Shuangling: Braving the Rapids

1997 was destined to be a memorable year.

Under Qin Laishun's leadership, the Shuangling Brigade completed the reinforcement project of the Shuanglingxi earth-rock dam. This not only effectively ensured the safety of the three villages during the flood season, but also laid a solid foundation for the subsequent "village-to-village" road hardening project.

Since taking office, Qin Laishun has often said, "To get rich, build roads first." As the head of the village committee, he felt it was his responsibility and obligation to solve the villagers' travel problems. And sure enough, once Qin Laishun led everyone to build the road, his authority was established.

A clean and tidy cement road connects the three villages of Qinjiazhuang, Laojiapo, and Shuangling. On the day of its completion, the villagers erected a large blue stone tablet at the entrance of the village committee, densely engraved with the names of the villagers who contributed money and labor. The one who contributed the most was Qin Laishun, the first secretary of Shuangling Brigade, who was listed first on the list.

Qin Laishun earned the reputation of a "pragmatist" and was at the height of his fame. As a result, even the "Four Tiger Brothers," who had always been dissenting, could no longer shake his position.

Amidst the cheers of his fellow villagers and the flattery of his clan members, Qin Laishun was riding high. First, he chose a prime location for his house; then, he used his position to exempt his contracted land from agricultural taxes; later, he even set up a slush fund within the village committee, using the guise of "public funds for public purposes" to seek personal gain…

As time went by, Qin Laishun's desires swelled rapidly. Seeing him frequently visiting the "Little Red House," it seemed that fame and fortune could no longer satisfy his appetite.

He began to get used to the adulation of others and enjoyed the various benefits that power brought. First, he chose a prime piece of land for his own home, and then he used his position to eliminate the agricultural taxes and fees on his contracted land. Gradually, he set up a "small warehouse" in the village committee and "legitimately" controlled the public funds belonging to all the villagers...

With these "benefits," Qin Laishun's desires expanded rapidly like fermenting dough, as evidenced by the frequency with which he frequented the "Little Red House."

Late that night, Qin Laishun, carrying a leather briefcase, once again pushed open the glass revolving door of the Xia Shang Restaurant.

As soon as he entered, a glamorous middle-aged woman swayed her hips to greet him, "Oh! Secretary Qin! We've been waiting for you! Our General Manager Lao is waiting for you in the private room!"

As they were talking, the woman named Xiao Hongjuan put her hand on Qin Laishun's shoulder. Judging from their affection, their relationship was quite special.

"Hongjuan, after we finish the business, you'd better make sure I'm comfortable tonight, hehehe..." Qin Laishun's eyes kept glancing at Xiao Hongjuan's black strapless top, and he even pinched the woman's buttocks.

"You silly boy, hurry up and go upstairs to talk business!" Xiao Hongjuan said coquettishly as she dodged away, but when Qin Laishun was about to turn around, she poked his thick lower back and gave him a seductive wink.

Qin Laishun understood immediately, laughed, and climbed up to the second floor with his potbelly sticking out.

This time, the "deal" Qin Laishun wanted to discuss was actually a joint venture between Qinjiazhuang and Laojiapo to open the Shuanglingshan Mine. This project was spearheaded by Lao Chengxi, the richest man in Shuangling Village, and now with Secretary Qin's backing, it seems that it's only a matter of time before construction begins.

Of course, the project's smooth progress was also largely thanks to Xiao Hongjuan, who acted as a go-between between the two men, relaying messages and smoothing things over.

Don't think she befriended Qin Laishun by sacrificing her looks; that would be unfair to Qin Laishun. Compared to the equally fat and greasy "Butcher Zheng," Qin Laishun was far more skilled at charming women. His smooth talk alone was enough to overwhelm even the seasoned Xiao Hongjuan.

As they were talking, Qin Laishun had already strolled to the innermost private room on the second floor.

As soon as he entered, Lao Chengxi immediately "pampered" him to the head seat. The two of them ate a couple of bites of pork knuckle and drank three glasses of baijiu, and then immediately got down to business.

"Secretary Qin, don't worry! As long as we can build the mine, whether we find any rocks or not, you'll definitely get your share, no doubt about it!"

This wasn't the first time Lao Chengxi had made a promise to Qin Laishun, but this time, he seemed a bit impatient, which didn't match his previous calm and collected demeanor.

After downing another glass of strong, savory liquor, Qin Laishun smacked his lips and replied, "In terms of seniority, you call me Uncle, and Erdong grew up with Aimin like they were wearing open-crotch pants. In the end, we're all family! Since we're family, I'll be frank. I wholeheartedly agree to our brigade building a mining plant, but we must consult the villagers. Otherwise, if there's a commotion, I won't be able to get past my Uncle."

Qin Laishun was a seasoned veteran, and he deliberately slowed down the pace of the conversation, partly to make his conditions clear, and partly to leave himself room for negotiation.

"I've prepared the start-up capital. As long as we handle the land acquisition compensation properly, and with your authority, Secretary Qin, keeping things under control, how could anything go wrong?"

As he said this, Lao Chengxi appeared very confident. He had been planning this for quite some time, so how could he possibly back down because he was worried about the villagers causing trouble?

Objectively speaking, Lao Chengxi's way of doing things is different from that of the "Five Tiger Brothers". At least he won't offend the villagers for fear of spending money. This time, he has also won over Qin Laishun. It seems that no one will dare to go against him.

"You're not wrong," Qin Laishun nodded in agreement, then changed the subject, saying, "Back then, those five bastards from the old hunter's family wanted to get something for nothing, but they stumbled when it came to land compensation. The villagers aren't stupid! If the money isn't paid in full, this matter simply won't be settled!"

On the surface, Qin Laishun was summarizing the reasons for the "Five Tiger Brothers'" mining failure. In reality, he was warning Lao Chengxi: Don't offend the villagers, and even more so, don't offend my Qin family. And how to avoid offending them? By offering more money!

Lao Chengxi cursed inwardly, but smiled broadly: "The compensation will be distributed in one round per person, and then buyout payments will be made based on the amount of land occupied. These days, who would turn down money?"

Qin Laishun knew Lao Chengxi was well-off, but he hadn't expected him to be so willing to invest so much. Since Lao Chengxi was willing to pave the way with money, Qin Laishun didn't say anything more and replied with a hearty laugh, "Everyone says Lao Chengxi is rich and powerful, but today I've truly seen it for myself! I think there's a 60% chance this mine will be a success!"