Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1144 - Chapter 1144 Chapter 1100 Relocation

Chapter 1144: Chapter 1100 Relocation Chapter 1144: Chapter 1100 Relocation “Not familiar? Afraid?” Nie Zhenbang sneered slightly, his impression of this Ding Jin soured instantly. If the representative of the National Nuclear Power Group was like this, Nie Zhenbang began to understand why the people of Hongjiang Province were so antagonistic towards the nuclear power project.

“Heh, Secretary Nie, the nuclear power project. Because it has the word ‘nuclear,’ the uninformed public naturally thinks of terrifying nuclear weapons like nuclear warheads and atomic bombs. They feel that having this thing here is like having an atomic bomb, and naturally, nobody wants to live next to a nuclear weapon. It’s normal for there to be opposing voices. We at the Nuclear Power Group have experienced doubts and pressures to varying degrees on projects nationwide; it’s a common phenomenon,” Ding Jin explained with what seemed like a sense of entitlement, still smiling.

“Is that really the case, Deputy Director Ding? It’s normal for the public to have concerns and fears because they do not understand the safety of nuclear power, its true essence, and its significance. However, this cannot become an excuse for our complacency. As rulers, as leaders, shouldn’t we first and foremost think of the people, Deputy Director Ding?” Nie Zhenbang’s words became more intense, and at that moment, he felt a surge of anger.

Fang Yuanshan’s brows furrowed upon hearing this. Ding Jin did not know Nie Zhenbang well–Fang Yuanshan did. Secretary Nie always placed great emphasis on economic development and the attitude of the public. Undoubtedly, Ding Jin’s words were provoking Nie Zhenbang. Secretary Nie’s anger was not to be taken lightly, and Fang Yuanshan knew this well.

“Secretary Nie, you are correct in your criticism. Our work with the local populace has not been thorough enough. However, please rest assured, Secretary Nie. Moving forward, the preparation team will intensify our publicity efforts and try our best to dispel the doubts in the hearts of the public,” Fang Yuanshan said with a smile.

Nie Zhenbang’s expression softened considerably at these words. After pondering for a moment, he slowly said, “Old Fang, I believe that you understand the importance of the public’s work. Without the support of the people, no construction is secure. So, tomorrow, let us go to Maoshan County in Yuanzhou City together.”

Fang Yuanshan was stunned for a moment, having not expected Secretary Nie to make such a sudden decision. After a brief reflection, Fang Yuanshan nodded, “If Secretary Nie has this in mind, naturally, I have no objections.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang then said, “It’s settled then. Tomorrow morning, we’ll visit Maoshan County for an on-the-ground inspection.”

After the meeting, as soon as he returned to his office, Fang Yuanshan’s voice came from outside the door: “Secretary Hong. Hello, is the Secretary in?”

Nie Zhenbang, hearing this, also stood up and walked to the door, smiling, “Yuanshan is here. Please come in.”

As they sat down in the reception area, Fang Yuanshan pondered for a moment and then said with a smile, “Secretary, I felt during our earlier conversation that there was something more you wanted to say. Is the situation with the Development and Reform Commission particularly thorny?”

Fang Yuanshan’s performance at this moment was entirely beyond Nie Zhenbang’s expectations. However, Fang Yuanshan’s working attitude had also taken Nie Zhenbang by surprise.

No matter what, Fang Yuanshan was also the second in command of Hongjiang, but at this moment, his mindset and philosophy had adjusted, and Fang Yuanshan’s style of work had already changed completely. To put it bluntly, at this moment, Fang Yuanshan had thoroughly corrected his careful stance.

Sighing, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Old Fang, let me put it this way; Hou Yunsheng is basically in agreement with the nuclear power project. The higher-ups also support it. But the hesitation comes from the huge opposition that emerged at the beginning with the choice to locate it in Maoshan County.”

“I’ve looked into it carefully. As a large county under the jurisdiction of Yuanzhou City, Maoshan County has a substantial population. Just the population of Maoshan County town reached 150,000 according to statistics from the year before last. However, in the site selection report submitted to the approval board by the Nuclear Power Group, they downplayed this relationship. This is obviously problematic,” Nie Zhenbang patiently explained.

Indeed, Nie Zhenbang neither feared Fang Yuanshan nor was intimidated by him. However, it was better for their relationship to be amicable. A fallout would be bad for both Hongjiang and himself.

Nie Zhenbang also knew, by convention, the siting matters were always handled by the Nuclear Power Group–they were the professionals. The Hongjiang Provincial Committee and the Provincial Government were just there to assist.

