The life of Lao Liu since 1944

For a moment, Wu Youren was filled with strong doubts and uneasiness. He couldn't believe his ears, and couldn't accept such a reality.

He trembled and asked the other party to repeat it again. His voice was trembling and weak, and every word was trembling and fearful.

"Say it again, I was dismissed? How...how is this possible?"

The clerk's eyes were full of disdain and contempt, and he looked at Wu Youren as if he were a clown.

There was a scornful smile on the corner of his mouth, and his eyes flashed with a faint envy of power and wealth, mixed with a hint of imperceptible jealousy.

It was as if he was silently calculating in his heart that if he could one day take Wu Youren's position, he would be able to control the stage full of temptations and risks with greater wisdom and less greed. He knew deep down that the reason why Wu Youren ended up in such a situation was largely due to his over-expanded ambition and endless greed.

"Wu Youren, you were caught asking for 50 yuan from Yongchang Grain Store. Now they won't sell cheap grain to the government, so you're being robbed. You're really greedy and have a big appetite, asking for 50 yuan. You deserve this fate. Don't you know that Yongchang is in charge of the cheap grain supply of the entire city? Without Yongchang Grain Store, you can't buy such good grain at such a good price."

After saying that, he turned and left without any reluctance, as if there was something disgusting here.

Wu Youren stood there like a statue, his eyes dull, the emotions surging in his heart like a storm. His thoughts were like a tangled mess, constantly recalling his past words and deeds, knowing that he had indeed offended many people in the past days, and these people may have been dissatisfied and resentful of him, waiting for his downfall. When he thought of this, Wu Youren's heart was filled with an indescribable panic, as if he had fallen into an icy abyss and could not extricate himself.

He hurriedly moved his feet and rushed to the phone eagerly, and every movement seemed so hasty and nervous. When he tightly grasped the receiver and dialed the number of his former boss, the anxiety and expectation in his heart intertwined, rising and falling like the tide.

He began to use all his skills to flatter the boss, revealing all his past in his words, trying to impress the other party with sincerity and flattery and win the boss's support.

After some negotiations, Wu Youren finally succeeded in getting everything done. He slumped down on the sofa beside him, feeling as powerless as a deflated ball.

Although he was temporarily relieved, his hatred for Yongchang Grain Store deepened. This complex emotion was intertwined in his heart, as complicated as a painting with thick ink and heavy colors.

"Yongchang Grain Store, you are very good. I will remember this."

He has some cronies, otherwise he wouldn't be able to do things so smoothly if he just relied on himself. Just like a corrupt official, if you catch one, a large number of his cronies will often be implicated.

The guys who followed Wu Youren were all money-hungry guys. As long as there was profit, they would do anything for you. Conscience was worthless to them! Wu Youren was so angry when he saw him slacking off reluctantly. But he had no choice but to coax him patiently.

In this intricate network of social relations, confidants and other so-called "friends" have built a symbiotic relationship. Just like in the officialdom, when a mastermind is arrested, it is often just the tip of the iceberg. Behind it will be a series of stakeholders involved, forming a so-called "party" network.

Similarly, in the small group led by Wu Youren, those who follow him are all the kind of people who forget their principles when they see profit and are only interested in profit. Their philosophy of life seems to be "money first". As for the moral bottom line and conscience standards, the weight in their hearts is obviously as light as a feather, and they value tangible benefits and interests more.

Wu Youren felt so disappointed when he saw his subordinates doing their work reluctantly and slacking off.

His nose was almost crooked by anger, and he felt helpless and anxious, but he understood that these people were just like that, seeking profit and avoiding harm, and he had to give them enough profit to make them diligent. So Wu Youren could only suppress his anger, put on a pleasant face, and patiently persuade and induce them, trying to make them understand that only by working together can they earn more wealth and status, thereby consolidating and expanding their sphere of influence.

Wu Youren was furious, like an enraged beast. He stared at his confidant viciously and shouted, "Asshole, do you think I'm useless now that I've fallen? I'm telling you, I have someone behind me, and I won't fall so easily."

His voice echoed in the empty room like thunder, shocking the people in his heart and causing them to flinch back.

The confidant looked at Wu Youren's confident and self-righteous appearance. Although he was full of doubts, his eyes hesitated for a moment. He thought for a while and thought: If Wu Youren really fell, he would not suffer any loss. If he deceived himself, he would have something to worry about. But if he really survived and succeeded in turning things around, if he worked with him, his status would rise and he would make a fortune.

So, he licked his face and said flatteringly: "Sir, how could it be possible? You misunderstood. I didn't mean that. If you have anything to tell me, I will do it right away."

Wu Youren heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that he had successfully frightened this guy. He nodded with pretended satisfaction, his eyes were cold, but his face was full of smiles. He said slowly: "I have always known that you are a good person, don't let your imagination run wild. I just need you to help me check the details of Yongchang Grain Store, I can use you." Although his voice was not loud, every word was full of threats and warnings.

The confidant's heart trembled when he heard his words, but he still forced a smile and promised: "Okay, sir. I'll do it right away." He knew that he had no choice but to do as Wu Youren ordered. Wu Youren nodded with satisfaction, his eyes flashing with cunning and calculation.

He knew that although his confidant was a little cowardly and greedy, he could still be useful at a critical moment. If he played two-faced, he would never let him off.

Then, the confidant left the room. He knew that his mission was to investigate the details of Yongchang Grain Store, but he also understood the risks and benefits behind it. He thought to himself: I must act carefully, do this thing beautifully first, and appease Wu Youren. I can't let Wu Youren find out that I am abnormal or moving. Otherwise, the consequences will be disastrous.

Two days later, the higher-ups issued an order to reinstate Wu Youren. However, he was caught making mistakes and was demoted from the top leader to the second-in-command. The previous one-man-rule situation no longer existed, which made him feel frustrated and helpless.