Chapter 52: Liu Mu's Fury (1)

  The wine was the real deal, with a high concentration that made you feel like there were flames in your throat when you drank it. Drinking strong liquor in the summer required some skill, and Dong Guihua showed off her boldness as she smoked a cigarette, blowing out smoke through her nostrils while holding a cup of wine and shouting at Xu Shaojie to drink with her. Xu Shaojie told several jokes in a row, and everyone thought that on the surface he looked like a bookish scholar, but in reality he was an old hand at social interactions, completely forgetting his age. Xu Shaojie didn't forget Liu Mu, proactively offering him a toast. He had already thought it through - the first breakthrough would be Liu Mu, who had been transferred from the district government office to Qinghua Township, and there must be a story behind it. Being from Huaguan Village, he also knew about the situation in Huaguan Village.

  Xu Shaojie's drinking capacity was still pretty good, as it was the first time and everyone didn't exert their full strength. The weather was hot, and they were roasting a pot of meat slices, so Zhao Deli had already gotten drunk early on. Dong Guihua was having a harder time, being a female comrade, it wasn't that convenient for her. Zhao Deli joked, saying since everyone in the house was family, it was too hot, and Dong Guihua took off her clothes without anyone objecting. Dong Guihua jumped up to grab Zhao Deli's ear, Xu Shaojie held his wine cup and hurriedly stopped them, almost colliding with Dong Guihua. Xu Shaojie's face turned red, but Dong Guihua didn't care at all, saying Secretary Xu is a handsome young man, take a look, he's still pretty good, Secretary Zhao can be excused, looking like an ugly egg, and thinking about eating swan meat, go home and find your wife to cool off. Everyone laughed until they couldn't straighten their waists.

  Xu Shaojie finally learned a lesson about the ferocity of rural cadres. Such jokes would never be uttered by municipal committee cadres.

  After dinner, Xu Shaojie told Zhao Deli and Dong Guihua to go to Liu Mu's home together. As a cadre in charge of organizational work, he should go and take a look. Zhao Deli and Dong Guihua were both shocked and looked like they wanted to say something but stopped themselves. For years, Liu Mu's home had been off-limits, and no cadre dared to visit openly because Liu Mu had offended someone important. Xu Shaojie was new and didn't know the situation, so he would be at a disadvantage if he went.

  "Secretary Xu, are you really going?"

  "Of course, did you think I was joking?"

  Zhao Deli and Dong Guihua looked at each other, their expressions serious, completely devoid of the carefree attitude they had when joking around.

  "Secretary Xu, you don't know the actual situation, it's better to be more cautious."

  "Director Dong, just speak your mind, when drinking, I think you're quite generous."

  "Let Secretary Zhao say it."

  Zhao Deli looked at Dong Guihua, and Dong Guihua nodded.

  "Secretary Xu, there was a conflict between Liu Mu and District Committee Secretary Liu. Although they share the same surname, it's unclear what happened, but Secretary Liu just couldn't stand Liu Mu and criticized him multiple times at meetings. Everyone knew about this. Even cadres who had a good relationship with Liu Mu were transferred to more distant towns. In recent years, very few cadres have gone to visit Liu Mu."

  "What did Liu Mu do wrong?"

  "That's what I've heard, Secretary Liu also said that Liu Mu is not enthusiastic about his work and always considers his family, the things at home have affected his work, which has a bad influence on the whole district."

  Xu Shaojie immediately understood everything that had happened to Liu Mu, and it turned out that this was the reason why Liu Mu looked so depressed and listless.

  "I understand, as long as the cadres have not made any fundamental mistakes, we should all be concerned. If a big problem arises, after taking responsibility, we still need to care. Liu Mu's family is having difficulties, I'll go take a look, it's what I should do, this is also part of my work. However, what you said is also true, so let's do this: you stay at the township government, and I'll go take a look."

  Zhao Deli and Dong Guihua were about to speak up when Xu Shaojie stopped them.

  "Don't say any more, you and I are different, there are some specific difficulties, I understand, don't argue anymore, I'll set off in a moment, let's see how the time is, if it's possible, I'll go back to the district directly."

  Xu Shaojie got on the car and waited for Liu Mu. Before long, Liu Mu came out with no particular expression on his face, still looking listless. Upon learning of Xu Shaojie's decision, Song Tao and Yang Chen's facial expressions changed.

