fictionpage Chapter 1430 Just have fun secretly
Chapter 1430 Just have fun secretly
Chapter 1430 Just have fun secretly
"Xiaoling? I was looking for you."
Wang Yajuan rode her bicycle into the factory gate and got off without being reminded by the security guard.
Zhou Xiaoling, who was walking ahead, heard the greeting and turned around. Seeing that it was her, she exclaimed with delight, "Yajuan! It's been so long!"
"Have you all almost forgotten about me?"
Wang Yajuan glanced at her with feigned displeasure and said, "You came to Steel City but didn't even say you wanted to come find me."
"It's just that time is tight. I have to go to the airport for standby duty in a bit, so I wouldn't dare to bother you."
Zhou Xiaoling explained with a smile, "If I really have time, I'll definitely make you treat me to a meal."
“No way—” Wang Yajuan looked her up and down and said, “You’ve learned to lie, Zhou Xiaoling.”
"What the hell is this?!"
Zhou Xiaoling adjusted the bag strap on her shoulder and said with a smile, "Why would I lie to you? I came yesterday and am going back today, so time is tight."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk—"
Wang Yajuan looked her over with even more suspicion and mockery, and said, "Keep making things up, keep making things up—"
"Hehe—" Zhou Xiaoling stepped forward, feeling both helpless and amused, and took her arm, pulling her along as she walked, saying, "You're so unreasonable. We finally met, but you keep making things difficult for me."
Don't be ungrateful for a kind heart—
Wang Yajuan said reproachfully, "Knowing that you came yesterday and the guesthouse was crowded, I even went to the guesthouse to find you, wanting to take you home to stay."
"Don't tell me you're short on time!"
She pointed a finger at Zhou Xiaoling's forehead and said, "Arrived this afternoon, flying tonight, a full day and night and you say you don't have time? You're kidding me—"
"You really went to the guesthouse to look for me?"
Zhou Xiaoling stared at her in surprise, asking, "So we didn't run into each other?"
"Should I tell you this?"
Wang Yajuan suppressed a laugh, and even though she couldn't hide the teasing in her eyes, she still asked in a serious tone, "Tell me the truth, where did you stay last night? Was there anything special? Don't try to hide it from me."
She held up two fingers and gestured to her eyes, saying, "I have eyes that can see right through you. If you dare to lie, I can see right through you in a second."
"No special circumstances. There aren't any."
Zhou Xiaoling pretended to be clueless and gestured in the direction of the guesthouse, saying, "Are you busy? If you are, then we'll see each other next time. I really have to go to the guesthouse to meet up."
"You really think I'm bluffing you?"
Wang Yajuan glared at her and said, "I've already found out what time you should be leaving."
She pointed to her watch and reminded Zhou Xiaoling, "We'll leave in an hour and a half."
"Didn't they say you were transferred to the metallurgical plant's radio station? I think you were transferred to the security department."
Zhou Xiaoling chuckled and shook her arm playfully, asking, "Where have you been looking for me?"
"Dream on, where am I supposed to find you?"
Wang Yajuan curled her lips and looked at her teasingly, saying, "Are you going to tell me or not? If you don't, I'll ask someone else. You didn't even tell us you were looking for a partner. That's so unethical."
"I don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend at all—"
Zhou Xiaoling seemed to have thought of something, and lowered her head shyly, saying, "Just a friend."
She wanted to say "good friend," but she lacked confidence and even the word "friend" sounded vague.
Wang Yajuan, of course, sensed something was amiss and raised an eyebrow, asking, "They've already moved into someone's house? And they're still just friends?"
"Xiaoling, you're not a fool, don't let yourself be taken advantage of."
"Of course, I'm not stupid."
Seeing that she was serious, Zhou Xiaoling quickly explained, "It's really nothing, I just rested for one night."
Actually, she wanted to say that she was eager to pursue him, but the other party just wasn't willing.
"You're really not in a relationship?"
Wang Yajuan glanced at her sideways and said, "It's better to be cautious. Next time you come, go to my place."
"You're one to talk, I was actually looking for you."
Zhou Xiaoling shrugged and said, "But I ran into him on the way."
"Who is it? Do I know him?"
