Official Son-in-Law and the Beautiful Lady Fragrance

Zhang Hongyang gave a cold, detached smile and didn't answer Liu Zhizhong directly.

He just silently took a couple of drags from his cigarette, then watched the graceful movements of the three pretty servers who had come in to lay out the dishes.

Seeing this, Liu Zhizhong couldn't be bothered to ask him anymore.

Anyway, if you're treating me to dinner and drinks, I don't mind. All the dishes here are top quality, and tonight we've got 20-year-old Moutai to drink. That's something I can enjoy.

I've been busting my ass writing articles for you; it's only right I get something in return. Your sister, this meal, and then going back to your wife, it's all payback.

The servers quickly set eight cold dishes and four hot ones, saying a few more dishes would take some time. "Please enjoy your meal," they said, before actually withdrawing.

The dining room was peaceful and quiet, filled with the tempting aroma of food and the fragrant scent of wine. It's a kind of pleasure to sit there, the host and the guest, enjoying the most upscale cuisine in Yangzhou City—especially since it wasn't Zhang Hongyang's own money being spent.

Liu Zhizhong didn't waste any words, directly delving into the food and drink.

He had a fair amount of dishes before he started drinking. That's what you call taking care of your health.

Zhang Hongyang didn't bring up the drink, just took care of his own eating, smoking, and drinking. Liu Zhizhong couldn't be bothered with him either and just did his own thing.

A dinner between brothers-in-law, and yet it's filled with a strange atmosphere.

Eventually, Zhang Hongyang couldn't keep it in any longer. Most of the dishes were eaten, and the hot dishes had all arrived. He coughed a fake cough, picked up his glass, and said, "Liu Zhizhong, dear brother-in-law, shall we drink?"

Liu Zhizhong then picked up his glass, "What do you mean by 'shall we drink'?"

Zhang Hongyang scoffed twice and said, "For the first cup, I haven't seen your sorry ass in a long time, just wanted to check on how you're doing. And look at that, you're no damned good! The moment I get back, you're screwing around with my sister! Damn you!"

After speaking, he downed his drink.

A shot of Moutai in a delicate cup, it really wasn't much liquor.

Liu Zhizhong grinned, nodded, "Thanks for the concern, I'm really doing fine."

Then, he too finished his drink in one gulp.

Zhang Hongyang refilled his glass but didn't pour for Liu Zhizhong, just shook the bottle to signal that Liu Zhizhong could pour his own.

Liu Zhizhong had his own bottle opened as well, so smiling, he filled his glass.

Picking up the second glass, Zhang Hongyang said, "This second, you helped me write a book, and you've put in quite an effort. The first draft is out, right? Send me the electronic version, and I'll take a look and make some edits. So, for the second drink, think of it as if I'm feeding a dog; you've done some work for me, and it's only fair to pay you back with a meal. Of course, you didn't really have a choice in doing my work, did you? That's just the way it is, that's fate, got it?"

Dripping with a sense of superiority and arrogance, Zhang Hongyang downed his drink once more.

Liu Zhizhong gave a cold sneer, pointed at him, "You damned brother-in-law, fine, fine, fine!"

He, too, drank it all in one go.

Filling their third glasses, Zhang Hongyang said, "Third, the silk and fruit industries in Shadong County, two major economic powerhouses, are officially getting underway. I don't trust anyone else with this, just your writing skills. The best scribe in Yangzhou isn't for nothing. I'll send you the relevant info by email; think it through carefully. This piece has to be published in the Provincial Economic Daily. And as for my personal governance philosophy in Shadong, I need an article from you for that too, to be put in the Thought Construction section of the provincial newspaper. It's your old stomping ground; you're familiar with it and you can't refuse!"

By the end, Zhang Hongyang was laughing with mocking satisfaction, taking another drink.

Liu Zhizhong, feeling resigned, shook his head but then nodded, "Fine, you're endlessly squeezing my wisdom, you dog!"

Zhang Hongyang spread his hands, "Can you refuse, being my aunt's secretary?"

Liu Zhizhong sneered, "That's true. Currently, I'm working with your aunt, and if I don't agree, you'll just tattle, and I'm screwed. Working with her has always been a thankless task."

"Hahaha..." Zhang Hongyang laughed excitedly. "So you admit working with my aunt is a thankless task! Then try to enjoy your suffering and maintain the optimism of the revolutionary spirit, hehe..."

The fool actually laughed heartily, filled with happiness and sly delight.

Little did he know that inside, Liu Zhizhong was feeling quite refreshed, after all, considering this young bastard had no idea how he was actually "working with" his aunt!

Liu Zhizhong drank his glass in one gulp and said, "Alright, you've made your three points with three drinks. I won't respond one by one since I've agreed to everything. I'll just drink to you with one glass!"

Once his glass was filled, Zhang Hongyang was still not over his glee, quite excited, "Alright, if you want to drink one back, I accept. What do you say to this drink?"

Yangzhou places great importance on liquor culture, especially in the officialdom. Of course, in this country, the culture of alcohol is pervasive in all aspects!

Therefore, the reciprocity embedded in drinking culture must be honored.

Lifting his glass, Liu Zhizhong said with a smile, "County Head Zhang, Brother Hongyang, dear brother-in-law, you've really impressed me with your work in Shadong County. A local powerhouse with both people and money at your disposal, you can make anything work, even in a godforsaken place like Shadong. To be honest, I'm quite envious. At the same time, please keep up the good work. You needn't bother about the city affairs. No matter how hard it is, I'll take good care of your aunt, be the wild brother-in-law you need, and make sure you become an uncle soon. Let this drink demonstrate my resolve!"

"Your mother..." Zhang Hongyang was so angry, his nose almost went crooked, and he seemed choked up, unable to utter another word...