Chapter 444: Chapter 444 Calming the Villagers
"You see, our factory has just started its investments and construction. If all goes well, it should be completed within 20 days at the fastest. The factory will begin operation then and we’ll need workers around that time. If he’s willing, he could come to my factory to try out. Rest assured, we have very strict systems in place at the factory; we absolutely won’t tolerate any troublemaking."
"That’s great, village chief. Actually, that’s exactly what I was hoping for. We just wanted to see if we could get an opportunity. I was worried that because we’re from another village, you might not be willing to take us in."
"Look here, what are you talking about, ’another village’? I’ve made myself quite clear, and another thing, you need to adopt the right attitude. We’re all one family, understand? There’s no need to divide us. So, consider it settled. Just have him show up at the factory when it’s time."
"Thank you so much, Chief, that’s wonderful. How about, um, I give you a cigarette to enjoy?"
As he spoke, he seemed very excited and began to fumble in his pocket, pulling out a crumpled cigarette.
"No need for that. Don’t you know me by now? As a doctor, why would I smoke? So, I’ve never taken one from you. Don’t be polite. And you all should cut down a bit too; it’s definitely not good for your heart and lung function."
"Ah, okay, okay, no problem, I’ll throw them away right now."
It appeared the man had made up his mind as he stamped out the cigarette under his foot.
"Village Chief Liu, about my girl, actually, she’s got a job too. But she’s working as a waitress in a restaurant in the county town where she often gets bullied. She comes home crying every time, you see."
"No worries at all. When the time comes, let the two of them go to the factory together. They should look for the person in charge named Liu Jiaxin, and tell her that I’ve given my approval. She’ll take care of everything for you."
"I can’t thank you enough. So, Chief Liu, look, it’s already getting late. Why don’t you come to my place and I’ll fry up a few dishes for you? And my partner can join you for a drink. It’s the least we can offer someone of your stature."
"What are you saying? I’m helping you find jobs because I would have to recruit externally anyway. Better to keep the good opportunities within our own people, right? So, don’t be so formal with me."
"What’s all this chatter about, eh? Making small talk behind people’s backs, are we?"
At that moment, suddenly, a voice carried over. Liu Zheng was momentarily stunned; he could tell that the voice was coming from behind him.
With those words, he immediately saw the villagers hastily standing up, grabbing their belongings, and scattering in different directions.
Clearly, this person commanded respect in the village. Without even thinking, it had to be the village chief.
"Village Chief, what are you saying? How is it backbiting? I’m just here chatting idly with the villagers, right?"
"If you want to chat, there are plenty of folks in your own village you could talk to whenever you want. That’s none of my business but don’t come troubling our village without reason, got it?"
"The way you keep at it, it’s quite clear you’re not the least bit courteous, especially after the troublemakers were chased back moments ago. Now I’m in a rush to find those three rascals, and they’re nowhere to be found."
"Village Chief Yang, actually, I didn’t come here intending to look for you."
"Oh really, since you didn’t intend to find me, then I shall not keep you any longer, and now you may leave Chenhe village."
"First of all, Chief Yang, you need to understand one thing: Chenhe village is not your personal turf. It’s not up to you to tell me to leave. Moreover, the two villages are under the same administrative area; Chenhe village doesn’t truly exist as separate."
"Are you saying my village doesn’t exist? Stop talking nonsense here. I’ve been the village chief for 20 years. It’s not your place to lecture me."
"Alright, Chief Yang. Yes, I admit you’re highly respected, and you undoubtedly command esteem here, but don’t block your own path. Don’t you want your villagers to prosper?"
"How my villagers should develop is not up for you to dictate. Naturally, I have my own plans."
"Well then, if Chief Yang is so unwelcoming, I don’t see anything left to discuss. I will take my leave."
In truth, Liu Zheng felt that it was useless to continue the conversation with such a stubborn man. And no matter what he said, he would never accept it willingly.
What needed to be done and how to arrange things afterwards, he had to wait until he could speak with his son, Yang Dazhi, to entrust the final matters.
"No need to see me out. Also, make sure you tell your villagers, if there’s no reason, do not come wandering here again because Chenhe village does not welcome them."
Liu Zheng hadn’t planned to clash with him, considering his position and that he was so much older than himself, even a senior to him.
If he had intended to discuss such matters, he really felt it would be beneath his dignity to do so.
However, to his surprise, the village chief was aggressively confrontational, pushing him into a corner. On reflecting upon this, he felt truly unable to accept the situation.
Liu Zheng was someone who couldn’t tolerate even the slightest bit of injustice, and he definitely did not like what was happening.
If the other man was going to act high and mighty due to his age, showing disrespect, Liu Zheng would not stand for it.
