Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1238 - Chapter 1238 Chapter 1193 Hawks Nie Zhenbang

Chapter 1238: Chapter 1193: Hawks’ Nie Zhenbang Chapter 1238: Chapter 1193: Hawks’ Nie Zhenbang Hawks couldn’t intimidate the elite students of the Kennedy School of Government. On the contrary, in their hearts, there was a sense of excitement. If it were a dovish politician speaking, it certainly wouldn’t carry much significance. After all, their words would be nothing but empty phrases devoid of any substance. However, hawkish figures are different; they possess an aggressive spirit of progress, an uncompromising and unyielding essence. They are tenacious with exceptionally admirable qualities that make them fearless. Often, from their lips, one can feel a formidable force.

Next, the questions became sharper one after another. Moving from the South China Sea issue to the more sensitive questions concerning Huaxia’s borders, even more sensitive inquiries were raised. Nonetheless, Nie Zhenbang appeared very composed. The framework of his responses remained within the national policy framework.

This allowed the two listeners to breathe a sigh of relief. As the final question ended, Chen Zhewen also exhaled lightly. It was too intense, too sharp. If it were him, he surely couldn’t have managed Nie’s composed confidence and calm.

With the conclusion of the speech, all students spontaneously stood up. During the speech, they had united in opposition, treating Nie Zhenbang as the adversary to defeat. Every question was extremely pointed, almost spiteful. But after the speech, everyone fell for Nie Zhenbang’s astuteness and wisdom. Such is the charm of character.

Applause thundered, lasting for several minutes. This filled Dr. Dowell Wilkinson, Dean of the Kennedy School of Government, with immense admiration.

As Nie Zhenbang stepped down from the stage, Dr. Wilkinson was the first to approach eagerly with a warm embrace, smiling and saying, “Nie, congratulations, you’ve earned their respect. You’ve won their recognition.”

In the afternoon, Nie Zhenbang didn’t linger in Boston but instead took a flight to Washington D.C., where he would meet with President Qiao. After that, they would head to New York for a visit tomorrow. There, Nie Zhenbang was scheduled for an exclusive interview with “Times.”

Just past three in the afternoon, at the Blair State Guesthouse, Nie Zhenbang was greeted with a smile as soon as he entered, by Fang Li, the Director of the Central Office, who said, “Zhenbang, well done. You’ve even conquered Kennedy.”

After speaking, Fang Li continued seriously, “Zhenbang, the leader wants you to come over.”

A state visit doesn’t mean one is entirely without free time. After work, there’s also time to rest. It’s just that, during an overseas visit, the schedule tends to be a bit tight, but there is still some free time.

Following into President Qiao’s room, Nie Zhenbang entered a meeting area. Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, President Qiao smiled and patted the seat beside him, saying with a smile, “Take a seat.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and then sat down. President Qiao began, “Zhenbang, I’ve heard about it. Your performance today at Kennedy was really good. You have shown the attitude and demeanor of our nation’s backbone. It wasn’t easy.”

With a hint of nostalgia, President Qiao added, “When I first took office, I had also spoken there. To be fair, your performance today was much more outstanding than mine back then. I’m very gratified.”

Such words can easily lead to speculation. Was President Qiao praising him or sending a warning? Anyone else might have felt uneasy, worrying they had upstaged President Qiao. But with the years of relationship between Nie Zhenbang and President Qiao, Nie knew well that President Qiao was not one to harbor petty resentments. He smiled and said, “Leader, you’re too kind. I estimate that after my words are published in the newspapers tomorrow morning, the whole world will say Huaxia has a new hawk.”

“Hahaha.” President Qiao laughed heartily, looking at Nie Zhenbang and saying, “What defines a hawk, what defines a dove? These labels vary from person to person, from situation to situation. Your character has always been resolute, and to the outside world, you undoubtedly lean toward the hawks. However, some may always speak and act with gentle elegance. It’s unreasonable to simply judge a person as a hawk or a dove based on their speech. Whether hawk or dove, the national interest comes above all, and that’s what’s important.”

…

New York

An international metropolis, the center of the world economy.

Accompanied by the President of America, President Qiao and his group arrived in New York the next day. First, at the former World Trade Plaza site, they laid a wreath and observed three minutes of silence for the victims of 9/11.

Afterward, President Qiao accepted interviews from journalists of various global media outlets and condemned the atrocities committed by terrorists against the world.

