sbdcsierra Chapter 1377 Carrying on the Past and Ushering in the Future
Chapter 1377 Carrying on the Past and Ushering in the Future
Chapter 1377 Carrying on the Past and Ushering in the Future
What's the situation with the new leader?
"Little Ma, you don't even know this?"
Seeing the young man's confusion, Old Zhang in the office raised an eyebrow and whispered a reminder: "It's the group's leadership."
"Group leaders? They're not here to deliver..."
The young man's name is Ma Baosen. He has only been working for a short time and is one of the last batch of high school graduates recruited by the group.
I've only been working here for a month. Last December, the higher authorities issued a call for middle school students to go to the countryside for training, and the group's organization and personnel department arranged the last recruitment drive.
The main target of this recruitment drive is high school graduates, and three regions have been identified: Beijing, Gangcheng, and Tianjin, which are also the main office locations of the group.
Director Xu Sinian of Yingcheng Shipyard made a special application to request 500 quotas in order to coordinate relations with the local area.
Ten thousand indicators were consumed in an instant by the tide of the times, and could hardly make any waves.
Yes, the number of young people going to the countryside from the Beijing area alone exceeds several hundred thousand, and that's just a rough estimate.
Ten thousand slots are distributed among several regions on average. Those who can catch this last train to enter the factory either have a strong background or have real talent and skills, and their graduation grades are really good.
Ma Baosen's family had no connections. His father was just an ordinary worker at the Steel City Waterworks, and his mother was unemployed and took care of the household chores. It was all luck that she was able to get a job at the metallurgical plant.
In recent years, his classmates have been organizing activities and participating in sports, but he is the only one who cares about his parents and takes the initiative to help with chores at home.
While working, he didn't neglect his studies, thinking that he might be able to resume university admissions in case things went wrong.
As a result, he didn't get to take the university's reopening exam, but his classmate took him to take the metallurgical plant's recruitment exam, and he actually got accepted.
Moreover, because of his solid foundation in literature, especially in the final essay question of the recruitment exam, although his answer was somewhat superficial, it still showed potential for improvement compared to other candidates.
Sure enough, the metallurgical plant's personnel department directly assigned him to the factory office as a clerk.
Needless to say, in those days, high school graduates entering factories all started as clerks. Especially after 68, many new factory workers did not have their positions or wages determined at all.
Those familiar with this era will know that this trend began after 65 and has become increasingly severe since then. The main reason is the management chaos caused by the lack of a proper personnel management system.
How are salaries paid to newly hired employees who haven't been assigned positions or grades?
Three gears, 3 pieces, 6 pieces, 9 pieces.
This applies not only to the company but also to the workshop; the base salary can be set at three levels.
If you have a good relationship with your boss, you might get an extra 9 yuan on your base salary; if you don't have a good relationship, you might get an extra 3 yuan.
Of course, this situation is impossible within Hongxing Steel Group. This is because the group underwent organizational and personnel reforms two years ago, and its relevant personnel management systems have long been implemented and are operating successfully.
The most influential and far-reaching work that Li Xuewu did during his tenure in the Management Committee Office was the drafting and promotion of reforms to the unit's office and personnel systems.
While other companies have seen instances of workshop workers resorting to violence when dissatisfied with their supervisors' work assignments, Hongxing Steel Group has not experienced such incidents.
For a newbie like Ma Baosen, getting 23 yuan as an internship salary is already a great honor; he doesn't care how much more he gets.
He was also confused, and spent the whole morning busy running errands and answering phone calls, when he heard that a new leader had arrived.
If you ask him who the new leader is, he has absolutely no idea; he himself is still a newcomer.
"Weren't you here to see off the new leader?"
Ma Baosen was stunned for a moment, then looked at his master Zhang Enyuan and asked, "Why do I hear that it's a big leader from the group?"
"Silly boy, the person who's here is none other than the group's top leader." Old Zhang gently patted his apprentice's head, chuckling as he reminded him, "Don't ask those questions."
"I'm telling you, remember that!"
He beckoned to his apprentice to stand next to his desk and whispered, "Our factory's top manager, Director Dong, is also the group's deputy director and the head of our group's industrial leadership team in Liaodong."
