69novels Page 220
Page 220
This old man really didn't have the slightest air of a superior. If someone threw him into the harbor and told Qiu Tu that he was a boatman, Qiu Tu would probably believe it.
This also made Qiu Tu very curious: how did such a person climb to his current position step by step in the unplanned area, and how did he make the Dongcheng City Exploration Bureau a benchmark in the unplanned area?
What kind of charm does he possess?
Just as Qiu Tu was thinking this, Liu Xiongyuan answered Qiu Tu's question.
He said, "The formation time of Moonlight Lake can indeed be controlled."
Liu Xiongyuan explained, "Calamity materials like Moonlight Lake and Moonlight Tears are ultimately the result of the condensation and qualitative change of the catastrophic power of the boundless sea of the heart."
"The reason we were able to discover in advance that a Moonlight Lake was about to be born is because we discovered the increasingly high concentration of cataclysmic power in the area corresponding to the Boundless Heart Sea."
"Afterwards, a scientific judgment was made based on the analysis of the content of catastrophic power, the matter and terrain of the two realms."
"Therefore, in theory, as long as we add more cataclysmic power to this terrain, we can accelerate its formation."
"Moreover, you should know that this Moonlight Lake was already close to the point of taking shape."
"Perhaps... just a small change can bring it to fruition immediately."
Qiu Tu didn't believe everything Liu Xiong Yuan said. He sat up straight, looked at Liu Xiong Yuan seriously, and asked, "Since there is such a method to make Moonlight Lake appear ahead of schedule..."
"Then why don't you use it? Instead, you keep waiting."
"The longer it drags on, the more forces will be eyeing Moonlight Lake. So it's clearly in the best interest of New Territories City, East City, and even the Shelter City to secure the gains sooner rather than later, right?"
At this point, Qiu Tu frowned slightly, then continued his analysis, "So, there must be other reasons why you didn't do it."
"For example... if the distribution of benefits is not yet finalized, and Moonlight Lake arrives prematurely, could it exacerbate the conflict?"
"For example... if Moonlight Lake descends ahead of schedule, some unknown changes might occur, such as reducing the purity of the Moonlight Tears?"
"For example..."
At this point, Qiu Tu paused for a moment, and then said, "The conditions required for Moonlight Lake to be born ahead of schedule are actually very demanding and difficult to meet."
"Even you would find it difficult to do."
"And now, the reason you dare to bring up this idea is most likely because certain conditions have been met?"
"For example... Yan Chen's advancement to the fourth-tier Cataclysm triggered celestial changes and illusory laws."
Upon hearing Qiu Tu's detailed analysis, a hint of surprise flashed in Liu Xiongyuan's eyes.
As one of the three giants of the city, he was not as gloomy as Yan Chen, but rather his emotions were extremely outward.
He looked at Qiu Tu and exclaimed, "I've heard from Fu Ping that you're extraordinary; you have profound knowledge and a wealth of wisdom."
"At the time, I just thought she was inexperienced and hadn't seen much of the world."
"Now that I've met you, I realize she wasn't wrong about you."
At this point, Liu Xiongyuan's eyes were practically overflowing with admiration. "You... are really quite good."
After saying that, Liu Xiongyuan suddenly changed the subject and said, "By the way, are you interested in taking a position in Dongcheng City?"
"You don't have much of a future under Yan Chen. That bastard only knows how to play dirty tricks all day long, and he's led all the good talents astray!"
“But our Dongcheng City is different.”
"We judge everything by your abilities and achievements!"
"As long as you have the ability and can handle major cases, your promotion speed will be like a rocket."
"Furthermore, even if you reach the top in the city, I will recommend you to other cities or shelters!"
He patted his chest and guaranteed, "Putting everything else aside, I guarantee you'll be promoted to section chief within a year after you go there. After a short transition period as section chief, you'll take over the political department and enter the senior management ranks."
“In a few years, when I get promoted or retire, you can move up another step and become a deputy director.”
At this point, it's possible that Qiu Tu has some misunderstanding about the speed of his promotion.
He then explained with a serious expression, "Don't judge me by how fast you've been promoted recently."
"Your rapid promotion during this period is something that can't be forced."
"First of all, the shelter wouldn't even know about the officials below the deputy section chief."
"As for officials below the deputy minister level, although the shelter will keep statistics, it never inquires about them; the decision is left to the directors of each investigation department."
"So you feel like you've been promoted many times, but in reality... you don't even qualify to be seen by the shelter."
