Siheyuan: I just want to live

After a moment, Hou Debang suddenly turned around as if he had thought of something important, and looked straight at Chen Feng with a smile on his face.

Then he said, "Brother Chen, we have an opportunity to go to the disaster area to provide support this time. Why don't you come with me?"

"This will not only help the people affected by the disaster, but also allow me to accumulate some valuable work experience and qualifications!"

As soon as Hou Debang finished speaking, Chen Feng shook his head violently as if he had been electrocuted, and his hands kept waving, as if he wanted to push the proposal away.

Chen Feng's face flushed slightly, and he responded anxiously: "Oh, Brother Hou, please forgive me! It's really not suitable for me to go to that kind of place!"

After a brief pause, Chen Feng took a deep breath and continued to explain: "Just think about it, the disaster area is so dangerous, there are unknown situations and potential risks everywhere."

"I really value my life too much. If something unexpected happens to me, it will be more trouble than it's worth!"

"Besides, I don't really care about things like promotion, salary increase, and job level."

"I think it's good to work on this farm now. I plant crops and raise fish every day. My life is fulfilling and comfortable. So, I just stay here peacefully and don't want to join in the fun!"

After hearing Chen Feng's unmotivated speech, Hou Debang could not help but stand there in a daze, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

He originally thought that with his friendship with Chen Feng, plus such a rare training opportunity, he would be able to convince Chen Feng to go to the disaster area with him.

However, it seems that I thought too simply at this moment. But if I think about it carefully, everyone has their own choices and pursuits. If Chen Feng really doesn't want to go to the disaster area from the bottom of his heart, no matter how much I persuade him, it will probably be useless.

Helplessly, Hou Debang could only sigh softly and said to Chen Feng with a wry smile.

"Okay, okay, since you have made up your mind, I will not force you any more. I just hope you won't regret your decision today! I also hope you won't blame me for not persuading you well."

Hearing Hou Debang's words, Chen Feng shrugged his shoulders with a relaxed look on his face and responded nonchalantly: "There's nothing to regret about this."

"After all, we chose our own path. As for how to proceed in the future, that is entirely our own business. We cannot blame others."

He paused for a moment, then added: "Besides, I don't have such lofty ambitions as you, brother."

"I was thinking, if I could smoothly get a retirement package at the department level, that would be so satisfying for me!"

After hearing what Chen Feng said, Hou Debang couldn't help but burst into laughter. He also reached out and patted Chen Feng's shoulder affectionately, and then slowly spoke.

"Brother, you will soon be able to enjoy the treatment of a department-level cadre!"

As soon as Hou Debang said this, Chen Feng's eyebrows suddenly raised, and an expression of surprise and curiosity immediately appeared on his face.

Then, he asked with a big smile on his face: "Brother Hou, what exactly are you talking about? Could it be that you got some unknown inside information? Tell me quickly!"

Seeing Chen Feng's anxious look, Hou Debang still smiled and replied slowly: "Actually, this is not a particularly secret news."

"Think about it, you've been on this farm for more than ten years, that's enough experience."

"Besides, your farm has made great contributions during this earthquake, successfully ensuring a stable supply of food. The higher-ups are very satisfied with your farm's outstanding performance."

"Just yesterday, when the steel plant held a rescue meeting, the participants reached a unanimous decision after in-depth discussion: once this earthquake is completely over, your administrative level and position will be promoted!"

"After this earthquake subsides, you will be transformed into a deputy secretary of the farm!"

When Chen Feng heard what Hou Debang said, he was stunned for a moment at first, then he smiled happily, clasped his hands towards Hou Debang, and said with gratitude.

"Then I would like to thank you very much, brother! If it weren't for your care and support, I'm afraid I would not be able to get such a rare opportunity for promotion!"

Hou Debang watched Chen Feng's every move with a smile on his face, especially when he saw him bowing to express his gratitude, he couldn't help but find it somewhat interesting.

So, he asked with a little doubt: "The steel plant made the decision to promote your position and level. Why don't you thank the leaders of the factory? Why do you thank me?"

