Reborn as a Noble's Son

The reason Nie Zhenbang sought out Zhao Xinglong was not without cause. It was, by any standard, their first meeting. The term ‘familiar conversation amongst new friends’ could appropriately describe the situation. Zhao Xinglong and Zhang Xu were as brothers, and friends, in Nie Zhenbang’s understanding of Zhang Xu and judging from Zhao Xinglong’s behavior just now, he had determined that Zhao Xinglong was a friend worth gaining.

At this moment, not only was Zhao Xinglong shocked, but in the Dynasty Club, at present, Li Hua, Li Wen*Ge, Zhang Xu, and others were all ears.

With Liu Kun and Yang Anbang as clear examples, Nie Zhenbang’s reputation had long been established in these circles – referred to in Jingcheng as the golden touch. Whoever followed in Nie Zhenbang’s footsteps never failed to prosper – Liu Kun and Yang Anbang being prime examples. At this moment, hearing that Nie Zhenbang had another project, everyone naturally wanted to join in.

Zhao Xinglong was even more elated, saying, “Little San is indeed generous. No matter what the project is, I’m joining. My total assets in the United States are around 50 million U.S. dollars, is that enough?”

Nearby, Zhang Xu also added, “Um, if it’s not enough, you can count me in, but I can’t provide more. I can barely put together about 10 million RMB, and I guess that will have to involve some bank loans.”

The Zhang family had traditionally not placed a high value on money, with only a few engaged in business. Zhang Xu’s ability to gather so much money was already quite an achievement.

Nearby, Li Hua and Li Wen*Ge also laughed and joined in: “Old Zhang, Old Zhao, we’ve been old friends for many years, despite the little fights we had at Yuhong Primary School. Wouldn’t you exclude your brothers from such a good deal? Why not try counting us in?”

Nie Zhenbang’s view was the more, the merrier, even if all these families came together, they would not be able to handle his new project alone.

Without any further ado, he chuckled, “Where I work now, Lixian, holds the largest vermiculite mine in the country. Vermiculite is widely used in soil amendment, building materials, and paint. The prospects are undoubtedly promising. Moreover, I suspect there may be oil reserves in the area. I’ve already commissioned a professional survey and exploration team from the Xibei Autonomous Region for preliminary inspections. If oil does indeed appear, it will be a significant find.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, everyone was stunned and Zhao Xinglong rose in excitement. The future of oil was something Zhao Xinglong understood more clearly than anyone else. The United States waged the Gulf War for no reason other than oil. If oil were found in Lixian county, it would likely skyrocket.

Even though private drilling was not permitted in the country, irrespective of the prominent families involved, having a small stake in it was possible. This would become an endless source of wealth in the future.

Beyond this, Zhao Xinglong was imagining more. By establishing contacts, he could find professional surveyor and drilling teams. Oil reserves in foreign countries also weren’t few and far between. That was the real emphasis and larger picture.

Zhao Xinglong immediately made up his mind, affirmatively saying, “Good. With that in mind, I’m all in. I trust Little San’s word and I’m committed.”

Immediately following, Zhang Xu and the others all voiced their views, “We’re in, too.”

Spring had returned to the land, breathing new life into it.

After Nie Zhenbang had spent a few days in Jingcheng, he returned to Lixian on the fourth day of the first lunar month. During his time in Urumqi, Nie Zhenbang had made a point to visit Li Yifeng’s home. Li Yifeng was pleased with Nie Zhenbang’s performance. Li Yifeng, following his senior manager’s instructions, didn’t interfere much yet, Nie Zhenbang was still doing remarkably well, even appearing on “Daily at Seven”. This was a testament to his abilities.

Upon returning to Bazhou City, Nie Zhenbang also made a point to visit Ding Aiguo, Liu Wenqing, and Cheng Xinhua. By the time Nie Zhenbang got back to Lixian, it was already the sixth day of the first lunar month.

Early that morning, Nie Zhenbang had prepared a gift, a pair of specially supplied Maotai, a gift specifically for Wu Zhixiong.

Wu Zhixiong was quite pleased to see Nie Zhenbang. Looking at the Maotai Nie Zhenbang had brought, Wu Zhixiong intentionally frowned, asking, “Zhenbang, what is this about? There was no need for gifts. Brings to mind a feeling of estrangement, doesn’t it?”

Nie Zhenbang also laughed. He naturally understood Wu Zhixiong’s words as a polite remark. Huaxia people valued etiquette. According to Nie Zhenbang’s clever interpretation, etiquette was essentially the giving of presents during the festivals. Of course, this is an amusing perspective, but it does hold some truth.

