Reborn as a Noble's Son

“Chartering a plane has always been a significant event, thus we can say it’s a return journey full of gains. At this moment, in the standing committee meeting of the Bazhou City Municipal Party Committee. Liu Wenqing gives a sign to Ding Aiguo sitting beside him. Ding Aiguo nods and says, “During this standing committee meeting, there is a special topic we need to discuss with everyone.”

Hearing the words of Ding Aiguo, all the committee members are taken aback momentarily. The topics for the standing committee meetings are always pre-determined, but this time, there is an additional matter. Moreover, it is clear to everyone about the eye contact between Ding Aiguo and Liu Wenqing just now.

Everyone knows that this matter, it seems the secretary and the mayor, the first and second in command have already talked it over. Now, all that remains for Ding Aiguo is to simply say it out loud.

“Comrades, last night, I got a call from comrade Nie Zhenbang from Lixian. This time, the measures and attempts made by Lixian have yielded significant results and has caused a massive impact. Twice a year, Bazhou appeared in “Daily at Seven”, which for us in Bazhou City is a rare opportunity.” Ding Aiguo started with this as his preamble.

Then, Ding Aiguo continued: “Additionally, I also received news from Comrade Nie Zhenbang yesterday. This time, Lixian achieved remarkable success at the trade fair. Up until now, they have attracted nearly 80 million yuan in contracted investment funds. At the same time. This time, Director Nie has also brought back an investment inspection group comprising over a hundred entrepreneurs and factory owners. Director Nie’s intention is to ask the city’s municipal party committee and government to coordinate and organize a welcoming ceremony. In this way, not only can we arrange for them to conduct inspections in Lixian, but also throughout Bazhou City, they can invest according to Lixian’s preferential investment policy. The secretary and I discussed it for a bit and wanted to hear what everyone thinks.”

Hearing the words of Ding Aiguo, all the committee members are startled, with contract investment of 80 million and an inspection team of over a hundred people, it is too overwhelming. If the total investment of Lixian this year is calculated, including the investment of Farmer Welfare Company and Longhua Mining, and the investment of Wal-Mart Group, won’t it exceed 400 million?

You must know that the entire Bazhou City, apart from Lixian, only achieved total investment of around 60 million last year, wherein 50% of the funds were allocated by the superior. The real private enterprises and capital investment were only less than 10 million. Lixian county alone is forty times that of Bazhou City. Where does this leave the faces of the leaders of Bazhou City? Isn’t this absurd?

The meeting room is quiet. Yet, at this moment, Zhao Weihong is playing with her pen. Seeing the committee members beside her sitting calmly, eyes closed in meditation, Zhao Weihong is helpless. In the standing committee of Bazhou City, Liu Wenqing and Ding Aiguo, two old foxes, give each other assistance and support. They frequently unite, and the old fox Cheng Xinhua is even more slippery. As for other people, several secretary like Bai Weimin never agree with her. There is nothing good to say about them, and other people like the director of the propaganda department Liu Sufang is on good terms with her. Zhao Weihong feels isolated and helpless.

Yet, when Zhao Weihong sees everyone is silent, she gets impatient, and takes the initiative to speak, “Since Mayor Ding has already spoken so much, let me say a few words. Please correct me, secretary and mayor, if my words are wrong.”

When Zhao Weihong speaks, Cheng Xinhua lift her head to listen. At this point, Zhao Weihong smiles knowing that the old fox couldn’t resist. However, since Ding Aiguo has said to let everyone speak freely, and didn’t indicate their choice, Zhao Weihong won’t be courteous. After pondering for a while, Zhao Weihong nods and says, “Hmmm, the comrades in Lixian are very energetic, such as Comrade Fan Zhenming. I see, the model of public selection of cadres is excellent, and can be promoted. This time, Lixian achieved such excellent results. I think the Investment Promotion Bureau and the Administrative Committee’s team should be credited.”

Zhao Weihong’s words are like giving a hat to the committee members. The Investment Promotion Bureau and the Administrative Committee team, many people have their backgrounds. Speaking so, the committee members feel more comfortable.

Then, Zhao Weihong changes her tone and continues, “Also, in my personal opinion, Comrade Nie seems to be making a mountain out of a molehill. It’s just an inspection delegation if the standards are set too high, will there be suspicion of flattering these people? Lixian’s participation in the exhibition is controversial to begin with. I think we should carefully deliberate the matter of Bazhou City hosting the reception.”

Zhao Weihong is taking advantage of the fact that Liu Wenqing and Ding Aiguo didn’t express their opinion. Since it is free discussion. Zhao Weihong naturally has the right to express her views. Also, speaking in this way gives the standing committee a sense of ambiguity. Others can hardly determine the thoughts of Liu Wenqing and Ding Aiguo, so they also don’t dare to express their views, thus it seems as if they all support Zhao Weihong.

