I Overhear Animals' Thoughts to Feed My Family

Zhao Weiguo got halfway through his story but couldn’t keep making things up. It seemed like the stuff he was spouting had nothing to do with Zhao Wendong at all, yet Wei Dongliang listened, nodding frequently.

"Sigh, what a pity I didn’t get to see our Comrade Zhao Wendong. How about this, Secretary Weimin? I’ll conduct my inspection in your county for now and wait for Comrade Wendong while I’m at it. If he comes back, have him make a trip to the county seat. I’d still very much like to meet him. What do you think?"

"Of course, no problem, Special Commissioner Wei!"

Jiang Weimin nodded eagerly, then glanced at Wang Defa to give an order.

"Old Wang, as soon as you get back to the county seat, go to the transportation team. Have them send Comrade Niu Yuesheng to wait here in Dragon King Pond. The moment Comrade Wendong returns, have him brought to the county seat immediately!"

"Yes, Secretary Weimin!"

Wang Defa straightened up and responded loudly. Wei Dongliang nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Zhao Weiguo and the others.

"So, is anyone else at Zhao Wendong’s home?"

"Yes, yes! His dad hurt his leg up on the mountain and is recovering at home. His mom is home too."

"Alright, then let’s deliver this calligraphy to his family first, shall we?"

What could Zhao Weiguo and the others say? They immediately led the way. With a cacophony of celebratory music from gongs and drums, the procession headed for Zhao Wendong’s house. The villagers of Dragon King Pond Village, young and old, had long since been stirred by the commotion. They all ran out of their homes to watch the excitement. Some of the faster ones had already sprinted ahead to Zhao Wendong’s house to share the good news.

When the first person arrived with the news, Chen Yanmei and the others didn’t believe it. But when the second, and then the third person came, they finally flew into a panic and rushed outside to greet the procession.

When Wei Dongliang arrived at Zhao Wendong’s home and saw how anxious and uncomfortable Chen Yanmei and the others were, he felt even more moved. ’Look at them,’ he thought, ’the most honest and simple of our people.’ He didn’t blame them for being tongue-tied, simply asking them to lead the way inside. But when he saw Zhao Wendong’s dilapidated house, which looked on the verge of collapse, Wei Dongliang’s expression shifted.

"Comrade Weimin, I’m afraid I have to criticize your work. I was just praising you a moment ago, but you have not handled this matter well!"

"Huh?"

Jiang Weimin froze upon hearing this. ’Did I do something to displease Wei Dongliang?’

"Look at Comrade Zhao Wendong’s house! It’s practically falling down, yet his entire family is living inside. How can that be acceptable? Our county committee must show thorough concern for the daily lives of fine comrades like Zhao Wendong!"

Jiang Weimin inwardly sighed in relief. ’So that’s what this is about.’ An idea suddenly struck him, and he smiled.

"Your criticism is warranted, Special Commissioner. It is a failing on the part of our county committee. We will immediately do everything possible to help Comrade Wendong’s family build a new house, so they can live in a spacious and bright new home."

"Mm, very good. We cannot let our heroes shed blood only to shed tears later. They fight hard, wresting a living from nature itself. We must, in turn, guarantee their security on the home front!"

"Rest assured, we will diligently carry out your instructions."

Wei Dongliang said nothing more, simply nodding before entering the house. Jiang Weimin, Yang Wenxue, and Zhao Weiguo exchanged a knowing glance, all of them fighting the urge to laugh. Wei Dongliang had no idea that Jiang Weimin had just led him into a small trap. But one couldn’t blame Jiang Weimin—it was Wei Dongliang himself who had brought up the house, wanting to show his concern for Zhao Wendong.

Zhao Wendong’s house was small and certainly couldn’t accommodate so many people. Officials like Yang Wenxue had to stand in the courtyard, not being important enough to enter. The yard and the road outside were packed with the entourage and the villagers of Dragon King Pond. The crowd was a buzzing hub of speculation, with rumors growing more outlandish by the minute.

