Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 1302 The Local Tyrant of Haojiang Gets Taunted by His Daughter (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets)
Fang Yan made a phone call to Ma Wenying directly from the study.

The call was quickly connected.

"Isn't today a working day? Why are you calling me? Is there something about Japanese that you need my help with? I can help, but could you cook me a meal as a reward?" Ma Wenying knew that the only person calling her from Beijing was Fang Yan, so as soon as she answered the phone, she bombarded Fang Yan with questions.

"Your dad's here!" Fang Yan rubbed his temples and said to Ma Wenying.

"..." Ma Wenying on the other end of the phone was completely silenced.

Fang Yan continued speaking to her:
"He originally wanted to take you back, but thanks to Director Liao's efforts, he has changed his mind and now wants to see you."

After Fang Yan finished speaking, there was still silence on the other end of the phone. Only after Fang Yan said "Hello" into the receiver did Ma Wenying's voice come from the other end:
"I don't want to see him."

After hearing Ma Wenying's attitude, Fang Yan thought for a moment and then said:
“I completely understand why you don’t want to see him. From a doctor’s perspective, you are currently in a critical period of recovery, and any environment that makes you uncomfortable could affect your treatment.”

"However, Director Liao has already reached an agreement with your father. He will no longer mention the marriage alliance, nor will he force you to return to Macau. He just wants to see you now and make sure you are okay. Moreover, his attitude has really changed. He agrees to let you stay in Beijing to continue your treatment and even plans to arrange some learning or investment opportunities for you. All of this is for your own good."

After speaking, Fang Yan paused and said:

“If you really don’t want to see him, I will of course respect your decision and will explain to your father.”

"But as your doctor, I suggest you consider: perhaps arranging a short meeting with me or Director Liao present? This would help control the situation, avoid any agitation, and also help you release some of your emotions. This could be beneficial for your long-term recovery."

"But remember, the final choice is yours; your health should always be the top priority..."

Fang Yan understands that Ma Wenying doesn't want to face this matter right now, but Ma Wanqi also wants to see his daughter. He has already compromised once, so Fang Yan thinks he can grant him this small request. Of course, if Ma Wenying insists on not coming, Fang Yan can only tell him.

I'm afraid I'll have to use some persuasion then.

At this point in the conversation, Ma Wenying on the other end of the phone took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, and said:

"Where are you? I'm coming right now!"

“My family lives in a courtyard house,” Fang Yan replied.

“Okay, tell him I’ll be there in ten minutes,” Ma Wenying replied to Fang Yan, then hung up the phone.

Fang Yan put down the phone, breathed a sigh of relief, and turned to Ma Wanqi and Director Liao in the main hall.

At this moment, Ma Wanqi unconsciously tightened his grip on the teacup, and there was an undisguised urgency in his eyes.

"Miss Ma said she'll be there in ten minutes," Fang Yan said to Director Liao and Ma Wanqi.

"Good! Good! She still knows what's important..." Ma Wanqi said repeatedly. He had thought his daughter wouldn't see him.

“Mr. Ma,” Fang Yan stepped forward, his tone solemn:

“Ms. Ma’s condition has indeed stabilized, and she is thinking clearly. However, as you know, the core pathogenesis of her illness lies in her emotions. As her father, you are one of the people she cares about most and who have been most deeply affected by this. This incident has caused great trauma to both of you.”

Ma Wanqi was taken aback, then nodded with a serious expression.

“So… when you meet her later, please understand whatever her attitude towards you is,” Fang Yan said to Ma Wanqi.

Ma Wanqi looked a little embarrassed—so, when she saw her daughter later, she might still give her the cold shoulder?
Fang Yan could tell what he was thinking just by looking at his expression. There was no way around it; this guy was used to being the boss in Macau and had never experienced anything like this before.

The dialect had no choice but to continue explaining:
"Miss Ma is like a ship that has just weathered a stormy sea. Although the storm has subsided and the mooring lines have been tightened again, the ship may still be rocking a bit, and the sailors may not be completely at peace."

"Stimulation, resistance, and alienation are all possible. These are not directed at you personally, but rather physiological and psychological reactions to that painful past. As her most important and closest person, your words and actions are crucial to her emotional stability. It is essential to control your emotions and give her the greatest sense of security and peace. Please remember that showing understanding and support is more effective than any medication in consolidating the treatment's effects."

The dialect used was already spoken with great restraint.

Ma Wanqi took a deep breath, and her emotions gradually stabilized.

He nodded solemnly, his voice low and deep:

"Dr. Fang, thank you for reminding me. I understand that she has suffered these past few days. I will remember what you said. I am her father, and I know how... to protect her."

He glanced at Director Liao and said, "As long as she is safe and sound, everything else is in the past. I will take care of the rest when I get back to Haojiang."

Upon hearing this, Director Liao nodded and smiled, saying:
"It's good that Comrade Ma understands. When father and daughter meet, safety is the most important thing. Let's talk things out. We're all family!"

Fang Yan felt that the old leader's words had a double meaning.

The tense but brief ten minutes passed quickly.

The sound of a car engine could be heard outside; it was a car that Ma Wenyin had asked Lao Hu to buy in Hong Kong.

Then Anton brought the person in.

The three people inside the house stared intently at the courtyard.

The first person to enter was Ma Wenying's personal assistant, who stepped aside. Immediately afterwards, another figure entered.

The figure instantly captured Ma Wanqi's gaze.

Ma Wenying was still dressed in a cool style. She wore a well-tailored suit that made her look tall and slightly thin. However, she rolled up the cuffs, revealing her fair forearms, which no longer bore the shocking French scars.

The most striking feature was her hair—a neat and short cut, almost like a boy's hairstyle. This, combined with her delicate mixed-race features, gave her an androgynous, breathtaking, and aloof air.

