Chapter 5: Petition

Here in the office, Yang Run started his complaints. First, he claimed that the village had leased out villagers’ land for the orchard, but the lease payments had not been made. Then he brought up how he had graduated years ago and was promised a job at a certain company, but it never came through, and the government should find him a job. He also mentioned that the contract between the village committee and the coal yard from over ten years ago was not disclosed to the villagers, and the village committee had not been transparent about its “three duties” (referring to the transparency of financial matters, decision-making processes, and implementation of projects).

Yang Run spoke eloquently, clearly having put in a lot of effort to prepare his case.

Wei Lai carefully recorded everything, listing down seven or eight points.

Finally, Yang Run was out of things to say.

“Yang Run, I just arrived in your village. Can you give me some time to get familiar with the situation?” Wei Lai looked at him seriously.

“If you say so, Secretary, then I believe you. How long do you need?” Yang Run asked.

“A month. I’ll carefully investigate the village and give you an answer,” Wei Lai said confidently.

“A month then. I’ll wait for your answer,” Yang Run said, and then he got up and left.

The other village officials in the office started to chatter.

“Yang Run is untrustworthy. Today he agrees not to make a fuss, but tomorrow he’ll start complaining somewhere else,” a villager representative said.

“Yeah, and the things he’s complaining about are completely baseless,” Yang Xin said.

“Right. That’s all ancient history from years ago. The company didn’t hire him. He should find a new company, why would he bother the village committee?”

Everyone was chattering away, and Wei Lai listened carefully. It seemed like Yang Run wasn’t very well-liked.

At that moment, the village committee director, Yang Mao, cleared his throat and said, “Yang Run is not even registered in our village anymore. He’s living in Houde Yuan apartment complex in the city. We’re no longer the responsible party. But since he grew up here and he’s pretty pitiful now, we should help him if we can.”

“Pitiful?” Wei Lai questioned.

“Yes,” Yang Xin continued Yang Mao’s line of thought, “Yang Run was married and had a five or six-year-old daughter. But then he just became a drifter, hanging around and doing nothing, and his wife left him, taking their daughter with her. Nobody knows where they are now. He also has an elderly mother who is bedridden, and a brother who works and takes care of them both.”

He had a family, but now he’s practically a lonely man. Could this be a breakthrough? Wei Lai thought to herself.

Next, Wei Lai listened as everyone shared their thoughts and experiences with Yang Run, gaining a better understanding of him.

“Director, try to visit his home when you have the chance. See if there’s anything you can do to help. I’ll try to figure something out at the town level too,” Wei Lai instructed.

“Okay,” Yang Mao agreed.

Earlier, they had mentioned that Yang Run’s ex-wife was named Zhu Meihua, and her family was from a neighboring village. Her family should know her whereabouts.

Back in town, Wei Lai immediately called Zhu Yaowen, the secretary and director of the neighboring village, explaining the situation.

“Secretary Wei, here’s the thing. Zhu Meihua did stay with her family for a few days right after the divorce, but then she took the child and left. When people ask, her parents only say she went to work in a big city. They haven’t been back in years. I’ll ask around again.”

“Thank you very much.”

Wei Lai then went to the Management Station to review Xiaohui Village’s accounts from the past few years. The Management Station had a rule against taking records out, so Wei Lai had to browse through them there.

Before she knew it, the morning was over, and the lunch bell rang. Wei Lai finally lifted her head from the stack of account books. It was already noon.

I haven’t gone to the Organization Department yet. I guess the meeting is probably over.

I joined the Management Station colleagues for lunch at the cafeteria and saw Li Ke was back.

“Li Ke, you’re back already?” I greeted him with a smile.

“Yeah, the meeting ended around eleven. So I came back,” Li Ke replied, picking up some food.

“How was it?” I asked.

“Secretary Cheng, Minister Song, and Minister Wang were all very nice. They were particularly concerned about everyone’s work and life,” Li Ke said.

“Was Secretary Cheng there the whole time?” I asked curiously.

“Not really. He left after a while. I guess he’s very busy. It’s great that he could spare some time to attend the meeting.”

True, it wouldn’t be realistic for him to stay the whole time. I’ll go to the Organization Department this afternoon then. Wei Lai thought to herself.

After lunch, I went back to my office and lay down for a while. My mind kept going back to Yang Run. Xiaohui Village might seem peaceful on the surface, but there are some hidden problems. I’ll have to find solutions one by one.

In the afternoon, I reviewed the accounts for a bit more. When I looked at the time, it was almost 4 pm, so I got up and headed to the city.

I arrived at the District Party Committee Organization Department at exactly 4:30.

I’d been here a few times in the past two years to deliver documents, so I was somewhat familiar with the environment.

I found Wang Hao’s office, and he was in.

“Minister Wang, it’s Wei Lai. I finished my village business and came over,” I greeted him politely.

“Xiao Wei, you’ve arrived. Go to Minister Song’s office next door and give him a report,” Wang Hao, in his forties, had black hair with a few streaks of silver. His hair was neatly combed to one side, giving him a very sharp look. He had a slightly square face, a slightly yellowish complexion, and his eyes, though not large, were exceptionally bright.

“Okay, Minister Wang. I’ll go now.” After bidding farewell to Wang Hao, I knocked on Song Jieming’s door and entered his office.

Song Jieming pointed to the couch. “Xiao Wei, have a seat.”

I waited for Song Jieming to sit down before gently settling onto the couch opposite him.

“Xiao Wei, you missed this morning’s discussion meeting. I called you over to have a chat,” Song Jieming explained. “Both the District Committee and the Organization Department are very concerned about the daily work and lives of young cadres. Don’t feel pressured, let’s just have a casual conversation.”

I nodded.

“Xiao Wei, listening to your accent, you’re from this area, right?” Song Jieming asked with a warm smile.

“Yes, Minister Song,” I replied, sitting straight and formally.

“Not married yet, are you?” Song Jieming asked.

He’s really concerned about the lives of party cadres.

“Not yet, Minister Song.”

“Do you have a boyfriend? We’re planning to organize a system-wide matchmaking event. It’s good for young people to make more friends.”

“Not yet, I will definitely participate enthusiastically.”

“I see your father is a teacher. He’s in the provincial capital, right?”

“Yes, Minister Song. My mom retired this year and went to live with him. It’s convenient for her to take care of him,” Wei Lai said casually.

“If you have any problems in life, just speak up. As for the village, first, get to know the situation, then take things slowly. The Organization Department is where we cultivate cadres. We will nurture you all,” Song Jieming said.

His words were like a gentle breeze. At least, they sounded very comforting.

The report I prepared was clearly unnecessary. Song Jieming’s conversation with me was like a casual chat among family members, no need for preparation at all. I secretly rejoiced. Formal occasions require meticulous preparation and long speeches. Since I didn’t go, I escaped a bullet!

It was only a little past five when I left the Organization Department. I’d be taking a bit of a lazy early day today.

I skipped out of the building with a light step.

On the second floor, in the District Party Secretary’s office, Cheng Yue stood at the window, watching a small figure, skipping and hopping towards a bright pink bicycle, the kind that stands out.