Chapter 830: Li Xiang Qian: Acting Like a Human When Human, Acting Like a Ghost When a Ghost

Director Qian's house was not new, and the interior decor seemed slightly old-fashioned—at least through Li Long's eyes.

After his rebirth, several decades of experience, wisdom, and memories had been added to his mind, yet the vitality of youth had also surged forth within him over the past two years.

The dark-toned renovation made the furniture look far from new, but the home appliances were quite complete: a television currently running, still covered with a cloth dust cover; an old-style refrigerator, which was still a rare sight in Northern Tianshan at this time. He could also see a washing machine placed in the bathroom, the twin-tub kind.

Such a thing was still very rare in this era.

Li Long merely glanced around before Director Qian pulled him over to a middle-aged woman, saying with a smile:

"Fenghua, look, this is Xiao Li, Li Long, whom I told you about. Take a look, isn't he a handsome and talented young man?"

The woman's name was Guan Fenghua, Director Qian's wife, who currently worked at the prefectural bank; at this moment, she was wearing an apron and clearing items from the table.

She had originally found it somewhat strange; before Director Qian went out earlier, he had clearly stated that he would not receive any more guests today, intending to persuade everyone away from the doorway when seeing Director Wei out, yet unexpectedly, upon turning around, he had pulled two more people in, and even brought Director Wei inside as well.

As soon as Director Qian introduced Xiao Li, she understood—although she had never met Li Long in person, she was extremely familiar with this person, as Director Qian mentioned him from time to time.

She also knew about the tiger skin incident and was clear that Li Long had come several times to deliver gifts; regarding this young man who only delivered things without ever showing his face, she was truly curious.

From Director Qian's words, Guan Fenghua knew that this young man had never asked him to handle any affairs, indicating that the young man knew when to advance and when to retreat, and possessed capability.

This was very rare indeed.

Director Qian had not served as director for very long, yet within this relatively short period, Guan Fenghua had seen all kinds of people, most of whom came to offer gifts, with over ninety percent bringing presents while simultaneously stating their requests.

This greatly annoyed Guan Fenghua, as it was essentially forcing her husband into making mistakes.

There were also those who brought gifts to build relationships, not stating their purpose on the first visit, but making their requests when they returned with gifts a second or third time.

Like Li Long, who frequently delivered gifts and thought of them occasionally yet never made a single request, there was only this one case.

Therefore, Guan Fenghua remained quite curious about this young man, her entire impression derived from Director Qian's introductions.

Capable, young, handsome, knowing when to advance and retreat, married, with two children, and so on.

Etcetera.

Was there really a young man with so many virtues?

Now seeing the real person, she felt he was indeed quite impressive; at least from that first glance, one could tell this young man possessed considerable demeanor, not resembling an ordinary farmer, and it would not be an exaggeration to call him a young state cadre.

"Come, come, come, Xiao Li, sit down; I'll pour some water for you."

"Sister Guan, why would you need to pour water?" Xiang Qian said with a smile. "I'll do it, I'll do it; I know where the water is."

"Yes, yes, yes, you go ahead." Xiang Qian felt quite at ease here, and Guan Fenghua did not stop him, saying with a smile, "Both of you share the surname Li... then I'll call you Xiao Long."

That last sentence was directed at Li Long.

"Alright, Sister Guan."

"It feels normal for Xiang Qian to call me 'Big Sister,' but when Xiao Long calls me that, I feel quite a bit younger," Guan Fenghua said with a laugh. "Alright, you all chat; I'll go to the kitchen to tidy up a bit. Old Qian, shall you prepare a couple of dishes for them to have a drink?"

Director Qian looked toward Li Long and Xiang Qian.

"I drove here, so I definitely cannot drink alcohol," Li Long refused first, handing the initiative over to Xiang Qian.

"I'll pass as well," Xiang Qian said, carrying over a thermos to explain. "I have an appointment with Xiao Ye and the others; they said we should meet up today."

"That works too; let's just chat then." Director Qian nodded to Guan Fenghua. "You don't need to busy yourself; take a rest for a while."

Li Long hurriedly took out the morel mushrooms he had brought, saying:

"I came in a rush and didn't know what would be good to bring. I gathered some morel mushrooms in the mountains over the past two days, so I brought some along."

"These are excellent things," Guan Fenghua said with a smile as she took them to the kitchen. "Quite a lot... perfect; I can make a soup tomorrow, and stew a chicken over the weekend. Not bad, not bad; this gift shows much more sincerity."

