"Comrades, all this time, the county has failed to notice the situation in Kuzhu Town, which is our dereliction of duty. On behalf of the county committee, I'd like to apologize to you all. I'll drink a bowl as a gesture of apology."
Ji Yang seemed to carry a hint of drunkenness as he poured a bowl of wine and then downed it in one go.
"Please don't say that, Secretary Ji; after all, you've only just become aware of the situation in Kuzhu Town. It's not your fault," Huang Song quickly interjected.
"Old Huang, you and your team have persevered in working here. It has been tough, and on behalf of the county committee, I salute all of you team members with a bowl. I'm drinking it now."
Ji Yang downed another bowl in one gulp.
Huang Song and the others exchanged glances, all insisting that it shouldn't be like this, but they too felt compelled to finish the wine in their bowls.
