Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1078 - Chapter 1078 Chapter 1034 The Outlook on Scientific

Chapter 1078: Chapter 1034: The Outlook on Scientific Development Chapter 1078: Chapter 1034: The Outlook on Scientific Development In August, the Hongjiang River definitely counts as one of the hottest periods in Hongjiang Province. Yet, amidst such scorching weather, the province was ablaze with activity.

Previously, in May, the province had shone at the Tourism Expo, signifying that with the new provincial committee team in office, the curtain had been officially raised on Hongjiang’s development. The investment of over seventy billion had indeed stirred an exhilarating feeling.

Following the signings in May, the investments began to arrive steadily, and now, across the different cities of the province, the large-scale investments being put into place transformed Hongjiang into a vast construction site. The commencement of three expressways highlighted the Li Clan Group’s formidable strength and demonstrated its sincere investment commitment. Subsequently, the construction of numerous tourist attractions signaled the province’s resolve to vigorously develop tourism.

Now, this fervor reached its peak in August, with the substantial investment from Jinmei Province Oke Group surpassing one hundred and fifty billion. Like an enormous cake, it constantly captured the attention of the people of Hongjiang Province.

All the citizens gave the provincial party committee and government a big thumbs up. An influx of investment meant more job opportunities and an invigorated economy; no longer would they need to travel far to find work. Earning the same money right at their doorstep was something every citizen longed for.

At the provincial committee guesthouse, there were noticeably more police officers on the roads, with patrol cars visible at the intersections around the guesthouse. The main entrance was especially well-guarded.

Today, the guesthouse’s banquet hall was set to host a grand reception to welcome Chairman Hong Yaozu and his entourage from the Oke Group. Leaders from various cities within the province also rushed over, each with their own schemes in mind. With such a large investment at stake, it wouldn’t just benefit one place, meaning that there were equal opportunities across the entire province–a fair share for all, if you will.

Somewhat like the seven billion invested during the tourism expo, the lion’s share had gone to Wenchun City and Yuanzhou City.

(Nie Zhenbang’s car arrived precisely at seven o’clock that evening. Observing the multitude of vehicles from all over the province in the parking lot, Nie Zhenbang smiled faintly and said to his companion Xu Hongzhuan, “Secretary-General, it seems that the old saying ‘money talks’ really does ring true.”)

(Xu Hongzhuan understood the implication of Nie Zhenbang’s words well. With such a tempting piece of cake laid out before them, it was natural for the leaders of the lower-level cities to be green with envy.)

(“Secretary Nie, to put it plainly, self-interest is at play here. Everyone is eyeing their potential accomplishments,” Xu replied with a smile.)

The car stopped at the main entrance of the provincial committee guesthouse. Upon receiving news of their arrival, Fang Yuanshan, He Yusheng, and Qin Guanghan all came out to greet them, with Fang Yuanshan accompanied by a tall and hefty man.

As they exited the vehicle, Fang Yuanshan came forward with a composed and faintly self-satisfied smile. (Nie Zhenbang) regarded him lightly, sensing a touch of petty triumph in Fang’s demeanor, which caused him to think less of the man.

(“Director Fang, such comments are hardly appropriate. For such a significant event, I naturally had to attend and offer my congratulations. Director Fang has assumed office and has brought forth such impressive initiatives. Truly praiseworthy,” he said with a smile)

Speaking, Nie Zhenbang glanced at He Yusheng with a faint smile, “Look, with a grand investment of one hundred and fifty billion, even Vice Governor He can hardly stay composed.”)

This statement made He Yusheng look somewhat awkward, aware that Nie Zhenbang’s words carried an underlying dissatisfaction with him.

(At that moment, He Yusheng could only offer a wry smile. In the system, trying to straddle two boats was extremely dangerous and impossible. He was taking a major gamble, betting that Fang Yuanshan could contend with or even gain an advantage over Nie Zhenbang. Only then could he rise unexpectedly, seizing any opportunity to stand out.)

Ignoring He Yusheng’s embarrassed expression, Nie Zhenbang turned to the portly middle-aged man beside Fang Yuanshan and smiled, “Director Fang, I do not recognize this gentleman. I suppose this must be Chairman Hong Yaozu.”)

At that moment, Hong Yaozu appeared very restrained, giving a nod and extending his hand, “Secretary Nie, I am Hong Yaozu of the Oke Group. In the future, I hope to receive more guidance from Secretary Nie.”)

Nie Zhenbang gave a slight smile, waved his hand and said, “Director Hong, you’re being too modest; you are, after all, a major investor with fifteen billion at stake. I should be the one thanking you. To say otherwise would be understating it.”

It was an exchange of pleasantries that seemed standard, yet the peculiar air within was all too clear. After pausing, Nie Zhenbang spoke up, “The time is almost upon us, I think we should head to the banquet hall.”

