Wang Jianguo sat there without saying a word. He was a pragmatic man; otherwise, he wouldn't have become the township head.

“If you don’t return the grain and distribute it privately, you’re undermining socialism and damaging the country’s interests.” The grain station chief suddenly thought of this phrase and immediately labeled Liu Maocai with this serious accusation.

The old lady stood up calmly. "Then let's go to the county tomorrow to resolve this. I'm old, I'll go home. Hongmei, you take me home."

Wang Jianguo spoke up at this moment, "Grandma, wait a minute, let's settle this here today. Since you've offered to pay money, I agree." Actually, Wang Jianguo was furious. How could he, a fine porcelain, go head-to-head with these coarse porcelains?

It's better to collect money in Liujiatun than to collect nothing in other villages, right? In this drought year, being able to harvest grain is a political achievement, but it's all been ruined by this incompetent person. Money is money, too.

Zhang Hongmei tugged at the old lady and whispered, "Go pay the money tomorrow."

"You leaders can go back now. Liu Maocai will definitely deliver the money to the township tomorrow. I, this old woman, keep my word."

Zhang Hongmei was mainly worried that if they took the money now, they would deny it later. Handing it over to the township would definitely give it to the accountant, and there would be proof to obtain later. This was Zhang Hongmei's principle in her previous life: to handle official matters impartially and with proper evidence.

Wang Jianguo narrowed his eyes; it seemed this was the only way for today. He stood up. "Liu Maocai, I'll be waiting for you in my office tomorrow."

"Okay, we'll go tomorrow morning. Everyone, make way for the township head." Liu Maocai was prepared to be arrested, but he didn't expect things to be resolved this way.

Although the township head left, no one moved.

"This year there is a severe drought. Food is our lifeline. Money can be earned again, but if you don't want to pay money, then you have to pay with grain."

"Village chief, other villages haven't paid either?"

“We can’t get through this year. You’ve all decided whether to pay or not. You saw it today, and I think the township head will go to other villages to collect the money for his own benches.”

The courtyard was in an uproar. Nobody wanted to take money from their own homes, but taking grain was even more out of the question.

Everyone knows that Liu Maocai endured pressure for everyone's sake, just to ensure they had food to eat. The crops in the fields were almost dying from drought; who knew what the second half of the year would bring?

In the end, they all felt they should just pay. It's true what they say: money can be earned back, but if you lose your life, you have nothing left.

The money came in quickly; 20,000 jin of wheat required 7,000 yuan to collect, which was a considerable sum of money these days.

There was a family where only a grandfather and grandson could pay, and the old lady paid for them. Anyway, the next morning, Liu Maocai and Wang Hongxi took the money to the township.

Before leaving, Zhang Hongmei found Liu Maocai and said, "Third Uncle, you should keep that note from the grain station refusing to accept public grain at home. Also, it must have a receipt stamped by the township head. They don't seem like good people. What if they deny it?"

"Okay. I've given the police to your great-grandmother. Don't worry, Uncle will be fine."

When the two of them arrived at the township accountant, he collected the money and wrote a receipt. Then they went to the township head's office to have the township head stamp it.

This infuriated Wang Jianguo. He stamped the document and slowly said to Liu Maocai, "Liu Maocai, after discussion, we believe that you are not capable of being the village chief of Liujiatun. Therefore, we have decided to remove you from your position as village chief and temporarily appoint Wang Hongxi as the village chief of Liujiatun."

"In the middle, everything must be done according to the Party's command." Liu Maocai thought to himself that this was just right.

"Then you can go back. Wang Hongxi will stay for the meeting."

Seeing Liu Maocai leave, Wang Jianguo told Wang Hongxi to sit down, saying, "From now on, you're the village chief. You have to follow the leader's instructions."

"Yes, Mayor, I will definitely listen to you and do a good job in the village's development."

"Go back and find the note the grain station chief wrote the day before yesterday. This is your chance to prove yourself."

"But Liu Maocai gave that note to Liu Jiangshi, the old lady from last time."

“You’re the village chief now, this thing should be in your hands.”

"But that old lady is from the military. I heard that even the army commander is under her command."

Wang Jianguo's heart skipped a beat. Could there be such an important person in that godforsaken place?

Why didn't you tell me this before?

"You didn't ask? I thought you knew. Yesterday you guys were so cowardly towards her, I thought you weren't afraid of her at all. I was quite proud of you at the time."

"Bullshit, get out of here. If you want to be the village chief, you have to be obedient."

"I'm obedient. I'll never refuse to do anything you ask me to do."

Wang Jianguo felt extremely bitter. What could such an idiot do?

Wang Hongxi came out of the compound, spat, and thought: Bah! They're using me as a pawn, but they'll see if I'm willing. Becoming the village chief is great. I'm a Liujiatun resident, why would I team up with outsiders? He happily took the receipt stamped by the township head and went back to give it to his mistress.

This old lady is not to be trifled with. Just wait and see, Wang Jianguo won't get away with this. Liu Aimin only hit him once yesterday, but giving people a hard time is something that old man is best at.

However, because of his own efforts, he became the village chief for no reason.

Liu Maocai returned to the village and went straight to the old lady's house. "Second wife, he really dismissed me and made Hongxi the village chief."

"It's alright. Although Hongxi is cunning, she still knows what's important. Tomorrow, take Jianguo and get the job settled as soon as possible. Go to the city to find Uncle San, and he will make the arrangements."

"I know about the mistress, but Hongmei is a good girl."

"She's good. We might need her help in the future. This child cares about our village and everyone else. Keep an eye on her so she doesn't get bullied and lose heart."

"I understand, mistress. What about Daya?"

"I thought you wouldn't ask? What can we do? Just get married quickly. You're not very bright and your mother has corrupted you. You two are also responsible; why didn't you realize this sooner?"

Liu Maocai stared blankly, not daring to tell the old lady that he had arranged a job for Daya, probably because she really looked down on Daya. A creditor from a past life.

"You've won. Go back and have a good talk with Cuihua."

“I told her last night, and she doesn’t want me to be the one.”

“Cuihua is reasonable. You are lucky to have found such a wife.”

As Liu Maocai walked out, he bumped into Wang Hongxi. Neither of them spoke, and they each turned their faces away.

Although Liu Maocai could accept not being the village chief, he was still unhappy to see the person who replaced him.

Wang Hongxi went inside and first gave the receipt to the old lady, saying, "Second Madam, this is the receipt for our summer grain."

“That’s good. I have no other requirements for you as the village chief. Just remember that you are from Liujiatun.”

"Now that you know about the mistress, don't worry, my roots are here. No matter how despicable I am, no one can harm us."

"You got it. I believe in you. Go back and rest."