Courtyard Houses: Starting with the principle of hard work paying off

Chapter 163 The Deaf Old Woman's Slander Leads to Her Death! (1 views)

The neighborhood committee visited impoverished households and elderly people living alone to offer their condolences and assistance.

Li Hongbing thought it was something serious, but it turned out to be this.

Have to admit.

These policies are truly beneficial to ordinary people at the grassroots level.

The war ended and a new society was established, just as the leader said, "the world has changed."

Everyone in the courtyard was very excited. Even those who weren't impoverished wouldn't receive the rice, flour, and cooking oil, but the visit and condolences from the neighborhood committee made them take this matter very seriously.

As for the few impoverished households in the courtyard who were eligible to receive the relief supplies, they were all overjoyed and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the street officials.

backyard.

The deaf old lady specially changed into a nice outfit, and Yi Zhonghai and Wang Guihua, along with the Jia family and some residents from the backyard, all gathered here.

The deaf old lady, who hadn't been fawned over like this in a long time, couldn't help but smile, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention.

This made her nostalgic for the past, especially the days before Li Hongbing angered her to the hospital and tore apart her ancestors' "dignity".

At that time.

Who in this entire courtyard would dare to disrespect her?
Although no one bullied her afterward, the respect they had for her was gone, and they no longer offered her any good food.

Even Sha Zhu, whom she originally treated like her eldest grandson, began to disown her as her ancestor after He Daqing returned and broke ties with Yi Zhonghai. She hadn't had Sha Zhu's stewed meat for a long time.

"Zhonghai, weren't the people from the neighborhood committee supposed to be here soon? Why haven't they shown up yet?"

She had been standing there waiting for a while. Even though she was dressed warmly, the cold wind blowing across her face was still unbearable for the deaf old woman, and she couldn't help but look at Yi Zhonghai.

"This... they should have arrived by now, they might already be in the front yard..."

Yi Zhonghai, somewhat helpless, said directly to Jia Dongxu beside him, "Dongxu, go out and take another look."

After saying that, Yi Zhonghai advised the deaf old woman, "Grandma, why don't you go back inside first? I'll let you know when the people from the neighborhood committee come from the Intermediate People's Court."

“No, that won’t do. The leaders from the neighborhood committee came to visit me, so I have to give them face.”

The deaf old woman shook her head and insisted.

If Li Hongbing were here, he would probably burst out laughing when he heard the deaf old woman praising herself so pretentiously.

The neighborhood committee did send a consolation visit to an elderly deaf woman, but it wasn't just for her. It was obvious they were just trying to make themselves look good, a bunch of people putting on a show.

"Madam, the leaders from the neighborhood committee went to the neighboring courtyard first and won't be here anytime soon."

Soon.

When Jia Dongxu returned from checking the situation, the news he brought back made the deaf old woman's face turn somewhat pale.

So all that time she stood there for was for nothing?

"Grandma, it's windy outside, let's go inside and wait!"

Hearing Yi Zhonghai's words, the deaf old woman breathed a sigh of relief and said calmly, "Alright, if I don't go in and leave all of you here with me in the cold wind, I'll feel bad."

The deaf old woman's words sounded grand and dignified, but in reality, she had long been unable to bear it any longer.

The people from the neighborhood committee went to the next courtyard and won't be back for a while. If she keeps standing here like this, her old bones might just give out.

Fortunately, Yi Zhonghai provided a way out, and the deaf old lady quickly got down.

To tell the truth.

Besides Yi Zhonghai and his wife, there were also four members of the Jia family. The others were more there to watch the spectacle than to keep her company.

"I'm coming."

"Grandma, they've arrived in the front yard."

"No rush, let's wait until they get to the Intermediate People's Court."

"We've arrived at the Intermediate People's Court."

"There are two impoverished households in the Intermediate Court, so they won't be able to come over so quickly."

