Chapter 1408: Improper Competition

The countryside.

At Shi Yuke's home.

The whole family stood at the village entrance, craning their necks in anticipation. After waiting for two hours, they finally saw the Sheng Family's car approaching!

Gu Zhihao subconsciously puffed out his chest and raised his head, feeling a bit proud.

Originally, his run for Village Chief—though called an election—was actually a tacitly understood appointment by everyone.

After the New Year, Gu Zhihao had served as the acting Village Chief for several months, and everything had gone smoothly.

At first, he had been a bit nervous, but the management books Shi Yuke bought for him played a huge role, and Sheng Jiang had also helped quite a bit!

Sheng Jiang never stood out in the Sheng Family because there were simply too many outstanding people there; it was only by Gu Zhihao's side that his abilities were finally realized, and the two now got along more intimately than father and son.

Sheng Jiang helped Gu Zhihao sincerely and effectively. Under his guidance, Gu Zhihao's tenure as acting Village Chief was vibrant and increasingly effortless.

Before the election, Gu Zhihao had never imagined there would be any variables.

But when the election began, a strong competitor suddenly "descended from the heavens"!

If it were a decent person, that would be one thing.

This person's formal name was Chen Jinyin, and his nickname was Ergouzi.

Ergouzi was a hoodlum. Back when he lived in the village, he was shiftless and stole chickens and dogs; later, unable to get by in the village, he went outside to drift.

There had been no news of him for over ten years, but now Ergouzi was back, and he had changed completely.

He wore a suit and leather shoes, his black shoes polished so brightly they could reflect a person's image!

Around his neck was a massive gold chain, thick enough to be used as a dog Rope, hanging bright and golden, dazzling the eyes of all the shallow-minded people.

"Ergouzi has struck it rich!"

"Ergouzi said he's back to run for Village Chief. As long as he becomes Village Chief, he'll give everyone one thousand yuan."

"Good heavens, he's giving everyone one thousand yuan? There are twelve people in my household register, Ergouzi could give me twelve thousand..."

The villagers were discussing it heatedly. Some impatient people even ran to Gu Zhihao's house to ask: "A-Hao, Ergouzi is buying votes for one thousand yuan each, how much are you giving?"

Gu Zhihao was very angry, his face sinking with displeasure: "I'm not giving a single cent."

"If you don't give, then we won't vote for you!"

"Vote or don't vote, get out, get out, get out!" Gu Zhihao lost his temper too, pushing and shoving the person out.

The person who was kicked out began spreading rumors in the village.

They said the acting Village Chief was stingy and petty, and couldn't even be talked to; he just mentioned that Ergouzi was giving everyone money, and the acting Village Chief beat him up upon hearing it!

He was acting like a tyrant before even becoming Village Chief; if he did become Village Chief, who knows how he would treat everyone...

The rumors caused those who were already wavering to flock to Ergouzi's side.

But there were still clear-headed people. Everyone deeply distrusted Ergouzi's character. During the time he had been back, every day he either bragged about how big a company he ran outside and how much money he made, or he gathered a group of equally idle people to eat and drink.

Could such a person, if he became Village Chief, seek benefits for the villagers?

Discerning people were watching and felt it was simply impossible.

And as for Gu Zhihao's actions while serving as acting Village Chief, these people had all seen them and kept them in their hearts.

They stood firmly by Gu Zhihao's side, telling him that even if Ergouzi gave one thousand yuan per person, even if he gave ten thousand or one hundred thousand, they would not cast their votes for Ergouzi.

Buying votes with money—if he were truly elected, wouldn't he recoup the money spent a thousand times over?

The wool always comes off the sheep's back.

These supporters made Gu Zhihao, who had already been thinking of giving up, become firm once again!

He could not lose to Ergouzi; he could not let crooked ways prevail.

Yulong and Meiyin were both growing up; he had to set an example for his children and be the hero in their eyes!

His goal was firm, but his confidence was still not quite enough, so he discussed with his wife whether they could have his brother-in-law come over to help him.

Shi Yuke was also in a bit of a dilemma.

Although many years had passed, she was still terrified to contact Sheng Hanyu directly.

So she called Shi Youxuan; there was no need for the brother-in-law, the sister's intelligence and wisdom were enough.

Shi Youxuan was very straightforward, agreeing immediately, and she even brought her husband along.

With these two "great gods" at home, the hearts of Gu Zhihao and his wife were put at ease. Now there was nothing to worry about; let alone one Ergouzi, even one hundred Ergouzis couldn't beat him.

Gu Zhihao personally prepared a table full of rich dishes to host Sheng Hanyu's family.

He even opened a bottle of Moutai that had been treasured for a long time. When the bottle was opened, Sheng Hanyu stated: "I'm not drinking."

He felt awkward; if the guest wasn't drinking, why hadn't he said so earlier?

If he had said so earlier, he wouldn't have opened it.

Sheng Jiang personally poured a full glass for his son, being very polite to him: "Drink it, we only have this kind of treatment for the most distinguished guests."

Sheng Hanyu:...

He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Whose father was this old man in front of him, anyway?

He was clearly his own father, yet he acted so politely, as if he were the master of this house, Gu Zhihao's father, begging him to handle matters.

"I'm not drinking. If you have something to say, say it; don't do these superficial things." He slammed the wine glass onto the table and refused to drink.

"Fine."

Sheng Jiang told his son everything that had happened over these days from beginning to end. Although there were omissions, Gu Zhihao was there to supplement them.

The two of them sang in harmony, very much in sync.

"Oh, just this little thing?"

In Sheng Hanyu's eyes, this little thing was not even worth mentioning.

"This is a small thing?"

Sheng Jiang widened his eyes: "Our whole family thought about it for a week, but couldn't come up with a good solution, which is why we brought you here."

Shi Youxuan sat beside her husband, head lowered and silent.

She thought to herself that them not being able to think of a solution and Hanyu feeling it was a minor matter did not conflict.

But even though she thought this way, she could not say it out loud.

She said softly to her husband: "They helped you take such good care of Mom and Dad, at the very least, you should have a proper attitude."

Alright, Sheng Hanyu took it to heart.

He prepared to help Gu Zhihao with a comprehensive, multi-dimensional solution.

First, he asked: "What are the methods you have thought of? Do not hide anything, tell me everything."

Gu Zhihao wanted to learn from Ergouzi and also distribute money.

He had better character and was more reliable than Ergouzi; if they both distributed the same amount of money, Ergouzi's advantage would be gone.

Sheng Hanyu asked: "What if he raises the price?"

"I'll raise mine too!"

With two glasses of wine down, the alcohol bolstered the coward's courage, and his boldness grew quite a bit.

"What if he raises it tenfold?"

"Impossible, he wouldn't be that generous!"

Gu Zhihao's tone began to turn resentful, and he cursed: "He opened some company outside; it's said he earned a bit of money."

"Earning money is a very hard thing; nobody's money is blown in by a strong wind, he couldn't be that generous..." He only cared about talking to himself and did not notice Sheng Hanyu's expression growing increasingly ugly.