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

She stood up, put her veil back on, concealing her stunning beauty and the gleam in her eyes.

"Gentlemen, take care of yourselves. Remember what I said, do it immediately, and perhaps there will still be a glimmer of hope. As for my visit here tonight..."

Her gaze suddenly turned cold.

"You know the consequences if even the slightest hint of trouble gets out."

After saying that, she didn't look at the crowd again and left the room quietly, just as she had come, leaving behind only a faint, almost imperceptible fragrance and a group of distraught, fearful grain merchants.

Manager Wang slumped into his chair, and after a long while, he spoke to the others in a hoarse voice.

"What are you waiting for? Do as Miss Bai says! Immediately! Right now! Distribute grain! Donate money! Quickly!"

The room erupted into chaos as everyone scrambled to get out and deal with the "life-saving" matter that was about to bankrupt them but which they had no choice but to do.

The small conference room at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill was filled with smoke.

The expanded meeting of the factory's Party Committee had just ended, and the workshop directors and heads of major departments were leaving one after another. Each person had a different expression on their face, but their eyes all turned to the young figure sitting to the lower left of Factory Director Yang Yuanpei—the newly appointed deputy factory director, Li Zhenhua.

Factory Director Yang delivered his concluding remarks, his face beaming with an irrepressible smile, his voice booming.

"...In short, Comrade Zhenhua deserves immense credit for our factory's ability to successfully overcome this production crisis and receive commendation from higher authorities in the first half of the year's evaluation! Strong logistical support and timely supply of materials, especially the resolution of the food rations for key employees, stabilized morale and improved production efficiency! Comrade Zhenhua is young, promising, decisive, and responsible; he is a role model for all our factory's cadres and employees!"

Director Yang spoke these words with heartfelt sincerity, almost meticulously praising Li Zhenhua.

The attendees nodded in agreement, their gazes toward Li Zhenhua filled with admiration and... a complex sense of awe.

Everyone knows that this young deputy factory director has extraordinary abilities. He can not only get grain, but also bring down his opponents. Even Li Huaide, a veteran in the factory, has fallen into his hands. Now he is deeply trusted by Director Yang and is enjoying unparalleled influence.

Li Zhenhua remained calm, bowed slightly, and spoke humbly.

"Factory director, you flatter me. This is all thanks to the effective leadership of the factory's Party committee and the collective efforts of all the factory's employees. I was just doing my job."

His attitude was neither humble nor arrogant; he accepted the praise while attributing the credit to the collective, leaving no room for criticism.

Factory Director Yang nodded in satisfaction and patted Li Zhenhua on the shoulder.

"Zhenhua, humility is a good thing, but we still need to acknowledge what deserves recognition! Work hard, the factory's future depends on young people like you!"

The meeting ended, and everyone left. The smile on Director Yang's face slowly faded. He picked up his teacup, blew on the foam, and a barely perceptible shadow of gloom flashed across his eyes.

He sat alone in the empty conference room, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.

Li Zhenhua's rise to power was too fast!

It happened so fast that even he, the factory manager, was a little alarmed.

In a short period of time, he rose from deputy director to deputy factory director, gaining control over logistics and supply. Now, his prestige in the factory is even showing signs of surpassing that of the top leader.

Although Li Zhenhua has maintained a superficial respect for him and acted with great discretion, power is like a tiger—easy to ride, hard to get off.

Who can guarantee that Li Zhenhua won't have even bigger ideas in the future?

After all, Yang Yuanpei had been in that position for quite some time.

Director Yang couldn't help but recall some rumors. Some people said that Li Zhenhua had a powerful background and that even the leaders in the district and city treated him differently.

Some say his next goal might be to become the director of a steel rolling mill.

These words were like thorns, piercing Director Yang's heart.

He knew he had treated Li Zhenhua well, promoting him all the way, but when faced with someone who might threaten his position, a complex mix of emotions inevitably arose—both reliance and apprehension, admiration and worry.

"well……"

Factory Director Yang sighed softly, feeling a wave of exhaustion.

Managing a large factory with tens of thousands of employees is already mentally and physically exhausting. Now, he also has to balance internal relationships, especially dealing with a highly capable and powerful deputy like Li Zhenhua, which is even more exhausting for him.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the conference room door.

