Chapter 356: Chapter 356: Lobbying Liu Zheng
"Hmm, 32, that’s indeed a very young age. When I became the village chief, I was already 48, and now, I’m turning 60 this year, aren’t I? Next month, I’ll be stepping down, and just like that, over a decade has whizzed by, heh, it’s really like a flick of a finger, isn’t it?"
"Uncle Li, can we not beat around the bush here? I won’t have time to chat with you later on—my patients here need me. What exactly do you mean? Just get to the point."
"Alright, if that’s the case, then I won’t keep fishing for fun here. I’ve discussed it with everyone on the village committee, and we think that you are the best candidate for the next village chief. Plus, you really fit the role. So, what do you say, would you consider running?"
Finally, the village chief said it, but all of this was within Liu Zheng’s expectations.
"You’re joking with me, right, Chief? If you ask me to treat and save people, that’s absolutely no problem—I could even take on the entire medical workload. But if you ask me to manage the whole village as the village chief, that doesn’t quite seem fitting, does it?"
"What’s unfitting about it? You’re full of energy, you’ve got a sharp mind, your own ideas, and your reputation around here carries weight. In the whole village or even the surrounding area, who doesn’t know about Liu Zheng? So, being the village chief would really be very suitable for you."
"That might still be a bit unsuitable. You should really think it over more carefully, Chief. Besides, there are many young people in the village, and they are just as excellent, if not more intelligent, than I am. Why not choose them instead?"
"Because they don’t have the same recognition as you do, and they don’t have your ability to unite people. What we need now is someone with the power to rally and bring people together, understand? Because the first thing you’d have to deal with when you take office would be negotiating the merger of two villages."
"What did you say? A merger of two villages? Yes, that’s been talked about for years without any action, and everyone has been speculating. It seems like it’s not that simple."
"The matter will be settled next month and we’re approaching the most critical period. If someone without connections takes over now, the merger of the two villages won’t end up in our hands."
"So what you’re saying is that if our candidate isn’t capable, we would be completely swallowed up by the other village, Chenhe Village—is that it?"
"Exactly. When it gets absorbed, the village would naturally have a larger structure, more power, and the population would also increase exponentially. But does that really benefit us that much?"
"I haven’t experienced it, but just from the sound of it, of course, yes, I’d prefer our village to absorb theirs, not the other way around. That way, we’d have more control."
"That’s why only with you in charge can all these issues finally be resolved. Even during my tenure, I’ve always focused on the pressure and haven’t managed to sort this out, hoping to leave it for the next chief to handle. All I can do now is so much."
"But Uncle Li, you’re being a bit hasty telling me all this now, and frankly, I’m completely unprepared. Even if I were to take office, I have no clue how to operate this matter. I have no experience in such matters, far too little."
"Lack of experience is not a problem; it’s not a big deal. Besides, if you really need assistance, I can help you covertly to the best of my ability. I can guide you step by step on what to do. Once we manage to merge with that village, you would assume control over their health clinic as well. With us uniting, wouldn’t that be a fine thing?"
"I’ve heard that Chenhe Village’s health clinic has always been in a semi-paralyzed state. Many of their villagers come to our village for my help, and others go a bit further to the town’s hospitals."
"Right, so for convenience’s sake, this is something we must do. Plus, not only our villagers but also those from their village have great respect for you. So, even if it comes down to a vote, you’ve certainly got that in the bag."
"It does sound good when you put it that way, but don’t forget, my focus in life should be on this health clinic. After becoming the village chief, how can I manage all the complex issues that will arise?"
"That’s for you to figure out. You can establish your own team. The new reform system is already in place, and it’s not the old one-man-show for village chiefs anymore. You could set up your village committee, your own think tank—it means you’ll just need to give orders and oversee everything. Others will handle the specifics, and you can do well as the village chief."
"Uncle Li, it sounds simple when you talk about it like that, but is it really that straightforward in practice? I can’t even imagine, and frankly, I am worried."
"Actually, there’s nothing to worry about. Before I took office, I overthought many things too, but once you’re in position, you’ll realize some things can only be understood once you’re there. If you never reach that position, you’ll never know how to handle these matters. Take my advice and accept this proposal. If you agree today, I’ll submit the plan immediately, and you could take office as early as next week."
"What? Next, next week? Uncle Li, as far as I know, your retirement date isn’t until next month. I couldn’t possibly take office so soon. Moreover, we have to go through the proper procedures, including a village election. All the hassle combined, that would take some time, right?"