Seeing the expression on her face when she mentioned that person, Wang Yajuan jokingly asked a question.
Zhou Xiaoling tried her best to maintain her usual sense of responsibility, even though Wanwan's eyebrows had already betrayed her.
When Wang Yajuan asked, she gave a vague answer: "I don't think I know him..."
"Tsk tsk tsk, I never expected that."
Seeing that she couldn't get an answer, Wang Yajuan stopped asking. The two had only gotten along better in the last two years, and since they were no longer in the performing arts troupe, they naturally became closer when they met.
The past grievances and conflicts have been forgotten with the passage of time; all that remains is the friendship.
Actually, their relationship was just so-so from the beginning. They were both such outstanding girls, so there was naturally some subtle competition between them.
Zhou Xiaoling is prettier, charming and lovely, while Wang Yajuan is also quite beautiful, and her dance skills are even better.
If she were in a dance troupe, Wang Yajuan would undoubtedly be the star, and no matter how beautiful Zhou Xiaoling was, she couldn't compare.
But at this moment, both of them have stepped out of their original comfort zones and are developing in their respective fields.
Their past rivalry has become an embarrassing memory deep in their hearts, and they feel ashamed to talk about it whenever they think of it.
I was just too naive back then.
The current easing of tensions is also due to another layer of relationship: the politeness between acquaintances.
Since you've come to my territory, I should do my best to be a good host, and we should also have a little "showdown"!
Human relationships are often established in this way, and so are friendships.
Their past immaturity prevented them from becoming friends despite being together every day. Now that they're apart, they still think of each other and are even more enthusiastic when they meet.
"You still have the nerve to tell me?"
Zhou Xiaoling looked at her with amusement and said, "Do you know how much your leaving has hurt Zhang Mingyuan? He's become a bit withdrawn."
"I'm the one who wronged him—"
When Zhou Xiaoling mentioned her former fiancé, Wang Yajuan's voice lowered slightly.
"That's all in the past. I was just joking with you. Don't be so mean."
Zhou Xiaoling realized she had said the wrong thing and quickly comforted her, saying, "If you really feel it's not right, you can't force yourself to be together. You don't need to exile yourself."
She glanced back at the metallurgical plant's compound and said to Wang Yajuan, "With such a great development opportunity in the group, why did you insist on coming to work here? Is it worth it?"
"This place is actually quite nice."
Wang Yajuan smiled, tidied her hair behind her ear, and said, "A poor foundation can be developed, but it would be even better if you could actually do some work and make some contributions."
"It has to be you, you're so energetic."
Zhou Xiaoling smiled and said, "Of all the students from our class, you're the one who's always causing trouble."
"Zhou Miaomiao's career isn't doing as well as mine."
Wang Yajuan said with a smile, "I'm definitely not the best, but I'll try my best to catch up."
"Hmm—that's not necessarily true."
Zhou Xiaoling said with a strange expression, "She's having a battle of wits with Han Lu. They're neighbors living upstairs and downstairs, and I heard it's going to be quite a fight."
"Those two used to be the closest of friends, I never expected this... I really never expected this..."
-
There are many unexpected things.
Zhou Linghua glanced at Director Sun, who had just passed by the office door, and turned to Ma Baosen, saying, "Look around when you talk about these things in the future."
"What's going on around here?" Ma Baosen looked around curiously and said, "Aren't these all people from our office?"
“Walls have ears, Comrade Baosen.”
Wang Min looked up, picked up the thermos on his desk, unscrewed the lid, took a sip, and then looked at Ma Baosen, pretending to be mature, and said, "You must always be vigilant."
"You talk too much—" Zhou Linghua glanced at him with amusement, then turned to Ma Baosen and gestured towards the office door, saying, "Director Sun just passed by."
"So what? We didn't say anything about him."
Ma Baosen said dismissively, "I was talking about Director Liao. Let him listen if he wants."
"Are you stupid?!" Zhou Linghua glared at him and said, "Your master will punish you when he gets back."
When Ma Baosen heard him mention his master, he shrank back somewhat fearfully and stopped talking back.
Wang Min smiled and leaned back in his chair, moving closer to his desk to explain, "When you say Director Liao, you're basically talking about Director Sun. Think about it, isn't that the truth?"