“I know that, Master.”
Ma Baosen raised his eyebrows and asked, "Is this person also a leader of the group? What rank is he?"
"Go away—" Old Zhang said irritably, raising his hand to pat his young apprentice, suppressing a laugh as he handed him the teacup beside him, saying, "What 'this one' and 'that one'? Don't talk like that in the future."
"I understand, Master."
Ma Baosen was young but well-behaved. Knowing he had said something wrong again, he obediently took the teacup his master handed him, chuckled, and went to the tea cabinet in the main office to refill his cup with hot water before returning.
"Remember, greet me by my title when we meet."
Zhang Enyuan pointed to the desk, indicating to his apprentice to put the teacup down, and added, "Those at the supervisor level and above should have a deputy in charge; never call anyone 'leader' randomly."
"Why is that?" Ma Baosen put down his teacup and asked, puzzled, "Isn't that what everyone calls it?"
"Should we listen to them or me?"
Zhang Enyuan glared at his young apprentice, turned the teacup around, and reminded him, "Pay attention to the position of the teacup handle."
"Oh, oh, I didn't notice."
Ma Baosen smiled sheepishly. His master had already taught him that when making tea for the leader, the cup handle must be aligned correctly.
"Working in an office requires patience and attention to detail."
Zhang Enyuan pointed to the chair next to him, gesturing for his young apprentice to sit down, and then explained his earlier reminder.
“Supervisory-level cadres are narrow-minded. Most of them are young, eager to make progress, and lack self-restraint. If you call them deputy supervisors, they will get angry with you.”
"Oh—" Ma Baosen nodded and asked, "So calling me deputy manager won't make you angry?"
"You're still young, and you don't know much since you've just started working."
Old Zhang shook his head slightly and said with a sigh, "Of the dozens of people who joined this batch, how many will stay in the unit, and how many will actually make it into an official career?"
"Don't underestimate this deputy manager level; this level is already the ceiling for many people."
He pointed to the ceiling and said, "Which young person who climbs to this position isn't arrogant? Like I just told you, if you call him deputy manager, he'll feel that you're neglecting him and looking down on him. He's very eager to get promoted."
"If someone only reaches this position in their thirties or forties, they'll be even more sensitive to the word 'deputy.' If you call them that, do you think they'll agree?"
Old Zhang shook his head slightly and said, "Although the deputy manager level is the beginning of a person's career, it depends on how you look at it."
"In my opinion, it is only when a manager reaches the deputy manager level that a cadre can show his best side."
"So..." Ma Baosen asked rather astutely, "they don't care about the title of 'deputy' anymore?"
Do you understand the principle of "establishing oneself at thirty"?
Old Zhang said, "There are several deputy managers in this company who are under thirty years old, and they are all top talents."
"Just remember this: the higher the rank of an official, the more they cherish their reputation and the more cautious they are in their actions."
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "If you call him 'Zheng,' he'll suspect you have ulterior motives."
"Let me tell you again, don't call them 'leaders'." Old Zhang put down his teacup and explained to his apprentice, "You're just a newly hired clerk. Who can you possibly have a good relationship with? Calling them Manager Zhang or Manager Li is too frivolous."
"Of course, there's nothing wrong with calling someone 'leader,' but it doesn't leave a deep impression. Who would know who you are?"
He looked at Ma Baosen and said, "You're still young, don't rush to show off. There's no harm in learning and observing more. It would be best if you could let your superiors see your diligence in learning and your serious work ethic."
"Oh, I understand, Master."
Ma Baosen grinned and asked, "So what should I call the new guy?"
"Calling someone 'leader' is an exception."
Zhang Enyuan raised his eyebrows and gave a special reminder: "If you work at the company, you'll run into him sooner or later."
When Old Zhang gave these instructions, he glanced at the door of the main office, as if afraid someone might overhear.
Then he gently explained to his apprentice, "He holds many positions. You are too far away from him, so it's difficult to know the proper way to address him. To be conservative, just call him 'leader'."
"Is he difficult to approach? Is he fierce?"
