Chapter 6: Implicit Messages

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Lin Yuanfang pushed the door open and entered, seeing Zhu Yuejin sitting behind the desk, holding a pen and reviewing documents. Upon noticing Lin Yuanfang, Zhu Yuejin put down the documents and smiled as he came forward: "So it is Comrade Yuanfang, please have a seat"

Zhu Yuejin felt a sense of relief in his heart. Although he knew that Lin Yuanfang's words were merely flattery, there were indeed few people who could deliver compliments in such a pleasant manner. It seemed that his judgment was not mistaken; this young man was indeed exceptional. He waved his hand modestly and said, "Comrade Yuanfang, you are mistaken in saying that. In that situation, any other leader would have acted the same way."

Zhu Yuejin understood that even if the agency officials could make immediate decisions on their own, they would always leave some room and never say everything outright. He smiled and said, "Then I must ask you for your help, brother"

What? What are you saying? You are still sending 400 yuan? Is it all true? Aunt Quan's lips trembled with excitement

Lin Yuanfang observed from the side, secretly noting that there was indeed a difference between the people at the township government and those at the county office. Although they knew to refill the leaders' water, they missed the step of using hot water to rinse the guest's teacup for disinfection.

Zhu Yuejin leaned against the leather chair, his fingers gently tapping on the armrest. He had originally been troubled by his sister's plans to renovate the small building, but he did not expect it to be resolved so effortlessly.

Zhu Yuejin chatted cheerfully for a while, and Lin Yuanfang patiently accompanied him. He knew that Zhu Yuejin must have something important to discuss with him, which was why he had come specifically. However, since Zhu Yuejin did not speak up, he could only pretend to be oblivious, smiling as he engaged in casual conversation. Zhu Yuejin's tone became increasingly familiar, addressing Lin Yuanfang first as "Comrade Yuanfang" and then simply as "Yuanfang." Finally, Zhu Yuejin raised his hand to touch his hair and finally got to the point, asking, "By the way, Yuanfang, do you work at the Planning Bureau?"

A young man promptly ran over from the adjacent room, took a teacup from under the coffee table, and poured a cup of tea for Lin Yuanfang. He then filled Zhu Yuejin's teacup with a bit of water from the thermos before retreating.

Come in! A commanding voice came from inside

"Indeed, it is the Planning Bureau's Planning Technology Department," Lin Yuanfang thought to himself, finally the main topic has arrived

"No need to pay anymore?" Uncle Quan and Aunt Quan widened their eyes

"How could I possibly have such great ability?" Lin Yuanfang said with a smile, then added, "Just know about this matter; don't spread it around, it's not good!"

What on earth is going on? Uncle Quan also had an excited expression, persistently questioning Lin Yuanfang: "Why is their village suddenly so generous?"

Although Donglin Township is nearly 30 li away from Linzhuang Village, the entire journey is a gentle downhill slope, making it effortless for Lin Yuanfang to ride. As he rides along, the autumn breeze brushes against his face, giving Lin Yuanfang a refreshing feeling. He knows that Zhu Yuejin must have understood his words. With Zhu Yuejin taking action, how could Zhang Luojian, the troublemaker who has always bullied his brother-in-law's family, expect a good outcome? With Zhang Luojian as a warning, anyone else who might harbor ill intentions towards his brother-in-law will think twice in their hearts.

Aunt Quan pulled Uncle Quan and reproached him, saying: "Old man, will the money grow wings and fly away if you leave it on you for one night? You can't spare a little more time to talk with him when he comes home from so far away?"

Only after Xiao Wu had left did Lin Yuanfang sincerely say: "Mayor Zhu, I am very grateful for what you did today"

Please call Wang Fushun from Fangzhuang Village and ask him to come over

Lin Yuanfang said: "This is true, but not every leading cadre can care for the hardships of the masses like Mayor Zhu does"

Indeed, not only is there no need to pay the deposit, but considering the actual situation of my elder sister's family, they also asked my brother-in-law to write a hardship application, preparing to grant a hardship subsidy of four hundred yuan

"Yes, I will go right away!" Xiao Wu replied and turned back to the adjacent office to call Wang Fushun. ... He couldn't help but mutter to himself that leaders always have a big ego; he had a phone on his own desk, yet he had to go through an extra step to call Wang Fushun ...

Zhu Yuejin chuckled and said, "What is there to be thankful for? Caring for the hardships of the masses is the responsibility of leadership cadres"

Lin Yuanfang arrived at the Donglin Township Government, inquired about Zhu Yuejin's office, and walked over. The door to Zhu Yuejin's office was slightly ajar. Lin Yuanfang gently tapped on the door twice with his fingers and asked, "Is Township Head Zhu in?"

Of course, Lin Yuanfang said with a smile.

