Chapter Forty-Six: A Temporary Withdrawal

Along the way, Wu Zhengyao and Tang Long talked about many things and made numerous promises. For example, the ownership of the “Ghost King Cave,” the future development of Yutou Village, policy support to be provided, and so on.

In Wu Zhengyao’s words, he could guarantee everything with the official cap on his head. As long as he remained in Taoyuan County, Yutou Village need not fear threats from anyone.

In return, Tang Long had to ensure that Yutou Village and its residents would be at the forefront of poverty alleviation across the county.

Not only would Yutou Village be lifted out of poverty, but it would also be turned into a pioneering model, leading Taoyuan County towards prosperity.

Wu Zhengyao’s heartfelt words moved Tang Long deeply; to have such a benevolent official was a blessing for Yutou Village and, equally, for Taoyuan County.

Wu Zhengyao’s secretary, walking ahead, privately puzzled over why the county magistrate took such an interest in a recently discharged soldier.

Could the “Ghost King Cave” really drive the county’s economy?

He remained skeptical.

First, the cave’s location was less than ideal; Donghe Town was remote, and Yutou Village was deep in the mountains. Tourism seemed impractical—it was difficult enough just to visit.

Taoyuan County had no heavy industry, and only a handful of notable agricultural or fisheries businesses. To suddenly prioritize tourism and light industry as the county’s main pillars—was that feasible?

These were questions worth serious consideration. The county’s economy ranked at the bottom of the city, and dead last in the province.

To put it bluntly, Taoyuan County lacked everything. Infrastructure was poor; so was its talent pool.

When they arrived at Donghe Town, Qian Youwang, who had been notified in advance, was already waiting. He had not expected Wu Zhengyao and Tang Long to arrive together.

“Has that ‘Young Master Rui’ left yet?” Wu Zhengyao shook hands with Qian Youwang, but his expression was far from friendly.

Qian Youwang knew what Wu Zhengyao was upset about, but there were things beyond his authority; he simply couldn’t control certain people.

“No, he’s still in Yutou Village!” Qian Youwang replied with a bitter smile.

“Let’s go take a look at Yutou Village.”

After getting in the car, Wu Zhengyao asked Tang Long, “Have you ever heard of this ‘Young Master Rui’ before?”

Tang Long shook his head. “No, this is the first time I’ve heard the name.”

Wu Zhengyao frowned. “This Young Master Rui has strong connections, not just in the county, but even in the city. Still, you needn’t worry—as long as you’re in the right, and I’m in Taoyuan County, nobody will dare trouble you.

Just do your work well and deliver results. Don’t let me down!”

Tang Long nodded vigorously, pondering Wu Zhengyao’s words. On the surface, Wu could shield them from Rui’s direct attacks. But if Young Master Rui resorted to underhanded tactics, the villagers of Yutou would have to rely on themselves.

As the saying goes, you can dodge an open spear, but a hidden arrow is hard to defend against. Now, it was a matter of how much appetite Young Master Rui had for trouble.

Until he saw the man himself, Tang Long refrained from saying more.

Tang Long just wanted to lead the villagers to a better life and had no interest in shady dealings. But if someone did stir up trouble, he might not care about playing by the rules.

The group arrived at Yutou Village at two in the afternoon.

The county and town officials were all accompanying Young Master Rui and his entourage. Some were upright, others obsequious.

“The main character is here?” Young Master Rui watched the county cars drive into Yutou Village, a mocking smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

He stretched lazily, stood up from his bench, and muttered, “I’d like to see which big shot in Taoyuan County could make me wait here for hours before showing up!”

The officials from Taoyuan who had arrived earlier looked awkward; Young Master Rui’s words made it clear he didn’t regard them at all.

Yet, when Young Master Rui saw Wu Zhengyao and Tang Long step out of an old Audi A6, his expression changed noticeably.

He cursed under his breath, too softly for anyone nearby to catch the words.

“What’s wrong, Rui?” The woman with the smoky eye makeup, holding his arm, asked excitedly. She’d never seen such a grand scene before. The town and county leaders had just arrived and were already scolded by Rui; the thrill made her giddy.

Rui shrugged her off, put on a smile, and strode forward to meet the newcomers.

“Magistrate Wu, you’ve come in person!”

Young Master Rui beamed, raising his hand to greet them from several meters away. The officials behind him paled at the sight of Wu Zhengyao; cold sweat broke out in streams.

“And you are?” Wu Zhengyao looked at the pale-skinned, slightly brooding young man before him and asked, surprised.

He didn’t embarrass him, though, and shook his hand lightly.

“You must be busy; I’m Wen Rui, you can just call me Rui.” Young Master Rui kept smiling.

