Chapter 260: Household Affairs (Middle)

That evening, Hou Weidong slept in the old room downstairs. On the bedside table, he still saw that copy of Ban Yue Tan (Half-Monthly Talk). Last time, he had noticed many inscriptions inside the book. Looking at them again today, he recognized the handwriting as belonging to his former secretary, Ping Fan. He thought to himself, "Ping Fan was admitted to Peking University for graduate studies. I wonder if he will come back for the Spring Festival this year."

He turned off the light but couldn't fall asleep immediately. In the darkness, he imagined Zhu Mei painting in her empty studio. For some inexplicable reason, he felt a sense of suffocation in his chest. He reflected, "Secretary Zhu enjoys such prestige and success outside, yet who knows the difficulties he faces at home? Anyone dealing with such matters would feel deep pain."

"Secretary Zhu has given gifts to so many leaders. Both logically and emotionally, I should pay my New Year respects to him." Hou Weidong racked his brains for a while and came up with an idea: "For this Spring Festival, I’ll simply give Zhu Mei a laptop as a gift for Secretary Zhu. With a computer, Zhu Mei’s life could become more colorful and varied."

Then another thought struck him: "Secretary Zhu’s youngest son, Zhu Jian, is also coming back tomorrow, along with his niece, Zhou Jing. If I only give a gift to Zhu Mei and ignore Zhu Jian and Zhou Jing, it might seem inappropriate. Zhou Jing is in university, so a laptop would be suitable for her. But Zhu Jian is still in elementary school. What should I give him?"

He tossed and turned, thinking it over, and finally decided: "Judging from Secretary Zhu’s expression, he undoubtedly cherishes Zhu Mei deeply in his heart. If I give gifts to everyone, it might look like showing off. I’ll stick to giving a gift only to Zhu Mei."

However, visiting the old man’s house during the Spring Festival without bringing any gift felt somewhat improper. Hou Weidong carefully reviewed the living conditions at Secretary Zhu’s residence and identified two issues: the washing machine was slightly worn out, and there was no microwave oven.

After considering it repeatedly, he felt these two items would be appropriate gifts. He then called Li Jing and gave her Secretary Zhu’s address.

The next morning, another car from the County Party Committee Office arrived, bringing Secretary Zhu’s wife, Jiang Yuxin, and their son, Zhu Jian. Zhu Jian was eleven years old and still in elementary school. He looked sturdy and energetic. As soon as he got out of the car, he confidently缠 (clung to) his grandfather, eager to go fishing. Secretary Zhu was in excellent spirits. He cheerfully fetched the fishing rods and took his grandson to the riverbank to catch local crucian carp.

Aunt Zhang called out from the side, "Old man, Meimei needs to do some sketching. You two can go to the river together." Secretary Zhu saw Old Liu sitting idly in the main hall and asked, "Old Liu likes fishing. Are you coming?" Old Liu followed Secretary Zhu to the riverbank.

Secretary Zhu and Jiang Yuxin stayed in the kitchen, helping to prepare the vegetables.

"I need to return to Yiyang after lunch; I have many things to attend to. You can stay at Mom and Dad’s place for a few days. I’ll come back on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve," Jiang Yuxin said.

Jiang Yuxin habitually adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and remarked, "You’re the one with too much to do. The earth would still spin without you." She continued, "I saw a news report on TV today about a new technology in the United States. It’s for people with only slight hearing loss. Through a special surgery, their hearing can be improved several times over. I remember that when Meimei was little, she was once woken from her sleep by Spring Festival firecrackers. I think she might still have some residual hearing."

To treat her daughter, Secretary Zhu had taken Zhu Mei to all the best hospitals across the country. He had long since lost hope for a cure. He said, "I wonder if this new technology is reliable?"

"The TV said it’s still in the experimental stage, but they’ve achieved some results," Jiang Yuxin replied.

Secretary Zhu sighed and lowered his head to continue preparing the vegetables.

