Chapter 35

Five people rode four bicycles, with Lu Zheng carrying Ma Cuihong.

After a few turns, they quickly merged into the stream of bicycles on the long street of the county town. Pedestrians bustled on both sides, and seeing the bustling crowd on the main street, Lu Zheng thought to himself that the floating population in Guangning County had indeed increased exponentially. Among them, people from all over the country, mostly outsiders, were common. No wonder the Wushan Municipal Bureau had issued a notice to start implementing a temporary residence permit policy.

One advantage of riding a bicycle was that one could chat while riding to pass the time. Xiao Liang seemed to have already received "information" about Lu Zheng from Lu Xiaoping and looked down on him. These two truly seemed to belong to the same family.

Xiao Liang had another characteristic: he liked to mention his father whenever he spoke, almost making it his catchphrase. For a moment, Lu Zheng almost thought his father was the county party secretary, Jiu Dahan. Later, after listening to their conversation, he vaguely understood that Xiao Liang's father was a deputy director of the county industry bureau surnamed Wang.

But indeed, in the ordinary working class, a deputy director of the county industry bureau was a high-ranking official. No wonder Lu Xiaoping treated him like a treasure, thinking she had caught a golden turtle son-in-law.

When Lu Guobin and his group entered the Dongmi Garden, they did not encounter the owner. While waiting for the high factory director in a private room on the second floor, the waitress who brought the tea kept looking at Lu Zheng. Seeing Lu Zheng sitting in the least conspicuous spot, with the obvious main guests being an old and a young person chatting warmly, the waitress shook her head, thinking she must have mistaken someone. If it were the other person, even if the county party secretary were dining with him, he would not be treated so coldly. Moreover, the old man, who looked like a front-line worker in his attire and demeanor, seemed to have no particular status.

After waiting for about an hour, Wang Xiaoliang became increasingly impatient and said with a sullen face, "Gao Dayong is really putting on airs, isn't he?"

Seeing his impatience, Lu Guobin explained, "His home is in Sanhe. He came to the city today to handle some matters. The time was uncertain, so let's wait a bit longer. Besides, he doesn't know you're here, Xiao Liang."

Just as they were talking, laughter came from outside. "Old Lu, I can tell you're getting anxious!" The curtain of the private room was lifted, and a middle-aged man in a Lenin suit walked in. He had a square face and slightly dark skin, clearly a worker or farmer by origin.

Lu Guobin smiled and stood up to shake his hand, then introduced Wang Xiaoliang, Ma Cuihong, Lu Xiaoping, and Lu Zheng in turn.

Hearing that Wang Xiaoliang's father was the deputy director of the county industry bureau, Gao Dayong smiled and said, "The director of the industry bureau visited our canning factory a few days ago to inspect the preparations. I haven't met Director Wang yet." The "director" Gao Dayong mentioned was the head of the industry bureau, and this was a subtle jab at Wang Xiaoliang, implying that his father was not significant in his eyes.

Actually, if it were a regular first meeting, everyone would have been polite and courteous. But Gao Dayong had overheard Wang Xiaoliang's sarcastic remarks outside and was annoyed. The canning factory in Sanhe was under the jurisdiction of the Food Company, which was managed by the Commerce Bureau, different from the industry system. Of course, the industry bureau guided the county's industrial production, and Gao Dayong could not afford to neglect its director. However, a deputy director he had never heard of did not impress him much. If the person were here, Gao Dayong would have been polite and perhaps even tried to curry favor, but he couldn't let a kid put on airs.

At the grassroots level, leaders had many children, and they did not have the inclination to favor them. Not every child could speak to them, and even if they did, the leaders would not take it seriously.

Seeing Wang Xiaoliang's restless demeanor, Gao Dayong thought that if he spoke ill of him to Deputy Director Wang, it might be a good thing. A leader influenced by such a son in his dealings would not be worth currying favor with.

Hearing the slight sarcasm in Gao Dayong's words, Lu Guobin was taken aback. He had thought that since Wang Xiaoliang kept mentioning Gao Dayong, Director Wang and Gao Dayong must be close, and he could leverage Wang Xiaoliang's connection. But it turned out to be completely different.

Wang Xiaoliang, accustomed to being a young master at the Lu family's home, was surprised when Gao Dayong mentioned "Director Gao." He knew his father was very afraid of Director Gao. This Gao Dayong also had the same surname, so he thought Gao Dayong might be related to Director Gao. He was projecting his own thoughts onto others.

Regardless, Wang Xiaoliang's arrogance waned, and he became meek, quickly changing "Gao Dayong" to "Uncle Gao."

