Chapter 69: Chapter 69: The Reward from the County Arrives

The next day, the county held another commendation meeting. At this commendation meeting, all the militia members who participated in the regional competition received an award, each given a printed bedspread, with a corner bearing a memorial of the Fucheng County regional martial arts competition. The militia members who won another prize received a bonus; one runner-up and two third-place winners, all eligible youths, had their enlistment procedures directly processed upon their agreement.

Ling Chengyan, slightly older and with two children to take care of, was given a job placement quota.

What left Deputy Director Qian and others in shock was that Ling Chengyan’s placement was not discussed in the county, nor went through county procedures. Her materials were directly compiled and personally delivered to the military district by Zhang Hanchao.

Ling Chengyan originally thought she could return home after the county meeting, but unexpectedly, Zhang Hanchao brought her onto the county’s jeep, speeding all the way to the district.

Following Zhang Hanchao, she filled out forms and completed procedures, finally meeting a middle-aged soldier with a smiling face, whom Zhang Hanchao addressed as Staff Officer Xing.

After a brief greeting with Zhang Hanchao, Staff Officer Xing extended his hand towards Ling Chengyan, “Comrade Ling Chengyan, we meet again.”

Ling Chengyan slightly raised her eyebrows, and soon remembered the three people standing with Zhang Hanchao during the shooting competition.

Her expression calmed down, she gracefully shook hands with him, and said, “It’s an honor.”

Zhang Hanchao mentioned that Ling Chengyan was educated, although she didn’t have a formal diploma, her cultural literacy was definitely not below that of a high school student. Staff Officer Xing thought he was merely exaggerating his appreciation for talent, but upon first contact, her composure and calmness were something few peers could match, and even he himself was somewhat inferior?!

Their hands shook briefly before letting go, and without inviting them to sit down, Staff Officer Xing directly led them out of the office, through the office area, through a small gate, and into an adjacent courtyard.

The previous office area was solemn everywhere, but through the gate unfolded a vibrant and lively life scene.

Rows of small courtyards connected, with low flower walls, clearly visible were elderly women tending small vegetable gardens, some women doing laundry with children playing and laughing nearby, others raising chickens and dogs, which barked twice only to quiet down at Staff Officer Xing’s shout, evidently recognizing him.

“Comrade Ling Chengyan, the leadership understands your family situation and your actual difficulties, so they have specially vacated two rooms for you. Oh, here it is, with the roof and walls, doors and windows repaired, and a few pieces of furniture gathered. See what else you might need?”

This time, Ling Chengyan was truly surprised. After a moment of daze, she shifted her gaze back to Staff Officer Xing, “What do you want me to do?”

Staff Officer Xing’s eyes flashed cunningly, exchanged a glance with Zhang Hanchao, then laughed heartily, “Comrade Ling Chengyan, let me correct you, you’re already one of us, so you can’t say ’you’ anymore, it should be ’us’!”

Having said that, he loudly called the liaison officer outside to come in.

“This is Xiao Liu, tell him what needs to be added or fixed, use manpower or vehicles as needed. Get things sorted today, tidy up at home tomorrow, and the day after I’ll send a car to help you move.”

After efficiently arranging everything, Staff Officer Xing left, leaving Xiao Liu, Zhang Hanchao, and Ling Chengyan looking at each other.

Xiao Liu chuckled, “Sister Ling, tell me where to add or tidy up, we have bricklayers and carpenters here. Hee hee hee…”

Xiao Liu looked younger than both Zhang Wanxiang and Wu Qingyun, wasn’t tall, but was full of spirit, his smile revealing a sharp little tooth, slightly simple and endearing.

Ling Chengyan glanced at Zhang Hanchao, who smiled back, “Let’s not talk about anything else, first we need to eat. Xiao Liu, find someone to set up the stove in the kitchen, and get a stove, let’s go with a diesel one, it’s convenient.”

Xiao Liu looked at Ling Chengyan; seeing no other opinions from her, he swiftly agreed and dashed off.

With only the two of them left, Ling Chengyan looked at Zhang Hanchao, waiting for him to explain.

Zhang Hanchao smiled and said, “You know, Director Jin from the county and I both see potential in you, originally wanting to keep you in the county. Sadly… ah, my abilities were limited, nothing could be done. Still, true talent won’t be buried, a major leader personally named you, do well, don’t disappoint the leader’s regard for talent!”

Ling Chengyan solemnly nodded, “I will do my best.”

During their conversation, Li Haiyang returned with a set of new cleaning tools. Xiao Liu also brought five or six young soldiers over, who cleaned inside and out, even wiping the glass windows once over.

In an outer room, the old stove was worn out, so the bricklayer Xiao Liu brought along came with half a bag of cement and plastered a section of the area along with the walls, making it easy to wash with water, much cleaner than a clay stove.

With many hands, the work was quick, tidying up in no time. Xiao Liu and Li Haiyang went out, one came back carrying an iron stove, and another brought a small barrel of diesel.

Once the work was done, Xiao Liu took the people and left. Zhang Hanchao and Li Haiyang set up the diesel stove, taught Ling Chengyan how to use it, and only then did they leave, locking the door behind them.

Zhang Hanchao placed the key in Ling Chengyan’s hand, “Alright, go and get things sorted. Staff Officer Xing said he’ll send a car to help move you the day after tomorrow.”

Ling Chengyan didn’t expect that after coming here for less than two months, she would move homes for the second time.

The first time moving out from the old Wang family was something she wanted and fought for; this second move would take her from Nanli Team to the district, something she never anticipated.

Her prior plan was to strive to buy a house in the county, bring her children to live there for better education opportunities, and for her own future options… Truly, life is unpredictable, no matter how well you plan, sometimes it doesn’t help at all.

All the way back to the county, Wang Lianqi and the others, having been instructed by Zhang Hanchao, had already returned. Zhang Hanchao personally arranged for a car to take Ling Chengyan back to Nanli Team.

With only two jeeps in the county, many people in the village had never seen a jeep before, and news of Ling Chengyan riding back in a small sedan spread almost completely across the whole team before she even reached her doorstep.

Children running and playing wildly chased after the car the whole way, and it wasn’t just them; adults, and even elderly folks with crutches, also came to see the sight. The initially clear area outside the educated youth spot soon became surrounded by layers of people.

Fortunately, Zhang Hanchao was experienced; as soon as Ling Chengyan got off, he had the driver turn the car around and leave immediately, avoiding the awkward situation of being surrounded and unable to leave.

The small sedan was only seen from the rear; those who walked slowly didn’t even catch a glimpse of it, leaving them curious and unsatisfied. Many people lingered around the educated youth spot, unwilling to disperse, hoping to ask Ling Chengyan about the situation.

Wang Lianxiang also stealthily came to the edge of the educated youth spot, lurking outside the crowd, trying to gather information.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep