The night was drawing in, and Secretary Ma and Magistrate Zhao pressed hard for Fang Yanmeng to attend a banquet that evening. Fang Yanmeng waved them off. "Gentlemen, please don't be so formal. I dislike those tedious banquets and toasts. Director Zhao can just take me out for a simple meal later. You two carry on with your own affairs; we’ll be leaving now."

Secretary Ma chased after her to the doorway. "Director Fang, you absolutely cannot do this. If the province finds out this is how we entertained you in Liangshan, the Governor will have our hides!"

Secretary Ma tried to follow her up to the third floor, but a man in a black suit suddenly rushed out from a side path and blocked him. Commissioner Zhou said his farewells and returned to his own hotel. Magistrate Zhao pulled Secretary Ma back into the office. "Old Ma, don't press Director Fang. She naturally has no interest in us old fogeys. If we annoy her, we’re the ones who might be in trouble."

Secretary Ma muttered to himself, "How can they wear black suits in this heat? They’re really strange people."

Secretary Liu, standing nearby, couldn't help but interject. "Secretary Ma, those are standard uniforms for professional bodyguards. They wear them regardless of temperature—it helps conceal their figures and weapons, that's what the movies and magazines always say."

Secretary Ma sank heavily into his chair. "This Director Fang has an even greater background than Director Xu. We must tread very carefully. The Provincial Party Secretary personally instructed me that we absolutely cannot offend this person, or we will be held accountable. What is going on with Liangshan lately? Why are all these important figures being drawn here?"

Secretary Liu analyzed the situation as well. "Indeed. Earth Energy has never cooperated with any other company; they don't even spare countries like the US or Japan. A while back, they drove up energy prices, didn't they end up forcing the Japanese government to beg them? And now they’ve managed to merge with our own Daybreak Energy. They hold significant sway over the global situation."

Secretary Ma agreed. "More than that, the crucial issue is their relationship with the Red Dragon Organization. According to foreign reports, all the energy used by the Red Dragon Organization comes from Earth. Do you think their ties are shallow? The province is worried precisely about this, which is why they told us to be cautious."

Magistrate Zhao, however, stroked his chin. "Let’s not discuss distant matters. We need to seriously consider why Peach Blossom and Earth Energy have come to Liangshan. Both events occurred only after the Investment Promotion Office was established..."

Secretary Ma and Secretary Liu exchanged astonished glances. "Are you suggesting it has something to do with Zhao Qian? That’s impossible! What sort of person is he!"

Magistrate Zhao countered, "We can’t speak that way. I find this young man with our surname to be quite capable and far-sighted. I strongly agree with what he said earlier—Liangshan truly cannot continue muddling along with the old ways. Little Liu, you should step out first. Secretary Ma and I need to discuss something privately."

Secretary Liu knew there were things he wasn't meant to hear, so he opened the door and left. Secretary Ma asked, "What is it? You’re being so secretive."

Magistrate Zhao leaned in. "Old Ma, I can no longer look the provincial government in the eye about how we’ve been cheating the national poverty alleviation funds and diverting them for other uses. I have a premonition that this Zhao Qian, whose background is unclear, might expose everything."

Secretary Ma's face changed. "Old Zhao, what are you implying? When did we ever cheat the state's poverty funds? It’s plain for all to see that Liangshan is genuinely a poor county. As for diverting funds—when have we ever done that? Yes, we’ve had a few failed investments, but that’s normal. Even a sage makes mistakes, right? And speaking of Zhao Qian, he’s just some inexperienced kid. What’s there to be afraid of? If you’re worried about his murky background, we can ask friends in the capital to investigate him, or better yet, we can just run him out of town."

Magistrate Zhao shook his head. "Can you dare touch him now? Director Xu and Director Fang specifically requested him to handle their visit. Moreover, both young women were clearly quite fond of him. You’ve seen enough of the world, surely you can read the signs? On top of that, Commissioner Zhou also seems to have an unusual connection with him. And Xie Sen even mentioned that he has an extraordinary relationship with Hu Qing from the Municipal Public Security Bureau, who was assigned by the Central Government. Shouldn't all this warrant your full attention?"