When introducing Lu Zheng, Lu Guobin simply said, "Just call him Little Lu."

Gao Dayong had been carefully observing Lu Zheng, but after hearing Lu Guobin's introduction, he paid no more attention. After everyone sat down and Lu Guobin instructed "Little Lu" to pour tea and serve dishes, Gao Dayong couldn't help but smile bitterly, realizing he had misjudged him.

At first glance, Gao Dayong thought this young man was extraordinary. He was taller and more rugged than others, but his demeanor was steady, with a subtle air of authority.

Now, he realized he had overthought it.

Actually, Lu Guobin was not inexperienced, but his preconceived notions made him indifferent to Lu Zheng. However, Gao Dayong could sense the difference in Lu Zheng.

But many things were influenced by the environment and status. After Lu Guobin kept instructing Lu Zheng to do this and that, Gao Dayong no longer found him remarkable.

The dishes and drinks were quickly served, and everyone started eating. Perhaps because he had overheard Lu Guobin and Wang Xiaoliang's complaints outside, Gao Dayong spoke bluntly, sometimes not even giving Lu Guobin any face.

Indeed, Lu Guobin was just a team leader in the third workshop of the fertilizer factory, and the deputy workshop director title was shared by all shift leaders, not even a deputy section chief. Because of his seniority, he might have some influence in the factory, but in society, he had no clout at all.

Lu Guobin maintained a certain dignity, given his age. But he had to flatter Gao Dayong, as finding a job that didn't involve farming was extremely difficult in those times.

Ma Cuihong, seeing her usually domineering husband humbly begging for help, felt a lump in her throat.

Wang Xiaoliang was subdued but still commanded Lu Zheng, "Little Lu, how can you be so clueless? Why haven't you poured Uncle Gao a drink yet?!" "Little Lu, switch these two dishes. Uncle Gao can't reach them!"

Lu Zheng had never served anyone before, and this was a new experience. He leaned in to Ma Cuihong and whispered, "Auntie, don't worry. I'll think of a way to help Xiaoping."

Gao Dayong burped and swayed as he stood up, saying, "I'm going to the restroom."

Lu Guobin gave Wang Xiaoliang a meaningful look, but Wang Xiaoliang didn't understand, which frustrated Lu Guobin. After Gao Dayong left, he whispered, "Go and check on him. Factory Director Gao has had quite a bit to drink."

Wang Xiaoliang finally understood and hurriedly got up to follow.

Lu Guobin sighed and shook his head, saying, "It's really hard to get things done..."

Seeing this usually strong-willed old man humbly begging for help, Lu Zheng couldn't help but sigh.

Lu Xiaoping was fuming, clearly surprised and dissatisfied with Wang Xiaoliang's behavior.

Ma Cuihong hadn't heard clearly what Lu Zheng said, but she sighed in worry.

The few people in the room, each with their own thoughts, fell silent.

Lu Zheng said, "I'll be right back," and got up to leave.

After a few minutes, a commotion came from the next room, including Wang Xiaoliang's strange cries and Gao Dayong's voice. Lu Guobin was taken aback and listened carefully. Then, laughter came from the next room, and Lu Guobin thought he must be hearing things, shaking his head and thinking he was getting old.

A few minutes later, Gao Dayong returned with a frown, all signs of drunkenness gone.

Wang Xiaoliang followed behind, looking very upset. As soon as he sat down, Lu Xiaoping, sitting next to him, exclaimed, "Xiaoliang, what happened to your face? Who hit you?"

Wang Xiaoliang's face had several red finger marks, clearly from a hard slap.

"Shut up!" Wang Xiaoliang angrily shook off Lu Xiaoping's hand, knowing that everyone in the room now knew he had been hit.

"I'll see how my father deals with them!" Wang Xiaoliang said indignantly.

Gao Dayong, also furious, sneered, "Your father? Do you know who they are? They're not afraid of your father. I haven't even said anything. If you bump into someone, just apologize. Why act so arrogant? In Guangning, who do you think you are? If I hadn't intervened, they could have beaten you to death!" He then turned to Lu Guobin, still angry, and said, "Old Lu, I've really been dragged down by you and this... this..."

Lu Guobin asked anxiously, "What happened? What's going on?"

Gao Dayong sighed, "Old Lu, you don't know. My canning factory has a lot of procedures to go through, including fire safety and security. The police have a lot of power now. They can decide whether I can open or close the factory. Even if it's a public matter, if it keeps getting delayed, my position as factory director will be in jeopardy." He didn't say it outright, but he intended to contract the canning factory himself.

