Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1052 - Chapter 1052 Chapter 1008 A Generous Gift from an Old

Chapter 1052: Chapter 1008: A Generous Gift from an Old Acquaintance Chapter 1052: Chapter 1008: A Generous Gift from an Old Acquaintance At this moment, outside the door of room 1317 stood two people. Leading them was an elderly man, about seventy years old, who appeared vigorous and sturdy. At the elder’s side was a middle-aged man, who looked to be in his forties.

The appearance of this pair, however, puzzled many in Hongjiang Province. Wen Baogui was also somewhat confused; who exactly were these two men?

Looking at the elder’s countenance, he exuded an extraordinary bearing, his whole person radiated an attitude that was anything but ordinary. This was not something possessed by those of common status. In Wen Baogui’s many years of experience, this elder must be a person of wealth or nobility.

However, when it came to the domestic political scene, the old leaders and commanders of the central government, Wen Baogui couldn’t say he knew them all, but he did have some impression of them. This elder in front of him clearly was not from that circle.

This made Wen Baogui curious. If the man was not one of the old commanders, yet he could make Secretary Nie treat him so importantly, who was he exactly?

As Wen puzzled over this, Nie Zhenbang had already come forward and greeted him with a smile, even taking the initiative to extend his hand, “Uncle Shi, it’s been many years, I hope you’ve been well.”

This greeting shocked the officials of Hongjiang Province. Secretary Nie actually addressed him as Uncle Shi. This indicated that the elder had a very deep relationship with the Nie family.

The elder smiled and said, “I came in a bit of a rush. After much thought, the only option was to call on you unannounced. It has been many years, Zhenbang, and you’ve become more and more powerful.”

As the elder was ushered into the room, Hong Feng, Zhou Danian, and Huang Zhiyuan all stood up of their own accord to make room for him.

Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Governor Wen, let me introduce you. This person here, you might find him somewhat familiar. Mr. Superman Li from Li Clan Group of the Donggang Special Economic Zone. And this gentleman beside him is Mr. Li Haoyuan, the Executive President of Li Clan Group.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Wen Baogui instantly sported an ‘aha’ expression. No wonder he felt so imposing. No wonder the face seemed familiar, it was indeed him, the undisputed tycoon of Asia.

Superman Li, although just a businessman, was someone who was given special attention even by the central government leaders in the political circle. Moreover, the Li family has always had good relations with the central government. Although he was a businessman, the power he wielded was no less than that of the average central leader. Unexpectedly, Superman Li had such a relationship with Secretary Nie.

Other provinces couldn’t even ask for him, yet here he was, coming to them on his own accord.

After brief pleasantries, Superman Li sat down, looked at Nie Zhenbang with a smile, and said, “Zhenbang, I’ve come uninvited this time because there’s a matter I need to trouble you with. After visiting the travel expo, our Li Clan Group is interested in investing in the construction of several highways in Hongjiang. I was wondering if your province has already found investors. If not, I hope we can discuss this.”

Superman Li’s words were direct and straightforward, clearly conveying his intentions.

At the fall of his voice, the Director of Tourism Bureau Zhou Danian and the Minister of Commerce Huang Zhiyuan both stood there with their mouths wide open. Wen Baogui was also extremely shocked, followed by elation. It seemed Hongjiang was about to turn its luck around. On the very first day of the travel expo, they had achieved such great success, followed by someone coming forward to invest–and not just any investment, but a huge one at that. Highways, no less. During the expo, in line with Hongjiang’s provincial tourism resources, the Transportation Department had meticulously planned three intra-provincial high-speed routes, totaling 720 kilometers. The longest was 375 kilometers, with the other two being 215 kilometers and 130 kilometers, respectively. The total investment for these three highways exceeded 7 billion yuan. Previously, Wen Baogui had been worried about finding investors for these infrastructure projects, but now, on the very first day, someone wanted to take it all.

In this moment, Wen Baogui’s gaze toward Nie Zhenbang had changed; Secretary Nie’s capabilities were impressive. If the Li Clan Group wasn’t convinced of Secretary Nie’s abilities and tactics, they would never consider investing in Hongjiang. It was said that Nie Zhenbang had a good handle on economic affairs and it seemed to be true. The mere name Nie Zhenbang was a brand that couldn’t be measured in monetary terms.

While Wen Baogui and others underwent their change of heart, Nie Zhenbang appeared very indifferent. He had a thorough understanding of the mindset of the officials in Hongjiang, including Wen Baogui. Their vision was too narrow. To put it bluntly, the sluggish economic development in Hongjiang had caused them to dare not have too many aspirations. In their eyes, investments of hundreds of millions, or even tens of billions, might be a rare opportunity, but to Nie Zhenbang, it was just an ordinary investment.

