Ryan Bolton didn’t stand on ceremony with him at all. He grabbed the stack of cash and stuffed it into his pocket. After all, saving his life deserved some reward.

Matthew Thompson was meticulous in everything he did. Now that things had already happened, he was determined to minimize any negative impact: “Comrade, where do you work? I’d like to visit you in person someday to properly thank you for saving my life.” Matthew Thompson didn’t mention his own identity or position, but he was intent on digging into Ryan Bolton’s background. The best way to eliminate future trouble would be to silence him, and though he had the thought, looking at the tall and sturdy Ryan Bolton, he knew he didn’t have the ability. So, he could only try to find out more first.

“My name is Ryan Bolton, and I’m currently interning at the County People’s Hospital!” Ryan Bolton didn’t intend to hide anything. As he spoke, he was already calculating how to squeeze the most benefit out of the county magistrate.

“You’re truly young and promising!” Matthew Thompson exclaimed.

Ryan Bolton gave a sly smile: “Secretary Thompson, your attack this time was definitely not a coincidence. I just checked your body, and several of your meridians show signs of blood and qi stagnation. If you don’t get treatment soon, I’m afraid it will happen again.”

That second “Secretary Thompson” completely shattered the last bit of wishful thinking in Matthew Thompson’s heart. The other party was making it clear: I’ve recognized you, stop pretending, you are Matthew Thompson, the Party Secretary of Chunyang County.

Matthew Thompson was a practical man. He was never afraid of difficulties, nor did he lack the courage to face them. His voice became even gentler, with a touch of warmth: “Comrade, please keep my condition a secret. I don’t want the organization to worry about me, or the leaders, or the masses.”

Ryan Bolton was momentarily stunned. He’d dealt with plenty of high-ranking officials in the Sui Dynasty, but it was the first time he’d met someone as thick-skinned as Matthew Thompson. Caught red-handed, yet he could turn the tables and, with a smile, link a shady affair to the organization, the leaders, and the people. So coming to the riverside tonight for a car tryst was a glorious political mission? Although there was a lot of empty talk in Matthew Thompson’s words, Ryan Bolton still heard a note of pleading—this Secretary Thompson was asking him to keep it secret.

Matthew Thompson added in a low voice, “What just happened, I don’t want a third person to know, besides the two of us.” He’d wanted to add a threat, but swallowed it at the last moment. If the other party got angry because of a threat, things could get out of hand.

Ryan Bolton nodded. He reached out and patted Matthew Thompson on the shoulder. Normally, only someone of higher political rank than Matthew Thompson would dare do such a thing; otherwise, Secretary Thompson would see it as an insult. But now, the beloved Party Secretary of Chunyang County kept a humble smile, waiting for Ryan Bolton to name his terms.

Ryan Bolton said quietly, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret. But your health really is a problem. Well… never mind, you’ll find out soon enough.” Ryan Bolton didn’t explain further. He pushed open the car door and got out. Matthew Thompson watched his back, his mind in turmoil, but he didn’t dare chase after him to ask. He comforted himself quietly: This kid seems clever, he probably won’t say anything, right?

Julia Reed seemed to have been scared stiff. No matter how Sophie Harris tried to comfort her, she kept muttering to herself. They had no idea what had happened in the car.

When Ryan Bolton returned, Sophie Harris hurriedly asked, “What happened?”

“It’s nothing! They were just messing around…”

Julia Reed, eyes brimming with tears, suddenly grabbed Ryan Bolton’s arm and cried out, “I didn’t kill him… I really didn’t kill him…”

The expression on Sophie Harris’s pretty face instantly turned to fear.

At that moment, a calm voice came from inside the car: “Xiao Ge, even jokes have their limits. Don’t scare people.”

Julia Reed shuddered as if struck by lightning, her eyes full of disbelief. She had always been an atheist, never believing in ghosts. After a brief shock, she immediately realized the voice was indeed from Secretary Thompson—in other words, the respected Secretary Thompson wasn’t dead. She quickly wiped away her tears, strength returning to her body, and staggered to her feet. But her smile was still very stiff: “Sorry… I was just joking with you…”

Sophie Harris looked coldly at the policewoman in front of her. Joking? Who would believe that.

Ryan Bolton didn’t want to linger here. He pulled Sophie Harris toward the main road. Sophie Harris protested, “Hey, shouldn’t we figure things out before leaving?”

“Miss, don’t you know curiosity killed the cat?” Under Ryan Bolton’s insistence, Sophie Harris reluctantly walked off into the distance.

Smoke filled the jeep. Matthew Thompson was in a foul mood. Ryan Bolton’s last words had given him a bit of comfort—it seemed the kid didn’t plan to spill his secret. But clever people are often the most dangerous. Matthew Thompson was almost certain this wasn’t the end of it. That bit of money probably wouldn’t be enough to satisfy someone like Ryan Bolton.