Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 66 Secret Talks at the Cloud Top Hot Spring Pool

Around noon, I received a call from "Brother Wei" on my cell phone.

"Wei Ge" is Gan Simiao, the director of the Municipal Forestry Bureau.

Gan Semiao's nickname is "Gan Four Seconds". In just a few seconds, what else could he be but "Erectile Dysfunction"?

Wu Zhiyuan was once suppressed by Gan Simiao and even exiled to Qinglongshan Forest Farm. He was not a vengeful person, but he was not a saint who repays evil with good either. He would not be so magnanimous as to let others urinate and defecate on his head and still greet them with a smile.

The phone rang four times before Wu Zhiyuan answered, politely saying, "Hello."

"Zhiyuan, this is Gan Simiao. I hope I'm not disturbing your work?" In stark contrast to her usual aloof demeanor, Gan Simiao on the other end of the phone was unusually enthusiastic, even bordering on obsequious.

Wu Zhiyuan asked in a lukewarm tone, "Is there something you need, Director Gan?"

Gan Simiao chuckled twice: "Nothing special, just that we haven't been in touch for a long time, so I was just checking in to see how you are doing."

I am truly happy to learn that you have become Secretary Xu's secretary.

Back when we were at the Forestry Bureau, I could tell you were destined for greatness, a real talent, and I was right.

Some officials are also highly skilled actors.

For example, Gan Simiao lies without thinking and tells lies without batting an eye.

He appeared dignified on the podium, talking at length about discipline and conduct, but behind the scenes he was scheming and opportunistic, suppressing dissent, and his lifestyle was utterly decadent. His nickname "Gan the Four-Second" was known to everyone in the forestry system.

Now that he has become the secretary of the municipal party secretary, he immediately changed to a servile and obsequious attitude, which is truly disgusting.

Wu Zhiyuan responded calmly, "Director Gan, you flatter me. I'm just doing my job and serving the leadership."

"Zhiyuan is too modest!" Gan Simiao changed the subject. "Back in the bureau, I may have been a little less thorough in some areas, and I was a bit stricter with you at work. But that was all to help you grow faster!"

Please don't take it to heart! We've worked together before, and there's still a bond between us.

Wu Zhiyuan remained calm: "Director Gan is exaggerating. What's past is past, and I haven't taken it to heart for a long time."

After beating around the bush for a while, Gan Simiao finally got to the point: "Zhiyuan, I've been feeling really anxious lately. Secretary Xu is a new official, and he's very efficient. We cadres below are afraid that we won't be able to keep up with the pace and will let the leader down."

Our forestry bureau is responsible for the city's green mountains and clear waters, which is a great responsibility. However, my abilities are limited, and I am afraid that if I do something wrong, it will affect the overall situation of the city.

Therefore, I would like to ask that when it is convenient for you, you could say a few kind words to Secretary Xu about our Forestry Bureau's recent work, especially our achievements in ecological protection and forestry reform. Ideally, I would like to have the opportunity to report to Secretary Xu in person.

Gan Simiao is the director of the Municipal Forestry Bureau; he can't just meet with the Municipal Party Secretary whenever he wants.

If he needs to report on his work, the normal procedure is to report to the vice mayor in charge of forestry in the city. If there are any major issues, the vice mayor in charge will then report to the mayor.

Wu Zhiyuan was as clear-headed as a mirror; Gan Simiao was afraid.

Rumors have already spread that Xu Youwei is vigorously rectifying officialdom and adjusting cadres. Cadres like Gan Simiao, who are ignorant and incompetent, rose to power by flattery, and have many problems of their own, are naturally living in constant fear.

His phone call was an attempt to take the "secretary route," trying to demonstrate his loyalty to Xu Youwei, seek stability, and even probe his position to see if it was secure.

Wu Zhiyuan said in a businesslike manner, "Director Gan, Secretary Xu has repeatedly emphasized that work is done, not just talked about."

The quality of cadres is clearly judged by the eyes of the organization and the masses.

As long as you can lead the Municipal Forestry Bureau to effectively implement the decisions and plans of the Municipal Party Committee, protect and develop the green mountains and clear waters of Longcheng, and achieve tangible results, the Municipal Party Committee and Secretary Xu will naturally take notice.

As for you reporting directly to Secretary Xu, I don't think that's quite in line with the work process. How about this, I'll suggest that Secretary Xu investigate forestry work at an appropriate time.

"Zhiyuan, thank you so much! Are you free tonight? I'd like to treat you to a few of your former colleagues and friends for a get-together to catch up. What do you think?"

"I appreciate your kindness. However, unfortunately, Secretary Xu has important arrangements tonight, and I need to accompany him throughout the evening, so I really can't get away."

Director Gan, instead of wasting your energy on wining and dining guests, you should focus on doing a good job in the Forestry Bureau.

As long as the work is done well and results are achieved, Secretary Xu will naturally see it. That's the right way.

Gan Simiao was displeased, but still forced a smile: "Zhiyuan is right! Look at my brain, I still have old ideas and can't keep up with the times."

Work is important, so let's talk another day.

We hope you will continue to pay attention to and support the work of the Forestry Bureau!

"Director Gan, you're too kind. Supporting the work of various departments is the responsibility of the Municipal Party Committee Office."

If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now. I'm working on some materials.

Wu Zhiyuan gave Gan Simiao no further chances to persist and politely and decisively ended the call.

……

Jintang Hot Spring Resort.

The Cloud Top Pool is located atop a hill several tens of meters high in the northwest corner of the resort, built along the mountainside, as if suspended in the clouds.

Every night, the Genting Pool is open only to select VIPs.

Tao Sizhong and Zhang Wanlin were half-lying in the swimming pool.

Above us were stars and the moon.

The white steam rising from the hot spring pool mingled with the thin mist in the mountains.

Tao Sizhong broke the silence: "Wanlin, Xu Youwei came with an imperial sword. You'd better clean up your mess as soon as possible."

Zhang Wanlin's eyes widened: "Is Secretary Tao warning me?"

Tao Sizhong chuckled a few times: "Wanlin, I'm just reminding you that we're all in the same boat. If the boat leaks, no one can escape."

How many things have I covered for you? Let's not talk about the distant past, just look at the recent incident at Longqiao Coal Mine, how many people died? Do you really think you can get away with this?

Furthermore, your so-called "Fund for Caring for Impoverished Girls" is a sham; it's actually a trap for you to hunt young girls. How many virgins have you taken over the years?

And your subordinates are involved in multiple criminal cases; I'm always the one cleaning up your messes.

Which of these messy accounts, which one of them, once exposed, wouldn't be a shocking case?

Zhang Wanlin sneered: "Secretary Tao, this is the Genting Swimming Pool. There are no surveillance cameras or recordings. Whatever we say is just like farting."

Since you reminded me, then I should remind you.

How much money have I given you over the years? How many women have you slept with at my place?

Once, I even slept with a top-tier female celebrity, and that one night cost me a million!

Then, Zhang Wanlin dropped another bombshell: "I still have the original photos of the scene from the traffic police regarding the death of your lover, Liu Ruyan. The length of the brake marks is clearly wrong; it wasn't an accidental car accident at all."

Although the traffic police squadron leader who handled the scene was your confidant, he's also a close friend of mine. Shall we invite him to join us for a soak in the hot springs?