The game of power begins with the police officers at the local police station.

Chen Shi returned to his office and instructed Liu Feng and Wang Tao to receive every member of the public who reported the incident and to collect as much evidence as possible.

After Wang Tao and Liu Feng left, Deputy Captain Zhao Fanglin walked in.

"Team Leader Chen, I'd like to report to you on my work."

"Team Leader Zhao, please have a seat."

Zhao Fanglin felt very resentful. He hadn't received any credit for such a great achievement. If he had been involved, the captain's position would have been his once Chen Shi was promoted.

"Captain Chen, are you free tonight? I have important work to report to you."

"Captain Zhao, there's a ton of work going on in the Public Security Management Brigade right now. Everyone has to work overtime tonight. If there's anything you can't say here, then..."

Zhao Fanglin smiled obsequiously. "What could possibly happen to me? Don't you know? I want to pledge my loyalty to you and follow you from now on."

Zhao Fanglin sat up straight, his back ramrod straight, and his smile faded: "Captain Chen, from now on I am your soldier, and I will follow your lead without question."

Chen Shi sneered inwardly. What a piece of trash. Now he knows how to pledge his loyalty, but what was he doing before?

The tasks assigned to us are met with indifference and none of them are carried out. When dealing with people and things, we should not only think about the benefits.

I know exactly what you're thinking. You're just waiting for me to be dismissed so you can take over as the head of the public security management team.

Seeing that he had made a great contribution, he rushed over to try and get a share of the spoils, but it was too late.

"Captain Zhao, our Public Security Management Brigade is very democratic. It's not a one-man show. If you have any different opinions in the future, you should still raise them. As long as they are reasonable, I will still adopt them."

"Yes, Captain Chen. I'll keep an eye on my performance from now on. I've done everything you asked me to do this morning. It's an honor to be your subordinate."

Chen Shi found it disgusting, but he couldn't refuse outright. Having more obedient subordinates was better than having more political enemies.

"Captain Zhao, I appreciate your kind intentions. Go back to work now. We can have a couple of drinks together when we're done with this busy period."

Zhao Fanglin was overjoyed. This was a test for him. If he performed well, he could join Chen Shi's side.

"Yes, Captain Chen, I'll go now."

The Public Security Management Brigade had truly become Chen Shi's personal fiefdom; his words were law, even more effective than Zhang Xiangdong's.

After nearly a month of continuous work, the evidence chain of the criminal gang led by Fu Cheng was finally completed, and the case was transferred to the procuratorate for prosecution.

At this point, the case is no longer related to the Public Security Management Brigade.

After Liu Feng finished reporting his work in Chen Shi's office, Chen Shi stretched.

"Liu Feng, book a private room at Qingcheng Hotel and invite Wang Tao, Zhang Hu, Wang Haiyang, Li Li, and Xu Ping'an. Let's celebrate together the successful dismantling of the criminal gang represented by Fu Cheng."

"Yes"

Liu Feng went down to make arrangements, but in reality, everyone wanted to know if they would have a chance to be promoted this time.

As long as there's a chance for promotion, no matter how hard or tiring it is, it's not a problem.

Chen Shi understood this very well: if you don't give your subordinates any benefits when they follow you, no one will be willing to risk their lives for you.

A leader's power depends on how many people listen to them, not on their official rank.

Chen Shi had confirmed with Zhang Xiangdong that he had exchanged opinions with the leaders in the bureau, but actually there was no need to exchange opinions.

In the current Public Security Bureau, Zhang Xiangdong basically calls the shots. Political Commissar Song Yun is Zhang Xiangdong's man. The two of them work together and have absolute authority.

Lei Heng, all alone, wanted to win over Zhu Jianming, who was retiring in a few years and wanted a peaceful retirement, no longer wanting to cause trouble. This was also why Zhao Fanglin was eager to prove his loyalty to Chen Shi.

