Chapter 225: The New Unit (Part 1)

Chapter 225: The New Unit (Part 1)

The document from the County Party Committee arrived swiftly. This adjustment involved six cadres, with Hou Weidong’s name listed first. It read: “Hou Weidong is relieved of his duties as Director of the New District Management Committee.” This was immediately followed by: “Hou Weidong is appointed as Director of the Science and Technology Commission.”

Hou Weidong read the official red-header document carefully. He thought to himself, “No wonder people call cadres ‘two-finger cadres.’ One line for removal, one line for appointment—together, they span just the width of two fingers.” Yet, for that mere width of two fingers, countless stories of joy and sorrow had unfolded. Countless people racked their brains over it, and no end of conspiracies and schemes had been hatched. This was the real-life reflection of the official-centric culture that had persisted for thousands of years.

The document also stated: “Please complete the handover procedures within five days of receiving this document and report for duty officially.”

Hou Weidong had no intention of dragging his feet. Upon receiving the document, he immediately began the handover process. He finished the work in half a day. He had originally planned to leave the New District Management Committee that same day, but Zhang Jin firmly disagreed, so he had to give up the idea.

For dinner, Zhang Jin and Zhang Xiangyu of the New District Management Committee hosted three tables at the Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant. All deputy section chiefs and section chiefs attended. Hou Weidong once again displayed the relentless spirit he had shown in Shangqinglin. He refused no drink, until he was thoroughly drunk. In the end, Yang Liu called You Yong and others to carry him into the car. When the car reached the gate of Shazhou College, Yang Liu saw that Hou Weidong was severely intoxicated, so she turned the car around and headed to the hospital.

Hou Weidong did not wake up until midnight. Seeing You Yong and Yang Liu sitting beside him, he asked, “Where am I? Am I in the hospital?” Yang Liu said, “You were showing off blindly. There were over twenty people here. No matter how much you could drink, you would have been knocked out.”

In the previous phase, You Yong had beaten up Su Jialin’s wife. The matter could have been minor or major. If not handled properly, he might have faced criminal charges. Under Hou Weidong’s arrangement, the New District Management Committee paid thirty thousand yuan. Su Jialin, who had been as angry as a rooster, quickly calmed down. The major issue was reduced to a minor one, and the minor one was resolved. After this incident, You Yong’s admiration and gratitude toward Hou Weidong flowed like the Yellow River, unstoppable. Therefore, he insisted on staying at the hospital with Yang Liu that night.

Hou Weidong rubbed his temples and turned over to sit up. Although his head was splitting with pain, he was already sober. He said, “Let’s go back. There’s nothing wrong.” Yang Liu hesitated for a moment and said, “Director Hou, you should rest here. You Yong and I will go back.”

Hou Weidong noticed that Yang Liu’s expression was slightly unusual, but he did not ask. He said, “Let’s go. I want to go back, take a shower, and change clothes. I smell like alcohol all over.” Yang Liu then said, “It’s so late, and there are no cars now. Old Tao had an emergency at home, so he drove the car back.”

Old Tao was the driver. He had not been driving for Hou Weidong for long; he was originally the driver for the Development Zone. After the Development Zone merged with the old New District Management Committee, he had no car to drive and was assigned to the demolition group. He spent his days arguing with villagers, always looking for a way to drive again.

Later, when Wang Bing was borrowed by Zhu Yan, Old Tao started driving for Hou Weidong. Previously, when Hou Weidong went out on business, Old Tao waited outside without complaint, never uttering a word of grievance. But today, after dropping Hou Weidong at the hospital, he waited only about ten minutes before making an excuse that he had an emergency at home and slipped away.

In fact, the so-called emergency was that he was short one player for mahjong, and he was eager to rush home to play.

Yang Liu muttered in front of You Yong, “This person is really snobbish. The tea cools as soon as the person leaves.” Hou Weidong had a good mindset and was not angry. He said, “It’s nothing. Taxis are so convenient, it doesn’t matter.”

The next day, Hou Weidong cleared out his personal items from the office and returned home feeling refreshed. When he left the New District Management Committee, Zhang Jin and Zhang Xiangyu, along with the cadres of the committee, saw him off in the courtyard. Hou Weidong shook hands with each of them and joked, “Don’t make it so grand. I’m not being transferred to Mars.”

