Go back to the prosperous days and become a layman

Chapter 919 and Chapter 918 are all my words!
Director Zhu did not immediately respond to Tang Zhitong's question, but looked at him with some confusion.

"This morning I saw people arguing about changing rooms..." Tang Zhitong saw Zhu's expression and immediately told him what she had seen, afraid that Zhu would think she was meddling too much.

While Tang Zhitong might not be able to help with other matters, he could certainly offer suggestions to the housing management bureau to improve the efficiency and satisfaction of home exchange programs.

"Oh, changing houses? This is a common thing, and it gives us a headache too. It's a lot of trouble and effort, but we don't get any credit."

The housing management offices in each district have limited staff, and they simply can't keep up with all the housing exchange requests they receive every day. Add to that the fact that some people want to exchange their homes in other districts, and it becomes even more complicated. Our bureau even set up a special allocation section to handle this work, but…sigh!

Director Zhu shook his head halfway through his sentence. This was a family scandal, and although Tang Zhitong was introduced by Meng Qingfeng, it was still inappropriate for him to expose the truth through his own words.

"I know that our colleagues in the housing management bureau have done their best. Today, we not only saw the arguing, but also the hard work of our colleagues."

Tang Zhitong started by affirming the work of the Housing Management Bureau, then changed the subject:
"I have a somewhat immature idea. Director Zhu, you are an expert, please take a look and see if it is useful."

"Okay, go ahead." In front of Meng Qingfeng, Director Zhu's attitude was still quite good.

The chemical raw material company and the housing management bureau can be considered to be in a client-contractor relationship. The housing management bureau is responsible for repairing houses, and the repair of houses requires paint, which is distributed and supplied by the chemical raw material company.

Director Zhu still had to consider Meng Qingfeng's feelings, especially since Meng Qingfeng had already revealed part of Tang Zhitong's identity to him, and the title of a representative was not something he could ignore.

The story of a child without a mother is a long one. In short, the housing management bureau did take the initiative to propose the house exchange, but at the beginning, the number of house exchanges per year had just exceeded double digits.

Since the proposal by the People's Committee in 1956, which was reviewed and approved by the National People's Congress, to "vigorously carry out housing exchange work," the housing exchange work entered a fast track. The Housing Management Bureau established an allocation department, and more than 2,000 houses were exchanged that year.

Later, the People's Committee acted like a whip behind the Housing Management Bureau, with proposals about housing exchange coming in almost every year, spurring them forward.

"Although exchanging houses is not a transaction, it is ultimately about each party getting what they need."

The Housing Authority is now caught in the middle among the residents of Beijing. If one party is dissatisfied after the housing exchange, they will inevitably be blamed.

This morning, I saw some people arguing about changing houses, and I wondered if the housing management bureau could coordinate a venue to hold a house-changing fair.

It's like Xiangguo Temple... no, it's Huguo Temple.

It's like the market near Huguo Temple, where there are many cooperatives selling handicrafts, and people will go there to buy them if they need them.

As long as we send a notice in advance to all employees and citizens of all units in Beijing, informing them when, where and where the event will be held.

Then the housing management bureau will arrange the site, for example, dividing the site into several sections, specifying which section belongs to the East District housing exchange information area and which section belongs to the West District housing exchange information area, etc.

People who want to move to a new house are encouraged to post their information on a notice board, including details of their house, the rent, and which area they want to move to.

In this way, people looking to exchange homes can communicate face-to-face, and if one-on-one coordination is difficult, several families can pool their resources to exchange homes.

Tang Zhitong spoke of his idea. He originally wanted to use a matchmaking event as an example, but he swallowed the words back.

Blind dates will only become popular in a few decades, but it's not appropriate to bring them up now. After all, people's minds aren't that open yet. How can you expect people to be hung on thin ropes like commodities to find a partner? What's the difference between that and selling pork in the market?
"Oh! Your idea is great! Thank you so much!" Director Zhu was an expert in the field, and upon hearing Tang Zhitong's words, he immediately grabbed Tang Zhitong's hand and shook it.

In fact, Director Zhu knew what to do next when Tang Zhitong was halfway through his sentence, but he didn't interrupt him out of politeness.

The housing management system is currently caught in a dilemma – blocked at both ends. If all the information were made public and those in need were allowed to choose for themselves, with the housing management bureau only responsible for processing the paperwork, it would not only absolve them of responsibility but also improve efficiency!
By the time Tang Zhitong finished speaking, Director Zhu had already figured out how to write his work report:
By organizing a housing exchange fair, how many people's needs were registered by the housing management bureau, and how many families' housing exchange needs were resolved? Assuming one person per household uses a monthly bus pass, how much money can be saved for the country in a year? At 3 yuan per pass, that's 36 yuan per person per year, and 36,000 people would save 36,000 yuan, which is no small amount!

Now, the People's Committee won't be using a whip to punish the Housing Management Bureau anymore, right?

