Chapter 4 Tyrant's Feast

  The depressed "section chief" complained to his sister on the phone, saying that her brother-in-law was still the director of the finance bureau, and in their bureau, they didn't dare to make a sound. The new leader said what to do, and they did it, losing face completely. Now they want to transfer him out, it seems that his brother-in-law is also not doing well.

  The next day, the meeting started at 9 o'clock sharp. Director Xu pointed out that it was the first item on the agenda. The small conference room was packed with twenty people sitting neatly. An older man who was called upon responded with a "yes" and then whispered to the person beside him, "I haven't gotten up this early in ages, what's so important that it affects my rest?"

  This person heard yesterday that the director of the finance bureau came to find a job for his younger brother-in-law, it seems that this director is not very good either. He also relied on his old qualifications in the earthquake bureau and had a nephew who was a leader in the district, so he usually went to work like buying vegetables, just hitting his head and going home. Now Chen Gong in his eyes is simply a scallion.

  Chen Gong didn't hear what he said, but his casual and unwilling behavior were all seen.

  Director Xu finished taking roll call and reported to Chen Gong that all 20 employees from the entire bureau were present today.

  Chen Gong let Director Xu loudly read out the names of those who did not attend yesterday's inauguration meeting. After four names were read, Chen Gong nodded and said, "Comrades, we are able to sit here and work together in the Seismological Bureau because of the power and responsibility given to us by the Party and the state, and by the people. We receive our salaries and bonuses, but ask yourselves, are you worthy of the money you've received? Are you worth this amount?"

  Everyone who heard it tensed up their nerves, it seems like today won't be a good day.

  Deputy Director Tian Guangrong listened very seriously, anyway he would retire and go home soon, let's see what he can do, the Seismological Bureau has been like this for 20 years, what can he change.

  Another deputy director, Deng Peng, was unhappy in his heart. Niu whatever, it's just that I'm not willing to, I want to think about becoming the director a few years earlier and going up. Let me see how you deal with those people who didn't show up yesterday.

  Chen Gong let the four people speak one by one, explaining the reasons. If there was something wrong, they would also explain why they didn't ask for leave in advance. One young man was very anxious and stood up first to say, "Director Chen, I'm sorry, I'll tell you the truth, hoping you can forgive me. The day before yesterday was my birthday, I drank too much wine and the party ended at dawn, so when the alarm clock rang early yesterday morning, I didn't hear it. This is not what I usually do, you can ask Director Xu."

  Chen Gong looked at Director Xu, who nodded slightly, "Who's next?" Chen Gong continued to ask.

  A woman cleared her throat and said, "Director Chen, I got up early yesterday and felt a bit of a cold, so I went to the hospital to get some medicine first. Sorry, it won't happen again next time."

  A very short and childish lie, Chen Gong thought, feeling a bit of a cold, so he went to the hospital. I think she can get an annual card at the hospital.

  Several seconds passed, the whole audience was silent, "There is still one comrade, please speak." Chen Gong's polite words were laced with a hint of murderous intent.

  The old comrade who was just venting below knocked on the table twice, "Then let me say something, yesterday afternoon I sent my grandson to school, so I didn't arrive, sorry, Director." A very disdainful tone, a very clever excuse, ordinary people wouldn't dare say anything more.

  I have already experienced the previous department head Chen Gong's severity, thinking that old guy must have had a terrible outcome. Although I won't be staying here for long, my attitude has to be proper. My brother-in-law said if he doesn't let me go, then later I will have to "wear small shoes". Among the four of us, he is the most sincere. It's all my fault, I'll reflect on it, and I have no opinion on the leader's verbal announcement to remove me as department head.

  Another three people felt strange after listening, and Director Xu also had some unexpectedness. The little Wang of the Earthquake Prevention and Mitigation Department was the most surprised.

  Chen Gong thought for a moment, okay, since there are not many reliable people, then I don't need to be polite either. He chose the heavier treatment over the lighter one.

  "I'd like to make an announcement now, starting with the more senior positions. The head of the Earthquake Defense Department will be stepping down first, and someone will come to take over this position in a week. Then, from the older age group, I'd like to ask, how old are you, sir?"

  "What's wrong now that you're 54?"

  "There's nothing, I've considered your old body and the troubles at home. If you work here, I think it will delay your health and taking care of your grandkids. I'll apply to the personnel department for your early retirement, so you don't have to come to work starting tomorrow." Chen Gong said seriously.

  The old man suddenly stood up, slamming his hand on the table. "How dare you! You're just a young punk who hasn't even grown out of your acne, and I've been here since this earthquake bureau was first established. How dare you tell me to leave? I refuse to go!"

  Chen Gong raised his voice, "Let you go and you'll go, don't talk nonsense. As the Party Secretary and Director of this Bureau, I have the power to decide everything here. Not to mention you, even the arrangements for the section chief and deputy director are decided by my one word."

  Tian Guangrong and Deng Peng, two deputy directors, heard this and their hearts tightened, their mouths closed tightly, not daring to make a sound.

  Everyone knows that early retirement doesn't bring much money, and in the future, only basic salary can be received, which is a big cut. Who would be willing? The old man steeled himself and brought out his previously unpublicized relationship, "You little bureau chief, do you know who my nephew is? Liu Yadong, member of the Standing Committee of Xin Qiao District! I'll see how you dare to treat me!" After finishing speaking, the old man looked up at the ceiling, feeling much more relieved.

  Chen Gong heard that it was that old rival, if I were to bring up other district leaders, I might have given some face, giving you an old man a step down, but you actually brought up him, this Liu Yadong, even if he became the mayor, I wouldn't acknowledge his account.

