Men and women eating in the courtyard

“Can you tell me about the planning of this project?”

After listening to Li Xuewu's introduction to Tantu, Bao Peigang felt a little itchy.

I have cooperated with Red Star Factory on several projects. I can’t say I know everything about it, but I know it pretty well.

Dongcheng Credit Union had a limited investment credit line each year, and most of it was invested in the Red Star Factory project.

Of course, he is not a fool. He knows very well which projects can be invested in and which projects cannot be invested in.

The reason why he invested in the Cooperative United Savings Bank was that he saw the core purpose and role of the bank.

In the intermediate environment of abolishing the ministry's planned fund management, the last barrier between planned production and fund allocation was broken, and at the same time, it was connected with Hongcheng Investment Bank to operate foreign exchange funds.

Relatively speaking, with nearly 100,000 employees, hundreds of thousands of potential joint savings customers do not seem very important.

Combined with the cash circulation speed of the Trade Management Center and the business community established by Red Star Factory in Liangmahe Industrial Zone.

It can only be said that outsiders see the bank, but as a credit union manager, he sees the faucet.

This is a switch that controls the speed of economic development of the Red Star Factory. Not to mention investing several million, he would have to invest even ten million.

Investing in several projects of Red Star Factory now is equivalent to catching the express train of Red Star Factory's group development.

The future is still unclear, but within five years, the investment in Red Star Factory will definitely be the credit union’s most significant achievement.

Didn’t someone say that choice is important?

After establishing a cooperative foundation, the credit union also became the preferred customer for financing Red Star Factory's development projects.

As for the credit union, the only difference between investing with your eyes closed and investing in Red Star Factory is whether you make a big profit or a small profit. Do you think they will invest or not?

For a long time in the future, Dongcheng Credit Union will not have to look for credit investment channels. It will be a sure win by following the Red Star Factory.

Just now, Li Xuewu briefly introduced the design plan of Tundra, as well as the achievements and progress made so far.

Well, as an outsider, he doesn't understand automobile design. Last time, the Red Star Factory came to report on the progress of cooperation to them, he was completely confused. He had to make up for it after returning.

Bao Peigang later summed up the rules and found that this kind of professional business knowledge does not require deliberate exploration and calculation.

We just need to determine which market the Red Star Factory's project is targeting, whether it can be done, and how long it will take to do it.

They only need to study whether the product has sales prospects in the domestic or foreign trade markets.

Once you grasp these tricks, all that remains is to talk about money without hurting feelings.

Although Li Xuewu's words were vague, Bao Peigang knew that he was here to discuss the project and really didn't come for money.

Red Star Factory should have no shortage of financing channels for projects like this.

Because the net caught at the end of 1967 was enough to shock all the banks and credit institutions with investment qualifications in the capital and even in the financial system.

Twenty-five million, ten months, net profit of more than thirty million.

Li Xuewu only needed to shout out in the newspaper on behalf of the Red Star Factory, saying that we have a project with particularly good prospects and are preparing to do foreign trade exports, and ask if there is anyone willing to cooperate and invest.

Thinking about it this way, Li Xuewu was able to reveal the news to him in advance because of their good personal relationship.

Because they were familiar with each other, Bao Peigang did not hide anything and asked whatever he thought of.

“You should be able to understand our factory’s definition and planning for the development of the automotive industry, especially jeeps.”

Li Xuewu hesitated for a moment, then pretended to be hesitant and said, "In other words, you should know who our opponent is."

“Uh—” Bao Peigang was stunned, then he nodded with a helpless smile and said, “I understand a little bit, a little bit.”

In fact, it’s not that I understand it a little, it’s that I understand it too well.

He knew very well that Red Star Factory dreamed of defeating Beijing Automobile and obtaining the purchase order belonging to 212.

"Our factory conducted a detailed investigation and research on the market impact and product positioning of competing products and came to a conclusion."

Li Xuewu said seriously: "That is because the competitor is too balanced and has no outstanding performance."

"Even if there are several variations of the production, the core system remains unchanged."

"Well, I understand—"

Bao Peigang listened to Li Xuewu telling him about the marketing strategy of Red Star Factory for Beijing Automobile 212, and he became serious for once.

He nodded and agreed: "The more balanced, the more mediocre."

