“This…” Su Xinyi glanced at the wine glass on the table, pursed her lips, and still picked up the wine glass and stood up.
She only took a small sip of the drink she had with everyone earlier, and it was so spicy that she really didn't want to drink it anymore.
But now that the leader has come over to offer a toast, it seems like I have no choice but to drink.
Seeing Su Xinyi raise her wine glass, Xu Dabang's smile was also very broad.
"Alright, alright, then I'll toast you on behalf of the commune."
"Thank you, Director Xu."
After everyone thanked them in unison, they tilted their heads back and drank the wine in their glasses.
Cough cough!
Cough cough cough!
Su Xinyi, Deng Huiling, and other female educated youths had never been exposed to alcohol before, and after drinking just one glass, they coughed uncontrollably.
Seeing that Su Xinyi was about to sit down, Qiu Mingyue would not let go of such a good opportunity in a public setting, so she pulled Su Xinyi and said, "Xinyi, let's have a drink together."
"I..." Su Xinyi wanted to say that she couldn't drink anymore.
Qiu Mingyue cut off the other person's words directly, and said with a fake smile: "Xinyi, we have been together in Pingba Village for more than two years. Although we sometimes have some disagreements, we are still classmates, aren't we? Consider this drink as my apology to you. Please forgive me as your classmate."
After saying that, she tilted her head back and drank it.
Although the spicy taste filled her mouth and was very uncomfortable, Qiu Mingyue couldn't help but smile when she saw Su Xinyi pick up her wine glass.
After two glasses of wine, Su Xinyi's mouth was now filled with the unpleasant taste of alcohol, and her brows were furrowed.
As she was about to sit down, Zhong Tian introduced all the commune leaders behind Xu Dabang one by one.
After the introductions, it's time for drinking.
Su Xinyi suppressed the urge to vomit and drank several more cups.
A few glasses of baijiu (Chinese liquor) were already her limit for Su Xinyi, who had never drunk alcohol before. She was now seeing double and even the sounds around her were fragmented.
Seeing Su Xinyi like this, Qiu Mingyue's smile widened, though it looked like a cunning one.
"Xinyi? Xinyi?" Deng Huiling seemed to be born with a talent for drinking; a few drinks didn't seem to affect her physique at all.
Seeing Su Xinyi slumped on the table, holding her head, Deng Huiling said with some concern, "I'm sorry, Xinyi has had too much to drink. I think we should take her home first."
"No need, no need," Zhong Tian immediately said. "You guys do your thing, there are dormitories nearby."
These words seemed to puzzle the educated youth. Zhong Tian awkwardly explained, "Because you educated youth live in a remote area, to prevent any accidents from happening while walking at night, the commune has arranged a few dormitories for you. You can go back tomorrow morning."
The educated youth accepted this reason and nodded in agreement.
Some even said that the commune's arrangements were humane and well-organized.
Zhong Tian then gave Qiu Mingyue a look, and the latter pursed her lips but still went over and helped Su Xinyi up with Deng Huiling.
Led by a member of the commune, they arrived at an office.
Deng Huiling glanced at it and frowned, saying, "This doesn't look like a dormitory at all."
"It's good enough that you have a place to stay. Hurry up and help her inside, she's too heavy." Qiu Mingyue rolled her eyes at Deng Huiling with disdain.
After settling Su Xinyi in, Deng Huiling thoughtfully covered her with a blanket before the two left.
A dozen minutes later, a bald middle-aged man's face suddenly appeared in the office. If Su Xinyi were awake, she would definitely recognize him as Xu Dabang, the commune director.
He slowly approached the bedside, looked at Su Xinyi on the bed, and Xu Dabang chuckled wickedly: "I've never seen such a beautiful and delicate girl in my life. I'm going to take good care of you tonight."
"Zhong Tian did a good job today."
Hearing the conversation inside, Zhong Tian covered his mouth and chuckled. Turning to Qiu Mingyue, he said, "Your suggestion this time was excellent. It pleased Director Xu and satisfied your anger at the same time—a win-win situation."
"Of course."
Qiu Mingyue held her head high with pride, then, as if remembering something, asked, "Secretary Zhong, what about my quota for returning to the city?"
Upon hearing the words "return to the city quota," Zhong Tian feigned ignorance, wrapped his arms around Qiu Mingyue's slender waist, and whispered close to her fair neck, "Look how wonderful tonight is! Why bring up returning to the city? We can talk about it tomorrow."
Smelling a nauseating odor, Qiu Mingyue struggled desperately, but she was afraid that the cafeteria would hear her, so she dared not make a sound or resist too violently, for fear of being discovered.
With a look of disgust on her face, Qiu Mingyue was dragged by Zhong Tian to the office next door.
Upon arriving at the office, Qiu Mingyue forcefully shoved Zhong Tian away and angrily said, "Zhong Tian, let me tell you, I'm not someone to be bullied. Back when I was with you, you promised to help me get a return-to-city permit. Don't think you can renege on your promise after you've had your fun. I was still a virgin when I was with you..."
Annoyed by being lectured, Zhong Tian snapped, "Qiu Mingyue, if you're so capable, go ahead and report me now, and let's see who suffers the consequences!"
“I, Zhong Tian, am not someone to be intimidated. If you piss me off, even if the higher-ups issue a document, I can arrange for you to be the last one to return to the city. You can try if you don’t believe me.”
Suddenly threatened, Qiu Mingyue panicked, biting her lower lip tightly, her eyes brimming with tears.
Following Zhong Tian is all about getting the return-to-city quota. If you're the last one to return, all your previous efforts will be wasted.
The shrewd Qiu Mingyue would never do a losing deal, so she could only clench her fists and take small, quick steps to slowly approach Zhong Tian.
Seeing this, Zhong Tian sneered and pounced on Qiu Mingyue like a hungry wolf.
“If you behave and serve me well, I might get you one of the first batch of quotas.” Zhong Tian said, while pulling at Qiu Mingyue’s pants.
A tear rolled down Qiu Mingyue's cheek. She could only close her eyes tightly, bite her lower lip, and let herself be manipulated.
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