Chapter 8: Bah, That Wolf Cub

“Village chief, is there anything you haven’t told me yet?” Ji Ling took the newspaper and looked at the village chief.

“Ah, it’s about this matter—a great opportunity but also a great challenge. Your article has been published, and the higher-ups have heard about it. They’re planning to come for an inspection and visit in a couple of weeks. This is all thanks to you. But tell me, what can our village possibly offer for their reception? Won’t the leaders be upset when they see it?”

Ji Ling didn’t share the village chief’s concerns: “If the leaders come, of course we have to show them the truest picture. Village chief, wouldn’t this be the perfect chance for you to ask for more support from them?”

The crowd, who had been noisily reading the paper moments before, suddenly fell completely silent.

“Ask for things? Do you really think they’ll agree?” The village chief anxiously pulled at his hair again.

They were so poor here that every time they asked for help, it felt like a fierce battle just to get a little.

Ji Ling glanced at the crowd. “Everyone wants the higher-ups to be pleased so they approve some aid, right?”

The villagers nodded in unison.

“Then I have a few ideas for you all to hear. Village chief, it’s true that we’re poor, but our spirit is not. We need to have a strong outlook. We can start by cleaning up the village’s sanitation. Then, in a couple of months, National Day will come. I suggest selecting twelve villagers to march in formation to showcase our spirit and celebrate the occasion. We should rehearse ahead of time and invite the leaders to offer their guidance.”

“Also, let’s paint murals on the village walls—scenes of villagers harvesting crops, the joy of seeing full bags of grain, or children playing and chasing each other. We can hold a competition spanning all four generations: old, middle-aged, young, and children. Leave one wall at the end for the top three winners. Of course, the leaders should be the judges for this vote.”

“Finally, I’ll take charge of displaying our grasslands and livestock farming. Village chief, leave that to me. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied. How does that sound?”

“Oh, you clever girl! Where did you get such a smart brain?” Grandma Zhen, a longtime friend of the Ji family, slapped her thigh in praise.

“After all, she’s educated—smarter than us,” someone added.

“Nonsense, there are plenty of educated folks. Take Li Mao, who just slipped away—he’s a sent-down youth, but he’s not like her!” Zhen Grandma’s eldest son, Qiang, raised his pinky finger disdainfully.

“Sure, sure. Everyone knows how capable young Miss Ji is.” The villagers’ eyes glowed as they stared at the newspaper in Ji Ling’s hands, excited by the upcoming leadership visit, barely able to contain themselves.

“Well, since no one objects, these tasks are yours to organize. If you need anything, just say so. We’ll all cooperate fully.” Village Chief Hua patted Ji Ling firmly on the shoulder, showing strong support.

Ji Ling winced in pain but forced a smile. “Then let’s assign the murals to Shen Yi. I’ve seen his paintings—they’re excellent. Also, Village Chief, could you issue me a certificate? I’m going to Wangjiazhuang today to try to finalize a cooperation agreement.”

“And,” Ji Ling glanced around at the villagers unwilling to leave, “the villagers who will march should be decided jointly by the village chief, the old party secretary, the former record keeper, the accountant, and me.”

At this, those who had been scheming to secure a spot immediately lost interest. Their gazes shifted to Shen Yi at the back—the black sheep usually looked down upon. Yet this wolf cub had made the list because he could paint.

Pfft.

“Village chief, I’m heading to the fields now. I promise I’ll work hard.” A clever villager shouted loudly, immediately declaring his commitment.

Others quickly chimed in their agreement.

Watching the villagers rush to the fields with hoes in hand, the village chief laughed and scolded, “These damn kids, when have they ever had this kind of energy?”

“Village chief, we always have this energy,” Ji Ling shot him a glance and said quietly.

The village chief paused, a little embarrassed, and waved his hand. “Ha, ha, I’m going to work too.” With that, he hurriedly ran off, his feet almost tripping over each other.

“Ha ha ha, ha ha ha,” Ji Ling laughed so hard her stomach hurt as she glanced at the only other person left.

Shen Yi’s lips curved slightly. “You’re naughty.”

Ji Ling immediately choked on a cough, her face flushing red. She had teased him before but never expected him to turn the tables on her today.

Pfft, that wolf cub.