Ma Wanqi gasped sharply, as if a hand had suddenly gripped his heart.

The image of his daughter was completely different from the one he remembered—sometimes docile, sometimes rebellious, and finally haggard and insane.

This short hair, this men's clothing... it's a silent yet incredibly powerful declaration.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he forced down the turmoil in his heart.

He forced himself to recall Fang Yan's admonitions and all that his daughter had gone through. "Father." Ma Wenying stopped, nodded slightly, her tone calm and even, without the excitement of a long-awaited reunion, without filial piety, and without the fear and suppressed anger of the past. Only a polite distance, worn down by time and illness, remained.

"Director Liao." She nodded slightly to Director Liao again, and when her gaze finally fell on Fang Yan, the sense of distance faded a little, and she softly called out, "Dr. Fang." With a hint of reassurance and familiarity.

Ma Wanqi's gaze swept over his daughter, suppressing the urge to rush over and slap her, and he tried his best to keep his voice steady: "Wen Yin... are you... alright?"

He paused, realizing that what he had wanted to say earlier now seemed inappropriate. He carefully chose his words and said, "Your complexion... looks much better than before. Are you feeling alright? Are you taking your medicine on time?"

"Mm." Ma Wenying's reply was so concise, it was as if each word was uttered one by one.

She seemed unaccustomed to this concern from her father, turning slightly to the side and glancing over the familiar main hall of the courtyard house.

“I’m fine. Dr. Fang is taking good care of me, and I’m recovering well. Here…” She paused, a hint of genuine comfort finally appearing in her eyes, “It’s better than in Haojiang. It’s quiet, and my heart… is at peace.”

She spoke the last two words very softly, yet they struck Ma Wanqi's heart like a heavy hammer.

This girl is targeting him!
She wouldn't dare speak like that back home.

At this moment, Director Liao interjected to ease the tension: "Yes, the environment in Beijing is good, which is also conducive to recuperation. Dr. Fang is also doing his best. He keeps a close eye on Miss Ma's condition every day and goes for follow-up visits every day."

He smiled after he finished speaking:

"Speaking of which, I didn't even get this kind of treatment when I was sick!"

Fang Yan was taken aback, then said:

"If you're willing, I can give you a physical exam every day!"

Fang Yan spoke from the heart; he really wanted to keep an eye on the old leader's health every day.

As a result, Director Liao waved his hand and said:

“I live so far away, how can I let you travel every day?”

Upon hearing this, Fang Yan said:

"That's alright, we have a car. I'll give you a check-up every day from now on!"

Director Liao waved his hand:

"Oh dear, don't interrupt! Mr. Ma..."

After speaking, he pointed at Ma Wanqi.

At this moment, Ma Wanqi composed himself. The atmosphere had eased considerably since Fang Yan and Director Liao had interrupted. He ignored the obvious comparison and distance in his daughter's words and replied, "Okay...that's good. Health comes first." He took a step closer, but maintained a distance that didn't make his daughter feel pressured. His tone was gentler and more promising than ever before: "Wen Yin, Dad...won't force you to do anything anymore."

He paused for a moment, then continued:

"Just stay here and focus on fully recovering. Whether you want to study, learn something new, or simply want to rest quietly, it's up to you. I have some... friends and resources in the capital."

His gaze shifted to Director Liao and Fang Yan:

"Once Dr. Fang confirms that you have fully recovered, whether you want to stay in the capital or go somewhere else, I will fully support you and make the best arrangements for you."

Ma Wenying listened quietly, and when she heard the words "I will not force you to do anything anymore," her lowered eyelashes trembled almost imperceptibly.

She raised her head, and for the first time, her gaze truly and earnestly fell on her father's face.

Gone are the masks of hysteria and the cowardice of fear and retreat. In those clear eyes is the calm after the storm, and a very faint scrutiny, still discerning truth from falsehood.

She did not immediately respond to her father's promises and arrangements, but simply looked at the man who had once been regarded as the source of her nightmares, now shedding his dignity and revealing a face of compromise and... perhaps guilt that she had never seen before.

The hall fell silent for a moment, plunging into a brief silence.

Suddenly, as if remembering something extremely important, Ma Wenying's sharp gaze fixed on Ma Wanqi's face, her cold and direct voice breaking the silence:
"Where's the third brother?"

The question was abrupt and sharp, revealing an urgent need that could not be avoided. Everyone present understood that she was asking about her third brother, Ma Youxin, the key figure who had orchestrated the "long-term treatment in Beijing" plan under immense pressure to avoid an arranged marriage.

Ma Wenying's eyes were fixed on her father, filled not only with questions but also with undisguised worry.

She was clearly worried that her third brother might be severely punished afterward for her plan.

Fang Yan saw her body tense up instantly, revealing a defensive vigilance, as if she was afraid of hearing any answer that would be detrimental to Ma Youxin.

Ma Wanqi was clearly surprised that his daughter would suddenly ask about the third child at this moment. He was stunned for a moment, and then a complicated expression appeared on his face.

He sighed softly, looking at his daughter's wary eyes, and reassured her calmly:

"He's fine. It's just... your third brother has to go over there to take care of some things to make sure everything goes smoothly for you. He can't come back for now. Don't worry, your father keeps his word."

Ma Wenying stared into her father's eyes for a few seconds, as if confirming the truth of his words.

His tense shoulders finally relaxed a little, turning into a soft hum with a complex meaning: "Hmph, we have to be 'thorough' in the process."

The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.

Upon seeing this, Lao Ma's forehead veins bulged.

P.S.: I still owe you 12000 words after finishing this chapter.

That's all for today, please come early tomorrow.

(End of this chapter)