Chapter 59

At noon, when they were having lunch, Second Master and Uncle were both listless. The delicious food prepared by Old Zhang lost its usual allure. Indeed, with the fine wine right in front of them but unable to drink it, how could these two alcoholics bear it? So, Uncle kept asking Zhang Kai over and over again when the expert would arrive.

Just as Zhang Kai was about to lose his patience, the phone rang. Zhang Kai quickly answered it: "Hello, Engineer Zhao! Yes, it's me. Hmm. What? Alright, I'll be at the site waiting for you. Alright."

Seeing Second Master and Uncle looking anxiously at him, Zhang Kai said with a bitter smile: "The expert has arrived and is on his way to the village. Let's go over there!"

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Uncle put down his unfinished bowl of rice and was about to run out.

But Second Lady pulled him back, staring at Uncle and said, "How old are you? Finish your meal before you go. No leftovers allowed. Hurry up and eat, or you're not allowed to leave."

With Second Lady in charge, even Second Master had to submit. Uncle looked pitifully at Second Lady, then at the others who were getting up to greet the expert. Especially Second Master, who strutted out and winked at Uncle, as if to say, "We're leaving first, you eat slowly." The smugness was evident. But with Second Lady watching, Uncle could only grimace and quickly shovel rice into his mouth.

When the group arrived at the scene, Uncle rushed over anxiously. Seeing the expert hadn't arrived yet, he visibly sighed in relief, fearing he would miss the expert's arrival.

Amid the anxious wait of the group, especially Second Master and Uncle, Engineer Zhao finally arrived. Three Audis and two Mercedes-Benzes pulled up in front of Wang Yong and the others. As the car doors opened, a man in his thirties immediately caught everyone's attention. Everyone who got out of the cars automatically gathered behind this man, clearly indicating he was the leader. He had black, neatly parted hair and was wearing a casual suit.

"You must be Engineer Zhao. I'm Zhang Kai," Zhang Kai said, walking over and shaking the man's hand.

"Hello, Engineer Zhao is my master, I'm his apprentice. I'm the deputy chief engineer of Wuxing Factory. We've heard that you've discovered 300-year-old Erguotou and the Zhao family's secret brewing techniques. On behalf of Wuxing Factory and the Zhao family, we formally request that you hand over these items to us. They belong to the state and the Zhao family. Of course, we will provide you with appropriate compensation." He only briefly shook Zhang Kai's hand before arrogantly stating this.

Zhang Kai's face immediately darkened. Who is this guy? Putting on such airs in front of me. Just as he was about to open his mouth to curse, a man behind the man pointed at Zhang Kai and shouted, "Who the hell are you? Didn't you hear what Chief Xiang said? Are you deaf? Hurry up and lead the way! Didn't your parents teach you manners? Do I have to teach you?"

"Exactly, he looks like an uncultured bumpkin," another man beside the man chimed in.

Before Zhang Kai could react, a blur flashed before his eyes, followed by a "slap—" sound. Zhang Kai saw that the two men who had spoken were each slapped by Wang Yong, flying several meters away. The others were so stunned they didn't even react.

"You, you, how dare you hit people, how barbaric. I'll find your village chief!" Chief Xiang said angrily, pointing at Wang Yong.

Wang Yong saw that this guy wouldn't back down without a fight. He grabbed the finger pointing at him and gave it a slight twist. A "ah—" scream echoed as Chief Xiang involuntarily knelt down, shouting for his subordinates to call the police and find the village chief.

At this moment, a worker and villager who had gathered around shouted, "The one who hit you is our village chief."

A middle-aged man in his forties who had come with Chief Xiang stepped forward and said, "Those two boys didn't know how to speak. I'll apologize to you and this gentleman. Please let go, okay? Let's talk things out calmly."

"Don't waste your breath. I want to see who you are to teach me this grandson of mine?" Second Master said sternly, pushing the middle-aged man back.

"You old bastard, don't get too cocky. I've already called the police, they'll be here soon. You better not run, and see how I'll deal with you," Chief Xiang growled, kneeling on the ground.

"Slap—"

Wang Yong's slap sent him "ah—" and a mouthful of blood and four front teeth flew out. Wang Yong then released his finger, and Chief Xiang immediately clutched his cheek and rolled on the ground. The middle-aged man who had been pushed away by Zhang Kai quickly helped Chief Xiang up, and the group that had come with him, except for those tending to the two unconscious men, all rushed over to fuss over and flatter him, offering tissues to wipe the blood from his mouth, supporting his body, and dusting off his clothes. It was like a scene from a Qing dynasty drama with a prince and his servants.

Chief Xiang glared at Wang Yong with hatred but was too afraid to say a word after Wang Yong's ruthless actions. When he heard the sirens, he felt he had a backing and shouted at Wang Yong, "What are you looking at? Beat him up, I'll take responsibility if he dies." He grabbed a large wrench from one of his subordinates and charged at Wang Yong, cursing, "You bastard, I'll make sure your whole family suffers. You'll see what happens when you mess with me."

