Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1072 - Chapter 1072 Chapter 1028 This is Called Picking Peaches

Chapter 1072: Chapter 1028: This is Called Picking Peaches Chapter 1072: Chapter 1028: This is Called Picking Peaches Wen Baogui’s tone carried a tinge of discouragement, and he was clearly in low spirits, which was inevitable. He had been promoted to Governor of Hongjiang Province less than half a year ago, and suddenly there was talk of a transfer. Such a scenario was obviously unusual. Previously, having served as the deputy secretary of the Hongjiang Provincial Committee for so long without a whisper of being moved, now, less than half a year into his term, he was facing a change of position, and to a major department like the Ministry of Transport at that. Logically speaking, Wen Baogui should have been happy. Moving from the position of Governor of Hongjiang Province to Minister of Transport was clearly a promotion. Next, he was sure to be in charge of an economically powerful and even stronger province.

However, Wen Baogui could not feel happy. It was apparent that someone was envious. The economic situation in Hongjiang Province was booming at the moment, and under these circumstances, someone was in a hurry to pick the ripe fruit.

Nie Zhenbang understood Wen Baogui’s feelings. At the provincial-ministerial level, it essentially became a case of one man to one slot. Getting others to vacate a position, even if one became available, didn’t necessarily mean it would be yours. There were just too many eyes watching from behind. At this level, what was needed were dazzling achievements. Now, having finally achieved some here, it was just about to bear fruit within a year or two. Then suddenly, an official document comes down ordering a transfer. Anyone would find it hard to accept.

Sighing, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Comrade Baogui, do you have any thoughts?”

Nie Zhenbang’s words caught Wen Baogui by surprise. He quickly composed his emotions and also smiled, saying, “Thoughts, I wouldn’t say. It’s just that I’ve grown accustomed to working in Hongjiang, and it’s difficult to accept this news all at once.”

Both Nie Zhenbang and Wen Baogui were well aware that since the higher-ups were already preparing to discuss the matter, it indicated that they had already made thorough preparations and reached a preliminary consensus. Any further attempts to argue would be meaningless.

Then, Wen Baogui adjusted his mindset and discussed some details regarding tourism development and investment within the province with Nie Zhenbang. After that, Wen Baogui stood up, took his leave, and departed.

As soon as Wen Baogui left, Nie Zhenbang’s expression darkened. Picking the ripe fruit, the situation was not that simple. It looked like the higher-ups were still keeping something from him; otherwise, such a major personnel adjustment would not have happened without seeking the opinion of the chief of Hongjiang Province like himself.

With that thought, Nie Zhenbang picked up his phone and dialed Zhao Xinglong’s number, these two, now both in Hongjiang, with Liu Kun busying himself with preparations for the Longteng International Academy. According to Li Lixue’s plan, they were going to requisition an additional six thousand mu of land on top of the original site to build a ten-thousand-mu International Academy.

Currently, Liu Kun was in charge of this. As for Zhao Xinglong, he was discussing a cooperation with Hongjiang Copper Industry.

Now, the only person he could turn to was Zhao Xinglong, because this guy had a leisurely job. Even though they were not in Jingcheng or inside the system, the circles of Jingcheng were just that big, and no news could escape it.

The moment the call connected, Zhao Xinglong’s groggy voice came through, which caused Nie Zhenbang’s brows to furrow. He teased, “Zhao the young master, are you ignorant of the night’s darkness? It’s already the afternoon, and yet you can sleep so soundly? I must admire you. Longhua Mining is blessed to have such a CEO.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xinglong laughed and said, “Don’t tease, Brother San. Don’t treat me as illiterate. After all, I am a graduate returned from overseas. I understand what you’re saying. Rest assured, the employees of our company are all very conscientious, and there’s no need for the boss to check on them,”

“Cut the chatter, I need you to check something for me. Make a call back to Jingcheng and find out what’s going on. I’ve just received news that there is going to be a new Governor in Hongjiang Province.” Nie Zhenbang’s tone became more formal as he returned to the matter at hand.

The moment he finished speaking, Zhao Xinglong became serious, pausing to think for a moment before responding earnestly, “Brother San, it sounds like it’s time to pick the ripe fruit.”

Belonging to well-to-do families, even though Zhao Xinglong and the others were not part of the system, it was simply because they disliked the prevailing atmosphere within it, and that didn’t mean they were ignorant of it. By now, each had become a pillar in their respective family businesses. Whether it was Zhao Xinglong, Li Hua, or Liu Kun, they were all the mainstays of their families in the business world.

In fact, they were all too familiar with the trickery within the system, having been immersed in it from a young age. For instance, having just heard the news, Zhao Xinglong immediately pointed out the subtleties involved.

