In an instant, Liu Zhizhong's face soured, a wave of inexplicable humiliation rising in his heart.

Of course, he understood everything. Pointing at the newspaper, he said, "Secretary Zhang, is this really appropriate? I spent several nights on this, and the byline is attributed to your nephew?"

Damn it, I toiled away, and it's bad enough that the name on it is Zhang Yuxing—just considering it as bending to the female City Committee member's lewd power.

But, this damned thing ended up becoming a wedding dress made for my enemy, Zhang Hongyang, fulfilling his fucking wishes.

Such page space in the provincial newspaper could greatly benefit one's promotion if one were able to publish an article there—it represents a major asset in ideological construction.

Seeing Liu Zhizhong's face, Zhang Yuxing couldn't help but feel joyful inside, her face blossoming into a radiant smile.

"Hmm, I do think it's good. Should it not bear Hongyang's name, but yours instead? You're not from the Zhang family, nor are you my nephew, right? Please don't make me too happy, Secretary Liu!"

She smiled even more beautifully, her eyes sparkling brightly.

Standin up, she smoothed her slightly disheveled hair and turned to walk toward the window.

Her demeanor was not that of a stern nun but rather resembled that of a graceful young matron.

Especially her trembling heart, her slender waist, that buttock that could be grasped with a slap, and her long legs—it was all a uniquely sexy combination.

Sometimes, Liu Zhizhong had observed, quite a few men in the City Committee Courtyard were greedy for her. But they dared not act.

Even Ma Xudong, sometimes privately drooling over this woman, Zhang Yuxing, didn't dare make a move.

Liu Zhizhong was very clear about these matters.

After all, such a middle-aged beauty—with breasts, a waist, a fine butt, and beautiful legs, well-maintained, with a young and pretty face that always looked serious—it greatly ignited a man's desire to conquer—wouldn't it be enjoyable to leave her naked?

Watching her enchanting back, Liu Zhizhong really wanted to rush up and slap that fine butt.

Damn it, if I get a chance, I'll surely part those pencil-thin legs of yours and pry you open!

Thinking of his usually cold-faced superior, Liu Zhizhong seemed to find no better way to get revenge.

Reflecting on this, his emotional strength played a significant role, calming his mind.

At that moment, all he could do was sigh, "Enough already. The Zhang family is too powerful; I can't provoke them. Secretary Zhang cares about family, which I can understand. If there's nothing else, I'll head back to my office."

"Wait a minute!"

Zhang Xingyue raised her elegant finger and slowly turned around, the frostiness returning to her face.

That dominating aura, always present in her, was exactly that of someone giving orders.

Liu Zhizhong could only muster a forced smile, elegantly saying, "Alright, if Secretary Zhang has something to say, please do."

His polite demeanor had always garnered much praise within the City Committee.

In Zhang Xingyue's eyes, this was a sign of weakness, which particularly comforted her. In front of the Zhang family members, no one in Yangzhou dared to be bold, especially not Liu Zhizhong.

Zhang Xingyue nodded, "Your attitude is commendable, and I'm reassured. First, Hongyang's article was substantial; you did well, and working diligently for the Zhang family members is your path to survival."

"Second, I also want articles that are insightful and of high caliber. Later, I'll have Honghong send you the materials."

"Third, tonight at 6:30 PM, Hongyang wants to have dinner with you to show his appreciation, and I will attend too—arrange your time."

A gigantic sun surged in Liu Zhizhong's heart. Facing this domineering middle-aged beauty, he really wanted to draw his sword and strike her face, her mouth—calling you a bitch, treating me like a slave, exploiting me!

However, regarding the first two issues, Liu Zhizhong could only accept them under pressure.

But for the third issue, he hesitated, seriously saying, "Secretary Zhang, tonight at 6:30 PM, Secretary Ma has a small family gathering at his mother's house, and I must attend…"

Zhang Yuxing coldly cut him off, "What? Does the word of Zhang family members not count anymore? I'm attending, and you can't give even a bit of face? Secretary Ma visits his mother's house often enough, whereas my chances to dine out are rare. Think about it yourself, okay?"

Liu Zhizhong was startled.

Bitch, it's a power struggle within the City Committee, are you not giving even a sliver of regard to Secretary Ma?

At that moment, all he could do was shake his head, sigh, and nod, "Alright, Secretary Zhang wins."

Zhang Yuxing suddenly smiled again, her icy face thawing like snow in the spring breeze, very beautiful and charming, but then she quickly resumed her composure, "The fourth issue…"

"Ah? There's a fourth issue too? Please, Secretary Zhang, say it all at once—my poor heart can't take this."

Liu Zhizhong put on a comically distressed face, drawing yet another comfortable smile from Zhang Xingyue, who said, "You truly are talented and adept at handling people. Thus, I entrust you with a difficult task—my brother wants to marry your mother-in-law, and within three months, you need to persuade her."