Chapter 39: Human Sentiments

The fields at dusk were shrouded in a somber grandeur, gray and majestic as Mount Tai. Amidst the vastness, Wang Qiang cycled home, catching sight of the poplars and dawn redwoods standing tall beside the asphalt road. Their branches and leaves swayed gently in the breeze, and, under the glow of the evening clouds, appeared even more robust and upright. The fluttering foliage glimmered with the last rays of the setting sun, dappling the treetops as the light slowly slipped away.

Upon arriving home, Wang Qiang found his mother gathering the dried fishing traps. It had rained yesterday, so she hadn't set out the traps, and naturally, she hadn't gone to the market stall today.

Wang Qiang stopped his bike. "Mom."

His mother, holding a trap in her hands, wiped sweat from her brow and joked, "My family's top leader is off work, then?"

With more money coming in lately, her mood had been good. This was exactly what Wang Qiang had hoped for. Lifting his bicycle over the threshold, he laughed, "Leader? Please, don't tease me."

"Alright, alright," his mother replied, carrying the trap inside. "What would you like for dinner? I'll cook for you."

"No need. After setting the traps, I have to go out again. Boss Lu invited me to dinner," Wang Qiang put his bike away by the stove.

His mother hesitated, "Going out again for dinner? Isn't that a bit much?"

Knowing his mother was honest and straightforward, Wang Qiang explained, "I have to go. Secretary Li specifically invited me. He's the town secretary—I can't refuse, can I?"

His mother was taken aback. "Who did you say? Our town secretary Li Wangliang? You're having dinner with him tonight?"

Wang Qiang answered casually. Looking back, he saw his mother's face filled with disbelief, as if the town secretary were someone extraordinary. He shook his head and smiled. What could he do? Times weren't as open as they would be later—after thousands of years, the traditional mindset held: forging connections with officials was still a remarkable thing.

Especially when Secretary Li presided over the whole town.

"Oh, then hurry and change your clothes," his mother became attentive at once. "Let me find you something nicer to wear."

Wang Qiang was amused and exasperated, "Mom, it's really not necessary. Yesterday when I met Secretary Li, I was wearing patched clothes. Today’s short-sleeved shirt might be a bit old, but nothing shameful."

His mother rolled her eyes. "But he's the secretary! You're dining with him, shouldn't you dress formally? Don't argue with me. I'll find you something; you just change."

Knowing her temperament and her concern for appearances, Wang Qiang let her be. While his mother searched for clothes, he prepared some bait to put into the traps, then told her he was going out to set them.

Having already missed a day, he couldn't afford another delay. As the saying goes, an inch of time is an inch of gold; others might not feel it, but for Wang Qiang, his precious memories would last only two decades more. Every wasted second meant less usable memory. He cherished his time, wanting to earn his first bucket of gold as soon as possible and fulfill the goals he set for himself.

Ten minutes later, he set the traps beside the cemetery. Returning home, he changed into a newer T-shirt amidst his mother's nagging, then wheeled his bike toward Lu Dahai's house.

He cycled north along rice paddies sprouting tender green shoots. After a few twists and turns, he soon reached the Lu family's compound. Unlike the city, rural surnames were clustered—one area was almost entirely of one surname. For example, at the Lu family compound where his aunt had married, the whole village from south to north, except for married-in women, was almost entirely Lu.

Wang Qiang's village was the same, all Wangs. There was even a clan temple at the southern end, with genealogies and statues of ancestors whose names he couldn't recall. Names used to be chosen according to the genealogy, but by his father's generation, traditions had faded and naming became more casual.

Near the north end of the village stood a grand three-story house, European in style, with white mosaics glittering in the waning sunlight. When it was newly decorated, it drew many visitors—unique not just in Minqiang Town, but all of Haitong. It was designed by Lu Dahai's old classmate, who studied architecture abroad.

He parked his bike by the wall. The door was open, and laughter spilled from inside.

Wang Qiang knocked politely, "Boss Lu." Looking in, he saw the bald Lu Dahai chatting with Secretary Li, who was skinny as a bag of bones, and a burly man.

He hadn't seen the burly man before, but was inwardly surprised—if not for the gray hair, the man's sharp brows, youthful face, and muscular arms would have made him look barely thirty.

"Hey, Qiangzi’s here! Come in, what are you standing outside for?" Lu Dahai stood up to greet him, showing the utmost respect.

Wang Qiang glanced at the clean rosewood floor and smiled, "No need to change shoes?"

