Chapter 269: Management (Part 2)

Fifty thousand yuan was neither a small sum nor a particularly large one. Hou Weidong weighed the situation silently in his mind. He called Shen Yonghua into his office without explaining the context, simply instructing, "Prepare fifty thousand yuan. It’s for an urgent matter."

Shen Yonghua had been quietly observing Hou Weidong’s expression since entering the room. Seeing that Hou Weidong had assigned him this task, he felt a surge of joy. "Hou Weidong has only been here for two days and is already spending money freely. As long as the top leader is willing to speak up, my position is secure."

With this thought, he nodded vigorously like a chicken pecking at rice. "I’ll go prepare it immediately."

After leaving Hou Weidong’s office, Shen Yonghua checked to ensure no one was around. His face lit up, and he hummed the tune of "Kiss Goodbye" as he descended the stairs back to his office.

At the door of the Finance Section stood a middle-aged woman, clutching several receipts in her hand. Seeing Shen Yonghua approach, the worry on her face instantly gave way to a forced smile. "Section Chief Shen, could you look at these bills? Can they be reimbursed?"

"Boss Zhou, why are you waiting at the door? We aren’t refusing to pay, are we?"

Boss Zhou ran a restaurant located very close to the New Management Committee. The food was decent, and over time, her establishment had become the de facto canteen for the committee. She didn’t originally have the surname Zhou; her restaurant was simply named "Zhou Family Restaurant," so everyone called her Boss Zhou.

Meals at the New Management Committee were usually signed off by the person in charge, but the Finance Section was notoriously difficult when it came to reimbursement, acting like a miser. For these six thousand yuan, Boss Zhou had already made two or three trips.

The day before, Shen Yonghua had finally agreed to process the payment. Boss Zhou had come over excitedly to collect the money. Now, seeing Shen Yonghua’s stern expression, she quickly said, "Old Zhou caught a snake today and stewed it with soft-shelled turtle. We’re having a drink at noon today."

The Finance Section actually had the few thousand yuan on hand, but Shen Yonghua was an old hand at finance. Old finance officers often suffered from a kind of bureaucratic prostatitis—when it came to handing over money, they were always slow and reluctant. He smiled without warmth. "Tell Old Zhou not to worry. The money will definitely be paid. It’s just that the New Management Committee has high expenses this month. Wait until next month. Next month, for sure."

Seeing that Shen Yonghua had changed his mind again, Boss Zhou pleaded, "Section Chief Shen, didn’t you say I could get reimbursed today?"

Shen Yonghua replied impatiently, "I’m just the one doing the work. I do whatever the leaders tell me to do."

The restaurant owner held her breath, forcing another smile. "It’s getting late. Old Zhou is still waiting to have a drink with you, Section Chief Shen."

The Zhou Family Restaurant operated out of their own building. It was far from the county town and usually didn’t have many customers. The New Management Committee was their largest client, accounting for sixty to seventy percent of their monthly revenue. Therefore, the owner dared not offend this source of income.

Shen Yonghua said to Boss Zhou, "Xiao Wang will go first. I’ll come over after I finish things with Cai Lin."

The cashier, Cai Lin, requested a car and went to the bank at top speed to withdraw the money. By the time she returned to the New Management Committee, Shen Yonghua was still standing in the courtyard. He took the cash and hurriedly climbed the stairs in one breath.

Holding the money, Hou Weidong asked deliberately, "You work quite fast. How will you handle the paperwork for this money?"

Shen Yonghua’s face crinkled into a broad smile. "Director Hou, just leave it to me when you return." He then试探ively added, "It’s past twelve. If Director Hou has no other arrangements, our Finance Section would like to treat you to a simple meal. Several comrades in the section are eager to hear your instructions."

"I appreciate the Finance Section’s kindness, but let’s do it another day."

Seeing that Hou Weidong picked up his briefcase, Shen Yonghua knew it was time to leave. He followed closely behind Hou Weidong, seeing him into the Mitsubishi car. He waited until the car drove out of the gate before returning to his office to call the Zhou Family Restaurant. Shortly after, the minivan rented by the restaurant pulled up.

"Why did Zhu Yan suddenly need to go to Shazhou? What exactly happened?" Hou Weidong sat in the car, feeling the bumps of the New Management Committee’s territory. He considered several possibilities but couldn’t be certain.

Once they entered the city, Wang Bing asked, "Where should we go for lunch?"

Hou Weidong had just taken his position as Director of the New Management Committee. He had been busy with receptions and banquets, growing tired of the large restaurants. Today, due to Secretary Zhu’s matter, he had declined several dinner invitations. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Let’s go eat some broad bean noodles. Then drive me home so I can take a short nap. As soon as Secretary Zhu calls, come pick me up immediately."

They arrived at the small broad bean noodle stall. It was past lunchtime, and the ground was littered with napkins. Although the environment was poor, the bowl of noodles was large, filled with broth. With a splash of vinegar, two cloves of garlic, and some scallions, the aroma was instantly enticing.

After finishing a bowl, Hou Weidong broke into a sweat, and the residual alcohol in his stomach flowed out with the perspiration.

"You really feel full eating at these small places," Hou Weidong remarked with a sigh. He then instructed, "The matter this noon is very important. Keep your phone on. Don’t miss anything."

He waited at home until three o’clock before receiving a call from Zhu Yan. Zhu Yan was direct: "You don’t need to come to the County Party Committee compound. Meet me directly at Shawanzi."

Hou Weidong called Wang Bing. In less than three minutes, the off-road vehicle arrived downstairs. Just as it approached the building, the front wheels turned sharply, drawing a beautiful arc. The rear of the car stopped neatly in front of the doorway. The entire maneuver was smooth and fluid, without any hesitation.

