Jiang Conghe was in a state of complete disarray, while Lu Shufen was having no easier a time.
As soon as she returned to the Cultural Work Troupe, she was called in for a talk by the senior leadership, who delicately brought up her issue with Chiang Qing, saying, "The purpose of the Cultural Work Troupe is to provide comfort to front-line troops through the arts, in order to boost the morale of soldiers and alleviate psychological stress. Hence, it is imperative that our image is positive and uplifting, especially as our audience primarily consists of military personnel. However, Director Lu, your recent behavior has had a tremendous impact..."
Lu Shufen was dumbstruck.
"After discussions with the upper management, you will be temporarily suspended from your duties until the investigation is completed, Director Lu. Affairs within the Troupe will temporarily be managed by Deputy Director Xiao until the matter is resolved. Over the years, you have made considerable contributions to the Troupe, and it’s time for you to rest a bit," they said.
"Leader, this is slander. Those who are spreading such rumors are clearly envious and intentionally tarnishing my reputation. It’s not like that at all, I can explain!" Lu Shufen said, desperate.
What rest? Didn’t she know that Deputy Director Xiao had been eyeing her position for a long time? If she were to take leave now, it would likely turn into a permanent situation, and she would soon be out of her job!
"Comrade Lu, as a director of the Cultural Work Troupe, we must pay close attention to our image. Whether or not you did such a thing, our Troupe is currently under scrutiny for our collective image, and the backlash has been extremely negative. The Yanjing Cultural Work Troupe deals with high-level leaders and fronts comfort operations for the soldiers who defend our country. Our image must be impeccable without the slightest blemish. You need to understand this issue," the leader said sternly, looking straight at Lu Shufen.
"But I... I didn’t..." Lu Shufen was frantic.
"Whether you did or not, the organization will conduct an investigation and will not slander you. However, the Troupe’s image cannot be tarnished, especially with major comfort events coming up this year. If our overall image is poor, who can bear that responsibility?" the leader continued gravely, "Comfort, comfort means easing the psychological stress of soldiers, enabling them to have peace of mind. But your behavior, Comrade Lu... If it gets out to those soldiers, is this comfort? No, it’s a blow!"
Lu Shufen’s face turned pale.
"The Troupe cannot allow such a stain to exist; our image must always be positive and uplifting. So, you should rest at home for now. Hand over your affairs to Deputy Director Xiao, and when the higher-ups have further instructions, we will notify you," the leader said impatiently, thinking to himself that this whole affair was a mess and even he had been reprimanded because of it. This Director Lu really lacked sense, how could she get involved in such a mess.
Right, back when she and Jiang Conghe were involved... tsk tsk, like father, like son, no wonder things turned out this way!
"Comrade Lu, it is natural for parents to love their children, but they must also recognize right from wrong. How can they simply give them anything they ask for? Just like the current situation... Isn’t that devoid of even the basic moral standards of being human?" The leader couldn’t help adding another comment.
Lu Shufen’s face darkened, and she left the leader’s office with a grave expression to return to her own office.
At the door, she saw Deputy Director Xiao standing in front of her office door, arms crossed, smiling the moment she noticed her.
Lu Shufen’s expression turned even uglier as she approached and said, "Deputy Director Xiao, you look quite pleased with yourself."
Deputy Director Xiao gave a shallow smile and replied, "Thanks to your generosity, Director Lu, I have this pleasure today." With that, she ran her hand over the nameplate on the door that bore Lu Shufen’s name and said, "This office of the leading director should have the name changed. From now on, Director Lu, you’re welcome to come and provide guidance on our work."
Lu Shufen’s face twisted, and she bit her lip, glaring fiercely at her.