Chapter 583 - 539 Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission_1

Nie Zhenbang also hesitated, and even though it was already nine o’clock in the evening, he knew very well that Qiao Yiren would definitely not be asleep at this time. For a cadre, for someone who wants to accomplish something in their official career, in the bureaucratic system, working overtime is a mundane circumstance. Qiao Yiren is one of these people, and he surely would not be resting at this time.

Indeed, after the call went through, Qiao Yiren’s voice came over the phone after a moment: “Zhenbang, what’s up?”

After taking a moment to consider, Nie Zhenbang began: “Governor, I hope I’m not interrupting your rest. There’s a very important matter I’d like to report to you.”

With that, Nie Zhenbang related the entire situation in full, before continuing: “Governor, if the Wangtian Highway becomes a reality, it would give a significant boost to our city’s economic development. It would effectively fill in the last gap in our transportation network. Furthermore, the Wangtian Highway could open up a crucial export channel for our province’s western region, which would be extremely beneficial for the neighboring city of Zhang.”

“Governor, as you know, this matter is such that the Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport would only be responsible for the preliminary planning and recommending it. The final decision probably lies with the State Council. According to the Ministry of Transport’s exploration and planned route, the Wangtian Highway would pass through Hongjiang Province, Chunan Province, Qianzhou Province, and Yuzhou City before it finally arrives in Tianfu City, the provincial capital of Bashu Province. Could we perhaps join forces with the other five provinces and cities? Led by our provincial party committee and provincial government to jointly lobby for support, this would surely increase our chances of success.”

After hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Qiao Yiren was somewhat taken aback. Nie Zhenbang knew about this matter even before he did and had even made a trip to Jingcheng. The power behind Nie Zhenbang was indeed extraordinary. The Nie family’s resources were truly remarkable.

If Nie Zhenbang knew what Qiao Yiren was thinking at this moment, he would surely burst out laughing.

Qiao Yiren pondered the proposal. He enjoyed a good relationship with Zhang Tianyue, the secretary of the provincial party committee of Hongjiang Province. The Wangtian Highway would pass through Hongjiang Province, and it would bring immeasurable benefits to the economic development of Hongjiang’s old revolutionary base area. Similarly, Qianzhou Province would not refuse this. There would basically be no problem with these two provinces. As for Bashu Province, Nie Guowei, the vice secretary of the provincial party committee and the governor of the province, would surely support his son. Thus, only the attitudes of Yuzhou City and Chunan Province remained uncertain. Yuzhou City would have no reason to refuse, and as for Chunan Province, Hu Yanbo would be a fool to oppose it if the national government decided on this route. It would certainly leave a bad impression at the national level.

After a moment’s thought, Qiao Yiren nodded: “Zhenbang, this information is very timely. Therefore, you should continue to communicate with the leaders of the Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport. I will report this to Secretary Chen right away. Furthermore, you should probably contact your father about this. After all, Yuzhou was split from Bashu, so if your father is willing to take the lead, I believe there shouldn’t be too much opposition from Yuzhou. I will handle the work related to Hongjiang and Chunan.”

True to form, the future national leader Qiao Yiren’s imposing manner on this matter even managed to astonish Nie Zhenbang.

Afterwards, Nie Zhenbang nodded: “Yes, Governor, I will definitely lay the groundwork for our provincial party committee and provincial government.”

After hanging up the phone, Nie Zhenbang looked at Liu Gaohua and the others who were still waiting nearby, and nodded: “Governor Qiao has already agreed. I don’t think there should be too many problems with this. At the moment, Governor Qiao has instructed us to keep in touch with the people at the Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport to keep track of the latest developments here, and we will wait for him to come.”

In the evening, Nie Zhenbang did not stay, he returned to the old Nie’s house. As he entered, Dong Wan came out of the room, wearing a knitted pajama that accentuated her voluptuous figure, which was incredibly tempting. Seeing that Nie Zhenbang was about to speak, she made a shushing gesture, walked over and whispered: “The child just fell asleep. He’s been cranky all day. The healthcare doctor had a look at him and said there’s nothing major wrong. Keep your voice down.”

Nie Zhenbang also lowered his voice with a good-natured smile: “Wan, I feel like my status in this house is falling to the bottom.”

This made Dong Wan also laugh: “You’re just realizing it now? Your status has always been the lowest in this house.”

With that, Dong Wan frowned and said in a low voice: “You’ve been drinking quite a bit, and it’s so late. Let me cook you some late-night snacks.”

Watching the retreating figure of Dong Wan, Nie Zhenbang felt touched; perhaps this was the drive that had kept him dedicated and persistent all this while.

