The development engineering of Heigao Marsh was fully underway, and the overall framework of the large-scale breeding farms was laid out. Tens of thousands of migrant workers were digging and transporting soil in theirrespective areas, laying the foundation for building high-quality fish ponds. Fortunately, it was winter and the water level in the reed marshes was much lower than in other seasons, which eased the pressure of water pumping. However, such a large-scale water pumping required reasonable allocation of pumping machines and scientific transfer of water. Only in this way could the excavation of fish ponds proceed smoothly.

    The  construction  of Heigao Marsh project  emphasized  step-by-step implementation and overall advancement. There was a large amount of work to coordinate and decide in each stage. The two deputy generals in command, Zhu Rui and Gou Daosheng, were completely stationed in Heigao Marsh. They came in and out, and almost followed each other like shadows. On the construction site, some workers who did not know the situation and mistakenly thought that they were a husband and wife.

    “Wow, impressive! It’s rare to have both husband and wife serving as high- ranking officials. There’s no second couple like them in the entire county.”

    “It’s really impressive, truly impressive.”

    “As the saying goes, their ancestral graveyard must puff green.”

    “Well, believe it or not, but it’s true. Their ancestors must have been buried in blessed spots.”

    It was unknown whether the discussion among the migrant workers reached the ears of the two parties involved. As for Zhu Rui, after all these years, the secret that she was unwilling to report was still deeply buried in her heart. During these years of working with her former lover Gou Daosheng, she had more than one urge to reveal Gou Zaide’s despicable actions to him. Zhu Rui felt wronged, as in Gou Daosheng’s eyes, she had been carrying the blame of “female Chen Shimei” for so many years and continued to do so.

    During the busy construction period of the Heigao Marsh development project, County Magistrate Liang also frequently came to listen to the reports, give instructions, and make demands. However, compared to Secretary Liu, it seemed that his frequency was not as high.

    As the saying goes, there was no impenetrable wall in the world. It was quickly known by Zhu Rui and Gou Daosheng that Lu Xiaoying and Director Liu had been in a relationship while they were in college. Therefore, every time Director Liu came to the construction site, they intentionally created opportunities for him and Lu Xiaoying to be alone together.

    Liu Chengyin felt much better after telling Yingzi the words he had been holding back for years. He was already married and had children, and he was also the county party secretary. Could he still continue his relationship with Yingzi? He would treat her like his younger sister from now on and try to give her more care and help. He knew very well that Yingzi still deeply loved him after all these years, but he also knew that nothing could change the situation. “Yingzi, we can only accept our fate,” Liu Chengyin said to himself more than once.

    In Liu Chengyin’s view, there was nothing improper about him visiting Lu Xiaoying’s dormitory more frequently. They were both county party leaders and had a sibling relationship. Besides, he would only stay for a short while, have a cup of tea, and nothing more.

    Actually, Liu Chengyin was completely mistaken. He thought that way, but Lu Xiaoying didn’t think like that at all. Especially after she really figured out that they were not half-siblings, she didn’t immediately tell him everything. She even didn’t tell him about Little Qin Aunt’s mental illness. Lu Xiaoying was observing and waiting. What she wanted was everything to fall into place.

    Finally, on a stormy night, Lu Xiaoying invited her beloved Xi Zi (Liu Chengyin) to her office and dormitory.

    To Liu Chengyin’s surprise,there were two tall wineglasses and an open bottle of red wine on the desk. He knew that Lu Xiaoying had prepared this carefully, because there were probably no such tall wine glasses in the entire Yuduo Town area. This area belonged to the “Northwest Rural Area”, where people had a strong character and only drank alcohol, never red wine, and had no use for such exquisite wineglasses.

    “Comrade Xiaoying,itrained all day today, and now are you going to invite me for a drink?” During these days of construction in Heigao Marsh, Liu Chengyin’s relationship with Deputy Party Secretary Lu Xiaoying had noticeably improved. Sometimes he could even joke with the person who had always rejected him before.

    “Xizi, tonight I have something to tell you.” Lu Xiaoying’s expression was far from relaxed like Liu Chengyin’s, and it was a bit too serious.

    “Xizi, drink this glass first. Later on, you will naturally understand.” Lu Xiaoying also picked up her glass, lightly clinked glasses with Liu Chengyin, and finished the wine poured into her glass in one gulp.