Secretary Ma paused. "Let’s leave everything else aside for a moment. Are you saying those two young company heads are infatuated with this brat?"

Magistrate Zhao sighed. "Very likely. He truly is blessed. Those two girls are beauties seldom seen in a lifetime."

Secretary Ma hesitated slightly, then added, "Indeed. There was another one just now, very beautiful too, with a lingering jasmine scent. Quite intoxicating."

Magistrate Zhao blushed slightly. "See? What are we two old geezers, nearly a century between us, talking about? Old Ma, think carefully tonight about what I said. I feel we can’t hide things anymore. That Commissioner Zhou won't grant us any favor; he goes down to the countryside conducting his own investigations every day. Sooner or later, he’ll dig everything up. You need to think this through clearly."

Magistrate Zhao departed, leaving Secretary Ma slumped in his large executive chair. He couldn't understand why his life had suddenly taken such a sharp turn, disrupting the comfortable routine he had grown accustomed to. If he had to trace the source, he had to blame that ungrateful young whelp. It was all his doing. He absolutely could not let this boy shatter the quiet stability of Liangshan. Right, he would ask his contacts in the capital to investigate Zhao Qian’s background. If he was truly as formidable as Magistrate Zhao suggested, then they could proceed cautiously. But if he was just an arrogant upstart, then he would make him pay!

When Fang Yanmeng and I returned to our dormitory on the third floor, we found Ning Shixuan and Yun Yao deep in conversation with Hua Qingqing. It sounded like Hua Qingqing was guiding the two girls on skincare routines and makeup tips.

"Brother Zhao, you’re back," Yun Yao, who worried about me the most, quickly rose the moment the door opened.

"Yes, the negotiations were very successful. Everyone can look forward to what comes next. Come on, let’s call Zhang Fengzhen and go out for drinks and dinner."

Ning Shixuan called Zhang Fengzhen, and we agreed to meet at her aunt’s stall downstairs. The five of us headed down only to see Lan Feng standing by the main gate, looking around. Ning Shixuan whispered to me, "I've seen shameless people before, but never anyone as despicable and shameless as him. He actually kicked his own girlfriend off a cliff at the critical moment. I question how I managed to stay with him for several years."

I smiled. "That’s all in the past. Don't pay him any mind."

Lan Feng was startled when he saw Fang Yanmeng. What a refined girl, simply exquisite, like porcelain carved by jade. "Who is this?"

Ning Shixuan responded coldly, "Does it concern you? Have you taken a liking to her too? It’s after work hours; what are you doing here?"

Lan Feng’s face flushed. "I came to treat everyone to dinner, to thank you for lunch today."

I said, "Forget it. If you want to come, then follow us. We’ve lost our appetite eating your meal."

Unexpectedly, Lan Feng actually trailed behind us to the night market. Zhang Fengzhen was already downing draft beer and jumped up when he saw me leading a group of women. "Aha, Brother Zhao! Where did you find these beauties? You're going to blind my eyes!"

Fang Yanmeng and Hua Qingqing smiled and greeted Zhang Fengzhen. "Fang Yanmeng? Hua Qingqing?" Zhang Fengzhen murmured. "Aren't you the two from Earth Energy and Huashi Pharmaceutical Group?"

Ning Shixuan remarked, "You seem quite knowledgeable. Is putting you in the Investment Promotion Office wasting your talent?"

"Not at all," Zhang Fengzhen clapped my shoulder. "I’ve decided to follow Director Zhao now. Everyone, please sit. Tonight has an unprecedented lineup of beauties, so I insist on treating. I don't have a girlfriend yet, after all."

Lan Feng also stiffened upon hearing those two names. When he heard Zhang Fengzhen was footing the bill, he snapped back to attention. "I'll pay! I insist on showing my appreciation."

I took Fang Yanmeng and Hua Qingqing by the arm, one on each side. "Qingqing, Mengmeng, look how enthusiastic Brother Feng is! Aren't you going to thank him quickly?"

Fang Yanmeng and Hua Qingqing sweetly replied, "Thank you, Brother Feng."

