Li Hua, as the person in charge of the educated youth settlement, stood before the educated youth with a serious expression. He cleared his throat, preparing to speak.
"Comrades, as educated youth, we came here to respond to the country's call and contribute our strength to the construction of the countryside. We must carry forward the spirit of hard work and struggle, and not be afraid of hardship or fatigue..." Li Hua spoke eloquently about some grand principles.
Zhou Min, a veteran educated youth, sat to the side, her face showing impatience. She had been at this educated youth settlement for some time and was already tired of hearing Li Hua's words. She couldn't help but interrupt Li Hua: "Alright, alright, Li Hua, we've heard these words so many times, can't you say something practical?"
Li Hua was somewhat embarrassed by Zhou Min's interruption, but he tried his best to remain calm: "Comrade Zhou Min, I know you may find these words familiar, but we cannot forget our mission and responsibility. We came here not only for ourselves, but also for the vast number of farmers. We must change the face of this place through our own efforts and enable the farmers to live a better life."
Zhou Min scoffed dismissively: "That's easy for you to say."
Liu Cui sat to the side, inwardly cursing, "Is Li Hua crazy? We're just eating, why does she have to talk about this? So annoying!" She frowned, her face full of dissatisfaction.
At this moment, Li Hua seemed oblivious to everyone's dissatisfaction and continued to say, "As educated youth, we must have a spirit of dedication and always remember our identity and mission. We cannot only think about our own comfort and ease; we must work hard for the development of the countryside."
Zhou Min couldn't help but interrupt him again: "Alright, Li Hua, what's the point of saying all this? We do so much work every day, we're exhausted, but you have it so easy, you just have to talk."
Li Hua's expression turned somewhat grim, but he still forced himself to remain calm: "Comrade Zhou Min, I understand everyone's hard work, but we can't just focus on the immediate difficulties; we need to have a long-term perspective. Our efforts will surely be rewarded."
Li Hua was furious when Zhou Min interrupted him. This Zhou Min was always like this, showing him, the person in charge, no respect whatsoever. How was he supposed to establish authority among the new educated youth? His face darkened, his eyes filled with resentment and anger.
Li Hua clenched his fists, trying his best to suppress his emotions, thinking to himself, "That woman Zhou Min is ungrateful and always causes trouble at crucial moments. I will not let her off easily this time; I will definitely teach her a lesson!"
At this moment, Zhou Min was unaware of Li Hua's anger and continued to stare at him with disdain, as if waiting for his next move.
The other newly arrived educated youth looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Some were dissatisfied with Zhou Min's behavior, feeling that she shouldn't treat the person in charge that way; others were annoyed by Li Hua's long-winded explanation and thought that Zhou Min's interruption was a relief.
Li Hua took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and slowly said, "Comrade Zhou Min, I hope you will respect my position as the person in charge of the educated youth settlement. What I said was for everyone's benefit, to complete the national task, and to contribute to rural development. Your interruption is disrespectful to me and irresponsible to the entire educated youth settlement."
Zhou Min sneered, "Li Hua, stop putting on airs. Everyone understands your grand principles, but what's the reality? We work hard every day, yet our living conditions haven't improved at all. What exactly have you, the person in charge, done?"
Li Hua was speechless, his face growing increasingly grim, veins throbbing on his forehead. He suppressed his anger: "Zhou Min, stop being unreasonable. I've been trying to solve the problem, but some things take time and a process. Don't dismiss me just because of temporary difficulties."
Zhou Min retorted without backing down: "Hmph, effort? I haven't seen any. If you're so capable, show it with concrete actions, stop just talking nonsense."
At this moment, Xiao Wang, one of the new educated youths, couldn't help but say, "Alright, stop arguing. We've come here for the same goal, so we should understand and support each other, not blame each other." The other new educated youths nodded in agreement.
Li Hua glanced at everyone. Though still angry, he knew he couldn't argue with Zhou Min now, as it would affect team unity. He composed himself and said, "Let's put this matter aside for now. Comrade Zhou Min, I hope you'll be mindful of your words and actions in the future. We are a team, and we need to work together to accomplish our mission."
Zhou Min didn't speak, but turned her face away and stopped looking at Li Hua.
Lin Qian and 003 watched Li Hua and Zhou Min's argument with great interest.
Lin Qian said, "This educated youth center only has a few people, and they are divided into several small teams."
003 chuckled and replied, "Yes, you see, Li Hua and Zhou Min are clearly two leaders who don't get along, and the others also have their own agendas."
Wang Qin said, "Today we're having a welcome dinner for the new educated youth. Stop making noise, everyone come and eat!"
Her voice broke the tense atmosphere caused by Li Hua and Zhou Min's argument. Everyone started eating, and the atmosphere eased a little.
Li Hua's expression was still not good, but he didn't say anything more and silently ate his meal. Zhou Min, on the other hand, still seemed indifferent, eating her food heartily.
Lin Qian whispered to 003, "This Sister Wang Qin is quite good at handling things. It's perfect timing to suggest having dinner now."
003 nodded: "Yes, otherwise the atmosphere would have remained tense for who knows how long."
At the dinner table, everyone ate and chatted. Zhao Yu said, "The new educated youth who have come here this time will have to adapt well to life here. Rural life is not like life in the city."
Su Yao chimed in, "Yes, but if we all work together, we'll definitely be able to make a good life."
With food stuffed in her mouth, Liu Cui mumbled, "Anyway, it's just work. You'll get used to it."
Everyone chatted, and the topic gradually shifted from Li Hua and Zhou Min's argument to all aspects of the lives of educated youth.
Wang Qin looked at everyone and said with a smile, "Eat more, everyone. We're all family now, so let's take care of each other."
At this moment, a young educated youth named Xiao Li said shyly, "Thank you everyone, we will work hard."
Everyone nodded in encouragement.
After the meal, everyone seemed to have gotten a little closer.
After dinner, everyone went their separate ways. Li Hua returned to his room, still feeling somewhat depressed. He felt that his authority as the head of the educated youth settlement had been challenged, especially by Zhou Min, who always seemed to put him in an awkward position.
Zhou Min felt that Li Hua was just a big talker with no real ability. She decided to pay closer attention to Li Hua's behavior in the future and not let him give orders recklessly.
Lin Qian and 003 were also discussing the events of the day.
Lin Qian said, "Although today's matter has temporarily passed, I don't think the conflict between Li Hua and Zhou Min has been resolved yet."
003 said, "Yes, but I hope they can argue less in the future, otherwise it will be difficult for everyone."
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