Chapter 56

「Everyone quiet down, now we are convening the institute-wide meeting」Director Wang saw that people had mostly arrived, then announced the opening of the institute-wide meeting.

The neighbors, hearing Director Wang's call for quiet, also fell silent.

"Today, a vicious incident occurred in our courtyard; I believe many of you already know about it, so I won't elaborate here. I want to know the cause of this incident. Jia Zhangshi, you speak first," Director Wang said, letting Jia Zhangshi state the cause.

"Director Wang, today Yan Jiecheng went hunting with our family's Dongxu and they caught five game animals; Yan Jiecheng took three, while our family's Dongxu only took two. Is that fair? Originally, Yan Jiecheng was taken hunting by our family's Dongxu to his father-in-law's place, so we should have gotten three. When I went to the Yan family to ask for the game, Yan Butgui not only refused to give it, but also demanded that our family compensate them for their bicycle," Jia Zhangshi said, feeling wronged.

"Compensate what bicycle?" Director Wang truly didn't know how the matter had dragged in a bicycle again.

"Yan Jiecheng lost the bicycle, yet the Yan family wants us to pay for it—don't you think they're being too bullying?" Jia Zhangshi said, filled with righteous indignation.

"Yan Butgui, is what Jia Zhangshi said really the truth?" Director Wang sternly questioned Yan Butgui.

"Director Wang, you can't just listen to Jia Zhangshi's nonsense. She came to our doorstep shouting and yelling; I argued with her because I was angry, but who knew she was so unreasonable that she lashed out—look, my face is scratched by her, and she even stepped on and broke my glasses," Yan Butgui also felt quite wronged.

"I asked about the bicycle matter—why are you letting Jia Zhangshi compensate for your family's bicycle?"

"Director Wang, the bicycle was lost while Yan Jiecheng and Jia Dongxu rode it out together; it should be jointly compensated by their families."

"Director Wang, what Yan Butgui says is wrong—originally, Yan Jiecheng actively sought me out; when we went, the bicycle was indeed me riding while carrying him, but we had agreed that on the way back he would ride while carrying me. Now that the bicycle is lost, on what grounds does he demand that I pay?" Jia Dongxu stood up directly to refute, even no longer addressing the Household Manager, but calling Yan Butgui by name.

"Jia Dongxu, tell us how the bicycle was lost," Director Wang asked.

"The situation is like this..." At this point Jia Dongxu could no longer conceal it, and had to lay out everything that happened on the mountain in full detail.

"Well done, Jia Dongxu—you actually stole the hunters' game from our fellow peasants; such behavior is truly outrageous," Director Wang said, pointing at Jia Dongxu indignantly. In those days people's thoughts were still pure, and they were especially opposed to petty theft. Moreover, stealing from peasants—isn't that destroying the class feelings between us and our fellow peasants?

"Yi Zhonghai, why are you getting involved in their dispute again?"

"Director Wang, I came over with good intentions to break up the fight; who knew Jia Zhangshi would fly into a rage and scratch me too," Yi Zhonghai said, covering his face.

"Yes, yes, yes, Director Wang, I also came over to break up the fight; I and Old Yi acted out of good faith, purely being accidentally injured," Liu Haizhong also said.

【18】 "Originally it was just a small matter—look at what you've turned it into," Director Wang shouted at Yan Butgui.

【19】 "The facts are basically clear; now I announce the decision. As the courtyard's Household Manager, Yan Butgui took the lead in fighting with the neighbors and is no longer qualified to hold that post. I hereby remove Yan Butgui from the position of Household Manager, and sentence Yan Jiecheng to one month of cleaning the toilets. Jia Dongxu stole the peasants' game—a vile act—starting tomorrow he must report to the subdistrict office for ideological education, and at the same time both he and Yan Jiecheng are sentenced to three months of toilet cleaning; the stolen game is to be confiscated. Jia Zhangshi is sentenced to one month of cleaning the courtyard's sanitation. Do you have any objections?" Director Wang would not indulge them.

【20】 "No objections," several people said, heads lowered.

【21】 "Besides, the Yan family's bicycle was lost because Yan Jiecheng failed to guard it properly, which has nothing to do with others." Director Wang's meaning was that the Jia family need not compensate. Yan Butgui felt deeply dissatisfied inside, but he dared not oppose Director Wang—now Director Wang not only stripped him of his Household Manager post, but also fined him to clean the toilets, and the game will be confiscated; truly he has lost his wife and his troops.

【22】 "Director Wang, look—our courtyard now only has Old Liu as the Household Manager; I'm afraid he can't handle it all. Shouldn't we add another Household Manager?" Yi Zhonghai said from the side, hoping to regain the position himself.

【23】 Liu Haizhong, hearing Yi Zhonghai's words, rolled his eyes in anger. He had thought the courtyard now had only himself as Household Manager, that he was the sole one, but Yi Zhonghai still wanted to meddle; he had gone to great trouble to oust him, and now cannot let him return, or else he'd be pressed down again.