As he drove away, he waved his hand. He did not take the clouds on the horizon with him, but only stirred up a cloud of dust, blurring the faces of the New District Management Committee, some sincere and some fake.

After resting at home for a day, Hou Weidong went to report for duty at the Science and Technology Commission.

The County Science and Technology Commission was located on the top floor of the County Party Committee and County Government building. In the distribution of floors in the building, important functional departments such as the Party Committee Office, Government Office, Organization Department, and Personnel Bureau generally occupied the middle floors. A unit like the County Science and Technology Commission could only occupy a place on the top floor. Although the view from the peak was magnificent, for the county departments, the peak meant marginalization.

Hou Weidong tried to keep a low profile. He parked his Bluebird car in Liang Bifa’s courtyard. When he used to work in the County Party Committee Office, he had parked his pickup truck in Liang Bifa’s compound.

Walking into the compound, the guards at the gate greeted him enthusiastically, saying, “Director Hou, we heard you were transferred to the County Science and Technology Commission. If you need anything, just let us know.” Hou Weidong took out cigarettes and distributed them to the guards. Seeing that they were Jiaozi cigarettes, the guards accepted them and said, “Good cigarettes, good cigarettes.”

Cars passed by Hou Weidong one after another. These were the vehicles of the County Party Committee and County Government leaders and county-level departments. As the cars passed, they brought a breeze that scattered the smoke from everyone’s mouths.

At the ground floor, a car stopped at the gate. Liu Kun, wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase, got out from the passenger side. He quickly walked to the car door and respectfully opened it. When opening the door, he placed his right hand on the top of the door frame to prevent the leader from hitting his head on the door frame.

Yang Senlin walked in quickly, and Liu Kun followed closely behind.

Hou Weidong proactively greeted him, “County Mayor Yang.” Yang Senlin saw Hou Weidong and stopped. He shook hands with Hou Weidong and asked, “Have you reported for duty at the Science and Technology Commission?” Hou Weidong smiled and said, “The County Party Committee stipulates reporting within five days. Today is the fourth day. I am abiding by the discipline.”

Yang Senlin hesitated and said, “The Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government have proposed strengthening the province through science and technology. The tasks in the science and technology sector are heavy this year. You are young and vigorous. Do a good job in the Science and Technology Commission and promote the development of industry and agriculture in Yiyang.” Hou Weidong nodded and said, “I studied law in college. The science and technology front is a completely new field for me. I still need to start learning from scratch.”

Yang Senlin and Hou Weidong walked up the stairs side by side. Liu Kun still followed behind, carrying the briefcase. On the third floor, Yang Senlin said to Hou Weidong, “Find a time to come to my office. Let’s talk about your ideas.”

As they parted, Hou Weidong nodded to Liu Kun and asked, “When did you come back?” Liu Kun smiled politely and said, “The Young Cadres Training Class ended early. I have been back for over a week.”

After returning to his office, Liu Kun felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. He thought to himself, “The wind turns, and today it is my turn. Zhu Yan is gone. How many more days can Hou Weidong act tough?” He hummed the song he had learned at the Provincial Party School: “The Red Army fears not the trials of the distant march. Ten thousand crags and torrents are but trifles.” The tune was very high-pitched. His voice was naturally low, so he lowered the pitch halfway through.

As Hou Weidong went upstairs, he suddenly recalled a scene from a few years ago. At that time, he had just graduated and went to the Personnel Bureau to report for duty. He had made several trips but still could not complete this simple task. One day, on the ground floor, Liu Kun got out of the car and accompanied Ma Youcai, striding confidently into the office building.

The scene from a few years ago was almost identical to the one he encountered today, except that Ma Youcai had been replaced by Yang Senlin, Liu Kun had changed from an ordinary staff member of the Government Office to the Director of the Government Office, and he himself had become the Director of the Science and Technology Commission.

“After working for a few years, how did I end up back at the starting point?” Hou Weidong sighed.

When he arrived at the Science and Technology Commission office, he saw two people reading newspapers. Hou Weidong knocked on the door. A tall, thin man wearing glasses jumped up and shouted loudly, “Director Hou, you’re here.” The other person called out “Director Hou” and walked out.

