Chapter 1604 - 1604
When they arrived at the dining room, Liu Zhizhong was in the middle of cooking, the aroma filling the room, while Zhang Minmin was setting the table, working together harmoniously and happily.
The table was already adorned with exquisite cold dishes, and the aroma of hot dishes filled the air, delighting the taste buds; it was quite impressive.
Zhang Minmin eagerly invited the two of them to sit down first, and Tang Zhi praised, "Xiao Liu's cooking skills are indeed exquisite, quite impressive! Little cousin, you two make a perfect pair, truly a match made in the mortal world, haha..."
Although Tang Zhi was only 41 years old, he was quite mature, and his speech carried a tone typical of a high-ranking official, which naturally lent him some charm, truly coming across as admirable.
Liu Zhizhong and Zhang Minmin, of course, exchanged some pleasantries and continued with their tasks.
Soon, everything was ready, and a sumptuous dinner was set on the table.
Liu Zhizhong and Zhang Minmin also sat down, joining Zuo Xintong and her spouse, ready to enjoy dinner together.
Liu Zhizhong opened the best white wine and red wine, ready to have a good drink with everyone.
However, Zuo Xintong and Zhang Minmin opted for red wine, while Tang Zhi stated that he wouldn't drink alcohol, preferring to drink water instead.
This Director Tang, not drinking alcohol?
Well, Liu Zhizhong's dream of getting him drunk was instantly shattered.
So, it went like this: he drank with the lovely cousins in place of Tang Zhi, who substituted alcohol with water, as they ate, chatted, and enjoyed the meal together.
Tang Zhi, although not drinking, conducted himself with formality and composure, offering a toast to Liu Zhizhong, expressing his gratitude. After all, Liu Zhizhong had supported his wife significantly at work, exerting great effort and enhancing Zuo Xintong's performance. The house of Liu Zhizhong was divided three ways, one part for Zuo Xintong, another for Bai Qiuxia, and the rest for him, which was quite a nice little courtyard.
As a husband, he was indeed very thoughtful.
Moreover, Tang Zhi also praised Liu Zhizhong's residence, with its excellent feng shui and high-minded layout, showing substantial depth.
He also expressed admiration for Liu Zhizhong's talents, hoping he would reach new heights, proceed steadily, and wished him a smooth career path, getting better and better.
Additionally, both he and Zuo Xintong knew that Zhang Minmin and Liu Zhizhong had already become a couple, and as a cousin-in-law, he also wished them well, hoping their relationship would remain harmonious, grow more affectionate, and that they would settle things sooner and achieve fruition.
Throughout, Tang Zhi, as the Director of the Office of Tiandu's Prime Minister's Office, a high-ranking official, did not make any promises to Liu Zhizhong, only saying things appropriate for the occasion, yet expressing himself very appropriately. Such eloquence was certainly exceptional.
He did not act like some powerful individuals who might say, "You treat my wife well, you yourself are great, work hard, and when the opportunity arises, I'll recommend or promote you."
Such handling of affairs was indeed wise, and also very much reasonable.
How to put it?
In the circles of Tiandu, or even at the highest levels elsewhere, in officialdom, matters of personnel appointments and promises are never truly decided in public settings, but rather in private moments; those who get it, get it, and those who don't, find it hard to understand.
Of course, Liu Zhizhong hadn't reached such a realm, so while he courteously interacted with the others, also wishing Tang Zhi and his wife conjugal bliss and a long, happy marriage, he felt somewhat disappointed inside.
Disappointment One: Naturally, it was because his woman brought her man to his home to eat the food he cooked, yet he still had to drink and chat with them, showing hospitality.
Disappointment Two: ...