Chapter 283: Decisive and Swift

Those people, hearing those words, were all overwhelmed with shame.

Director Zhang called over several leaders from the office next door; after conferring in low voices over there, he walked straight back: "Besides publicly apologizing to Ding Zhiqing Fu, each of you will donate fifteen yuan, to be used to bring warmth to the widowed, elderly, and impoverished families on the farm. Any objections?"

The few people standing behind Gong Ling'er all went pale in unison, yet they still didn't dare talk back.

Director Zhang asked coldly: "Answer me—do you have any objections or not?"

The few could only look utterly wretched and reply in voices thin as mosquitoes: "No objections."

Director Zhang looked at Gong Ling'er: "Since it all started with you, your punishment naturally can't be the same as theirs. You really like taking advantage of people, don't you?"

Gong Ling'er was so frightened she could barely speak: "N-no, that's not it, I didn't mean to—"

Director Zhang had no time to watch her put on an act: "I've seen plenty of your type. Since you like taking advantage so much, starting tomorrow your assignment is to go pick beans in the bean-field. Of course, the love-offering can't be missing you either—you'll put up double."

Gong Ling'er nearly dropped to her knees on the spot, but she forced herself to hold back—she really couldn't afford to lose face, since she'd still have to stay on the farm afterward. Tears hovered in her eyes, on the verge of falling: "If this can ease Yanwan's anger, I have no objections."

At this, Fu Yanming gave a light scoff: "At a time like this, you still want to drag my sister into it. Giving you face, am I?"

Gong Ling'er caught the icy look Fu Yanming was giving her and gave an immediate start: "No, it's not what you think."

Now Sun Juanjuan couldn't hold back either: "Then what is it? Getting ready to start your performance again?

Truly disgusting."

Director Zhang saw things were about wrapped up: "Gong Ling'er, is there anything else you want to say?"

Gong Ling'er knew that no matter what she said today, things would have to end this way. She shot a glance at Fu Yanwan standing across from her, and jealousy sprouted once more in her heart: We're both girls—why is she so lucky?

Seeing everyone watching her, she quickly reined in her gaze: "No objections."

Director Zhang swept his gaze over everyone in the room, and it finally came to rest on Fu Yanwan: "Ding Zhiqing Fu, do you have any objections to the handling result?"

Fu Yanwan shook her head: "I have no objections."

This outcome was already good enough. If she raised any further demands, the leadership at the field headquarters would surely say she didn't know her place—better to quit while she was ahead.

Besides, if she pushed Gong Ling'er into a corner and something else happened, she'd likely not come out of it with any good name either.

Director Zhang saw the matter was settled: "Since neither party has objections, we'll proceed according to this handling result. Tomorrow during the morning reading period, you go to the broadcast room and apologize publicly."

He turned to look at the person standing outside the door: "Secretary Wu, you follow up on this matter."

After Secretary Wu nodded in acceptance, the matter was considered concluded.

Once those people had all left, Fu Yanming looked at Yanwan: "You two wait for me outside for a bit. I need to say a few words to Director Zhang."

After they had all left, Fu Yanming pulled six cartons of the previously specially-supplied cigarettes from his bag: "Uncle Zhang, I'm truly grateful today. I won't bother with pleasantries—I definitely can't treat you to a drink today, lest people gossip. Another day when you're back in the city, we'll drink till we're soused. Keep these cigarettes—they were brought for you in the first place."

Director Zhang laughed and patted Fu Yanming's arm: "Good lad, you've really grown quite a bit. Uncle understands what you mean, but tonight I really don't have time. By the way—are you staying here tonight, or heading back to the city?"

Fu Yanming glanced at the watch on his wrist: "At this hour it'll probably be hard to flag down a passing bus. I'll stay the night at the guesthouse here tonight, and head back to the city first thing tomorrow morning."

Director Zhang, however, laughed: "You're a lucky one, kid. I still have a meeting to attend and can't look after you. Just as well—take Yanwan out for a meal. I'll come pick you up later. I have to rush back to the city tonight; there's a meeting tomorrow morning I have to attend."

Fu Yanming, hearing this, was immediately delighted: "That works—it's just like you tossing me a pillow the moment I feel sleepy. Don't bother coming to pick me up either. Let's set a time; I'll wait for you at the gatehouse."

Director Zhang thought for a moment: "It probably won't be early. Just go over after nine-thirty."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Fu Yanming took his leave.

(End of this chapter)