Reborn as a Noble's Son

Nie Zhenbang’s memory was always good. During his three years as a special forces soldier, the Tiger Group had to learn necessary anti-interrogation skills due to its positioning. The willpower also needed to be strong, and quick memorization was a subject that must be trained.

In other words, as of today, Zhenbang had an initial impression of all the cadres in the whole city. This ability was not something others could possess.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said to Yi Jun: “Well, Xiaoyi, I remember, we are going to the Bureau for Retired Officials next, right?”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s question, Yi Jun also smiled and replied: “Yes, Mayor, we already agreed yesterday with Director Kang of the Bureau for Retired Officials. We will arrive at the bureau precisely at 9:30 this morning for investigation.”

This plan was not sudden; it was a strategy set two days ago. Although Nie Zhenbang was not concerned about his own National People’s Congress election, after all, he was currently an acting mayor. There were certain things worth doing. This was a matter of attitude. At present, Nie Zhenbang’s situation was like the saying of a generation of great men, strategically, disdain the enemy; tactically, value the enemy.

Facing cadres at all levels like Fan Changsheng, Nie Zhenbang doesn’t mind snubbing them. However, at this moment, he still needed to do the groundwork and win over the local retired officials and old leaders in order to ease his relationship with the leaders in Liangxi City. After all, these old officials and leaders had deep roots in Liangxi City, with many followers. Having good relations with these people equated to easing relations with some of the leaders in Liangxi City.

As for why Nie Zhenbang kept a low profile in his office studying material for three days before taking action, on one hand, Nie Zhenbang was truly familiarizing himself with the situation in Liangxi City. On the other hand, it was to see if any leaders would actively report to him.

Those who report at this time will undoubtedly become targets of public criticism. The Mayor is looking on, this is a choice without retreat. In the past three days, no one came forward. Nie Zhenbang had anticipated this and was also somewhat disappointed. But he did not expect that Liu Qingquan would appear on the morning of the fourth day.

After a moment of contemplation, he lifted his hand to check his wristwatch. There was still plenty of time, it was only eight o’clock. Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang also nodded and said, “Well, ask Deputy Director Liu to come in. I have half an hour to spare.”

From eight to nine-thirty, there was a time difference of an hour and a half. From the City Committee and the Municipal Government to the Bureau for Retired Officials, it was just a stone’s throw away. By car, including the start-up time, it would only take three or five minutes. Calculating by time, Liu Qingquan could have at least an hour’s time. However, Nie Zhenbang only gave him half an hour. This was also considered a kind of leadership art.

For the initial communication, it was not advisable to spend too much time. Spending too much time would give Liu Qingquan a sense of self-importance, making him feel like Nie Zhenbang was desperate for him. This would be inconvenient for Nie Zhenbang’s future management. Half an hour was neither too much nor too little, just right. It let Nie Zhenbang have a preliminary understanding of Liu Qingquan while allowing subordinates to maintain a sense of awe for themselves.

After Yi Jun left, less than a minute later, the door opened again. Behind Yi Jun followed a middle-aged man. Although described as middle-aged, he was about forty years old. To reach a deputy department level post at the age of forty was quite a feat. Of course, this was assuming people like Nie Zhenbang, Li Guohua, and those with tremendous opportunities like Yi Jun and Chen Le were not counted.

Liu Qingquan was of average height, around one meter sixty-eight, and well-proportioned. The most characteristic feature of him, however, was his somewhat dark skin. This was unusual. Generally, the leadership sitting in the office is well-fed and white. This dark complexion was quite distinctive and memorable.

Seeing Liu Qingquan coming in, Yi Jun had already closed the door with a smile and left. After years of being a secretary, Yi Jun didn’t need any instructions. He knew exactly what to do at what time.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang stood up, motioning Liu Qingquan to sit on the chair opposite him, then smiled and said, “Comrade Qingquan, please take a seat.”

These words moved Liu Qingquan slightly. During leadership meetings, Liu Qingquan’s status and qualifications were not enough to acquaint him with Nie Zhenbang. He didn’t mention his full name when he introduced himself to Secretary Yi just now. The Mayor actually smiled and called him by his full name; this alone excited Liu Qingquan a bit. It meant that he carried some weight in the Mayor’s heart.

Subsequently, Liu Qingquan sat down, took out a black notebook from his briefcase, and said to Nie Zhenbang, “Mayor, this time, I want to report some of the work I’m in charge of at the Finance Bureau.”

Liu Qingquan was one of the least ranked officials in the Finance Bureau, responsible for the work of the Information Department of the Liangxi City Finance Bureau, and assisting in the management of the wage distribution and financial sources construction of the city’s finance.

