Fang Maotang's words caused Liu Yong's expression to darken, as natural dissatisfaction welled up within him. Originally, Liu Yong had come with the hope that the old master would take a stand for him. After all, the old master was once one of the "Nine Tripods," and moreover, had held a very high rank, being the number four leader within the Party. Though retired, his prestige remained intact. Both Director Shen and the current Comrade Qiao Yiren would, to a greater or lesser degree, show him some respect.
However, now that the old master had spoken like this, urging him to step back, the message was crystal clear - he hoped Liu Yong wouldn't allow his relationship with Nie Zhenbang to sour.
