Morning.
Ministry of Finance.
In a reception area of the annex building.
Zhang Hui led them in and said, "My office doesn't have enough room either, so sit here for now. Don't wander around or say anything careless. Be a little mindful—leaders are inspecting the ministry today. As for the funding request, I'll ask Director Qian for you once his meeting is over."
Chen Xiaomei immediately said, "All right, we understand."
Yan Yizhi also said politely, "Thank you, Director Zhang."
Zhang Hui nodded. "I still have some things to handle, so I won't keep you company?"
Chen Xiaomei hurriedly said, "Sure, go ahead, go ahead."
Turning around, Zhang Hui called over a young man. "Xiao Zheng, pour them a few cups of water."
"Yes, Director Zhang." The young man was clearly a clerk under Zhang Hui, and he immediately went to do it.
The water arrived quickly. Dong Xuebin, Yan Yizhi, and Chen Xiaomei sat and drank. Dong Xuebin suddenly turned his head and asked, "Director Yan, Director Chen, do you think we have a good chance?"
Yan Yizhi gave a bitter smile. "I think it's still pretty uncertain."
Chen Xiaomei said, "I feel the same way. After all, my cousin isn't in charge of this matter, so our chances aren't very high."
Dong Xuebin nodded. "We'll do our best to push for it later. We have to get that money."
Yan Yizhi looked at him tentatively. "County Chief Dong, if they refuse to release the funds, then we..."
Dong Xuebin took a firm sip of water. "The county can't even keep itself afloat anymore, so there is no 'if.'"
Yan Yizhi and Chen Xiaomei exchanged helpless looks. Neither said anything, and they waited quietly.
Half an hour...
An hour...
Time passed bit by bit.
Before they knew it, it