Ah, look at Zhang Zhenglong, the bootlicker, carrying big and small bags, drenched in sweat.

The luxurious clothes, now wet with sweat, messy hair, and that eager expression.

Liu Zhizhong really felt it, a mother-in-law's charm is truly great!

To make a character like Zhang Zhenglong act like a bootlicker to this extent, Lu Yumei really is something.

Over there in the pavilion, Lu Yuqing and Lu Yumei were talking about something; it seemed there was an argument, with Lu Yumei glaring this way, making Zhang Zhenglong nod and bow with a smile, licking up to the extreme.

But in the end, Lu Yumei agreed to have breakfast together.

This made Zhang Zhenglong so happy that he even carried the bags when they all went down the mountain!

The two bodyguards wanted to help their boss but were dismissed by Zhang Zhenglong.

Breakfast was at the best tea restaurant in Yangzhou, serving authentic Hong Kong flavors.

Zhang Zhenglong, being rich and ostentatious, had booked the entire venue.

The four of them enjoyed the best seats, eating and enjoying the scenery, a truly delightful experience.

Of course, Zhang Zhenglong was like a waiter, serving buns and pouring water, even attending to Liu Zhizhong, and he kept smiling.

After a pleasant breakfast, they naturally went their separate ways.

Zhang Zhenglong was content and didn't even offer to drive Lu Yumei, who had her Audi Q7!

He thought it best not to bother Lu Yumei too much.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhizhong also went home to take a bath and change clothes before heading to the City Committee office. Although he knew Ma Xudong was about to have a downfall, he still had to go to work.

Lu Yuqing naturally headed back to the City Committee first. Before any formal announcement, she could still use the rest room in her husband's office to take a shower and relax.

While driving, Liu Zhizhong got a call from Zhang Zhenglong.

"Liu Zhizhong, you lad did really well, did a huge favor for your uncle! I'm exhausted today, but it feels great. Know that? Your mother-in-law never used to give me a chance to eat with her, haha... It's all thanks to your clever ideas."

Zhang Zhenglong burst into praises, making Liu Zhizhong feel pretty good inside.

"Hehe... Uncle Zhang, you flatter me. For your happiness, how could I not make an effort?"

"Eh? A meal together and now it's 'uncle'?"

"Oh, haha, Father-in-law Long, hehe..."

"Ah! That's comfortable to hear! Shall we 'accidentally meet' again the day after tomorrow morning?"

"No problem!"

"..."

Anyway, Liu Zhizhong drove while bantering with Zhang Zhenglong, feeling pretty good.

He also told Zhang Zhenglong not to rush things and to simmer on low heat. His mother-in-law hadn't yet stepped out of her husband's shadow; he needed to show more concern and consideration, behave more like a real-life man, not flaunt his power, especially not display his wealth and influence.

These words, ah, really got through to Zhang Zhenglong, who admitted he may have been a bit arrogant before, turning Lu Yumei off. It was lucky he had the reminder!

Of course, he was a man with a strategy, not directly making demands for support if Ma Xudong went down.

Some things can't be rushed, rushing shows a lack of composure, a dire urgency as if begging.

It would be better to bring it up when it's actually dangerous; that shows style.

Maybe, just maybe, if Zhang Zhenglong could get a bit closer to Lu Yumei, he might return the favor?

If Zhang Zhenglong truly took initiative, Liu Zhizhong would really consider him a noteworthy figure!

The next day, Ma Xudong's phones were unreachable, both his work and personal ones.

The day after, Zhang Zhenglong again met up with the Lu Family Sisters and Liu Zhizhong at West Mountain, continuing his bootlicking role, carrying bags and handing over water, extremely eager!

Later, as usual, they had breakfast together, with Zhang Zhenglong continuing his service.

He remembered Liu Zhizhong's advice to keep it low and slow.

By the end of the week, Zhang Zhenglong, the Lu Family Sisters, and Liu Zhizhong were climbing the West Mountain Scenic Area for the third time and having breakfast for the third time, their interactions no longer as awkward as before.

This chubby fellow was determined to lose weight and was indeed putting in the effort, looking a bit slimmer.

After breakfast ended, in the parking lot, Lu Yumei asked Lu Yuqing, "How come I haven't seen your husband on TV these past few days?"

Lu Yuqing could only say he was in the Provincial City for a meeting and didn't have time to appear on TV.

Lu Yumei, once a Housekeeper in Yangzhou who deeply understood officialdom, expressed her disbelief, "Could it be trouble? Don't try to deceive your sister! I might not have been an official, but I understand these shifts in the atmosphere. That beast Ma is likely to fall, what will you do? And…"

While speaking, Lu Yumei glanced at Liu Zhizhong, who had just gotten into his car to leave.

Lu Yumei continued, "And what about Liu Zhi here?"

Lu Yuqing forced a smile, "Big sister, you're too sensitive. Ma Xudong is just out for a meeting in the province for a few days, there's nothing amiss…"

As she was speaking, Lu Yuqing's phone vibrated with a crucial message. She picked it up and upon reading it in front of her elder sister Lu Yumei, her face turned pale.

Lu Yumei also caught a glimpse, and scoffed, "See, what did I say? It's over, isn't it? Sigh…"