Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 357 The Ignorant Girl

Liao Chenggong remained calm.

He was willing to spend money on Yuan Jin not for charity, but to seek a return.

This is actually an investment.

Investments don't always yield immediate returns.

Investing eight million now could yield ten times, or even a hundred times, the benefits in the future.

Once Yuan Jin is promoted, the resources and connections he controls will bring benefits to Liao Chenggong and the Daling Group that far exceed eight million.

Policy support, project approval, land quotas, bank loans...

If any of these are managed properly, wouldn't it lead to mountains of gold and seas of silver? And that's just what's on the surface.

More importantly, with Yuan Jin as his taller and stronger patron, Liao Chenggong's foundation in Qingyan and even the whole city became more solid. In the future, when facing a hothead like Wu Zhiyuan, he would be much more confident.

Not to mention Yuan Jin's career advancement, even now as the county party secretary, he can easily recoup his costs with just one project.

Promoting his son, Liao Jinshen, to deputy section chief was a bonus that came with this investment.

As the county party secretary, it would be easy for Yuan Jin to promote a deputy section-level cadre, if not a piece of cake.

With his son entering the system and becoming a leader, the Liao family transformed from a purely business family into a family that combined official and business interests. Liao Chenggong understood all too well the benefits of this.

But he said insincerely, "Secretary Yuan, Jin Shen is a young boy who needs more experience and training."

It is his good fortune that you think highly of him.

As for the promotion, let it happen naturally; I don't want to put you in a difficult position.

Yuan Jin waved her hand: "What's so difficult about it? The organization should boldly use outstanding young cadres who meet the requirements. I know what I'm doing."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Old Liao, you should keep a low profile for the next period of time."

We must always keep safety in mind.

If you don't want to go down the mine, it's actually quite simple: hand over the mine management to someone you trust. Since you're not the mine manager, you won't need to go down the mine.

Liao Chenggong nodded and said, "Secretary Yuan, I really mean it. Daling Coal Mine generally attaches great importance to safety."

But even with the utmost care, and to guarantee that no accidents will ever happen, I don't want to lose my life underground.

Yuan Jin added, "There's another person, Wu Zhiyuan. You need to work on your relationship with him soon."

It's understandable that a newly appointed official, young and ambitious, might want to make a splash.

The commotion he caused in Daling Town was mainly aimed at you, and it made quite a stir.

This shows that he's not a law-abiding citizen, and he doesn't take you or the Daling Group very seriously.

Liao Chenggong nodded and said, "Yes, he favored Dajiang Cement, nitpicked at the mine, and even threatened to investigate taxes. I really can't swallow this!"

"Even if you can't swallow it, you have to. A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan."

Lao Liao, at this critical time, you need to keep a low profile. What good will it do you to go against him?

It will only make him keep a closer eye on you, escalate small things, and intensify the conflict.

He's the county head now, the top official in the government. If he's really determined to investigate you, even with my help, many things will become very passive and troublesome.

Even if he nitpicks, it's because there are bones in your eggs. If there were no bones, how could he nitpick?

Take workplace safety and taxation as examples; he's causing trouble because the coal mine does indeed have safety hazards and tax issues.

Can he distort the truth and fabricate stories out of thin air?

"Secretary Yuan is absolutely right. I was thinking of taking some time to visit Wu Zhiyuan's place, deliver a few things, and leave some trace of my visit..."

"Old Liao, you need to be mindful of the methods you use when doing things, and you also need to be selective about who you treat."

Wu Zhiyuan is young, energetic, and seems like someone who wants to get things done.

This kind of person's appetite may not be limited to money, or perhaps they have a rather wary attitude towards money.

"Secretary Yuan, I understand what you mean. He doesn't necessarily need to be given money directly."

What if we arranged for a caring person to go and take care of him?

County Magistrate Wu is young, and being alone in Qingyan, there are bound to be some inconveniences…

Yuan Jin reminded him, "Wu Zhiyuan is single, you know that? Are we going to accuse him of misconduct?"

"Secretary Yuan, I know. He's single. If he dates a single girl, he'll argue that it's a romantic relationship."

But what if he were to find a married woman? That would be a matter of moral conduct beyond question.

"A married woman? That's more covert and harder to explain than giving money directly."

Once it gets on you, it's like the yellow mud in your crotch—even if it's not shit, it'll still look like shit.

"Yes, Secretary Yuan. Explaining this kind of thing is just covering it up; the more you explain, the worse it gets."

Moreover, if it got out that a county magistrate like him was having an affair with a married woman, his reputation would be completely ruined.

Will he still have the mind and the confidence to investigate my coal mine and my taxes then?

I suddenly thought of someone: Jiang Xiaohua, the director of the County Government Affairs Management Center.

Jiang Xiaohua was a well-known public mistress in Qingyan County, having slept with many officials.

Yuan Jin remained calm and composed.

Not long after he arrived in Qingyan County, Jiang Xiaohua slept with him.

Although he knew he shouldn't touch this woman, and that she wasn't young, he simply couldn't resist the temptation.

It must be said that this woman has the qualities to become a public mistress.

Although she is middle-aged, she still retains her charm and is full of variety, making her more alluring than those naive young girls.

After a long silence, Yuan Jin spoke up: "Let Jiang Xiaohua go find Wu Zhiyuan herself? Is she willing?"

Liao Chenggong grinned mischievously: "Secretary Yuan, everyone knows that Qingyan Hotel is Jiang Xiaohua's headquarters."

