The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

"It's good that you've adapted. I originally planned to host a welcome dinner for you last night, but due to some things being delayed, we'll postpone it. We'll arrange it on another day when I'm less busy and coordinate with the City Government Office."

"No problem, Secretary Tang. Work comes first. As for dining and drinking, we'll have plenty of time for that in the future."

Chen Fang spoke politely.

Tang Guozheng nodded.

He said, "Yes, we'll have plenty of time in the future..."

The rest of the words had not yet come out.

The office door clicked and was pushed open directly.

A voice said, "Secretary Tang, what does Cui Liansheng mean by saying my ideological politics don't meet the standard? Isn't he just giving me a hard time..."

As soon as the words were finished.

The person who came in happened to see Chen Fang.

His expression froze instantly.

He stared at Chen Fang, dumbfounded for a moment.

Then switched to a different tone, saying, "Hello, Secretary Chen."

The person before him was probably in his forties.

Wearing an administrative jacket, his appearance was rather decent.

Considerably dashing.

Especially with the hair, combed slick and neat, without a strand out of place.

Tang Guozheng had a gloomy face.

Yet he said to Chen Fang, "Comrade Chen Fang, let me introduce you, Yang Qunjie, Deputy Secretary of the Shangjiang District Committee."

"Oh, hello, Secretary Yang."

Chen Fang nodded slightly toward him.

"Leader, you converse with Secretary Chen, I'll wait outside for a moment."

Yang Qunjie, coming to his senses, said to Tang Guozheng.

Chen Fang discerned that the relationship between Yang Qunjie and Tang Guozheng was likely atypical.

After all, it's not easy to meet the City Secretary, and the key thing is, he didn't even need to knock to enter Tang Guozheng's room, indicating a considerable level of trust between them.

Just as he was about to turn and leave.

Tang Guozheng called out, "Comrade Tan Jie, I don't have any urgent matters with Secretary Chen, now is a good time for you to meet Secretary Chen."

When the chief speaks.

Yang Qunjie naturally wouldn't dare to defy.

He obediently sat on the side.

However, from his sitting posture, Chen Fang didn't sense any restraint. On the contrary, it was a relaxed demeanor, suggesting he frequented Tang Guozheng's office.

"Comrade Chen Fang, Comrade Tan Jie has done well in his work in Shangjiang District these recent years, handling party-related affairs seamlessly. He is quite talented, the city initially planned to give him a chance to serve as county mayor in Guangshou County. Not sure how this lad upset Comrade Liansheng, but he's stuck at a hurdle with him not signing off, resulting in us just having a dispute over it."

Tang Guozheng sighed deeply.

It turns out it was all about this matter.

Talking about it openly in front of Chen Fang and Yang Qunjie, Tang Guozheng had two aims.

First, to gain Chen Fang's sympathy and garner his support for Yang Qunjie.

Second, to inform Yang Qunjie, I've put much effort into your matter, explaining the reasons behind his questioning upon entering.

Since he had already grasped Tang Guozheng's intention.

It wouldn't make sense not to respond.

Chen Fang paused for a moment and asked, "Does Secretary Cui have different ideas?"

The implication being, he was asking whether Cui Liansheng had his own candidate.

The position of county mayor in Guangshou County is quite significant.

It seems to be an interest battle between the two factions.

Tang Guozheng smiled slightly, saying, "Comrade Liansheng doesn't have his own ideas, mainly because Mayor Liu Yi also has a candidate."

This statement conveyed more information.

Tang Guozheng basically informed Chen Fang.

This is a strategic maneuver between him and Liu Yi.

And Cui Liansheng was Liu Yi's vanguard, stepping up to the front line.

Originally thought the political landscape of Shangqing City was a monolith, but unexpectedly, the internal divergence was considerable. Yet, it isn't surprising; in officialdom, interest comes first, and there are inherent conflicts between the chief and deputy. No deputy is content to just play second fiddle, nor can a chief stand having a deputy challenging them.

Politics values balance.

Even those above won't allow any faction below to grow too large.

In a flash of insight, Chen Fang made his decision.

To him, it's an opportunity—a rare chance. If well grasped, subsequent tasks will become easier.

With this thought in mind, Chen Fang asked, "Do you know who Mayor Liu is recommending?"

Tang Guozheng had not had time to speak.

Yang Qunjie complained, "Who else could it be? Gu Zhengliang from the City Government Office; that guy is no good, in my opinion, he..."

"Cough cough cough..."

He was interrupted mid-sentence.

Tang Guozheng started coughing.

This was a signal to halt.

Although Yang Qunjie was resentful, he still shut his mouth.

"Gu Zhengliang is the Deputy Secretary-General of our City Government Office. Honestly, his work these past few years has been outstanding too, not inferior to Comrade Tan Jie. It's not that I don't recognize Comrade Gu Zhengliang, mainly I've heard rumors about some issues with his lifestyle conduct, which is why I've been hesitant."

No wonder he's the chief.

Handling things skillfully, leaving no room for error.

First praised, then criticized.

The initial praise was to tell Chen Fang his choice of Yang Qunjie was not due to favoritism.

He subtly suggested afterward that Gu Zhengliang's conduct had issues, hinting to Chen Fang, as the Disciplinary Committee Secretary, it's within your scope of duty, maybe you can lend a hand.

Clearly.

Tang Guozheng used this chance to gauge Chen Fang's position.

This minor scheme, Chen Fang naturally understood.

He smiled.

Patted his chest and said, "Secretary Tang, how about you leave this matter to me. I'll conduct an undercover investigation. If Comrade Gu Zhengliang proves to be fine, we'll bring the district mayor issue to the Standing Committee for discussion. But if any issues arise, the Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Committee won't hold back. What do you think?"

This response.

Could be considered a positive one.

Tang Guozheng flashed an immediate beaming smile.

He said to the still dazed Yang Qunjie, "Comrade Tan Jie, you should quickly thank Secretary Chen, this indicates Secretary Chen recognizes your work."

Yang Qunjie, slowly coming to realization, also understood.

He promptly stood up.

Bending over, extending his hand to Chen Fang.

Excitedly said, "Secretary Chen, I'm really grateful to you..."

"What are you talking about, this has nothing to do with you, this is originally the work of our Disciplinary Committee."

Chen Fang said.

Upon taking on this task.

After a few more words of courtesy.

Chen Fang found an excuse to leave.

Upon his departure.

Yang Qunjie happily said, "Leader, you are still the formidable one, persuading Chen Fang with just a few words. Now, Gu Zhengliang is going to be in trouble."

Tang Guozheng wasn't so upbeat.

Maintaining a silent demeanor.

Mumbled, "Hmm, strange, I originally thought Chen Fang would ask something of me too, but in the end, he didn't mention anything. This guy, why does he have me puzzled..."