I Cultivate in a Government Office

Shen Wenyuan, however, started laughing, a sound that carried a much deeper consideration. ”Old Zheng, you need to look at things with a long-term perspective.”

He paused, then continued, ”With Yang Wenqing’s talent, how long do you think he’ll stay as the director of the Lingshan New District? Ten years? Or fifteen?”

Zheng Yan was taken aback, but then he seemed to understand something.

”Fifteen years at most!” Shen Wenyuan said with conviction. ”Fifteen years is enough for him to take the Lingshan New District to new heights and accumulate sufficient experience and merit. And then what? He will either succeed in his Foundation Establishment or, perhaps even before that, Qin Huaiming will get a major promotion and be transferred to another city as the first deputy director. Do you think Yang Wenqing wouldn’t follow him?”

”The Lingshan New District is crucial to the future layout of our entire Coral City. It needs someone capable, someone who can command the situation, to hold that position securely. Yang Wenqing is currently one of the most suitable candidates,” Shen Wenyuan’s voice was calm and clear.

”We use these ten-plus years of his prime to secure the rapid development and absolute stability of the Lingshan New District. In return, he gains the valuable experience and credentials of governing a region. It’s a win-win.”

”As for what happens a decade or so from now…” Shen Wenyuan said meaningfully, ”who can say what the situation will be then? Perhaps we’ll have already trained a new successor. And a young man who once made outstanding contributions to the Lingshan New District, no matter where he ends up in the future, will always have a lingering connection with our Coral City. That is the truly valuable investment.”

”I understand, Director,” Zheng Yan replied in a deep voice. ”The Archives Department will immediately initiate the formal assessment procedure for Yang Wenqing as a candidate for Director of the Lingshan New District.”

”Remember, the Bureau has never been stingy with resources when it comes to real talent,” Shen Wenyuan added as a final instruction before ending the communication.

「...」

Meanwhile, Yang Wenqing’s official Flying Shuttle had quietly landed on the landing pad in the backyard of the Lingshan New District sub-bureau.

The cabin door slid open, and Yang Wenqing stepped onto familiar ground. He had only been gone for three days, yet it felt like a lifetime. The faint but tenacious sensation of Qi and Marrow Fusion within him, the perfectly harmonious Five Yang Qi circulating among his five major organs, and the *Xuanyue Bone Marrow Cleansing True Explanation*, the *Yuqing Secret Skill: Entry Level*, and the *Wind Manipulation Technique* imprinted deep within his consciousness all reminded him of how completely he had been transformed in these three days.

He had just stepped off the Flying Shuttle when a signal came through the Communication Array on his chest insignia. Upon accepting the call, he heard Gao Zhen’s steady voice, tinged with a hint of relief. ”Wenqing, you’re back? Come to my office.”

”Alright, Director Gao. I’ll be right there,” Yang Wenqing replied, walking toward the main building with a steady gait.

Pushing open the door to the director’s office, he saw a clear smile on Gao Zhen’s face. His entire demeanor was completely different from the tension he had shown before his seclusion.

”Wenqing, congratulations!” Gao Zhen stepped out from behind his desk and patted Yang Wenqing’s shoulder. ”Director Qi already informed me. Good, that’s great. Seeing you make it this far puts my mind at ease.”

He motioned for Yang Wenqing to sit in the guest area, then sat down himself and said, ”Director Qi also spoke with me about my situation… The transfer orders will come down in ten days, at most.”

Gao Zhen’s tone was calm. ”It’s the position of section chief in the Personnel Division of the City Bureau’s Archives Department. It’s a quiet post without many concrete duties, which is perfect for me to peacefully refine my Fire Spirit and push for Foundation Establishment.”

The Personnel Division managed the personnel files within the system and conducted the preliminary reviews for promotions and evaluations. It was a vital department, yet relatively relaxed. For Gao Zhen, who needed to focus on reaching Foundation Establishment, this was indeed an excellent arrangement.

”Congratulations, Director Gao. This move will allow you to focus on the Great Dao. Foundation Establishment is within your reach,” Yang Wenqing congratulated him sincerely.

Gao Zhen waved his hand, his smile fading. ”After I leave, the heavy burden of this New District will fall on your shoulders.”

He performed a Spell toward his desk, and a screen of light instantly materialized. Displayed on it was the latest blueprint for the Lingshan New District.

”The construction site for the strategic warehouse has been preliminarily marked out. It’s on the southeast side of the port expansion area. The blueprints and the Protective Array plans are going through the final review process. We expect a clear approval and for construction teams to enter the site within a week.”

