Subconsciously, Liu Zhizhong didn't want to sign the document.

He had a sudden idea and decisively knocked on the door of Ma Xudong's office.

At this time, Ma Xudong was in a fairly good mood.

Recently, his daughter's emotions had stabilized, and his efforts to secure an official post in the provincial city seemed promising.

He finally had some time to do what he wanted, such as meeting with Luo Yanling for a good night's sleep, or visiting his maternal family more often to bond with his aunt Lu Yumei.

Of course, Ma Xudong knew that Zhang Zhenglong from the Zhang Family had been pursuing Lu Yumei unsuccessfully. Once he made it to the province level, what would Zhang Zhenglong or the Zhang Family count for then?

At the moment, he was smoking and sitting in the office's rest area.

There was a specially designed large aquarium there, filled with colorful goldfish that swam happily, eating the fish food that Ma Xudong occasionally threw in.

As the Mayor, aside from keeping mistresses, who didn't have some special hobbies?

Ma Xudong enjoyed keeping goldfish, which was not unusual; back at his home in the provincial city, two caretakers looked after his two expensive great dragon fish.

Some officials even liked keeping scorpions or snakes, and some even kept toads, claiming they were Golden Toads that symbolized good luck!

When Liu Zhizhong entered, Ma Xudong smiled and said, "Ah, Zhizhong, it's rare to have just one meeting this afternoon. Come, help me change the water in the fish tank, I need to leave them alone for a couple of days again."

Liu Zhizhong, familiar with the routine, skillfully began changing the water.

While changing it, he discussed some work-related matters, and then smoothly transitioned to the topic he wanted to discuss, making Ma Xudong feel completely at ease.

This was the art of conversation, an area in which Liu Zhizhong had much experience.

This was much better than starting by complaining to the secretary of the hardships faced.

"Mr. Secretary, I won't be able to attend tonight's family dinner, and neither can Leader Zhang and his wife. It looks like it will just be you and Secretary Lu going back. My mother and my wife will be there to keep you company for a good dinner. Oh, considering work affairs, Zhao Yan should be coming home tonight."

Upon hearing this, Ma Xudong got excited—what a great opportunity to get closer to his aunt!

Still, he appeared somewhat concerned, "Oh, do you have some other plans?"

Right away, Liu Zhizhong explained the situation.

Ma Xudong furrowed his brows as he listened.

In the end, Liu Zhizhong sighed, "Mr. Secretary, the Zhang Family Members are used to being overbearing. I'm really helpless! Ideally, my wife and I, along with Leader Zhang and his wife, should all be there to enjoy a good dinner with you over the weekend. Lately, you've been too busy and tired, and you really need some relaxation."

Ma Xudong pursed his lips and placed his hands together in front of him, staring at the newly changed fish tank. After a long silence, he somberly said:

"Yes, the Zhang Family Members are too bullying, a fact I'm familiar with. During my over three years in Yangzhou, what haven't I seen? Outsiders, those not from the Zhang surname, those outside of Zhang Family's sphere of influence—it's hard for them! In the officialdom of Yangzhou, we are like these fish, and the Zhang Family is like the water, haha..."

"I was wondering how Zhang Hongyang could have such a level of literary theorizing? With his trivial understanding and comprehension in officialdom, it's impossible! So, it was an uncle-nephew team effort, exploiting you as labor to pave the way for Zhang Hongyang's promotion!"

"However, since the Zhang Family Members still invited you for a dinner to express their thanks, it shows they aren't too over the top. So, go ahead, I and your aunt will be fine. After all, your mom and your wife will be there. Actually, this will be the first time I meet your wife in person, haha..."

Ma Xudong chuckled, throwing the last of the fish food into the tank.

Bringing up his wife was exactly what Liu Zhizhong had hoped for.

On the spot, Liu Zhizhong gave a bitter smile, opened a new pack of fish food for Ma Xudong, and said, "Ah, speaking of which, I hope you won't find it laughable, Mr. Secretary, but my wife is initiating divorce proceedings against me."

"What?" Ma Xudong was startled, his eyebrows raised, showing an imposing demeanor, "What is Zhao Yan doing? This is absurd, isn't it?"

"She really isn't playing around. She directly filed with the court. Look, the court's digital summons have already been sent, but...haha, I just don't want to sign it, and I don't want to sign."

Ma Xudong nodded gravely, "You're right not to sign. You are at a point where your work capability has been recognized by the leadership and your career is on the rise; getting a divorce now, regardless of the reason, is inappropriate."

"Moreover, if your wife initiates the lawsuit, how will those unaware of the truth view you? Can you clear it up easily? A man being dumped by a woman, where would his dignity be? For a growing official, this is unfavorable."

"Zhizhong, don't sign then. I'm going back home tonight anyway, I'll speak to Zhao Yan, get her to withdraw the lawsuit. If she won't even listen to me, then she really doesn't know what's good for her! A City Committee secretary settling family affairs—an official of my stature, she must give that some respect, right?"

"Mr. Secretary, Uncle, I really can't thank you enough! I truly owe you so much…"

Liu Zhizhong looked overjoyed, but there was more to his words than met the ear, not that Ma Xudong would notice.

"What debt? You are capable, you perform well, and your cooperation with your aunt is perfectly seamless. Work on the City Committee is running smoothly, saving me a lot of trouble. I have a duty to maintain the stability of your family, to ensure there's no fire in the backyard. Leave the divorce issue to me!"

Ma Xudong, with an air of authority, clapped his chest, his manner very imposing…