I Cultivate in a Government Office

”Master,” Yang Wenqing said respectfully.

”Did you get the notice from the Archives Department?” Qin Huaiming got straight to the point.

”I did. It said they’ll arrive at the branch office at nine this morning.”

”Good. This conversation is happening ahead of schedule for two main reasons.” Qin Huaiming’s tone was as steady as ever. ”First, of course, is the matter of your promotion to Director of the branch office. The current situation in the Lingshan New District requires a strong leader who’s familiar with the circumstances to take over. You’ve trained in the New District for years, and your achievements are plain for all to see. Your appointment as Director is the logical next step.”

Yang Wenqing’s mind was put at ease, but he didn’t let his joy show, replying calmly, ”I owe it all to your support, Master, and the bureau’s trust in me.”

”Don’t be so quick to thank me...”

Qin Huaiming’s tone shifted, growing serious. ”Wenqing, you must remember this. To become the Director of the New District at your age is exceedingly rare, not just in this city but in the entire provincial City Defense System. Many people reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm and still have to languish for a decade, or even several, before a suitable position opens up. Your promotion will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention. There will be admirers, there will be the envious, and there will be no shortage of people waiting for you to make a mistake.”

”Especially during this sensitive period, the internal and external pressures are immense. Being this Director won’t be easy.” Qin Huaiming’s tone grew earnest. ”So you must act with even more caution. With your superiors, you must know when to ask for instructions and report back, and maintain a sense of propriety. With your subordinates, you must unite all those who can be united. And finally, achieving results is more important than anything else.”

Yang Wenqing listened intently, then replied, ”I will remember your teachings, Master. I will certainly guard against arrogance and impatience.”

”It’s good that you understand.” Qin Huaiming’s tone softened slightly. ”The second reason for this talk is also the main reason the city bureau’s Archives Department is sending someone to you, rather than having you come to the city bureau. They’ll tell you the specifics when they arrive. Just do as they say; you don’t need to worry too much.”

Yang Wenqing’s heart stirred. He asked tentatively, ”Master, could you give me a small hint, so I can be prepared?”

Qin Huaiming was silent on the other end of the call for two seconds before he said slowly, ”It’s related to some recent events. It’s not convenient to say more over the line. Just cooperate with whatever they need.”

”Yes, I understand,” Yang Wenqing said, not pressing the matter further.

After ending the call, Yang Wenqing stood before the window of the mining area’s command center, gazing at the dawn light gradually illuminating the line where the sea met the sky.

He then composed himself and quickly handled the remaining urgent matters in the mining area. He waited until dawn the next day, and only after confirming the area was stable did he hand over full responsibility for defense and follow-up work to Du Hong. He repeatedly urged Du Hong to maintain close communication with the Government Soldiers and to request instructions and report frequently on any issues.

Then he boarded a Flying Shuttle and returned to the Lingshan New District branch office.

As he stepped into the branch office building, he could clearly feel that the atmosphere was different from usual. Apparently, General Affairs Section Chief Liu Min had also received notice of the leaders’ impending arrival and was methodically arranging for their reception.

When he got back to his office, a call from Gao Zhen came in.

”Wenqing, are you back at the bureau?”

”Yes, Director. Are you feeling any better?”

”Much better...” Gao Zhen replied. After a two-second silence, he added, ”Come over to my office for a bit.”

”Alright!”

Yang Wenqing ignored the pile of documents on his desk and went to Gao Zhen’s office. For the next hour, the two of them made small talk.

Just before nine o’clock, Liu Min from General Affairs came to the Director’s office in person to inform them that the leaders from the city bureau had arrived.

...

On the landing platform behind the main branch building, a deep black official Flying Shuttle landed smoothly. Its cabin door opened, and Director Zheng Yan and Vice Director Qian stepped out one after the other.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries and introductions, the group didn’t linger in the rear courtyard. Gao Zhen, acting as the host, led his two superiors into the building and directly to the main conference room on the top floor.

The conference room had already been prepared. Everyone took their seats. After a simple opening and some polite greetings, Gao Zhen naturally cut to the chase. ”Director Zheng, Vice Director Qian, you’ve come all the way to Lingshan New District despite your busy schedules, so you must have important instructions for us. However, I’ve recently run into some problems with my cultivation. I’m afraid I’ll make a fool of myself if I stay any longer.”

Gao Zhen stood up and bowed, looking as if he were about to leave the conference room.

Vice Director Qian chimed in with a smile, ”Director Gao, you’re being too serious. We have to speak with you later as well. How about this: you go and rest for now, alright?”

”Thank you for your understanding, Directors!”

Gao Zhen once again stood at attention and saluted. Then, he exchanged a glance with Yang Wenqing and left the conference room without looking back.

At that point, Director Zheng’s gaze fell upon Yang Wenqing. He said, ”Director Wen Qing, we are here today for two reasons. First, on behalf of the city bureau’s Archives Department, we’re here to express our sympathies and commend the Lingshan New District branch for its heroic performance during yesterday’s battle against the Water Race attack. Secondly, as is customary, we are here to conduct your pre-appointment interview.”

Yang Wenqing met Director Zheng’s gaze, suppressing his inner joy and quietly waiting for him to continue.

Zheng Yan paused for a moment before continuing, ”Director Wen Qing, based on the Archives Department’s evaluation and your personal record, the city bureau has decided to nominate you to succeed Gao Zhen as the Director of the Lingshan New District branch. Today, on behalf of the city bureau’s leadership, we are officially conducting your appointment interview.”

Yang Wenqing immediately stood up, his body ramrod straight and his expression solemn. ”Thank you for the trust and cultivation the city bureau’s leadership has shown me. No matter what decision the bureau makes, I will obey it without question and do my utmost to fulfill my duties.”

”Sit.”

Zheng Yan made a gentle downward gesture with his hand, motioning for Yang Wenqing to sit down.

The ensuing conversation did not delve into many specific work details. Zheng Yan spoke in a steady tone, first affirming Yang Wenqing’s past work and then emphasizing the unique nature of the current situation in the Lingshan New District and the great responsibility of the Director’s position. Vice Director Qian supplemented his points at appropriate times, his words carrying both expectations for the young cadre and implicit reminders and warnings.