Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 2932 A leopard can't change its spots

Siheyuan.

As soon as it got dark, firecrackers started going off incessantly.

Colorful flags were planted on the streets again, and the shadows swayed under the streetlights as the wind blew, as if welcoming the arrival of the Nian monster.

Then they were frightened by the children's firecrackers and ran around in all directions, their mournful cries carried far away by the wind.

Yang Xiaotao parked the car and before he even reached the gate of the courtyard, he saw Yan Fugui chatting with the old man and the Taoist priest at the gate, and he could hear their laughter from time to time.

"Master!"

"Xiao Yang is back!"

Yang Xiaotao greeted the people in the courtyard, and seeing Yan Fugui's ever-smiling face, he jokingly asked, "Third Uncle, you don't have a son this year, how are you going to get by?"

Yan Fugui, however, was overjoyed. "It would be better if they didn't come back."

"When we get back, we still have to clean the house and cook for them. It's so much better that we can cook for ourselves and eat by ourselves. They are so envious."

Yang Xiaotao shook his head repeatedly, "You're just saying one thing and meaning another."

"Come over for dumplings tonight, let's celebrate the New Year together in our compound and have some fun."

Hearing Yang Xiaotao say that, Yan Fugui felt a warmth in his heart.

Then I felt energized again.

Many years ago, in a courtyard house, people would either celebrate the New Year individually or with a few close friends who would bring out their belongings to share and have a good New Year.

What he remembers most vividly is the old man's house back then. He and his wife lived with Sha Zhu's family, the Jia family, and the deaf old lady's family in the backyard.

At that time, he was even thinking of getting involved, hoping to at least have an extra meal.

But that kind of thing stopped happening later.

Not only is the matter gone, but the person is gone too.

For a long time afterward, he was glad he hadn't gotten involved.

From then on, everyone in the courtyard basically celebrated the New Year separately. Except for the Yang family, who were quite lively, the other families kept their doors closed.

But now that Yang Xiaotao has brought up this topic, there's plenty of room for maneuver.

"That's great! With you saying that, our courtyard definitely needs to be lively tonight!"

"Wait, I'm going to tell everyone the good news."

As he spoke, Yan Fugui ran into the courtyard.

That speed was nothing like that of an old man.

Grandpa and Old Master Ye didn't mind what Yang Xiaotao said; in fact, they thought it made the New Year's atmosphere more festive.

Soon, laughter filled the courtyard, and children ran around in the front and back yards.

When Yang Xiaotao and his grandfather entered the courtyard, Wang Dashan and the others had already started moving tables and turning on the lights.

The women around them stood at the door with smiles on their faces, some holding kitchen knives, calling out who had plates or bowls.

When I got home, I saw Miaomiao leading her younger brother and sister around in the yard on Duanwu Festival. She was wearing new clothes and had candy in her pockets. She was as happy as a popping bean!
Yang Xiaotao went inside and put his things down. Ran Qiuye was busy inside. When she saw Yang Xiaotao, she casually asked, "Don't drink too much tonight."

Yang Xiaotao approached with a smile, "You've seen Dad?"

"I saw him, and that second brother was there too!"

Ran Qiuye felt a surge of anger whenever she thought of Ran Xinrui; this girl had grown up and dared to argue with her now.

All I said was a couple of words to her, and she started saying that she's grown up, that she should have her own career and her own opinions, and that she should learn from her brother-in-law.

This is absolutely outrageous!

"What's wrong? Did Dad say something to you?"

Having been together for many years, Yang Xiaotao immediately noticed something was wrong with Ran Qiuye and asked what was going on.

"No, would he dare?"

Ran Qiuye spoke confidently, and then started talking about her second daughter, Ran Xinrui.

Yang Xiaotao listened to the conflict between the two sisters and then silently prepared the meal. It was best not to offer any opinions on such matters.

After Ran Qiuye finished speaking, seeing that Yang Xiaotao remained silent, she reached out and put her hand on Yang Xiaotao's arm, "Do you think what I said is right?"

