fictionpage Chapter 1435 He said he was sick
Chapter 1435 He said he was sick
Chapter 1435 He said he was sick
"I told you to come a long time ago, but you had to rush here. Do you think last-minute cramming will work?"
Liu Guoyou glanced at the two bottles of wine in his left hand and the box of pastries in his right.
This wasn't all the gifts they were bringing for their visit today; Qin Huairu also had two packs of cigarettes and two bags of candy.
Needless to say, what kind of advertisements are pasted on the windows of supply and marketing cooperatives in the city?
That's right, it's "cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and candy".
These four words can solve the dilemma of not knowing what gift to give.
For casual acquaintances or when asking for a favor, bringing one or two packs of cigarettes is sufficient.
Difficult tasks require a lot of effort, but even a pack of cigarettes or a bottle of wine can look good.
If you really have a reason to ask for help, then you'll have to prepare four gift boxes, including cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and candy—you can't leave any out, or you can change the types of items.
You said my matter is neither too big nor too small, would it be alright to send three items?
Stop joking. You're giving a gift, not making an enemy. You don't give three gifts at once.
Early this morning, at Liu Guoyou's urging, Qin Huairu went to the supply and marketing cooperative to purchase these four gifts.
She knew that Li Xuewu had quit drinking and smoking, but she couldn't resist Liu Guoyou saying he looked good.
You can change the tea leaves because the leaders drink special tea at home and don't drink anything from outside, but you can't change the cigarettes.
"If I had come earlier, I wouldn't even know exactly where his house is—"
Qin Huairu said with some complaint, her eyes scanning the street addresses.
She really didn't know where Li Xuewu lived. Even though Qin Jingru had been working as a nanny there for almost two years, she hadn't remembered it carefully.
"Honestly, you have such a neighborly relationship and you don't want to get along with it, what kind of neighbor do you want to get along with?"
Liu Guoyou kept talking while his eyes searched for street addresses.
Qin Huairu didn't want to talk. Who said she hadn't made contact? When she did, Liu Guoyou hadn't even been on the waiting list yet.
According to her, even if she knew Li Xuewu was back, she still didn't want to come.
Banggeng followed Li Xuewu and had already sent letters back. He lived with Li Xuewu, so he didn't have to worry about his living conditions.
I heard that Li Xuewu also found him a teacher, and he learned a lot of cultural knowledge.
Even so, do you think Qin Huairu misses her son or worries about him?
She really did miss him; a mother worries when her son travels a thousand miles. How could she not worry?
But there was nothing she could do about it. Even in the capital, she couldn't find Li Xuewu's house, and she couldn't find it at all when she went to Gangcheng.
To be honest, she and Li Xuewu had only been together for a few years, so their relationship wasn't that deep.
It all boils down to that one thing.
If she hadn't taken the initiative and been proactive, and given that Li Xuewu had just started working and needed support, she wouldn't have had this opportunity.
She was so clever and perceptive that she saw through their relationship early on, so she never forced anything.
The reason why Yu Li didn't get married but chose to remarry is based on this point.
Given her relationship with Li Xuewu, what could Banggeng possibly have that would warrant Li Xuewu's care and assistance?
She didn't believe Li Xuewu was doing this because of her; she didn't have that much influence.
Qin Huairu was even less convinced that her son possessed any merits she hadn't yet discovered, which Li Xuewu had recognized and was taking special care of.
If that's the case, then all the teachers who have taught pheasants should get their eyes checked.
She knew her son's character all too well; he was definitely not an honest child.
Whether he's honest or not is another matter, but Bang Geng doesn't have a particularly clever mind, nor does he have any quick wit in dealing with people, not to mention anything else.
Why did Li Xuewu take him to the steel city and even hire a teacher to instruct him?
This was the problem that Qin Huairu was worried about, but she dared not ask, much less think about it.
Bang Geng had been gone for more than half a year and hadn't returned home. Qin Huairu reflected on herself countless times, but in the end, she still admitted that she had made a mistake.
She doesn't need to stand up and apologize for this mistake, let alone make a self-criticism, so admitting it doesn't take much courage; the key is the mental hurdle she has to overcome.
Even her own son wasn't on her side, so if she rashly went to question Li Xuewu, the outcome was predictable.
