Liu Zhizhong spoke with utmost seriousness, his face displaying helplessness and not a hint of jest.
Yet, this style of dry humor couldn't help but make Lu Yumei crack a smiling, her face flushing as she added her own thoughts to his words, feeling incredibly shy.
"Hehe... what are you thinking about?" she teased. "How can you even say that?"
Lu Yumei wasn't angry. She was quite accustomed to her interactions with Liu Zhizhong.
Liu Zhizhong, however, wasn't laughing. He simply stated, "That's just how it is! Zhao Yan is an independent individual with her own pursuits and freedom. That's her right and shouldn't be tied down by marriage. A melon forced off its vine is not sweet, my dear Mrs. Lu."
"Ah..." Lu Yumei couldn't argue with Liu Zhizhong's reasoning and could only sigh. "But if you two continue , what will become of you?"
"Who knows?" replied Liu Zhizhong, all serious again. Then he added, "To be frank, we're all adults here. I'm certain that Zhao Yan has frigidity and a phobia of physical intimacy. When we're together, I can clearly feel it. Tell me, under these circumstances, how are we supposed to have children?"
In the past, Liu Zhizhong would never dare to bring up such a sensitive topic with his mother-in-law.
At this moment, Lu Yunmei looked both shocked and somewhat embarrassed, yet not angry.
"This... you... Ah, I really don't understand anymore..."
Liu Zhizhong inwardly sighed; this mother and daughter... both beautiful, goddess-like, yet the mother is so impassioned, and the daughter so cold, with a preference for Bai He... Life always hands out such surprises and helplessness.
With a bitter smile, Liu Zhizhong said, "Besides, it might have to do with some unique experiences in Zhao Yan's life. And without wanting to upset you, she mentioned she's not your biological daughter. What's that all about?"
"I... she..." Lu Yumei found herself at a loss for words, her eyes reflecting complexity. She waved her delicate hand dismissively, "Let's not talk about that now, let's eat! Your cooking skills have really improved a lot!"
Aware of the situation, Liu Zhizhong didn't push further regarding privacy and simply went along with the meal, casually mentioning, "Since I've been out recovering, hehe, I've really honed my cooking skills..."
"What are you recovering from? It looks to me like you've just been loafing around, living it up."
"Living it up? I haven't been..."
"Don't believe it..."
Well, there's some interesting talk from the mother-in-law!
For Liu Zhizhong, things seemed okay now, unlike in the past.
Life was a bit easier as a decision-maker in the Zhao family...
Of course, Lu Yumei insisted on him staying at home these days to 'recover'—he wasn't to go anywhere, except for grocery shopping and cooking.
Liu Zhizhong was her little yes-man, obediently following every instruction.
Regardless, it was confirmed that Zhao Yan was not Lu Yumei's daughter, but respect was due for her upbringing and elders should be honored.
As for Zhao Han, she'd always be her daughter, and his woman, after all, so he also ought to respect his elder, right? Google seaʀᴄh 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍
It wasn't easy for Old Zhao's family, with her often being alone at home...
However, after dinner, when Liu Zhizhong went to tidy up the dishes, Lu Yumei insisted on doing it herself, telling him to go rest instead.
Relieved of the chores, Liu Zhizhong happily retreated to the study to read. Books are the ladder of human progress, after all, something he always enjoyed. His father-in-law had collected many good books, which were certainly worth a read.
"Now that I'm 'recovering,' shouldn't I take the chance to devour these books? Haha..."
While he was engrossed in a book, Du Yuesheng actually called him up personally.
"Ha... Zhizhong, you doing alright this morning?"
Secretary Du's tone was much more affectionate!
Liu Zhizhong felt much better and replied, "Hehe, just enjoying some downtime, reading a book!"
"Good, good! Reading is always good... Oh, how's your mother-in-law doing? How's her mood?"
"Stable! I did some ideological work with her this morning!"
"That's great, great! Zhizhong, you can't let this get out, okay?"
"I know the importance. By the way, how are things with Old Secretary?"
"Hey..." Du Yuesheng sighed heavily at the mention, "Don't get me started on my brother-in-law. Since you're free anyway, why don't you come over to my office this morning?"
Liu Zhizhong felt a thrill. What was going on?
Was Black Donkey Du now completely on his side? Was he about to discuss work with him? No, no, he wasn't ready to stop having fun yet!
"Sure! Perfect timing, I'll bring over your gear. Also, I've sliced up the leftover catfish and softshell turtle from last night and can bring some over for a special lunch with Minister Zhang at the City Committee?"
"Ha ha, sounds good, sounds good... So, Zhizhong, you'll wait for me at my office?"
"Sure, I'll head over as soon as I'm ready!"
After hanging up, Liu Zhizhong explained the situation to Lu Yumei, who couldn't help but laugh. "Looks like last night's plan was a success. Black Donkey Du has definitely caved..."
"Perhaps! So, Mrs. Lu, I'll just head over to the City Committee for a bit, swing by my old place, and see how things are with Secretary Du?"
"Sure, go ahead. Just be sure to come back for lunch!"
"Of course! I couldn't leave my dear Mrs. Lu alone at home, it just doesn't sit right with me."
Lu Yumei blushed at his words, feeling oddly cherished, and a little voice inside her whispered: Did you want to say it breaks your heart?