"The first thing is about the production team opening a pig farm. We all know about this. Fellow villagers, you are all good comrades who know how to contribute to the development of the production team. This year's outstanding production team is our production team."
After he finished speaking, no one uttered a sound, each wondering if they had misheard.
Did they have hearing problems, or did Ren Tong say something wrong?
"Comrade leader, what you just said is true. Today's outstanding production team is our production team."
"Yes."
Yes, they couldn't understand it either, but thankfully someone asked them the questions they had.
"Comrade Leader, what that little scoundrel Zhou Gangshu said..."
Just as he was about to continue speaking, the man suddenly realized he had sworn and lowered his head in embarrassment.
Ren Tong smiled; he understood what the villagers in the production team meant.
"Fellow villagers, listen up. Comrade Zhou Gangshu was taken to school early because of his excellent grades. There's nothing else going on."
“We only heard what he said, we didn’t promise him anything. Zhou Gangshu is not from our production team, so his affairs have nothing to do with us in the future.”
If Zhou Gangshu and Li Fuyi hadn't suddenly announced their engagement, and their sudden disappearance might have aroused suspicion if not handled properly, they wouldn't have resorted to this roundabout tactic.
"Comrade leader, are you telling the truth? You didn't agree to Zhou Gangshu's demands?"
"It's true."
After receiving a definite answer, the kind and simple-minded people began to worry.
They all heard it. If such important research were to be ruined, then...
"Comrade Leader, what should we do about the research?"
Ren Tong found the worried looks in their eyes very appealing. They liked these fellow villagers, unlike selfish people like Zhou Gangshu.
"Fellow villagers, you don't need to worry about this. Shanshi is far from here. Once the research starts, it will take at least ten years. By then, when Zhou Gangshu really comes back, we can say that the request we made to him has been fulfilled."
Starting from ten years ago, it's always been a small number.
Although he didn't know exactly what the people above were taking Zhou Gangshu to do, Ren Tong was a smart man and could vaguely guess some of it.
If he comes back, Zhou Gangshu may never return in this lifetime.
"Comrade leader, we understand. Zhou Gangshu was allowed to start school early because of his good grades."
"Yes, yes, let's talk less about Zhou Gangshu from now on."
“That makes sense. As long as no one talks about it, Zhou Gangshu doesn’t exist.”
"Whatever research it is or what it's all about, I will never know Zhou Gangshu again."
"Aunt Hua, I will learn from you in the future."
...
They are not simple people; they may be a bit naive, but that doesn't mean they lack intelligence.
They weren't like Li Fuyi and Li Laosan; they couldn't understand the seriousness of the situation. Anyway, following the instructions from above was definitely the right thing to do.
Ren Tong was very satisfied. As expected of the production team with the best development potential under his jurisdiction, this keen eye was quite pleasing.
"etc."
"Someone with no tact and no likability has appeared," Li Fumin quickly explained.
"Comrade leader, they are not from the production team, they are from the Northwest."
That's from the Northwest, it's irrelevant. Lack of discernment has nothing to do with the production team.
“Comrade, you just said that Zhou Gangshu will be gone for at least ten years. What about my daughter? My daughter is engaged to Zhou Gangshu.”
Old Li persisted, saying that he had his own ulterior motives in pairing Li Fuyi and Zhou Gangshu together.
Zhou Gangshu is now moving to a big city, what about Li Fuyi? She can wait ten days or half a month, but how can she wait ten years?
Li Fuyi is already an old maid, it's not worth it at all.
"Li Laosan, don't talk nonsense. The engagement hasn't even been completed yet, so what kind of engagement is it?"
Before Ren Tong could speak, Li Fumin stepped forward to resolve the matter. Li Laosan had previously used this reason to refuse people, and it would work just as well for Li Fumin to use it now.
He's the brigade leader; he can't just ignore the villagers.
"Yes, Li Laosan, Li Fuyi left before the engagement with Zhou Gangshu was even completed, what kind of engagement is that?"
“Li Laosan, you can’t go back on your word. Yang Guowei, that’s what you said.”
“If it’s not done, it doesn’t count as an engagement. Li Laosan, you can still hold a third engagement banquet for Li Fuyi.”
"Li Laosan, remember to invite us. We've known each other for over ten years."
...
One or two started badmouthing Li Laosan. Pshaw, who do they think they are? Do they really think they don't know what kind of scheming he is?
“Li Laosan, since you’re no longer part of the production team, hurry back to your Northwest.”
In just a few minutes, Ren Tong learned about Li Laosan's life from Li Fumin. Who knew he was such a shrewd fellow?
"Fellow villagers, let's talk about the second thing."
I just mentioned one good thing, so the second one must also be good.
Good things, good mood, we can't let Li Laosan ruin it.
"The second thing is that Comrade Li Aiguo has made outstanding contributions to the construction of the pig farm. The commune has decided to recognize Comrade Li Aiguo as a model of the new generation. Everyone should learn from Comrade Li Aiguo in the future. Let's give him a round of applause."
The applause was deafening; Li Yiyi never expected that her family would become famous overnight.
"Dad, you've become an advanced person."
"Well, I hope you can bring me back a 'Most Improved Person' award certificate, my daughter."
When the topic of grades came up, Li Yiyi's wry smile immediately faded.
What am I going to do? My mother got into university, my father became a model worker, and I'm left all alone, struggling to survive between them.
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