Michael Thompson suddenly sat down on the ground, staring at Ryan Carter in shock, his voice hoarse: "Mùtou, you, you, you’re not messing with me, are you?"

Letting out a sigh, Ryan Carter said helplessly, "Why would I joke about this? If I hadn’t studied this with a few classmates back in school, I wouldn’t know either. Luckily you didn’t make a huge mistake just now, otherwise, your uncle might have been dragged down by you."

Nodding with lingering fear, Michael Thompson looked at Ryan Carter, his face pale, grabbing his arm and saying, "Bro, you really are my best bro! If it weren’t for you today, I’d be in big trouble. I don’t care about myself, at worst I’d just leave this crappy place, but if I got my uncle involved, that would be a real problem."

After saying that, he stood up and said, "No, I have to go home and burn some incense to thank Buddha for his blessing!"

Rolling his eyes, Ryan Carter grabbed him and said, "It’s noon, let’s go out for some food, I have something to talk to you about." Hearing footsteps at the door, he pulled Michael Thompson and said, "Too many people, too much gossip, let’s talk outside."

Michael Thompson nodded. At this point, he was completely convinced by Ryan Carter’s words. Although he hadn’t been in officialdom for long, he knew that if Ryan Carter hadn’t covered his mouth just now, with his foul mouth, he probably would have offended that big shot to death. Maybe that person wouldn’t bother with a small fry like him, but just a single word could get both him and his uncle sent packing. That’s the power of authority!

The two chatted for a while longer. When it was 11:30 and time to get off work, they left the office together and rode a motorcycle to a restaurant in Yanjiang Village.

It was obvious that Michael Thompson was a regular here. As soon as they walked in, someone came up to greet them.

A woman in her thirties, clearly the boss lady, walked over with a smile and said, "Oh, isn’t this Mike? Haven’t seen you in a while. What breeze brought you to Ms. Harris’s place today?"

Michael Thompson chuckled and said to the woman, "Listen to you, making it sound like I’m neglecting you. Didn’t I come to support your business today?" As he spoke, he pulled Ryan Carter over and said, "Come, Ms. Harris, let me introduce someone. This is my buddy Ryan Carter, we’ve been friends since we were kids, graduated from a top university. From now on, whenever he comes, put it on my tab."

Ms. Harris smiled, her charm on full display, and said to Ryan Carter, "No wonder the magpies were chirping this morning, turns out an honored guest was coming! Come, come, today Ms. Harris is treating, consider it a welcome for little brother Lu."

Ryan Carter’s eyes flashed. The decor of this restaurant was considered quite upscale for Yanjiang Village, and the place was spacious. It was clear the owner had put some thought into it. Plus, this was their first meeting and she was already so hospitable, which made him think highly of Ms. Harris.

"Ms. Harris, you’re too kind. I’ll be counting on your help in the future."

Chapter 011: Fighting On Despite Repeated Defeats

With more friends, the road is easier; everyone helps lift the bridal sedan. Ryan Carter certainly understood this principle. Since Ms. Harris was treating him so well for Michael Thompson’s sake, he naturally wouldn’t be ungrateful. Besides, Ryan Carter wasn’t a fool—he could guess that Ms. Harris valued Michael Thompson mostly because of Secretary Tian.

The two of them entered a private room. Michael Thompson said to Ms. Harris, "Two cold platters, a plate of dog meat, and two bottles of beer. Don’t let anyone in unless it’s necessary, Ryan Carter and I have things to discuss."

Ms. Harris nodded, gave Ryan Carter a slight smile, and turned to leave.

Watching her go, Michael Thompson finally said, "Lily Harris only came here in the past couple of years. She runs this restaurant on her own—she’s quite a character."

Ryan Carter chuckled. For a woman like this, he naturally understood why she was called a character. The phrase "adept at socializing, smooth in all directions" fit her perfectly.

Before long, the food and drinks were served. Ryan Carter tried to pay first, but the waitress said, "Ms. Harris said that since it’s your first visit, she’s treating."

Not insisting, Ryan Carter told the waitress, "Please tell Boss Harris that I’ll remember this favor."

There are many heroes among the common folk. Ryan Carter believed that Boss Harris probably didn’t even know he was just a temp at the township government. She was being so courteous simply because of his relationship with Michael Thompson, clearly wanting to make friends.

Sighing, Ryan Carter took a sip of beer, then said to Michael Thompson, "Mike, how do you think you should explain what happened just now to your uncle?"

Michael Thompson was stunned, then quickly said, "What else? Just tell the truth!"

Shaking his head helplessly, Ryan Carter was almost speechless at this guy’s slow reaction. Tapping his head with his chopsticks, he said in a low voice, "Are you out of your mind? If your uncle Secretary Tian finds out you inexplicably offended a high-ranking official who might be from Beijing, how do you think he’ll deal with you?"