That year the flowers bloomed 1981

After Chapter 1690, it will be inconvenient for us to meet often.

Li Ye's phone call not only summoned Wen Leyu and the Li family, but also his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

When Teacher Ke arrived, the Li family was anxiously asking Li Ye, "Are you hurt? Are you hurt?" Li Ye replied nonchalantly, "I'm fine, they're the ones who are hurt."
However, Teacher Ke's expression was very cold, and she said directly to Li Ye, "You're injured, you must go to the hospital now."

"I didn't."

"Don't say anything. We'll talk after you go to the hospital for a checkup."

Li Ye instinctively wanted to "tell the truth," after all, those guys were still lying on the ground clutching their crotches and howling in pain! But Li Ye was alive and kicking, completely unharmed.

However, Teacher Ke did not allow Li Ye to explain and directly told Wen Guohua to negotiate with the relevant personnel.

Li Ye's father-in-law, Wen Qingsheng, patted him on the shoulder and gave him a look that said, "I'll take care of everything."

Li Ye wasn't sure of Wen Qingsheng's intentions, but he figured it was always right to listen to his own people, so he stopped trying to be defiant.

The investigators who had just arrived hesitated, because, in principle, even though Li Ye was the "victim," he should still be subject to rigorous questioning.
However, they hesitated for only a short time, because in just a short while, they received several phone calls inquiring about the case, each one demanding that they "must" and "absolutely must" find all the dangerous individuals.

Behind each of these phone calls lies a chilling reality.

Now they finally understood that Li Ye, who looked so young, was ten or even a hundred times more important than they had imagined. Even if he got a minor scratch, people would be furious about it.

When the drivers and "helpful bystanders" saw that Li Ye was going to the hospital, they immediately started groaning and complaining.

"We need to go to the hospital too, I broke my ribs."

"My thigh is still bleeding, a blood vessel has ruptured, I need emergency treatment."

"Ouch, ouch, help! We're just passing by!"

Asking questions in an interrogation room is completely different from asking questions in a hospital. These people were already aware of what was about to happen, so they struggled as much as they could.

Maybe if we buy them some time, someone will come to rescue them?
"We have doctors who will provide you with timely treatment."

"."

Why are people so different?

These people felt very wronged, believing they were being treated differently. However, they did not know that Li Ye had spent more than a decade proving himself to be of great use to the country; otherwise, he would not have enjoyed the favor of so many powerful figures.

However, the investigators were very responsible. They followed Li Ye to the hospital and began questioning him after he completed the initial examination.

"You must carefully consider who knows your driving route and time to work, and make sure you don't overlook anyone."

"I can't answer that question because I arrive at work before 6 a.m. every year for my shift, and everyone in the company knows that."

"Then start by talking about the people closest to you, such as your parents, brothers, and sisters, one by one, in as much detail as possible."

"My family? That's impossible. It has nothing to do with them, absolutely nothing."

Li Ye didn't want to answer this question because if the investigators followed their line of reasoning, then everyone in the Li family would have to be questioned.

Li Ye absolutely trusts his family, and if you ask Fu Yiruo and Fu Guiru, what do you expect them to think?
Li Ye's vast overseas assets are managed by his mother and sister. If you ask them this, they might get suspicious.
What, you suspect the mother is after her son's inheritance?

That's really hurtful.

However, Li Ye's expression was grim, as were the expressions of the investigators: "Please understand us, because the more detailed your explanation, the greater our chances of solving the case, and the faster we can solve it."

Another investigator said, "Comrade Li Ye, this case is being taken very seriously by the higher-ups. You cannot let your subjective judgment cause you to overlook any clues that could lead to solving the case."

Li Ye blinked, sensing the pressure on the investigators.

[Brother, this is a case overseen by several high-ranking officials. It's such a huge problem. Why won't you, as the party involved, help us share the burden?]

Li Ye remained silent for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "My family is all away, but I believe the key to solving the case lies with those four people. There are no coincidences without a reason; it's impossible for four people to happen to be together on New Year's Eve without leaving any clues."

The investigators frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with Li Ye's attitude.

But what Li Ye said wasn't entirely unreasonable.

If the suspect were a lone thief, he might be able to grit his teeth and withstand the interrogation by these professionals with his iron will. But now there are four of them, and they are unlikely to be of one mind. How could they possibly "resist and be severely punished"?

If you don't confess, your brother will confess and expose you, okay?
However, they did not make things difficult for Li Ye any further. Instead, they went out and explained the situation to Li Zhongfa, Fu Guiru, and the others in a very amicable manner.

"We're all family members of Comrade Li Ye, right? We need to carefully investigate all the clues, so we need everyone's cooperation. Please understand."

Before he could finish speaking, Fu Guiru was the first to say, "That's only right. You can ask whoever you want."