“That’s exactly the truth!”

Li Xuewu pointed his finger and said, "Competitors are only pursuing data balance and want to meet all environmental needs."

"it's out of the question."

Bao Peigang already knew the answer without Li Xuewu asking.

He said with understanding: "Even a layman like me knows that professional matters should be left to professionals."

"A hoe cannot turn the soil, and a rooster cannot lay eggs."

“That’s where we’re going to start.”

Li Xuewu smiled slightly and followed his words: "We can't confront the other party head-on. This would be a waste of resources."

"Well, that's true."

Bao Peigang nodded in agreement and said, "The higher-ups will not allow two jeeps of the same type to compete with each other."

This is true, because neither domestic steel resources nor automobile parts production capacity are allowed to be wasted due to competition.

"So we need to refine the market and segment the products."

Li Xuewu concluded: "They are all-rounders, and we are professional, and we can completely crush them in the professional field."

He used the matchbox at hand to mold the approximate shape of Tandu, and used matches to light several key positions on the matchbox to make a comparative interpretation, especially in terms of professionalism, which far surpassed 212.

"Why do we need to make military vehicles? This question has been an unavoidable contradiction since the early days of the automobile industry."

Li Xuewu said frankly: "The domestic civilian automobile market is not very good at present. If we want to develop and survive, designing and producing military vehicles is the only way, and it is also a hot-selling product in foreign trade."

"You should have heard that our factory's Antelope engineering jeep received a large order from abroad."

"Yeah, I heard from your Director Li."

Bao Peigang really wanted to say that he heard it from your Director Li.

The same goes for Old Li. A dog's stomach can't hold two ounces of oil, so as soon as he has some achievements he has to brag about them.

Of course, the Red Star Factory is about to be promoted and is looking forward to groupization. In addition to people like them who are good at doing their jobs, there must also be someone like Lao Li who is good at giving PPT presentations (bragging).

“There will be merchants from Southeast Asia and Africa coming to inspect in the near future.”

Li Xuewu nodded and said seriously: "They are studying with the Yangcheng organization now and will arrive after the New Year."

"One of the key areas of this part of the away purchases is the Antelope, especially in Africa, you know why."

"Well, I understand a little bit—"

Bao Peigang lit a cigarette for himself and smoked it hard. He felt a little panicked inside, thinking that the investment quota for this year was not enough.

Just by looking at Li Xuewu's mention of customer purchases, we knew that the Tantu, a light-duty all-terrain transport vehicle, would become a secret weapon.

Even the Antelope can sell so well, let alone a professional jeep designed for military use.

"Lightweight combat, motorized troops, and specialized equipment," Li Xuewu said, pinching three fingers. "Metal-roofed jeeps that cost US$2,000 each are the first choice to achieve this goal."

"If we increase the purchase volume, remove the metal roof and non-essential kits, we can reduce the price to 1,300 US dollars. The Russians' GAZ-69 is enough to buy ten Antelopes. Why should they compete with us for the market?"

"If we can open up the jeep market, we can open up the foreign trade market for motorcycles."

Li Xuewu used matchboxes, cigarette boxes and ashtrays to simulate the attack and defense of combat equipment.

Including light weapons, jeeps, helicopters, etc. that the Red Star Factory can provide.

"They have enough equipment like this in Africa. I think it's too advanced."

Li Xuewu explained with a smile: "Motorcycles, light jeeps, heavy jeeps, light armored patrol vehicles, helicopters."

"Our Hardware Industry Weapon Factory in Gangcheng has recently been in contact with the Light Weaponry Institute to prepare for OEM production of light weaponry."

He counted on his fingers and introduced: "Like light and heavy machine guns, automatic rifles and semi-automatic rifles, mortars, flamethrowers, etc., which can be regarded as a supplement to the hardware industry."

"As a weapons supplier?"

Bao Peigang frowned and said, "Will this add restrictions to your factory's foreign trade business?"

"Supplier of light military weapons."

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Our factory only does trade matching. Who knows that it is made in our factory?"

"These light weapons cannot be carried by people, so there must be a suitable means of transportation, right?"

He chuckled and said, "Tandu is an all-terrain vehicle designed by our factory specifically for this purpose."

