The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 113: Serious, Displeasure (520+) _1

Chapter 113: Chapter 113: Serious, Displeasure (520+) _1

Niu Dajun did not dine with everyone but went directly to his unit to find his granduncle.

Niu Dajun’s granduncle had a very interesting name, his surname Niu, and his given name Peng, which connotes the grandeur of a roc spreading its wings. However, upon first hearing it, everyone would mistake it for "cowshed."

"Aiyo, doing a good deed has landed you in a heap of trouble!" Niu Peng said after hearing his nephew’s story and taking a sip of tea, "Fortunately, that He Tiantian is clean and not that kind of wayward girl. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to clear your name. Now, tell me the truth, boy. Did you or did you not court that girl?"

Young ladies and lads, there might be sparks, who knows!

Niu Dajun forced a smile and hurriedly explained, "Granduncle, don’t you know me? How could I do such a thing! Comrade He Tiantian and I are truly just friends. Village Chief Qi and Comrade Qi Xiaoyan can vouch for that! The reason I rode the bicycle with He Tiantian was that I was asked by Qi Xiaoyan."

"Qi Xiaoyan is Qi Rongjun’s sister, right?" Niu Peng asked. As long as it wasn’t serious, that would be fine. He was worried that after clarifying things on this end, Niu Dajun would start flirting with the girl on the other, and it would be better to simply admit to a romantic relationship then.

"Yes, He Tiantian is Xiao Yan’s good friend. That’s why I’m more familiar with He Tiantian. There’s really nothing else, and there won’t be any special relationship in the future," Niu Dajun explained. "Granduncle, you must believe me, I wouldn’t lie."

"That’s good; for He Tiantian to get the director of a unit in Nan City to personally send a letter of correspondence so quickly, it shows that Tiantian’s family is no ordinary household. If you don’t fancy the girl, don’t make her harbor feelings for you, lest it turn to hate from love and cause a big disturbance if it gets out of hand," Niu Peng cautioned as someone who had seen more of the world. Niu Dajun had no such inclinations towards He Tiantian, but what if she fancied Niu Dajun?

Niu Dajun was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, "Granduncle, only in your eyes would your great-nephew seem like a fine, handsome man. He Tiantian has her childhood sweetheart; I heard he works at the Weapons Research Institute, a top-notch talent. He wouldn’t take interest in a mail carrier from our impoverished and remote village."

"That’s a relief," Niu Peng was reassured. "About this matter, don’t worry. I’ve spoken to Zheng Hongjun, and he will take care of it. As for Zhou Sihai, he has been too arrogant lately."

"Yes, Zhou Sihai is indeed arrogant. Although I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I’ve heard that he went so far as to hit our county’s hero Qi Xingwang. Grandpa Qi is a respected elder in Qijia Village and a hero held in high regard. Offending him has riled up the entire village. Secretary Qi is furious, and I reckon he won’t let the matter rest. Granduncle, I’m telling you so that you are aware."

"Too far, that’s going too far," Niu Peng cursed, "A young kid, daring to treat a hero like this, now I’m aware of it."

Although things are chaotic, that only applies in certain respects, but the mainstream values are still noble. It is the admiration for military officers, especially those who have defended and built the new China with their blood and sacrifice.

Taoyuan County is far removed from those distant power centers, so the admiration for military officers hasn’t been affected in the slightest, and is even more fervent. Ignoring the old heroes would reflect poorly on these government officials!

After speaking with his granduncle, Niu Dajun found a place to grab some food. When he left, Secretary Qi and the others had not yet arrived at the commune.

Worrying, Niu Dajun rode his bicycle and discovered Zhou Sihai with a group of dozens of people surrounding Village Chief Qi.

Niu Dajun knew he couldn’t be of help from the distance but shouted, "Village Chief Qi, everyone stay calm, I’m going to call for people from the commune!"

Upon seeing that the person was Niu Dajun, Zhou Sihai immediately became very anxious. He could easily infuriate the people of Qijia Village; as long as a fight broke out, he could arrest them all.

Secretary Qi, who was originally very tense, upon hearing Niu Dajun’s words, spoke out loud, "Everyone sit down, sit on the ground. I want to see if Zhou Sihai dares to beat up the common folks right on the street! Don’t think you can lord over us commoners just because you wear that uniform. This is a place where the common people are in charge, not despicable villains like you."

The onlookers, as well as the people on both sides of the street, all turned their attention, especially after hearing the words of Village Chief Qi. Many people cheered and applauded.

Zhou Sihai was famously ruthless in the county town, and most people were very afraid of him. But seeing that someone dared to resist Zhou Sihai, they were extremely curious to see why these people were not afraid of Zhou Sihai.

Since Village Chief Qi didn’t let his people take any action, Zhou Sihai really couldn’t just arrest people on the street, especially since he had no evidence of misconduct regarding Qijia Village, not even an accusation letter. Ah, he should have prepared several of those after coming back last night.

This dawn, Zhou Sihai had led many people trying to block Village Chief Qi on the road, but who knew that they had taken another route and had completely failed to stop them. Upon arriving in the county town, they saw Secretary Qi and his party about to finish their meal.

Meanwhile, Niu Dajun, riding his bicycle as if speeding like lightning, reached the commune compound and shouted, "Zhou Sihai is leading people to beat up the anti-Japanese war hero, to beat up the petitioners!"

The people in the commune were greatly shocked upon hearing this. Taoyuan County couldn’t afford to have a major mass incident! Niu Peng hurriedly organized people to investigate, and County Chief Liu was also deeply startled, as Niu Peng had just briefed him on the situation. If things escalated, it could turn into a very serious mass incident.

If not handled properly, his official cap could be at risk!

Passing by the gate of the commune, County Chief Liu said, "Director Zheng, Zhou Sihai has caused trouble. If you don’t go now, I’m afraid our entire unit will be finished."

As colleagues in the same department, Zheng Hongjun knew that County Chief Liu was a cautious person who wouldn’t speak so gravely over a trivial matter. Seeing his agitated state now, the situation must be quite serious.

"What happened?" Director Zheng asked loudly as he put on his clothes and followed County Chief Liu outside, "There aren’t any tasks these few days!"

Niu Peng caught up and said, "I’m to blame for this. This morning, my nephew Niu Dajun came to the commune and told me that yesterday Zhou Sihai took two complaint letters to arrest Comrade He Tiantian, a model worker. When she asked him for evidence, he had nothing but the complaint letters, no witnesses or physical evidence. The villagers wouldn’t let Zhou Sihai arrest her without any other proof after all, Comrade He Tiantian is a young lady who answered the call to come to the countryside and support rural construction, with high ideological consciousness, a good comrade indeed, who should not be treated so rudely! And that’s not all; he even beat up Qi Xingwang, a well-known old hero from our place, without any clear reason."

Niu Peng gave a brief overview of the events.