Chapter 124 - 124 Block the National Highway and Collect Fees 1

Translator: 549690339

“Hehe, Director Nie, I happen to hold a different view.” Lin Weimin hesitated for a moment, then quickly caught on.

Just from Lin Weimin’s quick response, Nie Zhenbang was rather pleased.

There were many quick-witted people in the officialdom, but someone like Lin Weimin, who could respond so promptly in front of the leader, was quite rare. Generally speaking, most people would be taken aback by Nie Zhenbang under such circumstances.

“Oh? What kind of view? I am interested in hearing it.” Nie Zhenbang said with a smile at this moment.

Lin Weimin nodded and said: “Director Nie, I know that you are in charge of the economy. However, economic development cannot be separated from the primary industry, especially in Lixian. With virtually no industrial industry, I can foresee that economic development can’t be separated from the primary industry. So, you see…”

What a talent, Nie Zhenbang’s evaluation of Lin Weimin rose a notch. Seeing

Lin Weimin maintaining his composure, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Director Lin is a graduate of Jingcheng University, right? Well, we happen to be fellow alumnus. Your words have sparked my interest in agriculture. Please, tell me more.”

Nie Zhenbang’s attitude at this moment delighted Lin Weimin. Lin Weimin was already 31 years old. To hold a deputy section rank at this age was quite impressive. Many people may never reach the rank of deputy level, and many regular section cadre in Lixian only reach this level in their forties.

But, others are others, Lin Weimin’s views and ambitions were different. If he did not strive for more, his life might end up like those people, who struggle till their forties as county bureau chiefs, and then, wait for retirement.

This was not Lin Weimin’s nature. Originally, Lin Weimin thought that he would live his entire life this way, but to his surprise, Nie Zhenbang suddenly appeared. Such a young deputy county head. Lin Weimin believed that Nie

Zhenbang was certainly not the kind of person who would idly beat the system. If he could closely follow Nie Zhenbang’s pace, his life would be worry-free.

As soon as the news spread that Nie Zhenbang was in charge of the economy, Lin Weimin keenly felt that his opportunity had come. At this moment, listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Lin Weimin knew that it was his turn to perform. This was a test from Nie Zhenbang. If he performed well, then they would have a close alumnus relationship.

Nodding, Lin Weimin then began, “Director Nie, throughout Lixian, up until last year, the total output value of agriculture was…”

Going on and on, all the agricultural data of Lixian were imprinted in Lin

Weimin’s brain. The notebook on the table was merely a decoration. Lin Weimin didn’t even flip a page. After presenting the figures, Lin Weimin suggested: “Director Nie, regarding the economic development of Lixian, I have some immature thoughts. Lixian is rich in mineral resources. We have abundant vermiculite resources, proven reserves of 28 million tons, accounting for more than 90% of China’s vermiculite reserves and second only to South Africa in the world. Furthermore, I believe that there may be oil in the southern part of our county near the basin area. In this way, by seizing the advantages of the agricultural and animal husbandry industries and combining them with resource exploitation, the entire economy of Lixian would be revitalized. ”

By then, Nie Zhenbang had already stood up. Lin Weimin’s words were impressive and hit home for Nie Zhenbang. After studying Lixian’s economic data carefully, Nie Zhenbang also believed that there was great potential for development in the agricultural and animal husbandry industries of Lixian. After all, with county area of more than 50,000 square kilometers, 3-38 million mu of suitable arable land, 2.76 million mu of forest land, and 17.64 million mu of grassland, all these data represented the great potential of Lixian in the agricultural and animal husbandry industries.

Additionally, regarding vermiculite, its wide range of applications was something that Nie Zhenbang had considered. However, the matter of oil was something Nie Zhenbang had not previously thought of.

Seeing the confident Lin Weimin, Nie Zhenbang became somewhat excited. Nie Zhenbang, more than anyone else, knew the importance of oil. It was the lifeblood of future economies. In later generations, didn’t the United States launch several wars for this very thing? Not to mention far-off places. Even the infamous Oil City in the northwest was known for this. If there was oil in Lixian then there would be no need for Nie Zhenbang to take action, as development would naturally occur.

After a brief consideration, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said, “Old Lin, are you able to confirm the existence of oil? Do you have any basis for this?”

At this moment, Lin Weimin had some regrets. He had gotten too excited earlier. Despite constantly reminding himself to be careful and cautious, he had inadvertently let slip his speculation. There was no basis for it, it was purely conjectural. If oil does exist, all good, but if not, it could be detrimental. It would certainly give Nie Zhenbang the impression that he was impulsive and reckless. However, at this time, Lin Weimin had no choice but to fiercely continue, “Director Nie, this is just a guess. Looking at our northwest region, the oil-producing areas are primarily located in several basins. Moreover, oil has been discovered on the other side of the Tahe Basin. So, I thought, since it all belongs to the same basin, could there be a possibility of oil presence here in our area?”

