Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 12: The Selection of the First Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee – A Slap in the Fa

Zhang Xianmeng got more and more excited as he spoke: "I heard that there is no cell phone signal in the forest farm, and there is no entertainment except looking at the stars at night."

Zhiyuan, don't let the mountain winds blow away your talent, or scare it away by wild boars!

Why don't you just write a book called "The Forest Ranger's Notes" with the forest farm as the background?

Who knows, it might even record some strange tales from the mountains and fields, though I doubt many people would read them.

Faced with ridicule, Wu Zhiyuan remained unusually calm. He cleared his throat and said, "You're right. Qinglong Mountain Forest Farm is indeed remote, with poor signal and very quiet at night. Wild boars are indeed something we need to guard against."

But some things can only be seen more clearly in such quiet.

For example, what kind of life do I truly want?

Everyone has their own path. Some people like to strive for fame and fortune in the bustling city, believing that that is the true path to success;

Some people may feel more at ease knowing they are surrounded by green mountains and clear waters.

"You are not a fish, how can you know the joy of fish?"

Wu Zhiyuan's gaze fell on the few people who were looking down on him, and he continued, "I think that compared to smiling and flattering at the dinner table and constantly trying to read other people's expressions, it is much more peaceful and at ease to be alone in the forest farm, guarding the green mountains and trees."

At least, trees don't act one way in front of people and another way behind their backs.

These words, though seemingly casual, were a veiled criticism of the sycophants present.

Sun Runcai invited everyone to sit down at the table.

Zhang Xianmeng, Jiang Dongxing, and other sycophants pushed Bian Songlong to the main seat.

Bian Songlong pretended to decline, but Zhang Xianmeng said, "Songlong, don't refuse! It's inappropriate for either of us to sit in the host's seat today!"

Bian Songlong then sat down with a clear conscience.

As the only woman at the table, and a genuine beauty at that, Ye Xiaoman was very popular, and several men wanted to sit next to her.

However, Ye Xiaoman politely declined: "I have something to discuss with Zhiyuan, so please sit with him."

Wu Zhiyuan sat at the end of the row because the seating order was based on rank. He was just a forest ranger, so what rank did he have?

Bian Songlong was displeased. He was originally sitting next to Ye Xiaoman, but now Wu Zhiyuan had gotten the seat. He said unhappily, "Reporter Ye is quite sentimental, but this last seat is a disservice to you."

Ye Xiaoman smiled calmly: "Tonight is a small gathering of friends. We are all friends, there is no distinction between superiors and subordinates, and naturally there is no distinction between host and guest."

She turned her gaze to the host, Sun Runcai: "Runcai, don't you think so?"

Sun Runcai chimed in, "Reporter Ye is absolutely right! It's just old classmates and acquaintances getting together for a meal, why make such a fuss?"

The signature dish of Lao E Tang Restaurant is naturally Lao E Tang (old goose soup).

Select geese that are over two years old, slaughter them fresh, and simmer them over low heat using well water or mineral water.

The soup is reddish-brown and clear, the goose meat is tender yet firm, oily but not greasy, and has a delicious flavor.

During the banquet, Bian Songlong talked at length, showing off his familiarity with officialdom and his extensive network of connections, while his gaze frequently drifted towards Ye Xiaoman.

Zhang Xianmeng interjected, "Songlong, I heard that after the Municipal Party Secretary Xu Youwei came to Longcheng, he was dissatisfied with the secretary assigned to him by the Municipal Party Committee Office and wants to replace him. Did you know that?"

Bian Songlong said smugly, "Of course I know. The secretary that the Municipal Party Committee Office assigned to Secretary Xu before was named Ang Yang, and he was a good friend of mine."

Not only Ang Yang, but also several secretaries recommended by the Municipal Party Committee Office were not satisfactory to Secretary Xu.

He had three requirements for his secretary: solid writing skills; no prior experience working in the municipal party committee; and a quick mind.

Zhang Xianmeng asked, puzzled, "Why is it required that you haven't worked in the municipal party committee?"

Bian Songlong pretended to be profound and said, "Secretary Xu has just arrived in Longcheng and hasn't figured out the situation yet. Everyone in the municipal party committee has been in the circle for several years."

It's either about having connections with this leader or relying on the power of that department; there are too many vested interests and intricate personal relationships involved behind the scenes.

Take Angyang for example. He worked in the municipal party committee office for five years, rising from a staff member to a deputy section chief. He served under two different leaders and probably has a lot of dirt on people and owes them favors.

If he were truly appointed as Secretary Xu, he would inevitably be influenced by personal motives when handling daily work and coordination. He might either speak on behalf of old relationships or deliberately avoid certain people and matters. How could Secretary Xu then grasp the true situation?

Although Wu Zhiyuan disliked Bian Songlong, what he said seemed to make sense.

