The elevator ascended and quickly reached the designated 6th floor.
The doors opened to reveal an old-fashioned, firmly closed door.
Beyond this door, there were no others. Corridors spanned to the left and right, leading to floor-to-ceiling side windows adorned with beautiful fresh flowers—creating quite an atmosphere.
The middle-aged housekeeper personally pushed open the huge door, inviting the two guests inside.
Entering, they found themselves in a rather spacious hall with a massive tree root carving as a coffee table, surrounded by luxurious imported armchairs of the sort.
Ahead, beside the stream, was a huge tempered glass fish tank with two large golden dragons swimming inside, looking exceptionally spacious.
To the south, there was a slightly smaller wooden door where Li Tanglu stood waiting. Upon seeing the two guests arrive, his aged face immediately filled with a welcoming smile as he hurriedly approached them.
This attitude was sufficient.
"Oh my, Miss Xiang gracing us with her presence is like a radiant light shining upon this humble place, making me feel extremely honored! I was just downstairs waiting for you both but got delayed by some matters and missed receiving you in person, for which I apologize sincerely!"
His words were spot on.
Liu Zhizhong quickly responded, "Old Secretary, your thoughtfulness is appreciated, no need for formalities. This place is truly wonderful. Thank you for arranging to meet here!"
"Hehe... It is my honor, my great honor! Come now, Miss Xiang, Zhizhong, please, inside, inside!"
Speaking, Li Tanglu courteously opened the wooden door, respectfully ushering the two guests in.
Meanwhile, he also instructed the housekeeper, "Xiao Lin, you stay outside, no need to come in."
Originally, Yin Lin, the woman in question, had intended to follow them in. But now, that was not an option.
She gave a slight smile, seated herself by the root carving coffee table outside, waiting in a manner that showed great cultivation.
Indeed, she was Li Tanglu's life housekeeper, but she was also one of Li Tanglu's mistresses, having been with him since graduating from university at 22, and that was already 20 years ago!
Before long, Liu Zhizhong and Xiang Wenxin entered what Li Tanglu called his book room.
Looking around, the room had an antique charm, arranged according to Feng Shui, with facilities both luxurious and cozy.
The book room had a desk and shelves full of books that looked frequently read, which was quite special. After all, many current or retired leaders had many books in their home libraries that were never touched, serving merely as decorations.
Sitting in the book room's reception area, the view was indeed broader, offering a taste of being able to survey all from a high vantage point.
Li Tanglu personally brewed the tea, then gave Liu Zhizhong and Xiang Wenxin a brief introduction.
It turned out that this place was essentially Li Tanglu's private property, though officially it was in the name of Chen Yuanyuan.
The primary management was handled by someone else altogether. The charges here were high, beyond the means of ordinary people.
Most of those who frequented this place were political and wealthy elites from Provincial City, discussing life, conducting business, drinking tea, playing cards, and the like.
The second and third floors consisted of soundproof private rooms, all equipped with mahjong and card tables.
This floor was a place Li Tanglu occasionally visited to meet with disciples and old friends, and it could also be considered one of his book rooms. Check latest chapters at novel※fire.net
Opposite was a dining room, used for enjoying home-style cooking and the like.
Of course, within Provincial City, Li Tanglu claimed this was his finest place. Meeting Second Miss Xiang here was a standard he felt obliged to offer. He hoped Second Miss Xiang would not think less of it, and thanked her for the leniency she showed towards Chen Yuanyuan, for her magnanimity and broad-mindedness.
While speaking, he naturally launched into a fierce tirade against Chen Yuanyuan, berating him severely as if wishing he could shape him out of his frustration, sometimes even harboring the thought of killing the worthless wretch!