Chapter 302: The Real World (Part 2)

Chapter 302: The Real World (Part 2)

The merger of the Development Zone into the new Management Committee had suddenly expanded their territory, personnel, and the sheer volume of miscellaneous tasks. Hou Weidong’s phone had barely stopped ringing after his conversation with Yi Zhongcheng when the Finance Section brought another stack of invoices for his signature. Looking at the thick pile of receipts, Hou Weidong felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Yi Zhongcheng was naturally pushed to the back of his mind.

He had already given Yi Zhongcheng a chance. Whether Yi could grasp the subtle implications of the situation depended entirely on his own悟性 (comprehension).

As the end of the workday approached, Office Director Yang Liu brought up two documents: the draft of the New Management Committee Monthly Work Summary and the County Party Committee and Government Key Information Brief. Both were Yang Liu’s own initiatives.

The Monthly Work Summary was a periodical featuring progress reports on key tasks, work insights, and lessons learned from other regions. Since its launch, it had been distributed not only within the new Management Committee but also to all leaders of the County Party Committee, People’s Congress, Government, and CPPCC. Deputy County Party Secretary Ji Haiyang had praised the committee’s innovation on multiple occasions.

The other document, the Brief, covered the progress of major county projects, directives from key leaders of the County Party Committee and Government, and the core spirit of current policies. Printed irregularly, it served primarily as a reference for the three top leaders of the new Management Committee.

Hou Weidong attached great importance to both the Summary and the Brief. He viewed them as essential tools for standardizing and regularizing the committee’s management, as well as a vital method for promoting the committee’s image. Therefore, he personally reviewed every draft.

Flipping through the proofread copy, he casually asked Yang Liu a few questions.

Yang Liu was a dedicated young woman. She had reviewed these drafts numerous times, so she answered Hou Weidong’s questions fluently. After offering a few suggestions, Hou Weidong wrote “Approved for publication” on the Summary and signed his name, “Hou Weidong,” in his characteristic sweeping script.

Seeing that the draft had passed smoothly, Yang Liu left with a beaming smile, holding the document close.

Watching her petite figure step out of the room, Hou Weidong thought to himself: Even if Yi Zhongcheng and Yi Zhongling have no relation, replacing Yi Zhongcheng with Yang Liu was a wise move. The office is the central hub, and the Office Director serves the leadership directly. High emotional intelligence and strong coordination skills are mandatory. Yi Zhongcheng had a solid theoretical foundation, but practice proved he was not suited for the role of Office Director.

Just as he was lost in thought, the phone on his desk rang again. Since returning to the new Management Committee, Hou Weidong had barely left his chair. With the end of the day approaching, he sighed, “Please, let me rest for a few minutes.”

He stood up, stretched, and then reached for the receiver.

“Hello, this is Guo Lan.” It was actually Guo Lan’s voice on the other end.

Hou Weidong glanced at the caller ID. It was the number for Shazhou University. He smiled. “What made you think of calling Yiyang today? Has Professor Guo been discharged? How is his recovery?”

“My father is being discharged this afternoon. His left hand and left foot are still a bit stiff. These are aftereffects of the stroke; there’s no miracle cure, only long-term exercise to restore function. Fortunately, we got the acupuncture medicine from Shazhou in time that day. Otherwise, his recovery wouldn’t be as good as it is now.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“My father will reach retirement age next year. After resting at home for a while, he’ll retire. He’s been busy his whole life; I wonder if he can actually relax.”

Hou Weidong comforted her, “Everyone reaches retirement eventually. Professor Guo is getting on in years. He really shouldn’t push himself so hard.”

“Do you have time tonight? Come over for dinner.” Guo Lan finally revealed the true purpose of her call. “I should have told you earlier. I’m leaving tomorrow with a delegation from the transportation sector, so today is the only day I’m free.”

Hou Weidong had been running around constantly lately and hadn’t spent much time at his apartment in Shazhou University. Hearing that Professor Guo was treating him to a meal, he replied quickly, “We’re neighbors, really, no need to be so polite.”

“Just a simple meal to show our appreciation. You must come. The whole family is waiting.”

