Wu Youshun felt his face flush with anger as someone in the crowd openly called him a "Traitor." He wanted to shout for Peng Guoan to arrest the person, but he feared it would only incite more discontent among the onlookers. Stammering, he struggled to find the right words.
Peng Guoan stepped forward, asserting, "I am County Director of Public Security Bureau Peng Guoan. I declare now that everyone should disperse as Director Qin suggested. This matter will be considered over, and I assure you that I will not hold anyone accountable afterward. Please trust me!"
However, someone from the back of the crowd retorted, "We don't trust you! That 'Traitor' just pointed at you and said you would lead us!"
Qin Chizian interjected firmly, "Disperse! If there are any issues, come to me!"
Finally, the outer crowd began to retreat, dispersing like a receding tide.
Once most people had left, Wu Youshun turned to Qin Chizian with a cold expression. "Are you really just letting them go? They clashed with foreign guests and insulted County leaders!"
Qin Chizian could no longer contain his frustration. "Deputy County Magistrate Wu, are you seriously planning to take those people away? I dare say if you try to take even one of them today, things will spiral out of control!"
Wu Youshun pressed on, "And what about the foreign guests? Just leave it like this?"
"They didn't say anything either," Qin Chizian replied. "They are just ordinary merchants here for a visit. We should treat them with courtesy; what else do you expect us to do?"
Wu Youshun scoffed, "With everything going on here, why are you running around outside instead of being present?"
Qin Chizian gestured toward Chai Liang and Chen Ming in the distance. "They are among our biggest customers for rattan weaving and wild vegetables. These Japanese guests came with them; they want to expand their cooperation with us and visit the villagers. I took them down after reporting to Wan Shurang and Village Chief Jian before we set off."
Wu Youshun's face darkened, and he said nothing more before turning away.
As Wu Youshun walked off, Chen Ming approached. "You know, your Deputy County Magistrate really does resemble a Traitor."
He continued, "How about dinner at Master Liu's tonight? That rabbit dish is truly authentic."
Qin Chizian teased him, "You're not craving rabbit; you're craving Master Liu's liquor!"
Chen Ming chuckled. "My old man and my father-in-law both say that liquor is genuine; it cures all aches and pains... Just a few drinks and you're good as new."
"Alright, I'll make sure to get some for both of you when we leave," Qin Chizian conceded under Chen Ming's persistence.
Chen Ming added, "That guy named Kuitian is from Fukushima; he fished with his family at sea when he was young and has developed rheumatism. Let's give him a couple of drinks tonight!"
"Sure thing," Qin Chizian agreed readily. "After all, he's our partner in business. Since we made him feel uncomfortable today, let's consider it a pleasant surprise for him."
It was too late to find rabbits up in the mountains, but fortunately, there were some available for sale at the art festival venue.
That evening at dinner, Master Liu was delighted to see Chen Ming and Chai Liang. "Good to see both of you again! Where are those two leaders—Zhao Youqi and Xiao Tian? Did they not come?"
Chai Liang and Chen Ming greeted him warmly in response.
"Uncle, for several nights after returning, I dreamed about coming back to eat the rabbit you made!" Chai Liang said.
"My father and father-in-law both say your wine is the best!" Chen Ming gave a thumbs up.
Master Liu was as happy as a child.
When the food was served, everyone let the Japanese guests take the first chopsticks. Kida picked up some rabbit meat and gave a thumbs up, repeatedly exclaiming "Yoshi, Yoshi!" in admiration.
Qin Chizian returned to the dormitory and brought out two bottles of wine for the two of them, then poured a glass for several Japanese guests.
Kida took a sip, savored it, and his expression became serious. "Qin Sang, your good friend is really great! Here, it's hot!" He pointed to the joints of his legs and gave a thumbs up to Qin Chizian. "I have one more request; could you get me some of this land? My money is plenty!"
While they were eating and drinking, they suddenly heard someone outside talking: "Master Liu, are Xiao Qin and the others having dinner here? Deputy County Magistrate Wu has arrived."
Chen Ming chimed in, "That traitor really won't let go!"
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