Chapter 171: Where to Go From Here (Part 3)

Chapter 171: Where to Go From Here (Part 3)

The next morning, Duan Ying ate breakfast with her mind elsewhere, then returned to the Shazhou newspaper office.

Jiang Dali and Yang Qian stayed at the house for lunch. A car sent by a medical equipment company in Shazhou was waiting for Jiang Dali at the Xinyue Building. Jiang Dali ate his meal slowly and deliberately, chatting casually with Hou Weidong for a while. Only after putting down his bowl did he say, "Xiao Qianqian, make some tea."

This casual command made both Hou Weidong and Xiaojia shudder with embarrassment. Xiaojia looked at Yang Qian as if she were a monster. After a long pause, she said, "Lili, please don't call our Xiao Qianqian that." The remark made all four of them feel a bit cringe-worthy.

Jiang Dali rubbed his jaw, which felt a bit sore, and said, "Zhang Xiaojia, you really have a talent for this." Xiaojia just smiled. Yang Qian checked the time and said, "Dali, Mr. Jin and the others have been waiting for half an hour."

Jiang Dali replied calmly, "People can be quite cheap. Sometimes you have to put on airs so that others will take you seriously. When I first arrived in Shenzhen, I greeted everyone with a smile and was always polite, but that just meant no one took me seriously."

Xiaojia countered, "What kind of twisted logic is that? Have you read Dale Carnegie’s books? That’s how he teaches us."

"Pfft. We are in the primary stage of socialism. Carnegie’s books don’t fully fit our national conditions, and they certainly don’t fit my life experience."

When Jiang Dali and Yang Qian were leaving, Yang Qian instructed, "Hou Weidong, I’m leaving Xiaojia in your care. Don’t be a playboy." She raised her fist playfully and added, "Otherwise, I won’t forgive you. Dali, right?"

Hou Weidong laughed, "Qianqian, I’m leaving Jiang Dali in your care. You can’t let him down, or I won’t be polite to you."

The four of them joked around for a bit before Jiang Dali and Yang Qian finally left.

It is common sense that the hosts relax once the guests have departed. Once everyone had left, Xiaojia changed into shorts and a short-sleeved shirt and began cleaning the house. As she worked, her curiosity got the better of her. "Hubby, you and Jiang Dali chatted late last night. What did you talk about?"

"We talked about what to do after graduation. Jiang Dali is a bit of an outlier. When we graduated, everyone wanted to find a good job. Jiang Dali, however, threw himself into the business world without hesitation. He was born to be a businessman."

The startup capital for the Yinggang Quarry had been sponsored by Jiang Dali. Although Hou Weidong didn’t lack that money now, he had returned the thirty thousand yuan to Jiang Dali that morning. Friends were friends, and business was business. Since they both studied law, there was no need for excessive sentimentality.

"You two must have chatted very late. Why do you look so energetic?"

"Chatting helps women’s health. We talked all night, which is like getting a psychological massage for the whole evening. Of course, I’m not tired."

At this moment, Xiaojia was on her hands and knees wiping the floor, her buttocks forming a nice curve. Hou Weidong found himself interested in scanning this scenery with his eyes. After all, she was his wife. He could appreciate her at any time without psychological burden, and he wouldn’t be labeled a pervert. After admiring her for a while, he couldn’t resist making a move. He walked behind Xiaojia, quickly slipped his hand into the elastic band of her shorts, and gave her perky buttocks a few firm squeezes.

It was a familiar sensation, like coming home. It felt good.

Xiaojia wriggled on her knees and threatened him with a scolding tone, "Stop it. I’m doing housework. If you keep this up, you’ll have to do everything yourself."

Hou Weidong caressed her for a bit longer. Seeing that Xiaojia was supporting herself on the floor and showing signs of arousal, he finally let go and teased, "Three women make a drama. You three must have been gossiping about everyone’s business last night."

"Go away. You’re making me feel all weird and then not taking responsibility."

Xiaojia laughed and scolded him, but she remained on her knees wiping the floor with the cloth. "Back in college, although we always said we were 'little women,' deep down, I still considered myself a talent. Now I’m gradually realizing that I’m just an ordinary little woman. Having the time and mood to chat about the things women like is actually a high realm of life."

Speaking of which, she added another piece of gossip: "Liu Kun called Duan Ying early this morning. It seems Liu Kun isn’t willing to break up. With his indecisive personality, I really doubt if he can hold his ground as Deputy Secretary and keep those village cadres in check?"

Hou Weidong wasn’t so sure. He evaluated objectively, "Under the current system, as long as you’re not a fool, you’ll naturally know how to behave once you’re in position. Although Liu Kun and I don’t see eye to eye, objectively speaking, his work ability is decent. He handles things by the book. He counts as a qualified Deputy Party Secretary."

