Reflecting on the past, the present, and the future, Liu Zhizhong couldn't deny that he felt both depressed and on the verge of a breakdown, but he still had to soldier on!
He just hoped that when Ma Xudong's downfall came, all the trouble he caused would have nothing to do with Yangzhou - that would be a stroke of good fortune indeed.
There shouldn't be any mention of Yangzhou's irregularities, since they involved the Zhang Family.
Now, accompanying the Lu Family Sisters on a hike, so be it, let's climb!
Lu Yuqing and Lu Yumei were ahead, climbing. Their sisters' delicate white skin, those enchanting shadows, one with a fresh beauty and a lovely pert butt along with a slender waist and legs; the other with a gorgeous allure, her voluptuously round peach butt and a slim waist complementing her shapely and toned legs - such a sight was truly pleasing to the eye, stirring both emotions and desires!
As such, Liu Zhizhong considered this an indulgence.
Yet there was a tinge of regret, he could get close to Lu Yuqing but not to Lu Yumei – no reason, no chance!
And now, with Ma Xudong's crash and burn, his own prospects were looking dim, diminishing his chances even further, right?
No one seemed capable of quelling Zhao Yan's demands for divorce, alas…
The Lu Family Sisters continued to climb the mountain ahead, chatting and laughing as though everything was perfectly normal. Lu Yuqing, who had been in officialdom for some time, was indeed grounded and didn't bring up Ma Xudong to her sister.
Lu Yuqing knew that her sister already had reservations about Ma Xudong after Luo Yanling's incident, so bringing it up now seemed pointless, only causing unnecessary worry.
Fortunately, Lu Yuqing's own record in officialdom was relatively clean, so any potential fallout might not affect her too greatly. As Liu Zhizhong said, climbing to a vice-ministerial level before retirement was not out of the question.
Liu Zhizhong, following the sisters with their backpacks, was like a little sidekick, serving like a lackey - only by gazing at their shadows could he find some comfort.
Halfway up West Mountain, all three broke out into a light sweat but didn't stop to rest, continuing their climb.
The summer sun behind them began to rise higher, casting a golden glow on the mountains, their beauty unparalleled.
The figures of the two beauties, amidst the morning breeze, became enchantingly irresistible, their slightly dishevelled hair swaying – a unique charm of its own.
Many an older hiker had to take a second look, their eyes widening in delight, secretly drooling – men will be boys at heart, it seems, and with enough temptation and excitement, they still have fight in them until their dying breath.
Of course, both sisters wore sunglasses, partly to hide their true looks and partly because the rising sun would be too dazzling for their eyes when descending.
Liu Zhizhong was also wearing sunglasses.
A man and two women added a mysterious touch, meandering on the mountain paths of West Mountain Scenic Area, becoming a landscape unto themselves. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅✦𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾✦𝗇𝖾𝗍
As they climbed, Liu Zhizhong's phone buzzed with a message.
Opening it, he couldn't help but laugh.
It was from Zhang Zhenglong, filled with complaints.
"Zhizhong, where have you guys reached? I woke up at 5 AM, I swear I've never gotten up this early in my life. Even for my first wedding, I only got up at 7 AM to greet the bridal party. Now I'm tired as a dog, already at Fengyun Pavilion at the top – damn tired! You bastard, are you trying to kill me with exhaustion?"
Liu Zhizhong couldn't stop chuckling. You choose to be a lapdog, so why blame me for your misery?
However, he promptly replied, "Uncle Zhang, you've worked hard. 'No pain, no gain' as they say! Pushing through for love, losing some weight, and getting back to your dashing days - do you think my mother-in-law will be moved? We're currently at Hundred-foot Rock, almost there, wait for us!"
"Damn it, that's nicely said, 'No pain, no gain.' Ha, I can certainly become the top of your mother-in-law's list, heh... Alright, I'll take a break, waiting for you! I've got breakfast covered today, don't try to fight me on it, just a little gesture from your future father-in-law."
Liu Zhizhong felt annoyed. Damn it, already acting like my father-in-law?
Damn it, who knows who Lu Yumei will end up with!
Of course, he had to reply: Okay then, thanks, Father-in-law Long!
This had Zhang Zhenglong grinning from ear to ear, replying with glee, "Okay, I'll gladly take 'Father-in-law Long.' You're clever, alright! Just make sure you help me out, and once I become your father-in-law, don't worry, I'll have your back, heh heh!"
Liu Zhizhong was vexed again but replied anyway, "Alright, thanks Uncle Zhang… no, Father-in-law Long!"
After sending the message, he glanced ahead at Lu Yumei wiping sweat from her brow, brightening his view.
Regardless, with Zhang Zhenglong being a core member of the Zhang Family, if Ma Xudong went down and he managed to get in good with Fatty Zhang, that would be advantageous, right?
Oh, the world of officialdom, when you have no backing, you have to hustle! You've got to seize any opportunity that comes your way!
Lu Yumei was quite the bait, or perhaps a bargaining chip – he had to make good use of her.
So, Liu Zhizhong quickened his pace, coming up beside the sisters with water in hand, suggesting they drink and rest a bit before continuing.
His service was indeed meticulous.
The sisters were drenched with sweat and thirsty.
Liu Zhizhong also graciously offered a towel for them to wipe their sweat.
Lu Yuqing felt a sense of being loved and cherished.
Lu Yumei, on the other hand, found it amusing that this son-in-law had lowered his status so much. Well, if you're going to serve your mother-in-law, she was quite pleased, quite delighted.
But after Lu Yumei drank the water and wiped off her sweat, handing the towel back to Liu Zhizhong, she remarked, "This morning, I'm getting treated like the Mayor, huh? But, Liu Zhizhong, don't overdo the flattery – your marriage with Zhao Yan is probably going to end in divorce sooner or later."