Chapter 103: East Wind and West Wind (7)
The Spring Festival arrived swiftly, but Hou Weidong felt a deep sense of depression. The accounts at the Transportation Bureau showed a balance of 970,000 yuan, comprising half the profits from the Goubeibend quarry and Yinggang Stone Quarry. Yet, this substantial sum remained out of reach—like flowers in water or the moon in a mirror, visible but untouchable. During the holiday, he received his salary of 370 yuan plus a 500 yuan bonus. With a meager total of 870 yuan to sustain him through the entire festival, he found little interest in the celebrations.
Back at his home in Wu Hai, he refused to go out. He spent his days chatting with his mother, glued to the television, indulging in the sheer pleasure of watching. Having lived in Shangqinglin without a TV, he had even developed an interest in the commercials.
His father, Hou Yonggui, had stepped back to the second line of duty and was no longer as busy as before. However, the sudden leisure left him feeling restless and uncomfortable. He paced around the house constantly. Seeing Hou Weidong’s lazy demeanor, especially the foolish way he stared unblinkingly at the ads, his father couldn’t help but feel irritated.
His eldest brother, Hou Weiguo, had been borrowed by the Shazhou Public Security Bureau to handle a case and would not be home for the entire Spring Festival. Instead, his newly acquired girlfriend, Jiang Chu, frequently visited the house to keep Liu Guangfen company.
Jiang Chu was a teacher at Wu Hai County Middle School. She was good-looking, had a gentle temper, and came from a respectable family background. Liu Guangfen was very satisfied with her. Whenever Jiang Chu visited, she and Liu Guangfen would whisper in the kitchen. As both were teachers, they seemed to have endless topics to discuss, leaving even the second sister, Hou Xiaoying, unable to insert herself into the conversation when she returned.
Hou Weidong whispered to his second sister, “Jiang Chu has only known my brother for a few days, yet she is already so close with Mom. It seems the pressure on Xiaojia is going to increase.”
Hou Xiaoying and Hou Weidong shared a similar plight. She had invested over 700,000 yuan in the silk factory started by her brother-in-law, He Yong. The entire amount was a loan. But once the money was invested, it vanished like rain falling into a river, without even a single bubble. She felt empty-handed, with less cash on hand than Hou Weidong. She hadn’t bought new clothes for nearly two months, setting a new personal record.
Her brother-in-law, He Yong, was busy with factory matters and was rarely home. For the Spring Festival, he had gone to Zhejiang to collect payments, leaving Hou Xiaoying stranded at home. Fortunately, her third brother, Hou Weidong, was also cooped up indoors every day. The two siblings watched television together, exchanging occasional remarks about business.
On the seventh day of the lunar new year, around noon, He Yong called from Zhejiang. He said he hadn’t collected the payments and would need two more days before returning home. Liu Guangfen called Jiang Chu, but she had other commitments and couldn’t come.
With no one to chat with while cooking, the sociable Liu Guangfen felt somewhat uncomfortable. During dinner, seeing that both Hou Weidong and Hou Xiaoying were distracted, she slammed her chopsticks heavily on the table and said angrily, “It’s the New Year, yet you two look like eggplants hit by frost. Old Hou, perk up too. Now that you’ve stepped back to the second line, stop worrying about those trivial matters.”
Hou Yonggui puffed up with indignation. “In terms of physical fitness, a third of the young people in the bureau now have big bellies. Not only can’t they run, they get tired just walking a bit. Their stamina is worse than us old men. As for solving cases, these young graduates from police academies only have book knowledge. When it comes to handling major cases, they are far from capable.”
“I could have worked for a few more years. Why was I forced to step back to the second line?”
Liu Guangfen retorted, “Weiguo also graduated from a police academy. Do you think he can’t solve cases? If you old guys don’t make way, how can the young ones step up?”
Hou Weiguo had solved a major case at the end of 1994 and had caught the eye of the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the Shazhou Municipal Public Security Bureau. He was currently seconded to Shazhou to handle cases, considered one of the top talents in the Yiyang police force.