Hou Weidong had once served as Deputy Director of the County Party Committee Office and then as Director of the New District Management Committee. He was a well-known figure in Yiyang. Everyone in the Science and Technology Commission knew him. Seeing the new director come to report for duty, everyone stood up.

“I am Xiao Ning, the Office Director.” The tall, thin man wearing glasses was at least in his forties, yet he referred to himself as Xiao Ning in front of Hou Weidong.

Hou Weidong politely said, “Director Ning, hello. We have met before.” Xiao Ning smiled happily and said, “The year before last, when the Commission Office held a meeting on standardizing official documents, Director Hou gave us a speech.”

At this moment, Zhou Yongtai, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Commission, walked over. He was originally the Director of the Teaching and Research Office of Yiyang Middle School. Later, he was transferred to the Science and Technology Commission. After working there for over ten years, he finally became the Deputy Director. He was already at the age limit and knew he could not become the Director. Now that Hou Weidong, a key figure, was coming to be the new Director, he was quite happy.

The two had known each other before. After shaking hands, Zhou Yongtai took Hou Weidong to visit the various sections. As they walked, he introduced the situation: “The Science and Technology Commission is the government department responsible for the county’s science and technology work. The internal sections include the Office, the Science and Technology Comprehensive Section, and the Science and Technology Service Section. There are currently six staff members. With Director Hou joining, there will be seven.”

Zhou Yongtai took Hou Weidong around the various sections, introducing the situation simultaneously. “We have five offices in total, but no conference room. Our conference room is shared with the Commerce Bureau.” Zhou Yongtai brought Hou Weidong to the Director’s office, opened the door, and said, “Director Hou, this is your office.”

Since no one had lived there for a long time, the office had a musty smell. Hou Weidong looked around and saw a ceiling fan on the roof and a table fan in the corner. It was obvious that the office of the Director of the County Science and Technology Commission did not even have an air conditioner.

“The conditions are a bit poor. We can only replace the furniture when we prepare the budget next year.” Zhou Yongtai followed Hou Weidong’s gaze around the room, seeming to guess his thoughts.

***

Chapter 225: The New Unit (Part 2)

Zhou Yongtai exchanged a few pleasantries with Hou Weidong and said, “Xiao Ning, bring some tea for Director Hou. The old tea has been sitting for months. Throw it away. Tea absorbs odors easily. New tea doesn’t taste good if left for too long.”

In the government agencies of county-level cities, the Science and Technology Commission had no money, no power, and no projects. It was considered a chicken-rib department—tasteless to eat but a pity to discard. Therefore, although the Director of the Science and Technology Commission was at the principal section level, few people coveted this position. The competition was not fierce. When the County Party Committee appointed personnel, this position was either a concession to an aging Party Secretary of a township or a disguised exile for a leader from an important post. Hou Weidong belonged to the latter category.

Director Xiao Ning enthusiastically brewed tea for Hou Weidong and then left the office. Zhou Yongtai smiled and said, “Director Hou, today at noon, all the cadres of the Science and Technology Commission will host a welcome dinner for you. Now that you are here, the burden on my shoulders is lifted. Growing flowers and raising fish, this life is better than being an immortal.”

Hou Weidong politely said, “Director Zhou, you are a veteran of the Science and Technology Commission. You cannot lift this burden. I am currently in the dark, knowing nothing.”

“The work of the Science and Technology Commission is the easiest. Every year, we simply copy and distribute the documents from the Shazhou City Science and Technology Commission. At the beginning of the year, we hold a meeting to arrange work, and at the end of the year, we hold a summary meeting. In between, we conduct a few research trips. That’s how a year’s work is successfully completed.”

Hou Weidong had some understanding of the current situation of the Science and Technology Commission. He smiled and watched Zhou Yongtai, listening to him continue.

“The County Party Committee and County Government treat the Science and Technology Commission like an appendix. We shouldn’t look for trouble when there is none, tiring ourselves out while others find it troublesome.” Zhou Yongtai complained a bit. Then he said, “Director Hou, where should we go for lunch? Give the word. Although the Science and Technology Commission is poor, we can afford this meal.”

Hou Weidong did not decline. He thought over suitable restaurants and said, “Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant. That place is not bad. I quite like the taste there.”

Zhou Yongtai walked to the door and shouted to the neighboring office, “Director Xiao Ning, arrange lunch at Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant. Notify all comrades to welcome Director Hou.”

