Free Web NovelChapter 670: Chapter 468 Earthquake Summary Meeting (Slightly Brief Today, Can Skip)_2
Division Commander Jin and Fang Huai had communicated by phone before, and Fang Huai was aware that this person had become the commander of the 149th Division of the 13th Group Army.
Although Division Commander Jin did not boast, Fang Huai did some research and realized that this was no ordinary division.
The 149th Division, since the end of the 1980s, had been designated by the Military Commission as one of the first three divisions in the rapid response forces, known as the Southwest Rapid Reaction First Division.
The division was large in scale, and included a Combined Armored Regiment that had been reassigned from the Shenyang Military Region. In the future, it would likely be reorganized into two to three combined brigades.
Given his age and position, it was clear that Division Commander Jin had a limitless future, one that would likely surpass the highest ranks of the Firefighting forces.
Even if Fang Huai had a good private relationship with such a person, he still remained doubly cautious.
"Division Commander Jin, you’ve just arrived at your new unit, and your work must be busy. How could I trouble you with my little matters? However, when the New Year comes, I definitely will come to pay you a visit!"
Division Commander Jin was not one for formality, and with a loud laugh, he said,
"That sounds great! During the New Year, as long as I’m not on duty, you can come over anytime! Even if I’m on duty, you can still visit to see my new unit. But don’t come to Chengdu. You know the new address; once you’re there, I’ll have someone pick you up!"
Likewise, regarding the New Year interview, Vice Bureau Chief Yu told him to come on the seventh or eighth day, but Division Commander Jin said he could come anytime, either to the unit or home, showing the closeness of their relationship.
Fang Huai felt the genuine military camaraderie and let go of his cautiousness, earnestly saying, "Alright, if you have time once the meeting is over, I’ll treat you to hotpot as a celebration for me!"
"That’s great! I’m also leaving tomorrow. How about the afternoon!"
Division Commander Jin was very enthusiastic and young, still retaining some of the speaking styles of the younger generation, "But, hotpot in Beijing isn’t that interesting. If you’re treating, how about Quanjude? Can you afford it?"
Fang Huai finally opened up with laughter, even showing a bit of pride in his smile. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
"You’re someone of great importance who forgets easily. I, the number one tycoon in the Firefighting brigade."
"Oh, yes, yes, yes!" Division Commander Jin patted his head, "Then it’s settled, Quanjude it is. I’ll let you treat me to a big meal! Tell me what you’ve been up to lately!"
Fang Huai knew about the millions his family had donated for earthquake relief at the Command.
"Sure!" Fang Huai agreed readily, then turned to Old Cao and said,
"You’re going back tomorrow too, right? Did you bring any casual clothes? Join us in the afternoon!"
Cao Yi was immediately excited.
Dining with the promising Division Commander Jin— even if he hadn’t brought any clothes, he would have to buy a new set!
"I brought some! But... it doesn’t seem right for me to join in when you’re eating with a commander..."
But Division Commander Jin waved his hand dismissively.
"Eh? Why wouldn’t it be right? I recognize you, we are comrades who have climbed mountains and crossed trenches together. Don’t be shy!"
After speaking, Division Commander Jin turned to Fang Huai and asked, "By the way, Little Fang, why did you decline the opportunity to speak today?"
Fang Huai smiled, "I’m too young to represent, it’s not suitable. You should do it instead."
This time, the matter of Tangjia Mountain was going to be made public.
To be precise, it had already been public. This occasion was for the Leadership to set the tone and officially commend them.
Superiors were very clear about whose efforts were behind the accomplishments of the Tangjia Mountain Assault Team. The Capital had even called him beforehand, asking him to prepare a speech as a representative of the temporary collective of the Tangjia Mountain Assault Team, but Fang Huai insisted on declining, suggesting that Division Commander Jin should make the speech instead.
They sensed his firm stance and agreed.
Fang Huai was well aware that this was a national CCTV live broadcast, with all the elders sitting behind him, in such a solemn occasion. The seven earthquake disaster model collective representatives who were to speak were all leaders from various units and enterprises. The Firefighting department already had Division Chief Sun from Chengdu speaking. It wouldn’t be fitting for a young person like him to go up.
Moreover, with only seven speaking slots meant to represent military, political, and business collectives, if Firefighting took two, it might downplay the contributions of other units. Considering this, Fang Huai’s own appearance might necessitate that Division Chief Sun step down.
