Sheriff Ke Dudu later joined the discussion group. They listed all the recent happenings and reached a conclusion: that troublemaker must be the offspring of some high-ranking official, skilled in fighting, who had likely caused massive trouble in the capital and fled to this desolate place like Liangshan to hide. Given his background, establishing connections with those influential figures would be effortless.

Shortly after, County Magistrate Zhao also rushed to the back kitchen upon receiving a call from Secretary Liu. Secretary Ma recounted the whole sequence of events, and County Magistrate Zhao shook his head, saying, "I don't think Xiao Zhao is what you describe. He has ideals and ambitions. What he said this morning wasn't entirely without merit. We really should reflect on ourselves. We’ve been eating the state's poverty alleviation funds for over a decade; can’t we finally shed this label? I'm ashamed when standing before comrades from other counties."

Secretary Ma countered, "Old Zhao, we can put work matters aside for now. The issue now is figuring out his relationship with Commissioner Zhou. Why is Commissioner Zhou being so polite to him, even giving him money? When they were getting food in the canteen, I vaguely heard him call Commissioner Zhou 'Brother.' At the time, I thought he was just boasting, but now it seems they knew each other long ago. This complicates things considerably; everyone needs to quickly come up with a plan, or none of us will escape responsibility."

County Magistrate Zhao retorted, "This is good news; what is there to deal with? Since Xiao Zhao and Commissioner Zhou are like brothers, everything is negotiable. As long as Xiao Zhao puts in a good word or two for us with Commissioner Zhou, the poverty alleviation funds will surely come through steadily. Don't you people understand that logic?"

Secretary Liu, his face ashen, said, "County Magistrate Zhao, but several incidents happened today where we seriously offended him. Just a while ago, we were about to throw him into the detention center. Now, I fear he is complaining about us to Commissioner Zhou, and who knows how the provincial level will punish us then."

County Magistrate Zhao thumped his chest, "Don't worry. My surname is also Zhao, and I know Xiao Zhao isn't that kind of person. He's magnanimous and won't bother with such trivial matters. If anything happens, I'll speak to him. But what I still don't understand is, why would Xiao Zhao, knowing Commissioner Zhou and Director Hu—such powerful officials—choose to suffer here? If any one of them said a word, he could instantly be transferred to Shimen City or any county with better conditions. Why endure hardship here?"

Xie Sen chimed in, "Isn't that obvious? We discussed it just now—he must have gotten into trouble in the capital. Going to those prosperous places would only invite more trouble for himself. It’s possible Director Hu and Commissioner Zhou came specifically to see him. His father has connections, so even though the son is down on his luck, these cronies wouldn't dare look down on him."

County Magistrate Zhao scoffed, "Do you think Director Hu from Shimen City and this Commissioner Zhou are that kind of people? Haven't you grasped Commissioner Zhou's temper these past two days? He’s the type who won't budge for threats or bribes. His friends must not be any different."

Xie Sen conceded, "Fine, assuming County Magistrate Zhao is right, what should we do now?"

County Magistrate Zhao said, "Do nothing. Everyone go home and sleep. Tomorrow, resume your duties as usual. From now on, stop judging people by the crack in the door; otherwise, you'll suffer a major loss sooner or later."

Secretary Ma pointed at the two figures in the boiler room across the way, "We’re just leaving like this? We should at least try to gauge Commissioner Zhou’s attitude."

County Magistrate Zhao replied, "Alright, you all wait here. I, however, am going home to be with my children. See you colleagues tomorrow."

With that, County Magistrate Zhao left without looking back. Secretary Ma cursed under his breath. Since he hadn't offended anyone, he wasn't worried, but he had spoken so poorly of the man inside since the morning. He wondered if that person would let it go easily. If he insisted on pursuing the matter, Secretary Ma feared he wouldn't fare well. He absolutely had to find out the exact nature of his relationship with Commissioner Zhou shortly.

Ding-ling-ling, a crisp cell phone ring. Secretary Ma, afraid of being overheard by the people in the boiler room, fumbled hastily to pull out his phone and press the answer button. "Oh, it's Old Huang? Any news on the information I asked you to check about Commissioner Zhou?"

