章 8: 008 doesn't give face
As soon as Zhang Hongyang got through on the phone, his face lit up with a smile, oozing a fraternal charm.
"Zhizhong, it's your Brother Hongyang here, where are you at... mhm, come back quick, dinner's about to start, tonight your aunt and uncle-in-law returned to their maiden home... uh-huh... Your uncle-in-law really cares about you, dinner can't start until you get here... Hurry up, don't delay too much, your uncle-in-law has a lot on his plate and is very busy... Alright, alright..."
After he hung up, he even said, "Uncle-in-law, Aunt, Little Brother Zhizong is rushing back from the town, he'll be here in a minute, he's got to give you face!"
This bit of smooth talking made Lu Yuqing, who knew what was really going on, feel a bit sick.
Didn't Zhang Hongyang usually show his true colors when dealing with Auntie's darling Big Baby Liu?
Yet, she just offered a faint smile and nodded, saying nothing more.
Ma Xudong, on the other hand, seemed quite satisfied and cast an approving glance his way.
Ma Xudong said, "That's right, a family should show a united front! Come on, let's sit at the dining hall and wait..."
Meanwhile, the high-end dishes from the restaurant were also delivered. Zhang Hongyang brought out a few special bottles of 20-year-old Old Moutai, placing them on the table with prestige.
Ma Xudong outwardly said that was too extravagant and wasteful, a family meal should be simple, with just a little drink...
In reality, though, his vanity was immensely gratified.
The in-laws sure knew how to handle things, very good... The drink was excellent, and the sister-in-law even more so.
As for Liu Zhizhong, after hanging up, he sneered to himself.
Fucking idiot Zhang Hongyang, look at your hypocritical face man, acting all clever for what?
Your mother-in-law kicked me out the door, but you still have to personally invite me back to dinner?
He wasn't in any rush, and drove his car into the villa's compound about ten minutes later.
As soon as he entered, he saw Zhang Hongyang standing by the parking space with an icy face, smoking a cigarette, waiting for him!
Liu Zhizhong chuckled inwardly. You fool, don't tell me you're trying to reprimand me?
Sure enough, as soon as Liu Zhizhong parked the car and got out, Zhang Hongyang said coldly, "Mayor Liu, you're quite the big shot now, huh?"
Everyone could understand the sarcastic undertone.
But Liu Zhizhong, feigning ignorance, smiled and offered a cigarette, "What are you talking about, Brother Hongyang? With my status, what dignity do I have to speak of?"
"Secretary Ma specifically named you to wait for your return before starting dinner; the whole family is waiting for you. Isn't your face big enough?" Zhang Hongyang said as he brushed away his cigarette without taking it, speaking indifferently, "Enough, put away your crappy smoke! What day is it today, and you still smoke this sixteen yuan Liqun? What's with that? Take this!"
He then pulled out two packs of Zhonghua cigarettes from his pocket, handed them to Liu Zhizhong, "Don't embarrass us, okay? Your uncle-in-law loves these, be diligent in offering them later. But…"
As he spoke, he clutched the two packets of cigarettes in his hand, flipping them upwards, "I'm warning you, remember what your status is. In front of your uncle-in-law, don't get carried away after a few drinks, be polite and watch what you say. Don't go arguing with everyone you see. In this family, harmony and unity are key, got it?"
Liu Zhizhong's eyes glazed over with a Leslie Cheung-like melancholic quality and a faint light escaping from his eyes.
"Leader Zhang, are you trying to teach me how to behave?"
His voice was ice-cold, cutting through the air.
Zhang Hongyang did not appreciate his attitude and replied coldly, "With the likes of you, do I have a choice but to teach you? Me teaching you is your good fortune!"
"Cut the crap. Don't forget how arrogant you were on the phone when Zhang Xueyao tried to overstep her boundaries. I'll remember that for life!"
"So what? What can you do about it? Enough talk, take the cigarettes and go inside."
"Out of the way!"
Liu Zhizhong raised his hand and knocked Zhang Hongyang's cigarettes to the ground, carrying his briefcase as he strode into the villa.
Zhang Hongyang's face turned ashen, and he bit his lip, resisting the urge to curse, and held back.
He had to pick up the cigarettes, cursing under his breath, "You son of a bitch, dare to defy me? I'll make sure you regret this!"
Truth be told, Zhang Hongyang was now the Deputy District Chief of the Southern District, and Liu Zhizhong was just a Deputy Town Mayor of a remote township under the district's jurisdiction. Zhang Hongyang had many ways to deal with Liu Zhizhong, no sweat at all.
But Liu Zhizhong had the support of his Auntie's powerful backing, truly unfazed by him. He was even ready to sleep with Zhang Xueyao and piss off Zhang Hongyang!
Zhang Hongyang was really good with appearances, quickly catching up to Liu Zhizhong and even pushing open the dining hall's door first, instantly wearing a brotherly smile, "Here, here, Brother Zhizhong, you're finally back! Please, haha..."
Look at that, such skill and speed in changing faces, truly impressive!
Liu Zhizhong knew what he was like, one set of morals in his heart, another to your face, and a different one altogether in action. But Zhizhong didn't mind, after all, his aunt and uncle-in-law were there!
Surveying the room with a smile and an elegant demeanor, Liu Zhizhong said, "Aunt, Secretary Ma, Mother... and all friends and relatives here, sorry I'm late, things were busy in town, can I start with three penalties?"
As soon as he finished, Lu Yumei simply couldn't restrain herself from slamming the table: "You scoundrel, returning late is one thing, but you start off with drinking? Why don't you just die in your drink? Look at this glass, after three shots, will you even be able to speak?"
This mother-in-law, truly related by blood, never thought about saving the face of her son-in-law...
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