Just as Secretary Wang was wrestling with himself, a mild voice tinged with mockery drifted over, unhurried.
"Secretary Wang, is that Comrade Lidong calling? Why aren't you answering?"
The speaker was Ding Yizhen, Yicheng's former Municipal Party Secretary.
He wore a warm smile, but his words sent a sharp pain through Secretary Wang's chest.
Ding Yizhen had once been Yicheng's top official, with Zhao Lidong serving as his deputy back then. Naturally, he knew Zhao Lidong.
That single remark cut off every avenue of escape Secretary Wang had left.
He shuddered as though struck by a whip. Not daring to hesitate another second, he steeled himself and swiped to answer.
"Wang! How's it coming along?"
Zhao Lidong's familiar voice came through the receiver, steady but carrying a hint of displeasure.
Secretary Wang was scared out of his wits.
How could he let Zhao Lidong keep talking? If he issued any more instructions in front of Secretary Gao, Secretary Wang would truly be finished!
"Sir!"
He practically blurted it out, his voice turning shrill.
"Secretary Gao from the Provincial Party Committee and the others happen to be here on an inspection today..."
The other end of the line fell deathly silent.
One second.
After a pause of just one second, Zhao Lidong spoke again. This time, all his composure had vanished, leaving only an urgency that brooked no argument.
"Ask Secretary Gao and the others to wait for me. I'll be right there!"
The call ended with a sharp click.
Secretary Wang gripped his phone, feeling as though every ounce of strength had been drained from him. His knees buckled, and he nearly dropped to the ground.
Meanwhile, in the mayor's office in the Municipal Party Committee building.
Zhao Lidong hung up. His square face, normally imposing even without a trace