As I was leaving, I handed Brother Scar five hundred yuan; otherwise, he wouldn't even have the fare to find the old arcade boss at Shimen tomorrow. Honestly, they were all poorer than I was.

Walking back to the county government building with a girl on either side, it was truly a sight for sore eyes, though sadly, the late hour meant no one else could witness it. Yun Yao remained mostly silent the whole way, while Ning Shixuan was as cheerful as a little bird. I occasionally teased her into a pout, which was undeniably adorable. Her boyfriend was quite fortunate; a girl like her, while not a flawless gem, was certainly a rare find. Meanwhile, the silently walking Yun Yao was like a clear stream—her beauty was breathtakingly refreshing. Perhaps it’s an odd comparison, but that’s genuinely the feeling she gave me.

Pushing open the dormitory door, I found three people already seated inside: Secretary Ma, Director Xie Sen from the Public Security Bureau, and Secretary Liu. Ning Shixuan quietly waved at me, murmured 'Goodnight,' and pulled Yun Yao away to their respective rooms.

“Secretary Ma, Director Xie, why aren’t you resting so late?” I asked as I entered.

Secretary Ma patted the edge of the bed with surprising warmth. “Little Zhao, sit down. Sorry to interrupt your rest, but we need a heart-to-heart talk.”

“What do I have to talk about? I’m practically the public enemy of Liangshan County right now.”

Secretary Ma flushed slightly. “Let’s not bring up those past incidents. Comrade Zhao, can you tell us about your relationship with Commissioner Zhou? And what was that thing Commissioner Zhou said he’d arrange for you when you left? Tell us everything, Comrade Zhao. Can’t you do it just for me, on behalf of all the people of Liangshan?”

I quickly replied, “Secretary Ma, please don't use the people of Liangshan to pressure me. Commissioner Zhou and I were good friends back in the capital. We haven't seen each other for over half a year. I had no idea he’d been promoted so quickly; otherwise, I wouldn’t have come to this wretched place to get angry. As for what he mentioned, that’s a private matter, so please don’t ask.”

Secretary Ma nodded. “Little Zhao, being sent to the grassroots level is for your tempering. Your internship is over now. Starting tomorrow, you’re transferred to the second floor to be my secretary.”

Secretary Liu, standing nearby, immediately grew anxious. “Secretary Ma, if he becomes your secretary, then what about me?”

Secretary Ma pondered for a moment. “You can go to the first floor and work as a publicity officer.”

Secretary Liu nearly burst into tears. I spoke up to Secretary Ma, “Secretary Ma, perhaps forget it. I definitely can’t handle the writing and drawing you expect; I’d better stick to my newspaper route.”

Secretary Ma looked troubled. “But if I let you keep publishing the paper, Commissioner Zhou will chew me out when he finds out. No, no. How about this: you work in the County Committee Office for a while first, and when a position more suitable for you opens up, we’ll rearrange things.”

I thought for a moment. “I still don’t like the idea of the office. But if Secretary Ma is truly sincere, I noticed there’s an Investment Promotion Office on the first floor that hasn’t been open for ages. If you let me go there, I might consider it.”

Secretary Liu slapped his thigh next to me. “That’s right, Secretary Ma! Think about it! Zhao Qian comes from a big city, has extensive connections and extraordinary ability. Putting him in charge of the Investment Promotion Office is the most suitable position!”

Xie Sen also nodded repeatedly beside him. Secretary Ma was naturally happy to grant such a convenient favor. He declared, “Then it’s settled! Comrade Zhao Qian is now formally appointed as the Director of the Liangshan County Investment Promotion Office, responsible for all investment attraction work from this moment forward. From this second on, we are true colleagues. I hope everyone can set aside prejudices and work together to build a new Liangshan!”

Secretary Ma was clearly afraid I would use Zhou Qiang to retaliate against him, which is why he spoke so earnestly. In truth, I was long accustomed to people judging me by their own petty standards. As long as he wasn't engaged in anything truly wicked behind the scenes, if I uncovered any misdeeds, I would bring him down even if it meant taking the secretary's own seat.

“Secretary Ma, you can’t just make me the commander of an empty army. I need a few helpers assigned to me.”

Secretary Ma readily agreed. “Yes, you’re right. You can pick any comrades from the county government you wish. It’s an honor for everyone to attract investment to Liangshan.” In reality, the Investment Promotion Office had been forcibly closed precisely because they failed to attract any investment, and no one wanted the job.

“For now, I’ll need two people,” I said. “Zhang Fengzhen from the Economic Commission and Xiao Ning from the People's Congress Office. We are used to hanging out together, so coordinating work will be easier.”

“No problem, no problem! I’ll speak with County Head Zhao tomorrow and issue their transfer orders. And about you and Commissioner Zhou…”

I reassured Secretary Ma, “As long as everyone is genuinely thinking of the people of Liangshan, Commissioner Zhou absolutely will not make things difficult for you or give you any trouble. Rest assured.”

Having received my promise, Secretary Ma finally let out a brief sigh of relief. Given his offenses committed that morning and evening, it would have been grounds for 'death by a thousand cuts.' As they were leaving, Xie Sen quietly asked me, “I wonder what the relationship is between Little Zhao and Director Hu?”

I gave a mysterious smile. “What does Director Xie think?”

Xie Sen declared, “Friends! I’m certain you two were good friends before!”

I chuckled and closed the door, letting them ponder. At least they wouldn't dare provoke me easily from now on. This setup meant my work could finally commence officially. But was this cheating? The network of personal connections was omnipresent in the Great Dragon Country; perhaps my situation was just a common occurrence. Furthermore, Hu Qing and Zhou Qiang were arranged by Li Qi herself; it had nothing to do with me.

Hearing Secretary Liu next door also close his door to rest, I quietly tiptoed over to Yun Yao’s room next door and knocked softly. “Yun Yao, are you asleep?”

Yun Yao opened the door for me. “Big Brother Zhao, not yet. Have those important officials left? Did they give you any trouble?”

Entering the room, I said, “No trouble at all. They promoted me! Starting tomorrow, I’ll be the Director of the Liangshan County Investment Promotion Office. With this title, getting the beverage factory project moving will be much easier.”

Yun Yao sat on the edge of her bed, head bowed. “Big Brother Zhao, you are a piece of gold. No matter where you go or what you do, you will shine.”

I laughed. “What you just said sounds less like gold and more like the sun.”

Yun Yao laughed out loud. “Big Brother Zhao, you’re so funny.”

I walked seriously over to Yun Yao’s side. “Yun Yao, it’s just the two of us now, and you know your Big Brother Zhao is a good person. Could you tell me about your father’s situation? Big Brother Zhao can help you get revenge!”

“Big Brother Zhao!” Before Yun Yao could speak, tears flowed. Suddenly, she couldn't control herself and threw herself onto me.

“Yun Yao, please don't cry first. It’s easy for people to misunderstand in the middle of the night. Tell me the whole story, and I will stand up for you,” I comforted her.

Yun Yao wiped her tears and stopped crying, then separated from my shoulder. “You’re right. Sister Ning said that Secretary Liu across the hall loves to gossip.”

How true that was. That fellow actually accused me of stealing Ning Shixuan’s underwear! My wife has all sorts of lingerie and thongs; why would I need to steal hers?