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

Chapter 270 You dare compare yourself to him?

Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Wang Xia'an strode forward like a hero:

"I think Captain Wang is absolutely right. This fire should be lit by young and capable people so that our Dapeng Sugar Factory can thrive and flourish."

"So I think it's better if I'm the one who lights this fire."

Finally, Wang Xia'an gave Wang Chengpeng a provocative look and said:
"Cousin, do you think I'm right?"

Wang Chengpeng found Wang Xia'an utterly inexplicable. He hadn't even acknowledged him, yet Wang Xia'an still attacked him like an ill-mannered stray dog.

Even he, with his good temper, couldn't help but speak up:

"Oh? When you say you have the ability, do you mean the ability that prevented you from even passing the first test?"

"With someone as 'powerful' as you starting this fire, I'm genuinely worried about the future of the sugar factory."

"Some people should have some self-awareness and not do anything that would make everyone unhappy on such a joyous occasion."

Even without Wang Chengpeng's guidance, many people were already casting dissatisfied glances at Wang Xia'an.

His forced reassignment of the quota had already caused dissatisfaction among many villagers, and now that he had jumped out at this time, it naturally aroused public indignation.

For a time, voices condemning him were heard everywhere.

However, Wang Xia'an didn't feel embarrassed at all when listening to these voices.

He only remembered his father Wang Jinshan's teachings: as long as there is a benefit to be gained, don't worry about anything else.

If he started this fire today, as long as Dapeng Sugar Factory still exists, everyone will say that he started it.

Thinking this, Wang Xia'an straightened her chest a little more and said:
"I have the ability, otherwise I wouldn't have been given the number one job."

At this point, Wang Xia'an rushed onto the stage and snatched the torch from Wang Fucheng's hand.

But before his hand could even touch the torch, it was stopped by a pair of strong hands, and he could not move forward an inch.

Just kidding, how could such an important event as the factory opening ceremony be without militia guards?

Upon realizing something was amiss, Wang Hai immediately stepped forward and stopped Wang Xia'an, who was plotting something sinister.

Wang Xia'an, who had been stopped, glared at Wang Hai and said, "Wang Hai, what do you mean?"

"Captain Wang said that this fire should be started by an ambitious young man like me, how dare you stop me?"

Wang Fucheng gave Wang Chengpeng an apologetic look. He hadn't expected such an oddball as Wang Xia'an to appear, and immediately shouted:
"Wang Xia'an, do you know what you're doing right now?"

“If you step down now, I can pretend you’re young and naive, and that this incident never happened.”

However, Wang Xia'an showed no appreciation whatsoever, and said with full resistance:

"Captain Wang, how can you be so biased?"

“Since Wang Chengpeng can start this fire, then I, Wang Xia’an, can start it too.”

"If you don't explain clearly why you wanted Wang Chengpeng to light the fire, I'm not going to stay here any longer."

Wang Xia'an's unreasonable behavior immediately provoked public outrage, and the crowd below the stage began to condemn him. However, he didn't care and instead felt that he was a hero who was leading the fight against inequality.

Seeing that the situation was escalating, Wang Fucheng immediately issued an order, saying:

"Wang Hai, drag this idiot out of the sugar factory gate."

"Anyone who dares to cause trouble will be dealt with in the same way."

How could Wang Fucheng, who had become the production team leader, be a kind-hearted person? After his attempts to dissuade him failed, he immediately resorted to swift and decisive measures.

Seeing that Wang Xia'an still seemed somewhat unconvinced, Wang Fucheng added, "..."
"Gag him."

The crowd initially had some reservations about Wang Xia'an's audacity, but after seeing Wang Fucheng's exaggerated handling of the situation, they all frowned.

Someone even whispered, "Wang Xia'an may have gone a bit too far, but she doesn't deserve to be treated like that."

"After all, he was right. It was Wang Fucheng who first suggested that the young talents go up and light the fire."

"Yes, Captain Wang is being a bit too domineering. He even shut Wang Xia'an up."

"Does he intend to silence all of us? That's too much..."

"..."

Hearing the murmurs of the crowd, Wang Fucheng gave Wang Chengpeng an apologetic look.

He originally meant well, intending to let Wang Chengpeng enjoy the honor he deserved, but he never expected to get him involved in this turmoil.

If this matter is not handled properly, it will not have much impact on Wang Fucheng's family, but it will definitely have a huge impact on Wang Chengpeng's family.

