lly, arms around each other’s shoulders.

“Old Liu, let’s be honest here. Do you want to get rich?” Mr. Shao asked, reeking of alcohol.

“Of course! I dream of it. If I didn’t want to get rich, I wouldn’t be your son,” Secretary Liu promised earnestly.

“Do you know why I like you, Old Liu?”

“Why?”

“For your forthrightness.”

“Thank you, Brother Shao. Let’s drink to that!” Liu and Shao clinked glasses, draining them.

“Honestly, Old Liu—I mean, Big Brother Liu—you have no choice but to get rich with me here. If I didn’t have so many dependents, I’d join you in a heartbeat.”

“You jest. My little temple can’t house a deity like you.”

“You’re too modest, Liu. Do you know what else I like about this place?”

“What is it?”

“The simple folk and your generosity. Unlike my subordinates always whining for overtime and travel allowances,” Mr. Shao sighed. “For instance, when I came here…”

“Honey!” Secretary Liu called out.

“Yes, dear?” Liu’s wife responded.

“Bring me ten thousand yuan,” he ordered. Obediently, Liu’s wife brought the money.

“Brother Shao! Don’t think I don’t understand the etiquette. Important guests like you should always be compensated for their travel expenses,” Liu put the money in front of Mr. Shao, who immediately pushed it back.

“What’s this? Are you looking down on me? Is it too little?” Liu’s expression darkened.

“Brother Liu, can money quantify our relationship? I’ll make you a steel tycoon and turn East Village into a golden village. Then you can pay me,” Mr. Shao said, shoving the money back.

“That’s what I like to hear! Honey, bring another ten thousand.” Secretary Liu’s wife hesitated but complied. This time, Mr. Shao made no complaints, winking at Secretary Mengqi who swiftly pocketed the cash.



Chapter 20: Dog's Might

As the saying goes, alcohol emboldens the cowardly. Usually meek towards his wife, Liu suddenly became assertive, driving her out of the dining room when she tried to speak.

Drunk, Mr. Shao left under Secretary Mengqi's signal. Despite Liu's fervent efforts to make him stay longer, they filled the car with various local specialties and respectfully sent the guests off from East Village. As Mr. Shao and his entourage celebrated inside the car, it abruptly stopped. Er Dog stood menacingly in front of it. Behind him, a van blocked the road, with iron barricades set up underfoot.

"Good... good dogs don't block the road. Who the hell dares to rob in broad daylight?" Mr. Shao cursed as he got out of the car.

"Drop everything and scram," Er Dog spat.

"Oh my god! Brother Dog, it's really you!" Mr. Shao exclaimed upon seeing Er Dog.

"Shao Qian, you've really got guts, deceiving the Dog Master at his own home." Er Dog snorted disdainfully.

"Brother Dog, I really didn't know it was your place. We're broth

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