"Please, County Magistrate Luan, stand up for justice on our behalf!"
"For the victims of the mining disaster, reclaim justice!"
"Underreporting statistics, disregarding human life, we plead for the governnt to take action!"
Over a dozen people held up banners, blockading the entrance of the County Governnt building, their path barred by security guards as they cried out in anguish.
Lin Fan frowned at the sight of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled among the crowd. Just by the sound of their shouts, he sensed the gravity of the situation. Clearly, they had no hope of breaking through.
"What’s going on here?"
Lin Fan tapped Xu Jingyi, who was still focused on her work. Being a local, she should know what was happening. On hearing Lin, she finally looked up and explained, "It’s said that recently, a private coal mine experienced a thane explosion. Over ten people were buried underground. Those miners’ families haven’t received any explanation, so they’ve co here to make a scene at the governnt building."
"You can’t be serious? There hasn’t been any news reports about this."
Lin Fan had been closely following news about Red Flag County, but he had not seen any reports of a mining disaster.
"How could such a thing be widely publicized? Otherwise, Red Flag County wouldn’t be in such chaos. Most incidents are suppressed, and this one will likely be suppressed too. After all, it’s a private mine. A few deaths a year are all too common."
Xu Jingyi played with the Sky Pillar, speaking with indifference—such matters were of no concern to her.
"People still agree to work in such dangerous conditions?"
Lin Fan looked at Xu Jingyi in disbelief, but she simply smiled faintly, "Money talks. Red Flag County didn’t have much industry before. Working in the mines for a month can earn you tens of thousands, so despite the risks, there are plenty of people willing to do it. So won even specifically marry miners. While alive, the husbands earn a good sum; if they die, the wife gets compensation and can remarry. I know a woman who’s outlived three husbands already—she’s quite the wealthy widow."
"That’s possible!"
Lin Fan scratched his head, finding the notion surprisingly open-minded.
"Of course it’s possible—who cares about good looks and a nice figure? If it were regular dating, those uneducated and penniless n wouldn’t stand a chance. So everyone understands the arrangent—use them while alive, replace if they die. Isn’t that quite practical?"
Xu Jingyi spoke as if it were the most natural thing, "But this incident seems worse than the one two years ago, and apparently, they’ve been shortchanged on the compensation. That’s why they’re making a fuss. Still, it won’t amount to much. County Magistrate Huang might lecture them, but County Magistrate Luan definitely won’t get involved. Eventually, Huo Ben will be sent to deal with it. These widows can remarry, but parents and children lose their breadwinners. It’s tough."
"Huo Ben!"
Lin Fan suddenly rembered the man who had followed Zhao Chuanchun earlier. Liu Shengrui had ntioned this na before—the one who seed gentlemanly.
"Huo Ben is Zhao Chuanchun’s lead henchman. In Red Flag County, everyone knows about Boss Huo. Even his henchn are big shots, supposedly the secondary managers of various mines. In reality, they’re collecting protection money. Furthermore, every entertainnt venue in Red Flag County is owned by Huo Ben; the underworld calls him Niu, and he’s notoriously brazen and domineering."
After explaining, Xu Jingyi returned to her work between Lin Fan’s legs, continuing her actions on his steely Sky Pillar. anwhile, Lin Fan lit a cigarette and watched as the group outside the County Governnt’s doors continued their desperate shouts. The young girl dressed in red and wearing a white headband must be the organizer of this group, and beside her stood a dark, burly man, constantly protecting her.
"If that’s the case, these people coming to the County Governnt is like lambs to the slaughter. They might as well go directly to the City Governnt instead."
Lin Fan shook his head, considering the vast influence of Li Chuanchun in Red Flag County; their loud protests were futile.
"It’s useless. These people have a way to survive within Red Flag County. If they truly leave, they might encounter so ’mysterious’ traffic accidents."
Xu Jingyi swallowed, aware of such things but recognizing the futility; with her own abilities, she couldn’t change the outco. Thus, taking care of her own small world was sufficient.
"Alright, Red Flag County really is sothing."
Lin Fan took a drag from his cigarette, now understanding why Red Flag County was known as Dragon Pond and Tiger Cave—it was truly chaotic.
As they spoke, several vans suddenly pulled up outside the County Governnt, and a group of n in urban managent uniforms jumped out. They dragged away the protesters, and no one knew where.
"Lin Fan, as the Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection, you must learn to protect yourself. Zhao Chuanchun’s thods are ruthless, and you mustn’t act rashly. In working in Red Flag County, survival cos first."
Xu Jingyi looked up at Lin Fan, concern written all over her face.
"Don’t worry, being nothing more than a greedy and lustful ordinary man will suffice; I’ll never risk my life."
Lin Fan smiled as he pinched Xu Jingyi’s chin, "It’s noon; let’s go have a nice al."
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