Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1049 - Chapter 1049 Chapter 1005 The Travel Expo Opens

Chapter 1049: Chapter 1005: The Travel Expo Opens Chapter 1049: Chapter 1005: The Travel Expo Opens Nie Zhenbang’s modest words made Hu Yanbo laugh heartily as well. In terms of rank, both were Central Committee members. In terms of position, both were the top leaders of their respective Provincial Committees.

From these two perspectives, there was no comparability; they were the same. It was just that Chunan Province’s GDP had entered the top ten nationwide, while Hongjiang’s GDP ranked towards the end, and that was it. But that wasn’t a significant issue; all top leaders of the Provincial Committees and Governments believed that with Nie Zhenbang’s means and capability in economic development, it was only a matter of time before Hongjiang would see a major economic boom.

Therefore, under such equivalent status, the only thing left to compare was age. Of course, if one were to consider background and identity, that would be a different matter. In fact, in terms of background, Hu Yanbo had already made his stance clear. If Nie Zhenbang didn’t have a profound background, would Hu Yanbo be so courteous?

At this moment, Hu Yanbo lowered himself a notch in terms of background and identity. By being so courteous and receiving him with such ceremony, he had placed himself at a lower level.

Now, with Nie Zhenbang speaking like this, he subtly elevated Hu Yanbo, and this attitude in dealing with people made Hu Yanbo very happy.

He shook hands with Nie Zhenbang warmly and did not let go. Instead, he affectionately pulled Nie Zhenbang along, saying, “Zhenbang, my younger brother, that’s right, that’s right. Please, come inside.”

Hu Yanbo’s banquet was very simple, with just Hu Yanbo, Nie Zhenbang, and Li Laibao present. Three people, six dishes, and one soup. It was indeed very concise.

However, Nie Zhenbang didn’t see it that way. The dishes on the table were very exquisite, even the simplest dish of cabbage, considering its color. It was white as jade, the green leaves like emeralds, indicating that this seemingly simple reception was not as ordinary as it appeared on the surface.

As for drinks, they didn’t have any famous liquors like Maotai or Wuliangye, but rather the self-brewed Chu Royal Palace Jade Liquor. It had a long-lasting aftertaste.

After a few drinks, Hu Yanbo exchanged a glance with Li Laibao and then smilingly said, “Zhenbang, my younger brother, I believe you are not unfamiliar with Comrade Li Laibao. What do you think of Comrade Laibao?”

Once he became the topic of conversation, Li Laibao’s face showed a nervous expression. Nie Zhenbang glanced at Li Laibao and had a thought. This might be Hu Yanbo’s first objective. Hu Yanbo probably intended to elevate Li Laibao to the position of Governor of Chunan Province. However, the appointment and removal of ministerial-level officials were not decisions that the province could make on its own. Even Hu Yanbo himself had only the right to make recommendations.

Hu Yanbo was trying to establish a connection with Wang Suzhou through him. After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Comrade Yanbo, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. Comrade Laibao is indeed excellent. It seems that this time, after the old Governor of Chunan retires, Comrade Laibao taking over as Governor would be truly deserved.”

As he said this, Nie Zhenbang also observed the changes in the expressions of Hu Yanbo and Li Laibao. With a smile on their faces, Nie Zhenbang continued, “Comrade Yanbo, now I find myself somewhat envious of you. With the economic development in Chunan Province advancing rapidly and making great strides, with Comrade Laibao taking charge of Chunan in the future, we in Hongjiang might not be able to catch up.”

After a round of flattering words, which naturally represented Nie Zhenbang’s stance, when Li Laibao left, Nie Zhenbang spoke more seriously, “Comrade Yanbo, when there’s a chance, you should still make a trip to Jingcheng and communicate with Minister Suzhou.”

These words truly represented Nie Zhenbang’s attitude. By saying so, he had unmistakably informed Hu Yanbo that the central government held the decision-making power for the governor’s appointment. If he wanted Li Laibao to take up the position, he must go to Jingcheng and communicate with Minister Suzhou. At that time, Nie Zhenbang could facilitate the connection.

Nie Zhenbang also saw this very clearly and was very willing to help. Although neither Hu Yanbo nor Li Laibao belonged to his camp, the same logic applied: Chunan Province was Hu Yanbo’s sphere of influence, and it would be quite impossible for him to intervene. Even if he didn’t lend a hand, he could only stand by and watch. Rather than that, he preferred to do a favor by aiding them; by doing so, not only would he give Hu Yanbo face and ensure a good basis for future cooperation, but more importantly, Li Laibao would surely remember this favor.

Hu Yanbo’s discussion with him lasted until after ten at night, and after dinner, they sat in an ancillary hall of the Chu Royal Palace, with a few sofas and a few pots of tea, discussing various issues. Hu Yanbo also subtly conveyed his aspirations, which aligned with Nie Zhenbang’s expectations. Hu Yanbo indeed had great ambition and was eager to advance further. However, lacking backup in Jingcheng was Hu Yanbo’s shortcoming. Now that he had found hope through Nie Zhenbang, Hu Yanbo was greatly reassured. Of course, Hu Yanbo also understood that such things were not accomplished at a single stroke. Moving up from the ministerial level was something that couldn’t be achieved with just a few words. It required a long trial period.

