Chapter 90: Temptation (Part 2)

Chapter 90 Temptation (Part 2)

In his dream, Hou Weidong was walking in front of the county government gate when he suddenly fell into a massive, rotating gear. He struggled desperately, but the machinery crushed him until he was a blur of blood and flesh. Even within the dream, he felt a piercing, agonizing pain.

When he woke up, his mouth tasted bitter, his throat was parched, and his face was drenched in sweat. He realized that although summer was approaching, he was still covered by the heavy four-jin cotton quilt used for spring. It was a new quilt his mother, Liu Guangfen, had sent him. Getting out of bed, Hou Weidong picked up a glass of plain water from the night before and gulped it down in one go. The icy water rushed through his overheated body, finally pulling him fully out of the nightmare.

He hadn’t eaten at the communal kitchen in a long time. Waking up with a lingering heat in his body, he remembered the mung bean porridge cooked by Chi Ming, the head of the kitchen. Mung bean porridge was perfect for clearing internal heat. He picked up his thermos and headed toward the kitchen in the backyard.

Chi Ming and Tian Xiuying were standing by the stove, chatting. A large iron pot filled with water was slowly coming to a boil, small bubbles forming on the surface as wisps of steam rose gently into the air.

Tian Xiuying felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction regarding Hou Weidong’s dismissal. Although she had no real conflict with him, seeing someone else suffer brought her a strange, unspoken joy.

“University Student Hou,” she said, “the road is finished. What trouble are you looking for now?”

This woman had nothing better to do than spread gossip. Hou Weidong usually kept his distance from her. He replied simply, “Sister Tian, I’m here to get hot water and eat some porridge.” He placed his thermos on the stove, took a bowl and chopsticks from the cabinet, and smiled at Chi Ming. “I haven’t had mung bean porridge in ages. Two bowls, please.”

It had been over half a year since Hou Weidong arrived in Shangqinglin. Like a hexagonal snowflake slowly melting into the weedy earth, he had gradually integrated into the community. Chi Ming no longer treated him like a guest. “Don’t you have hands?” Chi Ming said. “Do you need me to serve you?”

Hou Weidong didn’t mind. He scooped a portion of pickled vegetables from the plate, lifted his bowl of porridge, and ate with loud, slurping noises. Just as he was eating, Tian Dadao walked in from outside, carrying a vegetable basket.

“Madman,” Tian Dadao said to Hou Weidong, “how come you’re willing to come drink porridge today? You got drunk again yesterday.”

Chi Ming was a support staff member at the Qinglin township government, assigned to Shangqinglin for several years. Under Tian Dadao’s persistent and rough courting, she had eventually given in. Of course, according to Tian Xiuying’s version of events, Chi Ming had been forced into it by Tian Dadao’s coercion. Fortunately, everyone knew Tian Xiuying’s words were full of water, so no one believed her.

Tian Dadao and Chi Ming had registered their marriage in April. The once wild and untamed Tian Dadao had settled down in the warmth of marriage and become much more docile. He worked as a civil patrol officer, not a formal civil servant, and his pay was low. Hearing that Hou Weidong and Zeng Xiangang had started a quarry, he became interested.

“Madman, you’ve made a fortune this time. How much money did you make?”

Hou Weidong had anticipated that once the road was open, many people would want to open quarries. He immediately started complaining. “Let me clarify first: this quarry isn’t mine. It’s a partnership between my second sister, Hou Xiaoying, and Zeng Xiangang. ‘Yinggang Quarry’—‘Ying’ from Hou Xiaoying, ‘Gang’ from Zeng Xiangang.”

Tian Dadao was single-mindedly focused on starting a quarry. He pressed for details. “So, how much money did you actually make?”

Hou Weidong gave a vague answer. “The quarry employs dozens of workers. We have to pay land fees, electricity bills, tool costs… after all the expenses, there’s hardly any profit left.”

Tian Xiuying interjected from the side. “You can’t tell, University Student Hou is quite cunning. It’s clearly your quarry, but you insist it’s your sister’s. You think we don’t know?”