Zhu Yuejin nodded and said, "I will inquire about the specific situation later. Regarding this matter, I have a fundamental stance: as party members and officials, we should consciously uphold the image of the Party and the government." Lin Yuanfang's words were laden with meaning, and Zhu Yuejin naturally understood; it was certainly about the humiliation suffered by a relative, leaving him feeling a sense of frustration.

After chatting for a while, Lin Yuanfang stood up to take his leave. Zhu Yuejin insisted on seeing him off to the gate of the township government. Just before exiting, Lin Yuanfang casually remarked, "Some bad apples should be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid tarnishing the image of the government agency"

Lin Yuanfang made way for the sofa, and Zhu Yuejin shouted outside: "Xiao Wu, come in and serve tea"

"Yes, yes!" Uncle Quan nodded, obediently being pulled home by Aunt Quan. However, along the way, his rough hand couldn't help but sneakily reach into his jacket pocket several times, as if it contained a small bomb that could go off at any moment.

Xiao Wu quickly ran over, respectfully standing in front of Zhu Yuejin, and softly asked: "Mayor Zhu, what is the matter?"

When he hurried back home, it was already past 4 PM. From a distance, he saw his parents standing at the village entrance, constantly looking in this direction. Upon seeing Lin Yuanfang approaching, the elderly couple quickly went to greet him, and as soon as they opened their mouths, they said: "Yuanfang, how are you? Did you hand over the money to your elder sister?"

What is the specific location? Lin Yuanfang asked

Lin Yuanfang smiled faintly, finding it difficult to respond, merely gazing at Zhu Yuejin with his eyes

"That is, that is, we all understand this!" Aunt Quan nodded repeatedly, nudging Uncle Quan with her elbow, "Isn't that right, old man?" She secretly thought to herself how close she had come; if it weren't for the instructions from afar, she would have definitely boasted about this matter to the villagers.

Back in the office, Zhu Yuejin pondered for a moment and shouted outside, "Xiao Wu."

Zhu Yuejin chuckled and said, "There is indeed such a matter. My sister is from Chengguan Town, and her family wants to rebuild a three-story building..."

Now it is settled. Zhu Yuejin did not expect that today would be so coincidental, that he would encounter Lin Yuanfang while having a simple meal at the modest cafeteria in Fangzhuang Village. For him, resolving matters related to Lin Yuanfang was merely a matter of raising a hand. As a deputy township head, and with Fangzhuang Village under his jurisdiction, who would dare to disregard his instructions? It was just a matter of a few words, and it did not require any effort on his part. Look, Lin Yuanfang hurriedly came to express his gratitude, didn't he? The issue regarding his sister's building project was thus resolved, without owing anyone a favor, and he even established a connection at the planning bureau. For him, resolving matters related to Lin Yuanfang was merely a matter of raising a hand. As a deputy township head, and with Fangzhuang Village under his jurisdiction, who would dare to disregard his instructions? It was just a matter of a few words, and it did not require any effort on his part. Look, Lin Yuanfang hurriedly came to express his gratitude, didn't he? The issue regarding his sister's building project was thus resolved, without owing anyone a favor, and he even established a connection at the planning bureau. Although Lin Yuanfang is currently just a junior staff member at the planning bureau, as long as he can get things done, that is sufficient. Moreover, Lin Yuanfang is so young, perceptive, and capable; who can guarantee that he won't have future developments?

"They live next door, and the relationship is decent," Lin Yuanfang said. "Is there something going on with Mayor Zhu?"

"Old man, you are so foolish, why even ask? It must be because of our distant relative!" Aunt Quan shot a glance at Uncle Quan, then turned to Lin Yuanfang and asked, "Isn't that right, Yuanfang?"

Uncle Quan nodded, and suddenly remembered something. He patted his body and said, "Since there is no deposit required, then the money will not be needed. I will return it to the rural credit cooperative for safekeeping"

"Near the old church on Heping Street," Zhu Yuejin said

"It is within the planning control area of the old city!" Lin Yuanfang pondered for a moment before raising his head and saying, "I will go look for Director Wang of the Construction Planning Department; I estimate the issue is not significant."

Dad, Mom, there's no need to pay anymore Lin Yuanfang said with a smile

So you are familiar with the people from the Construction Planning Department

Having thought it through, Zhu Yuejin made up his mind to resolve the matter for Lin Yuanfang today, ensuring that Lin Yuanfang could vent his frustrations and identify the "troublemaker" he had mentioned. After all, for Zhu Yuejin, it was merely a matter of bringing his upper lip to meet his lower lip.

Of course, although Zhu Yuejin has only recently transitioned from the military, how could someone become the deputy township head without some connections? Although he does not know anyone in the planning bureau, he can always rely on connections to get his sister's construction project approved. However, that still requires leveraging relationships, doesn't it? It would be unfair to owe someone such a significant favor without reason! In the realm of officialdom, one can owe many things, but it is particularly difficult to owe favors in terms of personal relationships