After Vorobyov and Anatoly left, Zhang Heng and the other three also entered Administrative Building No. 1.
Compared with usual, the administrative building seemed somewhat deserted at this moment. Especially above ground, there was practically no one left.
The underground shelter was still quite busy. Because of the radiation, many people who had worked upstairs had moved down here. Bessonova stopped a secretary-like woman passing by and asked where Bryukhanov and Fomin were.
"The two offices at the end of the corridor. One belongs to Chief Engineer Fomin, and the other to Plant Director Bryukhanov." The secretary-like woman adjusted her glasses and sized up the four of them, looking somewhat puzzled. "And you are?"
"We're from the construction company. We're here to ask when work on Reactor No. 5 can begin." Bessonova had now been completely led astray by the players. She lied without batting an eye.
"Then I'll ask for you." The secretary-like woman turned and walked to Bryukhanov's door. Before she could knock, however, she heard a voice coming from inside. Bryukhanov seemed to be speaking with someone on the phone.
He kept an extremely low profile, his voice carrying a hint of ingratiation. "All right, I understand. Rest assured, the situation isn't serious. We're supplying water to the reactor. So far, two people have died in the accident. I know, I certainly bear responsibility..."
Bryukhanov paused here. "And about the matter I mentioned before, just in case, what do you think..." But before he could finish, the person on the other end interrupted him. Bryukhanov then repeatedly voiced his agreement.
The atmosphere in the corridor became somewhat awkward.
The secretary-like woman waited until the call ended, then stood outside the door for about another half minute before knocking.
"Come in."
"Director, representatives from the Reactor No. 5