dless of the reason, be it repaying a favor or just being a benefactor, getting the permit was a great thing. Secretary Liu’s joy was beyond words, and he called out, “Old Expert...” but changed his tone upon seeing Min Xiangxi’s angry eyes, "Dear father, Father Min!” He burst out laughing alongside Min Xiangxi.

“Today, you are my wife's only living relative. From now on, I, Liu Peili, will treat you as my father-in-law. Yazhi is your own daughter. Father-in-law, are you hungry?” Secretary Liu asked with the demeanor of a dutiful son-in-law. Min Xiangxi nodded, not bothering with formalities. In his daughter’s and son-in-law’s home, there was no need for modesty.

Third Uncle Liu Mazi had honestly learned nothing useful on his travels, except becoming a master cook. The dining table in the living room was now filled with dishes.

Seeing this, Mrs. Liu understood Min Xiangxi's feelings clearly. She hooked her arm around Min Xiangxi’s, leading him to the dining table, saying, “Father, let’s go eat.” She handed back the wolf’s fang to Min Xiangxi, making him beam with joy.

Chapter 15: The Groundbreaking Ceremony

Given that this was a private family gathering and that Mrs. Liu had just acknowledged a godfather, Secretary Liu invited the old clan leader to join them. With great respect, Secretary Liu and Mrs. Liu performed a kneeling ceremony to honor Expert Min, marking the completion of the recognition ritual.

Upon hearing that Mrs. Liu’s family had been rescued by the Fu family, Expert Min personally went to Deputy Secretary Fu’s house to express gratitude on behalf of Mrs. Liu’s family. He also paid respects at Mrs. Liu's parents' graves, his heartfelt actions moving everyone to tears.

For such a significant event, protocol and sentiments dictated that Deputy Secretary Fu join in. For three days, Secretary Liu and Deputy Secretary Fu had rare opportunities to gather together. When Secretary Liu showed the mining permit, Deputy Secretary Fu, instead of showing envy or jealousy, congratulated him warmly. This somewhat diminished Secretary Liu's sense of achievement. 

The happiest person during these days was undoubtedly Expert Min, who suddenly found himself surrounded by a large family. Children like Fu Le, Liu Xiaoyan, and Liu Xiaohu affectionately called him grandpa, making him smile non-stop. County Magistrate Wang visited multiple times and saw how happy Elder Min was, quietly returning to report to higher authorities.

Secretary Liu recognizing a godfather had become a sensational story spreading widely across the villages of East and West. The most popular versions included Secretary Liu, known as Liu Dapao (Big Cannon Liu), tearfully hugging a high-ranking official to gain recognition. One of the most outrageous rumors claimed that Secreta

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