Chapter 4: The Discussion

I woke up a little too early, and as a result, my head was buzzing all day.

I work in the Supervision Office, and the Discipline Inspection Secretary asked me to write two work reports today. After finishing those, I’ve been struggling with my speech for the discussion meeting.

Finally, I finished it just before quitting time. I can’t say how good it is though.

I came home feeling dizzy and changed clothes before plopping down on the couch.

I hadn’t been sitting long when a video call came from Shao Yufang.

I picked up the call, and there was my mom and my nephew, Xiao Kele.

“Auntie, have you eaten?” A childish voice came through the screen.

“Not yet, Xiao Kele. Have you guys eaten?” I was overjoyed to see my nephew. He’s four years old, just at that adorable age.

“Daddy said he’s taking us out to eat later,” The little guy smiled. He’s so young and already knows that restaurant food is better than home cooking.

“Mom, is your husband taking you out to eat later?” I asked my mother, Shao Yufang.

“Yes, your brother-in-law finished a project recently and came home early today, so we’re going out to eat later,” Shao Yufang happily replied.

My sister Wei Xuan followed in her father’s footsteps, although she didn’t become a chemistry teacher. She’s now a Chinese language teacher at a good middle school in the provincial capital. Her husband, Han Ye, works in e-commerce, mainly on projects, and makes a good living.

“Oh, that’s great,” I said with a smile.

“Lai Lai, I sent some snacks your way. They’ll be delivered soon. Just sign for them. If you like any of them, I’ll send you more,” Shao Yufang instructed.

I was so happy. I was just wondering what to have for dinner, and Mom’s snacks were arriving!

“Thanks, Mom. I was just thinking about what to eat,” I said with a touch of childishness.

“Make sure you eat well, Lai Lai. Your dad and I will come back to see you soon,” Shao Yufang said.

I chatted with my mom for a while, and then they had to leave for dinner.

The delivery guy called shortly after I hung up the phone. I told him to just leave the package at the door, saying I’d get it later.

A huge box full of vacuum-sealed goodies: Mom’s ribs, chicken wings, braised beef, a box of frozen dumplings, and fresh shrimp and crab.

Mom knows me so well. All my favorites!

That night, I boiled a few dumplings, watching variety shows while I ate, feeling so happy.

A message popped up on my phone: “Lai Lai, let’s go out to eat on Saturday.” It was Xiao Xiao.

“Okay,” I replied immediately. I didn’t have anything planned, so it was a good chance to get out and about.

Then I continued watching the variety show “Half-Cooked Lovers.” Even though I’m 26, not exactly young anymore, I still find sweet romances so captivating, making my heart flutter.

I slept soundly that night.

The notice for the discussion meeting was to be at the Organization Department meeting room at 9 am. I planned to go directly from home, so I didn’t have to wake up early.

I got out of bed at 8 am, ready to wash up and have a quick breakfast, when Yang Mao called.

“Secretary, can you come to the village? Yang Run is making a fuss again, and he insists on seeing you.”

Yang Run was the villager who had reported the previous branch secretary. He was only forty years old, but he didn’t work. His only activity was to file complaints, and even the smallest thing could become a reason for him to do so.

“Okay, I’ll be there soon,” I replied.

After hanging up, I called Wang Hao, the deputy head of the Organization Department, to ask for a leave of absence, explaining the situation.

He didn’t say much, only reminding me to come to the Organization Department as soon as I was finished.

After getting permission, I suddenly felt a weight lifted. I realized what had been causing my gloominess these past few days. Although the complaint-filing villager was a pain, I seemed to prefer dealing with him than meeting Cheng Yue.

I grabbed a piece of bread and a carton of milk and drove to the village. Half an hour later, I arrived in Xiaohui Village.

Yang Run was sitting cross-legged in the courtyard of the Party and Mass Service Center. The entrance was crowded with villagers watching the commotion, including Yang Mao and several other village officials, who were talking to Yang Run.

When they saw me arrive, someone shouted, “The branch secretary is here!” The crowd at the entrance automatically parted, making way for me to enter.

This was the first time Yang Run had seen Wei Lai. She looked young, tall and slender, and although she was wearing down-to-earth grey sweatpants and a mustard-yellow windbreaker, she was still very beautiful.

“You must be Yang Run,” Wei Lai said, walking up to him. “Come on, let’s go into the office and sit down. It’s windy outside.”

Her voice, soft yet powerful, left Yang Run momentarily speechless.

After speaking, Wei Lai walked directly towards the large office in the activity center. Seeing this, the village committee director, Yang Mao, and the village accountant, Yang Xin, pulled Yang Run up and persuaded him to follow them. Yang Run, taking the hint, reluctantly went into the large office and sat down.

Meanwhile, the discussion meeting at the Organization Department was also underway. The meeting room, not very large, was packed with thirty or so people, all eyes fixed on the leader, Cheng Yue, who sat at the head table. Young and charismatic, he exuded intellectualism with a hint of sharpness in his gaze. He had a good build, handsome features, and was very eye-catching.

Cheng Yue’s eyes swept across the room, seemingly not noticing Wei Lai. He casually asked Song Jieming, the District Party Committee Organization Minister, who sat to his left, “Everyone here?”

Song Jieming thought to himself, “Secretary Cheng is quite observant. It’s a good thing I did my homework.”

“Only Wei Lai from Xiaohui Village is absent. She asked for a leave of absence, but she will be here as soon as she’s finished,” Song Jieming replied respectfully.

“After the meeting, make a complete list of the appointed cadres, show them some care, and make sure your work is thorough,” Cheng Yue instructed.

“Yes, Secretary Cheng,” Song Jieming agreed.

The meeting began. First, Cheng Yue gave a motivational speech. Cheng Yue was about the same age as many of the appointed cadres in attendance, even a few years younger than some. But the composure and humility he projected made people feel both comfortable and impressed by his authority.

The content of his speech was mainly about encouraging everyone to work hard and achieve great things in the vast countryside. He also emphasized that the district committee and the district government would help to solve any difficulties they encountered. Everyone present felt inspired and eager to get started.

After Cheng Yue finished his speech, Song Jieming followed, speaking from the perspective of the District Party Committee Organization Department, covering topics like training and developing party cadres, and providing logistical support for party cadres, and so on.

The specific hosting of the meeting was handled by Wang Hao, the deputy head of the Organization Department. The appointed cadres then began to speak in turn. Everyone was eager to make a good impression on the leaders.

After listening to the speeches of a few branch secretaries, Cheng Yue left with his secretary, Zeng.

Although everyone was a little disappointed that District Party Secretary Cheng Yue had left, the Organization Minister and other leaders were still there. These were the leaders they would be interacting with regularly. So, everyone continued to perform enthusiastically, and the meeting atmosphere remained lively.

Cheng Yue didn’t see Wei Lai today, which was a bit of a shame, but he quickly let it go. There’s plenty of time. Wei Lai, you can avoid this meeting, but you can’t avoid the next one.