Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

Autumn was deepening in Kyoto, and golden ginkgo leaves were scattered all over the courtyard of the Zhou family's old house. Zhou Jin had just returned from a research trip to Handong and hadn't even had time to rest at home before heading straight to the old house—his grandfather, Zhou Jianguo, had specifically asked the housekeeper to send a message asking him to come back, saying he wanted to hear about the interesting things that had happened during his research trip.

Upon entering the living room, one could see Zhou Jianguo sitting in a grand chair, holding a document titled "Notice on Regulating Land Disposal and Accountability in the Reform of State-Owned Enterprises," his face beaming with undisguised joy. Seeing Zhou Jin enter, the old man's eyes lit up. He immediately put down the document and beckoned him over: "Jin'er, you're finally back! Sit down, Grandpa's been waiting to hear what you gained from your trip to Handong."

Zhou Jin stepped forward, sat down next to her grandfather, and smiled as she accepted the tea offered by the housekeeper: "Grandpa, I have indeed gained a lot from this research trip. The implementation of the policies is also thanks to the support of the research team leaders."

"You're just being modest, kid." Zhou Jianguo patted the back of his hand, his tone full of pride. "My old comrades from the Central Committee all called me to praise you for your foresight at such a young age, for daring to speak the truth and for getting things done, for plugging the loopholes in the reform of state-owned enterprises. Tell me, besides policy matters, what other interesting things have you seen or heard? Grassroots research always brings new people and new things to discover."

Zhou Chengbang also came in from outside, smiling and agreeing: "Dad is right. Jin'er must have seen a lot of things during her trip to the grassroots. Tell us about it."

When asked by her grandfather and father, Zhou Jin thought of Chen Yanshi and couldn't help but shake her head, saying with a hint of teasing, "I really did meet an interesting person, the vice mayor of Jingzhou City, named Chen Yanshi."

"Chen Yanshi?" Zhou Jianguo frowned and thought for a moment, then shook his head, a curious look on his face. "Never heard of such a person. What's so interesting about him? I'd like to hear what interesting things you've encountered."

"It's normal that you haven't heard of him," Zhou Jin explained with a smile. "Given his age and seniority, he at most participated in the final battles of the Liberation War. But at the symposium, he kept talking about 'fighting alongside the organization' and 'fighting on the front lines back then,' and he even brought up Secretary Zhao Lichun's past to glorify himself."

He paused, then continued, "He spearheaded a textile factory reform, but he clearly didn't consider the crucial issue of land. Instead, he touted the worker stock ownership model as a national benchmark, saying things like 'everyone's happy' and 'the workers are satisfied.' I couldn't stand it anymore, so I interrupted him to ask about the land disposal. Unexpectedly, after the meeting, he complained to everyone he met, saying that I, a mere young upstart, didn't respect the old comrades and didn't take the revolutionary heroes seriously, and he went around badmouthing me."

"Oh? Is that so?" Zhou Jianguo's smile faded, his brows furrowing deeper. He slammed his hand on the armrest of his armchair, his voice rising abruptly, "He dares to call himself a 'revolutionary hero'? He dares to say he 'followed the organization to fight for the country'? Back then, your grandfather and I followed the leader, climbing snow-capped mountains and crossing grasslands, participating in the Long March and fighting against the Japanese invaders. We survived countless battles, that's what fighting for the country means!"

The old man grew increasingly agitated, his chest heaving slightly: "He only joined the army in the later stages of the Liberation War, catching the tail end of a victory, and he dares to boast like this? You pointed out his oversights to his face for the sake of national interests and to standardize the reform; this was simply doing your duty and fulfilling your responsibilities. How can you say he was disrespectful? He himself was careless in his work, leaving behind the hidden danger of state-owned asset loss, yet instead of reflecting on his own actions, he turned around and smeared those who work for the country. He has truly disgraced grassroots cadres!"

Zhou Jin didn't expect her grandfather to react so strongly, and quickly tried to comfort him: "Grandpa, don't be angry. It's inevitable that there are some grassroots cadres who like to boast. Let him say what he wants. We have nothing to hide. You've worked your whole life, what kind of people haven't you seen? It's not worth getting sick over something like this. Just think of it as a little episode on the research trip."

Zhou Chengbang quickly chimed in, "Dad, Jin'er is right. You've seen so many storms before and remained calm, so why are you getting so worked up over a low-level cadre? Chen Yanshi is just talking; he won't cause any real trouble. It's not worth arguing with him."

"What do you know!" Zhou Jianguo glared at his son, his tone stern. "I could tolerate it when people targeted me before; but now he's targeting Jin'er, my grandson, a promising talent who's dedicated to serving the country! Who does Chen Yanshi think he is, to dare slander Jin'er? Jin'er dares to speak the truth and take responsibility; that's the family tradition of the Zhou family. I'll be the first to object to anyone who dares to smear him!"

Zhou Chengbang was so glared at by his grandfather that he dared not speak and could only lower his head sheepishly.

Looking at his grandfather's angry expression, Zhou Jin felt both warm and touched. He knew that his grandfather was angry not for anything else, but because he felt sorry for his grandson who worked for the country, and he couldn't stand this kind of self-aggrandizing and irresponsible behavior.

He held his grandfather's hand and whispered, "Grandpa, I know you love me. It's really okay. The important thing is that the policies are implemented and state-owned assets are protected. I will encounter all kinds of people and all kinds of things in the future. You can't protect me forever. I have to learn to deal with things on my own."

Looking into his grandson's resolute eyes, Zhou Jianguo's anger gradually subsided, replaced by deep satisfaction. He patted Zhou Jin's hand, his tone softening: "Good, good grandson! You have ambition! Grandpa believes you can handle anything. Remember, as long as you act uprightly and do good for the country and the people, your grandpa, your maternal grandfather, and the combined strength of the Zhou and Su families will always be your strongest support!"

"Yes!" Zhou Jin nodded emphatically.

The setting sun streamed through the window, bathing the three generations of the family in warmth and harmony. The aroma of tea mingled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms from the courtyard, filling the air. Zhou Jin knew that this trip to Handong had not only brought him a breakthrough in his work but also allowed him to experience the love and support of his family. This love and support would become his most precious asset on his future career path, supporting him to continue upholding his original aspirations and forging ahead courageously.