Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo'

Chapter 857 - 507: What Is the Unnamable (3)

Regarding this matter, Director Yin in charge of the Explosives Team did not provide much explanation; he only emphasized two points: there were no issues with the procurement of the explosives, and the quality was impeccable, standing up to scrutiny.

As for the on-site usage issues, the main responsibility lies with the Explosives Team Leader and the participating team members; on this point, everyone held no objections.

The responsibility was clearly defined, and Director Shen briefly summarized the action, commending the Public Security Team’s performance during the operation.

As the meeting was about to conclude, Li Banfeng interrupted Shen Jingye: "The Public Security Team fought fiercely, and just a few words of praise will suffice?"

Shen Jingye emphasized: "We have given high recognition to the Public Security Team’s performance."

Li Banfeng said: "Since you acknowledge it, then offer something tangible—will you give money or promotion?"

Shen Jingye slightly furrowed his brows: "In this operation, we’ve achieved certain results, but issues cannot be overshadowed. It’s inappropriate to talk about achievements when problems remain unresolved."

Li Banfeng said: "Some issues have been clarified; some issues can’t be explained clearly no matter what, because those issues originate from you!"

Shen Jingye glared: "Director Li, you must be responsible for what you say. What exactly are the issues originating from me?"

"You were the chief commander of the operation, and the on-site explosives plan was set by you. Have you thought about the consequences after the explosion?

Now the explosion has failed, and you’re blaming the Explosives Team. If the explosion succeeded and the worms were blasted everywhere uncontrollable, whom would you then blame?

If the worms spread throughout Yue State City, who will bear this responsibility?"

Shen Jingye shook his head: "These assumptions are fundamentally invalid..."

"What’s invalid?" Li Banfeng presented Shen Jingye’s combat plan, "These aren’t assumptions; this is your battle plan in black and white. Blasting meatballs is the outcome you desired. If this outcome is invalid, why did you write such a plan? For nonsense?"

Shen Jingye fell silent. Some truths are evident to all, but nobody dares to speak them openly.

Li Banfeng swept his gaze over everyone: "When something happens, the blame is first pushed onto the deceased, while the credit of the living is left unspoken. From start to finish, all you think of is how to shirk responsibility. Who indulged you in this bad habit?

The Explosives Team performed the explosive tasks on-site flawlessly, bearing no responsibility here. They died in service and must be treated justly, while the Public Security Team’s efforts must be properly rewarded!"

As his words landed, everyone bowed their heads in silence.

Shen Jingye was sweating heavily, and after a moment’s silence, he said: "The main purpose of this meeting is to define responsibility, other matters..."

"The combat plan is right here; all responsibilities lie with you, haven’t they been defined clearly?"

Shen Jingye trembled slightly, feeling that the statement pierced through his chest.

Just that sentence just now, even Li Banfeng found himself quite shaken.

Where does the penetrative power come from?

A careful analysis suggests it comes from two aspects: one is the Ironclad Evidence as Firm as a Mountain of the Foolish Cultivation Technique, the other is the Deep Mansion Courtyard Technique of Home Cultivation.

The Foolish Cultivation Technique deepened the psychological impact, while the Sound Cultivation Technique enhanced the perceptual shock, and the prestige emanating from Hong Ying further intensified the mental pressure on everyone.

But how could these two methods appear simultaneously in one sentence and connect so smoothly?

Shen Jingye felt suffocated, certain that Li Banfeng had used techniques, yet unable to discern which ones precisely.

Under the pressure of prestige, Shen Jingye slowly opened his mouth: "Regarding this matter, I bear responsibility..."

Li Banfeng looked towards the secretary and said: "Write it down, all the responsibility lies with Director Shen!"

Shen Jingye offered no rebuttal, continuing: "Regarding the matter of rewards, position transfers require the appropriate processes."

This sentence implied that promotion basically wasn’t possible.

Shen Jingye continued: "Each position has fixed salaries, which are clearly stipulated by regulation."

This sentence meant that raises weren’t possible either.

Shen Jingye went on: "According to the performance assessment management methods, the Public Security Team as a whole can be credited once, with bonuses issued as per regulations."

Li Banfeng immediately instructed the secretary to check the regulations; after reviewing them, he rubbed his forehead—the bonus amount was notably limited.

Shen Jingye said: "Material rewards have always been supplementary; we value spiritual encouragement."

Li Banfeng’s eyes lit up; he saw a special clause in the regulations: "For commendable Dark Energy Users, their levels can be promoted according to process, which is also a form of reward."

Shen Jingye shook his head: "This form of reward, we are principled in not using."

"Why not use it?" Li Banfeng frowned, "What principles are you referring to?"

"The main principle is to be extra cautious with Dark Energy," Shen Jingye checked his watch, "There are more work tasks ahead, today’s meeting will conclude here.

Director Li, your eagerness to offer more encouragement and support to the Public Security Team is understandable, but nothing can be achieved overnight. The reward plan for the Public Security Team requires further in-depth analysis and discussion."

After saying this, Shen Jingye didn’t even formally dismiss the meeting, heading straight toward the meeting room doors—clearly not wanting to give Li Banfeng another chance to speak.

Seeing Shen Jingye get up, the other directors also rose, ready to leave.

Li Banfeng quietly watched as Shen Jingye walked to the door and then calmly watched as Shen Jingye returned from the back of the meeting room.

Shen Jingye was lost; he couldn’t exit the meeting room.

To be accurate, the place Shen Jingye just walked toward wasn’t a door—the projector had silently changed the layout of the meeting room.