In officialdom, how high can someone with money, connections, and a sharp mind climb? Many people might think he’ll have a smooth path to success, rising swiftly through the ranks. But is that really how it works? This book follows a young man handed the role of the protagonist, as the people he once cherished and the things he once stood by are repeatedly cast aside in the name of seemingly wise choices on his climb to the top. It features power struggles, business wars, criminal investigations, and more. There’s none of the triumphant swagger of a wish-fulfillment story where someone reaches the top in their twenties or thirties. Even with the protagonist’s role, he must cautiously fight for room to survive. Nor is good and evil purely black and white: a groveling opportunist may lay down his life for a noble cause, while a mild-mannered gentleman may have blood on his hands. Human nature is complicated, and life is full of helpless choices.
This is my first book, so please bear with its many rough edges. Most of the content is adapted from real stories and involves departments I know about, including civil affairs, procurement, auditing, and medical insurance. I welcome your comments and suggestions, and will gladly learn from them. Thank you.
