RYEY -Chapter 300 Achievements Must Outweigh Mistakes

Chen Xiaoniu quickly nodded and went to the kitchen to start working. She planned to make a few egg pancakes—her father’s favorite—and also some vegetable congee, which Cheng Qiao had made before and he liked as well.

Smoke rose from the chimney of the Chen Weidang household. Aunt Wang next door wiped away her tears. The two families were separated by just a wall, and she could hear everything clearly. She put on her old cotton jacket and went to see Mother Li.

Some rooster from an unknown house crowed early, and one crowing soon triggered the others. Xuhui supported Mother Li as they walked inside.

“Huanzai’s mother, I’ve wronged you, raising such a scoundrel that even your house was burned down. But I’ll remember this debt—once I get through this busy period, I’ll definitely compensate you.”

Ermao, upon hearing this, returned to his room, then came out holding a bundle of money, handing it to Mother Li: “Aunt, here’s 200 yuan, earned with Brother Huan. Use it to rebuild your house; if it’s not enough, I’ll earn more.”

Mother Li didn’t reach for it but looked at Li Huan instead. Li Huan patted Ermao on the shoulder, thinking carefully before finally speaking:

“Starting tomorrow, you’ll take over your father’s work. Ask Xuhui if you don’t understand anything. And use this money for tuition. I remember there’s an accounting class in the county; you can sign up and study.”

Cuihua’s lips trembled as she looked at Li Huan in disbelief. She knew this young man always kept his word. But if Chen Weidang was deemed a murderer, Ermao stepping into this role would cost Li Huan an even greater price to accomplish.

“Huanzai, thank you, but find someone else. Ermao… isn’t fit for this.”

Ermao nodded too. No degree, no knowledge—he was just a middle schooler. What right did he have to be an accountant?

“Brother Huan, let Xuhui do it. He’s a high school student.”

Li Huan shook his head. Xuhui was preparing for the military academy; he could help occasionally, but that’s it.

Da Niu also remembered her own work: “Mother, my supply-and-marketing cooperative job might be gone. Better sell it, get some money back, and fix Aunt Li’s house first.”

Cuihua’s heart ached. Such a good job, now it couldn’t be kept. But who to sell it to? Xiaoniu would be suitable, but she too was Chen Weidang’s child.

“Sell it to Wang Xianghua. She can’t focus on studies anyway; better she start working earlier.”

Cuihua nodded, telling Xiaoniu to see Xianghua at dawn. If she agreed, Aunt Wang would surely approve.

As dawn broke, Cuihua carried her basket outside, and Xiaoniu went straight to Aunt Wang’s house.

Upon learning Da Niu wanted to sell her job, Aunt Wang promptly handed over 800 yuan to Xiaoniu, letting her handle the transfer that day.

Chen Xiaoniu’s eyes lit up at the money. Finally, they could improve their home and hire someone to rebuild Aunt Li’s house.

Da Niu collected the money and took Wang Xianghua to the county. Li Huan and Wang Xiangyang first returned home for breakfast, then quickly washed up and left.

With such a major incident in Xiangyang Village, they had to report to the commune. At that moment, the commune secretary sat in the meeting room, face ashen. Everyone else stared gloomily at their cups, lost in thought.

A top student recommended to the Workers’ and Peasants’ University had, out of personal vengeance, set fire to a house and endangered his own sister’s family.

He not only had an affair during marriage, divorced his first wife, but also cruelly harmed his pregnant wife, letting her die from exposure and violence—a double fatality.

Chen Weidang, former village chief of Xiangyang, and current accountant, had acted righteously to stop Chen Damao’s misdeeds but also technically committed homicide.

And that homemade gun—everyone recognized it as Li Huan’s. That gun had once achieved great feats, symbolizing prosperity for the villagers.

But now this symbol became a murder weapon. They didn’t know how to judge these complicated matters or whether Li Huan should be punished.

“First, discuss how to handle Comrade Li Huan.”

The secretary picked up a cigarette but then paused. That cigarette was also a gift from Li Huan. That little rascal—what should he do with him?

The commune director spoke: “Secretary, Li Huan is also a victim. Moreover, he has taken leave and delegated authority. Clearly, the one named Wang Xiangyang lacks ability; it’s not Li Huan’s fault.”

“Yes, Secretary. Cheng Qiao has already been admitted to a Beijing university, and Li Huan went with her. What happens here is none of his business.”

The secretary knew very well—Li Huan was a master at dealing with people. He had charmed everyone in the commune, from the top officials to the gatekeeper.

“Then how should we handle Wang Xiangyang?”

“He’s incompetent, cannot serve as village chief.”

“But Li Huan recommended him. Who else could do it if he refused?”

“At most, assign him as accountant—at least Li Huan’s face is saved.”

“Then who will be the village chief? Li Huan has already gone to the Workers’ and Peasants’ University. He will definitely leave after graduation.”

“How about Xuhui? He’s a martyr’s child and capable.”

“I don’t know. I think Li Huan mentioned he’s also going to college.”

The meeting room fell silent until Li Huan opened the door. He was startled by the smoke, thinking he had arrived in heaven.

“You finally show up! We’ve been waiting for you all night.”

Li Huan apologized sheepishly. Of course, the commune leadership would know immediately and convene a meeting, but he had no choice.

“Well, tell us—what now? Not only is Xiangyang Village ruined, but so is my position.”

Chen Weidang committed murder in the county, implicating the commune secretary, and likely even the county head was enraged. The urgent task was to create a good achievement to cover the misdeed.

“Secretary, with the reform and opening up, why not attract investment? Set up a large wholesale market in the county to enrich the people.”

The secretary’s eyes lit up. What could be more important than the people’s livelihood? “Enrich the people”—what a grand phrase.

“You have a plan?”

“As long as you agree and participate, of course I have a plan.”

“Fine. If you succeed, I’ll approve it. Wang Xiangyang.”

Li Huan smiled inwardly. Oh yes, there was Xiangyang. He glanced at Wang Xiangyang, starting to stammer, but the secretary waved to stop him:

“Wang Xiangyang, your ability is insufficient. You will take over Chen Weidang’s work. As for the village chief position, we’ll wait until Li Huan graduates.”

Wang Xiangyang, originally anxious, finally relaxed. If they asked him to be village chief now, he wouldn’t dare. His little heart simply couldn’t handle it.