I was reborn without dreams

Chapter 151 Choice is greater than effort
The fact that the "Five Giants of Chengguan Town" during the mobile internet boom became widely known reflects an important message: the opportunity pool in agricultural counties and townships is very small and easily monopolized.

An opportunity pool can be employment opportunities, entrepreneurial opportunities, learning opportunities, and so on. It is naturally incomparable to a city.

Despite its various drawbacks, urbanization offers the most opportunities for individuals seeking a happy life, far surpassing any pastoral idyll.

Only those who are not engaged in agricultural work and are not engaged in agriculture are qualified to enjoy the "pastoral idyll" in the countryside. Those who are already living in agriculture and rural areas are merely a part of the "pastoral idyll".

In pursuit of their own happiness, they left Fengyi County for Pengcheng, Jicheng, and even Jiangning or the capital. They also felt that returning home might prevent them from becoming a background character or an intelligent NPC in the game "Pastoral Idyll," so they decided to return to Fengyi County to take a look.

You don't necessarily need to be the CEO of a listed company to be eligible to return to your hometown and contribute to its development.

A common man's sense of justice is enough.

Some feelings don't need to be spoken or written like those of literary figures; they either exist or they don't.

"Director Zhang, will you still be in Fengyi next year?"

"I do not know."

"..."

"I really don't know. I just do whatever I'm told to do."

"Ah this..."

As Uncle Zhang offered cigarettes to the "phoenix men" (men from humble backgrounds who achieve success in rural areas) of Fengyi County, he didn't hesitate at all, saying, "I'm not a local from Fengyi County, how can I stay here forever?"

"But you're still managing such a huge operation, including the school and the sand quarry."

"You can't just say things like that. You say I'm in charge of the school? I'm not in charge of the school. This school is under the jurisdiction of Pengcheng City, but now it's being managed by Fengyi County. My job is to ensure the smooth construction and operation of the school. How could I possibly be in charge of the school?"

"You can't just do the job and then wash your hands of it, can you?"

"I'm not some upright official. The affairs of Fengyi County are not my responsibility. I'm only responsible for getting people into schools and factories. I don't concern myself with anything else. If you don't believe me, go to Fengyi County and ask around. I'm very discreet and never overstep my bounds."

"..."

A middle-aged man who was the factory manager of a machinery factory in Pengcheng City suddenly looked at the workshop director who had come back with him with a depressed look, and said, "Director Zhang, if you come to Fengyi as the county magistrate, I'll work for you."

"Hahahaha... Are you trying to make me laugh my balls off? I've never even been a village chief for a single day, let alone a county magistrate. There's no way I'll ever be an official. This so-called director position was just some random title thrown at me by higher-ups. I don't know anything about being an official."

"..."

"..."

Although he is handsome, Uncle Zhang really has no experience in this area. With his limited qualifications, he is probably not even as experienced as a county magistrate who can perform crosstalk.

"Besides, I like to eat dog meat. If word gets out that I'm a 'dog meat county magistrate,' how embarrassing would that be for the organization? I know you mean well, but I appreciate your kindness. Wanting to develop our hometown doesn't mean we have to do anything special. Just come back during holidays and buy some local specialties."

"What if the school fails right after you leave?"

"That's a good thing."

"what?"

“That’s a good thing. My nephew once explained it to me: when a ‘Hope Primary School’ starts to decline, it means that the school has most likely completed its historical mission. In today’s society, there is a lot of mobility. People from small cities aspire to live in big cities, and people from rural areas aspire to live in cities. I don’t really understand what urbanization is, but I think if children move to the city, then the ‘Hope Primary School’ in the countryside can close down.”

Uncle Zhang flicked his cigarette ash, quite calmly, "Of course, that's another 'Hope Primary School,' run by my nephew. It's impossible for it to decline; it's bound to thrive. Its strength speaks for itself."

"..."

"..."

"..."

The group of "phoenix men" from Fengyi County who had gathered around were quite speechless. The guy in front of them was indeed good-looking, and although his speaking skills were a bit lacking, he could still explain his reasoning quite clearly.

No wonder all the men in his family, young and old, are quite willing to hang out with him.

Being good at getting things done is nothing; being good at talking is also not enough; being good at both getting things done and talking is truly impressive.

But I'm still quite frustrated.

To start a business, one must consider both historical opportunities and personal effort.

