Chapter 605 - 445: Leave After Receiving the Award_4

Director Wei faced the leadership and shouted, "Number one! A new national record!"

But Fang Huai, who had just come down, didn’t even take a breath; instead, he stood up straight and saluted Leader Liu.

That look in his eyes actually carried a hint of pride.

I’ve indeed achieved the national number one, just as I told you!

Commissioner Xie and Director Chen led the way, and the surrounding area immediately burst into prolonged applause.

Leader Liu, interpreting that look in his eyes, laughed heartily.

"Good lad!"

...

Half an hour later, on the award stage, everyone looked with envy at those standing there, individuals who represented an era in firefighting.

Zeng Jieyi, Deng Li, Zhu Shujie, Yuan Jianlan, Jin Zhouping, He Zhijun, Dong Yongshan, Jiang Yonghui...

And in the center of the stage, that young "Number 1".

Here, everyone’s dream was to become "Number 1".

They too had once dreamt that they were Number 1, awe-inspiring in their performances, invincible, standing on the stage as it was this moment, amidst applause and flowers, with leadership applauding for them and giving words of encouragement, the department’s leaders personally pinning the second-class meritorious service medal on them.

Fang Huai had become the image they dreamed of, allowing them to witness first-hand the honors enjoyed by a god of war.

"Little Fang, I give you a quote from Mr. Liang Qichao, ’Yesterday has passed, tomorrow has not arrived, nothing can be foreseen, so do not waste today.

You have talent, do not be mediocre, do not settle for average; tomorrow’s achievements must be even greater!"

Fang Huai, touching the medal on his chest, listened to Leader Liu’s earnest teachings, feeling not the excitement of winning an award or being recognized for his achievements, but a relieved sense of resolution.

The first place, I’ve finally obtained it.

I’ve lived up to expectations and fulfilled my desire.

My body is not yet at its peak, of course it will improve day by day, but from now on, there is no need to rush against time; I can progress step by step.

The honor has been achieved, the time has come, and I’ve established all the necessary connections. From now on, I need to spend more time on things that will influence the future of firefighting.

"Yes, sir! I will definitely achieve results!"

Leader Liu told me not to be mediocre, Director Chen told me to keep striving.

These words, they come from you.

It wasn’t until Leader Liu stepped down from the stage, satisfied, that Vice Bureau Chief Yu approached Fang Huai. He wasn’t as serious as usual and chuckled:

"Little Fang, not bad! Don’t leave just yet, let’s have a meal at noon tomorrow to celebrate your success!"

But Fang Huai glanced at the time and said somewhat urgently:

"Reporting to the bureau chief, Counselor Hu told me to improve that document, and I plan to return tonight to finalize it. All my reference materials are in the squadron. I have an important responsibility, and I won’t be able to sleep well tonight if I’m idle."

Vice Bureau Chief Yu, hearing this, nodded and laughed again, "You’re so young, why the rush?"

Fang Huai replied with determination, "Leader, I never delay in my duties. I haven’t wasted a single day since my enlistment; that’s how I’ve achieved these results. Moreover, this is a major matter, and I have no right to delay! Once I get the squadron’s pilot project in good order and solidify the plan step by step, if you are available after the new year, I will definitely come to your home to report and have that celebratory meal!"

"Hahaha..."

Vice Bureau Chief Yu couldn’t help but laugh.

The lad sure knows how to seize an opportunity, preferring not to eat out but to dine at his house.

"Alright, alright, deal with the task at hand first, then we can celebrate! That’s the right attitude! I see you’re a lad who can handle encouragement, so let’s do this! If you get the work done well before the end of the year and satisfy me, then after the new year... on the seventh or eighth day, come to my house for a meal! If it’s not done well, prepare yourself for a scolding!"

During the New Year, not a single leader in the Capital City is idle, from before the new year until after, either making visits or being interviewed, on top of family affairs.

These days, the Spring Festival doesn’t allow for many days off. Working officially starts on the seventh or eighth day. Inviting Fang Huai to his home for that time shows a professional attitude in public matters and a personal touch in private relations.

Fang Huai, having received approval, finally relaxed his frown and with a somewhat mischievous expression, replied more intimately, "Yes, sir! I’ve already told my uncle that I have to strive to earn a place at the table! The task will definitely be completed! On the seventh or eighth day, I will bring him to report to you!"

"Hahaha... you lad..."