"Just my humble opinion, I hope it can help Director Zhu." Tang Zhitong grinned as he felt the pressure on Director Zhu's hand.

This method wasn't something Tang Zhitong came up with out of thin air; it was exactly what the Housing Management Bureau did two years later!

The results were remarkable. Over the course of two years, the Housing Management Bureau held more than ten housing exchange fairs, which were very popular among residents of Beijing.

Although Tang Zhitong usually rides a bicycle, he has also observed the situation of the public transportation system. There are basically no more buses that run on gasoline, and most of them are equipped with gas cylinders. Moreover, there are more and more passengers waiting for buses at the bus stops. All these signs indicate that the number of buses has decreased.

Even Ma Wei initially took the bus to and from get off work after returning to work, but later she simply practiced riding a bike on one foot because she couldn't stand the long waits and crowds on the bus.

Given this situation, more and more residents in Beijing have a need to change their homes. Tang Zhitong did this partly to return the favor to Director Zhu, and partly to make things easier for the people of Beijing and save resources for the country.

Seeing Director Zhu's excitement, Tang Zhitong recalled the line, "These are all my lyrics," but Director Zhu didn't have the chance to say it now.

"How about it? Isn't Xiao Tang's idea good? The houses in Dashizuo Hutong have skylights, and the pillars in front of the doors are peeling and the paint is chipped. Director Zhu, why don't you do something about it? We'll provide plenty of paint!" Meng Qingfeng, who was watching from the side, was envious and frantically tried to curry favor with Tang Zhitong, also to help Director Zhu.

"Then I'll take the liberty of helping you tidy up the house over there." House renovations aren't like rebuilding ancient buildings, so it won't cost much. After understanding Meng Qingfeng's meaning, Director Zhu spoke directly to Tang Zhitong.

"Director Zhu, Director Meng, this is unacceptable. I am already very grateful that you two can help coordinate manpower and supplies. I cannot ask you to make an exception for such a small matter. I will pay the full price." Tang Zhitong accepted Director Zhu's kindness conditionally.

Meng Qingfeng and Director Zhu's actions successfully kept the cost of changing houses below 600 yuan. Tang Zhitong was already very satisfied and didn't want to give others any more opportunities to nitpick in such an obvious place.

"Alright, it's settled then." Director Zhu and Meng Qingfeng exchanged a glance, their smiles widening.

What does "making an exception" mean? It's "making an exception" when everyone is on good terms with each other, but in some people's eyes it means they have no principles and are making mistakes. They are still very happy that Tang Zhitong is so sensible.

"I'll work overtime on my end and make sure it's cleared out today. Lao Zhu, when can you get on site? Let's put in a little extra effort so that Comrade Tang can move into his new home as soon as possible." In terms of actually getting things done, Meng Qingfeng had only dealt with Tang Zhitong twice.

The first time was at the supply and marketing cooperative two years ago. He persuaded him with just a few words and actually kept his promise afterwards. This is the second time. With the house exchange procedures completed, this matter should be over. Meng Qingfeng felt it was still a bit early and wanted to try to make a good impression on Tang Zhitong.

Tang Zhitong had originally been thinking of inquiring about when the chemical raw materials company would be able to clear out the goods so that he could go and clean up as soon as possible. Unexpectedly, these two people agreed to help him repair the house in just a few words, which saved him the trouble. So he kept quiet and waited for Director Zhu to give him a date.

“Then we’ll move in tomorrow, and it’ll be all set up in three days at most. Comrade Tang, you can move in next Monday,” Director Zhu said after calculating the dates.

"Oh, that's great! Thank you both, leaders. The sooner I move in, the sooner Director Meng can set up his shop. To be honest, we residents of Tieluguba have been eagerly awaiting Director Meng's arrival."

After receiving the exact date, Tang Zhitong spoke politely to them, but in his heart he did not want to move in so soon after the renovation.

When Tang Zhitong went to see the house last time, he noticed that the paint on the pillars, doors and windows was peeling and mottled.

The doorposts and other parts of traditional courtyard houses are mostly painted red, which may contain formaldehyde. Although it smells nice, it is harmful to the body.

However, Tang Zhitong couldn't refuse to move there sooner. Firstly, it would keep him away from the troubles of Tieluguba. Secondly, the chemical raw materials company was exchanging houses with him to open a shop. All the procedures were completed and the house was renovated. What reason did he have to stay and not move?

After agreeing on the house repairs, the three exchanged a few more polite words. Meng Qingfeng then took his leave, saying he needed to go back to clear out the warehouse. Tang Zhitong followed him and got up to leave.

"Brother Meng, thank you!" After leaving the housing management office, Tang Zhitong solemnly thanked Meng Qingfeng.

"You call me 'Big Brother,' so we're practically family. Saying thank you is too formal." Meng Qingfeng said this, but his face was beaming with joy. For him, in addition to achieving the chemical raw materials company's goals, gaining Tang Zhitong's friendship was already a huge bonus.