Mentioning his eldest son, a trace of pride appeared on Hou Yonggui’s face, though he remained stubborn. “He just got lucky, like a blind cat catching a dead mouse.” He then laughed, “But which son of the Hou family is a coward?”
At this, Hou Yonggui pointed his chopsticks at Hou Weidong. “Hou San, what’s going on with you? You’ve been in Qinglin Town for over a year, yet you’re still stuck in Shangqinglin Township. It must be because you’re not working hard enough.”
Hou Xiaoying defended her brother. “Dad, you’re out of touch with the times. This is a socialist market economy. Being a boss is the first choice for all young people. I think San is quite impressive. He became a millionaire in just one year. I’ve already arranged it with him; once he gets the payment from the Transportation Bureau, he’ll lend me 200,000 yuan.”
Hou Yonggui slammed his chopsticks onto the table with a clack. “What kind of world is this? A young man with no hair on his face, working for less than a year, actually earns a million? I earn 700 yuan a month, plus bonuses, totaling about 10,000 yuan at most. At this rate, I’d have to work for a hundred years without eating or drinking to earn that much.” He shook his head continuously. “Is this still a society led by the Communist Party? How could it be like this? I really don’t understand.”
Hou Weidong counted on his fingers. “Dad, look at it this way. When I opened the Goubeibend quarry, at its peak, thirty-seven villagers were working there. They earned 600 yuan a month. In other words, my quarry created thirty-seven jobs, improving the lives of thirty-seven families. Isn’t that a contribution? Secondly, the key project in Yiyang, the Yizhou section of the Sha-Yi Road, relied entirely on supplies from the five quarries in Shangqinglin. This supports the government’s key construction projects. Furthermore, Goubeibend pays taxes. From this perspective, my contribution is part of the money our country spends on national defense or education.”
Hou Xiaoying, having worked in enterprises for a long time, deeply agreed with Hou Weidong. “Dad, according to foreign viewpoints, the vast majority of social wealth is created by enterprises. Therefore, entrepreneurs are the elites of our country. The concept of official supremacy should have been eliminated long ago.”
Liu Guangfen laughed. “Hou San, you’re really capable. You’ve made a million. What gift will you buy for your old mother? Your eldest brother will be transferred to Shazhou and can only live in a dormitory. Why don’t you just buy him an apartment there?”
Hou Weidong looked troubled. “I only have 800 yuan right now, with no savings. I’m the poorest in the family. The 970,000 yuan in the Transportation Bureau’s account includes unpaid worker wages, a year’s land rent, and land occupation fees. Next year, I still need to purchase three large crushers and renovate the quarry site. With these expenses, the funds are extremely tight.”
Hou Xiaoying praised him. “Hou San really has some business talent. He might as well retain his salary while leaving his post to focus on managing the quarry, gradually developing into a building materials manufacturer.”
Hou Yonggui snorted. “Enterprises can go bankrupt overnight. It’s safer to be a cadre. You need to think clearly. If you do business, you can’t be a leader. Are you planning to be a township boss for life? Bosses have money but no political status. Even a small-time hooligan can cause you trouble. I’ve seen this happen many times.”
“The economic base determines the superstructure. When a boss accumulates enough money, they will seek political power. That’s what Marx taught us.”
“Nonsense.”
As the two were arguing, the sound of car brakes echoed from downstairs. Liu Guangfen, most familiar with her eldest son’s driving style, dropped her bowl and ran to the window. She looked out and turned back with surprise. “Weiguo is back, and he’s with a woman.”
Hou Weiguo had worked for several years without ever having a girlfriend. Since Hou Weidong had found a girlfriend, Weiguo’s marriage had become a worry for Liu Guangfen. Recently, he had finally gotten together with Jiang Chu. She hadn’t seen who the woman was, but it was clearly not Jiang Chu. “That brat, bringing another woman home. If he doesn’t explain himself, he’s not allowed in.”