"Is that so? I want to see what kind of power you have to make such a big threat!" Second Master's face darkened, and a commanding presence, different from his usual farmer's demeanor, emerged. Unfortunately, this guy was blinded by anger and charged at Second Master with the large wrench.

Just as the wrench was about to hit Second Master's head, an enraged Wang Yong instantly appeared beside him, grabbed his fat body, and threw him up. Then Wang Yong jumped and kicked him in the stomach. Chief Xiang screamed and flew seven to eight meters, landing motionless on the ground. The group that had come with him immediately panicked.

"Someone's been killed!" someone shouted while running towards the approaching police car.

"Chief Xiang! Wake up!" others ran to his side, shouting loudly.

"You've caused trouble, you've caused big trouble!" someone yelled at Wang Yong.

Others took out their phones and began to call, tearfully accusing Wang Yong of his brutality.

The police car finally arrived, and Zhu Wei, leading the way, got out with a serious expression. As one of the few people who knew Wang Yong and Second Master's identities, he had received calls from various levels of leadership, from the county, city, province, and even the central government, including a call from the top leader during the gold egg crisis. All the leaders had the same message: ensure Wang Lao's safety. When he heard that a group from Beijing had caused trouble in Banship Village and were about to attack Wang Yong, he wasn't worried about Wang Yong, who had shown extraordinary skills at the market. He estimated that a dozen ordinary people wouldn't stand a chance against Wang Yong, especially in Banship Village, where many young people who had been working outside had returned. But when he asked if Wang Lao was on the scene and heard that he was, Zhu Wei felt his head explode. He immediately shouted, "Everyone, full gear, Banship Village, hurry."

After shouting, he opened his drawer, took out his gun, and chambered a round. He ran to the car, and by the time the other three on duty police officers came out with their guns, his car had already left the police station. In the car, Zhu Wei finally calmed his racing heart and called his superiors. As expected, the bureau chief was furious and ordered Zhu Wei to get to the scene as quickly as possible and ensure Wang Lao's safety, authorizing him to use his gun if necessary.

Seeing Wang Lao standing there unharmed, Zhu Wei's heart, which had been in his throat, finally settled. Listening to the group of well-dressed men complaining about Wang Yong, Zhu Wei smiled bitterly. These guys haven't realized the situation yet! This is an attempt to frame a national leader. Just for this, they could be shot on the spot.

At this moment, his three subordinates arrived, and Zhu Wei ordered them to maintain order, take statements, and watch the people on the ground. He then walked straight to Wang Yong.

"Tell me, why are you so angry today? This isn't like you."

"If I had acted a second later, my Second Master would have been hit by that wrench," Wang Yong said, pointing to the large wrench on the ground.

Zhu Wei was shocked and immediately realized the severity of the situation. When he saw the large wrench, his heart raced. If that had hit Wang Lao's head, it would have been a huge disaster. Zhu Wei's back was drenched in cold sweat, and he quickly called a leader in the central office. The leader had instructed him to report immediately if Wang Lao's safety was threatened.

The leader was extremely angry and ordered Zhu Wei to control the responsible parties, not letting anyone escape, and to report any developments. An ambulance arrived, and after getting Wang Lao's permission, Zhu Wei ordered two officers to take the three unconscious men to the hospital and reported the situation to the county.

Just as the ambulance left, a black Audi sped over. Before the car had even stopped, a man in his seventies rushed out. The middle-aged man who had been mediating ran over, leading the elderly man to Wang Yong and the others, explaining something along the way.

"Brother Zhang, I'm sorry! We've caused you trouble!" The elderly man apologized to Old Zhang and bowed.

"Alright, Old Zhao, no need for formalities! But, why did you take on such a guy as your apprentice?" Old Zhang asked.

"Ah, don't mention it, I had no choice! By the way, you should leave the village as soon as possible. I'll cover the expenses. The further you go, the better. Hurry, or it will be too late," Engineer Zhao said urgently, sweating, showing his fear of his apprentice.

"Heh! You're still so timid. Don't worry, no matter who he is, his days are numbered. Right, Officer?" Old Zhang asked Zhu Wei, who was standing guard with his gun.

"That's up to the higher-ups to decide," Zhu Wei's official response disappointed Old Zhang and intensified Engineer Zhao's worry. At this moment, Zhu Wei added, "Based on my estimate, there's a 90% chance of execution, and the best outcome would be a suspended death sentence." Zhu Wei said this firmly.

Old Zhang was satisfied and gave a smug look to Engineer Zhao, as if to say, "See, I didn't lie to you." But Engineer Zhao didn't relax at all and said anxiously, "Don't delay, leave now! That guy has a lot of connections. His grandfather was a division commander in the Beijing Garrison during a special period, later a member of the Central Military Commission. His father is a director in the National Development and Reform Commission, his mother is a deputy director of the General Political Department's Song and Dance Troupe, his aunt is a section chief in the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, and his uncle works in the Central Office. You can't win against him, listen to me and leave now, or it will be too late!"