The voice on the phone said, "Do you know who his backer is? A little girl named Li Qi!"

Secretary Ma questioned, "Li Qi? A little girl? What qualifications does such a person have to be Commissioner Zhou's backer?"

"Old Ma, we're old classmates, so I won't beat around the bush. Think about who our country's supreme leader is. I won't say more. This Commissioner Zhou has been promoted several times in half a year. He was recently recalled to the Central Personnel Department, but for some unknown reason, he was temporarily reassigned as Deputy Director of the Provincial Personnel Department. However, everyone in the know understands that his return to the Central Personnel Department is only a matter of time. You people had better treat him well. If you displease him, even the governor would have to respect his order to dismiss and investigate you!"

Thud. Secretary Ma’s phone dropped to the floor. Xie Sen asked confusedly, "What's wrong, Secretary Ma? Who was that calling?"

Secretary Ma stammered, "It was an old classmate in the province. It turns out this Commissioner Zhou is Chairman Li’s man, and he oversees personnel matters in our province. We... we..." Secretary Ma couldn't finish the sentence.

Xie Sen gasped, "Such a powerful background! What treasure does our Liangshan possess that could attract him? Even if he’s the Director of the Personnel Department, he shouldn't be involved in economic matters. Is he here to review our personnel issues?"

Secretary Ma and Xie Sen exchanged a look; cold sweat began to bead on their foreheads. Even Secretary Liu beside them was sweating profusely.

Inside the boiler room, the two men were chatting happily, moving from official business to personal matters. Zhou Qiang recounted their experiences over the past six months, and I shared some non-critical details about returning to six thousand years ago, leaving Zhou Qiang completely stunned.

I paused, then said, "When you have a chance, help me urge the delivery of the water samples to the Shimen City Geology Team. If the development value is high enough, we’ll move quickly. The economic foundation here is too weak; we need to develop one or two pillar industries to drive economic growth."

Zhou Qiang nodded, "I’ve been considering this issue these past few days, but as Secretary Ma said, the conditions here are harsh, resources are scarce, and the roads desperately need repair—it's unsuitable for any project. Even if we eventually build a beverage factory, transportation outside remains a huge problem."

"We won't repair the roads?"

Zhou Qiang hesitated, "But the cost of road construction is too high; the state probably can't bear that expense."

I replied, "We can present facts and reason with the state. Think about it: several hundred million in poverty alleviation funds have already been allocated; are a few hundred million for road repair too much to worry about? If necessary, we can solve it ourselves. You also mentioned our strength is considerable, right? However, this matter needs approval from my family; otherwise, I can’t access my funds."

Zhou Qiang nodded, wiping the sweat from his face, "I didn't expect Secretary Ma to be that kind of person, sending you to sleep in such a place just to fudge figures—isn't that tormenting people? I’m boiling; no, I must find a way to deal with him."

I stood up and pulled Zhou Qiang's arm, "No rush on that matter. Let's go to the night market for drinks. I’ll introduce you to a couple of friends."

Zhou Qiang said happily, "Great! Liangshan’s affairs have been troubling me constantly these past few days. Now that you are here, everything is easier to handle. I can finally relax and have some fun. My treat; you lead the way."

As the two stepped out of the boiler room door, they were immediately surrounded by Secretary Ma and Director Xie. Secretary Ma smiled obsequiously at Zhou Qiang, "Commissioner Zhou, where are you two going?"

Zhou Qiang, abandoning his usual modest and polite demeanor, replied sharply, "None of your business. Zhao Qian and I are having a good talk and are going out for drinks. Sorry, I don't plan on inviting you. Please turn back. If there's anything official, we can discuss it during work tomorrow."

Secretary Ma's face instantly turned pale. Zhou Qiang's change in attitude was enough to indicate what had transpired. The outcome he least wanted had finally materialized. He strained his calves, which were about to cramp, and forced a cheerful smile, "I'll treat you! I’ll treat you both! What’s going on between Xiao Zhao and Commissioner Zhou...?"

