Chapter 125: Divergence (Part 6)
Twelve villages, twenty-four village cadres arrived at the medium conference room one after another. Hou Weidong had prepared extremely thoroughly. As each village cadre entered the conference room, staff members from the Social Affairs Office handed them a large envelope containing photocopies of county documents and relevant township documents.
Most of the village cadres placed the envelopes aside, while a few opened them immediately, pulling out the documents to read carefully.
As the divisional leader, Hou Weidong held a pack of Hongdashan cigarettes, distributing them one by one. While waiting for Zhao Yongsheng and Su Ming, Hou Weidong sat among the village cadres, smoking and chatting with them.
At nine o’clock, Zhao Yongsheng, Su Ming, and Liu Kun arrived at the medium conference room in succession. At nine ten, the meeting officially began.
Su Ming presided over the meeting. The first agenda item was for Hou Weidong to read out the documents from both the county and township levels.
The second agenda item was for Liu Kun to arrange the publicity work for the funeral reform.
Originally, Hou Weidong’s initial meeting agenda did not include a speech by Liu Kun. However, before the morning meeting, Su Ming noticed this omission and temporarily decided to add this agenda item. He called Liu Kun: "Secretary Liu, you should still speak at this morning’s meeting and arrange the publicity work."
Liu Kun had used the excuse of having business to skip work on Thursday. He had attended a birthday dinner for Minister Liu of the Organization Department. Minister Liu was quite low-key, inviting only three tables of guests. Due to the special relationship between the Liu families, the entire Liu family attended the banquet. As the younger generation, Liu Kun helped busy himself with serving and accompanying guests for drinks. Since most of the guests were leaders, he drank several extra cups and naturally got drunk.
When he woke up on Friday morning, he couldn’t bear to take a taxi. Dizzy-headed, he took the early bus. When he arrived at the Qinglin Government, it was five minutes before work started. He had just brewed his tea when he received Su Ming’s call. Fortunately, he had discussed this issue with Secretary Zhao the day before, so he wasn’t too panicked. He organized his thoughts, took his notebook, and went to the conference room.
When it was his turn to speak, Liu Kun clearly outlined four points: first, convey the message through meetings; second, write slogans; third, use broadcasts; and fourth, distribute leaflets. Township publicity mostly relied on these methods, with few fresh tricks. Liu Kun’s speech was standard and conventional.
However, he did not emphasize implementation or specify a timeline. Zhao Yongsheng took out the envelope again, glanced sideways at him, and his eyebrows bent imperceptibly. This was his way of expressing dissatisfaction.
Su Ming discussed the specific issues of funeral reform. When he announced a 20% rebate, the village cadres began whispering among themselves. For most village cadres, a 20% rebate was a temptation. Only Qin Dajiang and Zeng Xiangang from Shangqinglin, who had made a fortune running stone quarries, were not very interested in this matter.
After the meeting ended, Su Yajun from the Social Affairs Office stood at the door and announced loudly, "The Social Affairs Office has arranged lunch at Zhang’s Restaurant." Zhang’s Restaurant was the best eatery in the Qinglin township, comparable to the restaurant next to the Shangqinglin Foundation.
Liu Kun was preparing to go downstairs when Zhao Yongsheng said, "Come to my office."
Zhao Yongsheng had always attached great importance to the publicity work for funeral reform, so he personally assigned the divisional secretary to handle it. However, when he received the envelope that morning, he found no leaflets or slogans. Unable to find Liu Kun, he called the publicity officer, Zhou Qing, to inquire.
Zhou Qing was a secondary vocational school graduate from an agricultural school in 1995. Originally assigned to the Agricultural Machinery Station, Zhou Qing was unwilling to work there. Her father was a leader in another township and was familiar with Zhao Yongsheng. The two families had gathered for New Year’s, and Zhao Yongsheng had appointed Zhou Qing as the publicity officer.
"Secretary Liu asked me to write the leaflets, but I haven’t finished them yet." Zhou Qing’s writing skills were average. After receiving the two documents, she had bitten her pen cap for a long time but still hadn’t finished.
"Have you written the slogans?"
Zhou Qing said embarrassedly, "I called the Civil Affairs Office. They said they would fax them to us this afternoon."
