Chapter 2335 - 2335:

At this moment, Liu Zhizhong understood the context of the dialogue.

He shouldn't lose his integrity as a man in front of Zhang Taikang, nor should he appear greedy and insatiable, right?

Such an old man, with some interesting qualities deep down — traditional, conservative, with a sense of dignity and integrity.

So, the things from the Zhang Family, I should avoid them if I can, not get soft. The past is resolved, let it be.

In future matters, with the fight against Zhang Xiaoyang, deal with him until he's finished, haha...

The confrontation with Zhang Xiaoyang is sure to be a prolonged process.

At a certain point, it wouldn't be matters that Old Sir Zhang could handle. Maybe someday, he'll pass away and won't be able to shelter his eldest grandson anymore, haha...

Seeing the situation, Zhang Taikang earnestly said, "Xiao Liu, you must accept it! If you don't, it's not just Xiaoyang but even us old folks who feel we owe Liu Zhizhong too much! After all, if it weren't for your good fortune, you wouldn't have woken up your whole life, even lost your life! That a mere house given to you as compensation isn't excessive."

Liu Zhizhong waved his hand, "No, no, no, I understand Old Sir's feelings, I get it, and that's enough. But that house is quite valuable, and Liu Zhizhong firmly cannot accept it."

"Why?"

"Because I just told you, Old Sir, that the past is past, indulging in it has no meaning. In other words, my grievances with County Head Zhang are over; there's no need to reopen them. The future life needs to be written by each of us, nothing should build on past negatives, everything must head toward tomorrow, toward brightness! I'm even thinking that when there's an appropriate house, I might buy one and then return the house to County Head Zhang!"

Zhang Taikang was momentarily distracted and then nodded, showing a relieved expression, "Hmm, young one, to have such heart and vision is indeed quite extraordinary. Let's leave it be then, the Zhang Family won't gift you the house anymore, haha... Don't rush buying a house; feel free to live there, even forever. Our past matters, let's not bring them up anymore, alright?"

"All right, all right, this is the best, the best, haha..."

Liu Zhizhong's smile was not at all fake; it was warm, calm, and dignified, appearing very sincere!

Zhang Taikang nodded, looking quite satisfied, and said, "You're 27 years old this year, right?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Now, about your personal matters, are you single or currently in a relationship?"

Old Man Zhang's mannerism was no longer that of a retired official but more like a gossiping grandma from the neighborhood.

Liu Zhizhong chuckled, saying, "Thank you, Old Sir, for your concern. Xiao Liu is single now and not in a relationship, mostly due to a busy work life where things aren't stable, thus there's no desire to date."

"Oh~~~~" Zhang Taikang elongated the sound, waved his hand, "No, no, no, Xiao Liu, this won't do! For a man, settling down and starting a career is important. You've kind of established your career, which is flourishing. However busy and tired you get, isn't it nice to come home to a warm pot and stove? Having someone to wash clothes and cook meals brings warmth to a home and also allows you to integrate better into your work! You're 27 already, you should indeed consider personal matters."

Hearing this, Liu Zhizhong couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Why is this old man saying this?

Could it be he's thinking of matchmaking me tonight? Marrying a Zhang Family girl to me to bind me, make me part of the Zhang Family's influence?

No way, absolutely no way!

Even if that Zhang girl lets me sleep with her and gets pregnant, I have my principled integrity and would not become a son-in-law of the Zhang Family.

If I become the Zhang Family's son-in-law, ha, I'd still have no face in front of Zhang Xiaoyang. Certainly, it'd be hard to say with Gu Man.

Originally, Gu Man's pursuit of vanity was something Liu Zhizhong somewhat despised.

But now, if Liu Zhizhong became the Zhang Family's son-in-law, wouldn't Gu Man regard me less?

Not just her, perhaps even her sister Gu Yan would look down on me?

Would Mayors Xiong Wenwu and Zhang Qidong see any merit in me? We're allies, after all, not on the same line as the Zhang Family!

The entire Southeast City's officialdom might even think that Liu Zhizhong climbed up by clinging to higher status, isn't it?

Therefore, Liu Zhizhong still smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern! Liu Zhizhong is currently focused on work and career! Recently, I've felt my educational background isn't sufficient and want to further my studies! Hence, I have no intention of discussing marriage now!"

Zhang Taikang thought to himself: This child is extraordinary! In such a political atmosphere and stance, he still wants to pursue education and progress? Even putting aside personal matters, this truly shows ambition, haha...

He certainly wouldn't think that Liu Zhizhong's ambition was to sweep away the Southeast Zhang Family's halo, letting it fade and never refract brilliance again.

Zhang Taikang laughed, "Well, you're very special, different from others. It's apparent that you have political pursuits and ambitions!"

"Ambition is too grand a term, only Xiao Liu feels there's potential to tap into. When young, it's just the time to strive!"

"Hmm, not bad at all, your teacher truly taught you well, haha... Mayor Zhang Qidong is your university professor, right?"

"Yes, indeed. During my university years, Mayor Zhang was at our academy..."

"..."

Next, the two had a casual chat for a short while.

On Zhang Xiaoyang's end, along with Gu Man, he continued entertaining guests while occasionally paying attention to the situation here, feeling a bit puzzled.

What is Grandpa chatting with Liu Zhizhong about, delaying quite a bit?

Wasn't it said that Grandpa wanted to test Liu Zhizhong? Does the test need to last this long?

However, Zhang Xiaoyang also didn't overthink it. After all, Liu Zhizhong, in Southeast, under the Zhang Family's nose, if he doesn't listen and behave, he's unlikely to fare well.

Meanwhile, over here, after chatting for a while, Zhang Taikang asked, "Xiao Liu, you're a capable and outstanding young man. Your presence is indeed a promising new force within Southeast officialdom, quite anticipated. Recently, the Zhang Family has a small matter that requires your help, do you think it's feasible?"

Liu Zhizhong's heart skipped a beat, huh? Is this the main point now? Your Zhang Family is so impressive, does it have something that I, Liu Zhizhong, can help with?

Liu Zhizhong smiled and said, "Old Zhang, you're too polite. Zhang Family has influence in Southeast, connected and capable! I, Liu Zhizhong, am insignificant, how could I possibly have abilities to aid the Zhang Family? Old Zhang, surely you're just joking with me, haha..."