Chapter 106: The Turning Point (Part 1)

"Return to Shazhou within three years." This was Hou Weidong’s promise to Chen Qingrong, and it remained his ultimate goal.

He had started working in Qinglin Town in August 1993. Now it was June 1995. Time flowed away like water, silent and irreversible, much like a woman who leaves without a backward glance. Hou Weidong was still stationed in the Shangqinglin Work Group, with no visible progress in his official career. However, as the saying goes, a blessing in disguise. He had naturally acquired two stone quarries in Shangqinglin, effortlessly becoming the town’s first millionaire.

Intentional efforts often yield no fruit, while accidental actions bring unexpected success. This was the best summary of Hou Weidong’s life over the past two years.

After leaving Qin Feiyue’s home, Hou Weidong went to the post office branch to buy the latest model Motorola mobile phone and mailed it to Xiaojia. With this phone, he could reach Xiaojia at any time.

After sending the phone, he went to the newly opened Yiyang Department Store to buy an air conditioner with both heating and cooling functions. It cost over 4,600 yuan. Although the summer in Shangqinglin was much cooler than in Yiyang County, the temperature still reached 37 or 38 degrees Celsius at its hottest, and dropped to minus 3 or 4 degrees in winter. Having worked hard to earn money, he deserved to treat himself.

Since Shangqinglin was too far from Yiyang County, the installation workers were reluctant to make the trip. Hou Weidong, having been a boss for so long, was accustomed to solving problems with money. He said, "I’ll pay 200 yuan for the installation fee and 100 yuan for the travel expenses. Take it or leave it." The installer smiled and said, "You’re a straightforward boss. I won’t beat around the bush. Fine, I’ll go get a car right away."

Just as he was about to get in the car, his pager buzzed again. It was a call from Zhu Bing’s office.

"Hello. Director Zhu, this is Hou Weidong. What are your instructions?"

Zhu Bing laughed on the other end of the line, "What instructions? Just wait on the mountain today. Later, Xiao Liang from the office will bring reporters from the newspaper up the mountain. The Yiyang Daily is planning a series of interviews on key transportation construction projects, aiming for the front page. Director Zeng attaches great importance to this. I told Xiao Liang to come directly to you. The main focus of the interview in Shangqinglin will be the Goubeiwan Quarry and the Dawan Quarry. With the county and township leadership changes happening this year, this is a political task. You need to prepare well."

"Director Zhu, I’m currently in Yiyang City and preparing to return to Shangqinglin. Does Xiao Liang have a pager? I need to contact him."

"That’s perfect. You can go up the mountain together. I’ll have Xiao Liang page you. By the way, Madman, you should buy a mobile phone too. It’s more convenient."

"I’d like to, but the signal on the mountain is poor. It would be useless. I’ll buy one once the base station is built."

"Even if the signal is bad, you should still buy one. You’re a boss, after all. If you go out to handle business without a mobile phone, people won’t trust you."

"Alright, I’ll go buy one immediately."

The Yiyang Department Store was right opposite the post office branch. Hou Weidong went straight to the mobile phone counter and, without a second word, bought a phone for 14,000 yuan. From entering the store to leaving with the phone, it took him only eight minutes.

When he came out, the air conditioner hadn’t been moved out yet. Hou Weidong waited for a while at the entrance of the newly built Yiyang Department Store. The installer arrived in a Changan van, and soon after, they carried the new air conditioner out.

Just then, a pickup truck drove up and stopped in front of Hou Weidong.

Sitting in the passenger seat was Xiao Liang, the Deputy Director of the Transportation Bureau’s office. He knew Hou Weidong but was unaware of Hou’s special relationship with Zeng Zhaoqiang and Zhu Bing. After stopping the car, he waved from inside and said, "Hou Weidong, get in."

The pickup truck driver, Old Wu, was a good friend of Liang Bifa and also familiar with Hou Weidong. He honked the horn and shouted loudly, "Madman, get in."