Ma Baosen raised an eyebrow, wanting to defend himself, but then remembered what Zhou Linghua had just said and stopped himself in time.
Seeing that he knew the answer but not the reasoning, Wang Min turned to Zhou Linghua and said, "He still thinks he's right."
"Director Liao voluntarily stepped down from his frontline position to work in the trade union. What do you think is the reason?"
Without waiting for Zhou Linghua's reply, he looked at Ma Baosen and asked, "Think carefully with your little brain."
"It was just a while ago..."
Ma Baosen was holding back his anger, and seeing Wang Min's forceful question, he couldn't help but retort.
He did reply, but only half of it. There were some things that even he knew he couldn't say aloud.
Yes, everyone knows that, but you can't just say it out loud, or you'll lose all face.
“That’s right—you’re not exactly a genius, are you?” Wang Min, always quick to gossip, looked at Ma Baosen and reminded him, “Why do you always do such foolish things?”
Ma Baosen glanced at him, then turned away somewhat resentfully and went about his own business.
He was busy, but he was still a little confused. Why couldn't he talk about Director Liao's matter in front of Director Sun Jia, since the two of them were no longer in the same department?
Besides, the audit and investigation didn't find any problems with Director Liao, and the Secretary-General didn't say anything.
Yes, he had indeed heard some rumors about Director Liao and Director Sun, but were those exaggerated claims credible?
-
“Tell me your thoughts.”
Zeng Mei leaned forward slightly, placed the ashtray in front of her, took a puff of her cigarette, and observed Liao Jinhui sitting opposite her through the smoke.
Liao Jinhui remained calm and nodded slightly as he explained, "I've been working in this position for many years, and I'm really fed up with it. I want to change positions."
"You've had enough of this job, so you want to join the union?"
Zeng Mei lowered her eyelids, flicked her cigarette ash, and said, "That reason doesn't quite hold water."
“But this is my truest thought.” Liao Jinhui looked at him frankly and said, “I have worked in the office for so many years, and my time is not my own. Even my wife and children say that I do not care about my family. I am really ashamed.”
"Hmm, I can understand that." Zeng Mei nodded, took a puff of her cigarette, and said, "Then there's no need to go to the union, is it just to retire early?"
"The work at the union is relatively easier," Liao Jinhui said, speaking completely honestly. "That way, I also have the energy and time to make up for my family."
"Is that really what you think?"
Zeng Mei looked him up and down and said, "I've only just arrived at the metallurgical plant, and you're already giving me a hard time."
With smoke billowing from his nostrils, he gestured towards the next room and asked, "Does the Secretary-General know about this?"
"I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet," Liao Jinhui said with a smile. "That's why I'm talking to you first."
“Heh—” Zeng Mei looked at him and said, “Don’t try to fool me, I know what you’re thinking.”
He stared intently at Liao Jinhui for a moment, and just as the other party withstood the pressure and looked over, he lowered his eyes and said, "I do disagree with your hasty decision, but I fully respect your opinion."
"But I must warn you, the organizational and personnel adjustments for the cadres and employees of the metallurgical plant have just been completed. If you show your face at this time, you're likely to attract attention."
Zeng Mei smiled and said, "If you ask me, it's normal to be physically and mentally exhausted. Why not take a few days off to go out, have some fun, and relax?"
"Hehe, it might not be that simple." Liao Jinhui lowered his head and said calmly, "It's only because of the personnel adjustments that I dared to raise my concerns with the organization. Otherwise, if it affected the plans, I would feel even more guilty."
"Okay, I'll say it again."
Zeng Mei nodded, her smile fading, and looked at Liao Jinhui seriously, saying, "There's no turning back now. I respect your wishes, but you must obtain the Secretary-General's consent."
"Although I am the deputy factory director in charge of organization, you know I haven't been here long."
He shrugged and said frankly, "The Secretary-General already knows about some of the work. If you take the initiative to go and talk to him, and share your thoughts, there might still be a chance for things to turn around."
"Thank you, leader. I'll listen to you. I'll go talk to the secretary-general." Having gotten the attitude he wanted from Zeng Meiyi, Liao Jinhui got up and took his leave.
