novelslam Chapter 1371 Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Chapter 1371 Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Chapter 1371 Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
"Boss, I've come prepared today." Holding her notebook, Yu Haitang couldn't wait to reveal her purpose as soon as she sat down. "You can't refuse me anymore."
"What makes you say that?!"
Li Xuewu looked up at her with amusement, then asked in a mocking tone, "Do I ever have a time when I'm so heartless?"
“I’ve lost count of how many times this has happened, but you always have an excuse.”
Yu Haitang spoke exaggeratedly, and now she made a request with a smile and a hint of reproach, "You have to accept my interview, the Red Star Interview program."
Actually, this interview program was initially created under the care and guidance of Li Xuewu.
At that time, Yu Haitang had just gained Director Li's trust by supporting him and was involved in the construction and development of the Red Star Broadcasting Station. This was the most outstanding program she produced after becoming the deputy station manager.
Following the advice and suggestions Li Xuewu initially gave her, the interviewees and targets were not fixed. Sometimes she would interview group leaders, and sometimes she would interview workshop workers.
More often, the interviews focus on current events or feature employees of the group who have achieved outstanding results in various competitions and evaluations.
In addition, interviews will be conducted with heads of various departments regarding policy releases, key project construction, and major development achievements.
As a powerful promotional tool for the group, it came under the unified management of the Literature and Art Publishing House after the company's organizational restructuring, thus gaining greater scope for cooperation.
After being upgraded to a joint radio station, it launched a comprehensive cooperation with the United Industries Daily. This not only expanded their respective spheres of influence but also allowed them to delve deeper into and showcase outstanding stories from grassroots communities.
As the person in charge of the program, Yu Haitang still works on the front line even though she had already taken on the position of radio station director last year.
You can say she's clinging to her position, but you have to admit that the success of the Red Star Interview program over the past two years is partly due to her contributions.
From the very beginning of the program's creation, Yu Haitang wanted to interview him, but Li Xuewu declined each time, giving a variety of reasons.
Yu Haitang wanted to invite Li Xuewu to do a program, but it wasn't entirely out of a desire to curry favor with him. It was also because Li Xuewu, as a leader in the group, had been involved in many projects from their inception to their operation.
If Red Star Interviews wants to gain a deep and specific understanding of a project or event from its essence to its surface, interviewing Li Xuewu will definitely not disappoint listeners.
Few people may be qualified to hear Li Xuewu speak at a meeting now, but many still vividly remember his professional competence and insightful thinking before he took office.
No matter how complex the instructions from higher authorities were, or how sudden the rectification orders were, Hongxing Factory has remained as steady as Mount Tai in carrying them out over the years. It must be said that Li Xuewu is truly amazing.
Anyone familiar with the workings of an organization knows that 80% of the political and ideological documents issued by the entire group, serving as a bridge between higher and lower levels, were written by Li Xuewu. It's also hard to say that the remaining 20% weren't influenced or guided by Li Xuewu.
Take Deputy Director Gu, who's in charge of ideological work across the entire group, for example. She should be the person with the most thorough understanding of the policies and opinions from higher authorities. But what's the reality? After so many "experiments," basically everyone has given in to Li Xuewu.
Although Director Li has been more critical of Li Xuewu's work lately, he doesn't have the guts to ask Li Xuewu to be replaced.
Yu Haitang had long wanted to invite him to do an interview program on topics related to political thought and the development of the times, but she had never had the opportunity.
After being rejected several times in a row, she had long lost confidence and hadn't extended an invitation to Li Xuewu in a long time. So why was she so confident this time, and dared to be so presumptuous in front of Li Xuewu?
The reason is simple: this visit was not her own choice, but rather she was instructed by the head of the Literature and Art Publishing House to conduct a pre-visit interview.
It was Director Ding Zigui; without instructions from her superiors, she wouldn't have had the confidence to try and run into a wall.
The more unattainable something is, the more you want it.
Upon receiving the instructions from her superior, Yu Haitang was overjoyed and made considerable preparations before heading to interview him with high hopes.
