President Song was in no hurry to express his opinion. Instead, he continued to ask, “What’s the situation at home now? Do you have more children, or is it a problem with a family member’s health?”
Duan Mei was stunned. How could she answer this? Yu Bing was the youngest, and her entire family was healthy. She definitely couldn’t answer this question truthfully.
Duan Mei could only start making things up, but health problems couldn’t be joked about. Her husband was the pillar of the family, and her son was more important to her than her life. Yu Pan was important too. She still had to earn money for the family, so she could only make an issue out of the family size. “Yu Bing still has a few younger siblings. Only her father and I work. The food at home is not enough.”
Yu Bing was the only female driver in the commune and was also an intellectual. After she was selected, her file had to be transferred from the village to the work unit. When the office was archiving files, President Song happened to be watching from the side. It clearly said that she was the youngest in the family of five. Now that he heard Duan Mei’s answer, he naturally knew that she was making it up.
President Song asked in a concerned tone, “In that case, things must be difficult for the family. How many people are in the family now?”
Duan Mei was a little depressed. Why was President Song asking so many questions? She replied nonchalantly, “There are still five children at home now. My husband and I are both ordinary workers. We have so many mouths to feed. I start to worry every day as soon as I open my eyes!”
President Song frowned and asked curiously, “I’ve seen all the information about the tow truck drivers. I remember that Yu Bing has older brothers and sisters in her file, but I didn’t see any mention of younger siblings.”
When Duan Mei heard this, her eyes flickered. “Maybe she forgot to write it.”
President Song’s expression turned serious. “How can something like this be missed? The information in the file has to be authentic! We definitely have to call your factory and the office to verify this situation. Yu Bing’s mother, please go back first. We’ll figure out the situation first.”
Duan Mei didn’t have the time. She was leaving the day after tomorrow. Besides, if the commune called, her lies would be exposed!
Hence, Duan Mei panicked and hurriedly said, “President, this has nothing to do with my purpose for coming here today! I came because I want the organization to help me uphold justice. Just send me eight yuan every month when she gets her salary.”
When President Song saw Duan Mei’s anxious expression, he slowly said, “This is very important. If what you say is true, then we definitely have to talk to Yu Bing. If the truth is different from what you described, then it’s better to settle your family matters yourself.”
Duan Mei’s expression turned ugly when she heard this. She could tell that none of these leaders wanted to get involved in this matter.
What she said were all lies. Now, she could only cry and make a fuss. She pinched the flesh of her thigh and said with red eyes, “President, you can’t say that. My husband and I raised Yu Bing until she was 18 years old. Now that she has a salary, shouldn’t she be filial to her parents? Filial piety is an important value everywhere in the country!”
When President Song saw Duan Mei’s true colors, he believed Song Li’s words even more. Moreover, it was probably even worse than they thought. “Yu Bing’s mother, don’t try to hide the truth. I’m just saying that your family matters have to be resolved by yourselves. Yu Bing works for our commune, so her salary should be given to her. However, if what you say is true, Yu Bing should indeed help the family. As leaders, we won’t sit back and do nothing. So, do you think I should call your factory to ask or should you communicate with Yu Bing?”
Duan Mei felt a little guilty when she saw President Song looking straight at her. She felt that President Song seemed to know everything, but she still calmed down and shouted, “I don’t care how you investigate, but Yu Bing’s salary has to be transferred to the family!”
President Song frowned as he looked at Duan Mei. She looked like an uncultured woman who was trying to force others to compromise by throwing a tantrum.
President Song didn’t indulge such people. He said coldly, “This is the government’s office. I won’t let you be unreasonable. If Yu Bing is in the wrong, the organization will educate her. However, if Yu Bing isn’t in the wrong, you can settle your family matters in private. If anyone dares to cause trouble here, the police station is on the first floor, so I don’t mind calling the police and saying that someone is obstructing official business!”