Zeng Meiyi, unusually, stood up to see him off, and gently comforted him, "When you're doing your job, you shine wherever you go. I just think it's a bit of a waste that you're doing this."
"There's nothing to regret; it's all fate."
Liao Jin smiled and said formally before leaving, "Thank you for your guidance."
"Hey, don't say that, we're all comrades."
Zeng Mei waved her hand and said, "Go ahead, go talk to the secretary-general. He has more experience in organizational work than I do."
"I'm sorry to have troubled you."
Liao Jinhui could tell that Zeng Meiyi's words had a hidden meaning, but since he was already preparing to retire, what else was there to think about?
Retreat bravely from the rapids, and be strong without desire.
He lost his ambition and drive, and no matter what the other party wanted to say or try to sow discord, he pretended not to understand.
-
After leaving Zeng Meiyi's office, Liao Jinhui became even more determined to step down.
why?
Because the new deputy factory directors, as well as the ones who stayed behind, are not simple characters.
To put it simply, if it weren't for his position as the group's secretary-general, Li Xuewu might not have been able to keep them in check.
Having served under several top leaders at the metallurgical plant, Liao Jinhui had long since seen through the realities of the situation.
Can you say that Lao Luo doesn't do anything?
That can't be right. How did the metallurgical plant survive those years? If Lao Luo hadn't withstood the pressure, the plant would have gone out of business long ago.
Then look at Dong Wenxue. He has also made mistakes and setbacks, but can you say that he has accomplished nothing and achieved nothing?
Finally, let's look at Li Xuewu. He came to the steel city in the season of spring when everything is reviving, and subdued the "former" workers in the metallurgical plant with the clever method of gentle spring rain.
For more than half a year, they did not cut a single project, nor did they actively use underhanded tactics to oust a deputy factory director.
Those people in the organization are like mirrors; if Yang Shuxing and Yin Zhongyao hadn't gone to the group to chat during such a crucial period, they wouldn't have been dismissed so quickly.
The news coming from the Secretary-General's office indicated that the Secretary-General had known all along that the two of them didn't get along.
Since he already knew those two were at odds, why didn't he take action sooner?
The reason is simple: all other work must give way to the group's main work; we must distinguish between what is important and what is urgent.
In other words, organizational restructuring and personnel changes should be carried out gradually.
Yang Shuxing and Yin Zhongyao couldn't stand it anymore, and they couldn't stand Li Xuewu's rock-solid attitude.
If you can't stand it, then you don't have to.
Now that the two of them no longer even have the chance to see Li Xuewu, they naturally no longer need to endure it.
According to sources within the group, the two individuals' cases have not yet been concluded, indicating the numerous problems involved.
The audit of the metallurgical plant has ended, but the turmoil caused by those two is far from over.
Even now, cadres are still occasionally summoned to the group for questioning; some have returned, and some have not.
The secretary-general no longer seemed as dissatisfied as he was when Yang Shuxing and Yin Zhongyao were punished; he had become accustomed to it.
More than half a year has passed. No matter how much they oppose the changes in the group's organizational structure, and no matter how uncomfortable these changes are for the metallurgical plant's cadres.
But things were all done, weren't they?
No one realized that the issues and goals the Secretary-General had raised at the meeting were already being achieved.
You might not see it on the spot, but you'll definitely notice it when you compare before and after. The metallurgical plant and the group's industrial enterprises in Liaodong are all changing, a subtle and gradual transformation.
People accepted it and didn't feel any inconvenience compared to before; they gradually got used to it.
With organizational restructuring and technological research and development goals progressing steadily, Liao Jinhui already knew that time was running out for him.
Who doesn't know what he's done?
The Secretary-General certainly knew why he hadn't been punished: it was because he had proactively admitted his mistake.
The supervisors had spoken with him, but no one knows what they talked about. He had emptied his savings.
These money and items were never his; now he is voluntarily admitting his mistake and taking responsibility.
His mistakes made him unsuitable for continuing to take on important work, so he was reassigned.
But in his view, this adjustment was not enough. People had given him face, so he had to know how to behave.