After Zhou Yongtai left the office, Hou Weidong looked at his watch. Unknowingly, it was already eleven o’clock. He took a sip of tea and found it uncomfortable. He picked up the tea leaves and looked at them.

Although the tea prepared for him in the office was new Yiyang tea, it was the lowest grade in the Yiyang tea series—New Yiyang. The tea leaves were broken, the liquor was yellowish, and the taste was harsh. In the County Party Committee Office and the New District Management Committee, he had always drunk the top-grade tea in the Yiyang series—Yiyang Maofeng. From this detail of the tea, he already felt the difference between the units.

He carefully examined his new office. The desk was an old-fashioned square table, made of solid wood, heavy and full of historical sense. Opening the drawer, he surprisingly saw the words “Yiyang County Revolutionary Committee.” Finding traces of the Cultural Revolution in the Science and Technology Commission office, Hou Weidong couldn’t help but laugh.

He patrolled the office and found more traces of Cultural Revolution history under the rattan sofa.

“No computer, no air conditioner, but historical inscriptions. Is this really the institution responsible for the county’s science and technology work?” Hou Weidong quickly understood Zhou Yongtai’s complaints. It was hard not to complain while serving as a leader here.

When lunchtime arrived, Director Xiao Ning knocked on the door and said, “Director Hou, it’s time to get off work. Let’s go eat.” He added, “The conditions at the Science and Technology Commission are poor. We don’t have a car. We can only walk to Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant.”

Hou Weidong said, “No need to be polite. The Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant is not far anyway. Walking is good for health.”

There were only six people in the Science and Technology Commission in total. They chatted and laughed as they went downstairs. Except for Zhou Yongtai, the others pushed out bicycles from different corners. Xiao Ning waved his hand and said, “The two Directors, I’ll go ahead to order the dishes.”

At this moment, cars in the courtyard were constantly starting. Hou Weidong and Zhou Yongtai had just reached the gate when a Santana stopped beside them. This was the Santana Hou Weidong had once ridden in. Ren Xiaowei was sitting in the passenger seat. She waved to Hou Weidong and said, “Director Hou, where are you going? I’ll give you a ride.”

Zhou Yongtai got into the car with Hou Weidong. After getting in, he said, “I’m honored today to ride in the County Party Committee Office car.” Ren Xiaowei knew Zhou Yongtai. She humbly said, “It is also my honor to serve Director Zhou.”

Ren Xiaowei wanted to chat with Hou Weidong, but with the driver and Zhou Yongtai in the car, she felt it was inappropriate. When they arrived at Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant, Ren Xiaowei said, “Director Hou, I’ve been assigned a new mobile phone. Please memorize my number.” Hou Weidong smiled and said, “No need to memorize. Just call me once, and I’ll know it.”

When they arrived at Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant, Zhou Yongtai watched the car leave and sighed, “Director Hou, how did you end up at the Science and Technology Commission? You won’t have a car to ride anymore.” Hou Weidong did not respond. Seeing Director Xiao Ning standing at the door, he walked a few steps faster and entered the restaurant first.

When everyone was seated, a waitress came over and asked, “What wine would you like?” Zhou Yongtai asked for Hou Weidong’s opinion. Hou Weidong said, “Just drink the usual wine.” Xiao Ning said, “Two bottles of Yiyang Red, the one with stars.”

Yiyang Red was considered a good wine in the Shazhou area. When Hou Weidong first arrived in Qinglin Town, he often drank this wine. But after joining the New District Management Committee, he often engaged in wits and relationship-building with various bosses, so the grade of wine he drank went up. He had not drunk Yiyang Red for over two years.

The waitress brought over the three-star Yiyang Red. Just as she was about to open it, a voice said, “Wait, don’t open it yet.” A chubby man with a flat head walked over. He said to the waitress, “Bring two bottles of my special supply wine. How can we let Director Hou drink Yiyang Red?”

The flat-headed man was named Zhang Jun, from Chongqing, the owner of Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant. He originally ran a restaurant in Chongqing. His wife was from Yiyang, so he followed her here.

