Chapter 55: Provocation from a Bureaucrat's Scion

As soon as he stepped out of the shelter’s gate, he saw Wang Li standing in front of a jeep.

“Let’s go, Weidong. I brought some clothes for you. First, we’ll head back to the city for a bath and a meal. I’ve also called Zhang Yang along—this time, you have to thank him in person.”

The jeep drove straight to the East City Bathhouse. After washing up, shaving, and changing into fresh clothes, Wang Li invited Liu Weidong to join him for a meal at a steamed bun shop nearby. Upon entering, they found Zhang Yang already there.

“Weidong, you didn’t suffer too much, did you? In front of the Yongchuan police, some things I can’t say, but as soon as we get back, I’ll call Old Xu at the station immediately.”

Liu Weidong quickly shook Zhang Yang’s hand. “Brother Zhang, I truly owe you this time. Otherwise, I definitely would have gotten into a fight inside. With your face in front of Brother Xu, how could I lose out?”

To show his gratitude, Liu Weidong broke his promise and drank half a bottle of Taor River liquor.

After the meal, when Liu Weidong reached for the bill, Wang Li waved him off and signed it himself.

“Why should you pay for a meal? Who’d want to take advantage of a cadre? Your uniform is just worn-out stock—I didn’t spend a penny on it. But, Weidong, Zhang Yang mentioned that recently some people have been asking around East City about who’s selling property. Could it be that some news leaked from the city?”

Liu Weidong thought for a moment. “That’s hard to say. When I bought my house last time, I ran into a classmate of Yanru’s. He said his father works at the Construction Committee. Why would they live in an apartment but buy a bungalow? And they’re only interested in street-front properties. Brother Wang, if you have contacts at the Construction Committee, you’d better check it out—don’t miss this wave of real estate profit.”

Wang Li nodded and told Liu Weidong to wait for news before returning to the Third Commercial Store.

Only three days had passed, but Liu Weidong felt as if he had been away for three years. Everything in East Market seemed so familiar.

Looking at his watch, his wife should still be taking her exam. He took the clothes he’d changed out of home and boiled a pot of water to sterilize the old garments.

Someone was asking around about who was selling property? Could it be that green-bean fly again?

Last time he pried him open once, but the fellow wasn’t giving up. It seemed the city was really planning something. He couldn’t let that scoundrel get this bargain.

Money was money. If he hadn’t helped the village with seedlings, he wouldn’t be in such a bad state now.

Thinking of the seedlings, Liu Weidong hurried outside. He’d been so caught up talking with Wang Li about property that he forgot to call the village. If the seedlings weren’t planted soon, they would die.

When Wang Jianguo got Liu Weidong’s call, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“You really made it out. This time it was only you. If it had been someone else, our village would have lost both people and money. I didn’t expect you have such a big backer.”

Liu Weidong knew Wang Jianguo was referring to Zhao Lijun, the deputy secretary of the municipal party committee. Not wanting to dwell on it, he asked about the seedlings.

“Damn it, the Forestry Station waters them every day, but when we bring them back, a lot still die—at least a thousand yuan lost. I’m going to hold that bastard Li Baotian accountable.”

Liu Weidong quickly asked, “Has Li Baotian returned yet?”

“Not yet. The county reached an agreement to release you two together. I guess it’ll be soon.”

Liu Weidong snorted, “He was in the same cell as me in the shelter. The bald guy inside really gave him a hard time; he might even end up in the hospital. I hope this time they strip him of his rank—teach him some sense.”

“If he had any shame, even dogs wouldn’t take his shit. If it weren’t for the County Youth Office helping him with his paperwork, even if you had backing, we wouldn’t be able to plant these seedlings on the mountain. He’s just a tool for the leaders. Do you think he’d lose his position?”

Liu Weidong swore in frustration, “What kind of world is this? If we don’t get rid of obstacles like Li Baotian, the Forward Commune will never improve. With the Chinese medicine going up the mountain, Director Ma won’t be able to stay silent anymore.”

