Liu Zhizhong, having heard too much flattery over time, found it annoying, yet also rather satisfying. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✶𝓷𝓮𝓽
Of course, he better understood the meaning behind those words, which were genuine compliments but also, in effect, groundwork for the forthcoming discussion.
Before long, Zhang Zhengchang came back, beaming with a puffy face, carrying tea that he had personally brewed and poured for everyone, with Liu Zhizhong being the first to be served.
In the past, the first to be served would certainly have been Li Tanglu, followed by Luo Tianlin, then Zhang Zhengchang himself, and lastly Liu Zhizhong.
Today, Liu Zhizhong was first, Li Tanglu second, Luo Tianlin third, and finally Zhang Zhengchang; Old Zhang ranked the lowest, haha....
In officialdom, respecting hierarchies and following protocols is very important!
Although Liu Zhizhong attempted to decline, it was merely a polite gesture and he couldn't resist.
As a man embarked on a bureaucratic career, being so young and elevated to the top position in front of these leaders was an empty honor and vanity, but damn it felt good!
Once the tea was poured, Liu Zhizhong even extinguished his cigarette, ready to begin the discussion.
Then Zhang Zhengchang personally lit the cigarette for him once more.
Liu Zhizhong tried to refuse, but he couldn't resist Zhang Zhengchang's manners, who said, "Ah, Zhizhong, you deserve it. You are the pride of Yangzhou; having someone as talented as you from our city is our honor! You're truly exceptional. Even our own Zhang Hongyang can't catch up no matter how hard he tries—the useless fellow, ah... I don't even want to speak of him!"
Sat beside him, Li Tanglu actually chimed in, "Zhang Hongyang, a useless fellow? Hehe... Our Chen Yuanyuan is a complete waste too! Good for nothing, always causing trouble! Honestly... not even fit to carry your shoes, Zhizhong!"
Anyways, Luo Tianlin nodded along on the surface, but inside he was far from pleased. Zhang Hongyang is my son; what are you, Zhang Zhengchang, cursing him for, ah...
Of course, Luo Tianlin actually wanted to curse Zhang Hongyang too. Ah... Look at him, that illegitimate child has been okay lately, not causing trouble, doing things with flair, and I've heard his drama series is about to air too!
Thinking of this, Luo Tianlin inwardly praised Liu Zhizhong: Truly a talent, a shame he's not my son! The books he writes, the screenplays he edits, have made Zhang Hong a sensation; impressive indeed! No wonder Second Miss Xiang looks favorably upon him; they share quite a history, and their personal relationship is deep.
Alright, with the cigarette lit and the tea served, Li Tanglu formally initiated the discussion.
"Zhizhong, thank you for personally making the trip. Your role as a spokesperson for the Xiang family fully demonstrates their insightful and wise choice in selecting you! As the uncle of the criminal Chen Yuanyuan, I feel deeply ashamed, profoundly sorry, and completely disgraced!" he said.
"Yuanyuan, this child, fundamentally isn't bad but lost his mother early. His father, always preoccupied with navigating officialdom, hardly had the time to discipline him sufficiently. I, as his uncle, treated him like my own, admittedly spoiling him to the point where he now neither advances nor retreats, causing trouble and acting outrageously, completely useless, akin to a beast... I am truly deserving of death!"
"Regarding the insult suffered by Second Miss Xiang, I, Li Tanglu, am willing to personally take Chen Yuanyuan to apologize to her, leaving him at Second Miss's mercy, showing no lenience or protection! As long as Second Miss does not wish his death, any form of discipline is acceptable! Should he be spared his life, I, Old Li, will ensure strict supervision and education from here on. If he doesn't mend his ways, I myself will break his legs!"
This was Li Tanglu's stance, and of course, very sincere.
Liu Zhizhong nodded along as the recording was ongoing. He couldn't help but smile, "Secretary Li, you're being too severe. Where is there a need for life and death? Besides, this matter... it truly doesn't involve you, Secretary. I've also told Second Miss Xiang, you're innocent, and she agrees."