Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1176 - Chapter 1176 Chapter 1132 Spreading Positive Energy

Chapter 1176: Chapter 1132: Spreading Positive Energy Chapter 1176: Chapter 1132: Spreading Positive Energy Attend a banquet at Li Hongying’s home?

“Oh, I really got confused. Xiaoxia, I must thank you for this reminder, otherwise I would have completely forgotten. Look at me, although my age hasn’t increased much, my memory seems to be getting worse. After looking at data all day, my brain has turned to mush,” Nie Zhenbang slapped his forehead but stood up.

At this moment, Xia Gang appeared not to be flattered or insulted, quite composed, and nodded with a smile, “Secretary, you flatter me. Serving the Secretary well is my duty, it’s just part of my job.”

Nowadays, Nie Zhenbang felt increasingly satisfied with Xia Gang. A peasant’s son, he has that sort of striving spirit and aura, which is even rarer. What’s more, Xia Gang didn’t show any signs of impatience, he was able to remain composed. This was an important factor for success. Especially within the system, composure is valued. Without a doubt, Xia Gang was fairly qualified.

Nie Zhenbang also smiled, as he tidied up the materials on his desk, he said, “Xiaoxia, that flattery wasn’t very subtle.

Seeing Xia Gang’s stunned expression, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Xiaoxia, according to the system and rules, the organization should already have solved your treatment at the director level, right?”

With these words, Nie Zhenbang had already made his stance clear. Undoubtedly, it was a formal acknowledgment of Xia Gang, and solving the level treatment meant that Xia Gang’s position as a secretary was secured. Otherwise, if you try someone out and solve a treatment for them, if the head of the Provincial Committee changes secretaries seven or eight times, wouldn’t there be seven or eight more directors or even deputy department level officials all at once?

Even though Xia Gang was very composed and calm, upon hearing this news, his face showed an irrepressible joy. He had finally made it through. However, Xia Gang quickly collected his thoughts, “Thank you, Secretary, for your concern. I will definitely work hard and not let down the trust of the Secretary and the organization.”

“Xiaoxia, since we’re not working overtime today, you should go back first. Get some good rest. Working overtime with me is certainly no less frequent than regular work hours. Also, give your family a call, report your safety, mothers worry when their children travel far. Such is the heart of every parent in the world,” Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, meaning it was clearly time to call home with the good news.

…

Li Hongying’s home was not in the family area of the Provincial Committee’s compound. Out of the thirteen members of the Longxi Provincial Committee, aside from the Secretary of the Ancient City Committee Luo Qiuliang, the Secretary of the Shian City Committee Wei Haoyang, and the Political Commissar of the Provincial Military District Ye Dingbang, who did not live in the Provincial Committee’s compound due to actual work situations,

Li Hongying was the only one, in addition to myself, among the other Provincial Committee members who did not reside in the compound.

The Provincial Construction Department’s family district was where Li Hongying’s home was located, as her spouse was an official in the Construction Department. In light of this, Nie Zhenbang thought even more highly of Li Hongying.

This woman was not simple, it could be seen from such a trivial matter. Li Hongying’s grasp of details was evident. By regulation, members of the Provincial Committee were entitled to live in the Provincial Committee family area, in the standalone villas with gardens, which was certainly more comfortable than the apartment buildings.

Yet, Li Hongying chose not to, and continued to live in the Construction Department’s family district, showing that she took her husband’s opinions seriously.

Female leaders are not like male ones. Women in politics have their advantages, but they are mostly reflected among the Democratic Factions or non-party individuals. Most of them hold government positions and are in charge of areas such as science, education, culture, health, and sports.

It’s quite rare for a situation like Longxi’s, where two female generals emerge from the Provincial Committee team — definitely an extraordinary presence.

For women in politics, domestic dynamics often involve a strong woman and a weaker man. Thus, how to manage home affairs while excelling at work is a challenge.

Clearly, Li Hongying did quite well. Living in the Construction Department left outsiders with the impression that her husband was the decision-maker at home, which made her seem more modest compared to Liu Xiaomin, who lived in the Provincial Committee compound.

Riding a bicycle, after some thought, Nie Zhenbang bought a box of tea and a box of honey. Setting aside status, as a visiting guest, bringing something is always appropriate. Tobacco and alcohol were too common, and as for giving money, that was even less of an issue for Nie Zhenbang. Tea and honey are universally suitable presents, making them the right choice for the occasion.

Riding his bicycle leisurely along the way, just as he arrived at the entrance of the Construction Department, he saw Li Hongying waiting at the gate. Seeing Nie Zhenbang approaching, Li Hongying walked up to greet him, “Secretary, you’ve arrived. I was thinking since you cycled here, it might be difficult to get inside later, so I waited here for you.”

Her words were very normal, neither obsequious nor stiff, fully displaying Li Hongying’s communication skills and tact. These words were also quite genuine. Nowadays, this was the prevailing attitude. To say it was looking down on someone was maybe a bit harsh, but it was definitely a reflection of the current situation.

