Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 355 The Broker

Liao Chenggong further explained: "A swindler is someone who tries to get something for nothing, using someone else's name as a pretext."

They have no resources of their own, rely entirely on their words to deceive people, take money but do not do anything or do nothing, and in the end, you can't find them anywhere.

Brokers are different; brokers are intermediaries, they are bridges.

How many leaders did Qin Jihao serve when he worked at the Provincial Reception Office?

That bond of kinship and network of connections was truly built up over time.

He understood the ins and outs of the business, knew who was in charge of what, who had influence, and how to deliver messages effectively, always striking the right balance.

He earns money from information asymmetry, from the hard work and lubrication fees of connecting people.

He has his own channels and methods for getting things done. He doesn't make guarantees, but he will do his best.

Moreover, he values ​​his reputation highly. If something is not going to work out, or if he feels it is impossible to do, he will say so clearly and will not take on the task by force. He will not accept payment if he does not succeed.

He had been in that circle in the provincial capital for many years and had built up a reputation. If he cheated once, his reputation would be ruined. He cared about this more than anyone else.

Moreover, it is said that he has connections in Beijing, and a provincial leader was promoted successfully through his connections.

To be honest, so many people ask him for favors that he simply won't take any job unless someone introduces him.

Yuan Jin became interested and asked with some skepticism, "Old Liao, if what you're saying is true, this guy does seem to have some connections, not like one of those charlatans. What does he mainly do now? Is he in the provincial capital?"

He mainly operates in the provincial capital, but also travels to Beijing.

On the surface, it's a consulting firm, but in reality, it's just a matchmaker for people.

They have extensive connections, especially in key areas such as organization, personnel, and project approval, where they wield considerable influence.

Secretary Yuan, you have served as the director of the municipal finance bureau and are now the county party secretary. In terms of seniority, ability, and achievements, you could have been promoted even further.

In officialdom, seniority, ability, and achievements all give way to the leader's appreciation.

I know you are highly regarded by Mayor Wenchang, but the appointment of a deputy director-level cadre is determined by the province, not Mayor Wen's decision.

Liao Chenggong's words directly struck at Yuan Jin's hidden desires and anxieties.

Yuan Jin is 45 years old this year, which is considered young among county party secretaries.

If I can be promoted to deputy director-general level this year, it's not impossible to become director-general level in a few years, and then deputy provincial level or even provincial level in a few more years.

Being an official is like taking a bus; you have to get on early to seize opportunities.

One step at a time, one step at a time.

The difference between being a full-fledged division chief and a deputy director-general may seem like just one level, but it is a hurdle that many people can never overcome in their entire lives.

If you can't get past that, you'll be stuck in the same position for the rest of your life. At most, you might get promoted to vice chairman of the municipal people's congress standing committee or vice chairman of the municipal political consultative conference when you're close to retirement. Although that's also a deputy department level position, your real power is much less than that of a county party secretary.

Liao Chenggong made his point so clear, how could he not understand?

Qualifications, abilities, and achievements are all fundamental. The most realistic thing in officialdom is that no matter how solid the foundation is, if no one pushes, pulls, or nods in agreement, it's all just empty talk.

The mayor of Wenchang City values ​​him, but the hierarchy is what it is. The mayor can protect and use him, but he cannot decide on his appointment as a deputy director-level official.

If you really want to move up the ranks, you need the support of the provincial government.

Yuan Jin nodded: "Old Liao, you're right. Who gets the deputy director-level position depends on the provincial leaders' intentions."

Mayor Wen can speak on my behalf, but his influence is limited.

Liao Chenggong pressed on while the iron was hot: "Secretary Yuan, through Qin Jihao's efforts, many people have successfully been promoted to deputy director-general, director-general, or even deputy ministerial level."

Qin Jihao's influence is extraordinary. For example, the deputy provincial-level official he successfully worked for owes him a favor.

"Wouldn't it be easy for Qin Jihao to find this leader again?"

After a pause, Liao Chenggong continued, "Qin Jihao never leaves any written record or any evidence. All transactions are conducted behind closed doors. The key is tacit understanding and long-term cooperation."

After the deed is done, everyone gets what they need, and they part ways, perhaps becoming even closer friends.

After a long pause, Yuan Jin finally spoke, asking a very practical question: "He must have quite an appetite, right?"

Liao Chenggong smiled faintly: "Prices are clearly marked, no money if we can't get it done. It'll cost around six million yuan for a deputy director-level position, depending on the difficulty."

There is a public report online that an official in Shaanxi Province planned to buy his way into office, offering 100 million yuan for a promotion to vice chairman of the provincial CPPCC and 200 million yuan for a promotion to vice governor.

Qin Jihao's fees are incredibly reasonable, practically dirt cheap.

Secretary Yuan, don't worry, I'll cover the cost, no matter how much it is.

It is my honor to contribute to Secretary Yuan's advancement.

Yuan Jin hesitated for a moment and said, "Old Liao, we are friends. Thank you for your concern for my future."

It's best to be careful with this kind of thing. Don't tell anyone except you and me, including the people who had dinner tonight.

The more people who know, the greater the risk of a leak.

Here's what you should do: you contact Qin Jihao first and sound him out.

For example, how confident are you that you can get it done? What are the fees? What happens if it can't be done?

"Okay, I'll call him later and schedule a time to meet and talk in person."

Secretary Yuan, a county party secretary of your age is in the prime of your life, full of energy and with a promising future.

If I can successfully advance to the deputy director level, the vision, platform, and resources will be completely different from what I have now.

