Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 409 Jiang Xiaohua's Obsession with Officialdom

Liang Dongming said with a stern face, "That analogy is inappropriate. Attracting investment is not like dating; it's like doing business. Doing business is about efficiency and returns."

In my opinion, last year's New Year's gathering is over, so we need to plan ahead for this year's.

At that time, it won't just be a meal and reminiscing; a special project presentation session will be arranged so that the investment promotion bureau can prepare a batch of mature projects in advance for on-site matchmaking and negotiation.

"Secretary Liang's idea is good. However, I still suggest that it's not advisable to be too direct on the first meeting."

Project presentations can be an optional part of the discussion; those who are willing to talk can discuss it separately, and those who are unwilling will not be forced to.

"Zhiyuan, why are you always thinking of taking a step back? You need to look forward and push forward when you do things. Isn't your personality too soft?"

This statement already carries a negative connotation.

A few years ago, Wu Zhiyuan might have retaliated in kind, but now he has become more mature.

He asked calmly, "Secretary Liang just said that attracting investment is like doing business, emphasizing efficiency and returns. That's true. But I have a question for Secretary Liang?"

Liang Dongming was taken aback and asked, "What's the problem?"

Zhou Qiming of Xunfeng Motors is the largest entrepreneur from Qingyan, with a net worth of tens of billions.

Previous county leaders had all approached them, offering increasingly favorable terms—quite efficient, right? And the returns were clear, weren't they?

And what happened? Zhou Qiming refused to even see him. Why?

Liang Dongming remained silent.

Wu Zhiyuan asked and answered himself: "Because in his eyes, those leaders who talk about projects and investments right away are not local officials, but businessmen with abacuses."

What he wanted wasn't preferential terms, but respect, sincerity, and an explanation for the past.

These are things that can't be presented at project presentations, nor can they be presented through on-site signings.

He looked at Liang Dongming: "Secretary Liang, if you were to invite Zhou Qiming, what would you do?"

Did they go directly with representatives from the investment promotion bureau, present a list of projects, and say to him, "Mr. Zhou, would you like to choose one of these projects?"

Liang Dongming picked up his water glass, took a sip, and said nothing.

Wu Zhiyuan continued, "Secretary Liang, I am not against project promotion, nor am I against on-site matchmaking."

My idea is that different methods should be used for different people.

Some local elites value efficiency and returns, so let's prepare the project and discuss it directly.

But some local notables, like Zhou Qiming, have grudges or resentments in their hearts, so we must first resolve those grudges and resentments.

One key opens one lock; you can't use a hammer to break every lock.

He smiled, trying to lighten the mood: "Secretary Liang said I have a soft personality, and I agree with that assessment to some extent."

When I need to be gentle, I am indeed gentle. For example, when facing the public, when I need to listen patiently, I will never put on a rigid, official air.

But when it's time to be firm, for example, on matters of principle, on policy red lines, and on bottom lines involving the vital interests of the people, I am firmer than anyone else.

Liang Dongming finally spoke, his tone filled with anger: "Zhiyuan, have you ever thought about this?"

If everyone were like Zhou Qiming, putting on airs and making demands, would we then have nothing to do but spend our days resolving conflicts and misunderstandings?

Can Qingyan's development afford to wait? Can the people's expectations be met with continued delays?

He stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced around the office.

"One key opens one lock" is true, but the premise is that you have to have the key to open the lock! Moreover, the key has to be useful and fast!

Zhou Qiming has a problem in his mind, that's fine, we can find a way to resolve it.

But if the knot in his heart is an iceberg that won't melt even in ten or eight years, are we just going to revolve around him for ten or eight years?

He raised his voice: "Let me tell you, as a leader, especially a key leader, you can't have a 'begging' mentality!"

We are acting on behalf of the organization and on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people in Qingyan!

What we offer is a platform, an opportunity, and a mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation prospect; we are not begging anyone for handouts!

Zhou Qiming is indeed a successful entrepreneur, but first and foremost, he is a native of Qingyan!

Contributing to the development of our hometown is both a responsibility and an honor!

If he can't even realize this, then there's something wrong with his thinking and awareness! We don't want someone like that!

Liang Dongming acted domineeringly, even unreasonably, and Wu Zhiyuan didn't want to make any more pointless explanations.

Continuing to argue will only make the conflict public and put both of them in an awkward position.

Perhaps we should find an excuse to leave this increasingly tense room.

Wu Zhiyuan stood up and said in a calm tone, "Secretary Liang, I listened carefully to what you just said."

There are some viewpoints I need to go back and digest further.

I still have a few documents that need revision, so I'll head over first and not bother you any longer.

Liang Dongming remained silent.

Wu Zhiyuan turned and left.

……

Jiang Xiaohua was very disappointed after Yuan Jin left.

The deputy county head position she had been longing for never materialized.

Yuan Jin did try, and there was hope, but she was simply unlucky.

First, Longcheng was annexed and personnel were frozen. After the personnel were finally unfrozen, Yuan Jin was transferred away and Liang Dongming came.

But she was unwilling to accept it.

Why did she become a public mistress all these years? It was for promotion.

Jiang Xiaohua even harbored some resentment towards Yuan Jin.

Before Yuan Jin left, Deng Haidong, director of the county party committee office, was promoted to member of the county party committee standing committee.

There was also no progress on Wu Zhiyuan's side.

That good-for-nothing Liao Shanshan has been messing around for months and hasn't even gotten close to Wu Zhiyuan.

