Jiang Yunlai?
Cheng Zhixing froze for a moment. Yes, he had never expected the first person to openly object, then firmly support Zhou Yi, to be the Party secretary of Chuanhai City!
This... Judging by Hou Xiangyang's chilly expression and the astonishment on Sheng Chuanzhi's and Qu Zhaochuan's faces, he was certainly not the only one caught by surprise.
Of course, although Jiang Yunlai had made his support clear, he could not change the course or outcome of the matter.
United Front Work Department Head Yang Weigong hurried to speak. Comrade Zhou Yi was outstanding, he said, but he still chose Gou Hongtao. Seniority should not be the sole criterion, but disregarding it entirely was equally misguided.
After Yang Weigong, Provincial Party Committee Secretary-General Song Qin also voiced his support for Gou Hongtao.
Just as the pro-Gou faction seemed poised to secure victory, something even more unexpected happened.
"I think Secretary Yunlai has a point: 'Judge contributions by more than seniority, and ability by more than rank.' The central leadership has also consistently advocated 'boldly promoting and supporting new talent' and 'vigorously training and selecting outstanding young officials.' In my view, Xiao Zhou is outstanding in every respect, whether in his track record, ability, or contributions. If we take a vote, mine will go to Xiao Zhou!"
Why was this even more unexpected? Because the Standing Committee member who had spoken was Major General Luo Hong, who generally stayed out of routine affairs and rarely spoke.
His unequivocal support for Zhou Yi certainly gave everyone something to ponder.
Executive Vice Provincial Governor Ying Lianqiu quickly seized the opportunity to declare-Xiao Zhou was good, Xiao Zhou was great, and Xiao Zhou had his vote!
Four to three?!
At this sight, Cheng Zhixing thought, If I don't act now, when will I?