Before she finished speaking, Liu Guangfen recognized the visitor and shouted, “San, it’s Xiaojia.”
“Don’t trick me. We spoke yesterday, and she didn’t say she was coming.”
“Why would I lie? Go pick her up.”
Hou Weidong ran downstairs at full sprint, just in time to see his brother Hou Weiguo and Xiaojia entering the gate.
“How did you two end up coming back together?”
Xiaojia had a layer of fluff on her collar and was blowing warm air into her palms. “Police jeeps look imposing, but they’re drafty everywhere. It’s freezing.”
Hou Weiguo’s face was frozen red. He took off his gloves and clapped his hands elegantly. “Xiaojia, our brigade captain said they’ll phase out half the jeeps after the Spring Festival. I’ll at least be able to drive a Santana. Then I’ll take you out to show off.”
Xiaojia affectionately linked her arm with Hou Weidong’s. “I went to Jin Lingli’s house this morning. When I came out, I ran into my brother. Hearing he was returning to Wu Hai, I followed him back.” Hou Weidong asked nervously, “Do your parents know?” Xiaojia had a look of determination. “I’ve thought it through. Marriage is my business; their opinions are only for reference. I plan to rent an apartment outside after the Spring Festival.”
Xiaojia’s arrival was unexpected for Hou Weidong. During dinner, his eyes kept lingering on her face, and the delicious food lost its usual flavor. Jiang Chu hadn’t come, but Liu Guangfen had Xiaojia instead. The two women chatted animatedly, their laughter frequently drifting into the room.
At dinner, Liu Guangfen called Jiang Chu over again. The three women talked even more happily, leaving the men in the room speechless.
At bedtime, Hou Yonggui was pushed into Hou Weidong’s room. Liu Guangfen slept with Jiang Chu and Xiaojia, chatting until one in the morning.
Xiaojia was just next door, yet he could think of her but not touch her. This made Hou Weidong restless and agitated. Additionally, his father Hou Yonggui’s snoring was deafening. He had no choice but to get up, put on his coat, and go to the living room to watch TV. Unknowingly, he fell asleep on the sofa. When he woke up in the morning, he opened his eyes to see Xiaojia sitting beside him, covered with a thick blanket.
“I heard the TV outside last night and came out to find you sleeping on the sofa. Seeing you sleep so soundly, I didn’t wake you.” Xiaojia lovingly touched Hou Weidong’s forehead and then laughed. “You’ve been in Shangqinglin for a year, and your face has grown a size. You’re not as handsome as before.”
“Really?”
Xiaojia smiled. “But you have more of a manly aura than before.”
Liu Guangfen walked over. “Lazybones, get up quickly. After breakfast, take Xiaojia for a walk outside. You’ve been home for seven or eight days and haven’t even left the house.” Hou Weidong knew his mother’s intention; she wanted him and Xiaojia to be alone. He rolled over and got up. “Let’s go. Today we’ll brave the cold and walk the streets.”
They wandered around the mall, speaking those intimate words that never grew tiresome. In a trance, it seemed as if they had returned to their happy university days.
Xiaojia leaned on Hou Weidong’s shoulder. “Did you pay New Year’s greetings to your leaders this Spring Festival?”
Hou Weidong answered bluntly, “No.”
Xiaojia advised, “Even if running a quarry makes money, you are still under the leadership of the Qinglin Town Government. Maintaining good relationships with leaders will never hurt you. I’ve seen this often in the office. The leaders of the Construction Commissions in Wu Hai, Yiyang, and two other counties, including the divisional leaders of the counties, all visit the Construction Commission during festivals. The more frequent the visits, the more money the Municipal Construction Commission gives to the lower levels, and the more rewards there are. Some say relationships are also productive forces. It’s truly the case.”
Hou Weidong understood this point. When he left Yiyang, he had borrowed 5,000 yuan from Station Master Huang, given Zhu Bing a red envelope of 2,000 yuan, and given 1,000 yuan red envelopes each to Liang Bifa, Liu Wei, and Section Chief Gao of the Finance Section. As for the town leaders, they were not within his consideration.
