Zhou Guocheng was taken aback, and Yu Wensheng also frowned slightly. Secretary Zhang Keqin—he was the top official in the entire province; he should be in Changjing right now.

How could he possibly be in their small Lie Shan County? Even if he were here, they should have received prior notification, not this hasty report from Zhou Guocheng’s secretary.

“Are you sure your classmate didn't misread the situation? How could Secretary Zhang Keqin be in Lie Shan?” Zhou Guocheng immediately pressed the point again.

Neither he nor Yu Wensheng noticed the excitement of Mi Zhiguo and Zhang De, but Hu Haiming, the Police Chief standing nearby, did notice, looking somewhat perplexed. “I asked him multiple times.

My classmate, Zhao Lei, works in the TV station’s news department. He often sorts through news footage, and Secretary Zhang has appeared on the news countless times.

He knows the face backward and forward. He swore he couldn't have mistaken him, and he even noticed the secretary accompanying Secretary Zhang!” Xiao Chen quickly shook his head.

He had already asked this question; if Secretary Zhang came to Lie Shan, it would be an event of monumental importance. What he said was true.

When Zhao Lei called him, he had sworn several times. Zhao Lei was an intelligent person; the Provincial Party Secretary suddenly appearing in their small county town was a tremendous deal for them.

It was a pity he couldn't contact the County Party Secretary directly and could only relay the news through his classmate. Zhao Lei was already thinking about whether he could earn merit and be remembered by the County Party Secretary, perhaps earning a promotion later, as this was extremely critical information.

“Secretary? Even Secretary Zhao is here?” This time, it was Yu Wensheng who spoke.

If it were only Zhang Keqin, there might be a chance of misidentification, but with the secretary accompanying him, there was no mistake. Xiao Chen nodded again.

His old classmate Zhao Lei had confirmed this point. Zhao Min rarely appeared on television, but he had a few times.

Zhao Lei was observant and had memorized these faces. After seeing both Zhang Keqin and Zhao Lei, he had deliberately gone back to review the videotapes and finally confirmed it was them before making the call.

“Ring! Ring!

Ring!” Mi Zhiguo’s mobile phone suddenly rang, causing both Zhou Guocheng and Yu Wensheng to glance towards him. Mi Zhiguo appeared extremely agitated, almost uncontrollably so, his fingers trembling slightly.

Seeing the incoming number, the muscles in his face couldn't help but twitch faintly. It was Zhang Yang’s number.

Someone had seen Secretary Zhang, and now Zhang Yang was calling—he was almost certain that his in-law had arrived in Lie Shan. As to why the county and city governments were unaware of his arrival, the reason was simple: Zhang Keqin was here privately, not on official business.

Zhang Keqin’s arrival instantly made Mi Zhiguo forget the issue of Yu Wensheng trying to pick a fight. This marriage arrangement could not be abandoned; no one could stop the engagement.

Ignoring the few other people in the room, Mi Zhiguo hastily excused himself and stepped out to take the call. “Uncle Zhang, my dad is here.

Where are you?” Zhang Yang’s voice came through the phone, confirming his speculation: Zhang Keqin had indeed arrived in Lie Shan. “I’m still at the County Committee office.

I know. I’ll be right back!” Mi Zhiguo suppressed his excitement and spoke quickly.

Zhang Keqin was actually here. Even if he was here in a private capacity, Mi Zhiguo was thrilled.

This was proof that both sides in this marriage were equals. They weren't putting on airs just because of a higher rank; the proper respect was shown.

This was just a normal visit from the groom's parents to the bride's home. Returning to the meeting room, Mi Zhiguo’s mood finally eased slightly.

He walked up to Zhou Guocheng and Yu Wensheng and said softly, “Secretary Yu, Secretary Zhou, I have guests at home and must return immediately!” Yu Wensheng was looking for trouble, but he still had to act professionally, as Yu Wensheng was the superior. “Guests?

What guests? We are in a meeting right now?” Yu Wensheng, already somewhat confused by the news about Zhang Keqin, immediately expressed his displeasure.

He hadn't forgotten the purpose of his visit. “I sincerely apologize, Secretary Yu.

I have a very important guest at home—my in-laws are here to discuss the engagement. I have already submitted the material for this case, and Director Hu is fully aware of everything.

If you feel I have done anything wrong, you can criticize me directly, but I must return today. My daughter’s happiness is more important!” Mi Zhiguo spoke without being servile or overbearing.

He had his justification. After speaking, he ignored Yu Wensheng, whose eyes were wide with anger and whose body was trembling, and excused himself briefly to Zhou Guocheng before leaving immediately.

Zhang De followed suit. Although it was lunchtime, for them, much of the rest time was still work, and leaving while working required permission.

“He, he, he—what kind of attitude is that?” After Mi Zhiguo and Zhang De had left, Yu Wensheng flicked his wrist elegantly, trembling as he spoke, shaking with sheer fury. “Secretary Yu, please don't be angry.

I think Secretary Zhang’s matter is more important. Why do you think Secretary Zhang would sneak into Lie Shan?” The secretary’s repeated assurances made Zhou Guocheng start to believe him.

Since Secretary Zhao was also present, Secretary Zhang’s identity was basically confirmed. An ordinary staff member in the County TV Station’s news section wouldn't dare deceive him about something like this.

