In officialdom: After she left, I rose rapidly through the ranks!

The concern shown by his former leader warmed Li Zhixing's heart.

Over the years, although we haven't kept in touch much and haven't helped each other much, the camaraderie we formed fighting side by side back then is genuine.

In particular, Deputy Director Gao, a former soldier, is decisive and efficient in his work, daring to act and not afraid of powerful figures. To put it nicely, he is extremely principled, with only work and career on his mind, and he does not flatter or fawn over others.

To put it bluntly, he is rigid, pedantic, and inflexible.

It was precisely because of this temperament and personality that, although Deputy Director Gao was very capable, he ultimately only retired at the deputy director level.

Otherwise, if Deputy Director Gao had been a little more flexible, his achievements would have been far greater.

"Old Gao, really, there's no need. Don't worry, I'll talk to Comrade Min'en. How about you let me speak for myself?"

"Today, we mainly want to catch up with Comrade Min'en. Let's not disturb his work or mood."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Director Gao nodded with slight hesitation.

Afterwards, Li Zhixing and his group started eating. There was definitely some alcohol involved. Even though other tables didn't drink much, the people at their table were all old acquaintances of Chen Min'en, so drinking was no problem for them.

The banquet lasted until around 8 p.m., when it began to come to an end.

During the event, Chen Min'en came to this table to offer a toast once. Chen Min'en, who rarely drinks, drank two more glasses at this table. He didn't have the attitude of a leader toasting his subordinates and stopping there. He didn't say any polite words. Instead, it was clear that he was genuinely happy.

By the time Chen Min'en left, Deputy Director Gao was already quite drunk, as were the others.

Looking at Chen Min'en, who was surrounded by admirers and radiating brilliance, Deputy Director Gao sighed and said, "Zhixing, do you think Comrade Min'en is happy?"

"I looked at his smiling face, but I knew he had regrets in his heart, as you know."

"Back then, Comrade Min'en lost his child, which led him to leave Qingjiang, a place of sorrow. Do you think that if Comrade Min'en hadn't left back then and hadn't wasted those years, he would be more successful and happier today?"

Li Zhixing was unable to comment on this matter.

After losing his child, Chen Min'en was devastated, as was his wife. The two of them were depressed for a while, and even when Chen Min'en was about to be promoted, they voluntarily transferred.

If none of this had happened, Chen Min'en would probably have worked in Qingjiang for far more than just a few years. Whether he would be at a higher level today is unknown, but at least he wouldn't have been afraid to return to Qingjiang for so many years, or even to contact people he used to know.

When Deputy Director Gao saw Chen Min'en walk out today, he had a smile on his face, a smile that came from the bottom of his heart.

The same applies to Li Zhixing.

Looking at Deputy Director Gao, Li Zhixing said softly, "Old leader, don't worry, everything is over."

Yes, it's all in the past.

A genuine smile would appear on Chen Min'en's face, perhaps the happiest smile he had shown in many years.

He touched his chest, where there was a photo of Chen Jingcheng and a DNA sample of him.

Around 8:20, the banquet came to an end.

Chen Min'en did not leave, but instead walked to the table of his old colleagues accompanied by his subordinates.

Seeing that some of the people were a little drunk, Chen Min'en said with a smile, "It's dark and the roads are slippery, and it's getting late. Let's chat for a bit, and you should all go back and rest early."

"We're all old acquaintances, we'll get together again sometime in the future."

Then, Chen Min'en looked at Deputy Director Gao and said with a smile, "Old leader, have some water. Don't drink alcohol anymore. You're not young anymore. You should drink in moderation. You can't be like you used to be."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Director Gao, though somewhat drunk, was still very pleased with Chen Min'en's words.

The fact that Chen Min'en can say these things means that he really remembers him and knows what he's like when he drinks.

"Min-en, I hope you're not angry that I'm calling you that?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Min'en smiled and shook his head, saying, "How could I be angry? It feels so familiar when you call me that, like I've returned to the past."

