"Uh..."

Xie Peng's face was quite awkward, "Brother Yang, why do you say such things about fishermen?"

"Aren't they just idiots? All day long, they study this fishing spot and that fishing spot, this bait and that bait, this fishing method and that fishing method, these additives and those additives. Online, there's a whole bunch of fake fishing masters, peddling to this boss and that boss, haggling over every little fishing fee; it's all a tax on intelligence! And yet a bunch of people still believe in it. Aren't they just idiots? With all that effort, why not work hard, strive well, and be a good worker, earn more to support the family, isn't that better?"

Zhang Hongyang was criticizing with fervor, and Xie Peng felt like his spit was almost splattering on his face.

Xie Peng simply abandoned the idea of fishing; it was clear Brother Yang didn't like it at all!

At that moment, Xie Peng changed the subject: "Hmm, Brother Yang makes some valid points, those online fishermen are indeed scammers one after another! Let's not talk about this anymore, should we take the food to the riverside to invite them, or call them back?"

Zhang Hongyang said: "Let's go, let's eat by the river, see what those three idiots have caught?"

So, the two of them packed up the food and headed down to the river.

At the riverside, Hamuer noticed Zhang Hongyang and Xie Peng approaching from a distance.

He softly said to Liu Zhizhong and Wen Bao who were fishing: "Hey, Secretary, Mr. Wen, County Head Zhang is coming with Director Zhang, and they're carrying stuff."

The two looked up, and Wen Bao knowingly pretended not to care. After all, Liu Zhizhong knew he didn't get along well with Xie Peng, like turning from childhood friends to enemies.

However, Wen Bao was a bit annoyed, hadn't Xie Peng said his mom would come? Why didn't she show up together?

Liu Zhizhong glanced and stood up, calmly saying: "What are those two up to today? Offering gifts?"

Hamuer was preparing a stove for a fresh fish dinner but stopped and stood with Liu Zhizhong at the riverbank, watching Zhang Hongyang and Xie Peng getting closer, and whispered: "There doesn't seem to be any reason for them to offer gifts here? If County Head Zhang is offering gifts, I haven't heard of such a precedent."

"Haha, let's just wait and see!"

Soon, Zhang Hongyang and Xie Peng got closer.

Xie Peng, as the deputy director of the office, naturally greeted first: "Secretary Liu, Secretary Ha, Mr. Wen, good evening!"

Mr. Wen just glanced at him, ignored him, and focused back on fishing, reeling in a catch with great enthusiasm.

Liu Zhizhong and Hamuer nodded with a smile, acknowledging the greeting.

Zhang Hongyang followed suit, offering a smoke.

Xie Peng then explained the reason for coming, insisting on inviting Secretary Liu and Secretary Ha for a meal, saying it's all just regular food, nothing against regulations, and asked for their and Mr. Wen's presence as a courtesy.

After speaking, he placed the food boxes on the table.

Zhang Hongyang echoed alongside him: "Secretary Liu, Secretary Ha, it's just a simple meal, no need to take it seriously! Xiao Xie also got promoted and wants to thank both of you for your care and guidance! It's all here, taking it back or throwing it away wouldn't seem right? How about we get started then?"

With that, Liu Zhizhong and Hamuer couldn't refuse.

Wen Bao, having just reeled in a high mountain cold crucian carp weighing over two pounds, placed it in the fish protector. He wiped his hands and said: "Alright then, I am hungry anyway. County Head Zhang and Director Xie were thoughtful, let's make do?"