t the mine.

This unexpected visit caused a flurry of activity in Dongcheng County—streets were cleaned and adorned with banners, and security was ramped up for days, though the deputy governor didn’t even symbolically stop in the county town.

In stark contrast, West Village’s road construction progress lagged terribly behind its coal mining project. While the road surfaces were deteriorating, no progress had been made in coal mining. This indirectly benefited East Village, turning West Village into their logistical support hub.

When Secretary Liu checked with the accounting department, he found that West Village’s total investment accounted for 40% of the iron mining company’s capital. Generously, he granted Deputy Secretary Fu the title of chairman while he served as the legal representative and general manager. Deputy Secretary Fu’s office was more grand and impressive than Liu’s.

Despite his formal position, Deputy Secretary Fu never set foot in the iron mine, focusing solely on attracting investment while occasionally visiting Elder Min. West Village, although deeply committed to supporting East Village, had no villagers employed in the iron mine. As they put it, “We’re neighbors helping each other—it’s just as it should be, and we only lend a hand when they’re overwhelmed.”

There was truth and sentimentality in that statement. Human relationships flourished without constant economic calculations, making the world feel warmer. West Village remained their home and their primary focus for development and growth.

Chapter 18: Inviting a Wolf into the House

Deputy Secretary Liu and Secretary Fu did not always stand in opposition. For instance, they were both on the same page regarding Liu Xiaoyan and Fu Le heading south. When they heard Elder Min mention that the two had gone south to work, they were both furious.

Only now did Elder Min understand the implications of "Big Cannon Liu" and "Old Thunder Fu." Their decision immediately cut off Liu Xiaoyan and Fu Le’s financial resources, forcing them to comply with their familial obligations. Without funds to support themselves, they would have no choice but to return and follow their fathers' plans.

However, they completely underestimated the children's intelligence. Knowing their fathers’ intentions, Fu Le and Liu Xiaoyan had left without saying goodbye, heading south. As for their fathers’ subsequent actions, they were unconcerned.

One day, East Village was festively decorated, with streets washed clean, pigs slaughtered, native chickens and eggs, even awkwardly left-over dogs were ready. Liu Ma had also enlisted Fu Yushu for cooking—frying, steaming, and stewing.

Elder Min preferred a quiet life and went fishing by the reservoir after waking up. With the iron mine operating smoothly, Secret

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