Thinking this, Wang Fucheng took a deep breath, handed the torch to Wang Yong, and then walked off the stage.

After stepping off the stage, Wang Fucheng didn't go anywhere. Instead, he went straight to Wang Chengpeng, pulled him back onto the stage, and said:
"Only Wang Chengpeng can light this fire. No one else can do it, I'm telling you!"

Just as everyone was about to question his domineering attitude and whether he was indeed having an affair with Wang Chengpeng, Wang Fucheng continued in a strong and resonant voice:
"Isn't everyone curious about who came up with the brilliant idea of ​​using beets to make sugar to the village?"

"And who was it that selflessly shared the sugar-making method from beets, and even suggested that the village set up a sugar factory to improve the lives of the villagers?"

"This person is none other than Comrade Wang Chengpeng, who is standing on the stage now."

"It can be said that without Comrade Wang's strong support, there would be no Dapeng Sugar Factory today!"

"Isn't everyone wondering why the sugar factory is named Dapeng?"

"That is because the person who made selfless contributions and silently devoted himself to our Wangjia Village was Comrade Wang Chengpeng."

"I'll say it again: let Comrade Wang Chengpeng light the fire. Does anyone have any objections?"

As soon as Wang Fucheng finished speaking, the entire audience erupted in uproar.

There were many different opinions about this matter in Wangjia Village, with people speculating about who it was, but no one expected that the real person in charge was the low-key and inconspicuous Wang Chengpeng.

Wang Chengpeng's parents, who were standing in the crowd full of worry, froze on the spot upon hearing these words, their eyes instantly turning red.

Wang Tieshan's lips trembled slightly as he muttered to himself:

"I knew my Cheng Peng was going to be successful, but I never imagined he would do something so big!"

Liu Chunhua raised her hand to wipe away her tears, her face full of pride and satisfaction, as if to say, "Look, my son is really capable!"

Xia Mingyue was clearly taken aback, obviously surprised by Wang Fucheng's words.

She had wondered countless times who this genius, who was more capable than her and could apply the knowledge from books to practical use, but she never expected that the genius had always been right in front of her.

Looking at Wang Chengpeng standing on the stage, her eyes held a hint of admiration. Wang Zidong's expression at this moment was extremely interesting. He remembered a joke he had once made with Wang Chengpeng, asking if the name of the Dapeng Sugar Factory was chosen because of Wang Chengpeng.

At the time, I thought it was just a coincidence, but I never expected that the truth would be so unbelievable, as bizarre as a story in a novel.

After the initial shock, he jumped up and shouted:
"I knew it! Cheng Peng is definitely capable!"

"I never saw him come to the fields to earn work points on weekdays, so I thought he was just lazy and good-for-nothing. Turns out it was for this!"

"Pengzi, I support you. You should be the one to start this fire."

As he shouted, he excitedly patted the shoulders of the people around him, his face beaming with pride, as if he were also benefiting from the glory.

The passersby, who had been whispering about Wang Fucheng's handling of the situation and feeling that his methods were somewhat unfair, were now speechless with astonishment.

Some people opened their mouths wide, unable to utter a word for a long time;
Some people whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with surprise and admiration.

"No wonder! So the sugar factory was able to operate entirely thanks to him!"

"Yes, we misunderstood Captain Wang."

"I told him how he could get first place in the test. He's always been such a talented person."

"I was wondering why Wang Chengpeng wasn't here to earn work points. Turns out he was busy at home researching how to promote the economic development of our entire Wangjia Village. He's quite a capable person!"

"Wang Chengpeng is amazing! He's a role model for our village."

"What's wrong with Wang Xia'an? Doesn't he know his own strength? Does he even deserve to be compared with Wang Chengpeng?"

Everyone chimed in with their own words, praising Wang Chengpeng while also expressing disdain for Wang Xia'an.

At the entrance of Dapeng Sugar Factory, Wang Xia'an's face turned pale and then red upon hearing these words.

His once upright chest collapsed instantly, his eyes filled with resentment and frustration.

He clenched his teeth, his fists clenched tightly, feeling both angry and resentful, yet speechless.

He never imagined that Wang Chengpeng would be the key figure in establishing the sugar factory; all his troubles seemed like a joke.

He even said he wanted to compete with him in terms of strength, but he's probably not even worthy of carrying Wang Chengpeng's shoes.

Thinking this, Wang Xia'an gave up struggling and slumped helplessly to the ground.

