Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 169 Village Assembly
Wang Chengpeng's words last night were like a thunderclap, waking Wang Fucheng, who was almost succumbing to the temptation of a thousand yuan.

A thousand dollars seems like a lot, but it's still a long way from being enough to run a sugar factory.

Moreover, since Liu Guodong immediately asked for a thousand yuan, it proves that there is still a lot of room for negotiation, and the amount is far more than a thousand yuan.

Thinking this through, Wang Fucheng suddenly felt his mind clear. He had to continue complaining in order to get more production funds from the commune.

Thinking this, Wang Fucheng's expression remained unchanged, and he sighed heavily again, saying:
“Secretary Liu, I know you are a good secretary who cares about the people and works hard to do practical things for them.”

"It's just that I'm really not up to the task."

“That’s a sugar factory. I can’t even imagine how much equipment, money, manpower and resources it would take to build it from scratch.”

After speaking, Wang Fucheng picked up the petition on the table and brought up the old matter again:

"So many villagers signed it, so I guess I really failed as the production team leader."

“I’m too old and no longer able to lead Wangjia Village in production. It’s better to step down and give the position to someone who is truly capable.”

"I sent out a meeting notice to everyone before I came here this morning. I will apologize to everyone for this matter tonight and then resign directly to take responsibility."

"A meeting tonight?" Liu Guodong frowned subconsciously.

This seemingly urgent time belongs to Wang Fucheng, and also to Liu Guodong.

If a plan cannot be put forward during the day, and Wang Fucheng resigns to take responsibility, the matter will likely be completely ruined.

Thinking of this, he looked again at the "disheartened" Wang Fucheng and advised him:
"Old Wang, you're right. If people aren't united, it's hard to lead a team."

"Such a terrible thing happened in your village, and someone actually dared to drag the villagers down. It's really an eye-opener for me."

"Old Wang, you absolutely must not say anything about resigning again. You are worthy of being the production team leader of Wangjia Village, and you must continue to be the leader."

After saying that, Liu Guodong picked up the petition submitted by Song Zhiyuan, looked at the crooked and messy names on it, and sneered:

"This Song Zhiyuan has really gone too far, actually inciting the masses to wrongly accuse such a production team leader who is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the people."

"It seems there's something wrong with his background. We need to investigate him thoroughly. There are some treacherous individuals infiltrating the team. This is a big deal."

"As for the sugar factory, I know you're having difficulties, Lao Wang. The development funds of one thousand yuan are indeed a bit tight."

"However, as you know, the commune doesn't have much funding each year, so it really can't come up with much money."

"How about this, I'll transfer some funds from other projects and give you 1,500 yuan."

At this point, Liu Guodong patted Wang Fucheng on the shoulder again and said earnestly:
“Old Wang, I know this is a heavy responsibility, but only you can shoulder it. I don’t trust anyone else to do it.”

"Don't refuse, just consider it helping your brother out."

Wang Chengpeng's words were a wake-up call, waking Wang Fucheng up and making him realize that he had indeed underestimated the sugar factory's importance in Liu Guodong's eyes.

Since the other party offered to help, they were playing the emotional card.

This was a favor from the commune secretary, and within the commune, it was far more effective than favors from other people.

Although he knew that complaining a little more would bring more benefits to Wangjia Village, Wang Fucheng also knew the principle of moderation, and stopping him here was the best time.

As for Song Zhiyuan's situation? Once Liu Guodong labels him as having problematic class background, his fate is predictable. He'll be severely punished, if not killed. At the very least, he'll have no chance of continuing as the village chief.

Thinking this, Wang Fucheng forced a smile that was more like a grimace, and said:
“Since Secretary Liu has said so, no matter how heavy the burden is, I must take it on.”

"Tonight I have to give everyone an explanation in front of everyone, but I don't know how to explain it."

"After all, I guess everyone's waiting to see me make a fool of myself tonight, especially..."

Wang Fucheng didn't spell it out explicitly, but the meaning was clear: he needed Liu Guodong's support.

Otherwise, how could a production team leader who was almost universally targeted by the villagers possibly lead everyone to open a sugar factory tonight?

