Chapter 35: A Gift Offered, Only to Be Refused

He Shinian replied with a nod, recounting the scene of Liu Dajin causing a disturbance at the County Committee office.

Wu Yunqiu heard him out with an unchanging expression, offering no commentary on Liu Dajin’s actions. Perhaps, in her eyes, a section-level cadre like Liu was not significant enough to warrant her evaluation. Whatever needed to be done would be handled by the relevant departments.

Back in his office, He Shinian poured himself a cup of tea. He had barely taken a sip when Kong Zhengyou appeared at the doorway. Kong looked unwell; his eyes appeared listless, and his expression was tinged with desolation.

"Director Kong, what brings you here?"

Kong Zhengyou replied, "Liu Dajin is still at the Public Security Bureau, but his mental state seems quite abnormal."

It was hardly surprising he was mentally unstable, having brought pesticide to the County Committee to stir up trouble. He Shinian said, "Director Kong, there was no need to make a trip for Liu Dajin’s matter; a phone call would have sufficed."

"It was necessary, quite necessary."

Once, Kong Zhengyou had been He Shinian’s superior, always standing tall and rigid in public. Now, however, he appeared restrained, even timid. He Shinian couldn't help but reflect on how power is a curious thing—it can make a man stand tall, and it can just as easily break his spirit.

He Shinian poured him a cup of tea anyway. "Director Kong, have some tea."

"Thank you." Kong Zhengyou held the cup with both hands, his legs subconsciously drawn together.

Watching him, He Shinian felt a flicker of pity. During this incident, Kong had cooperated with the investigation team. He had no financial irregularities himself—at most, he had accepted a few meals and favors from Jinchang Agriculture—but he was suspected of dereliction of duty in his official capacity. Under normal circumstances, it was highly likely he would be relegated to a remote township or a minor position in an obscure department.

"Secretary He, I came today to ask for your help."

Kong Zhengyou seemed anxious, but finally managed to get the words out. He Shinian knew he hadn't come without an agenda.

"Director Kong, we worked together for a year, and I have a fondness for the Land Bureau. If you have something to say, just say it!"

Kong took a sip of tea, still struggling to find the words.

"Director Kong, people are always coming and going here; I shouldn't delay too long. Please, speak plainly."

Kong Zhengyou glanced at He Shinian, subconsciously straightening his posture. "Secretary He, I want to ask you to put in a good word for me. Please, ask Secretary Wu to show mercy."

"I don't want to be sent to a township. I just want to stay in the city... even if you put me in the Earthquake Bureau or the Meteorological Bureau—any of those quiet departments would be fine."

He Shinian had expected this. During his year at the Land Bureau, Kong had never gone out of his way to make things difficult for him; he had mostly treated him as if he were invisible. He Shinian felt neither hatred nor affection for him—their relationship had been as bland as plain water.

"Director Kong, this isn't something a secretary can decide. The decision lies with the County Committee. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes, Secretary He, of course I do. But if Secretary Wu agrees, the Committee won't make things difficult for someone of my rank."

He Shinian caught the subtext: Kong had likely already approached others and was only waiting on Wu Yunqiu. If she didn't object, no one else would. But Kong was too afraid to approach her directly, so he had come to He Shinian.

"Very well, Director Kong. I understand. If the opportunity arises, I will mention it to Secretary Wu."

The statement was clearly a polite dismissal.

"Thank you, thank you, Secretary He! I’m so grateful." Kong stood up, agitated, and added, "I’ll let you get back to work then, I won't disturb you any longer."

He turned and left without lingering. Just then, He Shinian noticed a bulging envelope left on the sofa where Kong had been sitting.

"Director Kong, wait a moment."

He Shinian stood up. Kong turned around. "Is there something else, Secretary He?"

"Director Kong, you forgot something."

Kong immediately denied it. "No, Secretary He, I haven't left anything behind."

He Shinian walked to the sofa, picked up the envelope, and pressed it into Kong’s hand. "Director Kong, don't play these games with me. Please, take this back."

"This... this, Secretary He, it's not..." Kong’s face flushed. "It's just a small token, please, just take it."

"Director Kong, I don't need this, and I don't want you to do this again."

He had felt a sliver of pity for Kong just moments ago, but seeing him attempt bribery wiped it away entirely. Seeing Kong try to push it back, He Shinian said in a low, stern voice, "Director Kong, if you persist, I will have no choice but to hand this over to the Discipline Inspection Commission."

Finally, with a reddened face and deep resentment, Kong took the envelope and left in defeat. After he was gone, He Shinian silently warned himself: as a secretary, one faces immense temptation daily. One must hold fast to their principles and never cross the line.

Three days later, unable to bear the pressure, Liu Dajin voluntarily turned himself in to the Discipline Inspection Commission, reporting 50,000 yuan in bribes accepted during the land transfer process, along with another 680,000 yuan accumulated from previous land dealings.

The figure shocked He Shinian. A mere section chief had embezzled so much. He had expected Liu to face legal trial and harsh punishment, but to his surprise, the day after being placed under "Shuanggui" (detention for party members), Liu went insane.

Hospital examinations confirmed that Liu was mentally unstable—showing signs of violence, cognitive confusion, and a blank stare—all consistent with psychiatric complications. After a preliminary assessment, he was diagnosed with a mental disorder and sent to the Donghua Prefecture Second People’s Hospital for treatment.

Hearing the news, He Shinian sighed. Only weeks ago, Liu Dajin had been arrogant and overbearing in his presence. In less than a month, he had fallen so far, even losing his mind. Truly, the fortunes of life shift like mountains in the mist.

As for the bribers at Jinchang Agriculture, they claimed that the individual responsible had been fired before Liu was detained. Jinchang Agriculture issued a media statement clarifying that the bribery—whether toward Qian Dazhi, Liu Dajin, or others involved in the approval process—was entirely a personal act, unrelated to the company. Simultaneously, Jinchang Agriculture complied with Wu Yunqiu’s directive to restore the farmland, issued a public apology to the villagers, and quietly left Ninghai County.

On Friday after work, Qiao Yina called.

"Shinian, you shouldn't have any professional engagements tonight, right?"

"I'm not sure yet; Secretary Wu hasn't left the office."

Qiao Yina said, "My parents want us to come over for dinner. They want to discuss our wedding."