"Comrade Qin Mu, there's really no need to make such a big deal out of it. Comrade Cheng Gang didn't mean to throw a lavish banquet, I think…"
"Wait!"
Liang Guan hesitated for a moment, then immediately tried to defend Cheng Gang, after all, he was one of the few members of the county party committee who had clearly expressed his unwavering support and loyalty.
He couldn't let the other party lose face!
But before he could finish speaking, Qin Mu interrupted him.
"Secretary Liang, I went to the provincial department this time and spoke with some leaders. They said that when Yu Xuewen was in office, some cadres had improper conduct, thinking only of eating, drinking, and having fun, and not putting their work first."
Qin Mu said in a deep voice, "The leaders have brought up quite a few people, which pains me greatly. I explained a lot to the leaders in person. I won't name names, but if this continues, I will send all of them to jail sooner or later. Not a single black sheep in the organization can escape!"
Upon hearing this, the entire office fell silent; no one dared to speak!
At this moment, the person most aggrieved was undoubtedly Cheng Gang!
He had only intended to make a name for himself in front of Secretary Liang, to show his face and say a few words, but who knew that County Head Qin's sudden attack would cause him, a member of the County Party Committee Standing Committee, to lose face completely.
After all, weren't County Head Qin's words all aimed directly at Cheng Gang?
In terms of relationship with the former County Party Secretary Yu Xuewen, he, as the director of the County Party Committee Office, was definitely number one.
"Comrade Qin Mu, you're right, this extravagant eating and drinking style needs to be changed. I support your idea."
With the provincial leader as his backer, Liang Guan couldn't insist any further and immediately echoed, "The investment delegation's trip to the provincial capital this time was very successful. Then I'll write a letter of commendation, a collective commendation!"
"Then I'll trouble Secretary Liang to take the trouble."
Qin Mu nodded slightly and said, "On behalf of all the comrades in the investment delegation, I thank you for your commendation!"
"You're too kind."
Liang Guan, feeling rebuffed, responded with a curt reply before leaving the meeting room. "Director Cheng, you did a good job today, commendable. But don't be so reckless in the future, don't give that Qin Mu something to use against you!"
Outside, Liang Guan carefully gave him this advice.
What?
Reckless?
Cheng Gang was speechless for a moment.
He had just been completely following Secretary Liang's instructions, practically carrying them out, right?
And the result?
Not only did Qin Mu rebuke him, but now Secretary Liang was blaming him for being reckless?
Looks like he can't say those things again!
A classic case of asking for trouble!
"Secretary Liang, I understand. Please rest assured, I will be more careful with my words in the future."
Cheng Gang took a deep breath and replied.
"By the way, regarding the provincial leader Qin Mu mentioned, go and find out which leader said that."
After reprimanding Cheng Gang, Liang Guan handed him another task, saying seriously, "Since the other party can name this leader, they've probably already been in contact with him. We need to learn more about him in case he launches a surprise attack."
"Okay, I'll try my best to find out."
Cheng Gang could only agree. No matter how unhappy he was, he had to do what his superior asked.
"Please put in the effort."
Liang Guan patted Cheng Gang's shoulder and said, "The situation in Huaining County is very complicated right now, but it's also an opportunity for you."
"As long as you seize the opportunity, your future is bright. I have high hopes for you!"
After saying that, he returned to his office.
Is he just making empty promises?
Having dealt with so many leaders, Cheng Gang naturally understood that Liang Guan was making empty promises to him, urging him to perform well.
But it seemed he had no other choice but to accept these promises.
The reason was simple!
The entire Huaining County is currently divided into two factions: those supporting County Party Secretary Liang Guan and those supporting County Head Qin Mu.
In terms of status, Liang Guan holds a near-total advantage, serving as both the Vice Mayor of the Municipal Government and the top leader of the Huaining County Party Committee. His support at the County Party Committee Standing Committee meetings is significantly greater than that of County Head Qin Mu.
However, in terms of personal ability, Qin Mu could easily outmaneuver Liang Guan, the County Party Secretary. After all, Liang Guan has completed a major reshuffle of the county government, and almost everyone in the government is Qin Mu's man. Theoretically, it's not impossible for him to rival Liang Guan, and he even has a considerable chance.
Such a strongman—no one can say for sure that there won't be a chance to bring Liang Guan down in the future.
But Cheng Gang's options are limited!
The Director of the County Party Committee Office is naturally the most trusted person by the County Party Secretary. Once he loses the County Party Secretary's trust, he's completely finished.
He can only hope that Liang Guan, the Vice Mayor who also serves as the County Party Secretary, can perform well and defeat Qin Mu. Only then will Cheng Gang, as the Director of the County Party Committee Office, have a chance to become the Executive Vice County Head and gradually get back on track.
This was also Liang Guan's bargaining chip for his future!
As long as Qin Mu left, Cheng Gang would take over as Executive Deputy County Head.
Cheng Gang accepted this offer.
...
After dealing with Liang Guan, Qin Mu finished his work and headed out.
He encountered several people along the way, all greeting him warmly.
"County Head Qin, your trip to the provincial capital must have been tiring. You must get a good rest tonight."
Deputy County Party Secretary Gao Qiang smiled and greeted Qin Mu, taking the initiative to say hello.
"It's certainly tiring, but for the development of our county, a little hard work is nothing."
Qin Mu waved his hand slightly and replied casually.
"Yes, yes, you're certainly capable and willing to do more."
Gao Qiang continued, "Your hard work alone benefits the people of Huaining. In this Huaining County Party Committee, I admire you the most for your wholehearted service to the people."
Admire me?
Hearing this, Qin Mu's mind raced with several thoughts.
The other man's status wasn't low; he was the county's undisputed third-in-command, and had been a contender for the county magistrate position. Furthermore, Gao Qiang and Qin Mu's relationship had never been particularly good, largely due to Qin Mu taking his place.
But now, Gao Qiang was taking the initiative to greet him and express admiration.
The signal was quite clear.
Was Gao Qiang trying to align himself with Qin Mu?
However, Qin Mu now held absolute power. If Gao Qiang wanted to join him, he had to show sincerity and reveal his true intentions, not engage in such subtle probing.
"Comrade Gao Qiang, we are all cadres trusted by the organization and the people, and we should do something of social significance," Qin Mu said earnestly.
"I believe you are also a comrade with ideals and ambitions. Why not focus your energy on your work? I greatly admire all comrades who work hard and make contributions."
Having said this, Qin Mu didn't linger and walked straight out of the county committee compound. Upon reflection, Qin Mu could understand their thinking. His investment promotion efforts in the provincial capital had yielded significant results, and the upcoming Yaoyang Industrial Glass project would bring in substantial fiscal revenue.
With funds, the county government could undertake large-scale construction, giving Qin Mu, the county head, tangible achievements. Their alignment with him at this time clearly indicated their interest in the resources he controlled.
Therefore, Qin Mu didn't need to rush. Gao Qiang wasn't the only one wanting to align himself with him, and these people were clearly conflicted. With Liang Guan as the top leader, no one could be certain if Qin Mu could overcome this obstacle.
Choosing sides too early could easily lead to problems.
What Qin Mu needed to do was capitalize on the results of this investment promotion effort, ensuring everyone was convinced and fully aligned with him.
At that point, Liang Guan, the top leader, would be nothing more than a figurehead, utterly useless.