Chapter 445: Chapter 445: The Unyielding Village Chief Yang
Therefore, when Liu Zheng heard these words, he immediately stopped in his tracks and then, slowly turned his head back around.
"Chief Yang, I respect you as an elder, so I’ve always been polite in how I speak. But if you keep on acting unreasonably even when you’re in the right, then don’t blame me for being impolite."
"Oh, lad, what are you saying? You dare to be rude to me? Come on then, be impolite to me and let’s see how it goes. You think you can hit me? Don’t forget, this is Chen River Village, this is my turf."
"I’ll tell you again, this is not your turf. This is our village together—what Chen River Village? You drew these lines yourself, no one has acknowledged any of it. And do you really think I don’t know about the little tricks you’re playing? Sending a group of villagers to cause trouble at the factory, what are you aiming for? You think I’m not aware?"
"I’m telling you, kid, watch your mouth. What do you mean I organized a group? What does that have to do with me? The villagers are acting out because they’re dissatisfied."
"You can actually say such things? That just proves what’s on their minds, do you think I don’t understand? Don’t try to fool me with this stuff; you think because I’m young and ignorant I don’t know much. Before I came to this village, I had already investigated all the history of the two villages, and I’ve reported everything in writing to the higher-ups."
"Report it then, report it however you like. You want to report me to the authorities, that’s fine by me, it’s got nothing to do with me."
"Chief Yang, I can only advise you, nowadays we live in a society ruled by law, not one where you can run amok as you please. I hope you won’t always think only of yourself. You should consider for your descendants so that one day, other villagers won’t talk about you behind your back."
Liu Zheng felt that his words had already been quite harsh, and if they continued, he felt they might come to blows. But he didn’t want that; since things had come to this point, then this should be the end of it.
"Wait a minute, stay right there you son of a bitch, what do you mean by that? What do you mean talking behind my back? What have I done? I’ve always been open and honest in my dealings."
"Whether you have or haven’t been, whether you’re open and honest, I believe, you know better than anyone. Chief Yang, don’t think that I’m unaware of your private dealings. I know what you’re doing right now. You’re looking for those three young men, aren’t you? I’m telling you. You won’t find them. Until this matter is settled, they’re not going to return to the village."
"I knew it, this must have something to do with you. I kept thinking, how did they suddenly vanish into thin air? So, it turns out you’ve been playing dirty behind the scenes. Tell me, what did you offer them?"
"What benefit did I give them? I’m telling you, I didn’t give them any benefit. On the contrary, what benefit did you give them? Do you know? By organizing trouble, once I expose this matter, you won’t be able to walk away from it easily. Right now, I’m only leaving you a shred of dignity so you can step down smoothly from your position as chief."
"Fine, I was just wondering, with you harboring no good intentions, aren’t you just waiting for me to hand over the position of chief to you? I’m telling you, pah, unless you step over my dead body, don’t even think about it."
"Dad, Dad, what are you doing here?"
Just then, Yang Dazhi suddenly ran over from somewhere else. He had already looked around the village committee without finding him, so he was worried his father might have bumped into Liu Zheng outside.
If the two of them were to meet, it would truly be like Mars colliding with Earth—neither would benefit.
Sure enough, before he even got close, Yang Dazhi saw a small crowd of villagers hiding in the shadows, whispering and pointing, and then he followed the direction of their pointing and heard their quarreling voices.
"What’s it got to do with you? Get lost and go back home, you useless thing."
"Dad, whatever it is, can we talk about it at home? All the villagers are watching us now, if you keep making a scene, aren’t you just embarrassing us?"
"What do you know? Outsiders have already invaded our village, are we supposed to act like shrinking turtles? I’m telling you, I’m not just going to stand here. I’m going to organize everyone in the village, young and old, to drive this fellow out of our Chen River Village."
"Dad, please don’t do that. If you go on like this, you won’t win people’s hearts. Besides, Chief Liu didn’t come here with any ill intentions; he just wants to understand the real situation of our villagers. Moreover, the things he’s been doing are indeed for our villagers’ good."
"What now, you’re getting cocky and want to fly the coop? Moreover, now you’re elbowing outward—is it that you’ve forgotten who your father is?"
"Dad, I know it’s hard to explain in just a few words. You’re used to being arrogant, but you can’t continue making mistakes when it comes to important matters. If you keep on making mistakes, I won’t be able to sort it out. I hope you’ll think about it."
"Fine, you wait and see, when we get home, I’ll show you how I’ll deal with you. Come on, people! Organize the villagers for me."
All of a sudden, he shouted loudly toward the back, but when he turned around, he found that the village was as if devoid of anyone at all.
Usually, there would be quite a few people taking shade under the big trees here, but today, there was no one to be seen.
Another thing was that whenever he gave an order, no villager dared to disobey him. So, with this in mind, his brow furrowed slightly.
"Dad, there’s no need to issue orders here. All the villagers are staying at home, and they understand that there is now a major sea change. And they have probably already chosen which side to stand on in their hearts, so don’t make it hard for yourself to step down, okay?"
