Li Banfeng and Shen Jingye, escorting their captive, exited the restaurant.
Observing the security team members' respectful gazes, Li Banfeng inquired, "Little Shen, how do you feel?"
Shen Jingye approached the security team with a composed demeanor and a calm smile.
Though feeling anxious, Shen Jingye did not let the chance to make an impression slip by.
Under the team members' watchful eyes, Shen Jingye detailed the events within the restaurant, entrusting the remaining tasks to Chen Rangrui. He motioned for the driver to prepare the vehicle: "Director Li, let's return to the bureau to compile the report."
"What is there to discuss?" Li Qi did not entirely grasp Shen Jingye's intention. "You've stated all that needs to be said; simply focus on the wording, avoid excessive euphemisms, and ensure it's easily comprehensible."
Shen Jingye wore a pained expression: "Director Li, while joking about other matters is acceptable, we cannot be remiss regarding the two issues we discussed earlier. You must accompany me back to the bureau, Director Li, Director Li..."
Li Banfeng had already departed. Shen Jingye rubbed his forehead and proceeded to the bureau by car to draft the report.
The following morning, Shen Jingye entered Li Qi’s office, presenting the report he had meticulously written overnight to Li Qi.
This was Shen Jingye's handwritten report, and he preferred Li Qi not to scrutinize it, but he had no alternative; the report's significance was immense, and any oversight on his part would be an unbearable burden.
Li Qi perused the report, shaking his head repeatedly: "This is unacceptable."
Shen Jingye appeared extremely nervous: "What is wrong?"
Li Qi stated sternly: "The issue lies with your attitude."
"What is wrong with my attitude?"
"Let's put aside other matters for now and begin with the font," Li Qi produced the document management guide. "What is the required font for official documents? What font did you employ? Did you not notice such a critical error before?"
Shen Jingye repeatedly shook his head: "Director Li, please, let's bypass the font issue; this report is extremely time-sensitive!"
Li Qi shook his head: "There's no need to rush. Let's address the line spacing. Official line spacing ranges from 28 to 32 points. Your page is densely packed, clearly indicating a problem..."
Shen Jingye felt a surge of anger but dared not clench his teeth, knowing that if Li Qi perceived such a reaction, he would continue to lecture him on his attitude.
Once all specifications were confirmed, Shen Jingye personally delivered the report. Du Wenming also exhibited considerable nervousness: "We cannot agree to such terms. Go and summon the Balancer; I need to clarify certain matters with him directly."
Shen Jingye swiftly contacted Li Qi: "Director Li, Director Du wishes to discuss some matters with you in person."
Li Qi agreed: "Very well, have him come to my office."
Click!
Li Qi terminated the call.
Shen Jingye cast an awkward glance at Du Wenming.
Du Wenming frowned: "Why are you looking at me? Go and fetch Li Qi!"
After a moment of silence, Shen Jingye stated: "Director Li Qi's situation is somewhat... unique..."
...
At two o'clock in the afternoon, Du Wenming and Shen Jingye arrived at Li Banfeng’s office.
Shen Jingye made the introductions, and Li Qi gestured towards the sofa: "Little Du, please have a seat. Little Shen, pour the tea."
Shen Jingye's face flushed with indignation, but at this crucial juncture, he absolutely could not afford to antagonize Li Qi.
As Shen Jingye poured the tea, Du Wenming glanced at him: "Director Shen, I have a few words I wish to discuss with Director Li privately."
Shen Jingye's face grew even redder.
Du Wenming's condescension in this instance was understandable; under the present circumstances, Shen Jingye could offer no meaningful contribution.
Before Shen Jingye departed, Du Wenming specifically impressed upon him: "Director Shen, our conversation must be treated with the utmost confidentiality."
Sensing the implication, Shen Jingye proceeded to deactivate all surveillance equipment within Li Qi’s office.
In reality, even if left active, these devices were akin to allies of the projector, understanding what to overlook.
With only Du Wenming and Li Qi remaining in the room, Du Wenming prepared to impart a stern lesson to this individual from Puluo State.
"Little Li, are you curious about our research history concerning Inner State and Puluo State?"
Li Banfeng nodded, retrieving paper and pen, as he possessed a genuine interest in this subject but had struggled to uncover pertinent information.
Du Wenming initiated the discussion with a question: "In your opinion, did we discover Inner State first or Puluo State?"
Li Banfeng responded: "Common sense dictates Puluo State, given its geographical proximity to the Outside Provinces."
Du Wenming chuckled, shaking his head: "You are mistaken. Our initial contact with Inner State occurred much earlier, whereas our engagement with Puluo State is of recent origin."