“The county leaders tacitly approve. This time, Secretary Li of the commune fully supports us diversifying the economy. Our Chinese medicine going up the mountain has finally made him proud.”

Liu Weidong didn’t want to dampen Wang Jianguo’s spirits and told him to follow Old Guan’s advice on planting the herbs before hanging up.

Secretary Li proud? Not to mention him, even County Party Secretary Yu Hua was cautious, afraid of making a wrong move and losing his position.

Liu Weidong recalled that in his previous life, the County Revolutionary Committee was abolished on July 1, 1979. Before that, Yu Hua had to watch the face of Director Sun Zhuang of that committee.

Only now did Liu Weidong understand why Zhao Lixin’s attempt to arrange Lou Yanru’s regularization through Yu Hua was blocked by Li Baotian, the deputy director of the Youth Office. Director Ma of the commune simply didn’t trust Yu Hua.

Looking at his watch, it was nearly four o’clock. Liu Weidong slowly made his way to the First High School. It was the last day of the college entrance exam, and now that he was free, he wanted to celebrate with his wife.

At the entrance of the school, many parents had gathered. Since the exam was for both recent graduates and sent-down youth, Liu Weidong stood among the crowd listening to parents chatting. From their hopes for their children’s futures, it was clear the era when knowledge changed destiny had truly begun.

When the bell rang, a large group of parents blocked the gates. Liu Weidong didn’t push forward but waited on the road. After more than ten minutes, he saw Lou Yanru and her sister coming out of the gate. Even more disgusting, he saw Chen Hao—the green-bean fly—again.

This time, Chen Hao didn’t bother Lou Yanru but was hitting on Lou Yanhua.

From afar, Lou Yanru saw Liu Weidong standing at the gate and immediately rushed over, throwing her arms around him. Liu Weidong patted his wife’s back and pointed at Chen Hao.

“That green-bean fly, you’d better stay away from my sister-in-law and get lost!”

Chen Hao didn’t dare come closer, clearly intimidated by Liu Weidong, but he was still defiant.

“You’re Yanhua’s parent, huh? Nowadays, free love is encouraged. Aunt Song didn’t oppose me pursuing Yanhua. What are you, a bad element who’s been to prison, to say anything?”

Liu Weidong laughed in anger.

His incarceration must have been spread around again by Song Qian.

“Don’t waste my time with nonsense. Get lost! Yanhua’s not blind—why would she like you? Yanhua, come on, brother-in-law will take you guys out to eat.”

After saying this, Liu Weidong ignored Chen Hao, put his arm around Lou Yanru, and started to leave. Unexpectedly, Chen Hao’s next words completely enraged him.

“Liu Weidong, have you gotten your property certificate yet? You didn’t know? Rural household registrations can’t get urban residency when buying a house in the city. With my dad around, let’s see when you’ll get your certificate.”

Liu Weidong turned around, ready to hit Chen Hao, but Lou Yanru and her sister pulled him away.

“Weidong, you just got out. Don’t stir up trouble again. I did well on several exams today. Once the results are out, I’ll handle both my household registration and property certificate. Chen Hao’s dad is a leader at the Construction Committee—so what? He dares to block me?”

Liu Weidong hurriedly asked, “What does Chen Hao’s dad do at the Construction Committee? Is he a big official?”

“Chen Hao’s dad is Chen Changshan, director of the Planning Department at the Construction Committee. Not a high rank, but he’s got some pull. Otherwise, why would Chen Hao be so arrogant?”

Now Liu Weidong understood. Chen Changshan must have helped Chen Hao buy property in East Market. The Planning Director indeed had access to the city’s first-hand information.

During the meal, Liu Weidong was distracted.

There were only a few hundred yuan left in his bankbook. Wang Li said the foreign investors wouldn’t arrive until next week. If Chen Hao managed to snap up a good spot, how could he not regret it?

Even a hero can be brought down by money. It seemed he’d have to talk with Wang Li again—to rather let Wang Li have a bargain than that green-bean fly.