Bian Songlong continued, "I heard that Secretary Xu has handpicked a secretary, and the selection will be finalized today. I've come to ask my close friend in the Municipal Party Committee Office who this person is."

"Songlong really has a wide network of connections." Jiang Dongxing paused and said, "Songlong, I heard that Mayor Ai Kun used to be the governor's secretary. He's a very assertive person. I guess there's going to be a good show to watch now. He's destined to fight Xu Youwei for power."

Bian Songlong smiled mysteriously: "Are there many top two leaders who can coexist peacefully? I don't think there are many."

For example, the former municipal party secretary who was dismissed had undermined the power of the municipal party secretary when he was mayor, and undermined the power of the mayor when he was municipal party secretary.

Mayor Ai only came to Longcheng last year and doesn't have enough experience; otherwise, Secretary Xu wouldn't have been chosen as the Party Secretary.

Ye Xiaoman seemed uninterested in these official rumors. Her gaze fell on Wu Zhiyuan: "Zhiyuan, I saw a report about the reform of state-owned forest farms a while ago, and I found it quite interesting. What are you mainly doing there now?"

Wu Zhiyuan was somewhat surprised, not expecting Ye Xiaoman to ask this question, so he replied, "In addition to traditional afforestation and forest protection, the forest farm is also trying to develop under-forest economy, such as planting Chinese medicinal herbs, and the planning of ecotourism is also in the preliminary research stage."

"Understory economy? Tell me about it?" Ye Xiaoman seemed very interested.

"The main ones are medicinal herbs like Polygonatum and Bletilla striata, which are suitable for the shady and humid environment under the forest."

Qinglong Mountain boasts a superior ecological environment, ensuring the quality of its medicinal herbs.

"What about ecotourism? Does it have any unique resources?"

"It has ancient post roads, stream landscapes, and a bamboo forest of thousands of acres. It is rich in bird resources and is suitable for bird watching and hiking."

Moreover, the area boasts a negative oxygen ion content of up to 3 per cubic centimeter, which will provide a comfortable health and wellness environment for tourists in the future.

Ye Xiaoman listened attentively, nodding occasionally: "It seems to have great potential. Nowadays, people are increasingly yearning for nature and returning to simplicity. If planned properly and with investment, it is indeed a promising direction."

Zhiyuan, leave your contact information. I'd like to visit sometime and maybe do an interview.

Ye Xiaoman offered Wu Zhiyuan a business card.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Zhao exclaimed, "Oh dear, Reporter Ye, this won't do! This is showing favoritism!"

Who among us wouldn't want to have your contact information, esteemed journalist?

"It'll be easier for me to ask questions or collaborate in the future! Could you give me one too?"

Ye Xiaoman handed out a business card to each person and said casually, "I welcome everyone to provide me with news leads."

Bian Songlong was undoubtedly the star of the banquet, with many people taking turns toasting him and saying sycophantic things.

In contrast, apart from Ye Xiaoman, Li Mo, and Sun Runcai, no one toasted Wu Zhiyuan.

Out of politeness, Wu Zhiyuan toasted Zhang Xianmeng and Jiang Dongxing, but they did not return the toast.

Zhao Zhao was the most enthusiastic in toasting Bian Songlong. During his second toast, he made a small request: "Secretary Bian, I heard there's a cultural support project in the district recently? Our company is actually looking to develop in that direction. I wonder if there's an opportunity?"

Bian Songlong spoke in an official tone: "Yes, there is such an intention. However, the project has a high threshold, and in the end, it depends on the strength and the plan."

Of course, I can keep an eye out for you if the opportunity arises.

"Thank you so much! It's all thanks to Secretary Bian's guidance!" Zhao Zhao quickly raised another glass.

Zhang Xianmeng used the opportunity of suppressing Wu Zhiyuan to elevate Bian Songlong: "If you ask me, people really are different."

Despite his young age, Songlong was already a favorite of the district party secretary and had a promising future.

Some people have the empty title of "talented scholar," but what is the result?

Therefore, making the right choices is more important than hard work; following the right people and doing the right things are the key!

"Songlong, please make progress quickly; I'm counting on your help."

Wu Zhiyuan was not angry at all. Instead, he smiled and said, "Xianmeng is right. Choices are indeed important. Some people choose to curry favor with the powerful, while others choose to be down-to-earth."

Some people seek validation at the dinner table, while others choose to find peace in nature. Everyone has their own aspirations; why force things?

He paused, his gaze calmly sweeping over Zhang Xianmeng, Zhao Zhao, and Jiang Dongxing before finally landing on Bian Songlong's face. His tone remained calm: "As for the future, it's best to have a long-term perspective."

The ups and downs of officialdom are like the ebb and flow of the tide; today's honored guest may be tomorrow's prisoner. Who can say for sure?

Just as Bian Songlong was about to get angry, his phone rang. He glanced at it and gestured for everyone to be quiet: "It's my best buddy from the Municipal Party Committee Office calling."