Hearing Hou Weidong’s explanation, Xiaojia said, “You are a township cadre of Qinglin Town. You should go pay New Year’s greetings to the two main leaders. Listen to me, this will definitely be a good move. I just don’t know if the two leaders are at home. If they’re not, making the trip would be troublesome.”
“We had a meal before the Spring Festival. Qin Feiyue said he would stay at home all Spring Festival and go nowhere. I’m not sure if Zhao Yongsheng will stay or go.”
“Fool, that’s a hint to go pay greetings. Don’t delay. Let’s go and come back quickly.”
Hou Weidong smiled awkwardly. “I don’t have enough money on me.”
Xiaojia was the Deputy Director of the Office and had long followed leaders, always needing to spend money on short notice. Thus, she had formed the habit of carrying cash. “I have 2,000 yuan on me. That should be enough.”
Having made up their minds, both Hou Weidong and Xiaojia, being impatient by nature, didn’t hesitate. They immediately returned home and told Liu Guangfen and Hou Yonggui about the plan to pay greetings.
Hou Yonggui was skilled in his profession. The young men he had trained included two who became Deputy Directors and one who was transferred to the Shazhou Municipal Bureau as a Brigade Captain. However, he had never used backdoors in his life. He had never paid New Year’s greetings to leaders, never opened car doors for them, and never served them tea. Therefore, he spent his entire career as a backbone in the grassroots stations, receiving widespread praise and being named an advanced worker every year, yet never promoted.
Being a good police officer requires high intelligence. Hou Yonggui was a good police officer, meaning his intelligence was not low. Regarding networking, he was clear in his mind. He wasn’t ignorant; he just chose not to do it. Of course, his own refusal didn’t mean he opposed his sons from networking. So, when Hou Weidong proposed paying New Year’s greetings to leaders, Hou Yonggui nodded in agreement.
As Hou Weidong was leaving the courtyard, Liu Guangfen handed him 2,000 yuan. “This money will count interest. You’ll repay 4,000 yuan at this time next year.”
On the bus to Yiyang, Xiaojia leaned happily on Hou Weidong’s shoulder. “Your mother is kind and smart. She used this method to resolve the awkwardness.” Hou Weidong said indifferently, “Why should a mother feel embarrassed giving money to her son?” Xiaojia pinched Hou Weidong. “You’re really stupid. Your mom knows you have no money. She’s saving face for you.”
By the time they arrived in Yiyang County, it was already 3:00 PM. Standing on the street, they discussed the gift-giving strategy. Hou Weidong asked, “Should we buy cigarettes and alcohol, or give money directly?” Xiaojia suggested, “Buy some fruit and put some money in an envelope. It expresses our sincerity and won’t attract attention if seen by others.”
Following Xiaojia’s advice, Hou Weidong bought a bag of fresh Yantai Big Red Apples. When it came to the amount of money, he hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and put in 1,000 yuan.
Seeing him put in 1,000, Xiaojia said, “That’s a lot. I wonder if Town Mayor Qin dares to accept it?” Hou Weidong laughed. “A while ago, I gave out over 10,000 yuan and was never refused. I have experience in this. Don’t worry, it’s fine.”
Just as they entered the courtyard where Qin Feiyue lived, besides a Santana, there was also an assembled off-road vehicle. Qinglin Town had only three vehicles: one for the Party Secretary, one for the Town Mayor, and the assembled off-road vehicle for the other deputy officials.
“There’s someone else at Town Mayor Qin’s house. It must be a deputy official.”
They knocked on the door. A middle-aged woman with large curly hair opened it and asked, “Who are you looking for?”
Hou Weidong guessed she was the Town Mayor’s wife. He relaxed his facial muscles, put on a pleasant smile, and said, “Sister-in-law, I’m Little Hou from Qinglin Town. I’m here to pay New Year’s greetings to Town Mayor Qin.”
The Town Mayor’s wife said, “