Li Xuewu originally called Ding Zigui to ask him to tone it down and stop promoting himself excessively. However, after the call, he failed to persuade Ding Zigui and was instead convinced by him.
Ding Zigui's proactive and enthusiastic approach could be interpreted as an attempt to take sides and curry favor. However, as long as one is in this game, no one can escape its rules; everyone is choosing sides.
Li Xuewu relies on nothing more than his work ability and existing achievements, so he naturally doesn't look down on others or think he's omnipotent.
Therefore, he was unwittingly oblivious to Ding Zigui's overtures at this time, selectively ignoring the true colors of these people in the government office a while ago.
When his political position and post are precarious and uncertain, few will offer him help in times of need. But he cannot refuse those who offer him something to gain, otherwise he would be making enemies.
Ding Zigui spoke in a roundabout way over the phone, just to persuade Li Xuewu to be more high-profile.
Li Xuewu felt that what he said made some sense, and after thinking about it, he agreed.
However, he thought that Ding Zigui would just have a few more articles published about him in the United Industrial News, but who would have thought that he would be arranged to appear on Red Star News interviews.
Yu Haitang came with great confidence, and Li Xuewu felt embarrassed to refuse her.
"Actually, I don't have much to talk about."
Li Xuewu smiled, not paying attention to the coquettishness and expectation in Yu Haitang's tone.
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "I'm not in charge of specific business right now, but you can still learn about the organization if you want."
“Our interview isn’t just limited to work; we can talk about you personally too.”
Seeing that he didn't immediately refuse, Yu Haitang knew that Director Ding's arrangement was promising. Now, she pressed her advantage and said, "We can start by talking about your time in the army and share some of your insights from your growth over the years with our young audience."
"Of course, you can also talk about your current job or look forward to the future."
“Hehe—” Li Xuewu shook his head slightly while holding his teacup and said, “Then your program can be called ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.”
"It doesn't matter what it's called, that's the gist of it." Yu Haitang's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she said, "But your way of putting it is really brilliant—"
It's easy to see from her personality that she is a very strong-willed and determined young woman. Without her competitive spirit, she wouldn't have achieved what she has today at such a young age.
Even the confident and strong-willed Yu Haitang had to admit that sometimes women just can't compare to men, let alone outstanding men.
Listen to Li Xuewu's casual remark; it is a mature opinion. Even the Red Star Interview program was created under his guidance.
It's rare to admit your own shortcomings, but it's even rarer to acknowledge the excellence of others in the same way you are lacking.
Yu Haitang still admired Li Xuewu, but she knew that she might never have that chance in this lifetime.
***
dong dong——
As we were talking, there was a knock on the door behind us.
Yu Haitang turned around and saw Wang Yajuan, the deputy head of the cultural troupe, standing at the door.
Her expression remained unchanged, though a hint of surprise flickered in her eyes. There had been significant personnel changes within the group, but which veteran employee of the Red Star Factory hadn't heard the gossip about Wang Yajuan and Li Xuewu?
Like her, Wang Yajuan also worked at the Literature and Art Publishing House. However, the organizational nature of the performing arts troupe was rather unique, and she had more contact with the leaders in charge of publicity in terms of professional matters.
The two knew each other and had even attended meetings together, but they weren't particularly close.
When she turned around and saw that Li Xuewu was also looking towards the door, she took the initiative to end the meeting.
"Boss, please take a look at the questions I prepared. I won't disturb your work any longer." Yu Haitang stood up and said with a smile, "Although I believe these questions won't stump you, I also know that you are a perfectionist."
She extended her hand, saying, "I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration and make the best program possible."
"Then it's a pleasure to cooperate." Li Xuewu nodded, stood up, and shook hands with her.
"Thank you for your support, boss. I'll head back now." Yu Haitang turned and waved, radiating youthful energy, saying, "See you on Saturday."
Wang Yajuan stood sideways at the office door, watching everything unfold. She only nodded back when Yu Haitang nodded to her in greeting, but said nothing.
After the other person left, she looked at Li Xuewu and said, "Report."
"Come on, why are you being so serious?"
Li Xuewu picked up a teacup from his desk and walked over, beckoning her to come in.
