Through the small episode of smoking, Shen Tong believed that Wei Ergou could still make sense. He was kind-hearted at heart, but he had no choice but to take this path due to the helplessness of his livelihood or the unfair fate.
Shen Tong asked: "Uncle Ergou, how many children do you have? How old are they?"
Speaking of the children, Wei Ergou was obviously a little sad. He lay on his side on the bed, his eyes were choked by cigarette smoke, and he looked hazily at the night scene outside the window. The bustling scene outside the window was simply incomparable to the Saiwan Village where he had lived all his life. One is heaven and the other is hell.
Wei Ergou flicked the ashes of his cigarette and said, "Two, one boy and one girl. The boy is 17 and the girl is 12."
Shen Tong then asked: "Then you come out, who cares about them?"
When asked about this, Wei Ergou was obviously a little nervous, because he had not thought that who would cook for the children if he left. He stopped smoking and looked at Shen Tong without blinking.
Shen Tong did not pursue the topic and continued to ask: "How are the two children studying? Do you usually tutor them?"
This question stumped Wei Ergou again, because he usually never paid attention to the children's studies, let alone tutoring. Wei Ergou fell into silence, lowering his head and smoking.
Shen Tong walked to the window, looked out of the window and said, "Uncle Ergou, look at how beautiful the night view is! Have you ever thought about letting your children live in the provincial capital?"
Shen Tong did not look at Wei Ergou and continued: "I also came out of the countryside, went to college and came to the provincial capital. I have lived in this city for five years. If it were not for other reasons, I would have stayed in this city. Our rural areas People cannot be compared with people in the city. There are parks here, but we only have countryside; there are movie theaters here, but we only have TV sets; there are shopping malls, but we only have canteens, etc. Therefore, if rural people want to change their destiny, they only have to It can be changed through knowledge. Do you want your children to stay in the countryside like you?"
"Your two children have lost their mother's love since they were young. This incomplete love has put them under so much pressure. And now, you abandon them and do nothing all day long, smoking, drinking, gambling, and now you are suing, you said, Do you think you can handle them? Do you know how much harm you will cause them?"
Wei Ergou picked up his trembling hand and continued to smoke, unaware that the cigarette had burned out.
Shen Tong saw Wei Ergou's psychological change and felt that his words had an effect, so he continued: "As far as I understand, you said that Tan Zhigao occupied your foundation back then. According to historical records, the land you are building your house on now is His family, besides, Tan Zhigao has already given you 500 yuan in compensation. Your wife's death was not directly related to Tan Zhigao, but out of humanitarianism, he gave you another 500 yuan in funeral expenses. But what about you, money Where have you been? Are you still allowed to smoke and drink?"
"So, even if you file your case, they won't solve it for you. If you are really short of money, I can give it to you. Tell me, how much do you want?"
After being ridiculed by Shen Tong, Wei Ergou had completely lost his fighting spirit and sat there silently, smoking cigarettes one by one.
Shen Tong walked up to him, moved a chair and sat down. He also took out a cigarette from the cigarette case and lit it.
Shen Tong returned to the original topic and said, "Uncle Ergou, you have to believe me and I will help your child with his homework. What do you think?"
Wei Ergou suddenly raised his head and stammered: "Is what you said true?"
Seeing the drama, Shen Tong said with certainty: "Uncle Ergou, I'm not afraid of your jokes. I just reported to the town government yesterday, but I can tell you for sure that Shihe Town is the place where I will work in the next few years. Your child If you don't understand anything, you can come to the town government to see me."
Wei Ergou suddenly stood up, held Shen Tong's hand tightly, and said, "Cadre Shen, I really thank you."
Wei Ergou's strong and strong hand made Shen Tong's hand ache. He said: "Uncle Ergou, my dad and several villagers jointly set up a breeding farm. Over the past few years, the benefits have been good. If you are willing, you can do it completely." You can start your own breeding business, you can be self-reliant, and you can live a good life like others, why not? Are you going to make a living by petitioning in the future? What will your children do when they go to college? What about getting married and having children? You Have you thought about it?"
Shen Tong's words once again touched the sore spot of Wei Ergou. He sighed and said, "Why don't I want to? But I just can't control myself. If I don't drink for a day, my heart will be itchy, and if I don't play mahjong for a day, my hands will be itchy."
Shen Tong felt that Wei Ergou still had room to turn back, so he said resolutely: "Starting from tomorrow, you will quit. If you are willing, I can help you."
Wei Ergou was also moved and said, "How can I help?"
Shen Tong thought quickly and said, "Let's do this. I'll lend you money to buy some piglets for you, and you'll pay me back after you sell them."
"Okay, it's a deal. I'll go back with you tomorrow and support myself." Wei Ergou said, patting his chest.
"Okay, it's a deal." Shen Tong replied. Shen Tong agreed to Wei Ergou, but where did the money come from?
Wei Ergou was as happy as a child, taking off his clothes and getting ready to sleep. Lying on the bed, he remembered what Guo Yuandong said before leaving, and the 200 yuan. For a while, he tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. .
Wei Ergou compared Guo Yuandong's remuneration with Shen Tong's promise, and still felt that Shen Tong's idea was more reliable. Even if you give me 500 yuan, won't I have to gamble it all away in a few days? Yes. ! Shen Tong is right, I should think about my children and their future. Thinking of this, he woke up Shen Tong, who was already sleeping, and told him everything about Guo Yuandong.
In fact, Shen Tong was not asleep either. He was recalling the happy relationship between him and Xu Xia. When he heard what Wei Ergou said, he was quite shocked. He hurriedly asked: "What else is there about this matter?" who knows?"
Wei Ergou thought for a moment and said, "I don't think anyone else knows."
Shen Tong felt that this matter was important and he could not make the decision alone, so he warned: "Uncle Ergou, you are being used by others! Fortunately you told me, otherwise you would be in danger. I tell you, When you go back, return the money to Mayor Guo immediately, and leave the rest alone."
"Okay, Cadre Shen, I will listen to you." Wei Ergou agreed.
Early the next morning, Wei Ergou followed Shen Tong and Liu Siming back to Shihe Town, which shocked Liu Siming.
Even more shocked were Ma Guotao and Guo Yuandong.