She knows her son is doing well in life and studies, but she always feels like her son has been taken away from her.
After countless sleepless nights, Liu Guoyou knew what was going on without even asking.
He was quite proactive, repeatedly urging Qin Huairu to find a suitable opportunity to visit his home.
Li Xuewu is now the group's secretary-general, wielding real power and controlling all of the group's industrial enterprise resources.
If Qin Huairu were to say that Liu Guoyou had no ulterior motives, she wouldn't be so heartless as to say that, but if she were to say that Liu Guoyou had no selfish motives at all, she wouldn't be able to deceive herself either.
But it's always difficult to be a couple who get married later in life; there are some things you can't say, and you can only keep them to yourself.
She didn't know Li Xuewu had returned until he brought the child to a meeting at the company.
This shows that the distance between the two was indeed vast.
Speaking of the past?
Previously, when Li Xuewu worked for the group, if he had to work overtime or attend meetings, he would stay at the guesthouse instead of going home after 10 p.m.
If it's confirmed that Li Xuewu isn't going home, then she won't go home either. What do you think she's going to do?
Now? Things have changed a lot.
The rooms reserved for the group's leaders at the guesthouse have been cancelled and are now booked on an as-needed basis.
Director Li does stay here often, but he's almost always alone.
Zhou Miaomiao and Han Lu, who used to frequently visit his room to "ask for advice" on their work, no longer come.
Director Li wasn't just a lonely, melancholy person; rather, he was overwhelmed by a predicament, a hidden ailment he couldn't easily discuss.
Others might not know, but how could she, who was in charge of the guesthouse, not know?
Director Li has been particularly indifferent lately, cultivating his mind and character, and avoiding contact with female colleagues.
Other leaders would not rest at the guesthouse unless they had special work to do.
The current Hongxing Factory is not the same as the old one; it has become a group, expanded in scale, and many things have changed.
Director Li used to frequently invite the girls from the dance troupe to dance here, but now that's all quiet.
With calm and peaceful times, and good governance and harmony among the people, her value to Li Xuewu diminished.
Li Xuewu used to forbid her from reporting random things, and now he listens to her even less.
As for Li Xuewu, she no longer has any value in "cooperation". If she relies on past "friendship" to make trouble, she will only bring disaster upon herself.
So no matter what Liu Guoyou said, she didn't want to come.
What ultimately moved her was a message relayed by Qin Jingru. Li Xuewu had asked Qin Jingru to tell her that although Banggeng had no problems with his daily life in Gangcheng, his psychological issues during adolescence were a key concern for his parents.
Qin Huairu didn't understand what adolescent psychological problems were; she only knew that, according to Li Xuewu's original words, she needed to take care of Banggeng.
Doesn't she care about her son?
But we have to give her this opportunity.
-
Is this the Western-style building?
Liu Guoyou was anxious and walked ahead, finding Li Xuewu's house first.
Qin Huairu found out this address from her sister.
It's really funny, Liu Guoyou has heard a lot of gossip since he got married.
Some say that Qin Huairu was not a proper woman in the past, but was willing to go to great lengths for a stutter.
Some say that Qin Huairu was keeping He Yuzhu on a string, and it's unclear what benefits she gave him, but she often took his lunchbox home to feed her children.
Some even say that Qin Huairu's success today is due to the support of powerful neighbors; without their support, she wouldn't be where she is today.
His final words were vague and euphemistic, but how could he not understand them?
There's no such thing as a towering tree to lean on for free. He'd seen all of Qin Huairu's neighbors in the compound before she moved; there were just too many.
Just like the saying goes, good neighbors help each other out, but there aren't that many good neighbors.
If she had truly good neighbors, Qin Huairu wouldn't have had any gossip, and she wouldn't have had to suffer during the time after her husband's death.
But if you were to say that good neighbor Li Xuewu and Qin Huairu had something going on, would Liu Guoyou believe it?
At first, he believed it, because there had been many rumors about Li Xuewu's romantic affairs, and he had heard quite a few of them.
Think about it, they were in the same compound and colleagues in the same unit. One was young and vigorous, while the other had been working for a long time. Li Xuewu rose step by step, and Qin Huairu also benefited from his promotion.
If you say they have nothing to do with each other, how can you expect Liu Guoyou to believe it?
