Chapter 21: Running Oneself Ragged (Part 8)

Duan Ying brought out another plate of apples. She sat opposite Hou Weidong and said, "Xiaojia is preparing to work at the Landscape Institute under the Construction Commission. This position is merely a transition. Judging by her parents' demeanor, they intend to transfer her into the Construction Commission proper."

Duan Ying’s hands moved without pause. In a short while, she had peeled an apple with exceptional skill. The peel came off in one long, uniform, and slender strip.

As Hou Weidong took the apple, he caught a faint glimpse of two subtle protrusions on Duan Ying’s chest. At first, he didn’t register what he had seen. It was only when Duan Ying settled back into the chair opposite him that realization struck: she was not wearing a bra.

Upon noticing this, blood surged through Hou Weidong’s young body. His lower body reacted naturally, rising stiffly. To avoid embarrassment, he forced his mind to focus on Liu Kun’s action of retrieving his pager, and on the dignified, striding presence of County Mayor Ma. Indeed, after concentrating on these figures for a moment, his arousal subsided, slowly deflating.

"You and Xiaojia are the most envied couple among our classmates," Duan Ying said, her expression charming and alluring. "You are a talented man and she is a beautiful woman—a match made in heaven. However, since Xiaojia is an only daughter, her mother wishes to keep her close. I believe this is the primary reason for their opposition."

She continued, "With your capabilities, you will surely carve out a place for yourself in Yiyang County soon. Once you have established yourself, you can find an opportunity to transfer to Shazhou. By then, they will have no grounds for objection."

Encouraged by Duan Ying’s words, Hou Weidong smiled. "Matters from the college are in the past. Society is entirely different from the campus. To be honest, I am uncertain about the future. I can only do my best once I am in my post, striving to achieve some results as soon as possible."

Duan Ying blinked her eyes, speaking sincerely, "I believe you will succeed."

Feeling pressured by the sight of Duan Ying’s chest, Hou Weidong averted his gaze. When Duan Ying picked up another apple, he hurriedly said, "I’ve already eaten one; I can’t eat another."

Duan Ying chuckled softly, "Eat, eat. Xiaojia told me your appetite could rival three of hers. Eating two apples is no problem. If she hears I didn’t host you properly, she will surely be angry."

Hou Weidong thought to himself, Duan Ying has a fiery figure and a certain allure. Her full lips are truly sexy. How did I fail to notice this before?

After chatting for a while, Hou Weidong glanced at the pink desk clock on the table. "The bus leaves at two-thirty. It’s about time. I should go."

Duan Ying nodded. "Alright. Wait a moment."

She stood up and turned toward the kitchen. She mixed a glass of juice, packed a few fruits into a bag, and brought them out. "The bus ride will take several hours. Take some water and fruit to drink and eat on the way."

When Duan Ying entered the kitchen, sunlight struck her directly, penetrating her thin silk clothing. Her delicate figure was almost nakedly exposed to Hou Weidong’s eyes. As expected, she was not wearing a bra. From the side, the complete shape of her breasts was visible. Her underwear was also of a narrow, sexy style. Hou Weidong, a genuine passionate youth, nearly had a nosebleed at the sight.

His lower body had already risen proudly. Hou Weidong could only place the bag of fruit casually in front of his legs, using the bulge to create a makeshift barrier like a Mongolian yurt. He left Duan Ying’s small apartment in a state of disarray. It was not until he reached the bus station that the bulge in front of him gradually disappeared.

All along the way, his thoughts were occupied by Duan Ying’s breasts. Liu Kun seems to have had more reason. Back in the dormitory, Liu Kun had insisted that Duan Ying’s breasts were plow-shaped, while Jiang Dali, having watched many pornographic videos, insisted they were bun-shaped. Now it seemed that although Jiang Dali was a lustful demon, Liu Kun was superior when it came to appreciating women.

This was Hou Weidong’s second visit to the Yiyang Personnel Bureau. He had traveled back and forth for six hours of hard work, only to be dismissed after standing for less than five minutes at the bureau. This gave him a tangible understanding of bureaucratic style.

The 25th arrived quickly. He had originally intended to call Liu Kun. In the dormitory at Shazhou College, only Hou Weidong and Liu Kun had telephones installed at home. Hou Weidong’s father was the head of the police station. For work convenience, the bureau had paid to install a telephone for his father, costing over four thousand yuan just for installation. Liu Kun’s father was a department head at the County Party Committee, so he naturally had a telephone as well. The two of them had exchanged numbers.

