Official Son-in-Law and the Beautiful Lady Fragrance

Hamuer smiled and said, "My wife is in the Provincial City, accompanying our child for schooling. Our place here is remote and backward, and the education isn't good. Generally, families with a bit of money don't send their kids to school in the county; they go to the state level. Those with some money in the state send their kids to the Provincial City. The reality is just like that."

Liu Zhizhong nodded, "Hmm, it's a reality. For the sake of children, living apart in two places, traveling thousands of miles, I can understand. Your child is quite grown, right? In junior high or high school?"

"Hehe... I married late; back then, my family was poor and had no choice. I had my son only at 34. Now, my son is just in the second grade of elementary school, 7 years old."

"Oh, I see. That's quite far to the Provincial City. Is it a public or private school there?"

"It's private! An international school, actually."

Liu Zhizhong was a bit surprised, "Oh? An international school? You have quite the vision!"

Hamuer pushed his glasses up and gave a bitter smile, "Sigh, there's no other way! Back then, I was a select student from a 211 university, but without connections or background, I could only come back to my hometown. At first, I didn't know how to navigate things here, so it was really hard to mix in the administration."

"Later, I got the hang of it, became sensible, and it got a bit easier. But I always felt that such an environment isn't good for my family's future, and even worse for the child's growth."

"Especially after my child was born, I thought about it even more. Everything is for the child, can't help it!"

"Letting him attend an international school allows him to have more choices in the future. As for me, in my forties already, I'll just make do for as long as I can! Anyway... hehe..."

Seeing Liu Zhizhong finished eating, Hamuer put down his chopsticks too, wiped his mouth, offered Liu Zhizhong a cigarette, and smiled bitterly, "Meeting County Magistrate Liu, I can speak frankly. For someone like me, having the money to send my son to an international school in the Provincial City means the money isn't clean. Though it's not much, it's still a sin. In case one day I'm investigated, at least I can ensure my wife and child's livelihood and future is secure! Right now, my wife and I are technically divorced."

Liu Zhizhong was a bit silent but also somewhat respectful, nodding, "I understand your thinking. For the family and the child's sake, you really go all out! To be honest, in organizational work, money matters are small issues; the important thing is to pick a side, understand?"

"Yes, I understand. Money has to be made, but I am not too greedy. Just enough is fine. Compared to others, my appetite is much smaller, haha..."

"Well, there's a limit to big or small; that's a good thing..."

"At times, I've even thought, if my son grows up and has a place abroad, he might as well not come back. Some things aren't worth clinging to..."

"Sigh... hmm, there's some truth to that..."

"..."

This wasn't an overly elaborate lunch, but Liu Zhizhong found it exceptionally satisfying. At the very least, with Hamuer, he could build mutual trust!

As a County Mayor, going to a new place to govern, coming across a subordinate you can confide in is a good start.

Hamuer's truthfulness and sincerity were far more genuine than the empty words I've heard too much of these days.

Liu Zhizhong was very pleased with such a lunch and, after eating, said to Hamuer, "After this afternoon's County Government meeting, let's pack up early and prepare to go down to the countryside! Ride with me to the countryside; there's no need to worry about food and lodging, and the safety and comfort are also decent!"

"Sure, I'll follow the leader's arrangements!"

"Haha..."