Zhang Hongyang was truly frustrated, feeling like Liu Zhizhong was just toying with him.

Alas, I'm no good in this or that, so I'm bound to be played! I came to him on my own, who could I blame?

At this point, Zhang Hongyang could only suppress his dissatisfaction, and humbly said, "Secretary Liu, could you stop playing games with me? Today Zhang Hongyang is out of options and can only come to you for help. Your influence in the Provincial City is far greater than mine, I admit that, okay? Given this huge mess, I'm seeking your guidance on how to handle it and the strategies needed. Please don't hold back. I really have no way to repay your kindness, but I would be truly grateful!"

Liu Zhizhong retorted, "How will you thank me?"

"I…"

Zhang Hongyang was at a loss for words, widened his eyes and looked at Xie Peng beside him.

Xie Peng's head was also spinning.

Liu Zhizhong's words were truly sharp.

Damn, what can I offer to thank him?

Zhang Hongyang could only say, "Well… Brother Zhizhong, please, don't make it hard for me! I can only give you money..."

"I'm not interested in money."

"You..." Zhang Hongyang gritted his teeth, forced his hand and said, "As long as I safely get through this ordeal, I will apply to be transferred out of Shanan County, so I won't be in your way, alright? From now on, I won't provoke you or bother you, and I'll steer clear when I see you, okay?"

Liu Zhizhong smiled and said, "County Head Zhang, what you said seems to be of little use!"

"You... what do you mean by that?"

"Given what happened to you, I also feel regretful. No matter what, you will be transferred out of Shanan County, believe it?"

"Uh..."

Zhang Hongyang was stunned; Liu Zhizhong really hit the nail on the head.

"Then again, since you arrived in Shanan, I feel you've never provoked or offended me, so why demean yourself like that?"

"Uh… I..."

Zhang Hongyang's face turned red, his forehead was hot, he never expected Liu Zhizhong's way with words to be so powerful.

"Lastly, you said you'd steer clear of me in the future, is that the mindset of a qualified Party member? We are part of the organization, comrades, revolutionary companions, how can we steer clear of each other? Right?"

"Uh… I… alright, Liu Zhizhong, with your kind of rhetoric, I concede!"

Zhang Hongyang nodded, sincerely convinced! Alas, comparing our outlooks, I am still no match for Liu Zhizhong!

He glanced at Xie Peng.

Xie Peng, on the other hand, felt that Liu Zhizhong was just speaking nice clichés, so he could only smile helplessly, unable to speak.

Liu Zhizhong continued, "Since we're comrades, revolutionary companions, all striving for Shanan's future, why not help each other? You have difficulties, I have the capability, why not offer some advice and strategies?"

Zhang Hongyang: "..."

Speechless, a bit moved.

His voice was slightly trembling, "Secretary Liu, you… you really have a broad vision and extensive mindset, thank you!"

The last three words were truly the kind of gratitude one feels upon finding hope in despair!

"It's fate!"

Xie Peng's three words carried a Northeastern flavor.

Zhang Hongyang and Xie Peng were truly caught between laughter and tears, but they still laughed out loud.

Zhang Hongyang had no choice but to say, "Secretary Liu's revolutionary optimism is indeed impressive! So next, what should I do to be most proper? Also, what can you do to help me in Meng Province?"

"In this way, I think we should proceed like this."

"We? How... does it involve you too?"