With a helpless smile, Wang Chengpeng thought to himself that he was such a low-key person, yet he was always forced to become the focus of everyone's attention.

Upon receiving the torch, Wang Chengpeng immediately prepared to light it.

Now that his actions have been exposed, there is no need for him to keep a low profile any longer—this is the honor he deserves!
This time, no one dared to interfere with Wang Chengpeng's decision to start the fire.

As the flames came into contact with the fuse, they spread rapidly, and the opening ceremony of Dapeng Sugar Factory proceeded smoothly.

Firecrackers crackled and popped, red paper scraps flew everywhere, and the air was filled with the strong smell of gunpowder—a smell full of hope and vitality.

At this moment, the village's loudspeaker broadcasted rousing revolutionary songs, the melody echoing throughout the factory area, symbolizing that today was a good day.

The villagers' faces beamed with pride. They knew that from this moment on, Dapeng Sugar Factory would become the beacon of hope that would change the village's fate and lead them toward a brighter future.

Just as the factory opening ceremony was in full swing, a group of people, also beating drums and gongs, walked over from afar.

Upon closer inspection, the person in the lead was none other than Yue Zhiyong.
As agreed, he and Wang Zhong came specifically to present Wang Chengpeng with a banner.

However, when they arrived at Wang Chengpeng's house, they were surprised to find it completely empty.

It was at this moment that the sound of firecrackers crackling and popping rang out in the distance, creating quite a lively atmosphere.

At this moment, Wang Zhongcai belatedly remembered the opening ceremony of Dapeng Sugar Factory and said:

"Today is a big day for the village. Our village's sugar factory is starting operations."

"Comrade Wang is a major contributor to the establishment of the sugar factory, and we can't do without him on such an important day."

Looking at Wang Zhong with curiosity, Yue Zhiyong asked, puzzled:

"This Comrade Wang knows about sugar making? I thought he was just talented in investigation."

"The reason why Bi Jun's matter was resolved so quickly is largely thanks to Comrade Wang's help."

"If he hadn't produced that crucial piece of evidence, this matter probably wouldn't have ended anytime soon, and the person behind it might have even gotten away with it."

Although Wang Chengpeng's act of sending evidence to Song Wenxin was kept secret, it could not be hidden from the two parties involved.

The gold nugget that could serve as evidence couldn't possibly have been hidden by them; it could only have been Wang Chengpeng, who arrived earlier than them.

Thinking of this, Yue Zhiyong couldn't help but sigh once again:
"Comrade Wang is truly bold and meticulous. If he could join our team, he would be able to rid the people of many pests."

Shaking his head slightly, Wang Zhong said with a smile, "The Comrade Wang you're talking about is quite capable. Don't even think about poaching someone from our village."

“Take this sugar factory for example. From its inception to its current state, he was involved in almost every aspect of it.”

"If our Wangjia Village becomes prosperous in the future, he will definitely be the one to deserve the most credit."

There are many ways to benefit the people, so why must he choose the one you mentioned?

Despite Wang Zhong's persuasion, Yue Zhiyong did not respond, clearly indicating that he had not given up on the idea.

The two rode their bicycles at a fast pace, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of Dapeng Sugar Factory.

Looking at Wang Xia'an, who was being held down on the ground, Yue Zhiyong asked with some curiosity:
"Comrade Wang, what has this young comrade done to deserve such treatment from you?"

Wang Hai smiled and explained, "It's nothing, he's just a bit out of touch with reality and doesn't know his own limitations."

"We let him calm down here, and he seems to be much better now."

"By the way, you police officers wouldn't come to this remote place unless it's absolutely necessary, so what case has happened?"

Giving Wang Hai a knowing look, Yue Zhiyong asked:

"We're here to see Comrade Wang Chengpeng. Is he at the sugar factory?"

Upon hearing that the two police officers in front of him were looking for Wang Chengpeng, Wang Xia'an immediately softened and hardened up again, shouting:
"I knew Wang Chengpeng wasn't a good person."

"Officers, you're here to arrest Wang Chengpeng, right? He's inside. You'd better hurry."

As he said this, a hint of pleasure flashed in Wang Xia'an's eyes when he looked at Wang Chengpeng standing on the high platform.

So what if you're capable? You'll still get arrested by the police.

Especially if you get arrested by the police in such a public place, your reputation will be completely ruined.

(End of this chapter)