He had already asked his secretary, Xiao Chen, and confirmed the identity of the classmate. “Secretary Zhou is right.

Could Secretary Zhang be here on an inspection tour this time?” Hu Haiming chimed in. Compared to Mi Zhiguo’s departure, Zhang Keqin’s arrival was undoubtedly the most significant event.

Zhou Guocheng and Hu Haiming were genuinely worried now and had no inclination to worry about the trivial matters between the Yu and Mi families. Yu Wensheng’s impure motives for coming down this time had already been exposed, regardless of how much rationale he presented.

“An inspection tour? I haven’t heard that Secretary Zhang has such a habit!” Yu Wensheng slowly calmed down, his brow twitching slightly.

He had plenty of ways to deal with Mi Zhiguo, but Zhang Keqin's presence was currently the most pressing matter. It was one thing not to know Zhang Keqin was in Lie Shan, but knowing the Provincial Party Secretary was here and doing nothing would look much worse when it reached higher ears.

“Secretary Yu, should we report this to Secretary Hua Qing?” Zhou Guocheng asked cautiously. Secretary Hua Qing was the Municipal Party Secretary.

Zhou Guocheng was extremely uneasy; regardless of why Zhang Keqin appeared in Lie Shan without notification, it was not a good sign for him. “I will report it personally.

You hurry up and find out Secretary Zhang’s whereabouts!” Yu Wensheng considered it and spoke slowly. Zhang Keqin’s business was indeed far more important than Mi Zhiguo’s affair.

He now knew Zhang Keqin was in Lie Shan; doing nothing with that knowledge would have a worse impact on him. “Yes, I’ll start investigating right away!” Zhou Guocheng immediately nodded.

As the County Party Secretary, the top man here, investigating matters in his jurisdiction was relatively easy. Zhang Keqin’s identity was discovered because Zhao Min got out of the car to ask for directions, and Zhang Keqin also stepped out for a breath of fresh air, where he was spotted by the passing Zhao Lei, who stared for a long time.

Only after they left did Zhao Lei realize what had happened, leading to the subsequent events. Zhao Lei was intelligent; he had noted down the license plate number of the car Zhang Keqin was riding in.

With the license plate, Zhou Guocheng quickly traced Zhang Keqin’s location. Zhang Keqin’s car was stopped at an intersection.

This result baffled Zhou Guocheng. If Zhang Keqin were on an inspection tour, he would likely visit several of the county’s more serious sites.

The intersection where he was located was a bustling commercial area, offering little for inspection. Zhou Guocheng was filled with confusion, unsure why Zhang Keqin had come.

But no matter the reason, he dared not treat it lightly; this was undoubtedly the most crucial matter for him. Zhang Yang’s Mercedes soon arrived at that intersection.

The problem that troubled Zhou Guocheng was actually quite simple: Zhang Keqin was waiting there for someone—his son. Zhang Yang couldn't have dinner at Mi Xue’s aunt’s house; Zhang Keqin hadn't said anything before arriving and only called him after reaching Lie Shan.

He had to rush out. Zhang Yang’s Mercedes was conspicuous, contrasting sharply with the old-fashioned Hongqi car Zhang Keqin was riding in, which looked rather ordinary.

“Uncle Mi!” Seeing Zhang Keqin step out, Mi Xue immediately went forward to greet him. Zhang Keqin was here privately, accompanied only by his secretary, Zhao Min, and his bodyguard.

The three had arrived lightly equipped. “Dad!” Zhang Yang also called out softly.

Though quiet, it clearly increased the warmth in Zhang Keqin’s smile. It was not easy for Zhang Keqin to carve out time from his busy schedule to come to Lie Shan, especially in a private capacity; it showed how much he valued this marriage.

Zhang Keqin exchanged a few brief words, and Zhao Min immediately escorted him back into the car. The bodyguard was driving.

Since they didn't know the way, they followed Zhang Yang’s car toward Mi Xue’s home. As they drove off, two cars from the County Committee also departed.

Since Zhang Keqin had arrived and Zhou Guocheng and Yu Wensheng had heard the news, they felt compelled to meet him. Moreover, Zhou Guocheng was concerned about the purpose of Zhang Keqin’s visit.

At least by meeting him, he could understand why the Provincial Party Secretary was here, which was better than knowing nothing. “Secretary Zhang, you are so busy, how could you come in person!” Mi Zhiguo was already waiting at the entrance of the residential compound.

Zhang De had tagged along uninvited to show his close relationship with the Mi family. Opportunities to be seen by the Provincial Party Secretary were rare; no chance like this could be missed.

“In-law, there is no Secretary here or County Magistrate. I am Zhang Yang’s father, and you are Mi Xue’s father.

We are both parents gathering today for our children’s sake!” Zhang Keqin smiled slightly and stepped forward to shake Mi Zhiguo’s hand. Mi Zhiguo nodded excitedly while repeatedly calling him “Secretary Zhang.” Zhang Keqin could maintain an attitude of equality, but Mi Zhiguo could not.

As he was leading Zhang Keqin toward the house, the cars carrying Zhou Guocheng and Yu Wensheng also arrived. Zhou Guocheng was extremely surprised to see Zhang Keqin’s car heading toward the County Government's residential compound.

When he saw Mi Zhiguo and Zhang Keqin already standing together, he was completely stunned. Yu Wensheng, sitting in the car ahead, was just as bewildered.

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