【24】 "Hmm, what you say makes sense; I suggest letting Li Qiang serve as Household Manager—any objections?" Director Wang, without waiting for Liu Haizhong to speak, directly named Li Qiang.

【25】 "No objections," He Yuzhu and Xu Damao shouted the loudest.

【26】 "Director Wang, I'm too young; being Household Manager isn't suitable for me," Li Qiang said, not expecting Director Wang to appoint him to the post.

【27】 "Alright, don't be modest—you manage thousands at the Yagangchang plant; this little Household Manager post is nothing to you, like Zhang Fei eating bean sprouts—a trivial snack," Director Wang said with a smile.

【28】 "All right, I'll give it a try; if I do poorly, you can replace me." Li Qiang also knew Director Wang truly lacked a suitable candidate; the main point was that he didn't want Yi Zhonghai to become Household Manager again, otherwise that old brat might stir up who-knows-what trouble.

【29】 "Don't be humble—I have faith in your work ability," Director Wang said with a smile.

【30】 Yi Zhonghai, hearing the exchange between Director Wang and Li Qiang, was so angry he nearly fainted—this wasn't him making a wedding dress for Li Qiang, he wished he could slap himself twice.

【31】 "All right, today's assembly ends here. Yan Jiecheng and Jia Dongxu, don't forget to go to the subdistrict office tomorrow for education—everyone, disperse." Having said that, Director Wang left the courtyard.

【32】 "Second Brother, congratulations," He Yuzhu said, clasping his hands toward Li Qiang.

【33】 "Right, congratulations, Strong Brother Qiang," Xu Damao also came over and said.

【34】 "Eh, it's not a big deal," Li Qiang said indifferently.

【35】 "To you it's not a big deal, but you haven't seen how some people, eyes red with envy, could eat someone alive," Xu Damao said while glancing toward Yi Zhonghai's direction.

【36】 "Can't help it—who asked Director Wang to have discerning eyes for talent?" He Yuzhu also chimed in, gloating.

【37】 Yi Zhonghai, hearing the conversation between He Yuzhu and Xu Damao, snorted angrily, flicked his sleeves, and went home.

【38】 "Strong Brother, since Director Wang has appointed you as Household Manager, you must do the job well, not show favoritism like they do, and sincerely solve problems for the neighbors," Li Bin said as he approached.

【39】 "Got it, Brother."

"Originally it was just a small matter—look at what you've turned it into," Director Wang shouted at Yan Butgui.

The situation is basically clear; I now announce the decision: Yan Butou, as the head of the courtyard, instigated a fight with the neighbors and is no longer fit to hold that position. I hereby remove him as head and order Yan Jiecheng to clean the toilets for one month. Jia Dongxu stole the hunters' game from the peasant brothers—a serious offense—so starting tomorrow he must report to the street office for ideological education, and both he and Yan Jiecheng are to clean the toilets for three months. The stolen game will be confiscated, and Jia Zhangshi is to clean the courtyard for one month. Any objections? Director Wang won't pamper them.

Translation: "The facts are basically clear; now I announce the decision. As the courtyard's Household Manager, Yan Butgui took the lead in fighting with the neighbors and is no longer qualified to hold that post. I hereby remove Yan Butgui from the position of Household Manager, and sentence Yan Jiecheng to one month of cleaning the toilets. Jia Dongxu stole the peasants' game—a vile act—starting tomorrow he must report to the subdistrict office for ideological education, and at the same time both he and Yan Jiecheng are sentenced to three months of toilet cleaning; the stolen game is to be confiscated. Jia Zhangshi is sentenced to one month of cleaning the courtyard's sanitation. Do you have any objections?" Director Wang would not indulge them.

"No objections," several people said, lowering their heads.

Translation: "No objections," several people said, heads lowered.

Moreover, Yan Butou's bicycle was stolen because Yan Jiecheng failed to look after it, and no one else is responsible. Director Wang meant that the Jia family should not have to pay compensation. Yan Butou is fuming inside, but he doesn't dare to defy Director Wang. Now Director Wang has not only stripped him of his position as one of the three heads, but also ordered him to clean the toilets and confiscated the hunted game—truly a case of losing the wife and losing the army.

Translation: "Besides, the Yan family's bicycle was lost because Yan Jiecheng failed to guard it properly, which has nothing to do with others." Director Wang's meaning was that the Jia family need not compensate. Yan Butgui felt deeply dissatisfied inside, but he dared not oppose Director Wang—now Director Wang not only stripped him of his Household Manager post, but also fined him to clean the toilets, and the game will be confiscated; truly he has lost his wife and his troops.

Director Wang, look, our courtyard now only has Old Liu as the head; I'm worried he can't handle it all. Shouldn't we add another head? Yi Zhonghai said from the side, hoping to become head again.

Translation: "Director Wang, look—our courtyard now only has Old Liu as the Household Manager; I'm afraid he can't handle it all. Shouldn't we add another Household Manager?" Yi Zhonghai said from the side, hoping to regain the position himself.

