Chapter 591

That 2.8 million compensation — not a cent less will do!

That 2.8 million compensation — not a cent less will do! (same)

Thus line: "That 2.8 million compensation, not a cent less will do!" But need to keep quotes? The Chinese line includes quotation marks 「」. Should we keep them? Probably not needed; we just translate content. We'll output: 【1】 That 2.8 million compensation, not a cent less will do!

But maybe we should keep the exclamation. We'll keep.

Even a mud Buddha has a bit of spirit; when Liu Zhuangwen heard that arrogant, bastardly tone, a nameless fire rushed to his head, and he also wanted to grab a weapon and beat the hell out of him!

Even a mud Buddha has a bit of spirit; when Liu Zhuangwen heard that arrogant, bastardly tone, a nameless fire rushed to his head, and he also wanted to grab a weapon and beat the hell out of him!

Damn it! (or "Shit!" but natural English: "Damn it!" Keep exclamation.)

Translation: "Damn it!" (or "Shit!"). We'll output: 【3】 Damn it!

A few dead fish demand 2.8 million in compensation! (or "Several dead fish demand 2.8 million compensation!" Keep exclamation.)

Translation: "A few dead fish and they demand 2.8 million in compensation!" Keep number.

Your fish—are the scales all inlaid with gold? You damned bully!

Translation: "Are your fish's scales inlaid with gold? You bullying, dog‑scum!" We'll translate: "Are your fish's scales inlaid with gold? You bullying, dog‑scum!" Keep exclamation.

Though angry, Liu Zhuangwen ultimately didn't grab a weapon and fight Liu Shu Yong; his position didn't allow him to act impulsively. (Keep period.)

Translation: "But anger aside, Liu Zhuangwen ultimately did not grab a weapon and fight Lü Shuyong; his position wouldn't allow such impulsive action." We'll output.

The aim is to mediate and keep the peace.

Translation: "With the aim of mediating and keeping the peace." We'll output.

Liu Zhuangwen kindly advised: "Just now when I came over, I saw the situation like this: Wang Yaosheng fell into the pond, and you were stepping on his head. After I stopped you, Wang Yaosheng climbed ashore, and while I wasn't paying attention, you grabbed an iron shovel and hit him once. Then you had your men beat Wang Yaosheng until his face was bruised and swollen. Bottom line, you started the bullying; if this really goes to court, you'll bear criminal liability." Keep quotes and punctuation.

Translation: Need to keep quotes? We'll translate content inside quotes as direct speech. We'll output: Liu Zhuangwen tried to reason: "Just now when I came over, I saw this: Wang Yaosheng fell into the pond, and you were stepping on his head. After I stopped you, Wang Yaosheng climbed ashore, and while I wasn't looking, he grabbed an iron shovel and hit you. Then you had your lackeys beat Wang Yaosheng until his face was bruised and swollen. In the end, you started the bullying; if this really goes to court, you'll bear criminal liability."

We'll keep as one line.

Lü Shuyong's face was flushed with anger.

Translation: "Seeing Lü Shuyong's face flush with anger." We'll output.

Liu Zhuangwen shifted his tone: "Let me persuade Wang Yaosheng again; let's drop this matter, no police involvement. You also calm down; let's just forget it, each side steps back." Keep quotes.

Translation: Liu Zhuangwen shifted tone: "I'll talk to Wang Yaosheng later, let's drop this, no police. You calm down too; let's just drop it, each side give a little."

"Town Mayor Liu, I never expected you to threaten me with the two words 'report to police'—do you even know what you're saying?" Keep quotes.

Translation: "Town Mayor Liu, I never expected you to threaten me with the two words 'report to the police'—do you even know what you're saying?" We'll output.

Sneering, Lü Shuyong stepped forward and jabbed a finger hard into Liu Zhuangwen's chest.

Translation: "Sneering, Lü Shuyong stepped forward, extended a finger, and jabbed hard at Liu Zhuangwen's chest." We'll output.

He sneered at Liu Zhuangwen, looking down on everyone: "Have you gotten full of yourself? Whether you're the chief of the Lingtan Police Station or this town mayor, do you believe me? One sentence from me and you'll be packing up and going back to farm!" Keep quotes.

Translation: "Looking down on everything, he sneered at Liu Zhuangwen: 'Got a big head, huh? Whether you're the chief of the Lingtan Police Station or this town mayor—do you believe me? One sentence from me and you'll pack up and go home to farm!'" We'll output.

「！！！」

Translation: We need to keep the exclamation marks. The line is just "！！！". We'll output: 【14】!!!

In front of everyone, Liu Zhuangwen was poked and utterly humiliated.