Seeing him go to the tea cabinet to refill his water, Wang Yajuan pursed her lips and stepped into the office.
"What? You need something?"
With his back to her, Li Xuewu changed the tea leaves in the cup and then picked up the thermos to brew hot tea again.
Remembering there was another person in the office, he turned back to her and asked, "Would you like some tea?"
"No, I'm not thirsty."
Wang Yajuan's voice was inexplicably dry, and although she tried her best to remain calm, she couldn't hide her disappointment and anxiety.
"What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"
Li Xuewu walked back with a teacup in his hand, looked her up and down, and asked this question.
Wang Yajuan had kept her head down since entering the room, and only now did she raise her head to reply, "I'm getting married, and I've come to deliver your wedding invitation."
"Really? So sudden?"
Li Xuewu's expression froze slightly. He nodded, looked at the red wedding invitation she took out of her bag, and asked, "Why didn't you mention dating anyone?"
Wang Yajuan forced herself to look at his face, still unable to look away.
The surprise in his tone stirred something within her, but the fact that she couldn't detect any regret in his voice remained her regret.
Li Xuewu put down his teacup and stood by the desk to carefully examine the wedding invitation.
Bright red, the hard-covered red paper was carefully cut and folded into a double-page spread, with a delicate "囍" character written on it in black calligraphy.
"It's almost the end of the year, and these days I've been getting a lot of wedding invitations delivered to me."
Li Xuewu's tone remained calm, but a hint of emotion was still evident.
He said ambiguously, "The most recent one should be Peng Xiaoli, who is the same Yu Haitang who just left. The two said they would get married at the end of next month."
"My parents are pressuring me."
At some point, Wang Yajuan lowered her head again, as if she was trying hard to restrain herself, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "We met through a blind date organized by the labor union."
Li Xuewu turned to look at her, but didn't say anything, nor did he know what to say.
“He now works at the United Savings Bank; he's a college graduate who started working there in 1966,” Wang Yajuan continued, “My parents are very satisfied with him, and I've even met his parents…”
Perhaps overwhelmed by her emotions, Wang Yajuan could only manage to say this much; she couldn't say anything more.
Li Xuewu remained silent for a long time before speaking, "Although I am not qualified, I still want to ask you, are you sincere?"
What is sincerity?
As if provoked, Wang Yajuan suddenly raised her head to look into his eyes and asked, "Then are you being sincere?"
How could Li Xuewu possibly answer this question? He didn't want to delay her flowering season, nor did he want her to squander herself carelessly.
But as he just said, he was not qualified to ask questions; it seemed that all he could do was offer congratulations.
But did she really want to hear congratulations from him by personally delivering the wedding invitation?
Having seen the ocean, other waters seem insignificant.
Apart from Wushan, there are no clouds like those in the sky.
Although the two haven't spent much time together in the past few years, Li Xuewu knows her feelings.
Even Wang Yamei is already married, so you can imagine the pressure she, as the older sister, is under.
But it was precisely because he knew her feelings that Li Xuewu paid even more attention to his relationship with her.
She must have regretted it a lot during those years because of her own actions, regretting falling for him. But Li Xuewu didn't regret it, because he knew she was a good girl.
He could easily handle any kind of relationship, but he was somewhat reluctant to part with her.
Li Xuewu was not a reckless person. Knowing full well that he could not give her any promises, what right did he have to make her continue to wait for him?
Even the longest wait will eventually end in heartbreak, and Li Xuewu would rather she be happy.
"My due date is also at the end of the month."
Unable to get the answer she wanted from Li Xuewu, Wang Yajuan lowered her head, sniffed, and said softly, "The end of this month."
Of course I want you to be happy.
Li Xuewu reached out and pushed aside the somewhat glaring bright red wedding invitation in front of him, then walked back to his desk and sat down.
Looking at the documents in his hand, he said, "However, marriage is a major life event, and I hope you can consider it carefully before making a decision. Only true love can bring true happiness."
"There's no such thing as true sincerity in this world."
Wang Yajuan pursed her lips, let out a long breath, and said, "It's just trying to survive."