    “Hey hey, silly sister, red wine is not meant to be drunk like that. Since you have carefully prepared such elegant wine glasses and such good wine, we should savor it properly. Waste them not.” Liu Chengyin put on a big brother’s demeanor and taught Xiaoying the basic knowledge of drinking red wine.

    “I don’t care. You have to drink this wine too,” said Lu Xiaoying, who had a lot to say to Brother Xizi and didn’t have time to savor the wine. Seeing Liu Chengyin’s slow movements, Lu Xiaoying reached out and pulled the wine glass in his hand towards her mouth.

    “Okay, okay, I’ll listen to you. You’re my sister, I drink, I drink,” said Liu Chengyin, and without Lu Xiaoying’s swing, he tilted his head back and slanted it in one gulp.

    “Good things come in pairs. Xi Zi, another drink.” Before Liu Chengyin could put down his glass, Lu Xiaoying’s bottle was already lifted to the mouth of the glass.

    “Okay, I won’t go anywhere tonight, Just stay here and drink with you,” This time Liu Chengyin didn’t let Lu Xiaoying urge him and proactively punished a glass of port. He even took the bottle from Lu Xiaoying’s hand and said, “Come, let me pour you a drink.”

    At this moment, it was almost unprecedented for Liu Chengyin. He was willing to spend the entire evening with Lu Xiaoying, without discussing work, which was very rare. Previously, although he had visited Lu Xiaoying, it was mostly a mix of personal and professional reasons. Sometimes he needed to attend the meetings or talk with people at the town government, and after completing these tasks, he would visit her dormitory. Other times, people from the county would come, and they needed to be hosted in the town. The construction site conditions were relatively simple, so they could not neglect key department leaders or the county’s top leaders.

    They needed to host them in the town, which showed respect for these guests.

    It was important to understand that Chinese people were very particular about showing respect to others. With respect, anything could be discussed. If you did not condescend to me, why should I respect you?

    In this way, after receiving those leaders, he would also inform Lu Xiaoying and visit her residence. It was no wonder that Lu Xiaoying and Secretary Liu were almost inseparable. Since the development project in Heigao Marsh started, Lu Xiaoying became the director of the Project Command Office. She was in charge of all these routine affairs.

    “Xizi, you promised not to go anywhere tonight. No talking about work. I’m happy. Come on, let me a player.” After two glasses of wine, Lu Xiaoying’s face was already flushed, becoming more attractive and charming than usual.

    When Lu Xiaoying tearfully revealed the results of her investigation to Liu  Chengyin, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He slumped into a rattan  chair and took a moment to compose himself before asking Lu Xiaoying, “Is  everything you said true? We’re not siblings? Aunt Xiaoqin wasn’t telling the truth?”

    Lu Xiaoying was sobbing too hard to speak. She simply nodded vigorously, affirming what she had discovered to her dear brother.

    “Yingzi, you know Xiao Qin auntie tortured me enough?” Liu Chengyin couldn’t restrain his emotions any longer. For so many years, he loved Lu Xiaoying but dared not confess, and although he tried to let go of his feelings, he couldn’t forget her. Fortunately, a shadchen later introduced him to Su Hua, bringing some comfort to his suffering heart. At this moment, the floodgates of Liu Chengyin’s emotions completely opened, and his feelings for Lu Xiaoying gushed out uncontrollably like a tide.

    “Dear Xizi, I love you.”

    “Yingzi, my dear Yingzi. I love you too.”

    After many years, the couple once deeply in love, who excited all envies, finally embraced tightly tonight. Moral standards, conscience, all washed away by the surging wave of love. Let the gossip of the world go with the wind, love was supreme, love was blameless.

    Former lovers Liu Chengyin and Lu Xiaoying now became true lovers. They performed a magnificent life symphony on a not-so-large single bed. Neither of them expected that their love would erupt with such tremendous passion and produce such vigorous vitality. True, Liu Chengyin had never experienced such penetrating, satisfying sexual intercourse. Such an experience was all worth it.

    For one instant, Yingzi, smooth and flawless, lying next to her lover, like a sheet to the wind in half sleep, looked like a fairy who was about to ascend to heaven. Outside the window, still in stormy weather. Squall, squall, squall, high and away! Rain, rain, rain,siled down! Let none disturb this sweet couple!

