Chapter 178: The Poor County Director

Zhou Ming drove with Su Han to the Yangbei County Government, which was the poorest county in Linyang City. Located in a mountainous and remote area, Zhou Ming recalled that even twenty years later, it would still be known as a poverty-stricken county.

Parking the car in front of the county government building, Zhou Ming and Su Han got out. Su Han looked up at the grand and imposing county government building and said indignantly, "Why does this government building look like it's just been renovated? The West Ridge Canning Factory is so impoverished, yet they can afford to renovate the government building. This is outrageous!"

Zhou Ming merely smiled in response. This was a normal phenomenon; in later years, luxurious government buildings in poor counties became commonplace. There were also numerous officials who used state subsidies to support their mistresses.

Zhou Ming said nothing more on this topic and led Su Han into the county government building. After navigating through several twists and turns, they found the county government office where they were greeted by a Director Deng.

After Zhou Ming and Su Han introduced themselves, Director Deng's face lit up when he heard they were from the 760 Factory. "Ah, you're from the 760 Factory! I've heard of it. It's a well-known, successful factory here in Linyang. Many people from Yangbei County work there! What brings you here today?"

"Director Deng," Zhou Ming said, "our 760 Factory is planning to start a new project and needs to introduce a set of canning production equipment. I know there is a complete set of canning equipment at the West Ridge Canning Factory in Yangbei County, so I hope to collaborate with this factory. I heard that you are in charge of the canning factory, so I came to discuss this with you."

"I see," Director Deng said. "The canning factory is indeed under my responsibility, and its performance has been poor recently. If you want to cooperate and move the equipment, that's possible."

Director Deng's initial response made Su Han happy, but his next statement was infuriating.

"However, this canning factory is an important enterprise in Yangbei County. Shouldn't your 760 Factory provide some compensation?" Director Deng said.

"That's only fair. We will pay for the value of the equipment," Zhou Ming said.

Director Deng shook his head. "It seems you don't understand. I'm not just talking about the value of the equipment but also some other forms of compensation. Do you understand?"

"What other forms of compensation? Could you be more specific, Director Deng?" Su Han asked in confusion.

Director Deng replied, "It's hard to specify, but I'm sure you understand my point."

Zhou Ming understood and whispered the answer to Su Han. Su Han's eyes widened in disbelief. "Bribery?"

"Ms. Su, you're being excessive. This isn't bribery; it's compensation, a way to make up for the inconvenience of relocating the canning factory," Director Deng corrected Su Han, then continued calmly, "Think about it, the West Ridge Canning Factory is an important enterprise in our county. Now that you suddenly want to move it, shouldn't there be some compensation? Shouldn't I get some rewards for facilitating this?"

"Shameless!" Su Han said, her teeth clenched. "Director Deng, this is too much! Do you know the current situation at the West Ridge Canning Factory? Do you know that the workers have to go to the production team and work the hardest, most exhausting jobs while not getting enough to eat? Do you know they're as hungry as beggars? As a party member, you should be helping the factory develop, not extorting bribes from us. How can our Yangbei County have someone like you as an official? How are you fit to be a party member?"

Su Han was very agitated. Having just seen the dire situation at the canning factory and the plight of her cousin, she was deeply affected. Seeing the corrupt face of the Yangbei County official only added to her frustration.

Director Deng responded, "Ms. Su, that's not quite fair. I'm trying to help you, and you speak to me like this?"

In contrast, Zhou Ming remained calm. Having lived for more than twenty years and seen even more shameless officials online in the later years, he was not surprised. The civil service system had not yet been established, and many bureaucrats were admitted through connections, leading to varying levels of competence. It was not surprising to encounter such officials in a remote county like Yangbei.

Zhou Ming tried to reason with Director Deng, but the director's next words were highly unpleasant.

"Mr. Zhou, Ms. Su, do you know that what you've just said could be considered defamation of my character? I could call the police to arrest you," Director Deng said.

Zhou Ming frowned. "Director Deng, are you threatening us?"

Director Deng laughed. "I'm a party member. How could I threaten anyone casually? I'm just trying to help you understand how things work. If you don't know these basic rules, maybe you should go back to your parents and let them teach you. Don't embarrass yourselves out here."

"That's too much!" Su Han said, pointing at Director Deng, her voice trembling with anger.

Zhou Ming took Su Han's hand to calm her down and said to Director Deng, "Director Deng, you are a party member. I hope you will apologize for what just happened."

"Apologize?" Director Deng seemed to find this incredibly amusing. "Are you still dreaming? If you don't have money, just leave. Otherwise, I'll really call the police."

Zhou Ming nodded. "Alright, Director Deng, would you let me make a phone call?"

Director Deng arrogantly took out a phone from his drawer and placed it in front of Zhou Ming. "Go ahead, but I advise you to think carefully. My uncle is the county party secretary. If you don't handle this call well, don't blame me for making a call of my own later."

Zhou Ming made no reply, picking up the phone and dialing the Linyang City Mayor Chen Da's office. The call was quickly answered, and Zhou Ming said, "Mayor Chen, hello. Sorry to disturb you. I'm currently at Yangbei County and would like to report a matter to you."

Zhou Ming then recounted the conversation with Director Deng. After a moment of silence, Mayor Chen Da responded, "Okay, I understand. Please wait there."

Zhou Ming thanked Mayor Chen and hung up. Director Deng, now wearing a forced smile, said to Zhou Ming, "Mr. Zhou, I didn't mean to make things difficult for you. Why did you need to call Mayor Chen? He's busy enough as it is. This is a small matter."

Seeing Director Deng's sycophantic behavior made Su Han furious. She said, "Wasn't Director Deng just doubting whether we made the call?"

Director Deng laughed, "I never doubted that. Mr. Zhou and Ms. Su, you're clearly not ordinary people, so it's only natural you know Mayor Chen. I was just joking with you."

"Well, let's move on," Zhou Ming said. "What about the issue of introducing the West Ridge Canning Factory's production equipment to our 760 Factory?"

"Of course, there's no problem!" Director Deng said. "This is great news for both Yangbei County and the West Ridge Canning Factory! The factory has been a headache for us due to its poor performance in recent years. With you leading the factory now, we fully support it!"

"Then please help us with the paperwork," Zhou Ming said.

Director Deng agreed and quickly left the office to handle the paperwork. Watching him go, Su Han frowned and said, "What kind of person is this?"

Zhou Ming patted Su Han's head and said, "Don't let him get to you. Officials from poor, remote counties often behave like this. Especially with his uncle being the county party secretary, he's probably used to wielding power. As long as he gets our paperwork done, his behavior doesn't concern us."

Su Han nodded obediently, understanding that dealing with such officials in a poor county wasn't worth escalating conflicts.