Let him retire if he wants. He's really had enough of this over the years, especially after all that trouble.
No matter how much effort you put in, it's all for nothing. Who can stay in retirement forever? Once you retire, you're all just waiting to die anyway.
He acquired a telescope and preferred to gaze at the vast universe, for that was the eternal and unchanging expanse.
-
"Steel City is a major coal-producing city."
Li Xuewu turned to Xu Ning, the vice president of United Energy, and emphasized, "This place not only has a coal mining industry, but is also a city with a large coal consumption."
“Because there are many steel companies here, I can understand that.” Xu Ning nodded slightly as he walked beside him and said, “We attach great importance to our business in Steel City.”
“Simply emphasizing importance is useless; we need to do something practical.” Li Xuewu waved his hand, feeling the gradually cooling autumn breeze, and said, “You’re working on resource integration in the coal industry zone; you can’t just keep cutting into the internal systems.”
"Then who will you fight with your knife?"
Xu Ning jokingly said, "We're not ready to continue acquiring other mines yet."
Is that all the fighting spirit and ambition you have?
Li Xuewu glanced at him with a smile, continued walking forward, and nodded, saying, "I told you not to keep cutting into your own flesh so that you would take the initiative to go out and see for yourselves."
"Go and see how excellent companies operate, how they develop and succeed."
Looking at the roadside trees in front of him, he said, "For a company to achieve long-term stability and prosperity, it must draw on a wide range of experiences and lessons learned to forge its own unique path."
"Of course you know our group's development strategy, so United Energy cannot go back to the old ways."
Li Xuewu waved, took the hot water cup handed to him by his secretary Zhang Enyuan, took a sip, and continued, "If you only rely on the group to give you tasks and set goals, you will be eliminated sooner or later."
"The pressure from the group is too great."
Xu Ning said with a wry smile, "We are already under a lot of pressure. If we put more pressure on those below, this line of work will probably collapse."
"Who said you were supposed to suppress the pressure?"
Li Xuewu turned halfway back to look at him and emphasized, "I mean, your management team needs to take action and make breakthroughs in your work approach."
He pointed at Xu Ning and said, "Don't push them to take two steps with one whip. If the group loses patience and confidence in you, you will lose your opportunities."
"You mean..." Xu Ning asked hesitantly, "to further deepen cooperation with industrial enterprises in Liaodong, is it targeting mining or industry?"
Are you planning to rely on only one leg?
Li Xuewu glanced at him, then strode forward and said, "Without mines, there's no coal; without industrial enterprises, we can't sell coal. What do you suggest we do?"
"Furthermore, the mine is right underground. Whoever discovers it first owns it. What are you waiting for?"
He walked with his hands behind his back, his steps were unhurried, and he spoke of the changing world, as did he observe it.
Once the Beginning of Autumn has passed, the weather becomes refreshing, and even the breeze blowing on you is cool and comfortable.
Xu Ning came to the metallurgical plant to coordinate coal and electricity usage, and was taken out for a walk by Li Xuewu.
After coming to work in Liaodong, Li Xuewu's work habits changed, especially after Zhou Yamei left the steel city for Beijing, he would sometimes work overtime.
However, it wasn't the kind of crazy overtime work; instead, I chose to continue learning in the office.
After all, the environment is better, and the quality of reading is also higher.
He still maintains his habit of taking a midday nap, and when the weather is nice in the afternoon, he will go for a walk.
The metallurgical plant didn't have the towering trees that lined the roads like those in Beijing's steel rolling mills, but it had the advantage of cooler weather.
Sunlight occasionally filters through the gaps in the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the ground, which adds a unique touch.
This is the joy that summer should have, but autumn is just around the corner.
"We are trying to secure coal procurement projects from several large metallurgical plants in the steel city."
Xu Ning proactively reported, "The power plant has proven with its actions that our coal is of very good quality."
"It would be even better if you could point us in the right direction or help us find some connections."
"Let Ji Jiuzheng come and beg me."
Li Xuewu glanced at him and said, "I just praised him for his progress when I went back to the company a few days ago, and now you're trying to trip me up?"
"Look at what you're saying, I didn't say anything else."
Xu Ning explained with a smile, "President Ji really couldn't find any more connections; he used all the ones he could."
