Ma Jichun's attitude made Song Guanchao certain of one thing.
The one who had administered his punishment at the Provincial Organization Department was probably this Director Ma.
The two had no old grudges or recent quarrels; Director Ma was merely doing a favor for his father-in-law, Tu Zhaorui.
As for whether this punishment would affect Song Guanchao, he didn't care in the least.
But Director Ma was a capable man, knowing that the provincial leaders were starting to take notice of Song Guanchao; he didn't want to be remembered for this trivial matter, so he apologized during their conversation.
That's how it is in officialdom, there are no eternal enemies.
Song Guanchao wasn't a stubborn brute. He brushed it off with a laugh.
At lunch, Song Guanchao picked up the tab, which gave Ma Jichun a good talking point.
But in his heart, he felt relieved.
Song Guanchao used this gesture to tell him that the matter was behind them and that he didn't take it to heart.
