Chapter 14: The Scapegoat

Unaware of any of this, Qin Feng was diligently focused on his work in the office.

In the afternoon, Yang Delin strolled in leisurely and, upon seeing Qin Feng, clicked his tongue with a mocking smile. “Ah, what a pity…”

Qin Feng shot Yang Delin a sharp glance but chose to ignore him and continued working.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. You’ve been working like a dog every day, so how did they manage to fire you? Isn’t that pitiful?” Yang Delin sat down in his chair, still grinning.

“What do you mean by that, Yang Delin?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. Just remember, don’t cry later. Ah, the world is truly a cold place…” Yang Delin sighed dramatically.

Qin Feng paid no heed to his words and stayed focused on his tasks.

Shortly after, Xiao Bo summoned Qin Feng to his office.

“Director, you called for me?”

“This is the notification and the decision regarding your dismissal. Take a good look at them yourself.”

Xiao Bo coldly tossed the two documents onto Qin Feng’s desk, showing no warmth.

Puzzled, Qin Feng took the papers and examined them. His eyes widened as he asked Xiao Bo, “You’re firing me? Director, what mistake have I made? How do the issues found in this inspection relate to me?”

“You’re the records clerk. If there’s a problem with the records, who else but you should be responsible?” Xiao Bo responded with a matter-of-fact tone, as if it were obvious.

Previously, when Qin Feng was transferred back from the reservoir by Xu Guoli, Xiao Bo had been unusually cordial, thinking there was some connection between them. But today’s outcome made him realize he had been mistaken, and naturally, he no longer showed Qin Feng any favor.

“Yes, I’m the records clerk, but which of the flawed records did I handle? Those were all before I arrived and have nothing to do with me.”

“What do you mean ‘nothing to do with you’? Isn’t it your duty to correct the previous errors?”

Hearing this, Qin Feng understood the situation. He threw the documents onto the desk and said coldly to Xiao Bo, “Director, that’s unreasonable, isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?” Xiao Bo’s eyes widened.

“Don’t you understand what I mean? You think I’m an easy target, don’t you? I’ve only been here a few days. How does this falsification of records concern me?” Qin Feng’s anger boiled over.

“The decision to discipline you was made collectively by the township party committee. If you have any objections, take it up with the leadership.”

“Xiao Bo, are you just dragging me out to be your scapegoat?”

“I advise you not to cause trouble here. You can’t bear the consequences. You’re already fired. Pack your things, hand over your work properly, and leave immediately.” Xiao Bo completely disregarded Qin Feng’s words.

Qin Feng sneered and then turned and left Xiao Bo’s office.

Filled with fury, Qin Feng returned to the Civil Affairs Office and sat down at his desk.

“Well? Surprised? Hurry up and pack your things and get out! Kid, I told you to quit yourself, but you insisted on arguing with me.”

“And now? You resign in dignity, but this time you’re fired and kicked out. What’s the point? Ha ha ha…” Yang Delin was delighted, humming a tune as he walked away.

Qin Feng sat there, chain-smoking one cigarette after another. He knew clearly he was being made the scapegoat by Xiao Bo and Yang Delin. What he couldn’t understand was whom he had offended to deserve such treatment from the moment he arrived.

He couldn’t comprehend what he had done wrong. Since coming here, he had been diligent and uncomplaining, taking on all the dirty and hard work, only to end up with this fate.

Qin Feng felt like a clown, toyed with by everyone along the way.

Anger, resentment, and injustice swirled within him—he couldn’t articulate what exactly he felt at this moment.

Silently, Qin Feng packed his things and, with his bag on his back, left the Civil Affairs Office without looking back or saying a word.