Chance Encounter

The next day.

Dawn had barely broken.

Morning, downstairs in the Family Compound.

Dong Xuebin dragged two suitcases, one large and one small, out of the apartment building. Squinting against the light hitting his face, he found his Land Rover parked in the courtyard, opened the trunk, and loaded the luggage inside. He then called Ma Bin, director of the county government office, asking him to come downstairs. Dong handed over the keys to his dormitory and office, signed the paperwork, and with that, completely severed his ties with Zhenshui County. The handover was complete, the social obligations had been handled, and it was time to leave.

Dong Xuebin had originally wanted to leave quietly. He had said goodbye to everyone he needed to, and he did not want to make too much of a fuss, which was why he had gotten up so early. But perhaps he had stayed downstairs too long, or perhaps he and Ma Bin had spoken too loudly. Either way, someone had heard them.

A moment later, quite a few people came downstairs.

There was Pu An, Chang Juan, Li Xiaona, and many others.

"County Chief Dong."

"Why did you all come down?"

"We had to see you off. Why are you leaving so early? We thought you'd be leaving this morning."

"Thank you, everyone. No need to see me off. Go back upstairs."

"Wait a moment. We still haven't brought you any local specialties."

"Hey, I'm sneaking off because I didn't want to trouble you all."

"County Chief Dong—no, I should call you Director Dong now. Be careful on your way back. Here's a mask; take it with you. I heard there's another bird flu outbreak in the Capital City lately, so be extra careful."

"Alright, I'll take it. Thanks."

"Drive safely. Have a