Reborn as a Noble's Son

“Damn it, I’ve been screwed over by that Zhou Chen.” Despite Nie Zhenbang generally having a calm and elegant demeanor, at this moment, he erupted with an explicit outburst.

“What do you mean by screwed over? Do you know something, third brother?” At his side, Yang Anbang and Lv Qingjun also walked over, their expressions serious.

This time around, it involves major stakes and substantial investments. The entire Wal-Mart Holdings had practically thrown in all their liquid assets, including the money Nie Zhenbang had procured from the Soviet Union. Thankfully, with the ongoing influx of funds facilitated by Nie Zhenbang, they didn’t need to worry about their capital flow.

However, with such a massive investment, they couldn’t just stand by and watch things unravel. If word got out, it would mean a great loss of face for both Nie Zhenbang and Yang Anbang.

Lv Qingjun was even more anxious. He had taken significant risks for this collaboration. If it wasn’t for the backing of Vice Mayor Yang Shengli, the deal might not have even been possible. If this collaboration worked out, there wouldn’t be much to worry about. But, if it fell through, that would probably mean the end for him.

Nie Zhenbang, currently in a foul mood, snorted coldly and stopped speaking. At his side, Liu Kun explained: “We’ve just found out. The one causing trouble was Zhou Chen. That Fat Fang is one of Zhou family’s men. Likely, he was aware of the animosity between the Third brother and Zhou Chen. This time, it must have been Fat Fang who tipped off Zhou Xiaoshe. Consequently, Zhou Xiaoshe remotely orchestrated the departure of Audi Company’s representatives from Chunan Province.”

In Nie Zhenbang’s plan, the minimum stake they were planning to negotiate with Audi Company was 51%. However, FAW could offer equivalent shares. Regardless of what a mere 1% difference appears to be, the concepts signified by the two figures were entirely different—one represents majority control, the other symbolizes equal partnership. In addition, FAW’s infrastructure and industrial standards exceeded those of Jingcheng Automobile. At the moment, FAW was launching a new engine project with Chrysler which could easily be integrated into Audi models. Given this, if they tried to intercept William now, it would merely place them in a disadvantageous position.

“Damn, I knew that Fat Fang was no good. I won’t forget about Zhou Xiaoshe. Once I’m back in Jingcheng, he better not provoke me,” Yang Anbang grumbled aggressively.

Nie Zhenbang, however, offhandedly sat on a table and calmly said, “We will deal with Zhou Xiaoshe later, plenty of opportunities will arise in the future. But this time after the sabotage by Fat Fang, you must retake the initiative, Second brother. Otherwise, all sorts of unsavory characters will ride roughshod over us. Besides, FAW will produce Audi vehicles targeting government procurements, right? I would like to see if the Zhou family has such influence.”

Turned back to Lv Qingjun, Nie Zhenbang said: “Mr. Lv, you don’t need to worry too much. The world isn’t only Audi. There are still two automotive giants in Germany who haven’t participated. Besides, there is also the United States, General Motors, Ford. These companies are all internationally well-known. Let them occupy Audi. We can seek to cooperate with Mercedes, BMW. If it goes really south, we can also partner with Cadillac.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words brought clarity to Yang Anbang. Previously, it seemed as if Yang Anbang had gotten himself trapped in a corner, where the world would end if Audi pulled out. At this moment, Yang Anbang nodded and said: “That’s right, the third brother makes a good point. Boss Lv, our new base will continue construction as planned and aims to be completed as soon as possible according to world standards. They think they’re powerful with Audi? We can counter this by inviting global partners under the name of Jingcheng Automobile. There are plenty of top brands in the world. We might even be able to attract Rolls-Royce.”

Of course, as the top luxury brand in the auto industry and a renowned handmade car company, Rolls-Royce certainly wouldn’t come. However, since Audi has also made their move, it is likely that Daimler Company, the Bavarian Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., General Motors, Ford, as well as Huaxia’s

neighbors, Japan’s Toyota, Honda and Nissan, would show great interest.