"Dongxu, go to the Intermediate Court and keep an eye on things. Once they've finished there, come back and let me know immediately."

"Grandma, Master, he's really here this time..."

"..."

The deaf old woman, Yi Zhonghai, and the Jia family were all on high alert, as if they were going to war. Jia Dongxu even acted as a scout, making several trips back and forth.

only.

They had been waiting outside for ages, but this time they were a step too late.

When they came out of the deaf old woman's main house, another impoverished household in the backyard was also waiting. Director Wang from the neighborhood office glanced at them and went directly to their house based on the principle of proximity.

This situation made the deaf old woman's expression turn somewhat unpleasant.

If she were still inside, it wouldn't be a problem, but since they had already come out to greet her, she felt somewhat embarrassed.

She couldn't do anything about the front and middle yards, given their advantageous locations, but when it came to the back yard, given the choice between the two, she was still the last one.

Fortunately, after waiting for a while, Director Wang from the neighborhood office finally arrived with his people.

"Grandma, Director Wang from the neighborhood committee has come to visit you with some people."

Before the person even arrived, Liu Haizhong's enthusiastic voice had already reached them.

From the moment Director Wang and his group arrived, the three senior staff members from the management department, Liu Haizhong, Du Jianguo, and Yan Bugui, followed them closely, diligently leading the way and occasionally trying to strike up a conversation, making an effort to gain their favor and leave a good impression.

There are so many courtyard houses under the street, not to mention the number of courtyard house managers. Opportunities like this are rare these days.

Especially now that the subdistrict office has only been established for a short time, and Director Wang was transferred from another place, it is a good opportunity to "start a new business".

Taking the lead now means staying ahead of countless others.

"Grandma, how have you been lately? You seem to be in good health."

"Great, great! Thanks to the government, everything is fine!"

"This is rice and oil for you. I wish you a happy New Year's Day."

"Happy, happy! Thank you for your concern, Director Wang, and thank you to the government!"

"Let's go inside and talk. It's cold outside, don't let the old lady get cold."

"Yes, yes, come inside. I'm getting old and senile, how can I let you stand at the door and talk to me..."

"Director Wang, please come in."

"..."

Yi Zhonghai and the Jia family already had a lot of people, and then Director Wang and Liu Haizhong's group squeezed in. Luckily, the deaf old lady's back room was big enough, otherwise there wouldn't have been room for so many people to stand.

Upon entering the house, Director Wang first inquired about the deaf old woman's health, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then looked at Yi Zhonghai beside him, smiling as he said, "You must be Comrade Yi, right? It's clear that you've taken very good care of the old lady these past few years. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank you for your meticulous care of her."

There are quite a few impoverished households, elderly people living alone, and families of martyrs within the jurisdiction of the subdistrict office. Visiting all of them and delivering the relief supplies to them within one day on New Year's Day is a considerable workload.

So today, all the people from the neighborhood committee were mobilized. Each person was assigned a specific area and had their tasks assigned in advance. They each led the neighborhood committee members to visit people's homes.

Before arriving, Director Wang naturally made some advance preparations for the impoverished households, elderly people living alone, and families of martyrs in the courtyards he was going to visit. He also provided further information to the neighborhood committee members and the courtyard managers who knew the specific details of the situation.

There are generally two ways to resettle elderly people like the deaf old woman who are destitute, have no source of income, and have lost their ability to work.

The simplest option is to send them to social welfare institutions or nursing homes, where they will be supported and cared for by the state.

And another kind.

It means that the social system provides support and care, that is, the state regularly provides relief subsidies, and the surrounding neighbors voluntarily take on the task of taking care of them.

The deaf elderly woman had a room in the courtyard house. Initially, she was unwilling to enter the social welfare home for the elderly to receive unified care. Later, it was Yi Zhonghai and Wang Guihua who stepped forward and expressed their willingness to take care of her daily life, which finally allowed her to stay.