Immediately understanding Wang Fucheng's meaning, Liu Guodong smiled and said, "Old Wang, I understand what you mean."

"I'll send some men to Wangjia Village tonight, and I guarantee they'll make you proud."

"By the way, what do you plan to name your sugar factory?"

"To avoid any unforeseen complications, I will send someone to arrange production funds for you shortly."

"As you know, this matter should be handled sooner rather than later, otherwise we might not be able to get 1,500 yuan anymore."

"Although this amount of money is not much, it is still the commune's support for your village."

"Old Wang, try to overcome the difficulties and get the sugar factory up and running as soon as possible. That would be a great achievement."

"Haven't you always wanted to advance? With the achievements at the sugar factory, why shouldn't you advance?"

After Wang Chengpeng's reminder, Wang Fucheng kept showing signs of wanting to quit. To avoid any unforeseen complications, Liu Guodong actually took the initiative to force him into the job and even started making empty promises.

Of course, whether Wang Fucheng can actually get his hands on this pancake depends on whether he can successfully develop the sugar factory.

Though inwardly overjoyed, Wang Fucheng outwardly wore a worried expression and said:

"I really have no idea whether this sugar factory can be set up or not."

"But now we're being forced into this situation; we have no choice but to make it work."

"On behalf of the entire Wangjia Village production team leader, I would like to express my gratitude to Secretary Liu."

"With this production fund, Wangjia Village will face fewer difficulties in building the sugar factory."

"As for the name of the sugar factory?"

At this point, Wang Fucheng subconsciously looked out the window at the sky, where a bird was flying by, soaring through the air.

As if he had a sudden realization, Wang Fucheng said, "How about we name it Dapeng? We hope that the sugar factory can soar like the roc and have a bright future."

Hearing the name Wang Fucheng mentioned, Liu Guodong was somewhat surprised and said:

"I thought you would name the sugar factory something like Fucheng or Zhongyong, after all, it's a very prestigious brand."

"But Dapeng is a good bird, soaring ninety thousand miles high. I hope that Dapeng Sugar Factory can also have such momentum in its development."

"Okay, it's settled then."

"Go out and call Secretary Zhou over. I'll arrange for him to help you secure the production funds right now."

"As for tonight's meeting, you don't need to worry. I will never let down a cadre who serves the people."

"As for certain bad elements who undermine the will of the masses, they will also receive their due punishment."

Liu Guodong's words have essentially sealed Song Zhiyuan's fate, and it's clear that a great show is about to begin tonight.

……

Tonight's occasion seems even larger than the previous family representative meeting; Wang Fucheng stated in the notification that there was no limit to the number of attendees. Clearly, this invisible war has reached a tense moment.

However, only a very few people know that the real victor is not Song Zhiyuan, who appears to have the upper hand on the surface.

After a brief discussion, Wang Tieshan decided to go to the meeting with Wang Chengpeng this time.

After all, he was also curious as to why Wang Fucheng was able to make such a big fuss this time.

Such a large meeting is a rare event in the village, so a great many people attended.

Wang Chengpeng's family lived some distance from the village office building, and it wasn't convenient to ride bicycles at this time of day. By the time the two arrived, the building was already full of people.

The discussions were incessant, creating a great deal of noise.

"Pengzi, over here, over here."

Just as Wang Chengpeng was hesitating about whether to find a seat randomly, he heard the familiar voice again.

Looking up, he saw Wang Zidong waving at him.

I remember the last time I watched a movie, I was also drawn there by a similar voice, and then...

After greeting Grandpa Jianhua, Wang Chengpeng sat down next to Wang Zidong, while his father, Wang Tieshan, sat beside him.

There was still some time before the official start of the conference, and the villagers were restless, discussing what might happen.

"Today's meeting was convened by Captain Wang. Considering what happened last time, there's going to be a good show."

"You still want this person who harmed our entire village to be the team leader? Does he deserve it?"

“If anyone in our Wangjia Village goes hungry this year, it’s all the fault of the ‘Captain Wang’ you’re talking about.”

