"Sumo"

Author: Ji Huawen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The meeting of middle-level cadres before the new semester, as one might expect, is nothing out of the ordinary—it's simply the arrangement and implementation of various tasks before school starts. After all these years, from one to four, all the contents need no elaboration; everyone naturally knows what to do. Of course, the meeting has to be held every year. First, not holding it seems to lack something, making the beginning and end of the college's work unclear; second, after a long summer break, the various lords must find a suitable start for their work; third, and most importantly, the meeting of middle-level cadres in the college is a gathering of heavyweight figures in this university, especially before school starts. Meeting each other, saying hello, and chatting for a bit are all very important for communication, understanding information, and building relationships. So, as soon as Director Yuan Feng from the college office opened the conference room door, dozens of department directors and division heads quickly filled the medium-sized conference room with their bodies and voices, and quickly divided the conversation into two clearly distinct levels: loud greetings and private information exchange.
Standing at 1.80 meters tall, Yuan Feng, dressed in a suit and looking elegant, had two crescent-shaped eyes that curved like moons. He moved gracefully through the conference room, pouring tea cup after cup for the directors and division heads of the same level, allowing everyone to fully experience his meticulous and thoughtful service. By the way, he also mentally registered and noted all the lords attending the meeting. Don't underestimate Yuan Feng's quiet registration—there are many important details that could never appear on a sign-in sheet. For example, the slightly sweaty bald head of the head of the history department, Liang Huapu, is now leaning close to the mouth of the head of the Chinese department, Qiao Dahai, constantly exclaiming "Wow, wow," with a look of surprise and sympathy, as if listening to a legendary news report about a visitor from outer space arriving at Hebei University. Naturally, Qiao Dahai is acting like a press secretary, full of pride.
Yuan Feng smiled, extended his arm, and handed them both cups of water, nodded, and quickly left. In truth, he didn’t need to ask—he already knew that Qiao Director’s news was already a "secret known to the whole world." But for the respected archaeology professor Liang Huapu, it was definitely "breaking news." Right behind them, the elegant head of the personnel department, Ma Guanghua, was telling a new joke about Henan people. His face was stern, but the neighbors around him were laughing so hard they couldn’t straighten up. As it happened, just then, the head of the research department, Dong Libin, walked over, speaking with his unchangeable Henan dialect, politely asking, "Everyone, is someone here?" The laughter of the gentlemen paused for a few seconds at the same time. One of them imitated Dong Libin’s tone and said, "No one’s here, there’s Henan specialty!" "What kind of specialty?" Old Dong asked curiously. "Luoyang shovels, tomb raiders!" Another burst of uncontrollable laughter erupted, and Dong Libin fumed and stormed off.
Yuan Feng quickly followed behind Dong Libin, helping him find a seat. Then, with a wave of his hand, he called out, "Director Dong," and immediately handed him a cup of hot tea with both hands. After leaving Dong Libin, he took a small step back and noticed the usually cheerful Shandong man, the head of the law department, Nei Ke, sitting properly in a corner to the west. His red face was clouded with gloom, clearly having provoked someone again.