What difference does it make whether he believes it or not? When he met Qin Huairu, Li Xuewu was already the group's secretary-general.
In other words, even if the two had a relationship, it wouldn't have been a relationship by then.
As someone who came after him, what good words could he possibly have?
Furthermore, he knew Li Xuewu even before he knew Qin Huairu.
She was genuinely uncomfortable inside, but of course she didn't say it aloud, after all, she was Qin Huairu.
Let's not talk about how good-looking Liu Guoyou's ex-wife was, but she couldn't compare to Qin Huairu, much less her spirit.
What do you mean by "excitement"?
As women pass thirty, their youth fades, but they retain a unique charm.
If you're skilled and experienced, then it's a treasure trove.
He's been married before, and he's so engrossed in this wonderful place that he's lost all interest in it; he wouldn't possibly complain.
Furthermore, Qin Huairu's job and position were more desirable than his, and she was also more capable.
What pleased him most about Qin Huairu was that she never brought up work-related matters at home.
He was not as good as Qin Huairu at work, and he felt inferior to her at home, but Qin Huairu did not think so and only wanted her life to go smoothly.
As time went on, seeing Qin Huairu's behavior, his discomfort faded.
As time went by and the days passed, he discovered that Qin Huairu and Li Xuewu were not as close as he had heard or thought, and their relationship was even quite ordinary.
How so-so is it?
See? They don't even know where the other person lives, and they only see each other once a year. How can you expect them to have some kind of love story?
He no longer believed it, so when he saw that Qin Huairu missed her son, he took the initiative to visit her and take the opportunity to reconnect with her.
He used to ignore the rumors and gossip about picking up Li Xuewu's shoes, let alone now that he suddenly understands.
Liu Guoyou glanced back at Qin Huairu, who was carrying her things and walking a long way, slightly out of breath. He simply couldn't believe that Li Xuewu would be willing to give up such a woman.
There is no shortage of gossip in this world, and there are plenty of people who envy and are jealous of him.
There may be other reasons why Qin Huairu was able to turn her luck around back then.
Given Qin Huairu's unwavering support for Li Xuewu over the years, it's safe to assume that Li Xuewu has recouped his initial investment.
Since Qin Huairu was able to turn her luck around, could he, as her husband, also take advantage of this favorable wind?
He was not someone who was eager for quick success or instant benefits, and he never thought of relying on Li Xuewu to achieve great success.
Liu Guoyou and Li Xuewu were also acquainted, and he wanted to build a personal relationship so that he could get Li Xuewu's support at a crucial point in the future.
Now he works at a freight station, which is a small unit in Li Xuewu's eyes.
In the past, Li Xuewu would go to the freight station for research; now, he goes to the newly integrated logistics company for research.
The Beijing Railway Freight Station is just a subsidiary of the Logistics Development Corporation, and it will never again welcome such a high-ranking leader.
The Logistics Development Corporation is a logistics enterprise with independent management rights, jointly operated by Hongxing Steel Group and Beijing Railway. It has a high degree of autonomy, and most of its cadres come from the Beijing Railway system and Hongxing Steel Group.
Of course, Liu Guoyou has now been assigned to the Logistics Development Corporation, and Li Xuewu, who has absolute influence in Hongxing Steel Group, also has the same influence over joint ventures.
The main advantage of the cooperation between Beijing Railway and Hongxing Steel Group lies in freight dispatching. However, Hongxing Steel Group still has more advantages in setting up local freight stations, connecting with distribution units, and handling truck freight.
In comparison, Hongxing Steel Group, which has cash investment, holds a larger share of the equity.
He'll be relying on Li Xuewu for the foreseeable future, so he needs to be prepared now.
Just as he told Qin Huairu, you can't expect to succeed by cramming at the last minute.
"Oh dear, I forgot!"
When Liu Guoyou was checking the front door of Li Xuewu's house, he suddenly remembered something, and he would have slapped his thigh if he hadn't been carrying something in his hand.
Qin Huairu was startled by his startled appearance and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I forgot, Li Xuewu has two children!"
Liu Guoyou looked at Qin Huairu and said, "I should have bought two toys."
"Isn't there two kinds of candy and snacks?" Qin Huairu felt both amused and jealous when she saw how concerned he was.