For this reason, Director Wang had a very good impression of Yi Zhonghai and his wife. In addition, knowing that Yi Zhonghai was a senior fitter at the steel rolling mill, he was even more polite to them.

As for the previous conflicts between Yi Zhonghai and Li Hongbing, and the incident where he was dismissed despite being a senior figure in the management department, Director Wang was not aware of them yet, and no one specifically brought them up. After all, the main recipient of the condolences this time was the deaf old lady, not Yi Zhonghai.

Although the incident involving Yi Zhonghai and He Daqing caused quite a stir in the previous period, those who knew about it were mostly within the hospital, and no one actively publicized it to the outside world.

Thanks to the management of Yi Zhonghai and his colleagues when they were the caretakers, everyone in the courtyard now cares a lot about the reputation of their courtyard. They all tacitly choose to keep quiet about any scandals that could affect the reputation of the courtyard.

"Director Wang, this is all we should do. Respecting the elderly and caring for the young is a virtue passed down from our ancestors, which we should abide by and promote. We have only done what we can, it is nothing, you flatter me."

Upon receiving Director Wang's affirmation, Yi Zhonghai straightened his back slightly and immediately uttered a speech that demonstrated considerable awareness and high moral character.

"That's right, the country needs good comrades with such awareness as you."

Upon hearing Yi Zhonghai's words, Director Wang nodded in satisfaction.

Liu Haizhong and Du Jianguo, who were behind him, couldn't help but feel a little jealous and speechless when they saw that Yi Zhonghai, who had done so many bad things, could still receive praise and affirmation from Director Wang.

If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, they would have liked to expose all the dirty deeds Yi Zhonghai had done in the past to Director Wang, and see if Yi Zhonghai would still be happy about it.

Without saying anything more about the matter, Director Wang quickly looked at everyone in the room, paused for a moment, and then said, "Everyone, I have something I'd like to discuss with the old lady alone. Could you please leave for a while?"

"No problem, Director Wang, please go ahead. We'll head out now."

Before anyone else could speak, Liu Haizhong, in a very obsequious manner, preemptively expressed his opinion and began organizing everyone to leave.

Many people were speechless at Liu Haizhong's obsequious behavior, but because it was Director Wang who had asked them to leave earlier, no one said anything.

soon.

After clearing the area, Liu Haizhong went outside and thoughtfully closed the door for Director Wang and the deaf old lady.

Seeing that only he and the deaf old woman were left in the room, Director Wang looked directly at her and said in a low voice, "Now it's just the two of us in the room, there are no outsiders. I'm going to ask you some questions. Please don't have any concerns or worries, just answer truthfully."

"Row!"

The deaf old woman paused for a moment, then smiled and replied, "Director Wang, please ask. Whatever you want to know, I will definitely not hide it from you."

"When you're in this courtyard, are people really kind to you? Does anyone bully you behind your back?"

As soon as Director Wang asked this question, the deaf old woman's eyes flashed, as if she had thought of something. She then carefully said, "Director Wang, you can rest assured about this. Zhonghai and Dongxu are good kids. They take the best care of me and are the most considerate and filial."

"It's not that others would bully an old lady like me, it's just that some of the young people in the neighborhood don't know how to respect the elderly. But young people don't know any manners, and I'm just an old lady, I can't be bothered to argue with them..."

"Disrespect for the elderly and care for the young?"

Hearing the seemingly calm words of the deaf old woman, Director Wang took it to heart and frowned, asking, "Which family's young man is it? Could you tell me more specifically?"

"Sigh, I'd better not talk about this. I'm not one to speak ill of others, and besides..."

"What else is there to say? Madam, don't worry. With me here, no one can bully you. If you have any grievances before, you can tell me."

"Young people these days are quite successful, and besides, these are all things of the past and not a big deal, so I won't trouble you any further."

"No trouble at all. For me, even the smallest thing is important. If you don't tell me today, I won't leave."

