Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 394 The Showdown of the 12 Hands

Wu Zhiyuan continued, "Manager Liao, whether the water is clear or not is not determined by looking, but by swimming out and verifying it with your own eyes and your own senses."

Biting off the hook is only the first step, and also the most painful one.

But the real test is whether, after the bite is severed, you can swim to clean water, adapt to the new currents, and have the strength to keep swimming.

He paused, stared at Liao Shanshan, and slowly said, "Manager Liao, I can offer you some guidance, and even lend you a hand when you're choking on water."

But ultimately, you have to walk your own path, step by step.

The past can be a burden or a lesson, depending on how you view and utilize it.

If you only think about washing away the dirt of the past, you'll probably never escape that whirlpool.

What you need to think about is how to proceed from here, and whether every step you take is heading in the right direction.

Liao Shanshan was silent for a few seconds, as if making up her mind: "County Chief Wu, I understand. I will remember your words."

The past is gone, I can only look forward. I will do my best to follow the path you pointed out.

Wu Zhiyuan checked the time: "Manager Liao, it's getting late, you should go home and rest too."

Liao Shanshan looked at Wu Zhiyuan pitifully: "County Chief Wu, won't you let me stay? I really didn't mean any harm, it's just..."

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "I just like you."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled calmly: "Manager Liao, I believe you mean no harm, but if word gets out that I'm having an affair with a married woman, my job as county magistrate will probably be over."

"County Chief Wu, I forgot to tell you, my husband and I just went through the divorce proceedings yesterday."

Liao Shanshan seemed afraid that Wu Zhiyuan wouldn't believe her, so she even took out a photo of the divorce certificate from her phone.

"County Magistrate Wu heard about some of my affairs and resolutely decided to divorce me."

He's actually a very good person, but what man would willingly wear a green hat, especially not just one?

I wanted to have a child with him, but now I don't have the chance.

In this world, many things are a trade-off; for every gain, there is a loss.

I gained a position and the prestige others saw in me, but I lost the right to be a normal woman and a normal wife.

She looked up, her eyes red-rimmed, appearing utterly pitiful.

"County Chief Wu, I'm not trying to play the victim or gain sympathy."

My current situation is a result of vanity, greed, and being caught in a web of circumstances beyond my control. It wouldn't be wrong to say I brought this upon myself.

"Manager Liao, let bygones be bygones, you need to look forward."

Whether the past was your own fault or something beyond your control, it's all water spilled and can't be taken back.

But if you stay tonight and something happens between us, how are you any different from before?

In the past, you were ensnared in the web of desire woven by Yuan Jin and Jiang Xiaohua, and now you're entangled with me, Wu Zhiyuan, and continuing to sink deeper into depravity.

"If I change the man and the bed, does anything fundamentally change?"

Liao Shanshan was stunned.

"You want to cut ties with the past and start over."

However, cutting ties doesn't mean changing to a different object of dependence, nor does it mean replacing obedience to Yuan Jin with obedience to me.

True severance means standing up from the heart, no longer seeing yourself as an appendage to a man, and no longer exchanging your body for anything.

I believe in you and accept you, but this acceptance is not about physical possession.

If I treated you the way Yuan Jin did, then what difference would there be between me and Yuan Jin?

"County Magistrate Wu, I truly only admire you and have no other motives. I don't need you to do anything for me."

I really can't control my feelings. Seeing you makes me feel like I've wasted my life. Manager Wu, do you think I'm dirty?

"Manager Liao, thank you for your trust. I have my own principles and bottom line in doing things."

Power is a public instrument, not a tool to satisfy personal desires.

You think I find you dirty? You're wrong!

I don't dislike you as a person, nor do I dislike your past.

What I despise is the practice of treating people as objects, as bargaining chips, or as tools for exchange.

If I accept you today because of your admiration, then what difference is there between me and people like Yuan Jin?

It's simply adding another person who uses the guise of affection to actually possess others.

He paused, then asked, "Manager Liao, I have a question for you."

Liao Shanshan was stunned.

What do you admire about me?

"You're young, capable, upright, and handsome. You're different from them all."

"If I'm dismissed from my post tomorrow and become nothing, will you still admire me?"

Liao Shanshan opened her mouth, but didn't say anything.

Wu Zhiyuan smiled slightly: "You hesitated. It's not your fault, anyone would hesitate in your shoes."

Because what you call admiration is essentially a kind of worship of strength—admiring the strong and attaching oneself to the strong.

You used to rely on Yuan Jin because he had power;

They want to rely on me now because I'm young and have a promising future.

If you change the person, change the place, and the other person is strong enough, you will also admire them.

Liao Shanshan argued, "County Chief Wu, that's not how it is. What you're saying is unfair to me."

Even if you're no longer the county magistrate tomorrow and have nothing left, I'd still be willing.

"Manager Liao, I believe what you're saying. At least at this moment, you're sincere."

I don't reject your admiration, nor do I reject your desire to be close to me. But I refuse to accept it in the wrong way.

Liao Shanshan suddenly smiled: "County Chief Wu, you and Yuan Jin are really different."

Whenever Yuan Jin saw a beautiful woman, he would think about getting her into bed.

And you, you've been here lecturing me all night.

Wu Zhiyuan also smiled.

……

Yuan Jin's office.