The former means "to help people through events," while the latter means "to help people achieve things."

For the "phoenix men" of Fengyi County, this "success through people" approach has all sorts of problems, such as "the tea cools when the person leaves" or "the policy ends when the person dies," but they live in the moment.

They only live a few years in their lives; the kind of "meritorious deeds that benefit the present and future generations" is not something they can touch.

The idealism of realists is both beautiful and tragic; they both oppose "Judge Bao" and applaud him.

This is not a contradiction.

On the other hand, Uncle Zhang, although he never went to university, lived a very carefree life. He occasionally kept things to himself, but only occasionally. Usually, he said whatever came to mind, regardless of the consequences. At least he enjoyed himself and felt good at the time, didn't he?

He acted this way towards Xu Xingchu, the principal of Port-au-Prince Middle School; he acted this way towards Qiu Jianmin, the "old company commander"; and he acted this way towards Liu Yuanshan, his close friend who was "exiled" to Peng Li.

Even when Uncle Zhang was dealing with the little kids at "Zhang An Hope Primary School," he acted the same way.

Living without feeling tired.

So, amidst their confusion and frustration, some of the "phoenix men" from Fengyi County went to the city to seek advice from old classmates or relatives.

I needed to consult with some people and discuss it. I also had some old classmates who were quite capable and had secured a minor official position in Jiangning City. We had a more in-depth exchange of opinions.

The main problem isn't when Zhang Zhengdong will leave, but rather figuring out when and how to keep him here.

The "phoenix man" from Fengyi County who is the factory director of a machinery factory in Pengcheng City has the most ideas, because the machinery factory has entered the countdown to closure.

"Guo Biao, how was your trip back to your hometown?"

"Not good."

In Puzikou District of Jiangning City, "farmhouse restaurants" have flourished, where you can eat all kinds of free-range chickens from the Jianghuai Province, as well as green-shelled chickens from the Dabie Mountains. A "steamed chicken in a clay pot" meal is more than enough for two people.

Even in winter, there are dried bamboo shoots available that year, with a very good umami flavor. Stir-fry them with dried cowpeas from the Jianghuai region that year and some salted pork, and enjoy them with a small glass of wine for a unique taste.

"That Director Zhang has no drive at all; he doesn't seem like he intends to stay in Fengyi for long."

"How so? Tell me, I'll listen."

"He's got another official title, the general manager of Fengyi County Building Materials Company. I was thinking if he could manage to run it well, I'd jump ship and work for him. I was even thinking of taking a workshop foreman with me. After the machinery factory merged and closed, my next job was supposed to be quality control at a company. Now I'm just starting to think about going back to my hometown to find something to do. Bye~~"

Guo Biao spread his hands, as if all his spirits had been drained away.

"Is it Zhang Zhengdong? He's been all over the news lately."

"It was because of the reports that I thought he was someone who wanted to do something for the people in the long term. He didn't even want to be the county magistrate, so what do you think he's thinking? Why doesn't he want to be the county magistrate?! You tell me! He's already the deputy general manager of Shazhou Education Investment Company! He's high enough in rank! Why doesn't he want to be the county magistrate?! Does he look down on our Fengyi County?! He just looks down on us! Why doesn't he want to be the county magistrate?!"

Bang bang bang bang bang...

When Director Guo spoke, he slammed his fist on the small table so loudly it was like a drummer in a gong and drum troupe. The owner of the "farmhouse inn" quickly lifted the curtain and served him another bowl of braised pork with taro as an apology.

"It's alright, it's alright, ma'am, we're fine. He's just holding a grudge, he'll be fine once he calms down. I'm so sorry, ma'am..."

The person accompanying him at the dinner kept smiling obsequiously, then turned to pour Guo Biao a full glass of wine, while peanut shells were scattered all over the table.

"You've come to the wrong person."

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is, you want to find Zhang Zhengdong and ask him to stay? That's impossible. Why did he go to Fengyi County? Think about it."

"Isn't it for investment purposes?"

"Who would invest in a place like Fengyi County? Let alone Fengyi County, even in Pengcheng City, have you ever seen anyone invest there except for equipment manufacturing-related companies? They'd be better off having their coal mines dug up by someone else."

"Then what did he go there for?"