"Please come in."

Factory Director Yang composed himself and said in a deep voice.

The door opened, and Li Zhenhua returned, holding a folder in his hand. He had a gentle smile on his face.

"Factory manager, you're still here? Perfect timing! I have a plan for the procurement of special steel for the second half of the year that I'd like to report the details to you."

Factory Director Yang was taken aback for a moment, then smiled.

"Oh, it's Zhenhua. Come in and have a seat. No matter how busy you are with work, you should remember to rest."

He pointed to the chair opposite him.

Li Zhenhua sat down and placed the folder on the table, but did not open it immediately.

He looked at Director Yang with clear and honest eyes, as if he could see through the other's thoughts.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, with only the ticking of the wall clock.

Factory Director Yang felt a little uncomfortable under Li Zhenhua's gaze, so he coughed lightly and picked up his teacup to cover it up.

"Zhenhua, is there anything else?"

Li Zhenhua did not answer directly, but spoke slowly, his tone calm yet carrying a strange penetrating power.

"Factory Manager, I've been with you for a while now. I'm so grateful for your trust and promotion that I've achieved what I have today. There are some things I feel I should tell you."

Director Yang had a sudden thought, put down his teacup, and leaned forward slightly.

"Oh? Zhenhua, please speak freely. What can't we say to each other?" He tried his best to make his tone sound friendly and natural.

Li Zhenhua looked into Director Yang's eyes and said, word by word.

"Factory manager, I know there have been a lot of rumors about me lately, both inside and outside the factory. Some say I have powerful connections, others say I'm going to become the factory manager next."

Factory Director Yang's expression changed slightly. He hadn't expected Li Zhenhua to be so direct. He forced a smile.

"Zhenhua, don't listen to those rumors outside! Everyone in the factory knows your abilities. You got this job through real hard work! I have absolute trust in you!"

Li Zhenhua shook his head, a faint, slightly mocking smile on his face. But this mockery was not directed at Director Yang; it was directed at the rumors and gossip.

"Factory manager, you don't need to comfort me. I understand the power of gossip. Besides, some of my concerns are not unfounded."

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming extremely solemn and sincere.

"Factory Director, I've come to see you today to tell you that I, Li Zhenhua, am not an ungrateful person. I will always remember your kindness and support. The steel rolling mill is where I grew up, and you, Factory Director Yang, are a leader I deeply respect."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the conference room that symbolized the highest power center of the steel rolling mill, before continuing.

"However, my goal has never been just to stay in the steel rolling mill, much less to set my sights on your position as the plant manager."

Factory Director Yang's breath hitched, and his heart skipped a beat.

He stared intently at Li Zhenhua, waiting for him to continue.

Li Zhenhua's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable firmness and lofty ambition.

"The steel rolling mill is indeed a large factory with tens of thousands of employees, and it is very important. But in the overall industrial layout of the country, it is only one link. My vision is much broader. I accumulate merit and do every task well in front of me, not to replace anyone one day, but to accumulate enough strength and capital to take on heavier responsibilities and solve bigger problems."

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, which only made it sound more weighty.

"Factory Director, to be frank, through my work over this period, especially in terms of material supply, I've come across some higher-level difficulties and needs. What our country lacks now is not just steel produced by rolling mills, but also more advanced technology, a more efficient management system, and smoother domestic and international resource channels. These are not things that a single rolling mill director can completely solve."

Director Yang was deeply shaken upon hearing this.

He never imagined that Li Zhenhua's ambition and vision were so vast!

He originally thought that Li Zhenhua's goal was to replace him and become the owner of the factory, but he did not expect that the other party had no such ambition at all!

The other party is focusing on the bottlenecks of the entire industry and the strategic needs at the national level!

In comparison, how narrow-minded I am to be preoccupied with the power balance within the factory!

Seeing the changing expressions on Director Yang's face, Li Zhenhua knew that his words had worked, so he continued to press on, his tone becoming even more sincere.

"Factory Director, you are my former leader, and I'll be honest with you. For me now, the steel rolling mill is a platform for accumulation and training. But it will never be my end. What I hope is that one day, when the opportunity comes, I can use my achievements at the steel rolling mill to move to a position where I can play a greater role and contribute more to the country and industrial development, rather than being stuck in one place and getting caught up in endless internal friction."