Zhu Jianming doesn't support anyone. You guys fight your battles, it's none of my business.

When Song Youming was around, the enemy of my enemy was my friend. Lei Heng still had allies, but now he's all alone. Whether he agrees or disagrees, it has no effect whatsoever.

In a few days, the appointments will be announced. Xu Ping'an will be promoted to head of the Political Work Section, Liu Feng and Wang Tao will be promoted to deputy captains of the Public Security Management Brigade, Zhang Hu and Wang Haiyang will be promoted to deputy captains of the Criminal Investigation Brigade, and Li Li will be promoted to deputy captain of the Traffic Police Brigade.

If a leader like that can work for the benefit of his subordinates, who wouldn't be loyal to him?

After get off work, I drove three cars to Qingcheng Hotel.

Chen Shi rode in Xu Ping'an's car, Zhang Hu and Wang Haiyang rode in Liu Feng's car, and Li Li rode in Wang Tao's car.

Three cars stopped in front of Qingcheng Hotel. Xu Pingan quickly got out and opened the door for Chen Shi.

Chen Shi is now someone he can't catch up to even if he runs. He has already succeeded in the first step, establishing himself in the county town and securing a place for himself.

Chen Shi was very satisfied with Xu Ping'an's performance. He didn't rely on his seniority. "I'm your college classmate. Our relationship is something they can't compare to," Xu Ping'an said, and instead treated Chen Shi with the respect due to his seniority. Instead, Xu Ping'an acted as a subordinate, starting from the same point as Zhang Hu and the others, and adopted a very humble attitude.

Xu Ping'an wanted to prove to his family that he could make progress without relying on his uncle.

Chen Shi walked out with a smile, and several people surrounded him as they entered the private room.

The private room is quite large, over 50 square meters, and is reserved for VIP members.

Liu Feng pulled out the chair for Chen Shi before Zhang Hu could, and Zhang Hu quickly stepped forward and wiped his face with his sleeve.

Zhang Hu's performance stunned everyone; they hadn't even heard of such a thing.

As soon as Chen Shi sat down, Wang Tao quickly stepped forward and poured tea for Chen Shi before Wang Haiyang could.

Not to be outdone, Li Li quickly grabbed the wine bottle and poured wine for Chen Shi, while Wang Haiyang was covered in sweat, having managed to grab nothing.

Xu Pingan looked disdainful, picked up a tissue, and placed it next to Chen Shi.

Wang Haiyang then realized what was going on; his mind was just a beat slow.

Xu Ping'an received the highest treatment from Chen Shi, sitting to Chen Shi's left. Whoever sits next to the leader is sure to have a closer relationship.

Zhang Hu sat on the right, Liu Feng sat next to Xu Ping'an, and the other seats were no longer important; they could sit anywhere.

Many people believe that as long as they know how to flatter and please their superiors, they will be promoted. They often overlook the fact that in addition to flattery, those who can rise to a higher position also need to be able to get things done.

There's no shortage of sycophants around leaders. Those who are capable and also know how to flatter are sure to be valued by leaders.

From another perspective, no leader would give an important position to someone who is highly capable but constantly disagrees with their superiors.

What leader wouldn't like a subordinate who is capable, efficient, and always follows the leader's lead?

The food was served quickly, but Chen Shi didn't touch his chopsticks. Everyone else watched, waiting for Chen Shi to speak.

Chen Shi originally planned to tell everyone the good news after the meal, when they were full and satisfied. However, seeing the eager looks in their eyes, he decided not to keep them in suspense and to tell them before the meal so that they could drink to their heart's content.

Chen Shi glanced at everyone, picked up his wine glass, and the others followed suit.

"The first toast is to everyone. It was you who helped me, disregarding the danger, without any complaints or questions. I just said 'cheers,' and you bravely went forward and successfully eliminated the criminal gang led by Fu Cheng."

Those of you here are all my trusted confidants. Thank you for your support. Cheers!