Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 374 Top Secret Weapon

Liao Chenggong hosted another banquet for Yuan Jin at the villa.

Following Yuan Jin's instructions, Liao Chenggong only invited Jiang Xiaohua, the director of the County Government Affairs Management Center.

Also, there is Liao Chenggong's son, Liao Jinshen.

The resort is not open to the public; it is used specifically to receive guests from various connections.

The villa is nestled in a bamboo forest, with winding paths leading to secluded spots. Several antique-style buildings are scattered in a well-organized manner, making it both hidden and elegant.

The private room was small, but decorated in an antique style.

A round table made of rosewood was laden with delicacies from land and sea, and a bottle of aged Moutai liquor had been opened, its aroma filling the air.

Yuan Jin took her seat at the head of the table, Jiang Xiaohua sat to her right, Liao Chenggong sat to her left, and Liao Jinshen sat below, responsible for pouring the wine.

"Secretary Yuan, it's just the few of us tonight, a small gathering."

Yuan Jin was a frequent visitor to the villa.

It's secluded, safe, and fully equipped with a one-stop service for eating, drinking, and entertainment.

Many leaders talk at length about what they do outside of work hours on the podium, but in reality, they know how to enjoy themselves and are more carefree than anyone else outside of work hours.

The grand and dignified manners displayed on the surface are merely polite words spoken to outsiders. It is only in private settings like these, behind closed doors, that one's true self is revealed, stripped of all pretense.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Liao Chenggong said, "Secretary Yuan, I went to Wu Zhiyuan's residence last night and put 200,000 yuan in cash in a fruit box, which he returned untouched."

Do you think Wu Zhiyuan is complaining about the amount of money, or is he just being hypocritical?

Yuan Jin took a sip of wine and said slowly, "Old Liao, this trick won't work on some people."

This kind of person, if they really want to achieve something, is ambitious. Besides, you're not familiar with Wu Zhiyuan. Won't he think this is a trap you've carefully set?

Jiang Xiaohua chimed in, "That's right. Wu Zhiyuan just arrived in Qingyan and you're not familiar with him. How could he possibly accept 200,000 yuan if you just gave it to him without warning? Are you that close to him? Obviously not."

Lao Liao, there is no cat in this world that doesn't eat fish, but if a cat knows that the fish is bait, would it still dare to eat it?

Speaking of which, you're a seasoned veteran, how could you make such a basic mistake?

Last time he nitpicked and caused you trouble, and you immediately gave him 200,000. What do you think he'll think?

Isn't this blatantly a case of someone having a guilty conscience and trying to keep quiet by paying someone off?

Liao Chenggong chuckled awkwardly, "Director Jiang is right, I was too hasty."

But that day he was inspecting the coal mine and saying he was going to check the taxes, so I wasn't feeling at ease.

Yuan Jin said slowly, "Old Liao, it was indeed rash of you to give away this 200,000."

However, it's good to come back; at least it made you see one thing clearly.

Wu Zhiyuan is not someone who can be bought with money. At least, not someone who can be bought with 200,000 yuan.

Liao Chenggong nodded thoughtfully.

Jiang Xiaohua chimed in, "Secretary Yuan is right. If Wu Zhiyuan really accepted the 200,000 yuan, things would be much easier."

If he dares to accept it, we dare to keep the evidence. Then, if he wants to gain a foothold in Qingyan, he'll have to obey. The fact that he's not accepting it now is actually more troublesome.

Liao Chenggong sighed: "What can I do? He's keeping a close eye on me, and the coal mine is going to check taxes. I'm always worried about him."

Yuan Jin waved her hand: "You don't need to worry about the tax investigation. I know what's going on with the tax bureau."

"If Sun Limin really dares to touch you, I'll make him regret it."

Liao Jinshen was very enthusiastic in pouring and toasting. Yuan Jin looked at Liao Chenggong and said, "Old Liao, Jinshen's promotion to deputy section chief almost caused problems at the five-person group meeting. Wu Zhiyuan brought up Jinshen's academic qualifications at the meeting."

