Chapter 161 - Seismic Vibrations

The whispers grew more intense, hurling each other out of control. The moderator tried to calm them down and let the CEO of the Wenceslas Group speak up again.

"You must be wondering why we need this experiment. In the language of the researchers, it's an experiment testing the resistance of buildings to seismic vibrations (earthquake waves). Projects of this kind become references and examples for development across Europe, to strengthen the structure of buildings, bridges, and viaducts with the aim of increasing earthquake resistance, said Artur Pinto Vieira, head of the structural assessment unit. Wenceslas Construction conducted a similar trial. The risk of an experiment is definitely there and that risk is present in front of you right now. What makes you hunt me and Riswan to provide further information, maybe Riswan would like to add about what we're doing and trying to do so that all the buildings will be urban infrastructure that is ready to face the risk of disasters, especially earthquakes". Hendra felt like twisting his own tongue because he was too good at rhetoric. Even without an experiment, Wenceslas Construction had been able to design urban structures that were ready to face the challenges of earthquakes.

"Well, I'll also talk because it's actually not far from what I was struggling with some time ago before I became Mayor". The Mayor joined in the boasting to maintain his dream.

"Earthquakes can't be predicted or prevented. We know that our country is prone to earthquakes because it's traversed by the meeting point of three tectonic plates: the Indo-Australian plate, the Eurasian plate, and the Pacific plate. So, I requested and urged Wenceslas Construction to make this building able to survive in that situation. As civil engineering expert Martin Poljansek explains: Earthquakes usually last fifteen to twenty seconds. For a building, bridge, etc., we can predict by taking data using a network of sensors and high-resolution cameras to record the deformation of the pile during trial. The data will support new methods and current equipment for the evaluation of building seismic hazards, the same as the method applied to bridges in Europe. That way we, me as the Mayor and Hendra as the CEO of Wenceslas Construction, have the possibility to actually guarantee the quality of the Dream City project building. It's all for the sake of presenting the best infrastructure for all levels of society regardless of the low, medium, or high social level". Riswan and Hendra looked at each other, smiled, and saluted. Someone's applause brought the applause of the others. The critical questions disappeared instantly because of the satisfaction of most of the recipients of the information.

Surya scratched the corner of his neck. Once again, he was amazed by the way the Wenceslas Group's CEO handled the problem. The greatest friend, boss, and bully he was proud of.

"Honestly, it's too extraordinary. How could a CEO have a method like this? I didn't think of it at all. We're not deceiving the public, indeed our buildings are in accordance with what they've described (without trial). But he used it to cover up sabotage that wasn't fit for public consumption". The Director of Wenceslas Construction also invited Surya to discuss it.

"We don't need and won't spend a penny to change what the legislators said. But with a statement as cool as this one, I'm sure they'll twist their own words". The director reiterated his admiration. Surya replied with a big smile.

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"I think we need to have a banquet to celebrate this victory". Riswan gave a suggestion.

"Sorry, Riswan. My wife is sick. She must've been waiting for me. I'm grateful that this problem was resolved quickly. At first, I thought it'd last until late". Hendra politely refused.

"But I've arranged a dinner for my employees. If you want, you can join. But I'll go home first". The Wenceslas Group's CEO added.

"You really care about your wife". Riswan praised him.

"I'm following your footsteps.. Well, unless the way you treat Camila is just camouflage on social media". Mahendra couldn't stand to see the way they evoked intimacy on their personal Instagram accounts.

"Hahaha.. I'm actually like that, while adding a little spice so that my personal branding is getting better". Riswan brought laughter from both of them. Two humans with the same background. Humans formed from KPI designed by Wiryo's people.

"May I give you input so that the investigation related to this sabotage will stop at once?". Riswan gave his next idea, as unique as Hendra's.

"Go public and accept the offer from one of the TV stations for an exclusive interview about your spectacular wedding. I guarantee this sabotage will also disappear along with the story you present between yourself and your wife". (Riswan)

"Haha.. How clever you are. Who's your personal branding consultant?". Hendra was also curious about Riswan's ability in this matter.

"I'll leak my secrets, as long as you're willing to take part in supporting me or willing to participate in being my partner in the presidential candidacy".

"Tsk. You're discussing that again". Hendra was too lazy to discuss with Riswan when the direction of the conversation had a political meaning.

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This girl made a request to her bodyguards. She wanted to take a walk in the hospital garden just to relieve fatigue. She sat on a park bench, staring at the plants that were reluctant to show their flower crowns. Even small buds didn't appear to adorn those plants. It wasn't the season of flowers. Aruna's heart was the same.

Juan came and hurriedly sat down beside her, while the others were really surprised. They were only able to stand a certain distance according to the rules, but their colleague sat and then turned his body to stare at the lady without guilt.

"How could a girl like you almost kill someone else last night?". Juan's careless words sparked the disrespect from his colleagues. They protested and pulled Juan, but this man said: "are you not curious? What big thing I did last night for the sake of you, Miss?". Juan stared at Aruna closely as if ending a signal that could only be understood by her and Juan.

Spontaneously, the young lady of the Wenceslas family told Rollan and Alvin to go. She allowed the bodyguard, who used to be polite and pretend to be nice, to stay.

"Speak now. Don't make me curious". Aruna said firmly.

"Hehe.. Looks like you have to buy me a new cell phone, just like what your husband did yesterday because I managed to save you". Juan's words made her even more curious.

"But, I don't have money.. Eh, wait. The pocket money that Hendra slips every day on the nightstand.. Maybe I've collected a lot. Alright! How much do I have to pay you?".

"Hahaha.. How come?? That man was confused and wanted to end his life just because of this naive girl. Her beauty is just standard, too. What's so interesting about you?". Juan observed her one more time.

This girl couldn't accept it. She raised her hand and then pulled Juan's ear in a quick, angry way.

"Aw..". Juan threw that hand away and Aruna looked in pain.

"Am I too rude? Miss, are you okay?".

Aruna didn't want to answer. Only a sullen face and hand rubbing movement were shown.

"So, last night, the soloist you met at the wedding came to your room". The first sentence that came out of Juan's mouth immediately sparked a sense of worry and anxious expression on her.

"Looks like your feelings for that young man are so deep, huh? He's still lucky". Juan said.

"Stop beating around the bush. Tell me what happened". Aruna was getting more curious.

"What will I get?". Juan teased her.

"I told you I have a lot of pocket money from Hendra. I can give it to you". Aruna offered.

"What about your Rolls-Royce car that you rarely use?".

"Ah, right. I forgot I have a car. As long as you can take it, no problem. That car is my wedding gift from Wiryo". Aruna replied.

"I won't ask for it.. I only want to borrow once". Juan really wanted to go somewhere to meet someone and he needed a car.

"Fine! Just use it. I've never used it either. But honestly I don't know how you can use that car. I mean, you know. There's a lot of security, right?".

"Calm down. I have a way. As long as you give me the key". Juan said.

"Okay, deal". Aruna's words were replied with the dramatic story that Juan faced last night. Danu Umar with all his stupidity.

In all her complexity, Juan was stunned. This girl shed tears calmly. No fiery emotions or dramatic sobs. The next words that were said by the lady: "how was his last condition? Did you take him home?".

"He's not a woman. He knows his own way home. Why should I take him home?". Juan felt that she worried too much.

"We smoked together and he started to find himself. I don't think he'll repeat the same thing". Juan added.