Chapter 736: The Dilemma of Wanting It All!

Huo Xiaowen tidied up her handbag.

Tang Ye placed a tissue box in front of her.

Huo Xiaowen looked up at Tang Ye, and for this unfathomable man before her, she suddenly felt a sense of dread.

"Regarding Ma Ran's matter, you can rest assured and wait for news!"

Huo Xiaowen bit her lip and said softly, "I beg you for one thing: do not tell anyone about what happened today."

Since the deed was already done, was she still afraid of others knowing?

"Teacher Huo, have you ever considered a scenario where I didn't refuse you just now, but instead followed someone else's script—what the consequences would have become!"

Huo Xiaowen stared blankly at Tang Ye, a look of complexity appearing on her face, "I was too impulsive."

"Impulse is the devil. If something had really happened between us, it would hurt the people closest to us."

Furthermore, our affair would also cause a vile impact; by then, it would be used as leverage by others, turning us into their puppets.

I can tell that you want to get ahead, but you must still have a sense of propriety in your actions; do not resort to crooked paths."

At this moment, Huo Xiaowen wished she could find a hole in the ground to bury herself in.

Tang Ye was not a saint like Liu Xia Hui who could remain unmoved while holding a woman on his lap.

He simply possessed a strong inner heart and firm goals.

Whenever he was tempted, there would be a voice reminding him.

"I'm sorry, County Magistrate Tang, I know I was wrong." Huo Xiaowen was filled with chagrin.

"Everyone has moments of confusion; I can understand," Tang Ye comforted her. "After you go back, you can explain it to Chen Dongan like this: just say that I was quite busy, and after we exchanged a few words, I went to a meeting."

Huo Xiaowen nodded slightly, "Understood!"

……

Huo Xiaowen walked out of the County Magistrate's office, looking dejected.

Her actions today might seem like she was bewitched by Chen Dongan.

But deep down, how could she not have felt that this was an opportunity to latch onto a powerful figure?

When Huo Xiaowen and Ma Ran chatted, they often mentioned Tang Ye.

From Ma Ran's words, she could feel Ma Ran's heartfelt admiration and appreciation for Tang Ye.

Indirectly, she also developed curiosity and a favorable impression of Tang Ye.

This was also why, when Chen Dongan initially approached Huo Xiaowen, she felt repulsed.

Yet this time, when Huo Xiaowen had a reason to approach Tang Ye, she had boldly taken a step forward.

Although Tang Ye was married, he was dashing and had a bright future ahead.

All of this held an inexplicable attraction for Huo Xiaowen.

There is a saying: men conquer the world to conquer women, and women conquer men to conquer the world.

Tang Ye finally understood why Ma Ran wanted to break up with Huo Xiaowen.

This kind of woman was a disaster; one must keep her at a respectful distance!

Tang Ye rummaged through his drawer and found that artistic photo of Huo Xiaowen.

A few seconds later, he tore it into pieces without hesitation!

That old scoundrel Chen Dongan actually incited Ma Ran's girlfriend to seduce him!

How many cadres could withstand such a test?

Damn it!

A despicable, shameless, and base thing!

……

Huo Xiaowen returned to her residence.

Her father Huo Tai's call followed immediately.

"Xiaowen, how many times have I told you! That kid Ma Ran is completely unreliable!" Huo Tai's voice carried impatience.

Huo Xiaowen hurriedly comforted him: "Dad, don't worry, Ma Ran's current predicament is only temporary; it will pass."

Huo Tai sneered, his tone full of disdain: "Being investigated by the Discipline Inspection Commission, do you know what this means? There is basically no way out for the rest of his life! He used to hold the status of a civil servant, but now he can't even keep his iron rice bowl. I think you should recognize reality quickly and draw a clear line with him!"

In fact, Huo Xiaowen had long had thoughts of breaking up with Ma Ran in her heart.

However, she was unable to put a complete end to the past.

This resulted in her wanting to break up while being unable to cut off the past, falling into the dilemma of "wanting both."

"Dad, I've already looked for County Magistrate Tang. Ma Ran is his Liaison Officer; he told me to set my mind at ease and said there would be a way." Huo Xiaowen tried to reassure her father.

"I've already investigated Tang Ye's background thoroughly; he does have some connections. But Ma Ran has only been with him for a few months—do you think he would be willing to exhaust all his resources to help Ma Ran get through this hurdle?"

Huo Tai's tone was calm and realistic.

"Now is the best opportunity for you to break up with Ma Ran! That kid acts without restraint or sense of proportion; I think he will take a big fall sooner or later!"

Huo Xiaowen sighed inwardly.

If she hadn't incited Ma Ran to accept that money back then, Ma Ran wouldn't have ended up being investigated.

In the end, Ma Ran was ruined by her.

So at this moment, Huo Xiaowen's heart was full of guilt.

"Dad, I know you're doing this for my own good; give me a little more time, okay?" Her voice carried a hint of pleading.

"Sigh, you child, you are just too silly and too infatuated." Huo Tai's tone was full of helplessness.

Hearing her father's assessment, Huo Xiaowen suddenly felt a sense of hollowness in her heart.

The label of "infatuated" was truly ill-suited for her.

Just after hanging up her father's call, Chen Dongan's call came in immediately.

"Teacher Huo, how did your talk with County Magistrate Tang go today? Was there a result?" Chen Dongan's voice carried a hint of urgency.

Huo Xiaowen steadied herself and lied, "County Magistrate Tang told me not to be too anxious, saying Ma Ran will be fine."

Hearing her say this, Chen Dongan's tone relaxed significantly: "Alright, thank you for your trouble in making this trip. By the way, did you handle things according to what I told you before?"

Huo Xiaowen bit her lip and continued to conceal the truth: "Rest assured, everything has been handled according to your wishes."

Chen Dongan nodded slightly and followed up with a question: "Did you leave behind any evidence?"

Huo Xiaowen paused, then feigned composure and said, "Bureau Chief Chen, rest assured, I know how to handle things; there won't be any problems."

"Then give the evidence to me first," Chen Dongan demanded directly.

Huo Xiaowen feigned difficulty and demurred: "Bureau Chief Chen, for things that are too private, I think it's better if I keep them myself to avoid any mishaps."

Upon hearing the word "private," Chen Dongan felt a complex mix of emotions.

He used a loud laugh to cover his embarrassment.

"Fine, your consideration is thorough. If you need anything in the future, don't hesitate to contact me; don't stand on ceremony with me."

He hung up the phone with Huo Xiaowen.

There was a sour, astringent taste in Chen Dongan's mouth.

A "fresh flower" he hadn't managed to pluck had gone to waste on a pile of "cow dung" like Tang Ye.

However, he wasn't too depressed; after all, there had been plenty of women by his side over the years.

Even if Huo Xiaowen's beauty was in a league of its own, in his eyes, she was nothing more than a plaything with a bit of novelty.

Chen Dongan picked up the desk phone and skillfully dialed Teacher Hong's number.

"Bureau Chief Chen, what made you think of calling me today?" Teacher Hong's voice carried a touch of deference.

"Are you free tonight? Shall we grab a late-night snack together?" Chen Dongan's tone was somewhat relaxed.

Teacher Hong's tone immediately revealed surprise: "Bureau Chief Chen, of course I'm willing! How about this, why don't you come to my place tonight and I'll make you some soup? I just learned a recipe for a soup that nourishes the yang and strengthens the kidneys; it's especially nourishing."

Chen Dongan naturally understood what Teacher Hong was up to and replied with a smile, "It really has been a while since I've had your soup; I'm actually quite craving it."