Chapter Forty-Four: The Plan for the Literary Composition

  As soon as I stepped into the house, I was thinking about how to deal with my mother's interrogation, but I was choked by the thick smoke in the room and coughed several times. Upon closer inspection, the living room was filled with guests. Zhang Mu-lin and two deputy directors of the Red Flag Commune were seated there. They seemed to be old colleagues of my father from his days at the Red Flag Commune.

  An old colleague suddenly became prominent, and everyone came to visit and chat about family matters to strengthen their relationship, which is normal.

  I couldn't help but feel a little ashamed when I thought back to the awkward situation of being choked by coughing when I first entered. This old smoker, after traveling back in time and due to circumstances, hasn't touched cigarettes for nearly two years and has gradually gotten used to it. It would be great if I could avoid getting addicted to smoking for the rest of my life. However, as a super heavy smoker, I never thought that one day I would be choked by smoke.

  "Mom, I'm hungry."

  As soon as the words came out, the guests were a bit embarrassed and stood up to bid farewell. As it happens, chatting has made Director Liu hungry. I don't dislike Zhang Mulan and other cadres of Hongqi Commune, nor do I intentionally drive away guests, but my stomach is really hungry, and for a moment, I didn't consider it too thoroughly.

  Dad naturally wanted them to stay, but Zhang Mu Lin and the others smiled and declined.

  At that time, there were no mobile phones. My father had just moved into Building 2 and hadn't had a chance to install a phone yet, so making an appointment in advance was out of the question. Visiting Director Liu's home uninvited was almost like being an unwelcome guest. I had already wasted a lot of his precious time, which made me feel very embarrassed. How could I be so presumptuous as to stay for dinner?

  After seeing the guest out of the door, I suddenly remembered something and hurriedly chased after him.

  "Uncle Zhang, please stay."

  Zhang Mu Lin immediately turned around and smiled: "Xiao Jun, what's up?"

  Others also stopped in their tracks, smiling at me.

  Although this child is young, he is now a member of the imperial family and cannot be neglected.

  I glanced at the others with my eyes, hesitating not to speak. Those people thought that Director Liu had some words to borrow my mouth to convey separately to Director Zhang, so they all took a few steps forward and pulled away from us.

  "Zhang Bobo, is Fang Wenchu your relative?"

  "Hmm, I guess he's my nephew by marriage. What's wrong with him?"

  Zhang Mulan didn't know what I meant by asking this question, and like everyone else, thought it was Old Dad who had something to say to him. He just didn't know what kind of thing would involve Fang Wenchu.

  I smiled: "Nothing, when I was in Hongqi Commune, he took good care of me, and I'm very grateful to him."

  Zhang Mu let out a sigh of relief and smiled: "He's older than me, it's only right."

  "When you receive a drop of kindness from someone, you should return it with a gushing spring."

  I shook my head and threw out an idiom.

  "He has trouble with his legs and feet, I want to help him too."

  "Xiao Jun, how are you planning to help him?" Zhang Mulan asked with interest.

  I smiled and said, "Uncle Zhang, I'm just a kid, what ability do I have to help him? I was thinking of asking you for a favor, to find him a shop on the old street and move his repair shop onto the street. It should bring in more income, right?"

  Zhang Mulan was taken aback: "This... is this what Director Liu means?"

  I smiled and said: "Nothing, just what I thought. If Director Zhang is having a hard time, then forget it."

  I previously called him "Uncle Zhang", but suddenly changed to calling him "Director Zhang". Zhang Mulan felt that something was off. He was certain it was his father's idea, and immediately nodded: "Alright, no big deal, I'll arrange for him in the next two days."

  Although it was 1978, private economy had not been completely banned. In the county town, there were still some unemployed people who made a living by setting up stalls. For example, bookstalls, watch repair stalls, and fried food stalls. Zhang Mulin was an old cadre of the commune, now he was also in charge of the Hongqi Commune, doing such small things was not difficult for him.

  After he went back, he would naturally ask about Fang Wencun. I don't know if Fang Wencun will tell him the inside story or not. But even if he does, it doesn't matter. I repaired the large electric motor of the 71 coal mine and received praise from Director Liao in front of everyone at the provincial level. This matter is well-known throughout Yanggu County, and there are not many people in Hongqi Commune who haven't heard about it. If a mining electrical machine can be repaired, what's strange about repairing a radio?

  To be honest, I'm not that greedy for money, nor do I want to take advantage of Fang Wenchu's benefits as a disabled person. It's just that sometimes it gets too boring and I need to find something to pass the time.

  Confucius said: If one does not spend his life on trivial matters, how can he make the most of his limited time?

  We're also following the teachings of the saints!

  Back in the house, Mom asked strangely: "Xiao Jun, what did you and Director Zhang say?"

  "There's nothing much, I asked him to help Fang Wentuo move his repair shop onto the street."

  "What's wrong?"

  Old mother does not often go to Red Flag Commune, so she naturally doesn't know what kind of sacred being Fang Wentuo is.

