Chapter 522: Knocks from the Leadership

Wu Yingwei took over the conversation and said, "The matter is a good one, A An did it well, but there's no need to spread it outward, lest it cause unnecessary trouble."

Wu An nodded, "Father is right."

Don't think this subsidy has been around forever, but not everyone knows about it.

Even if someone knows, how to handle it and who can process it may also be unclear.

Even knowing the procedure, some people go several trips and still can't get it done; in the end, few manage to obtain the subsidy.

If others find out, it's one thing for them to come knocking for help.

If it provokes envy and someone stabs you in the dark, that would be enough to fill a pot.

Mei Yueqin nodded, also aware of the intricacies, and said, "Fine, I won't even tell my own family."

Then she looked at Wu Ping.

Wu Ping scratched his head and said, "I don't need to take a stance, right?"

"Besides my family, I only go to School."

"I can't even talk to the students about it."

Mei Yueqin hummed, "I heard the female math teacher has approached you several times recently."

Wu Ping said, "Don't get the wrong idea; here's the situation: the School is in difficulty, those with a quota are okay, but in my case, if I don't transfer soon, I'll probably be dismissed."

"She said there's a way."

Wu An asked curiously, "How difficult is the School?"

Wu Ping sighed, "The salaries are almost impossible to pay; how much more difficult could it be?"

Wu An's eyes lit up, "Really?"

Wu Ping said irritably, "A An, why do I see you seem quite happy upon hearing this news?"

Wu An smiled, "No, no."

He was pleased that, since the School couldn't even pay salaries, it truly was in trouble, which was a good chance for him to help his older brother; after thinking, he said, "Brother, since the School is now in difficulty, have you reported it to the higher‑ups?"

Wu Ping said, "Of course we did; I've gone with the principal several times."

"The leaders also said they'd come to inspect."

"Just have to wait."

Wu An nodded and said, "When the leaders are about to come, let me know."

Wu Ping was startled, "Tell you what?"

Wu An said, "Don't ask, it's just an important matter."

Wu Ping nodded, saying he understood.

Wu An didn't continue; he plans to donate to the School, but can't donate arbitrarily—he must choose the right timing, donate in front of the right people at the right moment to maximize value.

Not only can he help his brother solve the staffing issue, but also earn a good reputation.

Now Father is the Village Director; his business will grow, and in the future he'll lead the Village's development and construction. He no longer needs to hide his light as before; people should stay low‑key, but matters must be handled publicly. With a good reputation, it's easier to get a share.

Mei Yueqin hadn't really misunderstood; she just mentioned it offhand. Seeing Wu Ping explain clearly, she naturally didn't press further and instead talked with Wu Yingwei about the new boat arriving home tomorrow.

Wu An sulked, eating and drinking, listening as the younger brother and sister‑in‑law discussed the tasks for tomorrow.

There were still many matters.

Things that needed preparation, plus hosting a banquet.

The new boat arriving home is a big event, as important as moving into a new house, perhaps even more grand.

The required ceremonies need not be mentioned; the banquet's standards are no less than a wedding feast.

He doesn't need to worry about this; the family has already taken care of it for him.

……

The next morning, early.

Wu An was woken by the alarm; he had planned to get up early to help clean, but when he went out, he saw his brother‑in‑law and sister‑in‑law had already tidied up everything needed.

Gu Anran was also there.

He smiled and greeted him, then went to bring the face‑washing water.

Wu An took it.

After washing his face, he looked up, and Gu Anran handed him a towel.

"Since you said you drank a lot yesterday, I made porridge this morning; you can drink it to feel better."

"Alright."

Mei Yueqin came over, smiling, "I was too busy this morning to make it, but luckily Anran came; she simmered the porridge and kept watching it, so you should drink plenty."

Wu An nodded.

Gu Anran quickly went into the kitchen.

Wu An looked left and right, asking, "At this hour, why isn't Father here?"

Mei Yueqin said, "I don't know what's going on; the town leaders suddenly came to the Village, Father didn't even have time to wash his face, he took the call and left in a hurry."

"Anything else?"

Wu An furrowed his brow, feeling the matter wasn't that simple.

Just as he was pondering, the phone rang.

He took it out and looked.

It was Lao Jiang calling.

"A An, there's something I need to tell you."

"My father's matter?"

"Huh… how did you know?"

Just guessing.

Lao Jiang, truly the village's know‑everything, didn't wait for him to ask and said, "Leader Qi has arrived, about the sea‑area concession."

In front of all the Village Committee members, to beat your father.

He said the sea‑area concession must be implemented quickly, to be fair, just, and open.

When the time comes, he will come to attend the ceremony.

Wu An listened, felt a weight in his heart, and thought it seemed that his giving Leader Xi the Earth Dragon had drawn Leader Qi's attention. No, this should just be a fuse, or perhaps he is a fish in the pond?

You say that as if when Shen Nan first secured the sea‑area concession, fairness, justice, and openness were already achieved.

The leader should go to the old village chief to discuss.

A An, I feel there's definitely something going on here.

Wu An said, "Got it. Nothing's going to trouble my father later, right?"

Lao Jiang said, "From what I know, there isn't."

Wu An let out a quiet sigh of relief; it seemed the leader came mainly about the sea‑area concession, essentially to back Shen Nan and prevent Father from rising to challenge Shen Nan.

As for beating Father, it was just done incidentally.

But one still cannot be careless.

Regardless.

The leader has a knot in his heart; normally nothing happens, but in the future, whenever he thinks of it or meets, he'll cause trouble once—like today, coming to the village, he conveniently gave a beating.

One or two times is tolerable; over time, who can endure it?

It still needs to be solved.

He said, "Lao Jiang, thanks."

Lao Jiang laughed, "No need for thanks; as long as I can help you, that's fine."

Wu An called, "This news is important; come to my house a bit earlier at noon."

Lao Jiang responded gladly.

After hanging up, Wu An mulled over the matter; when Gu Anran called for a meal, he hadn't thought it through either. The main point is the leader hasn't shown outright hostility, so for now he can only meet move with move.

They ate breakfast together.

After tidying his somewhat messy mood, Wu An and Gu Anran drove to pick up Lao Fu Tou first; the three headed straight for the shipyard.

Wang Jingli's men had been waiting for a while, and many festive red banners hung on the fishing boats; seeing this, Wu An realized his own preparations were unnecessary.

When the auspicious moment arrived, firecrackers burst together—what a lively scene.

At the shipyard, many onlookers watched; Wu An brought many gift packs, and anyone present could take one. He distributed a round, and everyone exchanged auspicious words, cheerfully receiving the packs, eager to share the joy.

Then, Wu An and Lao Fu Tou boarded the ship and headed straight for the village pier.

Gu Anran didn't board; she had to drive the car back home.

At this moment, many people were already waiting at the village pier for the new ship to arrive.