nity’s money recklessly? We should first consult the Geological Bureau. These expenses, I can afford!" 

"Wow! Afford? Big Brother, you know? Handling official business with your own time and money and still calling it 'afford' shows a high level of dedication!" Fu Yushui nodded, seemingly enlightened.

"What cunning thoughts are you concocting in your dog brain now? Speak up," Fu Yushui always showed his constructive ideas on his face, as if afraid others might not recognize his cleverness.

"Big Brother, you’re incredible, you know that?"

"Pfft! Your sly schemes are all over that smirk of yours," Secretary Fu chuckled and scolded.

"Big Brother is so wise! Big Brother, today I finally understand something that has perplexed me for years," Fu Yushui put away his trademark smirk and said seriously.

"Just say it, I’m not used to your serious face."

"It's the reason why the villagers revere you like a deity and your prestige remains untarnished."

"Get lost with that dog breath of yours, hahahaha..." Secretary Fu was enormously pleased by Fu Yushui’s flattery. The village committee office was smoke-filled, and villagers enthusiastically chatted and debated. Meanwhile, Secretary Fu leisurely entertained the provincial geological expert with tea.

"Secretary Fu, I consulted a lot of literature and data on the geological structure here before coming. Millions of years ago, this place was a volcanic vent and, previously, part of a Jurassic rainforest. Where there are forests, there are animals. Theoretically, this area should have mineral resources stored. Particularly, I inspected the remnants of your ancient fiery well, which should be traces of natural gas seeping from the ground and combusting upon contact with oxygen. But the gap between theory and reality is vast, so don’t get your hopes up too high. For example, while East Village has an iron mine, your area could have nothing. Everything depends on exploration data. Volcanos are like steel furnaces exploding: if East Village is the molten iron flying out, then your place could potentially have nothing. However, with my experience, there is a high possibility that this area has a substantial coal seam. But the actual reserves and depth must be confirmed through investigation. Are you following, Secretary Fu? Secretary Fu?" The geological expert, with a few strands of long hair sticking to his bald head and thick glasses perched on a thin face, noticed Secretary Fu deep in thought and repeated his name.

"Ah! Oh—sorry, sorry! I was envisioning the future prosperity of West Village and got too excited imagining villagers splitting huge profits—very impolite of me, haha!" Secretary Fu scratched his head sheepishly.

"Old Fu, I’m not trying to douse your enthusiasm, but even if this place has mineral

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