ecretary Fu saw there was still some time before the bus departure. He and Fu Yushui sat at a roadside food stall, ordering cold noodles as a main dish, along with boiled five-spice peanuts and a jin of Erguotou liquor. For both men, a jin of Erguotou was just an appetizer. Reaching the county, Fu Yushui still felt unsatisfied, craving more to drink.

"Big Brother, you seem familiar with this place. Have you been here more than once?" Secretary Fu had strict instructions regarding titles. During office hours and in front of leaders, everyone should use proper titles. At other times, family addresses were used, as they were all either relatives or long-time friends.

"Heh, Bad Shui, to be honest, I’ve been here six times. I’ve checked around the neighboring county and the provincial city, and there’s no significant price difference. It's mainly about the gifts offered. When you factor in maintenance and such, it’s more economical to buy the car here." Secretary Fu smirked cunningly.

"So, Big Brother, you’re really getting a car?" Fu Yushui’s eyes lit up with excitement.

"Shh!" Secretary Fu shushed him, putting a finger to his lips. "Guess what's in here?" He raised a tattered woven bag.

"My god! Big Brother! No wonder you wouldn’t let me carry this bag for you; you had something planned! Did Sister-in-law agree?"

"Can women dictate our men’s decisions?" Secretary Fu countered, turning to Fu Yushui.

"Right! Big Brother is the man. I misspoke, my bad!" Fu Yushui grinned, giving a thumbs-up.

"Idol! On that note, you’re absolutely manly." Fu Yushui’s praise boosted Secretary Fu’s vanity just a bit.

"Bad Shui! To be honest, I enjoy your flattery. It's delightful and not overbearing. You’ll drive the car back for me. If it’s missing even a scratch, you’ll answer to me."

"Rest assured, Big Brother! On Chairman Mao’s honor, neither the car will be harmed, nor will it lose a scratch!" Fu Yushui saluted jokingly, his face beaming with joy.

"The car may break, but it will not lose a scratch!" Fu Yushui thought, thrilled. Secretary Fu buying a car, despite not having a license or driving skills, basically meant it was bought for him.

Buying and processing the vehicle was simple. They then went to a car beauty shop for a thorough cleaning inside and out. Fu Yushui wanted stickers on the doors and rear, but Secretary Fu, not wanting to draw too much attention, declined. Fu wanted to install xenon headlights, but Fu Yushui warned that would damage the car’s original wiring, and Secretary Fu agreed with his advice.

By the time they finished dressing up the car, it was already 3 AM. Perhaps too excited about buying the car, Secretary Fu uncharacteristically took Fu Yushui to a hot spring for a sauna and even arranged for a massage by pretty girls—their firs

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