After meeting the supremely esteemed family head, the accounting elder bowed deeply and paid his respects with utmost reverence.
"Greetings, Family Head."
"No need to stand on ceremony, Leren. Why be so formal among family? If we go by seniority, your grandfather and I were cousins—childhood companions who grew up together."
The Zhang Family Head laughed heartily, his tone quite cordial.
The accounting elder, Zhang Leren, flushed red and said, "When my grandfather was still alive, he often spoke of you, Family Head. He said you worked tirelessly day and night for our Zhang Family, that it had not been easy for you. He told me to mature as soon as possible, contribute more to the family, and help share your burdens and worries."
Though he said that aloud, the accounting elder knew perfectly well that his grandfather had indeed mentioned the family head quite often when he was alive.
But every time, it had been to complain. He felt that the family head, who had grown up alongside him, had become cold and unfeeling after their cultivation levels drifted apart, treating him as though they were strangers.
Still, in such an enormous family, everyone had long grown accustomed to such things.
If they did not share the blood of the Zhang Family, the bond between relatives was often not necessarily closer than that between friends they had met and befriended themselves.
"You're already doing an excellent job. Over all these years, it was only after the accounting office was placed in your hands that it truly fulfilled its purpose. You and the accounting office have rendered great service to our Zhang Family."
The Zhang Family Head smiled approvingly.
"Our family has always rewarded merit. Given your ability and seniority, I had intended to promote you to serve as an