On the mountain.
One in the afternoon.
Lunch had only just arrived.
Several local villagers lit fires under a few large pots and began cooking.
Zhang Dongfang and the others had eaten with the county officials, but Dong Xuebin had not. He had been away for two days, and there had been too much to handle that morning, so he had not gotten around to it at all. Now, seeing steam rise from the fragrant pots, Dong Xuebin joined the Archaeological Team and gathered around. Food from a communal pot could not possibly be that delicious, nor was there much oil in it, but eating was all about the atmosphere. While chatting with Teacher Chu and the Archaeological Team about the ancient tomb, Dong Xuebin also bantered with several reporters, eating with great relish.
Suddenly, Meng Hanmei ran over. "Secretary."
"What is it?" Dong Xuebin looked at her curiously.
Meng Hanmei beckoned. "Come over here. It's urgent."
Dong Xuebin quickly shoveled the rice in his bowl into his mouth, then followed her aside. Zhang Dongfang and several Jiaolin County staff members were there as well.
Zhang Dongfang spoke first. "Provincial Party Secretary is coming to inspect the site."
Dong Xuebin was taken aback. "We were just notified? Why the rush?"
Meng Hanmei said, "They should have received the notice this morning, but we only just found out."
Dong Xuebin's eyes shifted, and fury flared within him. He looked toward Xiao Dongnan and the Provincial Work Group members, who were still being interviewed by the Television Station. No wonder they had been putting on such a show since morning—they had known the Provincial Party Secretary was coming. Damn it, put on your show if you want; we do not care. But you did not even bother notifying us? What the hell