"To forge iron, one must be strong oneself."
Li Xuewu shook his head with a sigh and said, "The last thing you, United Energy, should lack is connections."
He turned to Xu Ning and said, "You have foreign investment connections and the Red Star Steel Group, which has absolute influence in trade and economic work, yet you can't open up the energy cooperation market."
He pointed at Xu Ning and said, "When you get back, tell Ji Jiuzheng that the headband on his head has tightened again."
"You're making me offend someone."
Xu Ning smiled and shook his head, saying, "I can't pass on this message, but I can tell President Ji and ask him to come and report to you."
"Old Ji, he's acting all mysterious."
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Last time you said you'd try your best and do something big, but what happened?"
"This matter is really not Mr. Ji's fault."
Xu Ning explained with a wry smile, "We had already signed the cooperation framework agreement, but the project was adjusted in the end."
"It's beyond human capability, so we'll just have to give up."
“That’s why he scored so low in front of the group’s leaders,” Li Xuewu said, pointing to his finger. “Everyone only ever sees his failures; it’s almost become a stereotype.”
"The only way to turn things around is to fight a decisive battle that surprises all the group's leaders."
"I will definitely convey this message to President Ji."
Xu Ning nodded seriously and said, "I heard we're going to cooperate with Shen Fei? Has there been any progress on this project?"
"The negotiations have already begun."
Li Xuewu pointed in the direction of the office building, indicating that they should walk back together. As they walked, he said, "Shen Fei sent an invitation this morning, inviting the group's leaders to visit."
So you mean you want to talk?
Xu Ning asked with great interest, "Is there any service we can provide?"
"Want to pick up stray potatoes? Figure it out yourself."
Li Xuewu smiled and walked into the office area. Seeing that his car was already waiting, he put on a serious expression and emphasized, "I'll say it again: cultivate both inner and outer strength. Never wait for handouts, and never rely on one leg."
"Understood. I will compile a report on coal exploration and technological development for you when I get back."
Xu Ning also said very seriously, "I will also find experts to conduct demonstrations and investigations, and actively promote the construction and establishment of the exploration team. You will also have to help with this."
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu pointed to his car and said, "Go back and let Lao Ji come and beg me. He didn't even treat me to a drink when I came to Liaodong."
"Who would dare drink with you—"
"Hahaha--"
-
"Who is it? Xu Ning?"
Watching the car drive away, Wang Yajuan turned back to Li Xuewu, who was stepping up the steps, and asked, "What's he doing here?"
Why has your accent changed?
Li Xuewu did not answer her question, but instead tested her with another question.
Wang Yajuan rolled her eyes and said, "It's all your fault for bringing them here."
"Hey, you're blaming everything on me, aren't you?"
Li Xuewu glanced back at her and said, "Your accent is different from mine."
"I meant when in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Wang Yajuan rolled her eyes at him, then looked back at the car's taillights disappearing at the gate before turning to Li Xuewu and saying, "He's here to beg for alms, isn't he?"
"Wrong, he came to seek scriptures."
Li Xuewu smiled, walked into the hall, and asked, "Are you so free today?"
"Is this what you call leisure? I've already done several interviews, I'm almost exhausted."
Wang Yajuan fanned her face with her hand and said speechlessly, "You seem to have a lot of free time, huh? Went for a walk?"
"Sitting in the office for too long makes my brain feel stiff, so I need to come out and change my mindset."
Li Xuewu walked to the top of the stairs, turned to look at her, and asked, "Who are you looking for?"
"I'm looking for you." Wang Yajuan followed behind him and said, "I've thought of a few programs, but I haven't made up my mind yet. I wanted to ask you for advice."
"Your broadcasting station is full of talented people, aren't you more professional than me?" Li Xuewu walks very slowly, the kind of slow and leisurely, you'd think he was seventy or eighty years old if you didn't know better.
Wang Yajuan felt the same way; his work pace had slowed down, and even his life had slowed down.
The metallurgical plant's site was replanned two years ago. During the technological transformation, some blast furnaces were demolished, and others were built later. The plant area was moved to make way for the steel rolling mill.
