Chapter 248 The Ungrateful and Selfish
Zhao Zhenzhen's words made the village head and the team leader's already unpleasant moods even worse. They had initially hoped that Wang Zhenli's leg would not heal, allowing her to be sent back, thus reducing the village's burden and responsibility.
But now, Wang Zhenli's leg would not only heal but also require at least three months of recuperation. Who would take care of her and provide her food during this time? And now, there was Zhao Zhenzhen to consider as well.
However, Zhao Zhenzhen was not wrong. Their team didn't want to support her, let alone expect Zhao Zhenzhen to make selfless sacrifices. Everyone needed to eat.
Leader He, listening from the side, wished he could disappear on the spot. Now, not only were there medical expenses, but also follow-up treatments and food.
As expected, as soon as Leader He looked up, he saw the village head's expectant gaze.
"Leader He, what do you think we should do?"
What to do? What could he do?
"Perhaps we can borrow from the team for now, and she can repay it slowly after her injuries heal?"
The village head wasn't unwilling to help, but the team truly had no stored grain. With everyone struggling to get enough to eat, how could they lend excess food? Moreover, if the team members found out, they would surely object. What if everyone came to borrow?
"Leader He, to be honest with you, the team has no stored grain at all. You know the current situation; there's a shortage of grain everywhere."
Leader He was truly displeased. Zhizhi was not just the responsibility of the Youth Office but also a member of the team.
"Village Head Gong, your complete disregard is a bit excessive. When there are difficulties, everyone should find solutions together, but your team cannot completely shirk responsibility. After all, she is a member of your team."
The village head knew he was being excessive, wanting to get rid of these educated youths, but what was his fault? These educated youths were not good at work, and they also consumed their basic grain rations. Every extra bit distributed meant less food for the villagers.
"I have no choice. The educated youths eat what they produce. Their arrival is already a burden, and if you ask us to support them unconditionally like this, I truly cannot make that decision."
The team leader, who had been silent until now, also spoke. He knew that offending the Youth Office further would be even worse, as it would lead to more educated youths being assigned to their Bailong team in the future.
"Leader He, please don't be angry. The team genuinely has no food. Even if we wanted to give, we can't. Why don't we ask Comrade Wang Zhenli to provide some money when she wakes up? I'll see if I can buy some, and at least get through this difficult period."
Zhao Zhenzhen actually felt a little better. She knew the team had no food, which gave her a reason not to take care of Zhao Zhenli. Who wanted to be a nanny serving others?
"Alright, let's proceed with that for now. I need to contact this female educated youth's family and urge them to quickly pay the medical expenses. We'll discuss any further issues later."
Leader He wanted to leave immediately. With the Bailong team's assurance, he could wash his hands of the matter. Staying any longer would be foolish.
The village head watched Leader He almost run away, feeling a surge of闷. He wished he could run too, but if he ran, she would still be a member of their Bailong team.
The team leader saw Zhao Zhenzhen standing silently beside them and sighed inwardly. This matter was not yet resolved.
"Comrade Zhao, Wang Zhenli will still require your assistance."
Zhao Zhenzhen nodded. She could take care of her during her hospital stay, which would be seen as fulfilling their shared identity as educated youths.
"I can, but how will we manage her food and drinks during her hospital stay?"
"For these few days, you will be credited with full work points. I will later deduct them from Comrade Zhao Zhenli's work points. As for after her discharge, we'll discuss it then. It certainly won't be for nothing."
Zhao Zhenzhen didn't see it that way. Caring for a patient in the hospital required full-time attention. It would be difficult to manage after returning. She might have to work and care for her simultaneously, and she wasn't sure if her body could handle it. It was better to clarify things now.
"Team leader, I'm willing to help for these few days because I'm easygoing, but once we return to the educated youth point, I will no longer be involved. After all, Wang Zhenli is not my responsibility. Wang Zhenli herself would not be willing to give me ten work points daily, so please don't bother me again after we return."
The team leader was momentarily stunned. He felt a bit displeased but knew the young lady was speaking the truth. After all, Zhao Zhenli had no relationship with her. Her willingness to help now was an act of kindness.
The team leader and the village head exchanged glances, their eyes filled with helplessness. With her leg injured, it was inconvenient for her to do anything. Someone to care for her was genuinely necessary.
"How about this: when Zhao Zhenli wakes up later, we'll ask her opinion. If she needs care, she can pay with money or grain, and then someone from the team will be willing to take care of her."
Zhao Zhenli woke up in the evening. Her leg didn't hurt as much as before, but she was still worried. Seeing the village head beside her, she quickly spoke.
"Village head, how is my leg? Can it still be cured?"
The village head was truly old, and the day's turmoil had exhausted him. Hearing Wang Zhenli's voice, he raised his eyelids.
"Don't worry, the surgery was very successful. You'll be able to walk in a few months after resting."
Wang Zhenli cried tears of joy. She wouldn't be disabled, which was wonderful.
Zhao Zhenzhen picked up the tea mug and came to the bedside.
"Have some water, let me help you up."
Wang Zhenli was very touched. She hadn't expected Zhao Zhenzhen to be the one willing to take care of her in the end. She had seen the reaction of the other educated youths when someone asked who would take care of her.
"Thank you, Zhenzhen. I'll trouble you these days."
Zhao Zhenzhen didn't want her efforts to disappear once they returned to the educated youth point. It was better to clarify things beforehand. She didn't want to be blamed after putting in the effort.
"No need to thank me. The village head is crediting me with ten work points daily. I'm not working for free."
Wang Zhenli was not foolish. She didn't believe the village head would generously cover her expenses after her injury, but she wasn't so foolish as to rush and inquire. Sometimes, playing dumb was better.
Zhao Zhenzhen was somewhat disappointed. Didn't Wang Zhenli ask where these work points were coming from?
The village had seen all sorts of people for decades, especially seeing Wang Zhenli not even ask about the medical expenses made them very unhappy. They had been busy with her all day, even paying for their own meals.
"Comrade Zhao's work point compensation will be deducted from yours. She can't work for free."
"Mine? Then how will I receive my grain later!"
Zhao Zhenzhen let out a cold laugh upon hearing these words, placing the tea mug heavily on the table. She leaned against the wall, watching the performance. She knew one couldn't be too kind.
"Heh, so Comrade Zhao should take care of you for free? Who is she to you?"
"Aren't we all educated youths? Shouldn't we help each other?"
Not only was Zhao Zhenzhen amused, but the village head was also angered to the point of gasping for breath. His words became even less polite.
"How will she earn work points by taking care of you? How will she receive her grain? I've truly witnessed what heartless selfishness looks like today."
Wang Zhenli felt a bit ashamed hearing the village head's words, but deducting her work points was out of the question. She wasn't getting enough to eat as it was.