The Official Ladder: I ascend to the pinnacle of power, wielding the power of life and death.

"Director Jiang, rest assured, I will resolutely follow your instructions and do the work thoroughly and meticulously."

Zhang Chong tried to persuade him to stay, saying, "Director Jiang, we haven't violated any rules. We just prepared four dishes and a soup. Why don't you stay for lunch?"

"Thank you, Principal Zhang. I have other things to do today, but I'm sure I'll have another chance to come in the future."

Jiang Yiming declined again.

Seeing this, Zhang Chong didn't press the matter any further and gave the office director a wink.

The office director rushed out and came running back with four black bags just as Jiang Yiming and the others were about to get into the car.

"Director Jiang, Principal Zhang asked me to get you some local specialties. Please try them when you get back."

Jiang Yiming didn't need to look to know it was cigarettes, and he didn't refuse.

He didn't care, but it would be a bit unreasonable if the brothers he had called to work overtime also came up empty-handed.

After exchanging a few polite words, he had someone open the trunk.

They then returned to the county government compound.

As for Xia's parents taking over the canteen window, he no longer needed to worry about it. He believed that since he had chosen Xia Shi Ning, as long as Zhang Chong wasn't stupid, even if all the windows had already been rented out, he would find a way to get them back and set one up for Xia Shi Ning's family.

"Secretary Ma, I'm back to report for duty."

After returning to his office, Jiang Yiming first went to report to Ma Qiyun.

"How's the matter at Yusha Winery going?"

Ma Qiyun pointed to the sofa, indicating that Jiang Yiming should explain in detail.

"Things are going fairly smoothly. Now it's up to their distillery's management to implement it. I can't do much there, so I'll come back to provide services to the leaders and draft a reform plan for small and medium-sized enterprises. Once Yusha Distillery succeeds, I'll submit the draft to you for review and implementation."

Jiang Yiming reported.

"Okay, hurry up and write it. But don't take the Yusha Winery matter lightly. The things you've done in Yusha Town are still quite controversial. If there are any mistakes, both of us will be affected."

Ma Qiyun said with a serious expression.

"I understand, Secretary Ma, don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on things over there."

"That's good."

Ma Qiyun nodded and smiled, "By the way, the city is planning to hold a training course for young and middle-aged cadres at the beginning of next month. Each county can only have one spot. I asked them to register you. Prepare in advance and go there to study for a month."

"Study hard at the Party School and broaden your horizons. Of course, you should also build good relationships; studying at the Party School is a great opportunity to make connections. I've heard that this training course is of a very high standard, with many places sending deputy-department-level cadres. These might become your asset in the future, so make the most of it."

"Thank you, Secretary."

Jiang Yiming knew without guessing that many people would compete for this spot, but it ultimately went to him, which shows Ma Qiyun's favoritism towards him.

"By the way, Secretary, this morning I went with the Supervision Office to the county's No. 1 High School to inspect their preparations for the college entrance examination."

"How are the preparations going?"

"The county's No. 1 High School is doing a good job overall. They have installed electric fans in the classrooms and improved the cafeteria's renovation and hygiene inspections."

Jiang Yiming said, "They also set aside several cafeteria windows to provide free of charge to the parents of outstanding students in need, easing their financial burden. I think this is a very good thing."

"Principal Zhang also cordially invited you to visit the school for inspection and guidance."

"What was their principal's name again?"

"Zhang Chong."

"Oh, right, his name is Zhang Chong."

Ma Qiyun smiled and said, "Please arrange the itinerary. We'll check the preparations at each test center again before the end of the month, and while we're at it, we'll visit the No. 1 High School in the county to see this 'love window' (charity window). If the method works, we'll promote it throughout the county, so that every school can set aside some positions to provide employment opportunities for the parents of outstanding students from impoverished families."

"Okay, I'll notify the policy research office to conduct on-site investigations and find out the specific situation."

After leaving Ma Qiyun's office, Jiang Yiming first notified the people in the Policy Research Office.

Then I called Zhang Chong.

“Principal Zhang, I have reported everything I needed to report, and the Party Secretary is still very interested. The day after tomorrow, the people from the Policy Research Office will be going to conduct research. Whether the Party Secretary will come to inspect the county's No. 1 High School depends on whether the work you have done in the past two days has any highlights or can be promoted.”

"The Party Secretary specifically pointed out that if your method is feasible, it should be promoted throughout the county, with each school setting aside some positions to provide employment opportunities for parents of outstanding students from impoverished families. You should prepare well in this direction and strive to come up with a practical and feasible plan within two days."

"Thank you, Director Jiang. You have secured such a great opportunity for our school. If I fail to seize it, I will have failed the leaders' good intentions. Please rest assured, Director Jiang, I will definitely make the necessary adjustments according to the leaders' requirements and ensure that the leaders of the Policy Research Office leave satisfied."

Zhang Chong quickly expressed his opinion.

"Okay, I'm waiting for your good news."

After making the arrangements, Jiang Yiming returned to his office.

At this time, the heads of various units kept coming to Ma Qiyun to report.

In particular, the heads of departments under the county party committee, such as the organization department, publicity department, united front work department, and discipline inspection commission, all came to the secretary to report on their work.

Deputy county heads or heads of departments in charge of agriculture, land resources, and industry also came to report to Secretary Ma.

This does not include the business owners.

Countless people want to see the secretary every day.

However, the secretary's time is very limited. He not only has to go to the countryside to conduct research, but also has to attend various meetings. The time available for meetings is very limited, which causes many department leaders or business owners to make multiple trips only to find themselves waiting in vain.

Jiang Yiming asked Ma Qiyun whether he should see them, based on their rank and the order in which they arrived.

"Secretary Jiang, I went out for an inspection a few days ago and heard that the local Maojian tea was quite good, so I bought a few kilograms. I haven't had a chance to drink it yet, could you help me taste it?"

Xiang Kai, the director of the Land and Resources Bureau, placed a beautifully packaged can of tea on the table.

"Director Xiang, I rarely drink tea, and I'm afraid I won't be able to appreciate its flavor and would ruin your fine tea."

Jiang Yiming said somewhat embarrassedly.

"It's not a very good tea. Tell me what it tastes like, and I'll decide whether to buy more based on that."

Xiang Kai smiled and said, "Write down my number so it will be easier for you to tell me what's going on."

Jiang Yiming saved Xiang Kai's phone number to his phone and said with a smile, "Director Xiang, please save my phone number too. Next time you want to see Secretary Ma, call me in advance so you don't make a wasted trip or wait too long."

How could he not know the meaning behind Xiang Kai sending him tea?

First, I need to cultivate a good relationship with him, the secretary's chief secretary. Second, when I need to contact Ma Qiyun, I need to know if Ma Qiyun is available, so I don't have to make a wasted trip, since he also has a lot of things to do.

"Alright, then I'll have to trouble Secretary Jiang."

Xiang Kai chuckled and wrote down Jiang Yiming's phone number.