  He is a distant relative of Zhang Mulan, with slightly disabled legs, and runs a small repair shop in the Red Flag Commune to make a living.

  Dad is very clear about this situation.

  "What's it got to do with you?"

  "When I was at Hong Qi Community, he took good care of me. I want to help him out a bit. The business on the street is much better than that of Hong Qi Community."

  Dad nodded in approval: "Not bad, knowing how to repay kindness is what a gentleman does."

  Since Dad agrees, Mom naturally doesn't object. Anyway, it's not a big deal for our family. But I think it's necessary to explain the situation - once Fang Wentao opens his repair shop on Old Street, I'll have to take time off to help him. If I don't make things clear with Dad and Mom now, it will be very inconvenient in terms of action.

  "It's like this, Fang Wenchu is not very good at repairing wireless telephones, I want to go help him fix it."

  "You..."

  My mother was taken aback, suddenly remembering that I had repaired the mine motor, and swallowed back the doubts that were on the tip of her tongue.

  "Alright, when there's nothing going on, go practice with him, it's a skill too."

  Although Dad has become a leader in the county, he still has an inexplicable bond with radio repair. As they say, "A family's wealth is not as good as having a skill to rely on."

  I'm overjoyed, with Dad's words, from now on I can go out freely and properly, no need to worry about being scolded by Mom.

  "Jin Cai, I have to go back to work at the Lotus Commune tomorrow. Later, I'll go to the logistics department to pick up some meal tickets. You guys can just eat in the cafeteria."

  While having dinner, Mom seemed to say casually.

  Dad looked at her and nodded.

  Mom's face suddenly looked a bit unsightly. I understood her thoughts, the Lotus Commune was tens of miles away from Xiangyang Town, and it would be difficult to commute every day. In our previous life, my siblings and I all lived in Dad's work unit, and Dad arranged for us to have meals. Now that the situation had changed, Dad had become the second-in-command of the county revolutionary committee, and naturally didn't have time to cook for us anymore. Mom began to think about transferring her job.

  But Dad also has difficulties, and he can't just take office and start working seriously, only to busy himself with arranging a transfer for his own wife.

  I'm afraid they'll start fighting on the spot, so I hurriedly gave a sweet smile to Mom and started eating quickly.

  Mom is indeed in a better mood. She's not an unreasonable housewife, and soon figured out Dad's difficulties, so she didn't take it to heart. As long as Dad can stabilize his position, switching jobs is only a matter of time.

  The meal is not finished yet, and there are guests coming to the door.

  Dad immediately put down his bowl and shook hands with the newcomer very warmly.

  "Minister Chengyan, please take a seat!"

  I raised my eyes and took a glance, it turned out that this forty-year-old, thin and dry guy was Cui Xiuhuo's confidant, Deputy Director of the Propaganda Department Li Chengyan. If it weren't for my old man calling out his name, anyone who saw him wouldn't think he was the county leader at all. He really didn't have any air of authority about him.

  "Oh dear, Director Liu, I didn't know you were having dinner... Otherwise, I'll come back later?"

  I furrowed my brow even more.

  The location of the Standing Committee is very independent, and even the nearest tube building is still a few minutes' walk away. Li Chengyan's words are clearly insincere. Can you let your son go out to wait? Is that appropriate? If this gets out, people will say that as soon as an old man becomes an official, he becomes arrogant and loses touch with ordinary people!

  "It doesn't matter, it's already finished, please sit down, please sit down!"

  Dad pulled over a stool for Li Chengyan and came down from the dinner table himself, handing Li Chengyan a cigarette. Mom put down her bowl and poured tea for them.

  "Thank you, thank you... Director Liu, I've come to report to you on the preparations for this essay contest. This is a draft plan, please take a look."

  Essay contest?

  Things moved pretty quickly, didn't they? It was just last night that we finalized the plan, and now there's already some movement.

  Li Chengyan took out a stack of manuscript paper from his briefcase and handed it to his father with both hands.

  At that time, typewriters were scarce, and computers didn't even exist. The simplest 286 computer wouldn't appear in Xiangyang County for many years to come. Most plans were handwritten, and after finalization, they would be printed by a printing factory, stamped with a large red seal, and distributed.

  I took a glance, and the penmanship was quite beautiful, but I don't know if it was written by Li Chengyan himself.

  "Hmm, the plan is very detailed..."

  Dad looked very carefully and nodded while watching.

  Li Chengyan's face showed a delighted expression, and he nodded along with his old man. He nodded several times before realizing that this was actually him praising himself. Fortunately, Director Liu was focused on the plan and didn't notice his momentary lapse.

  "Uh, Minister Uketani, overall, this plan is pretty good..."

  It wasn't easy, but finally Dad finished reading the plan and slowly said, unknowingly adding a few official tones. I had already finished dinner and placed "Guwen Guanzhi" on the table, opening it to Li Mi's "Chenqing Biao", pretending to read while listening intently to their conversation.