“Picking the ripe fruit is a given. The total investment pledged in may at the tourism expo amounted to over seventy billion, which is enough to explain everything. The wave that follows will surely bring about a period of rapid development for Hongjiang, and it would not be surprising to see a new Hongjiang speed or miracle emerge. This represents enormous interest, so it’s natural that people would be tempted to pick the ripe fruit. I fear even my position would be coveted if I weren’t untouchable. What concerns me is not the fact that fruit is being picked; my worry is that there may be ulterior motives at play,” Nie Zhenbang voiced his apprehensions.

Listening, Zhao Xinglong’s brows furrowed. In Hongjiang, he had always stayed at the Red River Hotel, which provided the best conditions available in the region.

He straightened up, leaning against the plush headboard of the bed. Beneath the snow-white covers, there was rustling, a flurry of movement, and a jade body revealed half a bare shoulder. Zhao Xinglong naturally slipped his hand under the blanket and patted it, signaling for quiet, then he spoke, “Third brother, are you worried that this isn’t just about picking peaches but is targeted at you? That can’t be, right?”

Nie Zhenbang waved his hand and said, “Better safe than sorry. Whether it is or isn’t, being cautious is never a mistake. Look into it for me.”

Within the system, there never were any absolute secrets, just like Wen Bao Gui’s transfer. Although Wen Bao Gui didn’t tell too many people, as soon as he mentioned it to Nie Zhenbang, to his trusted subordinates, and to his in-laws, word spread quickly throughout the upper echelons of Hongjiang Province.

In no time, many started to make their moves. With Wen Bao Gui’s departure, his followers, the cadres from various cities, were all anxious. Many started making their way to the provincial offices, naturally, since everyone needed to find a new powerful patron there. This was a necessity.

Other provincial committee leadership cadres also became tempted, like He Yusheng and Qin Guanghan.

No sooner had He Yusheng’s plane left Hongjiang than Qin Guanghan received the news. In his office, Qin Guanghan’s secretary reported in a low voice, “Boss, Vice-Governor He has already taken action. Should we also make a move in Jingcheng?”

As the secretary finished speaking, Qin Guanghan indifferently waved his hand and said, “No need. This time, Old He’s trip will be in vain.”

Upon hearing of He Yusheng’s trip to Jingcheng, Nie Zhenbang laughed as well. He Yusheng was still oversimplifying things. Picking peaches wasn’t as easy as he thought, and whether you had the ability to do so was another matter. If someone as high-ranking as Wen Bao Gui could be moved, how could He Yusheng stand a chance? Clearly, it was unlikely.

The door to the inner office was pushed open from the outside, and secretary Hong Feng walked in, reporting in a low voice, “Secretary, Mr. Zhao from Longhua Mining has arrived.”

No sooner had he finished than Zhao Xinglong walked in. Seeing his smug expression, Nie Zhenbang knew the investigation must have yielded some results.

He stood up and said to Hong Feng, “Alright, Hong, you can leave us. I’ll take care of things here.”

Pouring a glass of ice water for Zhao Xinglong and sitting down on the sofa, Nie Zhenbang calmly said, “Tell me, did you find out something?”

Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zhao Xinglong nodded and replied, “Third brother, it seems I can’t hide anything from you. I’ve found something. Information from Li Guohua over at Ivy League, his sources say that Fang Yuanshan is to be the new Governor of Hongjiang Province. The youngest son of the old Fang family patriarch Fang Maotang, fifty years old. Here are Fang Yuanshan’s resume and credentials. Take a look.”

Hearing this name, Nie Zhenbang’s brow furrowed. The old are indeed crafty. This is what truly means picking peaches. As Fang Maotang’s son, Fang Yuanshan’s background needs no introduction. Although Fang Maotang, as one of the former core members of the powerful Nine Cauldrons group, had retired for quite some time, his influence and face were still significant advantages.

Moreover, given the Fang family’s inexplicably close relationship with Hongjiang Province, it was certain that Fang Yuanshan would settle into his role much faster than others upon his arrival. This was the power of heritage.

Now, Nie Zhenbang worried that Fang Yuanshan taking over as Governor of Hongjiang Province was not as simple as picking peaches. He hadn’t dealt with the man personally, but Huaxia wasn’t all that big, and there were only so many provinces. At their level, everyone kept an eye on each other, and inevitably, you would be watched by many others as well.

Considering this, Nie Zhenbang shook his head and remarked, “Old Fang’s move. I have to give it a thumbs up in admiration. There’s truth in the saying ‘the older, the craftier.’ With this, there’s bound to be a spectacle within Hongjiang Province.”

Zhao Xinglong looked somewhat contemptuous of Nie Zhenbang’s worried words and lightly laughed, “Third brother, don’t bolster others’ morale and undermine your own authority. It doesn’t matter who they are, face them head-on. What is there to be afraid of?” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to support it by casting recommendation votes and monthly votes on . Your support is my greatest motivation.)