At this moment, Ji Yang was also inwardly astonished. Although only three names were mentioned, he distinctly felt everyone’s Divine Sense scattered in different directions as their bios were being introduced.
Zhang Chaoping’s support was already known; the Organization Department Head and the Propaganda Department Head stood with him.
Next was Zuo Lin. Aside from Zuo Lin, Fang Tongxiong was also leaning towards Zuo Lin.
Ji Yang couldn’t quite understand Fang Tongxiong and had even had Cao Li secretly investigate him. Now that he had sided with Zuo Lin, and there was a nomination from Zuo Lin’s camp, one had to wonder what they were up to.
Then there was Guo Caihua. To Ji Yang’s surprise, this woman had also joined forces with Zuo Lin, making Zuo Lin’s camp no ordinary force—it too held three votes.
Next was Chen Yonglin. Even though Chen Yonglin had always wanted to target him, he was really just a lone wolf.
As for Gao Min, Ji Yang felt that she intended to stand with him, although he had not sought to win her over.
Forget it, let’s wait and see how things unfold, he thought. He didn’t have anyone suitable for the position of Municipal Committee Secretary, so he wouldn’t contest them for it.
Ji Yang had come to understand something of the intricacies of officialdom, that it wasn’t simply a matter of having the majority within this inner circle. Victory depended largely on the power struggles behind the scenes—if he didn’t have a strong backing, even being the local emperor would be futile, as higher-ups could transfer him at any time.
Thus, Ji Yang’s current plan was simple: focus on doing his job well. Achievements would give him the initiative.
It seemed that for the moment, these people were just bent on seizing greater power within the municipality.
Of course, Ji Yang understood why—holding considerable power locally promised many benefits, ensuring that subordinates would align with them.
Chai Heping had finished briefing the biographies of the three individuals.
Zhang Chaoping said, "Let’s discuss now. Mr. Ji Yang, you go first."
Since none of the three were Ji Yang’s people and Zhang Chaoping knew Ji Yang had no ambition for the position, he confidently invited Ji Yang to speak first.
Ji Yang glanced over the attendees and smiled, "As you all know, since arriving here, I’ve undertaken two projects: the Entertainment Film and Television City, and the restoration of Shisong County Ancient City. I’ve been so busy with these tasks that I haven’t paid enough attention to the municipal work, for which I owe everyone an apology. As for the personnel considerations, I trust the Organizational Department has thoroughly assessed and researched. All three comrades are commendable, and I support whoever becomes the Secretary. Let’s hear what everyone else thinks."
Gao Min smiled and said, "I agree with Mayor Ji’s view. We have also reviewed the three comrades, and they are all commendable. Whomever is chosen, I support."
Well then, it was clear to everyone that Gao Min was now siding with Ji Yang.
Fortunately, Ji Yang had no designs on the position, and no one felt compelled to force him to take a stand.
During the subsequent discussions, it was indeed a tug-of-war between Zhang Chaoping and Zuo Lin. Each was keen to demonstrate their power, quickly resulting in a three-to-three vote deadlock.
Then, Ji Yang noticed Chen Yonglin’s positioning—he was a shrewd man who recognized his own situation. Without much backing, he sought to benefit from playing the middle ground between the two sides.
Seeing such a standoff, Ji Yang followed suit. Though he hadn’t actively wooed anyone, lately some officials had gravitated towards him. So, after exchanging a look with Gao Min, they tacitly formed an alliance.
Chen Yonglin suggested, "Let’s lay out all the positions we need to discuss today and deliberate them collectively."
Instantly, Ji Yang understood; despite having fewer votes, any addition to either side could be decisive. With no majority established, every vote was worth courting, and Chen Yonglin aimed to extract the greatest advantage, potentially securing some posts as well.
Naturally, Ji Yang harbored similar thoughts. With his alliance with Gao Min, they held two decisive votes that no one dared underestimate.
In such meetings, Zhang Chaoping couldn’t act dictatorially—appearances dictated a collective decision. Hence, strategic use of every vote could secure certain advantages.
Of course, if one side held a clear majority, there would be less to wrangle over.
Today, Ji Yang felt he had learned much more. Newest update provided by NoveI-Fire.ɴet