"As the saying goes, it’s easier to be an official if you have connections in the capital. His family’s network is deep. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll become the head of a town."

Xiaojia blinked her eyes while kneeling on the floor. "Judging by Jiang Dali’s tone, he’s still advising you to focus on politics."

Hou Weidong had never felt that working in a township was truly 'engaging in politics.' He said, "Mixing around in a township gives you zero sense of political engagement. It’s like middle school students electing a class monitor. It’s just a matter of doing tasks. Even in Yiyang County, I’m nothing more than a puppet pulled by strings from above. Only if I go to Shazhou or Lingxi might I feel a tiny bit of political engagement."

Xiaojia had been waiting for this sentence. She seized the opportunity. "Then hurry up and find a way to transfer to Shazhou to find that sliver of political feeling."

Hou Weidong had already been thinking about returning to Shazhou. He said, "After talking with Jiang Dali yesterday, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll strive to transfer to the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee or the Municipal Government, not to grassroots units like the Economic Development Zone. I want to get it done in one step, which will be beneficial for my future development. Climbing up step by step from the grassroots is not only slow but also exhausting."

This was his personal experience. Xiaojia had transferred from the Garden Management Bureau to the Construction Commission Office and became a deputy section chief without much difficulty. Meanwhile, his struggle to become a deputy section chief in Qinglin Town involved Qin Jiang and others using delaying tactics, and trouble never ceased.

Seeing Hou Weidong change his tune, Xiaojia’s eyes lit up. "Jiang Dali is really formidable. I advised you three times and you remained unmoved. Jiang Dali advised you for one night, and you were convinced. Sigh, I don’t know whether to be sad or happy now."

"The logic makes sense, but I still need to grasp the timing. The Lingxi Expressway is under construction in full swing. I want to complete this big business deal before striving for the transfer."

After discussing for a long time, they were back to square one. Xiaojia was slightly disappointed. She could only comfort herself, "Then I wish the expressway finishes construction soon, so we can make a big profit, and then you can transfer to Shazhou."

Hou Weidong chuckled. "The Municipal Government isn’t run by me. Can I transfer just because I want to? The high-level figures I know can be counted on one hand. The only one who might be able to help is Su Mingjun from the Organization Department. He is the Executive Deputy Director of the Organization Department, so he should be able to help."

Xiaojia had been in the Construction Commission for a while and had some connections, but at critical moments, she always felt these people couldn’t provide real leverage. After thinking it over, she suddenly thought of Zhao Xiaojun. She said, "Gao Zhiyuan, who used to be the leader of Shangqinglin Township, is no longer a Municipal Party Committee leader, but he is now the Director of the People’s Congress. Transferring someone to the Municipal Government should be easy for him."

"Gao Zhiyuan and I have met once, but he has met many people. Last time the Qinglin Town Government paid New Year’s greetings to him, I was stood up by Zhao Yongsheng. He has probably forgotten who Hou Weidong is by now. However, he still has relatives and friends in Qinglin Town. I’ll try to network a bit and see if there’s an opportunity." Hou Weidood was in a good mood and made a small joke. "With my influence in Shangqinglin, if Gao Zhiyuan doesn’t cooperate, I’ll make sure he can’t return to his hometown."

Xiaojia didn’t find the joke funny. She said, "These days, many people rack their brains to find connections. Like flies always finding rotten eggs, their sense of smell is very keen. Gao Zhiyuan is a high-ranking cadre from Qinglin Township, and he has met you. Not using this connection would be a waste of resources. Zhao Yongsheng is very smart; he uses public funds to handle private matters."

During this period, Hou Weidong had focused more on his quarry and Jinggong Group. The feeling of having a bulging wallet was truly good. Things that others found difficult as climbing to the sky, he handled effortlessly. Because he had tasted the benefits, he wasn’t very focused on his political career and hadn’t thought about visiting a big shot like Gao Zhiyuan.

Now that Xiaojia brought it up, he said, "This is easy to handle. I’ll find an excuse another day and storm into the Gao family. With a grenade blast, the problem will be solved immediately." He actually had another subtext: last time at the Procuratorate, Gao Zhiyuan had saved him. That was also a reason to visit.

Hearing this, Xiaojian’s expression changed slightly. She said, "Hubby, you’ve fallen into a误区 (misconception) these past two years. You always think that money can pave the way for you to charge forward. In fact, many things cannot be bought with money. For example, our relationship cannot be calculated in money. I’m worried that if you stay a businessman for too long, you’ll calculate everything in terms of money. If a rich man offers you money to buy our relationship, would you sell it?"

In terms of wealth, Bu Gao was richer than Hou Weidong, so Xiaojia had some concerns.