  It's not that I don't trust my dad, but with my mental age, official affairs are more attractive to me than books. Since I still can't make a big show and earn money for the time being, it's also good to help my dad stabilize his position.

  Li Chengyan hastily nodded and flattered: "It's all thanks to Director Liu's leadership, this plan is basically unfolding according to your thinking."

  "Hehe, after all, it still relies on the collective efforts of our comrades in the propaganda department. What can one person do? " My father said humbly and changed his tone, saying: "However, there are some details that I think can be supplemented."

  "Please instruct, Director!"

  Li Chengyan said, taking out his notebook and pen, looking up with an expectant expression, ready to record Director Liu's instructions. This guy, probably in front of the overbearing Choi Soo-hee, always had this subservient attitude.

  It's actually quite common for me to see this in the official circles, when superiors and subordinates discuss work directly, most subordinates have this kind of humble attitude, Li Chengyan is just used to it.

  Dad smiled faintly, very satisfied with Li Chengyan's attitude.

  "Let's just discuss it... I think the scope of this essay can be expanded a bit, not limited to purely theoretical discussions. After all, we are an agricultural county, and there aren't many people who truly understand pure theory. As long as they are model figures in practical work or have advanced deeds, they can be written about, with no limit on style: argumentative essays, narrative essays, prose, poetry, short plays, local opera scripts, and fast-paced storytelling are all acceptable..."

  "Yes, Director is indeed thoughtful... This way, the content of the essay will be greatly enriched..."

  Li Chengyan nodded frequently, with a face full of joyful praise.

  "The title of the essay, I think it can be changed... Let's call it 'A Tribute to the 29th Anniversary of National Day', Minister Chengyan, what do you think?"

  To say that Li Chengyan was initially forced by circumstances to flatter his father, but now he really has some admiration for him.

  Li Chengyan has been working in the propaganda system for over 20 years, and he has climbed to the position of deputy minister step by step. In terms of seniority, he is considered the number one person in the propaganda department of Xiangyang County. Previously, Cui Xiuhuo relied on Wang Benqing's trust and occupied the position of head of the propaganda department, suppressing Li Chengyan. Li Chengyan didn't have a strong backing, so he could only be angry but not dare to speak out. He followed closely behind Cui Xiuhuo, handling the daily work of the propaganda department in reality. He hoped that one day Cui Xiuhuo would appreciate his hard work and give up his concurrent position as head of the propaganda department, allowing Li Chengyan to move up the ranks smoothly.

  On the surface, Li Chengyan was extremely respectful to Cui Xiuhuo, but in reality, he looked down on this rough and unrefined rebel leader, thinking that without himself, Cui Xiuhuo would not know how to behave properly. As for Liu Jincan, who suddenly rose to prominence with just a few articles, Li Chengyan was even more resentful. The reason he came to report work in the evening was not only because of his duty but also to show off his abilities to his father. With Cui Xiuhuo's downfall, Director Liu would inevitably play favorites, and everyone in the propaganda department knew that Li Chengyan was Cui Xiuhuo's trusted aide; if he didn't show some real skills, it wouldn't be just a matter of not advancing, but even this deputy minister position might be lost overnight.

  Who would have thought that Director Liu would first praise and then criticize, almost completely overturning his own plan, but what he said was very reasonable, with a broad vision and majestic tone. Thinking about the plan I had drafted, I felt it was too narrow-minded.

  "Director Liu said it very well, I'll go home and rewrite the plan now, and submit it to Director Liu for review tomorrow when I go to work."

  Li Chengyan was deeply convinced.

  "Hehe, Minister Chengyan, don't be too anxious, rest when you need to rest, it's the way of civil and military affairs. Let's finalize this plan tomorrow and discuss it again in our department, after that, I'll ask Director Yan to review it."

  "Alright alright, Director Liu is really concerned about his comrades..."

  Li Chengyan said, then stood up and prepared to bid farewell.

  After seeing him finish his official business without any further ado, unlike some cadres who find excuses to flatter and fawn on leaders in order to get close to them, my impression of him suddenly improved. It seems that at heart, this Li Chengyan is still a down-to-earth person after all.

  "Uncle Li, your plan should also have a word limit for the essays. It's best not to exceed 3,000 words, and poems shouldn't be more than 500 words. Otherwise, someone might write a long piece and you won't even have enough newspaper space to publish it."

  I smiled and reminded him.

  Li Chengyan was stunned for a moment, then smiled all over his face: "Thank you, are you Xiao Jun? It's really like father, like son, a tiger father has no inferior son."

  Hey, it seems that they already knew everything about my family situation, even calling out my name casually. This person can't be an official, once he becomes one, there's no secret to speak of. Following this reasoning, after Fang Wentuo arrived at the old street, I helped him fix his wireless radio, but when collecting money, I had to be careful not to give anyone a handle to write an article about my dad.

  PS: To all the respected readers, I have nothing to repay you with, except for working hard to update and not being a troll. Thank you endlessly, thank you endlessly!