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

"You must be familiar with the internet, and I think this will be the future trend."

Jiang Yiming said, "Although the Internet is just starting out, and there was even an Internet bubble in 03 and 04, I believe that this is only temporary. I believe that after ten years, or even five years, there will be earth-shattering changes."

"I've learned a bit about the internet, and it has indeed developed very rapidly, but my understanding of it is still insufficient. Do you have any research experience in this area?"

Li Zhengquan leaned forward slightly, indicating that he was very interested in the matter.

"I wouldn't call it research, but I like to learn about cutting-edge things in my spare time."

Jiang Yiming smiled and said, "As an information technology, the Internet will have a profound impact on the world, changing people's lifestyles, work methods, learning methods, social methods, and other aspects."

"First, information acquisition and dissemination. The Internet makes information acquisition and dissemination fast, convenient and efficient. People can obtain various information, including news, entertainment, education, business, technology and other information, through search engines, social media, news websites and other channels."

"Secondly, shopping and payment. Internet shopping will become an indispensable part of people's lives. People can buy all kinds of goods and services online, including food, clothing, electronic products, books, etc. At the same time, internet payment will become a convenient, fast and secure payment method."

"In addition, the internet will also affect people's work, study, social life, and entertainment, among other things."

Although Li Zhengquan usually takes the initiative to learn about the Internet, this was the first time he had heard of such a systematic analysis and explanation as Jiang Yiming's. He was slowly digesting what Jiang Yiming was saying.

Do you believe the internet can change our lifestyles and social interactions?

"Yes, I predict that the internet will revolutionize our lives and work."

Jiang Yiming affirmed, "Right now, people buy things at supermarkets and stores. With the popularization of the internet, people will be able to buy things online in the future."

Li Zhengquan nodded: "How long might it take for what you described to come to fruition?"

"About five years."

Jiang Yiming said, "Now, companies like Alibaba are building online trading platforms. With the popularization of the Internet, online shopping will gradually become the mainstream."

Li Zhengquan was silent for a moment, then said, "Besides the internet, what else do you think will become a future trend?"

"Electronic products and electronic communications. Electronic products mainly include computers and mobile phones. With the advancement of science and technology, computers and mobile phones will develop towards multi-functionality and sophistication, and will become closely related to people's lives."

"Electronic communication uses electronic signals to transmit information and enable communication between people and between machines. With the advent of the information age, electronic communication technology will be widely used in various industries, bringing great convenience to people's lives."

Jiang Yiming said, "Electronic products are the carriers through which the Internet changes our learning and life. With these electronic products, we can communicate and even trade through the Internet."

“I’ve heard some experts and professors say this before, but I didn’t expect you to share the same view.”

Li Zhengquan grew to appreciate and like Jiang Yiming more and more.

Experts and professors spend all day studying these topics to reach such a conclusion, while Jiang Yiming, merely the county head of a poor county, is truly remarkable for being able to arrive at such a conclusion.

"I just like to read the news and think about things randomly when I have nothing to do."

Jiang Yiming said, "Uncle Li, my personal suggestion is that Dongjiang Province should seize the opportunity and take the lead in the early stages of the Internet industry, focusing on developing the electronics and Internet industries, and attracting Internet technology companies such as Alibaba, JD.com, Tencent, Huawei, and Baidu. With their development, they will definitely be able to help Dongjiang Province's economy."

"I only had a superficial understanding of what you've said before. Now that you've explained it, I and the relevant provincial leaders need to put more effort into understanding these emerging entities. If what you say is true, we need to offer substantial financial support and favorable policies to attract and retain them."

Li Zhengquan originally intended to give Jiang Yiming some pointers, but unexpectedly, he gained a lot from chatting with him.

"Uncle Li, could you tell me about the ways of being an official? I'd like to help you improve."

Jiang Yiming took the initiative to ask for advice.

"There is no so-called way of being an official; everyone has their own view on being an official."

Li Zhengquan said, "I'll share my decades of work experience with you."