"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony. If Brother Meng ever needs my help, just let me know." Tang Zhitong's words were subtle yet clear. He always thought it was a stupid thing to say "I owe you a favor." A favor isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card. Does saying it create a protective barrier for someone?
"Alright, let's not stand on ceremony, let's keep in touch more often." With these words, Meng Qingfeng was satisfied.

Watching Meng Qingfeng ride away on his bicycle, Tang Zhitong hummed a song as he rode to the Central Radio and Television Station to pick up his letter.

After explaining his purpose to Yang Lin, Tang Zhitong was led to a room specifically used to store letters from listeners.

"Most of the letters I've received these past few days are addressed to you and your husband," Yang Lin said with a smile as she opened the door.

"Then I'll have to read them carefully when I get back. Which letters are addressed to us?" Tang Zhitong took the opportunity to peek inside. The room was full of letters, some stacked on the bookshelf, and some simply placed in burlap sacks.

“We randomly selected one hundred envelopes, and the rest were put into this sack,” Yang Lin said, as she picked up a stack of envelopes from the bookshelf and put them into an open sack next to her.

"So many?" Tang Zhitong helped open the sack, which was filled with letters, almost overflowing.

"There might still be some missing, so we'll sort out these."

You have no idea how popular you two are right now. Besides letters, we even get calls from listeners praising your writing and saying that person is talking nonsense. You probably don't know, but that person's reputation in the literary world is already infamous.

As Yang Lin spoke, she tried her best not to let her friendly smile turn into a mocking one.

Those who work in the arts receive good treatment, but many of them still wear hats on their heads, and the origins of some of these hats are similar to those of Xu Lingjun.

How many of the remaining artists and cultural workers would be happy to see someone ruin the atmosphere? So this time, in addition to the general public, people within the industry also began to ostracize that person.

A loud drum may not get beaten, but a broken drum will always get kicked.

"The eyes of the masses are discerning." Tang Zhitong smiled, feeling no sympathy for that person whatsoever.

In fact, the Wenyi Bao (Literary Gazette) bears more responsibility for the criticism of "The Little Girl Picking Mushrooms," and it's unclear whether they will issue an apology.

"Yes, the people know what's going on. I estimate there will be more letters from the public later. What are your plans for handling those letters?" In just a few days, CNR has received more than half a sack of letters, and Yang Lin believes there will be even more to come.

"You can handle it as you see fit. I won't come back to pick it up again. My wife and I will be reading these letters for many days, and we really can't keep up." After all, the letters from the listeners represent the support and love of the masses, so Tang Zhitong certainly couldn't say that he would burn or sell them. He had limited energy and really couldn't handle them all, so he simply handed over the initiative to China National Radio.

“Okay!” Yang Lin nodded upon hearing this. The Central Radio and Television Station receives quite a lot of letters on a regular basis, so they naturally have a fairly mature set of procedures for handling them.

"Thank you, Editor Yang. I'll head back now." Tang Zhitong lifted the sack to gauge its weight. Even if he took it out to sell as scrap, he could probably get a dollar or two.

"I'll help you carry it out." Yang Lin had dealt with letters quite a bit and knew the weight of this sack, so she offered her hand.

"Thank you, Editor Yang." Tang Zhitong didn't refuse, and casually picked up a rope from the side and tied the opening of the sack tightly.

Once outside, Yang Lin put down the sack, locked the door, and gave Tang Zhitong an update on the two new songs: "The two songs you wrote are being rehearsed intensively, and we will try our best to play them for the audience as soon as possible. I have a feeling that these two songs will continue to be popular with the audience."

"That's great, everything is inseparable from the support of CNR and Editor Yang." Tang Zhitong said with some empty politeness.

"We dare not take credit; it's mainly because you wrote so well. Of the three poems we agreed on, there's still one left. Comrade Tang, shouldn't you hurry up and finish it?" Yang Lin locked the door and revealed her true purpose with a smile.

Faced with Yang Lin's smile, Tang Zhitong could only respond with a wry smile: "Editor Yang, this requires inspiration. Sometimes the more you rush, the less you can write."

“Okay, then you must think of CNR when you have any works.” Yang Lin knew that creation was not so simple, but from CNR’s perspective, she couldn’t help but remind him, because in this incident, PLA Academy of Arts also spoke up for Tang Zhitong, and she was afraid that Tang Zhitong would submit his new songs to them.

"Sure, sure, I'll definitely fulfill the agreement as soon as possible." Tang Zhitong nodded in agreement. Although the price difference for the new house was less than expected, house repairs would still cost money, and he still had to earn his royalties.

Tang Zhitong didn't mention returning the sack until he rode away from CNR, and Yang Lin acted as if she hadn't seen it.

Although burlap sacks are classified as Category II goods, China National Radio (CNR) can still afford to supply one burlap sack.

(End of this chapter)