“Then I’d be honored to accept. I’ll come right after work.”

At the end of the workday, Yang Liu came to the office again. “Director Hou, I’ve found a driver for you. He used to drive for the Development Zone, and his skills are quite good. You can use him temporarily.”

Hou Weidong was very satisfied with Yang Liu’s quick response. “Thank you. Since he was already a driver for the Development Zone, there shouldn’t be any issues.”

***

Hou Weidong knocked on Professor Guo’s door. It was opened by Professor Guo’s wife. Seeing that Hou Weidong was carrying fruit, she said, “This is too much, Director Hou. You’re too kind. Please, come in.” She then called out to Guo Lan, “Lanlan, make tea for Director Hou.”

Guo Lan, wearing a long one-piece dress, gracefully went to prepare the tea. The tea leaves had actually been prepared in advance, slightly moistened with hot water, and carefully placed on the tea table. Guo Lan served the tea and said, “Hou Weidong, please have some tea.”

When Hou Weidong had been in the Yiyang Organization Department, Guo Lan had been his superior. Now that she worked in the Shazhou Municipal Organization Department, she didn’t call him “Director Hou” but used his name directly.

Professor Guo walked out of his study. After his time in the hospital, he had actually gained some weight. His recovery was going well, and his walking was nearly normal.

As he sat down, Guo Lan reached out to steady him and said gratefully, “Thanks to getting the acupuncture medicine from Shazhou Hospital in time, otherwise, he might have been left with permanent aftereffects.”

“Health is the capital of revolution. We used to say that often, but it was just talk. Now that I’m sick, I truly understand its meaning. From now on, I’m practically disabled. I can’t run or move easily, and even teaching has become a problem. What’s the point of living?” Professor Guo had worked his entire life. The sudden news that he had to rest at home left him feeling a mix of relief, sadness, and unfamiliarity.

Hou Weidong couldn’t think of anything better to say to comfort him. “Professor Guo, don’t worry. Focus on recovering first. We can talk about work later.”

Guo Lan added from the side, “Dad, you’re being difficult. If they tell you to rest, just rest. Don’t think about your research projects. The campus scenery is so beautiful; let Mom take you for walks by the lake every day. Getting your health back is the most important thing.”

Professor Guo sighed, “Living like an idiot every day is just existing. It’s a terrifying way to live.”

Professor Guo’s wife was a virtuous woman who didn’t say much, but she kept bringing dishes to the table.

Hou Weidong had occasionally caught the scent of home-cooked meals from his balcony. Now, sitting at the Guo family’s dining table, looking at the delicate porcelain dishes filled with fragrant, colorful home-cooked food, he couldn’t help but swallow hard, despite being accustomed to various delicacies.

Once everyone was seated, Guo Lan brought out a few bottles of beer. “I’ll have one beer today. You can drink as you please.”

They had been neighbors for two years, but this was Hou Weidong’s first formal dinner at Guo Lan’s home. He was well-mannered, waiting until Professor Guo picked up his chopsticks before he began eating, heading straight for the garlic-minced white meat he had eyed earlier.

Garlic-minced white meat is a famous Sichuan dish. The preparation is simple: boil half-fat, half-lean pork, slice it thinly, and pour garlic sauce and other seasonings over it. The key lies in the flavor of the condiments.

Chinese cooking is like Zen Buddhism; it emphasizes experience and feeling. Many families can make this dish, but each has its own unique flavor. This differs from Western fast food produced on assembly lines and reflects the different thinking patterns of Eastern and Western cultures.

The Guo family’s garlic-minced white meat was simple in color—white, red, and green—but upon tasting it, one could sense a subtle elegance, like embroidery. The meat, vegetables, and seasonings were all bought from the local market, and the fuel was the common natural gas used by thousands of households. The cooking method was ordinary, yet the taste was distinct.

Perhaps it was the heavy scholarly atmosphere permeating the air, invisible yet omnipresent.

After eating several slices of the thin, large pieces of garlic-minced white meat, his mouth filled with the aroma of garlic, and after drinking a beer and half a bowl of white rice, Hou Weidong felt half-full and quite satisfied.