"You can't talk so much. Our Wangjia Village's annual output is always among the top in the commune, and Captain Wang deserves a lot of credit for that."

"We can't let one mistake negate all his achievements, can we?"

"Director Song went a bit too far this time. He wouldn't let go of such a small matter and managed to get a joint petition sent to the commune."

"A small matter? That's a big deal that could starve the whole village."

"In my opinion, Director Song is right. Wang Fucheng is just old and his eyesight is failing. He should step down and make way for a more capable person."

"You're really brave to make such a fuss about Captain Wang."

"Even if Captain Wang has retired, his son is still the captain of the militia. He's not someone we ordinary folks can mess with."

"When gods fight, mortals suffer. We shouldn't talk nonsense, or we might get retaliated against later."

"Nonsense? You really don't see the situation clearly. Now is the best time to choose sides."

“Wang Zhong’s father lost his position as production team leader, so how long can he remain as the militia leader?”

"Are you out of your mind? How dare you say something like that?"

"Putting everything else aside, since Wang Zhong became the militia captain, the security in Wangjia Village has indeed improved a lot."

"On this point alone, there's nothing to criticize about him."

"Hehe, you're such a coward."

"The good public security is because our Wangjia Village has a simple and honest folk culture. What does it have to do with Wang Zhong?"

"Believe it or not, even if I were to become the militia captain, the village's security would only improve."

"Alright, enough with the chit-chat."

"What do you think was the main purpose of Wang Fucheng's meeting today? Was it to clarify or apologize?"

"Clarify? What can he use to clarify? It's a fact that he led us to grow cheap sugar beets on a large scale."

"It should be an apology, an apology in front of almost everyone in Wangjia Village, begging for everyone's forgiveness."

"Let's be merciful and let him barely manage to spend his old age in obscurity."

Who could possibly make such an outrageous statement? Wang Chengpeng looked around and, sure enough, saw a familiar figure – none other than Song Weimin.

Perhaps feeling confident of victory, Song Weimin went to extreme lengths to slander Wang Fucheng.

I wonder how interesting his expression will be after he finds out the truth.

The conference had not officially started, but someone had already begun to steal the show. It was Song Zhiyuan who had arrived just before the conference began.

Picking up the microphone, Song Zhiyuan cleared his throat twice before calmly beginning to speak:

"Thank you all for coming to the meeting today, but before the meeting officially begins, there are some things I must say."

"Just now, I heard some unpleasant voices in the crowd, which were malicious slanders against Captain Wang."

"Captain Wang has served as the production team leader in our Wangjia Village for many years, and the village's production has always been among the best in the commune. His achievements are obvious to all."

"Although he did make some mistakes this time, let's not dwell on them and be more forgiving."

To destroy something, you must first drive it mad.

Looking at Song Zhiyuan, who was full of vigor on the stage, Wang Chengpeng felt that he was mad to the point of being terrifying.

Just how confident was he to jump out and declare victory before everything was even settled?

But it doesn't matter, Wang Chengpeng came here today to watch a good show.

The more confident Song Zhiyuan appeared at this moment, the more pathetic he became when he was humiliated and forced off the stage.

Sure enough, no sooner had Song Zhiyuan finished speaking than Song Weimin began to play the role of a shill, stirring up trouble in the crowd by saying:

"Director Song is such a good person. Even at a time like this, he still remembers to protect the old and blind Wang Fucheng."

"He made one mistake: letting the whole village go hungry is not a trivial matter that can be taken lightly; it is a serious matter that absolutely cannot be tolerated."

"If Wang Fucheng admits his mistake and shows a good attitude today, we can let him off the hook. Otherwise, we must make him explain properly about the matter of planting sugar beets with everyone."

Under Song Weimin's leadership, public opinion almost unanimously sided with Song Zhiyuan.

Although the conference had not officially started and Wang Fucheng had not yet arrived at the venue, he was already at a natural disadvantage.

However, just as the atmosphere of the conference had reached this point, Song Zhiyuan abruptly changed the subject and shouted:

"Is Comrade Wang Tieshan here? If so, please stand up and speak."

(End of this chapter)