icipated. Enthusiastic contenders like Fu Hui and Liu Xiaohu were eliminated during the preliminaries for being disruptive.

Liu Xiaohu’s doggerel went:
- The summer games are utter chaos,
- How many really know the rules?
- If you want good results,
- Just see who shouts the loudest.

Such a high-level and serious event was nailed by him in one stroke. The trouble was, Liu Xiaohu’s most unwanted person overheard his entire composition—Secretary Liu—which predictably ended with Liu Xiaohu making a hasty retreat but still getting hit by one of Secretary Liu's flying shoes.

Liu Xiaoyan and Fu Le entered the singing and poetry recitation contests, respectively. Liu Xiaoyan’s "In the Fields of Hope" garnered widespread applause, while Fu Le’s impassioned "East Village, West Village" captivated everyone.

- My hometown is a small village on the plains,
- Here, there are no high mountains or flowing waters,
- Only my elders and kin...

As Fu Le recited emotionally, the stage was surrounded by all competitors and spectators, the perpetual applause speaking volumes. The judging committee spontaneously decided to establish a special prize, which Liu Xiaoyan also won.

The most amusing part was the performance by Mrs. Huai Shui of West Village. Inspired by Liu Xiaoyan's melodious singing, she aimed to bring glory to her village by performing. As she began her pig-like screams, children in the audience started crying. Afraid the cries might harm the children, Liu quickly pulled her off the stage.

"Mrs. Huai Shui, didn’t you say you worked in a drama troupe?" someone inquired.

"Yes! What’s wrong? I sang the role of the black face, Aunt Yun! Not bad, huh?" Mrs. Huai Shui said proudly.

"No wonder there were sounds of howling wolves and braying donkeys! Remember to clear the area before your next performance!" Someone quipped, causing the crowd to burst into laughter. Still wanting to prove her singing ability, she was carried away with her mouth covered by Liu.

Regardless of the competition's quality, everyone enjoyed a joyous day, fulfilling the summer village event's aim. The two Secretaries left with full satisfaction, witnessing the games bring out friendship, style, and laughter, making everyone happy.

East Village had reached a critical point in their mining endeavor. Everything was ready, but the crucial mining permit was still missing. The permit seemed difficult to obtain.

Walking back and forth between home and the village committee, Secretary Liu lost count of the trips made. Even his daily ritual of fishing on the balcony and bantering with Deputy Secretary Liu was forgotten, much to the latter’s discomfort.

Secretary Liu had taken to walking instead of driving, a significant change considering he nearly drove the car to his bedside once he got

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