Reborn as a Noble's Son

Outside the door, Nie Zhenbang was standing a distance away. Initially, Nie Zhenbang hadn’t planned on coming as he was aware that numerous leaders from Bazhou City were waiting to meet with Jiang Zhenquan. Even at the level of Lixian, it was likely that Jiang Zhenquan would only receive the county party secretary and the county governor as a sign of respect. Moreover, these meetings would usually include both the county party secretary and the county governor. However, it would be inappropriate not to attend such an event especially when everyone else was present. What would it look like if he, alone, didn’t show up? Was he trying to show his superiority to Jiang Zhenquan? Thus, in the end, Nie Zhenbang had arrived, enjoying the warmth of the waiting guests’ room in a corner seat.

However, Nie Zhenbang never expected that Jiang Zhenquan would summon him. After all, at this moment, besides Liu Wenqing, the secretary of the Bazhou Municipal Committee who had been inside for more than an hour, even the Mayor Ding Aiguo hadn’t been summoned, yet he directly called for Nie Zhenbang.

Upon hearing the secretary’s words, Nie Zhenbang was taken aback. The secretary frowned, raising his voice, repeating, “Is Comrade Nie Zhenbang of Lixian present?”

“Yes, I’m here.” Nie Zhenbang stood up, waving a smile.

Gazing at Nie Zhenbang, some impatience filled the secretary’s face. He nodded and proceeded, “Follow me, don’t keep Secretary Jiang waiting.”

Quickening his pace, Nie Zhenbang walked alongside the secretary. In a secluded corner, Nie Zhenbang slipped a pack of cigarettes into the secretary’s breast pocket, laughing, “Director Tang, a small token of appreciation. I hope you won’t mind.”

Secretary Tang, besides being Jiang Zhenquan’s secretary, also held the position of a deputy director in the provincial office. Hence, addressing him in this manner was appropriate.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Secretary Tang took out the cigarettes. Upon seeing it, he found it was a special edition of white-packaged cigarettes. Immediately, his demeanor changed. Having been around Jiang Zhenquan, Secretary Tang had seen many things. If Nie Zhenbang could have Qian Jin and Liu Kun on his side, that implied his unusual stature.

Given Qian Jin’s attitude, it seemed Liu Kun was the one truly in control. If you deduced from this, it indicated that Nie Zhenbang also had a formidable background.

Secretary Tang chuckled, saying, “How can I accept this? Director Nie, you’re young and capable – a model figure we should all learn from. Better hurry up, don’t let Secretary Jiang wait. He despises exaggerations and punctuality.”

These words were Secretary Tang subtly reminding Nie Zhenbang. This was a response to the packet of cigarettes and not necessarily a reflection of Secretary Tang’s realistic nature.

In the officialdom, three things are emphasized: connections, capability, and being able to navigate human relations. Connections imply a person’s background and personal network. Having support from above and below ensures smooth promotions. Capability is essential, without it, simply relying on connections won’t get you far. Take Nie Zhenbang’s father Nie Guowei for example, his lack of ability was a major drawback. Even with his rank of a deputy national level official, it was more of an accommodation. As for navigating human relations, it’s connected to networking. Arrogance and creating enemies wherever you go hampers your progress and restricts your promotions.

At the moment, Nie Zhenbang mastered the essence of maintaining good relations. A packet of cigarettes was insignificant and certainly not a bribe. Secretary Tang received it without any hesitation. However, the value and the background of the special edition cigarettes did make Secretary Tang take note of it. Such cigarettes were unlikely to be given out by a county-level official.

Upon accepting the gift, Secretary Tang naturally considered a few things. At this moment, his words were a hint to Nie Zhenbang: Secretary Jiang appreciates practical, sincere, and hard-working officials. This provided Nie Zhenbang a prior opportunity to impress. Catering to what people like can naturally lead to unprecedented success.

Secretary Tang knocked on the door, subsequently opening it. At this moment, inside the room, Liu Wenqing had already stood up, his timing seemed impeccable.

Liu Wenqing and Nie Zhenbang passed each other. A smile spread across Liu Wenqing’s face. It seemed that he was satisfied with the conversation he had with Jiang Zhenquan.

“Secretary, Comrade Nie Zhenbang of Lixian is here,” Secretary Tang whispered quietly.

Jiang Zhenquan’s gaze fell upon Nie Zhenbang. Nie Zhenbang was tall with a well-proportioned body. His behavior was grounded and composed. His first impression was rather impressive. Jiang Zhenquan nodded, said, “Little Tang, you arrange it. Approximately an hour later, call for Comrade Aiguo. Let the others know I won’t be meeting with them and they can stop waiting.”

Secretary Tang nodded accordingly. After he quietly closed the door, Jiang Zhenquan turned to Nie Zhenbang who was standing by the door, and smiled saying, “Comrade Nie, I’ve heard so much about you. After all, this is your territory. You’re the host here and I’m the guest. Be at ease and sit on the sofa.”