Li Xuewu looked up at her. She was still as stubborn as when she had taken the initiative to break up with him, but at this moment, it seemed so forced.
-
"Brother Li, I'm married."
Zhou Changli was once a notorious troublemaker in Beijing, and he still has a certain presence today.
But times have changed, and even if there's a big event, he's unwilling to be overly ostentatious.
He smiled and showed Li Xuewu his marriage certificate, which meant he now had a witness at his wedding.
Li Xuewu looked at him with considerable surprise and asked, "You've really decided?"
"Hey, it's good enough that someone wants it."
This kid is quite responsible; he didn't speak ill of others, only pointing out his own shortcomings.
Now, after receiving the marriage certificate from Li Xuewu, she lowered her head, pursed her lips, and said in a low voice, "Actually, she's quite nice."
"Who was it that looked down on them back then?" Li Xuewu looked at him with amusement and said, "I don't need you to thank me, but you should thank Lao Si properly."
"He just wanted to see me make a fool of myself."
Zhou Changli raised his eyebrows somewhat unconvinced, turned his head to look to the side, and said, "Well, I'll have to thank him properly when I get back."
Li Xuewu was just passing by the club to pick up some materials; today wasn't a Saturday or Sunday.
Meeting Zhou Changli was also by chance. After taking a look at the young man, he realized that Zhou Changli had another purpose in returning to Beijing this time: to get married smoothly.
"Since you've made up your mind, then live a good life with Er Ya." Li Xuewu patted his arm, took out fifty yuan from his pocket and handed it to him, saying, "Here, this is for you to keep your back straight."
"No need, no need, Brother Li." Zhou Changli waved his hand and refused when he saw him offering money, saying, "I have money in my pocket, and we won't have a banquet."
"Whether you hold a banquet or not, there's a proper way to put down your waist. Here, take it."
Li Xuewu stuffed the money into his shirt pocket, smiled and looked him up and down, saying, "A man is only truly mature when he starts a family, establishes a career, and takes on the responsibility of supporting his family."
"Haha, my dad says the same thing about me."
Zhou Changli smiled somewhat embarrassedly and looked at him, saying, "Thank you, Brother Li."
"No need to thank me." Li Xuewu nodded and asked with a smile, "Did you go to your father-in-law's house?"
"Yes, she went home," Zhou Changli explained. "We got our marriage certificate today."
“Sure, it’s all messy here, and it’s not convenient to hold a banquet.” Li Xuewu comforted him, “If you want a lively atmosphere, go to Steel City and set up a few tables.”
"I understand, it's not very convenient."
Zhou Changli said very seriously, "These days I've only heard the cries of parting. If I were to get married openly, it would inevitably attract resentment."
It's not hateful that he came back to recruit soldiers, but how many of his neighbors were willing to go to the steel city?
In this day and age, the word "formal" is valued more than anything. If it's not a formal job, even a dog wouldn't do it.
Only those kids who grew up wildly in the alleys and roamed the streets dared to take a gamble.
Even if these people make money and go home, they are not respected by their neighbors.
It's true that I look down on him, but I also think he's too arrogant and successful. Reporting him would inevitably cause a lot of trouble.
Therefore, when Li Xuewu heard that Zhou Changli was not going to hold a banquet, he knew what Zhou Changli was thinking.
He has truly matured through experience, becoming steady and capable of handling things independently.
"Well, how's business going these past few days since you came back? Is everything going smoothly?" Li Xuewu looked at him and reminded him, "If it's inconvenient, don't force yourself. Go back to Gangcheng as soon as possible; there's still a lot to do there."
"It's alright, actually it went quite smoothly."
Zhou Changli explained, "These days, people from the neighborhood have been coming to my home to spread the word and urge me to stay. Many people have given up on the idea of staying and have come to me instead."
"At this point, you still want to resort to force?" Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and asked, "How many people have you recruited? Has the neighborhood reacted?"
"Not yet. I always arrange for inconspicuous people to go to the steel city."
Zhou Changli thought for a moment and replied, "You may not know, but the streets are a mess right now."
"There are just too many people to arrange for to leave, and too few people to leave," he explained softly. "Perhaps the neighborhood doesn't care where these people go, as long as they don't just loiter around at home."
