Pretty close, right?
Could I really be the runner-up in the college entrance exam?
When Evan Lin's casual words reached Kevin Cheng and his group, their expressions froze.
Rejecting the guaranteed spot at Clearwater University had already shattered their expectations; now, Evan’s bold words hit them even harder.
Especially since Evan was facing none other than Thomas Liu from Whitewood County!
“Impressive. I used to think you were just a bit better than your peers, but now it’s clear—you’re not just good, you’re outstanding!”
Thomas Liu gave Evan a glowing review, then added, “By the way, when you get home, please send my regards to your mother. Everyone in the county has noticed how she’s been helping underprivileged children return to school lately.”
“There are still so many kids of school age who haven’t been able to attend classes for various reasons. That’s our failure as officials. I plan to address this with the relevant people soon. Your mom really is an excellent teacher.”
With just a few words, Thomas Liu fully recognized everything Joy Zheng had done.
"You’re Chief Cheng, right?"
Thomas Liu looked over at Kevin Cheng, who was standing there trembling.
"Ah—ah..."
Kevin Cheng heard Thomas Liu’s words, forced a smile, and stepped forward. “Secretary Liu.”
“Your Water Bureau’s work lately has been terribly inefficient. Why are the water supply issues in several townships still unresolved?”
Thomas Liu asked coolly.
"We’re following procedures—it’ll be done soon! Next week, I promise, it’ll be resolved!"
Kevin Cheng was sweating buckets.
“If you’re not doing your job, then resign! And isn’t this work hours? Why are you here at the hotel?”
Thomas Liu’s tone was harsh.
After hearing this, Kevin Cheng’s whole body shook. His face went pale, and for a long moment, he couldn’t say a word.
"And you, Comrade Liu Xia, what exactly are you doing here? Just meeting up with old friends for lunch?"
Magistrate Ma glanced over at Liu Xia, his expression turning sour.
"No, I'm here to bring in investment for the county—this, this is Boss Xu!"
Liu Xia was so anxious she was nearly in tears.
She'd never had the chance to speak face-to-face with Thomas Liu or Magistrate Ma before.
Before she could finish, Magistrate Ma waved her off. "Enough. You and Director David Chen need to get back to work. Whatever needs handling, handle it quickly."
"Also, in our county, we need to strengthen the review process for incoming businesses and investors. We can't just look at the money and ignore everything else! We can't let just anyone into Whitewood!"
Magistrate Ma's words left Liu Xia completely frozen.
Just moments ago, Simon Xu and Susan Xu were shouting about their twenty million investment. Now, facing Magistrate Ma's righteous stance, their minds were still blank.
"None of you have had lunch yet, right? Why don't we eat together?"
Thomas Liu turned to Evan Lin, his voice gentle. "But I have a meeting at one o'clock, so I can't drink. Hope you don't mind."
"No problem. I'm hungry too."
Evan Lin nodded in agreement.
Big Tank immediately stepped forward to reserve a table inside Whitewood Grand Hotel.
Chloe Cheng stood there, stiff as a board, staring at Evan Lin in utter shock.
Evan Lin didn't even glance her way. With sopport from Thomas Liu and Magistrate Ma, he strode into Whitewood Grand Hotel.
"Director Chen..."
Liu Xia looked nervously at Director David Chen, panic all over her face.
"What are you standing around for? Get back to work!"
Director David Chen shot her a glare, his face dark. After snapping at her, he walked off ahead.
Liu Xia didn’t dare hesitate for a second and quickly followed along.
Her panicked look fell into Chloe Cheng’s eyes, making Chloe clench her fists tightly, her gaze full of unwillingness.
She recalled the way Evan Lin looked at her just now, that...
Kevin Cheng looked at Simon Xu with a bitter expression. "Old Xu, I’m sorry. I really didn’t expect that kid could actually call over Big Tank and Magistrate Ma!"
And even more unexpected, he’s connected to the owner of the plaza!
Kevin Cheng was filled with bitterness.
"This isn’t your fault! I can see why Whitewood County’s economy is so terrible—it’s because of these parasites!" Simon Xu said angrily. "Even top-tier investors like me get ignored. At this rate, this place is doomed!"
"A bunch of useless freeloaders! I’m done investing in this dump!"
Simon Xu cursed as he spoke.
He walked over, picked up the still-unconscious Max Xu from the ground. Originally, he wanted to return to the hotel, but worried about bumping into Evan Lin’s group again and causing awkwardness, he handed the car keys to Xu Lan, letting her drive, and together they headed to the hospital.
"Let’s go home."
Kevin Cheng watched Simon Xu’s family leave angrily, feeling powerless. He sighed and glanced at Chloe Cheng, who was biting her lip hard. "Chloe, remember what happened today!"
"When you get to university, study hard and work for your future!"
As Kevin Cheng said these words, he actually felt a little desolate inside.
He never imagined there would come a day when the boy who once seemed so weak would trample him so easily.
Is it really true what they say—thirty years east of the river, thirty years west?
"Evan Lin!"
Chloe Cheng’s eyes were full of resentment.
Inside the hotel.
The waiter quickly arranged a private room.
Big Tank handed the menu to Evan Lin. Evan picked up the pen, ordered the dishes, and handed it straight to the server.
"What just happened was our oversight."
Magistrate Ma lifted his teacup, looked at Evan Lin, and smiled apologetically. "But I have to work this afternoon, so I’ll have to toast you with tea instead of wine. Please understand. As for Director Chen, he’s really just looking out for the county’s finances."
After speaking, he downed his tea in one gulp.
Evan Lin nodded. "He’s just doing his job. But Liu Xia and Kevin Cheng are honestly getting on my nerves."
Magistrate Ma sending Director Chen back to work was basically protecting him.
Evan Lin turned a blind eye to it and didn’t mind. After all, Director Chen was just being used as a pawn in this mess.
But Liu Xia and Kevin Cheng have been flip-flopping over and over, and Evan Lin was already getting fed up.
"The Water Bureau is about to have some personnel changes. I’ll make arrangements. Kevin Cheng has been sitting in the office for too long—he should go down to the township and experience the real situation so he can understand the importance of water projects."
Big Tank thought for a moment and continued, "As for Liu Xia, let’s just give her more tasks for now."
"What do you think?"
Big Tank asked Evan Lin.
"You guys do as you see fit."
Evan Lin spoke calmly, took a sip of tea, and set the cup down on the table, making a crisp, clear sound.
"I just hope they can be a little quieter."