Translation: "In front of everyone, Liu Zhuangwen was poked until he lost face." We'll output.

His inner anger was surely blazing ever brighter.

Translation: "The anger in his heart surely burned ever brighter." We'll output.

But Liu Zhuangwen could also truly endure; he forced a smile, squeezing out an awkward grin: "Boss Liu, I know you're all-powerful, but you also have to follow the law and reason, right? Your family lost 28 fish, and for no reason you're demanding Wang Yaosheng pay 2.8 million—this simply doesn't make sense." Keep quotes.

Translation: But Liu Zhuangwen could also endure; he forced a strained smile: "Boss Lü, I know you're well connected, but you ought to talk law and reason, right? Your family lost 28 fish for no reason and then demanded Wang Yaosheng pay 2.8 million—this simply doesn't make sense."

We need to keep numbers: 28 fish and 2.8 million.

"What do you mean 'out of the blue'? I think you're being completely out of the blue right now!" Keep quotes and exclamation.

Translation: "What do you mean 'out of the blue'? I think you're the one being out of the blue!" We'll output.

Lü Shuyong pointed toward the mountain.

Translation: "Lü Shuyong pointed his hand toward the mountain." We'll output.

His eyes fixed on Liu Zhuangwen, who "doesn't know how to appreciate favors," he shouted angrily: "Our Lü family's scenic pond has always drawn water from the mountain springs—something everyone in the village knows. This Mr. Wang, while I was away, cut off the water source, causing all our Lü family's feng shui fish to die completely! If I don't make him pay, who will?" Keep quotes.

Translation: Both eyes fixed on the "clueless" Liu Zhuangwen, he shouted angrily: "Our Lü Mansion's ornamental pond has always been fed by mountain spring water—something everyone in the village knows. This Wang fellow, while I was away, cut off the water supply, causing all our Lü Mansion's feng shui fish to die! If I don't make him pay, who should?" We'll output.

"The mountain spring water is a public resource; you can use it,

Translation: "The mountain spring water is a public resource; you can use it, and so can others." Liu Zhuangwen replied calmly: "Boss Lü, you're not short on that money—why quibble with a low‑income household? Hear me out: don't blow this up. If it really blows up and reaches Vice‑Governor Lü's ears, it won't look good…" We'll output.

"How are you speaking?!"

Translation: "How dare you talk like that!" We'll output.

Lü Shuyong suddenly shoved Liu Zhuangwen with a palm strike.

Translation: "Lü Shuyong suddenly shoved Liu Zhuangwen with an angry palm." We'll output.

The blow sent Liu Zhuangwen stumbling back several steps; he slipped and nearly fell into the fish pond, but the two town officials behind him quickly steadied him.

Translation: "With that one push, Liu Zhuangwen stumbled back several steps, slipped, and almost fell into the fish pond—fortunately the two town officials behind him caught him in time." We'll output.

After steadying himself, Liu Zhuangwen suppressed his anger and said calmly, "Boss Lü, let's talk this out peacefully—no violence…"

Translation: "After steadying himself, Liu Zhuangwen still held back his anger and kept a gentle attitude: 'Boss Lü, let's talk properly, no hitting…'" We'll output.

"You damn well listen to me!"

Translation: "You damn well listen to me!" We'll output.

Lü Shuyong jabbed a finger at Liu Zhuangwen's nose and warned: "It's not me causing trouble—you're the ones engaging in moral blackmail! Just because he's poor doesn't mean he's right? Does being poor excuse him from paying? Damn! I gave you face by calling you Mayor Liu; if I didn't give you face, you'd be nothing! I advise you to stay out of this."

Translation: "Lü Shuyong pointed at Liu Zhuangwen's nose and warned: 'It's not me causing trouble—it's you trying to moral‑blackmail! Does being poor make him right? Does being poor mean he doesn't have to pay? Damn!! I'm giving you face by calling you Town Mayor Liu; if I didn't give you face, you'd be nothing! I advise you to stop meddling.'" We'll output.

As soon as he spoke, the area fell into dead silence.

Translation: "As his words fell, the surroundings fell dead silent." We'll output.

Now it's not just Liu Zhuangwen holding back his anger; the town officials behind him are also seething.

Translation: "Now it's not just Liu Zhuangwen suppressing his anger; even the several town officials behind him are seething with rage." We'll output.

Damn it!

Translation: "Damn it!" We'll output.

Lü Shuyong, you bastard, is way too arrogant!

Translation: "That bastard Lü Shuyong is damn arrogant!" We'll output.

But everyone only dared to feel angry inside, and still didn't dare to act.

Translation: "But everyone only dared to fume inside; they didn't dare to act on it." We'll output.

