Hearing this, Shen Qiang and the charming Ye Guyun beside him didn't react much, but the Village Chief and the Head of the Security Patrol were taken aback, and Xiu Lian, who was smiling while nibbling on sunflower seeds, stopped smiling as well.

After all, a higher-ranking official can crush you. In Yingbei, the Village Chief is already quite important, but in the hierarchy of governance, a village is under the township, and the township is under the jurisdiction of the town. In front of the Town Head, the Village Chief is not significant at all.

So, despite some hesitation, the Village Chief still took the call.

Soon after, Shen Qiang and the others heard the Village Chief's awkward laughter.

"Uh-huh, Town Head Hu, uh, yes, yes, it's me, oh! Oh! So it's Secretary Ma from the County Committee, you see, this is just a misunderstanding, like 'a flood washed away the Dragon King's temple,' uh-huh, rest assured, it won't happen, absolutely won't, yes, yes, alright, alright, you take care."

After saying a few words, the Village Chief returned the phone to that young man, giving Shen Qiang a subtle look as if to warn him to be cautious.

"Okay, Town Head Hu, if there's nothing else, perhaps another day, uh-huh, I'll definitely go when I'm free, hahaha, if Town Head Hu invites me for a drink, how could I refuse, alright, see you then."

He hung up the phone.

The young man smiled confidently, looking at the Head of the Security Patrol with a smug grin, and said, "My surname is Ma. I used to work at the town's government office, but now I'm a secretary at the County Committee. The person you just called is my cousin."

Hearing this, the Head of the Security Patrol wasn't intimidated and said, "Oh, you're his accomplice?"

The young man's face darkened.

At this moment, the Village Chief chuckled, took out a pack of cigarettes, handed them out as he sat on the sofa, and said with a smile, "Secretary Ma, it's quite rare to get a break during the New Year's second day, and since you're here in Yingbei, I'll be the host at noon, we…"

"No need." The young man smiled and said, "I came here for other matters, you all can leave."

Hearing this, both the Village Chief and the Head of the Security Patrol felt a bit awkward.

Third Uncle Shen boasted confidently, "Did you hear that? You still dare to hit me? Do you know his identity? A County Committee secretary, a favorite of the County Head, you, a small Village Chief, making so much noise, thinking you're important, hurry and leave before Secretary Ma gets angry and calls the Town Head, then your time as a village official is over."

The Village Chief's face turned somber.

In fact, strictly speaking, the Village Chief isn't even an official.

This position is chosen through elections by the villagers.

And the Village Committee is a grassroots autonomous organization, not a government institution.

"I, as the Village Chief, am elected by the villagers," the Village Chief said, "So, Third Uncle Shen, there's no need for you to tell me these things. The people of Yingbei Village trust me, so I have to do what's right. Secretary Ma is Secretary Ma, you are you, but here, you can't just do as you please."

Hearing this, Third Uncle Shen laughed, "Oh, you really regard your role as the Village Committee Head as a proper official, what right do you have to say this? Just go wherever you need to be."

Auntie Xiu Lian was displeased and raised her eyebrows, "Third Uncle Shen, how can you say that? During the flood in the summer, if not for the Village Chief leading people overnight to bag sand against the flood, your little house would've floated away, and now you say this without guilt?"

"He's the Village Chief, it's his job to do that." Rolling his eyes at Xiu Lian, Third Uncle Shen turned to look at Shen Qiang, and boastfully said: "Shen Qiang, I'm asking you one thing, will you lend the money today or not."

Shen Qiang laughed, "I won't lend a single cent."

Hearing this, Third Uncle Shen became anxious, "Shen Qiang, you better think about the consequences."

Shen Qiang smiled, "What consequences? Tell me, I'm listening."

"You…" Third Uncle Shen's eyes widened, but before he could speak, Secretary Ma, sitting on the sofa, laughed and said, "Shen Qiang, I know you're wealthy and probably don't take me seriously, but don't forget, sometimes, money isn't everything."

Hearing this, Shen Qiang frowned and said, "You're right, indeed money isn't everything."

Secretary Ma smiled, "Since you understand this, you should know your home is here and the County Committee is the most powerful here, so you better think clearly about the loan at Hongyun Second-Hand Car Trading."

Shen Qiang laughed, "No need to consider, I won't lend him a single cent, if there's nothing else, you can leave too."

Hearing this, Secretary Ma's face turned grim, then he took a deep breath and said, "Shen Qiang, don't speak so definitively, it won't do you any good. Frankly speaking, I don't want to talk to you like this, but since you're obstinate, I have to remind you."

"The county has received numerous reports of illegal activities by your company, so you better think it over before talking to me. After all, ignoring an issue and investigating it are two different things. You understand what I mean?"

Shen Qiang laughed, "I understand your implication. If I don't lend Ma Jiyong thirty million, you'll target my company, is that it?"

"The reason I like talking to smart people is that they get it immediately," Secretary Ma smiled, "Also, I know that the Shen Family has no relatives in the County Committee, so when doing business, you'll find plenty of times you'll need my help."

Shen Qiang paused for a moment, then laughed because the truth is, the Heshenghe Group is prominent in the Provincial City and is one of the star enterprises in the province. Although it doesn't boast immense influence, when in the Provincial City, it isn't easy even for the city's mayor or district chief to meet Shen Qiang.

Who would've thought that upon returning home, this County Secretary would act so arrogantly in his house.

Isn't this ridiculous?

If Shen Qiang lent thirty million just because of what he said, wouldn't that be laughable?

"Get lost, you can leave now. I'm in a good mood today, so I won't bother with you. Come next time, and I'll break your legs," Shen Qiang said with amused anger.

Hearing this, both the Village Chief and the Head of the Security Patrol laughed.

After all, the fact of the matter is, no matter how influential a County Committee Secretary is, they can only stir trouble with other officials. A regular person won't fear these tactics at all.

Secretary Ma felt uneasy due to losing face, abruptly stood up, and with great anger, said, "Shen Qiang, don't think just because you've made some money outside, you can be so arrogant. On this small patch of ground in the county, you're nothing. Today, lend the money and everything's fine; if not, I advise you to move. Otherwise, within a few days, you'll be on your knees begging me."

Shen Qiang's expression grew serious, and he calmly said, "No need to wait a few days, do you believe I can make you kneel and beg instantly?"

Secretary Ma scoffed, "Do you have that capability?"

And at that moment, everyone in the house heard the voice of the village branch secretary from the courtyard.

"Old Shen! Is your son Shen Qiang home? County Head Zhang is here!"

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