Language is an art.
The same thing, expressed in different ways, can sound completely different.
For example, when Song Guanchao told Liang Jiajia that he had been summoned by the province,
it was actually good news but he made it sound as if he was being talked to by the organization.
But this joking manner is usually reserved for when the relationship is fairly close.
He had only dined once with Ma Jichun, which meant they were merely acquaintances.
He certainly wouldn't mock himself on purpose.
If the province intended to promote him, he would have said it directly.
But he used "transferred".
Which meant it had nothing to do with being promoted.
Song Guanchao asked, "Director Ma, do you know where I'm being transferred to?"
"Do you know Chentang County?"
"I don't."
"It's said to be there, but it's just hearsay. I'm not clear on the details myself. I'm just mentioning it, so take it with a grain of salt."
"Thank you, Director Ma."
