The engagement is over, but the black-bellied president won't let go

At that time, he wanted to find out what was going on. But who would step forward at this time? They were all trying to protect themselves. But the organization had given him this important task, so he had no choice but to come here today.

Xiao Zhengchun smiled, "Director Li, you're too polite. Let's go to the study. Come, Yi Yang, you guys greet Director Wang, I want to chat with Director Li." Xiao Zhengchun's smile was calm and composed, as if everything was under his control.

Director Li nodded slightly and walked into the room. Director Wang, who was brought by Director Li, stood up with an awkward smile and nodded hurriedly. His face was full of a flattering smile, which seemed a little stiff, and his eyes kept moving, as if he was trying to capture every subtle reaction around him. He held Director Li's coat tightly in his hand, and his knuckles turned white because of the force, as if the coat was his only lifeline in this unfamiliar environment.

Seeing this, Leng Ruofei walked forward with a smile and said softly, "Director Wang, give it to me." Her voice was gentle and kind, and she took the coat gently and skillfully and hung it on the hanger. She always had a polite smile on her face, and that smile was as warm as the spring breeze, trying to ease the slightly tense atmosphere.

In the study, Xiao Zhengchun and Director Li sat opposite each other. Director Li took a sip of tea, cleared his throat, and said, "Brother, the organization asked me to have a good chat with you." There was some concern in his eyes, and there was also a hint of indescribable complex emotions.

Xiao Zhengchun raised his head slightly, looked at Director Li calmly, and said in a steady tone: "Director Li, you can speak frankly."

Director Li put down his teacup, his expression slightly serious. "Brother, the organization would like to express its deepest apologies for the measures we took against you before. It was really necessary for the investigation, and we had to do so. I hope you don't take it to heart."

Xiao Zhengchun smiled faintly, "Director Li, this is the organization's procedure, I understand."

Director Li breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Brother, there is one more thing. The organization knows that you have submitted an application for early retirement, and no one wants you to leave. You are our backbone, and now is a critical period. We need comrades like you who are experienced and capable to continue to shine."

A trace of determination flashed in Xiao Zhengchun's eyes, and he shook his head gently, "Director Li, thank you for the organization's trust and kindness. But I have made up my mind."

Director Li frowned and leaned forward slightly. "Think about it carefully. Your experience and wisdom are too important to us. If you leave, it will be a great loss to us."

Xiao Zhengchun sighed softly, "Director Li, I have been in this position for so many years and have experienced all kinds of ups and downs. Now, I feel that my energy is not as good as before, and it is time to make room for young people and give them more opportunities to exercise and grow."

Director Li said anxiously: "Young people certainly need opportunities, but they also need your guidance and instruction. If you just leave like this, they may take detours in many things."

Xiao Zhengchun was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Director Li, I'm tired after all these years. I want to enjoy life and spend more time with my family."

Director Li looked regretful. "Can't you devote a few more years to the organization? As long as you stay, the organization will fully support your work and provide all the necessary conditions."

Xiao Zhengchun waved his hand firmly, "Director Li, I appreciate your kindness. But I have made up my mind to leave, and I hope the organization can understand."

Director Li leaned back in his chair helplessly and sighed heavily, "Brother, I wonder how many people will feel lost and regretful when you leave."

A gentle smile appeared on Xiao Zhengchun's face. "Director Li, I believe that the organization will get better and better, and the young people will do better than me. During the time when the organization was looking for me, wasn't the work in our bureau running normally? The army may change, but the camp remains the same."

The study fell into a brief silence again, with only the ticking sound of the wall clock clearly audible.

Director Li's face turned pale and blue, and his expression was extremely unnatural. He knew everything in his heart. How could someone who had experienced such an experience have no grudges in his heart? Xiao Zhengchun had been in there for more than a month. This long time had caused indelible trauma and great changes to him both physically and mentally. At this moment, Director Li felt that he lacked the confidence to say these words here.

Director Li looked at Xiao Zhengchun again, with a hint of guilt in his eyes that was hard to conceal, "Brother, I really wronged you for more than a month."

Xiao Zhengchun tilted his head slightly, his Adam's apple rolling, as if he was trying to suppress the complex emotions surging in his heart, "It's all over, Director Li." Although his voice was calm, the slightly trembling ending still revealed his inner unrest.

The atmosphere in the study room became increasingly heavy, as if a dark cloud was hanging over it, making it almost impossible to breathe. Director Li crossed his hands and kept rubbing them. His movements seemed a little hurried and helpless. "Brother, this time we really realized that the previous handling method was inappropriate, and the organization is also deeply reflecting and making great improvements."

