Reborn as a Noble's Son

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Wu Zhixiong felt like he was observing a younger generation. Nie Zhenbang was a man whose background was shrouded in mystery, a fact Wu Zhixiong had affirmed from the continual supply of special cigarettes Nie took from his own pocket.

The main reason Wu Zhixiong treated Nie Zhenbang differently lay in two areas. Firstly, Wu Zhixiong himself was limited by his capabilities, and felt somewhat deficient in developing the economy of Lixian. The emergence of Nie Zhenbang was something Wu Zhixiong hoped for – someone to take the reins.

Secondly, Wu Zhixiong had his own agenda. His age was no longer a secret and his room for advancement was limited, even with a further promotion, he would only be At the top of the county committee. But Nie Zhenbang was different. With his potential, their combined efforts could possibly benefit his own children in the long run.

What Wu Zhixiong hadn’t anticipated, however, was Nie Zhenbang taking the initiative to seek a government position. It was widely frowned upon in the bureaucratic circle to openly seek an official post as it suggested strong utilitarian motives.

At that moment, listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, he didn’t feel any displeasure. On the contrary, he felt somewhat pleased. Nie Zhenbang’s candidness in front of him indicated trust and was a promising start.

Furthermore, Wu Zhixiong was quite impressed with Nie Zhenbang’s plan for economic development. Should it be executed successfully, Lixian could become a star county not just within the region but also countrywide.

After pondering for a while, Wu Zhixiong replied slowly, “Zhenbang, as I always say, I will do my best to present your case to the city committee and government. Given the overall economic situation, it is indeed difficult to do your job effectively without being unconventional. You should also try to make some moves from your end if possible.”

Wu Zhixiong’s suggestion was clear, to use their collective power and influence within the city for Nie’s benefit. Given the special circumstances, it might just work out.

Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Mr. Mayor, I’ll head over to the county committee first.’

With that, Nie Zhenbang exited Wu Zhixiong’s office and crossed the street to the third floor.

After knocking and being warmly invited in, Nie Zhenbang entered and seeing MO Zhihai’s secretary, politely enquired, “Director He, is Secretary MO available? I have some work to report to him.”

Typically, the secretary to a County Committee Secretary also served as the Deputy Director of the office or the Head of the Secretary Section. It was customary.

Addressing him this way was courteous and respectful. MO Zhihai’s secretary was He Bingquan, a man in his thirties of modest height but emitted a sense of steadiness. Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, he rose and warmly welcomed him, “Director Nie, such a surprise! Secretary MO is available. Director Cao of the County Health Bureau is with him at the moment. Why don’t you wait on the sofa for a moment? I’ll go in and let him know.”

It was typical protocol in the bureaucracy that one had to report their work to their superiors, unless they had been summoned beforehand.

However, it wasn’t long before He Bingquan returned looking troubled, “Director Nie, I’m afraid Secretary MO is currently preoccupied. Perhaps you could wait a little longer?”

After waiting for half an hour, He Bingquan went in again and returned shortly after, smiling, “Director Nie, Secretary MO is free now. Please, go in.”

Upon entering the office, Nie Zhenbang greeted with a smile, “Secretary MO, sorry for the interruption. I’ve been meaning to report to you my work after taking office. This time, I specifically wanted to discuss our county’s economic development.”

But at that moment, MO Zhihai continued to look at the papers on his desk without giving Nie a second glance, responding indifferently, “Director Nie, have a seat on the sofa. Let me finish dealing with these matters first.”

This waiting lasted for another half an hour, causing Nie Zhenbang’s brows to furrow. MO Zhihai had not turned a page of his documents in all that time.

If Nie were a regular section-level official, such a snub from MO would be entirely justified as an expression of dissatisfaction. However, as a deputy-office level cadre, Nie had already spent half an hour outside and another half an hour inside the office. MO Zhihai’s behavior was rather excessive.

However, under these circumstances, although Nie Zhenbang was dissatisfied, he couldn’t just drop everything and walk away. This is a principle issue. Regardless of what MO Zhihai might say, at least on the surface, he has spoken up about certain matters that need to be dealt with. If Nie Zhenbang were to just walk away now, it would be interpreted differently, leaving the impression of a leaderless, unorganized situation. MO Zhihai would only need to slightly mention this, and Nie Zhenbang’s role as deputy county mayor might reach its end.

At this moment, MO Zhihai finally looked up, and seeing Nie Zhenbang’s current demeanor, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, he then said: “Ah, Director Nie, you’ve kept me waiting. It’s not often that you come. Do you have any issues?”

