Zhang Zhengchang spoke with a stern face, very earnestly, "The matter between me and Lu Yumei should be kept confidential within a small circle, which I'm sure you have all managed to do. I believe that."
"You came to visit me today and brought gifts, which I happily accepted. You've done well by showing this much consideration. From now on in the Yangzhou officialdom, I won't mess with your affairs. If there's a good word I can put in for you, I'll say it. That's a promise."
"I hope that you and my son, Zhang Hongyang, can turn hostility into camaraderie—there's no point in continuing this struggle. That's my only request. Is that alright?"
Liu Zhizhong laughed inwardly, Ah, so you do care about your son after all!
Immediately, Liu Zhizhong responded seriously, "Old Secretary, rest assured, I won't hold grudges against County Head Zhang. If he doesn't trouble me, I'll be more than grateful. As for making peace, I have no issues with it, but I'm afraid County Head Zhang might find it hard to let go—it's not likely. After all, I know County Head Zhang very well. Plus, no one knows a son quite like his father, so surely you, Old Secretary, understand your own son even better, right?"
Zhang Zhengchang's face turned a bit red with embarrassment, but he was also worried about Zhang Hongyang. Quickly he said, "As long as you can let go of past grievances, endure when you can, avoid when you can, I'll give Hongyang a heads-up and remind him."
Liu Zhizhong sighed resignedly and chuckled, "Sigh... Old Secretary, that's easy to say, but can I tolerate it for a lifetime? Can I evade it forever? I think, as long as County Head Zhang doesn't pick a fight with me, it's best if we each stick to our own paths, you with your Yangguan Road and me with my wooden bridge, right?"
Zhang Zhengchang nodded, "Alright, let's leave it at that. I'll talk to Hongyang. If you have no other business, why don't you come in and sit for a while? We can have some tea and play chess?"
"Hehe, thanks Old Secretary, but I really can't, as I've got some important things to attend to. But if Old Secretary wants to play chess and have tea, those pretty young nurses over there can keep you company—they're all highly skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, you know!"
"Alright then, go ahead and tend to your things!"
"Sure, Old Secretary, take care. I'll deliver the groceries inside. This batch is especially nourishing."
Zhang Zhengchang smiled, a bit awkwardly, but still, he managed a smile.
Consequently, Liu Zhizhong went to get the things from his car. As he passed by the pavilion, he encountered the nurse who was going back to keep Zhang Zhengchang company—it was destined that they should meet.
Liu Zhizhong also said to the beautiful nurse, "Pretty miss, Mister ZZC is in a very critical condition; I'm really counting on you to take good care of him. It's fine for him to take walks, but don't overexert him, okay? Make sure to give him a helping hand whenever he needs it!"
The young nurse replied with a smile, "Don't worry, sir, I'll be sure to help the Old Secretary whenever necessary."
"Mhm, mhm, exactly, you must give him a hand when he needs it. Thank you for your hard work!"
Then, Liu Zhizhong left with a slight smile, leaving behind a charming impression that stirred the nurse's heart, and went to get the items from his car.
However, Zhang Zhengchang, overhearing the conversation with the nurse, felt very comfortable and satisfied, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. What was it? It felt peculiar?
Only after Liu Zhizhong had left did Zhang Zhengchang catch the drift of their exchange, and he couldn't help but steal glances at the young nurse. He thought to himself, Hey, this little girl's got quite an intriguing look!
Somewhat exhausted and unsteady, he stretched out his arm and said, "Nurse, I'm tired and can't walk well. Come, help me out, let's head back..."
"Um, of course, Old Secretary..." The nurse immediately responded, snuggling into Zhang Zhengchang's arms, embracing his waist and back—a picture of a charming, young, and comforting beauty—oh...
Zhang Zhengchang, that sly old fox, clung to the charming nurse, inhaling her sweet scent, feeling quite smug. He silently hoped to himself: I must get well soon!