Outside Kangde Restaurant.
State Security had strict rules about drinking, so the alcohol-free banquet ended quickly.
Dong Xuebin opened the car door for Director Jiang and let him and his nephew get in. Director Jiang smiled and encouraged Dong Xuebin to practice his calligraphy well, then the car drove away. Dong Xuebin, Zhen Anguo, Xu Yan, and the others watched the leader leave. It wasn't that Dong Xuebin didn't want to take this opportunity to ask Director Jiang for a piece of calligraphy, but he knew Director Jiang wouldn't give him one. It might have been easier for someone outside the system, but within the system, the city bureau's Top Leader couldn't casually give away his writing. Once he gave someone a piece, it was no longer merely calligraphy—it became a statement, a protective talisman. Dong Xuebin didn't think Director Jiang liked him that much yet.
Only after Director Jiang left did Dong Xuebin finally get a chance to explain himself to the leaders.
He wore a miserable expression as he turned to the crowd. "Director Zhen, Director Xu, leaders, I was wrong. Please punish me."
Zhen Anguo looked at him. "...Why should we punish you?"
Dong Xuebin said, "I contradicted Director Jiang and nearly made him lose his temper."
Zhen Anguo was amused. Pointing at him, he said, "Is this really a request for punishment? Heh, I think you're asking for credit." Seeing Director Dong show off his power firsthand proved even more incredible than Xu Yan had described. Zhen Anguo couldn't help feeling a little sentimental. Who would have thought that a tiny General Office could hide such talent?
Xu Yan deliberately kept a stern face. "You, honestly. You suddenly blurted out a whole string of shocking remarks and nearly scared us to death." Though she criticized Dong