Teacher Ke calmly replied, "Don't feel pressured, just ask whatever you want."

"."

Hearing this, Li Ye, who was following behind, felt very apologetic and could only awkwardly say, "I've caused everyone trouble."

"What are you saying?"

The young wife glanced at Li Ye with displeasure, then suddenly sighed and said, "You can't be so carefree in the future."

Li Ye asked, puzzled, "At ease? How am I at ease?"

Fu Yiruo, the younger sister, leaned closer and said, "Big brother, you're living a very comfortable life. When Mom and I are abroad, we don't let anyone know our whereabouts. We have people specifically arranging our schedules. It's simply impossible for you to go wherever you want and meet up with whomever you want, just like you do in China."

"."

After hearing Fu Yiruo's words, Li Ye felt that it was not a life for a human being, but he had no choice but to believe that it was true.

Fu Guiru and Fu Yiru will definitely be under special protection overseas, but after the security measures are in place, will the protected individuals still have freedom?
You can't even arrange a meal with your brothers, and you're not allowed to take a walk by the lake when you're feeling down. You don't even want to think about that kind of life.

Li Ye frowned and asked Wen Leyu, "Does this mean I'll have to live like Mom and Xiao Ruo overseas in the future? But we're on the mainland!"

Wen Leyu didn't answer Li Ye, but said gently, "Why don't you take a nap first? After you wake up, go with my dad to wish him a Happy New Year!"

"Given my condition, should I still go this year?"

Li Ye was a little confused. The investigators hadn't found out anything yet, and he was still "pretending to be sick." Was it inconvenient for him to join the New Year's greetings on the first day of the Lunar New Year?

But Wen Qingsheng walked over and patted Li Ye on the shoulder: "You absolutely must go this year."

. . . . . . . . . .

Li Ye rarely slept well. He washed his face with cold water after getting up the next day before he was fully awake.

Then Li Ye followed Wen Qingsheng to pay New Year's visits. After arriving at Uncle Peng's house, he waited quietly outside as usual.

Seeing wave after wave of people coming over, chatting quietly like he and Wen Qingsheng while waiting, Li Ye recalled Wen Leyu's words from yesterday.

You won't be as comfortable anymore.

Yes! Sometimes people really can't control their own lives. Look at Uncle Peng and those other big shots, they can't just see whoever they want or when they want to see them, can they?
Wen Qingsheng's father and Uncle Peng were like brothers who had risked their lives for each other. If they wanted to visit, they could only do so on the first day of the Lunar New Year. They couldn't come over on other days when there was nothing else to do.

Once you reach a certain position, you will have excellent security protection, and those who want to harm you will have to think twice. After all, a vice president of a company can be run over by a car, but if Li Ye is a high-ranking official in a government agency, it's not such a casual matter.

However, once you join the government, you'll have to consider a series of issues, from who you want to see to when you want to see them, as many people are secretly watching you.

So, big shots have their concerns, and small shots have their comforts. On the surface, they may not have much interaction, but in the quiet of the night, they might even envy each other!
"Li Ye, go inside."

"Oh, oh~"

This year, Wen Qingsheng's entry order was much earlier than last year. Li Ye was pondering something when he was dragged inside.

Once inside, Li Ye saw Uncle Peng and the others, and suddenly realized that these old guys had aged a lot in just one year.

Li Ye finally understood what Liu Zhengqing had said to his grandfather Li Zhongfa a few days ago—our generation is coming to an end, and the rest of the journey will be left to you young people.

Li Ye sat down obediently, much more reserved than in previous years.

When Uncle Peng saw Li Ye's appearance, he laughed and said, "What's wrong? Did I scare you last night?"

Li Ye quickly shook his head and said, "No, I just didn't expect an article to cause so much trouble."

"Your article?"

Uncle Peng glanced at Li Ye and asked calmly, "Do you think it was your article 'Shangganling' that brought you this trouble?"

Li Ye was somewhat surprised and looked at Wen Qingsheng with astonishment, only to find that his father-in-law also looked bewildered.

Another elder said in a deep voice, "We just received news that those drivers have connections with the Japanese, so it's more likely that their actions in the automotive industry, Li Ye, have become a hindrance to them."

Li Ye was somewhat surprised, because he had never considered the automotive industry at all.

Although he has worked hard and devoted a lot of effort to the light vehicle company in recent years, he feels that it is far from threatening the overseas automotive industry.

In the current automotive industry in mainland China, much of it is based on "borrowing" – whatever you say, I listen to. Those who can do "reverse engineering" are ambitious.

Although Li Ye has taken a half step forward, just a few years ago, the engineers at the First Factory were still sweating profusely as they disassembled a Mitsubishi van!
"Reverse engineering" is a nicer way of saying it; to put it bluntly, it's plagiarism or copying.

