Wang Simi nodded. That was indeed the case.
Those in charge wanted to look good on paper, so they were particularly concerned with keeping up appearances.
"So, I've heard you mention that the situation in some communes is particularly dire. Those are the isolated ones. The only reason any news has leaked out for you to hear is because things there have gotten so bad."
"What worries me now is that other places probably aren't much better off. They're just holding out until their resources are completely drained. At that point, it won't be a question of whether those in charge can bear the responsibility or cover it up—it will be a man-made disaster."
"People are terrifying when they're starving. When they can't even save their own lives, do you think they'll care about honor or shame? If they find out our cafeteria warehouse has grain reserves right now, what do you think will happen?"
"Do you think just a dozen or a few dozen demobilized veterans will be able to stop them?"