"Our relationship is worth a thousand gold. No one can afford to buy it."

"So, as long as someone can afford it, you would sell it?"

"Stop, stop. Change the topic." Hou Weidong laughed. "No wonder people say girls have divergent thinking. I said that money can pave the way in officialdom, not that relationships can be bought with money. Don’t lump the two things together." In his heart, he thought, Can’t relationships be bought with money?

Xiaojia wasn’t convinced. She said, "Your thinking is flawed. You try to buy everything with money. This is typical capitalist thinking. You are a capitalist wearing the skin of an official. I think it’s very dangerous."

Hou Weidong sat down next to Xiaojia. He said, "Existence is reasonable. Based on my current experience, navigating officialdom without a background indeed requires money to pave the way. I haven’t touched higher-level matters yet, but judging by one leaf, I can know autumn. I think it’s probably similar."

Seeing Xiaojia’s unhappy expression, he quickly added, "Let’s not discuss such profound metaphysical topics now. Let’s talk about your husband’s transfer issue. Jiang Guangtou is a sensible man. What he said makes sense. Being both an official and a businessman is not advantageous."

Now he had invested one million yuan in Jinggong Group. As long as Jinggong Group made money, he would make money. He had an inexplicable confidence in Li Jing, always feeling that Jinggong would flourish under her leadership. Therefore, he didn’t need to do business personally right now. He could focus his energy on his political career.

Xiaojia also returned to the practical issue, and her expression gradually recovered. She said, "Forget it, let’s not talk about this topic." She threw the rag on the floor, stood up, and said, "Transfer is a big matter. I’ll call Sister Zhao immediately and invite the couple to dinner."

Hou Weidong hurriedly said, "Don’t rush. We have another big thing to do today. Didn’t we agree to go to your house to propose?"

"Transfer is a big matter. If I really transfer back to Shazhou, Mom and Dad will absolutely not oppose it. Besides, for us, a proposal is just a formality. So we need to grasp the key issue."

Xiaojia didn’t even look at the phone book. She skillfully dialed a string of numbers and then burst into a silver-bell-like laugh into the phone. "Sister Zhao, it’s Xiaojia. Ha, Sister Wu’s luck was unusually good that day. Are you free tonight? Same partners as before." She laughed happily. "Fortune turns around. Today should be my turn."

Xiaojia changed expressions several times in a short while. Hou Weidong thought to himself, A woman’s face is like the weather in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in August—changeable. Seeing that she had arranged the dinner with Su Mingjun’s family in just a few sentences, he secretly praised, No wonder people always take the 'wife route.' Wives hold a dominant position in the family. A wife’s intervention is more powerful than men’s.

After finishing the call, Xiaojia’s mood bloomed like a flower. She said, "Hubby, I’ve made the appointment. We’ll meet at Shuiyuanju tonight. After dinner, I’ll play mahjong with Sister Zhao. Are you and Minister Su interested in joining?"

With a goal, the two worked together and quickly tidied up the house. Then, holding hands, they went out to buy some fresh vegetables. Passing by a shaomai stall, Hou Weidong saw golden braised large intestines.

He swallowed hard. Xiaojia never tasted this stuff. She knew that her husband had bought half a jin of braised intestines, and she hadn’t tasted a single piece; it had all been devoured by Hou Weidong.

After lunch, the two went to bed to make up for the sleep they owed from the previous night. After chatting for a while, they got in the mood again. Xiaojia pushed Hou Weidong’s mouth away and said, "You ate pig intestines. You’re not allowed to kiss me today." Hou Weidong started wrestling with Xiaojia. Soon, the two were entangled like an oak tree and vines, intertwined with each other.

After the act, both broke out in a hot sweat. They took a鸳鸯 bath (couple’s bath), and Xiaojia set the alarm for five o’clock. Leaning on Hou Weidong’s arm, they quickly sank into dreamland together.

Sex is the best sleeping pill. This saying is truly not false.

Hou Weidong had a dream. In the dream, he seemed to see the white line at Qin Jiang’s door again. This was the outline of Qin Jiang lying on the ground. A pool of blood was particularly conspicuous within the blood line. The scene in the dream appeared so realistically, complete with color and smell. Then he held a knife, chasing several hooligans. The hooligans were chased into a small alley. Just as he arrived at the small alley, he saw two dark mobile phones.

His chest was struck heavily. He looked down and saw several streams of blood gushing from his chest. Although terrifying, it didn’t hurt at all. He swung his knife to cut, but the knife moved as slowly as a snail. No matter what he did, he couldn’t hit the other party. Just as he was anxious, gunshots rang out. Hou Weidong suddenly opened his eyes and realized that the previous battle was just a dream. His chest was intact, and he was sleeping in a large bed with Xiaojia.

