Zhang Hongyang pushed up his glasses, a sinister smile creeping onto his face as he nodded at Xie Peng's somewhat distinctive features.
"I don't know what's so great about Liu Zhizhong, but Xue Yao has loved him since college, and she still does."
"Xiao Xie, you're not bad either. Handsome, strong, and healthy, with a strong grasp of officialdom—I'd say you're truly worthy of Xue Yao."
"To be honest, I would like to have you as my cousin-in-law. But with Liu Zhizhong in the picture, even I can't convince Xue Yao."
"Of course, I can tell you're ambitious and that you really like Xue Yao! But that bastard Liu Zhizhong, his very existence is an eyesore..."
At this point, Zhang Hongyang had intended to stop.
But Xie Peng blurted out, "Then why not just remove him from this world, just get rid of him!"
No sooner had he spoken than Xie Peng regretted it.
He was new to the political arena but had quickly become a seasoned player.
He knew that in officialdom, even the deepest hatred rarely led to taking someone's life, especially not someone like Liu Zhizhong.
Immediately, Xie Peng said fearfully, "County Mayor Zhang, I'm sorry, I misspoke. I was just anxious and blurted out nonsense..."
Zhang Hongyang, however, raised his hand, secretly delighted. This kid was on the right track!
He stopped Xie Peng from continuing and whispered, "Your words do seem to make some sense! Let me give it some thought... Hmm..."
As he spoke, he rose from his seat, hands clasped behind him, exuding an air of authority as he paced to the window.
Gazing at the flowers and greenery outside the County Committee and County Government Office, Zhang Hongyang appeared lost in thought.
Xie Peng was inwardly shocked, standing there with a serious expression and watching his boss.
He never imagined that his offhand comment would trigger such a reaction in Zhang Hongyang, who seemed to be entering a decision-making process.
Xie Peng could only stand there, waiting, not daring to even breathe too loudly.
After a long while, Zhang Hongyang took out a cigarette, lit one for himself, and offered one to Xie Peng.
After taking a couple of puffs, Zhang Hongyang drank some tea.
The cup was empty, and he spit out the tea leaves.
Xie Peng hurriedly filled the cup with some 70 degree purified water and shook it before handing it over.
"County Mayor Zhang, the temperature should be just about right now."
Zhang Hongyang enjoyed this secretarial service and nodded before saying, "Xiao Xie, what you just said has enlightened me. After giving it some thought, I've decided very carefully..."
He pointed to the office door.
Xie Peng got the hint, rushed over to lock the door, and then approached closer.
Zhang Hongyang spoke softly, "Liu Zhizhong indeed shouldn't be alive in this world, otherwise he will always be a dark shadow and a burden on my mind, impossible to shake off. You think about it, find some people, do something—it has to be discreet and absolutely legitimate. Once Liu Zhizhong is gone, with a little push from me, and with you using your wits, Xue Yao will eventually be yours. And you, you'll be incorporated into the Yangzhou Zhang Family's system, prioritized for grooming, with a great future ahead..."
After speaking, he gave Xie Peng a hearty slap on the back.
Xie Peng's legs trembled, yet his heart surged with excitement, filled with anticipation and hope, "County Mayor Zhang, about this matter..."
"From now on, in private, call me Brother Yang!"
"Ah?" Xie Peng blinked, then realized what was meant, his heart once again racing, "Okay, County Ma... oh, Brother Yang, haha, Brother Yang..."
Zhang Hongyang smiled and nodded, "Good, Brother Peng, I'll leave this matter to you. Be as discreet and safe as possible. Run any plans by me first. If something happens, as long as there's no significant slip-up, the public security, procuratorate, and courts in Yangzhou are all under the Zhang Family's control, you know that, right? Hehe..." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩
With that, he chuckled darkly.
Xie Peng, of course, could not help but think of the death of his goddess and quickly nodded his head, bowing and scraping, "Understood, understood. Brother Yang, rest assured, I'll take this very seriously..."