"You still need to be careful. There are many people around now and they don't stand out. But if someone notices you, you'll be in trouble if you recruit people so recklessly."
Li Xuewu frowned slightly and reminded him, "See how many more we can recruit, contact them as soon as possible, let those who can leave go, and let those who can't leave go. Let's quit while we're ahead."
"Well..." Zhou Changli hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "How about I ask Lao Liu to help me make the contact, and I'll go back first?"
"Forget it, we have enough people."
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly, rejecting his opinion, "I don't quite trust Lao Liu to do things."
"You should first make arrangements for the people you just hired. Trust me, you can handle them all. In the future, people will be begging you to introduce them to jobs."
“That’s true, who would turn down money?” Zhou Changli nodded knowingly, and quickly made a decision. “Then I’ll leave on Monday. When are you going to Liaodong? Have you heard from you?”
"It won't be that fast." Li Xuewu smiled and looked at him, saying, "But it'll only be a few days, it won't be delayed until after the New Year."
“If you can go to Gangcheng, Sister Zhou will be relieved. When I left, she told me to go back as soon as possible because she was worried that Brother Biao would be too busy after he left.”
Zhou Changli smiled and introduced, "When I came out, Brother Biao was handing over his work to Sister Zhou. He said he would leave before the end of the month."
"There's been a problem in the port city,"
Li Xuewu didn't hide anything from the young man, and said frankly, "It was a last resort; someone had to do it."
“I’ve heard some things about it.”
Zhou Changli frowned slightly and looked at him, asking, "If there's anything I can do to help you, don't hesitate. Helping Brother Biao with his horse and stool is no problem."
“That’s too extravagant of him.” Li Xuewu patted him on the shoulder with a smile, not responding immediately to his self-recommendation, but jokingly saying, “I’m afraid he’ll have heart palpitations from the fever.”
"Hehe—" Zhou Changli chuckled and said, "I'd like to go out with Brother Biao and see what the world is like."
"Okay, I understand." Li Xuewu nodded and looked at him, saying, "Don't rush, just focus on the task at hand. Gangcheng is not far from Gangcheng, and we'll need your help sooner or later."
"Let me tell you this upfront: you can't let us down when we really need you."
"Brother Wu, don't worry, I don't need to pat my chest and make a promise to you, that would be too hypocritical."
Zhou Changli said earnestly, "If there's ever a day when you need my help, just watch how I act."
"Study hard and exercise more."
Li Xuewu raised his hand and patted his shoulder, saying, "Now that you're married, hurry up and have a child. It'll give you motivation to keep striving."
"So that's what you mean by exercising more. I'll definitely work hard!" Zhou Changli said with a mix of amusement and surprise.
-
"Have you heard about it?"
Zhong Yuemin looked at Yuan Jun with a hint of expectation in his eyes. Seeing that the other party hesitated and did not answer, he frowned and asked, "Isn't she at home?"
“She should be at home, but it’s unlikely we can get her to come out,” Yuan Jun explained with a slight frown. “She’s also on the enlistment list.”
"With Zhang Haiyang?"
Zhong Yuemin felt a moment of disappointment; his furrowed brows did not disappear but instead deepened.
"I'm not sure, that's all I can find out." Yuan Jun glanced at Zhong Yuemin with some disappointment, then turned his head away and replied, "I can't keep an eye on him all the time."
Zhong Yuemin was filled with disappointment and anxiety, completely oblivious to his brother's gaze, preoccupied with his own anxieties.
Zheng Tong glanced at Zhong Yuemin, then tugged at Yuan Jun's arm, not wanting to create any rift between them.
These guys are childhood friends. For the past two years or so, without parents to guide them, they've all hung out together and have developed a deep bond.
He also knew why Yuan Jun was angry; it was simply because he was dissatisfied with Zhong Yuemin's single-minded pursuit of Zhou Xiaobai, which even led to the neglect of their brotherhood.
Take the supply chain as an example. Zhong Yuemin and his team worked hard for more than a year, but in order to compete with Zhang Haiyang, he took the money from them and bought a car.