What's funny is that Liu Guoyou, who usually acts so serious, becomes so eager and impulsive when it comes to giving gifts, just like a child.
The jealousy stemmed from the fact that the two had been married for almost a year, and Liu Guoyou had never thought of buying toys for the children, let alone shown any concern for them.
Liu Guoyou suffers from a common ailment among men of this era: male chauvinism, which is particularly pronounced in him due to his background in the railway system.
This is why her position is higher than his; if it were the other way around, who knows how he would manage the household.
"You think other people's kids are like ours, acting all high and mighty over steamed buns and candies?" Liu Guoyou curled his lip and said, "Other people's kids are raised in a sweet environment, why would they even look at our little things?"
"I've inquired about it; nowadays, the kids in the leaders' families all like to play with toys."
He said with regret, "You said he really likes children. If I had known, I should have catered to his interests; that would have been more sincere."
Liu Guoyou sighed and said helplessly, "We're already at our doorstep, we can't exactly go back to buy it. Oh well, I'll have to think of buying it next time."
Qin Huairu couldn't stand it anymore. Ignoring his nagging, which was really unprepared for his reminder, she stepped forward and rang the doorbell.
It must be said that Qin Huairu had absolutely no idea what this family was like just from Qin Jingru's descriptions of it.
But when she saw the little villa with her own eyes, she couldn't quite describe how she felt.
If she were ten years younger, she would also want to give it a shot, just in case Li Xuewu liked the good ones.
"Hello, who are you looking for?"
Er Ya opened the observation window on the gate, looked at the two people standing at the gate, and asked in confusion.
No wonder she was so inconsiderate, greeting guests in such a way.
Er Ya came to our home before the Lunar New Year, but since she arrived, we haven't had many guests.
Teacher Han and her son count as one, Sister Xiao Ning's younger brother counts as one, and then that's it.
Xiaoxiao is Li Shu's tutor, but that doesn't count. The first time she came, Li Ge brought her, and after that, she didn't need to help open the door anymore.
As for the others, Zhao Yaping is even less of an option; there was no one else besides her.
She rarely received guests, so she habitually dealt with unexpected visitors using the methods Qin Jingru had taught her.
Qin Jingru had already told her that Brother Li was a high-ranking leader at his workplace, and that someone might sneak into their home to give him gifts.
But Brother Li had long established rules: he never accepted gifts from his colleagues, and he would never do favors for others in exchange for gifts.
Therefore, Qin Jingru did not lie to her at all, saying that she could be very assertive in this family.
Anyone who doesn't come back with Brother Li and Sister Xiao Ning, anyone who isn't family or relatives, or anyone else who suddenly visits can be treated this way.
The truth is, when Qin Jingru was at home, Li Xuewu already held a high position and great power, so the rules she taught Er Ya were truly applicable.
Er Ya, and Qin Huairu, were unaware that the reason they were stopped at the door was due to the "rules" set by Qin Jingru.
"Hello, is this Secretary-General Li Xuewu's home?" Qin Huairu ignored Liu Guoyou, who had just been complaining to her about ringing the doorbell so hastily, and stepped forward to greet him, saying, "We are his neighbors..."
"I'm sorry, Brother Li isn't home, so it's not convenient for me to let you in."
Qin Jingru's "rule" still applies: whenever she sees someone carrying gifts, she always says that Brother Li is not home and Sister Xiaoning is not home.
But you should speak politely and amiably, and your reasons should be presented with confidence and conviction.
You see, our employer isn't home. As a live-in nanny, I really don't have the right to invite outsiders into the house. Please forgive me.
However, Er Ya's mind is a bit rigid. Qin Jingru teaches her how to say things, and she just memorizes them by rote without any flexibility.
Even though Li Xuewu was playing in the water with Li Shu and Li Ning in the East Courtyard, she insisted that he wasn't home.
Tell me, when Li Shu's giggles and calls for her father came over, was Er Ya embarrassed, or were Qin Huairu and her husband embarrassed?
In any case, Qin Huairu couldn't see any awkwardness on the nanny's face, so they were the ones who should be embarrassed.
She was just carrying the gifts, and you could see the wariness in the nanny's eyes.
Before she could even finish speaking, he used such a terrible excuse to brush her off.
"Who's coming?"
