Jiang Xinyu smiled, walked through the crowd, greeted County Magistrate Tao and the others before taking the empty seat.
"Let me introduce everyone, this is Director Jiang Xinyu from the textile factory’s office. She has already been to Russia twice."
Applause ensued from below, everyone felt reassured knowing someone with experience was present.
"Hello, leaders. I’m honored to meet all of you today.
I will talk about my experiences from my two trips.
The first time I went, the situation there was okay, and the quality of the grain was acceptable. There were few issues with quality during inspection, and the prices were relatively reasonable.
However, on the way back, we encountered problems at the border. Honestly, we had over a hundred people pointing guns at us. We had to pay ten thousand yuan to pass through.
The second time, the process of receiving goods was worse. Prices increased, and the quality was not as good as the first time.
While returning at the border, Mr. Qian was directly pressed to the ground. They didn’t even give us a chance to speak. We spent twenty thousand yuan to come back."
The venue fell silent, and everyone realized going abroad wasn’t easy. Language was an issue, but now they understood the potential life-threatening dangers.
Jiang Xinyu smiled, "I’m telling the truth, not exaggerating at all. We don’t know what the situation will be time. What worries me now is whether the grain prices will increase for this third trip. Will the government there intervene? And even if we successfully receive the goods, can we ensure we can transport them out?"
County Magistrate Tao knew these issues, but those below did not, and their once-excited hearts were quickly doused.
The venue was silent, and everyone stared straight at Jiang Xinyu at the front.
"Director Jiang, we’d like to know the chances of a successful return this time."
"Leader, I don’t know. If, and I mean if, something unexpected really happens, whether or not our people can come back is questionable."
The venue became even quieter. The risk was too high.
"Director Jiang, we know you’re speaking the truth, but we can’t just watch our fellow villagers starve.
So even if it’s dangerous, we have to try." Shen Xueqi said determinedly.
"I will absolutely follow the leaders’ directions, even if it means braving fire and water. I just wanted to make sure everyone understands the worst-case scenario."
Tao Juncheng chimed in, "Any venture involves risk. When you collect funds, you must clearly inform everyone. It’s all voluntary, and risks are taken at one’s own discretion."
There was still no sound below, and Tao Juncheng had no solution.
"In that case, let’s return and resume our duties. Come back in two days."
Jiang Xinyu wanted to follow the crowd out but was stopped by Shen Xueqi.
"Director Jiang, let’s talk."
"You two, come to my office." Tao Juncheng said, leaving first.
"Director Jiang, can you really go?"
"Leader, I’m now trying hard to adjust my mindset. I’m scared to death, but since the orders came from above, I can’t refuse."
"You’re truly speaking candidly."
"Yes. Flattering talk is useless."
Shen Xueqi stood up, "Let’s go find County Magistrate Tao."
They knocked on the door and heard County Magistrate Tao speaking inside. Secretary Cao opened the door and invited them in.
"Wei Kaiyun, why are you doing this?
You? You can’t. You don’t have the ability."
Shen Xueqi and Jiang Xinyu had arrived at my office, and I confirmed again." said Tao Juncheng with anger as he hung up the phone.
Jiang Xinyu and Shen Xueqi heard Director Wei on the other end of the phone in a bad tone.
"Director Jiang, your former leader called, stopping you from going, and the Management Bureau in the Provincial City wants to transfer you there."
Jiang Xinyu frowned. Wei Kaiyun must be going all out for her sake? Her heart ached a bit.
"Director Jiang, what do you think?"
"County Magistrate Tao, can I call Director Wei to clarify?"
"You can, go ahead. If it’s not convenient here, you can go to Secretary Cao’s office." Tao Juncheng said with a certain tone.
"County Magistrate Tao, there’s no inconvenience."
She stepped forward, picked up the phone, and dialed Wei Kaiyun’s number.
"Director Wei, it’s Jiang Xinyu."
"Pack your bags, report to the Management Bureau tomorrow."
"I promise this is the last time."
"Director Wei, it’s okay. Given the situation, I have no retreat. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. The people going this time are all skilled. I’ll just be responsible for translation. Besides, the contacts there are our people."
"Do you know this is a life-risking gamble? Don’t you know relations have already broken down?"
"I know, but this is in the name of the people. I’ll go, I swear this is absolutely the last time."
"Jiang Xinyu, even if there’s no job, you can go to school."
Before Jiang Xinyu could finish, the call was disconnected.
She felt very upset, holding back tears. She worried about Wei Kaiyun’s safety, as he was already in a precarious situation.
"County Magistrate Tao, I have no issues here; I’ll go. But you need to think it through, if we really fail this time, you will also be implicated. Even if we explain to the people, they might not accept financial losses."
Tao Juncheng nodded "I understand. I’m also gambling right now, with my career, and my future at stake. So, Director Jiang, we are in the same boat."
"Okay, is there anything else? If not, I should be going back."
"Have a meal together." Shen Xueqi suggested.
Jiang Xinyu shook her head "No, I need to go back and rest, waiting for further notice."
"Alright. You can go."
As Jiang Xinyu left the office, Tao Juncheng put down his pen.
"It’s already so dangerous, why take the risk?"
"It’s a decision from above. What choice do I have? I can only gamble."
At this moment, the phone on the table rang again.
"Wei Kaiyun, Jiang Xinyu has already left. Wait a moment."
Tao Juncheng handed the phone to Shen Xueqi.
"Why are you so agitated? I have my reasons for choosing her.
Haha, Kaiyun, your reaction makes me think you care about her. Hahaha. Rest assured, I’ll do my utmost to protect her." Shen Xueqi put down the phone, "Tch tch, Wei Kaiyun’s concern for Jiang Xinyu seems like a husband’s concern for a wife. If it weren’t for knowing he’s incapable, I might misunderstand."
Wei Kaiyun hung up the phone. Ever since learning the news yesterday, he had been extremely restless.