"..."

The more the deaf old woman spoke in riddles and became more ambiguous, the more Director Wang valued her and the more he wanted to know the inside story.

"Director Wang, why did you have to do this? If I had known it would turn out this way, I wouldn't have said anything earlier."

Faced with Director Wang's statement, the deaf old woman sighed with feigned annoyance, "Actually, it's just a few small things. It's just that the young men in the yard don't like to greet me when we meet, they don't really talk to this old lady, and they're not very nice to me either."

When a person gets old and useless, they easily become disliked. I, the old lady, know this in my heart, so I'm used to it..."

"Your department has young people like this?"

Upon hearing this, Director Wang immediately became displeased and couldn't help but say, "Madam, this is no small matter. It directly involves one's moral character and conduct. This kind of person should be criticized and educated."

"Director Wang, please don't!"

Upon hearing this, the deaf old woman quickly dissuaded her, saying, "It's not a big deal. I just accidentally let it slip. You should keep this to yourself and not tell anyone."

"That's all in the past, and it wasn't a big deal. If we bring up old grievances now, this old lady like me won't be able to face anyone in the neighborhood anymore."

"Alright! Madam, I won't tell anyone."

After hearing what the deaf old lady said, Director Wang agreed and then said, "But old lady, you have to let me know who this person is, right? I won't criticize him now, but if I find out that he continues to do this and hasn't corrected his mistakes, then I'll have to help you teach him a lesson."

"This... is actually Li Hongbing from the front yard."

The deaf old woman pretended to be hesitant, but when she saw Director Wang looking over, she finally spoke up somewhat "reluctantly."

"Li Hongbing?"

After silently repeating the name to himself, Director Wang looked at the deaf old woman again and said with a smile, "Okay, I've got it."

"Director Wang, I didn't want to say this, but you insisted on knowing, so I had no choice. Please don't let anyone know that I told you this."

Seeing this, the deaf old woman couldn't help but offer a word of advice, and then pleaded for Li Hongbing in person, saying, "Director Wang, this young man is ignorant, please don't take it too seriously. I didn't really hold it against him myself."

"Grandma, I've already said I won't criticize him for now, but you're still worried about me?"

Seeing the deaf old woman repeat these words again and again, Director Wang felt somewhat helpless, unsure whether he was afraid of her or simply too kind-hearted.

She certainly wouldn't go looking for trouble with that young man, Li Hongbing.

On the one hand, her schedule is tight today, and she still has work to complete, so she doesn't have time for this right now.

On the other hand.

Although she felt that the deaf old woman wouldn't lie about such a thing, it was still only one side of the story, and she couldn't suddenly criticize or educate Li Hongbing without investigation and verification.

However, she will definitely investigate this matter further and pay more attention to Li Hongbing to see if he is in the situation described by the deaf old woman.

If it's true and hasn't been corrected, then she will definitely have to step in and educate them.

Regardless, this conversation with the deaf old woman left Director Wang with a somewhat unpleasant impression of Li Hongbing, whom he didn't know yet.

"Alright, Grandma, I should go now. I have to visit other people's homes next time. Please take good care of yourself."

Despite the small discovery, the fact that the deaf old woman wasn't being bullied in secret put Director Wang at ease.

She had encountered similar situations when she was working before, so she couldn't help but be more mindful to avoid any oversights at work.

"Director Wang, it's only been a short time. Why don't you stay a little longer and have lunch before you leave?"

Upon hearing that Director Wang was leaving, the deaf old lady immediately stood up and warmly pleaded with him to stay, her face full of reluctance.

"No, no, I have work to do, and we don't take a single needle or thread from the people, so please don't make me break the rules."

Despite his refusal, the deaf old woman's enthusiasm made Director Wang's smile even brighter.

The emotional value is maximized.

After leaving the house, Director Wang didn't linger. After letting the deaf old woman who was being escorted out return to her room, he was then surrounded by Liu Haizhong, Yan Bugui, and their group as they walked out.