Jiang Xiaohua knew that Wu Zhiyuan was a stubborn person who wouldn't listen to reason, and with Lin Xue backing him up, he couldn't be won over by force.

She turned her gaze to Liang Dongming.

Will Liang Dongming also be as stubborn and unyielding as Wu Zhiyuan?

She went to Liao Chenggong to discuss it.

"Director Jiang, the new Party Secretary is here, we need to change our approach." Liao Chenggong sat opposite her, puffing on his cigarette.

Jiang Xiaohua leaned back on the sofa, her long legs crossed.

She wore a dark green cheongsam that accentuated the curves of a mature woman.

"Mr. Liao, you're right. Wu Zhiyuan is stubborn and won't listen to reason. I don't believe Liang Dongming is the same way."

Jiang Xiaohua exhaled a fancy smoke ring and said slowly, "Liang Dongming was Wu Bao's former secretary and worked for him for many years."

People who come down from the ranks of leaders often have high aspirations and big appetites.

Liao Chenggong flicked his cigarette ash: "I'm not afraid of him having a big appetite, I'm afraid of him having no appetite at all."

I don't know Liang Dongming very well, but he's a very assertive and audacious person. Director Jiang, what do you mean?

"Send money first to test his limits. Let's send 500,000, no more, no less."

If he accepts it, it means this person is manageable. If he doesn't accept it...

She paused, then looked at Liao Chenggong: "Do you have any suitable girls at your resort?"

Liao Chenggong smiled knowingly: "There really is one. He was with me for a while. If he can please Liang Dongming, I'm willing to part with him, even if it's painful."

She is a senior student at the provincial art academy, majoring in dance, and her name is Zhou Yuting.

Twenty-one years old, 1.7 meters tall, with impeccable looks, figure, and temperament.

My family isn't well-off, but I'm very vain and want a nice phone, pretty clothes, and high-end cosmetics. I had no choice but to go swimming.

A woman's looks are her greatest asset. Director Jiang, you understand.

"Mr. Liao, then send the money first. If you don't accept the money, then let Zhou Yuting do it."

Acquiring Liang Dongming would greatly benefit your business.

Liang Dongming was very assertive. On his first day in Qingyan, in front of the city leaders, he gave Wu Zhiyuan a rude awakening, criticizing him mercilessly.

"I've heard about it too. His domineering nature is only because he has Wu Bao as his powerful backer, isn't it?"

"It's not appropriate to give money the first time. How about this, I'll contact Deng Haidong and have him arrange for Liang Dongming to come to Daling Group for research."

Jiang Xiaohua nodded: "I think it's a good idea. President Liao, you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub."

Liao Chenggong laughed heartily: "Director Jiang, are you worried I'm stingy? Do you think I'm that kind of miserly person?"

After saying that, Liao Chenggong stared intently at Jiang Xiaohua: "Director Jiang, you look incredibly charming today!"

Jiang Xiaohua took a drag of his cigarette: "President Liao, you've been with countless women, you wouldn't be interested in a middle-aged woman like me, would you?"

"What do you mean by 'middle-aged woman'? It means mature and charming!"

"Mr. Liao, no wonder your business is so successful. You're so good with words!"

"Director Jiang, I'm a straightforward person, and I don't like to hide my thoughts."

There are private cubicles in my office. Why don't we go in and have a deeper conversation? Deepen our relationship?

"Mr. Liao's office has a hidden cubicle? I'd be interested."

Liao Chenggong pressed a button under the boss's desk, and a door opened on the bookshelf behind it.

Inside was a luxurious, secluded private room.

There is a bed and a bathroom.

A painting of an antique-style lady hangs on the wall, and a bottle of red wine and two stemmed glasses sit on the bedside table.

This was where Liao Chenggong took his afternoon nap, and also where he sought pleasure.

When he was tired from work and wanted to relax, he would let his pretty female secretary in to talk about work.

Jiang Xiaohua laughed and said, "President Liao, your office is truly a hidden gem."

Liao Chenggong chuckled a few times, but didn't say anything more.

After Jiang Xiaohua went inside, Liao Chenggong casually pressed a switch on the wall, and the bookshelf closed silently.

The cubicle fell silent instantly, the outside world shut out, leaving only the two of them and a bed.

"Mr. Liao, how many women have you entertained in this private room?" Jiang Xiaohua asked with a smile.

Liao Chenggong sat down next to her, poured two glasses of red wine, and handed her one: "Director Jiang, that's a pointless question."

Men, they're all just playing around, you can't take it seriously. But with you, I'm truly sincere.

"Sincere?" Jiang Xiaohua took the wine glass, swirled it gently, and said, "President Liao, haven't you said 'sincere' to every woman?"

Liao Chenggong laughed heartily and put his arm around her waist: "Director Jiang, you're wronging me. How can those young girls compare to you?"

They are like unripe fruits; they look beautiful, but a bite of them is very sour and astringent.

You are like a ripe peach; one bite and your mouth is filled with sweet juice.

Jiang Xiaohua laughed: "President Liao, you have such a silver tongue, you're really good at charming women."

"Director Jiang, I'm telling the truth. You've been in Qingyan for so many years, what storms haven't you weathered?"

How many of those young girls can compare to you?

You have brains, resources, and experience; that's true femininity.

Jiang Xiaohua asked bluntly, "President Liao, do you want to sleep with me?"

Liao Chenggong was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Director Jiang, you're being too blunt."

"Let's be straightforward." Jiang Xiaohua unbuttoned the top button of her cheongsam. "We're all adults. We know what we want and what we don't want."

Liao Chenggong picked her up and placed her on the bed...