  When entering Liu Mu's home, Xu Shaojie smelled a medicinal smell. The lighting in the house was poor, and the furniture in the living room was messy, reflecting the owner's bad mood. Upon entering the bedroom, Xu Shaojie saw two little girls sitting inside, looking at each other. One looked around 7-8 years old, and the other about 3-4 years old. A woman lay on the bed with a pale face but still had a pretty appearance, it was clear that she used to be a stunning beauty.

  There's a guest in the house, the woman struggled to get up, and the two children also stood up. Xujie hurriedly spoke up.

  "Sister-in-law, don't move, rest well, I'll take a look at you."

  Liu Mu's body suddenly shook behind Xu Shaojie and slowly opened his mouth to speak.

  "This is District Secretary Xu who is in charge of organization, come and take a look at you. Secretary Xu has just taken office."

  The woman's lips were trembling and she couldn't speak.

  "Sister-in-law, don't get agitated, it's bad for your body. I can't be of much help either, just showing some goodwill. Sister-in-law, take care and rest."

  Xu Shaojie pulled out 200 yuan from his pocket, a thick stack of 20 ten-yuan bills, and walked up to the woman. He carefully placed the money in her pale, bloodless hand. The woman tried to push it away, and Liu Mu also stepped forward, saying that they absolutely couldn't accept the money. Two hundred yuan was equivalent to two months' salary for Liu Mu. Xu Shaojie's face turned stern as he said this was his own wish, and told her to use the money to buy some nutritious food and take good care of herself. There were still two young children in the house, and from now on, the woman would be an indispensable part of the family.

  Xu Shaojie's words obviously stimulated the woman, and she shed tears. Liu Mu silently wiped away the woman's tears, and no longer refused Xu Shaojie's offered money.

  Xu Shaojie retreated into the main room, his mood somewhat heavy, he began to suspect what reason caused Liu Mu and Liu Zhihua to have a conflict.

  Liu Mu came out quickly, his eyes slightly red, and before Xu Shaojie could speak, he heard Liu Mu talking.

  "Secretary Xu, thank you. You've just arrived and aren't familiar with the situation in the district. It's better if I don't come here often."

  "Liu Mu, I know you and Secretary Liu Zhihua don't get along."

  Now it was Liu Mu's turn to be surprised, he raised his head and looked at Xu Shaojie, remaining silent for a long time.

  "You still come to see me, aren't you afraid of causing trouble?"

  Xu Shaojie's face showed a smile that Liu Mu couldn't quite decipher.

  "Trouble? Ha ha, what trouble? I'm the deputy secretary in charge of organizational work. You're a cadre from Yudu District. When cadres have difficulties at home, it's only natural for me to come and take a look. If I didn't dare to come because you offended some leaders, that would be real trouble."

  Xu Shaojie's words were not only heard by Liu Mu, but also by Song Tao and Yang Chen outside. Xu Shaojie did not expect that his words would quickly turn the situation around for himself, familiarize him with the situation in Yudou District at the fastest speed, and lay a good foundation for future games.

  A low sobbing sound of a woman came from inside the house, Liu Mu did not go in.

  "Secretary Xu, come have dinner at my place this afternoon, just a simple meal with tea."

  "Alright, no problem, whatever is available will be eaten."

  Liu Mu quickly walked out of the house, took out some money from his body and handed it to Yang Chen. He whispered something to Yang Chen, who nodded and got on the car with the money. The Jeep started and left. Song Tao also entered the main room, took out 20 yuan from his body and forcibly stuffed it into Liu Mu's hands. After entering the house, Liu Mu's eyes became even redder, he lowered his head and didn't speak. It was still early now, Xu Shaojie worried about how to spend this time before eating.

  Soon, the sound of a tractor came from outside the house. Before long, Zhao Deli and Dong Guihua entered, Liu Mu was clearly not expecting it, his lips trembling slightly.

  "Old Liu, don't blame us, Secretary Xu came today, Secretary Xu is our stationed leader, we have to come too."

  The two of them took out 30 yuan from their bodies and handed it to Liu Mu, then went into the house to see the woman. Liu Mu looked at Xu Shaojie and followed him in. After a while, everyone came out, and Liu Mu thought of pouring tea for everyone, his hands shaking slightly.

  "Secretary Zhao, Mayor Dong, Secretary Xu will have lunch here this afternoon. If you don't mind, why don't you also have lunch here?"

  "Alright, but Old Liu has to prepare wine. I'll drink with Director Dong this afternoon, and when Director Dong gets drunk, I'll have the chance. You know what I mean."

  "Alright, Secretary Zhao, we'll settle it this afternoon. Whoever doesn't show up is a watchdog."

  Xu Shaojie smiled wryly and spoke up on one side.