Director Wang doesn't like making such a big fuss, but everyone's enthusiasm indirectly reflects their support for his work, so he shouldn't discourage them too much.

"Old Yan, is there a young man named Li Hongbing in your compound?"

Upon entering the Intermediate Court, Director Wang couldn't help but look at Yan Bugui, who lived in the front yard, and asked him a question.

"Director Wang, how did you know?"

When Director Wang suddenly asked about Li Hongbing, Yan Bugui was clearly very surprised and couldn't help but ask tentatively, "Director Wang, do you know Hongbing from our institute?"

Not only Yan Bugui, but everyone else in the courtyard also looked at Director Wang with surprise and curiosity on their faces.

Noticing everyone's actions, Director Wang didn't show anything, but directly said, "I don't know him. I just happened to hear about him in your department outside, so I was a little curious, which is why I asked you about him." "Oh, okay."

No one doubted Director Wang's statement, but Yan Bugui quickly said, "Director Wang, this Li Hongbing you want to know is no ordinary person."

He's now the most educated young person in our courtyard; he even went to high school!

However, due to some reasons, he later became an apprentice at Fengzeyuan, and guess what happened?

Less than three months after joining Fengzeyuan, he was taken in by Chef Guo Youzhong, and in less than two years, he passed the examinations for junior and intermediate cooks.

Can you guess how old he is now, having become a mid-level cook?

eighteen!

He was only seventeen when he passed the intermediate-level cook exam last year.

You might not believe it, but even we were shocked for a long time back then…

I thought Director Wang had learned about Li Hongbing from somewhere. As the most outstanding person in their front yard, Yan Bugui naturally had to exaggerate and praise him.

Of course.

What he said wasn't an exaggeration, because the facts themselves were already quite exaggerated.

"Oh?"

Wang had only asked casually, but the information Yan Bugui provided left him completely bewildered.

Such a young person is beyond just being outstanding.

However, recalling what the deaf old woman had just said, Director Wang did not immediately rule out Li Hongbing's suspicions or assume that the deaf old woman was lying, simply because he had heard about Li Hongbing's outstanding abilities.

in contrast.

The more outstanding a person is, the more likely they are to develop pride, and the more likely they are to act arrogantly and ostentatiously.

Although not absolute.

There is no shortage of humble and polite people in this world, but we cannot rule out the possibility of such people.

Thinking of all this, Director Wang couldn't help but ask Yan Bugui, "What's your personality like usually? Are you easy to get along with?"

"This one……"

When asked this question by Director Wang, Yan Bugui hesitated for a moment before answering, "I think he's easy to get along with. He's usually very easygoing and polite to the people in the hospital."

Yan Bugui hesitated mainly because this assessment of Li Hongbing was suitable for most people in the hospital, but not for everyone.

Just like with Yi Zhonghai, Jia Dongxu, Jia Zhangshi, and the deaf old woman from earlier, Li Hongbing wouldn't be polite or courteous to them.

As long as you don't cause trouble or provoke Li Hongbing, he's very easy to talk to, and he's genuinely polite.

Aside from Yi Zhonghai and Jia Zhangshi, Li Hongbing usually doesn't call people by their first names. He calls the older folks by their first names naturally and they will greet and respond to him when they meet.

Although these are all basic procedures and politeness, Li Hongbing's attitude is good; he is never arrogant.

Especially since he is so young yet already holds the rank of intermediate cook, and his monthly salary is higher than that of most people in the compound, even a casual greeting when you bump into him makes people feel respected.

Most importantly, Li Hongbing is not stingy.

This was mainly for the obedient and well-behaved children in the orphanage. When Li Hongbing was in a good mood, he would occasionally give them a piece of candy.

Even though the adults couldn't eat it, their own children did, so they still benefited.

If someone asks Li Hongbing for help, he usually won't refuse unless it's excessive.

