"Hand in your papers. Those who haven't finished must stop writing immediately, or it will be treated as a violation."
After Cheng Ye submitted his paper, he didn't leave but waited for Lee Matteo until they left together at five past six.
Not long after the two departed.
The wall clock pointed to six-thirty when Harlin stood up and glanced at the time, his voice carrying through the microphone across the meeting hall.
By this time, only about twenty people remained in the hall, basically all first and second-term inspectors.
Among them, only seven were Easterners, with the rest being Westerners.
This ratio made Harlin's expression darken slightly, though he was helpless about it.
After all, most Eastern inspectors came from academic backgrounds with solid foundational knowledge, naturally having an advantage in this type of written test.
Sure enough, though both mentioned managing floods, neither mentioned fishing-related plans, much less thought of "making money" from the water to subsidize flood management.
Who was right and who was wrong?
Ding Yishan gathered the three answer sheets and put them away. After tapping his fingertips on the desk surface for a moment, he had made up his mind.
It was already past seven-thirty, with eight inspectors still not having submitted their papers.
Instructing Harlin to continue supervising, he used the excuse of going to the restroom to call Jiang Chuan aside.
"Achuan, go to the Blood Dragon Corps and ask Commander Tan about Dapo Town's real-time situation today. He's in charge of that area. Have him send over all the information he can collect, the more detailed the better."
"Alright, I'll handle it right away." Jiang Chuan was about to leave when called back.
"Wait." Ding Yishan stopped him, saying gravely, "For tomorrow's test, you follow Cheng Ye."
"Eh? I'm being deployed tomorrow?" Jiang Chuan was somewhat surprised.
"Yes." Ding Yishan nodded, "This kid has unusual ideas, actually wanting to target Baishui River fish production. You're the best swimmer, go keep a close eye on him and don't let him capsize in the gutter."
Jiang Chuan patted his chest in agreement, "Don't worry, sir. I dare soak in Linjiang for a whole day, let alone a Baishui River."
But then he suddenly remembered something, "However, according to the original plan, weren't all inspectors supposed to depart together tomorrow for on-site surveys of terrain differences at various locations?"
"The situation has changed. The expected clustering at locations didn't occur... well, those idiots clustering around popular spots should indeed collectively take vehicles out to see reality. For the rest, I plan to have them explore separately for higher efficiency."
Mentioning "idiots," Ding Yishan's tone carried more gravity, "One day of surveying tomorrow, summary the day after, then contracting begins the day after that. The situation might be better than we thought, but could also be more complex. We'll adapt as needed."
Jiang Chuan nodded in understanding. He naturally grasped the meaning of "better or worse" in Ding Yishan's words.
The good news was that high-level authorities had somehow used thunderous methods to eliminate large-scale infection source threats in the periphery overnight.
This virtually removed 80% of the inspection station's pressure, eliminating the biggest obstacle to satellite city construction.
The bad news was the quality of newly arrived migrants. Personnel from various departments responsible for settlement had all returned looking like frost-beaten eggplants these past two days, constantly complaining about "a bunch of demanding people" and "difficult people to serve."
After all, those who came to Happiness City before were volunteers attracted by benefits, with sufficient obedience but this time's migrants were mostly influenced by the Walker to come. Their beliefs weren't firm to begin with, and being stirred up by a few rumors could easily cause chaos.
"I understand." Jiang Chuan turned to leave and was called back again.
"Tell Commander Tan to focus on giving us Baishui River fish species and recent underwater mutant activity records," Ding Yishan added. "The supercomputer might not give high scores to this proposal, but I'm somewhat optimistic about that fishing plan. However, if the danger coefficient is too high and it becomes a suicide mission, forget it."
Jiang Chuan acknowledged understanding and quickly disappeared at the corridor's end.
Ding Yishan stood still for a moment, walked to the window and took out cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one.
Since the end of the Great Development Era, he had quit smoking, but with the sharp increase in pressure these past two days, his fingers couldn't help reaching into his pocket.
He leaned against the window sill, watching the flickering lights outside while waiting for the last few inspectors to submit their papers.
At eight-thirty PM, the last inspector finally put down his pen.
All test papers were neatly loaded into a small truck by staff and driven toward the inner city.
Ding Yishan held his cigarette, rarely taking the wheel personally, with Jiang Chuan sitting in the passenger seat, watching cheerfully.
Since the last meeting when Ding Yishan entered the Unity of Heaven and Man realm, his mentality had become increasingly youthful. The aged, twilight aura completely dissipated, his eyes instead radiating youthful vigor.
Even if someone said they were the same age, people might actually believe it.
"Station Chief Ding!" The guard captain ran over with his scalp tingling. Before he could get close, the newly appointed city gate guard captain Qin Haonan pressed him down and quickly approached.
His face carried a polite smile as he said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Station Chief Ding, according to regulations, please open the rear compartment. We need to inspect the vehicle contents."
"Go ahead and check."
Ding Yishan pressed the truck's rear compartment button, and the door popped open with a "click."
About ten minutes later, Qin Haonan returned and waved them through without a word.
"He's Researcher Qin's younger brother, right? This time he was promoted through Superintendent Liu's connections?" Jiang Chuan said thoughtfully.
"Yes, one of our own." Facing Jiang Chuan, Ding Yishan naturally wouldn't hide anything, "Just part of power division. After satellite cities begin construction, buffer zone authority will be returned to the Idealist faction, letting them implement the community system and create a central city model. There won't be a buffer zone designation anymore, only outer city and inner city."
After speaking, he stepped on the accelerator and suddenly smiled, "But I heard the outer city center hasn't been decided yet, and B-7 District is also on the candidate list. Interesting."
