Chapter 20 Director Liu of the Revolutionary Committee Returns the Favor

In the Revolutionary Committee director’s office, Director Liu admired his banner and thank-you letter, touching his name on the banner. He asked his subordinate, “What did Chief Li from the police station receive?”

Wu, finally understanding the reason for the running exercise, cleverly reported, “Chief Li only received a banner, and Officer Liu only a thank-you letter. Director Liu, you received both a banner and a letter, showing Yang Mumu’s deep gratitude. You are our role model.”

“Hmm, I’ll chat with Lao Li tomorrow. You can exercise at home,” Director Liu said, smiling.

Wu, elated, responded, “Yes, Director, I will exercise diligently at home.”

“Good work!” Director Liu hung his banner prominently, wanting everyone to see it and learn. He called a meeting. “Look at this, our honor, the people’s trust.  Any banners received will be hung here, reminding us to serve the people.”

Everyone applauded and pledged to serve the people.

The phone rang.  It was a commendation from higher-ups regarding the banners. Director Liu’s smile widened. He called the educated youth office director.

“Lao Zhang, it’s Lao Liu. I want to inquire about Yang Mumu’s assignment. She’s a young woman, orphaned, targeted, and unfairly sent to the countryside. The Revolutionary Committee should help her.”

“You’re right, Director,” the other director replied, preparing his notes.

Liu continued, “Yang Mumu is capable, kind, and worked in the machinery factory’s finance department.  She’s an advanced cadre.  Her assignment needs careful consideration. She’s suited for a productive collective.  We must let her contribute. I’ll come over later.”

The educated youth director quickly analyzed this: “Kind”—a kind team leader and community; “Worked in finance”—a team needing accounting skills; “Productive collective”—a high-performing team with good conditions; “Coming over”—the director is serious.

He replied, “Director, rest assured. Yang Mumu is a good comrade. We’ll ensure she continues to contribute.  Such talent is precious. I’ll arrange it immediately.”

The director pondered.  Yang Mumu was assigned to Shandong province. He’d been worried about being blamed. This was a chance to redeem himself.  He couldn’t change the province, but he could influence the commune and team.

He instructed a clerk, “Get the assignment details for the last batch of educated youths, especially those in Shandong.”

The director reviewed the materials, selecting several locations, waiting for Director Liu’s decision. He studied maps and information.

Director Liu, in high spirits, arrived quickly. The educated youth director offered tea and presented his selections.  “Director, these communes and teams are good.  They have mountain resources, coastal access with abundant seafood, kind team leaders, and are often recognized as advanced.”

“Good.  Are there any teams near both mountains and the sea, allowing for rest and contributing to the team’s development?”

Director Liu reviewed the materials.  Since he was helping this young comrade, he had to find the best place.  “Yes, the entire Red Star Commune is near both mountains and the sea,” the educated youth office director said, pointing to the commune on the map.  “Shandong Province, Red Star Commune.” Director Liu remembered a close university classmate who worked there. He liked Yang Mumu and could ask his classmate to look after her.

“That’s it.  Call the Red Star Commune’s educated youth office. Let them decide the specific team.  Just make sure the team leader is kind.”  He added, “I’ll also call the commune’s Revolutionary Committee. They know the situation best and can find a suitable team for Comrade Yang Mumu.”  He stood up after taking a sip of tea. “I have other things to do. I’ll go now.”

“Alright,” Director Zhang said, standing up to see him off.

Meanwhile, Yang Mumu returned the gongs and drums to the aunties and went to the educated youth office.  She met Director Liu at the entrance.  She smiled and greeted him. “Director Liu.”

He nodded. “Comrade Yang, here to inquire about your assignment?”

“Yes, I heard I was registered, so I came to find out. I’ll prepare for the countryside. I’ll follow your example, serving the country and contributing to rural development.”  Mumu’s enthusiasm and lack of resentment pleased the educated youth office director.  She wasn’t here to cause trouble; she was a good comrade who deserved to be treated well.