"As the older sister, shouldn't I be in charge of her?"

Yang Xiaotao nodded vigorously, then said sincerely as if he was right, "You're right, the younger sister has to listen to the older sister."

"Honey, I support you."

Ran Qiuye rolled her eyes, "You're just saying that!"

Yang Xiaotao immediately became righteous and indignant, "What do you mean by saying one thing and meaning another? This is absolutely the truth."

"Don't even mention the second brother, even if the third brother dares to cause trouble, I'll still take care of him for you."

Ran Qiuye smiled and nodded, "That's more like it."

"Neither of these two guys is easy to deal with."

As he spoke, he lowered his head and continued kneading the dough to prepare for making dumplings.

Northwest, Hongxing Machinery Factory.

President He and Old Master Zhu sat to one side, with Li Yunlong, Kong Jie, and Ding Wei, whom they had brought in as 'laborers,' below them.

At that moment, the three of them were kneading dough, chopping meat, and cutting vegetables.

The room was bustling with activity because of the three men.

The three of them originally came to the Northwest to report to Wang Huzi.

When they arrived at Wang Huzi's place, he had just assigned the three of them seats when the three of them, thinking themselves extraordinary, started looking for trouble.

Kong Jie was fairly conventional, frequently leading his troops on patrols.

But Li Yunlong and Ding Wei couldn't sit still.

One of them is a straightforward person who fears nothing and just wants to have nothing better to do.

He's also a straightforward person who's fearless and always thinking about what to do.

Later, the three of them heard Wang Huzi say that there were good things in the machinery factory.

They have everything: helicopters, armored vehicles, and tanks.

Even equipment that Wang Huzi doesn't have here, he has there.

Moreover, it is said that there is a mysterious special forces unit, trained by the Red Star Special Forces of the Ninth Division, whose combat power is extremely strong.

Even Wang Huzi's Snow Leopard Special Forces were no match for them.

The three of them immediately became interested.

So Li Yunlong and Ding Wei went to the factory and said they wanted to recruit the factory's security team.

then
The two were then recruited by President He.

Then, Kong Jie, unaware of the inside story, was summoned by the two and successfully "joined the group".

"Sir, these mutton dumplings are too spicy, should I go and get something else?"

Ding Wei, who was chopping mutton, said to President He, "I have a piece of pork at home, would you like me to go and get it for you?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yunlong rubbed the dough balls on his hands and quickly said, "We have some at home too."

"Commander, it's the Lunar New Year, shouldn't we try some other flavors of dumplings?"

"Don't worry, I'll go home and get the pork and come right back."

Upon hearing their words, Kong Jie quickly stood up and said, "Commander, I..."

"Don't tell me you have pork at home too."

Old Master Zhu reminded him from the side.

Kong Jie blushed and then said loudly, "I, I have beef at home."

Instantly, everyone turned to look.

Beef is a rare sight these days, especially in the Northwest, where cattle are mainly used for plowing.

Seeing the group looking over, Kong Jie quickly explained, "This is not the cow I killed."

"I bought it from the other side when I went to Alashankou last time!"

"You old Kong, you've been secretly reselling supplies! On behalf of my superiors, I severely criticize your actions that are sabotaging the revolution. You must hand over the beef."

Li Yunlong said with a sullen face, but Kong Jie ignored him.

"Don't talk back to me, kid. I don't know how much good wine you have hidden at home."

Li Yunlong immediately objected, "I exchanged those for wine tickets."

"Come on, do you think I don't know how many wine tickets you have?"

"Old Kong, don't talk nonsense."

"Old Li, don't argue with me, you old rascal."

The two stared at each other, neither willing to concede.

"Alright, hurry up and make dumplings, we need to deliver them to the soldiers later."

At this moment, President He spoke up, and the three of them immediately sat down obediently and continued working.

After finishing his speech, General He turned to Elder Zhu and asked, "Have you heard about the situation in Persia?"

