Chapter 2337 - 2337

Liu Zhizhong smirked lightly but didn't nod, then opened the car door, "That's it, County Head Zhang, see you next Monday."

Zhang Xiaoyang knew that Liu Zhizhong might still be feeling arrogant inside, but he secretly sneered—being so arrogant is useless. As long as you're in the Southeast Territory, the Zhang Family can play you like a locust.

So, Zhang Xiaoyang nodded and waved, "Alright, take care."

After saying this, he wrapped his arm around Gu Man's waist and headed back first.

Liu Zhizhong felt a momentary impact before quickly regaining clarity, then got in the car and left.

Leaving Zhang's Manor, Liu Zhizhong didn't head home directly; instead, he went to Yu Haiping's place.

Yu Haiping had become quite successful, earning a lot of money. Now, he has bought a single-family villa in the suburbs of Dongnan City, greatly improving his quality of life!

He advised Liu Zhizhong to buy next to him, but Liu Zhizhong said it wasn't necessary for now, perhaps in the future when there's an opportunity.

What's really on Liu Zhizhong's mind? Solid ground, transient officials; I, Liu Zhizhong, won't take root in the Southeast. Sooner or later, I'll venture out to broader territories, so why bother with property here?

When you've reached a certain level as an official, the house becomes unimportant. Even if renting, there's no need to pay from your pocket, and it must meet your satisfaction.

Aspirational officials are at home in the whole world, rarely having a fixed residence.

Do you ever feel this: once your residence becomes fixed, you become somewhat restricted, feeling unable to freely act on many issues?

Liu Zhizhong reached Yu Haiping's house and told him about Zhang Taikang's proposal from tonight.

Upon hearing it involved five billion in gold, Yu Haiping instinctively said, "Hey, Brother Zhizhong, Zhang Family wouldn't pull a fast one with fake gold to swindle our five billion, forcing your hand?"

Liu Zhizhong paused, then burst out laughing, "Haiping Brothers, that's not possible. Zhang Family is a powerful family in this area, they care about their reputation. Their intention is pretty clear, really to gauge my attitude—whether I listen, cooperate, or not. I'm just starting, our company too, sometimes we have to bow, can't always be asking Brother Wang, right?"

"Yes, you're right. I was just speaking offhandedly, don't take it to heart. I may not understand officialdom, but I understand human nature, haha..."

Liu Zhizhong also laughed, nodded, and said, "Understanding human nature is the best understanding. Recently, I've noticed gold prices might rebound and rise. This five billion investment could soon yield a good profit!"

"Alright Brother Zhizhong, I'll follow your lead. Your judgments have never been wrong, haha... By the way, tomorrow night I have a weekend live stream, would you like to guest star? With you, sales numbers can rocket!"

Liu Zhizhong thought about it and said, "Sure, I have nothing tomorrow, how about we do a 24-hour live stream together, bring Chi Chi on board too?"

"Great, consider it set... Chi Chi has decent traffic now, becoming stable..."

"..."

Soon it was Monday, at nine in the morning, Liu Zhizhong had already moved from the Cultural and Tourism Bureau to the company.

The Monday work meeting at the Cultural and Tourism Bureau finished, and he went straight to the company, waiting for Zhang Xiaoyang while also watching the gold prices.

Sure enough, compared to last week's levels, the gold price had ticked up a bit this Monday.

Liu Zhizhong felt joy inside.

While waiting for Zhang Xiaoyang, he kept an eye on the outside world, especially analyzing how wars impact gold prices, feeling confident about the future appreciation.

Not long after, Zhang Xiaoyang arrived at the company and met with Liu Zhizhong.

This time Zhang Xiaoyang seemed really serious.

Not only had he driven himself, in a large Range Rover, he'd brought along a deputy president in charge of gold sales from a certain bank, along with two major jewelry merchants from Dongnan City, who also brought their top technical consultant.

Seeing this setup, Liu Zhizhong realized Zhang Xiaoyang was here for a deal, and had brought dependable people, all from technical backgrounds!

In such a scenario, Liu Zhizhong of course had no doubts or refusals.

When Zhang Xiaoyang opened the Range Rover's trunk, inside was an exquisite wooden box. Once the box was opened, there it was, glistening with gold bars!

Immediately, with professional personnel accompanying, appraising, witnessing, Liu Zhizhong's side also had company finance staff, together received this batch of five billion worth gold bars, or gold bricks if you like.

Liu Zhizhong's company finance side promptly transferred five billion to a public account provided by Zhang Xiaoyang.

And for the gold bars, the bank hoped Liu Zhizhong's company would deposit them at their bank, like a deposit for interest, offering pretty high rates.

Regarding this request, Liu Zhizhong stated it needed to be discussed with other company shareholders before making a decision.

This explanation seemed fair, and the bank side didn't press further.

Zhang Xiaoyang also mentioned the bank is reliable, the interest rebate is guaranteed, hoping Director Liu would indeed do so for mutual benefit.

Liu Zhizhong expressed understanding.

In such a grand situation, he was disinclined to quarrel with Zhang Xiaoyang. While relations with the Zhang Family were still manageable, breaking off when it wasn't yet related to personal interests seems pointless.

Besides, soon he and Zhang Xiaoyang would be going to the Provincial Party School for training!

Hence, the gold bars were stored securely in the company's safe.

About whether to deposit them at the bank, that's a matter to discuss later.

Liu Zhizhong had his considerations, as it depends on the subsequent trend of gold prices—whether they rise or fall.

If prices fell, he'd definitely deposit them in the bank under the company's name.

If they rose, Liu Zhizhong would unhesitatingly sell them all!

In the following days, Liu Zhizhong indeed watched the international gold price trend.

Hmm? Not bad, as international tensions rise, gold prices are slowly climbing.

One day, Liu Zhizhong and leaders from the Cultural and Tourism Bureau went to Shunping County's Cultural and Tourism Bureau, a routine inspection work between upper and lower levels, had a related meeting.

After the meeting, Liu Zhizhong bumped into Zhang Xiaoyang doing an inspection at a unit next to the Cultural and Tourism Bureau.

Zhang Xiaoyang made polite exchanges on the surface, then pulled Liu Zhizhong aside and quietly said, "Liu Zhizhong, your damn luck is too good, isn't it? Gold prices are rising quickly, might skyrocket next week, you'll make big money! My Old Zhang Family, we truly regret it, sigh..."

Liu Zhizhong smiled blandly and said, "The deal's done, thanks to the Old Zhang Family for gifting money, haha..."