The food was sluggishly delivered until half the night had passed, and Mr. Li just stared at the mounded heaps of grain in the County Committee Office, saliva flowing in the mouths of many who gazed at the plump grains and fresh fruits.
"I’ve never seen anything like this; is this also a fruit?"
"I looked it up, and it’s called banana lon, this prickly one is durian, cactus fruit... lots of odd and curious fruits, just look at how red those apples are over there, it’s quite startling."
"Forget about the fruits, it’s just the grains like wheat and rice, all so full and fine, truly admirable!"
"Don’t just flatter it, our country’s grains are also very good, comrades from the agricultural science institutes are working day and night on their research, one day we will catch up to and surpass Western countries."
"Now is not the ti for this argunt; what should we do with these grains, all of which have no proper docuntation? Should we transport all of it to the disaster-stricken area, or just the grain from the county warehouses?"
"What do you an by that, are you suggesting we keep so for ourselves?"
......
The debate continued, and though the disaster area’s people were truly pitiable and in urgent need of these provisions, certain individuals harbored selfish motives. In their impoverished Ning County, many still went hungry, and now that they had received such a large amount of grain, so leaders wanted to keep a portion to feed their own.
It was not that they didn’t want to give it away, they would, for sure, but was it possible to also consider their own fellow countryn and let everyone enjoy a good al for once.
"Stop arguing, these items were obtained by Shen ng; it was Miss Jesse who told her about them. If Shen ng did not have a rapport with Miss Jesse, she would never have been able to learn about this. These grains were unknown to us and might have rotted away in a few days with us none the wiser and fighting over nothing."
Secretary Guan approached at this mont, standing in front of Mr. Li and said, "Mr. Li, Mr. Shen said on the way ho that there’s too much grain and, without proper docuntation, it’s not good for us to directly distribute it. It’s best to get the paperwork in order, but not ntion Mark; just say it’s an unconditional donation from overseas comrades to Ning County. As for the fruits, so can be transported to the disaster area as they won’t spoil easily. We’re a poor county, so it’s best not to donate too much; calculate the maximum amount we can afford to give. So of the perishable fruits can be distributed to the factory areas, communes, County Committee, and the Education Bureau, so our comrades can supervise properly and ensure each person in need gets a share."
Li Chuan and so other comrades who were inclined to keep so for themselves were shocked; they hadn’t expected Shen ng to think so thoroughly. Although Secretary Guan didn’t speak up, in fact, so ideas were his, but he felt that Shen ng, a rural woman, despite having achieved sothing extraordinary that others could not, was after all just a woman.
She still had four children to care for; if she could maintain good relations with the people from the County Committee, then in tis of trouble, she’d at least have soone to lend a hand.
"Also, Mr. Li, I have a personal favor to ask: Mr. Shen, not only did she help acquire such a large amount of grain but also lay flat in a mountain hollow for two hours to ensure it was safely transported back. Could we give her a bit more when the grain is distributed?"
"Your concern will be taken into account by the organization. Although she played a part in acquiring these grains, I can’t make an exception just for her, Xiao Guan, your request is quite unreasonable!"
Li Chuan spoke with a furrowed brow and a much sterner tone, causing Secretary Guan to lower his head in silence, whereas the others felt uncomfortable.
"Old Li, you’re being a bit harsh with your words. These grains have benefited not only the villagers of our county, but also earned us a good reputation. Mr. Shen made such an effort; besides losing her salary, what has she gained—a work absence? Shouldn’t she be compensated?"
"That’s for sure, I suggest we send Mr. Shen a hundred pounds of rice and a hundred pounds of wheat. As for the peculiar fruits, so can be sent to her as well. What’s the harm in that? When such a good comrade is not rewarded, how can we promote unity in the future?"
"I agree, if a conscientious person like Mr. Shen is not recognized with a reward, who should we reward? If she’s not given more, I might not let docunts through customs next ti."
Li Chuan sighed, sowhat reluctantly speaking to Secretary Guan, "Since it’s like this, then pick so fruits and grains for Mr. Shen, and add a silk banner too. As for what to write on it, you decide. Oh, and the prize money for Mr. Shen’s last contribution to foreign currency earnings hasn’t been given yet, add that to this ti’s, a total of 1,600 yuan, and deliver it to her ho soon."
"Ah, I’m on it, right away!"
Secretary Guan nodded and dashed towards the office. He had to go to the finance departnt to write a requisition slip.
Mr. Li looked at everyone’s expressions, feeling a bit embarrassed as he touched his nose. Shouldn’t everyone approve of the rewards before they’re given out?
There’s always so procedure to follow; it can’t just be his say-so!
The news that the County Governnt distributed high-quality grain and fruit spread like wildfire throughout the county. Although each household didn’t receive much—only about five or ten pounds—it was a gesture from the governnt that everyone was incredibly grateful for.
After Secretary Guan drove to Shen ng’s house and delivered two hundred pounds of grains and three large boxes of various fruits, the people of Lu Family Village were really eyeing it. They even saw a brocade banner and a red envelope being delivered, which definitely attracted envious glances.
Wu Xianglan stood at the door pulling people aside to talk, endlessly praising Shen ng and calling her as close as a real sister.
Inside the main hall.
"Comrade Shen ng, this is the bonus from the town governnt, totaling 1,600 yuan. Keep it well. The secretary is worried that you, being alone in the hollow for so long, might feel unwell. He called the bus company and requested two days off for you. Take a good rest, Comrade Shen ng. I truly admire you. You managed to stay in that hollow for so long without any change, such determination."
Shen ng: "......"
No, no, no, I got up as soon as you left. How could I stay there that long!
After Secretary Guan left, many people ca by the house one after another. Guan He made a pot of brown sugar water. As for the fruits, she didn’t take any out; they were hers after all. These people weren’t that familiar, they just ca over hoping for so small advantage. She wanted to wait for her own friends to co over before opening the fruit boxes!
Lu Yonggang’s side continued their singing and playing, the funeral wouldn’t be until tomorrow. In the evening, Shen ng gathered all the children and had them sleep in her room, afraid they might be scared.
Ming Liang looked with curiosity at the durian placed on the table. Shen ng wanted to eat it too and pried it open with a knife.
"This slls bad but tastes delicious. Eat it slowly at first. You might not be used to it, but I guarantee, after a couple of bites, you’ll start to like it."
The little ones were eager to try it out.
Five minutes later, Mingyang, Ming Fang, and Ming Kai were eating happily while only Ming Liang was eating and gagging.
"It’s really tasty, bleh~. I like it, bleh~. I want to eat another one later, bleh~"
Shen ng: "..."
You really don’t have to force yourself!!!
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