Reborn as a Noble's Son

Being an official who had struggled so long within the system, Zhang Chubin was no ordinary man. In his view, this deputy Mayor Zhou had several unwise aspects. Firstly, he had just taken office and came to inspect Lixian, displaying an arrogant attitude in front of Nie Zhenbang. This deliberate cold-shouldering was the first unwise move. Regardless, he was just newly appointed. At least, he should have ascertained the situation and planned before taking action. From this perspective, he seemed reckless. The second unwise move was that in front of all the officials in Lixian, he clearly distinguished the important from the unimportant and forcefully attributed the credit to other officials. On the surface, it seemed as though he was trying to offend Nie Zhenbang, but in fact, he was putting the other officials in an awkward position. Even if he wanted to cause disunity in the Lixian team, this was not the way to do it. From this, it could be seen that Zhou Chen was a person who would do anything to achieve his goals and did not care about his comrades. As for such a person, even if he wanted to follow him, Zhang Chubin would not dare to do so, who knew when he would abandon his subordinates for his own sake.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Chubin smiled and said, “Mayor Zhou is right. I have always been managing the task of the Li County Party Committee. Now, the team of Lixian is still relatively united and stable. Of course, there are definitely shortcomings and I need to continue to strengthen it.”

Hearing this, Zhou Chen’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. His position was indeed low; being a deputy mayor in charge of science, education, culture and health was not an ordinary position. When it came down to it, these local leaders could choose to give you utmost respect, and if not, it was common to send a corresponding deputy county chief to greet you. It seemed that he had been too eager and had neglected the fact that Nie Zhenbang had been operating in Lixian for so long.

For a time, the car became silent. The car went directly into the Li County Hotel. As for the grade, the Li County Party Committee had managed to organize it.

In suite 888 of the hotel, this was a medium-sized suite of the Li County Hotel with four tables. Now, Zhou Chen was sitting in the main seat, with Zhang Chubin on his left and Xie Yi on his right. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was not sitting at this table. This was also an attitude of Nie Zhenbang. Wasn’t Deputy Mayor Zhou ignoring me? Then I don’t need to warm my face up to your cold butt.

Seeing this, Zhao Kunlun was somewhat pleased. The mysterious arrival of Zhou Chen was a hope for Zhao Kunlun. Although Zhou Chen was now just a deputy mayor with a low ranking, not even a member of the standing committee, and his power was even less than Nie Zhenbang’s, Zhao Kunlun was currently being pressured by Nie Zhenbang. Furthermore, Zhao Kunlun had also summarized his experiences during this period. His loss was due to lack of backing, and this time, Zhao Kunlun was prepared to gamble.

The dishes for the four tables were all arranged uniformly, and apart from a roast lamb which was considered high-end, the entire table of dishes was basically arranged according to a standard of about fifteen yuan per person. This standard was not to be underestimated, as it was considered high-end at this time. At a time when fast food was only two yuan per serving, this was considered a high price.

Looking at the dishes on the table, Zhou Chen’s brow furrowed slightly. Zhao Kunlun on the side noticed this change and had a sharp feeling that his chance had come. He immediately said with a laugh: “Mayor Zhou, I’m sorry, we didn’t know your preference. Why don’t we change these dishes and order again?”

As soon as his words fell, all the officials nearby fell silent. From this, even without saying anything, Zhou Chen knew and he laughed: “Secretary Zhao, this is fine. Let’s eat together.”

The meal was incredibly awkward. Nie Zhenbang’s group finished quickly. After everyone left, Nie Zhenbang returned to his office.

Many of the investors who came to Lixian had already signed contracts. Those who were quick to act, like Mr. Wang who was impatient, had already begun the preliminary expropriation work. Nie Zhenbang didn’t concern himself with Zhou Chen’s affairs. To put it arrogantly, Nie Zhenbang didn’t think much of people like Zhou Chen.

While looking at the newly submitted environmental impact report and pollution discharge plan from the Prosperous Company, Nie Zhenbang felt somewhat satisfied. It wasn’t that these companies lacked pollution prevention measures, but they were just unwilling to spend a lot of money on it. In the end, it was a lack of environmental protection awareness. However, by the time they came to their senses in ten or so years, it would be too late.

At this moment, Yi Jun came in from outside and said to Nie Zhenbang: “County Mayor, County Mayor Yan is here. What do you think?”

Yan Fengjiao came? Nie Zhenbang was stunned. Since the trip to Yuedong, Yan Fengjiao could be regarded as one of the busiest officials in Lixian. At this time, Yan Fengjiao actually came, could it be a problem with the development zone?

As he was thinking, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said with a deep voice, “Please let her come in quickly.”

As soon as Yan Fengjiao entered Nie Zhenbang’s office, Nie Zhenbang himself went to the water dispenser. This water dispenser was one of the new products brought back from Yuedong, and it was obviously much more convenient than those bottled water.

After pouring County Mayor Yan a cup of hot tea, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Director Yan, is there anything going on in the development zone?”