With neither task completed, Zhao Yongsheng felt uncomfortable. After Zhou Qing left, he muttered, "Smooth-faced boys don’t handle things firmly."
Seeing Liu Kun enter, Zhao Yongsheng didn’t beat around the bush and asked directly, "Secretary Liu, I saw that the large envelope only contained a few documents. Have you distributed the slogans to the village cadres?"
Liu Kun had only delegated this task to the publicity officer and was unclear about the specific progress. He replied vaguely, "There are only a few slogans for now. Once we have them all, we will distribute them."
Zhao Yongsheng asked again, "Have you drafted the content for the leaflets you mentioned in the meeting? Show them to me later, and then print more copies to distribute as soon as possible during the market day."
Liu Kun said, "Township Mayor Hou hasn’t handed over the materials to me yet. I’ll go find him later and urge Zhou Qing to write the leaflets as soon as possible."
Zhao Yongsheng didn’t say more but spoke earnestly, "Secretary Liu, you have always worked in the government offices and are not familiar with township conditions. Township work involves concrete tasks. You must be down-to-earth to achieve good results. Regarding today’s matter, you should have taken this meeting opportunity to distribute the slogans to the villages so they could implement them immediately."
He paused and added, "The new funeral methods will be officially implemented on May 1st. We don’t have much time left for publicity. You need to hurry up."
Liu Kun nodded hurriedly, saying, "Secretary Zhao, I’ll handle it right away. I’ll try to have the leaflets and slogans ready by tomorrow."
After leaving Zhao Yongsheng’s office, he called Zhou Qing to his office and criticized her, "I told you the day before yesterday to write the leaflets and slogans. Why haven’t you finished them after a whole day yesterday?"
Zhou Qing said grievously, "I’ve never dealt with funeral reform before and didn’t know how to write them. Plus, you weren’t here yesterday, so I didn’t finish." Zhou Qing had just graduated from agricultural school, was only nineteen years old, and with her small stature, looked like a little girl. As she spoke, her eyes turned red.
Seeing this delicate young girl, Liu Kun couldn’t be too harsh. He said, "Let it go this time. In the future, if you encounter such situations, you can page me. Township Mayor Hou is specifically handling the funeral reform, so you can ask him too." Zhou Qing said, "I didn’t know the matter was so urgent. Besides, Township Mayor Hou wasn’t in town."
Just as they were talking, Su Yajun from the Social Affairs Office walked in and said, "Secretary Liu, everyone is waiting for you." Liu Kun dreaded such occasions. With twenty-four village cadres, each drinking one cup meant twenty-four cups for him. He smiled and said, "Director Su, I have something to attend to. You all eat first." Su Yajun said, "Secretary Zhao and Mayor Su have already gone. The village cadres are waiting for you to greet them."
Hearing that the two main leaders had gone, Liu Kun had no choice but to say, "Director Su needs to protect me. My alcohol tolerance is low; I’ll collapse after two cups."
When they arrived at Zhang’s Restaurant, neither Zhao Yongsheng nor Su Ming had arrived yet. Except for the leaders’ table, the other village cadres had already started drinking and playing finger-guessing games.
Hou Weidong had been cornered by the Shangqinglin village cadres. Qin Dajiang led the clamor, and the village cadres took turns toasting him. In the blink of an eye, he had drunk nearly thirty cups. After this round of rapid drinking, Hou Weidong was already feeling the effects of the alcohol. Only after Zhao Yongsheng and Su Ming arrived at Zhang’s Restaurant did Hou Weidong manage to extricate himself and sit at the leaders’ table.
Zhao Yongsheng was now the true core. He displayed the demeanor of a top leader, raising his glass and saying to the village cadres, "Funeral reform is a difficult task, but it is also a work that benefits the present and future generations. Let’s raise our glasses together. Starting tomorrow, we will launch a vigorous publicity campaign across the township."
"Everyone, finish this cup."
After drinking this cup, Zhao Yongsheng sat down and said to Hou Weidong, "Township Mayor Hou, I heard you have a huge capacity. Today, I’m here to verify it." He smiled and encouraged the village cadres, "Township Mayor Hou is the divisional leader for funeral work. To do this job well, you should toast him."
