Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1179 - Chapter 1179 Chapter 1135 Battle for the Project

Chapter 1179: Chapter 1135: Battle for the Project Chapter 1179: Chapter 1135: Battle for the Project Regarding this phenomenon, Nie Zhenbang had anticipated it early on, a grand cake worth hundreds of billions. This was an irresistible temptation. Just how large could the industrial chain of the automotive city be? Here, there is a striking piece of data that can serve as a reference. Take Detroit as an example, being the world-renowned largest automotive city. The entire city, centered around the automotive manufacturing industry, has gathered major related industrial sectors such as steel, instrumentation, glass, plastics, and tires. The workers employed for this purpose exceeded three hundred thousand people.

On the surface, the investment in the automotive city project is in the hundreds of billions. However, those who understand can see clearly that once the project is truly settled, the associated investments will definitely not be just that much. If we can secure this project, with internationally renowned automotive brands and the establishment of our own brands, it would be an exceedingly glorious and brilliant political achievement.

As the initiator of this project, Nie Zhenbang’s position was undoubtedly somewhat detached. The Longxi Provincial Committee, though it was the lead, did not have specific local jurisdiction according to domestic situations. The whole of Longxi was one big chess game. Ultimately, the implementation of the project would still fall on the heads of the various cities, and naturally, the specific operations would mainly be carried out by these cities. In this way, the temptation became great–how to take the project from the hands of the Provincial Committee. That was the key. Indeed, everyone was clear that the project was almost equivalent to a career path.

At this moment, that was exactly how Wei Haoyang was feeling. As a member of the Provincial Committee and once the youngest leader, at forty-five years old, he was undeniably youthful, with a noble heritage and boundless future prospects.

At the beginning of Nie Zhenbang’s appointment, Wei Haoyang’s strategy was very simple: to observe the changes. Given his family background and position, he could either advance or retreat; he was very flexible. But, after the news of the automotive city project came out, Wei Haoyang could no longer sit still.

If he could seize this project, his career path would undoubtedly be bright. After achieving success, it would be entirely possible for him to take up a provincial minister-level position before the age of fifty.

Today, Wei Haoyang’s attire was rather casual: a sky-blue striped white short-sleeved T-shirt, beige leisure pants, and yellow casual leather shoes. His hair was a neatly cropped buzz cut. At a glance, he looked more like a playful figure from Jingcheng rather than a government official; the government aura had diminished quite a bit.

Wei Haoyang had deliberately chosen this attire, using it to subtly express to Secretary Nie that they were of the same kind. In any case, it might make Nie Zhenbang more inclined to give consideration.

“Secretary Wei, hello. The Secretary is in… Please wait a moment, I’ll go check,” Xia Gang said with a smile.

Having spent a long time around leaders, Xia Gang had become more and more adept at social interactions. He was no longer as cautious around officials as before. Here, he, Xia Gang, represented the face of the top leadership. It was necessary to have the appropriate demeanor.

It wouldn’t do to be nervous and tongue-tied in front of any leader who came by; that would compromise the image of the Provincial Committee’s secretary and the authority of the Secretary. If that were the case, Xia Gang wouldn’t be able to keep his position as the secretary of the Provincial Committee.

Under Xia Gang’s lead, Wei Haoyang followed him inside. Nie Zhenbang also stood up now and, looking at Wei Haoyang, said with a smile, “Haoyang has arrived, please have a seat.”

This meeting was deliberately arranged in the reception area, making it less formal. This too was calculated on Nie Zhenbang’s part. Wei Haoyang was not a big concern, but the background behind him was. Of course, it’s nonsense to say he was frightened, but it was always best not to stir up trouble.

He personally poured a cup of hot tea for Wei Haoyang. Observing Wei Haoyang’s flattered but not nervous demeanor, it was obvious that he was different. This is one distinction between the offspring of prominent families and those from humbler backgrounds; this kind of composure and bearing is cultivated from a young age. His handling of the situation was excellent, neither rash nor sycophantic. Very natural, very relaxed.

With a light smile, Nie Zhenbang said, “Haoyang, I was actually planning to visit Shian City. I never expected you to come over first. It seems we are truly in sync.”

As Nie Zhenbang’s words fell, Wei Haoyang also started to deliberate. In his address, he didn’t use ‘Secretary Wei’ or ‘Comrade Haoyang’, but simply ‘Haoyang’. This was a very intimate form of address, also signaling Nie Zhenbang’s closeness. The second sentence, about planning to visit Shian City–there was much to ponder there. Was he implying that Wei Haoyang had failed to report and align with him soon enough, or was there real intent behind it? It was hard to say.

Adjusting his thoughts, Wei Haoyang also said with a smile, “Secretary, a warm welcome, indeed. I represent Shian City in warmly welcoming you to visit and guide our work.”

As he spoke, Wei Haoyang glanced at Nie Zhenbang, who now appeared calm and natural, without any sign of pretense or anomaly.