The cheapest Red Star Antelope car cost five or six thousand yuan back then, and they didn't achieve much in sales, so they took away almost all the money they earned.
It's said that brothers should be together and not care about money, but in the end, it's all thanks to everyone's hard work and dedication.
It would be one thing if Zhong Yuemin spent his own money or if everyone ate and drank together, but he completely ruined the car for Zhou Xiaobai.
Now look what happened: Zhou Xiaobai didn't win her over, but she got the notice to go to the countryside.
All three were the same; I asked the staff at the street corner a few days ago, and they delivered them to my home today.
Not going? They have no right to choose.
Our living expenses are all in the hands of the management committee. If they try to force us, we'll starve to death.
Besides, even if they don't think about themselves, they should at least think about their parents.
They're already reflecting on their mistakes inside; if they cause trouble outside, wouldn't that just add to their parents' burden? It's one thing to be busy, but how could they bear to harm their parents? After all, they're not children anymore.
So they have to go to the countryside, and they also have to get rid of the car they bought with their pooled funds.
Recently, Zhong Yuemin has been busy with two things: finding out who is willing to buy his car and keeping track of where Zhou Xiaobai has gone.
Selling a car can't be rushed. Even if time is tight, you have to take your time, otherwise you'll lose a fortune.
But no matter how much they try to hold on, people already know their situation. In the end, they won't be able to sell the car for a high price, and they're bound to lose a lot of money.
You can't blame Zhong Yuemin for this; they were brothers after all.
However, Yuan Jun was very unhappy about keeping an eye on Zhou Xiaobai.
If it works out, great; if not, so be it. Why be so wishy-washy and indecisive?
Zhong Yuemin's desire to date Zhou Xiaobai was inherently ulterior motives. While it might be understandable that he was initially attracted to her at first sight, they later learned about each other's circumstances.
Yuan Jun had heard Zhong Yuemin say that chasing after Zhou Xiaobai was not the goal; getting Zhou Xiaobai was his future.
As for what his future is...
He said such shameless things, and he felt really guilty even though he went to help keep an eye on them.
So Yuan Jun was also very angry. This time, Zhong Yuemin asked him to keep an eye on Zhang Haiyang to see if they had succeeded. He was going crazy.
"It seems we need to sell this car as soon as possible," Zhong Yuemin said after thinking for a while.
Zheng Tong looked at him and asked, "Didn't you say you'd wait a little longer?"
Yuan Jun stepped aside, annoyed by Zhong Yuemin's words, which sounded rather harsh to him.
What do you mean by "our car"?
So when you bought the car you said you were borrowing it, but when you use it you treat it like your own.
Now that we're losing money, it's our fault. Are you expecting us brothers to shoulder the losses for you?
In fact, Yuan Jun did not deliberately provoke him, nor did he harbor resentment or sever ties with him.
Rather, he felt that Zhong Yuemin didn't value them. At least after Zhou Xiaobai appeared, his brothers had become less important to him.
Even if the car sold for a high price, where would Zhong Yuemin get the money to pay them back?
Even if you divide the money from selling the car among yourself, it wouldn't be enough to cover all the losses.
Yuan Jun didn't care whether he could get the money back or not; he only cared about this matter.
Zhong Yuemin finally realized that Yuan Jun was angry, but there was nothing he could do. He thought Yuan Jun was petty and felt sorry that he couldn't repay the money.
“People are feeling uneasy lately. A lot of people bought cars last year, and now that they're all rushing to sell them, it's bound to cause price fluctuations.”
He offered his analysis: "Furthermore, this car is the first generation of the Antelope. I heard that the second generation is about to be launched, so this car will be even less valuable."
As he said this, he reached out and stroked the car body with a pained expression, saying, "I really hate to part with it. We could have used it to build a business. It's a pity, but things are beyond our control."
"But don't worry, this money, no matter how much it is, is something I owe you."
Zhong Yuemin finally said it out loud, "I'll give you whatever price the car is worth first..."
"Yuemin, is there any point in saying that?" Zheng Tong was also a little annoyed, looking at him and saying, "Who asked you for the fare!"