Hou Weidong picked up his bag and hurried downstairs. "To Shawanzi," he said, adding, "Secretary Zhu hasn’t departed yet, so you don’t need to drive too fast."

It took twenty minutes to reach Shawanzi. Previously, to accommodate Liu Bing from the city, the Transportation Bureau had paved the road at Shawanzi, planted some trees, and created a natural parking lot. Nearby farmers saw the business opportunity and set up small stalls, turning the once-clean natural spot into a place littered with trash.

Hou Weidong had originally wanted to stand at Shawanzi for a moment to breathe some fresh air. However, as soon as he got out of the car, he was surrounded by several women selling eggs. Having just eaten a full meal of broad bean noodles, he had no desire for more food. He quickly slipped back into the car and rolled up the windows.

The women were particularly persistent, waving their wares outside the car window. Hou Weidong noticed one woman with a face full of wrinkles, likely around seventy years old. His heart softened. He got out of the car and bought two salted duck eggs. The other women dispersed immediately.

Wang Bing took the salted duck eggs, carefully peeled one, and tasted it. "Director Hou, these are made from rural free-range ducks. The flavor is authentic."

The women sat on stone benches, chatting and laughing, appearing quite happy.

Hou Weidong thought to himself, "Secretary Zhu is going to Shazhou with fifty thousand yuan, while these salted duck eggs cost one yuan each. The profit is probably only two or three cents. Even if the profit is fifty cents, they would need to sell one hundred thousand eggs to earn fifty thousand yuan." Calculating this account, he recalled the story of the rat in the toilet versus the rat in the granary. His current state of mind was somewhat similar to that of his predecessors back then.

At four o’clock, the Audi finally appeared in sight.

The car stopped, and Hou Weidong walked forward. Seeing that the front passenger seat was empty, a sense of pride at being trusted arose within him. Seeing Old Liu make a gesture to get in, he familiarly took the front passenger seat.

After Old Liu started the car, the Mitsubishi turned around, and the two vehicles drove in opposite directions.

Throughout the journey, Zhu Yan spoke little. He casually asked about the recent situation at the New Management Committee and then closed his eyes to rest. At ten past five, the Audi drove directly into the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee compound. Zhu Yan hurried inside alone.

Hou Weidong rolled up his window, hiding himself in the car. He observed the vehicles coming and going, as well as the officials appearing in the compound. Recalling Zhu Yan’s brief words and his solemn expression, Hou Weidong pondered silently, "Could things really have changed?"

This matter naturally concerned Zhu Yan’s promotion.

Time passed bit by bit. Soon it was six o’clock. People began to emerge from the Municipal Party Committee building in twos and threes. The cars in the courtyard quickly started moving, seeking their owners, while some people pushed out bicycles or motorcycles. In no time, the courtyard became quiet and still.

Finally, Zhu Yan walked down alone. Hou Weidong quickly got out of the car, opened the door, and habitually took his briefcase.

Zhu Yan’s face showed no expression. He instructed, "Go to Binhe Road, to the red-tiled house we visited last time."

Old Liu’s ability to recognize roads was exceptionally high. He remembered any place he had visited once. Upon receiving Zhu Yan’s instruction, he didn’t hesitate. After leaving the Municipal Party Committee compound, he wound east and west, quickly stopping at the red-tiled house on Binhe Road.

Zhu Yan led Hou Weidong into the house. The building was constructed in a traditional style, with a screen wall facing the entrance. Zhu Yan looked around to ensure no one was nearby and asked, "Is everything ready?" Hou Weidong had prepared in advance. He handed over the small black briefcase he was holding. Zhu Yan didn’t take it, saying only, "You hold it for now. Be alert and watch my gestures."

Just as they entered a small round door, a voice called out, "Secretary Zhu, this way. Secretary Jiang will be here shortly."

Zhu Yan called out loudly, "Hello, Director Li."

Only then did Hou Weidong realize that the person they were meeting today was Deputy Secretary Jiang Jiang. Jiang Jiang was the Deputy Secretary in charge of organization, and his words carried significant weight. In Hou Weidong’s impression, he never smiled and always appeared deep in thought.

Zhu Yan shook hands with Li Weige, Director of the Comprehensive Department of the Municipal Party Committee, for a while. Li Weige had a typical Cultural Revolution-era name. He was quite young and looked energetic.

"Director Li, this is Hou Weidong, Director of the Yiyang New Management Committee."

Li Weige shook hands politely with Hou Weidong. "Such a young Director of the New Management Committee. Secretary Changquan praised the Yiyang New Management Committee many times after returning from Yiyang. I didn’t expect the head of the New Management Committee to be so young. Under thirty, perhaps?"

"Twenty-seven."

Li Weige sighed, "I really envy you young people. Youth is a treasure, though one doesn’t realize it at the time."

More than ten minutes later, Deputy Secretary Jiang Jiang entered the house, with Su Mingjun following behind him.

Secretary Jiang Jiang was not as stern as he appeared on television. After shaking hands with Zhu Yan, he said, "Secretary Zhu, you have already met with Secretary Changquan, so I won’t repeat the details. This training class is the first provincial-level reserve cadre training class organized by Lingxi Province. The program lasts one year, and there are only twenty spots in the entire province. The conditions are very strict. You are the only student from Shazhou, personally selected by Secretary Changquan."

Zhu Yan replied calmly, "Thank you, Secretary Changquan and Secretary Jiang, for your trust. I will study hard in the training class and will not bring shame to Shazhou."

Hou Weidong was truly shocked this time. "Wasn’t Zhu Yan going to be promoted to Vice Mayor? Why is he going to the Provincial Party School to study instead?"