The Lü family produced a high official who commands the wind and clouds—Lü Yizhi!

Translation: "The Lü family produced a high‑ranking official who commands the winds and clouds—Lv Yizhi!" We'll output.

As the saying goes, when one person attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven; even the city's leaders dare not offend him! Otherwise, how could the Lü family have seized over four thousand square meters in Lingtan Town to build such a grand Suzhou-style garden?

Translation: "As the saying goes, when one person attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven; not even the city's leaders dare to offend him—otherwise, how could the Lü family have seized over 4,000 square meters in Lingtan Town to build such a grand Suzhou‑style garden?" We'll output.

Nearby villagers chatted after tea and meals, saying that the Lü family's fish are more precious than their lives!

Translation: "Nearby villagers chuckle over tea after meals, saying the fish in the Lü Mansion are more precious than their own lives!" We'll output.

Liu Zhuangwen also rushed over to handle the problem after hearing those remarks. Now that he's here, he plans to endure the humiliation and slip away.

Translation: "Liu Zhuangwen came over precisely because he'd heard those rumors; now that he's here, he plans to endure the humiliation and slip away." We'll output.

He'd rather give up everything than remain town mayor.

Translation: "He'd risk everything; worst case, he'd quit being town mayor." We'll output.

Liu Zhuangwen collected himself, sternly replied: "Boss Lü, I've already said all the nice things. If you insist on turning the tables and pushing me into a dead end, then I'll see it through to the end. The fish matter is a civil dispute; if you're capable, sue Wang Yaosheng and let the court order compensation. Also, I warn you: don't resort to violence again, or I'll have the police deal with you severely."

Translation: "Liu Zhuangwen collected himself, his expression stern, and replied: 'Boss Lü, I've said all the nice things I can. If you insist on turning the tables and driving him into a corner, then I'll see it through to the end. The fish matter is a civil dispute—if you're able, sue Wang Yaosheng and let the court order compensation. Also, I warn you: don't lay hands on him again, or I'll have the police deal with you severely.'" We'll output.

Upon hearing that, the usually silent Wang Yaosheng couldn't help but glance at Liu Zhuangwen again.

Translation: "Hearing that, the usually silent Wang Yaosheng couldn't help but glance at Liu Zhuangwen again." We'll output.

Wang Yaosheng suddenly felt that all this seemed unreal; he couldn't understand why an official would protect him—could this town mayor be a good person?

Translation: "Wang Yaosheng suddenly felt everything before him was unreal, wondering why an official would protect him—could this Town Mayor Liu be a good person?" We'll output.

Thinking this, Wang Yaosheng put on his shoes, got up, and firmly stood beside Wang Yaosheng.

Thinking this, Wang Yaosheng put on his shoes, got up, and firmly stood beside Wang Yaosheng.

In that moment, Wang Yaosheng resolved that if Lü Shuyong again lays hands on the town mayor, he would even risk his life to help the mayor preserve his dignity.

Translation: "In that instant, Wang Yaosheng resolved: if Lü Shuyong lays hands on Town Mayor Liu again, he'd risk his life to help Liu defend his dignity." We'll output.

It was also at that moment.

Translation: "And at that moment." We'll output.

Lü Shuyong also seemed to sense from Liu and Wang a shared resolve to resist the common enemy; he gave a cold smile, retreating while saying: "Fine, Liu, you've got guts! We'll see how it goes."

Translation: "Lü Shuyong also seemed to sense from Liu and Wang a shared resolve to face a common enemy; he gave a cold smile, stepping back as he said: 'Fine, surnamed Liu, you've got guts—we'll see how it goes.'" We'll output.

After turning around.

Translation: "After turning around." We'll output.

Lü Shuyong waved his hand again, ordering his subordinates: "Give the town mayor some face, withdraw! Go eat first, and after you're full, then properly greet our town mayor!"

Translation: "Lü Shuyong waved his hand again, ordering his lackeys: 'Give Town Mayor Liu some face, withdraw! Go eat first, and once you're full, properly greet our Town Mayor Liu!'" We'll output.

The hidden meaning is that after eating, they'll make Liu Zhuangwen unable to walk away with his pockets full.

Translation: "The implication being, after they're full they'll make Liu Zhuangwen unable to walk away with his pockets full." We'll output.

Liu Zhuangwen stared angrily at Lü Shuyong's arrogant, overbearing back, not uttering a word. Only after Lü Shuyong and his group walked away did Liu Zhuangwen finally let go of his anger.

Translation: "Liu Zhuangwen watched Lü Shuyong's arrogant, domineering back in silence, not uttering a word; only after they'd walked away did he let his anger subside." We'll output.