"Secondly... the position of section chief is a watershed moment."
"According to the usual practice in the shelter, no matter how outstanding an ordinary civilian in the planned area is, the highest rank they can reach is deputy director."
"Only those who have been recruited by the various factions within the shelter, received training there, and passed through the gold mines, have a chance to continue rising in rank."
"Moreover, even so, every level above the section chief is a ladder to heaven, and ability, luck, and background are all indispensable."
"Therefore, being able to guarantee that you will smoothly reach the position of deputy director within a few years is the greatest sincerity I can offer."
Listening to Liu Xiongyuan's words, Qiu Tu was actually quite moved.
He felt he understood Liu Xiongyuan's inner thoughts a little better: Liu Xiongyuan was placing his hopes for his son on himself because he had helped him avenge the murder of his son.
That's why they're paving the way for themselves in this way, and being so open and honest.
If Qiu Tu hadn't been a time traveler, didn't have any cheat codes, and didn't have so many confidants and subordinates in the New Territories, perhaps he really would have agreed.
However... Qiu Tu has worked so hard to build such a good situation in the New Territories City. If he goes to Dongcheng District, it will be like starting all over again.
Therefore, Qiu Tu declined with a smile almost without hesitation, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. But I am not alone. I have many brothers, confidants, and subordinates behind me."
“If I just leave like this, they will have a very difficult time in the New Territories.”
"After I went to Dongcheng City, I lacked their support and was like a rootless duckweed."
"So... even if development in the New Territories might be slower, and it might be more difficult and troublesome because of Yan Chen, I am still willing to continue developing from the New Territories."
"That way, I'll feel more grounded every step I take."
Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Liu Xiongyuan gave Qiu Tu a deep look, grinned, and then patted Qiu Tu's shoulder heavily, saying, "You have ambition."
Liu Xiongyuan said, "Since that's the case, then I'll introduce you to one of my former superiors today. Let's see if you can win his favor."
"If you can successfully gain his favor, I will introduce you to some of his other colleagues. At that time, you can join our faction, and your path up to the director will be smooth."
Upon hearing Liu Xiongyuan's words, Qiu Tu, who had already learned about Liu Xiongyuan's faction from Tang Feifei that afternoon, did not refuse.
He nodded slightly and said sincerely, "Thank you, sir."
The entire floor of Fuxing Teahouse was sealed off by the guards brought by Liu Xiongyuan, so there was no worry that anyone would come in and disturb them.
So Liu Xiongyuan didn't delay any longer. He checked the time and, seeing that it was time to meet, reached into his pocket and took out a small black metal box.
The small box is exquisitely crafted and impressive, and is engraved with the Bureau of Investigation's logo.
Liu Xiongyuan placed the small metal box on the table, pressed a few buttons on it, and the box opened, revealing a dialer.
Qiu Tu looked over curiously and saw Liu Xiong Yuan enter a long 13-digit number and then press a white button on the dialer.
The next second, a green light screen suddenly appeared above the small box. There were no images on the screen, only a "Connecting" message.
'Remote video call?'
Qiu Tu hesitated inwardly. 'Is it the effect of a catastrophic artifact? Or a technological product?'
Just as Qiu Tu was thinking this, the next second, the figure of a middle-aged man appeared on the green light screen.
He was dressed in a sharp suit and had a serious expression.
Liu Xiong Yuan was clearly familiar with him. As soon as he saw him, he smiled and said, "Secretary Fang, does Old Master Wang have time?"
“There may be some new developments in Dongye Prefecture. I’m going to report them to him.”
Upon hearing Liu Xiong Yuan's words, the middle-aged man smiled slightly. "Director Liu, I know about this. Old Wang specifically mentioned it to me today."
After saying that, he said, "Please wait a moment, let me see if Mr. Wang's meeting is over."
As he finished speaking, the image on the screen froze.
Qiu Tu also mentally recalled the information from Elder Wang.
This afternoon, Qiu Tu also learned some information about Liu Xiong Yuan and Old Wang behind him from Tang Fei Fei.
According to Tang Feifei, Liu Xiongyuan was a key member of the shelter's "Reformist Faction" and was highly favored by Wang Guochuan, the leader of the "Reformist Faction."
The "Reformists" are a large faction within the upper echelons of the shelter. A notable characteristic of this faction is that it lacks the core founders of the shelter, and most members come from humble backgrounds and have ordinary origins...
