Ma Xudong returned the toast, coming lastly to Liu Zhizhong.
Originally, the last one should have been his wife, Lu Yuqing, but that was no longer necessary. After pursuing her for three years, he just wanted to enjoy himself tonight, to feel at ease.
Ma Xudong, holding his cup, flashed a friendly smile at Liu Zhizhong and said,
"Zhizhong, your uncle-in-law values family above all else, you can be sure of that."
All eyes in the room turned to them.
The Lu Family Members were internally erupting. Why did the mayor seem to be endorsing Liu Zhizhong?
Look how pleased this young man was tonight, drinking boldly with everyone and speaking so charmingly, all sorts of compliments flowing freely.
In the past, when this young man drank, he'd pick fights with the Lu Family Members, which was enough to infuriate anyone.
What in the world was happening tonight?
Liu Zhizhong knew something good was coming. He nodded hurriedly, "Um um um, Zhizhong understands, please instruct me, uncle-in-law."
"Hehe, there's no need for instructions, hehe... After registering my marriage with your aunt, I've got to know all the details about our relatives and friends in the Lu Family Clan, especially those in officialdom."
"I've also thoroughly reviewed your resume. You've been your father-in-law's secretary at the district committee office, and you've toughed it out in rural townships for three years. Such rich experience is certainly not just commendable, but at the age of only 28, you have a significant advantage!"
"So tonight, uncle-in-law would like to ask for your opinion. Would you like to come work at the City Committee office as the head of the second secretary division? It's a senior official level!"
After speaking, Ma Xudong raised his glass towards Liu Zhizhong again.
Suddenly, the whole room erupted in murmurs, and the Lu Family Members couldn't stay put.
Everyone present was well-acquainted with the ways of officialdom!
Lu Yumei was the first to exclaim, "My Lord, Liu Zhizhong, you're ridiculously lucky!"
"Who doesn't know that the head of the second secretary division is literally the mayor's right hand?"
"Liu Zhizhong, you've made it big, truly made it..."
"My heavens..." Zhang Hongyang slapped his forehead, as excited as if he himself were being promoted, "Brother Zhizhong, see how much your uncle-in-law adores you? You're skyrocketing to the top, becoming the mayor's favored one! Why don't you just accept?"
Zhang Hongyang's thoughts: Just say no, don't agree, damn your ancestors if you do! When did you light such incense? Uncle-in-law, are you out of your mind? It's getting severe, this confusion!
Liu Zhizhong also couldn't believe that his aunt had helped him to this extent.
He was so excited that his hand trembled with the cup, yet he steadied it, looking at Ma Xudong astounded, "Uncle-in-law, this... this caught me off guard!"
Ma Xudong laughed heartily, "Just say it, do you want to or not?"
"I want to, want to, a thousand times over! To serve my uncle-in-law the secretary, I would brave any dangers, facing death without a second thought!"
As his resounding words fell, with a gulp, Liu Zhizhong downed his drink first!
"Ha ha! Good! Wait for the official transfer! By next Tuesday at the latest, report to the City Committee!" Ma Xudong laughed heartily, downing his cup in delight.
Except for Lu Yuqing, all the Lu Family Members were dumbfounded.
Especially Zhang Hongyang, who was inwardly devastated.
This damn Liu Zhizhong, his ancestors must be smoking with luck!
As the head of the secretary division, he was just promoted to a senior official level, but if he comes down to the district, wouldn't that mean the presence of the mayor himself, overshadowing me as deputy district head?
Damn it, all my previous arrogance in front of him is shattered?
No, I have to take this young man down!
Yangzhou City is Zhang's territory; it cannot be Liu Zhizhong's time to shine!
Inside, Zhang Hongyang began plotting his conspiracy...
Then, Liu Zhizhong, while secretly touching Lu Yuqing's thigh, toasted thrice again to express his gratitude and loyalty to his uncle-in-law, playing it cool.
And then, all Lu Family Members had to maintain face, reluctantly toasting Liu Zhizhong.
Zhang Hongyang and his wife, never short of hypocritical words.
Even Lu Yumei, the mother-in-law, harbored secret resentment while smiling and praising Liu Zhizhong with her cup raised.
"Oh, I've always disliked you, thought you were useless, without a future or success. But surprisingly, with so many celebrations in front of Lu's house and Brother-in-law Ma coming in, even you shine, living up to your maternal family. Here, good son-in-law, a toast from mom, follow your uncle-in-law well!"
Liu Zhizhong was inwardly gleeful, silently wishing she could drop the word 'father'.
Despicable woman, you say nice things but I know how resentful and discontent you feel inside.
But now, as a senior official, your second daughter can't divorce me, and we have to have kids together!
Better yet, maybe one day if fortune allows, I'll deal with you and see if you dare to urge your daughter to divorce me then.
Of course, Liu Zhizhong was outwardly polite, downing a large cup with his mother-in-law cheerfully!
Overall, the atmosphere of the entire dinner was thoroughly joyous, and many were indeed drunk.
Ma Xudong was particularly drunk, and based on Lu Yuqing's suggestion, he stayed at his in-laws' for the night, not returning home.
Liu Zhizhong could really hold his liquor, clear-headed while everyone was drunk, still pretending to be drunk because he had to wait for his aunt's message, then directly go into the room…