I Overhear Animals' Thoughts to Feed My Family

The entrance had its own armed security department, and each guard carried a brand-new Type 53 rifle. After Big Wang got out and spoke a few words to their leader, the truck was waved through. Following Big Wang’s directions, they drove all the way to their warehouse. The factory grounds were massive, like a small town, and many of the facilities looked even better than those in the county seat.

Soon, a few people came and started unloading the meat. Zhao Wendong and his group didn’t even have to lift a finger before it was all unloaded. Big Wang, his wife, and his brother-in-law stayed behind, telling Zhao Wendong they would deliver the grain to him tomorrow. Zhao Wendong nodded, then followed Niu Yuesheng’s truck straight to the county committee compound.

After they arrived, Zhao Wendong split up from his family. Niu Yuesheng took them to browse the supply and marketing cooperative, while Zhao Wendong went to meet the officials. Before leaving, Niu Yuesheng pulled Zhao Wendong aside and lowered his voice.

"Your short friend is no simple character. The previous director of the Second Silk Factory was our current Party Secretary, and he has connections all the way up to the regional level!"

Zhao Wendong knew he was being warned about Big Wang’s background and nodded to show he understood. ’I didn’t expect Big Wang’s network to be so extensive already,’ he thought.

"Um, there’s something else, Dongzi. My sister turned eighteen this year. She’s pretty good-looking, but more importantly, she’s a quick and diligent worker. She’d definitely be a great hand both inside and outside the home."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Brother Niu, do you hear what you’re saying? Don’t you know how things are between me and Lin Zhiyin, your future sister-in-law? If you wanted to set me up, you should’ve done it sooner!"

"Ahem, I’m not introducing her to you. How old is your younger brother, Er Gou, this year?"

Zhao Wendong’s eyes lit up when he heard this. ’Is Er Gouzi’s spring finally here?’ he wondered.

"He should be seventeen after the New Year. He didn’t get enough nutrition when he was little, so he’s a bit on the thin side. But my brother is sharp. If he and your sister get together, she’ll definitely have a good life."

Niu Yuesheng nodded.

"That’s what I noticed about him, too. I was thinking of bringing my sister over in a bit so they can meet. What do you think? Seventeen isn’t that young. It’s time to start thinking about the future."

"Of course! That’s a great idea!"

Zhao Wendong had been observing Zhao Ergou’s behavior lately. He was diligent and hardworking, never complaining. Whether it was at the Wang Family’s Hut or with Li Guangming, he was always the first to charge ahead, yet he’d retreat to the back whenever rewards were handed out. Zhao Wendong was very fond of this brother. Still, he couldn’t just take Niu Yuesheng’s word for it; he had to vet the girl properly for Er Gouzi.

After watching the big truck drive away with his family, Zhao Wendong headed toward the county committee compound. With Liangzi from the supply and marketing cooperative accompanying them, Zhao Wendong had nothing to worry about.

"Halt! What’s your business?"

Seeing Zhao Wendong approach, the militiaman at the compound gate immediately stopped him.

"I’m here to see Secretary Jiang Weimin and Special Commissioner Wei from the region. My name is Zhao Wendong."

The militiaman was clearly taken aback when he heard Zhao Wendong’s name. He quickly opened the gate for him and called a comrade over to continue watching the post.

"Hello, Comrade Zhao Wendong. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’ll take you to them."

He led Zhao Wendong all the way to a conference room. The militiaman exchanged a few words with an aide standing guard at the door, handed Zhao Wendong over, and left.

The aide, with a very friendly attitude, asked Zhao Wendong to wait a moment and hurried into the conference room. A short while later, Jiang Weimin walked out, accompanying another man. A group of people, including Wang Defa, followed behind them.

Without waiting for Jiang Weimin to make an introduction, the man laughed heartily and extended his hand.

"Haha! They said our ace fisherman might not make it down from the mountain, but here you are! It seems my luck is pretty good after all. The wait wasn’t in vain, hahaha!"

"Hello, Comrade Zhao Wendong. I’m Wei Dongliang."

Zhao Wendong quickly grasped his hand with both of his, a deeply moved expression on his face.

"Hello, Special Commissioner Wei. I’m Zhao Wendong."