    Su Hua noticed that even though the development of Heigao Marsh was such a massive project,it did not cause her husband to furrow his brow or feel exhausted. On the contrary, he seemed invigorated and radiant. As a wife, she had to admire that he was a person who was dedicated to his career. Having the ability to remain calm during important events was a rare quality for a leader. Su Hua was delighted that her husband possessed such qualities.

    Everytime he returned from the construction site, she wholeheartedly prepared nutritious and tasty dishes for him. These included stewed old hen and boiled black fish soup, which she personally prepared.

    By the way, not long after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Su Hua discussed with Liu Chengyin and decided to bring Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua to the county seat, saying that there wasn’t much work to do in the field during the winter and it would be good for them to rest in the city and help take care of their grandson. This way, it would avoid bothering Old Chen to always pick up and drop off their grandson from kindergarten. With the grandparents around, it would also bring more activity to the house since Liu Chengyin was spending less time at home due to the Heigao Marsh development project. Normally, there were only Su Hua and their son at home, so it was pretty quiet. Having two more people around boosted the energy in the house, especially for their son Liu Yong who was so happy and roiling.

    Of course, Liu Chengyin also underwent some changes. In addition to his positive emotions in a favorable mental state, he developed a liking for talking with Su Hua about his childhood days and their friends who grew up together in Xianghe Village. This was something he never mentioned before. Occasionally, when Su Hua brought it up, Liu Chengyin would avoid the topic. In fact, Su Hua had heard from others that her husband had a childhood sweetheart who grew up with him. Of course, Su Hua wanted to take this opportunity to test her husband and see what kind of impression he had of his childhood friend and if he still thought of her constantly.

    Undoubtedly, Su Hua’s intentions fell flat. As the saying goes, even a deity couldn’t advance if lips set firm. While Liu Chengyin avoided discussing the past, Su Hua naturally had no way to pursue the topic.

    Now, however, it was reversed. Su Hua refrained from bringing up such topics, but Liu Chengyin was quite interested. Not only did he talk to her about it, but when little Liu Yong dragged him over to tell him stories, Liu Chengyin even talked about how he and many other boys used to have water fights and stomp on river clams in Xianghe when he was younger. He got his son excited savorily, shouting and even dragging his grandparents’ clothes, saying that they should also go back to their hometown Xianghe to swim and have water fights.

    “Well, well, our lovely Liu Yong is going back to his hometown Xianghe, Grandpa and Grandma will definitely take you there. But we can’t go now. Even if we go, we can’t take a bath or have a water fight. Do you know why, Liu Yong?” Liu Chunyu hugged his grandson and played with him affectionately.

    “I know, Grandpa. It’s winter now, Xianghe is cold, so we can’t go swimming. We have to wait until summer.” Little Liu Yong tilted his head and easily answered Grandpa’s question, feeling quite proud.

    “You are right, so smart.” Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua each gave a kiss on their grandson’s cheek as a reward.

    After mentioning the name of Tan Saihu several times in front of his wife, Liu Chengyin finally received a visit from Tan Saihu, who was carrying two lively crucian carp.

    Tan Saihu chose an evening and stepped into Liu Chengyin’s courtyard in the county party committee and government compound. Having been engaged in urban construction projects in the county seat for so many years, he had long been familiar with the distribution of government departments at the county level. Among the numerous leaders of the county-level government, there were many who were as close as brothers to Tan Saihu. Even among the four groups of leaders in the county, there are also some people relatively close to him personally. In Chu County, Tan Saihu had a good interpersonal relationship., without which it would be impossible for him to establish a foothold in the county and obtain the urban construction projects he wanted. To put it bluntly, it was like a dream.

    Tan Saihu, skilled in fishing and shrimp catching since childhood, had an innate shrewdness. He visited his old classmate and had done some “research” beforehand. Firstly, he needed to make sure that Liu Chengyin was at home. He came to discuss important matters with his old classmate, but if the person wasn’t home, there would be no point in discussing the matter. He had to know the whereabouts of Liu Chengyin, and it was not difficult to do so as long as he could win the trust of Liu’s secretary. Secretary Jin held Liu’s mobile phone, and Liu’s phone number was almost open, so it was not confidential. Tan Saihu also used his mobile phone to contact him easily. In the early 1980s, many men like Tan Saihu went to work in government and started businesses in Chu County. However, not many of them became successful bosses like Tan, who used mobile phones like county party secretaries and county magistrates.

