Chang Hai's words moved Yang Gaolin, the disappointment in his eyes faded, leaving a sense of helplessness and some relief.
When he promoted Chang Hai back then, Chang Hai was just an ordinary cadre, with no connections behind him, only his diligence caught Yang Gaolin's attention.
Over the years, Chang Hai worked diligently without any major mistakes, and no issues with his conduct were ever heard.
In the period right after his retirement, when others kept their distance from him, Chang Hai was the first to visit him.
From then on, Yang Gaolin knew that Chang Hai was a person in the political arena who was exceptionally rare in knowing gratitude and repaying it.
He didn't care about the rank of his position and could decisively resist temptations.
Therefore, when Chang Hai said he had not accepted any bribes, Yang Gaolin believed him.
And when Chang Hai stated his reasons, Yang Gaolin did not have a shred of doubt.
