Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Min Nan became increasingly angry as he listened, and he gritted his teeth, saying, âYou want to cover up such a significant incident? Do you realize that if it werenât for Ye Ling and the injured miner going down to report it, those over ten workers would have surely died in the mine. Those are human lives! Are certain peopleâs official positions more important than human lives?â
As Min Nan finished speaking, a stern and cold voice came from behind him, âThose workers are fine, arenât they? The village committee can pay them the appropriate compensation.â
Min Nan turned around and saw Ma Kang, the village committee secretary of Willow Village.
âSecretary Ma,â Li Dong nodded politely, then frantically signaled Min Nan to leave.
Ignoring Li Dongâs signals, Min Nan continued with an icy tone, âIs Secretary Ma sending someone to negotiate compensation with those workers? As long as the workers agree not to make a big deal out of this, you can treat it as if nothing happened?â
Min Nanâs probing attitude irritated Ma Kang, but he knew Min Nanâs identity, so he suppressed his impatience and forced a fake smile. He said, âYoung man, those workers are the victims. As long as the final result satisfies them, isnât that enough? What right do you have to make decisions on their behalf? I know you got involved in this because of a young girl. Young people, donât just focus on your love life. There are things you shouldnât meddle in. Just stay out of it.â
Ma Kangâs last two sentences carried a veiled threat, and Min Nan could sense it.
Seeing that the situation was getting tense, Li Dong immediately grabbed Min
Nanâs arm and smiled at Ma Kang, saying, âMy nephew is young and impulsive, Secretary Ma. Donât mind him.â
Then, Li Dong pulled Min Nan out of the office.
âUncle Li, do you also think that this is the right way to handle this?â
Li Dong took out a pipe from his pocket, stuffed rough tobacco into the hole, lit it, and took a deep drag. His voice was slightly hoarse as he said, âMin Nan, in this world, many things are not black and white. Have you ever thought that if this matter becomes a big scandal, those workers may be deemed participants in illegal labor. They wonât receive any compensation or restitution and may even face punishment.â
Min Nan knew that Li Dong had a point, but he couldnât accept using a seemingly justifiable reason to cover up an ugly truth.
âThe person with the greatest responsibility for the mine incident is Wang Gang and his subordinates, isnât it? You can rest assured, after this incident, the forest farm will undergo a major clean-up, and you wonât see Wang Gang anymore. If youâre still angry, you can find someone to beat him up thoroughly. Even if you break his legs, no one will say anything,â Li Dong patted Min Nan on the shoulder, trying to comfort him.
Min Nan looked gloomy, feeling that everything was incredibly absurd.
Wang Gang, who once held such high status in Willow Village, had been abandoned like trash after the incident was exposed. Meanwhile, those involved in mining, huddled together, shouting slogans of justice, and found hypocritical excuses to continue their corruption within the ranks of national officials.
Min Nan pressed his forehead, feeling tired and nauseous.
During dinner, Wan Hai and the others had been urging him to drink. Not wanting to spoil the mood and because he did feel a bit down, he had a few more drinks. Although he didnât end up as drunk as Wan Hai and Wan Feng, he did feel a bit lightheaded.
Min Nan checked the time. It was already late. He stood up, planning to take a quick shower and go to bed.
Just as Min Nan stood up, he suddenly heard a womanâs exclamation, âYu Huan, what are you doing?â
Ye Ling? Min Nan immediately grew nervous and walked to the door of Ye Lingâs room.
Just as he was about to knock and inquire, he heard Yu Huanâs playful voice, âLingling, weâre all women, whatâs wrong with me touching you? Youâve developed so well, whatâs the big deal?â
Inside the room, Ye Ling tightly gripped the blanket, covering her chest. Her fair cheeks turned rosy. âYu Huan, youâre so scary! Anyway, I wonât agree, so give up on this idea!â
Ye Ling had almost fallen asleep, but suddenly, Yu Huan leaned in and, with a coaxing tone, said, âLingling, are you asleep?
Ye Ling, half-asleep, mumbled, âWhatâs the matter?â
âLingling, can you let me touch you?â
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