At the dinner table, Qin Dajiang and other village cadres were eager to stir up trouble. Seeing Zhao Yongsheng initiate the "war," they all raised their glasses and came over to toast.
Although Hou Weidong had a good alcohol tolerance, he couldn’t withstand the sheer number of people. He frowned and said to the village cadres, "Secretary Zhao and Mayor Su are here. How can we toast me first?"
Mayor Su fueled the fire from the side, saying, "Township Mayor Hou, you are the divisional leader for funeral reform. Today is the mobilization meeting. You should have a good drink with the secretaries and directors. If you get drunk, you’re allowed to skip work this afternoon."
Liu Kun had a low alcohol tolerance, so he hid in the corner. Watching Hou Weidong become the center of attention, and recalling Secretary Zhao Yongsheng’s subtle criticism earlier, he felt a faint sourness in his heart.
Hou Weidong was at the center of the vortex, suffering in silence. Cup after cup, with no time to pause, finally, one cup reached the limit. Hou Weidong covered his mouth and ran toward the restroom outside. Just as he reached the door, a waterfall, like the Yellow River, gushed from his mouth.
Su Yajun, Director of the Social Affairs Office, stood at the restroom door. Seeing Hou Weidong come out, he reached out to support him and said, "Township Mayor Hou, don’t go in anymore. I’ll help you back to the office." Hou Weidong suppressed the urge to vomit and said, "I can’t drink anymore. You cover for me." Su Yajun helped Hou Weidong back to the office, bought a box of Lebaishi probiotic drink, placed it on the table, and then returned to Zhang’s Restaurant.
"How is Township Mayor Hou?"
"He vomited in the restroom. I helped him back to the office."
Zhao Yongsheng laughed, "Hou Weidong has a good capacity, but judging by today’s performance, I estimate he can’t outdrink Qin Dajiang."
Su Yajun had witnessed the entire process of Hou Weidong getting drunk. He said, "Before Secretary Zhao and Mayor Su arrived, Township Mayor Hou had already drunk at least thirty cups. Adding the later ones, Township Mayor Hou drank at least this much today, and he barely ate any food." Su Yajun held up two fingers, indicating two jin (one kilogram).
Zhao Yongsheng finally believed in Hou Weidong’s capacity. He said to Liu Kun, "Secretary Liu, you should learn from Township Mayor Hou in terms of drinking. Dare to go around and toast?" Liu Kun didn’t dare to participate in such a scene and shook his head hurriedly, saying, "Secretary Zhao, I’ll get drunk after at most five cups. I really don’t dare."
Zhao and Su were a team. They didn’t dare to drink too much at noon. After a few cups, they incited the masses to fight each other, knocking several village cadres out on the spot.
When the gathering dispersed, Zhao and Su walked along the street toward the township government compound. A small car entered from outside the town, kicking up dust like thick fog as it passed them.
Su Ming said angrily, "Whose car is that? Driving so fast into town?" He said to Zhao Yongsheng, "The dust is unbearable. I suggest we properly manage the township town, at least to reduce this dust."
Hearing this, Zhao Yongsheng understood. Su Ming was still thinking about relocating to a new town. Relocating a new town was a massive project, too complex. Since his term could last at most three more years, he wasn’t enthusiastic about this matter and didn’t want to create such troublesome issues during his tenure.
However, Su Ming was the head of the township. Zhao Yongsheng didn’t want to reject him too bluntly. Previously, he had been at odds with Qin Feiyue. If he had a major conflict with Su Ming, it would be difficult for him, as the township party secretary, to explain to the organization.
He started playing Tai Chi, saying, "Yes, there is too much dust, and the neighborhood committee is too irresponsible. I’ll talk to Old Chen tomorrow."
Su Ming said, "Mayor Tang manages too many things. I suggest that the township town management be handed over to Hou Weidong. He is young and energetic, and his girlfriend is from a big city. He should be able to manage this township town well."
