At the end of the road.
A Volkswagen slowly drove over from that direction, moving at a steady, unhurried pace.
Seeing this, the group standing in front of the guesthouse entrance hurried forward, all wearing friendly smiles.
The car door opened, and the first person to step out was a man of about forty, with a scholarly air and a pair of glasses. Thomas Liu got out, glanced toward the crowd, and nodded slightly.
"Secretary Liu." Victor Deng walked over, beaming at the newcomer.
Secretary Liu's full name was Thomas Liu. He was a high-ranking county official recently appointed from above, and also the uncle of Allen Ju. Whether this posting to Whitewood was a promotion or a demotion was unclear; as a newcomer, he already held some differing views from the previous County Chief Ma.
Today's gathering at the guesthouse was for a group meal—partly for introductions, and partly to discuss the development of Whitewood County's resort project and an external investment deal. Most of those present were heads or deputy heads of important departments.
Most of those present were heads or deputy heads of important departments.
Thomas Liu glanced at Victor Deng and nodded slightly. "County Chief Ma isn't here yet?"
"Not yet. He went to Minghai City's airport today to pick up an investor from Hong Kong. He should be here soon," Deng Yangyan replied with a smile.
Feng Jian's father was named Feng Kangnan, a portly man who had made some money before. This time, with the Whitewood County resort project, he was hoping to make a big play—if he landed the project, he could earn a hefty sum.
When he saw Feng Kangnan, his eyes lit up, but he didn't dare rush over and greet him at this moment.
Beside him, Yang Hai looked a little pale and was forcing himself to stay spirited.
While Liu Tangguo and Deng Yangyan were talking, a teenager jumped out of the car. He wore a full denim outfit and a crooked cap, with the look of a pretty-boy idol.
After getting out, Kai Chen glanced around as if searching for someone. Unable to spot them, he ran over to Thomas Liu with a cheeky grin. "Uncle Thomas, where's Selina and the others? I haven't seen them in ages—they must be missing me by now."
Kai Chen's words drew a helpless smile from Thomas Liu. "At this hour, they're either at the internet café or fishing by the artificial lake. You'll probably have to wait a bit longer."
Victor Deng noticed how Thomas Liu treated Kai Chen and felt a jolt in his heart. He didn't know Kai Chen's background, but anyone who could call Thomas Liu 'uncle' surely had an impressive one.
Without a second thought, Victor Deng cheerfully said, "If this young man has nothing to do, why not take a walk with my cousin Ivy Deng? Maybe your friends will be back soon."
Finishing his words, Victor Deng looked over his shoulder at Ivy Deng. "Ivy, come here a moment."
Ivy Deng had been lost in thought among the crowd, but when she heard Victor Deng call out, she paused for a moment and then walked over.
Kai Chen sized up Ivy Deng, his eyes lighting up. He reached out his hand with a smile. "I'm Kai Chen."
"Ivy Deng."
They shook hands, and at Victor Deng's prompting, Ivy Deng led Kai Chen on a walk around the area.
Meanwhile, Thomas Liu and the others stayed where they were, continuing their conversation.
As they walked, Kai Chen chatted away, spinning wild stories. Ivy Deng, who'd been feeling a bit down, found her mood improving. Since Kai Chen had arrived with Thomas Liu, he seemed all the more intriguing in her eyes.
They strolled and talked, the atmosphere relaxed and friendly.
After only a few steps, Ivy Deng suddenly froze, spotting Evan Lin walking toward them in the distance. She frowned, puzzled.
Kai Chen, always observant of Ivy Deng's expression, noticed her frown and turned to follow her gaze. He saw a plainly dressed, slightly skinny teen slowly approaching.
Kai Chen raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "You know him?"
"Uh, sort of." Ivy Deng paused at his question, then nodded.
"Hmm, is he one of those flies chasing after you?" Kai Chen said smugly, grinning.
He hadn't expected to meet a girl with Ivy Deng's looks and figure in a place like Whitewood County. Back in Jingnan, he'd only ever encountered city girls—stylish, beautiful, and always made up. But even without makeup, Ivy Deng's natural beauty outshone most of them.
Although Kai Chen was here for Selina Shi, meeting such a pretty girl made his heart itch a little.
Seeing Ivy Deng's subtle reaction to Evan Lin, Kai Chen guessed that this kid was the classic 'toad lusting after a swan.'
Before Ivy Deng could answer, Kai Chen flashed a confident smile. "Don't worry, leave it to me. It's just a fly—I'll swat him for you."
He turned to look and saw the teen heading their way, glancing at Ivy Deng with what seemed like an ordinary look. That only made Kai Chen more certain of his theory.
Evan Lin was still surprised to run into Ivy Deng here, but before he could react, Kai Chen pulled Ivy behind him and sized Evan up. "Hey, kid, where'd you come from? This isn't a place for you, got it?"
Kai Chen, hat tilted, looked up at Evan Lin with zero friendliness.
After speaking, Kai Chen waited for Evan's reaction, but Evan didn't even glance at him. This left Kai Chen feeling incredibly frustrated.
Seeing Evan still walking forward, Kai Chen frowned and moved to block his path. Just as he was about to say something else, he caught sight of three people approaching out of the corner of his eye.
Two men and one woman.
Allen Ju still wore that calm, indifferent look wherever he went. Beside him, Warren Wu yawned, hands behind his head, while Selina Shi looked sharp and energetic, her hair in a single ponytail.
Selina Shi spotted them and strode over, a slight smile on her face.
Seeing Selina Shi heading his way, Kai Chen forgot all about Evan Lin. Overjoyed, he dashed toward Selina Shi. "Ah! Selina! I missed you so much!"
Seeing Selina Shi smiling, Kai Chen was thrilled. He leapt forward, trying to hug her.
But just as he jumped, Selina Shi deftly sidestepped, leaving Kai Chen staring blankly as she walked straight up to Evan Lin.