and has a deep interest in nurseries. After fishing, why not let him visit your nursery base to offer some guidance?" Mayor Nie spoke as if it were his own private garden.

Research and guidance – Liu understood these terms well. They were euphemisms for hosting a feast and sending gifts. Liu’s lukewarm attitude was evident to everyone.

"Yes, yes, yes! We welcome Expert Min’s guidance," Liu said as he got into his car. If it weren’t for the county’s specific arrangements and the fact that East Village’s fish pond and nursery base were the only ones in his jurisdiction, Mayor Nie would have avoided dealing with Liu’s temper. Liu’s explosive temper was well-known in the township and even in the county. Mayor Nie feared that offending him would leave him embarrassed and unable to save face.

Liu was close behind, taking the passenger seat in Liu’s car. "Brother Lao Pao, you know how tight our relationship is, right? Expert Min is a relative of someone higher up, and your brother has his difficulties. Although he genuinely works for the provincial geological bureau, today’s matter is unrelated to official business. Frankly, I need you to pick up the tab for me," Mayor Nie confessed. He knew Liu operated on a principle of flexibility within limits – tough on principles but easygoing otherwise. Liu’s main weakness was his loyalty and exuberance, a stubborn ox of a man driven solely by kindness.

If anyone could handle Liu, it was Mayor Nie, and he knew it. Despite his lofty position as mayor, having to cater to a mere village chief’s whims was an unconventional burden only he could bear. Liu’s sudden switch from indifference to enthusiasm caught Nie off guard.

"My dear Mayor, brother! Relying on me is an honor! How should we host Old Master Min? Just say it, and I'll treat him as our own from East Village!" Mayor Nie relaxed, finally reassured.

"Brother, should I make the arrangements then?"

"If you act courteous now, it’s like disrespecting me and the East Villagers," Liu’s face darkened.

"Let him take some fish, select some premium plants, and stew a local dog with firewood," Liu ordered over the phone in Nie’s presence. Once everything was set, Nie sighed in relief and offered Liu a cigarette. Sharing this custom was a privilege only Liu, among all local leaders, enjoyed.

Old Master Min didn’t go fishing right away. Instead, he inquired about East Village’s geography from the driver before personally inspecting the mining area and gathering soil samples. Liu’s sudden warm hospitality didn’t alter Min’s composed demeanor.

Min spoke little and showed not much appetite for Liu’s meticulously prepared dog meat feast. It wasn’t until Liu’s wife served local spicy flour paste that Min’s eyes lit up. His excitement grew with every bite, causing him to 

 Prev. P 22/495 next