After hearing Engineer Zhao's words, the group didn't show any fear but laughed instead.

Seeing the elderly man genuinely worried for them, Wang Yong, not wanting to make him more anxious, said to Zhu Wei, "Second Brother, report to the higher-ups quickly. The criminal has a lot of connections. Don't let him escape."

Zhu Wei rolled his eyes at Wang Yong, thinking, "Isn't this all your fault? Now I have to worry too." But considering the consequences, he took out his phone and called the leader in the Central Office. The call was answered immediately.

"Comrade Zhu Wei, any new developments?"

Zhu Wei's phone was a cheap domestic model, but the microphone was excellent, and the surrounding people could hear clearly without speaker mode.

"Comrade, an elderly comrade just provided information about the criminal's background, and I think it's important to inform you."

"Hmm? What's the situation? Give me the phone!" A stern voice said, and then another voice came through, "Comrade Zhu Wei, hello, I'm Zhou Weiguo."

"Comrade, hello!" Zhu Wei immediately stood at attention.

"Continue, tell me everything you know."

Zhu Wei then detailed the entire situation and waited for instructions.

"Comrade Zhu Wei, don't worry. Our country's laws are fair and equal. No matter who commits a crime, they must be punished. Inform the relevant personnel to guard the criminals and wait for the central team to take over. During this period, no unauthorized personnel should contact the criminals."

"Understood, I will ensure it!"

This left Engineer Zhao and the middle-aged man stunned, especially the middle-aged man. Heaven! Who are these people? An elderly man who seems kind said Chief Xiang's life is counting down, meaning he's going to die. This young police officer, a mere inspector, can directly call the top leader? What's going on? His years of experience told him that Chief Xiang had kicked a steel plate, a steel plate for making tanks. These people, who look like ordinary farmers, must have some significant background; he couldn't believe otherwise.

"Alright, now you can relax, right?" Old Zhang teased.

Engineer Zhao was too shocked to speak. He wondered if the police officer and the others were colluding to deceive him. But he quickly dismissed this thought. He had met the top leader and would never forget his voice. Besides, they had no reason to lie to him.

"Hey, shouldn't we check if these ten jars of wine are drinkable?" Uncle, who had been enjoying the spectacle, finally spoke. He knew the background of the group and had seen Wang Yong secretly practicing martial arts, where he could punch a hole in a rock and jump over a three-meter wall. For some reason, Wang Yong didn't want others to know he could do martial arts, so Uncle never mentioned it. Therefore, he was the least worried in the group, believing that no matter what, they wouldn't be at a disadvantage. Now that the issue was resolved, he wanted to see his precious wine.

"Right, right, hurry up, Brother Zhao. Let's check if the wine is drinkable!" Second Master urged.

Old Zhao, now relieved, was led by the group to the wine storage. He looked at the large wine jars, explaining that they should step back because the aged wine would release harmful gases when opened.

Without Old Zhao's help, the middle-aged man beside him opened one of the jars, and an extremely inviting aroma filled the air.

"Good wine! Good wine!" Uncle was so excited he wanted to drink it all right away.

"Better than the Maotai I have!" Second Master was also very excited.

"Indeed, the aroma is rich!"

"Don't rush, we need to wait a bit for the harmful gases to dissipate. Little Zheng will notify everyone when it's safe," Old Zhao said with a smile. He was the most excited, as this was wine made by his ancestors. Although it wasn't confirmed, he believed these people wouldn't lie about it.

"Alright, everyone can come over now," the middle-aged man called Little Zheng said. Uncle immediately rushed over.

Everyone quickly gathered, eager to see the 300-year-old wine. The jar contained a thick, syrup-like liquid, and Wang Yong estimated that in a few more years, it might turn into a wine paste.

At some point, Little Zheng had brought glass cups. He used a long-handled ladle to scoop a cup from the jar and carefully poured a little into a regular cup for Old Zhao.

Old Zhao examined the wine, smelled it, and then took a small sip. After a long moment, he sighed, "This is pure Erguotou!"

"Can we drink it?" Uncle asked impatiently.

"Ha, I don't recommend drinking it straight. It's best to mix it. But you can drink it now if you want."

"Then what are we waiting for? Give me a taste." Uncle tried to grab the cup from Little Zheng.

"Wait, good wine should be enjoyed with good food. Little Zhang, go back and prepare some dishes. Wang Yong, move an unopened jar to my house. Zhang Kai, Jianping, and the rest of the young people, carry the opened jar to my house. We'll drink it tonight. Oh, Wang Yong, call your Second Uncle to join us." He then led Old Zhang and Old Zhao outside.