"Ah? Is that Inspector Cheng's achievement?" Jiang Chuan was stunned.
"He has a part in it, but it's more the elders' intention." Ding Yishan blew a smoke ring, his tone carrying indescribable meaning, "After satellite cities spread out, inspectors below third-term won't be allowed into the central city for life without special permits. Hmm, third-term inspectors will also have their inner city access privileges revoked. This is the price of power exchange."
"But some people are lucky, catching the elders' attention. They can really go wherever they want, and we can't stop them."
"Uh..."
Jiang Chuan paused, actually hearing a sour note in Ding Yishan's tone, and couldn't help smiling.
"Of course, if he wholeheartedly throws himself into satellite city construction and ignores B-7 District, then those privileges are gone too."
"Mm, don't remind him. I want to see his choice."
"Understood." Jiang Chuan nodded.
Perhaps because the inner city ultimately wasn't the inspection station's home ground, after entering inner city territory, conversation between the two obviously decreased.
The small truck wound through crisscrossing streets and soon stopped in front of a giant egg-shaped building.
The left side of the giant egg was marked "Infection Source Research Institute," the right side "Happiness Research Institute," both controlled by the Technology faction.
The separate United Arsenal was at the other end of the inner city, jointly controlled by the Technology and Transcendent factions, forming the inner city's unique power balance structure.
"Station Chief Ding, you've arrived." From the research institute's guard booth emerged a gray-haired elderly man.
"Old Zhang, troubling you to wait for me so late at night, I really feel bad about it." Ding Yishan opened the car door, his tone carrying rare courtesy.
"Don't mention it." The elder waved his hand, smiling as he instructed guards to check the rear compartment, "I also came from the inspection station. For such important matters, I can't forget my roots."
Jiang Chuan also quickly got out of the car, respectfully nodding, "Uncle Zhang, you look a bit pale. With the recent temperature drop, you should be careful about staying warm."
"Achuan is thoughtful." The elder rubbed his nose, his eyes behind the lenses squinting into slits, appearing kind and amiable, "Ah, old problem. I've had a bit of a cold since this morning."
The elder was named Zhang Shun. Looking across the entire inner city, no one dared underestimate him.
In terms of qualifications, he was contemporary with first-generation Station Chief Cheng Wu, several years older than Ding Yishan. Now fifty-seven years old, though somewhat stooped with thick reading glasses perched on his nose, he was a Level 5 researcher at the Infection Source Research Institute.
Three full levels higher than Qin Feng's Level 2 researcher status, his position equivalent to a fifth-term inspector at the inspection station.
Back then, Zhang Shun was backbone personnel promoted by Cheng Wu, having served as director of the inspection station's internal research institute, spending years on the front lines specifically researching methods to deal with infection sources and infected entities.
Unfortunately, the inspection station was ultimately too poor, lacking sufficient funding to support research.
Finally, as Cheng Wu fell and left, Zhang Shun could only be forced to disband the inspection station research institute and join the inner city research institute.
This had been over twenty years ago.
Even now, if not for his station chief status, Ding Yishan would still have to respectfully call him "Uncle Zhang" based on seniority.
"All the test papers are here." Ding Yishan patted the rear compartment, "Please arrange for the supercomputer to run through the data tonight, with special emphasis on resource investment assessments for Wenlu County and surrounding areas."
"Don't worry, everything's arranged."
Zhang Shun nodded. As guards finished inspecting the vehicle, he led the two toward the giant egg building.
According to regulations, Ding Yishan had no special privileges and couldn't enter the Infection Source Research Institute interior, only staying in the specially designated reception hall outside.
The layout here was somewhat like Starbucks but much larger in area. Warm red lighting fell on solid wood long tables, with old-era light music melodies floating in the air, creating an exceptionally stylish atmosphere.
"Weiss, please bring three Italian coffees. Add extra milk to mine."
Zhang Shun smiled at the female barista behind the counter. Soon three cups of coffee emitting rich aroma were brought over.
These "luxuries" that hadn't even been heard of in the buffer zone were commonplace in this research institute.
Jiang Chuan picked up his cup and took a sip, still the familiar bitterness. He really couldn't understand how people in the old era could be obsessed with this flavor.
Ding Yishan and Zhang Shun began chatting casually, with topics mostly revolving around the upcoming satellite city plan but Zhang Shun had been immersed in research these years and had little interest in administrative affairs, chatting somewhat absent-mindedly.
Seeing this, Ding Yishan changed topics, "Once satellite cities are built, the inspection station should be able to free up funds to rebuild the research institute. I plan to have Researcher Qin serve as director then."
"Him?" Zhang Shun shook his head with a smile, "This kid has potential, that's true, but he spends money lavishly. The inspection station's modest resources probably can't support his research needs."
"We have to try." Ding Yishan sighed, "The inspection station's technical capabilities haven't advanced much over the years. With only three inspection stations, high-term inspectors' experience can still cope. But once operations expand and there are more newcomers, we'll need supporting equipment and technical backing."
"That's true." Zhang Shun nodded. Mentioning research, his eyes immediately lit up, "The equipment brought back from Xinghuo a few days ago, we dismantled several units. The effect was average, and judging by model numbers, they looked like their discards. The research institute has been doing reverse engineering recently, maybe we'll have some breakthroughs..."
He began detailing those equipment's pros and cons, from materials to parameters, speaking knowledgeably.
Jiang Chuan listened in confusion, forcing himself to listen for a while, only feeling dizzy and his eyelids growing heavier.
Fortunately, at this moment, the reception hall door was pushed open from outside.
Results already?
Jiang Chuan instinctively turned his head, only to see a woman walk in through the doorway.
