At three in the afternoon, four uninvited guests came aboard the dunship.

They greeted Han Xiangning and immediately got busy on the antique vessel.

They measured the length and width of the old relic with a tape measure, took notes in a small notebook, and drew on the deck with chalk.

Shi Shengyong, who had rushed over to discuss with Han Yu how to properly send off Old Ding and Old Zhang, asked puzzledly, "Ningning, what are they here for?"

Others did not know that San'er was being transferred back to Linghai Police Bureau, but Han Xiangning knew about it early, as such a major matter needed to be discussed with her. However, details of personnel adjustments within the Linghai Police Bureau had to remain confidential until officially announced.

Facing Shi Shengyong, who was fully qualified to be the Director of the Port District Bureau but could only serve as an instructor, Han Xiangning felt somewhat embarrassed and said with feigned composure, "They're from a steel structure manufacturer."

"What are the steel structure manufacturers here for?"

"They also make modular buildings."

"You're going to build on this old relic!"

After Linghai Port project commences, the waterway conditions in the Sanhe Waters would become more complicated. The Third Team of the Port Supervision Bureau would need to move there to maintain order and ensure safety on the water. The soon-to-be-established Water Police Fifth Company would also go to the Sanhe Waters to uphold security while assisting Port Supervision in law enforcement.

Although the dunship was to be sold to Linghai, it couldn't be put to real use by Linghai.

Stepping back, the presence of Port Supervision and the Water Police on the dunship was also a means of safeguarding the construction of Linghai Port.

Deputy Mayor Shen considered the limited space on the dunship insufficient to accommodate the Linghai Port Project Command Center. Therefore, following Han Yu's suggestion, he planned to repurpose the antique dunship as the Command Center!

The antique's size and tonnage were much larger than the current dunships, and with so many stones ballasting the lower deck, its stability was assured. It was entirely feasible to construct a three-story steel structure office building on the deck.

Han Xiangning really wanted to say that it wasn't the Port Supervision Bureau that wanted to build on the antique vessel, but rather Linghai City officials. But since selling the ship was akin to selling a person, nothing could be disclosed before an official announcement.

Just as she was struggling for an explanation, Han Yu hurried back from Sanhe.

Shi Shengyong no longer concerned himself with the affairs of the Port Supervision Bureau and greeted him with a smile, asking, "Salted Fish, what were you doing in Sanhe?"

Questions about where to anchor the dunship and the antique boat, and how to resolve water and electricity issues...

Han Yu had been busy with these matters all morning, but like his senior, he couldn't disclose anything and could only smile evasively, "I went to take a look at Lingda Car Ferry."

"Lingda Car Ferry's security is managed by the Sanhe Police Station, and firefighting falls under the jurisdiction of the Water Police Station. What were you looking at?"

"The firefighting at the ferry dock falls under the Water Police Station, but does the Water Police Station have firefighting capabilities? Director Shi, it's not like you don't know – whether it's a fire on the river or along the shore, it ultimately falls to me."

Director Shi burst out laughing, "That's true, after all, you are the Binjiang Water Army Commander."

Although both positions could warrant the rank of Deputy Director, being an instructor and being a Bureau Director were indeed different.

Facing his former superior, Han Yu also felt a bit awkward and said with a somewhat guilty face, "Director Shi, I'm sorry for making you wait."

"What's our relationship? No need for such formalities!"

With a smile, Director Shi asked a question, then got to the point.

Both the elders who watched him grow up were retiring, and Han Yu truly found it hard to let go. He sat down and said, "We definitely have to hold a send-off, and it has to be lively."

"What do you think is an appropriate way to do it?"

"Chief Ding is the former Director of the Four Factory Police Station and later served at the Yanjiang Police Station. Uncle Zhang is the former Director of Yanjiang Police Station, which has been disbanded, but half of Bailong Port Police Station is essentially Yanjiang Police Station. We'll discuss the specific arrangements later, but no matter how much it costs, Bailong Port Police Station will contribute half."

"Okay, that's thoughtful of you. I won't swell my face to appear fat and argue with you about it."

As soon as Director Shi finished speaking, Han Xiangning laughed and said, "Director Shi, San'er, I've also reported Uncle Zhang and Chief Ding's retirement to our bureau's leadership. Director Tang commented that Uncle Zhang and Chief Ding have strongly supported our Port Supervision's work for so many years and have been our steadfast backup in marine law enforcement; our bureau must express our appreciation."