Hou Weidong leaned close to the car window and said, "I have a Changan van here that needs to transport the air conditioner up the mountain. You can follow behind it."

Director Liang, looking impatient, said, "Don’t waste time. Get in quickly. Let the Changan van follow behind. You can talk to the reporters on the way to save time once we reach the quarry." Director Liang had important social engagements that evening, but since Director Zeng had assigned him to lead the interview team, he couldn’t refuse. He wanted to finish the task quickly.

Duan Ying was sitting in the back seat. She had seen Hou Weidong earlier but only watched him through the glass window without greeting him proactively. It had been over half a year since she last saw Hou Weidong. He was wearing a high-quality short-sleeved T-shirt, his face tanned and reddish, his hair cut short. Compared to their last meeting, he seemed more mature and confident, exuding a strong masculine aura. In contrast, Liu Kun appeared too delicate and weak.

Hou Weidong said a few words to the Changan van driver and then got into the pickup truck. Looking up, he saw Duan Ying sitting on the left. He paused for a moment, then realized that Duan Ying had been transferred to the Yiyang Daily.

Duan Ying was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, with a wide belt around her waist and a large bag on her back. Her hair was tied up simply. She met Hou Weidong’s gaze and greeted him proactively, "Hou Weidong, long time no see."

"Yes, it’s been over a year. How long have you been at the newspaper?"

"Seven months. Are you still in Shangqinglin?"

Hou Weidong chuckled, "Where else could I go? I’m sticking it out in Shangqinglin. Chairman Mao wrote about protracted war. I’ve deeply understood its essence and am preparing to practice it seriously." Since they had met unexpectedly, Hou Weidong deliberately made a joke to avoid awkwardness.

Director Liang turned his head and asked, "Do you know each other?"

Duan Ying replied, "We were college classmates."

Director Liang was supposed to have dinner with Director Gui from the County Government Office that evening. He had invited him several times, but Gui had refused. Today, Gui finally agreed, but unexpectedly, Zeng Zhaoqiang had assigned him to go up the mountain. Frustrated, he was glad to hear that Reporter Duan and Hou Weidong were classmates. He said happily, "That’s great. Reporter Duan, I have very important matters tonight and can’t delay. Let’s discuss this: can you go up the mountain with Hou Weidong? I won’t go."

Duan Ying agreed readily, "This is my interview task anyway. With Hou Weidong leading the way, there’s no problem. Director Liang, you go ahead and handle your business."

Director Liang handed over the responsibility to Master Wu, saying, "Reporter Duan was invited by the bureau leaders. Follow her and complete the interview task."

The pickup truck performed well, but it slowed down to let the Changan van keep up. Hou Weidong and Duan Ying sat in the back. They had once shared a brief intimacy, so meeting again in this situation left them unsure of what to talk about. They engaged in lukewarm conversation about school days.

When they reached the mountain road, Duan Ying looked out the window and sighed, "Hou Weidong, you’re really impressive. The Shangqinglin road is well-built."

Hou Weidong modestly replied, "All 7,000 people in Shangqinglin participated in building the road. Later, the county contributed one million yuan. I was just a runner. What merit do I have?"

Master Wu joined in, "Heavy trucks run on this road all the time. Several sections have already developed potholes. The town should hire the road maintenance section to maintain it, otherwise, the road surface won’t last long."

Once they reached the mountain, Hou Weidong introduced Duan Ying to the local customs of Shangqinglin. As the conversation expanded, they gradually became more natural, but they carefully avoided mentioning Zhang Xiaojia and Liu Kun.

"This is the Xiaowan Quarry, which is operating well. Interview Zhu Fugui first, and I’ll join you later." Hou Weidong dropped Duan Ying off at the Xiaowan Quarry and took the Changan van to the town to install the air conditioner.

After installing the air conditioner, he followed the Changan van back to the Xiaowan Quarry.

As soon as Hou Weidong appeared, Zhu Fugui smiled and said to Duan Ying, "Interviewing me isn’t interesting. Hou Madman is the pioneer of the Shangqinglin quarries, and he’s eloquent. Interview him."

