehehe—" Li Huaide chuckled and said, "He'll probably bring it up when he comes back this time."
"I didn't ask for the specifics; I just heard it from what they said."
Old Li shook his head and said, "Another reason is that he speaks Japanese; he used to work in the enemy work department."
“Oh—” Li Xuewu nodded in understanding, “I see. I didn’t know he had this work experience.”
"People our age are like this."
Li Huaide waved his hand dismissively and said, "How could one have such rich experience and abilities if they hadn't experienced anything?"
"Of course, you're still lucky."
He smiled and looked Li Xuewu up and down, saying, "You served in the army and have a good foundation, which is why you've been able to seize opportunities and know what you want over the years."
"Yes, that's one of the reasons."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment, nodded and smiled, and said, "That's why we say young cadres should take advantage of their youth to get more experience."
"Hehehe—" Li Huaide understood what he meant and said with a smile, "Does your Northeast Company need any people? We can arrange some for you too."
“It’s enough for now,” Li Xuewu said, raising an eyebrow. “The growth of an enterprise is also the growth of its cadres and employees, and both require a process.”
"Are you saying I'm guilty of forcing growth, right?"
Li Huaide smiled casually, waved his hand, and without letting Li Xuewu explain, said, "At this time, there is always a need for some people to grow up quickly and take on the responsibility."
He said to Li Xuewu meaningfully, "If you lack successors, who will be your help? Right?"
“You’ve thought further ahead,” Li Xuewu just smiled and didn’t respond.
He was not directly involved in Lao Li's personnel arrangements within the group, even if, as Lao Li said, it was all for his own good.
Actually, there's a prerequisite here: he has to follow the old rules after Lao Li leaves the group.
In other words, what Lao Li said were all personnel relationships prepared for his own good, but they were also the ropes that bound him.
Therefore, Li Xuewu did not comment on his work, but he disagreed with Lao Li's approach to personnel matters.
In Gao Yaqin's words, they are unreasonable and domineering; sometimes, organizational and personnel matters really do interfere with the development of a project.
Old Li is open to advice, but he's somewhat headstrong when it comes to supervision, as if he's keeping an eye on someone.
***
They rested for only one night in Fengcheng before boarding the chartered plane at 2 p.m. the next day to prepare for their departure.
Li Huaide did not sit with Li Xuewu, but rather closer to the front. This seating arrangement was very deliberate and disciplined.
As a deputy general manager-level cadre of the group, Li Xuewu could only sit behind Gao Yaqin.
According to Han Song's arrangement, Li Huaide and his group were to disembark with the leaders, while Li Xuewu and others were to be in the last batch to disembark.
Li Xuewu had no objection to this arrangement, and even hoped that the cameras would have already gathered enough material by then and would no longer focus on him.
"Are you a little nervous?" Gao Yaqin, who was sitting next to him, noticed his eyes were closed and his brows were slightly furrowed, and asked in confusion.
Li Xuewu opened his eyes, looked at her, and shook his head, saying, "No, why are you nervous?"
"You looked like you were in a lot of pain, I thought you were nervous."
Gao Yaqin smiled and said, "This is my first time participating in such an important event. I used to be the organizer."
"Then you'd better enjoy yourself," Li Xuewu joked. "They all say that Japanese people don't separate men from women when they bathe; they all bathe in the same pool."
"What?!" Gao Yaqin was utterly shocked and looked at him, asking, "Are you sure you're not joking?"
“He wasn’t joking, it’s true.”
Sitting in the same row, Wang Youhan, deputy director of Beijing Automobile Factory, said with a smile, "But not all bathhouses are like this; you have to choose one."
"What else am I supposed to choose—" Gao Yaqin curled her lips and said, "You scared me."
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu looked at Wang Youhan through Gao Yaqin and greeted him with a smile, "I almost fell asleep just now and didn't see you."
"It's okay, I can almost hear your snoring." Wang Youhan seemed to have forgotten their sordid times in East Germany.
At this point, he jokingly said, "If we could just take a nap and arrive, that would be a really good thing."
"That's what I'm planning to do."
Li Xuewu pointed to the bathhouse in Japan where men and women share the same bath, which he was still wondering why.
“Our boss Gao is very afraid of boring journeys, so this is just keeping me in there to kill time for her.”
"What do you Beijing Automotive want to see?" Gao Yaqin was really impolite, assuming the other party was a good friend like Gu Litong.
Wang Youhan twitched the corner of his mouth, glanced at Li Xuewu deliberately, and explained, "Just looking around."
"Heh—" Li Xuewu was amused by him and said in a rather strange tone, "We're planning to go to Toyota to take a look. We've already made plans."
He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you want to come along? It's convenient for us here."
"No need, thank you," Wang Youhan said calmly. "I have to follow the leader; we can't work together."
That makes a lot of sense. He can't work with Li Xuewu, and Beijing Automotive can't work with Hongxing Automotive either.
Honggang Group spearheaded the establishment of an automobile factory in the steel city, and even Beijing No. 2 Automobile Company invested there, but Beijing Automobile Company was left out.
Of course, at that time, there were many companies across the country with car manufacturing capabilities and businesses, but only a few could truly be considered top-tier.
Li Xuewu actually had the ability to find these companies from all over the country to jointly invest in the steel city and build some kind of automobile city.
He had already learned that the project aimed to achieve commonality and standardization of automotive parts.
This means that these companies' car manufacturing costs will be further reduced.
In particular, once the new factory, new equipment, and new workers reach the same level as Hongxing Automobile, the entire country's automobile market will face the opportunity for significant price reductions.
Anyway, they can't hold on any longer. Although the 212 model was modified and upgraded this year, its sales have declined too much.
Previously, there were no inventory cars of the 212 model, but now there are not only inventory cars, but the inventory is also accumulating more and more.
He was wary of Li Xuewu, thinking that this time Beijing Automotive was about to turn things around.