Elegant appearance, quiet temperament, her brows actually carrying a classical charm that only existed in old-era magazines, unforgettable at first sight but what surprised him more was that Zhang Shun, a Level 5 researcher, actually stood up quickly, his tone carrying some respect, "Director Yu, why have you come?"
Director?
Jiang Chuan and Ding Yishan were simultaneously stunned and quickly stood up as well.
Yu Erlan?
The mysterious research institute deputy director was actually younger than Jiang Chuan, only 31 years old this year. She had never appeared publicly nor participated in any meetings. Even Ding Yishan, the station chief, was seeing her in person for the first time.
The last time he'd heard this name was when Liu Kun mentioned that his strength was approaching hers.
This was a transcendent even more formidable than Liu Kun!
Ding Yishan's heart tightened as he observed unobtrusively. The woman wore simple white research clothing with her long hair loosely pinned up, her temperament elegant and gentle. She carried none of the sharp edge common to transcendents, instead resembling a scholar devoted to learning.
"Teacher Zhang, please sit." Yu Erlan's voice was clear and spring-like as she smiled at Zhang Shun first, "I heard you weren't feeling well today and gave you leave. Why did you still come?"
Speaking, she gestured to Weiss behind the counter.
Without need for words, a cup of steaming cappuccino was quickly brought over.
"Ah, I'm old and can't stay idle." Zhang Shun chuckled and sat back down.
Only then did Yu Erlan's gaze fall on Ding Yishan, carrying polite scrutiny, "Station Chief Ding visits late at night for the satellite city site selection?"
"Yes." Ding Yishan nodded frankly, "It's a matter of great importance, so I want to get evaluation results as soon as possible."
"Mm, Director Hou told me about the inspection station's situation." Yu Erlan didn't ask more about satellite cities, pausing slightly, "Teacher Zhang, last time you mentioned wanting to give the inspection station that batch of old equipment eliminated by the research institute, why haven't you submitted a formal application? Since Station Chief Ding is here today, if the inspection station needs it, let's transfer it over for emergency use first."
Before Ding Yishan could speak, Zhang Shun's eyes lit up, "Really? That would be wonderful!"
"Naturally it's true." Yu Erlan smiled warmly, "The inspection station is about to expand outward, contributing to Happiness City. As the saying goes, 'To do good work, one must first sharpen one's tools.' We can't let everyone work bare-handed."
Ding Yishan was slightly surprised in his heart. This mysterious deputy director's attitude was much more approachable than imagined.
Of course, he didn't think it was his face that commanded such treatment, nor did he think the inspection station currently held great power.
Yu Erlan being so straightforward definitely had her reasons.
"Director Yu, this really helps tremendously." He smoothly responded, "I wonder what we can do for the research institute?"
"No need to help the research institute. I personally manage talent selection recently and have a small matter needing Station Chief Ding's help."
"Please speak freely."
"Among the migrants from outside, there are inevitably people with outstanding potential. We've already prepared recruitment test papers, but it's not suitable to distribute them now." She paused to explain, "I'd like to trouble the inspectors to help organize assessments after the satellite cities are settled. For every talented person recruited for the research institute, we'll provide rewards. How does that sound?"
"That's easily handled! Don't worry, leave it to us!" Ding Yishan immediately took on the big commitment.
Of course, he had different calculations in mind.
Having just mentioned to Zhang Shun about rebuilding the inspection station's research institute, if this recruitment process went through their hands, quietly holding back a few suitable talents would perfectly build up a foundation team.
"Then thank you, Station Chief Ding." Yu Erlan nodded slightly, holding her cappuccino as she turned toward the research institute interior. Her white figure quickly disappeared behind the door.
Only after her figure completely vanished did Zhang Shun say, "Station Chief Ding, this is tremendous good fortune! That equipment looks old, but the core components are good. Using them as new equipment is no problem at all."
"Since Director Yu has spoken, how about I arrange people to find those equipment pieces right now and load them all up to take back?"
"Great!"
Ding Yishan immediately became somewhat excited.
Even the research institute's garbage would be treasure at the inspection station.
At eleven PM.
Batch after batch of equipment labeled as eliminated was moved out and loaded onto trucks.
Ding Yishan quietly watched as even the 9.6-meter truck was nearly full, his smile having long reached his ears.
He hadn't expected such an unexpected harvest today.
While busy loading equipment, the supercomputer's preliminary results were delivered first.
Opening it for a look, the Unity of Heaven and Man realm brought not only strength improvement but seemingly luck as well. Everything he did went smoothly.
"Station Chief, what rank is Inspector Cheng?" Jiang Chuan approached, full of curiosity.
"See for yourself." Ding Yishan handed it over. Jiang Chuan quickly flipped through.
The first page's top twenty didn't have Cheng Ye's name, which was normal but turning to the second page, he immediately found Cheng Ye's name in the middle section, ranked 37th.
This ranking wasn't outstanding but for a trainee inspector to have his name among numerous second and third-term inspectors was already quite conspicuous!
INS Chapter 144: Yu Erlan's Gift, New Commission!
"Hand in your papers. Those who haven't finished must stop writing immediately, or it will be treated as a violation."
After Cheng Ye submitted his paper, he didn't leave but waited for Lee Matteo until they left together at five past six.
Not long after the two departed.
The wall clock pointed to six-thirty when Harlin stood up and glanced at the time, his voice carrying through the microphone across the meeting hall.
By this time, only about twenty people remained in the hall, basically all first and second-term inspectors.
Among them, only seven were Easterners, with the rest being Westerners.
This ratio made Harlin's expression darken slightly, though he was helpless about it.
