While Vice-President Xi Jinping had shown his amiable and personable side during his US trip last month, the run ended as he turned more subdued at annual sessions of the national legislature.
His remarks in meetings with delegates at the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which just ended, did not offer new insight into his persona. The message he conveyed to Hong Kong delegates even caused confusion about the city's forthcoming chief executive election.
At the start of the meeting with Hong Kong delegates to the CPPCC, Xi first shook hands with Lew Mon-hung and Vincent Lo Hong-sui - strong supporters of election candidate Leung Chun-ying - raising speculation about whether Xi was indicating support for Leung.
However, some Hong Kong delegates said they were disappointed that Xi did not give any hint on who they should vote for in the race, but rather urged them to 'stay united among brothers for the greatest strength' and seek progress while maintaining stability.
In a separate meeting, Xi urged NPC deputies from Hong Kong to put the city and nation's interests above personal ones - a remark that analysts said was a warning against smear tactics in the campaign.
Xi also kept to the official line during meetings with deputies from other regions, provinces and municipalities such as Xinjiang and Shanghai, stressing the importance of the scientific development concept and economic restructuring.