Both Liao Chenggong and Liao Jinshen looked nervous.

Liao Jinshen's undergraduate and graduate degrees were obtained from diploma mills and cannot be certified by the Ministry of Education.

Nevertheless, through the careful maneuvering of Yuan Jin and others, Liao Jinshen entered the system through talent introduction and became a formal staff member of a public institution, and was even packaged as a "returnee from overseas".

Liao Jinshen's biggest weakness was his educational background, and Wu Zhiyuan seized on that weakness.

If Wu Zhiyuan keeps pressing the issue, not only will Liao Jinshen's promotion be impossible, but even his job security will be in question.

Liao Chenggong had been running a business for many years and realized the significant role that the protection of officials played in enterprises, especially private enterprises. Therefore, he spared no effort to get his son into the system and become an official.

Does he care about that meager fixed salary within the system? He doesn't care at all. Instead, he hopes his son can rise through the ranks within the system, make connections with powerful figures, protect the family business, and reap benefits for it, such as projects, preferential treatment, and rewards.

Yuan Jin said unhurriedly, "Wu Zhiyuan said that when Jin Shen was recruited as a talent, his overseas degree was not certified by the Ministry of Education."

He added that it's necessary to find out who signed and who gave their approval in the first place.

Liao Chenggong's face turned ashen: "Isn't this just dredging up old grievances? Jin Shen has been in the system for years, what's the point of bringing this up now?"

Jiang Xiaohua interjected, "Old Liao, don't you understand? Wu Zhiyuan is giving you a warning."

Jin Shen's educational background is a card he holds in his hand.

He doesn't play it, but he lets you know he has this card.

If you make any further moves, he can pull it out at any time.

Liao Chenggong asked, "So, will Jin Shen be able to participate this time?"

Yuan Jin nodded: "It's possible. I've suppressed it."

Liao Chenggong breathed a long sigh of relief, raised his wine glass, and respectfully toasted Yuan Jin: "I knew it, with Secretary Yuan here, the sky in Qingyan won't fall down!"

Wu Zhiyuan is just a greenhorn, a newcomer. Even if he has some connections, what kind of trouble does he think he can cause in Qingyan? He's still too inexperienced!

Ultimately, you're the one who calls the shots in Qingyan. Once you set the tone at the county party committee standing committee meeting, who would dare to disagree?

"Come, come, Secretary Yuan, let me toast you to thank you for your care of Jin Shen. I, Liao Chenggong, will remember this kindness!"

Yuan Jin said calmly, "This time, Wu Zhiyuan did not insist on bringing up Jin Shen's academic qualifications, but it is still a hidden danger."

In other words, even if Wu Zhiyuan has something on you, what ability do you have to do so?

Liao Chenggong toasted Yuan Jin again, tentatively saying, "Secretary Yuan, even if Wu Zhiyuan isn't greedy, can a man of vigor remain unmoved by women?"

Yuan Jin gestured towards Jiang Xiaohua with her lip: "Xiaohua, you went to Wu Zhiyuan's place last time, tell Lao Liao about it."

Jiang Xiaohua continued, "That night, I sent him some fruit under the pretense of caring about his life."

Wu Zhiyuan was very polite and welcomed me in to sit for a while.

But I could sense that he always kept his distance, spoke tactlessly, and had a clean gaze, unlike some people who stare at inappropriate places as soon as they meet.

Then we chatted for a bit, and I asked if there was anything I needed to add to the house. He said everything was fine.

I asked him if he liked the food in the cafeteria, and he said it was pretty good.

I asked him if he had any hobbies on weekends, and he said he was busy with work.

Anyway, it's that polite yet distant feeling that makes it hard to find a way to get closer.

Liao Chenggong asked, "So, he didn't take the bait?"

Jiang Xiaohua rolled her eyes at him: "Old Liao, this is our first time meeting. What do you mean by 'taking the bait'?"

If I stick it on the first time I go, what would that look like?

Wu Zhiyuan wasn't stupid. That kind of tactic might work on lustful men, but against him, it would only scare them away.

