389: Chapter 389 Late Mountain Village 389: Chapter 389 Late Mountain Village Yang County was just a poor little county, but because the tourism industry had been developed so well in recent years, its economic growth had been incredibly rapid.
The provincial government had even intentionally planned to turn Yang County into a tourism characteristic county, and was preparing to carry out some investment projects to develop more tourist areas in Yang County.
Yang Tieshi, as the County Magistrate of Yang County, had been the one to start the tourism business since taking office.
In fact, a lot of groundwork had been laid by his predecessor, and he merely picked up some finishing tasks.
The rise of the agri-tourism fad had also made this trend even more intense, bringing tens of billions to Yang County’s GDP each year, thanks to areas centered around Miyun Mountain.
Yang Tieshi had had a smooth run in Yang County over the years.
He received praise and compliments from provincial leaders every year, making his ambitious plans seem even brighter.
Even last year, the provincial leaders intended to transfer him to the city, but Yang Tieshi tactfully declined.
In the city, at best, he would have been a deputy mayor with little actual power, which was nowhere near as comfortable as being the top leader in Yang County.
Of course, what he couldn’t let go of most was the lucrative opportunities in Yang County.
Another point was that he had even bigger ambitions; he wanted to jump directly to a provincial position.
This wasn’t an impossibility.
Just last month, he learned from a friend in the province that they intended to promote him to a decent position.
If he completed this impressive leap, his career would surely reach a new height.
Therefore, Yang Tieshi had been in an excellent mood recently and had been trying to show off at work as much as possible.
Even prefering to go straight home after work rather than play with a few of his mistresses.
If anything went wrong at this juncture, his plan to move up to the province would be ruined.
Lying on the comfortable sofa, enjoying the massage from his young and beautiful wife, Yang Tieshi was immensely content.
But just then, an untimely phone call interrupted his pleasure, causing his brow to furrow slightly.
Who could be calling him at this hour?
He picked up his mobile phone and almost jumped in fright—it was a call from the provincial governor.
Yang Tieshi sprang to his feet, but his eyes flickered with joy.
Could it be that the provincial governor was calling to discuss his promotion?
Yang Tieshi immediately answered the phone, respectfully saying, “Hello, Governor.”
“Is this Yang Tieshi from Yang County?” A voice, neither warm nor fiery but with a hint of authority, came from the other end of the line.
Hearing this voice, Yang Tieshi had a vague feeling that something was not quite right, but he quickly reassured himself since the Governor had always been so authoritative.
“Yes, Governor, I’m Yang Tieshi.
What are your instructions?” Yang Tieshi responded respectfully.
“I have always thought that Yang County was well-managed in all aspects.
It seems that this is not the case,” the voice on the other end continued with sternness.
Hearing this tone, Yang Tieshi felt as if something heavy had struck him.
He was a bit stunned.
What was happening?
What did the Governor’s words mean?
Had something big happened to prompt the Governor to call?
“Miyun Town officials and citizens colluding, bringing harm to the villagers, bullying men and women, acting domineeringly, and even reaching an appalling level—do you not know about this?” the Governor went on.
Miyun Town?
Yang Tieshi’s mouth twitched violently.
Miyun Town was the administrative town for the Miyun Mountain tourist area and one of the three major towns in Yang County—its contribution to the county’s annual GDP was substantial.
Moreover, the town’s party secretary and the police station chief were both people he had personally promoted, his confidantes.
He had not expected something to go wrong in Miyun Town, and what was more, it was serious enough to alarm the Governor.
Yang Tieshi had always kept an eye on the situation in Miyun Town, but he couldn’t understand what could have happened there to disturb the Governor.
“Governor, this is my fault for neglecting my duties.
I will investigate immediately and give you a response,” Yang Tieshi said without hiding anything.
“I want a response before dawn tomorrow,” the Governor stated before hanging up.
This one sentence made Yang Tieshi break into a cold sweat.
He could even discern from the Governor’s tone that if he failed to handle this situation, not only would his promotion be in jeopardy, but he might also face demotion.
“Miyun Town, what exactly happened?” Yang Tieshi’s brows knitted deeply, his heart burning with anxiety.
If this incident affected his promotion, he really felt like killing.
Yang Tieshi was furious.
What kind of mess had those two people he had personally promoted caused in Miyun Town?
He had to clear this up quickly.
Of course, Tangyu and the others were unaware of these developments.
Tangyu never imagined that Miyun Town would undergo earth-shattering changes because of a phone call from Zhao Yaya.
Wanshan Village, the destination of Tangyu’s party.
Deng Jianguo rode his motorcycle, leading Tangyu and the others to Wanshan Village, a village nearly surrounded by mountains, like an isolated paradise.
Actually, Wanshan Village was situated in a deep mountain valley, with only a narrow path leading into it.
If this path were blocked, Wanshan Village would truly become cut off from the world.
Wanshan Village was small, with fewer than a hundred households.
On an autumn night, the sky filled with stars cast silvery glimmers on the ground.
