"Because the central point is relatively low, even when standing in the comrcial district, water accumulates and flows down the road, so of it entering the underground, while the rest accumulates on the surface, slowly draining underground."
"Has District Chief Yao ever thought about improving this environnt?" Although Lian was asking Yao Zheng, her gaze fell on the blueprints.
"Yes, of course, how could we not? During the rainy season, various reports co in." Yao Zheng sighed again as he picked up the kettle to pour water for Xia Xue. "Improvent requires funds. How much do you think it costs to change the entire district's pipeline system? Our impoverished district cannot possibly afford it; I've reported to the municipal committee more than once to ask for a rectification plan. This funding issue is the most direct problem."
"Is that so?" Lian suddenly chuckled, making Yao Zheng feel slightly uneasy. "Minister Shen, is this the latest blueprint?"
Suddenly asked, Shen Yixing let out an 'ah', as if he was drifting in Divine Travel. "What did you say just now?"
"Nothing." Everyone involved should have heard Lian's question, but Shen Yixing's bewildernt shelved the topic aside. "I'd like to see the topographical map of Beigong."
"Oh, sure!" Shen Yixing rolled up the first blueprint, then took out another roll from the tube and spread it out on the table. "Beigong is located on the edge of the comrcial zone, at a corner." Shen Yixing circled a region with a pointer.
"Can we take out the previous city map too, to better understand its facility structure?"
"This might make it less clear to you." Shen Yixing resisted.
"It's okay." Lian herself took the blueprint from the tube; in such a setting, no one would comnt on what she did, as it was a reasonable request, and for soone who studied architecture, overlapping blueprints for study is routine, so there was no reason for Shen Yixing to oppose it.
The overlapping of the two blueprints could reveal issues more clearly because they beco more three-dinsional. Lian carefully locked the positions and then overlapped them together, adjusting the orientation. She whispered a few words into Xia Xue's ear before pointing to a place to ask Shen Yixing. "The location of Beigong connects the central lake with the comrcial district. Although it spans the midpoint of the slums, its position is conveniently a junction between upstream and downstream. So, if changes are to be made, how should the groundwater be handled?"
The question returned to the initial drainage system. According to the previous discussion, Beigong would also face accumulation issues, which Yao Zheng hoped they would take over, but this drainage system would beco an obstacle.
"How did the original buildings solve this issue?" Lian's question was slightly sharp; since the city's pipelines hadn't changed, even the best architects would struggle to control sudden rainy seasons—they can only compensate, not change.
"That would have to be asked of the architects back then; we don't know either." Yao Zheng shrugged; he stood up. "It's getting late, let's go eat first, and then I'll accompany you for an on-site inspection!" Yao Zheng wanted to end the discussion, and Shen Yixing cooperatively packed up the blueprints and returned them to their respective storage tubes.
"I won't be joining."
"Mm, you should go ahead with your work!" In order to show his sincerity, Yao Zheng did not take Xia Xue to an outside restaurant but instead took the elevator down to the fourth floor of the building, which was the employee cafeteria. "This is our workplace dining room. President Xia wouldn't mind hosting you here, right?"
"Experiencing the simple als of civil servants is also an honor." Xia Xue, holding her handbag, followed Yao Zheng through the hallway. In fact, he didn't lead them into the employee cafeteria but instead took them through a corridor that wasn't too long and entered a private room.
Velvet walls complented by elegant paintings, European style decor made this room seem like a different world from the outside, and the exquisite tableware reflected its luxury. Xia Xue stood confused at the doorway, giving Yao Zheng inside a questioning look, which Yao Zheng perceived as a sign of appreciation.
"Confused, aren't you!" Leading Xia Xue to the seat of honor, Yao Zheng was ticulous about seating etiquette, which symbolized status and power. Lian naturally could see these markers, seemingly ordinary, but details often reveal a lot about the host. "This place is ant to entertain esteed guests; I couldn't always bring guests to sit and eat with the employees outside. Besides, it's quiet here and convenient for conversation; it's a bit noisy outside."
"District Chief Yao, this private room almost rivals those in our 'Rhine' Hotel." Xia Xue deliberately chose 'almost rivals' rather than 'better', not to flatter Yao Zheng but with a hint of sarcasm.
