Zhang Keqin was shaking hands intimately with Mi Zhiguo. Perhaps before, they had harbored a sliver of doubt as to whether it was truly Zhang Keqin, having not seen it with their own eyes, but now the accuracy of the news was completely confirmed.

As government officials, it was impossible for them not to recognize the superior of their own superior.

Both men were momentarily stunned, only snapping back to attention when their secretary called them.

Their car had already reached the rear; they couldn't drive any further forward without coming face-to-face with Zhang Keqin.

The two of them quickly exited their vehicle, not having the time to consider why Zhang Keqin was with Mi Zhiguo and appearing so familiar.

"Secretary Zhang, it truly is you! I never expected to run into you here!"

Yu Wensheng held the highest rank; he stepped forward with a hearty smile to greet them. Zhou Guocheng followed closely behind, an unnatural tension lingering in his expression.

"You are Wensheng?"

Zhang Keqin’s eyebrow twitched unnaturally. His visit this time was purely personal, concerning the discussion of his son's engagement, and he did not wish to be disturbed.

Little did he know, upon arriving in Lieshan, he had already been recognized.

He had some impression of Yu Wensheng, who had once reported work to him. Zhang Keqin had an excellent memory; he generally remembered the names of people he had met even once.

"Secretary Zhang, you actually remember me!"

Yu Wensheng was visibly excited. Zhang Keqin recalling his name was completely beyond his expectations; he had only reported for work once, and for less than ten minutes at that.

"What are you doing here?"

Zhang Keqin gave a faint nod, his expression relatively calm, but Zhao Min’s brow was deeply furrowed.

There were things Zhang Keqin didn't know, but he was fully aware that Zhao Min knew everything about the incident Zhang Yang encountered the first time he came to Lieshan, and that report had been passed up the chain. However, since Zhang Yang had resolved the matter himself back then, Zhang Keqin hadn't pursued it further.

Even if Zhang Keqin didn't ask, he still needed to investigate all facets of the matter, just in case.

Thus, he knew that this Yu Wensheng was Yu Wenwu's elder brother.

However, he only held a slight caution toward Yu Wensheng, not truly taking him to heart; people of this stature posed no threat to them.

It was Yu Wensheng's appearance that made Zhao Min ponder, considering whether to report the specific details of this man to his superior, lest the leader remain completely in the dark.

If Yu Wensheng knew what Zhao Min was thinking at this moment, he would likely weep with regret for having come to Lieshan this time.

"I, I was just passing by, I never expected to run into you. Should I arrange for reinforcements to ensure your safety?"

Yu Wensheng started slightly, then quickly explained himself, glancing unnaturally toward Mi Zhiguo as he spoke.

His reason for being there was to investigate the poisoning incident at Mi Ji's Porridge Shop; put plainly, he was there to pick a fight with Mi Zhiguo. But now that Mi Zhiguo was with Zhang Keqin, he naturally dared not mention this reason.

"My visit is for private matters, so there's no need to trouble yourselves!"

Zhang Keqin lightly shook his head. Yu Wensheng nodded, then noticed Zhang Yang and Mi Xue nearby; he had seen Mi Xue before.

He hadn't met Zhang Yang, but he had seen his photograph—Zhang Yang's picture had been frequently in the newspapers. Although not a full face shot, he recognized Zhang Yang’s identity now.

Seeing Zhang Yang, his heart suddenly gave a heavy thud.

He finally recalled that before Mi Zhiguo returned, he had mentioned guests at home—in-laws, discussing an engagement.

Zhang Yang was currently with Mi Xue, and Zhang Keqin was right beside them. Mi Zhiguo was clearly receiving them. Connecting these dots, a very unwelcome thought surged in his mind: Could it be that Zhang Keqin was Mi Zhiguo's in-law?

As soon as this thought arose, he was startled by it himself and quickly pushed it aside, unwilling to believe it.

"Secretary Yu, Secretary Zhang, this is Zhou Guocheng, the Secretary of the Lieshan County Committee. This is Hu Haiming, the Director of the Police Bureau. Perhaps we should assign some men for your safety?"

Zhou Guocheng had remained silent, as Zhang Keqin didn't know him, and he dared not speak rashly. Seeing Zhou Guocheng slightly tense, Mi Zhiguo immediately stepped forward to introduce him.

"Greetings, Secretary Zhang, welcome to Lieshan!"

Hearing Mi Zhiguo introduce him, Zhou Guocheng was startled. He hurriedly stepped forward, nervously extending his hand. At this moment, he couldn't worry about Mi Zhiguo's relationship with Zhang Keqin; he was filled with gratitude toward Mi Zhiguo.

At least he wasn't someone operating in the shadows right now.

"No need. I am here to discuss the engagement between Zhang Yang and Mi Xue. It is entirely a private matter, so don't waste resources. Also, I might be leaving today!"

Zhang Keqin smiled and shook his head. Zhou Guocheng, who had just shaken his hand, felt his mind violently 'boom,' staring at Mi Zhiguo in disbelief.

"My visit is purely personal; I won't burden the locality. You all continue with what you should be doing!"

Zhang Keqin added, then called Zhang Yang and the others forward. Mi Zhiguo hurried to follow. Before leaving, he covertly glanced at Yu Wensheng and Zhou Guocheng, who were standing there in profound shock.

Looking at Yu Wensheng’s state, Mi Zhiguo felt a perverse pleasure, like retribution.

