Jiang Yi was pushing his bicycle when he was stopped by Zhou Xiaolan just as he reached the door.
“Director Jiang,” Zhou Xiaolan said, grabbing the handlebars of the car, afraid that Jiang Yi would leave immediately.
"I have something to say," Jiang Yi said coldly, not thinking there was anything between them.
Even early in the morning, people rushing to work would slow down upon seeing this scene.
"Could you arrange for me to go to the nearby countryside? My health is so poor; I get sick as soon as I get there, and it'll kill me."
Seeing that some people were watching, Zhou Xiaolan pleaded loudly.
Jiang Yi knew what this woman was up to; she simply wanted to use the sympathy of her neighbors to pressure him.
"That's true. Look at Zhou Xiaolan now, she's just skin and bones. At least she rested at home for a few days and recovered a little. When she first walked into the house, we were all shocked."
Some people just like to flaunt their kindness. Anyway, they're willing to say a few words and gain a good reputation.
"Yes, we're neighbors, so we should help her if we can. Otherwise, with her health condition, if she goes there again, she probably won't come back."
"There's nothing we can do when someone is sick; we should try to be lenient if possible."
Some people are quietly watching, wondering if their children can do the same if Zhou Xiaolan is able to go to the countryside nearby this time.
Jiang Yi said, "If you get sick, go see a doctor. If that doesn't work, spend some money to get a checkup at a big hospital."
"I can't say whether you live or die, and besides, the assignments to various places are all arranged by higher-ups. I'm just a lowly director; I don't have that kind of authority. If you really can't stand it, submit an application, or your family can arrange a job for you."
He saw through Zhou Xiaolan's intentions at a glance and was very impatient, unable to understand why she kept staring at him and Xiangyun.
"But you've already arranged for Hua Xiangyun to go to the countryside nearby, can't you help me out too?"
That was her other purpose: to ruin his and Xiangyun's reputation and to blackmail them. Unfortunately, she miscalculated.
Jiang Yi knew there would be gossip before he even started making arrangements, so how could he possibly leave any evidence against him?
"Comrade Zhou, please be careful with your words. Comrade Hua Xiangyun was able to go to the countryside nearby because they volunteered, and there just happened to be a few available spots nearby, which is why they were given priority."
Comrade Hua Xiangyun was not the only one who went to the countryside in this area.
As far as I know, Comrade Zhou had been reluctant to sign up for the rural assignment for a long time. It was only after Director Xu from the subdistrict office and our staff visited your home that your family was finally able to sign up.
However, all the available places in this area are already full, so we can only relocate you elsewhere.
If you had been more proactive back then, you wouldn't be facing these problems today.
Upon hearing this, all the neighbors remembered it too.
At that time, Hua Xiangyun had not yet graduated, but she had already voluntarily submitted her name, and it seemed that several other families in the neighborhood had done the same.
Since they cooperated so well, it's understandable that the educated youth office would take care of them.
For so many years, they had never arranged for anyone to go to the countryside in this area. It was only after Jiang Yi became the director of the educated youth office that he made a special application to get it done.
This is clearly for the benefit of the neighbors; you may not be benefiting yourself, but you can't cause trouble here.
Every family has a few children. If Zhou Xiaolan makes a big fuss about this, Jiang Yi definitely won't take on such a good opportunity again.
Now, no one would stand idly by, and many started speaking up for Jiang Yi.
"Comrade Jiang Yi is right. If your family drags it out until the very end, they can't possibly save the best spots for you, especially since who knows if you're going to get married."
"By the way, if you really don't want to go to the countryside, just find someone to marry and that will solve the problem. Why did you have to stop Director Jiang here and say these things? You really have a good idea to push your own problems onto others."
"Comrade Jiang Yi, don't listen to Zhou Xiaolan's nonsense. Comrade Hua Xiangyun was able to go to the countryside nearby because she actively cooperated with the organization. It's not as sordid as some people think."
"Alright, Zhou Xiaolan, you should go to the hospital to get checked out. When you're sick, take your medicine and rest as needed. Get yourself in better first, and then talk to your parents about what to do."
She looks sickly; it'll probably be hard for her to find someone to marry. Nobody would dare take on such a mess, so she'd better get her health back on track.
They almost fell for Zhou Xiaolan's trick. If they had actually followed her lead and accused Jiang Yi, they would have offended him, and they would have been too ashamed to ask for his help again in the future.
Having figured this out, everyone stopped stopping to watch the excitement and hurried back to the factory. It would be even more unwise to be late and have their wages deducted.
Xiaolan was such a troublemaker this week; I almost got myself into trouble because of her.
Seeing that Zhou Xiaolan was still holding onto his handlebars, Jiang Yi turned the bike around and, seeing that she didn't dare to pester him anymore, let go, took a long stride, and rode off on his bicycle.
Zhou Xiaolan bit her lip; her scheme had failed once again.
She had hoped that Jiang Yi would at least consider his reputation. She planned to pin the blame for abusing his power on Jiang Yi, and then, by inciting the anger of the neighbors, force these rural workers to be reassigned. That way, she might be able to settle down in the vicinity.
But I didn't expect the other party to be so cunning, and to dodge it so easily.
She wanted to stop the person, but with the neighbors watching, if she went too far, it might backfire.
I also felt a secret resentment in my heart. Sometimes, what is meant to be helpful can turn into an obstacle, which is quite frustrating.
But she really didn't want to go to that awful place again. Not to mention the long distance and the harsh conditions, even though they were all educated youth, they didn't look out for each other. She was ostracized as soon as she arrived. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten her health so bad.
In the short few days since I came back, my family has already arranged several marriages for me, but this time, they didn't even consider it and rejected me outright.
At first, I felt sorry for Bai Ailian when she came back, but now I'm making veiled accusations.
If I stay in this house any longer, even the last bit of affection will be worn away.
Feeling extremely agitated, he was about to turn back when he noticed He Ping'an coming out of the courtyard.
The He family was resourceful enough to get him a temporary job loading and unloading goods at the grain and oil supply station. It was tiring, but at least he didn't have to work in the fields.
She forced a smile. "It's time to go to work."
He Ping'an glanced at her. Ever since he injured Hua Xiangyun last time, his friendship with Zhou Xiaolan had been broken.
He used to have some feelings for Zhou Xiaolan, but after being warned by his parents, he realized that Zhou Xiaolan was not a good match for him.
You can't hit a smiling face. If the other person greets him and he ignores them, it'll probably start gossip soon.
"Yes, we'll be late if we don't go now." He Ping'an didn't want to say anything more to her.
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