It took Secretary Ding a good while to recover before he said cautiously, "All right, Director Zhou. I'll report this to Secretary Hou. But could I trouble you to explain the details? That way, I can put in a few words on your behalf when I report to him."
Zhou Yi was slightly taken aback. Well, Secretary Ding is a decent fellow. Whether he means it or not, that's nice to hear!
After a moment's thought, he decided there was no harm in saying a little more, so he explained the whole story.
Once Secretary Ding had heard him out, he understood. Director Zhou really wasn't to blame for how this had started. What man could tolerate someone harassing his fiancée? In all honesty, he couldn't fault Director Zhou for losing his temper.
"Try to calm down, Director Zhou. That young man surnamed Shi is the nephew of Xue Baoguo, the incoming mayor. Ahem, well, I'll go report to the secretary now."
Secretary Ding slipped out that piece of information as though in passing, then hung up.
Xue Baoguo's nephew? Xue Baoguo?
Zhou Yi quickly searched his mental record of the information in his little notebook, but found no incidents involving the man.
Hmph. Looks like you've dodged a bullet!
There was nothing in the notebook, but he did have a vague recollection of him. Hadn't the man later become a provincial governor? Or a CPPCC chairman?
In the end, he had apparently made a smooth exit and retired safely.
Bringing his thoughts back to the present, he looked at the anxious commander of the Public Security Management Corps beside him and softened his tone. "Make a note of what I just told Shao Mingbao. This man surnamed Shi is not to be released. If anyone asks, tell them those