After all, most Eastern inspectors came from academic backgrounds with solid foundational knowledge, naturally having an advantage in this type of written test.
While Westerners valued field practice more, usually studying inspection procedures, wilderness survival, and factional positioning. At this moment, facing the test papers, their shortcomings were fully exposed.
"Harlin, let them continue answering." Ding Yishan suddenly adjusted his reading glasses and stood up to stretch his shoulders, his voice gentle yet carrying undeniable authority, "We should have the patience we ought to have. The inspection station is testing your abilities, not deliberately making things difficult. Relax and answer."
As his words fell, the remaining inspectors in the hall immediately felt relieved, the anxiety in their brows dissipating considerably, even their grip on their pens becoming steadier.
Harlin was stunned for a moment. This morning, Ding Yishan had specifically instructed him to strictly maintain the rules, yet now he was voluntarily loosening them?
Subsequently, he nodded thoughtfully, realizing the tremendous change in Ding Yishan after several trips back and forth from the inner city.
Was he no longer planning to delegate power and wanted to personally control the pace?
Interesting.
Harlin's face showed no trace of emotion. After sitting back down, as if nothing had happened, he began reviewing the answer sheets piled in front of him.
The test content was complex, with each inspector's understanding of satellite city construction vastly different.
Staff organized them by "popular site selections" for priority review.
The first-ranked site selection was somewhat unexpected: the western suburban ruins of Chuan City, chosen by 17 inspectors.
Happiness City directly faced the southern suburban direction of Chuan City, while the western suburbs were located at the other end of the city, having once been Chuan City's core industrial zone.
Back then, the district had been heavily protected by transcendents. Despite the passage of time, the main structures of factories and warehouses remained intact, and even parts of some production line core pipelines hadn't been completely destroyed.
For inspectors, this was practically a ready-made satellite city framework, with reconstruction difficulty far lower than starting from scratch but Harlin couldn't help shaking his head.
If it were really this simple, why hadn't Happiness City started developing from the western suburbs back then?
Why hadn't they attempted to rebuild Chuan City?
Most old-era cities had a fatal flaw: they sprawled too wide horizontally with extremely low vertical space utilization.
The western industrial zone alone was ten times larger than current Happiness City.
If actually built, how would defense be set up? How would inspection stations be arranged? How would they prevent infection source infiltration?
More critically, the core of satellite cities was to settle migrants, not for inspectors to replicate a second Happiness City.
Inspectors who chose this place obviously hadn't grasped this meaning and would most likely be eliminated in the first round.
Harlin flipped through the list of those who chose the western suburbs and immediately raised his eyebrows in secret delight.
Hey, among the 17 people, 12 were Eastern inspectors. These academic bookworms were fast at answering questions, but their brains seemed stuck with paste.
They only focused on low reconstruction difficulty without considering whether they could defend it.
Continuing down, second place was Xiasha County near the industrial district, chosen by 14 inspectors as their first choice.
This place was only 33 kilometers from the industrial district and was a municipal-level county larger than Wenlu County.
Although surface buildings were severely damaged in transcendent battles, the underground pipeline network was well preserved and could be put into use after cleaning.
Even more tempting was its location advantage. Being close to the industrial district meant obtaining material support fastest. Many inspectors stated directly in their answers that they wanted to "integrate Xiasha County with the industrial district," their ambitions clear.
However, there were still major problems, or rather, they hadn't considered power distribution.
The industrial district was the Technology faction's territory, with the Deputy City Lord personally stationed there. Would it be an inspector's turn to include it in their management scope?
If they really had such intentions, wouldn't the industrial district expand outward themselves?
Furthermore, there was still the scale problem. Spreading out was one thing, but more importantly was how to protect this spread.
If infected entities kept breaking in every few days causing chaos, would the satellite city still need to exist?
Migrants living inside would be anxious, and it wouldn't be long before they chose to continue migrating.
In that case, Happiness City's plans would completely fall through.
He flipped to the list of those who chose Xiasha County, and his slight joy about the Easterners instantly turned to anger.
Damn it, these idiots!!
Among the 14 inspectors, 10 were Western inspectors.
Had they burned their brains out trying to grab power? Were they so eager to bite off the fat meat of the industrial district?
Harlin's aura obviously darkened, while Ding Yishan sitting beside him watched with great interest.
Over the years, partly to consolidate beliefs and partly to control the inspection station's overall direction, he had long stopped dealing with these grassroots affairs.
Each time he only needed to set the general framework, leaving specific details to Harlin's supervision and implementation.
Now resuming these trivial matters actually gave him the illusion of returning to over ten years ago, fresh and interesting.
Looking through the statistical records, third in selection numbers was Wenlu County, chosen by 9 inspectors as their first choice.
Worth noting was that the composition of inspectors choosing this location was quite special.
Lei Hu and Downs, as duty station chiefs, were restricted by their duties from going out to contract areas and could only be responsible for logistics coordination but the remaining four fifth-term Eastern inspectors and two fifth-term Western inspectors all focused their attention here.
The other 3 were also fourth-term inspectors, with no low-term inspectors choosing this place.
So many high-term inspectors clustering together was sufficient proof of Wenlu County's extraordinary value.
Looking through everyone's specific discussions, there was surprisingly unanimous agreement on one point in their analyses.
This was the core hub connecting Happiness City and the industrial district. Only by controlling this place could surrounding areas develop steadily.
Conversely, if Wenlu County was left unattended, even if other sites around were selected, their development scale would inevitably be limited.
"Wenlu County is moderately sized, but the required resource investment might not be less than the number one satellite city. Even if two inspectors cooperated, they might not be able to control the county's overall situation comprehensively."