"This thing has a simple structure, is cheap to manufacture, and has extremely high profits from industrial output. Our factory doesn't mind making some easy money."

"Well, if you put it that way—"

Bao Peigang nodded and said, "It is really necessary to have such a military transportation tool."

"No rush, just a casual chat."

Li Xuewu smiled and put down the matchbox in his hand, ending the topic. "Just keep it to yourself, don't tell anyone."

"You know our factory's business. We won't show off if we don't have certain things. That's why you asked today."

He stood up and said, "Okay, that's enough for today. I have to go to the next one. I wish you a happy new year."

"Hey, I can't leave—"

Bao Peigang grabbed him and insisted, "It's time for dinner. If you want to leave, don't slap me in the face."

"Although our canteen chef is not as good as the chefs in your factory, he also has special skills. Let's try it today."

He held Li Xuewu down and refused to let him be polite, and kept emphasizing, "Let's drink and talk more. Tell me more about foreign trade and import and export."

"I don't care about other people's business in the Tantu project, but you have to leave a share of 2 million for our Dongcheng Credit Union!"

——

"Why is it only two million?"

On New Year's Eve, the Red Star Factory was decorated with lights and the atmosphere was warm and orderly, with joy and smiles on the faces of the employees.

The cafeteria had posted a notice a long time ago that five fat pigs would be stewed on each of the two days, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and the dishes would be high in oil.

This has dissipated much of the resentment among employees who were able to go to work as usual on New Year's Eve after work and production suspension were cancelled.

Afterwards, the art propaganda team announced that on New Year's Eve all art performers would go to the workshops and get off work groups to perform.

Make full use of the time for handovers and rest to allow employees to have a festive New Year.

The factory's supply and marketing service department also announced that it will remain open during the Spring Festival and will operate as usual, and will celebrate the Spring Festival as a Monday.

Since the factory workers don’t have holidays, the factory leaders and office cadres can’t take holidays either, and can only take holidays at different times.

After maintaining a certain number of staff on duty, various agencies and departments began to take large numbers of consecutive breaks.

Move Sunday to today, and no one will lose out.

Unfortunately for Li Xuewu, Su Weide had just arrived at the factory and was unable to take charge of the overall security work, so he had to be on duty during the Spring Festival.

If the employees don't have holidays, the security and fire departments can't have holidays either, and they are even busier than usual.

After inspecting the work at the fire brigade, Li Xuewu pasted Spring Festival couplets with the firefighters and then went to the agency for an inspection.

She happened to meet Jing Yunong who was also on duty. When she heard that Li Xuewu had withdrawn two million yuan from the credit union as special funds for the project, she started complaining.

"Two million is not a small amount. How much is a large amount?"

Li Xuewu said with amusement and helplessness: "Do you think this is the motorcycle industry or the car industry?"

Motorcycles are cheap and widely sold, and in order to build scale and productivity, Dongcheng Credit Union made a profit by investing five million yuan.

Cars are also cheap and are supplied to the foreign trade market. The introduction of English technology has an absolute profit guarantee, so investing another five million will not be a loss.

Both of these investments are long-term holdings, not short-term, quick wins.

"It's impossible to say that the Tantu project has no clues, but I don't have much confidence either."

Li Xuewu scratched his head and said, "It's still a bit difficult to catch up with 212's data. It's not easy to lead or even surpass an era in a professional field."

"It will take at least two to three years to catch up."

He glanced at the office and saw that Li Xue was not there, so he became more casual and said softly, "These projects are all patches."

"I know you are cheating me."

Jing Yunong crossed his right leg, held the teacup and said, "From the beginning I didn't believe you would let the credit union take the money."

"What are you talking about? I'm a bandit!"

Li Xuewu glanced at her with dissatisfaction and said, "This is called extending the expectation of return on investment. I am doing this for their own good."

"Well, keep fooling around, and keep fooling around."

Jing Yunong shook his calves, curled his lips and said, "If you can turn white into black, I will believe it."

"You think too highly of me—"

Li Xuewu just felt that times have changed. Is there no trust between people anymore?

"I can guarantee that the credit union's investment in the motorcycle industry will pay off within three years, and the investment in the car industry will pay off within five years. This is a fact that they also agree with."

"And then?" Jing Yunong reminded him with amusement and anger: "How long will it take for your aircraft project to pay off?"