Then, it wouldn’t be like they were sitting ducks just waiting to be taken

advantage of.

Yang Anbang was always a person who dared to think and act. Immediately, he turned to Lv Qingjun and said: “Mr. Lv, when you go back, organize a strong team to promote the history and current status of Jingcheng Automobile. Additionally, make our new base presentable and create a set of beautifully designed promotional brochures to distribute to all the globally renowned car manufacturers. I don’t believe Zhou Xiaoshe could intercept all the manufacturers this time.’

With a professional like Lv Qingjun involved, there was naturally no need to worry about Jingcheng Motor Plant. When the time comes, all Nie Zhenbang would need to do was just steer the ship during the final stages of negotiation.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang and Yang Anbang were sitting in the office of Yang Shengli—the Deputy Secretary of the Jingcheng Municipal Committee and the Executive Mayor of the Jingcheng Municipal Government.

Yang Shengli’s secretary had just poured them each a cup of Biluochun tea and then smiled, saying, “Master Nie, Master Yang, the mayor will be back soon. I will leave you two to chat.” She then excused herself and left.

They had come to seek Yang Shengli’s help. After all, they were dealing with a vice-ministerial level cadre, and unless they were to approach the elder directly, they were currently incapable of influencing the decision of the Central Organization Department on their own. Hence, among those in Jingcheng, Yang Shengli was the most suitable candidate.

“Ah, the premium Da Hong Pao from the elder’s place always tastes the best,’ remarked Yang Anbang after lounging in his chair, his feet on the coffee table, slack and seemingly at ease, with a total disregard for decorum.

Just then, the sound of the door opening signaled Yang Shengli’s return. Seeing Yang Anbang in such a state, he quickly chided, “Lousy brat, show some manners. This isn’t your home. Sit properly.”

Nie Zhenbang also stood up promptly, “Uncle Shengli.”

The Yang family had always fostered a strict culture towards boys but spoiled the girls. Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, Yang Shengli gave a friendly nod, “Zhenbang, you’re here too. You’re here about Audi, aren’t you? I’ve also heard about it. This time, FAW has certainly stepped out of line.”

As the Executive Mayor of Jingcheng, and with Jingcheng Motors a city-controlled enterprise, Yang Shengli was in favor of the cooperation between Audi and Jingcheng Motors. This time, having their business snatched away by First Auto Work left the Jingcheng government somewhat displeased. However, FAW was, after all, a large state-owned enterprise directly under the central government and outside his jurisdiction. Although they were unhappy, there was little the Jingcheng authorities could do in response.

At this point, Nie Zhenbang spoke up, “Uncle Shengli, I think it might be a blessing in disguise. Without Audi, we still have Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, and a few Japanese companies to choose from. We are already in the process of initiating these possibilities. However, having Jingcheng Municipal Government’s support will greatly increase our chance of success. Right now, we’re targeting Fat Fang.”

Hearing this, Yang Shengli couldn’t fail to understand what was going on. He smiled and, looking at Nie Zhenbang with a sense of appreciation, he waved his hand while grinning and said, “Alright, alright. You think I’m not aware of your little schemes? Just leave this matter to me.”

Aside from the factor of FAW snatching their business, this time round, the Zhou family had intervened as a neutral party and used a vice-minister level cadre as an insider. It was indeed a somewhat excessive move. If the reformists didn’t hit back, the neutral party would likely sway towards the conservatives. Even when not considering personal grievances, taking action against Fat Fang was inevitable.

With Yang Shengli’s influence, the Central Organization Department quickly made adjustment plans. Fat Fang was transferred to the Ministry of

Agriculture as the fourth-ranking deputy minister—a fairly quiet post. Simultaneously, Liu Kun’s father, previously the party secretary of West City District, was promoted to Deputy Director of the National Machine Workers Committee, replacing Fat Fang’s position.

By this time, after nearly a month of preparation, the supplies that Nie Zhenbang needed were basically ready. This meant Nie Zhenbang’s second journey to the Soviet Union was not far off..