Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

at the same time.

Despite the anonymous letter controversy and the investigation team incident, the relationship between Li Zhenhua and Lin Taotao was not negatively affected. On the contrary, Li Zhenhua's calm and composed handling of the situation earned him a deeper level of approval from Lin's father.

With the tacit approval of both families, the relationship quickly became public knowledge and an open secret within Beijing's social circles.

Over the weekend, the Military Museum hosted an exhibition of Soviet-style equipment for internal viewing.

Li Zhenhua, dressed in a crisp, dark blue Zhongshan suit, and Lin Taotao, in a well-fitting women's military uniform, immediately attracted attention when they appeared side by side in the exhibition hall. Li Zhenhua was dignified and composed, while Lin Taotao was spirited, bright, and elegant.

Whether they were Li Zhenhua's old friends from his father's generation in the military system or Lin's father's colleagues, everyone who saw the couple nodded and smiled, or went up to exchange a few pleasantries.

People were talking about it privately.

"Old Lin's daughter has a truly sharp eye. The Li family's son, in just a few years, has built such a large enterprise in the steel rolling mill. He's a force to be reckoned with!"

"I heard that after what happened last time, the higher-ups have spoken out, and those who complained all got punished."

"A perfect match, with both talent and beauty, and from equally matched families; they are truly a match made in heaven."

Faced with these gazes, whether sincere or probing, Li Zhenhua maintained a dignified yet respectful attitude, neither overly enthusiastic nor impolite.

When talking with elders, he spoke appropriately, and when discussing the weapons and equipment on display, he could also offer some expert insights based on his experience in the military and his later studies, which made some of the elders, who came from military backgrounds, nod in approval.

Lin Taotao watched as Li Zhenhua skillfully navigated among various characters, her eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and pride.

She discovered that the man beside her was not only shrewd in factory management and grassroots struggles, but also knew how to maintain just the right sense of propriety in such high-level social situations.

During a break in the exhibition, the two walked up to a huge strategic map.

Lin's father's secretary "coincidentally" appeared and said to Li Zhenhua with a smile.

"Zhenhua, the commander just mentioned you, saying you have some unique insights into the current border defense situation in the north? Perfect timing, a few comrades from the staff headquarters are here too, would you like to go over and have a chat?"

This seemingly casual invitation was actually an informal "interview".

Li Zhenhua understood immediately, gave Lin Taotao a reassuring look, and then calmly followed his secretary to the small lounge next to him.

Inside the lounge, Lin Jingyue was standing in front of a map with several soldiers whose shoulder insignia were shining, discussing something.

Upon seeing Li Zhenhua enter, Lin's father nodded slightly and introduced him to the soldiers.

"This is Li Yunlong's son, Li Zhenhua, who is now a key worker at the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill."

His tone was flat, yet it carried a subtle hint of approval.

A dark-skinned, sharp-eyed lieutenant general glanced at Li Zhenhua and smiled.

"Oh? Is that the son of Old Li, that hothead? Doesn't seem like it; he looks much more docile."

The words carried the teasing tone of an elder, yet also revealed the origins of the relationship.

Lin's father steered the conversation back to the map.

"Zhenhua, we were just talking about how border frictions are increasing, and logistical support, especially for transporting special steel, fuel, and heavy equipment to high-altitude and cold regions, is a major challenge. Your steel rolling mill is a key steel enterprise. From your perspective as a young cadre in charge of logistics, what are your thoughts?"

The questions were direct and specific, and even involved some sensitive information, clearly exceeding the scope of thinking of ordinary factory and mine cadres.

Li Zhenhua knew that Lin's father was testing his strategic vision and ability to grasp the overall situation.

He hesitated for a moment, not rushing to express himself, but carefully organizing his words based on his past life experience.

"Comrades, I am in charge of the logistics of specific factories and mines, and I am not an expert in macro strategy. However, based on my experience at the grassroots level, I think the core is still the two words 'prevention' and 'coordination'."

He walked to the map and pointed to several key nodes.

"‘Preparedness’ refers to contingency plans and advance stockpiling of materials. We can't wait until the crisis hits to allocate resources; strategic material reserve points should be established at the second or even first line of defense, based on the potential scale of the conflict and regional characteristics, especially for consumables and critical components. Our factory's implementation of ‘hazard identification’ and ‘preventive maintenance’ follows this same principle. ‘Connectivity’ refers to the efficiency of the transportation system. Rail, road, and even air transport need an efficient connection mechanism to avoid material backlogs at hub stations. For example, could we explore modular transportation to reduce loading and unloading time at the front lines…?"

