Chapter 898

Having received this approval from former county magistrate Tong Guohua, Su Yang felt a warm current flowing freely in his heart.

Serving one term and benefiting the region—saying it is easy, but actually doing it is nearly impossible. Not to mention whether you have the ability; merely being able to stand firm in this place is already extremely difficult, and you must also drive regional development, requiring both ability and courage. Wanting the organization's approval is not hard, but gaining the people's approval is hard; at the same time, earning the organization's trust, colleagues' recognition, and the people's reliance is even harder.

The current former county magistrate Tong Guohua can represent both the official stance and the mindset of the grassroots people; gaining his approval made Su Yang feel it was worthwhile. Yet he also realized a problem: even the former county magistrate thought Su Yang wouldn't stay long in the county, which indeed is a possibility.

Nevertheless, he spoke firmly: "Former county magistrate, rest assured, no matter what I will see these projects come to fruition, no matter what I will complete the roadworks in our county, no matter what I will see the highway officially launched. At least next year I will stay here for more than half a year, and I want to see the people truly enjoy the benefits of our current projects."

Hearing these words, former county magistrate Tong Guohua's face flushed with excitement: "Good! Then I, on behalf of the several hundred thousand common people of Lieshan County, thank you! When the time comes, when you are about to leave office, I will certainly see you off with the utmost respect."

On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Su Yang returned home in the morning and discussed the wedding with his parents. He meant for them to go to the capital together with him, to avoid trouble, and thereafter ideally live in the capital, not needing to return. The elderly parents had worked hard most of their lives; it was time to enjoy life, but his suggestion was directly rejected by his father, Old Su.

According to Old Su's own words, they were born here, their roots are here, especially at this age they are even less willing to go elsewhere. Moreover, now during the New Year period, it would be inconvenient for them to go to the capital; when Su Yang's wedding arrives, they will come on their own.

Su Yang really couldn't argue, yet he also couldn't stay home to keep his parents company for the New Year. Because going to the capital this year still involved many matters besides the wedding itself—some connections still needed to be maintained. But he didn't immediately fly to the capital; instead he stayed home with his parents for a day, counting it as an early New Year's Eve dinner.

In the evening, the county leadership somehow learned of his return home, and all the county leaders, including the County Standing Committee team, rushed to his house.

Their small village became lively again, with all kinds of New Year goods piled up in the courtyard. Su Yang had wanted to refuse, but according to County Party Secretary Liu Chaoming's words, this was not a gift to him personally, but a New Year's visit for the elderly couple; moreover, it was not a private act, but the County Party Committee and County Government paying a New Year's visit in their collective name.

The mobilization of the County Party Committee and County Government saw all the village heads and elders come over, and various gifts were indispensable. For this, Su Yang bought several sheep in the village, slaughtered them on the spot, and entertained everyone.

In the evening, Liu Chaoming did not go back, but stayed on the pretext of not having visited the elderly couple for a long time; Su Yang naturally did not refuse. When he arrived, Su Yang heard from his father that this Secretary Liu came almost once a month, never empty-handed, and basically all the various health supplements piled up at home were sent by Liu Chaoming.

Of course, he always came in the name of the County Party Committee and County Government. Besides these, all welfare policies that could be given to farming households were fully extended to Su Yang's home, which made Su Yang feel helpless.

Such matters would normally attract criticism, yet everyone in the whole village and township raised their hands in approval, truly giving Su Yang a deep sense of helplessness. But all these things, he immediately sent them upon returning to the poor households and lonely elderly in the village.

In fact, these benefits should be given to those people, making them more suitable; but in reality, those who truly need them cannot enjoy such policies at all. Moreover, people come specifically for him, and he cannot refuse; in fact, when he is away, he cannot possibly keep constant watch over whatever the county is doing.

That evening the two had a few drinks again; Liu Chaoming is actually not much younger than Su Yang's parents, yet he keeps calling them 'uncle' and 'auntie' in an affectionate way, making Su Yang feel goosebumps all over. Frankly, there is almost a twenty‑year gap between him and this Secretary Liu, but there's nothing to be done—since they can let go of their dignity and speak that way, why wouldn't he allow them to do so?

Of course, it is precisely Liu Chaoming's various attentions that have made Old Su the most upright person in the village, even in the whole township; now when he walks he carries an aura, and his pocket always holds cigarettes worth more than ten yuan.

No matter where he goes, he is always the center of attention; when the village holds any celebratory or mourning event, they don't check the lunar calendar but simply ask Old Su which day he is free and hold it then. These matters actually make Su Yang laugh and cry in disbelief; he originally also wanted to talk to Liu Chaoming about this.

Liu Chaoming spoke up: "Old brother, your reputation is now huge—no one in the whole province is unaware of it. However, this reputation is not pleasant—'officialdom killer'; nobody wants to work with you, and you might easily be sent away."

Su Yang gave a wry smile: "I don't want it this way either, but some people clearly know they shouldn't reach out, yet they insist on doing so right under everyone's eyes—do you expect me to turn a blind eye? If I turn a blind eye, what's the difference from shielding crime?"

Well, let's not talk about that—work matters could go on for three days and three nights without end. As for your care for our family, it truly leaves me unsure how to thank you. But from now on, please try not to send these things here anymore; I think it would be better to give them to the lonely elderly and truly poor families.

If conditions allow, could you provide a bit of tuition for those children who cannot afford school? Our family, while not exactly wealthy, gets by, and my salary now can support a household. It's been so long that I haven't even visited your home once, never paid my respects in person; when the opportunity arises, I will certainly go to your house to impose.

Liu Chaoming was deeply moved inside; what he wanted was for Su Yang to accept his favor. He said: "This is what I should do; you shouldn't think my doing this is overly vulgar—in fact, anyone else would do the same."

Look at any official who comes into office—aren't they all seeking benefits for their close connections? Everyone does this; if you don't, you'll just become an oddball.

The officialdom is a huge vat of dye; the hardest part is to keep oneself pure while still achieving results, not being dragged down—so I hold you in considerable admiration. Unlike me, who, despite being smooth‑talking and adept at maneuvering, remains stuck in this position, unmoving.

Speaking up to this point, he stopped, but Su Yang already understood—it seemed Comrade Old Liu had something he wanted. Everyone here is a person who deals with appearances; he couldn't wait for them to speak up, so he asked: "Old brother, did something happen? Or do you have something in mind?"

Liu Chaoming sighed: "Ah, at my age I'm neither up nor down now; if I can't advance, I might just stop here for the rest of my life—time waits for no one. In March/April next year, let's see if we can make further progress; if we can advance, maybe there's still a bit of hope."

Su Yang more or less understood—this was Old Liu's true aim: to advance. In fact, he should have guessed earlier; otherwise, why would they treat his parents like their own parents? Are they just idle and well-fed?

Su Yang furrowed his brow slightly; it wasn't that he didn't want to help, but he was also powerless. Moreover, Old Zhou had reminded him more than once in this regard: some things can be done once or twice, but absolutely not three or four times.

Su Yang said: "To be frank, I don't know many people around here, and I really want to help you, but I'm truly willing but unable. Otherwise, your older brother's affair would be my affair. Moreover, if you want to advance further, you'd probably need the Municipal Party Committee leaders' approval."