“The prospects for the aircraft project are particularly good.”

Li Xuewu did not mention how long it would take for the aircraft industry to recover its investment, but instead emphasized the future development of the project.

"Well, the motorcycle industry made them big money, the car industry made them small money, and then all the money went to the aircraft industry."

Jing Yunong rolled his eyes at him and said, "So after calculating the investment in all three projects, the capital has been lost, right?"

"You don't plan to see Bao Peigang anymore?"

"If so, he should thank me."

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "I have 20 to 30 million investment credits in my hand. I can give it to anyone."

"If he fails to meet the industrial support target this year, he will have to leave next year. Look how secure his position is now."

"Yeah, it's really stable. I'll be able to sit here for the rest of my life."

Jing Yunong asked with a smile on his face, "What about the Tantu project this time? Have you found your conscience?"

"So, if I stay with you, I will become a heartless person?"

Li Xuewu glanced at her and said with a double meaning: "In cooperation, there must be give and take, and there must be input and output."

Jing Yunong could tell that there was something else behind his words, so he rolled his eyes, twitched the corners of his mouth, and refused to respond.

She knew that after this sentence, there would be many more to come, and in the end she would have to ignore them and let the other party take advantage of her.

"Two million is enough to support the Tundra until it goes into production. We don't need to build a new production line. We can just share one with the Antelope."

Li Xuewu tapped his knees with his fingers and said, "Even if the aircraft project is far from profitable, there is still some hope on the way. Bao Peigang won't do anything to me."

"You're just focusing on plucking the wool from one sheep?"

Jing Yunong put down his teacup, glanced at him and said, "This is not conducive to the diversity of funds and the development of the project."

"I know, it's not something we're talking about."

Li Xuewu moved closer to her and said in a low voice: "The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is interested in our foreign trade..."

"Don't do anything stupid, are you going to trick them?"

——

"Happy New Year, Deputy Director Su."

Li Xuewu came out of Jing Yunong's office, ignoring Li Xue's strange and suspicious look, and greeted Su Weide who was passing by.

Su Weide also smiled and nodded, and replied: "Happy New Year, Comrade Xuewu."

"I saw you at the gate when I came."

He waited for Li Xuewu for a step, and then walked downstairs together, saying as he walked: "How is the situation, is it all right?"

"Well, it's mainly about maintaining stability."

After Li Xuewu responded, he took the initiative to report: "All departments of the security team have arranged assistance and squatting."

"It mainly deals with special situations such as firefighting, public security, security, and confidentiality during the Spring Festival."

"Well, you are an old guard, I feel relieved."

Su Weide nodded and said, "I'm still familiar with the business, so I might not be able to go down for a look until later."

"Please take care of it during this period. We can communicate more if there is any situation."

"You're so kind. I should do it."

Facing Su Weide's knock, Li Xuewu smiled and said, "I will be at work during the two days of the Spring Festival. If you have anything, just call me. You're welcome."

Su Wei De did not treat him as a subordinate, and he did not treat Su Wei De as a leader.

One is poor and the other is poor and arrogant. These two guys just happen to be together.

While going down the stairs, Su Weide asked again about the situation he had learned in the past few days, as well as the key and difficult points in various tasks.

Li Xuewu did not make things difficult for him. Apart from being neither humble nor arrogant in his attitude and not giving an inch, he was also very open and honest in his work.

Li Xuewu introduced to him whatever he wanted to know, without any disguise or hiding.

This was also the first round of close combat between the two men, with each having its wins and losses. Overall, it is still in the exploratory stage.

Su Weide looked at Li Xuewu with an attitude of "there are always villains who want to harm me", and Li Xuewu responded with an attitude of "bitches are just pretentious". To sum up, both of them are not good people.

"After the promotion, the construction plan for the security team's main office has been made, right?" Su Weide said as they went down to the lobby on the first floor: "If it's convenient, show it to me. I haven't had time to participate in the planning."

"No problem. It was decided at the beginning of last year. If you have any comments or suggestions, let me know and I will submit a request for revision."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Tell Gu Cheng to come to my place and ask Peng Xiaoli for it. It's in the archives."