Many of the girls there were trained by her, including some married women.

Yuan Jin was taken aback: "Old Liao, how do you know so much?"

Liao Chenggong chuckled a few times: "Secretary Yuan, this seems to be an open secret, doesn't it?"

"Old Liao, what are your thoughts?"

"Secretary Yuan, I will not lie to you."

If Wu Zhiyuan is not dealt with, he will always be a hidden danger.

Wu Zhiyuan was able to become the county magistrate at such a young age because Lin Xue was backing him up.

There are rumors that Wu Zhiyuan is Lin Xue's lover.

Rumors are rumors, and their truth is unknown, but one thing is certain.

That is, Wu Zhiyuan and Lin Xue have a special relationship.

Secretary Yuan, let me be frank, if Wu Zhiyuan becomes the county magistrate, he will probably be even less obedient to you than Yu Jinxing.

Firstly, Wu Zhiyuan was young and impetuous, and secondly, Wu Zhiyuan had a deeper background than Yu Jinxing.

He hasn't even been officially elected county magistrate yet, but he's already establishing his authority everywhere. If he gains a foothold in Qingyan County, he'll most likely challenge your authority.

What to do? Then we need to find a way to catch him red-handed.

There's no cat that can't eat fish. I don't believe I can't win over Wu Zhiyuan.

Yuan Jin slowly said, "Old Liao, I've thought about all of what you've said."

Wu Zhiyuan is indeed a variable. He has Lin Xue behind him, as well as connections in the province. He is powerful, shrewd, and probably unwilling to obey the county party committee leadership.

Having Jiang Xiaohua handle things is a good idea, but the question is, will Jiang Xiaohua listen to you?

Liao Chenggong smiled enigmatically: "She may not listen to me, but she will listen to you."

"Listen to me?" Yuan Jin stared at Liao Chenggong.

"Haha. Secretary Yuan, everyone in Qingyan County knows that you trust Jiang Xiaohua the most, and you even plan to recommend her for the position of deputy county head."

Yuan Jin did indeed intend to recommend Jiang Xiaohua for the position of deputy county head.

Although the deputy county head was promoted, his decision didn't count; the power to appoint personnel rested with the city.

But as the county party secretary, he has the right to make recommendations and can also manipulate things.

In short, the county party secretary cannot decide the appointment of the deputy county head, but if he really wanted to pull something, the probability of success would be quite high.

Jiang Xiaohua graduated from junior high school and went on to obtain associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, all of which were earned through Party schools.

Although it's a fake diploma, it's useful for promotions and salary increases, and there's no difference between it and a full-time degree.

Although Jiang Xiaohua has no political achievements, her greatest advantage is that she is a woman.

In recent years, "naive girls" have had a clear advantage in promotion, and there has been preferential treatment in policies.

"Wu" means non-partisan.

"Zhi" refers to intellectuals.

"Shao" refers to ethnic minorities.

"女" means woman.

Having any one of these qualities gives you an advantage in promotions.

For example, it could be said that, due to the needs of team building, the county government leadership team needs a female deputy county head, and Jiang Xiaohua is the most suitable candidate.

Although Jiang Xiaohua has a bad reputation and there are many rumors about him, they can all be considered rumors before the official confirmation.

Who dares to say Jiang Xiaohua is a public bus without evidence?

I told you, I can sue you for spreading rumors and defamation.

Jiang Xiaohua had slept with many men. The reason she was able to rise from a junior high school student and a hotel waitress to a section-level leader was because of her subsequent promotions.

However, there is no evidence; it's all just rumors and fabrications.

"Old Liao, I know about this," Yuan Jin said calmly.

If Liao Chenggong were to personally find fault with Wu Zhiyuan or devise a scheme to frame him, Yuan Jin would be happy to see it happen.

But he could only hint or encourage, not give direct instructions.

Now that Liao Chenggong has passed the buck to him, how can he readily agree?

Yuan Jin knew very well that he and Liao Chenggong were definitely not true friends.

If Liao Chenggong gets into trouble, it is very likely that he will be implicated.

Even if he wanted Jiang Xiaohua to seduce Wu Zhiyuan, he wouldn't let Liao Chenggong know.

Some things are better known to as few people as possible.

"Secretary Yuan, I think we can take a two-pronged approach. I'll think of a way and use other methods. It would be best to have Jiang Xiaohua come forward as well."

Liao Chenggong was making it clear that he and Yuan Jin had devised separate plans to take down Wu Zhiyuan.

"That's enough for now." Yuan Jin stood up, stretched, and said, "Shouldn't we head back?"

"Secretary Yuan, that girl from the technical school is still waiting for you."

The young lady is inexperienced and needs your guidance.

I believe that your in-depth conversation with her will greatly benefit her growth.

"Really? Then I'll take advantage of the alcohol tonight and give her some life advice."

……

Like Wu Zhiyuan, Yuan Jin was also an exchange cadre from another region.

His wife and children are in Longcheng and Qingyan, so he is considered a bachelor.

It's another night.

Jiang Xiaohua has arrived.

She was wearing a navy blue knitted cardigan over a white undershirt, with a neckline that was neither too high nor too low, revealing a section of her fair neck.

Although she is middle-aged, she has maintained a great figure. She is slim where she should be and curvy where she should be. Her waist is still slender and her hips are still full.

She wore light makeup and lipstick, and her skin was fair and firm. She didn't look old at all; instead, she exuded a mature woman's unique charm.