Liu Haizhong heard Yi Zhonghai's suggestion and rolled his eyes in frustration. He had thought he was the sole head of the courtyard, the only one, but Yi Zhonghai still wants to interfere; after all the effort it took to oust him, he can't let him return, or else he'd be overburdened again.

Translation: Liu Haizhong, hearing Yi Zhonghai's words, rolled his eyes in anger. He had thought the courtyard now had only himself as Household Manager, that he was the sole one, but Yi Zhonghai still wanted to meddle; he had gone to great trouble to oust him, and now cannot let him return, or else he'd be pressed down again.

"Hmm, you make sense," Wang said, "I suggest letting Li Qiang serve as the head. Any opinions?" Before Liu Haizhong could respond, Wang directly named Li Qiang.

Translation: "Hmm, what you say makes sense; I suggest letting Li Qiang serve as Household Manager—any objections?" Director Wang, without waiting for Liu Haizhong to speak, directly named Li Qiang.

"No objections," He Yuzhu and Xu Daming shouted the loudest.

Translation: "No objections," He Yuzhu and Xu Damao shouted the loudest.

"Director Wang, I'm too young to be the head, aren't I?" Li Qiang hadn't expected Wang to appoint him as head.

Translation: "Director Wang, I'm too young; being Household Manager isn't suitable for me," Li Qiang said, not expecting Director Wang to appoint him to the post.

"Alright, don't be modest. You manage hundreds of workers at the steel mill; this tiny head position is nothing for you—like Zhang Fei eating tofu, a trivial snack," Wang said with a smile.

Translation: "Alright, don't be modest—you manage thousands at the Yagangchang plant; this little Household Manager post is nothing to you, like Zhang Fei eating bean sprouts—a trivial snack," Director Wang said with a smile.

"Okay, I'll give it a try; if I do poorly, you can replace me." Li Qiang also knew that Director Wang truly lacked a suitable candidate; the main reason is that he doesn't want Yi Zhonghai to become head again, otherwise that old guy might cause trouble.

Translation: "All right, I'll give it a try; if I do poorly, you can replace me." Li Qiang also knew Director Wang truly lacked a suitable candidate; the main point was that he didn't want Yi Zhonghai to become Household Manager again, otherwise that old brat might stir up who-knows-what trouble.

"Don't be humble; I have confidence in your work ability," Wang said with a smile.

Translation: "Don't be humble—I have faith in your work ability," Director Wang said with a smile.

Yi Zhonghai, hearing the conversation between Wang and Li Qiang, was so angry he nearly fainted; he felt like he was making a wedding dress for Li Qiang, and he wished he could slap himself twice.

Translation: Yi Zhonghai, hearing the exchange between Director Wang and Li Qiang, was so angry he nearly fainted—this wasn't him making a wedding dress for Li Qiang, he wished he could slap himself twice.

"Alright, that's it for today's meeting. Yan Jiecheng and Jia Dongxu, don't forget to go to the street office tomorrow for your education. Everyone, disperse." After saying that, Wang left the courtyard.

Translation: "All right, today's assembly ends here. Yan Jiecheng and Jia Dongxu, don't forget to go to the subdistrict office tomorrow for education—everyone, disperse." Having said that, Director Wang left the courtyard.

"Congratulations, Second Brother," He Yuzhu said to Li Qiang, clasping his fists.

Translation: "Second Brother, congratulations," He Yuzhu said, clasping his hands toward Li Qiang.

"Right, congratulations, Brother Qiang," Xu Daming also said, stepping forward.

Translation: "Right, congratulations, Strong Brother Qiang," Xu Damao also came over and said.

"Eh, it's not a big deal," Li Qiang said indifferently.

Translation: "Eh, it's not a big deal," Li Qiang said indifferently.

"To you it may not seem like a big deal, but you haven't seen how jealous people can be— they could devour someone." Xu Daming said while glancing toward Yi Zhonghai.

Translation: "To you it's not a big deal, but you haven't seen how some people, eyes red with envy, could eat someone alive," Xu Damao said while glancing toward Yi Zhonghai's direction.

"There's nothing we can do— who asked Director Wang to have such discerning eyes for talent?" He Yuzhu also said, gloating.

Translation: "Can't help it—who asked Director Wang to have discerning eyes for talent?" He Yuzhu also chimed in, gloating.

Yi Zhonghai, hearing the conversation between He Yuzhu and Xu Daming, snorted angrily and flicked his sleeves as he went home.

Translation: Yi Zhonghai, hearing the conversation between He Yuzhu and Xu Damao, snorted angrily, flicked his sleeves, and went home.

"Qiangzi, since Director Wang has appointed you as head, you must work diligently, avoid favoritism like they did, and sincerely solve the neighbors' problems," Li Bin said as he approached.

Translation: "Strong Brother, since Director Wang has appointed you as Household Manager, you must do the job well, not show favoritism like they do, and sincerely solve problems for the neighbors," Li Bin said as he approached.

"Got it, brother."

Translation: "Got it, 【1】 "Everyone quiet down, we are now convening the courtyard general assembly," Director Wang said, seeing that most people had arrived, and announced the opening of the general assembly.