As five o'clock approached, Liu Zhizhong waited at the back gate of Hu Yang University for the arrival of Zhang Tianbao.
They had arranged to meet here and then walk to Luo Tianlin's house.
Zhang Tianbao, attending a meeting in the provincial city, naturally came by an official car.
Carrying a briefcase and some salted fish, he instructed the driver to take the car straight to the hotel. Yangzhou, as a prefecture-level city, has its own office in the provincial city, mainly for hosting and arranging meetings or official business for leaders and institutions from Yangzhou.
Seeing Liu Zhizhong, Zhang Tianbao couldn't help but embrace him.
Liu Zhizhong was also quite happy, but still commented, "Boss Zhang, the Yangjiang salted fish really has a strong scent!" Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝙣𝙚𝙩
Of course, he couldn't call him Minister Zhang in the street.
Zhang Tianbao was pleased, "Hehe, quite strong indeed!"
He held up the exquisitely packaged salted fish, took a sniff, and simultaneously frowned and laughed.
"However, Zhizhong, you can't say that. In the promotional video you made for the provincial cultural and travel bureau, you really advertised our hometown's delicacy well! Yangjiang salted fish has sold like crazy, orders are backed up until after the New Year."
"Hehe, as it should be, as it should be..."
As they talked, they made their way towards Luo Tianlin's home.
On the way, Zhang Tianbao mentioned in a very low voice, "The donation this time is quite substantial, 500 million!"
"Uh..." Liu Zhizhong was taken aback, then laughed, "It's still Minister Zhang who understands, after so many years in the provincial city, you get everything!"
"Hehe, it wasn't before. It used to be 25%. But now, well, maybe money isn't worth as much, or maybe there are just areas short on funds... But you still have some left, don't you?"
"Nearly a hundred million. When I get back, I'll use it all for Mayor Zhang's projects, just have to do it under a pseudonym."
"It's not easy, Zhizhong, not easy..." Zhang Tianbao freed a hand to pat Liu Zhizhong's shoulder lightly, "The Yangzhou Zhang Family has treated you coldly, but you have been far from cold to them! It's Mayor Zhang's honor to have you as her secretary. If you ever get tired of being by her side, just let me know..."
Liu Zhizhong thought, tired of what? I just love to be clingy and affectionate, hehe...
But Liu Zhizhong still had to say, "Thank you, Boss Zhang! It's all part of the training, I suppose!"
"True, true, 'No pain, no gain.' Zhang Yuxing now has immense influence in Yangzhou, even Secretary Du has to give her some room, maybe even fears her a bit. They say mayors and secretaries always clash, and it really seems that way, one always comes out on top. I see she's also reasonable, though she looks pretty intimidating on the outside, haha! Following her definitely toughens you up. You're a dragon, sooner or later you'll rise with the winds and clouds."
"Thank you for your kind words! Slow and steady wins the race..."
"Mmhm, that's right. There's something tonight you should be aware of. Oh, during this visit, did you get to see Miss Luo?"
"More than just see, it caused quite the stir!"
Liu Zhizhong briefly described the situation, of course not mentioning the aftermath, merely ending with Luo Shuxiu smoothing things over and the Pang brothers being taken down.
Zhang Tianbao nodded as he listened, "Hmm, the Pang brothers really got unlucky. Miss Luo's husband's family in Hu Yang Province... they are not to be trifiled with. Best to leave it at that! But tonight when you see Miss Luo, don't get too excited, play it cool."
Liu Zhizhong couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
My dear Minister Tianbao, you have no idea, Wang Baxuan has been encouraging me to interact with Luo Shuxiu, to cultivate some feelings...
Of course, for Liu Zhizhong, that meant he couldn't wait for an opportunity to hold Luo Shuxiu, and without saying anything else, give her a couple of passionate kisses, right? Hehe...