Actually, Zhang Dabao usually had a good rapport with Mayor Chen, as well as others like Director Xiang from the town leadership, which was why he could throw his weight around in the village.
What he hadn't expected was that Wu Xiaoshan's friend held such significant influence, so much so that even those two had to watch her mood.
Zhang Dabao was no fool; he clearly understood that what Director Xiang had just told him was a hint for him to soften his stance and seek a private settlement.
Once he realized this, he gritted his teeth and, with a sheepish smile, said to Wu Xiaoshan, "Xiaoshan, we're from the same village, where we bump into each other all the time. I really did go too far today. How about I treat you folks to a meal and we call it even?"
"Impossible!" Wu Xiaoshan coldly rejected.
"Don't be like that!"