"Come, come, let’s talk inside."

Wei Dongliang was very enthusiastic, pulling Zhao Wendong by the hand into the conference room.

After seating Zhao Wendong across from Jiang Weimin and to his own right, Wei Dongliang first reintroduced him to everyone. The room burst into applause. Zhao Wendong, acting like a simple and honest farmer, remained guilelessly quiet, mostly just grinning foolishly.

This tactic indeed won him even more favor with Wei Dongliang, who treated him with growing warmth. Both Jiang Weimin and Wang Defa gave Zhao Wendong subtle looks of approval. Zhao Wendong had decided on this strategy on his way over. ’It’s easy to misspeak when talking to officials,’ he thought. ’Pretending to be an ordinary, honest farmer is the safest bet.’

Wei Dongliang held onto Zhao Wendong, asking about this and that. He said a lot, mentioning the outstanding performance of Zhao Wendong’s production brigade and the county’s plan to trade surplus materials with Dragon King Pond for grain, expressing support for it all. This made Zhao Wendong’s heart bloom with joy. ’Finally, I can build my house without any worries,’ he thought.

Having met and spoken cordially with Zhao Wendong, and even having taken photos for the newspaper, Wei Dongliang had accomplished the purpose of his trip. He prepared to conclude his visit and return to the region. Before leaving, he patted Zhao Wendong’s hand warmly.

"Comrade Zhao Wendong, you have won honor for the region and the county. Is there any reward you would like? Don’t hesitate to ask!"

"I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare."

"Oh? You ’wouldn’t dare,’ not that you ’don’t have any.’ So you do have something in mind. Go on, tell us. If we can help you, we will."

Zhao Wendong put on an embarrassed expression and grit his teeth as if steeling his nerve.

"My fiancée’s parents are in poor health. I’d like to bring them here to be near me."

"Oh? And your fiancée’s parents are...?"

After Zhao Wendong explained the identities of Lin Huaimin and Wang Lulu, Wei Dongliang fell silent. He could handle this matter, but he couldn’t do it all himself. If something went wrong, he would be implicated. On the other hand, Comrade Zhao Wendong had indeed earned him a great deal of prestige. It would be unjustifiable not to grant such an honest farmer this one request.

Besides, as a Special Commissioner, he couldn’t go back on his word. However, the region couldn’t decide this alone. The labor farm wasn’t part of their system; it was under vertical management. After a moment of thought, Wei Dongliang looked at Jiang Weimin.

"Comrade Weimin, isn’t the labor farm also within your county committee’s scope of cooperative management? Your side could show a little more concern. I see that Dragon King Pond has an outstanding comrade like Zhao Wendong, and the production brigade is very capable. Isn’t that a fine place for re-education? The county can certainly suggest that Liu Haisheng arrange for some people to go to Dragon King Pond to receive their education!"

Jiang Weimin nodded.

"Yes, Special Commissioner. I’ll personally go and make that suggestion to Liu Haisheng shortly."

Jiang Weimin was now truly invested in Zhao Wendong’s matter. Wei Dongliang had already hinted that if he handled this successfully, he would be credited for it, the old secretary would retire sooner, and he could be officially confirmed in his position. In a way, Zhao Wendong had just saved him half a year. For someone on a political career path, half a year could be a make-or-break matter.

"Of course, I’m aware of Liu Haisheng’s way of doing things and the complexity of this issue. I will also communicate with their governing department. Let’s work together to ensure our Comrade Zhao Wendong can properly fulfill his filial duties!"

Zhao Wendong nodded gratefully. He had only mentioned it as a long shot, never expecting Wei Dongliang to actually agree to help arrange it. Zhao Wendong was no clueless farmer; on the contrary, he knew more than most. This time, his gratitude was genuine, not an act.

This trip was a great success for Wei Dongliang as well. He was all smiles as he left, looking very amiable. The crowd only dispersed on Jiang Weimin’s command after Wei Dongliang’s sedan had disappeared into the distance. Finally, only Jiang Weimin, Wang Defa, and Zhao Wendong remained. Jiang Weimin clapped Zhao Wendong on the shoulder.

