It was noon.
The matter had reached a conclusion.
It was still not appropriate to say who had won and who had lost. More accurately, it had merely established whose momentum was stronger.
Dong Xuebin said, "Then that's that."
Director Zhou and the young Discipline Inspection Commission officer said nothing.
The other provincial officials all looked toward Vice-Governor Jia.
Vice-Governor Jia looked at Dong Xuebin, extended his hand, and shook his. At last, he spoke. "We will certainly accept the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection leaders' criticism and recommendations. However, the province and the provincial discipline inspection department do not seem to have received any recent notice regarding an inspection by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection."
Out of courtesy, Dong Xuebin shook his hand as well. "Then you can regard it as an unannounced visit."
Vice-Governor Jia nodded slightly. "I see. Then I understand. On behalf of the province, I also welcome the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection leaders' supervision." His tone was somewhat stiff, which was hardly surprising. After being criticized by Dong Xuebin for so long, how could he possibly be cheerful? He was, after all, a vice-governor, far above Dong Xuebin in rank. Even if Dong Xuebin could suppress him somewhat by virtue of his position, the man probably was not afraid of him—merely wary. There was no reason for him to be as polite to Dong Xuebin as that young Discipline Inspection Commission officer had been.
"We will. Then please continue," Dong Xuebin said.
Vice-Governor Jia gave a grunt, turned, and led Director Zhou and the others onward with their inspection.
Dong Xuebin turned back toward Xie Huilan, Mayor Xia, and the others, smiling. "You've all been listening to me this whole time. Sorry for delaying Xiaxing City's comrades in their work. I've said what