Ma Baosen widened his eyes slightly, somewhat puzzled, and asked, "Master, didn't you say that the higher the rank of a leader, the more they cherish their reputation? If he..."
"The leader is young, very young."
Zhang Enyuan whispered a reminder to his apprentice: "When you see him, he's definitely not alone. If you call him 'leader,' whether he responds or not, if he really glances at you, how will the person next to him introduce you if they don't recognize you?"
"Don't cause trouble for yourself. Although the leader is young, his work ability and resume are very impressive."
Old Zhang cautiously reminded his apprentice, "Didn't you hear everyone in the office crying wolf?"
"Huh? Then he—" Ma Baosen asked in surprise, "Is he that serious? Is he very capable?"
"More than that—"
Old Zhang was a veteran of the metallurgical plant, so he was naturally familiar with Li Xuewu. From the fact that Li Xuewu had cooperated with the then-leaders of the rolling mill to wipe out the entire leadership of the metallurgical plant during Li Xuewu's first visit to the steel city, it was clear he was a ruthless man.
A few days ago, the group officially issued the appointment document. The steel city and other enterprises in Liaodong, which had been in a state of panic after hearing the news, fell silent instantly, no longer daring to have any discussion or illusions.
Everyone knows that although this leader, like Director Dong, came from a security background, Li Xuewu has none of the gentleness that Director Dong possesses.
To say he was too bandit-like or too murderous would be an understatement; this man was notoriously ruthless.
They have a more assertive work style, are younger and more capable, and hold multiple positions.
Putting everything else aside, the fact that they are young is enough to make the people in Steel City suffer, because young people have even less patience.
In the past, people could slack off and act shamelessly at work, but who would dare to be so presumptuous in front of this leader?
He tamed and kicked out all the stubborn old fogies and slick veterans in the group, and the metallurgical plant was practically worthless.
Furthermore, Li Xuewu is one of the group's eleven leaders and the first person in charge of the group's industrial layout in Liaodong.
It's no exaggeration to say that he wields absolute power within the group's Liaodong industrial system; he truly has the power to wield influence.
Although Li Xuewu is currently only a manager-level cadre and does not hold the title of deputy director of the management committee, this one title alone is enough to suppress the ulterior motives of many people.
It was only a matter of time before he became the deputy director of the management committee; otherwise, what would he be doing in the Liaodong industrial system?
Just look at the fact that he has even more concurrent positions than Director Dong, and you'll know that he is definitely a senior leader in the group, a core member of the group's management team, and also the successor.
"You'll know when you see him."
Old Zhang also found this story rather tedious, as he really knew how to evaluate this leader.
Ma Baosen remained silent for a while before asking, "I haven't even met all the leaders in our factory yet. Even if I did meet them, I might not recognize them."
“He is different from others; his face is very distinctive.”
Old Zhang ran his index finger across his face and looked at his apprentice, saying, "A tough guy who can't be killed by artillery fire on the battlefield, shrapnel only left a scar on his face, making him easy to identify."
Ma Baosen was utterly shocked by his master's words, thinking to himself that anyone who went to the battlefield was a ruthless person. Especially those who could escape unscathed after being bombarded.
"Old Zhang—"
Just as the master and apprentice were taking advantage of their lunch break to hide in the office and pass on their knowledge, a greeting came from the doorway.
Zhang Enyuan recognized the voice as that of Liao Jinhui, the office director, and quickly stood up to reply, "Director Liao, I'm here."
"Old Zhang, come here." Liao Jinhui stood at the door and glanced into the office. He saw a young man who looked familiar but whose name he couldn't remember, so he pointed at him and said, "You come too."
"Director Liao, this is a colleague who was just assigned to our office, Ma Baosen. You can call him Xiao Ma."
Zhang Enyuan is truly a good mentor, and Liao Jinhui feels the same way. There are a few other people in the unit who have such a conscience.
He nodded, glanced at Ma Baosen, and then said to Zhang Enyuan, "Since you're here, the leader needs to tidy up his office. Go and help him out."
"Okay, no problem, we'll be right there."
Old Zhang has been able to remain in the office for many years not only because he is meticulous in everything he does, but also because he has the ability to endure hardship.