Duan Ying was surprised, "Hou Weidong runs a quarry?"

Zhu Fugui gave a thumbs-up and praised, "His Goubeiwan Quarry is the most规范管理 (standardized) and has the highest output. It’s the best quarry in Shangqinglin. You can take more photos there later."

When Hou Weidong approached, Duan Ying smiled and said, "Hou Weidong, you knew I was here to interview the quarry, yet you stayed quiet in the car and didn’t mention it once."

Hou Weidong shook his head and laughed, "It’s not my quarry. My mother is retired and had nothing to do, so she opened the Goubeiwan Quarry. He Hongfu is the on-site manager. I just acted as a matchmaker."

When they arrived at Goubei Mountain, Master Wu was too lazy to get out of the car and listened to music instead. Hou Weidong led Duan Ying into his territory.

Outside the Goubei Mountain Quarry, there was a large material yard. Crushed stones were piled up like small mountains. Seven Dongfeng trucks were waiting to load goods. With many people, trucks, and stones, it looked even hotter than Dawan.

"Hou Madman." Duan Ying tried calling Hou Weidong by his nickname and couldn’t help but laugh. "Why such an ugly nickname?"

Hou Weidong said, "That’s nothing. There are uglier ones. 'Madman' is better than nicknames like 'Butt Bug' or 'Pimp'."

"I’m really impressed. How did you quietly set up such a large quarry? I have many sisters who lost their jobs. I could introduce a few to you."

Hou Weidong quickly waved his hands, "Forget it. This is heavy physical labor. Your sisters couldn’t handle it. Besides, your sisters are so beautiful. They’d cause safety accidents here."

Duan Ying said softly, "If I lose my job, I’ll come work at your quarry." Her jeans and shirt were still very sexy. Hou Weidong’s eyes quickly glanced at her chest, but he didn’t want to dwell on the topic. He smiled and said, "You’re a big reporter. How could you lose your job?"

Entering the cargo yard, safety officer Lin Zhongchuan brought two safety helmets. After putting them on, Hou Weidong ordered, "Call He Hongfu over. Reporter Duan from the newspaper wants to interview him." Lin Zhongchuan hurried inside to call He Hongfu.

Duan Ying hadn’t expected the Goubeiwan Quarry to be so large. She praised, "Hou Weidong, in just over a year, you’ve become an entrepreneur. Gold shines everywhere." Having come from an enterprise background, Duan Ying viewed things differently from pure officials. She genuinely admired Hou Weidong.

Hou Weidong explained, "I’m not the boss. This is my mother’s quarry."

Duan Ying laughed, "Don’t fool me. I understand. Your mother is just the nominal boss. Don’t worry, I won’t expose you in the newspaper."

Soon, He Hongfu walked out. As soon as he left the quarry, he took off his safety helmet. Sweat had already soaked his hair. He said, "Madman, tomorrow’s goods aren’t ready yet. Don’t waste my time. You can speak for yourself."

"This is Reporter Duan. You mainly introduce the daily management of the Goubeiwan Quarry." Hou Weidong remained calm. He was still a cadre in Qinglin Town, and cadres were not allowed to engage in business. He didn’t want to expose himself in the newspaper.

After letting He Hongfu handle the interview, Hou Weidong entered the quarry, walked around, checked that production was normal, and then came out. He Hongfu, usually sharp-tongued, became somewhat tongue-tied under Duan Ying’s questions. Seeing Hou Weidong come out, he shouted, "Madman, you talk. I have work to do."

Hou Weidong ignored him and smiled, "This is a political task. You damn fool, don’t run away. Don’t be afraid of the reporter. Just talk as usual. And by the way, don’t show your yellow teeth when taking photos."

The interview ended at 5:30 PM.

When getting into the car, Master Wu said, "Madman, Manager Liang paged me earlier. Where’s a phone? I need to call back." Just then, Hou Weidong’s pager buzzed loudly. He picked it up and saw Liang Bifa’s message: "Madman, dinner tonight."

