Chapter 39 Blessings

Harold asked Nick to take him to Jake's current residential area. They were welcomed by a woman dressed in plain clothes.
Tina was surprised, "Harold, why didn't you let us know in advance? We haven't prepared anything at home." She wiped her hands on her apron and walked inside, saying, "Jake, there's a guest, wake up."
The bedroom door was open, and Jake's snoring was loud. Tina looked a bit embarrassed, "He stayed up late in the office last night and only slept for less than three hours."
"Don't wake him up for now," Harold lifted the bottom of his trench coat and sat down on the sofa. Nick put the fruit basket and skincare products he was holding by the door and went downstairs.
Tina brought a glass of coffee, "It's all because of the arrest of the Governor of X State. It's said that thousands of polices force were mobilized. During the reform in X State, the momentum was so strong, with newspapers and news flooding the city. It hasn't even been a year yet, and the Governor is causing a stir and making waves."
Harold smiled faintly, exhaling smoke from his nostrils. "Tina, you care about Jake so much; you even pay attention to these things."
This wasn't their first encounter, and Tina knew that Harold was cautious, discreet, and tight-lipped, just like Jake. When it came to work matters, they never revealed or evaluated anything unless in a suitable and specific setting.
She took a seat on the single sofa. "You know Jake. He's used to being in the thick of things, only focused on getting the job done. He spent ten years undercover, and for ten years, I've been on edge, always on high alert. Whenever anything happens in his line of work, I can't help but want to find out, fearing that something might go wrong and he'll be risking his life again."
"I understand."
"Anyway, I'll go call Jake. Please have some coffee."
As Tina entered the bedroom, Jake's snoring abruptly stopped, and he sat up, alertness flashing in his eyes.
The aftermath of being undercover meant that he seemed to sleep soundly, but he never let his guard down. Tina was used to this. "Harold is in the living room."
Jake put on his coat and walked out. "Are you here for personal or professional matters?"
Harold smiled ambiguously, pretending not to understand. "What personal matter?"
"You and Heather..."
Before he could finish, Harold raised his hand to interrupt. "It's about the matters in X state."
Jake became serious, reaching for his cigarette case and lighting one. "Additional manpower has been deployed in the department. X state has a complex terrain, and the several hidden self-built houses that were discovered have been thoroughly overturned. If they manage to escape into the deep mountains and forests, it will be a real challenge to catch them."
The cigarette wasn't strong enough for Jake, so he smoked it quickly. "I will report on Monday. There's no need for you to make this trip."
Harold flicked his middle finger, and the ash fell onto an empty envelope, scorching the brown paper. "I want to understand the situation first, inquire with the higher-ups, and then have a response."
Jake furrowed his eyebrows. "What's the Governor's stance?"
Harold tapped the edge of the coke cup with his finger joints, creating a crisp sound each time. The atmosphere became eerie. "He smashed a cup. I've never seen the Governor so angry. In his first year of office, he implemented reforms in X state with a bold approach, yielding remarkable results. But after the momentum cooled down, an investigation revealed that five to six percent of the annual reported indicators were false. It was a fabricated prosperity."
In the political arena, one must learn to swallow their displeasure.
He served as the right-hand man to the city's leader, and he had to carefully consider and act in accordance with the instructions of his superiors. He would do his best to meet the challenges and troubleshoot timely and appropriately. If he overdid it, solving all crises on his own, which would make Governor appear incapable.
Jake clenched his teeth. "It's a troublesome situation. I'll make sure my people intensify their efforts to catch them."
Sounds of a chopping knife hitting the cutting board came from the kitchen, and Tina presented another fruit platter. She suggested, "Don't you stay for dinner? There's a new braised meat restaurant just down the street, and the taste is authentic. I can go get it now."
"You don't have to, Tina. I have plans for the evening."
Jake walked him to the door, his gaze sweeping over the gifts on the floor, prepared for Harold to take back. But Harold had decisively gone downstairs.
Nick went to the street to eat a bowl of braised food, and the timing was just right. When the man got in the car, the car had not turned off yet, Nick asked, "Secretary, are you going back to the city government?"
He called the Municipal Propaganda Department to remind them to downplay any reports about State X. All TV stations and newspapers should avoid causing public opinion pressure.
...
Maggie was wearing a wine-red dress with a large white peony on her chest, standing at the intersection. Glamorous.
Ophelia, in a new blue Cayenne, lowered her car window and said, "Maggie, get in the car, I'll give you a ride."
"I'm waiting for someone."
When she finished speaking, an Audi parked down the hill, and Maggie pointed her finger, her eyes shining brightly, "He's here."
Ophelia leaned out of the car window with her arm propped up, carefully examining the man who got out of the car.
He was about thirty years old, with a strong and sturdy build, a high bridge on his nose, a unique and charming handsomeness that was quite pleasing to the eye, far from the current trend of stunning beauty.
Harold smiled and looked at her, "You've been waiting for a long time."
Following his words, Maggie complained, "Yeah, it's half an hour."
"Why is your voice hoarse?"
The engagement ceremony of the young master of River Holdings was grand. The venue was over two hundred square meters, filled with guests.
The sound system malfunctioned in the second half, but Maggie managed to hold on with her natural voice.
"It happens often," she took out a bulging envelope from her bag, "What do you want to eat? It's on me."
Harold put his left hand on the steering wheel and glanced at her, "How much is it?"
"Sixty-eight thousand."
Harold started the car, his smile deepened, and the fine lines at the corners of his eyes became more noticeable, "Alright, you treat, I reserved a seat at the Golden Trade Center."
Her expression restrained, putting the envelope back, "You treat... I can't afford it."
The Golden Trade Center was located in Washington D.C., a landmark building near the sea, a popular spot for internet celebrities to check in. Looking out from the restaurant terrace, there was a clear view of the blue sky and the vast sea line, creating a great visual experience.
It required reservations, and ordinary people had to wait in line for four or five days to secure a spot. With a phone call, Harold managed to free up one of the two private rooms.
Next door, a wealthy young lady was hosting her birthday banquet, with cheers and shouts from the small celebration fireworks. When the door closed, their table became quiet.
Harold was a man who could endure silence, while Maggie was not. She put a piece of goose liver in his bowl, "This is the signature dish, the beef is freshly slaughtered on the same day."
But it turned out to be a mistake.
His insight was astonishing. He brushed off the ash from his cigarette, "Who came with you?"
Maggie didn't like mentioning the surname "Williams", which would ruin the atmosphere. She made up a nonsense, "There's a sign outside with an introduction."
Matt's twenty-seventh birthday banquet was also held here. In order to get a spot, he bid against someone at the price of thirty thousand for one private room, so she knew it was quite expensive.
He had a high emotional intelligence and guessed about seventy or eighty percent, but he didn't show it. He reached out and pinched Maggie's earlobe, which felt full and round. It must be a sign of good fortune. "You look beautiful today."
His rough fingertips scraped against her skin, making her body tremble.
Maggie's eyes were watery and sweet, "Oh? I thought red didn't suit me."