    Secondly, to bring something. This was not Tan Sai Hu’s first time visiting leaders and officials, and he was familiar with the hobbies and interests of the leaders whom he was visiting. Bringing a gift that catered to their interests was not difficult. However, Liu Chengyin was not an ordinary leader. He was the head of the county and also Tan Sai Hu’s childhood friend who grew up together while wearing open-crotch pants. But the two childhood friends had not been in contact for many years and now their positions were vastly different. One was the head of a county managing one million people, while the other was a small business owner managing only a few hundred men.

    Tan Saihu brought two fishes, which had a special significance. When an old classmate visited and brought two fish, the county party secretary accepted them without any objection, as it was not considered a gift. However, if someone brought valuable items,they would be turned away at the door. Never think that enormous gifts that represented sincerity or respect could stab a leader.

    Tan Saihu brought two crucian carps, common and noble, also known as “Gui fish” in the local dialect, which were said to be eaten by prestigious men. Sending these fish would surely bring good fortune. Furthermore, Tan Saihu grew up catching fish and shrimp with his grandfather, and at that time, Liu Chengyin had eaten a lot of fish from Tan’s family. Some were bought with money, some were sent to Liu’s door by Tan’s family, and some were eaten by Liu Chengyin at Tan Saihu’s home. These two fish were meant to evoke the memories of Liu Chengyin’s childhood. This was called “the gift is light, but the sentiment is deep.”

    Third, to choose the right time. Tan Saihu chose to enter the house in the evening, which happened to be the time for the Liu family’s dinner. Unexpected visitors during mealtimes were generally not appreciated, and that the host might not have a positive impression of the visitor as a result.

    Born in mind, Tan Saihu was not an ordinary visitor. He carefully chose this timing to see if Liu Chengyin still valued their “childhood friend” relationship or if he was putting up the demeanor of a county party secretary. To figure this out was usually complicated and difficult. Some things were self-evident and what one thought couldn’t be communicated through language. Gone to his door, directly asking Liu Chengyin if he still valued his childhood friend of many years, even if he could get an answer, it was shy at first. Now, the question was simple: whether the host added another pair of chopsticks and a bowl to the dinner table. In other words, if they invited you to dinner as part of their family, it showed warmth and sincerity if they valued their childhood relationship. If it was just a formal inquiry, “Have you eaten yet? Would you like to join us for dinner?” and they didn’t actually invite you to eat with them, it was obvious that they were just being polite and there was no need to linger there. If there was something to discuss, you could only talk about it at the secretary’s office tomorrow. Business was business, and there was no room for personal relationships.

    Liu Chengyin was not the kind of person who acted high and mighty just because he held a position of authority. He and Tan Saihu had been playing in the mud since they were kids, messing around in the river catching clams and water fights in Xianghe. They had been buddies for more than a decade, so how could they not have some sense of camaraderie?

    “Hey, Saihu, Su Hua and I were just talking about you these past few days. Every time your name came up, she had nothing but praise. Seems you get much publicity in Chu county, huh?” Liu Chengyin held up his glass in front of Tan Saihu as he spoke. Since they were old classmates meeting up for a meal, Liu Chengyin had his wife add a couple of dishes from the government canteen, saying that they hadn’t seen each other in years and he wanted to enjoy a few drinks with Tan Saihu.

    “Ceremoniously, I should first toast my second uncle.” Tan Saihu felt a bit embarrassed when he saw that Liu Chengyin, as the county party secretary, was actively pouring him a drink. Tan Saihu’s father had once served as the principal of the village school and was known for his dark skin in Xianghe Village, nicknamed “Black Cucumber.” He was a few years younger than Liu Chunyu (Liu Chengyin’s father). Therefore, Tan Saihu called Liu Chunyu “Second Uncle.” Of course, the eldest uncle was Liu Chungen, Liu Chunyu’s older brother. Yang Xuehua didn’t drink, so Tan Saihu didn’t have to toast her as “Second Aunt.”

    “You two old classmates can drink, let me free. If there are dishes you like, Saihu, take more, strain no courtesy,” Liu Chunyu smiled and pointed to the dishes on the table with his chopsticks.

    “Dad, not drink too much,” Little Liu Yong saw his father raise his glass, arose between grandma and mom, and tried to grab the wineglass from Liu Chengyin.

    “Little friend should be polite!” Liu Chengyin deliberately lowered his voice and said to his son.

