Zhou Shiyuan had thought it through carefully. Officials were people too, and they were entitled to normal social lives. Getting together with friends outside working hours hardly warranted making a political issue of it.
Surely the Inspection Team's arrival didn't mean everyone had to stop attending dinner gatherings?
Besides, his encounter would be pure coincidence!
Shortly after seven that evening, at Bright Lake Mountain Manor on the border between Changtian City and Ganquan City, Zhao Qiushui, dressed in a long purple gown, welcomed Zhu Li into the luxury private dining room she had reserved, her smile radiant.
"Qiu Shui, to tell you the truth—and don't let this go to your head—in all my years, I've never seen a woman more beautiful than you!" Zhu Li looked over this dazzling femme fatale and offered her heartfelt praise.
It was proof that Heaven played favorites. He had bestowed beauty, intelligence, wealth, good fortune, and more upon Zhao Qiushui. The only imperfections were probably her love life and marriage!
"Thank you for the compliment, Zhu Li. Then let me be honest too. Rather than hearing how beautiful I am, I'd much rather hear you say, 'Qiu Shui, since you're so beautiful, you can have that plot of land!'" Zhao Qiushui said with a charming smile.
"Qiu Shui, you certainly know how to joke!" Zhu Li paused, then shook her head with a laugh.
"Whether it's a joke is entirely up to you. If you agree to let me have that plot, then it won't be a joke anymore," Zhao Qiushui said, half seriously.
Seeing how Zhao Qiushui had barely arrived and already kept bringing up "that plot of land," Zhu Li was both annoyed and amused. After taking her seat, she considered her words, then asked with a faint smile, "Qiu Shui, has