No amount of connections could oust him, because a leader can do without anyone but those who actually do the work.
"Be careful, don't say just anything."
Liao Jinhui glanced down the corridor and whispered to Lao Zhang, "The leaders have gone to lunch. Their driver is in his office. Go over and talk to him."
"I understand, don't worry."
As Zhang Enyuan responded, he took out a cigarette and offered it to Director Liao, already holding a match in his hand.
Liao Jinhui didn't want him to waste time, but Old Zhang was someone he knew, so he couldn't refuse him.
"Little Ma, right?" He put a cigarette in his mouth, let Old Zhang light it for him, took a puff, and then looked at the young man standing next to Old Zhang, raising an eyebrow slightly as he asked, "Can you write articles?"
"The director is asking you a question—"
Seeing that his apprentice was a little nervous, Old Zhang gently reminded him, "You can't just stand there like an idiot when you go to see the leader later."
"Yes, Master." Ma Baosen was a little surprised by the closeness between his master and Director Liao. He had previously thought that Director Liao was a very serious person who would not easily let anyone light his cigarette.
He wasn't nervous, so his answers to Director Liao's questions were naturally fluent and natural.
"Director Liao, I've only been working for a short time. I've been learning from my mentor for a few days, and I've realized that my previous writing was empty and unbearable. Please don't laugh at me."
"Hehe—this is interesting!"
Liao Jinhui glanced at him with considerable surprise, then turned to Old Zhang, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "You taught him?"
"No, I don't know how to tell fortunes. How would I know you would come at this time, let alone what you wanted to ask him?" Old Zhang was also very satisfied with his young apprentice's answer and replied with a smile, "Xiao Ma is quite honest and simple, and he studies very hard."
"He's good; he's a promising talent."
Liao Jinhui looked Ma Baosen over again, nodded and said, "No one is born with knowledge. Having self-awareness is already a rare quality. Keep up the good work."
I'm only saying this much because of the cigarette Old Zhang offered me; there's no point in continuing.
He pointed in the direction of the leader's office and reiterated, "If there are any arrangements for the leader's driver, you can handle them as you see fit. If you're unsure, come and find me."
"Okay, no problem." Old Zhang nodded and said, "I'll report to you after I'm done cleaning up."
"Well, by the way, how are the accommodations for the leader arranged?" Liao Jinhui took a puff of his cigarette and casually made this remark. Seeing that Lao Zhang's eyes had widened, he lowered his eyelids and said, "I just wanted you to ask about it."
“I understand, but what if they don’t say anything—” Old Zhang hesitated for a moment, then looked at Director Liao’s expression and understood. He nodded and said, “I understand, we’ll go over now.”
After saying this, seeing Director Liao nod, Old Zhang led Ma Baosen to the leader's office.
They didn't even need to turn around to know that there was a pair of eyes watching them from behind; this job was definitely not a cheap one.
People say that a good job is one that allows you to get close to the boss, but what if you approach them with ulterior motives...?
He had already told his apprentice in his office that Li Xuewu was a ruthless man, and that trying to coax him would be suicide.
But he couldn't refuse to go; refusing would mean offending Director Liao. Local officials have more power than distant ones, so he had no choice.
"Master——"
"Don't speak, just follow me."
Old Zhang stopped Ma Baosen from speaking and went straight to the door of the leader's office, gently knocking on the door.
"Hello, I am Zhang Enyuan, the office secretary."
There was only one young man packing things in the office; he looked like the driver that Director Liao had mentioned.
This man was Yu Zhe, who had come to Gangcheng with Li Xuewu, and he was busy working on a document that he didn't quite understand.
Li Xuewu only brought his driver with him when he came to work in Gangcheng; his secretary, Wang Lu, stayed in Beijing and had already been assigned other work.
He's fine as a driver, but if he were to actually take on the role of secretary, things would fall apart. He wouldn't even know how to organize documents.
Of course, Li Xuewu didn't expect him to get everything sorted out; it was up to him to show his worth.
Li Xuewu's luggage was still placed behind the office sofa, consisting of two leather suitcases and nothing else.