Instead of engaging in empty theoretical discussions, he applied the concepts of "prevention first" and "efficiency optimization" from business management to the field of military logistics. Although his approach was rudimentary, it hit the nail on the head and demonstrated a pragmatic and transferable way of thinking.

The soldiers listened attentively, asking questions from time to time.

Li Zhenhua answers every question without exaggeration or stage fright. When faced with questions beyond his knowledge, he frankly admits, "I need to learn about this."

The discussion lasted for half an hour and was very lively.

Finally, the dark-faced lieutenant general patted Li Zhenhua on the shoulder and said to Lin's father.

"Old Chief, your son-in-law is a real gem! He's clear-headed, not pretentious, much better than mine!"

A rare smile appeared on Lin's father's face.

"Young man, you still need more experience."

This informal discussion marked a new stage in Lin's father's investigation of Li Zhenhua.

It's no longer just a preliminary judgment of his character and abilities, but a test of whether he has the potential to handle problems at a more complex and higher level.

In stark contrast to the stable development of Li Zhenhua and Lin Taotao, Lou Xiao'e's increasingly anxious state of mind.

The news that Li Zhenhua and Lin Taotao were always seen together was like a series of poisonous thorns, making her restless and unable to eat or sleep.

She originally thought that with her family background, looks, and initiative, winning over Li Zhenhua was a sure thing, especially since her father, Lou Bancheng, had also clearly expressed his support.

Unexpectedly, Lin Taotao appeared out of nowhere. Not to mention her family background, she was a police officer and possessed a heroic spirit that Lou Xiao'e lacked.

What she found even more unacceptable was that Li Zhenhua's increasingly obvious attempts to win her over were met with growing indifference.

At first, Lou Xiao'e could comfort herself by thinking that Li Zhenhua was constrained by his status and the situation, and needed time.

But as Li Zhenhua and Lin Taotao's relationship became more and more public and accepted, her patience finally ran out.

A strong sense of resentment and jealousy overwhelmed her.

"Why should I, Lou Xiao'e, give up the man I've set my sights on to someone else? What's so great about the Lin family!"

Once this thought took root, it quickly distorted her mindset.

She began visiting the Red Star Steel Rolling Mill more frequently.

Today they send a bottle of high-end perfume brought from Shanghai through a friend, tomorrow they send an expensive gold pen, with all sorts of excuses, such as "thank you for your guidance, Director Li" or "my dad asked me to bring something to Director Li."

She deliberately dressed herself up to look radiant, and would linger in the logistics office for a while each time, her voice clear and her laughter charming, trying to attract Li Zhenhua's attention and to announce her presence to the people in the factory.

Li Zhenhua, however, did not take it to heart.

However, in order to avoid Lin Taotao getting jealous.

He could only receive them in a formal, business-like manner, and all gifts were politely declined.

"Miss Lou, you're too kind. I appreciate your kind gesture, but I can't accept the gift. There are rules in the factory."

Or you can have your secretary handle it for you, and try to find an excuse to avoid it.

His indifference and avoidance were like buckets of cold water poured over Lou Xiao'e's head.

On one occasion, Lou Xiao'e brought an imported silk scarf to the factory and happened to meet Li Zhenhua and Lin Taotao, who were about to leave, at the entrance of the office building.

Lin Taotao came to find Li Zhenhua to attend a friend's gathering together.

Seeing Li Zhenhua and Lin Taotao standing side by side, looking intimate, and comparing it with Li Zhenhua's aloofness towards her, Lou Xiao'e's pent-up grievances, jealousy, and anger instantly erupted.

She forced a smile and went up to greet him. Li Zhenhua simply nodded, while Lin Taotao gave a polite but distant reply.

The two then got into the car and left, leaving Lou Xiao'e standing there, clutching the expensive silk scarf tightly in her hand, her fingernails almost digging into the packaging box.

Back at the Lou Mansion, Lou Xiao'e could no longer control herself. She rushed into her bedroom, threw the silk scarf on the floor, and collapsed onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

She had always gotten whatever she wanted since she was a child, and had never suffered such humiliation and neglect.

Why is it that Li Zhenhua only has eyes for Lin Taotao?

Hearing the commotion, Lou's mother pushed open the door and came in. Seeing her daughter crying with tears streaming down her face and a brand-new silk handkerchief lying on the ground, she immediately understood seven or eight parts of the situation.

She sighed, sat on the edge of the bed, and gently patted her daughter's back.

"Silly girl, is it worth it for a man?"

"Mom! I'm not reconciled! What do I lack compared to Lin Taotao?"

Lou Xiao'e raised her tearful eyes, her makeup ruined by crying.

"I'm so good to him, and he won't even look at me! What gives him the right?!"

A complex emotion flashed in Lou's mother's eyes.

How could she not want to marry Li Zhenhua?