Hou Weidong wandered casually through the farmland outside the courtyard. Taking a break, he called Li Jing again. "This is Hou Weidong. Haven’t you gotten up yet?"

Li Jing was lying comfortably in bed. "Jinggong Group is on holiday. I sleep in every day. Days when I can sleep in are truly comfortable." She added, "Monkey King, don’t worry. I’ve kept your request in mind. I’ve asked Xiao Liu from the administrative department to handle it. The items will be delivered to the doorstep at ten o’clock sharp."

"Thank you," Hou Weidong said.

"Thanks shouldn’t just be words. Last time you boasted about the 'Three Strikes Against the White Bone Demon,' but you only completed two strikes. When will you make up for the third?"

Li Jing’s voice carried a lazy tone that made Hou Weidong’s throat tighten. He changed the subject. "What are your plans for the Spring Festival?"

"I slept in this morning and will go home this afternoon." Thinking of her awkward family situation, Li Jing couldn’t muster much enthusiasm. "Going home is just fulfilling a duty. After seeing my mom, I’ll return to Lingxi."

At ten minutes past ten, a delivery truck from Lingxi Department Store stopped at the gate. The deliveryman was about to come over for the signature. Hou Weidong hurried over. Seeing Secretary Zhu’s confused look, he explained, "The Spring Festival is here. I brought some gifts for the elders—a fully automatic washing machine and a microwave oven. It’s mainly to make life more convenient for the two of you."

Aunt Zhang said from the side, "You child, why did you buy these things without saying a word? These are quite expensive items. You live on your salary, which isn’t much. How could you let you spend so much?"

Secretary Zhu watched the workers unload the goods and said, "Xiao Hou, let this be the only exception. No more next time."

After the deliverymen had placed the washing machine and microwave oven and completed the setup, Hou Weidong said, "Secretary Zhu, let’s go fishing. Old Liu loves to brag. I want to see how many fish he can actually catch."

Watching Hou Weidong leave the small courtyard, Jiang Yuxin whispered to Secretary Zhu, "Hou Weidong hasn’t been working for many years. Young people can’t save much money. This gift is too heavy."

Secretary Zhu smiled. "Don’t let Hou Weidong’s young age fool you. He’s a local tycoon. When he was working in Shangqinglin, he opened a quarry under his mother’s name. In recent years, with Yiyang heavily investing in transportation infrastructure, he made a fortune. I estimate he has at least several hundred thousand yuan."

Jiang Yuxin was surprised. "I didn’t expect Xiao Hou to have such economic acumen. He’s a party and government cadre. Is he allowed to engage in business?"

Secretary Zhu dismissed the concern. "What era is this? Still sticking to those old rules? A gentleman loves wealth, but he must acquire it through proper means. I’ve investigated. Xiao Hou’s money is clean. Moreover, the land was registered under his mother’s name. As long as no one deliberately looks for trouble, it’s not an issue. From another perspective, since Xiao Hou is in good financial shape, I can use him with more confidence. I don’t have to worry about him using my name to make money."

"If you hold this view, your subordinates will have an easier time," Jiang Yuxin commented.

"Water that is too clear has no fish. I don’t want to be a hero in peacetime. I just want to be an official who can get things done. If I can’t be promoted in the future, I won’t force it. If I rise in rank, I’ll do practical work. If I step back to the second line, I’ll enjoy life."

Jiang Yuxin was the most famous gynecologist at Yiyang Hospital. She relied on her technical skills and had always looked down on the intrigue among officials. "If everyone thought like you, the official circles in Yiyang would be much quieter." She then added, "We also need to save some money for Meimei. Who knows when she might be able to undergo rehabilitation surgery? The cost will definitely be high."

Secretary Zhu said, "That’s still a long way off. Let’s talk about it later."

After lunch, Secretary Zhu returned to Yiyang. He arrived at half past five and immediately went to the County Party Committee Auditorium to attend the Yiyang Group Greeting Ceremony, an annual routine event.