Ding Yishan thought silently. If it were him, he would most likely also start with Wenlu County.
After controlling this strategic chokepoint, Happiness City's east and west sides could be completely connected. By then, from the industrial district to Wenlu County to Happiness City, transportation routes would be unobstructed throughout.
"How about arranging four inspectors to manage half the city each?"
As soon as this thought emerged, he suppressed it.
With slightly furrowed brows, all that flashed through his mind were troubles. Sending two people there would still require guarding against Eastern and Western factional conflicts breeding. With four people together, they might directly stage a power struggle in the ruins.
This point must be noted in advance. When the deep evaluation results came out, he'd need to call together core members for thorough discussion.
Reading further down, selections became varied.
This place, that place, some with three to five people, others with one or two, most without anything particularly noteworthy.
Suddenly, Ding Yishan's gaze fixed on the three characters "Dapo Town."
Three people had chosen this place. The first two were third-term inspectors, which he casually flipped past, until he saw the last name and raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly.
This kid, why did he choose here?
As the location among all candidate sites closest to water systems, even directly bordering Linjiang tributaries, Dapo Town's flood problem was an obvious major trouble.
Taking migrants there, the first thing they'd have to deal with was competing with the neighboring Baishui River but the current contracting was recruitment-based. If migrants heard they had to go risk danger by the water, how many would be willing to follow?
Even those two third-term inspectors seemed uncertain to Ding Yishan, let alone a trainee inspector who'd just started not long ago.
Thinking this, he found Cheng Ye's answer sheet from the pile of sealed manila envelopes according to the side markings.
These test papers had to be sent to the supercomputer center tonight for the system to analyze feasibility based on built-in models and generate second-round questions.
If first-round answer sheets were judged "unqualified" by the supercomputer, they would be directly eliminated.
However, final decision power still rested with him as chief station commander. Even if Cheng Ye's answers were unsatisfactory, just based on his identity as the contracting plan initiator, Ding Yishan planned to let him go out and try, treating it as talent development.
But in that case, the site selection wouldn't be up to Cheng Ye. The inspection station would place him in the safest area, greatly reducing his freedom.
Opening the cotton thread seal on the back of the manila envelope, the answer sheet inside felt hefty, obviously containing substantial content.
Ding Yishan felt an inexplicable anticipation, his mind involuntarily flashing back to that scene by the office window that day.
The cold wind was bone-piercing, yet the young man was passionate and vigorous.
"It's a bit cold outside, but you young people can handle it."
"Good, let me see just how tough you young people are!"
Pulling out the answer sheet, with just one glance, Ding Yishan couldn't help raising his eyebrows.
Such neat handwriting.
Other people's answer sheets either had corrections and alterations beside mistakes, or temporary additions in parentheses. Though not affecting readability, they ultimately appeared messy but Cheng Ye's answer sheet was as clean as if printed, without any revision marks. Even the handwriting carried a steady strength, with pen strokes showing no trace of youthful rashness.
He couldn't help straightening his posture, adjusting his reading glasses, and beginning to read carefully.
As expected, the first half was exceptionally outstanding, systematically explaining from simple to complex the reasons for choosing Dapo Town, clearly listing this location's unique advantages and obvious disadvantages but these didn't surprise Ding Yishan. Even seeing Cheng Ye precisely point out flood risks, his expression remained calm.
A young man who could propose contracting theory and dare to point out his oversights face-to-face obviously couldn't be measured by "trainee inspector" standards.
Even to this day, Ding Yishan hadn't completely figured out just how deep Cheng Ye's knowledge reserves went. The materials from the inner city were complete garbage.
"Understanding floods yet still daring to choose here, either he's armchair theorizing, habitually overconfident."
"Or else..."
He accelerated his reading speed, skipping over the lengthy construction measures in the middle.
Though those were all important points, they weren't what concerned him most at the moment.
What he urgently wanted to see was Cheng Ye's prevention and treatment plan for Dapo Town's flood problem.
However, when he reached this section, after reading just a few lines, Ding Yishan's expression suddenly became strange.
Where his gaze focused, lines of clear text leaped into view:
"Dapo Town's flood problem lies not in simple river channel dredging, but in failing to transform water system resources into sustainable economic momentum. Managing riverbanks is inherently a long-term battle requiring continuous financial flow. If relying only on Happiness City's allocations, not only will management become short-term emergency projects, but it will also slow satellite city construction progress."
"According to materials, Linjiang and Baishui River tributaries have extremely abundant aquatic resources, specifically manifesting as..."
"Therefore, the first priority in building Dapo Satellite City lies in developing Baishui River resources... using fishing to maintain water, using water to promote production, forming a virtuous cycle of 'manage water → catch fish → generate income → manage water again'..."
Instead of thinking about how to block water and dredge rivers, he was studying how to catch fish and make money?
Ding Yishan found it amusing and couldn't help smiling. Indeed a young person, with ideas carrying a different kind of pioneering spirit.
Since Shi Province didn't produce crops, all food resources were extremely dependent on external imports.
Therefore, large settlements were very few, mostly small and medium settlements attached to super shelter cities.
Whether it was the rushing main Linjiang artery or the Baishui River tributary beside Dapo Town, the fish and shrimp in the water had never been overfished.
Why?
There were two extremely practical reasons.
First, underwater dangers far exceeded those on land.
Mutated creatures lurking at the river bottom were several times more ferocious than their land counterparts. The bizarre nature of water system infection sources was even more unpredictable. Even elites within the Blood Dragon Corps were reluctant to easily set foot around Linjiang areas.
More troublesome was that water system infection sources had extremely wide activity ranges. Today you might just finish clearing an area of water, tomorrow new ones could flow in with the current.
