Chapter Seventy: The Disciplinary Committee Has Arrived?
"What?" Zhang Qiu instinctively asked.
"It's you," Zhang Zhi Hua replied. "You are the priority in our family. The college entrance exam is approaching, and being able to return to school for review is incredibly important. You know, in H Province, there are many students competing for scores. A single point can make a difference of a thousand students. If you go back to school, you might gain that extra point, and with that extra point, you could get into a better school."
"I can review just fine at home. Zeng Guofan did well; if one is determined to study hard, they can learn anywhere—even in the wilderness or a bustling place. Whether carrying firewood or tending pigs, it is all possible to learn. If one cannot muster the determination to stand on their own, then even the quietest place or the most divine realm is not suitable for study. Why must one choose a location? Why must one choose a time? The only question is whether one's resolve is genuine!" Zhang Qiu understood his father's concern but felt that his father placed too much importance on the college entrance exam. Studying could be done anywhere as long as one was willing.
Zhang Zhi Hua raised an eyebrow. "Don't give me that long-winded argument; it's different. Think about how many years your teachers have taught. How could your review be as clear as theirs? Besides, there's a study atmosphere at school; when your classmates are working hard, you'll be motivated too. Look at our home—it's all chaos with the relocation and the Task Force coming over. How can it compare to your school? The environment's impact on people is significant."
Seeing that Zhang Qiu remained silent, Zhang Zhi Hua continued earnestly, "Zhang Qiu, actually, I want you to study not just to achieve high scores or bring glory to our family. I want you to acquire more knowledge and skills for survival in the future. I hope you can have the strength to choose your own life and not be bullied by others while pursuing what you want. Do you understand?"
Zhang Zhi Hua's words pierced deeply into Zhang Qiu's heart. Despite being an ordinary middle-aged man, his father's inner world was rich and his thoughts were not outdated; in fact, they were somewhat ahead of their time. After a long pause, Zhang Qiu finally said, "Dad, I understand now. I will go back and study." In that moment, Zhang Qiu realized how great his father truly was.
Zhang Zhi Hua nodded with relief upon seeing Zhang Qiu come to an understanding. "As long as you understand your father's intentions, that's good enough. Alright then, take a break today; tomorrow when you return to school, make sure to study hard."
"Dad," Zhang Qiu called out, "don't worry; I will definitely work hard."
Zhang Zhi Hua nodded vigorously. He had conveyed his thoughts to Zhang Qiu; how Zhang Qiu would navigate the path ahead was up to him now. He could only offer suggestions but could not walk the path for him.
Zhang Qiu looked at Zhang Zhi Hua and said, "Dad, I also have something to say to you."
"You?" Zhang Zhi Hua sat up straight, waiting to hear what Zhang Qiu had to say.
"Dad, just now you said I am the top priority of our family. I appreciate that, but I disagree."
"Why?"
"I hope you and Mom can also focus on yourselves more. You've worked hard for most of your lives; you shouldn't always be burdened with responsibilities. It's time to enjoy life a little."
Zhang Zhi Hua smiled and said, "Alright, Dad will listen to you."
"Then, can I go back to my room?" Zhang Qiu looked at Zhang Zhi Hua.
"Go ahead."
Zhang Qiu returned to her room and flopped onto her bed, taking the White Tiger in her hands and rubbing it. A cool sensation seeped into her skin, refreshing her mind. During their conversation, her father's reasoning made sense; in the twenty-first century, only knowledge can change one's fate. Zhang Qiu imagined that once she became strong enough, no one would be able to bully her easily anymore, no one could hurt her family, and no one would come to tear down their house!
……
At the Beilan County Public Security Bureau, leaders from various departments gathered in the conference room. Wang Guodong sat in the center, with the Political Commissar and several deputy directors like He Jun flanking him on either side. Below them sat rows of police officers in uniform, sitting upright. The party flag and national flag hung solemnly on the wall behind Wang Guodong, with a large badge shining brightly in the center.
In stark contrast to the solemnity on stage, the usually dull officials were whispering to each other, discussing something quietly. "Comrades," Wang Guodong said as he raised his hand to signal for silence.
Seeing the director begin to speak, the chatting comrades quieted down to listen to his instructions. Wang Guodong cleared his throat and began, "Comrades, our county is currently striving to become a Provincial Civilized City. The county has already issued a notice emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order during this period. If any issues arise, they must be addressed promptly before they escalate. Now I will outline specific arrangements..."
"...Each of our comrades must establish a sense of overall awareness, a sense of crisis, and a sense of responsibility. In our actions, we must unify our thoughts, work together in solidarity, and wholeheartedly contribute to the construction of a civilized county. Through this action, our team itself must strengthen its experience and effectively safeguard and develop the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of people!"
As soon as Wang Guodong finished speaking, applause erupted like thunder, lasting for a long time. Those who had been dozing off just a moment ago were now wide awake, afraid they wouldn't be as enthusiastic as others, clapping their hands vigorously.
Just as the atmosphere was harmonious, the door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open from the outside, and several middle-aged men in Zhongshan suits walked in. He Jun keenly observed that these men all wore a national emblem on their chests.
Wang Guodong looked at the unexpected intruders in shock. Before he could say anything, the man in front, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, asked, "Are you Wang Guodong?"
"Y-yes," Wang Guodong stammered, not daring to breathe too loudly. He had already realized that these men were definitely not ordinary individuals.
The man in the Zhongshan suit had a serious expression. He took out a document and held it in front of Wang Guodong, saying emotionlessly, "We are from the Disciplinary Committee. Please come with us to assist in the investigation."
With a clang, Wang Guodong's pen fell to the floor, the ink sac bursting and ink gushing out, blooming into black flowers on the ground as a silent farewell to Wang Guodong.
So it was people from the Disciplinary Committee; no wonder. Although they were dressed in Zhongshan suits, they wore travel shoes that clashed with their attire. He Jun thought about it and smiled. It seemed that the Disciplinary Committee had made thorough preparations. The reason they wore travel shoes was to react quickly in special situations. This alone was enough to prove that after assisting in the investigation, there would definitely be consequences for Wang Guodong.
The entire venue fell into a deathly silence. No matter how excited He Jun felt inside, he couldn't show it. The Political Commissar and several deputy directors also wore gloomy expressions. The officers sitting below were silent, their eyes wide open. Only Wang Guodong stared fixedly at the personnel from the Disciplinary Committee, cold sweat dripping down his neck.
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