    “Be good, Xiao Yong. Let Dad accompany Uncle Tan to have a few drinks tonight. Uncle Tan is a rare guest in our house,” Su Hua immediately pulled the child back to his seat.

    “Shoot, look, look, you uncle almost forgot what’s important,” Tan Saihu quickly stood up, took out a red envelope①   from his jacket pocket, and walked too little Liu Yong to try to put it into his side pocket.

    “I don’t want your red envelope,” little Liu Yong refused Tan Saihu on his own without waiting for anyone at the table to speak, showing his maturity.

    “Xiao Yong did great. It seems that your parents have taught you well. Don’t  accept other people’s gifts, don’t accept their red envelopes,” the little boy’s  behaviour amused Tan Saihu. “But I’m your uncle. When your dad was old as Xiao  Yong, he always played with me. This is a gift from Uncle to Xiao Yong, not like the  red envelopes others give. Xiao Yong should accept it. Otherwise, I will be angry,” Tan Saihu patiently explained to the little boy.

    “General manager Tan, Chengyin is very happy that you come to visit us, and so am I. Please take back this red envelope. We don’t want to let the child develop a bad habit,” Su Hua quickly stood up and said to Tan Saihu.

    “Saihu, why are you giving a child a red envelope? Keep it up, keep it up, let us old classmates continue to drink,” Liu Chengyin waved his hand while sitting down, his face relaxed, and not unhappy that Tan Saihu unexpectedly took out a red envelope.

    “It looks like I, Tan, a sorner. I probably won’t even enter the gate next time,” Tan Saihu’s tone changed, and he spoke a bit angrily to Liu Chengyin.

    “What are you talking about? We still have important matters to discuss, and

    red paper containing money as a gift we need your help. Who said you won’t enter the gate in the future? You’re already such a big boss, why get angry over a red envelope?” Liu Chengyin turned to advise Tan Saihu. After all, a guest was still a guest, especially Tan Saihu, appropriate for Liu Chengyin to persuade him a few words without losing his own identity.

    “Second uncle and aunt, help me open the red envelope and show them to this couple. What I really want to bribe the county party secretary with.” Tan Saihu handed the unsendable red envelope to Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua.

    Yang Xuehua opened the red envelope and poured out two silver foot chains. They were shining with silver light, with delicate flower petals and exquisitely crafted. They looked particularly beautiful.

    “I finally understand now, I have raised my own value by presenting myself as his uncle and preparing this gift. You only have one son, so wearing this ankle bracelet will bring more peace and goodluck. Why not accept it?” Tan Saihu saw that the family was happy to see the gift, so he talked to Liu Chengyin on purpose.

    “I over-rules, accept this red envelope from Saihu. Su Hua, you can hold onto it and give it to Xiaoyong to wear on his birthday next year for goodluck and safety. When the time comes, let’s invite Saihu to have a drink with us.” As a grandmother, Yang Xuehua naturally wanted her grandson to be safe and live a long life, so she spoke up.

    “I thought there would be a lot of hundred yuan bills inside. You’re a big boss, I thought you would be generous. I also have something to discuss with you about a project, so if you give me a red envelope, I can hardly explain to everyone that our cooperation is innocent.” Liu Chengyin saw that it was just a silver ankle chain, although delicate, he knew there was a limit to how much money was spent. He pointed at Tan Saihu’s nose and said, “You’re really something. Alright, come on! We old classmates have a drink.”

    “Secretary Liu, your integrity and honesty are well-known in our Chu county. The people know that we have a ‘Liu Qingtian’ here, who even returns a goose given as a gift. How could I dare to touch this nail? Giving you money would only be inviting trouble for me. We, as old classmates, really don’t need to meet again in the future if I try to bribe you. In that case, your home really will become off- limits.” Tan Saihu praised Secretary Liu’s virtues before raising his glass to toast Liu Chengyin, downing alcohol in one gulp.

    After three rounds of drinking, Tan Saihu saw Little Xi Zi, who dived into the river in Xianghe and helped himself to open the clam that clamped his small toe. Liu Chengyin also saw young Tan Saihu who went down the river and canal to catch fish and shrimp with a fishing net after school. The sense of unfamiliarity lost many years disappeared, and the status gap was thrown into the clouds. In the midst of the toasted conversation, a major construction project in Chu county began to take shape in their minds.