Chapter 1007: Old Friends Reunite, the Deep Grievance Awaits Redress

Whether it was Wang Fugui knocked to the ground by Lin Dongfan's kick, or Chen Cheng felled by Lao Ba's punch, they both owed their thanks to this society.

It was the rule of law that saved their sorry lives; otherwise, they'd be lining up for boxed meals today.

Lin Dongfan had no interest in even giving these two beasts a second glance.

Lin Dongfan shifted his gaze to the hospital bed.

After just barely surviving being smothered by a pillow, Sun Bingliang caught his breath following a bout of heavy panting, but his complexion remained ashen as paper.

Seeing this, Lin Dongfan felt a mix of emotions; had he arrived half a step later, this old classmate's little life might have already been forfeited here.

"What the hell are you? Dare to meddle in my affairs!"

Chen Cheng, having regained his strength, covered his swollen cheeks and shouted at Lin Dongfan, completely oblivious to the fact that Wang Fugui beside him was already terrified out of his wits, not daring to meet Lin Dongfan's gaze.

Liu Zhenbang issued a cold rebuke: "Chen Cheng, show some respect! This is Mayor Lin."

"Lin... Mayor Lin?"

Those three words struck like a thunderbolt, booming as they hit Chen Cheng's head; instantly his skull rang and his expression froze.

In Jin County Creek, anyone with a bit of power was someone Chen Cheng knew.

But he had never actually seen the bigwigs from the city.

He sneered in disbelief: "Secretary Liu, you... you couldn't be joking, could you? How would Mayor Lin come to a place like this..."

"Who's joking?" Liu Zhenbang angrily demanded: "What just happened?!"

Faced with this icy questioning, Chen Cheng felt his scalp go numb.

He furtively lifted his head to glance at Lin Dongfan's reaction, truly never imagining that this big leader would personally come to the hospital.

"Mayor Lin, Secretary Liu, what just happened... was all a misunderstanding."

Chen Cheng, forcing himself to speak, explained: "The Sun father and son are habitual troublemakers, repeatedly causing disturbances to extort money. I was merely assisting village officials in coming to persuade them; I never expected their emotions to flare, sparking a minor scuffle—absolutely no other intent." While speaking, he desperately gave Wang Fugui a look, hoping he'd help cover the lie.

Wang Fugui lifted his head, but upon meeting Lin Dongfan's deathly glare, he instantly lowered his head in terror.

Lin Dongfan's gaze was ice‑cold, sharp as if it saw through everything and openly radiated killing intent, leaving no room for even a half‑word excuse.

"Lao Ba, take these two troublemakers out and keep an eye on them!"

Lin Dongfan's voice lacked any warmth.

His command was as firm as iron.

Lao Ba said nothing, grabbed Chen Cheng's collar with his left hand and Wang Fugui's arm with his right, hauling the two out like two chicks, effortlessly.

Chen Cheng was still struggling, shouting, "It's a misunderstanding… Mayor Lin, this really is a misunderstanding…" while Wang Fugui, so terrified he couldn't make a sound, had wet his pants and was simply dragged along.

The ward finally fell silent, leaving only Sun Bingliang's heavy breathing.

Just then.

Sun's father suddenly struggled up from the ground, tears blurring his eyes, and moved to kneel before Lin Dongfan: "Mayor Lin, you must decide for us!"

"Uncle, what are you doing? Get up quickly."

Lin Dongfan hurried forward a step, steadying Sun's father's arm, his tone urgent: "This kneeling of yours would shorten my life! Speak slowly."

Sun's father turned to look at his son on the hospital bed; the five‑years‑pent‑up grievance and pain surged up, murky tears streaming down his wrinkled cheeks, his lips trembling, and for a moment he didn't know where to begin.

Liu Zhenbang handed over a tissue, comforting: "Uncle, first calm your emotions; today Mayor Lin has come in person to visit, precisely to resolve your family's matter—say whatever you need."

"……!!!"

Sun's father was by nature blunt; when agitated he could hardly form words, and he didn't even bother to wipe the murky tears from his eyes.

He instinctively reached into his pocket, hoping to pull out a pack of cigarettes.

Lin Dongfan turned and instructed Ye Jiaying: "General Manager Ye, please take Uncle for a full checkup; he took a hard fall earlier—don't leave any aftereffects."

"All right." Ye Jiaying nodded, supporting Sun's father, and softly reassured: "Uncle, leave the matters here to Mayor Lin; don't rush."

"……!!!"

Sun's father looked at his son, then at Lin Dongfan, his eyes full of gratitude; he said nothing and, supported by Ye Jiaying, walked out of the ward.

Only Lin Dongfan, Liu Zhenbang, and Sun Bingliang remained in the ward.

Lin Dongfan pulled over a chair, sat beside the bed, his gaze resting on Sun Bingliang's face—complex, filled with pity, guilt, and a hint of ineffable sentiment.

Silence lingered for a while.

Lin Dongfan spoke slowly, a gentle smile on his lips: "Old classmate, it's been twenty‑odd years—do you still remember me?"

"You're still as handsome as ever."

Sun Bingliang, who had been silent all along, finally let a faint smile appear on his face.

Even if he forgot the whole world, he could never forget this old classmate. His earlier silence was merely because the other party now held high status, and he dared not presume to attach himself.

He never expected that, as the mayor of a city, the other party would still come to visit someone of his lowly station.

Sun Bingliang struggled to contain his excitement.

He gave an embarrassed chuckle: "I never dreamed I'd run into you in a place like this… you've become mayor, and I just… I didn't dare recognize you just now."

"If it hadn't been for your help back then, I might not have finished high school, let alone be where I am today."

Lin Dongfan gripped Sun Bingliang's hand tightly.

He lightly patted the back of his hand.

With a flood of feeling he said: "I've always remembered what I owe you. Only later, work kept me busy and we lost touch—I never imagined you…"

Saying this, Lin Dongfan shifted his gaze to Sun Bingliang's disabled leg.

He wanted to speak but held back.

That single glance of sympathy instantly dredged up the painful memories Sun Bingliang had buried deep inside, and his spirits sank considerably.

Lin Dongfan steeled himself to ask: "What exactly happened to your leg?"

"It's Along story…"

Sun Bingliang steadied his emotions, beginning with his report five years ago of the mine's illegal discharge, and continuing up to today's life‑threatening ordeal—each sentence hit home.

Liu Zhenbang, sitting beside Lin Dongfan, broke out in a cold sweat.

Although the incident five years ago had nothing to do with him, Liu Zhenbang—who had not yet been transferred to Gold Stream County at the time—today's events leave him unable to escape responsibility.

During his term, some grassroots village officials actually colluded with local ruffians and tyrants to take lives with utter disregard!

Liu Zhenbang, feeling ashamed, self‑criticized: "Mayor Lin, this is my fault for failing to govern the county well; in my three years in office I have never been able to eradicate those stubborn evil forces."

"We'll discuss this matter again when we go back."

Lin Dongfan still gave Liu Zhenbang some face.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be a matter of "let's talk later"—I would have lashed out right then and there, and I'd have to curse him until he was drenched in dog's blood. Have these three years made you blind or cowardly? Such a huge tumor jumping up and down there—how could you not see it?

Sun Bingliang suddenly added: "Mayor Lin, regarding the land transfer, rest assured—I will persuade my father, and I will absolutely not become a holdout."

"Mm, I believe you."

Lin Dongfan lightly patted the back of Sun Bingliang's hand and solemnly declared: "If you also believe in yourself, then stay here and recover properly. I will help you redress the humiliation you have suffered over the past five years."