Reborn as a Noble's Son

The next morning, before it was six, Nie Zhenbang woke up naturally. This had been his habit for decades and now his biological clock was tuned to it. Regardless of wind, rain, fog or snow, getting up at six in the morning was essential.

Gazing at Dong Wan and Yang Anna, who were asleep next to him, a touch of gentleness flashed in Nie Zhenbang’s eyes. These incredible women were willing to share one husband, which seemed inconceivable but was what touched Nie Zhenbang’s heart. He gently kissed both women on their foreheads and then stepped out of the room.

After practicing a set of Shape-Intent Fist in the gym next to the living room, Nie Zhenbang felt refreshed. He tidied up a bit and then prepared three heartwarming breakfasts in the kitchen before eating. By the time he finished eating, it was around seven twenty.

Downstairs, his driver, Yang Qingshan, was already waiting by the car. Five minutes before eight, Nie Zhenbang walked into the municipal government office building. His timing was as precise as a finely tuned machine.

As he entered his office, his assistant Huang Xuyang placed a cup of tea on his desk. Looking around the office, Nie Zhenbang noted every corner―all impeccably cleaned. He nodded in approval. His colleague had matured and become detail-oriented and steady after eight years of hardship. These virtues were essential for an excellent secretary.

“Mayor, this is today’s itinerary. In the morning, you will attend the ground-breaking ceremony for the city-wide old city reconstruction project in Guicheng District. Afterwards at the Liangxi City Grand Hotel, you will partake in a banquet. In the afternoon, you will meet with real estate industry leaders such as the CEO Zheng Jiawei of Jiasheng Real Estate and the CEO Fu Xiaobin of Dongsheng Real Estate,” reported Huang Xuyang, as Nie Zhenbang took his seat.

“The banquet is part of the ground-breaking ceremony for the old city reconstruction project, so I must attend. These real estate bosses are central to my plan. The scale of Liangxi City and the extent of its old city reconstruction project cannot be handled by government support alone; we need to involve investors. There is no doubt that property developers will be most interested,” mused Nie Zhenbang, nodding in understanding. “Okay, I’ve got it. The time is drawing near, let’s head to Guicheng District together.”

At this moment, at the front gate of the Guicheng District Textile Group, the usually crowded streets have been completely cleared. The decades-old camphor trees have been transplanted to the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and they’ll be relocated back here once the old city reconstruction project is completed. This conservation is a result of Nie Zhenbang’s insistence and is also the first time plant and environment protection has been given priority in an urban renewal project.

At the entrance of the Textile Group, there were rows of alleys and low buildings, characteristic of the old city district. Most residents here were family members of the Textile Group’s employees and local workers. By this time, many of the old houses have already been demolished, leaving an open area that encompasses more than ten thousand square meters.

The rubble and construction waste scattered all around the open lot gave it the appearance of a major construction site. In one area of the field, a podium was set up. A red carpet was laid on the ground in front of it. The leadership platform was adorned with a black marble stone inscribed with the words “ground-breaking” in golden letters, covered by a layer of red silk cloth.

As the appointed time drew near, public security police and armed police officers from all over the city began to form a cordon around the venue.

Shortly after, vehicles from the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government filed into the venue one after another. The convoy was led by Fan Changsheng’s special vehicle. On such a grand occasion, the entire leadership team of the Municipal Party Committee was expected to attend.

Li Guohua, dressed in a formal black suit and white shirt, served as the Deputy Mayor and concurrently as the Secretary of the Guicheng District Committee. The old city reconstruction project primarily concentrated in Guicheng District, meaning that Li Guohua was the main character this time around.

Fan Changsheng was also visibly excited; he had received accurate information from the former leaders. The concept of the Eastern Development Forum had piqued the interests of the provinces of Ludong, Hucheng, South of Yangtze River, and Minan. Huizhou province also proactively declared interest.

From the old leaders’ sentiments, the organization of the Eastern Development Forum seemed to be a done deal. As the host, Fan Changsheng’s political accomplishments were indeed tremendous.

Therefore, Fan Changsheng appeared quite cheerful. As he walked side by side with Nie Zhenbang, they exchanged whispers. Their leadership camaraderie appeared harmonious and united.

On the podium, placards were set up in advance for the leaders. Once each leader took their seat in front of their placard, Li Guohua walked to the podium and started speaking into the microphone, “Respected leaders, guests, comrades, and friends, today, we welcome a major event in our city’s process of reform— the official ground-breaking ceremony for Liangxi City’s old city reconstruction project. Now, I ask everyone to give a warm round of applause to invite the commander in chief of the “Liangxi City Old City Reconstruction Construction Project” Command Headquarters and the Mayor of Liangxi City, Nie Zhenbang, to give his speech.”

Most of it was ceremonial. Nie Zhenbang had already memorized Huang Xuyang’s drafted speech. He stood up with his hands hanging by his sides. His speech flowed smoothly and without pause, displaying a level of confidence that surprised other city leaders and invited businessmen. The common citizens looked on in admiration; Mayor Nie was truly impressive. He never needed preparation for his speeches; his depth and mastery were truly remarkable.

After Nie Zhenbang’s speech ended, the next item on the agenda was naturally the ground-breaking ceremony. A dozen new shovels were lined up. Members of the Municipal Party Committee, one by one, approached the cornerstone and used their shovels to dig a bit of the yellow earth that was piled around it.

“Secretary Fan, you’re the Secretary, and we’re all waiting to see you take the first shovel,” said Li Xiaoqin with a smile on her face.

With several cameras filming, Li Xiaoqin didn’t shy away from speaking as these remarks would not be broadcasted, so there was no need to worry.

Fan Changsheng laughed heartily, appearing somewhat smug. “Ha ha, when Minister Li Xiaoqin says so, I can’t refuse. Let’s do it together.”

Saying this, Fan Changsheng took the lead and dug the first shovel. Other committee members followed suit. In the distance, a hundred thousand pre-arranged fireworks were ignited. Streaks of fire shot into the sky.

Naturally, it was impossible for the city’s leaders to level the entire place. The whole thing was more symbolic than functional.

When the foundation-laying ceremony was over, music began to play from the stage. Sitting on the leadership podium, Nie Zhenbang looked straight ahead and watched the song and dance performance on stage. Unexpectedly, Fan Changsheng leaned in and said with a smile, “Mayor Nie, I have something to discuss with you.” (