Nie Zhenbang’s attitude at this moment made County Mayor Yan somewhat anxious. The County Mayor was really easygoing. At this time, he still had the leisure to study the affairs of the development zone in the office. After pondering for a while, County Mayor Yan also said, “Zhenbang, there are some things, I, as your older sister, don’t know whether I should say or not.”

County Mayor Yan’s words left Nie Zhenbang stunned. Since helping County Mayor Yan get divorced, the relationship between the two had become much closer. As for having any thoughts about County Mayor Yan, he didn’t have any at all. In regards to County Mayor Yan, what Nie Zhenbang felt for her was admiration. He didn’t want her to live like this for the rest of her life, that was all. At this point, Nie Zhenbang himself was somewhat at his wits’ end with his own marital issues. Going after another woman was simply unrealistic.

However, privately, they did refer to each other as siblings. Now, in the office, County Mayor Yan talking like this clearly meant she intended to communicate in their private identities, rather than in their formal, hierachical work relationship. Hence, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Of course, what can’t be said between us? Whatever you want to say, Sister Feng Jiao, just say it.”

“Zhenbang, I feel this Deputy Mayor Zhou doesn’t have good intentions. Judging from his performance, he’s clearly targeting you. You knew each other before, didn’t you?” County Mayor Yan thought for a while, and then spoke up.

Nie Zhenbang was somewhat surprised. County Mayor Yan’s intuition was amazing. She saw the problem from these signs. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang felt pity for County Mayor Yan. If she were not a woman, her border patrol record alone, coupled with her sharp political sense, would make her future boundless. It’s a pity that women lack some natural advantages. Within the system, it seems they are inherently disadvantaged. The matter of Deputy Mayor Zhou’s relationship with him was bound to come out sooner or later, and Nie Zhenbang, not intending to hide it in front of County Mayor Yan, nodded and smiled, “Sister Feng Jiao, it seems you have really seen it. I did have some disputes with Zhou Chen when we were young. Why? Has he done anything in Li County now?”

County Mayor Yan nodded and said, “This afternoon, Deputy Mayor Zhou went to the Education Commission and the Health Bureau for a research trip. Afterwards, he returned to the county committee. I think Deputy Mayor Zhou’s trip was just a formality. I’m afraid the actual purpose of Deputy Mayor Zhou still lies with you. He continuously met with Zhao Kunlun and Bayaer. I don’t think these are good signs.”

Upon hearing these words, Nie Zhenbang’s eyebrows furrowed. Zhou Chen actually did this? Nie Zhenbang didn’t care about the matter with Zhao Kunlun. After he ousted Zhao Kunlun from the position of Director of Public Security, Zhao Kunlun, as the Secretary of the Political and Law Committee, had become a phoenix that had fallen from the sky, and he was now a chicken. An important unit of the Political and Law Committee was under Nie Zhenbang’s control. Zhao Kunlun’s position as secretary had become a mere decoration. It was something Nie Zhenbang had expected that Zhao Kunlun would hook up with Zhou Chen.

However, Bayaer’s involvement in this matter came as a surprise to Nie Zhenbang. Someone from the county government making contact with Zhou Chen is not a good thing. Nie Zhenbang’s expression became serious. After a while, he smiled and said, “Sister Feng Jiao, don’t worry about this matter. Comrade Bayaer is also in charge of science, education, culture, and health. It’s normal for him to report his work to Deputy Mayor Zhou, who is in the same sector.”

Since Nie Zhenbang had said this, County Mayor Yan naturally couldn’t say more. She subsequently nodded and said, “As long as you’re aware of this matter. There’s still quite a bit to be done in the development area. I’ll be leaving first.”

After County Mayor Yan left, Nie Zhenbang began to ponder. Zhou Chen’s ploy this time was much craftier than his previous ones. Although he was a low-ranking deputy mayor who couldn’t stir a major upheaval, his rank was still there. Today’s move to suppress him had immediately made many people in the Li County Party Committee active. Yet, he didn’t have a good strategy for dealing with it.

Getting to here, Nie Zhenbang was also puzzled. Could it be that there was someone higher up guiding Zhou Stutter this time? Just as he thought of this, the phone on Nie Zhenbang’s desk rang. The red telephone represented city committee leadership.

As the call connected, the voice of Minister Fang Gushan of the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee came through: “Zhenbang, are you free tomorrow? If so, come over to the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee in the morning.”

Upon hearing Fang Gushan’s words, Nie Zhenbang froze. The Organization Department asking for a talk? A promotion? It couldn’t be that soon, could it? Yet, if it wasn’t a promotion, what could it be? Nie Zhenbang started to ponder.

PS: Recommending the latest masterpiece “The Red Path of Officialdom” from the political drama genius, Hongmeng Tree. A grassroots man enters the officialdom. His continuous promotion has some fortuitous coincidences, as well as genuine political achievements. There’s omnipresent political intrigue in the officialdom, transitioning from naivety to maturity, from obscurity to the peak, the door of the officialdom opens for him!

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