Unless all settlements and shelter cities upstream and downstream of Linjiang united for daily clearing operations, but was that possible?
So no one wanted to touch the mess by the water, even transcendents avoided it.
Because once involved, it meant facing new risks daily. One day of negligence meant bearing responsibility.
Second, the profit ratio was too low.
Whatever they did, people in the wasteland had to calculate survival accounts.
For Happiness City, rather than expending manpower and resources to catch fish by the water, it was better to concentrate efforts on expanding factories and mining ores, trading industrial goods with other shelter cities and settlements for more stable nutrition paste ingredients.
For small and medium settlements, the core purpose of fishing was filling stomachs, but what Shi Province least lacked was underground resources.
Iron ore, coal mines, rare earth mines, special ore transcendent curses had stripped plants of their properties, but these properties hadn't vanished into thin air. Instead, they had merged into other substances within the land.
Digging up anything could easily be exchanged for sufficient food. Why risk their lives fishing underwater?
Therefore, it wasn't that there were no fishermen in the wasteland, but they were extremely rare around Shi Province and Happiness City.
So much so that by today, unless specifically mentioned, no one even thought of this angle.
Thinking of this, Ding Yishan opened the other two third-term inspectors' answer sheets and read them carefully.
Sure enough, though both mentioned managing floods, neither mentioned fishing-related plans, much less thought of "making money" from the water to subsidize flood management.
Who was right and who was wrong?
Ding Yishan gathered the three answer sheets and put them away. After tapping his fingertips on the desk surface for a moment, he had made up his mind.
It was already past seven-thirty, with eight inspectors still not having submitted their papers.
Instructing Harlin to continue supervising, he used the excuse of going to the restroom to call Jiang Chuan aside.
"Achuan, go to the Blood Dragon Corps and ask Commander Tan about Dapo Town's real-time situation today. He's in charge of that area. Have him send over all the information he can collect, the more detailed the better."
"Alright, I'll handle it right away." Jiang Chuan was about to leave when called back.
"Wait." Ding Yishan stopped him, saying gravely, "For tomorrow's test, you follow Cheng Ye."
"Eh? I'm being deployed tomorrow?" Jiang Chuan was somewhat surprised.
"Yes." Ding Yishan nodded, "This kid has unusual ideas, actually wanting to target Baishui River fish production. You're the best swimmer, go keep a close eye on him and don't let him capsize in the gutter."
Jiang Chuan patted his chest in agreement, "Don't worry, sir. I dare soak in Linjiang for a whole day, let alone a Baishui River."
But then he suddenly remembered something, "However, according to the original plan, weren't all inspectors supposed to depart together tomorrow for on-site surveys of terrain differences at various locations?"
"The situation has changed. The expected clustering at locations didn't occur... well, those idiots clustering around popular spots should indeed collectively take vehicles out to see reality. For the rest, I plan to have them explore separately for higher efficiency."
Mentioning "idiots," Ding Yishan's tone carried more gravity, "One day of surveying tomorrow, summary the day after, then contracting begins the day after that. The situation might be better than we thought, but could also be more complex. We'll adapt as needed."
Jiang Chuan nodded in understanding. He naturally grasped the meaning of "better or worse" in Ding Yishan's words.
The good news was that high-level authorities had somehow used thunderous methods to eliminate large-scale infection source threats in the periphery overnight.
This virtually removed 80% of the inspection station's pressure, eliminating the biggest obstacle to satellite city construction.
The bad news was the quality of newly arrived migrants. Personnel from various departments responsible for settlement had all returned looking like frost-beaten eggplants these past two days, constantly complaining about "a bunch of demanding people" and "difficult people to serve."
After all, those who came to Happiness City before were volunteers attracted by benefits, with sufficient obedience but this time's migrants were mostly influenced by the Walker to come. Their beliefs weren't firm to begin with, and being stirred up by a few rumors could easily cause chaos.
"I understand." Jiang Chuan turned to leave and was called back again.
"Tell Commander Tan to focus on giving us Baishui River fish species and recent underwater mutant activity records," Ding Yishan added. "The supercomputer might not give high scores to this proposal, but I'm somewhat optimistic about that fishing plan. However, if the danger coefficient is too high and it becomes a suicide mission, forget it."
Jiang Chuan acknowledged understanding and quickly disappeared at the corridor's end.
Ding Yishan stood still for a moment, walked to the window and took out cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one.
Since the end of the Great Development Era, he had quit smoking, but with the sharp increase in pressure these past two days, his fingers couldn't help reaching into his pocket.
He leaned against the window sill, watching the flickering lights outside while waiting for the last few inspectors to submit their papers.
At eight-thirty PM, the last inspector finally put down his pen.
All test papers were neatly loaded into a small truck by staff and driven toward the inner city.
Ding Yishan held his cigarette, rarely taking the wheel personally, with Jiang Chuan sitting in the passenger seat, watching cheerfully.
Since the last meeting when Ding Yishan entered the Unity of Heaven and Man realm, his mentality had become increasingly youthful. The aged, twilight aura completely dissipated, his eyes instead radiating youthful vigor.
Even if someone said they were the same age, people might actually believe it.
"Station Chief Ding!" The guard captain ran over with his scalp tingling. Before he could get close, the newly appointed city gate guard captain Qin Haonan pressed him down and quickly approached.
His face carried a polite smile as he said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Station Chief Ding, according to regulations, please open the rear compartment. We need to inspect the vehicle contents."
"Go ahead and check."
Ding Yishan pressed the truck's rear compartment button, and the door popped open with a "click."
