Secretary Lu accompanied Deputy Minister Yuan of the Ministry of Transport, along with the heads of relevant departments, chatting and laughing all the way to the side of Vessel 825.

There were too many leaders present, with even Vice Mayor Qin following behind.

Han Yu felt he didn’t have the right to speak, and just as he saluted on behalf of all the crew members, Secretary Lu smiled and introduced: "Minister Yuan, this is Friend Salted Fish, the first Camp Commander of the Linghai Reserve Camp in the summer of ’98, who led reserve soldiers from the Ministry of Transport’s Maritime System, the Yangtze Port and Navigation System, and our local Binjiang Transport System to fight the floods at Jingjiang."

Emphasizing the transport system was meant to leave a good impression on the Ministry of Transport’s leaders.

Initially, Han Yu felt that Secretary Lu’s requisition of Vessel 825 was somewhat excessive, and that the research convoy was too exaggerated, but upon hearing Secretary Lu’s introduction, he realized it wasn’t easy for him either.

A dignified City Secretary wants to solve Binjiang’s transportation difficulties, yet still requires assistance from others.

But this wasn’t the time for deep reflection, so Han Yu quickly and cooperatively saluted: "Hello, Minister Yuan. On behalf of all the crew members of China Customs Vessel 825, welcome Minister Yuan to inspect our work!"

"Friend Salted Fish, though this is our first meeting, your reputation precedes you."

Deputy Minister Yuan firmly held Han Yu’s hand and said with a smile, "I clearly remember during the flood fight of ’98, China Transportation News reported about you every day. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in charge of the Changhang Bureau back then; otherwise, I would have come to the Jingjiang Embankment to visit you two years ago."

"Thank you for your concern, Minister Yuan."

"Secretary Lu, if I’m not mistaken, wasn’t Friend Salted Fish part of our transport system? How did he become an anti-smuggling police officer?"

Secretary Lu wasn’t sure how to explain it momentarily, so he simply turned slightly and smiled: "Minister Yuan, you just met Friend Salted Fish’s wife, Comrade Han Xiangning. His wife works at the Maritime Bureau, so he cannot work there too. It’s not advisable for both spouses to work in the same unit."

"Friend Salted Fish, is Director Xiao Han your wife?"

"Yes."

"Then you’re now a family member of our transport system."

"Yes."

"It’s quite nice to be a family of our transport system. It’s not suitable for both spouses to work in the same unit; only distance can create beauty, right?"

As Deputy Minister Yuan’s words finished, Secretary Lu invited Deputy Minister Yuan aboard with a smile, saying: "Minister Yuan, the Linghai Reserve Camp is just by the river; after the research, I’ll accompany you to the Linghai Reserve Camp for a look. It’s right on the way."

"Linghai Reserve Camp is the reserve camp of our transport system. Since I’m rarely in Binjiang, even if it’s not on the way, I should still visit on behalf of the party committee."

"It used to be rare, but it won’t be from now on."

Afraid the leadership might fall, Secretary Lu held Deputy Minister Yuan’s arm and said meaningfully: "We have the river but no bridge in Binjiang. The Binjiang people have been looking forward to a bridge for decades. Once all the approvals come through, our City Committee and City Government will surely hold a groundbreaking ceremony, and you’ll be invited to lay the foundation. When construction officially begins, we’ll have a groundbreaking ceremony, and you’ll be invited as well. We hope you’ll honor us with your presence."

"As long as I have the time, I’ll definitely come."

"Thank you, Minister Yuan. Salted Fish, lead the way."

"Oh, Minister Yuan, it’s cold outside, and the wind is strong on the river. Please, come this way, let’s head to the pilothouse."

The city leaders truly know how to speak. The bridge construction may still be undecided, but Secretary Lu is already thinking about the groundbreaking and construction ceremonies, even representing the City Committee and the city’s people to invite the Ministry of Transport’s leaders.

It seems like a courteous remark but it can truly ’trap’ Deputy Minister Yuan.

If you refuse to come, the Binjiang people won’t be pleased; if you agree to come, you must support our effort to build the Yangtze River Bridge!

Han Yu admired him greatly, without showing any expression, he invited several key leaders to the second-level pilothouse and ordered Jiang Shengqi to set sail.

The pilothouse wasn’t large; there were two escorts of the department leadership who couldn’t squeeze in, and many accompanying leaders had to go to the back dining and meeting room. As for the departmental office heads accompanying them, they were left outside to appreciate the river view and brave the river’s cold wind.