When Zhang Hongyang arrived at the Hospital, he was already the last one to get there.

This seemed to be in line with the rules; the higher the rank and status, the later they appear. It's the same at the county level as it is at the city level. The higher you go, the more they adhere to such rules.

Liu Zhizhong looked in good spirits, though there was still an intravenous cannula taped to his wrist! Of course, this was fake, which only a select few knew.

He sat on the sofa in the ward, naturally occupying the central position.

Around him, other members of the County Committee accompanied him, sitting and surrounding him, with a coffee table in front filled with fruit and such.

Next to Liu Zhizhong, naturally, a prime seat was left vacant, reserved for County Mayor Zhang Hongyang.

In officialdom, seat arrangement and hierarchies are emphasized. In such situations, this is also crucial. One's rank and weight determine one's seat, and everyone must be aware of this.

As soon as Zhang Hongyang arrived, he still expressed apologies to everyone, saying they waited long because he was late.

Such pleasantries are also quite normal.

He promptly sat down, in his designated seat, sizing up Liu Zhizhong with a caring look.

"Secretary Liu, you're not in any serious condition now, right? I think you look well, recovering nicely!"

Liu Zhizhong smiled faintly, naturally playing along with Zhang Hongyang's feigned concern as if it were genuine, "I'm doing okay, but my chest still feels very uncomfortable, and I can't speak too loudly, so I'd ask County Head Zhang and everyone to forgive me..."

Zhang Hongyang quickly nodded, "Yes, yes, you must be careful, we all understand, completely understand. You must take good care and recuperate well. Everyone is hoping for your quick recovery, to continue leading us in Shanan's constructive revolution!"

"Indeed, Secretary Liu must take good care, Shanan can't do without you now."

"Yes, Secretary Liu fell ill, tirelessly working for Shanan. It really worries us..."

"..."

Everyone chimed in, following Zhang Hongyang's lead but genuinely concerned.

Liu Zhizhong smiled and nodded, "Thank you, comrades, for your concern and care. I also want to recover soon and return to my work post! But currently, my health doesn't allow it. Previously, I once had a heart condition which delayed many things; unexpectedly, it has relapsed this time, sigh..."

As he spoke, he shook his head regretfully.

"This relapse is truly aggravating, thinking about Shanan's construction, I really feel unsatisfied. However, life is precious, and I am afraid of death too!"

"So, today I called everyone here to discuss my recuperation and the related work arrangements and requirements for the County Committee and County Government after I go for recuperation. Please be sure to discuss and cooperate."

Of course, everyone had no objections.

Zhang Hongyang thought to himself, isn't this just going through the motions? Knowing that everyone listens to you, you still ask everyone to discuss and cooperate? It's truly unnecessary!

But verbally, Zhang Hongyang still smiled and said, "Rest assured, Secretary Liu, wherever you want to recuperate, the county will support. Your work arrangements and requirements, we will strictly adhere to."

Liu Zhizhong replied, "County Head Zhang, this won't do. This is a big matter; we must make decisions democratically. Shanan County doesn't practice autocracy!"