Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1025 - Chapter 1025 Chapter 981 The Prospects of the Tourism

Chapter 1025: Chapter 981: The Prospects of the Tourism Industry Chapter 1025: Chapter 981: The Prospects of the Tourism Industry The Red River Province Tourism Bureau is located in the Red North District of Hongcheng City, adjoining the Hongjiang River. It enjoys a uniquely advantageous location in a bustling area.

In the Red River, the Tourism Bureau could only be considered a minor government office with clear waters. Although tourism development was vigorously pursued nationwide, tourism in the Red River region was still somewhat sluggish. The lack of attention by the provincial authorities gave the director of the Red River Tourism Bureau, Zhou Danian, the feeling of a skilled woman being unable to cook without rice.

As usual, Zhou Danian arrived at his office punctually at eight in the morning. Following him in, his secretary greeted him, taking his coat to hang it up and brewing a pot of Tieguanyin tea.

Zhou Danian was slightly overweight, and it was said that Tieguanyin tea had the effect of aiding digestion and bowel movement, as well as promoting weight loss. Therefore, Zhou Danian had become quite fond of this type of tea.

“Liu, there’s nothing happening in the bureau, right?” Zhou Danian settled naturally into his seat.

Next to him, Secretary Liu smiled and said, “Boss, let me first wish you a Happy New Year.”

After that, Liu continued, “Since work has just begun, there is nothing much happening in the bureau. Old Zhang, the deputy director, came by to ask: since today is the first day back at work after New Year’s, he wanted to know if you, boss, would be issuing a New Year’s ‘starter’ red envelope for the bureau. Additionally, I’ve placed the newspapers from the provincial news and the ‘Hope Daily,’ as well as various documents from the provincial committee, on your desk, maintaining your usual routine.”

Liu spoke methodically, but he outlined the affairs of the Tourism Bureau quite clearly. Zhou Danian was very satisfied with Liu’s performance. A good secretary can save their leader a lot of trouble, which was an undeniable fact.

Pausing for a moment, Zhou Danian said in a deep voice, “The ‘starter’ red envelopes are a tradition over the years. Although the bureau’s funds are not ample, and we can’t be as generous as the Finance Department or the Transportation Department, we still need to do something symbolic. So, later on, give Old Zhang a call back, let’s set the amount to one hundred per person. I will write an approval note for you in a bit, and you take it to the finance department.”

Zhou Danian had barely finished speaking when suddenly, the ring of a cellphone rang in the room. Zhou Danian looked around and, seeing his coat on the rack, instructed, “Liu, please bring my cellphone to me.”

Secretary Liu was quick and efficient, and upon taking out the cellphone, his expression immediately changed, becoming solemn as he quickly walked over and spoke in a low voice, “Boss, it’s a call from Director Hong of the Party Committee’s office.”

At this sentence, Zhou Danian promptly stood up. In the entire Hongjiang, there was only one Director Hong in the Party Committee office–Nie Zhenbang’s secretary, Hong Feng.

At this very moment, receiving a call from Hong Feng made Zhou Danian instinctively nervous. Although Zhou Danian held the rank of a department-level cadre in the province, there were distinctions and levels even among department-level cadres. The provincial government departments and agencies, as well as leaders from different cities, were judged on different scales.

In the city government, economically prosperous cities’ leaders naturally had more clout and found it easier to get close to the provincial committee leaders. In various provincial departments and agencies, the situation was similar. As the director of the Tourism Bureau, he was essentially a marginalized figure, not much different from the head of the Livestock Department. However, departments like the Development and Reform Commission, the Finance Department, and the Public Security Bureau, wielded real power and were a completely different story.

The fact that Director Hong was calling him had Zhou Danian’s heart pounding. It was clearly impossible to claim he wasn’t excited.

Even though it seemed like a long time had passed in conversation, in reality, only a little time had elapsed.

Zhou Danian did not dare to delay. Making Director Hong wait too long could lead to negative opinions about him. Without mentioning anything else, just a few words in front of Secretary Nie could be more than he could bear.

Gesturing to Secretary Liu, Zhou Danian pressed the answer button and immediately spoke up, “Director Hong, hello. I’m truly sorry. During the New Year period, I’ve been so busy that I’m all in a flurry. Originally, I wanted to invite you, Director Hong, for a casual meal, but I feared you were too caught up with numerous engagements, so I didn’t dare to extend the invitation.”

Director Hong was already accustomed to Zhou Danian’s cautious approach. In today’s Hongjiang, Secretary Nie’s authority was unparalleled. Even the deputy leaders of the provincial committee and government were courteous when encountering him, let alone these department-level cadres.

Smiling, he said, “Director Zhou, you are too polite. Indeed, I haven’t had any free time lately.”

As he spoke, Director Hong’s tone shifted, “Director Zhou, the reason I’m calling you this time is simple. Secretary Nie would like to see you. Come to the provincial committee at two o’clock this afternoon.”

