"Secretary Liu, do you really think a big client is coming today, or is it just a rumor?"
At the Whitewood County Party Committee Guesthouse, Magistrate Ma stood beside Thomas Liu, looking haggard.
He'd dealt with a lot yesterday—first arranging an overnight review of the scammer. Just thinking about what would have happened if that contract had been signed made Magistrate Ma break out in a cold sweat.
In a place like Whitewood County, if they lost a hundred million in funds, his career as county magistrate would be finished. Worse, it would be a devastating blow to Whitewood's finances.
It could take ten, maybe even more than ten years for Whitewood's economy to recover.
Early this morning, Magistrate Ma had planned to apologize to Thomas Liu and thank Evan Lin, the young man from last night. But to his surprise, Thomas was already waiting outside the guesthouse, looking like he was expecting someone.
After asking, Magistrate Ma learned that Thomas was waiting for an investor—one supposedly bringing five hundred million yuan!
After being burned once, Magistrate Ma was now 'once bitten, twice shy.' His eyes still held a hint of suspicion.
Thomas Liu stood in a suit at the guesthouse entrance, gazing down the road.
It was early morning, the first light just breaking. The air was still crisp and cool.
"Honestly, I'm not completely sure either. But Magistrate Ma, what happened last night wasn't all your fault—I share responsibility too." Thomas Liu shook his head. "Our real goal is to revive Whitewood's economy and help people live better lives. That's something we both want. It shouldn't turn into us fighting over turf."
Magistrate Ma nodded, a bit embarrassed. "I was too eager for quick results."
Since Thomas Liu parachuted in as Party Secretary, Magistrate Ma had felt squeezed out, so their relationship was cordial on the surface but tense underneath.
After last night's incident, Magistrate Ma's resistance toward Thomas Liu had faded quite a bit.
"Uncle Liu, up so early to exercise?"
Not far away, Selina Shi came out in sportswear, stretching lazily. The morning breeze showed off her figure to perfection.
Behind her, Kai Chen followed, chin up, pretending to be proud.
Last night's events had left Kai Chen confused, but even more hostile toward Selina's so-called boyfriend.
Kai Chen couldn't figure out why that kid hadn't been arrested. He guessed maybe the guy had connections, but in Kai's eyes, in a poor backwater like Whitewood, even if that kid had all the local ties, so what?
Once you left Whitewood, he was a nobody.
No money, just a broke loser look.
Thinking that way made Kai Chen feel much better. Early this morning, he lurked outside Selina Shi's door and casually followed her when she went out for a run, hoping to get closer.
Anyway, Selina Shi was bound to leave Whitewood County sooner or later. Once she did, with distance between them, Kai Chen didn't believe that Evan Lin could possibly afford to chase her all the way to her city.
Even if that kid really was stubborn enough to follow, by then, Kai Chen could just call up a bunch of rich second-gens and crush him with money alone!
Kai Chen was confident about that.
"Hmm, you're up early to exercise—why not bring Allen Ju and Warren Wu along?" Thomas Liu smiled, curious.
"They gamed too late last night, still sleeping—can't wake them." Selina Shi shook her head, looking exasperated.
Thomas Liu just chuckled at that.
At that moment—
The roar of an engine broke the morning quiet.
Hearing the car, Thomas Liu and the others looked over.
Soon, a jet-black Mercedes sliced through the thin white mist, kicking up a chill wind as it sped toward them.
Magistrate Ma looked nervous; Thomas Liu stayed calm.
Selina Shi was curious; Kai Chen acted nonchalant.
All four of them turned to stare at the sudden Mercedes.
The car door opened. Out stepped a man in a suit, a thick gold chain around his neck as wide as a child's wrist, and a body so fat he looked greasy at first glance.
Most importantly, the guy radiated that tacky nouveau-riche vibe—hard not to dislike.
As soon as he got out, that fat head nervously and expectantly scanned the area, barely glancing at Thomas Liu and Magistrate Ma before moving on, clearly looking for someone else.
"Hello, are you Big Tank?" Thomas Liu greeted him, stepping forward with a smile and a handshake. "I'm Thomas Liu, county official here in Whitewood."
"Oh, oh, hello, hello." Big Tank nodded. "I know, I know."
Kai Chen gave Big Tank a scornful look, thinking this guy was the definition of tacky—probably just some local with a bit of cash. He smiled at Selina Shi. "Selina, let's go. I'll run with you."
Selina Shi didn't even glance at him, couldn't be bothered. After greeting Thomas Liu, she set off down the road, jogging on her own.
Kai Chen shamelessly followed right behind her.
Just as they ran past the Mercedes, Big Tank's booming voice came from behind: "Uh, Lin... uh, my boss already told me—five hundred million, right? Here, just hand me the contract. The money's all ready."
"I was supposed to come last night, but pulling together this much cash on short notice is tough, you know? That's why it took all night to get it ready."
Big Tank's voice was deep and booming.
(Non-content: system prompt, not part of the novel narrative)
Five hundred million!
Hearing that number, Kai Chen's legs nearly gave out. He almost collapsed right then and there.
He'd thought this tacky fat guy just had a little money—but who would've guessed he'd open with five hundred million!
And judging by his tone, it was like he didn't care at all!
Selina Shi also shot Big Tank a surprised look, the words "Lin..." echoing in her ears, unfinished.
"Could it be Evan Lin?" Selina wondered for a moment, but quickly dismissed the thought.
If that guy really were this fat man's boss, how could he possibly be in a place like Whitewood? Besides, in Selina's eyes, Evan Lin's family was anything but well-off.
She ran off into the morning breeze, feeling refreshed, leaving everything she'd just heard behind.
Kai Chen hurried after her, but Selina didn't pay him any attention.
Meanwhile, Thomas Liu was curious about Big Tank's words, but seeing he wouldn't elaborate, he let it go.
Magistrate Ma, however, was stunned. "Five hundred million is ready?"
"Of course. But just so we're clear, my boss said it's fine to invest, but you guys need to handle things properly. Plus, we'll be sending our own people to help with the specifics."
Big Tank was all business—only when relaying Evan Lin's instructions did he get truly serious.
Thomas Liu and Magistrate Ma exchanged glances, feelings complicated. This was five hundred million in investment!
They led Big Tank into the guesthouse for further discussion.
Elsewhere, inside a villa in Whitewood County—
Harvey Yang, looking humble, faced the Daoist priest in full robes, respectfully saying, "Master, that's exactly what happened."
"I tried to demolish a place before, but ran into a female ghost. I think that ghost is connected to that kid Evan Lin!"
"Not only did he beat up my two sons, he ruined my business. Even the Whitewood Resort project got snatched away with his help!"
Harvey Yang looked grim and resentful.
"I get it. That kid's got tricks, but unlucky for him, he's running into me." The Daoist priest stood with hands behind his back, full of pride. "Just wait—I'll deal with him and collect that ghost he's keeping!"