But Li Ye didn't think it was wrong, because "plagiarism" has a tradition in the West.

In the 16th century, Dutch finance was the best in the world, so Britain copied Dutch currency.
By the 18th century, the British steam engine was gaining popularity, and Prussia and the Lighthouse immediately began to copy it.

Later, when Japan rebuilt its industry on the ruins, it also copied the technology of the Lighthouse and Western countries.
Even the Japanese and Korean cars that later dominated the world were copied, because in the early days, many of their models were perfect replicas of successful European and American models.

There are two gold bars on the table, but they are from different years. Which one do you think is noble, and which one is despicable?

I'm telling you, the heaviest one is the most expensive.

I'm afraid you'll just stare at the gold and drool, but you won't work hard to turn yourself into gold.

Back then, Wu Yan and his team didn't understand why the engine block was designed at that angle, or why the gearbox had such a large clearance. They could only measure bit by bit with a ruler. If the other person's measurement was one millimeter, they wouldn't dare change it to two millimeters. It's like a poor student copying a top student's exam paper, not even having the courage to change a few punctuation marks.

Now, after more than a decade of accumulation, the engineers at the First Factory have finally gained a little confidence and started to have their own ideas and designs, which is why Li Ye feels that this is half a step forward.

This half-step is a step that is refined through countless trials.

"Oh, it seems our little guy is a bit insecure!"

"Yeah, this kid is sometimes as clever as a monkey, and sometimes as simple-minded as Lao Wen."

Old Wen is Wen Leyu's grandfather. People mentioning Old Wen now is truly a sign of goodwill.

Li Ye quickly replied modestly, "It's not that I lack confidence, I just feel that I haven't done enough. Over the years, no matter how well I've managed to improve things at my company, it's still just a matter for one company."

"You're affecting more than just one company."

Uncle Peng calmly said, "Since the year before last, several groups of people have come to me to complain about you. They say that if you continue to develop like this, half of the car factories in China will go out of business."

"."

Li Ye paused, swallowed hard, and then said awkwardly, "It's true that most of the domestic car factories went bankrupt, but it's not entirely my fault; their own reasons are more significant."

Wen Qingsheng, who was standing next to Li Ye, was speechless after hearing what Li Ye said.

Why does this child always tell the truth? Is he really like Xiaoyu's grandfather?

But Li Ye had no choice!

Even if you gave him three times the courage, he wouldn't dare to lie in front of these big shots!

In the 1980s and 90s, there were hundreds of car factories of all sizes in mainland China, but how many survived in the end?
Uncle Peng narrowed his eyes and asked, "You also think that most of the domestic car manufacturers will go out of business?"

Li Ye nodded solemnly: "Yes, but that is the only way for us to become strong. A small factory with a few hundred people simply cannot compete."

The phenomenon of big fish eating small fish is an inevitable result of industry development.

At the beginning of the century, there were more than 3,000 car manufacturers in the lighthouse, but after fierce market competition and mergers and reorganizations, only 30 or 40 survived.

However, this fierce competition created a glorious era for the Lighthouse Automotive industry.

Therefore, decades later, trolleybus companies sprang up like mushrooms after rain, only to die out in large numbers within a few years. This is a normal phenomenon.

From another perspective, the development of technology and parts supply in mainland China has reached the point where as long as you have money, you can start a car company and manufacture cars without the need for decades of technological accumulation. How powerful must the mainland's supply chain be, and how rich must its talent and technology be?

Decades later, the CEO of a battery startup in Lighthouse visited CATL, and upon returning home, he returned all the funding and dissolved the company.

Because he felt the gap was bigger than he had imagined, and he couldn't imagine how to win in the competition, he thought it would be better to break up early and not end up with nothing.

Uncle Peng asked casually, "So you think that Jingnan Group will eventually become powerful enough to compete with Japanese car factories?"

Li Ye said earnestly, "Yes, it's not just our automotive industry, but our country that will eventually become strong and compete with all our overseas rivals."

Uncle Peng chuckled: "Really? Tell me, why aren't you being modest now?"

Li Ye lowered his head and thought for a moment, then explained carefully: "During my years working at the grassroots level, I have a full understanding of our strengths and weaknesses. I won't go into the weaknesses, because there are always more solutions than problems. I'll just talk about our strengths."
Our strengths lie in organization, execution, and the entire industry chain; in previous years, we were severely lacking in standards.
However, in recent years, by learning from the United States and Germany, and adding our own characteristics, we have developed an effective and feasible method. As long as we persist, becoming strong is just around the corner.

An elder couldn't help but ask, "The kind of power you're talking about isn't just limited to the automotive industry, is it?"

Li Ye nodded, saying confidently, "Yes, now we just need an opportunity. If we can join the WTO as soon as possible, perhaps in just twenty years, we can rise to second place and even aim for first."

