Just as the crowd was buzzing with discussion, the young officer who had gone to verify the situation hurried back. His pace was urgent as he walked straight to the senior officer, leaned in slightly, and whispered into his ear.
The senior officer’s stern face flickered with a subtle change. He took a deep breath, raised his voice, and spoke with great gravity: "Xushu, we have just verified the situation with Deputy Director Li Huaide of the Rolling Mill. This watch ration ticket was indeed given to Xushu by him yesterday."
The moment these words were spoken, they landed like a bombshell in the crowd. The already noisy scene turned instantly chaotic. Everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief, and they began to chatter among themselves. Some whispered, speculating on when Xushu had managed to get on good terms with Li Huaide, their voices filled with curiosity and amazement. Others secretly plotted, wondering how they might curry favor with Xushu; perhaps through him, they could reach Li Huaide and secure some benefits for themselves, their eyes glinting with calculation. In short, everyone had their own private agenda.
Chapter 79