Xiao Zhengchun remained silent, just looking out the window quietly. The leaves outside the window swayed gently in the breeze, but his eyes were unfocused, revealing a trace of fatigue and vicissitudes that others could not detect. It was a deep weariness, as if he had experienced a long journey and was exhausted both physically and mentally.

Seeing that he remained silent, Director Li continued, "I know that the past month or so has had a huge impact on you. But the organization really needs you now. We can't lose an experienced and capable backbone like you just because of this mistake." His voice was filled with urgency and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Xiao Zhengchun slowly turned his head, his once sharp eyes now looked a little dim, and he said in a low voice: "Director Li, I just went through this experience, and now I can see clearly many things that I couldn't understand before."

"Brother, you have to believe that the organization will not forget your efforts and contributions." Director Li said anxiously, staring at Xiao Zhengchun, as if trying to catch a sign of relaxation from his expression.

Xiao Zhengchun sighed softly, and this sigh seemed to contain his years of hard work and helplessness. "Director Li, I have worked for the organization for so many years and have never slacked off. But this experience has forced me to start thinking about my life and what I have missed."

Director Li frowned, his eyebrows almost twisted together, "Don't be so pessimistic, Lao Xiao. The organization can compensate you. As long as you are willing to stay, any conditions can be negotiated."

Xiao Zhengchun smiled bitterly and shook his head. His smile was full of bitterness. "Director Li, I have been reflecting day and night for more than a month. I remembered my absence during my children's growth and my inability to take care of my wife when she was sick. I think I should live for myself and my family."

Director Li's voice became a little hoarse, as if something was blocking his throat, "Is there really no room for maneuver?" His eyes were full of pleading, hoping to get a different answer from Xiao Zhengchun.

Xiao Zhengchun looked at Director Li firmly, without any evasion in his gaze. "Director Li, I have made up my mind. Please understand."

At this time, there was a sound of light footsteps outside the study. Leng Ruofei hesitated at the door, thinking about what Xiao Yiyang had told her, and finally knocked on the door gently. In fact, Xiao Yiyang was worried about the situation in the study, so he deliberately sent her here to give Xiao Zhengchun an excuse to end the conversation.

"Come in." Xiao Zhengchun said.

Leng Ruofei carefully pushed open the door of the study and walked into the study. Seeing the solemn expressions of the two, her heart couldn't help but tighten, and she said carefully: "Director Li, Dad, do you want to eat something?"

Director Li waved his hand and said, "No, thank you." His voice was weak and he seemed to have lost all his energy.

Xiao Zhengchun said to Leng Ruofei, "Ruofei, please go out first. I will talk to Director Li for a while."

Leng Ruofei nodded, her eyes swept over Xiao Zhengchun and Director Li, and she quietly left the study, closing the door behind her.

Only Director Li and Xiao Zhengchun were left in the study. Director Li stood up and sighed helplessly. The sigh was particularly clear in the quiet study. "Okay, brother, since you have made up your mind, I will not force you. But I hope that if you change your mind in the future, you can come back at any time."

Xiao Zhengchun stood up and shook hands with Director Li again, using a little force, "Director Li, thank you for coming today."

Director Li left Xiao Zhengchun's home with a lot of regrets. Xiao Zhengchun stood in front of the window, watching Director Li's car gradually go away, the shadow of the car getting smaller and smaller until it disappeared at the end of the road. He was also filled with emotion, and his thoughts surged like a tide.

This special life of more than a month has allowed him to see another side of life. In that small space, without the hustle and bustle of the past, he has enough time and a quiet environment to think. He recalled the past countless times, the days when he rushed day and night for work, the achievements and glory he had achieved, but at this moment, they seemed to be no longer so important.

He recalled that he had not slept for several days and nights in order to complete an urgent task. In the end, the task was successfully completed, but his body was exhausted. There was also a time when his children were participating in an important event at school and were eagerly looking forward to him going, but he could not leave because of work, which disappointed his children for a long time. When his wife was sick and hospitalized, he only visited her in a hurry and then threw himself into work again.

He devoted too much to his work and neglected his family and his physical and mental health. He missed his children's growth, missed the warm time with his wife, and missed the opportunity to take good care of himself. Now, he wants to regain what he has lost.

Xiao Zhengchun took a deep breath, as if he wanted to absorb this new understanding into his lungs and engrave it in his heart.