Liu Zhizhong let out a hearty laugh, returned to the table, and sat down, "Let's go with that, to wish fathers like Uncle Luo, fathers like Brother Tianbao, and a future father like myself, a happy Father's Day!"
With these words, everyone nodded, understanding, and smiled, turning this meal into something truly special.
Only then did Luo Tianlin pick up a tissue, wiping away tears while he marveled, "The story 'Shadow' is beautifully written, simple yet deeply touching. Xiao Liu's narration was even more splendid, incredibly moving. It makes me think of my own late father... Oh my, Old Luo also came from humble beginnings. When he sent me off to university, wasn't it similar to the scenes described? Alas, thirty years have flashed by..."
Speaking of which, he looked at his daughter, who was also wiping away tears, "Shu Xiu, in a few days, when I'm free, let's visit our hometown in the countryside and pay respects at your grandparents' grave, shall we?"
Luo Shuxiu nodded, "Sure, Dad. Whenever you arrange it. The way Zhizhong brother read today, it was truly a classical example, deeply touching. This really might be... the best gift of the night, right?"
"Yes, a truly priceless gift. It's so..." Luo Tianlin paused, thinking, "Xiao Liu, send me that recording, and I'll forward it to the Provincial Department of Education. Father's Day is coming up, and they're planning a television education program. This recording could be perfect for it."
Zhang Tianbao joked while still dabbing his eyes, "That might... they probably can't afford the royalties, Mister L's social media influence is frightfully valuable! Imagine if this gets posted online, it would explode!"
Luo Shuxiu agreed, "Absolutely, it would explode with views, stir countless netizens' emotions, and bring tears to many eyes. Over the years, there have been many shocking/moving/tear-jerking moments, but to truly achieve that, Brother Zhizhong is beyond compare!"
As she said this, her heart swelled with comfort and pride.
Because Liu Zhizhong was her man, the only man she'd spend her life with, the future father of her children!
Truth be told, many times, women aren't proud of themselves, but take pride in their men.
Liu Zhizhong humbly smiled, "Actually, talking about money is hardly meaningful. There are emotional values in life that money can't buy. Uncle Luo, however you want to handle the recording is fine by me, I have no objections, but let's definitely not talk about money. However, when the recording is broadcasted by the Provincial Department of Education and the TV station, do let Xinghai Company know. The company has operational terms, and we'll need to synchronize the release across all major social media platforms."
Luo Tianlin smiled brightly and nodded, "Sure, that won't be a problem at all. I'll make sure they understand. Once Mr. Feng's company catches that traffic, even this freebie will turn into money."
"Exactly! Anything related to Brother Zhizhong now, you can't release it without turning it into money, it's incredible! Haha..." Zhang Tianbao also sincerely admired and was thoroughly impressed.
Soon after, Liu Zhizhong did send the recording to Luo Tianlin, contributing to the Father's Day celebration. Of course, Luo Shuxiu also got a copy, and incidentally, established contact with Liu Zhizhong.
Zhang Tianbao wanted a copy too, planning to play it for his father and for his children to listen to, a meaningful treasure worth keeping forever.
After the meal, when it was about time to leave, Zhang Tianbao and Liu Zhizhong felt it was time to say goodbye, having discussed everything there was to discuss. Mainly, Zhang Tianbao, inspired by Brother Zhizhong, wanted to head home early to give his father a bath and wash his feet. His father had suffered a stroke with lingering effects a couple of years ago, leaving him partially paralyzed.
Luo Tianlin had a newfound respect for Liu Zhizhong, valuing him considerably, and of course, as an example to others, he insisted on escorting the two men downstairs and out of the residential complex. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱
Luo Shuxiu, understanding the proprieties, didn't want to reveal too much about her relationship with Liu Zhizhong and thus stayed at home to tidy up.
As they left the residential complex, Liu and Zhang were about to part ways when Luo Tianlin suddenly called out, "Hey, you two stay right there, don't go anywhere. I'm going to buy some oranges for you to eat on the walk home, to help you sober up."
After saying that, the small, slightly portly old man, dressed in a bluish-gray Chinese-style home outfit, ambled off toward the fruit stand.
Liu Zhizhong and Zhang Tianbao looked back and shared a smile.
Zhang Tianbao whispered, "This little old man is so endearing, isn't he? He knows how to take advantage so smoothly and naturally, but it comes from the heart, doesn't it?"
"Brother Tianbao, that's really nice."
"I know my old leader well. Just keep up the good work. After these events, he'll always have your back."
Liu Zhizhong smiled humbly and nodded, he had finally secured a firm supporter!
"Thank you, Brother Tianbao!"
"Why thank me? You should thank Uncle Luo!"
"Good grief..." Zhang Tianbao suddenly understood, smiled knowingly, and then clapped Liu Zhizhong on the shoulder, "It's clear to see, Shu Xiu is deeply affectionate towards you. You two are truly a good match! Just remember, caution is the parent of safety. Be careful, her family..."
With this, Zhang Tianbao looked around warily and spoke in an even lower voice, "They're really not to be messed with, sigh..."
"What's really going on?" Liu Zhizhong asked with a curious expression, though he was also somewhat eager to uncover the full story.