He paused for a moment, then offered his final reassurance.

"So, Director, please rest assured. As long as I'm at the steel rolling mill, I will do my best to assist you in your work and will never do anything that is detrimental to unity or the mill's development. The stable development and greater achievements of the steel rolling mill are primarily thanks to you, Director Yang. This will only benefit my future development, not harm me. We should complement each other, not be suspicious of each other."

These words were like a wake-up call, instantly extinguishing the dark suspicions and worries in Director Yang's heart.

He understood completely!

Li Zhenhua is a swan with lofty ambitions; the steel rolling mill is merely a temporary resting place and a springboard for his takeoff.

They don't even care about my position as factory manager!

My previous worries were completely unfounded, or even a case of judging others by my own petty standards!

A great sense of relief and a touch of shame welled up in Director Yang's heart, followed by unparalleled ease and an indescribable excitement.

If Li Zhenhua is indeed going to a higher position in the future, as his former boss who promoted and trusted him, wouldn't he also benefit from it?

This is practically a sure-fire political investment!

Having figured this out, Director Yang's smile became incredibly sincere and radiant. He suddenly stood up, walked around the table, tightly grasped Li Zhenhua's hand, and shook it vigorously.

"Zhenhua! Excellent! Truly impressive! Ambitious! Ambitious! I knew I hadn't misjudged him!"

He said excitedly.

"I support you with your ambition! I absolutely support you! The steel mill is your strongest backing! From now on, go ahead and do whatever you want in the factory. If you need me to coordinate anything, just ask! We'll work together to make the steel mill even better and make your resume even more impressive! When you soar higher in the future, I'll be proud too!"

At this moment, all the pent-up feelings in Director Yang's heart disappeared, and his attitude towards Li Zhenhua changed completely from reliance and wariness to full support and eager expectation for investment in the future.

He knew that what bound Li Zhenhua back was not the position of factory director, but their shared cause and the broad prospects for the future.

As long as I maintain enough support and goodwill, when Li Zhenhua's great ship sets sail, he will naturally remember me as his former dock.

Li Zhenhua also showed a sincere smile and shook hands with Director Yang.

"Thank you for your understanding and support, factory manager! I feel relieved to hear that. Let's work together!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, and the atmosphere in the meeting room became more harmonious than ever before.

After seeing off Director Yang, who was now all relieved and beaming with joy, Li Zhenhua returned alone to the deputy director's office.

Outside the window, the steel mill's chimneys still spewed out gray-white smoke, and the roar of the machines could be faintly heard through the glass. Everything seemed orderly and under control.

His conversation with Director Yang solidified his position within the steel rolling mill and cleared away the last potential obstacles.

Now, he can more calmly plan for the future and set his sights on a broader stage.

However, he knew all too well that the waters of Beijing were never truly calm.

When the old balance is broken, new forces will inevitably try to intervene, either by courting, probing, or challenging.

A few days later, one afternoon, Li Zhenhua was reviewing a preliminary plan for technical exchanges with Soviet experts when the outside phone on his desk rang.

The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number, but the prefix indicated that it came from a relatively high-level internal system.

Li Zhenhua hesitated for a moment before answering the phone.

"Hello, who is this?"

A crisp, clear, yet slightly languid and magnetic female voice came from the other end of the phone. Her tone was just right, polite yet exuding an undeniable confidence.

"Excuse me, are you Li Zhenhua, the deputy factory director?"

"Yes, that's me. And who are you?"

Li Zhenhua spoke calmly.

"I apologize for disturbing you. I am Bai Manli, and my father is Bai Jingqi. I have long admired Director Li's name. I am calling today to convey my father's and the Shanxi Chamber of Commerce's invitation to Director Li to have a drink at 'Hongbinlou' tonight. I wonder if Director Li would do me the honor?"

Bai Manli?

Bai Jingqi's daughter?

Li Zhenhua's heart stirred slightly.

Bai Jingqi, the president of the Shanxi Chamber of Commerce, is a true leader in the northern business world. His influence is deeply entrenched and far surpasses that of a washed-up capitalist like Lou Bancheng. He also has deep connections in the political arena.