  "Comrades, everyone present knows the current discipline of integrity. No leader is allowed to seek personal gain for their family or friends. The old comrade who just spoke at the formal meeting in our bureau not only brought up his relatives but also threatened leaders. If everyone does this, what will happen to those working in government in the future? Who can still work with a clear conscience for the people? I have always believed that no matter how big your background is, if you don't want to work, you should be removed from the team. So, my answer to this old comrade is: it doesn't matter who you look for, starting tomorrow, you can retire."

  The old comrade was so angry that he rushed out of the office.

  The woman and the young man are also waiting for Director Chen's verdict.

  Chen Gong is not a person who likes to take things to the extreme. If they don't show up on time and don't ask for leave in the future, then please let them look for another job.

  After dealing with those who did not show up that day, Chen Gong only gave a warning to the three comrades who were late, and the three had already been somewhat desperate. Today it seems "if you don't cut off your legs, you'll have to cut off your hands", but unexpectedly, he just said that if they offend again next time, they will be severely punished.

  Chen Gong let Director Xu start the second agenda of today's meeting, which is to announce the new rules and regulations of the bureau. Director Xu read from the document, turning all the way to the fifth page before finishing. Meanwhile, some people below had already started whispering that it was too much and too long, and they couldn't remember anything.

  Chen Gong concluded, "I just heard a comrade say that there are too many rules and regulations, can't remember them, Director Xu. Each office will print one copy, if someone requests individually, we can give one copy to each person. Two days should be enough for you to get familiar with it."

  Finally, Chen Gong talked about the specific work of the earthquake bureau. Earthquake monitoring and forecasting is the foundation and primary link in disaster prevention and mitigation. Relying on advances in earthquake science and technology, we will explore new theories and methods for earthquake prediction, and do a good job in earthquake monitoring and management.

  The second most important thing is the work of the Seismic Defense Department, which will soon be equipped with a new department head. Although there have been no major earthquakes in China in recent decades, it is necessary to manage and supervise anti-seismic design and construction work throughout the region, especially for major projects. We must also continue to carry out simulated earthquake rescue and organization drills, increase publicity, eliminate rumors, stabilize society, and serve as a good advisor to the government.

  After this meeting, Chen Gong had completely controlled the Seismological Bureau. Chen Gong was in a good mood, so after work, he went to Fu Hai Wei Shuqin's home.

  Wei Chengxu is not at home today, accompanying the vice governor to inspect. Wei Shuqin also got off work late, so they didn't have time to cook at home. After discussing for a while, the two went to eat steak.

  "In a steakhouse, Chen Gong shouted, 'One serving of steak, black pepper, 60% well done.'"

  The waiter stood by, and Wei Shuqin knocked on Chen Gong's head and said to the waiter, "Two of the same, both are 70%." After the waiter left, "Stupid, there is no 60%." Chen Gong stared at Wei Shuqin, thinking in his heart that he had lost face today.

  Wei Shuqin stood up and went to wash her hands. The waiter had forgotten to collect the money from the two of them earlier, so he came back again. Chen Gong paid the waiter the exact amount, neither more nor less, so no change was needed.

  Wei Shuqin came back with her hands washed and sat down, smiling mysteriously at Chen Gong. Chen Gong didn't know what was wrong with her. "Did you pick up a diamond ring while washing your hands just now?"

  Wei Shuqin knocked on Chen Gong's forehead, it turned out that the rule for eating steak was to pay the bill after ordering, Wei Shuqin knew that the waiter had already left, but didn't know if Chen Gong had paid the money, "I'm telling you, come closer, we might be having a free meal today."

  Chen Gong suddenly understood, originally she thought they hadn't paid the bill and could just leave after eating. Just as Chen Gong was about to explain, he thought better of it and decided not to tell her, instead teasing her.

  Wei Shuqin expressed her bold idea, saying that she had never tried not paying for food before, so she wanted to try it today. To avoid being looked down upon by Chen Gong for her low quality, Wei Shuqin explained that the two of them would walk out the door together, and if they weren't stopped, they would come back and pay the money, so their hearts could be at ease.

  Chen Gong cooperated with Wei Shuqin and accompanied her to play a drama. While eating, Wei Shuqin would let Chen Gong see that the dishes on the table were all expensive, and the corner table was also like that. Today's waiter seems to be busy and confused.

  Wei Shuqin's heart was actually racing fast, and Chen Gong also thought she was too tense, but Chen Gong had to pretend to be just as tense, otherwise he would have blown his cover.

  After dinner, Wei Shuqin considered whether to go first or last, and after a long time, she pulled Chen Gong's clothes and went out. The two of them wandered around like this, wherever there were fewer waiters, they would go there, and finally walked out of the steakhouse.

  Wei Shuqin patted her chest and let out a long sigh, "You didn't know earlier, I was afraid of being caught by the waiter, how embarrassing that would be, you'd feel the same way too."

  Chen Gong shook his head, indicating that he was very calm, but Wei Shuqin didn't believe him. She pulled Chen Gong towards the store and said, "Now that we've finished our experience, it's time to pay the boss." Chen Gong stood still and refused to move. "Little Wei, you're really too naive. Do you think the shop owner would forget to collect money? The service staff are all vegetarians, I already paid when you went to wash your hands. Let's go watch a movie."

  Wei Shuqin looked at Chen Gong walking in front of her and thought about kicking him to the ground, daring to play with me.

  Just then, Chen Gong heard the quarrel in front of him, "Qin Huaiyu, you cheap goods, for power and influence you sold everything, I was blind to have fallen in love with you."