Lan Feng’s face turned green when he saw me holding a beauty in each hand. He pointed at Yun Yao, then at Ning Shixuan, implying I was going too far, already having two yet daring to act like this. I decided to push him further into despair and pulled Yun Yao into my embrace, while leaning into Ning Shixuan’s. Now I truly had someone on my left and right, being embraced from front and back.

"Hahahaha! What more could a man ask for in life!" I burst out laughing.

Ning Shixuan and Yun Yao knew I was deliberately provoking Lan Feng. They both despised what Lan Feng had done, so they let me position them as I pleased. Zhang Fengzhen spat out his beer. "No way, Director Zhao! You... you’re taking all four! At least leave one for me."

I gently touched one, then squeezed another. None of the four girls resisted. I told Zhang Fengzhen, "Of course. I’m just too soft-hearted, I can't bear to let any of them cry alone until morning."

Thud. Lan Feng tripped over a small stool, falling hard. Ning Shixuan let out a chuckle. "I'll go help my aunt grill some squid for everyone."

Yun Yao quickly wriggled out of my embrace. "I'll go help too."

Fang Yanmeng tapped my forehead. "Brother Zhao Qian, you are amazing. Should we add another floor to the house? I’m genuinely worried we won’t have enough rooms in the future. Look how you’ll explain it when you get home."

Although Lan Feng was an unwanted outsider, the overall atmosphere remained quite pleasant. Zhang Fengzhen was the most vocal, and seeing all four girls so compliant with me, he insisted on pouring me drinks and recognizing me as his master. When I asked what he had been busy with lately, he replied, "Confidential, I'm scouting a few projects. Otherwise, how would I keep up with Little Ning? My dream of getting a house and a car by year-end wouldn't come true."

Seeing our confused faces, he elaborated. "I'll tell you: I found a great spot. Although it’s quite far from Liangshan county town, it has a unique resource there. If developed and utilized, it’s guaranteed to be a major project."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Hehe, hot springs!" Zhang Fengzhen said. "Geothermal ones. Locals bathe there even in winter. The flow rate isn't huge, but we don't need to entertain the entire nation, right?"

I praised him. "Good job, Brother Zhang. Your car and house by year-end are secured. Prepare a detailed investigation report and show it to me. We have experts in hotel and bathhouse investment; developing a small project like this is entirely feasible."

When Zhang Fengzhen heard that even potential investors were lined up, he was so happy he nearly jumped. "I’ll write it tomorrow—no, I’ll write it tonight when I get back!"

From across the street, Scarbeck signaled to me secretly. I told my group, "You guys keep drinking; I just need to relieve myself."

Fang Yanmeng handed me a few tissues, while Hua Qingqing poured me a drink. Both said, "Go quickly and come back soon."

Lan Feng and Zhang Fengzhen were now thoroughly impressed. Xu Jing had poured me wine and served me tea; now these two prominent figures were doing the same. He was truly a formidable man.

Scarbeck and I turned into a narrow alley one after the other. Scarbeck glanced around to ensure no one was following and whispered, "Brother Qian, everyone in the underworld knows about last night. Brother Fa is dead."

I replied calmly, "If he deserved to die, then he died."

Scarbeck continued, "Because of Chang Fa’s death, Liang Kuan is holding a high-level meeting tonight at the Entertainment City. Many important figures will be present. The Ma Liu, Traitor, and Huzi you asked me to track will all be there."

"What time?"

Scarbeck reported, "I arranged for Ox-Head and Horse-Face to lie in wait near the entrance of the Entertainment City to scout. They just reported that those few individuals have arrived."

I checked the time. "Let's go. Gather your subordinates. We’ll take over the Entertainment City shortly."

"Ah, so fast," Scarbeck exclaimed in surprise.

I said, "It’s rare for them to gather in one place like this. It saves us the trouble of tracking them down one by one. We'll kill them shortly to avenge my wife, and take the Entertainment City while we’re at it—it’s very important for future economic revenue."

Scarbeck was thrilled. "Yes, yes! It’s so satisfying working for Brother Qian. However, Liang Kuan’s strength shouldn't be underestimated; they mostly carry guns, so be careful."

"Am I afraid of guns? You wait for my signal to go in and take over. Don't reveal my identity to your subordinates. Go gather the men; I'll go ahead."