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

Chen Shi nodded in satisfaction; this was the attitude a subordinate should have.

"Secretary Liu has given a strict order: the three key high schools must start enrolling students next June. The deadline is very tight, and we must hurry up and implement the relevant work. Whoever is in charge, if they cannot complete the task on time and in the required quantity, I will apply to Secretary Liu to remove them from their posts and let a capable comrade take over."

The Finance Bureau has allocated only 1 billion yuan to rebuild three key high schools, and the allocation will be spread over two years, with only 500 million yuan allocated this year.

As the person in charge, I certainly won't be idle. The biggest problem right now is the lack of funds. I'll take charge of this and raise funds from the municipal bureau, the municipal finance department, and the provincial department. The three of you will be responsible for the specific affairs of the education bureau.

Huang Ming and the other two exchanged glances. They had to admire such a responsible leader who had entrusted them with the most difficult tasks.

Chen Shi looked at Huang Ming, who understood immediately and said loudly, "The Laoyan Town Central School is short of a vice principal. I propose that Comrade Diao Kuan, the deputy director of the Party and Government Office, take over the position."

Wang Zhikai's face darkened. Diao Kuan was one of his men, and transferring Diao Kuan to Laoyan Town was a way of giving him a warning.

Since he was going to offend Chen Shi anyway, he should at least argue his case. He said in a deep voice, "Director Huang, Comrade Diao Kuan has been working diligently and admirably as the deputy director of the Party and Government Office. We have all witnessed this."

He has always worked within the bureau and lacks experience in grassroots work. The position of vice principal of Laoyan Town Central School requires interaction with the grassroots. Comrade Zheng Yaoguang, the deputy head of the finance department, has many years of experience working at the grassroots level, making him a more suitable candidate to take over as vice principal of Laoyan Town Central School.

Zheng Yaoguang had offended Wang Zhikai, and Wang Zhikai was killing two birds with one stone: he wanted to protect Diao Kuan and send Zheng Yaoguang to Laoyan Town so that he would know the consequences of offending him.

Wang Zhikai knew very well that Zheng Yaoguang was nobody's man; he had been promoted to deputy head of the finance department by himself.

People who don't know how to be grateful, who repeatedly disobey orders, need to be shown that I can promote them, but I can also bring them back to square one.

Huang Ming said slowly, "Director Wang, no one is born with work experience. It's all learned through experience. Comrade Diao Kuan lacks grassroots experience. It would be better for him to gain some experience. In the future, he can be promoted back to the bureau and take on an important leadership position."

The two began to argue. Chen Shi gently tapped the table, and they fell silent. Chen Shi solemnly said, "If there are differing opinions, we will vote by raising our hands, and the minority shall obey the majority."

I agree with Director Huang's view. If you lack grassroots experience, go and hone it, accumulate relevant work experience. Doing work isn't like a vegetable market, where you haggle and can't be picky. Wherever you are, you're serving the people—that's the fundamental principle of our Party.

Chen Shi glanced at the three men and said loudly, "Comrade Diao Kuan is being transferred to Laoyan Town Central School to take over as vice principal. Those who agree with this personnel arrangement, please raise your hands."

Huang Ming raised his hand. Chen Shi's attitude was clear. Li Zhe decided to follow the leader and raised his hand as well.

Chen Shi also raised his hand and solemnly said, "Three votes in favor, one vote against. Comrade Diao Kuan will be transferred to Laoyan Town Central School to serve as vice principal."

Chen Shi looked at Yang Xiaobo: "Director Yang, go down and distribute the appointment and dismissal documents."

Yang Xiaobo was overjoyed inside, but he didn't show it on his face: "Yes, Director Chen."

Wang Zhikai is now isolated and powerless in the Education Bureau. He is completely suppressed by Chen Shi, who is the top leader. He is helpless and can only watch as his confidants are kicked out one by one.

Chen Shi raised his voice and said, "Meeting adjourned."

Wang Zhikai returned to his office with a gloomy expression. He couldn't let things continue like this. If he sought refuge with Chen Shi, would Chen Shi still accept him?

Wang Zhikai rejected this idea. He couldn't stay in the Education Bureau any longer. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Whoever is Chen Shi's enemy, I will side with.