Next, the delegation headed to Wall Street for a visit. During this free time, Nie Zhenbang, as scheduled, accepted an exclusive interview with a journalist from “Times” magazine at a coffee shop next to Wall Street.

The journalist “Times” sent was a stunningly beautiful young lady with a prominent, full bosom. Her perfect figure resembled the golden ratio. A quick estimate would place her at least at a magnificent 37D.

Nie Zhenbang couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. These foreigners were getting more cunning, even resorting to using a beauty trap. But such things didn’t concern Nie Zhenbang much.

After Zhenbang’s interpreter sat down, the interview formally began. The female journalist extended her hand and said, “Honorable Mr. Nie, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Lisa Williams from ‘Times.'”

“Hello, Miss Lisa. It’s nice to meet you,” Nie Zhenbang responded decorously.

After the pleasantries, the interview officially started. Lisa organized her notebook and said with a smile, “According to Huaxia’s terms, I should address you as Secretary Nie. Secretary Nie, do you know that after your speech at the Kennedy School of Government yesterday, another title was added to you? Huaxia’s political rising star, the Hawk Nie Zhenbang. What is your own take on this new nickname?”

Nie Zhenbang smiled slightly and answered slowly, “I am honored. Regarding this term, although I had a rough understanding before, I wasn’t completely clear. To this end, I specifically looked it up. Hawk, War Hawk, is a noun widely used in politics to describe individuals, groups, or forces advocating strong foreign policy measures or active military expansion. Another interpretation is an individual, group, or force protecting the national and ethnic interests with a tough stance or approach. I think I belong to the latter interpretation. If that is the case, I am honored to be considered a hawk, as I am resolute in protecting national and ethnic interests.”

At Nie Zhenbang’s response, Lisa was taken aback. It was said that Nie Zhenbang was not easy to deal with, and at this moment, Lisa truly felt it.

Then, Lisa smiled and asked, “Mr. Nie, I remember a few years ago, my colleague interviewed you. In Huaxia, you have set numerous records in the officialdom. Now, as I understand it, your role has already entered the ranks of national leadership. Does this visit signify a signal from the Huaxia side, and does it mean you will take over President Qiao Yiren’s duties in the future?”

How sharp, this trap was rather deep. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang somewhat regretted it; the question this woman raised was too prone to misunderstanding. A slight misstep could provoke a wide opposition at home.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang shook his head and denied, “No, it should not be seen that way. Our country’s official system is completely different from that of America and any Western country. We have our own characteristics. On this issue, I think it is still too early to say. Our power comes from the people, just like the millions of voters in America. I haven’t thought too much about my future. There is so much unpredictability about the future. No one can say for certain, right?”

The interview lasted for almost two hours before it was over. It wasn’t just about Nie Zhenbang’s career; his family was also thoroughly interviewed. It was an all-encompassing report.

…

The next day, in the morning, as Nie Zhenbang and his delegation were about to embark on their return journey home, the embassy forwarded a preview copy of the latest issue of “Times” magazine specially delivered to them.

The cover image was of Nie Zhenbang sitting in the cafe, being interviewed. Beside it, the text read– “The Huaxia Hawk, a rising political star.”

In the VIP section of the special plane, President Qiao and the main leaders who had accompanied him on the trip were all seated together, looking at Nie Zhenbang. President Qiao laughed and said, “Hawk, haha, this time Comrade Zhenbang has made quite an impression.”

After the joke, President Qiao spoke seriously, “I don’t think the word ‘hawk’ is a derogatory term. On the contrary, I see it as recognition and praise. I hope that we will have more and more hawks in our country.”

After leaving President Qiao’s side, everyone took their respective seats. Fang Li was now sitting next to Nie Zhenbang. As the plane sped up, ascended, and took to the sky, the six-day visit was finally drawing to a close.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang also became contemplative. It was foreseeable that “Times” magazine’s interview would undoubtedly thrust him into the spotlight.

For himself, there were both advantages and disadvantages. Indeed, this overseas visit could be considered a strategic move at the central level, but at the same time, it also made him a target for many. To put it more bluntly, there are only nine spots at the top. Everyone aims to rise. On this issue, Nie Zhenbang was undoubtedly at a disadvantage because he was too young. Wait another eight years, and you will be eligible then, but ascending now, wouldn’t that block others’ paths? This would undoubtedly prompt many to join forces to suppress him. However, there was no turning back now, he could only move forward. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to cast your vote for recommendation and monthly tickets at Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation.)