“Wen Lao’s grandson?” Wu Zhengyao was taken aback, as if he hadn’t known Wen Rui would be here.

Young Master Rui nodded respectfully, “Yes, Wen Chengfu is my grandfather.”

“Ha, a few years ago you were just a youngster. Time flies—you’ve grown so much.” Wu Zhengyao glanced at the group of young people behind him, scanning them one by one before turning back, smiling, “Did you bring friends here for a visit?”

Visit?

Was Wu Zhengyao unaware of his presence in the village? Young Master Rui frowned inwardly, but quickly realized that Wu was subtly urging him to leave.

Should he go or not?

Wen Rui hesitated. He hadn’t expected Wu Zhengyao to come in person today. If he’d been beaten by the villagers himself, he’d have grounds to complain—the “Ghost King Cave” was a dubious attraction, likely unapproved by authorities, so he’d be justified.

But the one beaten was Hou Qiwen, merely a subordinate. To speak up on Hou’s behalf to Wu Zhengyao? It didn’t quite fit.

Moreover, Wu Zhengyao’s personal appearance represented the county’s stance. Wen Family might have connections, but local authority trumps distant influence—especially since Wu was not only the current magistrate, but a legitimate one.

If he antagonized Wu Zhengyao, future visits to Taoyuan County might not end well for Wen Rui.

His mind raced through countless thoughts in a flash.

Young Master Rui forced a smile and nodded, “Yes, I heard about this ‘Ghost King Cave,’ rumored to be extraordinary, so I brought a few friends to check it out… But unexpectedly, someone had taken over, charged admission, and the ticket price was several hundred yuan—it shocked me!”

Wu Zhengyao seemed not to hear the latter part of Rui’s complaint, chuckling, “It’s getting late; you’ll be driving back to the city this afternoon, right? Go on, head home early, and give my regards to Wen Lao!”

With that, he led the group into Yutou Village.

Tang Long curiously observed Young Master Rui. He was indeed young and shrewd, those vulture-like eyes suggesting a vindictive nature.

But trailing Wu Zhengyao, Tang Long didn’t step forward to converse with Rui—first, it wasn’t the right occasion; second, there was no need.

If Wu Zhengyao himself couldn’t send Rui away, then perhaps Tang Long would have reconsidered his opinion of him.

Young Master Rui left swiftly, without a hint of hesitation, not even greeting the county or town officials.

“I suppose you must be the famous talented woman of Yutou Village, Secretary Xiu’e Zhang?” Wu Zhengyao said, reaching out to shake her hand.

“Hello, Magistrate Wu.” Zhang Xiu’e was a bit embarrassed by Wu’s words.

Wu Zhengyao grasped her hand firmly, sincerely saying, “On behalf of Taoyuan County, I thank you and all the passionate university graduates who abandoned comfortable city lives to come serve in these remote mountains. Thank you for your dedication.”

His words moved Zhang Xiu’e deeply, and Tang Long, watching from behind, smiled—she was even more tanned after a few days apart, as the weather grew hotter.

“Why don’t we first tour the village’s reconstruction project, then take Magistrate Wu to see the Ghost King Cave and the valleys? It’s rare for Magistrate Wu to visit us amidst his busy schedule; we mustn’t let him down, right, Secretary Xiu’e?” Tang Long winked at her.

Today, Wu Zhengyao was here to “inspect” Yutou Village; his visit had nothing to do with Young Master Rui.

Though Yutou Village had little to show yet, the future held much promise.

“Of course!” Zhang Xiu’e instantly caught Tang Long’s meaning, guiding Wu Zhengyao and his party with an inviting gesture, “Magistrate Wu, please, let’s first look at the village under reconstruction. After the heavy rains recently, two-thirds of our houses became unsafe, and the remaining third collapsed.”

She glanced at Qian Youwang behind Wu Zhengyao, then continued with a smile, “The village-wide reconstruction project moved forward thanks to the strong support of the town leaders, who helped us source materials and equipment, while our villagers raised funds themselves…”

When it came to elegant speech, Zhang Xiu’e was even more adept than Tang Long, and she made sure to praise the town leaders too.

The leaders from Donghe Town cast her grateful looks.

Wu Zhengyao walked and observed, occasionally raising questions and ideas about the village’s reconstruction and discussing them with Zhang Xiu’e.

Once inside the village, Tang Long kept quiet, letting Zhang Xiu’e take the lead. As the main liaison with county and town officials, it was more appropriate for her to represent the village, fitting her role as its “ambassador.”

He sensed someone watching him from behind. At first, Tang Long didn’t pay much attention, but the gaze lingered so long he finally turned to see who it was.

It was a rather pretty girl, dressed in a style that suggested she was an outsider; her face was unfamiliar, and he had no idea who she was.