Just as he was about to put down his bowl, Guo Lan served him half a bowl of clear stewed chicken soup in a clean bowl. Hou Weidong had eaten chicken soup in many restaurants, but none had the natural, pure taste of this carefully stewed soup. He drank it all in one go.

Professor Guo, unable to stay idle, put down his chopsticks and said, “Xiao Hou, you’ve come at the right time. You’ve worked in townships, and I have a paper that involves some township matters. Come to the study and tell me about it.”

Hou Weidong looked at Guo Lan.

Guo Lan knew her father had devoted his life to scholarship. Forcing him away from his worn desk would be cruel. She said, “Dad, the doctor said you need to keep walking. Why are you heading to the study right after eating?”

Professor Guo replied, “Just for a moment. I only have a few small questions. I haven’t been to the countryside in a long time. Sigh, it’s inconvenient to go now.”

Hou Weidong said, “That’s easy. Half of the new Management Committee is rural. Whenever you want to visit, the committee welcomes you anytime.”

As he spoke, he followed Professor Guo into the study.

Professor Guo’s study was a true study. Three walls were lined with bookshelves full of books. Judging by their colors, many were old, matching Professor Guo’s appearance. On the desk sat a photo frame with a picture of the family of three, taken by the lake at Shazhou University. In the photo, Guo Lan wore a long white dress, her long hair cascading down her shoulders. It was taken when she graduated from university.

Hou Weidong and Professor Guo discussed the issues, and Hou Weidong did not notice the photo.

Guo Lan entered the study carrying her father’s medicine. She immediately spotted the photo frame behind the desk. She was wearing that same white dress when she had accidentally met Hou Weidong at the dance hall behind the university. The events of that night, she intended to bury deep in her heart, never letting Hou Weidong know. As she handed the medicine to Professor Guo, she casually picked up the photo, pretending to dust it, and took it with her as she left.

***

Chapter 302: The Real World (Part 3)

Guo Lan walked Hou Weidong to his door. Since their homes were separated only by a wall, it was equivalent to seeing him to his doorstep. She said to Hou Weidong, who was unlocking his door, “With my father’s condition, I can’t work peacefully in Shazhou. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have gone to Shazhou.”

“Don’t think like that. No one could have predicted this. Besides, Professor Guo is retiring soon. You can bring both of them to Shazhou later.” Hou Weidong smiled. “The Shazhou Organization Department is a key department. Many people are desperate to get in. Don’t even think about coming back.”

“The fundraising housing in the Municipal Organization Department has just been allocated. It’s hard to buy cheap houses in the short term. Housing prices in Shazhou are rising rapidly; even slightly better locations are over a thousand per square meter. The Organization Department sounds good, but the salary is average. I only earn a few hundred yuan a month. Buying a house is still years away. For now, I can only live in the single dormitory.”

Professor Guo’s wife was sweeping the living room. Hearing their conversation, she interjected, “I want to buy a house in Shazhou. Even if I don’t live with Lanlan, it will be more convenient to visit.” She pointed toward the study. “Lanlan’s father is used to living at the university. He can’t bear to leave the lake and the library. He doesn’t want to move to Shazhou.”

Holding her broom at the door, Professor Guo’s wife added, “Don’t let it fool you that Lanlan’s dad is a professor. He’s more old-fashioned than I am. He doesn’t want to live in his son-in-law’s house.” She had a good impression of Hou Weidong and often sighed that good boys had become other people’s husbands.

Hearing this, Guo Lan’s face turned red. “Mom, what are you talking about?”

Guo Lan’s marriage had always been a worry for her mother. She turned to Hou Weidong again. “I only have one daughter. When I’m old, I’ll definitely live with Lanlan. I’m preparing to buy a house in Shazhou. I heard your wife works at the Construction Commission. Could you help me keep an eye out for a suitable house?”

Hou Weidong said, “That’s no problem. The Xinyue Building is quite good.” Professor Guo’s wife replied, “Lanlan’s dad has always made the decisions. I should take charge at least once.”

Professor Guo’s wife was in high spirits, but Guo Lan pulled her back into the house.