"He was keeping an eye on the 'Zhang An Hope Primary School' project. The initial design for this primary school wasn't this big; it was just an ordinary Hope Primary School. But later, due to various reasons, it eventually became a super primary school project. This super primary school project was beyond the control of Fengyi County and Pengcheng City, which led to the involvement of the provincial youth development foundation. Anyway, in any case, they managed to bring this matter to fruition."

"So complicated?"

"Just listen to me."

The man continued to say to Director Guo, "This primary school, though named 'Hope Primary School,' is actually a special project investment plan. It involves projects from other provincial departments, such as labor protection, vocational skills training, and migrant worker employment… it's not just one or two entities. But the bulk of the investment isn't coming from the Youth Development Foundation. They contributed over three million yuan, breaking the province's single donation record. So, they need a reasonable and trustworthy official to oversee it, right?"

"..."

"Then, in Shazhou City, a team was set up to cooperate with the investor's 'Volunteer Targeted Training Program.' So when you get there, you'll find that there's no shortage of teachers, right? And there's also a complete training program for substitute teachers, as well as a re-employment and re-job training plan, right?"

"Uh...yes. I asked around there, and a lot of the teachers there were just recent graduates from teachers' colleges or normal schools. I thought they had been assigned here."

“Now, teacher training colleges don’t guarantee job placement, so you still have to take exams. This batch of teachers will work for one or two years, and then a new batch of teachers will come in. They are not allowed to stay in the same place for a long time; there is a high rotation and high mobility.”

"Why? Can't other people stay if they want to? I see some teachers have very good relationships with the children."

“Volunteer teachers are not allowed to develop deep feelings; these people are all going to ‘Zhang An Education’ for further training.”

"..."

At this point, Director Guo's mind went blank, and he mumbled, "Is it related to that 'three-time champion'...?"

"He provided the money; he hired the people; he set up the stage. So, could the security guards be replaced by outsiders? Zhang Zhengdong is his uncle. So now you understand why Shazhou City cooperated and the province took care of things, right? Because even if things end up in a mess, at least a primary school will be left. Pengcheng City can train teachers on its own later. However, it seems that there's no need to train teachers slowly now. 'Zhang An Hope Primary School' has no shortage of teachers, and there are many ways to do it."

"What about those mushrooms? I saw a whole team growing them, and they even get a share of the profits."

"In this matter, all I can say is that Zhang Zhengdong is indeed a remarkable person. He was in charge of making the decisions on a whim, while his incredibly resourceful nephew was in charge of covering for him. Do you think everyone can lead a production team to sell mushrooms and make over four million? Dream on."

"..."

The man poured Director Guo another glass of wine and continued, "Do you know how many companies his nephew, the 'three-time champion,' owns? You think it's just 'Zhang An Education'? There's also food, health products, training institutions, and second-hand equipment trading. Soon there will be driving schools, vocational schools, and private undergraduate universities. And if you add the increase in the number of students enrolled at 'Zhang An Hope Primary School' after the New Year, if he says we're eating mushrooms today, at least 30,000 people will follow suit; if he says we're eating ribs tomorrow, then 30,000 people will eat ribs together."

"so smart?"

"Which county magistrate has such power to command the winds and rain? Forcibly assigning tasks would only last three days at most. He's different; so many people are begging him to do things for them, do you think?"

The two raised their glasses and clinked them together. Director Guo's expression was somewhat complicated. "No wonder I saw a migrant worker skills training station next to the primary school construction site, with a sign that said Fengyi County. I was thinking that the county had some connections, but it turns out they were just using someone else's resources to their advantage."

"So you see, the people in Fengyi County aren't stupid, they all know. Let's put ourselves in Zhang Zhengdong's shoes, would you look up to a county magistrate of a poor county? Let's not talk about conscience, just future prospects."

"That must be..."

Factory Director Guo immediately became sullen and downed the rest of his drink in one gulp.

After they finished eating, the two ate the "steamed chicken in a clay pot" for a while. After they had calmed down a bit, Director Guo asked, "So what you meant by not keeping an eye on Director Zhang earlier... was that you wanted to find a way to get something out of his nephew, who was a 'three-time champion'?"

"I can't think of any good solutions; his nephew is a mad dog."

"..."

"I'm not making this up. In the entire Jiangning City, he doesn't give face to anyone. People only flatter him; I've never seen him flatter anyone else. There's even a piece of land in the city center specifically for building apartments for him, which will then be used as welfare housing for the highly educated people he recruits. How many other people would dare to think like that?"