"Then what I have might be a bit beneath notice," Xiang Qian said, taking the black bag from Li Long's hands and pulling out the roe deer head. "I was thinking of seeing where it would look best displayed in your study; this one mainly has complete antlers, so it should work fine as an ornament."

"Mm, the study is indeed missing one," Director Qian nodded. "Just place it there." Xiang Qian went to put it himself, and Li Long could tell that Xiang Qian was truly familiar with this place.

Guan Fenghua went to tidy up in the kitchen for a while, then returned to sit by the table and listen to their conversation.

"This time, both Xiao Li and Xiao Long have done well," Director Qian began by giving an assessment of the two. "Both the unit and the individuals have received commendations from the prefecture; within our system, it is only you two. Others either received one or the other, or nothing at all. Although it is not at the autonomous region level, it is still very good."

"As for this, Xiang Qian was definitely inspired by me!" Director Wei said with a smile. "Last year, I organized water pipe construction for the herders in the mountains, which also made it into the newspapers; I also received commendations for that matter, though the impact was not as significant..."

Xiang Qian nodded and said:

"That is indeed the case... Xiao Long, from now on, I'll just stick to you and pluck wool from this sheep."

"Why speak like that?" Guan Fenghua objected. "Xiao Long possesses a spirit of dedication. Originally, the good deeds he performed himself were shared with his unit and the organization, yet you all make it sound as though he is extremely reluctant..."

"By the way, Xiao Long, why haven't you entered the established roster? I heard from Xiang Qian and Old Wei that you only wish to work as a temporary employee. With conditions being so favorable now, not to mention our Old Qian, even just Old Wei and Xiang Qian together could get you into the Supply and Marketing Cooperative as a formal worker, or arranging a cadre position wouldn't be too difficult either."

Li Long had not expected that during their first meeting, this sister-in-law would show such concern for him.

It was no wonder she thought this way; in fact, many people nowadays were breaking their heads trying to enter the system to eat the commodity grain, and this strong desire was far greater than in later generations. After all, during this period of urban-rural dual structure, city dwellers possessed that sense of being a class above rural residents.

But Li Long, being an outlier, left many people unable to understand; was it not good to be a state cadre?

Li Long smiled and said:

"Thank you, Sister-in-law; actually, I am doing quite well now. Living in the county town with an affiliation to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, although temporary, I lack none of the various benefits. Furthermore, thanks to the care of Director Qian and our Director Li, and previously Director Wei, I secure several major contracts from the Supply and Marketing Cooperative each year; I earn money myself while also leading the people of our village, along with those from two other villages, to earn more and improve their lives, which is quite good.

If I became a formal worker or a state cadre, I would have reservations about undertaking these tasks. To be honest, I currently need to care for that small tribe of herders in the mountains, look after the people in our two or three villages, and I have recently set up a procurement station in the county. I am truly very busy and very fulfilled; if I truly obtained a formal status, I would no longer be able to do these things."

"Is that so..." Guan Fenghua listened to Li Long's explanation with some disappointment. She felt that Li Long, being so capable, skilled in handling affairs, and knowing when to advance and retreat, would surely achieve development within the system. With the help of Director Qian, Director Wei, and Xiang Qian, his future achievements might even surpass those of the current Director Qian.

Li Long was slightly older than their own children; although Li Long called her 'Big Sister' following Xiang Qian's lead, he was effectively of the younger generation, and seeing such an outstanding junior not enter the system made Guan Fenghua somewhat unable to comprehend.

But everyone has their own aspirations; as Li Long said, he was no longer just one person. If he truly entered the system, he would be bound by an eight-hour workday and strict regulations. Li Long needed to think of those herders in the mountains, and the people in those villages relied on him to increase their income; he could hand these tasks over to others to handle, but would anyone else be as conscientious as Li Long?

"It is quite good as it is now," Director Qian said with a smile. "Earning a lot of money, having a happy family life, and not being forgotten in terms of honors, having received recognition as well; not bad, very good."

"Mm, I heard from Old Qian that because of your large broom incident, the leaders over here have taken notice. The quality is excellent, winning great face; very good, very good," Guan Fenghua said with a smile:

"To be honest, upon hearing this news, we were all very happy. Our autonomous region also possesses good products; it is not that only items from inside the Great Wall are superior. Keep working hard; from now on, strictly control the quality. This large broom should not only be used within our autonomous region; it would be even better if it could be promoted to areas outside the region!"