After all, whether it was Nie Zhenbang or the Nie family, they were not fools to use their resources to support a rival. Such an action was absolutely impossible.

…

The next day

At eight o’clock in the evening, the auditorium of the Chunan Province International Convention and Exhibition Center was packed without an empty seat in sight. The stage had been set up, utilizing the highest television technology of the time. Large screens on the stage pieced together various images; scenic spots and tourist attractions from all over Chunan Province and the rest of the country were displayed one after another on the screens.

Representatives from the provinces and cities sitting at the front naturally had the best seats arranged for them. On Hongjiang’s side, led by Xu Hongzhuan, everyone sat upright and proper, occupying their seats. On the screens, the frequency at which Hongjiang’s tourist spots were shown was second only to that of Chunan Province, striking the members of the Red River Delegation with a bit of surprise.

Xu Hongzhuan looked on calmly and indifferently glanced once, considering that Hu Yanbo and Li Laibao both had requests pending with Secretary Nie, this slight favoritism seemed perfectly normal.

At eight o’clock sharp, the Tourism Expo officially began. Under the presidency of Qu JianTuan, a standing committee member of the Chunan Provincial Party Committee and governor, the first item on the agenda, standing for the raising of the national flag and playing of the national anthem, was completed.

Then came the speech delivered on behalf of Chunan Province by Hu Yanbo, the secretary of the Chunan Provincial Party Committee. Following Hu Yanbo’s speech, Fan Jianghai, the Vice-Chairman of the national political advisory body, announced the official opening of the Fourth Huaxia (International) Tourism Expo.

Next was the entertainment evening following the opening ceremony. As a leader in the television and media industry, Chunan Province had richer resources and better conditions than other provinces and cities. At the evening entertainment event, a host of stars gathered to present a wonderful show for the Tourism Expo.

At midnight, when the evening show concluded, fireworks were lit outside the Convention and Exhibition Center. They were colorful and spectacular.

There, Nie Zhenbang and Wen Baogui, who were sitting on the main stage, both stood up. Nie Zhenbang turned to Wen Baogui and said, “Comrade Bao Gui, tomorrow is the time to test the results of Hongjiang Province’s work over these past few months. How do you feel?”

Nie Zhenbang’s words made Wen Baogui somewhat excited, and he smiled, “Hehe, I feel thrilled and full of anticipation. With Secretary Nie’s guidance during the preparations for the Tourism Expo, we can say that we have done everything perfectly. I have no worries about that. Now, I am looking forward to seeing how Hongjiang will shine at this Tourism Expo.”

Listening to Wen Baogui’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded slightly. Wen Baogui’s attitude also reflected the current sentiment of the Red River Delegation.

Hongjiang had made the greatest effort, done the best job. If even Wen Baogui was still full of worry at this point, it would mean that Hongjiang’s efforts had been in vain. Once work is well done, there is nothing to fear. This is the rule. Wen Baogui’s calm attitude and feeling of anticipation actually indicated that the work was in place.

After a moment’s pause, Nie Zhenbang decided to throw a bit of cold water. It’s one thing to be confident, but how things turn out is another. These cannot be equated.

Sometimes, too much joy can breed sorrow. After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Comrade Bao Gui, it’s also my negligence, these past two days I haven’t visited our Hongjiang exhibition booth. How about we take this opportunity to go have a look together?”

Wen Baogui pondered briefly before nodding, “If Secretary Nie is interested in a night-time visit, I am naturally willing to accompany you.”

Though it was already late at night, and the Expo venue had closed, Nie Zhenbang was a person of great importance, as was Wen Baogui, so the necessary influence was there. A phone call was made, and Li Laibao came in person.

At last night’s dinner, Li Laibao was very excited and aware that whether he could serve as governor depended largely on Nie Zhenbang’s attitude. Li Laibao naturally did not dare to neglect.

He accompanied them through the entire journey. Lights were turned on in every area close to Hongjiang Province’s pavilion.

Accompanied by Li Laibao, the group entered the exhibition hall. Next to the main exhibition area of the Tourism Expo, this location could be said to be the prime one of the entire Expo, with powerful tourist provinces such as Chunan and Bashu and the host nearby, while Hongjiang Province claimed a section for itself.

Occupying approximately 1200 square meters, aside from various local city and county exhibits, the Hongjiang Provincial Government also had a central primary booth.

Upon arriving, seeing the “Welcome to Hongjiang Province” banner made Nie Zhenbang’s brow furrow. After pondering briefly, Nie Zhenbang turned to Wen Baogui and said, “Comrade Bao Gui, doesn’t the design of this archway seem too ordinary?” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it with a recommendation ticket, a monthly ticket on NovelFire.net. Your support is my greatest motivation.)