He opened a pack of Hongtashan cigarettes and distributed them around. He said, “Director Hou, recently in Chongqing, it’s popular to eat fatty intestine hotpot fish. It’s very comfortable. You must try it.” When the waitress brought the wine, the fat on his face smiled into a ball. He said, “This is special supply wine I got from the Moutai Distillery. My iron brother works at the distillery. Ordinary people can’t get it. Director Hou, please taste it.”

Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant had opened not long ago, and Hou Weidong had become a regular customer. He quickly became familiar with the boss, who had a straightforward personality. Once, when Hou Weidong was eating there with friends, a few small-time thugs from Yiyang City caused trouble in the restaurant. Zhang Jun found Hou Weidong, who was drinking.

Hou Weidong called Xi Zhaoyong, who had been transferred to the Chengguan Town police station. In less than five minutes, Xi Zhaoyong arrived with several police officers, looking fierce. They took all the thugs, who had escaped during the severe crackdown two years ago, to the police station. After a beating, Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant became quiet from then on.

After this incident, Zhang Jun was very enthusiastic toward Hou Weidong. First, he was a big customer himself. Second, by building a relationship with him, doing business in Yiyang would be safer.

At this moment, Director Xiao Ning of the Science and Technology Commission felt a bit awkward. They usually drank Yiyang Red when eating out. They did not expect a Cheng Yaojin to appear halfway.

Hou Weidong naturally said, “Since it’s special supply wine, it must be different. We’ll drink Yiyang Red another day.”

Zhang Jun handed out business cards to Zhou Yongtai and others while standing by the table, then left. As soon as he returned to his small room, his wife complained in a low voice, “Hou Weidong has been transferred to the Science and Technology Commission. He’s not useful anymore. Why give him such good wine for free?” His wife was a local from Yiyang, and her brother was an ordinary cadre in the County Government. Her information was quite well-connected.

“Women have short hair and short sight,” Zhang Jun said. “Hou Weidong is a big shot in Yiyang. When he was powerful, how could he look down on me? He wouldn’t sincerely make friends with me. Now that he is in trouble, it is a good time to make friends.”

“What if he can’t turn things around? We’ll lose out.” The woman muttered, unwilling to concede.

“You fool. Hou Weidong is so young, and he is Zhu Yan’s iron rod. Zhu Yan is on the rise. He is one hundred percent going to turn things around. If you don’t believe me, let’s bet. If I win, I’ll take a mistress.”

Hearing the last part, the woman wanted to hit him. Zhang Jun caught her hand and pinched her buttocks hard several times. The woman twisted her hips and said viciously, “If you dare to keep a mistress outside, I’ll cut off your little penis at night.”

The special supply Moutai was divided into six large cups. Xiao Ning drank a cup, licked his lips, and said, “It really is special supply wine. The taste is extraordinary. Much better than ordinary Moutai.” An old-looking comrade said disdainfully, “Director Ning is bragging again. Have you ever drunk Moutai? Back in the day, I followed the Lingxi Science and Technology Commission to the Moutai Distillery and drank authentic Moutai.”

Zhou Yongtai took a sip and said, “Moutai is sauce-flavor. I’m not used to this taste. It’s not as good as Yiyang Red.” The old comrade showed a disdainful expression again and said, “You are like a wild boar that doesn’t know how to eat fine bran.”

Soon, the waitress brought up a stainless steel basin the size of a footbath, filled with steaming chili, Sichuan peppercorns, and boiling oil. Zhang Jun walked over and introduced, “This is the most popular fatty intestine fish in Chongqing. It’s very comfortable.” He said to the waitress, “This dish is on the house. Do not charge.”

Zhou Yongtai had accompanied two previous Directors of the Science and Technology Commission. Both had been transferred from powerful departments. When they first arrived, they still had some old connections and often engaged in welcoming and entertaining. But within half a year, their doors would become cold and their horses rare. He thought to himself, “People are all snobbish. In at most half a year, Hou Weidong will be like us. Who will still invite you to drink special supply Moutai?”

Just as everyone was drinking happily, Hou Weidong’s mobile phone rang.

Xiaojia said, “Husband, where are you? I have already arrived in Yiyang.”

Hou Weidong was surprised and said, “How did you come back? Is there a meeting?”

“Husband, you changed units. Such a big thing, how could I not come back?” Xiaojia heard many people talking on the phone and asked, “If it’s inconvenient for you, I’ll go back to Shazhou College first.”