This actually gave Li Long a spark of inspiration. Indeed, why could this large broom not be promoted to areas outside the region?

Currently, this market was still relatively disordered, and bamboo brooms should not occupy the national market that quickly; if the Jijicao large brooms could truly be promoted to areas outside the region, even occupying just a small portion of the market would make future endeavors much easier.

Vision was truly very important. Initially, Li Long had only thought to guard this small patch of land, but now that the procurement station was open and he had followed Xiang Qian here, a single sentence of guidance from others had given him new inspiration.

Of course, this process would certainly be difficult, not as simple as opening his own procurement station. But were not things built up step by step? There was no need to rush.

After chatting for a while, Xiang Qian stood up to take his leave; Director Qian did not mind much, but Guan Fenghua actually wished to hear a bit more about Li Long's plans.

"There will be other chances to come back later. Anyway, Xiao Long has a jeep now, so he can make the trip from time to time," Li Xiang Qian said with a smile. "It's not very far."

"That's true. Xiao Long, come over to our house for lunch tomorrow noon; this time it's settled. Our Old Qian has mentioned it several times, saying that you arrive at our doorstep yet don't eat; we've prepared so much, it would be too embarrassing. Remember this: come to our house for lunch tomorrow noon."

Li Long smiled and said:

"Alright, Big Sister."

"Ah, very well. It's late, and Xiang Qian still has matters to attend to, so we won't keep you any longer... It's dark; drive slowly."

Director Qian and his spouse escorted the guests out; people were still waiting outside. Director Qian said:

"It's late. If you have any business, come back tomorrow. Xiao Xiao Jiang, you too... Let's discuss it at the office tomorrow."

That Xiao Xiao Jiang hurriedly replied with an affirmative sound, then followed Li Xiang Qian and the others out of the building entrance.

The others also knew this was not the time to conduct business; since Director Qian had spoken, they might as well leave.

None of it was proper official business, so there was no real urgency either way.

When Li Long and the others reached the vehicle, Xiao Xiao Jiang pulled Li Xiang Qian aside to talk. Meanwhile, Li Long took out the bag of morel mushrooms intended for Wei Zhuren and said:

"Director, these are for you. Originally I planned to deliver them tomorrow, but today works just as well."

"Hey, there's even something for me? Xiao Long, you truly are... impeccable. I'll say it again: whenever you want to come to Beiting in the future, tell me early, and I'll handle it for you."

"Don't try to poach Xiao Long; Xiao Long stays right here with me and isn't going anywhere." While speaking with the man surnamed Jiang, Li Xiang Qian still kept one ear on Wei Zhuren's words and shouted this aloud before continuing his conversation with the man surnamed Jiang.

Some people approached to introduce themselves, wishing to get to know Wei Zhuren and Li Long. Li Long did not reject them; instead, he memorized the details of several individuals.

There were some from the three eastern counties, some from Miquan in Beiting, and even one from Ma County, which surprised him somewhat.

After noting down these people's names and work units, Li Long responded to each one. None of them belonged to the supply and marketing system; they had come to wait here simply because they needed Director Qian to approve permits and grant authority regarding material supply issues.

This refreshed Li Long's understanding of Director Qian's authority.

Come to think of it, a director of a prefectural supply and marketing cooperative indeed wielded considerable power.

Since Wei Zhuren himself lived in this residential compound, he did not need escorting. Li Long drove Li Xiang Qian to their drinking gathering, where he met the director surnamed Ye whom he had previously heard about over the phone.

The drinking session had already begun. Upon arrival, Li Xiang Qian first drank three cups. Those present actually wanted Li Long to drink as well, but Li Xiang Qian refused:

"He has to drive for me; we can't both end up unable to tell east from west, can we? We have a meeting tomorrow, so at least one of us must remain sober. As for the wine, I'll drink it; I'll drink it."

This time, Li Long witnessed firsthand Li Xiang Qian's tenacity in dealing with these people. They kept urging him to drink, while Li Xiang Qian offered various excuses to decline. Even while drinking, he would occasionally spill a bit, engaging the person offering the toast in conversation as if deliberately stalling for time.

Li Long had seen much drinking in rural areas, where most games involved guessing fingers to clear the table. The person clearing the table usually assessed their opponent's situation: if they could play the finger-guessing game, they did; if not, comparing dice sizes worked; and if all else failed, the "Tiger, Beam, Chicken" game would do. Everyone knew at least one method. In such games, the loser drank, without much fuss.

