Li Tanglu spoke quite seriously, "Xiao Liu, why are you still thinking of giving gifts to Zhang Zhengchang?"
The implication was self-evident.
Luo Tianlin also had a serious expression and was very concerned about Liu Zhizhong's answer.
Liu Zhizhong's clever move was indeed profound and unexpected!
He earnestly said, "To Old Secretary and Minister Luo, I understand your concerns. However, in my view, Old Secretary Zhang has made contributions to Yangzhou as well. Although an unpleasant incident occurred between him and my mother-in-law, the issue has been resolved."
"Moreover, the blow suffered by Old Secretary Zhang was immense; he has become quite dejected, and his health is certainly declining. He indeed needs some nourishment."
"There is no eternal hatred, nor permanent enemies. Living with hatred makes a life unhappy. As a junior, it is proper for me to visit Old Secretary Zhang to show my respect."
"Speaking unpleasantly, you both may dismiss what I have said; enemies should resolve their issues rather than harbor them, should they not?"
His words were indeed elegantly shrewd.
The serious expressions on the two leaders' faces disappeared, and their demeanor softened significantly, both showing looks of admiration.
Li Tanglu nodded in agreement, uttering, "Hmm, hmm..."
His expression and dragging tone had a distinctive bureaucratic air.
"Xiao Liu is good, indeed good; his vision is broad and his heart is open—I admire that!"
Turning his head, he immediately patted Luo Tianlin on the shoulder, adding, "Tianlin, such a young talent must be nurtured, must be carefully developed. If you spoil him, I will hold you accountable!"
Luo Tianlin thought to himself, what a fellow Liu Zhizhong is—such potential to impress the Old Secretary!
On the surface, Luo Tianlin showed an eager expression and nodded repeatedly, "Old Secretary, rest assured, be completely assured. I have long been cultivating Zhizhong as a promising young official!"
Li Tanglu, greatly satisfied, nodded, "Hmm, that's it for today then. Xiao Liu, go see Zhang Zhengchang. Tianlin and I won't see you out."
Liu Zhizhong felt secretly thrilled inside; flaunting one's magnanimity was indeed a powerful tactic!
He immediately took his leave reverently and in proper form. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝔫𝔢𝔱
Behind him, Li Tanglu and Luo Tianlin stood still, watching as Liu Zhizhong's car left the compound.
Then, Li Tanglu, thinking of Chen Yuanyuan, muttered, "This youngster is disappointing, ah... Well, good thing he's still nurturing himself."
Li Tanglu said, "Tianlin, it's rare to see such young people these days... No, I've never seen such a young official with such a breadth of vision and character, and his personal image, temperament, and talents are all top-notch. Such a youth is awe-inspiring and promising..."
"Indeed, what you say is right. Xiao Liu is not ordinary; he's remarkable and definitely worth nurturing intensively. Your picked talent will be taken seriously by me."
"Ha ha... With your words, I am reassured. By the way, has Xiao Liu gotten married?"
"Ah? Ha ha, I've heard he was married..."
"Does he have children?"
Meanwhile, Liu Zhizhong drove to the villa where Zhang Zhengchang was recuperating.
His car indeed entered, and after stopping, Zhang Zhengchang was seen walking in the yard.
It seemed he was recovering well, although walking slightly slower, accompanied by a pretty nurse, just in case, to support him.
Zhang Zhengchang, this old fox, was getting good care, and having the company of a pretty nurse seemed to brighten his mood, evident from the laughter shared with her, seemingly forgetting that he had once been grievously harmed.
However, what the doctors told him reassured him; fertility wasn't vital, but the ability to continue intimate relations was.
For an old man who had played local political games his whole life, this was certainly thrilling!
Yet, the moment Zhang Zhengchang saw Liu Zhizhong getting out of the car, his face darkened...