Chapter Eight Everyone Arrives

  Due to Wei Xingbang's relationship, Provincial Seismological Bureau Director Wang Shuai had a pleasant exchange with Chen Gong in the office. This Director Wang was several years older but in good spirits, with a physique that resembled a soldier's build, and his appearance matched his name - at first glance, it was clear he must have been a handsome young man in his youth.

  Wang Shuai and Wei Xingbang were in the same company when they were in the army. After both of them retired from the military, Wei Xingbang became a deputy company commander, while Wang Shuai went to work as a technical personnel for geological survey. After returning to civilian life, one entered the Transportation Department and the other entered the Seismological Bureau. Through more than a decade of hard work, both of them climbed to the highest position in their respective units.

  Wang Shuai learned that the new bridge district seismic bureau chief was Wei Xingbang's nephew-in-law, and he agreed without hesitation. One reason was for his old friend, and another was to give a boost to the seismic bureau below, as earthquake work had always been neglected by leaders at all levels. After several hours of earthquakes in coastal areas, the situation changed, and leaders from all sides wanted to meet with the seismic bureau chief first. Wang Shuai also rushed to the provincial governor's home for a long talk last night.

  Director Wang was very confident today, "Young Director Chen, Old Wei has already told me about your relationship yesterday. If there's anything you need help with, just say it directly. Take advantage of my current physical strength to pull you young people up."

  Chen Gong handed the tea to Director Wang personally, "Director Wang, your body can at least hold on for another ten years. Without you in command, the Earthquake Bureau will definitely be downgraded by more than one level."

  Then Chen Gong explained the reasons for inviting Wang Shuai to Xinqiao District. One was to approve the construction of a seismic monitoring station in the south of Xinqiao District, and the second was to have the opportunity to speak in front of the district leaders and see if today's target award could be issued.

  Wang Shuai smiled, "Director Chen, I hope this old bone can still help you. You call the district leaders in a while and tell them that our provincial earthquake bureau leader has arrived. Let's see if they give us face or not."

  After the two of us finished chatting privately, we still had to go to the conference room for a global exchange. Chen Gong led the way in front, and after coming out, I didn't see Director Xu from the office waiting at my door as usual. What's going on today?

  Just as the provincial leaders were being invited to take their seats in the conference room, Director Xu rushed over, almost falling to the ground several times along the way. "Director Chen, Director Chen," Director Xu shouted all the way.

  Chen Gong saw that even Director Xu, who was usually steady and composed, was acting so rashly, there must be something big going on. "Director Xu, slow down, what's the hurry?"

  Director Xu took a few deep breaths and said loudly, it turned out that District Mayor Yang Qianxin had personally arrived at the Seismological Bureau. This was one of the rare occasions since the establishment of the Seismological Bureau where a high-ranking government official came to supervise in person, something that people wouldn't even dare think about normally.

  Chen Gong knew that the opportunity had arrived, but he also didn't know why Yang Qian would come here. He just saw Director Wang's mysterious smile. "Director Wang, leaders, please rest here for a while and have some tea. I'll go to welcome our government's number one leader, District Mayor Yang."

  What Chen Gong meant was to let the provincial and district government officials know that this district head is not a deputy position.

  Although Chen Gong was also unclear about Yang Jue's intention, the district head had come, and in this new year before the busy season, at least it would not be a bad thing.

  Director Xu followed Chen Gong to the front gate of the Seismological Bureau, and Yang Xuan had already gotten out of the car and was walking towards them. Seeing Chen Gong, he immediately asked, "Has Director Wang of the Provincial Seismological Bureau arrived here yet?"

  Chen Gong thought to himself that Yang Qian's information was incredibly efficient, as it had only been ten or so minutes since he arrived at the Earthquake Bureau gate. "Yes, Director Yang is in our conference room right now. I was just about to report this matter to your district leaders and see if you can spare some time to discuss it."

  Yang Qian did not respond to Chen Gong's words, "I'll lead the way in front, and I'll personally meet with the provincial leaders."

  Chen Gong walked ahead, it seems that Yang Qian's attitude towards himself has not changed much. Why did he come to the Seismological Bureau in person? Was it because of the earthquake along the coast yesterday?

  "Old leader, it's been a long time since I've seen you. How has your body been recently?" Yang Qian immediately went up to welcome Wang Shuai.

  Wang Shuai gestured to Yang Qian to sit down, and after Chen Gong walked in, Wang Shuai said, "Director Chen, please take a seat. I represent the Provincial Seismological Bureau today, coming to your Xinqiao District to listen to your annual work report first, and then make some requirements for your work."

  "Alright, Director Wang. Director Xu, get Directors Tian and Deng, as well as several mid-level cadres from the whole bureau to come over, we're going to have a meeting." Chen Gong arranged immediately.

  Director Xu rushed in again a few minutes later, just like the previous situation, and said "Chen Ju, the party group of Fuhai City Seismological Bureau has arrived."

  Chen Gong said he would personally go to greet him, but Wang Shuai criticized him, saying "What's the point of greeting? The provincial bureau director is already here, and you're going to put him down to greet the municipal bureau director? Doesn't that make sense?" Chen Gong heard this and stopped making a move.