  "Secretary Zhao, Mayor Dong, what are you getting at? I'm a dog person, and you're saying this, aren't I getting a bit uneasy? I didn't provoke you guys."

  Xu Shaojie's words made not only Liu Mu laugh, but also the woman in the room. Xu Shaojie heard the woman's laughter. At this time, everyone found that the woman appeared at the door, supported by her eldest daughter. Xu Shaojie discovered that a flush had actually appeared on the woman's face, and he keenly felt that the woman was likely to have heart disease.

  "Liu Mu, go invite Zhang Xiaoyu to come and help with cooking. With so many leaders coming over for lunch this afternoon, how can your culinary skills be enough?"

  Xu Shaojie hastily stood up, telling the woman to go back and lie down. The woman shook her head, saying that she was in good spirits today and hadn't been out of bed for a long time. It would be beneficial to move around a bit. Dong Guihua quickly stood up, supporting the woman, and said that women needed to exercise more, both physically and mentally, or they would age faster. As she spoke, she supported the woman, preparing to take her for a walk outside. The woman's face turned slightly red as she couldn't help but smile. Xu Shaojie, Zhao Deli, Liu Mu, and Song Tao looked at Dong Guihua without responding, thinking that it was better not to speak since this woman had a sharp tongue.

  Liu Mu's mood improved a lot, went into the house to find cigarettes, and soon he took out several packs of hard-box "Furong" cigarettes, handed one pack to each person, repeatedly saying that the cigarette was not good, apologizing to the leader. Zhao Deli burst out laughing, saying that smoking this cigarette is like a farewell gift. The woman and Dong Guihua went out for a walk, and the two children also left, the atmosphere in the house improved a lot.

  Before long, Yang Chen drove back with a big bag in his hand, Liu Mu took the bag and went straight into the kitchen. Soon, Liu Mu came out and said he would go out for a while and come back soon. At this time, Xu Shaojie got up and looked around the house, feeling that Liu Mu's family conditions were indeed not good.

  Song Tao and Zhao Deli spoke in a low voice, Song Tao told Zhao Deli what Xu Shaojie had just said, Zhao Deli's face showed a shocked expression, he underestimated Xu Shaojie, it seems that the calmness of the district will be broken soon, because Xu Shaojie is not someone who will easily give up.

  Xu Shaojie returned to the main room, and several people chatted for a while. Zhao Deli specially told a few dirty jokes that were circulating in rural areas at the time, and Xu Shaojie laughed loudly.

  Zhang Xiaoyu entered the house and saw Xu Shaojie, immediately gaining spirit. She lowered her head to greet everyone and quickly entered the kitchen, followed by Zhang Xiaoyu's daughter. Liu Mu went to invite Zhang Xiaoyu to cook, letting Xu Shaojie know that Liu Mu was also being ostracized in the village, just like Zhang Xiaoyu. The two families were sympathizing with each other.

  No matter what, Liu Mu was a cadre in the countryside, stationed in Huaguan Village, and had reached such a point, showing Liu Zhihua's overbearing behavior. Regardless of Liu Mu's mistakes, Liu Zhihua's methods were questionable. Dealing with an ordinary cadre in this way, what kind of hero is that? Xu Shaojie thought further about the paternalistic style prevalent in the district and town, where main leaders wouldn't listen to other opinions, thinking they owned the place, and whatever they said went. Relying on their official hats, they suppressed others, who would truly obey willingly.

  Although the atmosphere was lively, there was still a faint sense of worry in the room. Xu Shaojie's approach undoubtedly openly challenged Liu Zhihua's authority. What would happen next, no one knew, but Xu Shaojie spoke with conviction, and the people in the room felt hopeful. If Xu Shaojie didn't have some backing, he wouldn't be doing this.

  Dong Guihua quickly supported the woman back, and the woman's complexion improved a lot. She had a smile on her face, and the blush hadn't faded yet. It can be imagined that Dong Guihua said something to make the woman insist on going into the kitchen after entering the house, and Dong Guihua also accompanied her to the kitchen. At this time, it was not good for men to enter the kitchen.

  Xu Shaojie stood up and walked out of the house, accompanied by Zhao Deli, Song Tao, and Liu Mu. Yang Chen also got down from the jeep. After walking around outside for a while, Xu Shaojie realized that Liu Mu's house and Zhang Xiaoyu's home were less than 500 meters apart, with the village committee in between. The village committee was a two-room earthen house that looked very old and dilapidated, with a lock on the door and a sign that read "Village Branch Two Committees" which was probably very outdated.