Xu Yuanzheng sat down and quickly named four dishes, three meat dishes and one vegetable dish. Then he glanced at the frail-looking old bamboo craftsman and said, "Another steamed egg and some vegetable and tofu soup."
After the young man went downstairs, Gao Qiang helped the old bamboo craftsman to the bathroom to wash his face and rinse his mouth. He came back and drank two cups of hot tea, and he felt much better.
Although the old bamboo craftsman's expression was as listless as when he left, the light in his eyes was completely different. His cloudy eyes were filled with hope.
Xu Yuanzheng took out a cigarette from his pocket and distributed it to everyone. He took a puff with satisfaction and said with a smile, "We have gained a lot on this trip!"
Gao Qiang agreed, "Yes, thanks to the good arrangements made by the town, we now know exactly how to develop this industry and do it well!"
"We still have to thank Secretary Huo for giving us direction and so much freedom." Xu Yuanzheng said, "It's a pity that time is tight this time, and the funds are not so abundant. Let's wait until next time. Next time we will take a plane to Zhejiang Province to take a look and learn something more!"
The old bamboo craftsman raised his wrinkled face and said seriously, "Mayor Xu, I used to think that you officials talked nonsense and did nothing all day long. Now I finally understand how hard your day is. Thank you!"
Hearing this, Xu Yuanzheng felt a little dazed and remembered what Huo Qianli had said to them.
If you work hard and do good things, the people will see it. Then you will not only be able to make progress in your career, but also be praised by the people. Isn't it more comfortable than being greedy for a few dollars or being lazy?
He smiled and said, "Old man, now that we have figured out the direction, the difficulties have only just begun! After we go back, you and Village Chief Gao still have a lot to do!"
The old bamboo craftsman waved his hand nonchalantly, "You officials don't need to worry about the village's affairs. If you can't even handle this, it would be a shame for your hard work!"
Gao Qiang also nodded, "That's right, Mayor Xu, don't worry, we will definitely handle the village's affairs! When the time comes, we will ask you to give us guidance!"
"That's right!"
Xu Yuanzheng nodded, looked at the dishes that had just been served, and paused, "Let's eat first. I've been traveling all afternoon and I'm starving!"
After a hearty dinner, Xu Yuanzheng paid the bill and asked the driver to take Gao Qiang and the old bamboo craftsman back to the village.
Zhuyang Village does not have as many cars as Hushan Village. A car rushed into the village in the night where it was so quiet that only the barking of dogs could be heard, and immediately attracted the attention of many people living on the roadside.
When everyone saw the car parked in front of the village chief's house, they all guessed that the village chief had returned!
While Gao Qiang was moving the things he bought from the trunk into the house one by one, he made a phone call and asked a middle-aged man who lived next to the old bamboo craftsman's house to come and pick him up, as it would be troublesome if he fell down so late at night.
After he gave the driver a cigarette and sent him away, several nearby neighbors came over wrapped in coats with bashful eyes, "Village chief, you're back?"
While saying hello, he looked into the house.
Gao Qiang waved his hand and said, "Don't look around there. I'll go to the village committee at nine o'clock tomorrow morning and I'll explain it to you slowly."
"Why wait until tomorrow?"
"That's right. There's nothing to do anyway."
Several villagers laughed and teased, Gao Qiang spit, "You have nothing to do, but I do! I haven't been home for so many days, so late at night, why should I go and hug my wife to have a warm nap instead of hanging out here with you widows?"
His wife, who was helping to carry a few stools out, blushed and spat, "Gao, if you don't talk nonsense every day, you won't feel at ease, right?"
Amidst the laughter, Gao Qiang waved his hand and said, "Hurry back. The village committee will be held at nine o'clock tomorrow morning! Otherwise, I won't be able to get into bed tonight!"
After the crowd here dispersed, soon the people who came to pick up the old bamboo craftsman arrived.
Gao Qiang found a flashlight and handed it to the old bamboo craftsman, "Uncle Jun, tomorrow..."
The old bamboo craftsman nodded and said, "Don't worry! This time, it will be done perfectly!"
As the old bamboo craftsman and the person who came to pick him up slowly walked into the night, Gao Qiang stood at the door, smoking a cigarette and watching quietly. He looked at the two swaying beams of light and the deep night surrounding them, and murmured, "It should work, right? Yes, it must work! It has to work!"
"What are you chanting while squatting at the door? Are you sleepy after soaking your feet?"
Hearing his wife's impatient call from behind, Gao Qiang quickly responded and turned to walk into the house.
The door was closed, and Zhuyang Village was quietly waiting for dawn in the darkness.
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