Chapter 2342 - 2342:

Looking at Grandpa's satisfied expression, Zhang Xiaoyang was truly confused!

"Grandpa, why are you... smiling so contentedly, what's the meaning of this?"

Zhang Taikang stroked his chin, appearing quite at ease, took another sip of tea, and then said, "Those fake gold bars, there's no need to investigate them."

"Ah? This..." Zhang Xiaoyang was even more confused.

"Because I had someone make them, and it's also a kind of test for Liu Zhizhong."

"Ah? This..." Zhang Xiaoyang was incredibly shocked, completely confused, truly finding it hard to believe, "Testing him like this, Grandpa, you... this..."

Zhang Taikang laughed heartily, appearing even more at ease, and said, "You see, Grandpa's way of testing was quite ingenious, wasn't it? The Zhang Family not only made money but also tested Liu Zhizhong, whom apparently is not a typical character. He doesn't dare fight against the Zhang Family at all, only quietly suffers, not daring to publicize, right? Hehe... this kid still somewhat understands things. Of course, he'll be nothing to worry about in the future. As long as he's in the Southeast, he won't dare show off before the Zhang Family, and there won't be a big threat to your future. Naturally, small threats, you'll figure out ways to resolve them, right?"

Only then did Zhang Xiaoyang come to a realization, quickly giving Grandpa a thumbs up, "Grandpa, your move is indeed brilliant, hehe... Though Liu Zhizhong, the guy, was tested, he was also tricked, yet he still made money, what a stroke of luck for him..."

Speaking of this, Zhang Xiaoyang recalled something and said, "This guy kept his mouth shut, didn't publicize, could it be... because he also made money? If he hadn't made money but lost a lot, would he have made a big fuss, spreading it everywhere?"

Zhang Taikang shook his head, "No, this kid has a bit of cleverness. Besides, he is Zhang Qidong's student and is close to Xiong Wenwu, so he won't spread it around."

"But... what if he told Zhang Qidong or Xiong Wenwu?"

"Even if he did, it wouldn't matter. The matter is over and done with. If something blows up, it wouldn't be easy to investigate, right? Though Zhang and Xiong are not exactly aligned with the Zhang Family, they wouldn't dare confront the Zhang Family openly for the sake of a little Liu Zhizhong, would they?"

"Hmm, that's also true..."

"Xiaoyang, you're back, and it's just right that Grandpa also has something to tell you. Currently, the Zhang Family's situation in the Southeast looks stable on the surface. But your third uncle can't return, won't become the Mayor, while Xiong Wenwu might have hope, so..."

Zhang Taikang recapped the state of affairs in Southeast as well as the situation of the Zhang Family internally, akin to reiterating it for his eldest grandson. Originally, Zhang Xiaoyang was aware of these circumstances.

But Grandpa reinforced the impression, making Zhang Xiaoyang's heart somewhat tense, saying, "Grandpa, maintaining the Zhang Family's political position and interests in the Southeast is something the descendants of the Zhang Family should do well. Though Xiaoyang's status is low now, I will certainly strive to make progress. Someday, I will fulfill your aspirations."

Zhang Taikang was quite satisfied, nodding repeatedly, "Among the descendants of the Zhang Family, you are now the eldest of the third generation, bearing heavy responsibilities, but as long as you work hard, there will be hope. This time you returned from Provincial City training, you'll be at the Standard Level. By then, wherever in the Southeast would be most advantageous for your development, just go there. However..."

"However, what?"

Zhang Xiaoyang knew it seemed a critical point had arrived.

Zhang Taikang's expression became more serious, saying, "In the Southeast, you could say you have almost no political opponents. Although Liu Zhizhong is considered a potential minor threat, currently, his threat is not significant. And for Liu Zhizhong, Grandpa feels this kid has some potential; better to befriend him than make him an enemy!"

"Ah? Grandpa, you're suggesting I make friends with Liu Zhizhong?"

Zhang Xiaoyang was shocked, inwardly extremely reluctant!

Liu Zhizhong's background was already a character Zhang Xiaoyang looked down upon.

Not to mention, the two of them had fought fiercely over a woman, Liu Zhizhong almost died.

Under such circumstances, it's already pretty good if they can get along on the surface, but to be friends?

Seeing the changing expressions on his grandson's face, Zhang Taikang naturally knew what was going on, calmly said, "Xiaoyang, I know what you're thinking. But as a politician, excessively entwining personal grievances with one's career trajectory is not the foundation of someone who can rise to a high position. To rise to high positions, a broad mind and grand vision are essential. So, befriending Liu Zhizhong instead of making him an enemy is a kind of mental training, a honing of one's broader vision, why not?"

"Grandpa... I..."

Zhang Xiaoyang was a bit tongue-tied, receiving this lesson from Grandpa, he felt slightly uncomfortable.

However, he was rather quick-witted and immediately said, "I don't know how to be friends with Liu Zhizhong, besides, there aren't any favorable preconditions right now."

"No conditions, then create conditions, right?"

"I..." Zhang Xiaoyang was somewhat bitter, "I don't even know how to create them, hehe..."

He awkwardly laughed, which was a manifestation of a lack of political wisdom!

He shook his head, quickly drank some tea to cover up his awkwardness.

Then, he started shelling white-flavored sunflower seeds to further conceal it.

Seeing this, Zhang Taikang calmly said, "Xiaoyang, isn't your sister returning to the country next month?"

Speaking of his sister, Zhang Xiao You, Zhang Xiaoyang felt full of tenderness; after all, sibling affection is deep!

As for Zhang Xiao You, now 26 years old, she went to a not-so-good university, but with the Zhang Family's financial resources, she managed to study abroad in Little Days Country, pursuing a master's in linguistics.

Now, over there in Little Japan, she studied quite diligently; her academic performance was very good. She's passed her master's thesis defense, and her degree will be granted next month, after which she'll return to the country.

The Zhang Family has arranged everything here; once Zhang Xiao You returns, she can immediately become a lecturer at Southeast Normal University, then possibly become a professor with ease.

Although Southeast is a small prefecture-level city, it has universities like the Normal University and even nationally prioritized disciplines!

Also, there are neighboring ethnic minority areas around Southeast, where quite a few students also get into Southeast Normal University, which is a good choice for them to return to their regions for employment later.

Zhang Xiaoyang smiled and said, "Yeah, the flight is on the 28th of next month, right?"

"Calculating it, I haven't seen her for two years now, and I really miss her. Her return work and development path is set, so I don't need to worry about her. But she's not young anymore, marriage should also be on the agenda, right?"

Zhang Xiaoyang chuckled at this, saying, "Ah, Grandpa, since Xiao You went abroad for studies, we shouldn't worry about her marriage, right?"