"You sly kid, you. That honest, simple-minded act of yours almost fooled me. But Special Commissioner Wei really did you a huge favor this time. He even agreed to help coordinate the matter of your future in-laws. Should we go find Liu Haisheng now? Strike while the iron is hot, lest delays cause new problems."

"Hehe, thank you, Secretary Jiang. I’ll follow your lead."

"Hahaha, stop with that honest farmer act already! Who are you trying to fool here? Old Wang, you coming with us?"

"Of course."

Wang Defa was also beaming. As one of the ten people in that commemorative photo, the person in charge of procurement, and a close associate of Jiang Weimin, he could already sense that his own good days were not far off. And all of this had happened after he met Zhao Wendong. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he knew he was a man who believed in fate.

"Where’s your fiancée? Is she at Dragon King Pond? We should pick her up and go together, right?"

"She’s not. She came to the county seat too. She’s at the supply and marketing cooperative with my sisters-in-law."

"Alright, let’s go then. We’ll pick her up and head to the labor farm. The sooner we go, the sooner we’ll be back."

Zhao Wendong nodded. In those days, even the county committee didn’t have its own dedicated car. Jiang Weimin had someone borrow the American-style jeep from the Public Security Bureau next door. The three of them got in and drove to the supply and marketing cooperative to pick up Lin Zhiyin.

Director Fei had arranged for his most experienced driver. When the jeep pulled up to the supply and marketing cooperative, the cooperative director happened to be outside, organizing a cleanup. He immediately came forward to greet them. Seeing Jiang Weimin, Wang Defa, and Zhao Wendong get out of the jeep, his smile instantly became even more enthusiastic.

"Secretary, what brings you here for an inspection today!"

"We’re accompanying Comrade Wendong. Comrade Wendong, go find your person. We’ll wait for you at the entrance."

"Alrighty!"

Zhao Wendong turned and entered the cooperative. He found his family browsing inside and noticed two new women and three small children in the group. His gaze swept over the younger woman’s face. ’Hmm, she’s quite pretty and delicate,’ he thought, ’nothing like the swarthy Niu Yuesheng.’ Zhao Wendong breathed a sigh of relief.

"Dongzi, you’re here! Let me introduce you. This is my wife, and this is my sister, Niu Guizhi."

"Hello, Sister-in-law. Hello, Guizhi. I’m Zhao Wendong."

Zhao Wendong greeted them with a smile. The two women had clearly heard of his heroic deeds and seemed a bit flustered in his presence, but they both greeted him back. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhao Wendong turned to Niu Yuesheng.

"Brother Niu, my fiancée and I are heading to the labor farm. Could I trouble you to stay here with my family?"

"Go on, go on. I’ll drive you."

"No need, Secretary Jiang has a car. I’ll ride with them. By the way, Eldest Brother, Sister-in-law, come here."

Zhao Wendong pulled out a wad of cash and stuffed it into the hands of Zhao Wenjun and Song Xiaoyu.

"We’re heading out on an errand. Buy anything you see that the family can use. Don’t worry about saving money. Eldest Brother, buy five or six gill nets, and any other tools we might need. Sister-in-law, you and Second Sister-in-law can stock up on food and supplies for the New Year. Our family is going to have a prosperous New Year this year."

"Okay."

"Alright, Third Brother, don’t you worry!"

The two nodded in agreement. Just as Zhao Wendong was about to leave with Lin Zhiyin, he saw Zhao Wenwu looking at him expectantly, so he winked at him.

"Don’t forget to buy some treats for Second Brother, Little Tuanzi, Shitou, and Brother Niu’s three kids. It’s my treat."

"Third Brother, you’re the best!"

"Third Brother is the best."

Zhao Wenwu was instantly overjoyed, and Little Tuanzi’s eyes curved into smiling crescents. She had just seen several delicious-looking things, but she had known since she was little that her family was poor and every penny counted, so she had forced herself not to say anything. Now, with her Third Brother’s permission, her heart began to race with anticipation.

After Lin Zhiyin said her goodbyes, Zhao Wendong led her out of the supply and marketing cooperative. They got directly into the jeep. Jiang Weimin sat in the front passenger seat, Zhao Wendong sat in the middle of the back seat with Wang Defa and Lin Zhiyin on either side, and the vehicle sped off toward the labor farm.