Chapter 523 - Chapter 523: Chapter 510: Eyes Wide Open at the Sight of Money (1/2)

Chapter 523: Chapter 510: Eyes Wide Open at the Sight of Money

But, despite their waiting and anticipation, Zhuang Qingning never showed up again, and, correspondingly, Ding Gaochang showed no signs of concerning himself with this matter thereafter.

Instead, the villagers started to grumble.

Feng Yongfu had already hinted about opening up a workshop in the village. He made it sound grand and promising, saying the workshop would bring prosperity to the villagers. He intended to show off his achievements as village chief.

But after releasing these expectations into the village, villagers were left on their toes, eagerly waiting. As the year-end approached, and with no signs of progress on the workshop, villagers began to question its development and doubtful of Feng’s ability to fulfill his pledge. They wondered if Feng Yongfu was simply deceiving them…

Feeling restless and under pressure, Feng Yongfu left his home in haste one day to seek out Ding Gaochang for information about the workshop.

Unfortunately, Ding Gaochang was not at the County Government Office.

Relaying the message wouldn’t be appropriate either.

Messages get warped in transmission, and who knows what the two officials that went with Zhuang Qingning might say or twist to fuel dissent and sabotage Feng.

“Even if you consider this matter urgent, you will have to wait for Master Ding’s return,” Mr. Cha, the government official, said with difficulty glancing at Feng Yongfu. “Master Ding is investigating a serious murder case right now, probably the most urgent matter at hand.”

“If Feng, the village chief, is unwilling to relay a message, then you’ll have to wait until Master Ding is available. But, considering the gravity of this case, I can’t guarantee when that might be.”

Listening to Mr. Cha, Feng Yongfu’s brow furrowed, his previously cheerful demeanor turned solemn. After considering for a while, he took out a few copper coins from his sleeve and put then into Mr. Cha’s hands, “Mr, Cha, I hope you can help me out …”

“Absolutely not, not at all,” Mr. Cha immediately refused, blocking Feng’s hand. “We aren’t allowed to accept this. As I said, Master Ding is indeed busy with this case. I do not know when he will be available at the County Government Office.”

“Actually, Master Ding hasn’t been home for many days …”

“You think I refuse because the money is too little, but look at me, wearing these patched clothes. It has been hard enough for me to take out the money.” Feng Yongfu continued to push the money towards Mr. Cha, even though he refused to take it.

“That’s not why I …,” Mr. Cha sighed helplessly, feeling a certain amount of impatience towards Feng Yongfu.

Regardless of how urgent your matter is, with Master Ding out, there’s nothing to be done.

He kindly offered to relay a message, but Feng refused. Instead, he insisted on waiting for Master Ding’s return. That’s fine, but now, Feng insists on giving him money against the Office’s protocol, making Mr. Cha look like a money-grubber.

Feeling that his sense of self-worth was being undermined and struggling to maintain his patience, Mr. Cha decided against further explanation. “Village Chief Feng, Master Ding really isn’t here. I don’t know when he will return. If you’re willing to let me deliver a message, I’d be glad to help you out by informing Master Ding. But if you insist on waiting for Master Ding, then you should wait.”

“However, I must ask you, Village Chief Feng, that if you choose to wait, please do it out of sight. It wouldn’t be good if people saw you and started to speculate about what was happening at the Office.”

Having said this, he ignored Feng Yongfu.