The greenery and buildings in the courtyard now look very new, but there's really nothing special about them.
It can't compare to the Liangmahe Ecological Industrial Zone in Beijing. The green area here is pitifully small. That's why Li Xuewu called on everyone to plant trees. It looks so bare.
"We do have more professional people, but they don't have as much money as you—"
Wang Yajuan joked, "I also wanted to report to you and apply for funding."
"I think the report was fake, and the funding request was real, right?" Li Xuewu walked to the third floor, turned around and looked her over, and asked, "You've already spent all the money approved for you last month? That's too fast."
"You don't know the cost of firewood and rice when you're not in charge of the household. It's easy for you to talk when you're not the one suffering from the pain."
Wang Yajuan followed him to his office and said, "How much money will it cost just to build the venue, equipment, and personnel?"
"I'm still being very careful with my budget, and I don't dare to be careless or wasteful in the slightest."
She raised her chin and looked at Li Xuewu, who had walked behind the desk and sat down, and said, "You should be grateful that we've managed to hold on until now."
"I'm secretly happy about it—"
Li Xuewu opened the drawer, took out some manuscript paper, looked at her and said, "Didn't I tell you last time that the budget is limited, so spend it wisely?"
He didn't ask Wang Yajuan what she bought or how she spent the money; he only kept emphasizing saving.
"Okay, okay, next time the broadcasting station doesn't need electricity, we'll each get a tin megaphone and run around the industrial park broadcasting the news."
"You're just arguing for the sake of arguing, aren't you—"
Li Xuewu looked up, pointed to the half-written note, and asked, "Should I continue writing?"
"Hmph—" Wang Yajuan held back when she saw that he was about to approve the funding.
Li Xuewu then lowered his head and said as he wrote, "I told you to save money, but I didn't stop you from doing things."
"Communicate more with literature and art publishing houses; they have more resources than I can provide."
After writing the note, Li Xuewu screwed on his pen and then pushed the note over.
Just as Wang Yajuan reached out to grab it, Li Xuewu turned his wrist and flicked the strip back.
Wang Yajuan felt tricked and wanted to confront him, but Li Xuewu answered even faster.
"Don't take my words lightly. Don't come asking me for money again for the next three months."
Li Xuewu loosened his grip on the documents and said, "Funding is indeed tight, and cultural work and propaganda are bottomless pits. You can't fill a hole like this."
"Okay, you stingy little thing—"
After Wang Yajuan came to Gangcheng, especially after meeting Li Xuewu more often, her personality did change somewhat.
Li Xuewu wasn't sure exactly how it manifested, but he seemed more cheerful and hummed as much as he used to when they were together.
As for tone and attitude, perhaps the climate and scenery of Northeast China have a greater influence on people's minds.
In any case, Wang Yajuan has become more vibrant and lively, a far cry from her previous lifeless self.
"Hey, do you know who I saw when I came back?"
While looking at the note in her hand, Wang Yajuan said casually, "Zhou Xiaoling, you didn't expect this, did you?"
"Zhou Xiaoling is Zhou Xiaoling, what's there for me to not think of?" Li Xuewu looked up at her and asked, "She just arrived to join us? Isn't she flying?"
"Fly tonight, it's still early."
Wang Yajuan looked at him with some suspicion, because Li Xuewu's answer just now was a bit strange.
How did he know that Zhou Xiaoling wasn't staying at the guesthouse?
Even if he knew the metallurgical plant inside and out, he couldn't possibly reach that level of intensity.
However, Li Xuewu has a wide range of management contacts every day, so he might already know about this information.
"She couldn't stay last night; she took her luggage and went to another hotel."
"Is that so—" Li Xuewu chimed in at the right moment, though his hands and eyes were busy with his work.
Wang Yajuan glanced at him and said, "Judging from her appearance, it seems like she's dating someone."
"What the hell?"
Suddenly, Li Xuewu was no longer sleepy. He looked up in surprise and asked, "How did you find out?"
"Does this even need to be thought about?"
Wang Yajuan looked at him and said, "When I asked her where she stayed last night, she answered shyly."
"She even told me it was a friend, but do you stay at a friend's house? And it's a guy."
