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

A few minutes later, March arrived ahead of schedule as the host.

"Secretary, how many guests are expected to arrive today?"

"Including you and me, there were originally eight of us, but because someone went to the municipal government to petition, Secretary Gao accompanied Mayor Wei to deal with it, so he probably won't be able to make it in time."

Ma Qiyun said, "They all know each other, so we won't do any introductions later. I'll tell you about the guests' identities in advance, so you can remember them."

"Okay, Secretary."

Jiang Yiming knew that in such familiar settings, if someone of his status and position was of sufficient importance, he, as a newcomer, would be introduced to everyone.

But he doesn't carry enough weight, so it's impossible to dedicate a separate introduction segment to him.

The simplest way is for him to memorize information about these people in advance.

"I won't mention Xie Yanhua, she's Director Qiao's husband. The remaining three are Liu Wenshan, the deputy director of the Municipal Finance Bureau, who is my old classmate; Zhang Yuntao, the member of the Standing Committee of the Dongchuan County Party Committee and the executive deputy county head, we worked together; and Long Shaolin, the member of the Standing Committee of Mingyang District and the secretary of the Party Committee of Shitun Town, we are old acquaintances."

Ma Qiyun said, "The purpose of inviting them out this time is twofold: first, to strengthen relationships; and second, to help you expand your social circle. As for whether they can become your connections, that depends on your own abilities. Just because I introduced you to them doesn't mean they become your connections."

"Thank you, Secretary, I understand."

Jiang Yiming nodded seriously.

Around six o'clock, Qiao Xiaomai and Xie Yanhua were the first to arrive.

After a brief chat, Liu Wenshan, Zhang Yuntao, and Long Shaolin arrived one after another.

"Old classmate, your belly is getting bigger and bigger, just like your official position."

Ma Qiyun patted Liu Wenshan's belly and laughed.

"Stop joking with me. I'm not even as high-ranking as you. When are you going to get into the city? I'd like to get on your good side."

Liu Wenshan laughed.

"That depends on when Minister Xie promotes me."

“Secretary Ma, don’t joke with me. I’m just a gofer in the Organization Department. How can I compare to a local tyrant like you?”

Xie Yanhua laughed and said, "You should go find Standing Committee Member Long, bring a couple more bottles of good wine, and get him drunk. Maybe he'll put in a good word for you with the old man, and you'll be able to get a job in the city."

“Brother Ma doesn’t need me to speak up for him. As long as he achieves some more results, he will be able to advance to the next level soon.”

"That's what Long Shaolin said."

What was said in jest was taken seriously by everyone. They all gleaned something from those words, and while they admired Ma Qiyun, they became even more enthusiastic.

"Everyone, please sit down and let's chat."

Ma Qiyun gestured for everyone to sit down and said to Jiang Yiming, "Yiming, see if anyone else wants to eat anything else?"

"Distinguished leaders, we've already ordered several of the hotel's signature dishes based on their recommendations. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

"Let me see."

Long Shaolin took the menu, glanced at it, and said, "The salt and pepper eel here is very fragrant and crispy. Order one. Also, the beef balls are very bouncy. Everyone should try them."

"Alright, that's all for now. Just tell them to serve the dishes. I'll add dishes based on their tastes, and they'll eat whatever's served."

"Yes, Standing Committee Member Long."

Jiang Yiming asked the waiter to serve the dishes, then opened the Moutai case and began pouring the liquor.

Zhang Yuntao stood up and said, "Give me the wine, and I'll provide service for the leaders."

"Yun Tao, tell Yi Ming to pour the wine. What wine are you going to pour?"

Ma Qiyun said.

"Old boss, it's been a while since I've seen you. Please give me a chance to serve you."

Zhang Yuntao said emotionally, "Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"Haha, Secretary Ma, just let County Chief Yuntao pour the wine. He's in high spirits when he's having a good time."

Xie Yanhua spoke up.

"Minister Xie, stop beating around the bush. Is Yun Tao going to take another step forward?"

Ma Qiyun urged.

"Don't ask me about this, ask him directly."

Xie Yanhua smiled.

“The organization did have this idea, but I didn’t have enough time for training, so they arranged for me to come here for make-up classes.”

Zhang Yuntao said, "Of course, whether I can advance further depends on the leadership's arrangements, but I owe this opportunity entirely to my former leader. I served as deputy county head for three years and should have joined the standing committee long ago, but I was held back. When you came, you recommended me for the standing committee, and when you left, you recommended me for executive deputy county head. That's how I got this opportunity to advance further. Otherwise, if it had been a year later, I would have missed this golden opportunity."

Promotion of officials is based on age; once someone misses a certain age range, it becomes very difficult for them to get promoted again.

Zhang Yuntao was at a critical age when Ma Qiyun gave him a push.

"Let's not dwell on the past. The fact that you've come this far is a testament to the organization's trust in you."

Although Ma Qiyun tried his best to stop him, Zhang Yuntao still poured everyone a glass of wine before sitting down.

The group continued their casual conversation, mainly discussing who might be slated for a change. Jiang Yiming sat quietly beside them, occasionally offering his superiors assistance.

"Brother Ma, I heard that the enterprise reform in your Xinping County is going very well. The mayor is even going to visit and investigate it in person."

Long Shaolin said, "After the mayor goes, I will take the leadership team of Shitun Town to learn from them and try to resolve the difficulties of our town's enterprises as soon as possible. Don't hold back when that happens."

"You are welcome to come anytime."

Ma Qiyun smiled and said, "Speaking of enterprise reform, I have to introduce my capable assistant Jiang Yiming to you. He is the one who is in charge of the specific work of enterprise reform. Shaolin, if you really want to lead the enterprises in your town out of their predicament, talk to Yiming more often. You might get some results."

"Jiang Yiming, why does that name sound familiar?"

Long Shaolin thought for a moment, then slapped his thigh and said, "I remember now, you're the one who published the article in the journal *Economic Research*!"

"I read that article, and it was very well written. I didn't expect Brother Jiang to be so young."

"Brother Jiang, have you ever thought about changing jobs?"

"Come to Mingyang District. If you agree, I will immediately ask Minister Xie to transfer you here."

“Mingyang District has a better development prospect than Xinping County. Most importantly, if you follow me, your future will be bright. I will definitely not be slower than Brother Ma in making progress.”

"Shao Lin, you poached my people right in front of me. Shouldn't you consider my feelings?"

Ma Qiyun said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

“Brother Ma, this is fair competition. Whoever has the ability to impress Brother Jiang will have Brother Jiang.”

Long Shaolin laughed and said, "Brother Jiang, you probably already know my identity. I am eager to find talented people."

“Standing Committee Member Long overestimates my abilities. The achievements in enterprise reform are mainly due to Secretary Ma’s effective leadership. I only played a very small role.”

Jiang Yiming was somewhat unaccustomed to Long Shaolin's way of speaking and doing things.

This is someone who doesn't play by the rules.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. If I had a father who was the head of the provincial organization department, I wouldn't need to be so conventional in my work.

"Looks like my attempt to poach talent failed."

Long Shaolin said, "However, my door is always open for you. You are welcome to come in anytime you wish."

The group ate and chatted while Jiang Yiming went out to get some napkins.

Long Shaolin had just picked up a beef ball with his chopsticks when his phone rang. He answered the call while still putting the beef ball in his mouth, and when he heard the content of the call, he suddenly stood up.

His face immediately turned pale, his breathing became rapid, and he kept pinching his neck with his hands.