Back in his own home, Hou Weidong sat in the living room watching TV. After a while, the familiar sound of a piano came from next door. He turned the TV volume to mute, leaned back on the sofa, and savored the melody he hadn’t heard in a long time.

Due to his father Hou Yonggui’s profession, Hou Weidong had seen many police officers when he was young. Since moving to the professors’ building at Shazhou University, he had developed a strong interest in scholarly families. Although the Guo and Hou families had been neighbors for two years, they had never truly interacted, beyond greeting each other on the stairs. Today’s dinner marked Hou Weidong’s first real entry into this scholarly household.

“When I have children, I want them to grow up surrounded by books. This kind of life is a realm in itself.” This was Hou Weidong’s first thought.

“Scholarly families also live in the secular world and must have economic support. Otherwise, daily necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt will affect the quality of the scholarly atmosphere. For example, Guo Lan is currently worried about housing. If she had money, she would have many more choices. She could buy a house in Shazhou and bring Professor Guo there, or buy a car to travel freely between Shazhou and Yiyang,不受地域限制 (unrestricted by geography).”

“To achieve a high-quality, refined life, one must have economic support.” This was Hou Weidong’s second thought.

“Thank you, Shangqinglin Quarry, for helping me dig my first pot of gold. With this capital, I have a way out in officialdom, and dignity in life.” Hou Weidong felt deep gratitude from the bottom of his heart for life’s generous gifts.

As usual, the piano music ended at ten o’clock. Hou Weidong stood on the balcony. The lights on the lake shimmered, and faint piano sounds drifted from the distant music department across the water. This was Hou Weidong’s favorite view. Every time he looked at the lake from the balcony, his mood became calm, swaying gently with the water.

However, the tranquility was only temporary. Every day when the sun rose from the horizon, Hou Weidong returned to his role as Director of the new Management Committee.

In the morning, a meeting of mid-level cadres was held to arrange current work. After the meeting, Hou Weidong kept Zhang Jin, Zhang Xiangyu, and another deputy director from the Development Zone, Yuan Hai, behind to discuss various matters. Before he knew it, it was eleven o’clock.

Just as he stepped out of the small conference room, Hou Weidong looked up and saw Su Ming, the Party Secretary of Shangqinglin Town, standing in the corridor. He walked quickly toward him. “Secretary Su, why are you standing here?”

Su Ming smiled. “Director Hou, I just arrived. I called you last night, but your mobile phone was off.”

Hou Weidong said warmly, “Don’t call me Director Hou. Call me ‘younger brother.’ It’s more intimate.” He explained, “My phone ran out of battery last night. I only remembered to charge it after dinner.”

“No wonder your mobile was off, and no one answered the landline.”

Entering the office, Hou Weidong was very enthusiastic toward the old leader of Shangqinglin Town. He made tea, offered cigarettes, and even lit Su Ming’s cigarette personally.

Before Su Ming could state his purpose, Hou Weidong called Qin Feiyue. “Secretary Qin, Secretary Su is here. Do you have time for lunch? Let’s eat together. Yes, at the newly opened Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine restaurant. I heard it’s very popular.”

Su Ming hurriedly said, “I’m treating today. Don’t arrange anything.”

“How can that be? If I don’t fulfill my duties as the host, people will laugh at me.”

When Hou Weidong was in Shangqinglin, Su Ming had treated him well. Hou Weidong had been Su Ming’s most capable deputy town mayor, and their relationship was quite close. Seeing Su Ming come to him personally, Hou Weidong knew there must be something important. He had already made up his mind: unless it violated principles, he would help if he could.

After a few small talk exchanges, Su Ming got straight to the point. “Younger brother, I wouldn’t come to the temple without a reason. I have a favor to ask.”

“Secretary Su, don’t talk about favors. Just tell me what you need.”

Su Ming took out a cigarette and offered one to Hou Weidong. “My eldest sister’s son, Liu Bo, graduated from Shazhou Teachers College this year. He doesn’t want to teach, and he doesn’t want to work in a township. Since you’re steering the new Management Committee, could you let Liu Bo work there?”

Hou Weidong considered for a moment. “What major did Liu Bo study?”

“He studied physics.”

“The new Management Committee needs writers. I want to recruit a few people who can write articles.”