Old Zhu, with a cigarette in his hand, nodded upon hearing this.

"I heard that this time it seems to be a procurement of weapons for the Pharaoh's Kingdom."

“I think they might be about to make a move.” President He nodded. “Over the years, we have established quite a few factories in Persia, and the relationship between the two sides is now very close. We need to pay close attention to Persia.”

"The security department has already started sending people to Persia to carry out protection missions. I've spoken with Director Li, and the security department will be expanded after the New Year."

As Mr. He spoke, the three people below listened intently, their ears perked up.

"That's essential; nobody knows where the war will spread!"

Old Master Zhu agreed, and President He picked up his pipe, took a couple of puffs, then rubbed his thigh and said, "With this kind of commotion, the future situation may become even more chaotic."

At this moment, Ding Wei, who was chopping meat, said, "Commander, I think this chaos may not be a bad thing."

Mr. He looked up after hearing this and said, "Go on."

Ding Wei straightened up. "Commander, the other side has a real money pit sitting on them right now, and many people are already eyeing it."

"Our ancestors all knew the principle of not flaunting wealth, but they still dream of dominating the world with oil. No wonder they can't be pleased."

"So the more they make a scene, the worse they'll get in the end."

After Ding Wei finished speaking, Kong Jie muttered from the side, "What good will it do us if they give us a good beating?"

"If the United States or the Alliance intervenes, our situation will only get worse."

Ding Wei glanced at Kong Jie after hearing this, "You think they'll let them go just because they beat these two guys?"

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie remained silent.

Ding Wei added, "Besides, they simply can't win with their strength."

Upon realizing this, even President He and Elder Zhu looked over in surprise, because what Ding Wei said coincided with the news coming from Beijing.

The people of Beijing also do not have a high opinion of this battle.

"Can't win? Then we've sold so much equipment, won't we be able to get our money back?"

Li Yunlong shouted at this moment, knowing that the other side had bought a lot of airplanes through Persia.

Ding Wei laughed and said, "We can't win, but we won't lose either."

"How to say?"

"Population, religion, geographical location."

Ding Wei held up three fingers and said, and Li Yunlong and Kong Jie suddenly understood.

"So, we're not afraid of not getting the money back, right?"

Li Yunlong asked softly, and Ding Wei nodded, "We can definitely make money."

"Moreover, we can build a good relationship with them and benefit from it later."

Kong Jie still didn't understand, "Then what's the benefit of all this for us?"

Ding Wei said, somewhat speechless, "Can't you use your brain? If two people competing against each other want to increase their strength, what's the most direct way?"

"Of course, we're buying weapons!"

"What will happen if the neighbors see people fighting and feel unsafe?"

"Of course, we're buying weapons!"

Upon hearing Ding Wei's words, both Li Yunlong and Kong Jie showed expressions of sudden realization.

"Doesn't that mean we can make even more money?"

A hint of joy flashed in Li Yunlong's eyes, and he was even happier when Ding Wei nodded.

Ding Wei had one more thing he didn't say, but he knew that the people in Beijing had already guessed it.

That is the influence of the region.

Only by increasing influence can we gain the 'awe' of more countries.

Mr. He and Mr. Zhu glanced at Ding Wei, then said from the side, "Hurry up and make dumplings, it's almost time."

The three of them smiled wryly again upon hearing this.

After the dumplings were cooked, the three of them carried the wooden bucket filled with dumplings away. Only then did President He say to Old Master Zhu, "When it comes to brains, Ding Wei is still the best."

"I think we should let Ding Wei lead the team to Persia this time."

Old Zhu nodded, "The five hundred armored vehicles sent this time are no small number."

"If it were an ordinary person, they really wouldn't be able to do it well."

"However, I'm really afraid of that kid Li Yunlong. He might cause some trouble."

Mr. He nodded after listening, then shook his head, "He's getting old, he should be able to change, right?"

