Ma Qingqing was suddenly a bit confused.

The young woman was, after all, only 19 years old, and not being allowed to transfer schools was like a chokehold on her future.

But Liu Zhizhong was very steady, glanced at the other party's work badge, offered a cigarette, and said with a smile, "Teacher Zheng, would you please make an exception? Qingqing's situation is unique, and it's not suitable for her to live and study here at the moment, so..."

However, this Teacher Zheng glanced indifferently at Liu Zhizhong, did not take his cigarette, took out one of his own, and cut him off.

"Your name is Liu Zhizhong, right? From Yangzhou, and used to be the secretary to the fallen Secretary Ma Xudong?"

Ma Qingqing was stunned for a moment, looked at Brother Zhizhong, and didn't expect Teacher Zheng to know him.

Liu Zhizhong smiled slightly, unruffled, and said, "Teacher Zheng, if I may be so bold, do you... know me?"

"Heh heh..."

Teacher Zheng let out a cold laugh, lit his own cigarette, and said, "Your car plate, there are still people who can trace it to your name. You injured Secretary Tian's son at the school, and they weren't even looking for you about that yet. Now you want to take Secretary Tian's son's girlfriend away to Yangzhou. Tell me, is that appropriate? Tell me, do you think this transfer can be approved? The rank of Secretary Tian is not lower than that of your former boss, right?"

Suddenly, Liu Zhizhong understood everything. His hand reached into his pocket, and he touched the recording pen he always carried with him.

But Ma Qingqing, feeling wronged, said, "Secretary Zheng, I'm not dating Tian Wen, I'm not his girlfriend; he wishes I were! He provoked Brother Zhizhong earlier today. Brother Zhizhong was defending himself!"

Teacher Zheng said calmly, "Yes, we all know your Brother Zhizhong was defending himself, which is why we're not pursuing his responsibility! A youth with no future prospects in officialdom, and with unclear relations to his former leader's daughter, why should we bother with such a drowning dog?"

Hearing the words "drowning dog," Ma Qingqing felt as if she was being insulted and was about to explode.

But Liu Zhizhong said calmly, "Qingqing, it's okay, I just need to have a good talk with Teacher Zheng about this."

He completely understood the emotions Ma Qingqing was going through for him, and took solace in that. He couldn't let this girl be wronged by others anymore.

On that note, Liu Zhizhong said with a placating smile, "Teacher Zheng, what you're saying... to call me a drowning dog, is that not an insult? But Secretary Ma entrusted his daughter to me, and Little Sister Qingqing herself is willing to study in Yangzhou. It's natural for them to look after each other, so please try to understand!"

"I can understand, but Secretary Tian doesn't understand! Secretary Tian can understand, but Mr. Tian can't understand! Secretary Tian doesn't want to pursue the matter of you hitting someone; isn't that magnanimity enough? Secretary Tian also wants Miss Ma Qingqing to become his daughter-in-law. Can you understand that?"

Liu Zhizhong smiled, "I cannot understand."

"What?" Teacher Zheng's face changed, turning serious, and his voice grew louder, "What don't you understand? Your leader's career is over, you have no future; if you follow Secretary Tian's wishes, maybe there's still a chance for you. The connections of Secretary Tian are beyond your imagination. Vice Minister Niu from the Provincial Organizational Department is his brother-in-law. Do you think you're above that, or not?"

Liu Zhizhong shook his head, "Teacher Zheng, doesn't the organization have its work discipline? A university secretary can't use personal feelings to interfere with local Party and government personnel, right? A university secretary, even more so, can't force a girl to become his son's wife, right? Saying this, aren't you smearing Secretary Tian?"

Teacher Zheng suddenly burst into rage, slammed the desk, and even startled Ma Qingqing, who instinctively hugged Liu Zhizhong's arm and was almost ready to hide behind him.

Teacher Zheng said sternly, "Quit your babbling! Secretary Tian has the power to meddle in local Party and government personnel matters. He has more than enough grip to crush a little bug like you, so don't resist! To be clear, today, Ma Qingqing cannot transfer. Secretary Tian has already made that clear. Even Heaven's Emperor couldn't change that!"

Ma Qingqing, feeling terribly wronged, with tears nearly spilling, impulsively moved away from Liu Zhizhong and shouted, "Teacher Zheng, why are you abusing your power for personal grudges..."

Liu Zhizhong quickly wrapped his arm around her delicate shoulder, "Qingqing, don't speak to Teacher Zheng like that! Everything is under control here. Be quiet. Today, if they won't let you transfer, then Brother Zhizhong doesn't have the surname Liu; I'll take Zheng's surname, or maybe Secretary Tian's!"

Teacher Zheng suddenly cracked a grin, "Ha! If you wanted to take the name Zheng Zhizhong, I might consider it. You want to call yourself Tian Zhizhong? Hah, you don't even consider your own status! Stop talking about useless things and prepare for your afternoon class, Ma Qingqing; you can't leave. You, Liu Zhizhong, stay out of the way; stop making a fool of yourself!"

Liu Zhizhong helplessly spread his hands, "Ah well, Secretary Tian Changlin of the provincial key university controls everything with connections to the Provincial Organizational Department, oppressing us local minor officials, and forcing a girl to be his son's wife, it's settled then?"

"Yes, you're right about all of it. What can you do? Secretary Tian is the 'heaven' around here. What can you do about it? A local pest, truly disgraceful!"

Teacher Zheng, filled with smugness, shook his head and even pointed at Liu Zhizhong's nose, "Go on, get out. This isn't a place you can handle."

Liu Zhizhong reached into his pocket, stopped the recording, took it out, and pointed it at Teacher Zheng's nose, "But today, I'm taking you on. Don't you dare defy me!"

Suddenly, a fierce intensity Ma Qingqing had never seen before appeared on his handsome face...