Those invited to the greeting ceremony were elites from various industries and the top leaders of different departments. During the banquet, there were more than forty tables. Hou Weidong, as the deputy director in charge of the Committee Office, also had a seat. He ended up sitting next to Secretary Zhu, accompanying him in toasting guests. As soon as they sat down, many people came over to offer toasts. After drinking about ten cups, Hou Weidong sensed the situation was getting intense. He quickly put down his bowl and ran to the rest room outside the dining hall to wait for Secretary Zhu.

Su Ming searched for a long time before finding Hou Weidong in the rest room. He pulled Hou Weidong outside to a quiet corner and said softly, "Does Secretary Zhu have any arrangements for the Spring Festival? It’s my first year as the Town Party Secretary, and I’m not familiar with Secretary Zhu. I’d like to pay my New Year respects to him."

Hou Weidong thought about Secretary Zhu’s schedule and said, "Secretary Zhu is very busy. He definitely won’t have time before the festival." Su Ming smiled and said, "Leave this to you, brother. As long as Secretary Zhu has some free time, remember to notify me."

This was Hou Weidong’s first Spring Festival in the Committee Office. He was not familiar with any unwritten rules regarding Secretary Zhu’s holiday arrangements. He had only heard from Ji Haiyang in the past that during the Spring Festival, Party Secretaries of large towns like Chengguan Town and Mengdong Town would have dinner at Secretary Zhu’s home.

When Hou Weidong worked in Qinglin Town, Su Ming had valued him greatly. Their personal relationship was decent, and they cooperated well in work. Hou Weidong didn’t want to play the role of the stern judge. He said, "Secretary Zhu has no specific arrangements for tonight. Director Jiang has also gone to Lingxi. If there are no plans after dinner, I’ll call you."

Su Ming left in a hurry.

After the greeting ceremony ended, several directors from the People’s Congress made a fuss, insisting that Secretary Zhu visit their New Year activities. Secretary Zhu agreed.

The People’s Congress auditorium was decorated with lanterns and colored lights. All staff members were outside to welcome Secretary Zhu and his party. Hou Weidong saw Secretary Zhu being led by the most beautiful woman in the People’s Congress to sing "Meeting at the敖包 (Aobao)." He quickly stepped out to call Su Ming. Su Ming sounded very disappointed on the phone, repeatedly urging Hou Weidong to find a suitable time.

After hanging up, just as he was about to enter the People’s Congress auditorium, Zhang Yajun from the Construction Commission called. He got straight to the point: "Director Hou, thank you for your support of the Construction Commission’s work. I went on a business trip to Beijing and brought you a leather jacket. I’ve left it in Old Liu’s car. Try it on tonight when you get home. If it doesn’t fit, we can exchange it."

No sooner had Zhang Yajun’s call ended than Shang Guanghua, the Public Security Bureau Chief, called. He said, "The Public Security Bureau has had a tough year, carrying a heavy burden. The cases from the Procuratorate remain unsolved, and the entire bureau feels the pressure. Director Hou, you studied law and are an insider. I hope you can say a few good words for us in front of Secretary Zhu. Around the Spring Festival, the Political Commissar and I will treat you to a drink separately."

At nine-thirty, Secretary Zhu found an excuse to leave the People’s Congress. Hou Weidong originally thought Secretary Zhu was going home, but once they got into the car, Secretary Zhu said, "Go to the Transportation Hotel."

The Transportation Hotel was located opposite the bus station. Construction began last year, and it opened in August of this year. It belonged to the Transportation Bureau’s assets. With twelve floors, it was currently the tallest building in Yiyang. Its decoration level was comparable to the Yiyang Hotel. Due to its prime location, it had taken away a significant portion of the Yiyang Hotel’s business since its completion.

Zeng Zhaoqiang, Zhu Bing, and others were already waiting downstairs. They escorted Secretary Zhu up to the twelfth floor, which was not open to the public.