"Alright, I'll handle this matter. From now on, have your brother call me if anything comes up—I’ll help however I can!"
After dinner, Du Tang once again escorted Nan Sheng back to the guesthouse. As they parted, they shook hands to cheer each other on. Du Tang’s work was currently full of challenges, and Nan Sheng, too, faced an uncertain new living environment.
One thing was certain: both had the courage to rise to the occasion!
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Nan Sheng and the other two rode their bikes to town.
Peng Clerk already knew about his work transfer. Not only had Secretary Ma pulled strings, but Nan Sheng had also pleaded on his behalf.
His way of repaying her? Bringing a five-meter-long rope from home, tying it from his bike’s rear rack to Nan Sheng’s handlebars.
It was impossible not to attract attention on the road. Anyone who saw this comical scene burst out laughing. Nan Sheng refused several times but couldn’t sway Peng Clerk’s determination to repay her. She could only silently lower the brim of her straw hat.
As long as her face wasn’t visible, she could pretend she didn’t exist.
Nan Sheng was too embarrassed to laugh, but Secretary Ma chuckled the entire way!
Finally reaching town, Nan Sheng firmly declined Peng Clerk’s offer to escort her home and turned toward her own place.
This trip to the county had been a windfall for Peng Clerk—he got transferred back to reunite with his family. Nan Sheng and Secretary Ma also gained something, though Secretary Ma, already in a high-ranking position, could only be promoted two levels.
Sizhe and Siqi had no school today and had been eagerly waiting at the door, while Mingli looked utterly drained.
Why?
He simply couldn’t handle Siqi asking every few minutes, "Uncle, when is Mom coming back?"
After this experience, he swore that taking care of children was the most exhausting job in the world!
By the time Nan Sheng cycled home, her thighs were nearly numb from the ride, forcing her to walk like a crab with her legs wide apart.
Seeing her mother pushing the bike, Siqi charged over like a little cannonball. Nan Sheng braced herself—but the next second, both mother and daughter were on the ground, the bike clattering beside them.
Siqi hadn’t expected her mother to be so easily toppled. Realizing her mistake, she immediately ran inside to make amends, fetching water and wiping Nan Sheng’s face.
Nan Sheng didn’t have the energy to scold her, but Sizhe gave his sister a stern lecture.
Once Nan Sheng caught her breath, Mingli couldn’t resist asking about her past two days.
"Sis, were the county government leaders easy to work with? Did anyone give you trouble?"
Seeing everyone’s curiosity, Nan Sheng explained in detail. "The past few days, city officials came to inspect our work and commend the county’s effective disaster response.
"Magistrate Yu has now officially been promoted to County Magistrate Yu, Secretary Ma rose two levels, and as for me—I jumped four levels and got a 200-yuan bonus! From now on, you can call me Deputy Director Nan!"
The kids only knew their mother had been promoted but didn’t grasp how impressive "Deputy Director" was. Mingli, however, was so excited his voice cracked.
"Seriously? Sis, how’d you climb so fast?"
Mingli suddenly realized the Lin family seemed to be a lucky charm—ever since his sister married into it, nothing but good things had happened!
Her husband must be a fortune magnet!
Nan Sheng, already past the excitement, replied calmly, "My old position was low, so four levels only got me to deputy director. The higher you go, the harder it gets. Secretary Ma said my monthly salary will now be this much!"
She held up seven fingers—her salary had more than quadrupled, and her benefits were now entirely different.
Mingli didn’t say another word. Grabbing Sizhe, he hopped on their bikes and raced toward Wangshan Village.
"Sis, wait here! I’m bringing Mom and Dad over—we’re celebrating tonight!"
Nan Sheng found it amusing. Her father was still working in the fields—if Mingli showed up now, he’d be lucky to escape a scolding.
An hour later, the elderly Nans arrived on one bike, while Mingli and Sizhe rode another.
Nan Jingyu and Zhong Yanyan’s faces glowed with pride, showering their daughter with praise.
"For Lin Han to marry a girl as outstanding as our daughter, the Lin ancestors must’ve blessed them! When we get home, I’ll check our family graves—maybe ours are smoking too!"
Nan Jingyu wasn’t to be outdone. "The midwife said the moment you were born that your forehead was full and your face auspicious. I knew then you’d achieve great things!"
With all the praise taken, Mingli could only express himself through action—he immediately went to slaughter and pluck a chicken. Nan's Mother followed to help.
Nan Sheng smiled and asked her father, "Dad, did you ask the village head for leave?"
Nan Jingyu’s usually stern face was all smiles. "Don’t even mention it. That rascal son of mine can’t keep anything to himself. The moment he reached the fields, he started shouting about your promotion. The village head was there and told me to hurry home."
By now, news of Nan Sheng’s promotion had surely spread across Wangshan Village.
For dinner, Nan's Mother stewed the chicken, steamed fish, and braised pork. Seeing everyone in high spirits, Nan Sheng brought out the liquor infused with ginseng, letting anyone who wanted a taste pour a small cup.
Mingli raised his glass first. "Sis, a toast to you—may your future be bright and your rise unstoppable!"
Nan Sheng clinked her rice bowl against his cup. "I’ll return those words to you. I’ve arranged a job for you—once I leave to join my husband, you’ll report directly to Secretary Ma. I know you’ll go far!"
Mingli stared blankly. What had his sister just said?
He, Nan Mingli, could work for the government now?
Nan Jingyu was just as stunned. "Wife, am I drunk already? Did our daughter just say our son’s got a government job?"
The kids covered their mouths, giggling at their grandparents’ "hearing problems."
Sizhe was the first to congratulate Mingli. "Uncle, you’ll be eating state rations now!"
Siqi chimed in, "Uncle’s so amazing!"
Nan Sheng clarified that Mingli would start as an errand-runner and would need at least a year to become a full-fledged government employee.
Mingli quickly said even three years would be fine—he’d work hard to earn that promotion!
Nan's Mother, unusually, drank two cups—happy for her children’s futures but sad about the impending separation.
But whatever her daughter chose, she’d support it. After all, their door would always be open for her.
