To Lin Han's surprise, Leader Ye's wife, Huang Xiaofang, greeted his family with unexpected warmth. When she saw the couple carrying two packages, she even scolded them for spending money unnecessarily.
"Is your wife called Nan Sheng? Don’t stand on ceremony with me, dear—consider this your home from now on!"
Leader Ye snorted inwardly. When he had mentioned inviting Lin Han over for a meal that morning, his wife had been visibly displeased.
Had he not mentioned that Lin Han was likely to get another promotion in the next couple of years and that his wife would also hold a government position, her attitude today would have been entirely different.
Nan Sheng smoothly struck up a conversation with Huang Xiaofang. "Thank you, sister-in-law. Lin Han has always been under Leader Ye’s command and has benefited greatly from your kindness over the years. Bringing a little something is only proper."
"We also have some local specialties from our hometown—once they arrive by mail, I’ll bring some over. They’re nothing fancy, so please don’t mind them."
Huang Xiaofang had previously looked down on Lin Han, assuming he was just another clueless country bumpkin and that his wife would be equally dull and irritating.
But after meeting Nan Sheng today, she was genuinely impressed. She liked people who knew how to handle social situations.
"Of course I don’t mind! Let’s keep in touch often from now on!"
Leader Ye had no patience for the women’s polite but insincere chatter, so he pulled Lin Han aside for tea. Despite his rough exterior, he handled the tea set with surprising finesse.
"I used to hate tea, but Division Commander Yao said my temper needed tempering, so he taught me all this. Tell me, how does it taste?"
Lin Han took a sip and, seeing Leader Ye staring expectantly, answered honestly, "A bit bitter."
Leader Ye burst into laughter. "Damn right! Even after all these years, I still think it’s bitter. You really don’t know how to flatter, do you?"
Lin Han replied earnestly, "You’ve shown me great kindness, Leader. I’ve never forgotten it."
He wasn’t one for words, but that didn’t mean he was ungrateful.
Leader Ye clapped him on the shoulder. "Enough of that. I just like you and want to help. Now that you’ve brought your wife and child here, make sure you do well!"
"Yes, sir!"
Lin Han’s time at the military academy had polished his prospects. As long as he didn’t make mistakes, another promotion was practically guaranteed—it was just a matter of timing.
Just then, Huang Xiaofang called everyone to the table, and Nan Sheng helped with the preparations.
Leader Ye and his wife had two daughters and a son—first the flowers, then the fruit. Huang Xiaofang doted on her son, Ye Chang, insisting he sit right beside her during meals.
Ye Chang was about the same age as Sizhe, but there was a spoiled arrogance in his demeanor. Nan Sheng made a mental note to warn her son later to keep his distance.
On the other hand, Leader Ye’s two daughters were remarkably well-mannered, and Nan Sheng found them both delightful.
The table was set with four dishes—two meat, two vegetable, two spicy, and two mild—accommodating the Lin family’s tastes. Spicy food was the norm here, given the damp climate.
"Try my cooking, dear! We eat spicy food year-round here, so I hope it suits your palate."
Huang Xiaofang served Nan Sheng a helping of twice-cooked pork, its rich aroma of spice and heat filling the air. Nan Sheng accepted it gratefully.
"I’ve always loved spicy food back home, so this suits me perfectly. Your cooking smells amazing, sister-in-law."
Whether the words were sincere or not, Huang Xiaofang was pleased.
Only Siqi couldn’t handle the spice, so Nan Sheng and Lin Han made sure to serve her the milder dishes. As the meal wound down, Leader Ye finally spoke up.
"Little sister-in-law, when we first arranged your job assignment, we didn't realize your rank was this high. After receiving the news, I immediately negotiated with the government. The position is secured—at director level—but I was worried you might feel burdened by it."
Nan Sheng thought to herself—getting promoted right after joining the military relocation? What incredible luck!
She had thick skin and absolutely no reservations. She couldn't wait to start immediately.
"Leader Ye, thank you for your efforts. Will I be working at the Sanwei Town government office?"
Leader Ye nodded. "The former Revolutionary Committee director of Sanwei Town was promoted to the county due to outstanding performance, leaving the position vacant. It's perfect for you to fill."
Nan Sheng's smile froze slightly. Revolutionary Committee... director?
Oh dear, her blood pressure just spiked.
So her job would involve leading subordinates and those Red Guards to stir up trouble everywhere?
What a picturesque scene...
Leader Ye added, "Actually, you could also work in the Materials Department, but they only have clerk positions available—no real authority."
He was giving Nan Sheng a choice. The Revolutionary Committee held immense power but was widely feared and despised.
The Materials Department might be easier, but her deputy director rank would make voluntary demotion look disgraceful.
After some thought, Nan Sheng decided—revolutionary work it was. What a challenging role!
"Leader Ye, the Revolutionary Committee position sounds perfect. Thank you for arranging it."
Back home, Lin Han asked Nan Sheng, "Wife, are you sure about this? The Revolutionary Committee may seem prestigious now, but their methods are extreme. Who knows when things might go wrong?"
Nan Sheng understood the historical trajectory better than Lin Han. "Don't worry. As the town's Revolutionary Committee director, I'll dictate how our members operate. I know what I'm doing."
Besides, in this era, the Revolutionary Committee's status was unshakable. Even the powerless director of Huaishan Town commanded respect.
For now, this position offered many advantages.
But accepting it meant reforming Sanwei Town's revolutionary climate. She'd handle the onboarding formalities at the government office tomorrow.
The two children had walked to town and back today and had gone to bed early. Lin Han urged his wife to rest soon—he had some intimacy in mind.
But just as things were heating up, a shout from their floor killed the mood.
"Li Wangdi, you little brat! You wet the bed again? Our home is tiny—where am I supposed to dry these blankets? I'll beat you to death!"
The yelling came from Yuying, wife of Li Guowang. She had three daughters, and after the third birth, her health was damaged—she hadn't conceived again in three years. She routinely abused her youngest girl.
And tonight was no exception...
