I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s

Shen Meng was in no hurry. She waited for Li Chuan to think it through. Her position was in charge of the economy of Ning County, not an easy task. The transfer order that Secretary Tang handed over could bind her to Ning County, dedicating her life for the well-being of the local people, but as a consultant, it would be different—she would still be a free agent. If the officials of Ning County needed her help, some things would be more accommodating to her, instead of being commands.

The five-year term she proposed was actually quite manageable. By then it would be the early 1980s, and whether the market economy system arrived or the university system stabilized, economic matters would be firmly in her grasp.

In the eyes of the county government leaders, having control of the economy in one person’s hands is a terrifying prospect. They wanted to tie her down with a position; if she became uncooperative, they could suppress her. Or, in time, some individuals with ulterior motives might leverage her to build their own power base. That is what Shen Meng feared; she had no desire to be a stepping stone for others.

Li Chuan pondered for a long while before shaking his head, "Xiao Meng, what you’re suggesting is unprecedented. In my opinion, you should still accept the transfer order, do good work for the people. After some time, I can arrange a courtyard for you, so that you can bring the kids to the county for work and school. The conditions are far better than in the rural areas."

"Uncle Li, I know you mean well, but I really have too much on my plate, and my energy is limited. Xiao Kai is still young, and when Zhenping comes back, I plan to have two or three more children with him. It’s lively with more children at home. Now that my job with the bus company is over, I should take a good rest at home, take care of my health, and spend time with the kids. Zhenping and my salaries are enough to support the children and our home. That director position, I’m afraid I might not do well, so let’s just forget about it!"

This was an indirect refusal. Li Chuan frowned, but then thought it over—people do have the right to refuse. This transfer order had never been discussed with Shen Meng, who was not a government employee but a regular worker, albeit now the director of the Head Flower Factory, she was still a free individual.

But she was indeed very capable. Over the past few months, she had negotiated several major deals for Ning County, and was currently in talks for an expansion project for the food processing factory. They planned to allocate a People’s Commune specifically for fruit tree cultivation, promising future revenues.

It was not that they hadn’t considered asking others to negotiate, but those they sent were either too arrogant or lacked the shrewdness and flexibility needed. Only when Shen Meng stepped in did the nearly botched deals get secured.