"Xiuyuan, Zhitao, I understand what you mean. I'm a bit older than you, and I work longer hours than you. No matter how capable I am, I will definitely do my part." Lu Zhenhai's words still left him some room to maneuver.

But upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan's face lit up with joy: "Uncle Lu, with your words, I feel relieved. I'll have more confidence when I work in the central town from now on. Uncle Lu, let's toast you."

Lu Zhenhai stared wide-eyed at Li Xiuyuan, utterly bewildered. How could Li Xiuyuan say such a thing? Did he have no regard for the deputy mayor's dignity at all?

He was the executive deputy mayor, while I was the town's party secretary. Although I seemed to rank higher, in reality, I didn't have as much power as Li Xiuyuan in the central town. In terms of personal prospects and background, I couldn't compare at all.

As a result, Li Xiuyuan called him "Uncle Lu" so naturally, without any awkwardness.

Are you willing to put aside all pride just to get support from others?

Honestly, if he put himself in Li Xiuyuan's shoes, he definitely wouldn't have done such a thing. Given their positions, it would be a sign of respect for Li Xiuyuan to call him "Secretary Lu," and it wouldn't be an exaggeration for him to call him "Old Lu."

As a result, Li Xiuyuan immediately addressed him as "Uncle Lu".

Without the slightest awkwardness in saying it aloud, one can completely place oneself in the position of a junior.

Lu Zhenhai couldn't help but think back to his time in the county party committee office. He couldn't even act like this when facing the benefactors who helped him, let alone his colleagues. If he had Li Xiuyuan's mentality, he wouldn't have stayed in the central town for so many years. Back when he was kicked out of the county party committee office, there wasn't even a single person to speak up for him.

“Brother Li, you’re right, Uncle. Let’s toast you.” Wang Zhitao also raised his glass.

The words interrupted Lu Zhenhai's thoughts. Lu Zhenhai gave Li Xiuyuan a deep look, his heart filled with the feeling that "the younger generation is truly formidable." At the same time, he understood that once Li Xiuyuan called him "Uncle Lu," he had no way out.

Lu Zhenhai didn't stand on ceremony. He raised his glass high, clinked it with Li Xiuyuan and Wang Zhitao, and then drank it all in one gulp. Looking at Li Xiuyuan, he said, "Xiuyuan, I'm a bit older, so you can call me Uncle. If there's anything you need my support for, just let me know."

Hearing Lu Zhenhai's statement, Li Xiuyuan felt reassured. From now on, he had a steadfast ally in the central town and was no longer fighting alone.

What's a simple "uncle"? When he first arrived at the county government, in order to get on the good side of Deputy Director Luo, he sought out Luo Yi's younger brother, Luo Tao, and kept calling him "uncle." But when he tried to address Deputy Director Luo Yi as "uncle," Luo Yi refused.

By treating people to meals and calling him Uncle Luo Tao, I earned a favor from Luo Yi, which gave me some breathing room and allowed me to become who I am today.

What's the big deal about calling someone "uncle"? If it were truly helpful, what difference would it make if someone called someone "godfather"?

As for saving face, after he became the county magistrate's secretary, if he called Luo Yi "Uncle Luo," would Luo Yi dare to accept? Not only would he not dare to accept, but he would also have to politely reply, "Secretary Li, what do you think we should do about this?"

"Thank you, Uncle Lu." Li Xiuyuan raised his glass in gratitude.

Lu Zhenhai waved his hand: "Xiuyuan, actually I don't have much hope. At my age, I'll retire from this position. Xiaoting is just like me, and she has a stable job at the county education bureau. If you and Zhitao need my support or help, just say the word. I'll risk my old bones to pave the way for you."