Chapter 1997 - 1997: 1997

"Uh... collaborating with the Riel people?"

Zuo Xintong was still taken aback, with a bit of a wry smile.

"Zhizhong, do you know how much Great East Pot resists the Riel people? They say that the entire world's economy is in the hands of their race, they're the source of the world's evil, and such a race should be wiped out..."

She went on and on, feeling quite helpless.

But Liu Zhizhong just smiled lightly and said, "Don't worry about all that. Everything is just being stirred up by some people. It's only because the Riel people beat some people's friends so badly that they're looking for their teeth all over the place. It's unfortunate, but people who make bad friends are usually pretty bad themselves. We all have logical abilities and the ability to think independently. Tell Tang Zhi my thoughts when you get a chance, he'll definitely be delighted to connect with me and talk about managing pollution in Dian Lake. Do you believe that?"

Zuo Xintong thought for a moment, nodded, "Mm, that's true. Tang Zhi isn't dumb, he knows how to weigh importance. Just like our relationship, he should also be aware, so..."

The two chatted for a while, then began climbing towards the peak of East Mountain Park.

By mid-morning, they reached the summit, Lotus Peak.

The view there was expansive, and it was still very cool.

Looking at the sky, the city, and Dian Lake — the scenery was top-notch.

Many tourists who came here took photos and videos, screamed and shouted, filled with excitement.

Liu Zhizhong also overheard that the international tourist line between Yunxi and Valle had opened, and he planned to apply for a travel permit soon for some solo travel!

By this time, Liu Zhizhong and Zuo Xintong were keeping their distance. After all, they were about to head to the agreed meeting place to see Zuo Xintong's cousin, Zhang Minmin.

After taking in the view for a while, they headed to the commercial service area near Lotus Peak, finding a place to sit, have a drink, take in the scenery, and enjoy the cool summer.

Before long, the two walked into a place called Shuiyun Tian, a very upscale and expensive café, with few patrons.

Those with the capability and mood for it naturally wouldn't mind the cost.

So high-end venues often act as a sort of filter for people, haha...

Liu Zhizhong and Zuo Xintong naturally intended to get a private room at Shuiyun Tian.

However, there in the seats by the window, a tall, sexy, and charming woman, Zhang Minmin, immediately spotted Liu Zhizhong and Zuo Xintong.

She was there as arranged!

Mainly because Tang Zhi had talked Zhang Minmin into it, saying that Chi Zhongshui, the president, was young and promising, and if she could marry him, it would be hugely advantageous, something she should seize!

Zhang Minmin, although she had feelings for Liu Zhizhong, found her cousin-in-law's words quite compelling. So she agreed to show up for an encounter, talk if it worked, and leave it if it didn't!

At this moment, she stood up and called out, "Oh? Cousin, Mr. Chi, you're here too?"

Zuo Xintong and Liu Zhizhong were momentarily stunned, exchanged glances, and both looked at Zhang Minmin, bursting into laughter.

Both knew they were there for the rendezvous, and Zhang Minmin knew too, yet they all pretended they didn't know!

So, Liu Zhizhong and Zuo Xintong quickly joined in the pretense of a chance meeting, feeling very amiable!

Subsequently, they got a private room by the window, where the three of them could sit inside to chat and enjoy the view, without any disturbance — how nice was that?

But shortly after sitting down, Zuo Xintong received a call, quickly apologized, saying there was an urgent matter at work, and she had to rush back, leaving Mr. Chi and Manager Zhang to enjoy themselves and have a good chat.

Zuo Xintong, of course, had planned this, making an excuse to leave, haha...

Liu Zhizhong, of course, still escorted her to the door, gentlemanly buying her a cable car ticket for her ride down.

When Liu Zhizhong returned, Zhang Minmin maintained her demeanor and composure, talking with him as usual.

Liu Zhizhong, however, was also very formal, with articulate speech, leaving a good impression on Zhang Minmin.

However, they gradually got onto personal matters.

"Manager Zhang is so young and talented, you must have many admirers, right?"

Zhang Minmin blushed slightly, smiled, "You're too kind! To be honest, I do, but I have rejected them all."

"Oh?" Liu Zhizhong looked curious, "The men who pursue Manager Zhang must be quite good, why did you turn them down? Or is there already someone in your heart?"

Zhang Minmin smiled, looking somewhat wistful at the distant city and the Dian Lake beneath, "Yes, there's someone in my heart, haha... But, unfortunately, he's no longer here, haha..."

As she spoke, she gave a bitter shake of her head and took a sip of coffee.

That expression and gesture made Liu Zhizhong really want to pull her into his arms and care for her!

Liu Zhizhong laughed, "Manager Zhang, don't be so sad. Perhaps the person you're thinking of is still around?"

Zhang Minmin was taken aback, laughed, "Thank you, Mr. Chi, for the kind consolation, but he really isn't here anymore. He won't be coming back."

"He..." Liu Zhizhong, seeing her gradually saddened expression, could barely hold back and said, "Is his name Liu Zhizhong?"

"Ah? You..."

Zhang Minmin was stunned, then laughed and nodded, "Oh, haha, you're very close with my cousin and cousin-in-law, so of course you'd know this person, haha..."

Liu Zhizhong smiled and said, "Your logical ability is still strong, I admire that. But after Liu Zhizhong died, you haven't been to the little house at Tianping Peak anymore?"

"Ah? You..."

Zhang Minmin was briefly shocked, her face gradually flushing, "How... how do you know about Tianping Peak?"

Those passionate past events became somewhat embarrassing for her at this moment.

Her flushed cheeks were really quite alluring!

Liu Zhizhong smiled, lit a cigarette, looked at Dian Lake, and said, "Because I know Liu Zhizhong well, and I also know Tianping Peak!"

"This... how is that possible?"

Tong Minmin was astounded, unable to believe her ears.

That secret place and past events, she truly couldn't fathom how Chi Zhongshui, such a foreign president, could know? Even though he's also of Huazhong origin, it still defies logic!

Liu Zhizhong flicked some ash off his cigarette, looked at Zhang Minmin with a broad smile, and softly asked, "Tell me, isn't the Little Zhizhong at Liu Zhizhong's house quite impressive and substantial?"

Instantly, Zhang Minmin's face turned a deep red, overwhelmed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise, her eyes widened, "You... how do you know?"

Seeing her like this, Liu Zhizhong couldn't help it, feeling like his buddy was about to stand up.

He said, "Of course I know, because now I own the Little Zhizhong from Liu Zhizhong's house. If you want to find that familiar feeling, I can let you have a look."