The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

The events that just unfolded left everyone with lingering fears.

Seeing Chen Fang again, naturally, he was viewed with a bit more esteem.

Although Liu Yi was internally frustrated to the point of gritting his teeth, he had no recourse, after all, he was the one who brought the embarrassment upon himself.

Ahem...

Tang Guozheng cleared his throat.

Said, "Because of Mayor Liu's recent impromptu topic, we've delayed a bit, let's continue our meeting now."

This sentence, actually could have been unnecessary.

But Tang Guozheng still said it.

The purpose was simple, just a slight mockery directed at Liu Yi.

Adding fuel to the fire.

Liu Yi was furious, puffing through his nostrils.

"Today's topic, as mentioned from the beginning, concerns the appointment of Guangshou County's County Party Secretary. Comrade Zou Yibin from the Organization Department, please present your department's nominations."

Tang Guozheng said.

Then.

Zou Yibin, Minister of the City Organization Department of Shangqing City, stood up.

Holding a folder in his hand.

Said: "From the Organization Department's side, after a period of evaluation, regarding the position of Guangshou County County Party Secretary, we have put forward two candidates. First is Deputy Secretary-General of the municipal government, Qi Kang. Everyone is fairly familiar with this comrade, during his tenure as Deputy Secretary-General of the municipal government, he has diligently led the efficiency reform of Shangqing City's Municipal Government Office with remarkable results. After evaluation, the Organization Department nominates him as a candidate for Guangshou County's County Party Secretary."

Upon hearing the name Qi Kang.

Chen Fang was taken aback for a moment.

Why such an out-of-character reaction?

Because this Qi Kang is a prominent figure in Shangqing City Government; Chen Fang had heard the name by his second day in Shangqing City.

Qi Kang, twenty-nine this year, graduated at twenty-one from Shangqing Vocational Technical College, a junior college.

After graduation, Qi Kang took the initiative to apply for teaching in remote areas, was recruited as a teacher at twenty-two.

Two years later, at the age of twenty-four, due to his "outstanding" performance, he was promoted to Deputy Director of the County Education Bureau in the remote-teaching area, completing a metamorphosis from ordinary teacher to civil servant.

At twenty-six, Qi Kang was transferred from the remote area to Peiliu County of Shangqing City, continuing as Deputy Director of the Education Bureau, and that same year became Director.

At twenty-eight, he was transferred from Peiliu County to Shangqing Municipal Government Office, serving as Deputy Secretary-General to this day.

It should be said, Qi Kang's career path is an exemplary story of a meteoric rise, but is it truly so?

He has another identity — the son of Qi Shouting, Deputy Secretary of Jiuhai Provincial Committee.

A textbook case of a second-generation official.

Speaking of Qi Shouting, one cannot help but mention someone else—Liu Yi.

During Qi Shouting's tenure as City Secretary of Longxing, his secretary was none other than Liu Yi now.

In other words, Qi Kang being nominated as County Party Secretary for Guangshou County is orchestrated by Liu Yi.

It's crucial to note that Qi Kang has not actually governed a region, has never even served as a vice-county head overseeing any sector; with such a resume and qualification, he doesn't meet the criteria for promotion.

Yet, the City Organization Department has put him forward as the first choice.

This indicates that this current standing committee meeting is, bluntly, convened for Qi Kang.

At this thought.

Chen Fang glanced at Tang Guozheng.

Only to see his face calm, without a ripple, clearly showing he had long been aware of Qi Kang's nomination.

Which is unsurprising.

As the top leader in Shangqing City.

Such a nomination must, by necessity, be discussed with him in advance.

"I have interacted with Comrade Qi Kang fairly often in daily affairs, although this comrade is young, he is energetic and enthusiastic, the Organization Department's decision to promote him to Guangshou County's County Party Secretary position is something I personally regard favorably. Placing him there might introduce new vigor into Guangshou County's tourism industry."

No sooner had Zou Yibin finished speaking.

Then Secretary of the City Committee Su Shangcheng continued with his remarks.

Liu Yi, however, maintained a stern expression.

Addressing Zou Yibin he said, "Minister Zou, weren't there two candidates mentioned? Who is the other one?"

Zou Yibin promptly replied, "Oh yes, the Organization Department has additionally put forth another candidate: Comrade Tian Jiamu, County Head of Zhongji County."

Tian Jiamu?

Upon hearing this name.

Chen Fang internally chuckled.

County Head of Zhongji County, Tian Jiamu is already over fifty years old.

This individual's political achievements are nominal, remaining in this position purely due to longstanding seniority, promotion to the top position is utterly impossible.

This nomination is clearly for running alongside Qi Kang.

Additionally, it serves to accentuate Qi Kang.

The audience chuckled knowingly.

In this scenario, who isn't aware of the true situation?

Yet, Chen Fang still finds himself puzzled — how would Tang Guozheng agree with such an evidently inclined promotion?

Could it be due to Qi Shouting?

Or perhaps because County Head Yang Qunjie is his man, he has to concede at the County Party Secretary position?

While contemplating the underlying maneuverings.

Municipal Standing Committee member and Deputy Mayor Lin Yanang furrowed his brow and said, "Though Comrade Jiamu also meets promotion criteria, placing him in Guangshou County is personally seen as inappropriate. Guangshou County's development in recent years has focused on the tourism sector, which is a youthful industry; as Secretary Su mentioned earlier, Guangshou County requires vitality and vigor, Comrade Jiamu's age is a limitation, my personal opinion favors Comrade Qi Kang as the more fitting choice."

Municipal Standing Committee member and United Front Minister Jiang Xiuji immediately added, "Yes, yes, I think Mayor Lin's statement is quite reasonable; Guangshou County is a rising star, having Comrade Qi Kang there would be a harmonious match."

His comments.

Seemed to ignite the emotions of the attendees.

Everyone started expressing their views.

Of course, all in praise of Qi Kang.

Chen Fang, in his current position, had no substantial proposals; furthermore, he had more important tasks at hand forthcoming, so he didn't raise any objections regarding the nomination.

Better to avoid complications, particularly since Qi Kang is backed by Qi Shouting.

Just as he was idly letting his mind wander.

Suddenly, a voice in the crowd asked, "Secretary Chen, what is your opinion?"

Chen Fang jolted with surprise.

Looking up.

He saw Propaganda Minister Li Xuan staring at him intently with her beautiful eyes.

Having been in Shangqing City for a while.

All of Chen Fang's interactions with Li Xuan were strictly work-related, apart from exchanged glances during certain meetings, there was no private contact between the two.

Moreover, Li Xuan rarely voiced her opinions in public settings.

During multiple meetings.

She remained silent like a shadow.

Almost appearing as a transparent presence.

If not for her genuinely attractive looks.

Chen Fang might almost forget she existed.

Yet today, in this meeting.

Why did she suddenly seek his opinion?

The noisy atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly quietened down.

All eyes turned instantly to Chen Fang.