Fortunately, she wasn't embarrassed to the extreme, as Li Xuewu's voice came from the courtyard.
Er Ya, being a bit slow, heard the voice behind her and quickly closed the observation window. She turned around and replied, "They've come to deliver a gift; it seems to be a couple."
Couldn't you have taken a few extra steps and gone to the east courtyard to reply in a quieter voice?
If you're standing at the gate talking to Li Xuewu in the yard, who hears you first—the couple outside the gate or Li Xuewu?
"Why does it seem like it?"
Li Xuewu was also puzzled, because since he set the rules, no one had come to this house to give gifts.
Of course, this refers to people who ask for favors, not personal friends like Ji Weidong and Xu Sinian.
He told Li Shu and Li Ning to play in the garden and not to pick his mother's flowers before walking towards the door.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't accept gifts?" Er Ya retorted confidently.
Li Xuewu looked at her with amusement and said, "Let me see who it is first."
He walked to the front door and opened it, only to find Qin Huairu and her husband standing awkwardly at the entrance. He chuckled and said, "What are you two doing here?"
"I finally found you, and I almost lost face here and never came back."
More than half a year later, Qin Huairu felt relieved the moment she saw Li Xuewu again.
She was a little uneasy when she first arrived, but after the nanny's encouragement, she became more at ease.
Hearing her joke, Li Xuewu chuckled and turned around to introduce them to Er Ya: "These are our neighbors in the compound, and also my colleagues at work, Director Qin and Station Chief Liu."
"Hello, Director Qin. Hello, Station Chief Liu."
Er Ya didn't understand such complicated interpersonal relationships, but she could tell that the two were not ordinary people.
The unusual thing about these two people isn't that they themselves are anything special, but rather that their relationship with Brother Li is unusual.
Why?
Because Brother Li was still able to receive them, he allowed them to carry their gifts into the courtyard.
"The girl came from my hometown in Northeast China to help take care of my child, and she's a little shy around strangers."
Li Xuewu smiled and explained to Qin Huairu and her husband, but did not mention Er Ya's identity.
Qin Huairu already knew from Qin Jingru that he had a new nanny, but she didn't know she was so stubborn.
"It's alright, we were already prepared for this unexpected visit."
Before Qin Huairu could speak, Liu Guoyou, who was standing to the side, chimed in with a smile.
Li Xuewu turned to look at him, nodded slightly, and said with a smile, "Are you all resting today?"
He takes time off work and doesn't have to work on weekdays; both of them have normal schedules.
"She's on rotation, I'm on vacation."
Liu Guoyou, carrying the things in his hands, followed Li Xuewu into the courtyard.
"We heard you were back, and we were so grateful for your care of Bang Geng, so my husband and I decided to come and see you."
"Don't worry, it's nothing."
Li Xuewu led the couple into the hallway, then turned to Qin Huairu, who hadn't spoken, and asked, "Did you receive the message I asked Jingru to send you?"
Qin Huairu felt somewhat uncomfortable because of Liu Guoyou's behavior.
As soon as the door opened, Liu Guoyou immediately felt half a head shorter.
He was sweating as he waited to take over, and he walked ahead eagerly when entering the hospital.
Those who know him would think he's a stepfather, but those who don't might think he's even closer than their biological father.
"Received it, here I come."
Qin Huairu suppressed her annoyance and forced a smile as she said, "I want to learn from you how to get along with children."
Because she was annoyed, she changed into slippers and went inside without waiting for Liu Guoyou.
This person has no sense of propriety. Even if you're trying to curry favor, you can't do it like this.
She had no debt to Li Xuewu, so there was no need for her to be subservient to him.
Liu Guoyou's behavior caused her to lose face in Li Xuewu's eyes.
Another point is that she and Li Xuewu live in the same courtyard and are neighbors. When they arrive at Li Xuewu's house, she should be the one to speak first. Liu Guoyou shouldn't be the one to take over the conversation.
Li Xuewu, however, was unaware of the inner conflict between the couple and assumed that they had come to inquire about the matter because of the stick.
"What should we study? Or play together?"
He smiled and pointed to the brother and sister playing in the water outside the window, saying, "Like this."
"I couldn't do that—"
Qin Huairu glanced at it and said helplessly, "Really, even if it's hot, you can't let the children play like this."