"Or you can get it from the archives of the agency. There are also corresponding reprints here for your reference."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work—"

Su Weide smiled and nodded, and asked casually, "Is it not too much trouble if I make some revisions?"

"No trouble," Li Xuewu replied with a nonchalant smile, "Just report to Beijing Industry and the First Ministry of Machine Building to review the groupization plan. It will probably be completed in about a year."

"...Haha, okay, that's it."

The smile on Su Wei De's face became a little more stiff, but he still managed it well.

But after shaking hands with Li Xuewu and saying goodbye, the smile disappeared the moment he turned around, but was still seen by Gu Cheng who was following behind.

He and Peng Xiaoli looked at each other and saw the helplessness and distress in each other's eyes.

The leadership's confrontation was sudden and unexpected, and it was a real fight of swords and fists.

Listen to what Team Leader Li said. He just punched Su Weide in the liver. What else can he say?

But it's also Su Weide's fault. He deserved to be beaten. He was really bored. How could he test Li Xuewu in such a way?

It is understandable that he wants to look at the construction plans of the large and small departments of the security group during the groupization process. This is his right and obligation.

However, Li Xuewu sensed something else in his tone, so he set a trap at the right time.

Gu Cheng often hung out in Peng Xiaoli's office and had some knowledge of these things. He never expected that Su Weide would actually jump.

Think about it, what kind of person is Li Xuewu?

If you are willing to die, he will be willing to bury you.

Su Weide kept testing Li Xuewu's bottom line over and over again, which annoyed Li Xuewu.

How could he not dig a hole after hearing his tone? Su Weide jumped into it and was almost suffocated to death by the step he received.

When I ask you for your opinions and suggestions, do you dare to make changes?

This was the plan made by Li Xuewu, which was submitted to the group's organizational structure review team at the time for review and approval.

The review team consists of more than 30 cadres and experts, as well as senior human resources and organizational personnel, but they are not as good as you, Su Wei De?

Oh, now you say to revise it and then revise it, then do you still want to save the face of Li Xuewu and Dong Wenxue?

As soon as he got here, he overturned his ex's desk and corrected his ex's homework. This is not a test, but a direct provocation.

Li Xuewu's punch was very powerful. It was okay to change the plan, so it should be submitted to the Beijing Industry and First Machine Ministry for review again.

During the review period, the groupization process will naturally have to be recalculated, which means a delay of one year or so.

If Su Weide really wanted to do this, Li Huaide would chase him with a stick and beat him up. It would be strange if he didn't beat him to death.

When gods fight, the devils suffer.

The two leaders were at loggerheads with each other, which made life difficult for Peng Xiaoli and Gu Cheng, the two brothers in distress.

——

"Happy New Year, Comrade Ma Jun!"

"Happy New Year, Comrade Xuewu!"

"Hahaha--"

…

In the club, the atmosphere was really intense, even though it wasn't completely dark yet.

Li Xuewu clearly remembers the faces of every classmate when the club was formed, there were no more than sixty people.

Counting the development this year, there were less than sixty people gathered in the restaurant.

Where has the time gone?

Where have all the people gone?

Some people were transferred to other places, such as Secretary-General Zhou Zhengquan, who was transferred to a certain city. When he left, he threatened that he would not come back if he couldn't do well.

His situation is special, and he can't come back if he doesn't do well.

How can I appease my father-in-law's anger if I don't bring him back with a handful of gold after stabbing him in the back?

Besides, this fellow had been a rebel for a long time, and the stab in the back was more premeditated than a coincidence.

Let’s not talk about Zhou Zhengquan’s character for now, just say that his ruthlessness was truly influenced by Li Xuewu.

There are many other people who were also influenced by Li Xuewu, such as Wang Zheng, Huang Gan and Wang Xiaoqin.

I didn't have much contact with him, but we were all classmates. There were about ten or twenty of them who had gone out, or who had not gone out but could never come back, or who could not come.

The reason why the data is so vague is that some people have no news and even their families have disappeared, making it impossible to determine.

Yu Li discovered this when she was communicating with Wang Zheng about assistance information, and she also specifically asked Li Xuewu where all the people had gone.

What does Li Xuewu say?

He couldn't answer it, and even if he knew it he didn't dare to answer it.