She raised her eyebrows and looked at Li Xuewu, saying, "Just these two points are enough to tell that he is her boyfriend."
"You're quite the guesser—" Li Xuewu shook his head with amusement and said, "I'll transfer you to the security department later."
"You think I can't do it?"
Wang Yajuan received a grant, which made her even happier, and she became more talkative.
"As long as you dare to make the arrangements, I dare to go."
"Then let's forget about it—"
Li Xuewu smiled and said, "If you become famous, I'm afraid Hongxing Steel Group won't be able to keep you."
"You're still so mean-spirited—" Wang Yajuan said with dissatisfaction, "Your insults are so vulgar."
"You started it." Li Xuewu continued processing the documents, spouting nonsense, "I'm a good person."
"Nonsense, do you even believe what you're saying?"
Wang Yajuan curled her lips, then continued, "I just said I wanted to treat her to dinner, but she absolutely refused. How did she end up with a boyfriend from Gangcheng?"
She was genuinely curious about the gossipy woman's gaze, so she leaned on the windowsill and looked at Li Xuewu, asking, "Her answer was vague, but the less she said, the more curious I became."
"You want to live with her?"
Li Xuewu said with a laugh, "What business is it of yours whether other people find partners or not? Do you think there's a competition for that?"
“What do you know? This is an unspoken understanding between women.” Wang Yajuan smirked and said, “I’ve been in Gangcheng for so long, and I’ve never seen her take a vacation to come here. Did they only start dating recently?”
"Alright, go and get back to your business."
After listening for a while, Li Xuewu smiled and waved his hand, saying, "It's working hours."
Don't take your blessings for granted.
Wang Yajuan smiled and said, "I'm going to talk about this in another office. How can they welcome me if they don't say so?"
"Are you talking about other people's business?"
Li Xuewu looked at her and emphasized, "You can't just say or write anything carelessly, or someone might report you."
"I don't just pull this on everyone I meet."
Wang Yajuan waved her hand and said, "Alright, the matter is settled. We'll talk about this later."
"It's best not to say anything more, I don't want to hear it."
Li Xuewu lowered his head and continued working, muttering a reply.
What was said in jest was taken seriously by Wang Yajuan. She felt that Li Xuewu was acting strangely today, as was Zhou Xiaoling. Could the two of them be getting together?
-
"Oh, you're too kind."
Gao Yaqin and Cheng Kaiyuan walked down the airplane steps together and saw Li Xuewu standing not far away waiting for them. The two greeted each other with smiles.
Li Xuewu shook hands with them one by one, greeting them with a smile, "Welcome to visit Steel City again."
"We're not here as guests."
Cheng Kaiyuan said with a smile, "My original intention was to fly directly from the capital to Fengcheng, so that we wouldn't have to travel back and forth."
"However, Deputy Director Gao proposed a suggestion that led us to decide to come to the steel city first."
He waved his hand and said, "It would be more convenient if we took the car together then."
"I'd like to hear your opinion."
Gao Yaqin smiled and said to Li Xuewu, "I heard you haven't been idle these days. Let us see your research results?"
"He's in the car, waiting."
Li Xuewu smiled and pointed to the Hongyun No. 1 parked near the airport tarmac, saying, "Let's go back first, we'll talk on the way."
"Shen Fei made an appointment for tomorrow. Should we go to Fengcheng Machinery Factory, or should we head over there tomorrow?"
Cheng Kaiyuan walked on the other side of Gao Yaqin and said with a smile, "I'd like to go and see the machinery factory. I heard they have made new progress in machine tool research."
"You've come at the perfect time; they're just about to show off to the group's leaders."
Li Xuewu smiled and glanced at him, then asked Gao Yaqin, "Shall we leave tomorrow morning to make it?"
"Didn't you make the contact?"
Gao Yaqin looked at him and said, "We came here on the news, without any other preparations."
“Then let’s rest for one night and take the bus tomorrow,” Li Xuewu decided. “It won’t take much time on the road, and it will be more convenient to go tomorrow.”
"I've discussed it with Deputy Director Gao," Cheng Kaiyuan said to him before getting into the car. "This time, you'll be in charge, and we'll assist you in the negotiations."
(End of this chapter)