Chapter 123: The “War” Sparked by Xiangshui Town

Conan Rupert served as Chief of Staff to Montana Senator Bauer Harris. He walked into his office like any other day and opened the latest reports forwarded by his staff.

The role of Chief of Staff was unique. Its duties were broad, carrying no official political power, yet holding significant unseen influence.

As Senator Bauer Harris’s Chief of Staff, Conan Rupert’s job was to boost Harris’s positive image, increase his support rate, and maximize his benefits.

So, reading all the latest updates was always Conan’s first task upon reaching the office. He sifted through these reports to find useful information that could benefit Bauer Harris.

He set aside the report he’d just finished halfway through. Picking up the next document, he paused briefly, then grabbed the previous one again.

This report covered information related to Xiangshui Town.

Truthfully, the auction of Xiangshui Town had already secured backing from most state senators, thanks to lobbying by interested parties. It only awaited a final vote and official designation before auction.

The sale of a small town should barely catch the eye of seasoned politicians like them. What struck Conan, however, was Xiangshui Town’s sheer size. It was one of Montana’s largest towns, also infamous for being utterly run-down and poor, relying heavily on the State Government for yearly financial aid.

His attention was specifically drawn to notes about Magical Ranch undergoing USDA certification. Intriguingly, the ranch’s owner was recently revealed as a Chinese man who hadn’t been in the United States long.

After a moment’s thought, Conan Rupert picked up his office phone. He ordered staff to compile a detailed report on this matter.

His politician’s intuition told him this could be pivotal. Handled well, it might help Bauer Harris gain significant political capital.

Within half an hour, staff delivered the report. It was pathetically sparse—only three pages, not even fully filled. Yet, Conan spent considerable time pouring over those three pages, scrutinizing every single word.

Had Liu Heming seen this report, he would have been stunned. Though just three pages long, it meticulously recorded every major event since his arrival in the United States.

It detailed how he came to the U.S., obtained residency, his marital status with Sasha, how he provided free water to Xiangshui Town residents, and his burgeoning high standing among the town’s sparse population.

Just then, a notification chimed on Conan’s computer—an email. He set the report down, clicked the link within the email, and played a compilation of edited videos.

These were clips filmed by truck drivers and passersby near the restaurant. Some featured Liu Heming; others showed Alex with the Bear Kids. Watching the adorable Alex interact with the clumsy Bear Cubs, Conan’s lips unconsciously curved into a smile.

Regardless of anything else, these silly little videos genuinely relaxed tense nerves. Especially the scene of a Bear Cub pushing the Food Truck to deliver food to guests—despite looking unbearably hungry, it dared not take a bite. It was too cute.

Closing the videos, Conan pulled up Xiangshui Town’s full dossier on his computer.

This one packed many more details: the town’s peak population, annual output, taxes contributed during its prosperous era, alongside its stark current reality.

Gradually, a decision formed in his mind.

Montana was an agricultural state. Bauer Harris’s political stance actively promoted its agricultural development. Originally, Harris maintained neutrality over Xiangshui Town’s sale. But now, equipped with fresh insights… could they oppose it? Perhaps even block its passage in the state senate?

The downside was clear: continuous state funding required to prop up Xiangshui Town would provoke resentment among other senators.

Yet, significant advantages existed too.

First, this presented an excellent platform. They could amplify Bauer Harris’s commitment to agriculture. Even if unsuccessful, it would create buzz. Just hype it—turn this obscure small-town auction into a statewide hot topic. Simple enough.

Second, even if terrible weather plagued Xiangshui Town again next year, forcing its eventual auction? Fine. That was next year’s problem. Minimal blowback on Harris.

Third, if Xiangshui Town’s fortunes improved? Massive credit would fall on Bauer Harris—as the one who halted its sale. Every grateful resident would become his fervent supporter. Never underestimate one or two supporters; they could snowball into a vast political base. Precisely the resource Harris needed.

After careful weighing, Conan saw virtually no risk for Bauer Harris. Win or lose, the potential gains stretched far. Only upside existed, infinitely extendable.

Yet he resisted rushing to share the plan with Harris. First, every angle must be meticulously sorted in his mind. Choosing a path demanded maximum effort for success.

This was a play for political influence too—not public appeal, but leverage within the senate itself. A senator whose proposals always fail? Soon, no one even considers their ideas.

This felt like a battle. Victory? Glorious. Defeat? At least his voice was heard, proving their position. Xiangshui Town was simply the spark. Honestly, in Conan’s view, the Town wasn’t particularly significant itself.

Its potential revival didn’t concern him. The State Government wouldn’t heavily invest even if unsold. Survival still depended on locals’ efforts.

No matter its size, Xiangshui Town remained broken and desolate, its population tiny. Honestly? The Town barely registered in Conan’s mind compared to the vivid memory of those two playful Bear Cubs.

Xiangshui Town was just a convenient trigger. Any struggling town would serve the same purpose. This was purely political opportunism.