Chapter 36: Don’t Want to be an Official

"Stop, stop! Brother, let me tell you — I am determined not to be the village secretary. How about you let Natalie and the director handle things together?" Ethan waved his hands as if trying to shoo away the very idea.

Fred frowned. "Silly boy, have you ever seen two secretaries running a village together? That doesn't follow policy."

"Then I can't help you." Ethan leaned back lazily, arms crossed. "Why don't you ask the higher-ups for help? I'm too lazy, and I don't have any ambitions. After I finish building my house, I'll make delicious food for myself every day. Raise kittens and puppies. Make me the secretary? You might as well kill me." He shook his head like a rattle drum.

Fred glared at him. "Ask the higher-ups? If they were willing to help, I'd have retired long ago. I don't need you to teach me that!"

Ethan chuckled. "Times are different now, Big Brother. Before, no one wanted to come because our village was dirt poor. Who'd work here for a salary barely enough to buy cigarettes? But now…" He leaned in conspiratorially. "I hear we're about to build roads, and a big investor is coming. You really think no one's going to fight for a piece of that pie?"

Fred paused, rubbing his chin. "You… you're right."

Ethan shrugged. "Just keep your eyes peeled. Don't let them send over some smooth-talker who only wants to collect a paycheck. What we need is someone capable, who can take responsibility and grow alongside Mistwood."

Fred chuckled, slapping Ethan on the back. "Don't worry. Snowy — I mean, Natalie — is already doing most of the work. We don't need some city slicker coming in and getting in her way."

With the matter settled, the three of them rose to leave. Before stepping out, Natalie glanced back at Ethan. There was a flicker of emotion in her eyes — something warm, almost hopeful.

Fred and Walter exchanged knowing looks but said nothing. To them, Natalie was a good match — pretty, educated, and Ethan's childhood friend. With everything happening in the village, they figured it was only a matter of time.

After they left, Ethan slumped into his chair, stretching. Just as he closed his eyes, his phone buzzed.

"Hello?"

"Ethan, it's Don! Listen, I've got something big."

"Don?" Ethan sat up straight. "What is it?"

"There's this rich young master from Hong Kong. Total playboy. Got himself into some trouble and ended up contracting AIDS."

Ethan winced. "Yikes."

"Yeah, but here's the thing — he heard you can cure terminal illnesses. Said if you pull it off, he's willing to pay anything. I told him three hundred million, and he didn't even blink."

Ethan whistled. "That much, huh?"

"Not just that," Don added excitedly. "I also mentioned you like cars. He went nuts. Said if you cure him, he'll throw in a brand-new Rolls-Royce SUV."

Ethan blinked. "Wait… Rolls-Royce makes SUVs now?"

"Of course! SUVs are all the rage, even for luxury brands."

Ethan grinned. "Alright, Don. Tell your friend I'll handle it. But stick to the three hundred million. No need to gouge the guy. Money's only good if you know when to stop."

"Got it! You're the man, Ethan."

The next morning, Ethan hitched a ride to town with Fred. When they arrived, Fred headed to the county office while Ethan found a quiet alley, summoned his car from the magic ring, and drove straight to the city.

By noon, he was knocking on the door of a high-end hotel suite. Don greeted him with a huge grin.

"Ethan! Come in, come in. Young Master Marcus, this is the doctor I told you about."

A pale, skinny man stumbled forward, eyes desperate. "Doctor, please… save me."

Ethan gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Half an hour, and you'll be good as new."

He pulled out seven silver needles, carefully inserting them along the man's meridians. As he worked, he circulated his Qi, guiding the healing energy through the young master's body.

"Ahh… that feels so good," Chen moaned. "Oh… a little sore now."

Ethan rolled his eyes but kept his focus. Twenty minutes later, he wiped his forehead and pulled out the last needle. "Done. Go get a blood test. You'll see the results."

Marcus scrambled to his feet, bowing repeatedly. "Thank you, Doctor! Boss Don, keep the doctor entertained. I'll be back soon!"

Don wasted no time ordering a lavish meal. As they ate, Don leaned in with a grin. "So, Ethan… I dropped a hint about your love for cars. Guess what? He's already ordered that Rolls-Royce. Said it'll be here in a few days."

Ethan laughed. "Not bad. Mistwood could use a fancy ride. When Natalie goes to those county meetings, I'll make sure no one looks down on her again."

Don raised an eyebrow. "Natalie, huh? Village director, right?"

Ethan blinked. "Uh… yeah. We were classmates."

"Classmates?" Don snorted. "Please. The way you said her name just now… Man, I bet Yuyu would explode if she heard this!"

Ethan's face turned red. "It's not like that. We were just old friends. I mean, she was married and…" He trailed off awkwardly.

Don laughed harder. "Sure, sure. Just old friends." He winked. "You keep saving lives and building roads, and maybe you'll win the girl too."

Ethan shook his head, trying to change the subject. "Anyway… Don, I need a favor. Help me find a designer and a construction team. I'm building a garden villa."

Don choked on his drink. "A garden villa? How big?"

"About forty thousand square meters."

"Forty thousand—?!" Don gaped at him. "What are you raising, dinosaurs?"

Ethan grinned. "Nah. Just animals. Lots of them."

Don chuckled, shaking his head. "You really are something else."

As they laughed and ate, Ethan felt a growing sense of purpose. The village, the road, the farm… everything was starting to take shape.

And maybe — just maybe — his future was too.