In this era, most institutions behaved this way, judging by one’s attire and transportation. As such, Nie Zhenbang would undoubtedly be subjected to some questioning.

He chuckled and said, “Minister Li, it looks like the Propaganda Department still needs to intensify its educational work in this area, to spread more positive energy. Changing this bad customs is a long and arduous task.”

Nie Zhenbang, half-joking, half-serious, spoke with a smile, while Li Hongying nodded with a smile, “The Secretary’s words are indeed full of deep meaning. The Propaganda Department is also preparing to shoot some public service ads to be broadcast on provincial stations and major TV stations throughout the province. As for the effectiveness, I’m afraid that might be an issue.”

Amidst the laughter, they entered the family quarters of the Construction Department. Building 3, Unit 1, Room 201–this was Li Hongying’s home.

Upon entering, they found a spacious living room, roughly one hundred sixty square meters, modestly decorated. As soon as they were inside, Li Hongying called out, “Changqing, Secretary Nie is here.”

From the kitchen, a middle-aged man in his fifties, wearing an apron, came out. He had short hair and wore glasses, exuding a refined elegance. When he saw Nie Zhenbang, he consciously rubbed his apron a few times before coming forward and saying, “Secretary Nie, welcome, welcome.”

“Secretary, my husband, Feng Changqing, works in the Personnel Division of the Construction Department,” Li Hongying introduced.

The Personnel Division, it seemed likely that Feng Changqing could be the division chief or deputy chief. This was normal enough; his wife was already a vice-ministerial level official, and it would be inconceivable for Feng Changqing to be less than a division-level official.

Smiling, Nie Zhenbang reached out for a handshake with Feng Changqing, saying warmly, “Old Feng, thank you for your hard work.”

As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang handed the gifts he had brought over to Li Hongying, “Minister Li Hongying, Old Feng, just a small token for my first visit, please don’t take it too seriously.”

Li Hongying accepted the gifts, while it was Feng Changqing who opened his mouth to say, “Secretary Nie, really, how could we accept this?”

From this small detail, it was clear that the relationship between Li Hongying and her husband was very good–such nuances couldn’t be feigned.

“There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about; after work, there are only collegial relationships, no superior or subordinate relationships. It wouldn’t be proper to come empty-handed on my first visit. Just make sure no one else sees, or they might think I’ve come bearing gifts, and that would not be good,” Nie Zhenbang said with a chuckle.

His half-joking words made both Li Hongying and her husband laugh; Li Hongying even said with a smile, “If others knew Secretary Nie gave me a gift, they’d be the ones surprised indeed.”

The home furnishings were simple, and the furniture, non-branded and ordinary. Judging from the decor and furnishings alone, it wasn’t much different from the homes of the working class. The children weren’t there either; it seemed Li Hongying and her spouse had prepared in advance.

The dishes were abundant: four cold dishes, eight hot dishes, plus a soup. The selection included local specialties from Longxi as well as two dishes from Shandong cuisine–obviously a thoughtful effort, even taking into account his preference for Shandong dishes.

Since it was evening, some alcohol had been prepared. It wasn’t any sort of national liquor but a specialty from Longxi called Qin Chuan. The bottle had an old-fashioned design, similar to that used for Erguotou.

Feng Changqing explained, “Secretary Nie, please excuse the modest hospitality. This liquor might not look like much, but it’s also a well-known baijiu from Longxi. The factory has since closed down. The flavor of the liquor is still quite good, and it has been aged for a full thirty years.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang also laughed, “Old Feng, don’t be so formal. Tonight, you two are the hosts, and I am the guest; I should follow your lead. This is genuinely a thirty-year vintage–precious indeed. This is far more valuable than the so-called thirty-year-old Moutai you find on the market.”

Nie Zhenbang wasn’t just flattering; while a thirty-year Moutai might be cherished and expensive, it’s still mass-produced. This, however, was a rarity, not often seen.

The dinner was thoroughly enjoyable for both host and guest. Meanwhile, Nie Zhenbang developed a unique appreciation for the Qin Chuan wine. The taste lingered long on the palate, rich and mellow. It was undoubtedly a fine wine and seemed like it could be a pathway for economic development if marketed properly.

After dinner, they sat on the sofa, with Li Hongying and her husband accompanying them at the side. The atmosphere became much warmer in this setting. In the bureaucratic system, there’s always been the concept of spouses networking. However, from another angle, what Li Hongying was displaying now was a subtle finesse of a similar vein–only, the spouse’s role was now taken by her husband.

Under the ambiance of a home feast, the formal atmosphere of official business was diluted, replaced by a more personal exchange.

Li Hongying smiled, subtly updating him on her work and expressing her allegiance.

Clearly, this was Li Hongying’s most direct goal, to seize the opportunity to close the distance with Nie Zhenbang and align herself with him.

Nie Zhenbang pondered for a moment before responding with a smile, “Hongying, your work is well recognized by the organization. Propaganda is crucial. You must adhere to the overarching principle, focus on positive publicity, and intensify the promotion of positive energy. I believe that if you can master this, you will achieve great things.”

(To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to come to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)