If an incident between a pair of unmarried man and woman had an affair, they might be accused of hooliganism and be judged but such things would basically be suppressed or forgotten in the long run.
After a long time, the Senior Director said hoarsely, “The interests of the people must not be violated!”
His words could be regarded as him expressing his opinion towards the matter.
He looked at Director Qin.
Director Qin took a deep breath and said, “The cadres of the various brigades are not well-educated and their abilities need to be improved. They still need to strengthen their education and learn a few more lessons. Sentencing one would indeed warn others, so we can just show the people the consequences of doing such a thing!”
Deputy Director Li trembled all over, but he had lost all of his strength, so he slumped down on the chair with a creak.
Luo Haicheng heaved a sigh of relief and smiled at Han Qingsong.
Han Qingsong’s face was still stern, the slightest lightheartedness not in sight. He said, “Director, shouldn’t the public education of the Commune and brigades also be improved?”
Director Qin looked at him, “That’s natural. Urban city cadres have to go to the May 7th Cadre School to study while working since rural cadres also have to learn both theoretical and cultural knowledge. The study is organised by the Commune and the outstanding students would be given the opportunity to further their studies in the County. That is brilliant! Han Qingsong, do you have any suggestions?”
Han Qingsong thought for a while, “Director, the protection for women in the countryside…” He considered his vocabulary and thought of what Lin Lan said, “It’s about the promotion of physical hygiene. Should we improve that sector as well? The hospital can take the lead in training whereas the respective communes and brigades can organise their own education process.”
“Okay, that’s not a bad idea!” The Senior Director slammed his hand on the table, “We’ll go ahead with that. If there is more publicity about the situation, there will be lesser incidents. That way, we can somewhat relax as well.”
Director Qin also said, “Taking advantage of the heat of the meeting, the verdict shall be issued overnight to serve as an example to others!”
Many brigade cadres knew a thing or two about the case and thus, couldn’t sleep as they were all curious to know how it would be handled. Once the news of the death penalty was announced, it would be enough to deter them.
Sending word of the verdict in the middle of the night was enough for them to be frightened. The brigades, out of fear, would get their act up and follow the learning regime from tomorrow, so the outcome would be better as well.
At this time, the Logistics Department announced that dinner was ready, so they asked if everyone present was to eat together.
Director Qin and the Senior Director naturally refused since they wanted nothing more than to go home at such a late hour.
Deputy Director Gao said to Han Qingsong, “Let’s have a meal together.”
Han Qingsong, “I apologise. It’s very late, so I have to go home.”
He said to Luo Haicheng, “You guys can eat here; I will take it home to eat.”
Luo Haicheng was still thinking that it would only take a few minutes to eat here, but he saw that Han Qingsong no longer had the calm demeanour he once had in the meeting. Instead, he looked like he had to rush home to take care of his children, but there wasn’t much he could say about that.
“Then let’s take the food home to eat,” They had to escort Director Han back together.