Ma Xudong didn't speak, but the understanding expression in his tear-reddened eyes indeed painted a vivid picture of life.
Liu Zhizhong said, "You really hope that you can see Qingqing, that poor child again, and also the child you and her mother had together. It could be a boy, if it's a bit melodramatic, but of course, it could be a girl too. You really hope that Qingqing can find her biological parents, that she can show up and survive. That way, your life would have no regrets."
In Ma Xudong's tear-reddened eyes, two sparkling glints shimmered as he turned his head towards Liu Zhizhong, a tearful yet relieved smile clearly spread across his face.
"Choosing this secretary was the right decision. A secretary's innate skill is to observe and understand, to grasp the leader's intentions in time. Clearly, Zhizhong, you got it right."
Liu Zhizhong couldn't help but smile. "Secretary Ma, I hope that in the next life, we can be partners again."
"Sure! In the next life, I will definitely pick the right side, not burden my good secretary anymore! Of course, for now, I still need to burden you, as we really need to make a trip to Rong City."
"No problem, I'll try my best. Anyway, I'm recovering from my illness now, and those who are recovering need to walk around and clear their mind."
"Haha..." Ma Xudong laughed, his voice still quite hearty.
This visit to the prison truly was full of twists and turns.
But the final outcome was rather satisfactory.
At least, Ma Xudong wasn't cuckolded. It was very likely that his biological child was still in the mortal world, just switched at birth, and there was still a possibility to find them.
Ma Qingqing's illness was treatable; it just required searching for people, constantly searching!
Liu Zhizhong also harbored hope and was full of confidence. He and Ma Xudong even ended up discussing some details, such as the name of Ma Qingqing's biological mother: Zhang Huazhi, a simple name from the Yangbei Region.
At the same time, he also learned about the circumstances of the clothing factory in Rong City back then.
All of this was related to the future search for Ma Xudong's children and saving Ma Qingqing.
Near noon, Liu Zhizhong finally left the prison. The prison staff even tried to persuade him to stay and have a meal with Secretary Ma. Although the Prison Director wasn't present, there were other leaders who could accompany them.
Liu Zhizhong, of course, politely declined, suggesting they just improve Secretary Ma's food.
But what he felt inside was: clinging to a strong thigh is just so wonderful; the benefits of power are indeed vast.
Of course, he also comprehended the advice Ma Xudong had given him. He felt this cadre, who had risen from poverty and was now facing a terminal illness, spoke heartfelt truths that were immensely valuable! Get full chapters from 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹~𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮~𝚗𝚎𝚝
Back at the villa, after having lunch, Liu Zhizhong took an afternoon nap. Needless to say, Shi Jing and Xu Jiao truly loved him and accompanied him in his nap.
This nap, well, was quite exhilarating. Embracing left and right, an array of affectionate gestures—can you say it wasn't thrilling?
Liu Zhizhong indeed felt some pressure and needed such a release; it wasn't too much. Life must go on, and serious matters needed attending to!
After the rest, reenergized, he freshened up and made a direct visit to Qian's Manor to meet Qian Xuan.
Qian Xuan, a potentate in his own right, needed Liu Zhizhong, although perverse, but was quite good to him.
Thus, for the search of Ma Xudong and Zhang Huazhi's child, Liu Zhizhong didn't plan to go directly to Rong City but wanted to leverage Qian Xuan's influence to possibly speed things up.
Of course, this was also like a test for Qian Xuan. You command rain and shine in Hu Yang and Yunxi provinces, exceptionally capable—can you penetrate the provinces in the South, like Ningnan Province where Rong City is located?
Qian Xuan's afternoon was spent with Luo Shuxiu on the large garden terrace in the master's residential area, enjoying a top-tier afternoon tea—indeed a flavorful life.
Liu Zhizhong's arrival was also approved to enter the master's residential area.
With his wife present, Qian Xuan was damn too genteel, completely like a well-learned, refined young master.
Once Liu Zhizhong arrived, he was forthright, not concealing anything aside from his and Ma Qingqing's emotional connection, and clarified everything about Ma Xudong's past.
Hearing this, Luo Shuxiu felt internal unrest, quite moved, lamenting such a pitifully tragic situation.
Qian Xuan, also touched, said, "Well done, Support God, moving the hearts of people again! You've got quite the nerve, seeking a daughter for the former disgraced Mayor, but it's noble, truly! You didn't come to me just for this, did you?"
Liu Zhizhong, frank as always, replied, "Mr. Xuan, I've fully experienced your capabilities. Judging by Ma Qingqing's age, this all happened nearly 20 years ago. Times change, and people come and go. My personal power is too trivial, and time is pressing, so I can only appeal under your name."
Luo Shuxiu also looked at her husband with a sort of longing. She didn't speak, but her expression revealed her thoughts: can't you just lend a hand?
Qian Xuan's face turned serious, flicking the tea cup in front of him, emitting a clear, ringing sound, he said, "Time is indeed pressing. Ma Xudong's cancer doesn't leave him much time; Ma Qingqing's terminal illness is also pressing... Support God, you wouldn't be trying to uncover my cards, would you?"