Chapter 34: I Must Be the One Who Holds the Power of Speech

"Ji Ling, Wang Family Village has been broadcasting recruitment notices all morning. I heard that their village's wool is about to be sold, and it was you who spearheaded the deal."

"Is there a problem?" Ji Ling’s face turned cold. No one would be in a good mood if they were cornered at their own doorstep first thing in the morning.

"Uh, well..." The person who asked, sensing the tone in Ji Ling’s voice, immediately shrank back. The Ji Ling of today was no longer the little girl she used to be.

"Now, Ji, dear, we all watched you grow up. Shouldn't you be thinking of us when there’s a good opportunity?" An older woman nearby chimed in, relying on her seniority to demand special treatment.

"There are plenty of people who watched me grow up; I can't possibly look after everyone," Ji Ling replied sharply. "Besides, the wool processing plant in our village is managed by Deputy Director Ji. It’s not my place to interfere; I cannot overstep my bounds. By doing this, you are only causing trouble for me."

*Crackle, pop, "Hello, hello, can you hear me? Attention everyone, here are a few announcements: First, the village office is hiring three shearers, two washers, three carders, and three dyers. Second, all applicants must be nimble, diligent, and maintain good hygiene. Third, anyone unrelated is forbidden from causing trouble; otherwise, they will be barred from future opportunities."*

Just as the crowd was about to press Ji Ling further, the loud speaker from Wang Family Village began blaring. It had been going on since the crack of dawn, and the more they heard it, the angrier and more regretful they felt.

Eleven vacancies all at once felt like a golden opportunity falling from the sky, but the bitter part was that the resources originally belonged to their own village.

"Don't think I'm being unreasonable. First of all, this order I secured is urgent. The work must be completed within two days, and each person will be paid two yuan in cash upon completion."

Ji Ling paused deliberately, sweeping her gaze over the restless crowd before continuing, "In our village, all of you uncles and aunts watched me grow up. If I were to direct you, would you really listen? Coming here to argue like this doesn't just damage our unity—it jeopardizes the entire order. Don't you agree?"

"So, whenever you have thought it through and understood the situation, come talk to me again." Ji Ling turned away, thinking coldly to herself: If she didn't handle these people once and for all, they would continue to cause trouble for her later. She had to break these thorns before she could start the work.

Otherwise, while she was out there fighting for the greater good, they would only be holding her back. She was no saint. Since she was the one putting in the effort, the authority had to be hers.

Seeing that Ji Ling was firm and knowing they wouldn't get anything out of her by making a scene, the crowd slumped in defeat.

"Let’s go find Deputy Director Ji! Let him find us orders too. If a little girl can pull in a deal, surely a high-ranking official like the Deputy Director can do better?" Some, blinded by the prospect of two yuan, began clamoring to demand compensation from the Deputy Director.

As the crowd dispersed, Village Chief Hua was revealed at the back of the line.

His expression was complex. Ever since Deputy Director Ji had swooped in to claim the credit for Ji Ling’s work, the girl had remained calm and smiling, showing no sign of resentment. He knew then that something was off. Knowing the temperament of the girl he had watched grow up, she usually didn't provoke others, but if she was crossed, she would make sure to take a pound of flesh in return.

"Village Chief Hua," Ji Ling said with a playful tone, "You look like you didn't sleep well last night. What's the matter? Did you have a nightmare?"

"You call that old man Li 'Uncle,' but you call me 'Village Chief,'" the Chief said, looking aggrieved. "I’ve spent much more time with you than he has."

Ji Ling chuckled. They say the elderly become like children again, and it was certainly true for Chief Hua.

"Uncle, you aren't blaming me, are you?" Ji Ling asked tentatively. She wanted to know where the leader of Shixi Village stood.

"No," Chief Hua sighed. "When I saw them heading here, I knew trouble was brewing. I rushed over as fast as I could, but I couldn't even push my way through the crowd. To be honest, girl, I’m deeply troubled by this, but I understand—you’ve been wronged."

"Everyone worked so hard, all excited and prepared, only for this to happen. What a mess!" The Chief began pulling at his hair in frustration, a habit he hadn't displayed in a long time.

"Uncle, let me be honest with you: as long as the people of Shixi Village stay united, I won't leave them out in the cold." Ji Ling winked at him. Although the old man could be muddled at times and wasn't as shrewd as Secretary Li, he had supported her and stayed out of her way these past few days, and that was enough for her.