Cheng Xinhua now also pays attention to Liu Wenqing’s facial expression. This seems to have become a habit of Cheng Xinhua. For so many years, Cheng Xinhua has always been diligent in her work but very discreet in her behavior, thus enabling her to blend in seamlessly within the system. Being discreet alone is not enough. Another characteristic of Cheng Xinhua is being very focused; whenever she does speak, she would directly address the main topic, and moreover, she follows the most advantageous strategy. This is Cheng Xinhua’s strength.

Seeing the expressions of Liu Wenqing and Ding Aiguo, Cheng Xinhua knows that they are not satisfied with the words of Zhao Weihong. Hence, Cheng Xinhua also adds,” Secretary Zhao, I think your words are a little exaggerated. Debate is a good thing, and “Daily at Seven” has set the tone for this event. It is a case worth promoting that has opened up new ideas for economic development of local governments everywhere. From our side, we plan to propose to Secretary Liu and Mayor Ding that we should consider hosting a trade conference in the Northwest Region or the five Northwestern provinces. If we go by your words, doesn’t that imply shelving this idea too? Personally, I believe our municipal party committee and government should give Nie Zhenbang the opportunity to welcome the investors. The delegation, with so many people, might not all choose Lixian, but maybe if we take this chance to let them inspect the entire Bazhou City, there might be unexpected gains. I think, we should go, not just go but do it in a grand way.”

“Okay! Let me say a few words.” Liu Wenqing knocks on the table, hums affirmatively, and then slowly speaks. At the moment, this is final. When Secretary Liu speaks, it’s the final result.

Looking around at the crowd, Liu Wenqing finally spoke: “I think we should go. On one hand, it would be more grand and show Bazhou City’s importance to this investment scouting delegation. As they say, a gold or silver cup is not as good as the common people’s word of mouth. These entrepreneurs and businessmen all have their own connections. Bazhou City’s attitude will affect our future development. I also agree with Comrade Xinhua’s view that if the east is not bright, the west will light up. Perhaps, other parts of Bazhou City may also receive some unexpected benefits.”

Next to him, Ding Aiguo also nodded: “Secretary Liu, I think I should take the lead in welcoming them. I’ll use two of the City Committee’s Mercedes cars and borrow a few buses from the autonomous government. I’ll coordinate with Secretary Qian of Urumqi City to have our comrades from the Urumqi Public Security Bureau help clear the way, creating an atmosphere of gravitas and importance.”

Hearing this, Liu Wenqing also nodded: “I think that’s a good idea. Let Mayor Ding take care of this matter; I trust your judgment. I will handle things on the city’s side, and Minister Liu and Secretary Li will need to finalize some things regarding propaganda and law enforcement. Comrade Qingde, you should also make arrangements at the City Committee Guesthouse. Prepare the banquet and accommodations to give our guests a sense of home.”

Urumqi Bao Di Airport

At this moment, with coordination from the Urumqi Public Security Bureau, the welcoming team from Bazhou City drove directly into the airport. Four buses were parked next to the tarmac, along with two Mercedes cars and three police cars—one of which was dispatched from Urumqi to clear the way and coordinate the arrangements.

As the chartered Huaxia Eastern Airlines plane slowly landed, a stair car drove up to it. The cabin door opened, and Nie Zhenbang, leading the group, appeared at the top of the stairs. Seeing Ding Aiguo and the other leaders of Bazhou City waiting, Nie Zhenbang also hastened his pace, greeting them and offering a handshake: “Mayor Ding, I’m surprised you came in person. I’m really flattered.”

At that moment, Ding Aiguo laughed, patted Nie Zhenbang on the shoulder, and said, “Nie, excessive humility can be considered arrogance. This time, you guys are the heroes. Not only did you cause a sensation nationwide, but you also brought real investment. As the mayor, it’s only right for me to welcome our heroes.”

This time, Ding Aiguo had indeed spared no effort. He stood next to the stairs and shook hands with over a hundred businessmen, conversing warmly with some. This approach quickly earned high praise from the businessmen—the attention of the local government is also a standard for investment.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang opened his mock mobile phone. Ding Aiguo warmly said, “Nie, let’s get on the bus together. You can tell me about the harvest from your trip to Yuedong.”

After the relevant leaders of Bazhou City boarded the bus, the convoy slowly started, turned around, and drove out of the airport. Suddenly, Nie Zhenbang’s phone rang.

Seeing the call was from Jingcheng, Nie Zhenbang looked at Ding Aiguo and apologized, “Mayor Ding, excuse me, I need to take this call.”

As soon as he answered, Liu Kun’s voice came from the phone: “Third Brother, I have some bad news. Zhou Xiaoshe’s transfer orders have come through. He is assigned to Bazhou City as the deputy mayor. Now, he’s your immediate supervisor, and I’m afraid your days won’t be easy.”

PS: Brothers and sisters, there’s only 8 hours left. (To be continued. If you like this novel, please feel free to vote for it at . Your support is my biggest motivation.)