Ah, driving the mother-in-law's car, the sense of control is still so strong, shifting as smooth as silk. Big displacement, power always at the ready, Liu Zhizhong was quite enjoying it.
Of course, his heart harbored even more splendid aspirations.
It seemed that his family status was secure—the decision-maker of the Zhao family, after all! ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚·𝔫𝔢𝔱
The mother-in-law might have a stinky temper, but she was clear about right and wrong, and her attitude towards him had been improving. Progress!
With the mother-in-law holding down the fort, this household wouldn't disperse or collapse—a good thing! At least, Zhao Yan talking about divorce, Lu Yumei was now against it; Zhao Han wouldn't divorce, but the Zhang Family Members said she would never return to the Zhang family, and it was Lu Yumei backing her up, which was great.
Of course, Lu Yuqing played a significant role as well. Now the Secretary of the Municipal Committee, a standing committee member no less, she indeed brought prestige to the family.
"Ah, harmony brings prosperity to the family... I hope this household will become more and more harmonious!" Liu Zhizhong murmured to himself uncontrollably as he drove.
When he picked up Zhang Tianbao, he couldn't help but smile upon entering the car, "Zhizhong, driving this car out, won't it be too conspicuous?"
"Hehe, not at all! It's rare to have a private gathering with Minister Zhang, and it's only right that you ride in an even better car!"
"It's comfortable, but we must also be mindful of our image. In this era of exploding social media, some of the public can catch you off guard!"
"You're right. Don't you see the huge sunglasses I'm wearing? Aren't you doing the same?"
"Hehe, indeed, indeed…"
Engaging in such ordinary conversation, they hurried towards their supper destination.
As they chatted, the discussion naturally shifted to political matters, and they found themselves very much on the same wavelength.
After all, Zhang Tianbao had spent years in the Provincial City, closely following the Provincial Group Minister, gaining wide experience and insights. Liu Zhizhong, at the municipal level, was also like a fish in water, with a keen political acumen; he got to the heart of things in an instant.
Subconsciously, Zhang Tianbao felt that Liu Zhizhong had much more potential to be cultivated than Zhang Hongyang.
He was all too clear on how hotheaded Zhang Hongyang could be.
When they arrived at their destination, Zhang Tianbao pushed open the car door, quickly surveyed the place where they'd have supper, and then promptly closed it again.
"Aiyo, Zhizhong, what are you doing? Why are we at such a high-end place?"
Liu Zhizhong chuckled and, looking towards the elevator that led to Villa Number 6, said, "Isn't it nice and quiet, and private? Rest assured, Minister Zhang, would I ever harm you?"
This was, of course, Zhang Qixiang's territory, the most luxurious and private spot in Yangzhou.
When Zhang Tianbao first came to Yangzhou, the City Committee and City Government had held a reception for him here to wipe away the dust of travel.
Later, when Zhang Tianbao visited the powerful Zhang family, they had also entertained him here.
Afterward, when Zhang Yuxing became mayor, a small celebration was held here as well, with him on the guest list…
Zhang Tianbao was already familiar with this place.
He was also well acquainted with some of the special services inside, but he hadn't been assimilated by them, and he remained a man with a bottom line.
Zhang Tianbao shook his head with a wry smile, "Zhizhong, inviting me here for supper is quite expensive, isn't it? Whatever happened to being simple and not extravagant?"
"Minister Zhang, please rest assured, it's genuinely simple; don't believe me, we can go up to the villa and see! Besides, even if it's extravagant, it's spending my money, my silver, all on me—I'll cover the full expense, nothing to do with public funds! You are one of the noblest people in my life, Liu Zhizhong, worthy of this gesture!"
Liu Zhizhong still got out of the car and personally opened the car door for Zhang Tianbao, dragging him into the elevator.
"Ah, listen to you, hehe... Alright, but don't make a habit of it!"
"Sure, sure, won't happen again, I promise!"
Zhang Tianbao was half-hearted, but he was actually quite enjoying it.
At least in his eyes, Liu Zhizhong seemed to be more genuine than anyone else in Yangzhou, not the least bit pretentious, imposing, or flashy.
And Zhang Tianbao had seen for himself Liu Zhizhong's capabilities. Not to mention how well he took care of Zhang Yuxing, he was acutely aware of the book Zhang Hongyang had written. Yangzhou's mighty pen was not for nothing.
This man was a true talent, indeed worthy of cultivation.
As they reached the second floor of the villa, the elevator doors opened, and the scene that unfolded caused Zhang Tianbao to let out a bitter smile, patting Liu Zhizhong on the shoulder, "You, my friend, are truly talented!"