Han Jinghong gave the man before him a deep look, one that made Mayor Zhang’s scalp tingle while he stood there as if on pins and needles.

He then heard Han Jinghong ask grimly, "Mayor Zhang... what are you doing here?"

"Me? Heh heh... heh... It’s like this. My wife said she missed her parents, so I accompanied her back for a visit," Mayor Zhang said with an awkward laugh.

Han Jinghong eyed him suspiciously. "Is it really as simple as visiting your in-laws?"

"Really... It really is, heh... just that simple." Cold sweat was already trickling down the man’s neck.

’The Han family was a force in Yunhe County that even his own father wouldn’t dare to offend!’

’He never should have gotten involved in this mess in Shuanghe Village. If he didn’t handle this right and his father found out, he’d definitely get another beating.’

"Oh... is that so? Well, you should go see your parents-in-law. They must miss you two very much."

Han Jinghong gave a faint smile and turned to walk into the house, leaving Mayor Zhang with nothing but his cold, aloof back.

Only after he had turned away did the mayor finally breathe a sigh of relief and wipe the fine beads of sweat from his forehead.

He cursed inwardly, ’I’m not touching the bullshit the Hu family stirred up today. If I do, I’ll be the one dragged down with them.’

’Helping them save face was one thing on a normal day. Those were just minor squabbles between fellow villagers.’

’But this business today was clearly no small matter. Otherwise, why would the Han family be here?’

’And who was that young man with him?’

’He couldn’t figure any of it out. He remembered his pampered young wife insisting that he dress up nicely.’

’There must be some other VIPs inside. Otherwise, why would the village chief not dare to come out and greet me!’

The more he thought, the more the man broke out in a cold sweat. He had to hurry and ask his father-in-law who else was inside.

Seeing the mayor scuttling away, Song Zijie couldn’t help but shake his head. ’Who knew a flat-top cap was enough to scare a mayor?’

’That flat-top cap really does the trick!’

"Hey, was that guy afraid of your hat? Did your cap scare him so much he didn’t dare say a word?" Song Zijie asked teasingly.

At his words, Han Jinghong’s expression darkened. ’As if my cap has that much power!’

’It had to be his family’s, the Han family’s, status.’

’He recalled that the Zhang Family was also prominent in Yunhe County. The man must have recognized him.’

He was here today because he’d gotten a call from his cousin, Han Jingshen, asking him to investigate a matter in town.

He had happened to run into someone looking for the police, so he’d brought two of his men along to check it out. He never expected to stumble into this.

But he didn’t explain this to Song Zijie. It would just make it seem like he was showing off.

Song Zijie saw Han Jinghong ignore him and head straight for the main room. He didn’t follow, however, instead stopping at the doorway.

He watched with leisurely interest as, in front of the Su family’s home, villagers at dozens of tables were busy jostling for food. No one paid the slightest attention to the mayor.

A glint appeared in Song Zijie’s eyes, and he murmured softly, "Heh, now this is interesting. Looks like these villagers don’t have much respect for that guy."

When Han Jinghong noticed Song Zijie hadn’t followed, he also paused his advance into the house.

’After all, he still wanted to pump Song Zijie for some information.’

He heard Song Zijie muttering to himself and shot him an indifferent glance, explaining in a flat tone.

"It’s not that the villagers disrespect the mayor. It’s just that they feel the gap between them is too wide. Compared to fawning over him, grabbing an extra piece of meat is a more practical choice."

"Haha... Mr. Han, your analysis is spot on! Ah, that makes me feel so much better."

’He certainly didn’t want to respect that man. The guy wasn’t worthy of it.’

The fact that the villagers weren’t kissing his ass put Song Zijie in a great mood. "This makes the money Su spent today well worth it."

"..." Han Jinghong was at a loss for words.

"It’s just a shame the Hu family is still so afraid of that guy," Song Zijie added sourly. "Look how meek and subservient they are. It’s a night-and-day difference from how they acted in front of Su."

Han Jinghong’s eyes lit up instantly, a flicker of curiosity in their depths. He looked at Song Zijie and asked, feigning indifference, "Is this Su of yours really that impressive?"

Song Zijie was taken aback by Han Jinghong’s sudden shift in tone. After a moment’s pause, he realized Han Jinghong was trying to sound him out.

But whether he was being sounded out or not, Song Zijie couldn’t care less. He was itching to tell someone about Su anyway!

So he immediately began to brag, "Of course Su is impressive.

He’s a well-known figure among the younger generation back in Qingcheng Mansion. Our parents all use him as the benchmark to compare us to.

You shouldn’t underestimate Su. Even though he was born in a poor backwater like Shuanghe Village, he’s an incredible person.

Now he’s in the Imperial City and is supposedly one of the most outstanding young talents there. Plus, my sister-in-law is studying at Imperial University and even took on a foreigner as her disciple..."

As Han Jinghong listened to Song Zijie’s endless stream of praise, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.

’So I was right. This Su Shuochi’s identity really is astonishing. But what does that have to do with me?’

With that thought, Han Jinghong shot a disdainful glance toward the house. ’I have no intention of fawning over him.’

"Hey! Han Jinghong, I’ve said all that, and you have no reaction at all? Don’t you believe what I said?"

Seeing that Han Jinghong had clearly paid no attention to his words, Song Zijie asked indignantly.

’Every word I said was true!’

"Are you done?" Han Jinghong said flatly.

"Uh... I..." Song Zijie froze.

’What’s with this guy?!’

’This isn’t how I thought he’d react at all.’

Han Jinghong stated coolly, "I can’t stay. I have other business to attend to."

With that, he beckoned to his two subordinates, and they started walking away from the Su family’s home.

"Hey, wait, don’t go!" Song Zijie tried to call them back. ’What the hell is Han Jinghong playing at? This is so bizarre!’

Without breaking stride, Han Jinghong replied irritably, "We have other business. We’re leaving."

"..." Song Zijie watched Han Jinghong’s departing figure, feeling utterly frustrated.

But his mood quickly brightened when he saw the Hu family being scolded by the mayor, cowering like frightened quails.

The Hu family men all stood by their table, not daring to move a muscle. Their heads were bowed, and they looked as if they were afraid to even breathe too loudly.

Song Zijie hurried over to watch the show. Before he even got close, he heard the mayor’s unhappy tirade.

"You know damn well what you’ve been doing in this village all these years. I won’t rake up the past, but from now on, don’t you dare cause any more trouble that involves me."

After his angry outburst, the mayor swept a cold glare over the Hu family, looking like he was about to say more.

But when he saw the well-dressed young man—Song Zijie—approaching, he clamped his mouth shut.

Having navigated the town’s social circles for decades, the mayor quickly composed his expression, about to look up and greet Song Zijie.

Just then, he saw the young man from the Han family leaving with his subordinates, looking displeased. He abandoned the idea of cozying up to Song Zijie and hurriedly chased after them instead.