Chapter 357: Chapter 357: Agreeing to Run for Village Chief
"That’s right, it does indeed require some time, but these things can be manipulated behind the scenes. Moreover, time really doesn’t mean much to us. As long as you nod in agreement, I’ll handle all the procedures for you before you take office, and I don’t necessarily have to wait until next month. I can start processing your job transfer and the turnover procedures right now. The most important point is that we must take the initiative and act swiftly to successfully annex Chenhe Village."
Having heard this, Liu Zheng just nodded. Although he had already had a general idea last night, after officially hearing the village chief’s words today, he indeed found himself facing a difficult choice.
The village chief didn’t say anything, for he knew that others might see such news as a pie falling from the sky, a stroke of great luck, but for the upright Liu Zheng, it likely wasn’t tempting at all.
The more this was the case, the more valuable a candidate he became, so the chief had to figure out a way to push Liu Zheng forward. Aside from him, no one else seemed the most suitable candidate.
"What do you think? Have you made up your mind? This is an ideal solution that serves all interests. Why not do it? So I feel that in every respect, whether in terms of emotion, reason, public or private interest, you should gladly accept this."
"But Uncle Li, I’m just worried about taking on too much. I’m afraid I won’t be able to give everything its due attention, and I’m also concerned that if I spread myself too thin, I won’t be able to devote myself fully to the medical career I’m currently pursuing."
"These are concerns for later. Let me tell you, you’ll have your own team. They will carefully help you manage everything. It’s all about your charisma now, and I believe you can do it. So in ordinary times, you need to continue your work at the clinic and only step in for significant village matters when necessary. Understand?"
"Is the procedure complicated? Also, what do I need to do before I take office?"
Relieved by this exchange, the village chief finally exhaled deeply, feeling as if he had taken a soothing pill. Now, he felt much more at ease.
"What to do and what not to do, I’ll guide you through everything when the time comes. You don’t need to worry about any of that. Now that you’ve agreed, I’ll handle the rest. Just prepare to take up your post. But remember, after taking office, the first thing you must do is to find a way to resolve the village’s problems. Got it?"
"Rest assured, I’ll give it some serious thought, and Village Chief, I definitely won’t disappoint you."
"Good, with your promise now, I feel much more reassured. Even if I retire to lead a farmer’s life, fulfilling my duties to the village, I’ll do so willingly and start to gradually let go of village affairs. Alright then, I need to get busy. I’ll contact you if there’s anything else, and remember to get ready as soon as next week."
After leaving these final words, the village chief turned and left. His purpose for visiting today had been achieved, having successfully identified the right successor.
Liu Zheng initially thought that accepting the proposal would be expected, but now that he genuinely pondered it, he felt his heart was not as light as he’d imagined.
The issues and problems he would face in the future were all unknown to him.
"Doctor Liu, Doctor Liu."
While Liu Zheng was deep in thought, he suddenly heard someone calling his name.
He came to his senses and turned to see it was the village’s Er Xiaozi, who was frantically approaching him.
"You, you lad, why have you come? What’s the matter? Aren’t you fit as a fiddle? Is something wrong?"
"It’s, it’s my wife, it’s my wife. She suddenly started having severe stomach pains and was rolling around in bed in agony. I just didn’t know what to do."
"Oh, is that so? What is her condition now? Did she eat something indigestible?"
"This, well, it’s just that we ate quite a lot last night. As you know, I work in the city and sometimes don’t come back for three to six months. It’s been nearly seven months since the last time I left. I was so happy to be back yesterday that we ate a lot, but I’m okay, and so are my parents; only she has this terrible stomach pain."
"Okay, don’t panic. I’ll come with you right now and check on her to see what’s going on," Liu Zheng said, grabbing his medical bag and leaving with Er Xiaozi.
For Liu Zheng, this was almost routine. The village wasn’t very big, and when immobile people fell ill, he often had to make house calls, as not everyone could come to the clinic.
Er Xiaozi had only married in the first half of the year, but he had been working away since their wedding, so they didn’t yet have children, which was the subject of much gossip in the village.
Liu Zheng knew that Er Xiaozi had taken a wife who hardly ever left the house, so even now, he could barely remember what she looked like.
As they walked into the courtyard, they heard painful cries from the inside – the kind of pain that clearly wasn’t bearable for the average person.
Hearing these cries, Er Xiaozi grew even more anxious and rushed inside, followed by Liu Zheng, who entered the main room.
Liu Zheng saw a young woman in colorful clothes lying on the bed, clutching her stomach and rolling around in pain.
Her face had turned pale, and sweat was beading on her forehead, obviously indicating unbearable pain.
"How long has this pain persisted?"
"It’s been roughly, roughly an hour, I guess. She started by mentioning a slight abdominal pain, but it gradually got worse. I was thinking of bringing her to you, but given how she looks, I think that might not be possible now. Doctor Liu, please, examine her quickly and find out what’s wrong."