"You'll suffer if you catch a cold, and you'll still have to wash your dirty clothes, won't you?"
"The brother and sister have been thinking about this for a long time."
Li Xuewu didn't pay attention to the reproach and concern in her words, and explained with a smile, "Xiao Ning has never had time to play with them, and Er Ya has to take care of the family, so she's too busy during the day."
"Well, it just so happened that I was coming home, and they wanted to play in the water."
"That's great, so lively!"
Liu Guoyou followed in and sat down on the sofa at Li Xuewu's gesture. Hearing what he said, he smiled and echoed, "Just looking at him makes me happy. What a good kid."
Qin Huairu was speechless for a moment, then turned her head and asked, "What's Bang Geng thinking?"
"What are you thinking? You, as his mother, don't know?" Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I asked Jingru to remind you because I asked him before I left if he wanted to come back with me."
When Qin Huairu heard him say that, her eyes widened slightly, showing a hint of anticipation.
The fact that Bang-geng didn't come back tells us what the outcome was.
But she is a mother, and even though it was a process, she was still gratified.
"He hesitated for a long time before saying he couldn't come back."
Li Xuewu looked at Qin Huairu and said, "He has indeed matured a lot in the past six months, and he may have regretted his impulsiveness back then."
"I don't know what's wrong with the relationship between you and your son."
He pointed seriously at the sofa armrest and said, "If you really care about him, why don't you go to Steel City to see him?"
"Let's not even talk about taking him home yet. Right now, he's single-mindedly focused on making a name for himself."
At this point, Li Xuewu picked up the teacup Er Ya handed him and said, "This is why he didn't come back this time, even though I asked him to."
"Does he have to make something of himself to be considered my son?"
Qin Huairu was somewhat annoyed and complained, "Why does he always get stuck on trivial details?"
"Isn't it the same for you?"
Li Xuewu chuckled and looked at her, then at Liu Guoyou, saying, "Parents all over the world share the same heart; who else but their children?"
"In my opinion, there's no need to dwell on who's right or wrong, or who backs down first."
He put down his teacup and advised Qin Huairu, "You are a mother, and there's nothing wrong with taking the initiative to care for your child, especially now."
"Children go through a rebellious phase during adolescence, which manifests as them being willing to listen to anyone but their parents."
"You're absolutely right."
Seeing that Li Xuewu spoke so logically, Qin Huairu couldn't help but sigh.
Liu Guoyou didn't say much at this time. He had no say in the matter of Banggeng, since Banggeng's decision to run away from home was wrong in Jia Zhangshi's eyes.
For the past six months or so, Jia Zhangshi had refused to let him into the Li family's house.
He lives right across the hall, and after get off work he can only go back to his own home; he's not allowed to go to the apartment across the hall.
He had experienced firsthand how domineering Jia Zhangshi was, and dared not offend her in the slightest.
Jia Zhangshi allowed Qin Huairu to come to her home, but she didn't give her a friendly look.
She only acknowledges that Qin Huairu and Liu Guoyou forced Banggeng to run away from home.
So if Banggeng doesn't go home, he can't enter the house across the street.
The family hadn't sat down for a meal together in a long time, and he was annoyed by the immature and inconsiderate behavior.
What man is immune to setbacks? Running away from home at the drop of a hat, who would tolerate that?
If his child dared to threaten to run away from home, he would slap them twice and see if they dared to threaten their parents again.
But Banggeng isn't his child. Judging from how protective Jia Zhangshi and Qin Huairu are of their own, it's already a favor that they didn't make him change his surname to Jia, let alone lay a hand on him? Qin Huairu would tear him apart.
You see, it's okay for Qin Huairu to hit the child when she's angry, but he, as the stepfather, absolutely cannot lay a hand on him.
“There’s no good solution. Either wait for him to grow up, or you take the initiative to communicate with him.” Li Xuewu shrugged and said, “If you think I’m right, then go see him in person and see how he’s changed.”
"Someone has to give in first."
"It's nothing for me to bow my head."
After listening to Li Xuewu's words for a long time, Qin Huairu sighed and said, "Just because he went to Steel City, does that mean he'll listen to me?"
"That depends on how you look at it."
Li Xuewu looked at her and said, "If you want your son to become a dragon, then don't go."
