Zhou Yi blinked without saying a word.
There was no way he could respond to that!
An official one rank above you could crush you, let alone a member of the Provincial Party Committee's Standing Committee and its Organization Department Head. What was wrong with a couple of sarcastic digs?
He did have powerful backing, but he still had to observe official etiquette and rules.
Lashing out at everyone without restraint, snapping back the moment he opened his mouth-that was no way for a mature Party official to behave.
So he kept a modest smile on his face and continued listening to the Organization Department Head's veiled insinuations and mockery-
"Indeed, Comrade Xiao Zhou is very young. He isn't even thirty yet, and he has already received several exceptional promotions. His career has risen at nothing short of rocket speed..."
"But... are those reasons for us to disregard his outstanding abilities and remarkable achievements, and refuse to promote an excellent young leader to shoulder important responsibilities?"
That sudden reversal left everyone present reeling.
Tian Zhengbing and Gou Hongtao froze, staring at Department Head Qu in shock.
Wait a moment. Just hold on a tiny second!
Why does what you're saying sound a little off?
Oh, we get it. You must be taking a sarcastic jab at Zhou Yi, right?
Then they saw Department Head Qu say with a solemn expression and ringing conviction, "At the time, I firmly refuted that rigid, hidebound viewpoint. What era are we living in, still ranking people by seniority? Hmm? Whether an official is competent and outstanding shouldn't be judged by how many years he's worked, but by what contributions he's made!"
"The central leadership has consistently advocated 'boldly promoting and supporting new talent,' 'vigorously cultivating and selecting outstanding young officials,' and 'judging contributions rather