Liao Chenggong offered his price: "Director Jiang, if you can take down Wu Zhiyuan, I'll give you one million."

Jiang Xiaohua glared at Liao Chenggong: "Old Liao, judging from your tone, it sounds like I specialize in this."

Liao Chenggong scoffed inwardly.

Who doesn't know that Jiang Xiaohua is a public mistress, or rather, a public toilet?

A waitress who didn't even finish junior high school managed to become a section-level leader and even wanted to become a deputy county head. Isn't it all because she's a bit pretty and good in bed?

Liao Chenggong said, "Director Jiang, please don't misunderstand. I mean, you have the methods and the means."

Jiang Xiaohua ignored Liao Chenggong's words and instead turned his gaze to Yuan Jin: "Secretary Yuan, I've been thinking about a question. Does Wu Zhiyuan have any weaknesses?"

Yuan Jin looked at her: "What do you think?"

Jiang Xiaohua shook his head: "It's not clear yet. He doesn't take money, and he's not lecherous, at least not on the surface."

They speak and act flawlessly, leaving no room for others to find fault with them.

Such a person is either a true saint or extremely cunning.

Yuan Jin nodded: "So which one do you prefer?"

Jiang Xiaohua slowly said, "I tend to think the latter. There are too few sages, and sages don't live long in officialdom."

Wu Zhiyuan was able to become the county magistrate at the age of 29, which means he was definitely not an ordinary person.

He must have a weakness; we just haven't found it yet.

Liao Chenggong chimed in, "I don't think Wu Zhiyuan isn't lustful. All men are lustful, but some hide it well while others are more open about it."

Wu Zhiyuan is so young and single, I don't believe he can keep it to himself forever.

Yuan Jin took a sip of Moutai liquor and said slowly, "Old Liao, what you said may be rough, but it makes sense."

Food and sex are basic human needs. But the problem is, how do you get him to let go?

Liao Chenggong's eyes lit up: "Secretary Yuan, you have an idea?"

Yuan Jin didn't speak, but turned her gaze to Jiang Xiaohua.

Jiang Xiaohua smiled and said, "Old Liao, I remember your million."

Liao Chenggong said seriously, "Director Jiang, you must be joking. I'm serious. As long as you can get Wu Zhiyuan, I'll give you one million, not a penny less."

Jiang Xiaohua said, "Old Liao, this can't be rushed. Wu Zhiyuan is wary of me now, so I have to take it slow."

Yuan Jin nodded: "Xiao Hua is right. As the director of the Administrative Affairs Management Center, it is perfectly legitimate for you to care about the lives of the leaders."

However, if Wu Zhiyuan harbors resentment towards you or is overly defensive, do you have any alternative plans?

Jiang Xiaohua smiled mysteriously: "I also have a top-secret weapon—Liao Shanshan."

Yuan Jin was naturally very familiar with Liao Shanshan, because Liao Shanshan, like Jiang Xiaohua, was also a socialite and had slept with him quite a few times.

Jiang Xiaohua continued, "Liao Shanshan is younger than me, in her early thirties, prettier and more charming than me, and has a perfect figure."

The key is that she looks innocent, which makes men lower their guard. I might not be able to win over Wu Zhiyuan, but Liao Shanshan might.

Liao Chenggong nodded: "My cousin does look pure and lovely, unlike Director Jiang, who looks like a veteran of the pleasure quarters."

These words were so blunt that Jiang Xiaohua felt a little embarrassed and snorted coldly: "Old Liao, the way you're saying it makes it sound like Liao Shanshan isn't a person of the pleasure quarters."

All her skills were taught to her by me, step by step.

Liao Chenggong quickly waved his hand: "Director Jiang, don't misunderstand, that's not what I meant. I meant that Liao Shanshan has a pure and innocent appearance, and seems harmless, making it easier for people to lower their guard."

Yuan Jin nodded: "What Lao Liao said is true. Wu Zhiyuan is wary of Xiao Hua, but he may not be so wary of Liao Shanshan."

With Xiaohua on one side and Liao Shanshan on the other, advancing along two lines simultaneously, one of them is bound to be effective.