Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1037 - Chapter 1037 Chapter 993 Failing to Recognize a Gem in Front

Chapter 1037: Chapter 993: Failing to Recognize a Gem in Front of One’s Eyes Chapter 1037: Chapter 993: Failing to Recognize a Gem in Front of One’s Eyes However, as a high-ranking official, Nie Zhenbang was not some township cadre without worldly experience. Besides, investments of several hundred million or even billions were not unprecedented in Secretary Nie’s hands. Back when he was just a deputy mayor in Liangxi City, Nie Zhenbang had managed investment projects like Liangxi Film City, which involved over ten billion. A few billion in investment really couldn’t pique Nie Zhenbang’s interest.

At this time, naturally, Nie Zhenbang’s thoughts deepened further. As the saying goes, unsolicited favors indicate a hidden agenda, either treachery or thievery.

Even though Zhao Xinglong introduced the parties this time, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t help but consider more deeply why the Moving Mountain Group would go to such great lengths and expense to acquire Hongcheng Machinery Factory.

Put it this way, both the provincial government and Hongcheng City were eager to dispose of Hongcheng Machinery Factory. Otherwise, had Ling San Heavy Industries proposed such excessive conditions, the governments of both Hongjiang Provincial City levels definitely wouldn’t have tolerated it.

The main reason they were tolerating it was that they hoped Ling San Heavy Industries would take on the burden of the entire Hongcheng Machinery Factory.

Such a factory that both the provincial and city levels were eager to be rid of shouldn’t be so sought after; it doesn’t make sense for Ou Jinnian of the Moving Mountain Group to go through the trouble of having Zhao Xinglong make introductions.

In this world, the most difficult debt to repay is surely one of personal favors. The last kind of debt one wishes to owe is also that of personal favors. On this matter, Nie Zhenbang had considerable experience.

Although Nie Zhenbang didn’t know why Zhao Xinglong owed a debt of personal favor to Ou Jinnian, he knew that for Ou Jinnian to ask Zhao Xinglong to get involved, it would mean calling in a favor. Such a favor is like a term deposit; with only withdrawals and no deposits, it will eventually run out, leaving the deposit slip worthless.

That was also something Nie Zhenbang couldn’t fathom. Considering the current predicament of Hongcheng Machinery Factory, the Moving Mountain Group could have approached the Hongjiang Province directly, and they would surely have treated them as honored guests. Why, then, was Ou Jinnian making such a grand gesture? The more he thought about it, the more Nie Zhenbang couldn’t make sense of it.

After pausing for a moment, seeing the atmosphere turn a bit cold, Zhao Xinglong had already stood up, smiling and saying, “Third Brother, since the matter is almost settled and both parties are inclined, let’s call it agreed. The specific details will be handled by specialized personnel. Now, why don’t we go have a meal?”

Ou Jinnian had reserved a table in the guest hall of the Hongjiang Provincial Committee guesthouse, and even the alcoholic drinks were high-grade.

Nie Zhenbang had already cleared his schedule for the afternoon, which meant he had given himself half a day off. Therefore, he wasn’t concerned about any issues arising from drinking.

The group had a very pleasant meal together. Throughout the dinner, the mood was harmonious and joyful. Ou Jinnian had a keen eye and knew that with him present, Nie Zhenbang and Zhao Xinglong might feel restrained, so after eating, Ou Jinnian took the initiative to stand up and say, “Secretary Nie, I have some matters to attend to this afternoon, so I’ll take my leave now. Tomorrow morning, our team will organize and, if convenient, the Moving Mountain Group hopes to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Hongcheng Machinery Factory’s assets and existing technology. So…”

Ou Jinnian’s words were not finished, but the meaning was clear to Nie Zhenbang. Moving Mountain Group had spent a significant sum and gotten involved with him, and furthermore, proposed such favourable cooperation terms. A full assessment of Hongcheng Machinery Factory’s situation was only right.

However, just as he thought this, Nie Zhenbang’s train of thought was disrupted. Hold on, Ou Jinnian had talked about a ‘comprehensive evaluation.’ Did this imply that the Moving Mountain Group had not conducted such an assessment of Hongcheng Machinery Factory before? How could that be possible? Were they so full and bored or had so much money they didn’t know where to spend it? They offered such a high price without even a business evaluation.

While he had many doubts in his mind, Nie Zhenbang kept a composed face and replied with a smile, “Of course, Mr. Ou, I will contact my secretary later to help you make arrangements. He will get in touch with you, Mr. Ou. Hongjiang warmly welcomes distinguished Huaxia businessmen like Mr. Ou to invest and thrive here. We hope that in our upcoming cooperation, we can achieve mutual benefit and development together.”

Although Nie Zhenbang wasn’t adept at such pleasantries, after so many years in leadership positions, knowing who to meet, what to say, and which song to sing to suit the mountain was clear to him. Such words were spoken effortlessly, without any hesitation.

After seeing off Ou Jinnian, only a few brothers remained. The conversation naturally became much easier. As soon as they returned to the hotel room, Nie Zhenbang sat down on the sofa and immediately asked, “Xing Long, what exactly is going on between you and Ou Jinnian?”