"What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"

Hou Weidong shook his head. "Nothing. Maybe my sleeping posture wasn’t good." He took a deep breath and only then felt a bit better. He had never told Xiaojia about Heiwa or Qin Jiang, mainly because he was afraid Xiaojia would be worried all day. This was men’s business, and there was no need to let his beloved woman be affected.

"Heiwa still has two guns. Not finding them is always a hidden danger." He cursed silently, "These police are really idiots. They can’t even solve one case."

After dressing neatly, the two headed straight for Shuiyuanju. At this time, Xiaojia, as the Deputy Director of the Construction Commission Office, showed her professional quality. She flipped through the menu and ordered seven or eight dishes rapidly. Then she closed the menu and said, "Bring a bottle of Wuliangye." After the waiter left, Xiaojia said, "Minister Su and Sister Zhao can both drink. Drinking makes it easier to talk."

At six o’clock, Su Mingjun, Zhao Xiu, and Su Tang’er appeared punctually at Shuiyuanju.

Su Tang’er called out, "Hello, Uncle Hou," and sat next to Xiaojia, leaning in Xiaojia’s ear and giggling for a while. Then Zhao Xiu also leaned in Xiaojia’s ear. The two adults and one child were very intimate.

"Mahjong, like alcohol, is also an important social tool." Seeing Xiaojia and Zhao Xiu’s state, Hou Weidong drew such a conclusion.

"Minister Su, do you have nothing to do today? Have another drink." Seeing that Su Mingjun didn’t object, he poured two large cups for him and two small cups for Zhao Xiu and Xiaojia.

After drinking a glass of wine and eating a few bites of food, and chatting for three sentences, everyone entered a conversational state. Su Mingjun’s hair was neat, wearing a short-sleeved shirt, with a crocodile belt around his waist. He was tidy and graceful. "I have a good friend in the Commission Office named Gao Zhenghao. He was transferred to Qinglin Town as Deputy County Magistrate a while ago. If you have any business in Yiyang County in the future, you can look for him."

Su Mingjun was the Executive Deputy Director of the Organization Department of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee. Usually, many people sought his help, including many leaders from various counties. When they met, they were extremely polite. Those with lower status were almost terrified in his presence. Only Hou Weidong was different. Even when asking for help, his demeanor was neither humble nor arrogant, naturally relaxed from the heart.

"I have already met with County Magistrate Gao. He is in charge of civil affairs, which happens to be my direct superior."

Su Mingjun took out his mobile phone and dialed a number. "County Magistrate Gao, it’s Mingjun. Your Excellency, what are you busy with? Really handling ten thousand things a day." He was very familiar with Gao Zhenghao and spoke casually. After a few sentences, Su Mingjun said, "I have a young brother in Qinglin Town, Hou Weidong, who is a Deputy Town Mayor. I mentioned him to you last time. We are eating together now. When you return to Shazhou, we’ll treat you to a meal."

At the Yiyang County Government, Gao Zhenghao was talking with Qin Feiyue when he received Su Mingjun’s call. He said, "Hou Weidong. I have a deep impression of him. A few days ago, I went to Qinglin Town and met him once. This young deputy town mayor is a talent. He is in charge of funeral work, which is the best in the whole county. When reporting work, he is very familiar with the data. Minister Su’s friend is truly extraordinary. I plan to report to Secretary Zhu and arrange a more important position for him."

Su Mingjun laughed, "Now, in organizational work, to build a strong team, we always rack our brains to find talents from various places. It’s a blessing that County Magistrate Gao has such talent under his command."

After hanging up, Gao Zhenghao asked Qin Feiyue, "I heard you served as Town Mayor in Qinglin Town. How is Hou Weidong?"

Qin Feiyue had heard the content of Gao Zhenghao’s phone call clearly. He thought to himself, Hou Weidong really has some ability. I don’t know when he climbed onto a high branch. He laughed and said, "Hou Weidong is indeed a talent. The road in Shangqinglin was an old problem for decades. When he had just graduated from university, he stubbornly focused on this matter and actually got it done. Also, the quarry in Shangqinglin was driven by him single-handedly."

Gao Zhenghao had originally had a good impression of Hou Weidong. Hearing Qin Feiyue’s introduction, he couldn’t help but look at Hou Weidong with new eyes. He said, "In that case, Hou Weidong is indeed a talent. There is a Deputy Director in the Civil Affairs Bureau who is not very capable. I might as well report to Secretary Zhu and transfer him over to be Deputy Director, in charge of funeral reform."

Qin Feiyue said, "County Magistrate Gao, you are in charge of the Development Zone. Both palms and backs are flesh. I want to dig Hou Weidover to be Deputy Director. The Development Zone is newly established and lacks talent reserves. Just let him come to me."