He turned his head to look at the bruised and swollen Wang Yaosheng: "Look at you, you're badly hurt. Come on, I'll take you to the clinic for a check-up, and we'll also do an injury assessment."

Translation: "He turned to the bruised and swollen Wang Yaosheng: 'You look pretty badly hurt. Come on, I'll take you to the health clinic for a look and also do an injury assessment.'" We'll output.

"Town Mayor Liu, I never expected you to help me like this…" Wang Yaosheng gave a simple smile: "I'm not good with words, I don't know what to say, thank you… My injuries aren't serious, I won't go to the hospital…"

Translation: "'Town Mayor Liu, I never expected you'd help me like this…' Wang Yaosheng gave a simple smile: 'I'm not good with words, I don't know what to say, thank you…… My injury isn't serious, I won't go to the hospital……'" We'll output.

"Wang Yaosheng, you must go to the hospital today."

Translation: "'Wang Yaosheng, this hospital—you must go today.'" We'll output.

Unlike Wang Yaosheng's simple peasant mindset, Liu Zhuangwen has some sense of caution; to prevent Lü Shuyong's crazy retaliation, he must make full preparations.

Translation: "Unlike Wang Yaosheng's simple farmer's mind, Liu Zhuangwen has a bit of crisis awareness; to guard against Lü Shuyong's crazy retaliation, he must make full preparations." We'll output.

He patiently explained to Wang Yaosheng: "You need to get an injury assessment; otherwise, I have no reason to urge the police to detain Lü Shuyong criminally."

Translation: "He patiently explained to Wang Yaosheng: 'You need to get an injury assessment; otherwise I have no grounds to urge the police to detain Lü Shuyong criminally.'" We'll output.

"This… like that… then I'll listen to you, I'll go…"

Translation: "'Well… okay then, I'll listen to you, I'll go……'" We'll output.

Wang Yaosheng's mind is still fuzzy; he doesn't know how an injury assessment relates to arresting someone, but he now firmly believes one thing—the town mayor is a good official, and listening to him is surely right.

Translation: "Wang Yaosheng's mind was still fuzzy, not seeing how an injury assessment relates to arresting someone, but he firmly believed one thing: Town Mayor Liu is a good official; listening to him is never wrong." We'll output.

Accompanied by Liu Zhuangwen, Wang Yaosheng entered the Lingtan Town clinic.

Translation: "Accompanied by Liu Zhuangwen, Wang Yaosheng entered the Lingtan Town health clinic." We'll output.

At the same time.

Translation: "At the same time." We'll output.

While dining at a town restaurant, Lü Shuyong put down his glass and cursed: "Damn it! That Liu, who's only been in office three months, opposes me everywhere!"

Translation: "While eating at a tavern in town, Lü Shuyong set down his cup and cursed: 'Damn his mother's Gobi Desert! That Liu fellow's only been in office three months, yet he opposes me everywhere!'" We'll output.

A little brother hurriedly stood up to refill Lü Shuyong's beer: "Brother Yong, just say the word and I'll go beat him up now so he loses his bearings!"

Translation: "A lackey hurriedly stood up to refill Lü Shuyong's beer: 'Brother Yong, just say the word and I'll go beat him senseless so he won't know which way is up!'" We'll output.

K your sister! From now on, use your brain more and your hands less, unless your brain isn't enough!

Speaking, Lü Shuyong pulled out his newly bought phone, indicating his brain was up to the task! He dialed the number of Secretary Yu of Taoyuan County.

As soon as he spoke, he adopted a high-and-mighty tone: "Secretary Yu, what's the deal with Liu Zhuangwen? You transferred such a person to our Lingtan Town—could it be you deliberately want to disgust me?!"

In the past, as soon as he made a phone call, who went up and who went down was settled with a single word.

Today, however, the response he got was just the sound of "beep beep beep!"

Lü Shuyong was momentarily dumbfounded: "What the hell is going on, are they in a meeting? Even if they are, they should still pick up my call!"

He dialed again, but the result was the same—the other party hung up directly.

In a fit of anger!

Lü Shuyong slammed his hand down hard on the table, cursing: "Damn! Not even a fart, and they dare to hang up on me—looks like Old Yu doesn't want to keep his position anymore!"

But he didn't know that when it comes to the warmth of the spring river, the ducks are the first to sense it.

Lv Yizhi had been arrested by the anti-corruption bureau and was being escorted to Taoyuan County! As the county's top official, Secretary Yu had already received the news.

Now Secretary Yu is also in a panic, waiting at the highway entrance for the anti-corruption task force's special vehicle.