Facing Hou Debang's question, Chen Feng laughed unrestrainedly, and then answered straightforwardly: "Brother Hou! Look at what you said!"

"I would never believe that I could be promoted so smoothly if it weren't for your help and support!"

"So, I must thank you! I will remember this kindness in my heart and will repay you double in the future!"

After hearing Chen Feng say this, Hou Debang showed a trace of helplessness on his face. He shook his head gently, then slowly opened his mouth and spoke.

"Oh my, why are you always so polite to me? We are good brothers. I've said it before, there's no need for us to be so polite to each other!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng hurriedly nodded with a smile and replied, "Yes, yes, yes! Brother Hou, you are right. It is indeed me who was too polite and seemed unfamiliar!"

After hearing Chen Feng's response, Hou Debang no longer dwelled on this topic. He changed the subject, turned his gaze to Chen Feng, and asked.

"Brother Chen, I heard the good news about your promotion. You must be very happy, right?"

Seeing Hou Debang asking the question, Chen Feng quickly nodded with a smile on his face and replied, "Of course, when such a good thing as a promotion and a pay raise comes to you, who wouldn't be happy?"

At this moment, Hou Debang said mysteriously: "Okay, I'll make you even happier!"

Then, he reached out and fumbled out another document from the briefcase he was carrying. Then, he handed the document to Chen Feng while muttering something.

"Look, this is the property-related document you asked me to help you with a few days ago. I have already taken care of it all for you."

"I'm handing it over to you now. Take a good look at it and see if there's anything wrong with it!"

When Chen Feng first heard Hou Debang say this, he was completely stunned. He widened his eyes with an expression of disbelief and couldn't help but exclaimed loudly: "Wow, it's actually true?"

Chen Feng took the heavy result document with a smile on his face, and couldn't wait to open it. His eyes quickly scanned every line of words, while he kept muttering to Hou Debang who was standing beside him.

"I was thinking that, Brother Hou, you would have to wait until the earthquake was completely over before you could help me with this matter."

"Who would have thought that only two days have passed and you would come to my door in person today!"

"Your efficiency is ridiculous! You are worthy of being called Brother Hou. I have to say that you are really popular with people!"

Hearing Chen Feng's ecstatic praise, Hou Debang couldn't help but straighten his back, an unconcealable pride revealed on his face. He crossed his arms and slightly raised his head to respond.

"That's not good, brother. Do you think that I have been struggling in this city for so many years for nothing? If I can't even handle such a small matter, then I have been working in vain, right?"

"Besides, how could I dare to neglect the matter that your brother Chen entrusted to me? So I rushed to process it and sent it to you, so that you don't have to wait and get anxious, right?"

Looking at Hou Debang's arrogant look, Chen Feng quickly apologized with a smile and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes, that's right! In this city, my brother Hou is definitely one of the best in terms of reputation and connections! Once you take action, there will be nothing that can't be solved!"

After hearing Chen Feng's words, Hou Debang was stunned for a moment, then burst into a hearty and heroic laugh. The laughter seemed to be able to penetrate the sky, shaking the surrounding leaves.

Chen Feng watched Hou Debang laugh so happily, and he couldn't help but laugh along with him. Although his laughter was not as loud as Hou Debang's, it contained an indescribable sense of ease and joy.

Just like that, the two of them laughed as if no one was around, as if they had thrown all their worries and pressures away.

After a long while, Chen Feng gradually stopped laughing. He took a few breaths, then patted Hou Debang on the shoulder and spoke to the latter.

"Brother Hou, let's not just stand here like idiots! Loading grain is such a small matter, the accountants are there to take care of it, there will definitely be no problems."

"How about this, why don't we go sit in my makeshift earthquake shelter? Have some tea and chat!"

Hearing Chen Feng's enthusiastic invitation, Hou Debang smiled and nodded, expressing his agreement: "Well, brother, you are right! It is indeed reassuring to hand this place over to Accountant Guan. There is no need for the two of us to stand here and watch over it all the time."

"Come on, let's go to your earthquake shelter and take a rest."

After saying this, Hou Debang gently moved his sore legs and feet.

So Chen Feng took Hou Debang to the earthquake shelter.