Zhang Guifang's move immediately put Xu Kuo in a dilemma.
He couldn't very well lay a hand on an old woman, could he? But if he did nothing, word would get out and his reputation would be completely ruined.
Xu Kuo caught a glimpse of the villagers' sympathetic looks and sneered inwardly, "This old woman really knows how to act!"
Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the crowd: "What's going on? Why are you all gathered here?"
Everyone turned around and saw that it was Secretary Wen! He was carrying two bottles of fine wine and some snacks, clearly there to visit someone.
Upon seeing Secretary Wen, Zhang Guifang felt as if she had seen a savior, and she scrambled to his feet.
Zhang Guifang cried out, "Secretary Wen, you must do justice for me! This Xu Kuo is a monster! He tricked my son into working for him for free, and he even disrupted our farming! You must punish him severely!"
Secretary Wen was completely bewildered by this sudden turn of events. She looked at everyone in confusion, hoping someone could explain it to her.
"Secretary Wen, Xu Kuo is too ruthless, you can't let him off so easily!"
"Yes, Secretary Wen, you have to stand up for us!"
The villagers recounted the story all at once, and of course, they all sided with Zhang Guifang.
After all, delaying farming can be fatal for farmers like them.
Upon hearing this, Secretary Wen's expression turned extremely ugly.
After all, she needed Xu Kuo's help, but she couldn't ignore the plight of the people.
Of course, Secretary Wen did not believe that Xu Kuo would be that kind of person.
Xu Kuo looked at Secretary Wen, who was caught in a dilemma, and felt helpless. He knew that if this matter wasn't resolved properly today, he wouldn't be able to get along in the village anymore.
Secretary Wen's impression of him may also worsen.
He took out several grain coupons and meat coupons from his pocket and handed them to Zhang Guifang: "Zhang Guifang, take these coupons as compensation from me."
Zhang Guifang's eyes lit up instantly, like a hungry wolf seeing a bone.
Seeing the grain coupons and meat coupons clutched in Xu Kuo's hand, the surrounding villagers all became envious, wishing those coupons would immediately fly into their own pockets.
Zhang Guifang was even more impatient, and she rushed forward to grab it.
Who was Xu Kuo? How could he let her succeed? He easily dodged with a slight movement. He wasn't going to suffer this in silence.
"You...you heartless bastard! Why didn't you give it to me?" Zhang Guifang jumped up and down in anger after missing her target.
Xu Kuo sneered, a mocking smile playing on his lips: "Want it? Fine, but you have to promise me that from today onwards, Erbao will be with me, and the 50/50 split will be changed to 20/80. And these tickets are yours right now!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Guifang's eyes darted around. She didn't believe for a second that Xu Kuo's few worthless fish could make any big money. She figured, 28% is better than nothing. Besides, these grain and meat coupons were real!
“Okay! Two-eight it is! I agree!” Zhang Guifang agreed without hesitation, afraid that Xu Kuo would go back on his word.
Xu Kuo, quick as a flash, stuffed the grain coupons and meat coupons into Zhang Guifang's hand. Zhang Guifang grabbed them and clutched them tightly in her palm, as if afraid they would grow wings and fly away.
The surrounding villagers were practically drooling with envy, but Zhang Guifang paid no heed. She glanced triumphantly at Xu Kuo, then turned and ran off faster than a rabbit, heading straight for the village's supply and marketing cooperative to exchange rice and meat.
"That old woman, she's all money-grubbing! Once the fishpond makes a fortune, she'll be crying!" Xu Kuo cursed inwardly.
Secretary Wen stood to the side, looking somewhat embarrassed. She coughed lightly and said apologetically, "Xu Kuo, I'm really sorry, I couldn't be of any help to you."
Xu Kuo waved his hand dismissively: "It's nothing, Secretary Wen, don't take it to heart. She doesn't know what's good for her. My fishpond is no ordinary fishpond."
Secretary Wen was taken aback and somewhat puzzled. Where did Xu Kuo get such confidence when the fish market was so difficult these days?
She grew increasingly curious about Xu Kuo's fishpond and couldn't help but ask, "Xu Kuo, what kind of fish can you raise in your fishpond? Or... shall I go with you to take a look?"
"Come on, Secretary Wen, follow me!" Xu Kuo waved his hand and led Secretary Wen toward the fishpond.
After all, there's no harm in showing Secretary Wen around. Wouldn't it be a pleasant surprise if Secretary Wen could provide him with a channel to sell fish?
As soon as we arrived at the fishpond, we saw Captain Wang of the construction team, along with several members, enthusiastically planning the expansion of the fishpond with blueprints and tools.
"Brother Xu, you've arrived!" As soon as Captain Wang saw Xu Kuo, he immediately put down his work and greeted him warmly.
Secretary Wen watched with curiosity, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards the fishpond.
"Glug—"
A large, fat fish suddenly leaped out of the water, gleaming brightly in the sunlight and splashing up a spray of water.
Secretary Wen's eyes widened instantly, her face filled with shock: "This...this fish..." She stammered, unable to utter a complete sentence for a long time.
"Secretary Wen, if you like, I'll catch one for you to take home and try!" Xu Kuo said, picking up a net and skillfully scooping up a large fish, which he then handed to Secretary Wen.
Secretary Wen then came to his senses and waved his hands repeatedly, "No...no need..."
Seeing this, Xu Kuo nodded and put the fish back.
Upon seeing what Secretary Wen was holding, Xu Kuo instinctively asked, "Secretary Wen, what brings you to our village? It looks like you're visiting someone."
She then remembered the purpose of her visit: Shi Jixing, the temporary assistant, had looked down on Xu Kuo and dared to talk back to him. She had come specifically to apologize to Xu Kuo.
"Xu Kuo, that Shi Jixing was ignorant and talked back to you before. Please don't take it to heart. I... I apologize to you!" Secretary Wen said sincerely.
"It's a trivial matter, not worth mentioning. I didn't take it to heart at all," Xu Kuo replied nonchalantly, which made Secretary Wen even more ashamed.
Secretary Wen looked at Xu Kuo earnestly: "By the way, please accept that bicycle as a small token of my appreciation. Also... Xu Kuo, I'd like to ask you to be my assistant, what do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Kuo quickly waved his hand and declined, saying, "Secretary Wen, I appreciate your kindness. But there are many things to do in the village, and I'm afraid I won't be able to handle them all. But don't worry, if you need any help in the future, just let me know!"
Seeing Xu Kuo's resolute attitude, Secretary Wen did not insist on forcing him, but still insisted on giving the bicycle to Xu Kuo: "You must accept this bicycle! Consider it... consider it a small token of my gratitude!"
Xu Kuo could not refuse and had no choice but to accept the bicycle.
Secretary Wen was delighted, put down the snacks in his hand, said goodbye to Xu Kuo, and left.
After seeing Secretary Wen off, Xu Kuo turned to Captain Wang and asked, "Captain Wang, how's the fishpond expansion going?"
"Don't worry, Brother Xu, I guarantee it will be completed on time and to a high standard!" Captain Wang assured him, patting his chest.
Xu Kuo nodded and was about to leave when his gaze inadvertently fell upon a stack of English manuscripts on a small stool next to him.
"What's this?" Xu Kuo asked curiously, picking up a piece of paper.
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