Chapter 477: Chapter 477

Liu Zhizhong listened to this and couldn't help feeling confused. "What's the matter with Ma Qingqing?"

He hadn't contacted her in this period. What could have happened to her?

At that moment, Liu Zhizhong made a decision. He said, "Then don't have it delivered. Leave it at the store. I'll pick it up and bring it home after nine o'clock tonight."

After ending the call, Zhang Tianbao also sensed something and couldn't help but joke, "Brother Zhizhong, what's the situation? Classmate Ma, flowers... what's this about?"

He laughed, the laugh carrying a certain implication.

He had heard something, but chose not to clarify at the moment. It seemed like a small test to see if Liu Zhizhong was honest and open-hearted.

Liu Zhizhong was quite frank, his face a picture of honesty as he passed a cigarette to Zhang Tianbao.

The two of them lit their cigarettes, and as Liu Zhizhong slowly exhaled the rich smoke, he said, "I won't hide it from you, Brother Tianbao. Classmate Ma is the only daughter of Ma Xudong, the former mayor of Yangzhou. Her name is Ma Qingqing. As you know, Secretary Ma was my former superior and also my maternal uncle-in-law."

"After his downfall, my aunt wasn't affected thanks to the Zhang Family, as she was previously married to Old Sir Zhang. I also remained unaffected because my tenure as his secretary was relatively short, saving me from the repercussions."

"Regardless, Secretary Ma had been very supportive of me. Therefore, after his downfall, whenever I had time, I would visit him in prison, bringing some tobacco, liquor, and daily necessities. It's just human nature, I couldn't avoid it."

"No matter what others say, there must definitely be someone who leaked the news, but I am guilt-free and open about it. Secretary Ma is now investing his time inside the prison positively, looking to reform himself, having let go of everything."

"The only thing he can't let go of is his only daughter, so he entrusted me and my aunt Lu Yuqing with her care. Ma Qingqing and we have a good relationship. Having lost her mother early and with her father in such a situation, she's an orphaned daughter, so she transferred from the Provincial Finance to Yangzhou branch."

"She calls me 'brother,' and as a brother, I have a duty to look after and protect her. Just like I call you 'brother,' don't you also help me out in every way? It's the same principle!"

"So sometimes, my aunt and I would meet with her, have a meal together. Girls naturally love flowers, and sometimes when we haven't seen each other for a while, I send her a bouquet to show care. And today... haha, her phone was even turned off, couldn't contact her."

Zhang Tianbao felt a sense of relief upon hearing this, the suspicions clearing, and even a smile broadened across his face, ending with a look of deep admiration.

He stubbed out his cigarette, smiled, and raising his glass said, "Brother Zhizhong, you are honest, I always have considered you my brother. In officialdom, people of sentiment and gratitude like you are rare. Honestly speaking…"

"Secretary Ma's downfall was just bad luck. In terms of money, what was it really? After his accident, no one went to visit him, except for you. Not to mention, taking care of his offspring."

"Actually, I was aware of your visits to him, just never mentioned it. Today, just happened to come up, might as well discuss it."

"Moreover, I knew about Ma Qingqing from Secretary Lu. It seems, Secretary Lu is compelled by circumstances, unable to visit Ma Xudong himself, and can only take care of the daughter."

"Fortunately, the daughter has grown up now, not needing much care. However, such a woman is spiritually and emotionally lonely; you all have to care more for her! Come, let's drink!"

This sincere speech made Liu Zhizhong's heart warm, "Alright, Brother Tianbao, dear brother, cheers!"

As they drank, the emotional bond between the two appeared to strengthen.

After all, Zhang Tianbao was stable, understanding, while Liu Zhizhong had a natural affinity with people, an important vibe.

In the world of officialdom, where human warmth is crucial, how could one with no such warmth thrive?

Later, as they ate and drank, Zhang Tianbao specifically mentioned the issue of Liu Zhizhong's job adjustment that had come up at the City Committee's plenary session.

Simply put, the Zhang Family's influence was resistant to Liu Zhizhong, primarily because they believed he had a direct connection with Old Sir Zhang's death. No matter how excellent, how eloquent, or how popular his internet presence was, the fact that such an episode could take away a 89-year-old revolutionary from this mortal world was unacceptable, at least the Zhang Family Members could never accept or forgive.

It could be said that in Yangzhou, after Liu Zhizhong had paused his work as the City Government Chief Secretary, there was no place available for him, no place that could accommodate him.

Zhang Tianbao did his best to explain for Liu Zhizhong, with Lu Yuqing also chiming in, hoping that everyone would think on a broader scale and not be too narrow-minded. However, they were rebutted by the Zhang Family Members. Of course, Zhang Yuxing didn't say much throughout, only stating that no matter how the secretary was arranged, she had no objections. But in terms of arrangements, all of Yangzhou couldn't accommodate Liu Zhizhong. The source of thɪs content is 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱

So, the matter of Liu Zhizhong's fate had already become pretty clear. The Zhang Family's intention was that he should either resign, leave officialdom, focus on being an internet star, and no longer have affiliations with the Zhang Family; or, consider leaving Yangzhou to take a position elsewhere.

This was not explicitly brought up during the committee session, but was proposed by a representative of the Zhang Family's. The representative, Du Yuesheng, Secretary Du, had privately asked Zhang Tianbao to speak with Minister Zhang and Liu Zhizhong, to gauge Liu Zhizhong's understanding and willingness. Anyway, Yangzhou could no longer accommodate Liu Zhizhong.

Liu Zhizhong kept nodding as he listened. Zhang Yuxing didn't speak, possibly considering his emotions.

It was right for Zhang Tianbao to discuss this in person.

"Brother Tianbao, thank you for inviting me to dine at your home and personally discussing these matters with me. I really appreciate you, my good brother!"

Liu Zhizhong raised his glass in sincere thanks.

With a wry smile, Zhang Tianbao raised his glass, "Brother, I did what I could. I even consulted Minister Luo about this. Guess what he said?"