Urban Martial Saint

”Not just that, it’s best if you find some kids to give them flowers and make a formal ceremony. The more grandiose, the better. These so-called leaders love this kind of stuff,” said Zhao Chengshuang: ”The inspection group from the province is composed of those kinds of officials who may not hold high ranks but certainly do not lack airs. They pay great attention to formality. If you arrange it well, everything can be easily discussed. If not, it’ll be tough to talk about anything. Also, prepare a banquet at your newly opened hotel. In the evening, I’ll invite some top leaders from the city to join and support the event. As long as they eat and drink well, and these leaders casually exchange a few words with them, once everything is arranged, you’re halfway to success. As for what decision the provincial leadership makes, that depends on their opinion. But you must arrange everything well on the city’s side!”

Ye Qing nodded repeatedly, saying: ”Yes, yes, I got it, I understand. Why are you so naggy? I can’t figure out how Huo Pingping puts up with you. You’re even more long-winded than she is!”

”I’m not being naggy, I’m doing this for your own good,” laughed Zhao Chengshuang. ”Pingping and I have true love; she actually likes my nagging. You wouldn’t understand!”

”Let’s see how long you two can keep laughing!” Ye Qing retorted with a curl of his lips and hung up the phone, his face clouded with melancholy. The sudden visit from the inspection group had caught him somewhat off guard.

Just as he was about to call the orphanage to arrange these matters, Liu Changping called again. As soon as Ye Qing answered the phone, Liu Changping said anxiously: ”Ye Qing, the inspection group has been down for two days, and I only found out about this today. Hurry and get ready, don’t mess this up!”

”Okay, I am ready!” Ye Qing replied: ”Uncle Liu, don’t worry. I will make sure everything is arranged properly!”

”That’s good!” Liu Changping sighed with relief and said: ”Let’s talk about other matters later. The opinion of the inspection group could be very influential. So, you must ensure everything on your end is arranged well.”

Ye Qing repeatedly responded and hung up the phone, immediately feeling the pressure mount significantly. Not only did Zhao Chengshuang take this matter seriously, but Liu Changping also regarded it as important. It seemed he really had to be careful with the arrangements this time.

Ye Qing dared not be the slightest bit negligent, hurriedly calling the orphanage to arrange reception matters. Then he called Li Lianshan to have the hotel cleared out for dinner that evening, to entertain the guests properly. Of course, most importantly, Ye Qing himself had to go to the orphanage; he must personally welcome the members of the inspection group.

When Ye Qing arrived at the orphanage, everything had already been arranged properly; the banner was already hung up: Warmly Welcome the Provincial Inspection Group to Guide Our Work!

All of this was organized by Principal Wu Yian, who had been a principal for many years. Although he was not ensnared in greed, he was very clear about the small intricacies of officialdom, and naturally understood how to entertain the people from the inspection group. When Ye Qing had previously informed him about the inspection group’s impending visit, he had already sorted everything out; today it was simply a matter of putting things up and finally putting them to use.

Inside the orphanage, the arrangement was even more beautiful, with welcome slogans everywhere. Just the atmosphere alone, let alone the people from the inspection group, even as Ye Qing walked in, he too felt very comfortable, as if he could already sense the enthusiasm of the people here.

”Mr. Ye, everything has been done according to your instructions!” Wu Yian was also very excited and said, ”When will the inspection group arrive? Should we bring out the musical instruments from our school to liven up the atmosphere a bit more?”

”No need, no need,” Ye Qing quickly gestured with his hand, saying: ”This is all very good. The inspection group has already left the highway and is said to be arriving soon. We must wait at the gate now, otherwise if they arrive and we’re still preparing other things, it would seem too rushed!”

”That’s true, that’s true, Mr. Ye, you think of everything!” agreed Wu Yian, nodding repeatedly, his body still trembling continuously.

This matter was a decision regarding whether the orphanage could continue to operate or not. Wu Yian hadn’t been at the orphanage for long, but he had completely integrated himself with the institution. Taking care of the children every day, the amount of his salary was not key; what mattered was watching the children go to school, and that made him feel content.

Learning about the possible closure of the orphanage, Wu Yian couldn’t sleep for several days and nights, constantly worried about it. Now that the inspection group had arrived, as if deciding his fate, one could imagine his feelings.

Ye Qing was actually even more excited than him because the orphanage was built by Ye Qing himself. These children were all adopted by Ye Qing. After so long, there were emotions involved. How could Ye Qing bear to suddenly hand these children over to someone else?

The two of them stood this way at the entrance of the orphanage, waiting for nearly half an hour, until finally a convoy of three cars slowly approached. All three vehicles bore the Dongzhou license plates, and the lead car even had the inspection group’s emblem attached to the front, no wonder Zhao Chengshuang had received the news so early.