After half an hour, although Nie Zhenbang didn’t hear anything useful from Liu Qingquan’s work report (since Liu Qingquan was in charge of some irrelevant tasks, which was understandable), Liu Qingquan’s performance did impress Nie Zhenbang. During the report, Liu Qingquan took out his notebook but didn’t open it to check a single glance. Regardless of whether Liu Qingquan had recited it beforehand, at least this attitude was commendable.

Moreover, the chance of having recited beforehand was slim because when Nie Zhenbang asked a few questions on a whim, Liu Qingquan answered fluently. This was a solid talent.

Looking at his wristwatch, about half an hour had passed. Right on time, Yi Jun walked in from outside, smiling, “Mayor, it’s almost time. The car is waiting downstairs.”

The role of a secretary is perfectly illustrated at this point. Hearing Yi Jun’s words, Liu Qingquan also tactfully stood up, “Mayor, you go ahead. I’ll leave first.”

Listening to Liu Qingquan’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded slightly and then said, “Hmm, Director Liu, the work of the Finance Bureau is very good. I will come to check some time. Today, I have some other things to do, so let’s leave it at that.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words were not a mere courtesy. The finance bureau, the department in charge of the city’s financial power, is critical. As a mayor, the second in command in Liangxi City, to avoid being marginalized, one must control the power of personnel affairs and finance.

Once you take control of the organization’s staffing and finance, lower-level cadres will swarm around you like bees to nectar.

After Liu Qingquan left, Yi Jun also asked with a smile, “Mayor, what do you think of this Liu Qingquan?”

With the relationship between Yi Jun and himself, it was alright to ask this question. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang also started smiling, pondered for a moment, and said, “He is quite good, but Liu Qingquan is too straightforward and inflexible. Though his work ability is fine. Compared with Comrade Weimin, he is somewhat lacking.”

His words were tinged with a sense of helplessness. But it was expected, Liu Qingquan’s straightforwardness and inflexibility were probably why he had the courage to sink his ship. If he was more capable and a bit flexible, he wouldn’t have approached without knowing the situation. If they wanted to join, they would only come after the National Congress. But by then, it would not be contributing bricks to a project.

Around 9:15 am, Nie Zhenbang and Yi Jun walked out of the office, one after another. Taking the elevator directly downstairs, the Liangxi City Committee’s No. 2 car was already parked under the city committee and city government office building. A young man, about 25 years old, was wiping the car. The black Audi official car was polished to the point of being dust-free and bright, demonstrating the driver’s skill.

Seeing Yi Jun and Nie Zhenbang, the young man immediately put the rag in the trunk and ran up with a smile, “Mayor, Secretary-General Yi.”

Yi Jun also smiled and said, “Mayor, this is Yang Qingshan.”

His military identity gave Nie Zhenbang a good first impression. He nodded slightly, opened the car door and got in. When Yi Jun and Yang Qingshan came in, Nie Zhenbang nodded, “Xiao Yang, right? Secretary General Yi talked about you. The evaluation was very high. It seems that you are excellent and full of spirit. Let’s go to the Veteran Cadre Bureau.”

Winning people’s hearts was not only needed by Nie, but also required by Yi Jun and others. By saying this, Yi Jun was given a huge favor in front of Yang Qingshan. Sometimes, one can also win people over indirectly.

The car drove out of the City Committee and City Government Office building, turned onto Chunan Road, and within 500 meters was the Veteran Cadre Bureau.

As soon as the car drove into the bureau, dozens of veteran comrades at the gate were playing drums, creating a jolly atmosphere.

Glancing at his wristwatch, it was exactly half past nine. This was a form of leadership art. Coming late could give the impression of a lack of time and principles. Arriving early could make others think the leader is too idle. Arriving just on time would give the impression that the leader is making time out of his busy schedule.

As soon as Nie Zhenbang got out of the car, Ni Kezhi, the bureau director of the Veteran Cadres, greeted him enthusiastically, “Mayor Nie, welcome, welcome.”

Ni Kezhi meant every word he said, for the Veteran Cadre’s Bureau was a subsidiary department. Being there was like being exiled to perform military service. The veteran cadres in the bureau were ones who shouldn’t be offended. They were all former leaders of Liangxi City. As the head here, Ni Kezhi felt like a big nanny.

Nie Zhenbang making the Bureau his first stop after taking office was what made Ni Kezhi excited. If he could make good relations with Mayor Nie and if Mayor Nie rose to power, he would prosper.

At that moment, a few old men waved their hands, and the drumming from the waist drum team suddenly ceased. One of the 70 year old men came up and said to Nie Zhenbang, “Mayor Nie, we’ve been waiting for the city committee leaders.”

PS: My son has had a cold these few days, but it suddenly got worse today. He needed an IV infusion in the daytime, but there was no improvement. His condition worsened after 7 pm. I rushed him urgently to Changsha. He just finished his IV infusion at the provincial children’s hospital. He has to be hospitalized tomorrow. During this time, I will try my best to ensure continuous updates. I will make up for everything after I get back home. (