Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1077 - Chapter 1077 Chapter 1033 Large-Scale Investment

Chapter 1077: Chapter 1033: Large-Scale Investment Chapter 1077: Chapter 1033: Large-Scale Investment As Fang Yuanshan pondered, he realized he had to be cautious now, given the level of current affairs. No matter what, he couldn’t afford to be careless. Sometimes, a minor detail could even affect a great future.

After a while, Fang Yuanshan raised his head and said to He Yusheng at his side, “Old He, the economy of Hongjiang Province must look forward. The province needs to increase its efforts in attracting investment. While developing the tertiary sector, we also need to ensure the development of the primary and secondary sectors. Agriculture is the foundation of the nation, and industry is the base for strengthening the country. We must not reverse the order and give priority to developing agriculture and industry. This is the current most important direction for the provincial government. In the next few days, let’s visit the lower levels together.”

…

After Nie Zhenbang had inspected the Riverdale Group, for the following half month, Fang Yuanshan, as if disappearing into thin air, was completely silent.

Nie Zhenbang had a knowing attitude regarding this. In the office of the Hongjiang Provincial Committee, Xu Hongzhuan sat on the sofa, his face full of admiration. Beside him, the Organization Department Head of the Provincial Committee, Li Wei, and the Political and Legal Committee Secretary, Chen Le, were all seated.

Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Secretary-General, are you puzzled?”

For Xu Hongzhuan, who was known as a little Zhuge in Hongjiang Province and had the nickname of the godfather of the officialdom among the grassroots, this was particularly the case.

Now, being asked by Secretary Nie in such a way, Xu Hongzhuan seemed somewhat embarrassed, and like a primary school student in front of Nie Zhenbang, he said with an awkward laugh, “Secretary, I’m indeed a bit perplexed. Fang Yuanshan makes a lot of noise but little rain; from this trend, it doesn’t seem like his style at all.”

Nie Zhenbang slightly smiled, glanced at Li Wei and Chen Le beside him. In Hongjiang Province, these three, along with Secretary Hong Feng, were the subordinates he truly trusted. As for the Propaganda Department Head Wei Lin and the Vice Governor and Standing Committee Member Zhou Chuanjia, they were only considered relatively close to him. A confidant was not so easily acknowledged by Nie Zhenbang.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was also consciously mentoring the three, smiling as he said, “You need to learn more and think more. Your vision should not be limited to your own little patch of ground; opportunities are given to those who are prepared. Just like Old Chen, you can’t always just focus on the political and legal front, only paying attention to the public security sector. Do you really think you can work there for a lifetime?”

Nie Zhenbang’s words excited all three of them; clearly, the Secretary intended to elevate them. Not being limited to one’s own small patch indicated that Nie Zhenbang intended for the three to take on the position of leading party and government officials in the future. Perhaps, ruling a place was not out of reach.

Chen Le responded with a smile, “Secretary, you know me. My capability is limited to this public security sector, and I’m afraid I wouldn’t have the talent for higher positions.”

Chen Le’s answer made Li Wei and Xu Hongzhuan beside him both sigh in admiration. This was something someone like Chen Le, who had followed Nie Zhenbang from the start, could say. For the two of them, such words were unthinkable.

Nie Zhenbang smiled lightly and waved his hand, “Secretary-General, do you have any thoughts?”

When Nie Zhenbang directly called on him, Xu Hongzhuan considered for a moment before he said, “Secretary, I’ve done some thinking, but I’m not sure if it’s correct.”

Xu Hongzhuan was just like that, very careful and prudent in everything he did. In his speech and actions, he always exuded caution.

This was normal; as the steward of the Provincial Committee, Xu Hongzhuan held a rather special status. Generally speaking, Xu Hongzhuan was also one of the leaders of the Provincial Committee. However, Xu Hongzhuan’s position was one dedicated to serving the leaders, not only Nie Zhenbang but also the leaders of the Provincial Committee and the Standing Committee. Although different in nature, Xu Hongzhuan couldn’t personally serve them, but the significance was the same.

As a result, Xu Hongzhuan’s position was quite awkward, which made him more cautious in his everyday affairs. He had to think carefully before acting or speaking.

After pausing, Xu Hongzhuan continued, “Secretary, I think that Fang Yuanshan’s silence mainly comes from considering and being cautious of higher-level opinions.”

For Xu Hongzhuan’s answer, Nie Zhenbang listened, his gaze, however, was directed at Li Wei and Chen Le. Seeing that both of them nodded, he expressed his satisfaction, “That’s right. Previously, Governor Fang and I expressed different opinions in alternation, which was very normal. However, if Governor Fang continues to challenge me in confrontation, that will be a blatant provocation. In the eyes of the central leadership, such actions would inadvertently create an impression of disunity among comrades, a lack of respect for the leader. That’s something Governor Fang cannot afford, especially since, no matter how you look at it, Governor Fang is still the newcomer. For Governor Fang to remain silent now is indeed the wisest choice. But I estimate that next, Governor Fang will certainly make a significant move. A storm is brewing.”