Seeing those three cars, Ye Qing was rather surprised. Since the provincial inspection team had set out from the provincial capital so suddenly, with even Liu Changping unaware of the news, it was clear they wanted to keep their visit a secret to quietly check on the orphanage. However, why did they adopt such a high-profile display upon arrival, even going so far as to hang up signs? This was too strange, wasn’t it?

”This provincial inspection team really likes to make a grand entrance!” Wu Yian whispered to Ye Qing, ”They left the province silently, but as soon as they arrived here, they immediately put up their plaques. It’s obvious they’ve come to put on a show. Mr. Ye, these people might be difficult to deal with later, so let me handle it.”

Wu Yian’s words dispelled Ye Qing’s doubts. He looked at Wu Yian, and saw that the old principal was thin and frail, appearing very weak in the cold wind. His slightly bent figure exuded humility and reverence. Facing these inspectors, Wu Yian was ready to bow and scrape.

This old man had worried about the children all his life and dedicated his entire life to education. Such a person ought to be respected by everyone. Yet, at his age, he still had to bow and scrape; such is society, such is life!

Ye Qing felt very uncomfortable inside, not wanting Wu Yian to have to grovel before these people. But for the sake of the orphanage, he had no choice but to step back and stand behind Wu Yian.

The three cars stopped at the entrance of the orphanage, and Wu Yian straightened himself up and hurriedly went to greet them. The children, who had been standing around for over an hour, also clapped their hands and shouted ”welcome, welcome” enthusiastically, making for a very warm scene.

The car doors opened, and seven or eight people got out, both men and women. Leading them was a man in his forties, with a very robust physique. Among officials, few had his kind of build, which made him stand out quite starkly.

”Welcome, welcome!” Wu Yian hurried forward, stretching out his hands from afar and smiling, ”I am the principal of this orphanage, Wu Yian. I warmly welcome the leaders to come and guide our work!”

The man was also quite amiable. He reached out and shook hands with Wu Yian, smiling, ”Principal Wu, you are too polite. We’re just here to take a look; there’s nothing much about ’guidance’ to speak of.”

The man’s amiability put Wu Yian somewhat at ease. He had been afraid of encountering haughty leaders who wouldn’t bother with you if you said something to them, always maintaining their superiority. That would be difficult to handle. But these people’s friendly attitudes made them easier to talk to.

Wu Yian, alongside Ye Qing, shook hands with the visitors and exchanged a few words with them, also learning about their identities. These leaders were actually a joint investigation team sent from several provincial departments, primarily investigating the safety and qualifications of the orphanage staff. The leader, named Huang Boxiong, was the director of an office in the governor’s office and held the highest position among them.

Huang Boxiong was also very thorough in his work. After introducing himself to Wu Yian, he took out his work ID for Wu Yian to examine. Actually, this step was entirely unnecessary. After all, Liu Changping had already called, so how could there be any doubt?

After examining the work ID, Ye Qing became even more confident of these people’s identities and quickly invited them inside the orphanage. Wu Yian initially wanted them to rest at the hotel first, but these people were quite dedicated to their work. They went straight into the orphanage and began inspecting various aspects upon arrival.

This was beyond the expectations of both Ye Qing and Wu Yian. According to what Zhao Chengshuang had said earlier, they were supposed to treat these people to a good meal first. After a satisfying meal and conversation, they would then come to the orphanage for inspection. That way, the inspection results would certainly be more favorable. Unexpectedly, these people went straight to the inspection without any intention to rest or eat, not following the usual playbook.

However, Ye Qing actually thought this was good. Work should be work, not mixed with banquets or such, and speaking with facts was the real way to handle matters. Moreover, his side could withstand the inspection. If these people really spoke with facts, Ye Qing wasn’t worried at all.

Wu Yian and Ye Qing accompanied the inspectors throughout the whole process, taking a tour around the orphanage and getting a full understanding of the situation. It was apparent that Huang Boxiong and the others were quite satisfied with the orphanage, continuously nodding their heads and repeatedly praising that Ye’s facilities were much better than those of the public orphanages in the province.

Huang Boxiong’s praise filled both Ye Qing and Wu Yian with immense joy. It seemed that Huang Boxiong and his team were quite pleased with the arrangements at the orphanage, which was a very good sign indeed. At least, if the inspection team had some words of praise, it increased the chances of the orphanage getting its approval.

However, Ye Qing also noticed that the other members of the inspection team didn’t pay much attention to the orphanage. These individuals were younger than Huang Boxiong, and their focus didn’t seem to be on the construction of the orphanage.

(Ten chapters have been released; asking friends for all kinds of encouragement and support!)