At midday, after the cadre meeting concluded, Dong Wenxue, as the host, arranged a final banquet for the heads of various units in Liaodong who had attended the meeting, along with Director Li and Deputy Director Gu.
The leaders all went to the guesthouse for dinner, and Yu Zhe was also entertained, but the other party was too enthusiastic for him to bear.
Feeling valued by Li Xuewu, who brought him alone to Gangcheng, he always thought about what he could do for his leader.
This Steel City is really something. Isn't there a single bandit or bad guy here? Even if they're here for Li Xuewu, they should at least give him a chance to show off. He's even prepared to take a bullet for them.
When he came out, his sister gave him a thousand and one instructions, almost to the point of carving words on his back with a knife.
If Li Xuewu really suffers, he'll be in trouble when he returns to Beijing. No one else will care, but his sister will be the first to kill him.
Li Xuewu had already instructed that the luggage should not be moved, and that someone could be asked to pack the documents.
I just took office, and there was a cadre meeting this morning. I don't even have a secretary yet. Who can help me get things settled?
Yu Zhe thought it over and realized it was time to show his abilities and do what he could for his superiors.
So I hurriedly ate a bite of food in the cafeteria and rushed back, wanting to surprise my boss.
He was caught off guard by the surprise.
Don't underestimate him. Although he didn't finish junior high school, he can read without any problem. The text on these documents isn't unfamiliar, so why can't he recognize the sentences when they're put together?
The leader only brought two suitcases of luggage, but two large suitcases of documents, which made him dizzy just looking at them. Not to mention the reference books and huge volumes that were shipped in—those were the real problem.
There's no need to doubt the power of those thick books. Yu Zhe has personally tried them; as long as you get into the right position, you can fall asleep peacefully after reading for three to five minutes. The hypnotic effect is excellent.
He considered Li Xuewu as his brother-in-law; his brother-in-law's office was his office, and his brother-in-law's books were his books. So he didn't have this concern when they were in Beijing.
He had been to Li Xuewu's office before, and he had looked at all the books on the bookshelf, but he still couldn't resist taking a look.
As a result, I fell asleep in my brother-in-law's office.
How did he wake up? Wang Lu kicked him awake. Anyway, after that incident, he never had any interest in reading his brother-in-law's books again.
Those books are too hypnotic and too dangerous. If he falls asleep, who will protect my brother-in-law?
As I was thinking this, I was also worried about how to organize these documents when two people suddenly appeared at the door.
"Uh, who are you looking for?"
What kind of question is that? Do you think we've come to your house or something?
Old Zhang saw that Li Xuewu's driver was a young man, but he didn't dare to look down on him at all. He smiled and replied, "Director Liao arranged for us to come and help you pack your documents."
"Director Liao? Oh, oh—"
Upon hearing this, Yu Zhe closed the document in his hand, cleared his mind of useless knowledge, and his intelligence once again took over.
He patted the documents in his hand and said with feigned confidence, "Actually, we're almost done packing. Director Liao is really something, troubling you all to come and help."
"It's nothing, you're too kind."
Zhang Enyuan glanced back at Ma Baosen, and together they walked into the office to take over the document organization work.
Ma Baosen was young after all, and he couldn't hide his feelings on his face. He looked at the box full of documents, and then at the empty filing cabinets that Director Dong had already packed up in preparation for his departure. He couldn't help but curl his lip. This is what they call almost finished packing up?
Are you Li Xuewu's driver or Director Dong's driver? Director Dong didn't even take away this many documents!
Yu Zhe could naturally see the disdain on the clerk's face, and couldn't help but blush; after all, he still had some sense of shame.
"Well, you guys keep going, I'll go get you some hot water. Thanks for your hard work!"
"No, please don't rush." Old Zhang raised his hand to stop him, saying, "We've already finished drinking in the office, we're not thirsty."
As he said this, he gestured for Ma Baosen to organize the documents, and then politely said to Yu Zhe, "I just introduced myself, but you may not remember it. Let's get to know each other again."
Old Zhang extended his hand and said, "My name is Zhang Enyuan, and I am the secretary in the office. This is clerk Ma Baosen."