"What should we do? Appease Director Zhang? He doesn't seem to have any hobbies other than eating dog meat. I've asked people in the county, and they say that when he first came here, even the city's 'beauty queens' went to entertain guests, but he didn't even glance at them. He's a truly upright person. He doesn't accept money or gifts; he just likes eating dog meat. I can't exactly keep him here for three to five years by giving him dog meat, can I?"

"Tsk, what's the rush? A solution can always be found, right?"

"You have the best brain, tell me, what's your idea? If possible, I'll go and try to find a solution."

"Well, I do have a crooked idea. You can listen to it first. I don't care if it's okay or not, since I'm currently in Jiangning."

"You speak first."

Director Guo, who was also a bit impatient, poured his old classmate a full glass of water and then listened attentively while rubbing peanuts between his fingers.

"So you're saying Zhang Zhengdong is a very upright person, right?"

"To be fair, his character is good." "Look, we can start by targeting local production teams that grow mushrooms to generate income, and also by targeting production teams near the sand quarry that aren't doing well. Here's how you do it: first, go to the mushroom-growing production teams and do a small survey; then go to the production teams around the sand quarry..."

"Mmm, mmm, mmm..."

After listening to his old classmate explain the reasons behind it, Director Guo nodded repeatedly, and his eyes soon began to light up.

Whether it was from the alcohol or the delicious chicken, Director Guo chuckled, "I feel this method will work. Director Zhang, aside from lacking ambition, is truly exceptional in his treatment of the people. I'll go back and discuss it with the others, and then we'll do it this way!"

"Don't tell anyone it was my idea!"

"Don't worry, don't worry, there was no recording. If I told people what happened at the dinner table, would anyone believe me?"

"You know nothing. Remember, after we finish this farm-style meal and leave this room, we won't have said a word. It's just a simple reunion between old classmates."

"Fine, I won't mention a word about it. It was all my idea, Guo Biao's, by myself. Is that alright?"

"drink wine."

"Come!"

Ding.

After clinking glasses, the two began to truly enjoy the food and drinks.

From November 27th to 29th, against the backdrop of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, the first Domestic Economists Forum was held. Experts at the forum will focus on analyzing and forecasting the socio-economic situation next year, and will also hold a special consultation report meeting on "National Preferential Policies, Grant Project Assistance, and Interest-Free (Subsidized) Financing".

Fang Daqiao participated in this high-level meeting for the first time as an "economist".

In short, he made a name for himself in Beijing by leveraging the support of his mentors at Jiangning University of Finance and Economics, along with the practical achievements of the "Zhang An Industry" enterprise alliance, using a "combination of theory and practice" approach.

If they don't come, they won't be able to get information about next year's "national preferential policies" so quickly, and as for free project assistance, they can forget about it and won't be able to get involved.

This guy from the Jingfang Bridge felt that his boss should learn from the "Taishan School" and set up his own business. Anyway, Jiangkou Province was full of scattered and disorganized people. If they could integrate their forces, the boss would be at the height of his power when he turned thirty, which would definitely be of great benefit to the country and society.

Anyway, that's what the old man thought. He's almost forty-eight, and if he doesn't start making some changes now, it'll be too late.

What he didn't know was that his trip to the capital was actually because someone intended to take him as a disciple and pass on their mantle to him.

It was only after arriving in Beijing that he learned someone wanted him to pursue a doctoral degree there.

However, while communicating with the boss, Zhang Da'an was arguing with his uncle. Even though they were in different rooms and separated by a phone receiver, he could hear the boss ranting about his uncle.

“I told you long ago, building materials are a quick way to make money, and it's bound to attract the attention of the locals. They can make money just by digging two tractors of mud; only a dog wouldn't know to dig. But you know, Uncle, there's no turning back now. Either suppress it from the start, or completely open it up and let the locals solve it internally. We're outsiders; it's not our place to worry about this. Do you know which way the Fengyi County government is headed? Now they're making a fuss, begging you for food, and you're just accepting everyone who comes? Do you think you're a saint?”

“I’ve seen it. There is indeed muddy water seeping into the local production team’s small river. Irrigation water can’t have a high sand content, right? So later the isolation area was expanded, and the entire area along the irrigation canal leading to the Da Sha River was designated as a sand quarry…”

Uncle Zhang explained the current situation in detail. The sand quarry is not located directly at the current location of the Da Sha River, but rather in the old riverbed where the Yellow River used to flood.