Gao Dayong sighed again, "I can tell Chief Gu is angry with me. He barely responded when I spoke to him."

Lu Guobin exclaimed, "Ah," and thought for a moment, saying, "I know Liu Tangyi from the Sanhe police station. Is he there?"

"He's there, but he's just a regular officer..." Gao Dayong shook his head, then his eyes lit up, "Old Lu, how about this? You come with me, and we'll go and offer our respects." He thought for a moment and pointed at Wang Xiaoliang, saying, "You come too. You caused this, so you should say something nice! Otherwise, I'm afraid this won't be over!"

Wang Xiaoliang, though reluctant, dared not refuse. The people in the next room were terrifying, and the beating they gave him was enough to scare anyone. He was afraid they might come after him again.

Gao Dayong, holding a glass, took a few steps, then stopped and turned back, saying, "Let's all go. We'll go and offer our respects together." He thought that if the whole group went and spoke humbly, the matter might be resolved. Besides, this was all Wang Xiaoliang's fault, and he was the one who suffered.

Lu Guobin smiled, "Alright." But he felt a deep sense of humiliation, as he and his wife, both elderly, had to go and offer their respects to strangers, and they would have to do it in a very humble manner. Gao Dayong had the nerve to suggest it.

But it was all Wang Xiaoliang's fault! Lu Guobin glared at him angrily.

Lu Xiaoping was also reluctant and walked last. Gao Dayong, Lu Guobin, Ma Cuihong, and Wang Xiaoliang went in first, and she lingered outside the curtain. Suddenly, she saw Lu Zheng return and immediately waved him over, saying, "Zhengzi, come here!"

Lu Zheng, confused, had just come out of the restroom and chatted with the Dongmi Garden owner.

"What's going on? What are you doing?" Lu Zheng asked as he approached.

Lu Xiaoping pushed the glass into Lu Zheng's hand and said, "Go in and offer your respects!"

...

In the private room, Gao Dayong was awkwardly saying, "Chief Gu, all the leaders, all the mistakes are mine, Gao Dayong's. Today, all the expenses will be on me, alright?"

Gu Dongxiang, a balding middle-aged man in his forties with a triangular face and a fierce look, sat there fiddling with the chopsticks, not even looking at Gao Dayong.

Seeing Gao Dayong give him a meaningful look, Lu Guobin had no choice but to step forward, raise his glass, and say to Gu Dongxiang, "Chief Gu, this child, Xiao Guang, is my nephew. He has offended you, and my wife and I would like to offer our respects to Chief Gu and all the leaders." He saw Liu Tangyi among the people sitting around the table, but Liu Tangyi, clearly recognizing him, acted as if he didn't know him, just glancing at him sideways.

Lu Guobin felt deeply frustrated. These people could turn their backs on you so easily!

Lu Guobin and Ma Cuihong raised their glasses, but no one paid attention, leaving them standing awkwardly. Just then, Lu Zheng was pushed in by Lu Xiaoping, complaining, "Why are you pushing me?" He caught the end of Lu Guobin's words and, though not fully understanding the situation, saw the tension in the room and frowned, saying, "I'll offer my respects to all the leaders too!"

Lu Guobin was furious and scolded, "It's not your turn! Go back to the other room!" Lu Zheng, always lacking in social skills, was always causing trouble.

Suddenly, there was a commotion, with chairs moving and dishes falling to the ground. Lu Guobin turned around in surprise and saw that everyone at the table, who had been sitting calmly, was now standing up as if their seats were on fire. Despite the chaos, they all stood straight within seconds.

Including Gu Dongxiang, everyone at the table stood up.

The table was a mess, with dishes and chopsticks scattered everywhere.

"Director!" Gu Dongxiang, looking like a different person, smiled and ran to Lu Zheng's side, saying, "Why are you here?"

"I just happened to come," Lu Zheng said truthfully.

"Please, take the seat of honor, please." Gu Dongxiang gestured, and a police officer quickly pulled out the main seat.

"I won't sit," Lu Zheng pointed to Lu Guobin and Ma Cuihong, saying, "These two elders are offering their respects to you."

Gu Dongxiang was taken aback, realizing that the director knew these people, thinking he had just come to check out the commotion.

Gu Dongxiang quickly raised his glass, smiling and toasting Lu Guobin and Ma Cuihong, but at a lower position. He drank it all in one go and said, "I'll drink three more as a penalty."

Lu Zheng waved his hand and said to Ma Cuihong and Lu Guobin, "Let's go back. I have some business this afternoon and need to leave soon."

Lu Guobin and Ma Cuihong were stunned, not understanding what was happening.

Back in their private