Chapter 449 - Chapter 449: Chapter 436: Borrowing Money (1/2)

Chapter 449: Chapter 436: Borrowing Money

Zhuang Qingning pursed her lips.

This Zhao Dacai, his speech was laced with official airs. For a moment, it was nearly impossible to identify whether his apology was merely a pretense or a genuine act of contrition.

However, it would not be seemly to rebuff his apology when he willingly offered it.

Moreover, Zhao Dacai did not seem like a foolish man and likely understood the circumstances leading to this point.

Some matters, when smoothed over on the surface to serve each party’s agenda, did not need their details scrutinized.

A hint of amusement appeared on Zhuang Qingning’s lips, “Village Chief Zhao is indeed a man of integrity. After all, the situation was beyond your forecast or control. The blame should not be placed on your shoulders.”

“Village Chief Zhao, you needn’t take this matter to heart.”

“Manager Zhuang is magnanimous and honorable, truly admirable,” Zhao Dacai said, “Additionally, there is another matter I’d like to request Manager Zhuang’s assistance with.”

“The previous incident, where Zhao Ziping spread slanderous rumors about Miss Zhou, was Zhao Ziping’s fault. I intended to apologize to Miss Zhou on his behalf, yet this matter understandably tarnishes her reputation and bringing it up again might unnecessarily upset Miss Zhou.”

“Thus, I implore Manager Zhuang to relay a message to Miss Zhou for me. Please tell her that I’ve already severely punished Zhao Ziping and that the matter has been settled. I hope she can put her fears to rest. Please extend my regards to her.”

“Your consideration is appreciated, Village Chief Zhao. I will relay your message.” Zhuang Qingning nodded.

“Thank you, Manager Zhuang.” Zhao Dacai bowed then stood up, “My main intention today was to apologize to Village Chief Zhuang and Manager Zhuang. I won’t further encroach on your time.”

As it was raining and Zhuang Qingning had braved the elements to find Zhuang Jingye, there must have been something she wanted to discuss. Zhao Dacai, knowing his place, did not wish to intrude on their conversation.

Moreover, as he came to apologize, the conversation would inevitably recount his errors along with those of Zhaojiazhuang. Although Zhao Dacai acknowledged the fault was Zhaojiazhuang’s, he felt escalating embarrassment as he confessed more faults.

It was an opportune moment to depart and rid himself of the incessant need to apologize for the blunders committed by those two blockheads – Zhao Qiancheng and Zhao Zian.

Zhuang Jingye fully grasped Zhao Dacai’s intentions. Even though Zhao Dacai was there on someone’s behalf to apologize, by all accounts, he had been respectful. One could not demand too much. Hence, Zhuang Jingye got up to see him off.

Zhuang Qingning also rose, but only as far as the doorway. After Zhuang Jingye bid Zhao Dacai farewell at the gate, he turned and came back in.

“This new Village Chief Zhao is quite the smooth talker. I believe even ghosts could be deceived by him,” Zhuang Jingye complained.

Aside from that, he found Zhao Dacai’s pretentious bureaucratese unbearable, exuding every fancy word and phrase to the point of being headache-inducing.

Who isn’t a village chief? Who hasn’t read a few books? Who doesn’t have a son working in the government office? What makes Zhao Dacai so impressive?

Zhuang Jingye found Zhao Dacai extremely vexing.