The location is slightly west and up, and it is generally a long and narrow depression, which makes it easy to convert into a sand quarry and also suitable for draining water and letting it settle before draining.

Multiple dikes and barriers have been built, but there is still some seepage, affecting about 700 to 800 acres of land. Of course, it's not that pollution is affected, but the sand content is a bit high. I wonder if it will affect irrigation next year.

This is an uncertain matter.

So two or three production teams went to make a fuss. They didn't smash or loot, they just wanted an explanation. Since they weren't allowed to dig sand themselves, shouldn't they get some compensation?

You, Officer Zhang, are so generous, giving down jackets to kids. You're so rich and powerful, why don't you give us some too?

Even though a vote had been taken on the distribution of winter clothing, that's how rural work is—it can be disregarded in an instant, and black can turn white, and white can turn black.

The county government came down to investigate and concluded that there was nothing wrong, because it wasn't to the point of pollution, and they hadn't heard of anyone irrigating the fields in winter, so this was pure nonsense.
After a snowfall in winter, the wheat seedlings are covered up. Watering is to strengthen the crops.
When the cadres, big and small, sat down and discussed it, they figured that the three production teams, young and old, were just bored and wanted to "get some French fries."

There's no way I'll give them money; there's no such thing.

However, exchanging opinions is possible.

They offered to introduce them to the construction site and provide skills training. Some agreed, some disagreed, until someone in the team suggested that cadre Zhang also lead them in growing mushrooms. The hundred or so households readily agreed and all applauded.

That's how it ends—the true intentions are revealed.

But this is a good thing; at least it shows a vision and an idea.

However, Uncle Zhang disagreed. He was firmly against everyone rushing to grow mushrooms and even declared that it was none of his business if the locals grew and sold them themselves.

He won't buy or sell on a contract basis.

Then the commotion started again, so much so that Uncle Zhang made a phone call to his all-knowing nephew to see what to do.

The uncle and nephew exchanged a heated argument. Zhang Da'an found it strange that the people from the three production teams were not fighting or robbing, but just making a fuss. According to the usual practice, it wasn't like this.

I always feel like something is wrong.

Unable to explain, he said, "Uncle, take some people to Pengcheng. I'll have someone from the Youth Development Foundation meet with you, and you can also have a meal with some people from several departments in Pengcheng. We'll get the details and then see what to do."

"I don't think it's a big deal. Just plant some radishes and vegetables and that's it."

"You don't know anything about eggs."

"..."

Zhang Da'an didn't believe that the honest villagers would just make noise without coming up with something new; that was impossible.

He had never seen it anywhere. It wasn't in Shazhou City, nor in Fengyi County, and it couldn't possibly be in Luzhou or the capital.

Several finance personnel were sent over, mainly to assist the marketing department in preparing a feasibility report. Zhang Da'an has many potential projects, some of which are for making money and enhancing the prestige of the "top scholar" award; others are not for making money, but mainly to help Uncle Zhang advance, with making money being a secondary benefit.

Coach Zhang had a vague feeling that something was going on, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. It wasn't a sense of crisis, which is why he found it so strange.

After Lao Fangtou finished listening to the economists' boasting in Beijing, Zhang Da'an also received a rough report, which included everything from local specialties and land environment to local infrastructure level.

Different investors have different investment preferences, but Zhang Da'an is not a traditional investor; he doesn't rely on investment acumen.

Of course, focusing on achieving results for Uncle Zhang is another matter entirely.

Uncle Zhang himself, however, had no awareness whatsoever.

"This river channel improvement project of the Dasha River is a key project of Pengcheng City, right?"

"Actually, the report was submitted to the province for forty or fifty years ago. But in the past, we could organize labor to do some repairs and maintenance without any problems. Now it's different. If we were to organize farmers along both sides of the river to work, the minimum wage would be ten or twenty yuan a day. The excavators also consume a lot of fuel every day. Pengcheng City can't afford the expenses of feeding the people and the horses."

"So each district and county along the river can decide for themselves."

"Correct."

"There are environmental protection requirements now, right?"

"That's because local officials have more power than county officials. As long as an agricultural county can irrigate, that's good enough. As long as there's no major flood, then everything is fine and peaceful."