About ten minutes later, Qin Haonan returned and waved them through without a word.
"He's Researcher Qin's younger brother, right? This time he was promoted through Superintendent Liu's connections?" Jiang Chuan said thoughtfully.
"Yes, one of our own." Facing Jiang Chuan, Ding Yishan naturally wouldn't hide anything, "Just part of power division. After satellite cities begin construction, buffer zone authority will be returned to the Idealist faction, letting them implement the community system and create a central city model. There won't be a buffer zone designation anymore, only outer city and inner city."
After speaking, he stepped on the accelerator and suddenly smiled, "But I heard the outer city center hasn't been decided yet, and B-7 District is also on the candidate list. Interesting."
"Ah? Is that Inspector Cheng's achievement?" Jiang Chuan was stunned.
"He has a part in it, but it's more the elders' intention." Ding Yishan blew a smoke ring, his tone carrying indescribable meaning, "After satellite cities spread out, inspectors below third-term won't be allowed into the central city for life without special permits. Hmm, third-term inspectors will also have their inner city access privileges revoked. This is the price of power exchange."
"But some people are lucky, catching the elders' attention. They can really go wherever they want, and we can't stop them."
"Uh..."
Jiang Chuan paused, actually hearing a sour note in Ding Yishan's tone, and couldn't help smiling.
"Of course, if he wholeheartedly throws himself into satellite city construction and ignores B-7 District, then those privileges are gone too."
"Mm, don't remind him. I want to see his choice."
"Understood." Jiang Chuan nodded.
Perhaps because the inner city ultimately wasn't the inspection station's home ground, after entering inner city territory, conversation between the two obviously decreased.
The small truck wound through crisscrossing streets and soon stopped in front of a giant egg-shaped building.
The left side of the giant egg was marked "Infection Source Research Institute," the right side "Happiness Research Institute," both controlled by the Technology faction.
The separate United Arsenal was at the other end of the inner city, jointly controlled by the Technology and Transcendent factions, forming the inner city's unique power balance structure.
"Station Chief Ding, you've arrived." From the research institute's guard booth emerged a gray-haired elderly man.
"Old Zhang, troubling you to wait for me so late at night, I really feel bad about it." Ding Yishan opened the car door, his tone carrying rare courtesy.
"Don't mention it." The elder waved his hand, smiling as he instructed guards to check the rear compartment, "I also came from the inspection station. For such important matters, I can't forget my roots."
Jiang Chuan also quickly got out of the car, respectfully nodding, "Uncle Zhang, you look a bit pale. With the recent temperature drop, you should be careful about staying warm."
"Achuan is thoughtful." The elder rubbed his nose, his eyes behind the lenses squinting into slits, appearing kind and amiable, "Ah, old problem. I've had a bit of a cold since this morning."
The elder was named Zhang Shun. Looking across the entire inner city, no one dared underestimate him.
In terms of qualifications, he was contemporary with first-generation Station Chief Cheng Wu, several years older than Ding Yishan. Now fifty-seven years old, though somewhat stooped with thick reading glasses perched on his nose, he was a Level 5 researcher at the Infection Source Research Institute.
Three full levels higher than Qin Feng's Level 2 researcher status, his position equivalent to a fifth-term inspector at the inspection station.
Back then, Zhang Shun was backbone personnel promoted by Cheng Wu, having served as director of the inspection station's internal research institute, spending years on the front lines specifically researching methods to deal with infection sources and infected entities.
Unfortunately, the inspection station was ultimately too poor, lacking sufficient funding to support research.
Finally, as Cheng Wu fell and left, Zhang Shun could only be forced to disband the inspection station research institute and join the inner city research institute.
This had been over twenty years ago.
Even now, if not for his station chief status, Ding Yishan would still have to respectfully call him "Uncle Zhang" based on seniority.
"All the test papers are here." Ding Yishan patted the rear compartment, "Please arrange for the supercomputer to run through the data tonight, with special emphasis on resource investment assessments for Wenlu County and surrounding areas."
"Don't worry, everything's arranged."
Zhang Shun nodded. As guards finished inspecting the vehicle, he led the two toward the giant egg building.
According to regulations, Ding Yishan had no special privileges and couldn't enter the Infection Source Research Institute interior, only staying in the specially designated reception hall outside.
The layout here was somewhat like Starbucks but much larger in area. Warm red lighting fell on solid wood long tables, with old-era light music melodies floating in the air, creating an exceptionally stylish atmosphere.
"Weiss, please bring three Italian coffees. Add extra milk to mine."
Zhang Shun smiled at the female barista behind the counter. Soon three cups of coffee emitting rich aroma were brought over.
These "luxuries" that hadn't even been heard of in the buffer zone were commonplace in this research institute.
Jiang Chuan picked up his cup and took a sip, still the familiar bitterness. He really couldn't understand how people in the old era could be obsessed with this flavor.
Ding Yishan and Zhang Shun began chatting casually, with topics mostly revolving around the upcoming satellite city plan but Zhang Shun had been immersed in research these years and had little interest in administrative affairs, chatting somewhat absent-mindedly.
Seeing this, Ding Yishan changed topics, "Once satellite cities are built, the inspection station should be able to free up funds to rebuild the research institute. I plan to have Researcher Qin serve as director then."
"Him?" Zhang Shun shook his head with a smile, "This kid has potential, that's true, but he spends money lavishly. The inspection station's modest resources probably can't support his research needs."
"We have to try." Ding Yishan sighed, "The inspection station's technical capabilities haven't advanced much over the years. With only three inspection stations, high-term inspectors' experience can still cope. But once operations expand and there are more newcomers, we'll need supporting equipment and technical backing."