Zhao Yongsheng’s mind was clear: "This Su Ming trusts Hou Weidong quite a bit. Letting Hou Weidong manage the township town seems like a roundabout way to develop the new township." However, since Su Ming didn’t explicitly mention developing the new township, he didn’t expose it and said, "Let’s do as you say. Let Hou Weidong manage the township town. I want to see his methods."
The small car that had just passed was Li Jing’s. She had matters to discuss with Hou Weidong. After entering the government compound, she found Yang Feng from the Party and Government Office.
Hou Weidong had drunk too much and too quickly. He collapsed on the sofa, unconscious, and couldn’t hear Li Jing knocking. Li Jing knocked several times, but no one answered. She tried pushing the door open. The room was filled with the smell of alcohol. Hou Weidong was lying on his back on the bed, in a very undignified posture.
Li Jing covered her mouth and smiled at Yang Feng behind her, "Your Township Mayor Hou is completely drunk."
Yang Feng was not tall and was chubby. Compared to Li Jing, the difference was even more obvious. However, Yang Feng always had a good self-image. She didn’t feel inferior in front of the beauty and said, "Township Mayor Hou drinks too straightforwardly. There’s no help for it."
Li Jing asked concernedly, "Sleeping like this will make him sick. Where does he live? It would be best to find someone to help him back."
"His home is in Shangqinglin. If driving, it would probably take an hour. In Xiaqinglin, this is his home."
"Doesn’t the township have single dormitories?"
Yang Feng was chubby but quick-tongued. She quickly explained the situation in the township. Li Jing showed a helpless smile and said, "There’s no way now. Looking at his condition, he probably won’t wake up until evening. I have to go out for a bit. When I return, he might be awake."
Yang Feng said enthusiastically, "I’ll leave the Party and Government Office phone number with you. You can call first, and I’ll check for you."
Li Jing and Yang Feng chatted as they left Hou Weidong’s office. Going downstairs, Yang Feng saw Li Jing into her car and waved goodbye.
When the small car left the compound, the smile on Li Jing’s face quickly disappeared. She said to the driver, "Let’s go up to Shangqinglin Mountain to take a look."
"How do we go? I’ve never been there."
Li Jing changed from her usual gentleness to impatience, saying, "There’s only one road up the mountain anyway. We’ll find it as we go."
They easily found the entrance to the mountain road. Although the road was a mud-gravel surface, the road shape was good. The slope and curvature of the mountain road were standard. Although heavy trucks had pressed water puddles into the road surface, the overall condition was still decent.
When they arrived at Yinggang Stone Quarry, she stood and observed for a while. Yang Binggang from Dushi Village was the safety officer at Yinggang Stone Quarry. Seeing a small car parked on the road, he said, "Who are you looking for? The boss isn’t here." Li Jing smiled and asked, "Who is your boss? I’m here to discuss business."
Yang Binggang was dazzled by Li Jing’s charming smile and felt dizzy. He said, "The boss is in town for a meeting. He’ll come tomorrow. Is that okay?"
"Is it Hou Weidong? And who is the other person?"
"Zeng Xiangang." Yang Binggang answered honestly.
Li Jing left Yinggang Stone Quarry and continued walking up the mountain. She subsequently arrived at Qin Dadong Stone Quarry, chatted with the management personnel for a while, and then went further up to Dawan Stone Quarry. Zhu Fugui wasn’t at the quarry, so she just looked around.
When she arrived at Goubeiwan Stone Quarry, Lin Zhongchuan was directing blasting. Li Jing stood far away and chatted with He Hongfu for a while.
Subsequently, she went to Zeng Xiangang Stone Quarry and Tian Dadao Stone Quarry.
In this way, she basically mastered the situation of the Shangqinglin stone quarries.
When she was about to go down the mountain, she called Yang Feng. Yang Feng hung up the phone and ran upstairs. Hou Weidong was still sleeping on the sofa, but his eyes were already open. "Township Mayor Hou, a woman named Li Jing was looking for you earlier."
Hou Weidong struggled to stand up, rubbing his forehead, and said, "I’ll never drink like this again. I’m completely wasted."
***
*The Days in Qinglin*
*Chapter 125: Deep Love (Part 1)*
In the automobile age, people’s activity radius has increased, and the distance between people and places has shrunk.
When Li Jing learned that Hou Weidong had