Chapter 339 - 232: Emergency Assembly

Chapter 339: Chapter 232: Emergency Assembly

After leaving the office, they found Jiang Weimin waiting. As the three of them prepared to head back to the county, Jiang Weimin wore an amused expression and repeatedly gave Zhao Wendong a thumbs-up.

"Comrade Wendong, you’re really something else. I was wondering why you showed up in that padded cotton jacket. Turns out you came prepared. You really scored big this time. I heard the director of that steel mill say he’s going to support you with some scrap sheet metal? Why don’t we talk it over..."

"Whoa, whoa, no way. It’s not up for discussion. Don’t even think about my stuff. Besides, if the regional authorities are being so supportive, shouldn’t our county show some appreciation in return? Heh heh, I don’t have any other requests. Just support us with a little more diesel!"

Zhao Wendong swiftly shot down Jiang Weimin’s greedy overture and immediately turned the tables on him, leaving the man dumbfounded. After a long moment, Jiang Weimin shook his head and sighed. "You punk, being a Civilian Militia Captain is a real waste of your talents. We should send you to negotiate with the Maozi. We’d be guaranteed not to get the short end of the stick."

"Hah, what’s there to negotiate? It’s obvious things are going to fall apart sooner or later."

"Hm? What makes you so sure?"

Jiang Weimin paused. ’It seems Zhao Wendong has his own unique perspective on the situation. Is he just spouting nonsense, or does he really have his own insight? Looks like I’ll have to pay more attention to this side of Zhao Wendong in the future.’

"Wait a minute."

Just as the three of them were about to get in the jeep to leave, a woman suddenly appeared and shouted loudly.

Zhao Wendong gave the woman, who was bundled up like a mummy, a strange look. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"I... I’m looking for Liangzi."

"Holy crap, you’re that ’green tea’ girl!"

Zhao Wendong couldn’t help but blurt it out. Huang Xiaomei’s current look was just too striking, a huge contrast to how she looked yesterday.

"Wh-what did you say?"

"Oh, I said you’re like ’green tea.’ It’s a compliment, means you’re pure and refined. Liangzi, she’s here for you."

Liangzi had recognized her the moment she appeared. Hearing Zhao Wendong, he stepped forward and asked impatiently, "What do you want?"

"Can... can I talk to you alone for a minute?"

Huang Xiaomei pleaded softly, putting on a pitiful air, but Liangzi was completely unmoved.

"Whatever you have to say, say it here. Hurry up, don’t keep us from heading back to the county."

"Liang... Liangzi, can we start over? I admit I was wrong. I was dazzled when I came to the city. But is it really all my fault? As a man, aren’t you supposed to work hard to build a better future for us? I’m here studying hard, and what about you? You were just at home, lazing around like a good-for-nothing punk. I know I was wrong now. Can we please go back to how we were?"

As she finished speaking, Huang Xiaomei subconsciously glanced at Zhao Wendong. ’These words have always worked on Zhang Liang; they’re foolproof. The only wild card is whether Zhao Wendong will interfere. As long as Liangzi and I can get back together, my uncle said we’ll be able to get in with Zhao Wendong. And getting in with Zhao Wendong means getting in with Special Commissioner Wei. Then, not only will my uncle’s promotion be a sure thing, but my own job placement after graduation will be set for a bright future.’

"Are you done? If you’re done, then get lost!"

Liangzi sneered after she finished and rejected her flatly.

"Oh, I knew you’d forgive... What? Zhang Liang, what did you just say?"

"I said get the hell out!"

"You... you... Liangzi, don’t be so cruel, please? Have you forgotten the promises we made?"

As Huang Xiaomei spoke, she reached out to grab Liangzi’s sleeve, but he shook her hand off. Without giving her another glance, he turned to Zhao Wendong and Jiang Weimin.

"Secretary, Dongzi, sorry to waste your time. Let’s go. We should head back, or we’ll get home after dark."

"Haha, let’s go!"

Zhao Wendong clapped Liangzi happily on the shoulder. Jiang Weimin was smiling too. The three of them got into the jeep. Unwilling to give up, Huang Xiaomei tried to press forward and pester them. She had been beaten black and blue by Zhao Zhitian, her engagement to him was off, and she had offended Zhao Wenming’s family. Liangzi and Zhao Wendong were her only hope now. She had to win back Liangzi’s heart.

The jeep’s driver didn’t wait for Huang Xiaomei, starting the engine and pulling away. Huang Xiaomei lunged at empty air and could only chase after the vehicle resentfully, letting out a desperate cry.

"Liangzi, you can’t leave! Liangzi, how am I supposed to live without you, Liangzi!"

Zhao Wendong grinned, glanced back, and twisted the knife one last time. "Liangzi’s no punk. He’s the Director of the Supply and Marketing Cooperative now!"

Hearing this, Huang Xiaomei’s cries grew even louder. Unfortunately, the jeep was picking up speed and quickly left her far behind. She chased for a few more steps before stumbling and falling to the ground. All she could do was watch helplessly as the jeep disappeared into the distance, her mind replaying Zhao Wendong’s words, especially his mention of the "Director of the Supply and Marketing Cooperative."

The jeep sped toward the county. Zhao Wendong patted Liangzi, who was sitting in the passenger seat. "That’s my brother! Well done!"

Although Jiang Weimin didn’t say anything, the look he gave Liangzi was one of deep satisfaction. A capable man’s greatest flaw is indecisiveness, an inability to make tough choices. Liangzi’s performance just now had made them both see him in a new light. This was especially true for Zhao Wendong. He knew how deep Liangzi’s feelings for Huang Xiaomei had been, and for a moment, he’d truly been afraid that Liangzi would agree to take her back. If that had happened, he felt that even he wouldn’t have been able to accept it.

"I feel sick just looking at her now. I was so damn stupid before. How could I have ever liked a person like that?"

Liangzi gave a self-deprecating laugh. Then, Jiang Weimin slowly began to speak.