Right path to power

Although the five-person group meeting had reached a consensus, in accordance with the cadre selection procedure, the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department still prepared two complete sets of investigation materials and submitted them to the Standing Committee together.

The following afternoon, the Standing Committee meeting of the Municipal Party Committee was held as scheduled.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was solemn as the Standing Committee members entered and took their seats one after another.

This meeting had several agenda items, with personnel adjustments being the last to be discussed.

An hour later, after the previous work topics were discussed, Party Secretary Wang Yuanze turned the conversation to personnel matters.

"Next, we will discuss a number of cadre appointment and removal matters, with a focus on the candidate for the vacant position of Secretary of the Zhenxing District Committee. Please have the Organization Department introduce the relevant situation first."

Organization Minister Kang Tao opened the documents and objectively reported on the two investigation materials.

First, Yang Songfeng was introduced, and his work experience in Zhenxing District was described. He also truthfully pointed out the problems found during the inspection: insufficient internal coordination within the team and a lack of supervision over the disorderly practices of some enterprises in the jurisdiction.

Then, Lin Xiao was introduced in detail, and the achievements that Fuchuan County had made in just over a year, the explosive growth of cultural and tourism projects during the Spring Festival, public evaluations, and the results of the anti-corruption investigation were explained one by one.

It was also pointed out that Lin Xiao's job changes were too frequent in a short period of time, and some colleagues had different opinions on this.

"The above is the detailed assessment information of the two candidates by the Organization Department. Let me reiterate: the most fundamental standard for the organization in selecting personnel is still ability and character."

After he finished speaking, the conference room fell silent for a moment.

"Now, everyone, please share your opinions," Wang Yuanze said calmly and indifferently.

In fact, there was little controversy on this issue at the five-person group meeting. Only Acting Mayor Ma Guanghua raised the concern that Lin Xiao's frequent job rotations might raise questions, especially regarding how the Municipal Party Committee should respond if the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department strongly opposes this during the review and approval process and suggests that the Municipal Party Committee reconsider the candidate.

This was indeed a potential risk, but ultimately a prevailing opinion emerged.

In the ensuing discussion, some members of the Standing Committee believed that Yang Songfeng had served in the local area for a long time and was familiar with the situation, which would help to quickly stabilize the situation, and that promoting him locally was in line with convention.

Some members of the Standing Committee directly stated: Huang Jingneng's investigation shows that Zhenxing District has long suffered from deep-seated problems and urgently needs cadres who dare to confront difficulties to break the deadlock. Lin Xiao's achievements are obvious, and he is more suitable to take on this challenge.

Ma Guanghua reiterated his point of view. He did not deny Lin Xiao's ability and achievements, but amplified the provincial Party committee's concerns about the "excessive frequency of adjustments," pointing out that once the provincial Party committee's organization department suggested reconsidering the candidates, the municipal Party committee would inevitably be put in a passive position.

Opinions were not entirely unified at the meeting, and people exchanged views back and forth. Some supported appointing him locally, while others were optimistic about Lin Xiao.

Wang Yuanze did not rush to express his opinion.

In fact, everyone knows his attitude.

So after everyone had finished speaking, he simply said, "Personally, I am quite optimistic about the surprises that Comrade Lin Xiao will bring to Zhenxing District in the future, just like how he brought Fuchuan to its current state."

He paused, then said in a deep voice, "Now, please vote on this issue..."

Soon after, Wang Yuanze announced: "The Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee has voted collectively to appoint Comrade Lin Xiao as Secretary of the Zhenxing District Party Committee."

The meeting then moved on to the second personnel issue.

In fact, the reason why yesterday's five-person group meeting lasted nearly three hours was not because of major disagreements on the selection of the secretary of the Zhenxing District Committee. After all, the work achievements of Lin Xiao and Yang Songfeng are obvious to all. The meeting was more about weighing the two approaches to personnel selection: local cadres and cadres who tackle key challenges.

The biggest point of contention and the one that took the most time was another personnel proposal—Guo Yuanzheng, the head of the First Secretariat Section of the Municipal Party Committee Office, was to be transferred to Zhenxing District as a member of the Standing Committee of the District Party Committee and Deputy District Mayor.

The point of contention is that Guo Yuanzheng lacks practical experience at the grassroots level, his promotion is too drastic, and it is questionable whether he can be competent in the complex Zhenxing District. It is also easy to attract gossip about special treatment because he is the official secretary of the municipal party secretary Wang Yuanze.

However, after much deliberation, it ultimately became a consensus under Wang Yuanze's final decision.

Therefore, although some people raised questions at today's Standing Committee meeting, they were still unable to prevent the proposal from passing.

While the Standing Committee meeting cannot be said to be merely a formality, in reality, no one would openly stand against a powerful leader.

