Chapter 1059: Hand Vote
This somewhat distant relationship is quite nice. But the girls still envy Zheng Mingzhu; after all, she has the courage to get married.
They’re all waiting for news from home now; it will take at least two months to get a reply.
In the evening, Li Yungui lay on the kang and told his wife about Zheng Jixian’s niece.
"She’s a cheerful girl, good height, good looks. I’ve agreed with Zheng Jixian that in a few days, he’ll bring her over for you to meet."
"Hmm, if she really is as nice as you say, when our eldest comes back, we’ll let them meet.
You see, even Hong Lin has become a father, I’m really envious."
"Don’t rush, maybe it’s not the right time for our child’s marriage."
"How can I not be anxious, just afraid the good girls will all be taken."
"There’s nothing lacking in our eldest; you don’t have to worry.
And here we might have a good match; I bet you’ll like her at first sight."
"Hmm, we’ll see, there’s no rush for Chaoyang’s marriage, but things should be a bit clearer."
"There’s no rush about Chaoyang; the second son has been out and about, seen a lot, won’t necessarily fancy anyone in the village."
"But our family’s situation is obvious: we’re just rural people. I’m afraid Chaoyang’s expectations might be too high."
"His teacher and Teacher Jiang would never let him remain a bachelor; they’ll surely intervene. You just need to focus on our eldest now."
"Sigh, when the children were young, we wished for them to grow up fast, and now that they’re grown, we worry about their marriages. There’s never a moment’s peace."
"Haven’t I told you, children have their own destiny; why overthink? Just go to sleep."
The days in Li Family Village pass like this, unhurried and deliberate.
But Wang Shulin is very anxious. The second batch of corn has been planted, but the public grain hasn’t been delivered yet. Taking advantage of good weather, it’s best to dry it quickly.
There’s still the money owed to Li Yungui, truly feeling embarrassed about it.
The first batch of wheat has dried. Filling a whole tractor full of wheat, Wang Shulin planned for two trips a day. In four days, everything would be delivered.
He went with the first transport, taking a few boxes of good cigarettes from home; this is something that needs to be prepared every year.
It went smoothly; after all, Jin Family Village was the third to deliver the public grain.
In these four days, Wang Shulin felt more exhausted than doing four days of labor. But finally, the public grain was delivered smoothly.
On the fifth day, he got the payment. But in the evening, he became very angry.
Secretary Zhou actually suggested not repaying Li Yungui yet, to gather more money and buy another tractor.
"Bro, I can’t bring myself to say that. The purchase of this tractor relies on Li Family Village. We waited a year for our first machine, and it was only when they made a call that we got it."
"Shulin, don’t rush. I’m doing this for the village’s future. When we have three tractors, planting wheat will be much easier."
"Bro, you can’t handle it this way; there won’t be a next time.
They don’t need us; it’s us who need their help.
Their land was prioritized, unlike other villages. Given such consideration, how could I ask that question?
I also understand that having an extra tractor can save us money in a year, but what if they don’t help with the purchase? Aren’t we just back to queuing?"
The people who came with the village secretary were all silent.
"If they’re willing to do it, why can’t we?"
"Alright, since you say so, it’s your responsibility now. I’ll talk to Li Yungui myself about the delay in repayment."
"Shulin, how could you say that? We’re doing this for everyone!"
"For everyone, we lose our reputation and dignity?" Wang Shulin asked coldly.
That accusation fell hard, and no one dared to speak. What he said was a bit harsh.
But now, trust is incredibly significant.
"Fine, it’s like I never said anything."
"Come on, as the chairman of Jin Family Village, I should listen to everyone’s opinion. Let’s hold a meeting now and vote by a show of hands. If everyone agrees not to repay, then we won’t repay."
Wang Shulin knew Secretary Zhou’s nature. He wouldn’t allow himself to be blamed later for opposing the purchase of another tractor.
It was dinner time. The people of Jin Family Village, hearing the bell, were puzzled about what happened at this hour? Was there an emergency?
Because it was warm, despite the mosquitoes, no one cared much. So, they gathered for a meeting in front of the big bell.
On this clear night, the moon was bright, but faces were not visible.
Wang Shulin stood up, seeing almost everyone had arrived.
"I’ve asked everyone to come because there’s something we need to gather opinions on."
"Village chief, what’s it about? Speak quickly, the mosquitoes are biting."
"Here’s the situation. We haven’t paid Li Family Village for the expenses of the second batch of corn.
I told Li Yungui we’re buying a tractor, hence, no initial payment, since the money was pooled by a few of us.
Now, Secretary Zhou suggests not repaying Li Family Village immediately, so we can buy an extra tractor.
Just so you know, our first tractor was bought because Li Family Village called the factory; we actually waited a year for it.
Even this time, the purchase is with their help, and together we’re initiating it.
Let’s discuss this now and make a decision today."
Wang Shulin stepped aside to smoke. What a mess! If this reputation spreads, who would want to be involved with Jin Family Village in the future? Fearing it might affect proposing marriage for young men from Jin Family Village.
Someone in the crowd suddenly spoke, "It’s okay to owe Li Family Village first; we’re not saying we won’t repay."
"Ergou, you’re talking nonsense, not keeping promises? Typical of you; when borrowing money from relatives, you always wait until they block your door to pay. Can you still find someone to lend you money now?" Immediately, an elder in the village scolded him.
The elder continued, "Everyone, think carefully. Reputation is at stake; who would want to associate with us in the future?"
Now everyone realized, indeed, there was dissatisfaction with the Li Family Village profiting so much. Resentment lurked within.
Wang Shulin knew their mindset, which was why he convened the meeting.
He was annoyed by this pointless dilemma.
Fewer people now spoke.
After finishing a draw of smoke, Wang Shulin spoke again, "Let’s vote by raising hands. Hold your hand up high.
Who’s in favor of not repaying? Accountant, take note."
Indeed, a part of the attendees raised their hands, but they were a minority.
About thirty people agreed not to repay. Wang Shulin remembered them, planning to assign them the hardest tasks tomorrow - they shouldn’t get away with this so easily, ungrateful wolves.