Zhang Hongyang and Xie Peng were, of course, hoping that Liu Zhizhong wouldn't survive the rescue, the best would be if he were gone. It would save on money for monitoring him, and avoid the trouble of having to deal with killing him if necessary, haha...

Almost two hours later, the door of the emergency room opened, and Liu Zhizhong was wheeled out.

On the spot, Zhang Hongyang and Hamuer, leading a group of officials, surged forward all at once, creating quite a noisy scene.

But Liu Zhizhong lay calmly on the stretcher, eyes closed. The attending physician, who was also the hospital director, raised his hand and softly said, "Everyone, please quiet down. Secretary Liu is out of danger, but he needs several months of rest. It's an old problem; his heart is indeed not in good shape, and he should drink less from now on. His condition is quite serious; if he could recuperate in a developed country, the situation might be better. Here domestically, to my knowledge, it's... difficult."

The director's words were authoritative and silenced everyone.

Thus, everyone could only quietly watch as Liu Zhizhong was taken to the best ward for officials at the county hospital.

Zhang Hongyang could only say, "Let's leave it at that then, everyone go back to continue the meeting. Secretary Liu's heart is not well and he needs rest, it's best not to disturb him. Hopefully, Secretary Liu will recover soon and return to lead us in our continued struggle for Shanan's future!"

The words sounded great!

Meanwhile, Zhang Hongyang immediately informed the head of the county organization department and the publicity department to report and publicize Secretary Liu's condition.

As the deputy secretary of the county committee and county mayor, in the absence of Liu Zhizhong due to his illness, Zhang Hongyang was indeed eligible to give orders.

Then Zhang Hongyang said to Hamuer, "Secretary Ha, you still need to continue chairing the meeting. Leave one comrade here with Secretary Liu, and notify everyone if there are any updates, okay?"

Hamuer thought for a moment, then appointed the head of the first section of the county committee office as a companion in the hospital. He and Zhang Hongyang left to continue the year-end summary meeting.

Zhang Hongyang felt a little regretful; alas... Liu Zhizhong survived.

But he was also a bit excited. Liu Zhizhong needed months of rest and recovery, haha... The higher-ups would look differently at him. Can't he become the new core of Shanan in these months? Heh heh...

That afternoon, the news of Liu Zhizhong's collapse began to spread and even made it to the trending topics.

The discussions about him being the future successor faded and regrettably subsided.

"Alas, Secretary Liu of Shanan doesn't seem hopeful anymore, let's disperse."

"Yes, he is a good person, talented and promising, with a good image and ability, but he's physically unfit."

"Health, after all, is the cornerstone of the revolution!"

"It seems Shanan's work is not easy, he's exhausted..."

"..."

Amidst the discussions, some even said cruel words: popular figures are destined to fall, what a pity!

On the third day of Liu Zhizhong's hospitalization, his condition improved significantly, and he notified all members of the county committee to hold an impromptu meeting in the hospital ward. No need to bring secretaries!

This was the first signal he sent out since his "collapse," indicating that he could be seen and had something to say.

Zhang Hongyang, excitedly driving his car, naturally headed to the hospital, imagining Liu Zhizhong's frail state. His heart was filled with satisfaction and comfort, even bursting into a reckless laugh...