Those words left everyone stunned.
Jin Dapao's mouth fell open again. This time, he felt as though his jaw might actually have dislocated.
Lin Xiaolu covered her mouth, her beautiful eyes wide, her mind utterly blank.
Was... was this really the powerful regional chief who held sway over Modu and never let his emotions show?
How was this an apology?
It was blatant groveling! An attempt to curry favor!
He was trampling every last shred of his dignity underfoot, humbling himself for even the slightest chance of forgiveness!
There was only one explanation-
That phone call just now!
The same scalp-tingling thought rose unbidden in everyone's minds.
The identity of this plainly dressed old man went far beyond merely being "unusual."
He was a terrifying figure before whom even a regional chief like Wang Hongtao had to bow and scrape, not daring to utter so much as a peep!
"Hmph!"
Yet faced with Wang Hongtao's almost fawning attitude, Elder Xu merely snorted, his expression showing no warmth whatsoever.
He gently raised his ordinary wooden cane, but did not lower it.
"Your face would dirty my cane?"
Elder Xu's piercing gaze fixed on Wang Hongtao's bowed head.
"The way I see it, it isn't your face that's filthy!"
"It's your heart!!!"
Boom!
Wang Hongtao shuddered violently. Cold sweat instantly poured down his forehead like a waterfall.
"Yes, yes, yes! You're absolutely right to reprimand me!"
Wang Hongtao nodded frantically and bent even lower, not daring to lift his head.
"Let me ask you-"
Elder Xu slammed his cane against the ground. The dull thud struck everyone's chest like a heavy hammer!
"What got you into the position you hold today? Answer me!"
Even Wang Hongtao's voice trembled. "It... it was the people's trust and support..."
"The people's trust and support!