"Hello, hello, my name is Yu Zhe." Yu Zhe didn't expect the other person to be so polite; he wouldn't receive this treatment in Beijing. He took the other person's hand and shook it, then introduced himself, "I'm the leader's driver."
"I know, I know," Old Zhang said with a gentle smile. "Director Liao told us before we came."
"Oh, really? Okay, okay."
Yu Zhe thought these words sounded familiar; it was clearly what the other person said when they came in.
Zhang Enyuan was furious. He thought the driver was pretending to be stupid, but he turned out to be a complete idiot.
He emphasized it several times, but this person really didn't seem to understand. It was like he was talking to a brick wall!
Who isn't afraid of Li Xuewu?
Look how scared Liao Jinhui is. He doesn't even dare to ask questions like where he'll stay; he has to find out indirectly.
Even Director Liao was afraid, so naturally, Old Zhang was uneasy, given his rank. Because of this unease, he didn't want to offend anyone, and he needed to make things clear about his offer to help in the office.
Don't let Li Xuewu misunderstand and think they're trying to spy on us when he gets back. If that offends the leader, there'll be no way to explain it.
I wanted to give the driver a few words of advice to clear myself of the situation, but I didn't expect to encounter such an idiot.
Yu Zhe genuinely didn't understand what the other person was saying; he thought it was just a normal chat. Hmm, this person is a bit long-winded.
Although Ma Baosen had only been working for a short time, he had already learned a lot about the workplace. He was about to burst out laughing, realizing that even his mentor could make a mistake.
"Well, when we arrived, Director Liao reminded us to lend a hand if the leaders needed to carry their luggage."
Zhang Enyuan had no choice but to speak frankly and lay everything out in the open to avoid arousing suspicion.
He offered, "Should we take the leader's luggage to the guesthouse now?"
Yu Zhe understood what he meant and waved his hand in response, "No need to trouble yourself, the leader isn't staying at the guesthouse."
"Ah? This—" Zhang Enyuan had anticipated this situation, but still feigned surprise and asked, "Is there another arrangement?"
"I don't know, the leader hasn't said yet."
Even if Yu Zhe were stupid, he wouldn't reveal Li Xuewu's personal information, even if the other party was someone in the office.
Actually, it's quite easy to find out where the leader lives, because there will definitely be a phone number at their residence. The office duty room must ensure that the leader can be contacted at any time.
However, what others found out was different from what he told them. Yu Zhe hadn't been driving for Li Xuewu for long, but he had been a driver for almost four years, so he was considered an experienced driver.
When Zhang Enyuan asked him that question, he realized something was wrong. He glanced at them warily, then shut up and said nothing more, just grunting and humming as Zhang Enyuan tried to beat around the bush.
-
"Eighty percent of our tea beverage products are exported."
During their tea break after dinner, Dong Wenxue brought up the report from the work meeting a few days ago, focusing on asking a few questions.
There was no one else in the lounge; they were all members of the group's management committee. Anyone without a formal identity wouldn't be able to hear anything.
Li Huaide, Gu Weijie, Dong Wenxue, and Li Xuewu.
The four people sat in four different directions. Li Haiyang sat not far away, watching whoever's teacup was empty and then refilling it.
Except for Li Xuewu, the others all had a flushed face, indicating that they had been drinking at noon.
"Whether it's green tea, black tea, or herbal tea, the target customers are Hong Kong and Southeast Asia."
Li Xuewu explained earnestly, "We will also be making fruit juice and milk drinks later, which will also be sold to the public."
"The domestic market is not mature yet."
Dong Wenxue nodded, then frowned slightly and asked, "What are the distributors' ideas?"
"This is not a problem with the distributor."
Li Huaide leaned back in his chair, exhaling a breath of alcohol, and explained to Dong Wenxue, "It's a problem with the drink itself. It's on the sweeter side, suitable for southerners, and it's not cheap either."
“At least the average person can’t afford it,” Gu Weijie interjected. “I feel heartbroken just looking at the price.”
"The price is 50 cents in China and 2 yuan abroad."
Li Xuewu smiled and explained, "We still need to follow the path of small profits and quick turnover, but we can't lower our own value."