Of course.

It's almost impossible to get anything out of him except for children, a fact that Yan Bugui knows all too well.

The only time Yan Bugui benefited was when Jia Dongxu spread rumors and Li Hongbing publicly offered a reward for clues, which directly earned him 50,000 yuan in reward money. He was exceptionally generous.

However, Yan Bugui did not believe that he had gotten this by taking advantage of others, but rather that he earned it through his own wisdom and ability.

Yan Bugui's hesitation made Director Wang think more deeply.

With suspicions in mind, Director Wang didn't ask any more questions. Besides, the current situation was clearly not suitable for delving into the details the deaf old woman had described. She had only taken the opportunity to learn more about Li Hongbing.

Originally intending to leave, Yan Bugui suddenly ran to the east wing and knocked on the door when he passed the front yard.

"Hongbing, Hongbing, come out here quickly, Director Wang is here."

Faced with Yan Bugui's sudden, unauthorized action, Director Wang was speechless.

She had only casually inquired a few times to get some prior information, but Yan Bugui had become overly attentive.

In this situation, it would obviously be inappropriate for her to leave directly.

"Director Wang, please come in!"

When Li Hongbing came out to open the door, he thought that Director Wang from the neighborhood office wanted to make a random visit to show concern for him, an ordinary citizen, so he made way for him and invited him inside.

This kind of thing is actually quite common these days.

Moreover, the subdistrict office was only recently established, and Director Wang is also new. He doesn't have a thorough understanding of this area, so he should definitely do more grassroots visits in the early stages.

Left with no other option, Director Wang had to change his plans and step inside.

As soon as she entered, the neighborhood committee members and several elderly men, including Yan Bugui, followed her in.

As for the other people in the courtyard who wanted to watch the commotion, they could only stand outside.

The room wasn't small, but it wasn't very big either, especially with all the furniture and such placed inside; it simply couldn't accommodate so many people at the same time.

It's okay to stand in line to get in, but if everyone rushes in at once, it will be very crowded.

Upon entering the room, Director Wang subconsciously glanced around and found everything clean and tidy. His gaze suddenly lingered on the table, and he couldn't help but walk over and examine it carefully.

While Li Hongbing was inside, he was practicing calligraphy with a brush, and with the arrival of Yan Bugui and Director Wang, there was no time or need to put these things away.

Practicing calligraphy at home is nothing to be ashamed of.

"Your handwriting... is excellent!"

Director Wang came from a poor family and didn't have the means to attend a private school. However, after participating in the imperial examinations, he had the opportunity to study.

During the war of resistance, he initially took the initiative to participate in literacy classes, and later attended other classes. Although he cannot be said to have a high level of cultural literacy, he is not illiterate.

Director Wang hadn't studied or researched calligraphy much, but she had seen other people write it, so she could tell that Li Hongbing's writing was not only not bad, but very good. However, if she were to give her an evaluation, she wouldn't be able to say anything specific.

"It's really good!"

Seeing this, Yan Bugui couldn't help but exclaim from the bottom of his heart, "Hongbing, your handwriting is getting better and better. I can't even catch up with you now!"

Yan Bugui's words were not flattery, but rather a heartfelt expression of his inferiority.

At first, Yan Bugui could still have some thoughts of comparison and catching up, but after seeing his progress and level for the second time last year, he completely gave up such thoughts, and now there is no need to mention it at all.

Fortunately, Li Hongbing didn't care about such paltry sums; otherwise, his job of writing Spring Festival couplets for the people in the courtyard to earn some melon seeds and peanuts as a commission would have fallen through immediately.

"Oh! I was just practicing whenever I had free time. You flatter me, Uncle Yan."

Li Hongbing modestly replied.

Seeing Li Hongbing's statement, and recalling what he had just learned, Director Wang couldn't help but ask, "Comrade Li, I heard you went to high school back then, why didn't you continue your studies?"

