413: Chapter 413 Xiao Zhi and Xiao Yu Are Missing 413: Chapter 413 Xiao Zhi and Xiao Yu Are Missing At a road intersection southwest of Miyun Town, a brand-new compact car was parked.
Inside, Deng Jianguo sat listening to music and smoking, his face brimming with joy.
His mood had been extremely good these past few days, as if he was at a climactic emotional peak.
Everything seemed like a dream to him, so fantastical that he was still feeling a bit light-headed, almost afraid that it would all turn out to be just that—a dream—shattered upon waking.
However, he knew that all of this wasn’t a dream, but a tremendous opportunity that had finally come his way.
Heaven had finally favored him, dropping a huge pie right into his lap.
In the past few days, the name Deng Jianguo had practically become known throughout the whole of Miyun Town, and he had become an overnight sensation.
How could he not be?
The previous mayor of Miyun Town was promoted to the town’s Party Secretary, the former Party Secretary and the chief of the local police station were both dismissed for undisclosed reasons.
The Bald Brother and his minions had been directly apprehended, and they were taken straight to the county level.
This made Miyun Town burst into jubilation, as if peace had been restored to the world.
Some even set off firecrackers and fireworks as if it were the New Year.
Indeed, Miyun Town was boiling over these days, undergoing a massive reform that turned the town’s dynamics upside down.
Particularly after the Bald Brother’s influence had been eradicated, the impact on Miyun Town was profound.
Upon his appointment as Party Secretary, Mayor Wu’s first move was to promote Deng Jianguo to a standing committee member, equivalent to an overnight ascension.
Deng Jianguo went from a mere commoner to a high-ranking official of Miyun Town.
With five standing committee members in Miyun Town, only these few could be considered the true power brokers, and Deng Jianguo had become one of them.
Overnight, his power superseded the police chief’s, and he became a person of great importance.
Such a meteoric rise naturally sparked a wave of astonishment, with countless people speculating about what exactly had happened.
Some close to the true story quickly spread.
Deng Jianguo’s doorstep was nearly worn down by the constant stream of visitors, with countless social obligations every day.
He was suddenly plunged into this lifestyle, leaving him disoriented and disrupting the rhythm of his life.
And this was just the beginning.
During his moments of quiet, Deng Jianguo understood clearly that everything he now had was bestowed upon him by Tangyu, without whom he would have led a mediocre life.
He could never have dreamed of wielding such influence and commanding such power as he did now.
Deng Jianguo knew that Tangyu and his party were coming to Miyun Town, so he cleared his schedule early to wait for them here.
Of course, he didn’t tell anyone else and came alone, aware that Tangyu didn’t like too many people around.
After smoking half a cigarette, Deng Jianguo’s gaze suddenly shifted; in his line of sight, a Land Rover was approaching.
He recognized the vehicle instantly.
Deng Jianguo cracked a wide smile, threw the cigarette to the ground, and stepped out of his car.
Seeing Deng Jianguo waiting by the roadside, Tangyu briefly paused before parking the car.
“Big Brother Guo, what are you doing here?” Tangyu asked.
Deng Jianguo replied with a smile, “It was my aunt who called and told me you were coming to Miyun Town, so I came over to wait for you.
Little Brother Tang, you’re visiting Miyun Town, how come you didn’t let me know?
I could have made some arrangements, right?”
“Hehe, I was planning to go straight to you, Big Brother Guo, causing trouble again,” Tangyu said.
Deng Jianguo immediately responded, “Hey, Little Brother Tang, what are you talking about?
There’s no trouble at all.
You’ve helped me so much, now it’s even directly changed the course of my life.
If we’re talking about thanks, I’m afraid I could never finish expressing it in a lifetime.
I’ve already arranged accommodations—well, to be precise, Secretary Wu has arranged them.
Let me take you there first, and then we can discuss the schedule.
I’m not busy these few days, so if you don’t mind, I can be your tour guide.”
“Hehe, I couldn’t ask for more.
Please lead the way, Big Brother Guo,” Tangyu nodded with a smile.
A little over ten minutes later, Deng Jianguo led Tangyu and his group to a villa.
Although it wasn’t particularly luxurious and was somewhat quaint and delicate, it was very clean and refreshing.
Compared to those small hotels, this place was far superior.
Moreover, since it wasn’t located on the main street, it was relatively quiet.
Everyone got out of the car, and Deng Jianguo unlocked the door to the house where everything had been tidied neatly, with some items still appearing brand new.
It was clear that Secretary Wu had put a lot of thought into this accommodation.
“Hehe, we can’t find anyplace too fancy in our little Miyun Town, so this will have to do for now,” said Deng Jianguo.
“It’s quite nice.
Big Brother Guo, please thank Mayor Wu for us—oh, I should say Secretary Wu now,” replied Tangyu.
“Sure, will do,” Deng Jianguo said.
Deng Li circled around Deng Jianguo’s new car, then with a grin, he said, “Uncle, did you buy a new car?”
“Not exactly ‘bought,’ Secretary Wu insisted on giving it to me, saying a car was necessary for my new status.
I wanted to pay for it, but neither Secretary Wu nor the dealership owner would take my money, so I had no choice,” Deng Jianguo explained.
“Hehe, Uncle, you really have it made now.
To have such a nice car given to you!” Deng Li commented.
Deng Jianguo smiled and looked at Tangyu, his eyes brimming with gratitude.