However, the feeling at Liu Kun’s home that day had been unpleasant. Moreover, Liu Kun worked in the County Government Office. Hou Weidong’s self-esteem had been subtly bruised. Therefore, although he had wanted to call Liu Kun several times to ask if he could report for duty, he picked up the phone only to put it down again.

On July 25th, Hou Weidong traveled from Wuhai County to Yiyang County early in the morning, just as he had done previously. He arrived in Yiyang at eleven o’clock. Upon entering the Personnel Bureau, he learned that Section Chief Zhu was attending a meeting. With nowhere else to go, he went to the post office and sat on a bench to write a letter to Xiaojia. Since the County Government did not start work until two o’clock, he spent a full hour writing this letter. It filled twelve pages, detailing his experience reporting to the Personnel Bureau and pouring out his longing for her.

A little past two o’clock, Hou Weidong arrived at the Personnel Bureau. The Comprehensive Cadre Section was not yet open. He waited outside for more than ten minutes. A middle-aged man walked over from the end of the corridor. Seeing Hou Weidong, who was sweating profusely, he stopped and asked, "Are you here to handle some business?"

Hou Weidong noticed the man carried an air of authority. He respectfully replied, "I am a graduate of Shazhou College. I passed the examination for party and government cadres and have come to the Personnel Bureau to report for duty."

A smile appeared on the middle-aged man’s face. "What is your name?"

"Hou Weidong."

The man nodded. "Hou Weidong. You scored second place. You are a fine young man. You ten are the first batch of outstanding students recruited directly from universities by the Yiyang County Party Committee through examination. Secretary Zhao attaches great importance to you. You will be sent to the grassroots level as backbone personnel. Once you are down there, work hard and do not let down the organization’s hopes for you."

The middle-aged man pushed open the door to the Comprehensive Cadre Section without another word. Beyond the door, it was a world of ice and water, a stark contrast to the outside. Inside was a cool world; outside, the scorching sun beat down. Six or seven staff members were sitting together, chatting idly. The middle-aged woman known as Chairman Jiang was laughing heartily. Seeing the middle-aged man enter, they immediately fell silent. Those who were not part of the Comprehensive Cadre Section quickly left.

The man did not speak but scanned the room with his eyes. He said to Section Chief Zhu, "Apart from the county leaders, only the Organization Department and the Personnel Bureau in the government building have air conditioning. Other departments and bureaus will have to wait until next year. This is a special favor shown to our organization and personnel departments. You must know how to cherish it. When the air conditioning is on, leave a small gap in the door. Do not close it completely. The masses waiting outside are sweating profusely, yet you close the door to chat. If this gets out, it will disgrace the Personnel Bureau."

Section Chief Zhu and two other cadres stood up. Section Chief Zhu said, "Secretary Zhao, we were discussing the matter of converting private teachers to public status."

Secretary Zhao did not expose his lie. He said calmly, "If you are discussing matters, go to the conference room. Process Hou Weidong’s paperwork."

He extended his hand and shook Hou Weidong’s hand. "Hou Weidong, do not fear difficulties when you are at the grassroots level. Work hard and strive to lead the local people to poverty alleviation and prosperity."

From Section Chief Zhu’s attitude and form of address, Hou Weidong realized that the man before him was Secretary Zhao, the divisional leader in charge of organization and personnel in Yiyang County. He felt Secretary Zhao’s hand was so warm. He said, "Secretary Zhao, rest assured. I will certainly not let down your hopes. I will work steadily at the grassroots level."

After Secretary Zhao left, Section Chief Zhu and the others let out a long sigh and sat down. He asked, "Are you an acquaintance of Secretary Zhao?"

Hou Weidong had originally intended to deny it, but looking at the expressions of the people in the office, he had a sudden idea. He含糊ly (vaguely) replied, "Yes."

Section Chief Zhu stood up, poured a cup of tea, and said enthusiastically, "The assignment plan has been released. Everyone is assigned to townships. Let me see which township you are assigned to."

He flipped through a list and found Hou Weidong’s name. He said in surprise, "Qinglin Town?"

Looking up at Hou Weidong’s expression, Section Chief Zhu added, "Qinglin Town is the most remote township in Yiyang. There is only one bus per day, and the trip takes three hours. You should talk to Secretary Zhao. As long as he agrees, you can be transferred to a closer township."

Hou Weidong thought to himself, How would I know Secretary Zhao? But he did not reveal this. Instead, he said, "It’s all townships anyway. It’s about the same wherever I go. Hardship is better for tempering one’s character."

Hearing Hou Weidong’s bold words, Section Chief Zhu smiled and said no more. He took out a form and said, "Fill this out." Then he turned his head and said, "Xiao Li, help Hou Weidong with the procedures."

***

Life in Qinglin