"No, no," Lu Dahai came over and put an arm around his shoulder, grinning as he introduced, "Qiangzi, you’ve met Secretary Li; no need for introductions. This is Mayor Zhang."

Wang Qiang quickly extended both hands, "Mayor, it’s an honor to meet you. I’m Wang Qiang—just call me Xiao Wang."

"Deputy, deputy," Zhang Aiguo replied modestly, shaking Wang Qiang’s hands warmly. "I can see you’re young and promising, Xiao Wang. Come, sit and talk."

Wang Qiang greeted Secretary Li, then sat beside Lu Dahai. They had barely exchanged a few words when Qin Xiaohui, wearing a white apron, emerged from the kitchen carrying braised pork. Seeing Wang Qiang, she exclaimed happily, "Qiangzi’s here!"

The incident from earlier that day lingered in their minds, and Wang Qiang replied a bit awkwardly.

Qin Xiaohui set down the braised pork and ordered, "Old Lu, hurry to the kitchen and bring out the dishes. Can’t you see the secretary and mayor are hungry? And bring out your prized wine for everyone to try."

Lu Dahai readily agreed, then turned to Secretary Li and Mayor Zhang, "I’ve got a jar of ten-year-old Daughter Red, brought from Shaoxing. You must try it later."

Zhang Aiguo laughed, pointing at Lu Dahai and looking at Secretary Li, "Secretary Wangliang, I’ve dined with Dahai several times, and he never brought out the good wine. Now that you’re here, he’s brought it out—your presence counts for a lot!"

Secretary Li was steady, simply saying thank you.

Wang Qiang’s mouth watered. Daughter Red was a type of yellow wine, and genuine ten-year brews were rare. Most online orders were fakes—how could there be so much ten-year-old wine? But Boss Lu was different; since it was a banquet for the secretary and mayor, it was probably genuine and bound to taste excellent—a stroke of luck for Wang Qiang.

Soon, Qin Xiaohui and Lu Dahai brought out seven or eight dishes—six meat, two vegetable, and a large bowl of hen soup, fragrant and appetizing.

Lu Dahai appeared with a small wine jar. Once the bowls and chopsticks were set, he poured large half-bowls of amber yellow wine for everyone, not bothering with formal cups, just pouring it into small soup bowls.

After pouring, Lu Dahai toasted Secretary Li first, then Mayor Zhang. In the local drinking culture, you always toast those of higher rank first.

Normally, Wang Qiang, being younger, should take the initiative to toast, but before he could, someone toasted him instead.

Lu Dahai, holding his half-full bowl, said, "Qiangzi, this bowl is your cousin’s toast to you."

Wang Qiang hurriedly replied, "No, no, I should be toasting you." He picked up his bowl.

Lu Dahai blocked him, speaking earnestly, "I must toast you. You helped solve my biggest headache—if I don’t toast you, I can’t rest easy."

Qin Xiaohui echoed, "That’s right, Qiangzi, you deserve this toast."

Wang Qiang clinked bowls with Lu Dahai, saying, "Let’s toast together," and took a sip. The ten-year Daughter Red was indeed special—a sweet flavor at first, then a sourness blossomed on the tongue, followed by bitterness as it went down the throat, and finally a spicy warmth, ending with a fresh taste and a lingering astringency.

The flavor was rich and memorable.

"Good wine," Wang Qiang couldn’t help but praise.

Zhang Aiguo, obviously a wine aficionado, laughed, "I didn’t expect someone so young as Xiao Wang to know his wines!"

Secretary Li interjected, "Mayor Aiguo, don’t underestimate him—he knows quite a lot."

Zhang Aiguo was curious, "Oh? How so?"

Qin Xiaohui smiled, "It all started with the first turtle you ate recently."

"How does that relate to the turtle I ate?" Zhang Aiguo asked.

Lu Dahai pointed at Wang Qiang, "He’s the one who caught it."

"So Xiao Wang caught it?" Zhang Aiguo recalled the taste, "That turtle was delicious. I’ve had it twice lately and never tired of it—much tastier than any served in county restaurants. I knew it was wild as soon as I tasted it." After savoring the memory, he patted Wang Qiang’s arm, "Xiao Wang, how did you catch it? Teach me—when I’m off in a few days, I’ll try my hand at it."

"I was just lucky," Wang Qiang replied honestly, recounting both times he’d caught a turtle, though he glossed over the second incident.

Though he knew catching such a large turtle was a rare stroke of luck, Zhang Aiguo still sighed after hearing Wang Qiang’s story.