"That's true." Zhang Shun nodded. Mentioning research, his eyes immediately lit up, "The equipment brought back from Xinghuo a few days ago, we dismantled several units. The effect was average, and judging by model numbers, they looked like their discards. The research institute has been doing reverse engineering recently, maybe we'll have some breakthroughs..."
He began detailing those equipment's pros and cons, from materials to parameters, speaking knowledgeably.
Jiang Chuan listened in confusion, forcing himself to listen for a while, only feeling dizzy and his eyelids growing heavier.
Fortunately, at this moment, the reception hall door was pushed open from outside.
Results already?
Jiang Chuan instinctively turned his head, only to see a woman walk in through the doorway.
Elegant appearance, quiet temperament, her brows actually carrying a classical charm that only existed in old-era magazines, unforgettable at first sight but what surprised him more was that Zhang Shun, a Level 5 researcher, actually stood up quickly, his tone carrying some respect, "Director Yu, why have you come?"
Director?
Jiang Chuan and Ding Yishan were simultaneously stunned and quickly stood up as well.
Yu Erlan?
The mysterious research institute deputy director was actually younger than Jiang Chuan, only 31 years old this year. She had never appeared publicly nor participated in any meetings. Even Ding Yishan, the station chief, was seeing her in person for the first time.
The last time he'd heard this name was when Liu Kun mentioned that his strength was approaching hers.
This was a transcendent even more formidable than Liu Kun!
Ding Yishan's heart tightened as he observed unobtrusively. The woman wore simple white research clothing with her long hair loosely pinned up, her temperament elegant and gentle. She carried none of the sharp edge common to transcendents, instead resembling a scholar devoted to learning.
"Teacher Zhang, please sit." Yu Erlan's voice was clear and spring-like as she smiled at Zhang Shun first, "I heard you weren't feeling well today and gave you leave. Why did you still come?"
Speaking, she gestured to Weiss behind the counter.
Without need for words, a cup of steaming cappuccino was quickly brought over.
"Ah, I'm old and can't stay idle." Zhang Shun chuckled and sat back down.
Only then did Yu Erlan's gaze fall on Ding Yishan, carrying polite scrutiny, "Station Chief Ding visits late at night for the satellite city site selection?"
"Yes." Ding Yishan nodded frankly, "It's a matter of great importance, so I want to get evaluation results as soon as possible."
"Mm, Director Hou told me about the inspection station's situation." Yu Erlan didn't ask more about satellite cities, pausing slightly, "Teacher Zhang, last time you mentioned wanting to give the inspection station that batch of old equipment eliminated by the research institute, why haven't you submitted a formal application? Since Station Chief Ding is here today, if the inspection station needs it, let's transfer it over for emergency use first."
Before Ding Yishan could speak, Zhang Shun's eyes lit up, "Really? That would be wonderful!"
"Naturally it's true." Yu Erlan smiled warmly, "The inspection station is about to expand outward, contributing to Happiness City. As the saying goes, 'To do good work, one must first sharpen one's tools.' We can't let everyone work bare-handed."
Ding Yishan was slightly surprised in his heart. This mysterious deputy director's attitude was much more approachable than imagined.
Of course, he didn't think it was his face that commanded such treatment, nor did he think the inspection station currently held great power.
Yu Erlan being so straightforward definitely had her reasons.
"Director Yu, this really helps tremendously." He smoothly responded, "I wonder what we can do for the research institute?"
"No need to help the research institute. I personally manage talent selection recently and have a small matter needing Station Chief Ding's help."
"Please speak freely."
"Among the migrants from outside, there are inevitably people with outstanding potential. We've already prepared recruitment test papers, but it's not suitable to distribute them now." She paused to explain, "I'd like to trouble the inspectors to help organize assessments after the satellite cities are settled. For every talented person recruited for the research institute, we'll provide rewards. How does that sound?"
"That's easily handled! Don't worry, leave it to us!" Ding Yishan immediately took on the big commitment.
Of course, he had different calculations in mind.
Having just mentioned to Zhang Shun about rebuilding the inspection station's research institute, if this recruitment process went through their hands, quietly holding back a few suitable talents would perfectly build up a foundation team.
"Then thank you, Station Chief Ding." Yu Erlan nodded slightly, holding her cappuccino as she turned toward the research institute interior. Her white figure quickly disappeared behind the door.
Only after her figure completely vanished did Zhang Shun say, "Station Chief Ding, this is tremendous good fortune! That equipment looks old, but the core components are good. Using them as new equipment is no problem at all."
"Since Director Yu has spoken, how about I arrange people to find those equipment pieces right now and load them all up to take back?"
"Great!"
Ding Yishan immediately became somewhat excited.
Even the research institute's garbage would be treasure at the inspection station.
At eleven PM.
Batch after batch of equipment labeled as eliminated was moved out and loaded onto trucks.
Ding Yishan quietly watched as even the 9.6-meter truck was nearly full, his smile having long reached his ears.
He hadn't expected such an unexpected harvest today.
While busy loading equipment, the supercomputer's preliminary results were delivered first.
Opening it for a look, the Unity of Heaven and Man realm brought not only strength improvement but seemingly luck as well. Everything he did went smoothly.
"Station Chief, what rank is Inspector Cheng?" Jiang Chuan approached, full of curiosity.
"See for yourself." Ding Yishan handed it over. Jiang Chuan quickly flipped through.
The first page's top twenty didn't have Cheng Ye's name, which was normal but turning to the second page, he immediately found Cheng Ye's name in the middle section, ranked 37th.
This ranking wasn't outstanding but for a trainee inspector to have his name among numerous second and third-term inspectors was already quite conspicuous!