Chapter 190 - 184: A Huge Surprise
Lin Zhiyin hadn’t asked what they were doing at the farm. At first, she’d been worried something had happened to her parents, but seeing that Zhao Wendong and the others were all in good spirits, she guessed it probably wasn’t anything bad. So, in the end, she didn’t ask. Instead, a flicker of anticipation began to grow. She recalled how Zhao Wendong had once told her, with great seriousness, that he would help get her parents out. ’Could this be it...?’
Watching the jeep disappear into the distance, the director of the supply and marketing cooperative returned inside, a gentle smile on his face. He walked over to Zhao Wendong’s family. He would personally serve these customers today. He had witnessed Zhao Wendong thrash Fatty Li and stand his ground against Li Guangming. Now, he’d even been gifted calligraphy by the old man. The kid was simply defying belief. In all his years, he’d never heard of anyone so impressive. When his family came to shop, they absolutely had to be treated well. He couldn’t let some blind fool offend them.
In the car, Jiang Weimin took the initiative to fill Zhao Wendong in on many things he didn’t know. For example, Li Guangming’s maternal uncle had visited but left immediately after the old man gifted the calligraphy. It was also determined that Li Guangming was a Japanese spy who had been targeted for retaliation. Special Commissioner Wei was even coordinating with the military region to launch a full-scale investigation into enemy agents.
Zhao Wendong’s worries completely vanished after he heard all this. He hadn’t expected such a turn of events. ’Otherwise, the Little Bastard wouldn’t have had to go straight to the port district. I’ll just have to wait for him to write, then I can tell him to come back. I don’t even know where he is right now.’ In high spirits, Zhao Wendong pulled out the chits for the resold grain.
"Secretary Jiang, I brought the chits. Let’s get this process started."
"HAHAHA, alright, alright. I know you’re in a hurry to get a wife. I’ll take the chits. We’ll stick to our agreement: five bricks for one catty of grain. I’ve already selected flawless red bricks for you. For your two thousand catties of grain, you’ll get ten thousand bricks. I’ll arrange to have them delivered today when I get back. I’ll even send you an extra ten thousand. You’ll owe the county two thousand catties of grain for them. Can you have that delivered before spring begins?"
"I can!"
Zhao Wendong slapped his chest in assurance. He had already given Big Wang a thousand catties of meat today. Big Wang said that trading for grain wasn’t as easy as it used to be, but the county could still absorb a few thousand catties’ worth. He would also actively look for other channels. If all else failed, he could go to the prefecture. There was always a market for meat. Zhao Wendong was confident that after a few more trips into the mountains after the New Year, he could deliver the grain he owed the county.
"Good! Once you’ve delivered the grain you owe, if you need roof tiles, lime, or cement, just say the word. I’ll find a way to get them for you!"
"Haha, deal!"
The driver kept glancing over at Zhao Wendong. ’So this is the legendary Zhao Wendong, laughing and chatting with the Deputy Secretary. I finally get to see him in the flesh. He’s so young, but what a formidable figure! A lot of my colleagues talk about him.’
The jeep drove all the way to the labor farm. When the soldiers of the guard platoon saw Zhao Wendong get out of the car, they immediately waved them through. One even personally led the group to find Liu Haisheng and Chen Baoguo. After all, it was thanks to Zhao Wendong that they had enjoyed a fine meal of roe deer meat just a few days prior.
"Comrade Wendong has more clout than any of us!"
"That’s right, Brother Dongzi, you’re really something else! You’re welcome wherever you go!"
Zhao Wendong took all the teasing from Jiang Weimin and Wang Defa in stride, even putting on a comically cocky expression.
"If you’re ever in trouble, just mention Brother Dong’s name. It works!"
"HAHAHA!"
The two men burst into laughter. Jiang Weimin even found himself wondering, ’Just what are the limits of Zhao Wendong’s audacity? If the old man were standing before him, would he still dare to joke so brazenly? If he did, then he’d truly be the most remarkable man under heaven!’
"Haha, Comrade Zhao Wendong, what brings you here!"
"Well now, Secretary Jiang, Station Chief Wang, you’re here as well! Secretary, please, come inside. To think you’d come to inspect and guide our work without any advance notice. This must be a surprise inspection!"
Liu Haisheng had been puzzled when he saw the American-made jeep from the Public Security Bureau arrive, thinking Director Fei must be visiting. He was surprised to see Zhao Wendong and Lin Zhiyin get out, but when he turned and saw Jiang Weimin and Station Chief Wang were with them, he was utterly astonished.
"HAHAHA, who would dare to inspect you, Liu Haisheng? Comrade Zhao Wendong is here to see his future in-laws, and we just tagged along for the ride."
"Oh, is that so? I’ll go get them right away."
Chen Baoguo, standing nearby, had just greeted Zhao Wendong. As soon as he heard Liu Haisheng’s words, he turned and went to find Lin Huaimin and Wang Lulu without waiting for an order. He was the only one there to assist; if he didn’t go, who else would?
A short while later, Lin Huaimin and Wang Lulu followed Chen Baoguo into the room. Both were in visibly better condition than they had been just days before. They seemed to have more strength, their complexions weren’t as pale, and their spirits were higher. Even the wary expressions on their faces had lessened.
The pair had already seen the jeep with "Public Security" written on it outside. When they came in and saw Lin Zhiyin and Zhao Wendong, they both immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion.
"Comrade leaders, whatever the mistake, it’s all our fault! It has nothing to do with our daughter and son-in-law!"
Lin Huaimin looked nervously at Liu Haisheng before his gaze finally settled on Jiang Weimin. This man had the most commanding presence; he must be the highest-ranking official. Wang Lulu’s face was also filled with desperation.
"That’s right, please don’t make things difficult for the children. We admit our faults. Although we’ve worked a little less these past few days, we haven’t slacked for a single moment in studying and reforming ourselves. We’re begging you, please let the children go. If there’s a problem, let it fall on us."
Wang Lulu thought Zhao Wendong and Lin Zhiyin had been arrested because of them. Her legs went weak, and she started to drop to her knees to beg for mercy, but Lin Zhiyin’s reflexes were sharp, and she caught her mother in time.