Nan Sheng’s lips twisted in hesitation, afraid that her request might be too much for the higher-ups to approve.
She wavered, "Sir, I’m only at level 24 right now. Would jumping four levels at once be too difficult to arrange?"
Yu Feng, unaware of Nan Sheng’s nervousness, assured her confidently that it wouldn’t be a problem.
"The higher-ups have already heard about your contributions. They were planning to transfer you to the county office anyway. But don’t expect too much in terms of bonuses with the promotion."
Nan Sheng wasn’t disappointed—she knew the difference between a one-time feast and steady meals.
The conversation then turned to Secretary Ma, who had also refused to relocate to the county.
"Old Yu, we’ve known each other for years, so I’ll be frank. My life’s purpose is to stay in Huaishan Town and help the villagers prosper. I won’t go anywhere else."
Ma Kui wasn’t as ambitious as Yu Feng. He wanted to dedicate himself to his hometown, especially since he also had to look after Yan Shaoshu’s affairs.
"If it’s convenient, why not transfer Clerk Peng back? He’s diligent and a good comrade, plus his family is here in the county."
Secretary Ma was a decent leader—once he made up his mind, he wouldn’t hold onto Clerk Peng, even though he found him useful.
Yu Feng didn’t agree immediately. His plans had been completely disrupted by Nan Sheng and Ma Kui.
"You two really know how to ruin my excitement!"
After dinner, Du Tang escorted Nan Sheng and the others to the guesthouse. Nan Sheng inspected her room—it was tidy and clean, though the lack of an ensuite bathroom was inconvenient.
She went to fetch water to wash her clothes. The summer heat meant they’d dry overnight.
The floor housed only female guests, so safety wasn’t a concern.
With her younger brother taking care of things at home, Nan Sheng wasn’t worried. Exhausted, she wiped herself down and fell asleep on the wooden bed—only to spend the night pedaling a bicycle in her dreams.
Her legs felt like they’d been worked to the bone!
Waking up sore and stiff, Nan Sheng admitted she wasn’t cut out for manual labor. Just half a day of cycling had traumatized her.
The city officials arrived at the county government by car around ten and immediately convened a meeting that lasted until three in the afternoon.
Afterward, a small awards ceremony was held, with Yu Feng and Huaishan Town receiving the most praise. Nan Sheng’s name was mentioned several times too.
Finally, the department head pulled out an envelope and called Nan Sheng forward.
"This reward isn’t for Comrade Nan Sheng of the government, but for Comrade Nan Sheng of Xiangyang Village, who dared to voice suggestions to the authorities.
I hope you’ll maintain your fearless spirit and keep working for the people!"
Once the ceremony ended, Secretary Luo and County Magistrate Yu naturally arranged a meal for the visiting officials—they couldn’t let them leave hungry.
Nan Sheng, being too junior to attend, decided to explore the county. Clerk Peng dropped her off at the department store before heading home.
Perhaps due to the drought, the area wasn’t as lively as Nan Sheng had imagined.
Having traveled frequently to the county with Xiao Yi, she’d already tried most of the local snacks and found nothing new. She bought a few pounds of pears and some calligraphy practice books for the kids.
Their handwriting was atrocious—like a case of the blind leading the blind. She couldn’t bear to look.
The fabric in town was far more stylish than in the countryside. With only enough ration tickets for one bolt, Nan Sheng settled on half a bolt of white floral fabric and half of gray. The quality, especially the softness of the white floral, was exceptional.
Back at the guesthouse, Du Tang relayed a message: County Magistrate Yu wanted to treat Nan Sheng to a farewell dinner that evening.
With time to spare, she changed into yesterday’s clothes, washed the ones she’d worn, and finally checked the envelope.
Two hundred yuan—neither more nor less!
Nan Sheng mused—was this having her cake and eating it too?
This trip to the county had been incredibly profitable!
At the county office, Yu Feng had just seen off the officials when he hurried to the state-run restaurant. Nan Sheng and Du Tang were already there, chatting.
Fanning himself with his cap, Yu Feng laughed, "I’m too full to eat, so I’ll just join you for a talk."
He urged Du Tang to order more dishes, adding teasingly, "Comrade Nan Sheng has quite the appetite—make sure she gets plenty."
A playful jab at how she’d covered for Clerk Peng the day before.
With Secretary Ma absent, the conversation flowed more freely, just like back in town.
"Sir, I’ve worked with Clerk Peng for a while. He’s capable and diligent. If you’re short on hands, he’d be a good choice."
Yu Feng sighed. The higher the position, the heavier the burden—and having reliable people around was crucial.
"Honestly, I am short-staffed. I’d hoped all three of you could join me, but now I’ll have to bring Clerk Peng back first.
Don’t be fooled by Secretary Luo’s polite exterior—he keeps a tight grip on county affairs, afraid I’ll overshadow him. Thankfully, the city officials think well of me and seem inclined to promote me."
Nan Sheng offered advice, "What the higher-ups care about is results. Focus on that—like Xiaoling Village’s orchards. In a few years, they’ll turn a profit.
People say poverty is honorable, but who doesn’t feel hunger? Collective economies can still work—it’s just private business that’s restricted now."
Yu Feng took her words to heart. Ever since the city sent experts to Xiaoling Village, he’d suspected collective economies might be the key to prosperity.
But not every village had land suitable for orchards.
"Nan Sheng, ever since meeting you, my luck’s improved—otherwise, I wouldn’t be county magistrate. I’ve yet to do anything for you in return.
You’re about to join the army. If you need anything, just ask. I’ll help however I can."
Seizing the moment, Nan Sheng brought up her brother Mingli. She wouldn’t be gone just a day or two—favors faded over time, so it was better to secure something now.
Boldly, she said, "Sir, after I’m transferred, could my brother get a job in town?
Even a non-permanent one would do. He only has a middle school education—just something to keep him busy."
Yu Feng considered it manageable. Not all government workers were scholars—strict education requirements were a recent change.
He could start Mingli as an errand-runner and formalize his position in a year. Without hesitation, he agreed.