"There must be river protection zones along both banks of the river, right? We can't include the buffer zone in the farmland count, can we?"

“It’s definitely not on the books, but if the local people cleared the land, even if it was on both sides of the river or even in the middle of the river, and the numbers match, then it’s fine. It’s a way to account for what’s going in and out.”

"That'll be easy."

"Boss, do you have some ideas?"

"Okay, have someone contact the Shanghu City Agriculture Bureau to discuss a collaboration. I want to raise ducks and geese."

Do you make down jackets?

“Let’s do it with ‘Zhang An Apparel’.”

"Wouldn't it be too costly to simply dig out a paddy field by hand?"

“With the subsequent expansion of your school, plus the Hope Middle School, the need for earthwork is already there. If all else fails, we can build a mound and plant fruit trees on it.”

"..."

That's a bit too arrogant.

It sounded like a business that would lose money, but the marketing department didn't object. They knew that the boss had been paving the way for his uncle.

Since it's already a matter of reversing the Heavenly Ranks, it doesn't seem like there's much of a problem if we reverse the Heavenly Ranks a little more.

As for Uncle Zhang himself, he started to feel smug again.

"I'm so awesome!"

Uncle Zhang, returning to Fengyi County from Pengcheng, boasted without restraint about his great influence and showed off his nephew, who was indeed incredibly clever and could handle things in no time.

He himself felt no sense of progress, but the people at the Youth Development Foundation did not.

"Director Zhang, the more young and promising cadres like you, the better."

"I'm nothing but a young cadre... wait, no, I guess I am young. It really is."

Being in his forties is considered middle-aged in society, and in the eyes of the "ghost fire youths," he's an old man, but in the organization's view, he's still quite young.

Although most "county-level Brahmins" consider thirty-five years old a critical age, Uncle Zhang has long since transcended the five elements of a county-level official. As the deputy general manager of Jiangkou Province Shazhou Education Investment Company, he is not bound by such restrictions.

It's definitely in the range of around 45 years old.

If an ordinary person were to switch places with Uncle Zhang, it would be called "exile," but if someone has abundant resources and a promising future, the situation would be completely different.

Anyway, the province is going to put "Comrade Zhang Zhengdong" in a good position, because he can influence a lot of things.

For example, the economy.

Many strong men only know how to bury themselves in economic development, which is rather uninteresting.

Comrade Zhang Zhengdong is different. He did not show any talent in economics, but he did manage to do so. His main job was education, and he achieved great results. This is commendable. He is both literate and capable.

He's also quite handsome.

Being handsome is an advantage in the system.

Uncle Zhang also began to realize something, wondering if he had progressed too quickly and had no foundation at all.

However, only he thinks this way. The few people working at the education investment company who assist him are now constantly worried about how to resist temptation.

too difficult.

Uncle Zhang is an upright man. He doesn't touch women, he only loves his wife; he doesn't touch money, he doesn't take a penny; even with the most charming power... he went to the countryside to eat dog meat with the villagers, what more do you want?

If you don't interact with him, at first glance he seems like a modern-day Hai Rui (a notorious figure in Chinese folklore known for his naiveté and shrewdness), which is probably the kind of subject matter for a movie.

Of course, when dealing with him, the villagers all know that it's all nonsense. Director Zhang is just like them; when he's had a good drink, he'll loosen his belt and spray water out from under a big tree by the roadside.

They all have one nose, one mouth, one pair of eyes, and two legs.

However, on December 26th, while everyone was celebrating "Christmas," the villagers who grew mushrooms heard that ducks were going to be raised near the sand quarry. They got excited and decided to take out their dividends and invest in the business together.

The county magistrate brought his men to listen in, and they were so envious they were speechless.

In the past, it took a lot of effort to squeeze even a penny or two out of these people.

They can't even figure out how to collect electricity bills properly. The only time they have a little less trouble is when it comes to handing over grain to the state. Otherwise, it's all about competing with each other in terms of intelligence.

Outwitting and outmaneuvering are secondary; when pushed to the limit, one resorts to brute force rather than wit.

A full-blown brawl is nothing to them; it's just basic stuff.

Unlike now, they even offer dried goods and roasted nuts for the cadres to try, and they actively participate in the conversation and are given cigarettes.

Sometimes, choice really does matter more than effort.

(End of this chapter)