I adopted the same tone I used that morning when I was handcuffed at the County Public Security Bureau and said to Secretary Ma, "We hit it off instantly, like brothers—is that not allowed? Commissioner Zhou studied at the People's University, and I’m from the capital city. Fellow townsmen shed tears upon meeting. Does that bother you, Secretary Ma? I’ve already been demoted to cook. Are you planning to find me an even lower-status job? It doesn't matter; we are all serving the people. There is no nobility in labor."

"How could I possibly object? Absolutely not, Comrade Xiao Zhao. Everything today was my fault, entirely my fault. I must make amends," Secretary Ma said with extreme humility. "Come, I will personally pay for everyone’s late-night snack and beer."

Zhou Qiang said coldly, "Sorry, we’re not going that way. Zhao Qian, didn’t you say you’d introduce me to two friends? Let's go. I’ll treat you all to a late-night snack. We won't stop drinking tonight."

I shouted towards the third-floor dormitory, "Xiao Ning! Xiao Ning! You aren't asleep, are you? I just landed a deal for your aunt; you owe me a commission later!"

Ning Shixuan poked her head out of the window, "What's happening?" Seeing Secretary Ma and the others present, Ning Shixuan stuck out her tongue and ducked back inside.

I called out, "Get Yun Yao too! Commissioner Zhou is treating us to drinks!"

"Really!" Ning Shixuan was delighted, then poked her head out again, "Wait for us outside for a moment; we’ll change clothes and be right down!"

Xie Sen smiled and said, "Gentlemen, gentlemen, let me treat everyone to the Yuandong Barbecue City. The environment is nice, and they have air conditioning. The Korean-style roast meat is the finest in Liangshan County. Rest assured, Commissioner Zhou, this will be entirely my personal expense; we won't indulge in official spending here."

Zhou Qiang frowned and pointed at his watch, "It is currently personal rest time. I prefer you not to interrupt my private activities. Let’s go, Zhao Qian."

Xie Sen chased after them, "Commissioner Zhou, Commissioner Zhou, it's not that I want to interrupt your private activities, but your travel safety is the responsibility of our Public Security Bureau. If anything unexpected happens, Liangshan cannot bear the consequences!"

Zhou Qiang didn't turn back but replied, "Don't worry. Zhao Qian and I together will face absolutely no danger. Rather, it's you people... hehe... you better think carefully about that."

Xie Sen involuntarily shivered and didn't dare respond immediately. Soon, Ning Shixuan and Yun Yao came down from the third floor. The two young women were dressed lightly, stirring up strong desire, which made Zhou Qiang's face flush bright red. Ning Shixuan said cheerfully, "Zhao Qian, I didn't realize you were so capable, getting so close to Commissioner Zhou so quickly. Tell us, you two weren't already acquainted, were you?"

I replied, "Brother Qiang is a top student from the School of Personnel at Renmin University. We've known each other for ages. Let's go; Brother Qiang is treating everyone to iron-plate grilled fish!"

Seeing Zhou Qiang, who was usually rigid and serious, so close to the Commissioner and blushing, Ning Shixuan became very interested. She laughed and led the way.

The crowd behind them exchanged bewildered glances. Secretary Ma cried out repeatedly, "It's over, it's over! Commissioner Zhou is angry! What can we do? What can we do?"

Xie Sen urged, "Let's follow quickly! If something happens to Commissioner Zhou, I’m afraid even the Central Government won’t let us off! Although the Public Security Bureau has cleared the thugs and rascals from the streets, who knows if any slipped through the net? Not to mention that Liang Kuan fellow has been a bit restless lately. We must not mess up now."

Xie Sen’s reminder snapped Secretary Ma back to reality. He waved his hand, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

The group moved in single file towards the night market. Yun Yao quietly reminded me, "Big Brother Zhao, those high officials are following behind us."

I said, "Don't pay attention to them. No matter how high their rank, they are ordinary people. We don't need to fear them; rather, they should be afraid of us."

Yun Yao nodded, not quite understanding.