Hou Weidong was truly fed up with this woman, who buzzed around like a fly. “My second sister is a laid-off worker. She’s starting a quarry just to put food on the table. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”

Chi Ming served Hou Weidong some red tofu. “University Student Hou, my Dadao wants to start a quarry too. Please give us some guidance when the time comes. Don’t keep secrets from us.”

With the road open, Qin Dajiang and Tian Dadao had both declared their intention to open quarries. Hou Weidong thought to himself, The people of Qinglin aren’t stupid. My delaying tactics won’t work forever. What’s coming will come. From now on, I can only compete on customer base. I must keep the connection with the Transportation Bureau strong. Outwardly, he said, “No problem. We’ll talk about it.”

After breakfast, Hou Weidong returned to the front courtyard and saw Zeng Xiangang standing there. Zeng was wearing a gray suit—the kind sold at roadside stalls. It looked coarse and was slightly too small. Zeng Xiangang was naturally burly, so wearing a cheap, undersized suit made him look rather comical.

This was the best clothes Zeng Xiangang had specially changed into for going into the city.

In Shangqinglin, Hou Weidong was used to such attire. The two men took their relevant licenses and rushed to Yiyang County. They opened a corporate account at the Industrial and Commercial Bank, only to be told that the account would not be active for another seven days.

Those were truly long seven days. Hou Weidong counted the days anxiously, just as he had waited for his university admission notice during the college entrance exams years ago. After seven days, the account was finally activated. Hou Weidong and Zeng Xiangang excitedly headed to the Yiyang County Transportation Bureau.

This time, Hou Weidong first found Liu Wei, who led him to the finance office. Liu Wei was now the Chief of the Engineering Section, a significant department within the Transportation Bureau. Several previous chiefs had been promoted, so the finance office showed Liu Wei a certain amount of respect.

The female clerk they had met before was much more polite. “Hou Weidong, this type of engineering payment requires Section Chief Gao’s signature. He is in the next office. Let me ask him first.”

Hou Weidong said sincerely, “Accountant Zhu, thank you.”

A while later, Accountant Zhu returned, shaking her head. “Section Chief Gao said the unit has no money. Please come back in a while.”

Liu Wei understood the hidden rules clearly. He quietly tugged at Hou Weidong’s sleeve. Hou Weidong understood immediately and followed Liu Wei out of the room.

In such a situation, Zeng Xiangang could only stand aside, unable to speak, looking foolish.

Liu Wei closed the office door and said softly, “Brother Hou, let me tell you the truth. This is your first time doing engineering projects. After a few more times, you’ll understand. Asking for money is an art. If you ask like this, even if there is money, Section Chief Gao won’t give it to you.”

Hou Weidong remembered the last time he had applied for a loan from the foundation. For a loan of only ten thousand yuan, Station Master Huang had demanded a one-thousand-yuan kickback. He asked, “Do I need to show some appreciation?”

“Smart people are different. You get it right away.” Liu Wei nodded and whispered, “This matter can only be discussed privately. You need to test his tone. It’s best if you go alone.” He turned to Zeng Xiangang. “For this kind of talk, only one person should go. Director Zeng, please wait outside.”

Zeng Xiangang said, “Then I’ll go out. I’ll wait across the street.”

Hou Weidong added, “Brother Liu, could you introduce me? I haven’t dealt with him before, and I don’t know if he’ll be receptive.”

Liu Wei thought to himself, Section Chief Gao is famous for plucking feathers from every goose that flies by. He takes bribes of all sizes. If you offer money, how could he refuse? He couldn’t say this openly, so he hinted, “Section Chief Gao is Director Zeng’s confidant. His words carry more weight than those of a regular deputy director. I am a newly promoted section chief, so he won’t listen to me. Moreover, the fewer people who know about this, the better. You should go find him alone. After the matter is settled, you can treat us all to a drink. Once we interact a few more times, things will be easier to handle.”

With Liu Wei’s guidance, Hou Weidong still felt nervous. This was his first time engaging in such a behind-the-scenes transaction. He encouraged himself, If I die, my testicles face the sky. What’s there to fear? If he wants to take it, I dare to give it.

He discussed the matter with Zeng Xiangang across the street. When Hou Weidong mentioned the amount, Zeng Xiangang couldn’t help but exclaim, “Twenty thousand? He’s just transferring the account. Why should he take so much money?”

