Me! A high-ranking official!

"Secretary, leaders, don't worry! With us holding her back, she can't cause any trouble!" everyone shouted in unison.

Seeing herself engulfed in a sea of ​​people, Wang Guihua was furious. All she could do was jump around in the encirclement, cursing the villagers for being heartless and ungrateful.

Director Wang, standing beside the car, witnessed the entire scene. Somewhat shocked, he turned and gave Zhao Jianguo a deep look before bursting into laughter: "Wow, Jianguo! I really underestimated you. I didn't expect that after only a short time in this village, your work with the people would be so thorough and so popular! Remarkable!"

Zhao Jianguo waved his hand modestly and said with a smile, "Director Wang, you flatter me. It's all thanks to the support of the county leaders and the bureau. Everyone has sharp eyes and knows who is doing the real work. I'm just a grassroots worker running errands; how could I dare to take credit for it?"

"Alright, alright, Jianguo, we're all family here, don't be so modest. The county leaders have all seen your capabilities." Director Wang patted him on the shoulder approvingly, glanced at the village entrance where the situation was now under control, and said, "Okay, the situation in the village is special today, so I won't stay and cause you any trouble. Taking people back for a surprise interrogation tonight is the important thing. When you go back to the county, you must find me, and we'll have a good drink together!"

"Definitely, definitely! We also welcome Director Wang to come down and guide our village's work anytime!" Zhao Jianguo said with a smile as he opened the car door for him.

Director Wang smiled, lowered his head and got into the car. With the driver stepping on the gas, the black sedan quickly kicked up a cloud of dust and sped off towards the county town.

Wang Guihua was surrounded by several strong young villagers and couldn't break free. As the disciplinary committee's car drove away, her pent-up anger was instantly extinguished, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. She knew in her heart that the situation was hopeless and that Lao Luo was really done for this time.

"Get out of my way! Are you trying to make a fool of me? You heartless wolves!" Wang Guihua, enraged and embarrassed, forcefully pushed aside the villagers blocking her way, cursing with disheveled hair and tear-streaked face.

No one bothered to stop her; they all made way for her with disgust.

Like a defeated old hen, Wang Guihua slunk back and glared at Zhao Jianguo with resentment, then walked home, cursing all the way.

Only after Wang Guihua's figure disappeared at the alley entrance did Zhao Jianguo turn around, a smile returning to his face. He clasped his hands together and called out to the surrounding villagers, "Fellow villagers, thank you all so much for today! It's hot, everyone should go home, have some water and rest. If you have any difficulties at home, or any thoughts on village matters, feel free to come to the village committee anytime. My door is always open to everyone!"

"Secretary Zhao, please go ahead with your work!"

"Take care, Secretary!"

The villagers responded enthusiastically, their eyes filled with a newfound sincerity and admiration they had never shown before.

Back in the village committee compound, the place was still bustling with activity. Villagers lined up in an orderly fashion to complete the final signing and confirmation process. When they saw Zhao Jianguo enter, the crowd erupted in cheers. Everyone smiled and reached out to greet him, calling out "Secretary" with exceptional warmth and enthusiasm.

He nodded and smiled in response as he stepped inside to get a drink of water.

Just then, a tall, thin young man with a buzz cut suddenly rushed out from the crowded crowd.

With a muffled thud, the young man collapsed straight to the ground in front of Zhao Jianguo, his knees slamming heavily onto the hard concrete. He grabbed Zhao Jianguo's hand, his eyes red-rimmed, his voice trembling with excitement: "Secretary! Secretary Zhao! I've finally met you in person! I'm Luo Haitao!"

He was startled by the sudden scene and was about to step back when he heard the name Luo Haitao. He suddenly realized that the boy's family had suffered great injustice before, and it was he who ran around and, under pressure, managed to uncover the truth and get justice for them.

"Oh, it's Haitao!" He quickly bent down, grabbed the young man's arms with both hands, and pulled him up from the ground. He laughed, a mixture of concern and reproach in his eyes, "What are you doing! A man's knees are worth gold, get up, get up!"

Luo Haitao stood up, tears streaming down his face, and choked out, "Secretary, if it weren't for you, I don't know if I would ever have had my injustice redressed! You are a great benefactor to our family!"

Looking at this simple yet loyal young man, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He patted Luo Haitao's dusty trouser leg and comforted him with a smile, "Haitao, don't say that. I am the village secretary stationed in Luojia Village. The Party sent me down here to serve our people and support them. These are all things I should do. I don't deserve such a big gift from you."

"No! Of course!" Luo Haitao shook his head repeatedly. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he turned around and rushed back into the crowd. He pulled out a bright red scroll from a slightly worn canvas bag on the ground, took a deep breath, held the scroll in both hands, walked up to Zhao Jianguo, and gave it a sharp shake.

A large red banner was unfurled, embroidered with two lines of characters in gold thread: "Upright and honest, incorruptible, his injustice redressed, his kindness akin to being reborn!"

Luo Haitao held the banner high in front of Zhao Jianguo with both hands and said loudly, "Secretary, this is a small token of our family's appreciation. It didn't cost much, but every word comes from the heart! Please accept it!"

The entire courtyard fell silent instantly, and all the villagers' eyes were focused on Zhao Jianguo and the bright red banner.

As he looked at the gleaming gold words, his throat tightened slightly. To be honest, although he had been working at the grassroots level for some time, this was the first time in his life he had received a banner from ordinary people.

Seeing Luo Haitao's expectant and excited expression, he nodded solemnly, accepted the gift with both hands, and laughed loudly, "Okay! Haitao, I accept this token of my appreciation. Thank you and your whole family!"

"Secretary, I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have..." Luo Haitao's eyes were red, and he was too excited to speak a complete sentence.

Zhu Yan, who was helping to maintain order, saw this scene, smiled, and stepped forward, saying loudly, "Haitao, don't be sad, today is a happy day! Secretary Zhao is the most dedicated official I've ever met who truly cares about us ordinary people! Come on, stand with the secretary, I'll take a picture of you with my phone to remember this moment!"

"Alright!" Luo Haitao burst into laughter through his tears, quickly wiped them away, stood up straight, and stood shoulder to shoulder with Zhao Jianguo.