Han Yu laughed and looked at her, asking, "What does your bureau plan to express?"

"Our bureau leaders plan to attend the retirement ceremony. If Director Tang is unable to come, Director Zhu will come on his behalf. During the event, we will commend Uncle Zhang and Chief Ding's past achievements in assisting Port Supervision, present them with certificates, and prepare some commemorative gifts."

Han Xiangning giggled and added, "The bureau is the bureau, and our team is our team. No matter the cost, the Third Team of Port Supervision will also make a contribution to the send-off ceremony."

"Generous!"

Director Shi gave a thumbs up and turned to say with a smile, "Salted Fish, in this respect, you have to learn from Ningning. Don't always be so stingy."

"How am I stingy? Didn't I just say that we would split the costs evenly?"

"Now it's three parties sharing the costs; we can definitely make it even more grand."

"Ningning, you've given me an idea."

Han Yu pulled out paper and pen from the drawer, smiling and writing, "Uncle Zhang and Chief Ding have not only assisted your Port Supervision in law enforcement but have also protected fishery resources with Fishery Administration for so many years, have collaborated with Customs to combat smuggling, and have joined Water Police Station for two major crackdowns on waterborne crime!

Director Shi is right; we can indeed make it much livelier. Leaders from the Agricultural Bureau, Customs, and Water Police Station should be invited, and our Changhang Bureau's leaders too – Director Zhou and Political Commissioner Sun should all be asked. Once invited, they can't possibly show up empty-handed."

The two retiring comrades have worked diligently for many years. If so many leaders attend their retirement celebration, Old Ding and Old Zhang will surely be delighted and honored.

After all, there is always a comparison between individuals. Several old colleagues in the bureau are retiring this year, and if our side is bustling while theirs is quiet, the contrast will be evident!

The more Director Shi thought about it, the more amusing he found the idea, grinning widely, "That sounds good, but I'm not close with those leaders; it's all on you to invite them."

Han Yu was just about to speak when Han Xiangning laughed again: "We shouldn't invite just the leaders; old friends and the public should come too."

"Uncle Li is definitely to be invited, as well as the former directors of Bailong Port Passenger Pier and the ship lock management office. Some organizations no longer exist, but the people are still there – we must invite the old managers of long-distance bus stations, cooperative societies, commercial companies, and state-owned travel inns!"

"The health center at Bailong Port has merged with the Four Factory Health Center, and Director Chen is now the Deputy Director of the Four Factory Health Center. We should invite Director Chen!"

"The principal of Bailong Port Primary School."

"The village leaders of Bailong Port Village."

...

Three people exchanged ideas, and soon they came up with a long list of names.

Han Yu scrutinized it carefully, then picked up the pen again: "Almost forgot to invite Bai Shen and the Bai Liu Cruise Ship Police Team. Brother Shao and the others should be asked to come too."

Shi Shengyong didn't expect such a big event, and he chuckled: "How many tables of guests are there now?"

"Eight tables."

"Is that a bit extravagant?"

"This isn't wasteful extravagance, nor is it indulgence. Uncle Zhang and Uncle Ding have worked hard for so many years without complaint; even if there's no outstanding achievement, there's the hard work!"

Thinking about it, Han Yu laughed again: "A retirement ceremony only happens once in a lifetime. Considering our low police salaries, Uncle Zhang and Uncle Ding's ability to reach retirement wouldn't be possible without the support of their families. So, we should add two more tables to invite Uncle Zhang and Uncle Ding's families over to celebrate."

Han Xiangning wholeheartedly agreed and laughed as she asked, "Ten tables of guests, where will we arrange them?"

"We don't need to go to a restaurant. Just like when we cleaned Han Han's three times, we'll hire a chef, and have it at the Passenger Pier cafeteria."

"Holding it at the Passenger Pier cafeteria is also a good idea. The Passenger Pier has a large conference room, and we could start with a farewell ceremony in the large conference room, then move to the cafeteria to eat after the meeting."

"That's exactly what I was thinking. As for the venue decoration, since Uncle Zhang and Uncle Ding are retiring, there's no need for a stage setup. We can just hang banners, put up balloons, and decorate it like a celebration venue, creating a festive atmosphere!"