"That's how the market works; it's easy to lower prices but difficult to raise them."
He looked at Dong Wenxue and said, "Just like with cars, if the price of the first generation of Antelope is driven down, the second generation will be affected."
"Upgrading or replacing the old model is a bit better."
Dong Wenxue emphasized, "I went to the workshop to check on the new generation of Antelope. Whether it's the workmanship, the functionality, or the application of new materials, it's worth the price."
"We still need to see how the market reacts."
Li Xuewu gestured to Li Huaide sitting opposite him, raised an eyebrow and said, "Director Li, are you confident?"
"A second-generation antelope?"
He seemed about to fall asleep, but Li Xuewu's question woke him up. After thinking for a moment, he laughed and said, "I don't think we have any rivals."
"Hehehe—" There's not a single good person in this house.
All four of them laughed; it goes without saying who they were laughing at.
The worst one has to be Li Xuewu. From R&D to positioning, Hongxing Antelope has been relentlessly targeting the 212. Even their sales pitches are based on comparisons with the 212.
It's just that there was no advertising law or other constraints in that era to limit Li Xuewu's shameless behavior; otherwise, Beijing Automotive Factory would have really lost its temper.
Li Xuewu wouldn't go so far as to utter the arrogant statement that "our competitors are **", but he's done pretty much what he should have done.
"The road test data for the Tundra is excellent."
Dong Wenxue picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise to me. Such a large physique, yet incredibly agile and powerful."
"It's a diesel engine, so power is naturally not a problem."
Li Xuewu shook his head slightly. Seeing that Old Li was confused, he explained to him and Gu Weijie, "There's no rush on a smooth road. Let's hone our skills a little more. A sharp sword is forged through tempering, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold."
Gu Weijie glanced at him, feeling a bit guilty. There were things she couldn't say, as saying them would inevitably hurt their comradeship. But if she didn't say them, looking at him made her feel suffocated.
Li Xuewu's pursuit of excellence is commendable, but the real issue is that he has too much money to burn and he's not in a hurry.
That's right, the Tantu project is not only invested by Hongxing Steel Group, but also by Dongcheng Credit Union.
With the credit union's money still unused, Li Xuewu was unwilling to easily list Tantu and go head-to-head with 212.
Judging from Li Xuewu's current stance, after the Tundra goes public, it's not about directly competing with the 212, but rather about completely crushing it.
As long as the Tundra project, which is clearly a done deal, doesn't materialize, Beijing Automotive Group will remain anxious, and the 212 will have to keep improving.
Are steel city automobile manufacturers afraid of Beijing Automotive's progress?
How could that be? If the domestic automobile industry wants to complete its modernization and expansion, who can do without them?
It's a very simple principle: the assembly line technology that can be bought abroad can also be bought by Hongxing Steel Group.
With management practices more aligned with domestic conditions and technology backed by practical experience, Hongxing Steel Group is guaranteed to make money; even Jesus couldn't save them.
"Wait a little longer, the sedan hasn't even hit the market yet."
Li Huaide shared the same idea; he had long compared the Tundra project with the drone project. Even if it couldn't be launched for three to five years, it didn't matter, since it wasn't his own money being burned, so what was there to be afraid of?
"Aries is quick too. I've looked at the design team's proposal, and it matches my aesthetic preferences quite well."
Dong Wenxue smiled and gestured to Li Xuewu, saying, "Keep a close eye on it from now on. It will be at least a year, and no more than three years, before Aries goes into production."
"If only it could be like the bus project—"
Old Li opened his sleepy eyes, sat up straight, picked up his teacup and said, "The bus project broke even last year, and it looks like it will be profitable this year."
"Hongtu Bus is doing better and better. Last month, it delivered 6 buses, one of which was ordered by Tianjin Aquatic Products."
Dong Wenxue looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "How is the Tianjin aquatic products business? Is it convenient for them to cooperate with foreign companies?"
"We're still waiting for news from them." Li Xuewu looked at Li Huaide and asked, "Director Li, does Director Han have any intentions? How about we give them some shares?"