Everybody gathered together, looked left and right, and old friends made their own orders. There were more than twenty people in total, so it took four tables to get there, not to mention the comrades from the management office.

It's a new year and a new beginning, and I'm in a good mood, but today the more I drink, the sadder I feel. The atmosphere started to decline after three glasses of wine.

Li Xuewu understood everyone's feelings very well, so he said as many auspicious words as possible when wishing a happy new year. Today, he tried not to talk about work, but talked about family, children, and the new activities that the club had added during the New Year.

Red Star Factory distributed gifts to its partners, but the club did a better job than Red Star Factory, and Yu Li was more thoughtful than Fan Hua.

She not only mailed New Year gifts to various offices and branches, but also mailed gifts to members far away in various parts of the motherland.

A bright red scarf, New Year's couplets, and a full set of new membership equipment, one set for every person who can be contacted.

Today, everyone in the restaurant had new clothes and a new look, but by the end of the drink, they were all crying and snotting.

It’s 1968, and it’s the New Year!

Everyone patted each other on the shoulders, congratulated each other, cheered, and felt fortunate that they could still attend the New Year party.

The number of members is decreasing year by year. From the beginning of 1966 to the end of 1967, the number of members coming to the club for exercise and training has decreased.

During this period, Li Xuewu, Wang Xiaoqin and others were also very cautious and did not dare to recruit new members without understanding the situation.

We just brought in friends at work and relatives and friends we are particularly close to, and it can be considered a new force.

Of course, the standards are set very high, and they can only recruit people of the same level as their employees.

Wang Xiaoqin's son Zhang Shuangqing took a group of boys and ran around the yard, lighting a few firecrackers from time to time, which made a clanging sound.

The banquet ended before eight o'clock in the evening. When Wang Xiaoqin and others came out of the restaurant with red faces and reeking of alcohol, they were frightened by a few children playing pranks.

“Hahahaha – Mom –”

Zhang Shuangqing was just smiling smugly, but when he saw his mother coming over, he ran away in fear.

Wang Xiaoqin stood at the entrance of the restaurant and scolded her son. When she saw Li Xuewu coming out from the backyard, she asked, "You disappeared halfway through the drinking. What were you doing? Do you still need to hide from alcohol?"

"Why am I hiding from the wine? I went to see the waiters who stayed behind," Li Xuewu said with a smile, "Most of them have left tonight, so I have to give them a few words of advice."

"You're really not busy enough—"

Wang Xiaoqin glanced at Yu Li who followed a few steps behind her, and her eyes almost rolled back.

"We are leaving now. You should get busy. You have worked hard for a year."

No one knew who she said this to. Li Xuewu wanted to help her but she waved her hand to refuse and climbed into the car unsteadily.

Zhao Laosi finished his meal early and confirmed in the parking lot one by one that all the leaders who came to participate in the event today had left.

Some leaders came with their families for fear of missing anyone.

During the Chinese New Year, if a child is lost again, like Wang Xiaoqin, it was Yu Li who found the child and put her in the car.

"I drank a little too much today, so I won't talk anymore. Let's talk later."

Huang Gan's mind was clear, but his mouth couldn't keep up with the rhythm. He said a lot of gibberish but no one could make out what he was saying.

Wang Zheng's face turned red from drinking. She pushed her brother hard into the car. They lived in the same compound, so it was just the right way back.

Many people did not bring drivers today, and there is no such thing as drunk driving these days, but the club still thoughtfully prepared cars.

The drivers on duty sent the cars back one by one, and the cars they brought were left at the club.

Whether the annual membership fee is worth it will be reflected at this time, including the food and benefits.

"Aren't you going back? Come spend the New Year with me here."

The satisfied Yu Li also blushed. Although she didn't drink any alcohol, she was full of energy and looked radiant.

"You won't come back with me?"

Li Xuewu got on the car and looked at Yu Li who was still standing beside the car and asked, "Aren't you going back to the compound to celebrate the New Year?"

"If I don't go back, my New Year is over."

Yu Li smiled and pointed in the direction of the restaurant, saying, "We are short-staffed today, and I am worried about them if I leave."

"Okay, whatever you want—"

Li Xuewu nodded, reminded everyone to be careful, and closed the car door.

Seeing that Zhao Laosi had already opened the gate, he drove the command vehicle out and threw a bag of cigarettes to him when passing by.