Therefore, one of their major political demands is to break the lifelong tenure system for senior positions in shelters, open up upward mobility channels for middle-level staff, and conduct reasonable democratic selection.
Of course, compared to the conservatives in the shelter, the reformists were clearly not as strong, so this political demand has never been achieved.
However, even so, in recent years, due to the continuous influx of new talent, the influence of the reformists has grown stronger throughout the shelter.
One of the most significant events was the election of Wang Guochuan, the leader of the reformists, as a candidate for vice chairman of the Supreme Council of the Eighth Sanctuary.
This signifies that the reformists have officially become a significant force within the sanctuary.
While introducing Liu Xiongyuan, Wang Guochuan, and the intelligence of the reformists, Tang Feifei also analyzed Qiu Tu's development path for him.
According to Tang Feifei's analysis: Whether Qiu Tu likes it or not, his humble origins as a commoner in the planning area have already deeply branded him as a "reformer".
Unless Qiu Tu is chosen by a powerful figure from another faction and forcibly pulled into their faction, Qiu Tu can only follow the "reformist" route.
Moreover, even if a powerful figure does choose Qiu Tu and bring him into their faction, Qiu Tu, not being a true member of the party, would most likely only be an peripheral member, and his future prospects might not be as good as if he were in the "Reformist Faction".
After all, within the "reformists," at least on the surface everyone's background is the same, and whether or not one can become the core of the faction depends entirely on ability.
Therefore, it's fairer.
Of course... there was another option, which Tang Feifei didn't mention. Qiu Tu guessed it, but didn't ask.
That is... Qiu Tu can also change his background through marriage.
For example, if Qiu Tu really marries Tang Feifei, he can use his status as Tang's son-in-law to join the Tang family's faction, and might even rise to become a core member of the entire faction...
However, given their current delicate and complex relationship, it is clearly not appropriate to discuss such a topic.
Just as Qiu Tu was contemplating his future...
The light screen in front of the table flickered a few times, and slowly the figure of an old man appeared...
His hair was gray, but meticulously combed, the silver strands shimmering under the light. His eyes were deep and unfathomable, as if they could see into the depths of one's soul.
Just sitting there, he exuded an aura of authority that commanded respect without a hint of anger, like a majestic mountain.
Upon seeing him, Liu Xiong Yuan's expression turned serious. He stood up and saluted the old man, "Elder Wang."
Seeing this, Qiu Tu also stood up and saluted.
Old Wang glanced calmly at Liu Xiong Yuan, then turned to look at Qiu Tu.
His gaze lingered on Qiu Tu for a noticeably longer 0.5 seconds before he slowly said, "This is the Qiu Tu you mentioned to me this afternoon, right?"
Upon hearing what Elder Wang said, Liu Xiongyuan quickly hummed in agreement and said, "Yes, Elder Wang. This is Qiu Tu."
"The information that Yan Chen is preparing to advance to the fourth-tier Cataclysm and compete for the position of Vice Speaker of the Dongye State Assembly was also discovered and passed on to me by him."
As he spoke, Liu Xiongyuan used the most concise language possible to explain Yan Chen's current situation, as well as the current state of Dongye Prefecture, to Elder Wang.
During the meeting, Mr. Wang asked a few questions about details, and Liu Xiongyuan provided detailed answers based on Mr. Wang's questions.
Throughout the entire process, Qiu Tu simply stood aside, patiently serving as a decoration, without a single other expression on his face.
Only after their conversation ended did Old Wang's gaze slowly turn to Qiu Tu...
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Still 2 chapters, 10,000 words each. A little late today. Will continue with 10,000 words a day tomorrow!
Chapter 256 La Riluo: Qiu Tu, save me! (10,000 words, please vote!)
From the moment Liu Xiongyuan and Old Wang began their conversation, Qiu Tu's attention remained focused on the two men, without a moment's relaxation.
So when Elder Wang looked at Qiu Tu, Qiu Tu bowed slightly and respectfully addressed him again, "Elder Wang."
Seeing this, Liu Xiongyuan stopped talking at the right time. He stood aside and left the last bit of time for Qiu Tu and Wang Guochuan.
Wang Guochuan's gaze, like a deep pool, remained quietly fixed on Qiu Tu.
After a moment, he nodded slightly and then commented casually, "Not bad."
After saying that, he looked at Liu Xiongyuan again and said, "Xiongyuan... I'm still discussing your matter as vice speaker."