Chapter 1038: Grand Finale——Original Aspiration Endures

The aftermath of Wang Qigang's fall-from-building case had not yet subsided, and the Commission for Discipline Inspection's investigation work proceeded in sync.

Based on the clues provided by Lin Dongfan and the partial corruption transaction records left by Wang Qigang before his death, the disciplinary authorities quickly locked onto the core target—Deng Chun Ning.

Five days later, Deng Chun Ning was placed under isolated investigation.

At this time, Lin Dongfan was also writing his final document in his office—a resignation application.

Morning light streamed through the blinds, falling on the four bold black characters of "Resignation Application".

His pen tip paused, then he signed his name; the handwriting remained upright, but lost a bit of sharpness, gaining a sense of relief.

He showed no hesitation whatsoever.

When he submitted the resignation application, in the resignation reason column he simply wrote eight characters—"Dereliction of duty, resigning to take responsibility."

Jiang Huantian stared at those eight characters in silence for a while.

Eventually he still called Lin Dongfan's phone, his tone complex: "Have you thought it through? The organization has already clarified that Wang Qigang's death is not directly your responsibility; your road ahead is still long."

"Secretary Jiang." Lin Dongfan's voice was calm yet firm: "As an official, one must uphold the bottom line and also know when to advance or retreat; this is what you taught me. These days I have reflected deeply, and I realize I have indeed fallen short in many aspects. Rather than remain entangled within the system, I would rather practice my original aspiration in another way."

Jiang Huantian let out Along sigh.

Unable to retain him, he said: "Forget it, you always have your own opinions; I respect your decision. I hope that no matter which field you are in in the future, you can uphold the bottom line."

"Mm, take care."

After hanging up, Lin Dongfan tidied his desk.

In the drawer lay the old horsewhip his father used in his lifetime, quietly lying there, constantly urging Lin Dongfan not to forget his original aspiration in conduct and affairs.

Lin Dongfan took nothing from the office except that horsewhip.

He walked out of the municipal government building.

Sunlight fell on his body, without the former heaviness, only Along-lost ease.

Chu Lingxi had already been waiting downstairs; she stepped forward and lightly linked her arm with his: "Honey, where are we going next?"

"Let's go see a different world."

Lin Dongfan smiled, and light returned to his eyes.

After resigning, Lin Dongfan did not, as outsiders guessed, rush into the business sea; instead, he took out his years of savings and established an angel investment fund named "Original Aspiration".

He avoided the hot AI and artificial intelligence windfalls, directing his investment focus toward those seemingly niche but livelihood-related fields.

For example, those small and micro enterprises dedicated to rural revitalization and innovating eco-friendly materials, as well as research projects deeply engaged in grassroots medical assistance technology and grassroots elderly care assistance technology.

He often said: "Angel investment is not about chasing short-term gains, but being patient capital that accompanies truly valuable projects in their growth."

Relying on the social insight accumulated over the years and his precise grasp of policy direction.

Lin Dongfan's investment vision is astonishing.

He not only provides funds to entrepreneurs, but also uses his personal network resources to help them connect with policy support and build cooperation platforms.

Two years later, on a weekend, Lin Dongfan was invited to attend a youth entrepreneurs forum.

On stage.

He wore a simple white shirt, lacking the mayor's halo, yet still full of vigor.

Facing the questions from the young entrepreneurs below the stage.

He shared: "When I was inside the system, I tried to safeguard fairness and justice through policy and supervision. Now as an investor, I hope to use the power of capital to support those who truly want to serve society. In fact, no matter what position one holds, making the world a little better should be our common pursuit..."

After the forum ended, an entrepreneur who had once received his investment stepped forward and presented a banner reading "Original Aspiration as Solid as a Rock, Assisting Dreams Forward".

Lin Dongfan received the banner, a smile appearing at the corners of his eyes.

At that moment his phone rang.

It was an invitation message from Yang Qing, inviting him to participate in the open-to-the-public "Hand-in-Hand Progress·Peaceful Riverwaves" symposium.

Now Qi Ting had finally achieved his wish and entered the ranks; Old Yang took over Qi Ting's position.

"I won't attend the symposium; this weekend there is a large-scale performance, and my silly white sweet is the instructor—I have already promised her that I will accompany her to watch the whole show."

Lin Dongfan had just replied to the message when he saw Chu Lingxi waving at him from the venue entrance.

Yang Qing quickly sent a contemptuous message: "A useless man who constantly circles around his wife all day—look at my family's Teacher Xu, when would she dare to cling to me and not let go?"

"Teacher Xu doesn't cling to you because you never take a bath."

"Can't beat me, so you smear me?"

"Get lost."

Lin Dongfan replied with an emoticon, directly ending this meaningless nonsense.

Original Aspiration unchanged, the path ahead endless.

In this world, there is always a kind of perseverance that can transcend identity barriers, cross the long river of time, and blossom with the same brilliant light in different posts.

The book is complete!