"Young people always have to encounter some setbacks before they can find their direction in life."
“That’s true, but how long will he have to endure these setbacks?” Qin Huairu frowned and said with distress, “He’s only fourteen. Does he expect to stay like this until he’s twenty and finally wake up and become sensible?”
“He’s really matured. Twenty years old isn’t too late.” Li Xuewu said calmly, “What he needs now is care, not blame.”
Seeing that Qin Huairu frowned and remained silent, he told her more about Banggeng's experiences in Gangcheng.
There were good and bad things. Even when Banggeng showed off his cooking skills by making him canned and stir-fried canned food, Qin Huairu gradually stopped being annoyed.
It's her own son; if she doesn't care, who else can she expect to help?
Li Xuewu initially thought Bang Geng was just a silly boy, but little did he know that Bang Geng regarded him as his own father.
Once, Li Xuewu jokingly called Banggeng his godson, and Banggeng laughed and agreed.
Qin Huairu felt that the only thing she owed her son was not being able to give him enough fatherly love, even with Liu Guoyou by her side.
Liu Guoyou is not a bad person. If he were a bad person and treated his children badly, she wouldn't have married him.
People are complex; you can't expect them to be completely open and honest with you, treating you like their own son.
If that's the case, Qin Huairu should be worried.
Now she's only worried about what Banggeng's godfather is supposed to do with all this – taking care of his daily life and teaching him knowledge.
Although she hadn't participated in the things Li Xuewu and his sworn brothers did, she was aware of them.
Shen Guodong was a penniless man with no decent job, relying on his grandmother for support to make ends meet. How did he become wealthy?
Wen San'er, Li Wenbiao, and Yang Erhai were all notorious for their poverty and hardship in the neighborhood.
Now look at them, they've all risen up, living in mansions, driving cars, and they don't even show their faces in Beijing anymore.
Yu Li, who had become increasingly involved with Li Xuewu, even acquired her own identity.
Back when they lived in the compound, Yu Li would have a car take her home every night.
It wasn't Li Xuewu, nor was it anyone else; it was the club's driver.
If they've gained this much power today, could these former street thugs from the alleyways still be good people?
Good people can't get rich in this world, let alone have a smooth life.
If Banggeng follows Li Xuewu and really does these things with them, do you think Qin Huairu is worried?
She didn't believe Li Xuewu would arrange for Banggeng to work in the group. With her son's limited intelligence, he would only get the job as a cook.
Looking at Li Xuewu's arrangements, it's clear he's not training cooks; he's cultivating a new force.
nourish - nourish -
They were chatting in the living room when the doorbell rang again.
Er Ya hurriedly went out to check, and Li Xuewu also glanced back.
He stopped paying attention when he saw Zhao Yajun and Wang Lu come in together.
"Sister Qin is here—"
Wang Lu was more eloquent than Zhao Yajun. When she entered the living room and saw Qin Huairu and her husband there, she smiled and took the initiative to greet them.
Zhao Yajun could only follow behind and call out "Director Qin" and "Station Chief Liu".
When did you arrive?
"We've only been here a short while."
When Qin Huairu saw them arrive, the nanny named Er Ya showed no surprise, indicating that it had been arranged in advance.
After hearing Li Xuewu's explanation of her son's situation and his advice, she understood the situation.
Even if we were to say goodbye now, we should wait for Zhao Yajun and Wang Lu to sit for a while longer, otherwise it would be too impolite.
When two couples get together, both of whom are cadres related to Hongxing Steel Group, their conversation inevitably turns to work.
Li Xuewu mostly just listened. Wang Lu brought Zhao Yajun to her house not only to thank her second brother for taking care of her sister-in-law Zhao Yaping, but also to report to her second brother about recent events at the government office.
She was Li Xuewu's eyes and ears, and nothing in the organization could be hidden from her.
Zhao Yajun is no good; she's too rigid and conservative. She's still in the Security Corps.
However, with Li Xuewu's help, his progress has been quite smooth.
"I was thinking of saying this when you came to the group yesterday, but the situation hadn't developed to this point yet."
Wang Lu explained, "It was the news published in the United Industries Daily. These newspapers in Beijing came like great sharks that had heard the news."
"Wow, it's that serious—"
Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is their reporting still focused on the hotel itself?"