Subsequently, he continued, “Secretary, Shian City is a revolutionary old area in our province, a sacred place of the revolution. It has a long history and cultural heritage. At the same time, it is also a national-level poverty-stricken area, which still needs the care and support of the provincial committee and government. Secretary, you are an expert in economic construction. The development of Shian City still needs your guidance.”

Getting straight to the point, Wei Haoyang’s words directly led to the Automotive City project. Although he did not mention the word “automobile,” his intention was made clear–he meant that as a national-level poverty-stricken area, Shian City’s development required the care and attention of the provincial committee and government. Wasn’t he implying that he hoped the Automotive City project would consider Shian City more?

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang replied with a smile, “I am quite familiar with the economic development of Shian City. In the past two years, since you took charge of Shian City, all aspects of its work have greatly improved. This fully demonstrates your capability. Rest assured, I always say this, ‘The whole province acts as one, unified in thought and deed.’ In the provincial committee and in front of Governor Zhentao, all regions are treated equally, like the palms and backs of one’s hands are both made of flesh. The provincial government will naturally weigh the pros and cons and consider matters seriously.”

The conversation with Wei Haoyang did not last long. Nie Zhenbang had his own considerations regarding Shian City. Given its particular status, Shian City essentially lacked competitiveness for the Automotive City project. Though Wei Haoyang had shown his ingenuity by wearing casual clothing today, implying that they shared a similar background, it could not serve as a bargaining chip. There were many people with backgrounds, and Nie Zhenbang had crushed not a few of them. A prime example would be Li Guohua. Nie Zhenbang had his own in-depth considerations for such issues.

Just as Wei Haoyang left, another voice came from outside the door. Luo Qiuliang’s voice was already making its way in, “Xia Gang, my little brother, are you busy? Is the Secretary there?”

Hearing Luo Qiuliang’s words, Nie Zhenbang was even more floored by him. Really, he had to hand it to Luo Qiuliang. A standing committee member of the province, a fifty-year-old man, calling a 28-year-old youngster his brother–Luo truly had his way.

Opening the door, he welcomed with a smile, “Qiuliang has arrived, please come in.”

Luo Chuncui’s younger brother was, in the true sense, the first person to align with him. Nie Zhenbang looked at Luo Qiuliang differently. The Luo family was a local power in Longxi. The two brothers from the Luo family had successively served as secretaries of the Ancient City Committee, which in itself reflected a significant strength.

A dragon does not suppress the local snake, and by winning over the Luo family, a fifth of Longxi’s cadres would be won over as well. That was a calculation Nie Zhenbang was certainly capable of making.

In the reception area, the two sat down with their respective places. Then, after pondering for a while, Luo Qiuliang looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Secretary, I heard that the provincial committee is planning an Automotive City project?”

This was the difference between intimacy and distance. When Wei Haoyang came over, he could only beat around the bush and probe subtly. After all, the Automotive City project had not been officially settled yet. A project with such a huge investment would definitely need the National Development and Reform Commission’s approval. Before the official announcement, everyone had to work behind the scenes.

However, Luo Qiuliang was an exception. Now, as someone from Nie Zhenbang’s camp, Luo Qiuliang could afford to be much more straightforward.

Nie Zhenbang did not deny it. The Automotive City project was, indeed, an opportunity for development. Back in the days in Jingcheng, he had incidentally facilitated the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Jingcheng Automobile. This had indirectly led to the partnership between FAW and Audi.

Over the years, imported car brands had been quite generous in China. Yet, domestic brands hadn’t seen any particularly significant development and were primarily concentrated in the low-end segment. The concept of an Automotive City was not only for the development of Longxi but also for the domestic automobile industry as a whole.

After looking at Luo Qiuliang, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Indeed, there is such consideration. Looking comprehensively, the Automotive City project is highly suitable for the current state of Longxi. At present, the entire Longxi has only one Longxi Automobile Group, which mainly produces heavy trucks. This is a gap. Longxi has rich resources, a solid foundation in heavy industry, and numerous universities within the province, which makes it very suitable for the development of the automobile industry. Detroit is a city in the western part of the country; we in Longxi are of the Western Region as well. I believe that it is entirely feasible to build an Automotive City in the Western Region.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Qiuliang showed a delighted expression. The Longxi Automobile Group, located in the development zone of Ancient City, had already formed a large-scale automobile group, covering 4.5 million square meters, with an annual output value of 16.3 billion and over twenty thousand employees. In Luo Qiuliang’s view, Ancient City was undoubtedly the most suitable for the Automotive City project.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Luo Qiuliang smiled and said, “Secretary, as you see, Ancient City has many advantages in car production…”

Before Luo Qiuliang could elaborate on the multitude of advantages and reasons, Nie Zhenbang raised his hand to interrupt him, glanced over, and said in a slow voice, “Don’t even think about the Automotive City project for Ancient City.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)

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