  After everyone was seated, Chen Gong, representing the Xin Qiao District Earthquake Bureau, made a report to the provincial and municipal leaders: "Respected provincial and municipal leaders, I would like to express my gratitude for taking time out of your busy schedules to come to Xin Qiao and care about our earthquake work. Without further ado, let me brief you on last year's work situation. Last year, under the correct leadership of the Xin Qiao District Committee and Government, and with the meticulous guidance of the Provincial and Municipal Earthquake Bureaus, we adhered to the important thought of 'XX Representative' and development perspective, earnestly implemented the relevant national, provincial, and municipal documents, focused on achieving comprehensive defense against 6-level earthquake disasters, actively performed the statutory functions entrusted by the 'Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Act', and carried out earthquake prevention and disaster reduction in accordance with the law."

  Wang Shuai listened to the opening and said, "This is still called getting straight to the point. It's all empty talk and official language." "Director Chen, speak concretely about what you plan to do."

  Chen Gong nodded, "At the beginning of the year, we issued the 'Opinions on Strengthening Earthquake Group Measurement and Prevention Work', which clearly defined the construction goals, main tasks, and responsibilities for group measurement and prevention work in our district, as well as the requirements for building and managing stations. Secondly, our bureau widely carried out publicity and education on the 'Earthquake Disaster Reduction Law' at three levels: within the agency, in townships, and among the general public. Thirdly, our bureau simplified procedures, strengthened services, and efficiently handled administrative approvals, with 35 projects directly processed at the window, including 20 joint items, 10 major engineering projects, and 5 safety evaluation results confirmed..."

  "Next year, we plan to build a new earthquake monitoring station on the south side of Xin Qiao District. After going through the procedures of land acquisition, project establishment, planning, and national land reporting, we will start implementing this project. We are preparing to introduce foreign advanced monitoring equipment and technical means for this project. The design scheme will be reviewed by domestic experts before being submitted to the Development and Reform Bureau for approval..."

  Wang Shuai nodded in satisfaction after listening to Chen Gong's report, "Mayor Yang, you did a great job last year. It was inseparable from the leadership and support of the Xin Qiao District Government. This year, you must continue to work hard and give the greatest support to the earthquake relief efforts."

  Yang Ji gave enough face, "Although earthquake work plays a less important role in the current economic field than construction ports and related units, our support for earthquake work is consistent. The existence of each department has its meaning, and with the current international trend, earthquake work will become more and more important."

  Wang Shuai immediately told Yang Qian about the proposal Chen Gong had just mentioned to build a new earthquake monitoring station on the south side of Xin Bridge, and asked the Xin Bridge District Government for support in terms of funding and land.

  Yang Qian knew that his power could not directly decide on this matter, "Director Wang, although I am the district head, many things need to be decided by the secretary, especially when it comes to land and funding. I dare not guarantee anything here, in short, I will do my best to coordinate, if it is decided, the project will start at the shortest time."

  Chen Gong knew that Yang Qian was telling the truth, and he could express this attitude already is the greatest help, what's going on with Yang Qian today, not only personally ran to the Seismological Bureau, but also prepared to support us next year, this is strange.

  The brief meeting came to an end and except for a few leaders who remained in the conference room, everyone else had left.

  "Yang Qian, has this year's target bonus for the Seismological Bureau been issued?" Wang Shuai suddenly asked Yang Qian.

  Yang Qian didn't expect Wang Shuai to ask about this, and honestly told him that it was because the amount exceeded the standard of previous years by too much, so it had not been approved yet.

  Wang Shuai wanted to arrange Yang Qian into it, "Director Chen, overall this year your work is still good, next year you must fully implement the suggestions just now and take the lead in all seismic systems scoring across the province and city. Your District Mayor Yang will consider the hardships of your work and help you get the money approved."

  Chen Gong immediately followed up, "Then thank you, Director Yang. Please rest assured, I will lead the Earthquake Bureau to do a good job and strive for even greater achievements next year."

  Yang Qian smiled and told Director Wang and Chen Gong not to give Chen Dai a "high hat", he could only provide help within his authority, as for the things in Xinqiao District, Yang Qian sighed and said that Secretary Yuan Wei had the final say.

  Director Xu knocked twice on the door and then burst in, Chen Gong stared at Director Xu fiercely, what's wrong with this guy, doesn't he know that the leaders inside are discussing confidential matters?

  Director Xu looked very tense, more so than at any time before. "Report to all leaders, that...that... Secretary Yuan has arrived."

  Chen Gong thought to himself, what's going on today? Why have so many leaders come here in person? And they didn't even give me a call ahead of time. Whatever, as long as they're not looking for trouble, it's fine.

  Director Xu's forehead was also dripping with sweat. Today, I'm the busiest, running around, calling this and that, we've never had so many leaders come to our earthquake bureau before. The provincial bureau chief came today, the district head came, even the secretary came. Although the provincial bureau chief is higher in rank than the secretary, but a local official is not as good as a local boss, this secretary is just the "heaven" of Xin Qiao District.