Before retirement, everyone looks forward to relaxing, but when it's actually time to retire, for sure they'll feel reluctant.

All things considered, the saying "out of sight, out of mind" does hold some truth.

What old comrades fear most is loneliness; a celebratory atmosphere needs to be created.

Drawing conclusions on his own, Shi Shengyong said: "The Four Factory activity room has a DVD player. I'll borrow the DVD player, the big color TV, and the hi-fi system. We can play music and even sing karaoke. It'll definitely be lively."

"Okay, that's decided then!"

"What about the event agenda?"

"The event agenda is easy to handle. At that time, we'll go by administrative ranking, with lower ranks speaking first, awarding recognitions or handing out memorials. The highest ranked will bring up the rear."

"Director Shi, San'er, you're both busy with work. Leave these matters to me; I'll take care of the preparations."

The three were chatting excitedly when Han Yu's phone suddenly rang. He took it out to see the caller ID—it was Li Weiguo, the former instructor from the Yanjiang Police Station.

Han Yu quickly hung up and used the landline to call back.

Han Xiangning also remembered the Old Li family's phone number and couldn't help but press the speakerphone button.

"Uncle Li, what made you think to call me? Even if you didn't make this call, I was planning to call you later."

"Is it about the retirement farewell for Old Zhang and Old Ding?"

"Uncle Li, how did you know about that!"

"You'd obviously invite me to such a big event, isn't that obvious?" Li Weiguo retorted, looking up at Vice Chairman Li who was grinning and smoking, and laughingly said: "However, I'm calling you about another matter."

"What's up?" Han Yu asked eagerly.

"Chairman Li is at my place; we just had lunch with Director Ge."

"Which Director Ge?"

"The old Director of the Transportation Bureau, the one you've met."

"I remember now, Uncle Li. How's Director Ge these days?"

"Not too good," Li Weiguo lit a cigarette and sighed lightly: "He was planning to retire in a couple of years, to travel with his spouse and see our great country. Sadly, his wife got liver cancer last year, and passed away during the Spring Festival."

"Uncle Li, I truly had no idea about these things."

"It's not too late to know now."

Li Weiguo tapped his cigarette ash, switching gears: "Old Ge and your master have been friends for many years; we know everything about his personal and family situations. Chairman Li and I have talked to him, and he's interested in finding a partner to spend the rest of his life with but is a bit worried his children might object.

Chairman Li and I went to see his son and daughter-in-law this afternoon. Both kids were very understanding and supportive. Next, it's up to you and Ming Yuan. Haoran needs your help."

So it turned out to be about finding a partner for the Master's wife, but it was unexpected that the match would be the old Director of the Transportation Bureau.

Han Yu caught on and hurriedly said: "Uncle Li, Brother Haoran and Sister-in-law Xiao Qin are also very understanding; they will definitely support it!"

"But there's a problem now. Old Ge is only semi-retired, not fully retired; he can't possibly go to Yan Yang, and your master mother has to help Haoran with the kids in Yan Yang."

"This is indeed a problem. How about I call Brother Haoran first?"

"Make it clear to Haoran. To find someone suitable and well-known is hard. Your master mother might feel awkward about stating her position, and those of us on the outside can't make arrangements for her. So whether this can work out or not, the attitudes of you younger ones are crucial."

"I understand."

"If you understand, then quickly call Haoran. And remember to keep me and Chairman Li updated."

"Okay, I'll contact Haoran right away."

Han Xiangning clearly heard the conversation and covered her mouth, laughing: "Master's wife must feel embarrassed."

Shi Shengyong agreed wholeheartedly, resting his chin in his hand: "This matter needs to be treated tactfully. Uncle Li is right, the attitude of you younger ones is crucial."

Han Yu felt that Director Ge was indeed a good match for the Master's wife and hastily dialed Xu Haoran's office number.

Xu Haoran, upon grasping the situation and learning that Chairman Li and Li Weiguo were introducing the respected Transportation Bureau Director Ge he had grown up with, immediately expressed support.

Considering that just telling his mother bluntly would very likely meet with her refusal, and learning about the upcoming retirement of Old Zhang and Old Ding—as well as Han Yu's preparations for a lively farewell ceremony—he decided to take a week off to accompany his mother back to his hometown and participate, using the opportunity to let Chairman Li and Li Weiguo arrange a blind date.

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