With Liu Youguang and Zhang Xiangdong backing him up, Chen Shi can't be dealt with. These two will be transferred eventually. Within the system, who will have the last laugh is always an unknown.

When Diao Kuan learned that he had been transferred to Laoyan Town, he went to Wang Zhikai's office.

"Director Wang, since Chen Shi came to take office, I have never offended him and have always treated him with utmost respect. Why did he suddenly turn against me and transfer me to a remote town like Laoyan Town? It takes more than three hours to get to the county seat, and the pollution is so severe that it's not a place for humans to live."

Wang Zhikai comforted me, saying, "Old Diao, in order to protect you, I argued with Chen Shi and Huang Ming at the Party Committee meeting, but unfortunately, I couldn't win against Chen Shi. Now I'm finding it very difficult to move forward in the bureau."

"Don't worry, go to Laoyan Town to take up your post first. Things change every year within the system. When I have the opportunity to rise, I'll promote you back to be the director of the Party and Government Office, and transfer Yang Xiaobo to Laoyan Town so he can taste the flavor of coal dust."

Diao Kuan said with a face full of resentment: "I guess Yang Xiaobo must have wanted to get rid of me. He said bad things about me to Chen Shi. I am your man. He must have told Chen Shi, and that's why Chen Shi transferred me."

Wang Zhikai deeply regretted that in order to get closer to Ma Chunlan, he stepped in to protect Ma Guanghui, which offended Chen Shi. He also tried to sow discord between Chen Shi and Yang Xiaobo, but his plan backfired and he ended up offending Yang Xiaobo instead.

This time, Yang Xiaobo is retaliating against himself, finding an opportunity to completely crush Yang Xiaobo.

Of course, he wouldn't tell Diao Kuan any of this; he would just offer a few words of comfort and send Diao Kuan away.

That evening, Chen Shi and Jiang Yiqiu arrived at the courtyard house. Yang Xiong was waiting at the door. As soon as Chen Shi's car stopped, he ran up, opened the car door, and greeted them with a big smile: "Director Chen, Director Jiang."

Chen Shi and Jiang Yiqiu got out of the car. Jiang Yiqiu smiled and said, "Principal, how could we let you wait for us?"

Yang Xiong thought to himself, "Is this what I've been waiting for?" But with a forced smile, he said, "Director Chen is extremely busy, but I must wait for you at the door tonight since you managed to find some time."

Chen Shi smiled and said, "Principal Yang, there's no need to be so polite. You are Yi Qiu's superior, and I wouldn't dare keep you waiting."

Yang Xiong quickly said, "But you are my superior. As your subordinate, you should wait at the door."

The three of them arrived at the private room. Yang Xiong had ordered the food in advance and asked the waiter to bring it to them.

Jiang Yiqiu rushed ahead of Yang Xiong to pour tea for him and Chen Shi, and then picked up the wine bottle to pour wine for them.

Jiang Yiqiu was well aware of his position and dared not be arrogant or take advantage of Yang Xiong's power, as Yang Xiong was, after all, his direct superior.

Yang Xiong was satisfied with Jiang Yiqiu's performance, as he gave him face.

He raised his glass: "Director Chen, Director Jiang, I'd like to propose a toast to you both."

Jiang Yiqiu quickly said, "Principal, I don't drink alcohol. I'll have a cup of tea with you instead."

Chen Shi picked up his wine glass, and Yang Xiong, holding his glass low, gently touched it to Chen Shi's and drank it all in one gulp.

Chen Shi also gave Yang Xiong face and finished his drink.

Yang Xiong invited Chen Shi to dinner not for any other reason than to try to get closer to the two and keep his position as the principal of No. 1 Middle School.

He had always been Wang Zhikai's man. Seeing that Wang Zhikai failed to become the top leader, Chen Shi came to the Education Bureau, wanting to rely on Chen Shi. Jiang Yiqiu was Chen Shi's girlfriend. If this middleman was used well, it could play a significant role.

Yang Xiong kept toasting Chen Shi, eager to make a good impression on him.

After a hearty meal, Yang Xiong smiled and saw Chen Shi and Jiang Yiqiu off.