Li Ye was generous. Not only did he treat Liu Muhan to a meal until her mouth was slick with grease, but he also packed up plenty of meat dishes to take back to the hotel, intending to treat the rest of the delegation to a late-night snack.
But when he and Liu Muhan returned to the hotel carrying the food, they happened to overhear Secretary Zhong and Ma Zhaoxian talking at the stairwell corner.
"Section Chief Liu controls the inspection funds. She can't just spend them as she pleases based on personal preference, can she? We're all one collective. We keep talking about acting collectively, so why did she go out alone with Li Ye from your unit for an extra meal?
"Deputy Manager Ma, do you know how expensive a meal in Tokyo is? Old Gu simply cannot understand this. We paid for this inspection trip's expenses."
Ma Zhaoxian's mouth twisted crooked.
You paid jack shit. Li Ye brought in that money, and now it counts as yours?
Still, Ma Zhaoxian said, "Secretary Guo, perhaps you've misunderstood. As far as I know, Li Ye published novels in Hong Kong while he was in university, and his royalties were paid in foreign currency.
"So while we might not be able to afford a meal in Tokyo ourselves, he definitely can."
Secretary Guo did not believe him at all. "Just look at how stingy he was during the day. He wasn't even willing to lend out a car. Would he really spend his own money on a meal?"
"No matter what, you're his direct superior. You must talk to them and take back control over the inspection funds."
Secretary Guo stopped halfway through his words, stunned.
Because he saw Li Ye and Liu Muhan already turning around the stairwell corner.