Transfer Approved

One day.

Then another day.

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

That morning, in a shabby Guest House in Clear Water Township, Dong Xuebin threw back the thin, yellowed blanket and got out of bed. He went out to fetch a thermos of hot water, came back to brush his teeth and wash up, then grabbed his bag and went downstairs, ready to head out.

Downstairs, a female Guest House attendant approached him.

"Ah, County Chief Dong."

"Oh, Little Huang. You're up pretty early."

"You're already up? Why didn't you call me? I haven't even brought you hot water yet."

"Heh, I just didn't make it back home last night. No need to trouble you."

"How is that trouble? It's no trouble at all. Township Chief Yao specifically told me to look after you. I... I'll go heat up your breakfast. It's already prepared. I was just worried you weren't awake, so I didn't dare knock earlier."

"Thank you, but I won't eat."

"You can't do that, or the leaders will criticize me."

"If they criticize you, call me and I'll criticize them instead. Heh."

"You work so hard. You can't skip breakfast. I'll go get it right away. I'll be back within two minutes, really, just two minutes."

"All right, then. Thanks."

"Don't mention it. It's what I should do."

Little Huang hurried off at a trot to fetch breakfast. Before long, Dong Xuebin took the food, strode outside, and got into the car parked by the road. After shutting the door, he stuffed a steaming Steamed Bun into his mouth, chewing as he stepped on the gas and headed straight for the site selected for the Chinese Academy of Sciences Experimental Base.

Nine o'clock.

At the foot of Clear Mountain.

The area had already