“Some people are even deviating from the norm, discussing in the newspapers whether it was necessary to build this building.”
Wang Lu shook her head slightly and said, "Some people say that our group is rich and powerful, but we're not using our resources wisely. That's just nonsense."
"Hehehe——"
Li Xuewu couldn't help but laugh when he heard her relay these discussions.
Wang Lu looked at him with some surprise and confusion and asked, "What are you laughing at?"
She straightened up and reminded him, "There are all sorts of things being said these days, it's all a mess. Aren't you worried that the discussion will get out of control?"
"It's not that serious yet." Li Xuewu nodded and said, "We can let the discussion continue for a while."
"Only with more discussion will there be topics to discuss, and that will have a more direct impact."
"You think more than I do."
Wang Lu shook her head slightly and said, "I just feel scared. Everyone is talking about our group, and I'm afraid something else might happen..."
"Being cautious is the right thing to do." Li Xuewu smiled and gestured for Er Ya to serve everyone fruit, but emphasized, "But we can't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Just be mindful of the limits."
"To be honest, the feedback we've received since the publicity department started its efforts hasn't been concentrated yet."
Wang Lu looked at him and raised an eyebrow, saying, "You don't know, the phone in Director Li's office hasn't stopped ringing lately."
"His secretary, Liu Bin, sat in his office, specifically to answer phone calls."
"That's a good thing—"
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "The publicity department and the general manager's office are much more relaxed."
"Director Li has gone into hiding."
Wang Lu covered her mouth and laughed, "He answered too many calls on the first day, and he said he was sick."
What do you think of him?
Li Xuewu looked at her in surprise and asked, "I'm not in Beijing, so how come there are rumors that Director Li's health isn't very good?"
“No, that’s not true. He’s just deliberately going to find some peace and quiet.” Wang Lu shook her head and said, “I heard it from Liu Bin. Before the director left, he specifically told him that he would only come back when the phone was disconnected.”
"Who said he wasn't in good health? He even played badminton with us. He's in great shape."
“That’s true, it happened right there on the sports field at the guesthouse,” Qin Huairu confirmed. “A few days ago, he suddenly said he wasn’t feeling well and needed to rest.”
"If you're really not feeling well, you should go to the hospital. Isn't Director Xiong from the union resting in the hospital?"
"Director Xiong's rest was not voluntary; he angered Director Li by meddling in other people's business."
Wang Lu, being in the government office, naturally heard more and more accurate information than Qin Huairu.
She explained, "I don't know who asked me to set up a distribution company at the Tianjin United Trade Management Center. Old Xiong went to Director Li, but was turned away."
"He wasn't satisfied, so he went to higher-ups again, and well—"
"The two of them had a very unpleasant argument."
Qin Huairu nodded in agreement, "He didn't even have lunch before he went to the hospital."
Liu Guoyou looked at Wang Lu with some envy; he could imagine how prestigious it would be to work in a government office.
Then I looked at my wife, Qin Huairu, and it turned out she also knew about these things in the company.
For someone as passionate about his career as him, knowing as much inside information as possible would give him a chance to shine, wouldn't it?
Why didn't Qin Huairu share these "insider secrets" with him?
Liu Guoyou glanced at Qin Huairu beside him with some concern, but of course he wouldn't make a scene here. He planned to ask her about it when he got home.
If he has information about the headquarters of Hongxing Steel Group, it will be very convenient for his work.
"It seems that this group is going to be going through a turbulent period in the near future."
Li Xuewu said with a smile, "Then I have to hurry back to Liaodong to avoid causing trouble."
"If you're going to leave, then leave quickly."
Wang Lu explained with a smile, "I heard yesterday afternoon that Director Li was looking for you, but I didn't pay attention because I heard you brought your child."
"If nothing unexpected happens, Director Li wants to talk to you, and it must be about the upcoming media campaign."
"And then there's the capital power that's about to arrive," Qin Huairu reminded with a smile. "Even our guesthouse has people contacting me about building a new building. If you want to build the tallest building, your connections will be so strong they could knock down your doorstep."
"They may want to, but they'll have to find our house first."
Li Xuewu glanced at her with a smile, his words carrying a deeper meaning.
On one hand, he was talking about Qin Huairu; on the other hand, he was prepared to run away quickly.
(End of this chapter)