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Qi Shuli, harboring a wicked idea, secretly spread the word that the university spot was going to be given to a sent-down youth by Qi Dazhu.

Upon hearing this, the villagers began to discuss it amongst themselves.

It wasn't until three days later that the news reached Secretary Qi's ears, and he was furious.

Damn it, he never thought of giving up his spot to the educated youth. He looked around the village for a few people and planned to choose from the junior high schools in the village.

Now that the issue of the quota has been leaked, the villagers misunderstand him, and those educated youth who were once full of hope for him will also have grievances against him in the future once they are disappointed.

Secretary Qi hasn't dared to leave his house these past few days, for fear of being pointed at and gossiped about.

Qi Xiaoyan felt sorry for her father and knew that He Tiantian had many ideas, so she came to He Tiantian for advice.

"Sister Tian, ​​what should we do?" Qi Xiaoyan asked with a bitter face. She had been overjoyed and happy because of her engagement, but now that this had happened, her good mood was gone.

He Tiantian asked, "So, who does your dad hope will go to university?"

"They're just a few junior high school students from the village, and they're selecting them together with the village officials." Qi Xiaoyan smiled shyly. It was only natural for her father to do this, and as his daughter, she couldn't say anything bad about him.

He Tiantian nodded and said, "If we don't handle these rumors properly and select someone from the village, the educated youth will have objections, and it might even cause conflicts. But there's only one spot available. If we don't handle it well, people will be dissatisfied, and then Secretary Qi will be unable to continue his work."

“Yes, my dad is worried too,” Qi Xiaoyan said. “You’re quick-witted, so hurry up and think of a solution.”

Given the current situation, continuing to cover it up and secretly decide on the quotas is no longer feasible.

If we can't do it secretly, then let's make it public!

Anyway, it's not spring planting season yet, so there's plenty of time!

“Xiao Yan, Secretary Qi is in a dilemma now. It’s not about who gets the university spot, but that no matter who gets it, there will be people who are dissatisfied. In that case, let’s use the fairest method.” He Tiantian said, smiling at Qi Xiaoyan.

"The fairest way?" Qi Xiaoyan wondered. If there was such a way, why couldn't her father think of it?

“Yes, this spot belongs to Qijia Village. Let’s take it, compile a list of all eligible candidates, and if any of them want to go to university, let the whole village vote,” He Tiantian explained. “What do you think?”

Upon hearing this, Qi Xiaoyan's eyes lit up, and she said, "That's right. In that case, college students are elected by everyone, not decided by my dad. So no matter who it is, they can't blame my dad."

"The method is simple and effective. Doing so also demonstrates Secretary Qi's selflessness. Those who are secretly plotting will have miscalculated," He Tiantian said. Since she didn't meet the criteria, she could view the matter objectively!

"It's really good, I'll tell my dad right away." Qi Xiaoyan left excitedly. Since Qi Xiaoyan recovered, she has become much more cheerful.

Grandma Qi smiled when she saw the two little girls. It's so nice to be at such a carefree age.

After hearing the method that Qi Xiaoyan got from He Tiantian, Secretary Qi slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "That's right!"

Anyway, since his daughter isn't going to university this time, it doesn't really concern him.

The fact that the seats were chosen by election shows his selflessness!

"Alright, let's do it this way." Secretary Qi chuckled. "Have your second brother inform the village officials to hold a meeting at the village branch."

Qi Xiaoyan quickly went next door to deliver the message.

Qi Ergou was doing housework when he heard that something was wrong. He put aside his work and went to notify the village officials.

Secretary Qi, Qi Shuli, Zhao Dajiao, and the two team leaders arrived at the village branch office soon.

Qi Shuli was at ease, wanting to see what Qi Dazhu was up to!

Secretary Qi looked around at everyone and said earnestly, "There's been a lot of talk about this in the village lately, as you all know."

Several people nodded.

"This has a huge impact on me and our village branch. This spot belongs to Qijia Village, not to me, Qi Dazhu, nor to anyone here. It's understandable that everyone is dissatisfied. Since that's the case, let everyone make the decision. That way, no one will say I'm abusing my power." As Secretary Qi said this, he glanced at Qi Shuli.

Everyone followed Secretary Qi's gaze and looked at Qi Shuli.

Qi Shuli froze, his face showing some unease.

"Hehe, that's a good idea, not bad at all," Qi Shuli said sheepishly under the gazes of the others.

"How will the candidates be selected?" Zhao Dajiao asked. "Those who agree with the commune's regulations include not only people from our village, but also educated youth."

Secretary Qi laughed heartily and said, "As long as the conditions are met, it's fine. Those educated youth left their hometowns to come to our village, and they made contributions in our Qi Family Village last year, so they are also eligible."

“Alright, let’s do a count. Those who meet the criteria and want to compete for this spot are all candidates,” Zhao Dajiao said. “Then let’s discuss who meets the criteria.”

Everyone agreed and began to consider the candidates.

Apart from Qi Shuli, who was unhappy, the others were discussing it enthusiastically.

Secretary Qi personally wrote the public notice with a brush and posted it on the wall of the village branch.

For a moment, the villagers fell silent, wondering if their own children met the requirements. Those who did come to register.

Back then, university was free; the government even provided financial support. Upon graduation, you were guaranteed a government job, a secure, government-supported position.

Qijia Village became lively because of this incident, and those who met the criteria started to campaign and garner votes.

To be eligible to vote, one had to be a resident of Qijia Village aged 18 or older, and have no criminal record. Those with questionable class backgrounds were also ineligible to participate in the election. This was to prevent investigations by the commune.

Secretary Qi is a very shrewd man. If he's going to do something, he'll do something big.

Secretary Qi wrote a report overnight and submitted it to the commune. If this matter is handled well, it will become a model case.

The selection of worker-peasant-soldier college students involved a combination of recommendations from the masses, approval from leaders, and review by the schools. Their village was among the first batch of such students; if they did well, they would be considered exemplary.

Sure enough, County Chief Liu also took the report submitted by Secretary Qi very seriously.

This is the only college student spot in Taoyuan County; it's extremely valuable.

If he handles it well, that will be an achievement for him!

Therefore, County Chief Liu personally gave instructions and said that he would personally supervise the election on the day of the election.

County Chief Liu also began writing reports to submit to higher-level leaders.

The higher-level leader was very pleased and immediately issued a reply, instructing County Head Liu to pay close attention and successfully complete this task. If handled properly, it would be set as a model example.

This event fully embodies the principle of the people being the masters of their own destiny, and also perfectly implements the spirit and significance of the nation's recruitment of workers, peasants, and soldiers into universities. (To be continued.)