Special forces soldier demobilization: Starting from the county government compound, a meteoric rise

Monday, the county party committee office held its routine morning meeting.

But the atmosphere today was unusually somber.

Everyone sat upright, eyes downcast, even their breathing was careful.

Because, in the main seat, besides Jia Zhengzhi, the director of the county party committee office, there was another person.

—Li Yuankui, the county party secretary.

This is the first time in the history of Qingyun County that the top leader has personally attended a department's morning meeting.

Everyone knew perfectly well that the Party Secretary's true intentions today were not what they seemed.

His gaze seemed to casually sweep across the entire room, but his sharp, hawk-like eyes always seemed to intentionally or unintentionally fall on the young man sitting quietly in the corner, as if it were none of his business.

—Liu Ming.

Two major events occurred in Qingyun County last weekend.

First, Nine-Finger Qiang, the gang leader who had dominated the western suburbs for many years, was taken down by a single man, and dozens of his henchmen were all hospitalized.

Second, Liu Ming, a staff member of the county party committee office, was assassinated in the dead of night by a professional killer, resulting in one death and one injury.

These two things seem to be unrelated.

But everyone present was shrewd and astute.

They all guessed, to some extent, what was going on behind the scenes.

Combined with the previous conflict between Liu Ming and Li Shaojie, the son of Secretary Li, and the earth-shattering reversal at the Standing Committee meeting...

Everyone sensed a tense atmosphere, as if a storm was brewing.

The situation in Qingyun County is likely about to change.

And at the center of the storm is this mysterious young man who has been here for less than a month, yet has already stirred up countless storms.

"Cough cough."

Li Yuankui cleared his throat, and the entire conference room instantly fell silent.

He didn't look at anyone, but simply picked up his teacup and gently blew on the steam.

"I'm just here today, nothing special, just listening and looking around." His voice was calm, revealing no emotion. "However, lately, I've heard some unpleasant rumors."

coming!

Everyone's heart was in their throat.

"I've heard," Li Yuankui put down his teacup, his gaze still unfocused, "that some of our young cadres, relying on their abilities and connections, don't take the rules seriously."

"Talking back to superiors and forming cliques at work."

"To engage in violence and fighting in society."

"His roguish, street-smart air about him is stronger than his righteous dedication to serving the people!"

"Comrades, this is a very dangerous sign!"

With each word he spoke, the temperature in the conference room seemed to drop a degree.

Although he didn't name names, everyone knew that the "young cadre" he was referring to was Liu Ming!

This is a warning!

It was a stern rebuke, delivered in front of everyone!

Jia Zhengzhi and several of Li Yuankui's confidants wore gloating smiles.

Fan Laogui and Lu Xiaokui lowered their heads nervously, their palms sweating, fearing that the secretary would slam his fist on the table and fire Liu Ming at any moment.

However, to everyone's surprise...

Despite being the one being reprimanded, Liu Ming's face remained expressionless.

He even took out a notebook and meticulously recorded Li Yuankui's "important speech," as if the young man criticized by the secretary for being "too江湖气" had nothing to do with him.

His unyielding and indifferent attitude forced Li Yuankui to swallow back all the harsh words he had prepared.

It's like punching cotton; there's no point of contact.

This feeling made Li Yuankui very unhappy.

He gave a heavy snort, ending his "warning speech."

"Alright, that's all I have to say. I hope some of you will think twice before acting."

"Meeting adjourned!"

……

After the meeting ended, everyone felt as if they had been granted a pardon and got up to leave.

Liu Ming also packed her things and prepared to leave.

"Comrade Liu Ming, please stay for a moment."

Li Yuankui's emotionless voice came from behind him.

coming.

The main event is finally about to begin.

Liu Ming turned around.

Soon, only he and Li Yuankui remained in the conference room.

Li Yuankui did not sit in the main seat, but slowly walked to Liu Ming. His deep eyes, like two bottomless cold pools, stared intently at him.

It was the kind of intensely intimidating gaze that only those who had long held positions of power possessed.

Any ordinary young cadre would probably tremble under such gazes.

But Liu Ming remained standing straight, her eyes calmly meeting his gaze without the slightest hint of evasion or fear.

The two stared at each other for a full half minute.

The air seemed to freeze.

In the end, it was Li Yuankui who spoke first.

He smiled.

That smile was warm and gentle, like that of a kind elder who cares about his subordinates.

"Xiao Liu, don't be nervous, sit down." He pointed to the chair next to him.

Liu Ming did not sit down.

"It's a good thing that young people have ability and courage," Li Yuan-kui said to himself, his tone full of "admiration."

"I've seen how you've performed during your time in Qingyun County. To be honest, I admire you."

"But..." he changed the subject, his tone becoming meaningful, "If the water is too clear, there will be no fish; if a person is too discerning, he will have no followers. Sometimes, being too capable and too principled is not necessarily a good thing."

"Do you get me?"

This is a typical slang term used in officialdom.

The translation is: You may have some talent, but you're too conspicuous and don't know how to compromise your principles. People like you won't survive on my turf.

Liu Ming didn't speak, but listened quietly.

Seeing that he didn't get it, Li Yuankui became even more blunt.

"Qingyun County has its own rules. I, Li Yuankui, have worked here for twenty years, and these rules were established by me."

"People who follow these rules can live very well, even if they don't have much ability."

"Those who go against these rules, even if they're made of iron, how many nails can they crush?"

"Xiao Liu, you're a smart man." Li Yuankui walked to his side and gently patted his shoulder. The gesture seemed friendly, but it actually carried an undeniable pressure.

"A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a wise minister chooses a good lord to serve."

I'll give you a chance.

"Either you put away your out-of-place sharp edges and work diligently with me. I guarantee that within three years, you'll be the deputy county head."

"Or...?"

A cold glint flashed in Li Yuankui's eyes.

"Take your meager 'principles' and get out of Qingyun County."

The true intentions have been revealed.

Stand in line!

This is forcing Liu Ming to make a choice!

Alternatively, one could join forces with Li Yuankui and become his lackey, thus rising rapidly in rank.

Either stick to your principles and fight him to the bitter end, only to be kicked out in the end.

This was a choice that could determine Liu Ming's future fate.

The entire conference room was eerily quiet.

Li Yuankui just looked at him, his eyes full of confidence.

He didn't believe that any young person could resist the temptation of "rising to deputy county head in three years"—a meteoric rise.

However, Liu Ming's answer once again surprised him.

Liu Ming looked at him, and for the first time, a smile appeared on her face.

The smile was faint, yet it carried a pride that came from the very core of his being.

He looked at Li Yuankui and said, word by word, neither humble nor arrogant:

"Secretary, I only stand with the people."