The Director's Notebook

I never imagined that a yellowed notebook would keep me awake all night. As a newly transferred community worker, I stumbled across a notebook left behind by Director Wang in the residents’ committee archive room. The first page held a list that sent a chill down my spine. As I read on, a comprehensive plan to punish the Zhou family gradually came to light, all because they refused to leave the homestead where their family had lived for generations.

“July 15: The Zhou family’s shop business license must be reviewed.”

“July 16: The Zhou family’s eldest grandson has questionable political vetting for his college entrance exam.”

“July 17: The second generation of the Zhou family will have their medical insurance reimbursements suspended.”

Every entry was like a carefully sharpened blade. And before I knew it, I had become the latest link in this campaign of persecution.