"Enough about turtles! Come, drink," Secretary Li enlivened the atmosphere.

Everyone ate and chatted, with Wang Qiang mostly keeping quiet, smiling and nodding to show he was listening.

Yet, for some reason, Secretary Li kept steering the conversation toward Wang Qiang.

After several rounds, Secretary Li suddenly set down his chopsticks, his expression serious. "Xiao Wang, I’d like to discuss something with you."

Zhang Aiguo and the Lu couple looked over, wondering what he wanted to say.

Wang Qiang quickly swallowed his rib, "Please, go ahead."

"It’s like this—I think your 5S management method is excellent. I’d like to write a report and submit it, to help improve some shortcomings in state enterprises." As he spoke, Secretary Li took out Feima brand cigarettes, handing one each to Zhang Aiguo and Lu Dahai, then offered one to Wang Qiang, who declined. Secretary Li took one for himself. "This management plan was your idea, so I’d like your permission."

"I thought it was something serious," Wang Qiang replied cheerfully, "It’s a Japanese method anyway. Go ahead, no need to ask me."

Secretary Li lit his cigarette with a match, took a puff, filling the air with smoke, and said earnestly, "True, but it hasn’t appeared in China yet—at least I’ve never heard of it. You’re the first to propose it, so I must respect you. Consider it a personal favor."

Wang Qiang waved his hand, "Not at all." Then, recalling something, he added, "Actually, 5S was just a stopgap. The more refined system is 7S."

The Lu couple exchanged glances, surprised Secretary Li was interested in 5S, and curious about what 7S might be.

Not just them—Zhang Aiguo was intrigued, "I’ve heard about 5S, but what’s 7S?"

Seeing everyone’s interest, Wang Qiang explained, "7S is 5S plus safety and conservation. You know 5S, so I won’t repeat it. Safety means identifying hazards, preventing accidents, ensuring staff safety and smooth production. Conservation means making efficient use of time, space, energy, maximizing their utility and reducing waste." He carefully elaborated on the two concepts.

Everyone listened and nodded, gaining some understanding.

When he finished, Secretary Li lightly applauded, "Excellent."

Zhang Aiguo suddenly turned to Secretary Li, "Secretary Wangliang, when you submit your report, can you include me?"

As the saying goes, secretaries and mayors come and go, but deputy mayors are constant. Zhang Aiguo was highly respected in Minqiang Town, and his cooperation was essential. Secretary Li agreed without hesitation, "Of course—just add another name. I’ll include you."

Zhang Aiguo beamed, thanked him, then turned and squeezed Wang Qiang’s shoulder, "Xiao Wang, I heard you’re going to Si Yi High School next semester? I know Mayor Fu in Si Yi Town well—if you run into any trouble, let me know and I’ll put in a word for you."

Wang Qiang didn’t quite understand, half-joking, "I’m pretty cautious, so I doubt I’ll get into trouble, but thank you."

Zhang Aiguo pretended to scold, "Hey, you never know!" He took a small notebook and pen from his pocket, scribbling a string of numbers, "Here’s my number—call me if you need anything."

Secretary Li added, "Put my number too."

"Alright," Zhang Aiguo nodded.

Wang Qiang realized it wasn’t just an offer to help, but an excuse to give him their contact information. Likely, they felt indebted for the 7S idea, so this was their way of returning the favor.

After writing, Zhang Aiguo handed Wang Qiang the slip of paper, saying solemnly, "I can’t speak for outside Haitong County, but as long as you’re here, if you need anything, just let me know—I’ll help you sort it out."

Secretary Li said nothing, just nodded.

"Thank you, Mayor and Secretary," Wang Qiang carefully pocketed the numbers. Since Mayor Zhang dared to make such a promise, he’d surely keep it. He couldn’t refuse such a favor—it might come in handy someday. In official circles, knowing someone made all the difference. He knew this was a stroke of great fortune.

Lu Dahai’s eyes showed envy. He’d treated Mayor Zhang to many meals and tried hard to curry favor, but never got such a guarantee. Truly, you need to be strong yourself—Xiao Wang was young, but he had substance. Even Mayor Zhang and Secretary Li were willing to owe him for the 7S idea, which was almost too enviable.

Then again, Lu Dahai understood their mindset. If he were in their position, submitting a method like 7S would be a major achievement, and he’d gladly owe Wang Qiang a favor, too.

And so, the dinner unfolded in laughter and cheerful conversation.