Chapter 470: You are my benefactor!

Guo Liang is indeed ill, and his medical records are not forged.

He has several aneurysms in his brain.

Some time ago, he suffered from frequent headaches, so he went to the City People's Hospital for a scan.

Although there is no direct link between headaches and aneurysms, it still gave him quite a scare.

However, the doctor explained that, in fact, everyone might have aneurysms in their brain; it is like a bicycle tire—some tires have defects when they leave the factory, resulting in bulges.

Some people's aneurysms will never rupture in their entire lives, and if one undergoes surgery proactively, it might instead trigger problems, so the doctor advised him to wait and see.

Guo Liang is not the type of person to wallow in self-pity or blame others for a minor ailment; he just wanted to use this as a reasonable excuse to take sick leave and escape the place of trouble that is Pinghu.

He once thought Pinghu was a place where he could really make a name for himself, but in reality, precisely because Pinghu's development momentum is so rapid, many people have set their sights on this "fat piece of meat."

He worked diligently every day, but because he lost his backing, he ultimately became a "thorn in the side" for others.

In fact, the work group came to Pinghu to pursue accountability with Chen Zhihua as the target.

He was merely the chicken killed to warn the monkey.

Chen Zhihua is the Party Committee Secretary and is quite upright; it would be quite difficult for Shen Mingcheng to move against him directly.

Therefore, Guo Liang became Shen Mingcheng's target for "beating the grass to scare the snake."

The door to the hospital room was pushed open, and Guo Liang hurriedly put down the book in his hands, closed his eyes, and feigned a weak appearance.

Xu Miao glanced at him with annoyance and said softly, "It's me, stop pretending."

Guo Liang chuckled, sat up straight, and then a flash of gloom crossed his eyes: "I thought someone had come to visit me. Sigh, it really is just like the saying 'when the person leaves, the tea goes cold'—back when I was in my prime, everyone revolved around me; now that they know I've lost my influence, they just ignore me."

Xu Miao set the food container down and gently urged, "Husband, I don't think you need to be so discouraged. Even if the higher-ups criticize you a bit, you can't just quit; just rest for a few days and go back to work."

Guo Liang's expression was complex; he picked up his chopsticks to stir the rice and said vaguely, "You're thinking of things too simply. Even if I wanted to go back now, I'm afraid there's no position for me—I just learned that Gu Lanping has already taken over my work."

Xu Miao looked at him in surprise: "Gu Lanping hasn't been in Pinghu for long; she shouldn't be familiar with the work yet, right?"

Guo Liang said coldly, "This Gu Lanping is no ordinary person. She was originally an ordinary employee at the County Reception Office, and it was only because Secretary Shen particularly admired her work ability that he arranged for her to come to Pinghu."

Xu Miao was thoughtful: "I heard that Gu Lanping and Secretary Shen have an unusual relationship."

The corners of Guo Liang's mouth twitched helplessly: "After working diligently for over ten years, in the end, it can't compare to someone whispering 'pillow talk.' Hmph, if Pinghu keeps going like this, problems will arise sooner or later."

Sounds came from the corridor, and Guo Liang hurriedly placed the lunch box on the bedside table, lay back down, and wore a pained expression on his face.

Xu Miao looked at her husband with annoyance and then toward the door, only to see Tang Ye walking in carrying a fruit basket.

She was somewhat surprised: "County Magistrate Tang, why are you here?"

Tang Ye glanced at Guo Liang on the hospital bed, placed the fruit basket against the wall, and said with a smile, "I heard from Xu Qiao that Guo was feeling unwell and was on sick leave. I happened to be at the City People's Hospital for some business today, so I stopped by to see him."

Guo Liang struggled to sit up and said gratefully, "County Magistrate Tang, thank you so much."

Tang Ye smiled and pointed at the rice grain on the corner of his mouth: "It seems I've come at a bad time and interrupted your meal. You go ahead and eat, don't mind me."

Guo Liang was stunned, hurriedly stuffed the rice grain into his mouth, and said embarrassedly, "I've already finished. County Magistrate Tang, you are so busy with work, yet you still found time to come see me. Have you eaten yet?"

In fact, Tang Ye had already learned about the condition from Guo Liang's Attending Physician and knew he was faking the illness.

Tang Ye did not expose him and deliberately sighed with regret: "I've eaten. Guo, seeing your current state, I don't feel good either. I know you aren't happy in your current position. A few days ago, you mentioned to me that you wanted to change environments. Although I didn't agree at the time, I have been working on it for you afterward and actually found a suitable position. However, seeing that you are so ill, I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it, so I'll have to find someone else."

Guo Liang's expression instantly became rich, shifting from listless to shocked, and finally turning into full expectation.

He got out of bed directly, gripped Tang Ye's hand tightly, and said excitedly, "County Magistrate Tang, hey! I was just pretending! I do have aneurysms in my brain, but the doctor said it's not a big problem; many people have them, and it doesn't affect work. I was only hospitalized because I felt stifled working in Pinghu and wanted to hide away for some peace. If you've arranged a position for me, I must seize the opportunity!"

Tang Ye patted his shoulder and laughed in spite of himself: "Actually, I knew you were faking illness a long time ago. I came this time mainly to talk to you about the upcoming work arrangements."

Guo Liang's eyes lit up: "As long as I can work under you, even if it's cleaning toilets, I'm willing!"

Xu Miao looked at Guo Liang and sighed inwardly—her husband's sycophantic appearance was truly a bit shameful.

But she could also understand; Guo Liang had been repeatedly suppressed in Pinghu and had even prepared himself to go to a sinecure to retire.

Guo Liang is not yet forty; by all accounts, he should have had the opportunity to be promoted to Section Chief or even Deputy Division Chief, but now that he has been "marginalized," his path to promotion is cut off, and he has no real power, leaving him in a state of almost "waiting to die."

Xu Miao understands her husband; he appears indifferent, but deep down he is extremely ambitious.

Tang Ye waved his hand and said with a smile, "Guo, the work I've arranged for you is difficult, but it's much more valuable than cleaning toilets."

Guo Liang's heart jumped into his throat: "Is it at the Garden Bureau?"

Tang Ye shook his head: "The Garden Bureau just had some issues, so it's not appropriate to go there now. Suiyuan County is preparing to establish a Development Investment Company with the Industrial Park as the main body. I will serve concurrently as the chairman, and the position of General Manager is still vacant; this is a Section Chief level position. If you are interested, I can submit your materials."

Guo Liang suddenly realized, his eyes reddening with excitement: "County Magistrate Tang, of course I'm interested! You really are my benefactor! I was already disheartened and planning to just drift along; it was you who pulled me back from the edge of the 'cliff'!"

Tang Ye said with a smile, "This matter hasn't been finalized yet. You need to prepare to welcome the new work."

Guo Liang said shamefully, "I will handle my discharge this afternoon."

Tang Ye was stunned, then laughed, "There's no need to be in such a hurry. Wait until the transfer letter comes down, then you can handle the discharge!"

Guo Liang's eyes were firm, "I will listen to you!"

Guo Liang knew that since Tang Ye had proposed this idea, even if he didn't get the best result, he wouldn't sit by and ignore him.

Although hairy crabs are quite expensive, they were well worth the gift!