Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 974 - Chapter 974 Chapter 930 Unexpected Visitor

Chapter 974: Chapter 930 Unexpected Visitor Chapter 974: Chapter 930 Unexpected Visitor On Sunday morning, bright and early, Nie Zhenbang arrived at the provincial committee compound. The committee’s office was naturally not as bustling on the weekend, which provided Nie Zhenbang with an opportunity to spend some time on each floor. To his surprise, when he reached the third floor, he unexpectedly found Hong Feng, who was at that moment working overtime in his office.

Nie Zhenbang was very satisfied with the work ethic exhibited by his prospective secretary. After Xu Hongzhuan had sought out Hong Feng the day before yesterday, Nie Zhenbang believed that word had probably spread throughout the provincial committee.

Although he had merely given Hong Feng a task without formally deciding on anything, letting Hong Feng give it a try, there was never a shortage of people in the system who sought to forge connections in advance.

Everyone knows that it’s easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to send charcoal in snowy weather. Such gestures are well understood and acknowledged within the system, and making them once recognized becomes meaningless. As a result, inevitably, some people within the system look to make these charitable efforts.

Of course, this ‘sending charcoal in snowy weather’ is not genuine charity, but rather small kindnesses offered after sensing certain indicators, in the belief that the other party is unaware.

Put plainly, such gestures lose their value. Nie Zhenbang believed that on these weekend days, people must have approached Hong Feng to stoke the cold stove of favors. That Hong Feng could refuse invitations and social engagements was a pleasant surprise to Nie Zhenbang. It also indicated that after the previous events, Hong Feng’s mentality had undergone a tremendous change, and he had matured.

Without disturbing Hong Feng, Nie Zhenbang continued upstairs. He spent the morning in his office skimming through Hongjiang’s government economic work report and various data. Overall, Hongjiang’s current issues still revolved around the economy–agriculture was the dominant sector, and industrial development was weak. Tourism was not thriving. The local economy was mainly reliant on labor migration. Such an economic model had its limitations–talent was neither entering nor staying, and those who were present wanted to leave, creating a vicious cycle over time.

In the afternoon, Nie Zhenbang and his family moved some personal belongings to the Emerald Elegance Pavilion. It was only then that Nie Zhenbang learned that, besides the main entrance of the sales department, there were three other doors at the Emerald Elegance Pavilion.

One of these doors was directly facing the back door of the provincial committee’s family area, separated only by a road about five meters wide.

…

On Monday, at about 7:30 in the morning.

Nie Zhenbang strode into the provincial committee building. His steps were large, and he carried himself with crisp efficiency, imparting an air of swift decisiveness.

Staff members and mid-level leaders coming and going in the lobby all took the initiative to halt and greet Secretary Nie. In return, Nie Zhenbang nodded his head slightly, smiling and acknowledging their greetings.

Entering the elevator, he went directly to the seventh floor. As he stepped out onto the corridor, he could see Xu Hongzhuan at the far end, already standing at the door with Hong Feng.

A smile crossed Nie Zhenbang’s mind; Xu Hongzhuan seemed to take Hong Feng’s matter to heart. His previous guess must have been correct.

As soon as he approached, Xu Hongzhuan greeted him with a smile, “Secretary, good morning.”

Next to him, Hong Feng also greeted him reservedly, “Secretary Nie, good morning.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Comrade Hongzhuan is here, and so is Hong. Come in.”

Opening the door to his office, Nie Zhenbang ushered Xu Hongzhuan in, took off his coat, and turned on the room’s air conditioning. Sitting down, he said, “Please have a seat, Comrade Hongzhuan. I was just about to speak with you. The matter of the housing has been arranged by my spouse; you don’t need to worry about it here at the provincial committee. You must take good care of Secretary Zhang’s family and belongings in Building One, just as before. We cannot let the old comrades feel neglected.”

Meanwhile, Hong Feng was quick-witted. As soon as he entered the door, he took the initiative to pick up a rag and mop, and began cleaning.

Nie Zhenbang was also very satisfied with this. As a secretary, being sharp and alert was necessary, having keen eyes and deft hands, thinking ahead of the leader, that was what made a good secretary.

At this moment, Xu Hongzhuan paused and took out a document, handing it over, “Secretary, please take a look. This is a speech draft written by Comrade Hong. It will be used during the inspection of the Wangtian Highway Hongjiang section. I’ve read through it, and overall, it is quite good. It fully grasps some of the key points and essentials. It also has a thorough and profound understanding and reflection of the current situation. Please see if you are satisfied.”