At this, Zhao Xinglong wasn’t the least bit surprised. Third Brother’s ability had been honed over many years, and with the situation being so peculiar, It was natural that Third Brother would inquire about it.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Xinglong also said with a smile, “Well, it all started with those incidents in Africa…”

Beside him, Li Hua also spoke up, “Third Brother, actually, when you think about it, there’s nothing shameful. We at Longhua Mining had some trouble with one of our industries in Africa. As per our agreement with the local government at that time, if we couldn’t solve the problem, the locals had the right to take back the mine. Later, through someone’s introduction, we got to know Ou Jinnian, and the Moving Mountain Group assisted us. They sent out their strongest expert team, who worked through the night to resolve the issue within the deadline, saving us ten billion in funds. That’s how we formed this connection.”

In the afternoon, Nie Zhenbang spent a good time showing Zhao Xinglong, Liu Kun, and others around, and later at night, he hosted the three of them at his home.

In this day and age, hosting a dinner outside no longer reflected the host’s politeness and grandeur, a true invitation was a home-cooked meal.

After arranging for Zhao Xinglong and the others, it was already past eight in the evening, and sitting on the sofa at home, Nie Zhenbang fell into deep thought.

Beside him, after the three women cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks, they noticed something off about Nie Zhenbang, and An Na couldn’t help but blurt out, “Honey, what’s wrong? What are you daydreaming about?”

Looking at Li Lixue and Dong Wan, Nie Zhenbang had an idea, and smilingly said, “There’s something I’m a bit curious about.”

Continuing on, Nie Zhenbang recounted Ou Jinnian’s story, but Li Lixue’s eyebrows were tightly furrowed as she said, “It seems like there must be something inside Hongcheng Machinery Factory that you guys don’t know about. Otherwise, the Dongying people and the Moving Mountain Group wouldn’t be so attentive.”

Dong Wan also nodded in agreement, “Li Xue is right, Moving Mountain Group is the leading bigwig in the domestic heavy industry. With annual turnover reaching hundreds of billions of yuan, money is not something they lack. If expansion of production capacity was the goal, I believe that Chunan Province would have offered land, personnel, and loans without hesitation. It’s unnecessary for them to go to Hongjiang River to acquire such an enterprise, even willing to expend such a large favor. This matter is definitely not simple.”

Both women had been at the helm of the Tenglong Consortium for so many years and, although not in the official circles, both their insight and abilities were top-notch. Such analysis immediately made Nie Zhenbang agree wholeheartedly.

Beside him, An Na however, seemed unconcerned as she said, “What’s the big deal? Since there are doubts, why not just have someone investigate Hongcheng Machinery Factory? After all, the factory is still in the hands of Hongjiang Province. Isn’t that convenient to check?”

Yang An Na’s personality was just that straightforward; in front of her own family, in front of those closest to her, An Na was always so carefree and thoughtless.

Nie Zhenbang listened and could only smile wryly as he shook his head while Dong Wan smiled and said, “Silly sister. If it were that easy, that would be great. However, even Hongjiang Province doesn’t know which factor makes Hongcheng Machinery Factory appealing to them. It’s like having eyes but failing to recognize a gem. To have a treasure mountain in hand yet not know how to use it.”

As Dong Wan’s words came to an end, Nie Zhenbang stood up. It was certain that Hongcheng Machinery Factory must possess something that both Moving Mountain Group and Ling San Heavy Industry highly valued. Otherwise, the two companies would not be so invested in it. It’s just that Ling San Heavy Industry had gone too far; not only did they take a great bargain, but they also wanted Hongjiang to suffer a loss. Now, their attempt to be clever resulted in outwitting themselves. Had they been more generous, they might have locked in that great bargain a long time ago.

Pausing for a moment, Nie Zhenbang looked around at the three people and said, “I have something to take care of in the study.”

…

As soon as he entered the study, Nie Zhenbang picked up the telephone and dialed Wen Baogui’s number. Once connected, Wen Baogui’s voice immediately came through, “Secretary, hello.”

Nie Zhenbang was quite helpless regarding Wen Baogui’s cautious and scrupulous attitude. Logically, Wen Baogui had no need to be so cautious. However, after Nie Zhenbang mentioned it a few times and Wen Baogui remained impassive, Nie Zhenbang didn’t have much choice in the matter.

“Comrade Baogui, I have something to discuss with you,” Nie Zhenbang got straight to the point, after mentioning the matter regarding Moving Mountain Group,

After a pause, he continued, “Based on my analysis, Moving Mountain Group must see something valuable in Hongcheng Machinery Factory, which prompted them to offer such a high price. It could be some technology or perhaps a patent. In my view, the possibility of a patent is greater. I think, you should expedite the investigation and check on Hongcheng Machinery Factory thoroughly. This time, both the Hongjiang Provincial Committee and the government have already made a fool of themselves for not recognizing a real gem. We absolutely cannot sell a jewel like it’s plastic.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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