However, the night was chilly in Wanshan Village, even the sound of the wind howling could be heard.
The village had already entered a state of rest by this time, looking dark and tranquil overall, with only occasional glimmers of light.
“Bark, bark, bark!!!”
Although they were inside the vehicle, Guo Momo and the others had not seen many dogs before, except for some docile pet dogs owned by wealthy people.
Country dogs, like the ones in the rural areas, were new to them.
Startled by the sharp barking and the dogs’ momentum, Guo Momo and the others huddled together in fright.
Liu Shanshan, however, was slightly calmer.
After all, she was a child from a poor family and had seen country dogs before.
“Shoo, shoo,” Deng Jianguo waved his hand to drive away the grass dogs.
They were somewhat familiar with him, and upon his shooing, they obediently trotted away.
Deng Jianguo parked the motorcycle in front of a farmhouse, a small two-and-a-half-story building.
A couple in their sixties came out smiling warmly, “Jianguo, you’re here!
The rooms are ready.
They’ll sleep in the two rooms upstairs.
The beds and quilts are all set.
But there are no actual beds, so it might be a bit cramped.”
“Hehe, auntie, uncle, no worries, I’ve already told them,” Deng Jianguo said with a smile.
“Get off, everyone,” Tangyu told the group.
As they got out, Deng Jianguo’s aunt and uncle turned to look at Tangyu and the others, their faces breaking into enthusiastic grins.
After sizing up Tangyu and the rest, they seemed a bit surprised.
“People from the city, the men are so handsome, just like TV stars.
The women are beautiful, just like fairies on TV, hehe,” Deng Jianguo’s aunt said with a laugh.
Her husband also nodded at Tangyu and the others with a smile, radiating warm, approachable vibes that made them feel close and at ease.
“Auntie Deng, Uncle Deng, sorry to trouble you.
You’re really too kind,” Tangyu said with a smile.
“Hehe, don’t stand on ceremony, young folks.
Since you’re Jianguo’s friends, you’re family.
Just make yourselves at home,” Auntie Deng said.
Zhao Yaya looked around curiously, while Guo Momo and Lin Feifei also found the environment quite novel.
“Come inside, don’t stand out here in the wind—it’s quite strong, and you’re all dressed so lightly; be careful not to catch a cold,” Auntie Deng said, warmly ushering everyone inside.
Once inside the living room, Auntie and Uncle Deng busied themselves pouring tea for everyone, with stacks of rice filling the room.
The smell was quite pungent, causing Guo Momo and Lin Feifei to cover their noses discreetly.
“Hehe, I’m afraid it’s a little inconvenient this evening.
Tomorrow, I’ll move these sacks of rice to someone else’s house.
The place is too messy, and it’s too late to clean up at night.
Here, have some tea first.
Would you like some snacks?” Auntie Deng said.
“No need, Auntie Deng, we’ve already had our night snack before coming,” Tangyu replied.
Deng Jianguo said to Tangyu, “It’s getting late.
You guys should wash up and head to bed early.
I’ll head back now.
If you have time in the next couple of days, come out and we can hang out.
If you need anything, just call me.
Hehe, Brother Tangyu, my aunt and uncle are very straightforward and hospitable.
If you need anything, just ask; there’s no need to be polite.”
“Yes, treat this place like your own home, be comfortable.
If you need anything, just tell me,” Auntie Deng added with a laugh.
Their hospitality was infectious; everyone was touched by the simplicity and genuine warmth of the country folks.
“Hehe, thanks, Auntie Deng.
We will.
Brother Jianguo, you should get back quickly; it’s been such a hassle for you.
The roads at night can be tricky; please be careful,” Tangyu said.
“Haha, no problem, I could walk these roads with my eyes closed; I know them that well,” Deng Jianguo said with a smile.
After seeing off Deng Jianguo, Auntie Deng led Tangyu and the rest of the six upstairs.
There were two rooms on the second floor, now cleared out for Tangyu and his group to stay in.
“No one’s lived on the second floor for a while, so it might be a bit shabby.
I only cleaned it up hurriedly, it’s not very tidy.
There’s a bathroom here, and I’ve put an electric kettle there for you to use for hot water.
I’m not sure if you brought towels or anything, but if not, I can go buy some for you,” Auntie Deng said.
“No need, Auntie Deng, we’ve brought everything with us,” Tangyu replied.
“Oh, that’s good then.
Go ahead and wash up, rest awhile.
You all look tired from today.
I’ll head downstairs, then.
If you need anything, just call for us,” Auntie Deng said.
“Mmm, alright, Auntie Deng, you should rest early too,” Tangyu said.
This feeling reminded Tangyu of his time in Ghost Doctor Valley.
Accustomed to city life, the rich rural warmth was indeed very comforting to Tangyu.
“Ah, this place is so rundown, so old, so dirty.
Look at this bathroom; it hasn’t been properly cleaned.
And this room, this bed, is this even a bed?
It feels so strange—could I fall off it while sleeping?
And the quilts seem so old and worn,” Zhao Yaya began to feel a bit uncomfortable.