Nie Zhenbang took the speech draft Hong Feng had written, skimmed through it roughly, and generally speaking, he was quite satisfied. The content of the speech followed his own thoughts, showing that Hong Feng had indeed put effort into this area. Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Overall, it is quite good. However, regarding the construction speed of the Hongjiang section, it needs to highlight that this section of Wangtian Highway within Hongjiang is an important construction project at present for us in Hongjiang Province. The quality and progress rate directly affect the economic development and construction of our province and should be emphasized. Well, I think, later on, have Hong make some modifications. In this period, let Hong follow me and observe for a while longer. Meanwhile, regarding a driver, I think we can have Dai from the security team come over. This young comrade is indeed quite good.”

Now formally entering the working state, not only did the secretary need to be confirmed, but naturally, the security detail did as well. At the provincial and ministerial level, security secretaries were basically expected to take on the responsibilities of life secretaries too, such as acting as a driver, as well as serving the leader in all kinds of trivial matters of daily life. Nie Zhenbang had a positive impression of Dai during his time at the Construction Road Police Station, and now, speaking of Hong Feng’s affairs, he conveniently confirmed Dai for the position.

Moreover, Hong Feng at this moment was not formally completely settled. The position of secretary was very flexible, after all, it was a job that required serving the leader. Temporarily following meant that if he was handy to use and could gain Nie Zhenbang’s recognition, then naturally, he would continue indefinitely. If not, he would have to be replaced when the time came.

Xu Hongzhuan didn’t mind this as the basic outcome was already considered a success. This was unlike any party or government position, once confirmed, the higher-ups wouldn’t care who was willing or not. As a secretary, one could be replaced at any time, and everything depended on oneself.

Thinking of this, Xu Hongzhuan nodded, turned around, and called Hong Feng in, smiling and saying, “Comrade Hong Feng. Secretary Nie means that for now, you will work here temporarily. You are an experienced comrade, and serving the leader goes without saying. The organization trusts you with such an important position, you must give it your all and serve the leader well.”

Seeing Xu Hongzhuan’s standard speech, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Alright, alright, Comrade Hongzhuan, there’s no need to elevate this matter to the provincial level. As for secretary work, just understand the important points and do well. I have high hopes for Hong. Besides, Comrade Hongzhuan, later on, pass my mobile phone to Hong, as well as the Hongjiang Provincial Committee and government contact list, and office keys. On your side, help me make some arrangements, the day after tomorrow, I’d like to visit the Bureau for Retired Cadres in the morning and the People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in the afternoon. Additionally, for tomorrow’s travel arrangements, there’s no need to notify the colleagues from the Public Security Department. Keep it simple. No road closures or clearing the way. Avoid disturbing the public. As for publicity, having two reporters from Red River Daily and Hongjiang Province Station accompany us will suffice.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words caught Xu Hongzhuan off guard, slightly surprised. Secretary Nie’s attitude fully reflected a pragmatic style. Xu Hongzhuan nodded and replied, “Understood, everything will be arranged as per your instructions, Secretary.”

What the superior loves, the subordinates will follow.

This was not unique to anyone; within the system, it was always the case. Secretary Nie’s push for a people-friendly image was something Xu Hongzhuan dared not oppose. He could only work harder behind the scenes.

Upon leaving the office, Hong Feng also stood up. He did feel some gratitude towards Xu Hongzhuan. After pausing for a moment, Hong Feng nodded and asked, “Secretary-General, are you leaving?”

Xu Hongzhuan also smiled. He already understood what Hong Feng meant. Sometimes, all that was needed was just such an attitude. He patted Hong Feng’s shoulder encouragingly and said, “Secretary Hong, from here on out, the Secretary’s matters will need more of your attention.”

After Xu Hongzhuan left, Hong Feng turned around and sat back down in his seat. He was extremely familiar with this office.

At this moment, returning to this office and sitting in this seat once again, Hong Feng’s feelings were complex, filled with emotions difficult to describe.

As Hong Feng was deep in thought, a knocking sound came from outside. Just as he stood up, the door was pushed open, and Wen Baogui walked in. Seeing Hong Feng, Wen Baogui’s face instantly broke into a warm smile, saying amiably, “Secretary Hong, busy? Does the leader have a moment right now?”

At this moment, Hong Feng felt a different attitude. Even when he was Secretary Zhang’s secretary, he never saw Wen Baogui being so polite. What was going on this time?

After a brief pause, Hong Feng smiled and said, “Deputy Secretary Wen, please have a seat. The Secretary might be a bit busy right now, I’ll go in and inform him for you.”

Hong Feng had been working as a secretary for more than just a day or two. In the leader’s eyes, as the top hand, one naturally had the demeanour and authority that came with the position. Even if a deputy role came over, they still had to be announced, unless there were previous instructions from the Secretary.

Walking into the inner office and closing the door behind him, Hong Feng took a couple of steps forward and spoke in a low voice, “Secretary, Deputy Secretary Wen has arrived.” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)

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