The Li Clan Group had invested huge sums of money in infrastructure construction in Bashu Province, and now they were ready to participate in the economic construction of Hongjiang. Was it really because of him?

To speak frankly, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. The investment in the Huazhi Expressway in Bashu Province was decided on before I took over the role in Bashu, and now, the construction of the Huazhi Expressway has reached its climax. The pressure on the Li Clan Group has significantly lessened.

And now, the Li Clan Group is eagerly initiating an investment in Hongjiang’s highway construction. At the heart of it, the most important factor is probably interest.

Upon recognizing the tourism resources and unique characteristics of Hongjiang, and seeing the development prospects of Hongjiang, investing in highway construction at this time is equivalent to the Li Clan Group securing a new source of wealth for the coming twenty-five years.

Infrastructure development might seem like a huge investment with slow returns, but for someone like Li Super Man who manages large family businesses and enterprises, it is the most stable investment channel.

As the saying goes, “It’s good to enjoy the shade under a big tree.” Both Li Super Man and Li Haoyuan have this in mind. Large conglomerates and financial groups are necessary for infrastructure investments.

For such companies, any local government, even those at the provincial level, treat them with great respect. Policies tend to favor such financiers. In addition to road construction, there is considerable policy support for their investments within the province, such as in commercial real estate development. This forms a virtuous cycle. That’s why, in recent years, the Li Clan Group has been so enthusiastic about domestic highway construction.

It’s not to say that the Li’s really have such a good relationship with Nie Zhenbang to wear the same pants, investing wherever Nie Zhenbang goes. It’s not like that at all.

Others might value the Li Clan Group, but for Nie Zhenbang, that’s not necessarily the case. He has seen many big financial groups. Not mentioning the Longteng Financial Group under Li Lixue and Dong Wanqi, even the Wal-Mart Group held by Yang Anbang may not be much smaller than the Li’s.

Moreover, if Nie Zhenbang wishes, Longhua Mining and Minnong Group can always gather plenty of capital to invest in Hongjiang. Investment, which might be challenging for others, is nothing out of the ordinary for Nie Zhenbang.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Director Li, and Boss Li, your confidence in investing in Hongjiang is warmly welcomed by us at the Hongjiang Provincial Committee and government. However, I wonder if Director Li has any specific measures or proposals?”

Just now, when Nie Zhenbang addressed his uncle, that was a private matter of personal relation. Now, when addressing Director Li, it’s official business. In matters of separating public from private, Nie Zhenbang is never ambiguous.

These words seemed to stun Wen Baogui and all the other leaders from Hongjiang Province, big and small. Secretary Nie is too formidable. Faced with such a large company’s investment, especially in the highly challenging sector of infrastructure construction, Secretary Nie not only remained less than overly enthusiastic, but also put forth an attitude of, “What conditions can you offer?” Everyone couldn’t help but admire Nie Zhenbang’s demeanor.

Regarding Nie Zhenbang’s words, father and son Li Super Man were not too surprised. This was the Nie Zhenbang they knew. If it were otherwise, it would truly be abnormal.

Shortly thereafter, Li Super Man smiled and said, “Secretary Nie, just now, I carefully reviewed Hongjiang’s investment promotion materials. The planning and introduction of the three highways are quite detailed, which is characteristic of Secretary Nie’s style. If you do it at all, you do it to the best, striving for perfection. This has saved our group a lot of work. This afternoon, our group’s technical staff took a close look, and according to the situation, construction on the three highways can commence upon signing the contract. Moreover, we can start simultaneously. Our intention is to begin construction on all three highways at the same time and strive to complete them within two to three years.”

The words of Li Super Man once again shocked the leaders of Hongjiang Province. When had investors become so cooperative?

Investors often come across as arrogant and condescending, as if their noses were up in the sky; the kind of investment that is touted to be in the tens of billions, but in the past, would typically only come up with ten or twenty billion at most. Most of the funds would be loaned from banks within the province, requiring coordination from the provincial government. Additionally, the sluggish start-up speed for construction was common, which often stretched to five or six years.

Now, the attitude of the Li Clan Group completely overturned their perception: no additional conditions, not even a need for loans, starting as soon as possible, completion within three years. What a concept this was. It goes without saying, this would definitely drive the comprehensive development of Hongjiang. Road construction not only brings value after the roads are completed, but during the construction process, it also invisibly drives the economic construction of Hongjiang Province.

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang actually nodded with satisfaction. This time, a genuine gift had indeed been delivered to Hongjiang. He would remember this kindness and immediately smiled, saying, “Since that’s the case, I think we should negotiate overnight tonight and hold a press conference and signing ceremony at the convention center tomorrow afternoon. Director Li, what do you think?”

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes at Qi Dian (NovelFire.net). Your support is my greatest motivation.)