his license. Deputy Secretary Liu knew the reason but couldn’t do much except wander aimlessly at home with him.

"Honey, what’s the progress with the mining issue? Is it difficult? You can’t keep wearing yourself out. Worrying isn’t the solution either," Mrs. Liu, a village school teacher, spoke with cultured eloquence as she cleared the overflowing ashtray.

"Secretary Zeng from the county returned from a meeting, saying the province might not approve the permit," Secretary Liu said, taking a deep drag.

"Why? Didn’t we submit the exploration proof and feasibility report?" 

"The province claims the reserves are too small to justify mining."

"What if we abandon the mining? The brick factory and the nursery are doing well."

"Abandon it?" Secretary Liu took a deep, frustrated drag on his cigarette. "We’ve already invested so much in equipment! How can I explain this to the villagers?" His words silenced Mrs. Liu, who understood the villagers’ high expectations for the mine.

"Isn’t there any room for negotiation?"

"He said he’d find a solution and asked us to wait for his word." The quiet in the room was almost eerie as Mrs. Liu sat beside him, watching him drink and smoke non-stop. The table had a plate of peanuts and a platter of cucumber slices with sauce.

Chapter 13: Twists and Turns

Deputy Secretary Fu, who hadn't visited in a long time, greeted Mrs. Liu upon entering the house and started eating without formalities. Mrs. Liu headed to the kitchen to prepare more food while Deputy Secretaries Liu and Fu shared a few drinks without uttering a word.

“Come on! In the future, don't engage in anything that isn't guaranteed. Look at you, half-dead and miserable. Feels bad, doesn't it?" Deputy Secretary Fu left with a stern face despite Mrs. Liu's attempts to make him stay. Watching him leave, Secretary Liu couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

"Pao Pao, Little Pao Pao! Someone from the province is here again!" Liu Mazi yelled before he even entered the yard.

"He's a Secretary now, stop calling him by his nickname!" Secretary Liu quietly complained to Mrs. Liu.

"Hehe! Well, he is your third uncle! Besides, you used to blow up like a firecracker when you got mad as a kid!" Mrs. Liu teased.

"Sigh!" Secretary Liu sighed and then asked Liu Mazi impatiently, "What's the matter, Third Uncle?"

"Expert Min from the province is here again!"

"How many times have I told you? Stay calm when things happen. Don’t forget that the announcer at the brigade headquarters represents the whole village. Who did you say is here?" Secretary Liu scolded with a stern face.

"Expert Min. Yes, that's right! Expert Min. What's wrong, Little Pao Pao?" Liu Mazi was puzzled by Secretary Liu’s anger.

"My dear Uncle!" Secretary Liu exclaimed before sprinting towards the b

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