Chapter 282 - 156: Pledging Allegiance

Chapter 282: Chapter 156: Pledging Allegiance

Su Jing replied seriously, "I understand, Director Yang. The Archives Department will establish a corresponding recommendation system."

Just then, there was another knock on the office door, followed immediately by Liu Min’s voice from outside. "Director Yang, Director Gao’s meeting with the two leaders from the city bureau is over."

Hearing this, Yang Wenqing immediately stood up and said to Su Jing, "That’s all for today. Please get on it right away."

"Yes."

Su Jing gathered her things and bowed slightly.

Yang Wenqing straightened his clothes and walked out of the office with Su Jing. Liu Min was already waiting outside.

The three of them walked quickly toward the main conference room. In the hallway, they happened upon Gao Zhen, who was just coming out, accompanied by Zheng Yan and Vice Director Qian.

"Director Zheng, Vice Director Qian." Yang Wenqing took half a step forward, his expression apologetic and respectful. "I was so absorbed in listening to your guidance just now that I lost track of time. You both came all this way and haven’t even had a chance to properly enjoy a cup of hot tea. It’s truly our oversight."

Liu Min, standing beside him, immediately added, "Director Yang was just criticizing us for it..."

Zheng Yan waved his hand, cutting her off. "Director Wen Qing, you’re being too formal. There’s no need for a banquet. We have other matters to attend to and must head back to the city bureau now."

Vice Director Qian also chimed in with a smile, "Director Yang is young and has drive. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to communicate in the future."

Yang Wenqing immediately picked up on the cue and replied, "Vice Director Qian is right. When I run into difficulties at work in the future, I will inevitably have to ask for guidance from you two leaders. I just hope I won’t be disturbing your peace then. Today was indeed rushed. Once the situation stabilizes, I will definitely make a special trip to the city bureau to make up for this meal."

Zheng Yan nodded. "It’s the thought that counts. For now, focus on the tasks at hand. Director Shen and the city are watching."

Yang Wenqing replied solemnly, "Please rest assured, leaders. I will give it my all."

As Gao Zhen watched Yang Wenqing converse with the two leaders from the city bureau, an unconscious smile touched his lips. His greatest strength, throughout his entire life, was that he knew his own limitations.

The group, including Su Jing who had tagged along for reasons unknown, chatted and laughed as they went downstairs. The guards they passed along the way all cast subtle glances at Yang Wenqing’s epaulets.

Just before boarding, Zheng Yan stopped and gave Yang Wenqing one last look. His tone was level, yet full of meaning. "Wenqing, remember: some things are better done steady than fast. Keep your eyes sharp and your mind resolute."

"I will take Director Zheng’s guidance to heart."

Yang Wenqing bowed slightly.

Zheng Yan nodded, said no more, and turned to board the Flying Shuttle. Vice Director Qian followed right behind him, leaving with a simple "Keep up the good work."

The Flying Shuttle ascended. Wind swept across the platform, carrying the faint, salty air unique to the harbor. Gao Zhen watched the sky where the shuttle had vanished, and it was a long moment before he slowly let out a breath.

His usual stern expression faded, replaced by a more relaxed look, tinged with a subtle, hard-to-detect melancholy.

"Finally... it’s handed over." Gao Zhen’s voice was very soft, as if speaking to himself, yet also to Yang Wenqing. He didn’t look at Yang Wenqing, his gaze fixed on the skyline of the New District. "I poured a lot of my heart and soul into this place."

Yang Wenqing didn’t reply, just stood quietly by his side. At this moment, any words of comfort or assurance would have rung hollow. Listening was the best form of respect.

Gao Zhen was silent for a moment before turning to look at Yang Wenqing. "The future belongs to you young people now." He paused, his tone regaining some of its former strength as he instructed, "My secretary, Secretary Chen, will clear out my office. You don’t need to come by again. I don’t care for sentimental goodbyes. Secretary Chen will give you the office key and the director’s seal."