Chapter 35: Against the Rules

"Township Head, I’m afraid... that wouldn't be in accordance with the regulations, would it?" Qin Feng felt as if a thousand stampeding horses were galloping through his mind.

"What’s not in accordance with the regulations about it? It’s just a temporary transfer. Think of it as a loan from the government’s treasury; we’ll pay it back once the treasury has funds."

"This money isn't being disbursed for Boss Xu’s personal use. It’s payment for the construction work Boss Xu did last year when he renovated the government courtyard. He has the receipts in hand, so there is no issue of misconduct in you authorizing the payment; it’s simply a temporary reallocation," Wang Yunfei said with visible irritation.

"Director Qin, please, help me out. I’m truly at my wit's end. My wife is still in the intensive care unit, and this money is needed to save her life. Please, Director Qin, you must help me." Boss Xu put on a pathetic expression, looking as if he were on the verge of tears.

Qin Feng didn't know if Boss Xu’s wife was actually in the ICU, but he knew one thing for certain: he absolutely could not touch this money. So many impoverished families were waiting for these funds just to survive.

Ignoring Boss Xu, Qin Feng turned to Wang Yunfei. "Township Head, these funds are specifically earmarked to guarantee the basic livelihood of the most impoverished families. According to the rules, they must be used exclusively for their intended purpose. Furthermore, if I disburse this money to Boss Xu, what will those impoverished families do?"

"How can someone as young as you be so pedantic? In your work, you must learn to be flexible. You cannot always be a dogmatist. In grassroots work, you will encounter all sorts of problems. If you follow the rules strictly, how could any work ever get done?" Chang Yong chided, his face stern.

"Yes! You are right, Township Head Chang, but I truly don’t know how to resolve this matter," Qin Feng replied with feigned humility, while remaining firm in his resolve.

"Are you stupid? Even though this money was transferred from the Civil Affairs Bureau to your office's account, at the end of the day, isn't it still money the county allocated to our township government? The township government owes Boss Xu for construction work; it is perfectly reasonable for you to disburse the payment to him."

"Boss Xu has the construction withdrawal slip I signed. If you process the payment based on that document, there is no violation of any law or regulation," Chang Yong continued to press him.

"But this is livelihood security money for the poor. They are all waiting for this money to buy food. When they come to me asking for their money later, what am I supposed to give them?" Qin Feng countered.

"I don't think your brain is very sharp. You were the one who lobbied the higher-ups to get these funds approved. If you don't say anything, how would they even know this money exists?"

"Even if they did know, can’t you just tell them the money hasn't arrived yet? You represent the government. Do you think they would dare to make a scene against the government? If anyone comes to cause trouble, just tell me. I’ll call the police station. Whoever causes trouble gets arrested. Let’s see who dares to act out."

Hearing Chang Yong speak like this, Qin Feng couldn't help but frown.

"What if the higher-ups investigate?" Qin Feng tried another excuse.

"The higher-ups? Which higher-ups? The Township Head is sitting right here. If the Township Head isn't investigating you, who would?"

"How would the Civil Affairs Bureau know whether you’ve distributed this money or not? Can’t you just tell them that it has been distributed? If the sky falls, Township Head Wang will be there to hold it up for you. What are you afraid of?" Chang Yong continued to lecture him.

Listening to Chang Yong, Qin Feng’s heart grew colder. He wasn't naive; everything Chang Yong said was merely a verbal promise. If a real investigation were to happen, given the character of Chang Yong and Wang Yunfei, they would never step up to take responsibility.

At that moment, Boss Xu took a bag from the cabinet.

"Director Qin, I beg you, please help. My wife really needs this money to save her life. The hospital is waiting for me to pay for the surgery..." As he spoke, Boss Xu shoved the bag into Qin Feng’s hands.

Qin Feng froze. Having never encountered such a situation before, he was at a loss. He glanced into the bag and saw a carton of high-end cigarettes along with two thick red envelopes.

"Little Qin, this is a government matter. You are just helping me and the government resolve a difficulty. Whether the money goes to Boss Xu or the impoverished families, it’s all official business."

"However, some matters are more urgent than others. Boss Xu’s situation is indeed critical. You should disburse the money to him first; the poor can wait a little while. Once the township treasury has funds, we will transfer the money to your office," Wang Yunfei said finally.

With Wang Yunfei having spoken so plainly, Qin Feng knew he could no longer play the fool.

Qin Feng placed the bag Boss Xu had forced upon him back in front of him.

"Boss Xu, one should not receive a reward without merit. Besides, these gifts are too valuable; I cannot accept them."

"Director Qin, this..." Upon hearing Qin Feng’s words, the expressions of everyone present, including Wang Yunfei, changed. Qin Feng’s refusal was unmistakable.

"As for the disbursement... Township Head, you know that I am young and lack work experience. This is my first time encountering such a situation, and I feel a bit uneasy about it. Could you give me some time to go back and think it over carefully? Would that be acceptable?"

Qin Feng did not refuse directly; he wasn't reckless enough to slap Wang Yunfei in the face in front of everyone.

"Qin Feng, you are being ungrateful! You need to understand that you are merely the Director of the Civil Affairs Office."

"This is government money, not your private funds. Do you think we can't get it out just because you won't sign for it?" Chang Yong slammed the table in anger.

Wang Yunfei’s expression also turned unsightly, and he stared coldly at Qin Feng with a dark face.

"I didn't say it was my private money, but this is a major matter, and I truly need to go back and consider it carefully. Township Head, please give me some time," Qin Feng said, suppressing his internal anger.

Chang Yong stood up, slamming the table again, but Wang Yunfei called him off.

"Fine. What you said has some merit. It’s understandable to be overwhelmed when encountering such a situation for the first time. Go back and think about it carefully. Give Township Head Chang an answer tomorrow."

"Disburse the money to Boss Xu as soon as possible. It’s life-saving money; none of us can bear the responsibility if his medical treatment is delayed," Wang Yunfei said indifferently before rising and walking out.

"Hmph!" Chang Yong shot Qin Feng a cold glare, let out a snort, and followed Wang Yunfei out.

"Township Head Wang, let me see you out." Boss Xu glanced at Qin Feng before chasing after them.

Qin Feng lit a cigarette and smoked slowly. Only after finishing it did he slowly walk out of the restaurant.