MO Zhihai continually referring to him as ‘Director Nie’ held an undertone of disdain; it was clear he didn’t consider Nie Zhenbang as someone important. Nie Zhenbang’s expression turned gloomy, thinking that MO Zhihai was being immensely arrogant.

Suppressing his anger, Nie Zhenbang knew this was not the time to lash out. Looking at MO Zhihai, he placed the plan he was holding onto the table and calmly said, “Mr. MO, this time, Director Lin Weimin of Agriculture and I have conducted a detailed survey on the development of agricultural and pastoral areas throughout the county. This is the county’s economic development plan I’ve compiled, which I’ve already reported to Mayor Wu. I wanted to present this to you and ask for your guidance.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, MO Zhihai’s expression darkened. He was displeased with the relationship between Wu Zhixiong and Nie Zhenbang. He quickly scanned the documents on the table and then said, “Ah, Director Nie. Personally, I think this plan is too superficial. I don’t see the necessity of implementing it. Our Lixian is developing very well. This year, I estimate the economic growth rate can reach about seven percent.”

As soon as MO Zhihai’s words fell, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t hold back any longer. A mere glance over the dozen pages of development plan. Was he some sort of genius with a photographic memory?

More importantly, MO Zhihai’s dismissive attitude was clear – regardless of his plan, he would not support it.

It’s true that the county party secretary is responsible for the party. Still, typically in China, the economic development and various affairs in the county need the approval of the county party secretary. After all, the county party secretary is the top authority.

Seeing MO Zhihai’s attitude, Nie Zhenbang’s anger flared. He stood up and said:

“Mr. MO, don’t you think your comments were rather inappropriate?”

His words instantly darkened MO Zhihai’s face. MO Zhenhai’s domineering style was notorious throughout Bazhou City. It could even be said that MO Zhihai was essentially a local emperor in Lixian. But right now, Nie Zhenbang was openly challenging him. Even though they were in his office without any other witnesses, it was enough to rile up MO Zhihai’s sensitive nerve.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, MO Zhihai sternly said: “Comrade Nie, what do you mean by this? Are you questioning me?”

After a pause, MO Zhihai continued: “Comrade Nie, I think as the county party secretary, I don’t need to be taught by you.”

At that moment, Nie Zhenbang’s words had thoroughly angered MO Zhihai. It was no wonder that MO Zhihai had taken such a dislike to Nie Zhenbang. He was on the verge of retirement, and had originally intended for his nephew to succeed him. But his plan was unexpectedly usurped by Nie Zhenbang. Of course, MO Zhihai wouldn’t be pleased. If Nie Zhenbang had been demure, he might have been tolerated. But now he had presented an economic development plan. MO Zhihai was sure not to make things easy for Nie Zhenbang.

Moreover, Nie Zhenbang was pushing back, giving MO Zhihai the feeling of being challenged. Their conversation started out somewhat courteous with him referring to him as ‘Director Nie’, but now he was directly addressing him as ‘Comrade Nie’.

“Mr. MO, as an old comrade, of course you don’t need me to teach you anything. However, as a county party secretary, shouldn’t you show some respect to the results of others’ hard work? You rejected my plan without even reading it. Don’t you think that’s a bit too much? Now, I ask you, can you tell me the specific content of my plan? As the party secretary, it’s only right to respect you. But you shouldn’t belittle the fruits of others’ labor so much.” Nie Zhenbang was getting fired up.

You think you’re so great? That you’re the party secretary? I’m not going to kowtow to you. In a public setting, to maintain the prestige of the county party secretary, perhaps Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t dare be so bold. But here, inside MO Zhihai’s office, Nie Zhenbang no longer had any reservations.

If things escalated, it would clearly be MO Zhihai who was in the wrong. If it were to be made public, it would be MO Zhihai humiliating himself. As for having to suffer any repercussions, Nie Zhenbang didn’t care. Economic development was the business of the county government. As long as his plan could be implemented, he could vie for a position in the Standing Committee. What could MO Zhihai do then?

Hearing what Nie Zhenbang had to say, MO Zhihai trembled all over, pointed a finger at Nie Zhenbang, his mouth moving a few times. He hadn’t imagined that Nie Zhenbang would be so bold and challenge his authority. His voice trembling, he stuttered, “You… you… get out of my office right now.”

PS: 18000 words. Even though an unexpected situation occurred today, it’s finally done. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote and support it on .Your support is my greatest motivation..)