Yuan Jun also turned his head and stared at him, his eyes filled with disappointed anger.
"This money should have been returned to you anyway; I was greedy." Zhong Yuemin looked up at the clear blue sky, shook his head slightly, and said, "Greed is in the eye of the beholder."
"Zhou Xiaobai left yesterday."
Yuan Jun suddenly said, "I don't know which unit they went to, but they must have left."
"How did you know?" Zhong Yuemin suddenly looked at him, his eyes full of suspicion.
Yuan Jun suddenly felt that brotherhood was meaningless, and turned his head to say, "My dad has already pulled some strings for me, and I'm on the train tomorrow."
After saying that, he ignored the surprised looks of the others and walked away.
Zhong Yuemin ultimately couldn't swallow his pride and pursue his brother; all he could think about was whether Zhou Xiaobai was heartbroken at that moment.
After all, the supply chain was so large, and it must have been incredibly painful for it to collapse in an instant.
The situation was pretty much as he had expected. Shunfeng Trading was put on the table, and Zhou Zhennan certainly wouldn't allow his daughter to continue working.
However, he did not hold a grudge against Li Xuewu. It was just that making this decision also represented his dissatisfaction, that he was dissatisfied with Li Xuewu for not protecting Zhou Xiaobai.
If he knew Li Xuewu was doing it on purpose...
-
Li Xuewu knew that Zhou Xiaobai was leaving, and she was looking forward to him seeing her off at the train station, but Li Xuewu didn't have the guts.
What if Zhou Zhennan and his wife suddenly decide to see her off? How should they inform them then?
However, the day before her departure, Li Xuewu still had a meal with her at the club and went to the guesthouse to bid her farewell... Three hours later, he finally calmed Zhou Xiaobai's tears and reluctance.
Zhou Xiaobai was naturally reluctant to part with Li Xuewu, and even more reluctant to leave life in the capital.
If things had gone according to plan, she could have used her position at Jinmen Commerce to avoid being sent to the countryside. But things are unpredictable, and Jinmen Commerce had already ceased operations.
Yang Zhao remained in Tianjin, but Teacher Wu had already come to Beijing, and she knew this.
Li Xuewu comforted her, saying that she would continue to receive pocket money and that he would send her money every month.
Zhou Xiaobai was indeed reluctant to part with the pocket money, but what she was even more reluctant to part with was the connection she was involved in.
Being able to work at Tianjin Commerce and Trade means that he has become connected with his career.
Living a happy life with his money is all about showing off your youthful energy and vitality when you're together, so he can be happy too.
The purpose of two people being together is to be happy. If it's not for happiness, then what is it for—marriage? She wouldn't even dare to think about that.
If the comfortable life was earned through work, Zhou Xiaobai could justifiably rely on him.
But now he needs to give himself pocket money to continue supporting himself; ultimately, he can't get over that hurdle in his heart.
However, Zhou Xiaobai did not refuse his kindness, but she had already decided not to spend the money. She would return the money to him after they had both calmed down and forgotten about that day.
This was her little scheme. If Li Xuewu had truly forgotten him, wouldn't giving him the money again move him?
Zhou Xiaobai couldn't let go of his father's feelings. He preferred to follow his father's wishes and arrangements to join the army rather than cause him trouble and incur his father's anger.
If love between two people is meant to last, why should they be together every day and night? If you really miss him, just take leave and come back. Once you've tasted his flesh, how can you bear to leave him?
Zhong Yuemin and Zhang Haiyang's guesses and worries were not wrong; Zhou Xiaobai was indeed very sad. However, she did not shed any tears on the day she boarded the train.
The night before, I was kicked so badly that my reluctance to leave had subsided considerably. However, I didn't miss my parents as much.
Her parents are both in the military, and the family rarely gets to be together. Now that she's joining the army, they might see each other even more often in the future.
It was a brief farewell; every day, the train station sees off a large number of young people, and she became one of them.
Over the years, she has finally grown up, matured, and seen too much of the dazzling world.
I didn't have time to say goodbye to Teacher Wu, nor did I have time to say hello to my friends in the club, and I neglected my best friend Luo Yun.
