Chapter 452: Chapter 452
Zhang Yuxing used voice-to-text technology to say,
"I'm sorry, Zhizhong, I can only do this, to punish you and Hongyang equally with fifty strikes each, so you will no longer quarrel and can each find balance."
"To me, both of you are like the flesh of my palms and the back of my hands. Sometimes, it's really difficult to measure things just right, not wanting either of you to get hurt, nor to keep hurting each other."
"My father's death has already caused me such pain, I hope you can understand. Regardless of whether his death is directly related to you or to his weakened health and drinking that night, some prejudices are hard to eliminate. I don't kill my kin, but my kin died because of me, you should know this story. Your excellence is not a sin, but others may not think the same."
"That you came has already touched me deeply, you, Lu Yumei, and Zhao Han were the first to arrive, which is truly remarkable. Not letting you participate in the funeral was the only way I could protect you."
"Yangzhou is a small place where clan emotions can be hard to manage, and you must understand that. Thus, not giving you the chance to stay by my side as Secretary, and instead officially promoting Xue Yao to take the position and serve by my side, was the natural course of action and satisfied many."
"Having you leave my side was a painful decision. I hope you understand my words, strive for greatness; wherever you are, I believe you will shine."
"The funeral is approaching, and I cannot say too much. During the forty-nine days of mourning, we should not contact each other or entertain desires, I hope you can adhere to the tradition. I love my father and care so much about you!"
"I must say thank you. You have served me well. Also, thank you for letting my father hear the best sound in the world before he passed, and surely, he remembered the struggles of his poor years and grandpa's stories. When there's a chance, I'll tell them to you!"
"Finish your incense and then leave, do as I say!"
In Liu Zhizhong's heart, he was deeply moved.
Zhang Yuxing, the most dominant woman of the previous generation in the Zhang Family, was, at this very moment, so understanding and genuine, so precious.
To others, she might appear proud, stubborn, and cold, an astoundingly beautiful Mayor akin to the Master of Extinction! But to me, Liu Zhizhong, she's understanding and kind.
Such a woman is truly worth cherishing, right?
From another angle, because of her, everything else seemed unimportant, including the grudges and conflicts with Zhang Hongyang. After all, I am his uncle, being a bit generous won't hurt.
Liu Zhizhong deleted the messages in front of the spirit hall and helped out silently there, saying nothing.
Thinking about this wild father-in-law and then about the deceased real father-in-law… Officialdom still speaks to the ways of the world. Without Zhang Dingkang, there wouldn't have been the fortunes of Old Uncle Zhao, the favor he showed me, or today's grand situation.
Everything was interconnected, a chain of cause and effect. Liu Zhizhong's heart was full of memories, bringing fourth not hatred for the Zhang Family, but gratitude—toward a deceased former Mayor (known as the Yangzhou King), it was more of remembrance, or perhaps a deep regret and guilt at the bottom of his heart.
Can man be devoid of feelings like mere grass and trees?
Liu Zhizhong was a man of thought and soul, not completely a great devil. He couldn't outright deny and dismiss what Zhang Hongyang had said—that his "Shadow" work had agitated the old Secretary, ultimately causing his massive heart attack that led to his death.
One after another, other relatives and friends of the Zhang family also arrived. Only Zhang Zhenglong, who had directly flown south for business negotiations after last night's elder brother's birthday banquet, was still on his way back.
Liu Zhizhong could clearly feel, the direct relatives and friends of the Zhang family did not look at him as just some internet celebrity anymore, but as an enemy. For origınal chapters go to 𝗻𝗼𝘷𝗲𝗹•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝕟𝕖𝕥
Some even seemed ready to confront Liu Zhizhong aggressively, but a glance from Zhang Zhengchang stopped them. The former Mayor was still composed, valuing human decency!
Liu Zhizhong could definitely feel that Zhang Hongyang's conjectures had become the mainstream within the Zhang family's emotional state, which was extremely unfavorable to him! The looks alone seemed to wish to kill him.
Whether Zhang Hongyang had said anything in the Zhang family's clan chat, Liu Zhizhong didn't know, but he felt the hostility of the Zhang family members.
Lu Yumei and Zhao Han, also acutely sensed this, but the mother and daughter said nothing.
During the arrangements in the spirit hall and the quick delivery of the ice coffin, Liu Zhizhong also helped set it up, his presence making the atmosphere somewhat eerie.
As Zhang Dingkang's corpse was dressed in funeral clothes and covered with a flag, moved from the ambulance to the ice coffin, all the Zhang family cried out loud.
Liu Zhizhong silently bowed his head in sorrow, saying nothing, his expression already one of mourning.
Once everything was settled, members of the Zhang Family collectively offered their first incense, followed by Lu Yumei and Zhao Han, completing the rituals properly, then came Liu Zhizhong's turn.
Under everyone's gaze, Liu Zhizhong lit the incense, paid his respects mournfully, very ceremoniously and with a sense of ritual.
In his every move, at least Zhang Yuxing and Zhang Xueyao appreciated it; Lu Yumei and Zhao Han were quite satisfied too.
Liu Zhizhong had charisma and was eloquent, not losing any dignity!
His voice was magnetically enticing, impacting everyone deeply. Setting aside many prejudices some Zhang family members held, they were still greatly shaken. The voice of the trillionaire internet celebrity had strong penetrative and moving power, even causing many on the spot to tear up again, unable to help it!
After he finished the incense offering ceremony, Zhang Zhengchang then told Zhang Hongyang, "Hongyang, escort the guest out!"
Zhang Hongyang, who couldn't stand the sight of Liu Zhizhong, promptly stepped forward, "Please, Secretary Liu… oh, wrong, you are no longer the secretary to my aunt."
As he said this, he glanced at nearby Zhang Yuxing whose expression was solemn and silent.
Of course, if Zhang Hongyang continued to be excessive, Zhang Yuxing might very well explode in anger again.
But just then, Lu Yumei, puzzled, said, "What's happening? Zhizhong, are you leaving? Aren't you Mayor Zhang's secretary anymore? Are you not welcome here?"
The more she spoke, the angrier Lu Yumei felt. Was the Zhang family bullying people ? Her gaze, even challenged her in-law Zhang Zhengchang.
Liu Zhizhong wanted to force a smile, but faced his mother-in-law with a serious and stern face, saying, "No need to say more, I should leave…"
He hadn't finished speaking when Zhang Yuxing interjected, "After the Zhang family's funeral, Liu Zhizhong resigned on his own accord, my decision. Having him leave the Zhang family now was also my idea. Sister Yu Mei, if you are upset, direct it at me, I'll handle it."