Didn't Yu Wensheng come here specifically to cause trouble for him, wanting to cancel his daughter's engagement, all for the sake of the Yu family's reputation?

He could do this only because his official rank and power were higher than Mi Zhiguo’s.

But now, someone far more formidable was interfering with Secretary Zhang’s son's wedding. Let's see how he cleans up this mess. Mi Zhiguo certainly wouldn't utter a single word to help him; he wasn't inclined to speak up for an enemy.

The previous incident had already put him at odds with the Yu family, and Yu Wensheng's attitude this time made it clear that he and the Yu family were long past being friends—they were enemies, and he certainly wouldn't help an enemy.

Mi Zhiguo and Zhang Keqin quickly entered the Mi family residence. Zhao Min and the security guard also brought a considerable amount of gifts from the car.

These were gifts Zhang Keqin had bought for the Mi family. Just looking at these gifts made it clear: Mi Zhiguo's in-law truly was Secretary Zhang of the Provincial Party Committee.

Only a connection of this magnitude would prompt Zhang Keqin to personally purchase and present gifts to them.

"Se-Secretary Yu!"

Zhou Guocheng was completely stunned by the news, his speech slightly slurred. Hu Haiming was slightly better off; his rank was lower, so while shocked, it didn't reach the level of Zhou Guocheng’s breakdown.

He finally understood why Mi Zhiguo and Zhang De had been so delighted when Zhang Keqin arrived.

He also finally grasped why Mi Zhiguo dared to confront Yu Wensheng directly and insist on this marriage—their in-law was the Provincial Party Secretary. If he had such an in-law, he wouldn't fear Yu Wensheng at all.

"What?"

Yu Wensheng finally snapped out of his stupor and hastily looked toward Zhou Guocheng, panic still etched on his face.

This news was merely shocking to Zhou Guocheng and Hu Haiming, but for Yu Wensheng, it was sheer terror. He had never imagined that Zhang Yang's father was Zhang Keqin.

Had he known this earlier, how could he have rushed over thinking of sabotaging their engagement?

Had he known this, the Yu family would never have contemplated seeking a marital alliance with the Mi family—the disparity was too vast, belonging to entirely different levels. The other party could crush them as easily as crushing an ant.

Now, Yu Wensheng’s mind was consumed by regret, vexation, and a heavy sense of unease. If Zhang Keqin knew he had come here to disrupt his son's engagement, would he take his anger out on him?

If the Provincial Party Secretary was displeased with him, he could forget about promotion for the rest of his life; his political career would be over, and there might even be bigger problems lurking.

"Secretary Zhang is here for private affairs this time. Should we secretly arrange some protection for his safety?"

Zhou Guocheng wasn't thinking as deeply as Yu Wensheng. Beyond his slight displeasure that Mi Zhiguo had kept this matter secret, his primary concern was the impact of Zhang Keqin's visit. Safety was paramount; if any issue arose here, whether public or private, Zhou Guocheng could not bear the responsibility.

"You handle it as you see fit. I have urgent matters; I'm leaving now!"

Yu Wensheng shook his head abruptly, then got into his car. He didn't even return to the County Committee office, driving straight back to the city.

The fact that Zhang Yang was Zhang Keqin's son had thrown Yu Wensheng into complete disarray. He had no idea how to proceed now. What he most wanted to do was return and deliver a severe beating to his foolish younger brother.

That idiotic boy had brought immense trouble upon him this time.

Zhang Keqin did not linger long on this visit. He shared a meal at the Mi family home during lunch, chatted for a while in the afternoon, and then returned to Changjing.

His schedule before the New Year was packed; he simply didn't have the time to stay away for long.

The engagement date for Zhang Yang and Mi Xue was definitively set: the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month—just one week away, placing it a few days before the Lunar New Year.

The Mi family had long been prepared, so setting the date caused no panic. As for the Zhang family, their preparations would be much simpler.

The Zhang family was not based here, so the engagement wouldn't require a large entourage; Zhang Keqin and Zhang Yang would suffice. They didn't even need to book a restaurant; having their own establishment was certainly convenient.

After Zhang Keqin left again, Zhang Yang and Mi Xue stayed behind for a few more days.

With the date confirmed, Mi Xue had to visit the relatives who needed seeing. Zhang Yang accompanied her these past couple of days, bringing generous gifts to all the extended family.

Even before the engagement, Zhang Yang had successfully won over everyone’s hearts; all comments regarding their upcoming marriage were full of praise.

Other than these developments, nothing else had changed.

The only one who had changed was Mi Zhiguo.

Zhang Keqin’s visit made it impossible for him to conceal the matter any longer, though only a select few key members at the county level were aware.

Zhou Guocheng knew the most; he had witnessed it firsthand.

Even after seeing it, it took him two full days to process the reality. He was intensely jealous of Mi Zhiguo’s fortune, envying Mi Zhiguo while simultaneously wishing he himself had such a beautiful daughter to secure an in-law who was a Provincial leader.

Never mind the Provincial Party Secretary; even a member of the Provincial Standing Committee would suffice—that level of connection would be a massive help.

Jealousy aside, Zhou Guocheng’s attitude toward Mi Zhiguo began to shift. Furthermore, the Municipal Party Secretary, Hua Qing, summoned Mi Zhiguo to the city for a discussion.

This conversation had nothing to do with work; it was entirely small talk, discussing life matters.

Finally, Hua Qing inquired about Zhang Yang and Mi Xue, implicitly asking about the nature of Mi Zhiguo’s relationship with Secretary Zhang Keqin.