In his previous life, twenty years later, drinking at banquets became much more casual. Even in rural areas, people knew better than to pressure others; if you could drink, you drank; if not, you switched to beverages or tea, with no coercion.

As a result, at this drinking table, he truly opened his eyes.

Because Li Xiang Qian had spoken up, there was no wine cup before Li Long, only tea. No one pressed him to drink anymore, so he simply ate and watched, as if enjoying a spectacle. Since he wasn't drinking, he felt it inappropriate to comment on others' drinking habits, so he did not urge anyone.

Although he did not urge others, Li Long observed carefully. Li Xiang Qian drank with moderation; he did not accept every drink offered. When someone offered a toast, there had to be a valid reason, and if the justification was insufficient, he would not drink.

While Li Xiang Qian's side remained lively, people also approached Li Long to introduce themselves:

"Little Li, Comrade Li Long, correct? Hello. I am from the Fukang Supply and Marketing Cooperative; my name is Tang Zhiqiang. I've heard about your deeds; truly impressive. I learn from you. Come, I drink wine, you drink tea; let's clink glasses!"

The man who approached was about thirty years old, wearing an unzipped jacket, sporting a side-parted hairstyle, with a round face and a constant smile. This hairstyle actually did not suit him very well, but since it was their first meeting, Li Long did not point it out. Instead, he raised his tea cup and said:

"My apologies; I cannot drink alcohol today. I am very pleased to meet you. Feel free to finish the wine in your cup, though tea would be best!"

This banquet felt more like a networking meeting. Since Li Long was not drinking and did not actively initiate toasts, he avoided making others feel he was disrespecting them by offering tea. Instead, others one by one brought their wine cups over to get acquainted with him, including two deputy directors and two section chiefs.

Was it because his reputation had grown, because Li Xiang Qian lent him weight, or simply because these people were hospitable?

Perhaps it was all of the above?

These people were far more enthusiastic than those encountered at Director Qian's doorstep, and since they all belonged to the same system, the conversation flowed naturally.

Through their conversations, Li Long learned that after the acquisition stations in various counties and cities were abolished, some supply and marketing cooperatives assigned their own personnel to establish new acquisition stations affiliated with the cooperative, while others had relatives set them up. However, comparing these locations, although their acquisition stations currently mainly purchased Fritillaria, the prices they offered were relatively low.

Li Long thought that it might be possible to snatch business from other counties, of course, this required planning and could not be made public, otherwise it would provoke widespread anger.

After all, he was also an insider within the system; if he acted too blatantly, he would offend people and ruin his reputation.

After the meal and drinks, Li Long felt quite full. The director surnamed Ye was quite considerate; when Li Long and the others arrived, he had ordered several additional dishes to be stir-fried and served, stating that they should not eat leftovers.

Actually, in those days, there were not so many niceties. At rural banquets, how many people shared one table? The leftovers were often poured into a large basin and distributed among neighbors, who were delighted to reheat and eat them at home.

In this era, materials were still scarce, so any delicious food certainly could not be wasted. Director Ye possessing such awareness placed him above many others, leading Li Long to feel that none of those who reached such positions were simple individuals.

It was nearly one o'clock before their table finally concluded. This was only possible because it was a newly opened private canteen; had it been state-run, they would have closed early and ushered customers out by now.

Li Long drove the car, helping the already slightly dizzy Li Xiang Qian into the vehicle, bade farewell to the others, and drove to drop him off.

"Hey, Old Li has found a treasure. We hardly ever get to ride in a jeep, yet he might be sitting in one every day."

"Director Qian said this Little Li is a talented individual. Seeing him today, he indeed appears very steady."

"Mm, he is a talented person. Pity he isn't in my unit; otherwise, I could also enjoy the treatment of a division-level cadre."

"Stop dreaming; just focus on doing your own work well. Alright, alright, let's disperse; everyone go home..."

The jeep had not traveled far when Li Xiang Qian opened his eyes and said:

"Hey, truly difficult to deal with!"

"Director, aren't you drunk?" Li Long asked in surprise. Judging by Li Xiang Qian's condition earlier, he must have consumed at least one and a half bottles of 750 grams, yet he seemed fine?

"When drinking with these people, if you don't keep a sharp mind, wouldn't you drink yourself to death?" Li Xiang Qian said proudly. "However, I am a bit dizzy; I'll vomit once when we get back, otherwise tomorrow's meeting won't look good."

Li Long silently sighed, thinking that being a director was not easy either. (End of Chapter)