"We need to be clear about one thing. Even if we conduct a thorough investigation, we can't possibly get results right away. Will the public have the patience? Can the news media wait?"
The moment Guan Yanming, secretary-general of the Municipal Party Committee, opened his mouth, Zhou Yi knew whose side he was on.
"In fact, insufficient evidence is a perfectly adequate explanation for Zhao Xuanwen's release without charges."
Wang Haidong, who had downed a bottle of Dahong to steady himself, rallied his spirits and spoke.
"All right, we can discuss the investigation later. Our immediate priority is to quell the public outcry as quickly as possible. Comrade Haidong, I'll leave this to you." Zhao Dingzhi cut through the debate and decided that the meeting was over.
As usual, he turned to Mayor Han Jianguo and asked, "Mayor Jianguo, do you have anything to add?"
"Nothing from me, but Comrade Zhou Yi seems to have more to say!" Han Jianguo said, smiling at Zhou Yi.
Zhao Dingzhi stared at his longtime colleague in astonishment.
You know perfectly well that nothing pleasant will come out of this kid's mouth, and you're still giving him a chance to speak?
You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?
You must be doing this on purpose!
Zhou Yi paused briefly, then spoke without the slightest hesitation. "Then let me make one final point..."
"First, the public can see the truth clearly."
"Second, some things simply cannot be covered up."
"Third, how can 'insufficient evidence' convince the public?"
His clear, forceful voice echoed through the conference room, shaking certain people with ulterior motives and stirring unease in their hearts.
Wang Haidong felt the blood he had finally managed to calm begin surging wildly again.
Zhao Dingzhi decided that, if he could help it, he would never