I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 154: Chapter 103: Expanded Meeting (2)

”Yes, sir!” the chiefs of the Public Security and Operations Sections replied in unison.

”Alright. Now, for the third item on the agenda.”

Director Zhang leaned back slightly, his tone growing more formal. ”This concerns the matter of dispatching a ’Public Security Coordination Specialist’ to the Lingshan Town Preparatory Office. This individual will be stationed there long-term and must possess comprehensive public security expertise, as well as strong coordination and communication skills. They must also be able to represent our bureau in handling all types of unexpected public security incidents related to the New Town’s construction.”

He paused, his gaze landing on Vice Director Gao. ”Vice Director Gao, you’ve also been closely following the situation in the New Town. Do you have a suitable candidate to recommend?”

Vice Director Gao was clearly prepared. He said in a heavy tone, ”The work at the preparatory office is incredibly complex. Security coordination requires not just operational expertise, but also a deep understanding of the local situation. I believe Deputy Section Chief Liu Min from the Comprehensive Section is an excellent choice. She has years of experience handling inter-departmental coordination, is familiar with the Civil Affairs Bureau’s procedures, and is a meticulous and thorough thinker. She is more than qualified for the role.”

Director Zhang listened, then gave a noncommittal smile. ”Liu Min is indeed good, and her coordination skills are undeniable. However... the situation over at the preparatory office is unique. During the initial construction phase, all sorts of people will flock there—the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’re likely to run into some tough, even unreasonable characters. I’m afraid that relying on coordination and meticulousness alone won’t be enough to keep things under control. We need a more imposing deterrent.”

His tone shifted. ”I believe Wu Qianjun from the Major Case Team is a better fit. His Cultivation is solid, he has extensive field experience, and he’s handled numerous difficult cases and emergencies. Sending him would allow for effective coordination while also providing a necessary show of force, ensuring the preparatory office’s work proceeds without interference.”

”Wu Qianjun’s capabilities are certainly outstanding...”

Vice Director Gao immediately countered, his tone still calm, ”But he has spent his career in external investigations. His style leans toward targeted strikes and resolving issues with force. The coordination work at the preparatory office is about balance and prevention. It requires the ability to anticipate complex situations and handle them with finesse. I still maintain that Liu Min is a better fit for the position’s demands.”

”I must disagree, Vice Director Gao.” Director Zhang shook his head. ”It is precisely because the situation in the New Town is complex and rife with potential risks that we need someone who can hold the line. A delicate touch is necessary, of course, but deterrence is the foundation. Wu Qianjun’s comprehensive abilities allow him to handle both.”

The two went back and forth, ostensibly discussing the candidates’ suitability but in reality, neither was willing to yield an inch. Their arguments were all perfectly plausible on the surface, and for a moment, they were at a stalemate.

Just then, Wang Ren, who had been quietly taking notes, suddenly looked up. In a voice that wasn’t loud but was perfectly clear, he said, ”Director Zhang, Vice Director Gao, since Captain Wu is with the Major Case Team, the team’s day-to-day operations are currently being managed by Deputy Team Leader Yang Wenqing.”

He paused and turned his gaze to Yang Wenqing. ”Wenqing, you probably understand Captain Wu’s capabilities better than anyone else here. Why don’t we hear the opinion of the man who is directly managing his team’s affairs?”

In an instant, every eye in the conference room swiveled to land on Yang Wenqing.

Before Yang Wenqing could respond, Wang Ren continued, ”As for Liu Min, whom Vice Director Gao proposed—she works directly under me. I personally feel she is perfectly suited for the work in Lingshan Town. We’re being sent there to do a job, not to pick fights. If we go in spoiling for a fight before the work has even begun, wouldn’t that just create chaos?”

Director Zhang’s brow twitched. The fact that the head of the Comprehensive Section was not one of his people had long been a thorn in his side. Being interrupted by Wang Ren now... one could only imagine his frustration. The fact that he merely frowned was a sign of great restraint.

Wang Ren had started it, and now it was Yang Wenqing’s turn. This instantly made him the focal point of the conference room. Before the meeting, he had been somewhat excited and eager for such a conflict. ’Now, facing Director Zhang’s direct gaze, it’d be a lie to say I’m not intimidated,’ he thought. But at a moment like this, he couldn’t possibly betray Vice Director Gao.

So, he had to bite the bullet and proceed.

Yang Wenqing took a deep breath, about to state his position and deliver his prepared remarks.

”Ahem.”

A soft cough cut through the tense, confrontational atmosphere of the conference room.

Deputy Director Zhou, who had been sipping his tea and remaining aloof from the affair, set down his cup. A customary, gentle smile was on his face. His gaze flickered between Director Zhang and Vice Director Gao before he began to speak in an unhurried tone:

”Director Zhang, Vice Director Gao, I’ve been listening for some time, and I think both sides have made excellent points. Liu Min is meticulous and thorough, with strong coordination skills. Wu Qianjun is brave and capable, with ample deterrent force. Both are pillars of our bureau.”

He paused, his tone growing even more conciliatory, as if he were considering everyone’s best interests. ”However, I’ve been mulling it over. During the initial preparatory phase in Lingshan Town, things will be incredibly complex. The public security workload will be immense.”

”They’ll have to liaise with the Civil Affairs Bureau, the construction firms, and various businesses, all while guarding against potential disturbances, handling emergencies, and managing those three newly formed patrol teams. That’s an enormous amount of work. Piling all of that onto one person... I’m afraid they’d be overwhelmed, and things would inevitably fall through the cracks.”

His eyes swept over the room as he tossed out a suggestion that seemed like a compromise but had the potential to change the entire game. ”My thought is this: since the responsibilities are so great, why don’t we consider sending two people?”

”One person could be responsible for the preparatory office’s internal day-to-day coordination, paperwork, and preventative affairs. This position requires a meticulous mind. I think Liu Min would be a great fit.”

”And the other person...”

Deputy Director Zhou’s tone grew more emphatic. ”They would be responsible for liaising with and managing the three new patrol teams, handling public security incidents on the construction sites, and responding to the risk of potential violent conflict. This post needs someone who can step up when it counts.”