Chapter 121: Chapter 121: Getting Closer, Something to Say

Perhaps they had suffered much misfortune, and perhaps they had once despaired for the future. But at this moment, they were, in a way, fortunate. For in this lifetime, they had youthful romance when they were young, mutual support in middle age, and would grow old together until their hair turned white...

That was something many people could never have.

Zhao Nuanyue hadn’t had that in her past life. It was something she longed for, but could never attain.

’In this life, I’ve held onto kindness, helped others, and done good deeds. Will I be rewarded for it?’

’I want to protect my little brother!’

’I want someone to love, and a family to call my own!’

They were simple wishes, yet she knew she would have to give her all, to push forward relentlessly, just to make them come true.

Hua Yusen was also deeply moved. As his gaze fell upon Zhao Nuanyue’s face, his heart filled with a sweet yet melancholic feeling.

’When could he and Zhao Nuanyue embrace so tightly? To hold each other openly, to care for one another without hiding.’

Everyone who heard the news was happy for Old Madam Qian and Old Sir Qian. At the same time, they hoped their own families, far away, were also safe and sound.

Just then, Wu Dazhu’s voice drifted over from up ahead. "Mr. Zhao, you stay here and look after the two elders. Mr. Hua, you come with me. Miao wants to see you about something."

Hua Yusen was taken aback for a moment, then said politely, "Alright. The elders seem to be stable. I’ll go with you. Mr. Zhao, I’ll leave this in your hands. Please take good care of them and make sure nothing goes wrong. After all, this is a task the village has entrusted to us."

"Yes, Mr. Hua," Zhao Nuanyue replied, her expression earnest and serious.

The attitude of both Hua Yusen and Zhao Nuanyue was very pleasing to Wu Dazhu. Ever since he had taken his post, some villagers had been making cynical remarks. But by helping these young people and the elders, he had earned some real credit, which had quickly solidified his position in the village.

Moreover, the respect these volunteers showed him confirmed that his methods and his approach to the work were on the right track.

As the two men left the Dragon King Temple, Hua Yusen felt a little apprehensive, not knowing what might have happened in the village. He decided to fish for some information. He pulled a cigarette from his inner pocket and offered it to the other man. "Brother Dazhu, a friend gave these to me over the New Year. Have one. We can talk while we walk."

Wu Dazhu’s eyes lit up at the sight of the manufactured cigarette. He swallowed hard. He was a regular smoker, but what kind of factory-rolled cigarettes could you find in the countryside? They couldn’t afford them anyway. He just grew a bit of tobacco in his yard and rolled it up in paper to satisfy his craving.

"Heh heh, well then, I won’t be shy about accepting this kind gesture from you, Hua," Wu Dazhu chuckled, taking the cigarette. Hua Yusen promptly took out a match and lit it for him. Wu Dazhu took a deep drag, a look of pure bliss on his face. "Ah, yes! The stuff from the city is still the best!"

"Brother Dazhu, if you like them, I have half a pack left. Please, take it," Hua Yusen said, pulling the half-full pack from his pocket and pressing it into Wu Dazhu’s hand.

Wu Dazhu was taken aback and quickly tried to refuse. "This is good stuff! I can’t take it, I can’t."

"I don’t smoke anyway. If I keep them, they’ll just get damp and go to waste," Hua Yusen said with a smile. "And wasting things is a bad habit. Just consider it helping a younger brother avoid making a mistake. Don’t refuse. If someone sees us, who knows what they’ll think we’re up to!"

Since Hua Yusen had put it that way, Wu Dazhu had no choice but to accept. His spirits lifted immediately. ’It really is good to be an official,’ he thought, ’people give you gifts.’ Even though it was only half a pack, he couldn’t buy them himself without the right ration tickets. The two packs Uncle Miao had were sent to him by his son.

"Heh heh, alright then. I’ll take them," Wu Dazhu said with a grin. Now that he’d accepted a favor, he couldn’t just take it for nothing. He glanced around, and seeing no one, lowered his voice. "I won’t treat you like a stranger. The reason Miao Cunzheng wants to see you is to discuss the matter with Wang Dadan and Li Siming. As for the specific plan, that I don’t know."

A grateful look appeared on Hua Yusen’s face. "Brother Dazhu, you know it’s not easy for us volunteers, being so far from home. We understand the saying that ’even a mighty dragon can’t crush a native serpent,’ but these particular ’serpents’ have gone too far. Not only do they oppose us young people and constantly try to frame us, but they also go after... those other people, again and again. I just feel like something isn’t right. Now that Miao Cunzheng has summoned me, I’m not sure if I should speak my mind or not."

Wu Dazhu paused, thinking for a moment. He recalled what Miao Cunzheng had said earlier and smiled. "Mr. Hua, as long as it’s for the good of the village, there’s nothing you can’t say in front of our Miao Dahai. The reason Miao Cunzheng has been the village chief of Nianqiao Village for so many years is because he’s good at listening to the villagers and is wholeheartedly dedicated to this place. So, if you have something to say, just say it."

Hua Yusen was glad to hear this. He nodded and said, "Yes, I’ve been here for half a year, and I’ve certainly found that you and Uncle Miao are both good men. You never bully the villagers and you always consider their interests in everything you do. You’re good cadres."

Wu Dazhu was ecstatic at Hua Yusen’s praise. This was true recognition.

"You’re too kind, too kind," Wu Dazhu said with a wave of his hand, though the smile on his face only grew wider. "Heh, actually, I see it very clearly. People in our position are villagers of Nianqiao Village first, and public servants second. If you always consider things from the villagers’ perspective, you’ll earn their respect."

"Yes, that’s an excellent way to think," Hua Yusen praised. "Although I haven’t been in Nianqiao Village for very long, I feel that Wang Dadan and Li Siming are completely out of step with the spirit of this place. It’s like they’re determined to oppose Miao Dahai and the rest of the village. It doesn’t matter if they are village cadres or not—they’re always finding new ways to stir up trouble."

"Sigh. To be honest, that Wang Dadan has always coveted Miao Dahai’s position. He’s been dreaming of lording over everyone for a long time," Wu Dazhu said. Seeing that Hua Yusen was a tactful young man who was getting more involved in village governance, he decided not to hide the truth from him.

"Oh, if that’s the case, it would explain Wang Dadan’s behavior." Hua Yusen wore an expression of sudden understanding. "So, Wang Dadan is after the village chief’s position. But Li Siming doesn’t seem like a fool—he’s quite shrewd, in fact. Why would he be so close to Wang Dadan?"

In truth, Hua Yusen had already thoroughly investigated Wang Dadan and Li Siming. He was just pretending to be ignorant to build a better rapport with Wu Dazhu, giving the man a chance to show what he knew.

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