Zhang Hongyang's last betrayal was still fresh in Liu Zhizhong's mind.

Fortunately, he had been determined enough to sense something wrong and had gone home.

As a result, he'd ended up taking advantage of Zhao Han, leaving her no choice but to become his object.

Zhang Hongyang probably didn't realize that by betraying his own wife, Zhao Han had grown to despise him, right?

What would his expression look like if he knew?

Liu Zhizhong didn't dare to imagine, but he decided it was necessary to keep it a secret from Zhao Han for the time being.

The consequence of being betrayed before was a blessing in disguise.

Otherwise, Liu Zhizhong wouldn't know what the consequences might have been.

Zhang Xueyao had been an accomplice at the time, and he hadn't had time to settle the score with her yet—he definitely wouldn't let her off later.

Seeing Zhang Hongyang's sly smirk, although it was his usual expression, Liu Zhizhong still became alert. What if that bastard drugged him again today?

Liu Zhizhong smiled faintly and took the cigarette that Zhang Hongyang handed him casually, exhaling a puff of smoke, and said lightly, "Young Master Zhang personally hosting me here? What merit or ability do I, Liu Zhizhong, have?"

"Ha ha, Brother Zhizhong, listen to you, why be so formal? Without your help, how could I have achieved so much in political thinking? Isn't it appropriate to wait here for you? Look, after I receive you, let's go inside to have tea and chat while waiting for the others. Today, you're the guest of honor!"

Liu Zhizhong took a deep inhale of smoke, smiling but his voice icy, "Brother-in-law, there're no outsiders here, just us two, so let's drop the courtesies and pretense. Don't you know your own intentions and attitude towards me?"

Zhang Hongyang was struck by the retort, his expression froze slightly, then he forced a smile that seemed a bit fake.

He flicked the cigarette ash and nodded, "Alright, since you put it that way, I won't hide it anymore. First, no matter how capable and talented you are, you're still making wedding dresses for me. Do you feel frustrated? It must be deep, right?"

Liu Zhizhong chuckled coldly, nodding, "Indeed, hearing the truth is a bit more palatable than the lies. What's the second point?"

"Second, thanks to the work you've done, I've gained even more leverage. Maybe in a few days, the organization might promote me to be the district head of the Southern District. A district head of a key district at 30, aren't you shocked? Can you keep up?"

Liu Zhizhong knew that with the Zhang family's background and local influence, this was no problem.

Besides, Zhang Hongyang had forged his age, being only 30 years old, but adjusted to 35 now, which made him a suitable candidate for district head.

This was common in the officialdom: some decreased their age to enjoy more power for longer; others increased it to retire early and enjoy life.

Many knew about Zhang Hongyang adjusting his age. He even mentioned at the dining table that he would retire at 55 and move to the US to enjoy life.

Liu Zhizhong nodded, self-mockingly, "Damn it, really handing you the perfect setup and being used as a pawn!"

"Heh, little brother," Zhang Hongyang chuckled, patting Liu Zhizhong's shoulder, "Actually, my truth is, I didn't use you as a pawn but as a dog. But what can this dog do? Do you have any room to fight back? Remember!"

He emphasized his last words heavily, pointing at the ground, "Here, in Yangzhou, the Zhang family calls the shots. If you don't behave, and I'm unhappy with you, it means the Zhang family is unhappy with you, and you won't survive here. If I don't encourage you, not many will sincerely care about you. Do you think…"

As he spoke, he sneered sinisterly, lowering his voice even further, "Just because your uncle-in-law favors you, and you've become the secretary of the City Committee Courtyard, known as the favorite, do you think your good days will last long? Heh... little brother, the waters in Yangzhou are deep!"

Liu Zhizhong frowned, seemingly sensing an underlying meaning, "That doesn't sound genuine, stop beating around the bush and speak plainly!"

"Why should I speak? If you ask me to, should I comply? Who am I then? Look, you might find yourself crying soon, that's my third point. You'd better stay and behave in the City Committee, don't reach out, don't show off. Treat my aunt-in-law well, obey; treat Zhang Hongmei nicely too, don't always be at odds with her, it does you no good. That's all I have to say, go figure it out yourself! When the time comes for you to cry, just come to me for help. Let's go in, please, my honorable guest, haha…"

After speaking, Zhang Hongyang made an inviting gesture, pushing the frame of his glasses.

Liu Zhizhong hadn't even moved when Zhang Hongyang had already walked away.

Zhang Hongyang strutted off like the wind, swaggeringly shaking his head and occasionally spitting out smoke, the arrogance seeming almost innate, in his very bones, as if born with it.

Liu Zhizhong gritted his teeth in secret, wishing he could call that bastard back and loudly tell him that he had slept with his wife, made her scream, and she'd always be his.

But Zhang Hongyang's words had touched Liu Zhizhong's sensitive nerve in officialdom, and it seems that the situation wasn't good.

Maybe Secretary Ma's days were numbered?

Suddenly, a heavy sense of crisis spread at the bottom of Liu Zhizhong's heart…