Zhao Laosi saluted happily, and only closed the door after the car left.

Li Xuewu's car was turning inward, and he could see it clearly.

He might have guessed where he was going, but he couldn't gossip about such things even if he was beaten to death.

When I turned around, Yu Li had already gone to the restaurant, and I didn't know whether she saw him or not.

Li Xuewu did not avoid her. She knew it without having to guess. There was no need to guard against Yu Li in this matter.

Tong Huimei and her friend arrived at the club earlier than her. Why did she have to ask why two grown girls were here?

However, Li Xuewu did not have enough energy to continue fighting. When he was drinking in the evening, he thought of the two of them and came over.

The meat and vegetables packed from the kitchen were still hot, as if they had just come out of the pot. He parked the car, picked them up and jumped into the yard.

I haven't climbed over the wall for a long time and my skills have become rusty.

By the time Tong Huimei saw him, he had already climbed up the stairs.

"ah--"

Jin Jiaojiao noticed her sister's gaze and was almost frightened when she looked towards the door.

"Why are you here?"

"Just look at you guys!"

Li Xuewu smiled and placed the food box in his hand on the square table, motioning to the two of them, "I brought it right out of the pot. It's still hot."

Fortunately, he has some skills, otherwise no matter how fresh the dish is, it would have been cold by the time he brought it here.

Tong Huimei and the other girl were more surprised to see him than to see the meat and vegetables in the lunch box, and they both chattered non-stop.

One served tea, one poured water, one asked about the guests' well-being, and one even ignored the dumplings on the table.

"Hurry up, the noodles will get hard soon."

Li Xuewu smiled and pointed at the square table, and asked, "What's the filling? Do you know how to make dumplings?"

"Look at what you said. You didn't know how to do it before, and now you don't want to learn it—"

Jin Jiaojiao pouted her lips and smiled, standing by the table and skillfully kneading dumplings, saying, "Are you from the club?"

"Then you must not know that we helped make the dumplings you eat tonight."

"Really?" Li Xuewu said with a smile, "I said the dumplings tonight are especially delicious!"

"Hahaha--"

The two of them laughed at Li Xuewu's deliberate praise and were obviously very happy. The atmosphere of self-pity just now disappeared.

"The restaurant is not crowded today, so the chef asked us to go and help, saying that we can eat together so we don't have to come back to pack it."

Tong Huimei was very skilled at rolling the dumpling wrappers, which was much better than the previous situation where the two of them almost starved to death.

This year, she looks much more mature than when Li Xuewu first met her, and even her figure has become much fuller.

One reason is that he has grown up, and the other is that the food is good. Even if he practices martial arts diligently, he can't hide his increasingly plump face.

Li Xuewu always thinks that an oval face is better looking than a melon-seed face.

"The canteen chef saw that we didn't want to stay, so he brought us some dumpling dough and stuffing and told us to come back and make our own dumplings."

Tong Huimei pointed to the bowl of stuffing and said, "It's the same stuffing as the dumplings you're eating tonight."

"It's beef and green onions, and it's mixed with pork. It's very fragrant."

Li Xuewu nodded and commented: "I only ate a few, I couldn't grab them."

"Then let's pack it quickly and you can eat some more."

When Tong Huimei and Jin Jiaojiao heard him say this, they quickened their pace and wanted to keep him to have New Year's Eve dinner with them.

Li Xuewu knew what the two people were thinking, so he went to the door to wash his hands and then helped to wrap them up.

Men and women work together and the work is not tiring. I asked the two about the stage and situation of their performances at the Red Star Theater, and talked about their New Year's wishes and feelings. The pot of dumpling filling was quickly wrapped.

The iron pot was placed on the stove, the hot water was boiling, and Jin Jiaojiao was chattering and making dumplings in a lively manner. Tong Huimei had already prepared soy sauce and vinegar, all for Li Xuewu.

I didn’t know if he eats garlic, but I specially took a few cloves.

Opera singers don’t eat garlic, vinegar, or salty food because they are afraid of hurting their throats, so all this is prepared for them.

Because of his persuasion, the two of them dipped a little bit of soy sauce in it, and both smiled and said it was delicious.

Li Xuewu eats very slowly, so he didn't eat many in the whole meal, which made the two sisters feel embarrassed.

