But as soon as it involves people, especially those with familial ties, even the simplest issue can become complicated beyond imagination.
The village head comes to ask for a favor, agree to it, and you well know the character of his nephew.
Refuse, and you risk alienating people, making work in the village difficult thereafter.
Close relatives within five degrees of connection come asking for favors, agree to it, and how can you discipline them when they call you "uncle" and go on to do something wrong?
Refuse, and do you still deal with those relatives?
Those contracting for engineering work are even sharper than monkeys, tracing relationships that could lead all the way back to your distant uncles.
These vexing issues, done right, don't benefit you; done wrong, they could result in isolation...
In recent days, Mr. Meng can be said to have been walking on thin ice, anxious and fretful, sprouting several more white hairs.
