Chapter 335: Chapter 335: Report
Nancy Thorne’s heart skipped a beat. ’What is the work group here for?’
For some reason, the unease in her heart grew stronger, and there was a tightness in her chest.
"Fourth Grandma, what’s the work group here for? Are they holding another meeting? I’ll go get Grandma and Mom," Nancy Thorne asked tentatively.
"They didn’t say anything about a meeting. Who knows what they’re here for."
Fourth Grandma knew nothing and was getting impatient. Her distress over the potatoes made her annoyed with everyone, including her own husband, the village chief.
Amanda Chapman tugged on Nancy Thorne’s sleeve. Fourth Grandma’s temper was even worse than Raina’s, so it was best not to upset her. Nancy Thorne waved. "Goodbye, Fourth Grandma!"
"Hurry on home and eat."
Fourth Grandma didn’t even turn her head. Her heart ached for the potatoes, but she had to keep digging. If she didn’t dig up enough, the old man would scold her.
A man and a woman were sitting in the village chief’s house. One was a short, stout middle-aged man, and the other was a middle-aged woman with high cheekbones. The woman had a stern face and clearly wasn’t easy to talk to. Although the short, stout man appeared to be smiling, he gave off a cunning vibe. He was no pushover, either.
"Here in Millstone Peak, we absolutely abide by the law and regulations. No one would do anything to violate policy. I can beat my chest and guarantee that. Comrade Yang, Comrade Hu, you can be a hundred percent assured," Preston Thorne declared loudly, though he felt a little nervous inside.
He knew everyone in the work group. There were five comrades in total, and these two were the most difficult to deal with. The man, surnamed Hu, was petty and always looking for small advantages. The woman, surnamed Yang, wasn’t a bad person, but she was extremely principled. She did everything by the book and had no idea how to be flexible. She was originally with the county work group, but because she was so inflexible and couldn’t get along with her superiors or colleagues, she had been transferred to the town office.
But this Comrade Yang still hadn’t learned her lesson. She was even more principled than before, with zero tolerance for any impropriety. She didn’t get along with Team Leader Lowell from the town work group, either. ’So why would he suddenly send these two difficult people down here without any warning? What is Team Leader Lowell playing at?’
Comrade Hu said with a grin, "We certainly trust in how you run things, Captain Thorne. But even the most careful plan can have an oversight. We’re just afraid some people might be exploiting loopholes. Team Leader Lowell’s instruction is for Comrade Yang and me to conduct a thorough inspection. The higher-ups have repeatedly issued directives to establish new social conduct, promote civility, and be good, law-abiding citizens for the construction of socialism. We can’t afford to be complacent in our duties!"
"Yes, yes, of course, we can’t be complacent. After a quick meal, I’ll accompany you on the inspection. We’ll be sure to check every single household."
Preston Thorne appeared very cooperative, but he was already scheming. ’During the meal, I’ll have my wife go door-to-door and warn everyone. Anything forbidden they’re raising, they need to hide it well. Can’t let these two menaces find anything.’
"There’s no hurry to eat. Let’s start the inspection first."
Comrade Yang shot to her feet. She hadn’t said a word since entering the house, but she was quick to act. Before Preston Thorne could even react, she was already striding out the door. Comrade Hu had no choice but to trot along behind her.
Preston Thorne’s heart sank. ’This is bad. They look like they came prepared. Could someone have filed a report?’
’But which family was reported?’
’And which damn wretch went and did the reporting? Someone with nothing better to do than cause trouble. Aren’t they afraid of karma?’
"Comrade Hu, be straight with me. What’s really going on here?"
Preston Thorne reluctantly pulled out a Peony cigarette. Felix Thorne had given it to him as a sign of respect, and Preston only carried them when he went to town on business; he could never bear to smoke one himself. Today, this fellow Hu was getting a lucky break.
"Someone reported that your village is violating policy by raising rabbits. They said you have several of them, and are planning to expand the operation."
Comrade Hu sniffed the cigarette with satisfaction and tucked it behind his ear. He couldn’t bear to smoke it either. He would take it home, put it away, and enjoy its aroma for a few days before finally lighting it.