The Li family is thriving, and Li Zhenhua himself is so outstanding that he is an excellent support for the Lou family in the new situation.

But given the current situation, Li Zhenhua has clearly made up his mind, and forcing him would likely backfire.

However, seeing her daughter in such pain, and with her husband Lou Bancheng also thinking of using this to bind Li Zhenhua, a bold and dangerous idea began to grow in her mind.

"Xiao'e,"

Lou's mother lowered her voice, her tone becoming mysterious.

"Men, sometimes you can't just coax them. Once the deed is done, there are many things they can't control."

Lou Xiao'e stopped crying and looked at her mother with confusion.

"Mom, what do you mean?"

Lou's mother moved even closer, her voice barely audible.

"Hasn't your dad always wanted to invite Li Zhenhua over for a casual meal and a chat? I think we should find an excuse to invite him again in the next few days. This time, Mom will cook herself. You know Mom's cooking skills; I'm a descendant of the Tan family's culinary tradition. I'll add a little 'ingredient' to the soup."

Lou Xiao'e's eyes widened instantly, and all color drained from her face. She was no naive girl; she immediately understood her mother's meaning.

"Drugs!"

Her voice changed from fright.

"Mom! You...you're crazy? How can this be allowed! This is illegal!"

A fierce glint flashed across Lou's mother's face.

"Breaking the law? The victor is king! Once it's done, will Li Zhenhua dare to make a fuss? At that point, either he'll admit it and marry you, and our Lou family will have someone to rely on; or he'll be utterly disgraced! Will the Lin family still want someone with such questionable morals? He forced us into this!"

Seeing her daughter's terrified expression, she gently persuaded her.

"Xiao'e, I'm doing this for your own good! Are you just going to stand by and watch him elope with someone else? Think about it, if it works out, with Li Zhenhua's future, you'll be an official's wife, living a glamorous life! The Lou family will also benefit. There's a risk, but it's worth the gamble!"

Lou Xiao'e's heart pounded violently; her mother's words were like the whispers of a demon, full of allure.

Thinking of Li Zhenhua's indifference and Lin Taotao standing beside him, intense jealousy and resentment finally overwhelmed her fear and reason.

A voice screamed in her heart: Get him!

I'll get him at all costs! Once the deed is done, he won't be able to back out!

She took a deep breath, a hint of madness and determination flashing in her eyes, bit her lip, and nodded heavily.

"Okay! Mom, I'll do as you say! That's what we'll do! You...you have to make sure everything goes perfectly!"

Seeing that her daughter agreed, Lou's mother smiled with satisfaction.

"Don't worry, Mom knows what she's doing. The things she uses... can't be found outside; they're old remedies from the past. They're very effective, and no one can detect them afterward. Just dress up nicely and play it by ear."

Right there in this luxurious bedroom, the mother and daughter devised an extremely vicious and dangerous plan.

Lou Xiao'e's original simple love for Li Zhenhua, after repeated setbacks, has been twisted into a possessiveness that will stop at nothing.

A honey trap targeting Li Zhenhua has quietly been set in motion.

A few days later, Lou Bancheng personally called Li Zhenhua, his tone as polite as ever.

"Zhenhua, I heard you've done some impressive things at the factory lately. You're really young and capable. We had a very pleasant chat last time. I managed to get some new information about foreign company management through a friend. If you're interested, why don't you come over for dinner tonight and we can discuss it further?"

The reasons are plausible and hard to refuse.

When Li Zhenhua received the call, a warning bell rang in his mind.

The last family dinner was clearly a test, so why is he taking the initiative to invite me again this time?

He instinctively wanted to decline, but Lou Bancheng was, after all, a director of the factory, and to refuse directly would seem impolite and would easily give others a handle to use against him.

He hesitated for a moment, then readily agreed.

"It's my honor to be invited by Uncle Lou. I also happen to have some management questions I'd like to ask you, so I'll take my leave now."

He decided to go and see what the Lou family was up to this time.

That evening, as the city lights came on, Li Zhenhua stepped into the Lou Mansion once again.

Compared to last time, Lou Bancheng's attitude was more enthusiastic, and Lou's mother's smile was more genuine. However, behind that genuineness, there seemed to be a hint of barely perceptible tension and anticipation.

Lou Xiao'e had dressed up carefully.

She wore a rose-red brocade cheongsam that accentuated her graceful figure. Her face was lightly made up, and her eyes sparkled with a desperate allure.

During the meeting, Lou Bancheng remained cheerful and talkative, discussing business management and the international situation, without mentioning any sensitive topics.

Lou's mother kept enthusiastically urging people to eat, especially recommending a pot of "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" that she had personally cooked, saying it was a family secret recipe and very nourishing.