Xie Peng was taken aback, then immediately laughed, a bit embarrassed, even bowing his head awkwardly, "Haha... that... sigh..."

He shook his head, and ideas actually flashed in his mind, thinking it might be better to confess and show loyalty to solve some problems.

At once, he continued, "Actually, Secretary Liu doesn't know this, but Mr. Wen and I have known each other since childhood, and we were very good friends back then."

Liu Zhizhong heard this and secretly found it amusing, thinking this kid was still quite honest. If you weren't honest, I'd have something to say.

He nodded, looking a bit curious, "Oh? Is that so? And then?"

Xie Peng shook his head miserably, "Later on, we had a falling out, and when he returned to the country to run foreign medical investments in Shanan, I had to pretend not to know him, and he didn't bother with me at all. Back then..."

With an honest demeanor, he laid out the strategy he had coordinated with Wen Bao. Anyway, they had agreed upon a uniform stance, so it could withstand scrutiny.

In Xie Peng's mind, Liu Zhizhong and Wen Bao had such a good relationship that they lived in the same courtyard, meaning Liu Zhizhong trusted Wen Bao!

After finishing, Xie Peng painfully said, "Sigh, Secretary Liu, I actually still value this friendship a lot. When you were busy outside, just a few days ago, I privately went to your home and met Brother Leopard, bringing him his favorite Kun'an coarse grain meat pie my mother made!"

By confessing like this, Liu Zhizhong really couldn't find any reason to doubt further.

"Hmm, you are still quite sentimental and righteous! So, did Mr. Wen forgive you?"

Xie Peng gave a bitter smile and said, "It's not really forgiveness, maybe just that. You can't say old grievances were resolved, but at least we've reestablished a connection. As for friendship, sigh... forget it, I'll just keep it in my heart and hope Brother Leopard gets better and better. The key thing is, he's someone who's made significant contributions to the development of Shanan, so there's no need for me to hold any past grudges. I just want to look at the bigger picture, just as Secretary Liu teaches, to have an awareness of the bigger picture!"

With this, Liu Zhizhong had no further comments to make and said, "Hmm, your thinking is still commendable, it shows perspective. Having an awareness of the bigger picture is very important, and it's a good thing you understand this point. Well then, Xiao Xie, go back and wait for the formal promotion and appointment!"

"Ah? Secretary Liu, have you decided?"

"Otherwise?"

Xie Peng felt delighted inside, but he stood up, bowed his head and said, "Secretary Liu, I may have offended you before, I hope you can be lenient and not hold it against me! In the future, Xie Peng will definitely remember the secretary's teachings, keep the bigger picture in mind, work hard, be diligent in my tasks, and not embarrass Shanan!"

Liu Zhizhong chuckled and said, "Xiao Xie, don't put it that way, the past is in the past, who gets stuck in it? If so, is there room and meaning for progress in life? Right?"

"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right, Secretary, your teachings are correct! Xie Peng will also strive to learn from and seek guidance from you in the future, listening to your advice!"

"Hahaha... you guy, your flattery is quite polished now, isn't it?"

Liu Zhizhong laughed cheerily.

This is officialdom; he's telling lies, you know he's telling lies, and he knows you know he's telling lies, yet the lies must still be told and the smiles still exchanged...