Moreover, the Party Secretary's responsibility for personnel matters is never just empty talk.

"Alright, all topics have been discussed today. Please have the Organization Department complete the subsequent personnel procedures as soon as possible."

"Okay, Secretary."

Meeting adjourned.

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Yuanze got up and left.

Throughout the meeting, he remained calm and composed, showing complete confidence.

Now, he has become increasingly adept at controlling the Standing Committee.

As it was nearing the end of the workday, Kang Tao called Lin Xiao again.

"Xiao Lin, we have the results. Congratulations. Come to my office again tomorrow morning."

"Okay, thank you, Minister Kang."

"You're too kind. It's mainly because Secretary Wang trusts you."

"I understand, but I still have to thank the leaders for their trust."

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

"Yes, Minister Kang."

As soon as the call ended, Guo Yuanzheng sent a text message: "Congratulations, Secretary Lin. I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

"You're also going to Zhenxing District?"

"Yes, the Party Secretary asked me to lend you a hand and serve as a member of the Standing Committee and Deputy District Head."

"Okay, congratulations."

Yesterday, Wang Yuanze told Lin Xiao to prepare to take over, and said he would send him an assistant, but Lin Xiao did not expect it to be Guo Yuanzheng.

It is evident that Wang Yuanze trusted Guo Yuanzheng and attached great importance to changing the situation in Zhenxing District; otherwise, he would not have planted a "stubborn man" in the district government in one fell swoop.

Just then, Zhu Lishu's voice came from outside the door. Lin Xiao put down her phone, got up, and went out to greet her.

"Kobayashi, congratulations!"

After taking her seat, Juliet spoke with a beaming smile.

"Thank you, Secretary Zhu."

"When you go to Zhenxing District in the future, please continue to pay attention to the development of Fuchuan County."

Lin Xiao smiled and said, "To be honest, Secretary Zhu, I was completely unprepared. Look, my desk is covered with the next development plans for Fuchuan County."

Zhu Lishu also smiled and said, "You've worked hard. I was also surprised when I first heard the news. After all, Fuchuan has only just gotten on the right track. Logically speaking, the city shouldn't have transferred you at this time; it should have waited until the overall situation was completely stable."

However, after thinking about it again, I realized that your abilities are undeniable, and the city isn't entirely satisfied with Zhenxing District's development in recent years. The decision to assign you to oversee all aspects of the work is precisely to break with convention and completely transform Zhenxing District. Therefore, this transfer is quite normal.

Lin Xiao sighed, "I'm under a lot of pressure. I'm not familiar with the situation in Zhenxing District, and I'm worried that it might disrupt the city's plans for Zhenxing District."

"You'll be fine. I just feel a little regretful that we worked together for too short a time. I was thinking..." Julie paused, "Never mind, I won't say anymore. Although I'm reluctant to let you go, I can't delay your growth."

Juliet's "reluctance" was somewhat genuine, after all, she still wanted to use Lin Xiao's achievements to add some glory to herself.

But she was actually happy that Lin Xiao was leaving.

Lin Xiao is like a mountain—outstandingly capable, yet extremely domineering. She, the rightful leader, is often overshadowed.

Now that Lin Xiao is gone, she truly has the reins of power in Fuchuan County. How could she not be happy?

While she was happy, she also felt a pang of jealousy.

It's no exaggeration to say that no one can match this kid's speed of promotion.

Back when Zhu Lishu was the secretary of the municipal Youth League committee, Lin Xiao had just started working in a township. When Zhu Lishu went to Fengshan County to become the county head, Lin Xiao was promoted to deputy county head not long after. Now, they are on equal footing.

It took her more than ten years to reach the position of a county-level secretary, while Lin Xiao achieved it easily in just a few years.

How could this not make people jealous?

Jealousy is one thing, but reality must ultimately be accepted.

After chatting for a while longer, Juliet got up and left.

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on the candidate to succeed the county magistrate, and their opinions were in agreement.

However, both of them knew in their hearts that they only had the right to make suggestions regarding the selection of the county magistrate; the decision-making power lay with the city or even the province.

Lin Xiao returned to her desk and was about to call Song Wanqing when Zhou Zizheng, the Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, called first. Then Su Anji called to offer his congratulations. Lin Xiao made plans with each of them to get together again when they had time.

Then, he dialed Song Wanqing's number.

"Really? That's great! This will make commuting to and from get off work so much easier."

"Tch, I thought you were going to say that we have more time left for that thing."

"You...you shameless bastard, all you think about is that kind of thing."

"No, I think about you all the time. What about you?"

What do you think?

After saying that, Song Wanqing hung up the phone, her face full of love.

On the other hand, Yang Songfeng already knew that the municipal party committee standing committee meeting had ended, but he still hadn't received a call from the organization department.

"The call shouldn't come back until tomorrow, right?" he reassured himself.