Upon hearing this, Old Zhu smiled and said, "It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature!"

Big Year.

Department Nine, Conference Room.

Yang Xiaotao and Li Hongfeng sat at the head of the table, their expressions indifferent.

Below, Elder Zhang from the Third Ministry of Machine Building and Elder Qin from the Logistics Department sat on either side of him. Behind them were Zhou Lai from the Sixth Ministry of Machine Building and Elder Wang from the Seventh Ministry of Machine Building, who had come to join in the fun.

As for Elder Huang from the First Ministry of Machine Building, even if he doesn't come, they will still receive their share of the benefits.

Then, about ten people sat below each of the four.

These were all secretaries and factory directors from departments related to aircraft manufacturing under the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry and the Logistics Department.

Among them are those who can independently manufacture aircraft, those who provide parts for aircraft manufacturing, and those who come with enthusiasm to try it out.

These people came here for one thing only: to take the cake that the Nine Departments had given up.

However, not everyone can eat this cake.

If you don't have the stomach capacity, forcing yourself to eat will give you diarrhea!

Of course, those who are sitting here now are the final result after selection.

Whether or not one can pick up a spoon depends on whether they can complete the assessment in the nine departments.

Yang Xiaotao and Li Hongfeng exchanged a glance, then nodded.

Then he looked at Elder Zhang and Elder Qin, and the two of them smiled.

There's nothing else to it, but the nine ministries relinquished the task of manufacturing two hundred aircraft, which is four billion yuan.

US dollars!

Even just one bite can fill your stomach.

So they gathered people as quickly as possible, and then, with the "requirements" from the nine departments, they worked for two days and two nights, barely having a peaceful New Year, before finally finding the most suitable factory.

And then, this scene unfolded.

"Comrades!"

Li Hongfeng said with a smile, "Since everyone is sitting here, we don't need to go into details about what we're going to do!"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Let's get straight to the point!

After Li Hongfeng finished speaking, Liu Lixue, who was standing behind him, immediately placed the prepared documents on the table and then distributed them to everyone.

"These are some of our requirements, regulations, and standards for aircraft!"

"I believe everyone already understands!"

"Everyone can take a look. If there are no problems, you can sign it."

After Li Hongfeng finished speaking, everyone present was stunned for a moment, and then relaxed.

I originally thought there would be another round of selection and assessment, and there might even be some things that were assumed to be done by default.

For example, by allocating a portion of the profits.

But now that the nine departments have agreed so readily, they really show their sincerity.

As everyone looked at the document, someone quickly signed their name on it.

Then, guided by Liu Lixue, the people who signed the papers left the conference room and went to the large conference room next door, where Zhang Guanyu was leading people to re-register.

Soon, only Yang Xiaotao, Li Hongfeng, and Zhang Laosi remained in the room.

At this moment, the four of them looked relaxed and had smiles on their faces.

"Xiao Yang, I heard that the machine tools in your Ninth Division are almost finished?"

Old Wang asked with a smile, and Yang Xiaotao replied calmly, "No, it's not finished yet."

But Old Wang just smiled at Yang Xiaotao, while Old Qin and Old Zhang on the side squinted their eyes, as if scrutinizing the two of them.

"Xiao Yang, that's not fair of you."

"Given our relationship, there's really no need for this."

Old Wang continued speaking, but Yang Xiaotao still shook his head, "No, no, I never lie. You can ask Secretary Li if you don't believe me."

But as soon as he finished speaking, Li Hongfeng shut his mouth and remained silent.

Old Qin sneered, "It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. You never admit to lying."

"We've known each other for so many years, we all know each other well."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao glanced at the two of them and then laughed, "That's right, it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. I know you two very well."

"If I nod, I'm sure someone will have their eyes on me."

The two of them weren't embarrassed by what they heard, but instead stared at Yang Xiaotao.

Finally, having no other choice, Yang Xiaotao could only nod, "That's right, the CNC machine tool has been made."