At this moment, Deputy Director Gao was indeed a little drunk. Looking at Chen Min'en, he said, "Min'en, you are very good, really very good. I heard your speech just now, and I can see that you truly have the people in your heart, instead of just spouting empty rhetoric."

"Min'en, I won't say much more to you. I just hope you will always remember your original aspirations. You are the pride of us all, and I am so proud of you."

"But you must remember, no matter what, never forget your roots, never forget your original intentions, otherwise, others may not dare to criticize you, but I certainly will."

Upon hearing this, many people's expressions changed.

Even if they were drunk, not many people would dare to talk to Chen Min'en like that.

Li Zhixing's expression also turned somewhat uneasy. He quickly pulled Deputy Director Gao aside and whispered, "Old leader, you've had too much to drink. Go back and rest. Comrade Min'en, you should rest too."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Director Gao waved his hand, clearly unable to stand steadily, yet still speaking with such bravado.

"Nonsense, Li Zhixing, you've been bullied to the point of being speechless, haven't you?"

"When did all that confidence and self-assurance disappear from your face?"

"Don't tell me I'm not drunk. Even if I were, Min-eun wouldn't be angry if I talked to him like this. If he were angry, I would never acknowledge him again."

"Chen Min'en, tell me, am I right or not!"

"belch!"

A strong smell of alcohol immediately wafted out. Deputy Director Gao was unsteady on his feet, his face was red, his eyes were red, and his speech was slurred. Anyone could see that he was really drunk.

Seeing that Li Zhixing was about to speak, Chen Min'en smiled and said, "Zhixing, it's alright. The old leader is teaching me. I've been taught a lot by the old leader before, and hearing it again now makes me feel gratified and comfortable."

"That's how it should be. Although my status is different now, I'm still Chen Min'en. I'm used to being too reserved. I really like how my old leader is so unrestrained."

"Zhixing, you too, don't be too reserved in front of me."

After saying that, Chen Min'en looked at Deputy Director Gao and smiled, "Old leader, let me have someone take you back. It is indeed getting late."

Then, Chen Min'en nodded to the staff around him, who quickly stepped forward to help Deputy Director Gao into the car.

Deputy Director Gao did not refuse, but before leaving, he held Chen Min'en's hand and said earnestly, "Min'en, back in our small town, I only saw that you and Zhixing were promising. You are capable and willing to work hard, and you have the people in your hearts."

"Now that you're better, Zhixing hasn't let me down. However, Zhixing is going through a difficult time right now. He doesn't want me to talk to you, but I have to tell you anyway."

"If you can help, please help Zhixing. He's had a tough time. Most importantly, he's a good official and shouldn't be treated like this."

Li Zhixing's eyes reddened when he heard this.

His former leader's words moved him, but also made him feel ashamed.

Was he a good official?

Perhaps, compared to many officials, he is indeed one, but he is not as good as his former leader described. He is also human, and he has selfish desires. However, while having selfish desires, he does not compete with the people for profit, and instead thinks about seeking some benefits for the people.

This is what he should have done.

Whether as the Party Secretary of the city or as a Party member, this is his duty!

But what happened? He became a good official, even in the eyes of his old boss, who rarely praised anyone.

He was truly touched.

"My former boss, I'm sorry, I've let you down."

At this moment, Chen Min'en gave Li Zhixing a deep look, then patted Deputy Director Gao's hand and said with a smile, "Old leader, don't worry, Zhixing and I are old colleagues and old friends. I'll have a private chat with Zhixing later, we can talk about anything."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely help if I can!"

Upon hearing this, Deputy Director Gao nodded in satisfaction and then left with the help of his staff.

After the old leader left, a few minutes later, everyone else at the table also left.

Only Li Zhixing remained standing in the same spot.

Chen Min'en looked at Li Zhixing, smiled, and said, "Zhixing, you haven't had too much to drink, have you? My place is a small building not far away. Come walk with me, have some tea, and let's talk about how you've been these past few years."