Wu Zhiyuan took the plan for the Spring Festival forum with him to see Yuan Jin: "Secretary Yuan, I have an idea I'd like to report to you."

Yuan Jin nodded.

Wu Zhiyuan gave a general overview of his ideas for the Spring Festival gathering, explaining the significance and value of the event from the perspective of uniting hometown sentiments and connecting Qingyan natives living elsewhere.

After listening, Yuan Jin did not immediately express her opinion. She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and pondered for a moment before speaking: "Zhiyuan, your idea is good. I agree with your starting point of building relationships and uniting people's hearts."

Then, Yuan Jin changed the subject: "However, Zhiyuan, I also have some concerns."

"Secretary Yuan, please speak."

"First, there's the issue of funding. You're well aware of the county's financial situation; every penny must be spent wisely."

This year, the county has many projects to launch, including water conservancy facilities, rural roads, education and medical care, all of which require money.

Organizing a New Year's gathering like this would cost at least tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan. Where will that money come from?

Yuan Jin paused for a moment, then continued, "Secondly, there's the issue of timing."

Before the Spring Festival, there were countless tasks to be done in the county, including visiting and comforting people in various townships, inspecting work safety, and handling petitions and maintaining stability. None of these tasks could be neglected.

Would holding another New Year's gathering at this time distract us from the main event?

Moreover, during the Spring Festival holiday, everyone visits relatives and friends. Whether people are willing to come or have the time to come is also a question.

Third, the issue of effectiveness.

In the past, the county had held similar events, such as forums for local notables and New Year tea parties. They were lively and bustling when they were held, but deserted afterward.

Invite the guests to a meal, take a photo together, and give them a souvenir when they leave. Then, they can go back to normal life.

Zhiyuan, when we do our work, we can't just aim for a lively atmosphere; we need to consider the actual results.

Yuan Jin looked at Wu Zhiyuan and said earnestly, "Zhiyuan, you are young, have ideas and drive, and want to make a name for yourself in Qingyan. I support that."

However, one must eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time. Some things cannot be rushed.

Yuan Jin's words were veiled in barbs, conveying a clear message—I disagree with this matter.

Wu Zhiyuan remained calm. Yuan Jin's opposition was within his expectations, because he was in charge of this matter, and if it went well, the credit would belong to him, not Yuan Jin.

But we cannot let this matter be abandoned just because Yuan Jin objects.

This is not just a matter of a New Year's gathering, but a matter of his say in major affairs of Qingyan County as the county head.

If Yuan Jin rejects this matter, any major work he leads afterward could be stalled if Yuan Jin disagrees.

"Secretary Yuan, I have listened carefully to the three concerns you raised, and they are indeed very real issues."

Wu Zhiyuan did not respond directly, but instead expressed his agreement: "However, I would like to share some of my thoughts on these three points. If I am wrong, please feel free to criticize and correct me."

Yuan Jin nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

"Regarding the funding issue, Secretary Yuan is right. Every penny of the county's finances must be used wisely."

Therefore, my idea is to hold the New Year's gathering not at Qingyan Hotel, but at the county government canteen.

The meals will be simple and unpretentious, just local dishes and local wine. The total cost will only be a few tens of thousands of yuan.

"Regarding the timing, it's precisely because of the Spring Festival that everyone has free time."

They are usually very busy with work and live all over the country, so it is difficult for them to get together.

Inviting someone during the Spring Festival holiday, a time when emotions run high, under the guise of "returning home for the New Year and reminiscing about our hometown," will increase the chances of success.

As for work in the county, it can be arranged in a coordinated manner.

The New Year's gathering itself is a manageable event that won't consume too many administrative resources. Instead, it can become an important activity during the Spring Festival to unite people and showcase the organization's image.

"Your point about the effectiveness is very valid. Past events have become mere formalities because they were too goal-oriented, turning into disguised investment promotion meetings or money-making meetings."

Therefore, my role at this New Year's gathering was very clear—no discussing projects, no seeking investment, and no signing any agreements.

The goal is the same: to connect people and strengthen the bonds of hometown ties.

This allows the people of Qingyan who are working hard away from home to feel the sincerity and warmth of their hometown.

Even if only one out of ten people is moved and becomes more willing to learn more about their hometown and pay more attention to it, then this activity will not have been in vain.

Wu Zhiyuan concluded by saying, "Secretary Yuan, if Qingyan wants to develop, it won't be enough for us to work hard behind closed doors. We must open our doors, gather wisdom from all directions, and leverage the strengths of all sides."

These connections are Qingyan's most valuable potential resource.

This New Year's gathering is the first key to unlocking this door.

The biggest loss would be not even opening the door because you're afraid of spending money, going through trouble, or not seeing results.

After listening, Yuan Jin remained silent for a moment.

Wu Zhiyuan's response seemed reasonable, but Yuan Jin knew in her heart that if Wu Zhiyuan succeeded in leading this matter, the credit for those prominent Qingyan people would belong to Wu Zhiyuan.

He had been operating in Qingyan for many years and had a deep-rooted foundation, relying on his control over resources and his ability to manipulate people's hearts.

He couldn't possibly hand over a job that involved connections and influence to someone else.

"Zhiyuan, I understand everything you've said."

However, I still have to say that the timing is not right for this.