Before he could voice any doubts, Nan Sheng spoke up, "Old man, do you have water in the house? I’d like to come in and get some to drink."
Li Liangbai said yes, and the group headed inside. Nan Sheng was just looking for an excuse to enter—she didn’t actually pour any water into her cup.
The small one-room house was less than twenty square meters. Aside from a bed, there was a set of tables and chairs, a water vat, and some daily necessities. No food was in sight.
But compared to the cowsheds where those sent down for re-education lived, this place was practically a luxury suite.
Nan Sheng made herself at home, sitting directly on a chair to chat with Li Liangbai. Meanwhile, Chen Tian was still scouring the room, searching for any possible hiding spots.
"Old man, at your age, what got you sent down here?"
Li Liangbai answered with complete composure, "No offense, Director Nan, but I raised a foolish son who offended someone he shouldn’t have. Now this old man has to suffer alongside him."
Fortunately, he still had some connections, which spared his family’s women and children from hardship. Otherwise, his wife would’ve had it rough.
Li Liangbai’s case was special—his re-education had been delayed for two months before being enforced. He suspected there were allies within the Revolutionary Committee, and he guessed it was none other than Director Nan herself.
After Chen Tian finished his inspection, he gave Nan Sheng a meaningful look, and the two soon left.
Li Liangbai sighed as he watched their retreating figures. The military district sent supplies every night—sooner or later, someone would notice.
Chen Tian remarked, "Director, this Li Liangbai is suspicious. He’s been sent down for re-education, yet he doesn’t look like he’s been through the wringer. In fact, he seems healthier than my own parents."
Nan Sheng shrugged. "Someone must be looking after him privately. It’s not unheard of."
By the time they returned to the town government office, it was just past one o’clock. The canteen had kept meals for them.
Secretary Cai, hearing of Nan Sheng’s return, relayed the news that she was expected to attend a meeting in the county.
"Another meeting?"
Noticing Nan Sheng’s expression, Secretary Cai quickly backtracked, "Well, if you’re not feeling well, I can make an excuse for you this time."
Nan Sheng took a deep breath. "Is the new county Revolutionary Committee director in place?"
"No. The city committee hasn’t found a suitable candidate yet, so the position remains vacant for now."
No one from the city committee wanted the job—everyone knew it was a hot potato, a thankless task.
"Then what’s the point of the meeting?" Nan Sheng couldn’t fathom it.
Secretary Cai, however, understood the underlying motive. Secretary Cao had successfully suppressed the Revolutionary Committee’s influence and was now flaunting his power through these meetings, ensuring the committee members stayed in line.
When Nan Sheng returned home, she found a package waiting for her. The kids said it had been delivered by the postman.
Unwrapping it, she discovered cured chicken and preserved meats inside—she immediately knew who had sent it.
There was also a letter addressed to "Dear Nan Jie"—a nostalgic title she hadn’t heard in a long time.
As she read, Xiao Yi first complained that she hadn’t written to him since arriving in Rongcheng, saying he was heartbroken and sad. The only way to rekindle their friendship, he joked, was through cured meats.
He also mentioned his business was thriving, all thanks to Nan Sheng’s help. Even Secretary Ma was looking out for them now.
He promised to send meat every two months as a token of gratitude—Xiao Yi was almost too thoughtful.
Siqi, oblivious to the sender, only had eyes for the preserved meat. "Mom, can we fry some for dinner? I’m craving it!"
Though Nan Sheng had already brought back food from the canteen, she was also tempted by the cured meat. An extra dish for dinner was non-negotiable.
After a satisfying meal, Nan Sheng wrote a reply to Xiao Yi and then turned to the tech database to transcribe more notes.
Midway, she suddenly asked, "System, after all this time, hasn’t the favorability level reached 100 yet?"
The system hesitated. "Not yet. It’s not that easy!"
It wanted to see how far Nan Sheng could go—was it really so wrong to nudge the favorability meter just a little?
Changing the subject, it said, "You still have so many lottery chances left. Aren’t you going to use them?"
Nan Sheng still refused. "The thought of drawing a ‘Thanks for Playing’ just kills my interest. System, do you have an aircraft carrier? Or maybe a nuclear submarine?"
The system grumbled. Why did she always ask for things it couldn’t provide? "You’re better off studying and building one yourself!"
"Studying is out of the question. I’ll just have to copy more notes."
Nan Sheng suddenly felt that working in the Revolutionary Committee was beneath her. With the knowledge she had, she could easily land a director’s position at a research institute.
Lin Han returned home well past midnight. Only the living room light was on. In the kitchen, he found steamed buns and cured meat in the pot—a perfect midnight snack.
He tiptoed into the bedroom afterward, eager to share some good news with his wife the next morning.
"We can install fans now?"
Nan Sheng was thrilled.
"Yes, the military district is ordering a batch, and no ration coupons are needed. Anyone who wants one just needs to sign up."
Of course, the military wouldn’t cover the cost—each household had to pay for their own. Lin Han had reserved three: one for each bedroom and one for the living room.
After living together for so long, he knew Nan Sheng’s temper. If he’d only bought one, he might’ve been locked out.
"That’s fantastic! I’ll eat quickly—I have another county meeting today."
"Another meeting?"
The two kids groaned in unison, assuming she wouldn’t be back that night.
Nan Sheng spread her hands helplessly. "The higher-ups have nothing better to do. But this one shouldn’t take too long. I’m off!"
At the county government office, the atmosphere was palpably different. In the past, the Revolutionary Committee members had carried themselves with arrogance. Now, they could barely lift their heads.
Everyone knew Ou Yaosheng had been transferred because he crossed Nan Sheng. Regardless of faction, people treated her with respect.
Nan Sheng wished she could capture this moment and send it back to her family—proof that Nan Jie was still Nan Jie, commanding respect wherever she went.
Secretary Cao declared, "I won’t dwell on Ou Yaosheng’s case, but let it serve as a warning—especially to the Revolutionary Committee. From now on, follow protocol. If you’re unsure, learn from Director Nan of Sanwei Town!"
Nan Sheng mused to herself. Just days ago, she’d been labeled a troublemaker. Now, she was a model to emulate.
After the meeting, Secretary Cao handed her a package of pastries.
"I know you’re in a hurry to catch the bus back. Take these for the road. Let’s have a proper meal together next time. From now on, let’s communicate and coordinate more!"