When seeing Li Xuewu off, he also mentioned that if he had known earlier, he would have brought back more noodles and stuffing.

Most of the firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea here were delivered by people arranged by Shen Guodong, and the two of them only bought some seasonal vegetables.

So when Li Xuewu came, he didn't carry cartloads of food to the kitchen, and the two of them didn't eat much either.

It was the canned food produced by the Red Star Factory. Shen Guodong had also sent them here.

When they said goodbye at the door, they were reluctant but sensible enough to wish him a Happy New Year and say auspicious words.

Li Xuewu also responded with auspicious words that he had specially thought of, and then got into the car and left.

Those who are far away cannot be taken care of, and those who are close are lonely and helpless. Even if time is tight, you must take a closer look at them and understand their feelings.

When we returned to the courtyard, it was almost nine o'clock.

We had agreed long ago that we would have the New Year’s Eve dinner later so that we could stay awake as long as possible.

When he got home, the dumplings hadn't been made yet. The family gathered at two tables to coax and hug the children.

At the table on the kang, Li Shun and Liu Yin were playing chess with the old lady and grandfather.

Zhao Yafang, Gu Ning, Ji Yuxiu and Li Xue were playing mahjong on the square table in the room.

Li Xuewen and Li Xuecai became babysitters who looked after and coaxed the children. The three children really spoiled the two brothers.

"dad--"

Li Shu was sweating from making so much noise in the house. When she saw her father come in, she shouted loudly and ran over quickly.

When Li Ning saw him, he uttered a few words and tried to crawl from the kang to his side.

"Watch out, don't drop it!"

Li Shun looked back at him and gave him a special reminder. In his eyes, apart from the playing cards, all he could see was his eldest grandson.

"Why don't you play the King?"

Li Xuewu glanced at the cards in his father's hand and deliberately said, "Hey, two Qs will work too—"

"Tsk—" Li Shun angrily knocked down the cards in his hand, turned around and glared at him. This made everyone in the room laugh.

It's not funny to tease a child, it's funny to stroke a tiger's whiskers.

As the head of the family, you are so majestic, but you were deliberately betrayed by your own son. How angry!

The old lady and Liu Yin laughed the loudest, feeling that after all these years, this year was the happiest yet.

The project on the mountain is progressing smoothly, and Li Shun doesn't have to keep an eye on it all year round.

Although I still have to work in the mountains, I can go home often during my free time.

There was news about the work of the eldest brother and his wife. Although they have not fully recovered yet, it has solved her worries.

The most important thing is that I have two grandsons, the eldest and the second.

Especially the second child's family, with a son and a daughter, they have made a good family.

The second son is learning martial arts and making progress in his career, the daughter-in-law is gentle and sensible, and the family is harmonious. They are the couple they are most relieved about.

Then there is the third child. He just returned to school and went to the hospital for internship. He has matured a lot.

The third brother's girlfriend is doing well at work and their relationship is stable, which saves them a lot of worry.

Finally, there is the youngest, Li Xue. Compared to last year, she has made great progress and changes, especially in her personality, which has become much more mature.

It’s Chinese New Year, and the whole family gathers together happily to celebrate the Spring Festival.

Although the old lady and grandfather are one year older, they are in good health, have many children and grandchildren, and are very happy.

She and Li Shun are also one year older, but they have a happy family, filial children, and live a happy life.

The children are one year older, more mature and stable, successful in their studies, advancing in their careers, and have a happy family.

The granddaughter and grandsons have grown one year older, are learning to speak, and are full of joy. They are the strong hope of the family and the hope of the whole family.

"This is the last round. Let's go downstairs and make dumplings after we finish playing!"

——

PS: Age of the Li family

The Liu family’s grandmother is 60 years old and the Li family’s grandmother is 59 years old.

Li Shun is 44 years old and Liu Yin is 43 years old.

Li Xuewen is 25 years old and Zhao Yafang is 25 years old.

Li Xuewu is 22 years old and Gu Ning is 25 years old.

Li Xuecai is 20 years old and Ji Yuxiu is 21 years old.

Li Xue is 18 years old and Li Shu is 3 years old.

Li Tang is 1 year old, Li Ning is 1 year old.