Just by looking at Li Hongbing's beautiful handwriting, Director Wang felt that Li Hongbing's grades in school must have been quite good, which is why he couldn't help but ask such a question.

"Director Wang, to be honest, I was young and naive. I was only thinking about starting work as soon as possible and realizing my personal value."

Li Hongbing was too lazy to bring up the real reasons and his grudges with Jia Zhangshi, nor was it appropriate to bring them up at this time. After explaining for a moment, Li Hongbing began to enlighten himself: "After starting work, I realized how easy and wonderful it was to study before."

I am grateful to my sister for this opportunity, as well as to the predecessors who sacrificed their lives to bring us a peaceful and prosperous world, and to our leaders and country.

In the past, in the cannibalistic old society, even survival was a problem, let alone the good opportunities and conditions for going to school that we have now. I can only blame myself for not knowing how to cherish it.

Fortunately, after meeting my mentor, I realized that no matter where I am or what position I hold, there are opportunities to shine and contribute to the country, so I have nothing to regret.

However, as the leader said, knowledge is inexhaustible, and one should learn until old age. Therefore, in my spare time, I also read books, practice calligraphy, and strive to increase my cultural and academic knowledge, so as to become a more useful person to society and the country.

Although it was the first time meeting Director Wang, as the director of the subdistrict office, even if Li Hongbing didn't intend to use connections or ask for anything, it would obviously do no harm to leave a good impression.

Li Hongbing won't lose anything by saying a few valuable words.

"Great! Well said!!"

While Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui were dumbfounded, Director Wang, who had also heard these words, couldn't help but clap and cheer excitedly.

These words really struck a chord with her.

Director Wang deeply felt the difficulty of obtaining the initial learning opportunity and the sacrifices and contributions of the martyrs who made the initial decisions, and developed a strong sense of identification with them.

Later, when Li Hongbing mentioned personal value, especially his adherence to the leader's words and his genuine practice of them, his image in Director Wang's mind was instantly elevated significantly.

This level of awareness...

This is how a person behaves...

She didn't know how to praise him anymore.

As Director Wang clapped, the neighborhood committee members, along with several senior residents including Liu Haizhong, Yan Bugui, and Du Jianguo, as well as those watching from the sidelines, even those who didn't know the situation, all joined in the enthusiastic applause.

A round of applause erupted.

Faced with this situation, Li Hongbing scratched his head at the opportune moment, showing a somewhat embarrassed look, and immediately demonstrated his acting skills.

Director Wang was immediately drawn to his somewhat "simple" and slightly "naive" appearance, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

At eighteen years old, he can still be considered a teenager. Li Hongbing's reactions just now were not at all pretentious or out of place.

If you wait until you're older to do these things, it's probably not a plus, but a minus.

And it's the kind that causes a huge drop in points.

Because he still had work to do, Director Wang chatted with Li Hongbing for a few more minutes, offered some words of encouragement, and then prepared to leave.

As I was leaving, my eyes caught sight of the Spring Festival couplets pasted on the door. I glanced at them and couldn't help but stop.

"The nation is in a prosperous era, and its grand blueprint is unfolding. The people are enjoying the spring breeze and their blessings are increasing."

After reading the couplet aloud, Director Wang looked up at the horizontal scroll above, which read "National Prosperity" in four large characters, and his eyes widened in surprise.

Nowadays, there are quite a few couplets that praise the country, society, and even the government and leaders. However, the meaning of this couplet clearly conveys to Director Wang not only the message of national peace and prosperity, but also a strong desire for a prosperous and happy nation.

After listening to Li Hongbing's speech and seeing this couplet, Director Wang felt deeply moved.

Simultaneously.

Director Wang's approval of Li Hongbing skyrocketed at this moment.