"Aiming for second place and hoping to be number one? Doesn't that mean surpassing Japan overall?"

"Little guy, I was just saying you were honest and kind, but now... are you about to brag?"

"."

A group of usually unmoved big shots suddenly launched into a barrage of questions at Li Ye, clearly because his words were too astonishing.

These people have all come from the hardest times, and they all have a clear understanding of the situation. Anyone can shout slogans, but when it comes to actually doing real work, there's no room for boasting.

"Yes, that's what I think, and I firmly believe it."

Li Ye had no choice but to rely on his stubbornness.

Because most people in this era are unaware of their own potential.

Not to mention 1994, even in 2000, everyone was still filled with fear of Japan.

On one of the most radical forums in mainland China, a user predicted that the mainland economy would surpass Japan's within thirty years, which drew a lot of ridicule and abuse.

But in reality? This time was more than half earlier.

Another guy expressed his dreams by writing about them in a "dreaming" style.

I had a dream that in 2025, our navy would have a large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, four large cruisers, and several world-class destroyers.

Look at this! In this day and age, even when people dream, they lack vision and imagination.

Therefore, the truth that Li Ye spoke naturally sounded like "bragging".

Uncle Peng nodded slightly and said, "Alright, no matter what, the little guy has a high level of thinking and even stronger confidence in our mainland. Based on these two points alone, he should be allowed to shoulder heavier responsibilities."

"Yes, unwavering confidence is key. Without confidence, even the best of times cannot be won."

"Little guy, you'd better fight this battle well for us!"

Li Ye smiled awkwardly and nodded sheepishly.

Although Wen Qingsheng had revealed some inside information to him yesterday, Li Ye was still somewhat at a loss when the time came.

It was a dream that some people longed for but couldn't have, but it felt somewhat cruel to Li Ye when it happened to him.

Li Ye is only thirty-three years old!

What was I doing at thirty-three in my past life?
Eating barbecue skewers with my buddies, playing games together, and commenting on girls together—aside from the occasional pressure from family to get married, life couldn't be more relaxing and enjoyable.

But why is it that in this life, Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility upon this person?
Now Li Ye seems to understand, because today's young people lack the unwavering faith that the older generation forged in adversity.

Even if it means certain death, I'll grit my teeth and keep going.

Because Li Ye had seen what lay decades in the future, he possessed a unique "firmness," which is why he was valued by several bigwigs.

Seeing that Li Ye was somewhat distracted, Uncle Peng said something that Li Ye never expected.

"Li Ye, your teacher recommended you to the higher-ups before the surgery. You also need to fight well for him in the next battle."

"what?"

Li Ye asked in surprise, "My teacher is having surgery? You mean?"

Uncle Peng was also a little puzzled, because the way he looked at Li Ye suggested that Li Ye really didn't know.

So Uncle Peng said casually, "Zhang Qiyan underwent surgery before the Spring Festival because of a brain tumor, but unfortunately the surgery failed."

"Om~"

Li Ye felt as if his head had exploded instantly, and he couldn't hear anything in his ears except for a loud buzzing sound.

The scene of delivering New Year's goods to Zhang Qiyan's house a few days ago is still vivid in my mind. At that time, Zhang Qiyan distributed books and notes to everyone, and Li Ye was thinking, "This is like dividing an inheritance." He never expected that something really big would happen.

It turns out that Zhang Qiyan wasn't really transferring jobs, but rather knew that the success rate of the surgery was very low, so he did some things in advance.

The inheritance Zhang Qiyan gave to Li Ye consisted entirely of his notes and reflections, and before leaving, he recommended Li Ye to his superiors again.

What kind of trust is this?
. . . . . . . . . .

After paying his New Year's respects, Li Ye silently followed Wen Qingsheng back home.

Wen Qingsheng said softly, "We must build a talent pipeline. Your generation is very important. If you don't take the place, someone else will."

"I understand, Dad. I'll go, I have to go!"

Li Ye breathed a sigh of relief and finally made a decision.

After enjoying more than a decade of good times, things won't be so easy from now on.

Just then, Li Ye's phone rang; it was Pei Wencong calling.

"Hey Mr. Li, are we still going to gather in Beijing on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year this year?"

"."

Li Ye was silent for a moment, then said calmly, "Old Pei, it probably won't be convenient for us to meet often in the future."

Pei Wencong froze for a few seconds, then asked in alarm, "Mr. Li, what happened? Did I do something wrong?"

"Ah~"

Li Ye sighed and said calmly, "I should be starting a new job soon."

"."

Pei Wencong was stunned again, and after a long while, he jumped up excitedly.

[I knew it. I knew my forty years of great fortune wouldn't end halfway. The previous ten years or so were just an appetizer!]

The End!
(End of this chapter)