At this moment, Director Hong’s words were not as polite as usual. At this time, Director Hong represented Nie Zhenbang, the top leader of the provincial committee. Authority and dignity were essential.

For a top provincial leader to summon a subordinate official for a meeting naturally came with such a tone and bearing.

This sentence suddenly shook Zhou Danian, Nie Zhenbang wanting to see him was something Zhou Danian hadn’t even considered possible. However, he felt a bit uneasy, at this time, what really could Nie Zhenbang want to see him for? This was a question that had to be considered.

After pondering for a moment, Zhou Danian said with a smile, “Director Hong, do you know…”

Before he could finish, Hong Feng understood Zhou Danian’s meaning. This kind of situation was all too familiar to Hong Feng, which is why subordinate leaders were always so polite to leaders’ secretaries, even to the point of trying to curry favor. As the leader’s personal confidant, naturally, one could grasp the leader’s movements in the first instance, whether the leader was happy or angry, whether it was official business or otherwise. This information was very important for the subordinates, getting some of it in advance from the leader’s secretary would mean being better prepared, thus leaving a good impression in front of the leader. To be caught clueless would be inviting trouble for oneself, wouldn’t it?

Clearly, Zhou Danian meant just that, and Hong Feng didn’t make things difficult for Zhou Danian. Smiling, he said, “Hehe, Director Zhou, you don’t need to be so nervous. Secretary Nie is calling you over mainly to consult about the Hongjiang River tourism situation. It’s just a simple work report, don’t overthink it.”

…

At two in the afternoon, just after starting work, Zhou Danian was already waiting at the entrance of the Provincial Party Committee Secretary’s office. In his hand, he carried a black briefcase, standing against the corridor wall with a straight and upright posture, like a schoolboy waiting to be taught.

As soon as Hong Feng arrived, Zhou Danian greeted him, smiling, “Director Hong, good afternoon.”

Hong Feng also smiled at this time, “Director Zhou, you are early. Please come in, the secretary should be arriving soon.”

Having ushered Zhou Danian into the room, Zhou Danian immediately took out two packs of top-quality Su cigarettes from his pocket and stuffed them into Hong Feng’s drawer, smiling, “Director Hong, keep these for yourself.”

While the two had not exchanged many words, the sound of a door opening and closing came from the inner office; clearly, Nie Zhenbang had arrived.

Hong Feng stood up and said to Zhou Danian, “Director Zhou, wait a moment, I will report to the secretary.”

A moment later, Hong Feng had come back out and waved his hand to Zhou Danian, “Director Zhou, the secretary is asking for you to come in.”

When Zhou Danian walked into the office, Nie Zhenbang was taking stock of Zhou Danian–the Director of the Hongjiang River Tourism Bureau, now fifty-three years old. He had gone through the ranks starting as an ordinary clerk in the Lushan City Lushan County Tourism Bureau, to office director, deputy director, director, to vice director of the Lushan City Tourism Bureau. Later, he was transferred to Wenchun City Tourism Bureau as the director, where during his tenure, he vigorously developed the tourism industry in Wenchun City, and the Wenchun hot spring resort tourism project was developed under his initiative. Afterwards, he was transferred to the Provincial Tourism Bureau, where he served as deputy director, executive deputy director, and now as the director.

This career history surprised Nie Zhenbang; it was extremely rare for someone to rise from an ordinary cadre to a department-level official solely within one system.

Moreover, Zhou Danian’s talent in the tourism industry was another reason why Nie Zhenbang held Zhou Danian in high regard.

At this moment, Zhou Danian seemed somewhat restrained, standing respectfully in front of the desk and said, “Secretary Nie.”

Nie Zhenbang smiled, nodded, and gestured with his hand, as he said, “Comrade Danian, please sit down.”

Once Zhou Danian had seated himself, Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Comrade Danian, don’t be tense. This time, I’ve called you over mainly to discuss the development of tourism throughout Hongjiang Province with you. Regarding this aspect, Comrade Danian, do you have any opinions?”

As these words ended, the apprehension that had been hanging in Zhou Danian’s heart also lessened considerably, and he was filled with gratitude towards Hong Feng. If it hadn’t been for Hong Feng giving him a heads-up, he definitely would have been caught off guard this time. Although tourism was his area of expertise, a hasty discussion would certainly have left gaps. Now, having come prepared, Zhou Danian naturally wouldn’t be afraid.

Nodding his head, Zhou Danian organized his thoughts and looked at Nie Zhenbang, “Secretary Nie, as for the tourism in Hongjiang, overall, I am not very optimistic.”

This statement immediately caused Nie Zhenbang’s expression to become serious. In Nie Zhenbang’s view, with its clear waters and green mountains, Hongjiang possessed both natural resource features and a rich and profound cultural heritage. Tourism in Hongjiang should be thriving, yet suddenly it was not looking optimistic.

However, on the surface, Nie Zhenbang calmly said, “Comrade Danian, what are your thoughts?”(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation.)