Many people can say nice things, and many people like to flatter themselves. But even if Li Hongbing's words were deliberately said to her, the couplets on the door couldn't have been put up temporarily just because of her arrival, could they?
Even though it's only been less than a year, the couplets already show signs of age, which is easily noticeable.

In addition, Li Hongbing's handwriting is something that cannot be achieved through casual practice.

Moreover, from his entry into Fengzeyuan, to becoming an apprentice and rising through the ranks to become a mid-level cook, it would have been difficult to achieve such a level of success with talent alone if he hadn't put in enough effort.

All indications suggest that Li Hongbing is a man of his word.

Seeing that Director Wang was interested in the couplet written by Li Hongbing, Yan Bugui quickly offered his help, saying to Director Wang, "Director Wang, don't be fooled by how well Hongbing writes his calligraphy; he's also quite well-educated. He came up with this couplet himself."

Yan Bugui did this not only for Li Hongbing, but also for himself.

There seems to be no connection between these things, but as a resident of the front yard and Yan Bugui as the yard manager, the more Director Wang appreciated Li Hongbing, the more face he felt.

Even if you put all the people in the entire middle courtyard and the back courtyard together, you couldn't find anyone like Li Hongbing.

This is the difference!
"Oh?"

Director Wang was also surprised to hear Yan Bugui say that.

These days, people who can write couplets and poems are not just ordinary cultured people.

Although Director Wang couldn't comment on Li Hongbing's couplet from a professional cultural perspective, the couplet's concept was quite profound.

What kind of bad person could someone with such ideological awareness and cultural refinement be?
Recalling what the deaf old woman had said to her in her room, Director Wang couldn't help but frown again.

Judging from her interaction with Li Hongbing just now, he doesn't seem to be the kind of person the deaf old woman described.

Is it possible...

Did they have a grudge against each other?
If that's the case, then the old lady from earlier had some ulterior motives.

Director Wang wasn't stupid. He had seen plenty of bandits and tyrants, and he had witnessed plenty of intrigue and backstabbing in the village streets. How could he not understand the intricacies of the situation?

Without some skill and ability, she wouldn't have been able to become the director of this street office when it was established.

However, she cannot draw a conclusion yet.

The leader once said that one has no right to speak without investigation. Even if she had some suspicions, she still needed to understand the situation further before speaking.

However, this contact with Li Hongbing was not without its benefits; at least it dispelled my preconceived prejudice against him.

Without revealing these thoughts, Director Wang quickly left with his men.

Even if there's something fishy going on here, it's not a big deal. Director Wang knows what's important and will investigate later.

Even if it's not a major issue, it shouldn't be ignored.

In short, all these matters, big and small, fall within the scope and content of their street office's work.

As Director Wang left, the people who had gathered to watch the spectacle dispersed and returned to their own homes.

Li Hongbing didn't pay much attention at first, but after chatting with Yan Bugui for a while, he learned that Director Wang had come to his home after visiting the poor households and the deaf old lady in the courtyard.

and.

Director Wang only inquired about his situation after leaving the deaf old woman.

This made Li Hongbing think more deeply.

"Uncle Yan, what did Director Wang ask me about me when he came from the backyard?"

"It's nothing, he just asked if you're in our department. At first, I thought Director Wang knew you!"

"Any more?"

"Oh, and they also ask if you're easy to get along with, what your personality is like..."

"..."

Upon hearing Yan Bugui mention this, Li Hongbing's gaze sharpened.

Everything else is fine, but suddenly asking about him and even his personality and whether he's easy to get along with is obviously very unusual.

Obvious.

Although Director Wang didn't say anything, his sudden question was definitely with some purpose or pre-set intention, rather than out of nowhere.

In particular, Li Hongbing learned that Director Wang and the deaf old woman had a private conversation in the room, which immediately led Li Hongbing to conclude that the deaf old woman was up to something.

This deaf old woman...

He was too lazy to deal with her before, but now that she's actively courting death, Li Hongbing has no choice but to comply.

(End of this chapter)