“Liu Bo has a specialty. His computer skills are good. Before graduating, he worked as a part-time teacher at a computer training class in Shazhou City. Now that informatization is being promoted everywhere, his specialty will be useful.”

Hou Weidong stopped beating around the bush. “It’s very difficult for university graduates to enter government agencies now. The competition is fierce. Secretary Ji’s signature is required to enter the city.”

“I’ll handle Secretary Ji’s part.”

Hou Weidong agreed readily. “Since an old leader has asked, what more is there to say? I’ll notify the Personnel Section. We’ll follow the regular procedures.”

Su Ming had expected Hou Weidong to agree. “I thank you on behalf of my sister first. My sister and brother-in-law want to treat you to a meal separately. I know you’re busy, but please make time. It’s my sister’s intention.”

In 1997, students from Shazhou Teachers College were mainly assigned to township middle schools. Without strong connections, it was impossible to enter government agencies. Now, with Su Ming, the Party Secretary of Shangqinglin Town, stepping in, his nephew’s job was settled with just a few words.

Hou Weidong thought to himself: This society is too realistic. Some people get things done with a few words, while others can’t even find the temple door.

After finishing business, Hou Weidong and Su Ming headed to the Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine restaurant. Hou Weidong drove a Mitsubishi, and Su Ming drove a brand-new Santana 2000. As they drove, Hou Weidong spotted Zhao Yongsheng, the former Party Secretary of Shangqinglin Town, squeezing onto a bus with the crowd. His hair, usually meticulously combed, was disheveled, and there was a obvious sweat stain on the back of his shirt.

Hou Weidong recalled his previous visit to Shazhou to see Gao Zhiyuan, Director of the People’s Congress. Zhao Yongsheng had arrived early from Shangqinglin to the Shangqinglin Government but hadn’t been able to get a car ride. Although it was a small matter, it had left a deep impression on Hou Weidong. Of course, he wouldn’t deliberately retaliate against Zhao Yongsheng for such trivialities. Seeing such a once-powerful figure sweating and squeezing onto a bus, he felt a sense of sighing.

After leaving Shangqinglin Town, Zhao Yongsheng had moved through two more units. Due to his age, he was now transferred to the Science, Education, Culture, and Health Working Committee of the Government as Director. His rank remained the same, but the conditions at the Yiyang County CPPCC were not great. There were only three cars, mainly reserved for the vice chairs. Other working committee directors had to squeeze onto buses or walk.

Arriving at the restaurant, Hou Weidong said to Su Ming as they got out of the car, “Secretary Su, did you see Secretary Zhao just now?”

Zhao Yongsheng was the old Party Secretary of Shangqinglin Town and had once been Su Ming’s superior. In Shangqinglin, his word was law on major issues. Su Ming was relatively modest; although he sometimes had different opinions, he kept them to himself, and the two coexisted peacefully.

Su Ming also sighed. “That’s Zhao Changsheng. He’s reached the age limit. Getting into the CPPCC is already not bad. Some Party Secretaries are forced to retire to the second line in their original units, which is even worse.”

Entering the restaurant, the image of Zhao Changsheng squeezing onto the bus lingered in Hou Weidong’s mind. He thought: The political life of grassroots officials is too short. You’re pushed out in your early fifties. What’s the point of climbing so desperately when you’re young?

After waiting for a while, Qin Feiyue arrived downstairs in a new Crown. Coming upstairs, Hou Weidong smiled. “When did you get a Crown?” Qin Feiyue shook hands with Su Ming and said, “This car was specially approved by County Mayor Ma. This car is the face of Chengguan Town.” He added, “Good cars are like beautiful women; people always covet them. I’ve had this car for over a month, and at least half the time, it’s been borrowed by several vice county mayors.”

The three sat in a private room by the window. The three drivers went to sit at a small table on their own. Without officials watching, they ate more freely.

“Brother Hou, you’ve interacted with Bu Gao. What do you think of him?”

“What? Does he want to develop the urban area?”

Qin Feiyue said, “The Yiyang Native Produce Company has moved out, leaving a large empty plot in the city center. He wants to take over that land.”