Chapter 268: Plucking the Commendation Banner

Bang bang bang.

Old Master Shen struck his cane hard on the ground, making a sound.

The laughter inside the house stopped abruptly.

Chen Gui stood up and called out, "Old Master, you came at just the right time, come come come, try the pan-fried buns I made last night."

Thin skin, ample filling.

See if you can tell what filling it is.

Old Master Shen shook his head and said, "No thanks, I've already eaten."

Chen Gui's smile twitched slightly, and he put the pan-fried bun he had just picked up back down.

He's quite good at reading people's expressions.

The old master's expression and tone were off.

What happened?

Chen Gui thought it over; the village was peaceful, his side had only happy events—who could have upset the old master?

Could it be that the old master found out about Shen Nan borrowing money?

Probably not.

He was still clear about Lao Tan's professional integrity.

As long as he doesn't speak and Shen Nan doesn't speak, the old master couldn't possibly know.

Others didn't notice that Old Master Shen was off; he just kept smiling and said, "Old Master, have one."

"A Gui, you really went all out; this bun, I could eat it in one bite, worth at least twenty or thirty bucks."

Someone picked up the thread and continued, "They wrote a thank-you letter and sent a commendation banner, and we ended up benefiting."

I feel like writing a thank-you letter to them myself.

Hahaha.

Everyone laughed.

Chen Gui suppressed his doubts, laughed along, and said, "Eat yours; eating won't shut you up."

He wasn't afraid of their teasing; he openly showed that he was happy because he had received the thank-you letter and commendation banner.

Otherwise, he'd rarely have a chance to win people over.

Otherwise, if he suddenly pulled this stunt, people might not dare to eat, fearing the saying 'short hands, short mouth'—taking someone's handout makes you reluctant to speak ill.

Those who can get by in this house are all sharp people.

Including Wu Yingwei.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Wu Yingwei, who was lowering his head, not knowing what to write, and couldn't help but feel a cold smile.

Everyone happily ate their bun, except Wu Yingwei, who didn't eat a single one from start to finish.

Others helped hold it, but he didn't want any.

He's not a child; he still kept up appearances, initially letting Wu Yingwei hold and eat as well.

It wasn't that he deliberately wanted to isolate him.

It was Wu Yingwei himself who chose not to eat.

He isolated himself; no one else is to blame.

To be frank.

Chen Lao Da is really not bad.

He's got brains and means.

Who would have thought he could come up with the idea of writing a thank-you letter and sending a commendation banner; it seems useless, but at a critical moment it might actually play a decisive role.

Sometimes.

It's just relying on this tiny difference that the outcome is decided.

Once he secures the village chief position, he'll have a chance to return the favor and properly thank Chen Lao Da.

Everyone takes what they need, progressing together.

Chen Gui's smile faded slightly as he watched Old Master Shen sit down and asked, "Old Master, what's up?"

"What could the old master possibly want? Nowadays, all big and small matters in the village are handled by you and Yingwei."

"Maybe he came to see if your commendation banner is hung straight."

Someone said with a laugh.

It's not that only Chen Gui and Wu Yingwei handle things; others just eat and do nothing, but the ones who make decisions are precisely those two.

Besides, there aren't that many things going on in the village right now.

Old Master Shen turned his head to look at the commendation banner hanging on the wall, high and straight.

Bright red, very eye-catching.

Chen Gui picked up Old Master Shen's tea cup to pour tea, but seeing this, Old Master Shen quickly waved his hand and said, "Don't bother."

"Do you know what happened to Chen Lao Da yesterday?"

Chen Gui blinked, shook his head, and said, "I don't know."

"What happened to him?"

Saying this, he couldn't help but glance at the commendation banner Chen Lao Da had sent hanging on the wall.

The others, who had been chuckling, also turned over with curious faces.

"After investigation by the police station, it turned out to be just a misunderstanding..."

Upon hearing that, everyone started to think, "If the police station investigated, it must be a serious matter."

Old Village Chief Shen's vague reply meant he didn't want to say more, so naturally no one dared to pry further.

They're all worldly-wise; they understand all the ins and outs of human relations.

"Although it's a misunderstanding, the impact is still not good, so at this critical juncture……" The old man raised his hand and pointed at the banner, saying: "First take down the banner."

Everyone was stunned.

Chen Gui's eyes widened even more, showing an expression of disbelief.

His composure collapsed on the spot.

Wu Yingwei, who was holding a pen and writing, also turned his head over with a look of surprise.

Chen Lao Da got into trouble and is being investigated by the police station, so why does Chen Gui still need to take down the banner?

Could there be some connection between them?

Everyone's eyes darted about, each muttering to themselves.

Chen Gui took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and asked: "Village chief, may I ask what the reason actually is?"

By asking this, he was expressing that he didn't want to take down the banner.

Old Village Chief Shen stood up, leaned on his cane, and walked toward the inner office.

Come here.

After two steps, he noticed Chen Gui hadn't followed, and his tone grew stern: "Who are you throwing a tantrum at?"

Only then did Chen Gui walk over.

He closed the door.

The few who had been seated immediately got up and leaned against the door to eavesdrop.

With no outsiders present, the old man explained the whole story; after hearing it, Chen Gui felt especially wronged.

What is this called?

Guilt by association?

Even if Chen Lao Da refused to help someone in danger, that has nothing to do with him.

The old man said earnestly: "The aggrieved party is causing a fuss now; if it spreads here, none of us will be able to handle it."

Let's take down the banner.

It's already meaningless.

Chen Gui slammed the table: "Not only is it meaningless, it also makes the leader think I'm incompetent."

Maybe Xi Lianghong secretly doubts whether I'm doing my job properly in this position……

Old Village Chief Shen shook his head and said: "You're overthinking it."

Village chief, you need to speak up for me.

I have.

Then why are you still making me take down the banner? If it's taken down like this for no clear reason, where does that leave my face?" Chen Gui paused, then said: "They might even suspect I'm guilty of theft and feeling nervous about it!"

Old Village Chief Shen remained silent.

What Chen Gui worries about is indeed worth worrying about.

So you don't want to take down the banner?

No, I won't take it down.

You really have no problems at all?

What problems do I have?

Old Village Chief Shen looked at him and suddenly asked: "Did you arrange the crane?"

Chen Gui's expression changed slightly: "Yes."

Who paid for it?

I did.

Old Village Chief Shen smiled faintly: "You're so kind-hearted, are you doing this selflessly?"

"He gave me money afterward." Chen Gui said this, his expression somewhat flustered.

"Banner, are you taking it down or not?"

"I……will take it down!"