In Huaxia, during traditional festivals such as the Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, and the most prestigious Spring Festival, the art of gift-giving is a must and is considered a polite gesture.

“Director Nie, come on, it’s the New Year. Surely, you wouldn’t have me show up empty-handed? I didn’t bring much with me this time, just a couple of bottles of wine… Just a small gesture of goodwill. Please, don’t reject it.” Nie Zhenbang seemed quite composed at this moment.

This nonchalance pleased Wu Zhixiong greatly. If their relationship turned formal and phony, Wu Zhixiong wouldn’t hold Nie so highly.

Glancing at the wine, Wu Zhixiong grinned, “Now this is top-notch liquor! I must say, I’m basking in your glory, Zhenbang. I’m certainly going to treasure this.”

After having lunch at Wu Zhixiong’s house, Nie left. As soon as he returned to his dormitory and before he could even settle in, there was a knock at the door.

Opening the door, Yi Jun was standing there, hands filled with bags of gifts. Seeing Nie, Yi smiled and said, “Director Nie, you’re back.”

Nie looked at Yi at this moment, who was a little formal, and started laughing, “What are you acting coy for? You’ve probably been waiting for me downstairs, haven’t you? Come in.”

Just as Yi came in and closed the door, there was another knock. When the door was opened, Lin Weimin of the Agricultural Bureau was standing at the door carrying a gift. Lin was slightly taken aback by Yi, thinking he had come at the wrong time and decided to come back later. However, Nie invited Lin in. “Director Lin, come in. We’re all familiar with each other, no need to be formal.”

Those words delighted Lin. Nie’s casualness and acceptance indicated that he now considered Lin part of his inner circle.

With that, Lin entered and placed his gifts by the door, smiling as he said, “I had planned to be the first to wish you a Happy New Year, but I see Secretary Yi beat me to it. Working closely with a leader gives you a one-step advantage.”

Over the past few days, a steady stream of people had visited Nie, who had already made quite an impression since taking up his post. His initiation of major projects, his attention from the district party secretary, spot on “Daily at Seven”, and his election as a standing member of the county party committee, made everyone realize that Director Nie was not an ordinary person.

More importantly, Nie’s youthfulness. Just 23 years old this year, he had unlimited potential, and those following him would enjoy a prosperous future.

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, the office officially opened. At that point, Liu Kun and others had returned to Lixian, and a dozen large excavators had arrived at the construction site.

As soon as the office opened, Lin Weimin was already waiting in the office. Nie didn’t strut about. While taking off his coat, he asked, “Director Lin, you’ve come so early. What’s the matter?”

Lin nodded and said, “Director Nie, the office building for the Farmer Welfare Company has been officially started. General Liu and I have discussed and decided to first convert five million acres of grassland into Australian high-quality grass species, which will increase the average grass yield by up to thirty percent.”

In addition, concentrated breeding areas in the grassland have also started construction. About 100,000 more animals should be bred this year. The problem now is that the compensation for our local farmers has not yet been paid, and the herdsmen are still a bit worried. Could we perhaps expedite General Liu.”

Hearing Lin’s words, Nie frowned. The negotiations regarding compensation with the herdsmen had been settled by Liu Kun and others with the help of local township officials as early as the end of last year. However, the compensation hasn’t been paid yet, even though the construction has already started, could cause conflicts with the herdsmen. Doesn’t this cause trouble for Nie himself?

“How could this be? Didn’t we agree to pay a portion at the end of the year? How come it’s not been paid yet? First, you have to stabilize the herdsmen. I’ll personally call Liu Kun.” After pondering for a while, Nie gave instructions accordingly.

Nie knew exactly what Liu was thinking. With 60,000 herdsmen in Lixian, the combination of land rent, pre-payment of wages and livestock compensation would require an investment of at least half a billion. This was quite a pressure on Liu, who would naturally delay payment as long as he could until the construction started. Once the bank loan came in, funds would not be so tight.

However, this project is not only Nie’s first one, but it’s also the most important one. Thinking of this, Nie immediately stood up and said, “Yi Jun, prepare the car, we’re going to the Farmer Welfare Company.”

Just then, Liu Kun stormed in. Seeing Lin Weimin by his side, Liu collapsed on the sofa and said to Nie, “Third brother, I’m about to blow my top. Just barely started work today, and someone has already started causing trouble.”

PS: Brothers and sisters, currently at 477 votes, I’m seriously lacking power here. The gap has widened to 112 votes. It’s time to rally people. Let’s go for it!