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Fang Yuanshan’s expression became solemn. After a moment of silence, he looked up and said, “Secretary Nie, are you saying that the Nuclear Power Group played tricks? But why would they do that? Getting the approval for the nuclear power project in Hongjiang Province would greatly benefit them; they have no reason to do this.”

Nie Zhenbang chuckled and nodded, “Indeed, they themselves wish to gain approval. But the issue I’m considering is whether they acted this way due to cost concerns. If the site were chosen in some remote, desolate area, it would inevitably increase the investment in infrastructure construction, which clearly goes against the interests of the Nuclear Power Group.”

…

Two Coaster business vans, one following the other, headed towards Yuanzhou City.

The convoy arrived in Yuanzhou City around noon and, without stopping within the city, drove directly into Maoshan County.

As soon as he got out of the car, Nie Zhenbang looked around at everyone and his gaze fell on Yuanzhou Municipal Committee Secretary Zhang Zhiqiang. He smiled and said, “Comrade Zhiqiang, I think we can skip the work report of Yuanzhou City. Let’s go straight to the project site.”

As the top official in the Provincial Committee, Nie Zhenbang’s words naturally met no opposition, and the group headed directly towards the nuclear power project site. The vehicles stopped about five kilometers outside the county town. This area consisted of rolling hills, and scattered around were many villages. On each hill, red flags had been planted before by the work teams from the National Nuclear Power Group.

Seeing this scene, Fang Yuanshan’s complexion immediately darkened. Witnessing what was before him, Fang Yuanshan felt a cold sweat breaking out. Fortunately, the nuclear power project had not been approved yet. If it had been approved in this manner, it would have been like installing a time bomb over the heads of the people of Maoshan County.

Five kilometers, just five kilometers away, at that moment, Fang Yuanshan felt a rising anger. Without a doubt, he had been played by the people of the National Nuclear Power Group. Once construction began, one could imagine the numerous disasters that would arise.

Local residents’ collective opposition would then lead to conflicts between both parties, mass incidents, and even more severe outcomes like bloodshed.

At that point, as a cooperating party of the nuclear power project, the responsibility that the Provincial Committee and the provincial government had to bear was something Fang Yuanshan dared not imagine.

Although Fang Yuanshan was not knowledgeable about nuclear power projects, he still understood the basic principles and rules. A nuclear power station located merely five kilometers away from a county town was inappropriate no matter how one looked at it.

However, this distance could save a lot of capital. If the project were built in a more remote area, the living conditions of the power station’s staff would become an issue, and it would be necessary to buy land to build residential quarters in the county or even in the city. Moreover, the construction of access roads and the transportation of raw materials would see costs skyrocket with each additional kilometer.

Seeing this, Fang Yuanshan had a rough understanding. The reason for this choice was not genuinely because the geological structure here was superior to all other places, but primarily because of cost control.

After pondering for a moment, Fang Yuanshan turned his head and said, “Secretary Nie, I personally believe that the location chosen for the nuclear power project is highly unscientific. I think we must reconsider and readjust the site selection.”

Hearing Fang Yuanshan’s words, Nie Zhenbang was very satisfied. The National Nuclear Power Group was not in Nie Zhenbang’s consideration; he was worried that his relationship with Fang Yuanshan might worsen because of this. However, after hearing Fang Yuanshan’s words, Nie Zhenbang was relieved. After pondering for a moment, he nodded and said, “Old Fang, I agree with your opinion. The project must be re-sited. This location is absolutely unsuitable.”

…

“What? Governor Fang, Hongjiang Province cannot do this? In the selection of nuclear power sites, our group has rich experience. There are hard standards and indicators to refer to regarding where can be built upon and where cannot. It’s unscientific to relocate just because of an issue with a county town,” said Ding Jin in Fang Yuanshan’s office, visibly agitated and speaking loudly.

In an instant, Fang Yuanshan’s brow furrowed. At this moment, he had no good feelings towards the people from the National Nuclear Power Group; it would be strange if he felt any favor towards them after nearly being trapped by them.

Looking at Ding Jin, Fang Yuanshan said coldly, “Deputy General Manager Ding, there’s no need to say more. In short, the site must be reselected. That is the decision of the Provincial Standing Committee. What you are saying now is pointless. In my opinion, with this effort, you’d better reconsider the site selection issue.”

These words left Ding Jin stunned as well. The National Nuclear Power Group had its plans and considerations regarding site selection. After a pause, Ding Jin finally spoke up, “Governor Fang, forgive my boldness. Doing this makes it very difficult for us. This is not the attitude of cooperation. If it comes to this, I fear our collaboration may not be able to continue.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it on . Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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