"Regarding speaking, I don't think I need to say much; you're doing quite well in that area. Just remember to speak at the right time, knowing when to speak and when not to speak, knowing how to speak, and knowing what not to say. As the saying goes, 'Still waters run deep, and wise people speak slowly.' Those who often speak 'speak off the cuff' or 'without thinking' are often inexperienced. Therefore, you must think carefully before speaking. Don't speak if you haven't thought it through, otherwise, if your boss asks and you know nothing, it will make you seem unreliable. Don't speak if you're not certain. For things that have changed temporarily, put them aside appropriately or verify them further to prevent inaccurate information. Don't speak if it's meaningless, especially when reporting to your boss. Meaningless words will waste your boss's valuable time and make them feel that you're not grasping the key points and your logic is disordered, thus affecting their evaluation of you."

"You must always be mindful of protecting yourself. As the saying goes, 'You shouldn't have the heart to harm others, but you can't be without the heart to guard against others.' Especially within the system, if you get promoted, it means that others can't get promoted; if you are in this position, it means that others can't reach this position. This naked interest relationship determines that you must always be on high alert for self-protection. Only by making fewer mistakes and avoiding mistakes can you prevent others from finding fault with you."

"It is essential to maintain a positive image at all times. Be proactive and avoid being discouraged, projecting a positive and confident demeanor. When facing the public, you must project an image full of enthusiasm and strength. Being timid and hesitant will only make people think you lack confidence, let alone solve or handle problems. Take on more responsibility and avoid shirking it, establishing an image of someone who can shoulder heavy burdens. Only then will the people trust you and be willing to follow your ideas."

Li Zhengquan said, “I have been following your growth. You have done quite well in all aspects, even quite outstandingly. However, your personality is a bit too strong. Of course, I personally do not think that a strong personality is a bad thing. Many officials have been in the system for a long time and have their edges smoothed out, becoming lifeless and doing things in a cautious and steady manner. This is not conducive to innovative work. Young people like you should have drive and energy. Only in this way can some work be carried out successfully.”

The two chatted for a while longer before Guo Shenglin, the provincial discipline inspection commission secretary, and his wife arrived.

The food was just cooked, and everyone sat together, chatting and eating. Jiang Yiming accompanied the two seniors and drank more than half a jin of wine.

The next morning, Jiang Yiming returned to Yiyang City.

After all, the end of the year is approaching, and not only is he quite busy, but the relevant leaders are also quite busy, so a simple visit will suffice.

After arriving in Yiyang City, Jiang Yiming personally visited Wei Shanghua, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Luo Zhangwen, Mayor, Zhu Jun, Executive Vice Mayor, Long Shaolin, Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, Ma Qiyun, Minister of the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee, and other municipal leaders.

Jiang Yiming personally called and delivered local specialties to municipal leaders such as Chu Ling, director of the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Li He, director of the Urban Management Bureau, and Cao Ruimin, director of the Industry and Commerce Bureau.

That evening, Jiang Yiming did not leave. After all, he had come all the way to the city, and Long Shaolin and the others would definitely not let him go.

Those attending the banquet included Ma Qiyun, Long Shaolin, Yang Hao (Director of the Municipal Health Bureau), Jiang Wenjing (Deputy Director of the Municipal Finance Bureau), Zhao Yuan (Director of the Xichuan County Finance Bureau), Jiang Songtao (Director of the Municipal Public Security Bureau), Tang Guangyong (Deputy District Head and Director of the Public Security Bureau of Mingyang District), Li Xinhou (Deputy Director of the Municipal Party Committee Office), Lu Hansheng (Standing Committee Member of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection), and many others.

That night, everyone drank until after 10 p.m. Jiang Yiming staggered home and, after being washed by his wife Xia Shining, collapsed onto the bed and fell fast asleep.

I woke up around 5 a.m. and naturally didn't forget to disturb my sleeping wife.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Jiang Yiming, looking at his wife who was as gentle as spring water, could hardly contain himself. He and Xia Shining made love for half an hour.

Through emotional connection and physical interaction, they are studying the issue of the next generation of successors.

Finally, we reached a mysterious and wonderful realm.