The reception hosted by Fang Yuanshan was arranged on the second floor of the Provincial Party Committee Guesthouse, in the grand banquet hall that could accommodate thousands of people. At this moment, it had been transformed anew. As the host, Fang Yuanshan stepped onto the central podium and said into the microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen, leaders, and guests, today, we gather here to give a grand welcome to the Chairman of Jinmei Province Oke Group, Mr. Hong Yaozu and his delegation. First, on behalf of the provincial government, I warmly welcome Mr. Hong’s investment here in Hongjiang. As a well-known domestic mining company, I believe with the addition of the Oke Group, the rich mineral resources of Hongjiang Province will definitely be exploited and utilized to the greatest extent.”

Fang Yuanshan spoke with elation, his whole speech revolving around the development of Hongjiang’s mineral resources. Yet these words caused Nie Zhenbang’s brows to furrow. Such practices were all too common, with the nation treading a path that traded environmental sacrifice and predatory resource exploitation for short-term economic benefits.

When the resources were gone and they’d look back, the once beautiful landscapes would be no more, scarred and hole-ridden. The environment damaged, the resources depleted, leaving for future generations nothing but numbers on the accounts and an environment awaiting restoration. Nie Zhenbang deeply detested such practices.

As the free-flowing reception went on, local leaders from within the province had already gathered around Hong Yaozu, and some even presented their well-prepared investment project proposals, hoping Director Hong would take a look. Naturally, they all hoped that Director Hong’s investment would significantly boost their local GDP.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang sat in a corner of the hall, not participating, as if he was out of place in this setting.

By his side, Xu Hongzhuan, along with Yuanzhou City Party Secretary Zhang Zhiqiang and Wenchun City Party Secretary Li Youquan, approached.

Signaling the three to sit, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Comrades Zhiqiang and Youquan, why aren’t you joining the excitement up there?”

Nie Zhenbang’s words carried a probing tone. Fang Yuanshan’s strategy was simple: with an investment of fifteen billion, no matter the development plan, Fang Yuanshan’s aim was to bind the leaders of various cities and even some of the provincial committee leaders to his chariot with this interest. At this point, if Nie Zhenbang opposed it, he would be making enemies with the majority of provincial leadership.

Thus, Nie Zhenbang remained unmoved, preferring to let matters take their course to see who would stand out. There were bound to be some wise individuals within Hongjiang Province who could understand and embrace his development philosophy and intentions.

Clearly, Zhang Zhiqiang and Li Youquan were among those individuals. Xu Hongzhuan’s face wore a smile, but inside he felt conflicted. For these two, this was undoubtedly an opportunity, a chance to earn the true recognition of Secretary Nie.

Zhang Zhiqiang replied with a smile, “Secretary, you’re jesting at my expense. The situation in Yuanzhou City is unique; we don’t have abundant resources, and I believe that developing the mining industry is unfeasible. Besides, it does not align with the scientific development concept.”

Li Youquan also spoke with a smile, “Secretary, you are aware of Wenchun City’s actual situation. Wenchun has already established a development strategy centered on tourism and hot springs. The exploitation of the mineral industry is a short-sighted pursuit; after all, the exploitation of resources is finite, so we won’t join that bustle.”

Their words made Nie Zhenbang laugh out loud, “Comrades Zhiqiang and Youquan have a very clear vision and a profound understanding of the scientific development concept.”

He stood up, turning to Xu Hongzhuan and said, “Secretary-General, I don’t think there’s much left for us here. Shall we go?” This statement, meant not only for Xu Hongzhuan but also said in front of Zhang Zhiqiang and Li Youquan, carried a notion of endorsement for the two.

This greatly excited them both; gaining the recognition of Secretary Nie at this reception was their biggest achievement.

Nie Zhenbang arrived in haste and left just as quickly. Throughout the reception, Secretary Nie did not express any particular views, and this naturally spread quickly throughout Hongjiang Province.

In the days that followed, Fang Yuanshan kept a very high profile. He accompanied Hong Yaozu personally, inspecting several cities within Hongjiang Province and visiting a few non-ferrous metal mining companies. Nearly a week later, after touring around Hongjiang Province, Fang Yuanshan and Hong Yaozu returned to Hongcheng City.

The next morning after returning to Hongcheng City, just as Nie Zhenbang had started his day at the office, Hong Feng followed him to the inner office. After placing Nie Zhenbang’s briefcase down and serving his tea, Hong Feng said, “Secretary, Director Fang’s office called just now. He mentioned there are some matters regarding the Oke Group that he needs to report to you.” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote and provide monthly support at NovelFire.net. Your support is my greatest motivation.)