Chapter 2333 - 2333: 2333

Please, please, don't say it... At a moment like this, with this situation, even someone as strong-minded as Liu Zhizhong, as stable as he is, couldn't quite hold it together, and was quite shocked.

Zhang Xiaoyang's display, his intent, Liu Zhizhong understood!

Gu Man's embarrassment, awkwardness, and even the helplessness in her eyes, Liu Zhizhong also understood!

In an instant, Liu Zhizhong felt a piercing pain in his heart.

Although the pain passed in a flash, it was still a pain nonetheless.

Zhang Xiaoyang provoked Liu Zhizhong this way and also stirred up resentment.

The dissatisfaction within Liu Zhizhong also reached a tipping point, but he held back without showing it.

This kind of resentment, any man would find it unbearable, let alone Liu Zhizhong?

Of course, because he is Liu Zhizhong, he maintained his composure.

The voice in his heart said: The Zhang Family has gone too far, I must not let Zhang Xiaoyang off, we'll see!

At the moment, Liu Zhizhong smiled slightly, nodded, and said, "Alright then, I'll thank you both for the courtesy. Here is a birthday gift in compliance with the Commission for Discipline Inspection regulations for Mr. Zhang, please accept it on his behalf!"

As he spoke, Liu Zhizhong, as if performing a routine, took out a red envelope from his briefcase, not light nor heavy, exactly one thousand yuan, and handed it to Zhang Xiaoyang.

Zhang Xiaoyang raised an eyebrow, but then smiled and actually took the red envelope.

"Oh? Director Liu really understands etiquette, bringing a red envelope?"

Originally Liu Zhizhong thought Zhang Xiaoyang would refuse like he did with Secretary Wu, saying something about not accepting gifts.

But who would've thought, Zhang Xiaoyang casually accepted it.

Liu Zhizhong simply smiled and said, "I suppose so!"

Zhang Xiaoyang smiled, opened the red envelope, and took out the thousand yuan, counting it right in front of everyone.

Then, Zhang Xiaoyang curled his lips, put the money back into the envelope, and tossed it back to Liu Zhizhong.

"Keep it! Grandpa's birthday today won't accept anything, neither cash nor gifts are needed. Your mere thousand yuan wouldn't even buy a dish on the table, you know? Taking your money, the Zhang Family would be criticized for being greedy, which is unnecessary. Moreover, haha..."

Saying this, Zhang Xiaoyang smiled meaningfully, looked around, and said, "With your wealth and status, Liu Zhizhong, offering only a thousand yuan on your first visit to pay respects to a local luminary like my grandfather? You really know how to conduct yourself, haha..."

Liu Zhizhong was slightly taken aback, damn it, they said no gifts, but now they are blatantly asking for more, aren't they?

Just as he was about to say something, Zhang Xiaoyang waved his hand inside, "Go ahead, Liu Zhizhong, head directly to the Zhang Family dining hall, my grandfather is inside entertaining guests. If you go, he will definitely have a private chat with you, haha..."

After saying this, more people arrived at the parking lot, and Zhang Xiaoyang was already pulling Gu Man's hand, moving to greet them.

Liu Zhizhong slightly turned his head and saw that it was indeed the City Committee's Secretary getting out of a purple Bentley in the parking lot, haha...

He couldn't be bothered to linger, as this Secretary naturally belonged to the Zhang Family System, so he directly headed to the dining hall.

Walking along the lakeside corridor inward, feeling like winding paths lead to secluded places, on reaching the other side, the Zhang Family's grand dining hall was all brightly decorated.

At this time, the dining hall was also brightly decorated, filled with a festive atmosphere of longevity, and it was bustling with people!

The aroma of food had already begun to waft from the dining hall, along with the fragrance of high-end tea.

For Zhang Family's birthday celebrations, the ingredients and beverages here were indeed top-notch.

As Zhang Xiaoyang said, a mere thousand yuan wasn't enough for even one dish!

Haha, the Zhang Family is wealthy! Where does their money come from, those who know, know!

The appearance of Liu Zhizhong, tall and handsome, composed and strong, naturally drew considerable attention from Zhang Family members.

Of course, some of the bigwigs from the city and county truly recognized him, as the successful hosting of the Spring Festival Tourism Fest had made Liu Zhizhong a familiar face, extremely popular!

As a result, many greeted Liu Zhizhong as well. He was indeed impressive, remembering everyone's name and title, with incredibly strong memory.

Responding to each in turn, their goodwill towards him was indeed quite positive. After all, Liu Zhizhong knowing their names and titles was a basic respect, haha...

Soon, Liu Zhizhong also saw a super stage in the dining hall.

On the stage, a group of men and women were gathered around Mr. Zhang, seemingly watching him play Chinese chess with someone, deeply engrossed in the game!

Mr. Zhang, dressed in a festive long-life robe, in brilliant reds and purples, looking quite imposing.

He was 77 years old, but well-maintained, with a rosy complexion and slightly gray hair.

Broad face and large ears, physically fit without signs of late-life obesity, rather lean and lively!

He made a move, calling out 'check,' and the opponent immediately conceded defeat, exclaiming how skilled he was, causing applause to erupt from the surrounding men and women.

This birthday scene hence appeared quite lively.

Just then, a butler-like man whispered a few words into Mr. Zhang's ear.

Zhang Taikang then tossed aside the chess pieces, stood up, standing at 1.8 meters tall, with a straight back, "Haha... Director Liu is here, haha..."

After speaking, he walked out of the crowd with a smile, stepping down from the stage, heading directly towards Liu Zhizhong.

Liu Zhizhong, in turn, quickly put on a smiling face and greeted him, extending his hand from afar, "Mr. Zhang, junior Liu Zhizhong pays his respects to you! May you have..."

After some formalities, Liu Zhizhong spoke appropriately, shaking hands with Zhang Taikang.

Zhang Taikang laughed heartily, nodded, and released his hand, looking Liu Zhizhong up and down, making him the center of attention.

"Mmm... truly, Director Liu is a talented and outstanding young man! Good, good, a bright future indeed, haha..."

The onlookers, looking at such a young and handsome man like Liu Zhizhong, also found it pleasing to the eye, with nods and smiles from many!

Liu Zhizhong quickly responded with modesty, "Mr. Zhang, you're too kind, too kind. I am just a junior, hoping for your guidance and support, haha..."

This politeness was only to be expected.

Zhang Taikang smiled slightly, stroked his chin, nodded, and said to those around, "Everyone, please continue, I have some private matters to discuss with Xiao Liu, I'll be back shortly, haha..."

After speaking, he gestured to Liu Zhizhong and walked towards the side door of the dining hall.

Liu Zhizhong felt a slight jolt in his heart, a private conversation? Is this good or bad news?

However, he didn't hesitate and quickly followed Zhang Taikang's steps. Whatever it may be, he'll see when the time comes?