Gao Zhen pointed to a heavily marked area on the map. ”This is of the utmost importance to the future security of the New District, and even the entire Coral City. Furthermore, with the port expansion and the establishment of the strategic warehouse, the jurisdiction and manpower of the existing public security stations are no longer sufficient...”

”The City Bureau has agreed in principle to let us add two new public security stations. One will be responsible for the expanded new port, and the other for the extended area around the strategic warehouse. I’ve already submitted the application materials.”

Gao Zhen looked at Yang Wenqing. ”You must start scouting and vetting candidates for the directorships of these two new stations, as well as their core staff, as soon as possible. This is a critical move for your future control over the New District’s security forces. You can’t delegate this, and you certainly can’t wait until the transfer orders come down to make a hasty decision.”

Yang Wenqing nodded silently, making a mental note to prioritize these two matters upon his return.

”Then there’s the refugee resettlement issue.” Gao Zhen switched the light screen to display data and proposals from the Civil Affairs Bureau. ”Another two groups have arrived in the past few days, bringing the total to nearly eight hundred people. However, the Civil Affairs Bureau moved quickly. They’ve already coordinated with several large factories and newly started infrastructure projects to jointly create a temporary work-for-relief program.”

Yang Wenqing quickly processed the information. Each item was an urgent and far-reaching matter. It was clear that Gao Zhen had done a lot of coordination and preparatory work during the three days he was away.

After explaining everything, Gao Zhen turned off the light screen and looked at Yang Wenqing. ”Wenqing, the burden of the Lingshan New District is even heavier than when I first took it on. You must tread carefully. You need to ride the momentum to quickly establish your footing, but you must also be cautious in your words and actions, balance all parties, and not leave any openings for others to exploit.”

”I understand, Director Gao,” Yang Wenqing replied.

”Good!” Gao Zhen said. ”Over the next few days, I’ll sort out the work that needs to be handed over and make the necessary introductions. You focus on handling these urgent matters first, especially the candidates for the new station directorships. Get me a preliminary opinion as soon as possible.”

”Yes, sir!”

After leaving Gao Zhen’s office, Yang Wenqing seemed to remember something. He first contacted Xiao Liang and briefly told him what had happened at the City Bureau over the past three days.

After listening, Xiao Liang said sincerely, ”Congratulations, Wenqing.”

”Brother Xiao, don’t tease me,” Yang Wenqing said, his tone as friendly as ever. ”Director Gao just spoke with me. He’s being transferred soon to the Archives Department at the City Bureau.”

The two chatted for a few more moments before ending the communication.

When Yang Wenqing returned to his office, the Communication Array on his insignia began to flash incessantly. They were all calls from people who had heard the news and wanted to congratulate him.

Yang Wenqing replied politely to each one. Wang Ren even wanted to come over for a couple of drinks with him.

After handling the wave of congratulatory calls, another one came in from Liu Qin. ”Director Yang, you’re back.” Her voice was as capable as ever. ”Captain Lu left a message for you after you returned and then departed.”

”What’s the situation over there?”

Yang Wenqing didn’t focus on Lu Zheng, asking about the important matter instead.

Liu Qin replied, ”The preliminary investigation of the Black Teeth Ridge caverns is complete. Inside is an ancient tomb of considerable size; the era is currently undetermined. As expected, a wide, subterranean dark river was discovered at the lowest level. It most likely connects to the seabed, but the river channel has numerous forks underground, like a maze. I’m afraid it will be impossible to determine the exact route to the sea in a short amount of time.”

Yang Wenqing nodded. ’It’s no coincidence that group chose that place for their base,’ he thought. ’Investigating a subterranean river is extremely troublesome and would be difficult even for an Entry-level Cultivator. Therefore, the matter can only be shelved for now, marked as a potential risk area with increased daily patrols and monitoring. Alternatively, we might get results by capturing a key figure and performing a Soul Search.’

”Understood,” Yang Wenqing responded. ”Leave the combat Flying Ship with Captain Liu and come back for now.”

”Alright. Also…” Liu Qin paused. ”A secretary of Director Shen Wenyuan from the City Bureau sent a short message five minutes ago. On behalf of Director Shen, they congratulated you on your advancement in Cultivation and encouraged you to contribute more to the stability of the New District.”

Yang Wenqing asked, ”Did you reply for me?” 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

”Yes, I’ve already replied.”