"Did you hear? They brought him a painting! Some ’Painting of the Nation’s Landscape’ or something?"

"Now he’s really brought honor to his ancestors! I heard they gave him a huge truck."

"Get outta here! They said it was a magic treasure! You just shout ’conquer heaven’ or something and food will appear!"

"Stop talking nonsense! I was right there watching. They said they want Dongzi to go to the city and become a big official!"

"Really? A guy like Dongzi can be an official?"

Inside the house, Wei Dongliang and his aides carefully handed the framed piece of calligraphy—four large words—to Chen Yanmei and Song Xiaoyu. The two women felt it would be disrespectful to set it down anywhere, so they just held it reverently in their hands. Zhao Dashan sat propped up against a stack of quilts, his injured leg extended. Wei Dongliang, with a gentle demeanor, asked about the family’s circumstances and chatted casually with him.

"Comrade Zhao Dashan, you’ve done a truly wonderful job raising a son as honest, sincere, and outstanding as Comrade Zhao Wendong. I’m so proud on your behalf!"

Zhao Dashan forced an awkward smile and nodded vigorously, all the while wondering, ’Is this official being sarcastic? Dongzi, that good-for-nothing punk... an outstanding child?’

After a few more exchanges, Wei Dongliang noticed Little Tuanzi in the corner, holding Zhuangzhuang. He was immediately captivated by her adorable face and the pair of big, innocent eyes staring back at him.

"Hello, little one. What’s your name? How old are you?"

"My name is Little Tuanzi, and I’ll be fowr after New Year’s!"

"And who is Zhao Wendong to you?"

"He’s my Third Bwother! My Third Bwother is the bestest!"

"Hahaha!"

Wei Dongliang burst out laughing, completely charmed by Little Tuanzi’s sweet, childish voice. His own grandson was about her age, and he had a real soft spot for toddlers. He couldn’t resist reaching out to pick her up.

"GRROWL—"

Zhuangzhuang, nestled in Little Tuanzi’s arms, thought Wei Dongliang meant to harm his little mistress. He let out a surprisingly fierce growl and swiped his claws at the man. Fortunately, Zhao Dashan was watching and quickly snatched Zhuangzhuang up by the scruff of his neck.

"Haha, this little cat of yours is quite the character."

"Zhuangzhuang isn’t a kitty. Zhuangzhuang is a little tiger, you know."

Little Tuanzi immediately corrected him in her sweet, childish voice.

"What?"

Wei Dongliang froze. ’Was that a tiger cub? In this day and age, who in their right mind raises a tiger? There’s barely enough food for people, let alone a tiger!’

Doubts began to surface in Wei Dongliang’s mind. ’Are they hiding something from me? Is the Zhao family’s poverty just an act?’

Jiang Weimin, ever observant, read the change in the commissioner’s expression and thought, ’Oh no.’ Just as he was about to jump in with an explanation, Zhao Dashan started talking.

"Last time, Wendong helped the labor farm deal with a tiger problem. This little cub was the only one left, so he felt sorry for it and brought it home."

Hearing this, something clicked in Wei Dongliang’s mind with a BUZZ. He recalled a report he had read a while back, and everything suddenly made sense. He broke into a hearty laugh.

"I remember now! Liu Haisheng’s report did indeed state in detail that they only found the man-eating tiger with the help of a certain Comrade Zhao Wendong. I just never imagined it was the very same person! A true hero emerges from the younger generation! It’s as they say, extraordinary people do extraordinary things. Impressive, truly impressive!"

Wei Dongliang felt a deep sense of remorse for his earlier suspicion. ’I’ve been in this line of work for too long; I’m starting to doubt everything. How could I possibly doubt someone like Comrade Zhao Wendong?’

’Discovering a tiger cub and adopting it without a second thought—doesn’t that just prove what a responsible and compassionate man Comrade Zhao Wendong is!’