Ma Xudong spoke with a serious face, "Xiao Luo, at this point, I think it's best we part ways! You should write a transfer application and go lead on the junior level at the grassroots!"

"We are square; you don't owe me anything, and I don't owe you anything. You should find a man who loves you and whom you love, and get married and have children!"

"Just stay in the hotel room by yourself, stay for two full days and then head back to Yangzhou, arranging your own transportation."

"Also, write an application for annual leave, submit it to Zhizhong, and after you've used up your leave, you should be about at your new post. I wish you a bright future!"

"That's it; I won't accompany you upstairs. I need to get in touch with Zhizhong and Secretary Lu. Ah, the affair has been exposed, I must plug the leaks."

With that, Ma Xudong turned, got into his Maybach, started it, and left without looking back.

Luo Yanling was secretly overjoyed, relieved that she could leave without him asking for money or insisting on any further entanglements.

Yet, her face remained pitiful, tears brimming in her eyes as she watched him drive away.

Ma Xudong saw the tearful beauty in the rearview mirror and felt a heavy sense of discomfort in his heart, sighing...

But his manner in handling this matter was indeed calculated and confident, almost as expected by Liu Zhizhong, yet unexpectedly so.

Liu Zhizhong thought it would take more effort for Ma Xudong to let go of Luo Yanling and not pursue the US dollars he had given her.

After Ma Xudong's car left, Luo Yanling naturally went to the hotel room.

Moreover, the room she booked was right next to Liu Zhizhong's room!

Well, now that it was all settled, "Brother Zhizhong, I'll sleep with you tonight, hehe..."

Meanwhile, Ma Xudong drove out of the resort hotel, cruising in the cool scenic area to calm his emotions.

The exposure of the affair was a significant emotional shock for Ma Xudong!

A man has many facets to his pride, and today, he lost a big part of his in regards to the grand scheme and the future, something he had to smooth out!

Of course, it would be best if everyone can move on quietly. But sleeping with his sister-in-law, Lu Yumei, afterward would be tough.

At home, Lu Yuqing's say might need to increase. Otherwise, it wouldn't look good for Lu Yuqing either! After all, a husband caught in an affair, witnessed by her sister, niece, and son-in-law, sigh... Lu Yuqing must maintain her dignity!

Once his emotions settled, Ma Xudong then called Liu Zhizhong.

"Hey, Zhizhong, where are you guys now? I... am feeling quite down! How are your aunt and mother-in-law, and Zhao Han?"

By this time, Liu Zhizhong had worked together with Lu Yuqing, and with Zhao Han's mysteriously motivated but officially sensitive persuasion, managed to calm Lu Yumei down.

Unexpectedly, Lu Yumei reacted strongly, disliking the deceitful Ma Xudong and not wanting her sister to continue being with him, even though he was the Mayor.

Of course, calming her down was manageable with everyone's efforts, making her face reality.

When Ma Xudong called, Liu Zhizhong stepped aside to answer.

"Aunt's husband, we are at Qushui River. Be assured, my mother-in-law's mood has stabilized, and my aunt's mood is also fine. Comrade Zhao Han is a good comrade. I persuaded her, she claimed she knows nothing and will not spread it. Be reassured, Liu Zhizhong is not a reckless person, and I've properly soothed their emotions. It's all heading towards the better. They are now sitting in a teahouse by the creek, and I'm speaking with you alone."

Ma Xudong felt immense gratitude, expressing "good" three times before saying, "Zhizhong, dear uncle, I definitely didn't choose the wrong person; you indeed can handle them well. It's unexpected, our unfortunate encounter today, sigh..."

Liu Zhizhong promptly said, "It's also my fault I wasn't home for dinner last night; I didn't know you had left. I meant to inform everyone about today's trip and even thought of inviting you! It was like this..."

Liu Zhizhong mentioned what Lu Yuqing had told them, "Uncle had an urgent trip back to the Provincial City for an important matter. He wouldn't contact us until it's sorted, and we wouldn't contact him either."

Lastly, Liu Zhizhong added with a laugh, "Uncle, don't know if I should say this, luckily, my wife rejected my travel plan; otherwise, it would have been more embarrassing. Also, Zhang Hongyang had drunk a lot last night and couldn't get out of bed today. Otherwise, as an outsider Mayor, knowing such things about a local here, sigh... You understand, right? It's really my fault, why did we choose such a place to cool off, I'm really sorry, uncle..."

"Hmm, I understand, this is a misfortune with some fortune! Don't blame yourself, Zhizhong. How could this be your fault? You aimed for family unity and harmony, didn't you? Officials like us, ah, what's the big deal about playing with two women? Most importantly, we must keep it secret; once it leaks, it doesn't look good!"

"Got it, uncle's lesson is well remembered. But, uncle, about you and Director Luo... Hehe, I'm being nosy, aren't I?"