"You won't need many years to be promoted to the rank of director-general."

Yuan Jin knew, of course, that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Liao Chenggong strongly encouraged him to buy an official position, not only for his son but also for his own business.

Yuan Jin was a cautious person. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Old Liao, don't mention my name for now."

Just say you're consulting on behalf of a friend who works in the local area and is looking for career advancement.

"Secretary Yuan, let's do as you say." Liao Chenggong asked tentatively, "There's a pretty young woman at the resort, a vocational school student working part-time. How about we have her come and serve you?"

Yuan Jin said seriously, "Old Liao, we're good friends, don't try to take pictures of us secretly."

Liao Chenggong quickly said, "Secretary Yuan, we've known each other for many years. You know me well. Do you think I'm the kind of person who doesn't know what's important and is despicable? You're absolutely safe with me!"

"That's why I came here. I'm tired today, so I asked that girl to help me relax."

……

a few days later.

A private club in Jiangzhou, the provincial capital.

There were only three people: Yuan Jin, Liao Chenggong, and Qin Jihao.

Qin Jihao was in his fifties, fair-skinned, wearing a Zhongshan suit, and his hair was neatly combed.

"Secretary Yuan, I've long admired your name. Old Liao has mentioned you several times, saying that there is a young and promising county party secretary in Qingyan. Meeting you today, I can confirm that you have an extraordinary demeanor."

Speaking of which, I have a special connection with Qingyan County. My third wife's hometown is Qingyan County.

Yuan Jin's heart sank. How many times had Qin Jihao been married?

Of course, these personal privacy concerns are not beyond the scope of inquiry.

He smiled and said, "Mr. Qin, you flatter me. Grassroots work is complex and multifaceted; I'm just doing my job well."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qin Jihao got down to business: "Old Liao has mentioned Secretary Yuan's situation to me in general."

The 45-year-old county party secretary is appreciated by the mayor of Wenchang City, has a respectable track record, and a solid foundation. His goal is a substantive deputy provincial-level position, right?

"Yes, I hope to have the opportunity to serve the people on a higher platform."

Qin Jihao nodded slightly: "The two main paths are a substantive deputy director-general position, a member of the municipal party committee standing committee and deputy mayor, or a deputy director-general of a provincial department."

Given your current position, becoming a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and then a vice mayor would be a smoother path.

However, the province has taken a comprehensive approach to the allocation of leadership teams in various cities and prefectures this year.

Mayor Wen's efforts are probably not enough.

You need a more direct and effective thrust.

Yuan Jin tentatively asked, "What does Mr. Qin mean?"

"Let's be frank. Organizing this matter for you will be of medium to high difficulty."

Your advantage is your youth, but your disadvantage is that you don't have a strong foundation in the province and you lack someone who can speak with authority and make decisions.

I need to use a lot of connections, and I need to make sure everyone, from top to bottom, is taken care of.

Especially in several key areas, it's not as simple as just giving a heads-up.

He paused for a moment, then said, "One price, eight million. If it doesn't work out, I won't take a penny. I'll cover the upfront costs myself. I'll pay you after it's done."

The rule is that a 30% deposit is paid upfront, and the remaining 70% is paid after the provincial Party committee's organization department has completed its review and public announcement process, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

If the final appointment goes wrong due to your personal reasons, such as being disciplined, the deposit will not be refunded.

If it's not due to your personal reasons, the deposit will be refunded in full, even if I had already paid it; I would bear the cost myself. That's what integrity is.

"Mr. Qin, I have heard of your influence and reputation, and I also trust Lao Liao's judgment."

Eight million is indeed no small sum.

As the head of a region, my income is limited, and it will take time to raise this money.

Furthermore, I'd like to clarify, if the operation is successful, what is the scope of the target you can guarantee?

"Secretary Yuan, I understand. Therefore, the price I offered was fair, a price that would actually get things done."

As for the target positions, they are members of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, vice mayors, or executive deputy heads or deputy directors of powerful departments such as the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Finance Department, and the Transportation Department.

I can work in either of these directions.

The specific position depends on the timing, as well as the overall considerations from higher authorities regarding the structure of local leadership teams and the matching of professional capabilities.

But I can guarantee it will be a substantive deputy director-level position, and a significant one at that; it will definitely not be a low-level, insignificant office like the Provincial Archives Bureau, the Local History Office, or the People's Congress or the CPPCC.

Qin Jihao lowered his voice: "Secretary Yuan, at your level, you should understand that some positions are not just about rank, but also about power, resources, and a springboard for the future."

A deputy director-general with real power, if managed properly, could become mayor, director-general, and then party secretary of the city – his future is limitless.

Eight million—is it expensive to get such a starting point? Some people, even with that amount of money, might not even get a decent deputy inspector position.

Liao Chenggong chimed in, "Yes, Secretary Yuan. Mr. Qin is right."

This investment is about long-term returns.

Once you reach that level, your perspective, platform, and network will be completely different.

Yuan Jin said, "Mr. Qin is a straightforward person, so I won't beat around the bush either."

Eight million, we'll do it according to your rules.

I will arrange the earnest money of 2.4 million as soon as possible.

The remaining 5.6 million will be paid in full after the deal is done.

What I want is what you just promised: a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, a vice mayor, or a deputy director of a provincial department with equivalent power.

In terms of time, the sooner the better.

Qin Jihao nodded: "Old Liao probably didn't tell you, but it can usually be done within six months. If it can't be done within six months, it probably can't be done at all."

Based on your situation and the province's arrangements, things should look promising in three to four months. During this time, I'd like to remind you of a few things.