Nie Zhenbang also nodded, then laughed,” Secretary Jiang, you are joking. You are the party secretary of our Xibei Autonomous Region, the top authority and Lixian is under your rule. I am just a soldier under your command. I wouldn’t dare to act without your order.”

Nie Zhenbang’s remarks made Jiang Zhenquan burst into laughter as well. Such a calm demeanor in a county-level cadre was something Jiang Zhenquan hadn’t anticipated. He had seen many county-level cadres, but Nie Zhenbang was the first to be so composed in front of him.

Within a few sentences, Jiang Zhenquan felt that Nie Zhenbang wasn’t as afraid or nervous in his presence as other county-level officials. He didn’t sense any nervousness from Nie Zhenbang at all.

“Hehe, Comrade Little Nie is quite the smooth talker. Little Nie, I invited you here today mainly to hear about the corporate and farmer household model. It seems that this model has transferred all the risk to the investors. Would other investors be willing to undertake such a thing?” After the pleasantries, Jiang Zhenquan got straight to the point.

Jiang Zhenquan’s intention was clear: the investors this time, Liu Kun and Qian Jin, probably have deep ties with you. Whether there are any personal factors in this current model. If so, it would be difficult to promote it across the whole region, after all, not all local leaders have such relationships. At Jiang Zhenquan’s level, the issue is considered not just from a local or city perspective, but also from a broader Xibei area and even the whole nation’s standpoint.

If this model succeeds, it can be applied not only in Xibei, but also nationwide. As the pioneer, the Xibei Autonomous Region will reap considerable benefits, honor, and achievements.

After pondering for a while, Nie Zhenbang also nodded and said, “Secretary Jiang, I believe this model is practical.”

He paused before continuing, “Firstly, this model does not transfer the risk to the investors. On the contrary, it’s a great way to expand operations and reduce risk. Whether it’s agricultural farming or livestock breeding, farmers invest their own production materials and labor as costs, and investors provide the production capital. This greatly increases the enthusiasm of the farmers, and the investment cost is much lower compared to hiring workers to manage the land directly. Yet, the actual production scale can rapidly expand.”

“Furthermore, farmers are not without risks in their operations. According to the relevant regulations, farmers must ensure good production in order to earn the most profit. On this premise, farmers’ spontaneous enthusiasm for production increases, which can minimize the initial risk. As for investors, they are spared the biggest problem in production management. They can focus only on subsequent deep processing and sales, thus forming a benign cycle. It also leads to faster industrialization, scale operation, and brand building.”

Nie Zhenbang’s views gave Jiang Zhenquan a refreshing perspective. This model is indeed a win-win approach. Moreover, Nie Zhenbang’s innovative ideas, such as scale operation, industrialization, and branding, were somewhat shocking to Jiang Zhenquan. Nie Zhenbang’s capability among county-level cadres in Xibei is unprecedented.

Then, Jiang Zhenquan nodded and said, “Comrade Little Nie, your words have given me a lightbulb moment. The Lixian model, my suggestion is, Little Nie, you personally take charge, summarize and form a mature model, then write it down and give it to me. I think this model can be fully extended across the whole Xibei area.”

Hearing Jiang Zhenquan’s words, Nie Zhenbang was excited. Getting Jiang Zhenquan’s approval meant success to Nie Zhenbang. This political achievement was irreplaceable.

At this moment, Jiang Zhenquan suddenly said, “Little Nie, I have a suggestion. I plan to establish a regional agricultural reform development team on behalf of the autonomous regional party committee and government. Would you like to be transferred to this team?”

Nie Zhenbang was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Jiang Zhenquan to be so ambitious. The model in Lixian hadn’t shown results yet, but Jiang Zhenquan was already planning to promote it across the region. Being transferred to the regional office was an opportunity. However, after considering it, Nie Zhenbang hesitated, “Secretary Jiang, thank you for your trust and attention. But the Lixian model has just started. I want to develop it here first, what do you think….”

The meaning of Nie Zhenbang’s words was already very clear, and Jiang Zhenquan laughed at this moment: “Hehe, this pragmatic attitude is good. Unlike some comrades, who would abandon everything at the sight of a better prospect. This mentality deserves recognition and praise. It’s the mark of someone who gets things done.”

Then, Jiang Zhenquan changed the topic and smiled, saying, “Little Nie, on your trip back to Beijing, please convey my regards to Elder Nie and Commander Nie and your father.”

As soon as Jiang Zhenquan finished speaking, Nie Zhenbang was stunned. He hadn’t expected Jiang Zhenquan to guess his background.

PS: Brothers and sisters, please continue your support. From the morning until now, there has not been any movement in the monthly ticket count. Currently, I have 434 votes, and I am only 36 votes away from 470. Brothers and sisters, Old Cai has full confidence in all of you. With your monthly votes, Old Cai can have enough confidence and motivation.