Although Tian Wen had caused a small interlude, it didn't affect Liu Zhizhong's visit to see Ma Xudong with Ma Qingqing.

At 11 a.m., after the inspection, Old Li, accompanied by security, once again took Liu Zhizhong and Ma Qingqing to see Ma Xudong.

Liu Zhizhong, fearing Ma Qingqing might feel nervous, had given her a heads-up in advance, telling her not to be afraid of any leaders from the Discipline Inspection Commission or anyone else, assuring her that there was nothing to worry about. He mentioned that they too could fall from grace one day, and besides, they were all human; since she hadn't committed any crime and wasn't part of the organization, they wouldn't dare touch her.

With Liu Zhizhong's prior reassurance, Ma Qingqing did become much more stable. Xiao Fang, in her heart, truly admired and liked Brother Zhizhong!

Old Li also noticed how beautiful Ma Xudong's daughter was, with a great temperament and seemingly good psychological quality too!

In Ma Xudong's room, Ma Qingqing saw her father, whom she hadn't seen for many days. She remembered many things and couldn't help but moisten her eyes.

Regardless, before her father encountered trouble, he did truly care for her, providing for her food, clothing, and education, allowing her to enjoy better schooling. Once things went awry, she lost everything, and her father was facing a long prison sentence, which truly distressed her.

In the face of this calamity, any complaints or resentments she might have had towards her father seemed less important.

Girls are naturally tender-hearted, and seeing her frail father, it was already good that she wasn't sobbing uncontrollably.

Still, thanks to Brother Zhizhong's prior advice, seeing her father, she needed to be a bit stronger to reassure him.

As it happened, Ma Qingqing just called out "Dad" and then wiped her eyes, struggling to hold back her tears.

In this moment, Ma Xudong felt a pang in his heart, and the softness there as a father burst forth completely.

For a time, he was the one overwhelmed with tears, crying out "Qingqing" before embracing his soft daughter, both sobbing uncontrollably.

Ma Qingqing couldn't hold back, and in her father's arms, her tears poured out.

This scene also made Liu Zhizhong quite despondent as he struggled to hold back his own tears.

You could say Ma Xudong was a corrupt official or a parasite in the organization, but at that moment, in front of human nature and the father-daughter bond, everything was real and touching.

Liu Zhizhong thought for a moment and gently patted Ma Qingqing's back, softly saying, "Qingqing, remember what we agreed. You promised to be stronger. Talk to your dad, and I'll step outside and wait."

Ma Qingqing turned to look at Liu Zhizhong, at this man she trusted immensely, and nodded. "Okay, Brother Zhizhong, I'll listen to you."

Ma Xudong saw this and felt satisfied.

Look at the secretary I picked, he sure knows how to handle relationships, right?

Then, Liu Zhizhong said to Old Li, "Mr. Li, Comrade Ma Xudong isn't the type seeking death. In this situation, as the father and daughter say goodbye, why don't we turn a blind eye and all step out? It's a common human emotion, and there's compassion beyond the law. What do you think, Mr. Li?"

Old Li considered the father and daughter, and ultimately nodded, gesturing for his security team and himself, along with Liu Zhizhong, to wait outside.

However, as they reached the door, Old Li turned back and said, "Old Ma, you have half an hour!"

Ma Xudong nodded and tearfully said, "Thank you, Old Li."

When half an hour was up, Old Li decisively brought everyone back into the room; it was indeed time for Ma Qingqing to leave.

The emotions of the Ma family were much more stable now, with no trace of tears left.

As they parted, Ma Xudong solemnly said to his daughter, "Qingqing, you will grow up gradually. Listen to Brother Zhizhong; he won't harm you. Once you graduate, no matter the circumstances, do not enter officialdom, do not engage in politics, just stay out of the system."

Ma Qingqing nodded, her pretty face somewhat solemn, a poignant seriousness within her innocence.

Then Ma Xudong said to Liu Zhizhong, "Zhizhong, your uncle still appreciates you dearly and is truly grateful you accepted the responsibility. I entrust Qingqing to you. I wish you a bright future, stay true to your initial resolve, and remain upright in both your personal life and official role."

Liu Zhizhong nodded, "Secretary Ma, I'll remember that."

Afterwards, Liu Zhizhong took Ma Qingqing away from the residence, and it was time for lunch.

So, nearby, Liu Zhizhong offered to take Ma Qingqing out for lunch and then head back to school to handle her transfer.

Ma Qingqing was transferring from the main campus to a branch campus, which was also a step down. As long as the main campus was willing to release her, the Yangzhou branch campus would definitely accept her.

Ma Qingqing said, "No need, Brother Zhizhong. Let me treat you instead!"

Liu Zhizhong smiled and said, "How could I? Your dad just entrusted you to me for care, and here I am, sponging off you immediately? Your finances are tight right now; you can't be treating, let me do this."

Ma Qingqing replied, "My finances aren't tight! The pocket money my dad gave me since I was little, I've saved some of it, and now I have over a million! I have a million invested in the stock market, and it's been rising lately."

"Uh... you're a little financial wizard, the stock market's first little goddess, huh?"