“Not needed for now, let’s stretch it out a bit more.” Li Huaide took a sip of warm tea and said, “Giving it to them like this is too easy for them.”
How is the defense industry developing?
Gu Weijie changed the subject and looked at Dong Wenxue, asking, "Last year, the sales of military products were the best."
"The group's treasure trove—"
Dong Wenxue smiled and looked at Li Huaide, saying, "It's almost the end of the year, and I'm starting to miss Ate and the others."
“They don’t need to come this year; the paperwork can be done in the port city.” Li Huaide put down his teacup and grinned as he said, “This business makes money quickly, but my heart still races when I have the money in my hands.”
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu was about to drink his tea when he heard him say that, and couldn't help but joke, "Perhaps there's still a machine gun firing in your heart."
"Huh? Hahaha—"
Li Huaide was taken aback for a moment, then realized what he meant and found it quite amusing, so he burst out laughing.
Dong Wenxue and Gu Weijie exchanged a glance, their thoughts remaining a mystery.
The development of the military industry is a taboo subject, and Li Xuewu's visit to the steel city had its own purpose. Gu Weijie's directness in bringing it up raises questions: was it a warning or something more sinister?
Li Xuewu lowered his head and drank his hot tea, not paying attention to their expressions; none of that mattered.
It wasn't him selling "hardware" in the port city, it was that bastard Ji Weidong. What business is it of his if something is against nature?
This kid is really bold. After Wen San got into trouble last time, he completely turned against him. Those guys who came down from Jicheng Mountain each had a "five-piece set" and would start fighting at the slightest disagreement.
Hong Kong is just a small place, and the local gangs could not stand such treatment, so they all retreated.
You're saying Ji Weidong violated taboos by confiscating family property?
Actually, he's quite clever. This time, he directly set up a security company and obtained legal certification.
Whether his security company is legitimate or not is unknown. In any case, he has never taken on any business on land, but he has a group of good employees who are known by name but never seen in person.
"The United Savings Bank is doing alright, right?"
Dong Wenxue lowered his head and thought for a moment, then looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "I don't think they're developing very well in Liaodong. Is there some concern? You should talk to them in Liaodong. If it's possible to start sooner, it would be better to do so earlier."
"Well, it's not a concern, it's that I'm out of money."
Li Xuewu smiled, looked at Director Li opposite him, and explained, "Two audit teams came from above at the end of the year."
"What do you mean?" Dong Wenxue raised his eyebrows slightly, looked at Li Xuewu, and then at Li Huaide.
Li Huaide shook his head slightly and said confidently, "It's nothing, I'm just afraid of making a mistake, so I'm checking our resources."
"After two years of development, United Savings Bank has established branches in 12 cities and now has more than 70 outlets, which can be considered as rapid development."
Li Xuewu explained, "The reason for temporarily suspending operations in Liaodong is due to the influence of the group."
He didn't say it very clearly, but the meaning was there. Dong Wenxue glanced at Lao Li without making it obvious, and said nothing more.
What else could he say? If it weren't for Old Li's insistence on finding a balance in Li Xuewu's arrival in Liaodong, would there have been so much trouble in the latter half of the year?
This time, Li Huaide transferred him back with a sense of caution, fearing that if he stayed in Liaodong for too long, he wouldn't be able to leave.
"The data from January looks very good." Li Xuewu was still introducing the situation of the United Savings Bank, which Dong Wenxue needed to know, as he would need it after returning to Beijing.
"Total profit was 389 million yuan, total investment was approximately 6598 million yuan, and the cash flow under control was over 123 million yuan."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and explained with a smile, "Part of the investment is converted into fixed assets, and the flow of funds is mainly reflected in the exchange with Hong Kong Oriental Times Bank, as well as the funds savings of joint units, etc., so it's still a bit of a gamble."
“That’s already very good.” Gu Weijie nodded and replied, “I’ve seen the reports. After the connection with Hong Kong Oriental Times Bank was completed, the transaction volume in the fourth quarter of last year alone exceeded 20 million.”
She looked at Li Xuewu and said, "This shows how tight the domestic demand is for import and export exchange business."
"It's time to hit the brakes."
(End of this chapter)