There was a lot to consider for such an important event.
The fact that they didn’t insist on him speaking suggested they had the same concerns but considered his contributions significant enough to seek his opinion.
Moreover, Division Commander Jin had just arrived at his new unit and might also need the opportunity to show his face. Him speaking on behalf of the People’s Liberation Army would add another PLA seat, with the PLA having two seats, appropriately representing the broadest rescue effort.
Seeing Fang Huai’s composed demeanor, Division Commander Jin couldn’t help but pat his shoulder again:
"Kid, you’re more promising than me, showing your face in front of the whole nation. If I were your age, I’d probably be so happy that I couldn’t sleep for days and nights!"
Fang Huai couldn’t help but tease, "This is a disaster, please don’t smile when you go up there."
Division Commander Jin immediately put on a stern face.
"What kind of remark is that? Just last night, I dreamed that my wife and children were trapped under the rubble, and I’ve had this nightmare seven or eight times in the past six months! Those are all other people’s loved ones! Who among those who have been to the site could laugh when recalling that moment?"
...
Half past nine, People’s Great Hall.
Under the scrutiny of the People’s Armed Police, everyone lined up and entered the venue.
The Great Hall has many halls, but the one for today’s meeting isn’t large, seating just under a thousand people. Fang Huai followed Division Commander Jin to the sixth row to take their seats.
Indeed, no one could smile.
The faces that had been chatting and laughing outside, once inside, were all grave.
In the center of the stage, the national emblem was flanked by ten slightly unfurled national flags, and above was a banner reading "National Earthquake Resistance and Rescue Work Summary Commendation Assembly," a rarily observed absence of any music playing in the venue.
Around 9:50 or so, the venue stirred slightly; some photographers at the front began to move. A group of leaders entered from the side, to mild applause that didn’t match the fervor that the meeting’s stature would typically command.
The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.
It settled Fang Huai, who was excited to see those faces on the stage, into a more solemn state.
He had been away from the solemn matter of the great earthquake for quite a while. Back in Guizhou, his thoughts focused on how to invigorate everyone. Besides in his work in front of the leadership, he almost never brought up Beichuan or Wenchuan with his comrades.
Suddenly seeing in the front row, some wearing the Qiang ethnic group and Wenchuan Tibetan ethnic costumes, some scenes instantly flooded his mind.
He couldn’t help the sourness in his nostrils.
Those with good memories, even their sorrow seems to be greater than others.
But soon, that respected elder who had visited Sichuan, stood up and walked to the lectern to preside over the meeting.
"The meeting will now commence."
Four simple words; as soon as he began to speak, the entire hall fell silent, with only the sound of cameras clicking. In the slow sounds and utter quiet, the old man’s authority was evident.
"Today is the National Earthquake Resistance and Rescue Work Summary Commendation Assembly... May 12, 2008..."
"Now, please welcome Secretary ZGZYZ to speak..."
This time, the applause was strong and enduring throughout the hall.
The elder at the center stood up, walked to the open space next to the lectern, took a deep bow, then approached the microphone.
"Comrades, friends."
His speech carried a slight Anhui accent.
"At 14:28 on May 12, 2008, a devastating earthquake shocked the world in Sichuan’s Wenchuan. The lives, property of the people and the economy of the disaster-stricken areas..."
"Today, we solemnly convene the National Earthquake Resistance and Rescue Work Summary Commendation Assembly, which is to comprehensively summarize the earthquake resistance and rescue efforts, commend the heroic groups and models in earthquake resistance and rescue, to call upon the entire Party, the entire military, and people of all ethnicities across the nation to study their advanced ideas and exemplary deeds, to promote the great spirit of earthquake resistance and rescue, and to strive for a new victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects..."
"At this moment, we especially want to express our deep remembrance and profound mourning for the martyrs who bravely sacrificed themselves in the struggle for a significant victory in earthquake resistance and rescue, and for our compatriots who unfortunately perished in the earthquake disaster.
"I propose that we all stand and observe a moment of silence for them."
Everyone rose together, removed their hats, and looked forward.
Amidst the grandeur of the scene, the silence was a thunderous pounding on the heart. Regardless of rank or status, those present unified in their actions, and no one was insincere.
In that moment, everyone in the hall seemed to return to the time they stood before the mass graves at their respective posts.
"Now, please stand for the national anthem."