"How could my place compare with the Xia Family's 'Rhine'; President Xia thinks too highly of , Yao Zheng." Yao Zheng whispered a few words to the waiter's ear without directly ordering from the nu. "Employee cafeteria, nothing fancy, just sothing casual, the main focus is on chatting!"
A cultural exchange over the al began—despite the claim of nothing fancy, it resembled the outside quite a bit and halfway through, Yao Zheng raised his wine glass. "President Xia, I must truly thank you for your help this ti; you must find a way—the North District cannot…"
"District Chief Yao, just call Xia Xue. I will do my best; it's just that so aspects need better communication and consideration." Words cannot be too slow—this is sothing Xia Xue learned after taking over the 'Rhine'. Even if you're sure of sothing, you should not speak with finality. Unpredictable events can happen, and the saying that plans cannot keep up with changes is quite true—no one can foresee what might happen.
"Beigong was a profitable hotel in our North District. Now, out of nowhere, it suffered a fire; money just burned away. Finally finding an investor, really don't know what to do." Yao Zheng seed to be slightly tipsy and spoke more emotionally. Lian sipped her drink, not caring about Yao Zheng at all, while Dan Qing remained silent throughout; she didn't need to speak, as her role was to do what's necessary at the right mont.
However, Yao Zheng didn't see it that way. He rembered there was another person. If Xia Xue didn't want to proceed on her own, at least there'd be a partner here; securing even one would be good. Thus, he picked up his wine glass and shaky approached Dan Qing. "I toast to you."
"District Chief Yao, Dan Qing doesn't drink; I'll drink for her." Xia Xue reached over and took the glass from Dan Qing.
"Xia Xue surely has a good tolerance for alcohol; let's have another round." Yao Zheng did not insist, returning to his seat, and right when he was about to pour more wine for Xia Xue, soone took the glass.
"District Chief Yao, there are still official matters to handle later; let's save the drinks for next ti." Lian intervened, making Yao Zheng suddenly feel disregarded. He laughed awkwardly twice, suppressing the feeling.
"May I ask which field Miss Dan is in? Excuse for not having heard of this surna before."
"I don't develop in the country, although my family business is well-established dostically." Dan Qing lowered her eyes, glancing nowhere specific, rely focusing on so study.
"That explains why this surna is unfamiliar to ." Yao Zheng remained doubtful but avoided directly probing further, fearing that his skepticism might cause unnecessary trouble.
"Dan Qing's family specializes in hotels; her craftsmanship is sought after by renowned restaurants, but she personally is uninterested in the family business, which is why she's returning to the country." Xia Xue's explanation eased Yao Zheng's concern a bit, as he couldn't understand how soone interested only in cuisine could be a valuable business partner. But the conclusion from Xia Xue verified Dan Qing's peculiar behavior.
"Turns out you're an expert; I wonder if our dishes here need any improvents."
"For a place like this, what it currently offers is already quite good." Dan Qing was straightforward, but it sounded haughty to Yao Zheng's ears, typical of an international master.
"Hope to try your skills soday."
"Oh, soti in the future." Her tone was indifferent, which removed Yao Zheng's concerns completely, making him more congenial towards her.
"Did Xia Xue drive herself over, or…"
"We'll follow your car; soon, we still need to visit the city once."
"Alright then."
It was the lunch break ti for office workers, so there were quite a few people using the elevator. Secretary Li blocked off part of the group when Yao Zheng ca out, which seed excessive. Still, as the elevator from the restaurant is a dedicated one that doesn't reach that floor, they had to use it along with other officials, revealing that Yao Zheng ordinarily didn't dine here; otherwise, why wouldn't the dedicated elevator provide access to this floor?
Downstairs, Shen Yixing was already waiting at the entrance; he hadn't boarded the car as he had an update for Yao Zheng.
"There was a call from the city committee's Hua Office, requesting to et you."
"I don't have ti right now; ask to reschedule." Yao Zheng was about to get in the car, but seeing Shen Yixing with a troubled look, he paused. "What's the matter?"
"He's already in my office; he heard there was an investor from the committee and is very interested in eting."
"What's the matter?" Xia Xue, seeing them not moving, stepped forward to inquire.
"Soone from the city committee wants to et our investor here; I was about to refuse."
"Where is the person?" Xia Xue sighed and, being an amiable person, initially gave Yao Zheng and others this impression—very easy-going. "eting shouldn't take much ti; Minister Shen, please lead the way." (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit the website Qidian (qidian) and vote for recomndations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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