All of this was brought about by Tangyu.
Seeing the deep gratitude in Deng Jianguo’s eyes, Tangyu also gave a warm smile, feeling somewhat comforted.
Zhao Yaya and the others began to discuss what their itinerary would be.
The scenic area around Miyun Mountain had a lot to offer, with numerous attractions.
Deng Jianguo was also chipping in with ideas, while Tangyu simply sat to one side, knowing he didn’t need to worry about this.
“What, Chief, don’t panic, and speak slowly.
Are you saying Xiaozhi and Xiaoyu have disappeared?” A sharp voice suddenly rang out, and everyone turned to look at Liu Shanshan.
Tangyu immediately stood up from the sofa and walked over to Liu Shanshan’s side.
She hadn’t returned home since last night, and she had still not been found up to now.
“How could this happen—Xiaozhi and Xiaoyu are both very obedient and grown up enough not to stay out because of playfulness or get lost by wandering off.
What could have happened?” Liu Shanshan’s expression instantly darkened with worry and urgency, fidgeting like an ant on a hot pan.
Tangyu’s brows furrowed as well, and he suddenly had a bad feeling.
How could two living people just vanish?
Something must have happened.
Could it be a kidnapping?
At this thought, Tangyu immediately remembered Cai Long from Linwu County.
This incident could very likely be related to him.
Considering the several attacks he’d endured, and the kidnapping on the way here, Cai Long was Tangyu’s prime suspect.
He had thought Cai Long wouldn’t target Xiaozhi and Xiaoyu again, but it seemed he had underestimated him.
“Alright, Chief, don’t worry, I’ll rush back immediately,” Liu Shanshan said before hanging up the phone and turning to Tangyu, “Xiaozhi and Xiaoyu have gone missing, I must go back right away.
You guys continue to have fun here.”
“How can I do that?
I’ll come back with you.
The situation with Xiaozhi and Xiaoyu doesn’t seem simple.
Perhaps—it’s related to that Cai Long from Linwu County.
Otherwise, it’s too much of a coincidence.
Of course, it’s best to go back and see for ourselves,” Tangyu said.
“What—kidnapped?
Related to that Cai Long, and this—” Hearing the name Cai Long, Liu Shanshan became anxious.
And how could she not be?
Xiaozhi and Xiaoyu had been sold to him the last time.
It was a close call, and they could barely get them back.
If they had been kidnapped by him again, rescuing them would surely be much more difficult than before.
What worried Liu Shanshan most was the safety of Xiaozhi and Xiaoyu.
Liu Shanshan, of course, hoped that Tangyu could accompany her, as she felt helpless and powerless facing such a situation.
Deep down, she really wanted to rely on Tangyu.
However, she didn’t want to be selfish and take Tangyu away.
“Since there’s an issue, let’s not play around anymore.
Let’s go back together.
The attractions are probably very crowded anyway, and I don’t like being in places with too many people.
We’ve also enjoyed ourselves for a couple of days already,” Guo Momo said.
“Yes, let’s go back.
I don’t really feel like going anywhere else either,” Lin Feifei added.
Although Zhao Yaya still wanted to play, she understood the urgency of the situation and didn’t add to the chaos, instead just pouting her lips as if to agree by default.
Liu Shanshan looked at Guo Momo and the others, her eyes welling up, “Thank you.”
Lin Feifei took Liu Shanshan’s hand and said, “Don’t be formal.
We’re all good sisters here.
What happens to you happens to us, too.”
This mention of “good sisters” made Liu Shanshan pause slightly, her eyes flickering with an unusual light; she understood the implication of those words.
“I’m sorry, Brother Guo, for the trouble, but we need to rush back to Donglin City immediately.
If you have a chance in the future, come visit Donglin City,” Tangyu said to Deng Jianguo.
Deng Jianguo said, “If you guys have things to do, then go ahead.
When you have free time, Tang Brother, come to Miyun Town again, and I will welcome you anytime.”
“Okay then, we’ll take our leave for now,” Tangyu replied.
“Alright, I’ll see you out of Miyun Town,” Deng Jianguo offered.
Everyone started to pack their things, and Deng Jianguo walked to Deng Li’s side, clapping him on the shoulder and saying earnestly, “Xiaoli, once you’re in Donglin City, you must listen to your Tang Brother.
Make a name for yourself out there, uncle has always supported you.
Young people shouldn’t stay in the village forever, or even finding a wife would be difficult.
You should take advantage of your youth and enthusiasm to go out and make a breakthrough.
With Tang Brother by your side, uncle believes you can achieve great things.
This is a good opportunity for you, make sure to seize it and bring honor to our Deng family.”
“Haha, don’t worry Uncle, I will.
I’ll be sure to listen to master’s words,” Deng Li said with a smile and a nod.
Deng Jianguo also smiled and nodded, happy for Deng Li.
Because he made friends with Tangyu, his own life had changed so much, and now Deng Li could stay right beside Tangyu.
Such opportunities were rare.
Deng Jianguo believed Deng Li would have a bright future ahead of him.
His gratitude towards Tangyu deepened.
After packing up, the group hit the road.
Deng Jianguo saw Tangyu and the others off out of Miyun Town and then said goodbye.
He watched until Tangyu’s car disappeared from his sight before he reluctantly brought his gaze back, his smile shining brighter than the sun.
Even many years later, when recalling this moment, Deng Jianguo’s face would be filled with gratitude.