Hou Weidong said, “Twenty thousand yuan is a lot in the countryside. Besides, we still need to pay wages, repay loans, and cover other costs when we get the forty-something thousand back. Five thousand should be enough.”

Hou Weidong didn’t actually know how much kickback was appropriate. He suggested, “Let’s offer ten thousand and see what he says.”

Zeng Xiangang was still hesitant and wouldn’t agree readily.

Hou Weidong said again, “I’ll call my brother-in-law. He works in sales and should know the market rates.” After making the call, Hou Weidong told the expectant Zeng Xiangang, “My brother-in-law said that everywhere is plagued by triangular debts, or even quadrangular and pentagonal debts. Cash is king. In such situations, the rate is usually two to five percent.”

Zeng Xiangang calculated. “Based on forty thousand, two percent is eight hundred yuan, and five percent is two thousand.” He gritted his teeth. “Ten thousand it is. I’m going all in.”

After agreeing, Hou Weidong withdrew ten thousand yuan from the bank, counted it in front of Zeng Xiangang, and put it into a large envelope.

Arriving at the Finance Section Chief’s office, Hou Weidong explained his purpose to Section Chief Gao.

Section Chief Gao was a middle-aged man with a pale face and no beard. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, and his eyes were hidden behind the lenses, making it hard to read his expression. He sat behind his desk, tapping his fingers lightly on the surface. After a while, he said, “Hou Weidong, the bureau’s funds are tight. We really have no money. Please come back in a few days.”

During his law studies, Hou Weidong had dabbled in behavioral psychology. Seeing Section Chief Gao’s finger-tapping, he knew the man’s mind was not calm. He pretended to be a seasoned street-smart operator. “At home, we rely on parents; outside, we rely on friends. Today, I’m mainly here to report my work to Section Chief Gao.”

Section Chief Gao kept staring at Hou Weidong. He sensed that Hou Weidong’s speech was unnatural and that he wasn’t a veteran of these dealings. He wondered if this person understood the rules. “The quarry and the Transportation Bureau have always cooperated closely. We often meet with the bosses of the major quarries.”

Hou Weidong sensitively realized there was a hidden meaning in his words. He’s definitely dropping a hint. He试探ingly said, “Section Chief Gao, let’s have a simple lunch at the Yiyang Hotel today.”

Section Chief Gao declined. “I have things to do in the afternoon. I can’t drink at noon.”

Hou Weidong immediately said, “If you don’t drink at noon, Section Chief Gao, just give me a chance to report to you.”

Section Chief Gao softened. He smiled. “You seem honest. Let’s make it clear first: no drinking at noon.”

At the Yiyang Hotel, Hou Weidong opened a bottle of Moutai and ordered high-end dishes like pure wild soft-shell turtle and green eel with green peppers. After drinking two cups of wine, Section Chief Gao’s mood lifted, and the private room was filled with his loud conversation.

Zeng Xiangang’s expression was strange. Every time he moved his chopsticks, it felt like a drop of blood flowed from his heart. He silently recited, “This is a chicken. This is a fish.”

After the meal, Hou Weidong said, “Section Chief Gao, there’s a karaoke room upstairs. Let’s go sing a few songs.” Section Chief Gao’s pale face had gained some color. “Let’s not.” Seeing that his refusal wasn’t firm, Hou Weidong pulled him. “Come on, let’s shout a few tunes.” He turned to Zeng Xiangang. “You go settle the bill. We’ll come up later.”

In the small room upstairs, Hou Weidong closed the door and slipped the envelope into Section Chief Gao’s pocket. “Please take good care of us, Section Chief Gao.” Section Chief Gao quickly pressed his pocket with his right hand. By intuition, he knew it was around ten thousand yuan. Seeing Hou Weidong’s quick wit, he nodded. “Come by tomorrow.”

Zeng Xiangang settled the bill. It totaled one thousand three hundred yuan. His heart ached so much he nearly went mad. He went up to the third floor and entered the room, only to see three young women dressed in flashy, revealing clothes inside. Blood rushed to his head, and he felt dizzy. He walked to the door, rested for a while, and only then regained his composure. Daring not to go back in, he went downstairs and sat in the lobby, waiting for Hou Weidong and Section Chief Gao.