At this point, Lin Weimin quickly added, “Director Nie, this is just my conjecture, it cannot be counted as anything substantial. It cannot be counted as anything substantial.”

Seeing Lin Weimin’s appearance, Nie Zhenbang laughed: “Haha, Old Lin, you’re worried that if the oil exploration team is called and no oil is found, you won’t be able to report any results, right? Rest assured, I’m willing to take that risk.”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang’s displayed momentum, further cemented Lin Weimin’s belief. Although Nie Zhenbang’s attitude was friendly, the dominance exhibited in his tone was not what an average small-minded person could possess. This was the characteristic of a truly influential figure.

After speaking, Nie Zhenbang pondered for a moment and said, “Old Forest, let’s do this, I was planning to go to the countryside tomorrow. You can accompany me.”

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang had Yi Jun and Li Lin make the necessary arrangements. As the deputy county head, Nie Zhenbang’s trip to the countryside required notification to the office, which was essential.

The next morning, Nie Zhenbang was ready. Just as he left the building, Li Lin and Lin Weimin were already waiting at the entrance of the government building.

Seeing Li Lin, Nie Zhenbang laughed: “Director Li, I feel guilty for having you personally accompany me on this trip.”

As the director of the government office, Li Lin’s main job was to assist County Chief Wu Zhixiong in handling government affairs. In theory, a deputy director from the government office would have been sufficient for Nie Zhenbang’s rural visit.

The way Nie Zhenbang said this didn’t imply any pretentious politeness. Perhaps it was because Yi Jun had become Nie Zhenbang’s secretary, but for some reason, Li Lin appeared rather modest in this regard.

At the moment, Li Lin also laughed and said: “Director Nie, you are too polite. Serving the leaders is my duty, so there’s no need to feel bad.”

There were two vehicles in total, Nie Zhenbang, Li Lin, and Yi Jun rode in one, while Lin Weimin and two technicians from the County Agriculture Bureau rode in the other.

The group had just left the county seat. Following the national highway, they had not traveled more than ten kilometers when traffic on National Highway 28 became congested.

Seeing the situation ahead, Li Lin was the first to frown. On the edge of a town ahead, many people had gathered. A thick poplar tree lay across the middle of the road, and as each car passed, people in the cars handed something down to the people below.

Even Nie Zhenbang frowned at this sight. What was going on? Bandits? Road bullies? They were openly collecting fees on the side of the road.

“Chen, park the car to the side for a while. Director Li, shall we go down and have a look?” Nie Zhenbang turned his gaze to Li Lin at his side.

Li Lin was a clever person and immediately nodded, saying: “This is truly lawless. Xiaoyi, make a call to the police station and ask about the situation. Let’s see what’s really going on here.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang had already pushed his way to the front. At the moment, on the side of the national highway, the entire road was blocked on one side.

Now, by the barrier constructed from a few pieces of wood, a young man casually smoked a cigarette with a military green cap on his head, wrapped up tightly in a military coat. As he collected money, he endlessly said to the passing drivers: “Brother, sorry. But cars passing by here killed my sheep. Couldn’t find the owner, so I had to ask everyone to share the cost.”

Drivers passing by this man naturally wouldn’t say anything. However, the drivers waiting behind were murmuring under their breaths. What sheep? This seems to happen every year, too coincidental, charging five dollars per car. That’s more than enough to buy a whole flock of sheep, not just one.

Hearing the drivers’ complaints, Nie Zhenbang’s face darkened. It was clear what was happening. This was blatant extortion under the guise of compensating for a dead sheep. Immediately, Nie Zhenbang stepped forward, and looked at the dozen or so young men sitting at the roadside, sternly saying, “What’s going on here? This is a national highway, who gave you the right to collect fees? Look at these vehicles you’ve blocked. Remove this right now.”

As Nie Zhenbang finished his words, several young men from the Hui ethnic group had already surrounded him. The leader, eying Nie Zhenbang with disdain, answered defiantly, “Who do you think you are? Cars passing this road killed my sheep. Since I couldn’t find the owner, I had to resort to this method. What, taking a little compensation is wrong now? If you don’t like it, call the police and have them arrest me.”

PS: 12000 words in, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to finish before 12:00 today. Old Cai is giving it his all until it’s done. Call for monthly tickets! Brothers and sisters, I believe that you can all see Old Cai’s effort. I also believe that the monthly tickets will appear. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to to cast your recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation..)