Hou Weidong asked, "What’s up with Manager Liang today?" Master Wu thought for a moment and said, "Maybe it’s his birthday."

When they arrived at the Shangqinglin Township compound, Master Wu went to the postal agency to return the call. Hou Weidong invited Duan Ying, "Since you’re here, why not take a look at my doghouse?"

Duan Ying followed him up. On the stairs, she asked softly, "Where’s the toilet?" She had wanted to use the restroom during the quarry interview, but seeing the简陋 (simple) women’s toilet with countless green-headed flies buzzing around, she had stopped herself.

The two-room dormitory wasn’t much to look at. Duan Ying drank some water and came out to stand on the corridor. By now, she had a clear view of the Shangqinglin environment. She sighed, "Weidong, in 1993, there was no road. I really can’t imagine how you survived those days." Her gaze at Hou Weidong became increasingly tender.

Master Wu shouted from upstairs, "Manager Liang is celebrating his birthday tonight. He invited Director Zeng, Director Zhu, Liu Wei, and a few others. He gave a strict order: no matter what, he’s dragging you down there."

Hou Weidong and Liang Bifa got along well. He didn’t pretend to refuse and followed the car towards Yiyang County.

When they arrived in the county town, it was past 7 PM.

Hou Weidong said to Duan Ying, "Duan Ying, it’s late. Let’s eat together."

Duan Ying shook her head, "Forget it. It’s Manager Liang’s birthday. Why should I join the fun? Besides, I’ve been running around all day and am covered in dirt. I need to take a shower first."

Hou Weidong persuaded, "There are no outsiders today. Everyone is from the Transportation Bureau. Even Director Zeng, the head, will be there. You can get to know them."

Master Wu also chimed in, "Reporter Duan, you’ve worked hard for the Transportation Bureau all day. You must have a meal."

The last sentence was specifically for Duan Ying. Her third brother was graduating from the Lingxi Province Transportation School this year. It was an ordinary secondary vocational school, and graduates were mostly assigned to the transportation system. However, the assignment locations varied. If she could get to know the leaders of the Transportation Bureau, it would open up another path.

Duan Ying was smart. She understood Hou Weidong’s hint and said, "Then I’ll accept your invitation."

At the Yiyang Hotel, Liang Bifa had booked the largest table, which could seat twenty people. He was quite江湖 (jianghu-style) in his dealings, with friends from all over. However, since Director Zeng Zhaoqiang was attending, he didn’t invite outsiders. Everyone present was from within the Transportation Bureau, including Zhu Bing, Liu Wei, Section Chief Gao from the finance office, and several engineers. Hou Weidong was the only exception. However, during the construction of the Yiwu Road, Liang Bifa had noticed Hou Weidong’s unusual relationship with Zeng and Zhu, so he specifically invited Hou Weidong.

When Hou Weidong and the others entered the room, Liang Bifa waved and said, "Madman, come sit here. Is this your wife? So beautiful." Hou Weidong quickly introduced, "This is Duan Ying from the Yiyang Daily. She just came down from Shangqinglin. She’s my college classmate."

Director Zeng Zhaoqiang was a celebrity in Yiyang, often appearing on TV. As soon as Duan Ying entered the room, she recognized Zeng Zhaoqiang without needing an introduction. She politely greeted him and, after sitting down, briefly reported on the day’s interview.

Duan Ying spoke clearly and was charming and sexy. Zeng Zhaoqiang had a good impression of her and nodded frequently. He said, "Reporter Duan’s interview work is detailed. As for specific matters, you can contact Xiao Liang from the office." He then asked, "When did you join the newspaper? I’m familiar with all the beautiful female reporters at the newspaper. Why haven’t I seen you before?"

Duan Ying covered her mouth with her hand and laughed, "I was transferred from the silk factory to the Yiyang Daily last year. Only Reporter Chen at the newspaper can be called a beautiful reporter. I’m just an ugly girl. How dare I call myself beautiful? People would laugh their heads off if they heard that."