Zhang Tianbao put on a dumbfounded face, "Who? What are you talking about?"
Liu Zhizhong chuckled mischievously, tugging at his hand, "Minister Zhang, I actually need to discuss some work with you. Could I trouble you for a moment in your office?"
Zhang Tianbao smiled, nodded, and said to get the equipment first.
Liu Zhizhong told him it was already left with the doorman. He could pick it up after work. Fınd the newest release on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕥⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥
Indeed, his and Du Yuesheng's equipment was also stored at the doorman's post. Even the ingredients were sent to the cafeteria by a familiar security guard at the gate, whom Liu Zhizhong had instructed.
Thus, Zhang Tianbao led Liu Zhizhong straight to his office, where they sat down for some tea and a chat.
In his own office, Zhang Tianbao was quite casual and his true feelings showed through.
As soon as the tea was poured, he actively offered Liu Zhizhong a cigarette, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Now things are looking up for you, Zhizhong. Turning a disadvantage into an advantage. After a period of convalescence, you return to good news knocking on your door!"
A serious expression came over Liu Zhizhong's face, "Good news? Brother Tianbao, I think you were the one with the good news last night."
Zhang Tianbao laughed and waved his hand dismissively, "Let's not talk about me, my little affairs are nothing compared to your major life events. Last night, Old Du and I went to the hospital..."
He recounted the whole story, including Zhang Zhengchang's frustrated humiliation and how he yelled at Du Yuesheng to scram.
Liu Zhizhong almost couldn't contain his laughter, but he managed to keep it in, inwardly chuckling with joy.
In the end, Zhang Tianbao spoke earnestly, "No matter what, with the surveillance in your hands and your mother-in-law being a famously strong-willed woman, I think the Zhang Family's suppression of you in Yangzhou can come to an end, right?"
Liu Zhizhong feigned confusion, "Big brother, I don't understand!"
"Bugger off with your act; what don't you understand? Don't try to play dumb with me!" Zhang Tianbao even gave Liu Zhizhong a little shove on the shoulder.
Liu Zhizhong chuckled and nodded, "With you saying so, Brother Tianbao, of course I feel more secure. It seems that Secretary Du's view of me will change too, which will make things even more stable."
"Um... Old Du, well, hehe..." Zhang Tianbao started to say with a smile, then changed his mind, "Alright, let's not criticize Secretary Du. After all, he's now a leading official in Yangzhou, chosen and trusted by the organization. Handling the relationship with his side properly could be somewhat beneficial for your future."
"Somewhat beneficial is good enough," Liu Zhizhong laughed, knowing Zhang Tianbao was still very cautious not to speak carelessly. He mastered the grand harmony of officialdom well.
However, Liu Zhizhong then eyed Zhang Tianbao's under-eye bags and snickered, "Big brother, you had quite a rough night yesterday. Who was that woman?"
Zhang Tianbao saw there was no avoiding it and grinned sheepishly, "Who else could it be? It's all because of you, kid."
"Because of me?" Liu Zhizhong wore a look of aggrievement, "I was just looking out for myself, treating someone to a meal with some quality ingredients. Didn't you enjoy the meal? Afterward, it seemed like you had an impressive fighting spirit!"
"Still not blaming you? The first time you invited me for dinner, those two female violinists... tsk, tsk, tsk..."
As he spoke, Zhang Tianbao appeared reminiscing, pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes gleaming with flames.
Liu Zhizhong stood up, looking utterly astounded, "Holy cow! Brother Tianbao, my big brother, you've really outdone yourself... You actually pulled it off with both? Impressive, Brother Tianbao. I didn't expect that behind your bushy eyebrows and scholarly charm you could actually take on two at a time?"
Zhang Tianbao pursed his lips and the corner of his mouth curled into a smug smile, "What are you talking about, 'pulled it off'? It's just a shared hobby, shared interest, nothing more than discussing the art of violin with them all night."
"Ah, discussing the art of violin, like a jam session?"