Boss Niu began to fear the consequences of his potential disrespect towards Mr. Song earlier and cautiously probed Deputy Director Zhang: "Deputy Director Zhang, this Mr. Song..."
Boss Niu's timely pause allowed Deputy Director Zhang to understand his meaning, without having to be too blunt.
The implication was simply about who this Mr. Song really was, that even Deputy Director Zhang had to show such an attitude towards him. Shouldn't they also demonstrate some respect?
Deputy Director Zhang understood Boss Niu's intention, turned to look at Song Xiaodong, then turned back to Boss Niu and said, "Mr. Song's affairs, I don't have the rank to know. Sharing what I know with you would be tantamount to leaking national secrets."
"Understood, understood!" Seeing that Deputy Director Zhang was about to speak, Boss Niu leaned his entire body forward, and after hearing Deputy Director Zhang's words, he slowly leaned back again, slumping against the chair like a deflated balloon.
