Liu Weimin is the village chief of a small village, a village that has been in the poorest state for many years, which makes him exceptionally humble.
Therefore, he was always insecure outside, and it was common for him to be humble and subservient. The highest-ranking leader he met was Secretary Lin of the commune, and apart from meetings, he would mostly complain about being poor.
Moreover, in that era and during that period, the image of the police was ten or even a hundred times more imposing than in later generations.
The moment the police arrive, even the most unreasonable people are terrified and flee in all directions. This effect is most pronounced on ordinary people like them.
Deep down, they stubbornly believe that if the police come, it means you've committed a crime.
It's not so much a prejudice of one person, but rather a deep-rooted reliance on ideology over the years, the fear of authority and the rule of law among ordinary people, and their instinctive tendency to seek advantage and avoid harm.
By now, a small circle of people had gathered at the village office, whispering among themselves. When they saw Jian Dan return with the village chief, they immediately looked at her with pity. Their eyes showed reluctance and sadness, and occasionally a couple of people were gloating. Jian Dan was well aware of what was going on.
"Jian Zhiqing,"
Some were worried, but seeing Jian's calm and composed expression, they couldn't continue talking. They couldn't help but wonder, why isn't Jian Zhiqing in a hurry?
Hearing the noise outside, the person inside strode out to greet them. It was indeed Director Cheng, his voice booming like thunder.
"Haha, Jian Zhiqing, I'm sorry, I've been busy these past few days and only just managed to find time to come and see you."
Simply put on a smile,
"Director Cheng, you're always so busy, what brings you here?"
What did the villagers hear?
Was that police officer a bureau chief?
And you're still saying you're embarrassed? Look at you!
Is the head of the Public Security Bureau really that polite to the young educated youth from their village?
Look at how Xiao Jian, the educated youth, seems to get along very naturally.
Liu Weimin quickly came over to greet them.
"Director Cheng? Oh my, really! I thought you were a police officer."
"Come inside and talk, it's very cold outside."
Director Cheng, being in this line of work, was naturally aware of the villagers' whispers and various glances. He also knew how powerful public opinion could be, and at this crucial moment, he couldn't afford to create a mess for Xiao Jian.
"Village chief, you're too kind. I'm not here on official business; it's purely a personal matter."
The villagers' attention was immediately drawn to the word "private matter," and all the chatter ceased. The scene was very quiet, except for the occasional gust of wind; it was truly a pleasant day.
"Private matters?" The village chief was also curious. How come he didn't know anyone in their village who had such great power to get involved with the police chief?
Director Cheng burst into laughter again.
“A few days ago, at the entrance of the commune's supply and marketing cooperative, a thug committed a crime. Coincidentally, the person who was almost stabbed was my mother. Thanks to Comrade Xiao Jian's bravery, he helped us defeat the thug and save my mother.”
Afterwards, she left without expecting anything in return. Today, I'm here for two reasons, one public and one private.
As far as I'm concerned, Comrade Xiao Jian, your actions have genuinely assisted the public security organs in apprehending dangerous individuals and protecting the lives of the people. This is the certificate and reward specially awarded by the Provincial Department.
Here, Comrade Jian, take this.
Jian Dan's eyes lit up. Whether there was a reward or not didn't matter, but this certificate for bravery was a good thing.
Just a few days ago, she was worried about how to find peace and tranquility amidst the chaos, and now this talisman has been delivered to her.
While it's not a panacea, it can at least protect you to some extent.
Seeing the smile in her eyes, Director Cheng knew he had made the right move.
"Personally, Comrade Xiao Jian saved my mother, so he is a benefactor of my Cheng family."
Comrade Xiao Jian, I brought some things with me. They're nothing compared to the life-saving favor, but they're a small token of my family's appreciation.
After observing Director Cheng for a while, I didn't find any other intentions in him, and I was about to refuse.
Director Cheng seemed to know what she was going to say and spoke first.
"Comrade Jian, it would be impolite of me to not express my gratitude for saving my life."
Simple felt a lump in her throat, and it took her a while to swallow it down. They had already given it to her, so how could she refuse?
"Then thank you Director Cheng, and thank you Grandma too. However, please don't do this again in the future. It was just a small favor, nothing to do with such a serious debt of gratitude as saving a life."
Director Cheng neither confirmed nor denied, but said what he needed to say before leading the way into the village office building.
Liu Aiguo and several elderly people were invited by Liu Weimin to keep the guests company, but the guests ran out halfway through. They were still talking outside, and it was not appropriate to interrupt them, so they had no choice but to wait inside.
So when Director Cheng entered the room, a wave of heat hit him. The person who had been frozen outside was suddenly jolted by the change in temperature, and his whole body shivered, and then all the pores on his body opened up.
Liu Weimin stamped his foot, pulled over two chairs, and placed them next to the stove.
"Come on, Director Cheng, sit here. It'll be warmer here."
It's gotten cold early this year; it's only been a short time, and I can't even stretch my hands out.
Jian Dan didn't sit down, but instead admired each of his rewards: a large enamel mug with the leader's image on it, and a thermos with a bamboo woven exterior.
To be honest, that enamel mug was quite nice; it was pure white, with the leader's portrait printed on it neatly and cleanly.
She didn't actually have one. She held out her hand to measure it, and it was two sizes bigger than the lunchboxes she used to bring to school in later years. She estimated that one cup of water could last her a whole day.
As for the thermos, she did buy one at the supply and marketing cooperative when she first arrived, but she didn't use it much. She mostly drank water at the base, so the thermos was basically just for decoration. She would only use it to wash her hands sometimes, or to entertain guests, like when Li Yan and the others came over.
As for the thank-you gift, she wasn't in a hurry. Besides, the other person was still there, and it would be a bit impolite, wouldn't it?
She was also a little curious. She had never experienced formal gift-giving before, and she wanted to know what the standards were and what gifts were given. This would give her some background information and serve as a reference.
Director Cheng mainly dealt with these two matters, acting swiftly and decisively, leaving as soon as he was done.
"Comrade Xiao Jian, your intention to support national development is good, but you must act within your means."
Looking her up and down at her small frame,
"Next time I come, I'll bring you a few bottles of malted milk powder. You need to replenish your nutrition, otherwise..."
He shook his head.
"If you don't get enough nutrition, you won't gain weight, and you won't grow taller either."
If we're talking about regrets about coming here, this place is definitely at the top of the list.
Compared to other women her age, it's considered high, but only about average; it's definitely not acceptable for her.
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