As for the people in the supply chain, she never intended to meet them.
Since Shunfeng Trading is over, let those people go with the wind.
The only thing she couldn't let go of was her decision in her heart: she only hoped that her beloved would have everything go well. Even if things had changed when she returned to the capital, she hoped he would be there waiting for her.
-
January 11th, Saturday.
As it was nearing the end of the workday, Wang Lu delivered the completed manuscript to Li Xuewu's desk.
"Isn't it too easy?"
She glanced at Li Xuewu and whispered a reminder, "I also listen to the Red Star Interview program. People being interviewed there love to go on and on, talking non-stop. Your manuscript..."
"It's just an outline; there's no guarantee of accuracy in an interview," Li Xuewu said, looking at the manuscript in his hand without even looking up. "It might even go astray."
"No way, Yu Haitang is quite capable," Wang Lu said with a smile. "You should be careful, this is a live broadcast."
"Hehe, afraid I'd mess up?" Li Xuewu said with a light laugh, "Then why didn't you remind me sooner? I wouldn't have taken this job."
"If my advice works for you."
Wang Lu rolled her eyes and said with a smile, "Besides, if I advised you not to participate in this program, Yu Haitang would make an enemy of me. She's been hoping you'd go."
"What? You know each other too?"
Li Xuewu then realized that Wang Lu seemed quite familiar with Haitang in her words.
"What kind of tone is that?" Wang Lu said, amused and helpless. "It's as if it's strange that I know her. Are you blaming me?"
"You're overthinking it, I was just asking casually." Li Xuewu shook his head with a smile and said, "I didn't expect you to have such good interpersonal skills. I should have arranged for you to work in the Foreign Affairs Office."
"You're wasting your talent, aren't you? Hehehe—"
Wang Lu, who was always very lively, laughed for a while before saying, "I am your secretary. Who in this organization doesn't know me?"
"On the contrary, how could I not know someone I've ever dealt with?"
"Then will you stay a few hours longer off work and come with me to the radio station?"
Li Xuewu put down the manuscript in his hand, smiled and looked at her, saying, "With you as an acquaintance here, she won't make things difficult for me."
"You need someone to help you out, right?"
Wang Lu rolled her eyes at him and said, "With your looks, who would dare to make things difficult for you?"
"Go and tell Ya Jun."
Li Xuewu smiled, not taking her teasing to heart, and said, "If he can leave work on time, he can come over together. I'll treat you two to dinner later."
"Then I want to eat Yu Jia Ao—"
When it comes to food, Wang Lu seems to have suddenly figured it out, and she starts ordering dishes by picking through the menu with her fingers.
Li Xuewu tapped the table with his pen, reminding her, "It'll be past eight o'clock when the interview ends. Are you sure you can still get seafood?"
"Ah? What should we do?"
Wang Lu then realized what was happening and asked somewhat dejectedly, "So, the only option is to go eat at Qinyuanchun?"
"Are you trying to squeeze every last drop of starch out of a toad?" Li Xuewu picked up his teacup and said, "Qinyuanchun is too far away, too much trouble. Let's go to the guesthouse and have some grilled fish, it's closer."
"You don't eat grilled fish—"
Wang Lu smiled, leaned closer to the desk, and whispered, "The leaders of the Ministry of Machine Building spoke with Director Li. Was it about you?"
Seeing Li Xuewu raise an eyebrow at her, Wang Lu stood up and smiled, "I guessed it myself; no one's spreading rumors. Isn't that a good thing?"
"So, just because something good happens, I have to treat you to a good meal?" Li Xuewu didn't explain Wang Lu's question, but instead smiled and pointed at her, saying, "If you can manage to book a table at nine o'clock, then I'll go with you, and we'll eat in the city."
"You're not being sincere at all!" Wang Lu pouted.
-
P.S.: Don't be offended, I'm currently renovating my house, and I'm completely overwhelmed and don't know where to start. It's an unfurnished apartment, and I'm struggling to figure out how to design it. It's so frustrating.
I will definitely make up for the missing stamp; I won't forget.
(End of this chapter)