…

Just as Nie Zhenbang had predicted, at that moment, Governor Fang was indeed taking action, and it was no small move. Upon his arrival in Hongjiang, Governor Fang had considered many things. Merely talking wouldn’t suffice. As time passed, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t care, but Governor Fang wouldn’t be able to bear it. He had several inherent disadvantages. First, he was the newcomer with an unsteady foundation. The second, Nie Zhenbang had made achievements in Hongjiang, with the travel expo netting several hundred billion yuan in investments, comfortably taking the top spot. Whether among brother provinces and cities or higher up, Nie Zhenbang had made a name for himself in economic development.

A slip of the tongue could mean the loss of much, and talking too much would bring no benefit to him. Now, what Governor Fang needed to do was to find a solid entry point to break through, to show that not only Nie Zhenbang could handle the economy well but that others could do just as well. To show the central leaders Governor Fang’s capabilities.

…

Just as the situation had quieted down for a few days, Hongjiang Province once again started buzzing with activity. Hongjiang Province Station aired a news report.

Recently, Deputy Secretary of the Hongjiang Provincial Committee and Governor Fang Yuanshan personally welcomed Chairman Hong Yaozu of the Jinmei Province Oke Group and his delegation at the airport.

At the Provincial Committee guesthouse, Governor Fang Yuanshan had a friendly exchange with Mr. Hong Yaozu. The two sides reached a comprehensive agreement on mineral resource development and industrial construction. It was revealed that the Oke Group would invest one hundred and fifty billion yuan in Hongjiang Province, participating in the extraction and refining of non-ferrous metals. They aimed to make Hongjiang Province the non-ferrous metal capital of the Southern region within three years.

Following the broadcast of this news, the next day when Nie Zhenbang arrived at work and entered his office, his secretary, Hong Feng, walked in with a stack of documents.

Placing the documents on the desk, Hong Feng reported, “Secretary, these are today’s documents. At the top is an invitation from the provincial government, sent by Governor Fang, inviting you to a reception this afternoon at the Provincial Committee guesthouse to welcome Chairman Hong Yaozu and his delegation.”

Nie Zhenbang had briefly reviewed the news from last night, and now, listening to Hong Feng’s words, he smiled indifferently and asked Hong, “What do you think about this matter, Hong?”

This question left Hong Feng somewhat startled; it was clear he had not expected Secretary Nie to ask for his opinion.

After a moment’s hesitation, Hong Feng still nodded and said, “Secretary, in my view, Governor Fang isn’t bringing good tidings. An investment of one hundred and fifty billion, conveniently double that of our travel expo, and an invitation for you to attend the banquet. This is clearly a show of force to you and a demonstration to all the provincial leaders.”

Nie Zhenbang was pleased with Hong Feng’s response and nodded, “Being in your position and able to see these things is quite commendable. However, you got one thing wrong, Hong. Governor Fang isn’t avoiding a direct conflict; what he is laying out is a trap, just waiting for me. Such a large investment in such a vast province, known domestically as an abundant source of non-ferrous metals, means that every city and municipal leader is eyeing this investment. Governor Fang’s aim is here–to attract the attention of the entire province and committee leaders with large benefits and hefty investments. So tell me, should I oppose or support it at this time?”

This question instantly made Hong Feng furrow his brow. With Nie Zhenbang’s guidance, Hong Feng realized that opposing it would be a step back for Nie Zhenbang. Since taking over in Hongjiang, he declared his intention to vigorously promote economic development. Now, with such a hefty investment proposal, rejection would mean antagonizing the provincial leaders. Supporting it wasn’t an option either, as Nie Zhenbang’s development plan was to focus on tourism to drive the economic development of Hongjiang as a whole. Supporting the mining and refining initiative — a matter of industry — contradicted Nie Zhenbang’s vision. Agreeing to this would mean overturning his own stance and admitting his inferiority to Governor Fang, leaving him with no good options. It was indeed a trap.

With this in mind, Hong Feng looked up at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Secretary Nie, then perhaps I should reply to the provincial government and mention that you are otherwise engaged…”

Before Hong Feng could finish, Nie Zhenbang raised his hand and interrupted, “That’s not necessary. It’s just a banquet, and there’s no banquet in this world that Nie Zhenbang would fear attending. One hundred and fifty billion. I’m curious to see if this Oke Group from Jinmei Province truly has the capacity they claim to have. A trap? I want to see if Governor Fang has the strength of Xiang Yu, and I, Nie Zhenbang, am certainly not Liu Bang.”

With confidence, Nie Zhenbang continued, “Hong, reply to the government and say that I will definitely attend the banquet on time. Also, inform Secretary Chen to instruct the Public Security department to ensure proper security measures.”

(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to support it by casting your recommendation votes and monthly votes at . Your support is my greatest motivation.)