As expected, he's the kind of person who only comes to the temple when he needs something; Zhao Youcai is already used to it.
“We’re like brothers, so just tell me what you need. As long as it doesn’t violate my principles, I’ll definitely help if I can.”
Zhao Youliang, the brigade leader, does indeed fit Zhao Youcai's stereotypical image of a selfless and dedicated person from the 1960s.
Although he had his own ulterior motives, they were all based on the premise that the lives of all the villagers in Zhaojiagou would get better and better.
If it were any other village head, with someone like Zhao Youcai in the village, he would have already made proper arrangements for his nephews and nieces.
The brigade leader insisted on helping everyone in the village, and if his own children were capable, he would definitely try to get them opportunities through Zhao Youcai. Those who weren't capable weren't forced; staying home and being dutiful sons and grandsons was fine too.
Zhao Youcai was happy to give a little face to such a sensible person.
The captain grinned so hard his teeth were showing, and he pulled out a small notebook and handed it to Zhao Youcai.
"This is the income of our Zhaojiagou this year. Apart from the various receipts that need to be distributed to each household during the Spring Festival, which are fixed, the money and work points are more than double that of last year."
Zhao Youcai understood; they wanted him to make a decision on how to divide the money.
Zhao Youcai originally wanted to say that these things had nothing to do with him, and that the brigade leader and village cadres could make their own decisions.
Just as I was about to say it, I suddenly remembered something. It seems that a few months ago, the higher-ups issued task targets, requiring us to unite all forces that could be united and actively engage in production and daily life.
At that time, in order to avoid doing farm work and to be able to go to town whenever I wanted, I was indeed selected to be an unofficial staff member at the brigade headquarters.
Zhao Youcai remained silent for a moment.
Okay, enough lice, you don't have to worry about itching. This might be another way of saying that the capable should do more work.
Zhao Youcai gave a knowing "oh," stroked his chin, and then said the following:
“Logically speaking, the profits earned by the brigade each year are collective property and should all be distributed to the villagers. However, our brigade headquarters also needs to keep some basic supplies and funds for operation. We can't expect you village cadres to pay out of your own pockets every time.”
"Although we can apply for subsidies from the commune, if we ask too many times, I'm afraid the commune will have a problem with our village, and it will also affect our relationship with other villages."
Captain Zhao Youliang nodded repeatedly, his heart pounding with excitement. This was precisely the message he wanted to convey during his visit to Zhao Youcai's home!
However, as the captain, there are some things he can't say himself, lest people think he's deliberately greedy for money.
But when Zhao Youcai said it, it was different. He was the most coveted person in the entire Zhao Family Village, and his words carried considerable influence.
"Let's keep a portion of the team. Whether it's for emergency response or for major operations or other arrangements later, it's a good thing."
The village won't always be filled with low, unfinished houses; sooner or later, they will all be replaced by large brick and tile houses, and even each family will have one or two self-built villas.
Some basic infrastructure needs to be developed in time; otherwise, no one will be happy to take money out of their own pockets to support the village's development.
It would be better to simply deduct a small portion as public property; if we don't take money from the villagers' pockets, they certainly won't cause any trouble.
The captain was even happier, and his voice trembled slightly.
"In your opinion, how many should our brigade keep?"
Zhao Youcai couldn't draw conclusions just by looking at the account books the brigade leader had brought him; he still needed to consider the actual situation before making a judgment.
Thinking that there was still a long time before lunch, I figured I might as well go and take a stroll around the brigade headquarters.
It's a bit of a hassle though; you have to wear thicker clothes since it's snowing outside.
Leaving the warm and comfortable room, Zhao Youcai shivered violently, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
And believe it or not, when the pollution wasn't so severe, the Northeast region was colder than the world before I traveled there.
Zhao Youliang and Zhao Youcai, wearing cotton-padded coats and cotton hats that covered their ears, walked briskly toward the brigade headquarters with their hands tucked into their sleeves.
Almost as soon as he appeared in the brigade headquarters, all the village cadres in the room had their eyes light up.
The women's director was particularly enthusiastic in taking out the tea and snacks that the commune had specially allocated to them to entertain distinguished guests from Beijing.
"It's been a long time. We originally planned to visit you at your house, but we couldn't beat that old fox, the brigade leader, so we have to take care of our work first and go later."
Zhao Youliang cleared his throat awkwardly, deliberately put on a stern face to appear unapproachable, and waved his hand dismissively.
"Stop joking around and get down to business. Youcai needs to go home for dinner soon!"
The accountant and cashier silently took out an abacus and a stack of lists with names and distribution information for the supplies, and placed them in front of Zhao Youcai.
Even Zhao Youcai, who had been prepared, was now somewhat unsettled.
This gets straight to the point, skipping all small talk. How can it give him the impression that you're just too lazy to greet me, only want to use me and then discard me?
With many hands making light work, the division of items was quickly finalized through the concerted efforts of several people.
Thinking that almost every household in the village works in their own two factories, Zhao Youcai smiled and looked around at the village officials in the room.
"In addition to the usual distribution of pork at the village office this year, my farm will also give out two pigs weighing over 300 jin each and 100 chickens as New Year's gifts. During the time I was away from the village, I was able to get my son and daughter-in-law running their two farms thanks to the help of the villagers."
These days, it's not easy to get a piece of meat. Who wouldn't be excited to have more meat for the New Year?
Although everyone knew that Zhao Youcai was just saying these polite words, they all shamelessly agreed in order to get more benefits.
After watching their father-in-law being taken away by the brigade leader, the Zhao family's daughters-in-law tacitly prepared enough food to fill two tables.
When Zhao Youcai returned, he was indeed followed by a group of village cadres.
"You've come back just in time. Uncle Liang (a Northeastern dialect word, the last word is spoken softly, synonym for uncle) and all the uncles and aunts, please stay and have a home-cooked meal together."
Everyone blushed and waved their hands in refusal. Zhao Youcai saw that two large tables had already been set up at home, and he knew that the children had prepared everything.
Although food can be stored for a day or two longer when it's cold, who would want to eat leftovers when fresh food is available?
It's not like we don't have the means at home; it's nice to get together occasionally for a meal and drinks to strengthen our relationships.
“The children are all ready, so you guys shouldn’t refuse.”
The moment Zhao Youcai opened his mouth, the tone became completely different.
The group of people, who were initially hesitant to bother Zhao Youcai's family, exchanged glances, and finally sat down around the table with bright smiles.
This is food from Zhao Youcai's family, it's much tastier than the state-run restaurants, you'd be a fool not to eat it!
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