Sitting on the sofa, Nie Zhenbang picked up the phone next to him and dialed his father, Nie Guowei. The phone rang a few times, and after a moment, Nie Guowei’s hearty voice came through: “Zhenbang? How come you’re back in Jingcheng? Why are you calling so late? What’s the matter?”

From his tone and breathing, Nie Zhenbang could tell that his father was definitely working late. He chuckled and said: “Dad, you’re not asleep yet? You can never finish all the work anyway. You need to take care of your health, you’re almost fifty now. Staying up late is really bad for the body.”

On the other end of the phone, Nie Guowei laughed: “It’s not a big deal. I usually rest by around midnight. There are so many things to manage in Bashu Province since my recent arrival. If I’m not diligent, you might catch up and surpass me, who knows, in a few years the two of us might be of equal rank. I have no alternative but to push myself, do I?”

Even though these words were said in jest, they accurately depicted the current state of Nie Guowei. As a ministerial level official, in theory, Nie Guowei had every reason to feel proud. After all, he was among the few tens among the country’s billion plus population who held a position of such magnitude.

Yet, Nie Guowei did not feel that pride, burdened as he was with a son who was far too competent. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at his predicament.

After a bout of casual conversation, Nie Zhenbang told his father about the Wangtian Highway project, and conveyed Qiao Yiren’s words to him. He then said: “Dad, this is a rare opportunity for me. I hope you can assist me with this from your end.”

Nie Guowei pondered for a moment. Bashu Province had always been a stronghold for the Nie family, and they held considerable power within the government system. Also, Zeng Taiping, the secretary of the Bashu Provincial Party Committee, had always been very supportive of his work. The economic development in Bashu Province was currently not in a great position, this was mainly due to the limited progression in terms of transportation. As such, Nie Guowei naturally agreed fervently to this project.

Immediately after, Nie Guowei responded: “There should be no major issues from Bashu Province’s end. For the issues pertaining to Chongqing and Qianzhou, I’ll help to coordinate when the time comes. It’s late now, you should rest.”

…

With Minister Yin from the Ministry of Transport assisting with coordination, Nie Zhenbang received a call from him the next afternoon. A meeting had been set up with a deputy director from the National Development and Reform Commission. However, the official had made a demand- dinner was to be held at the Asia-Europe Castle Manor.

“Mayor Nie, if this is inconvenient for you, I’ll help you coordinate further. I can have the venue changed to Capital Restaurant. I believe he will agree to this small request.” Over the phone, Minister Yin said apologetically.

The Asia-Europe Castle Manor was essentially a money-making venture developed by Yun Zhiguang. At such a venue, if one didn’t spend at least a hundred thousand in one night, they could be considered low-class. It was incredibly presumptuous for the deputy director from the National Development and Reform Commission to pick such a location. Minister Yin was aware of this and felt quite embarrassed. He had seen what Nie Zhenbang was capable of, but couldn’t say anything overtly. If Nie Zhenbang disagreed, he would again be put in a difficult position.

Nie Zhenbang was truly irritated at that moment, but he also knew that things couldn’t be easy for Minister Yin. Still, Nie Zhenbang wanted to see what kind of person this official from the National Development and Reform Commission was. In the end, he consented: “Minister Yin, it’s fine, the Asia-Europe Castle Manor is just another property owned by Yun Zhiguang. I can afford the cost. We’ll proceed with the original plan.”

At seven in the evening.

Nie Zhenbang and his party were already waiting at the front gate of the Asia-Europe Castle Manor. The heavy iron gate exuded a luxurious European aristocratic atmosphere. Yun Zhiguang’s business acumen was indeed extraordinary. By tapping into people’s vanity, the Asia-Europe Castle Manor had been booming since its opening.

At approximately 7.10 p.m, as the sky in Jingcheng began to gradually darken, Minister Yin arrived.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Minister Yin looked somewhat embarrassed and sheepishly said, “Mayor Nie, I’m sorry for being late.”

They had agreed to meet the deputy director from the National Development and Reform Commission at 7.30 p.m. About fifteen minutes later, a car pulled up at the entrance. A middle-aged man in his fifties alighted from the car. The rotund man surveyed the crowd with a somewhat haughty look before walking over.

As the man approached, Minister Yin stepped forward to introduce them, “Director Xu, let me introduce you to Comrade Nie Zhenbang, the Mayor of WangHai City.”

“Mayor Nie, this is Director Xu from the National Development and Reform Commission. The success of your project will depend on him.” Minister Yin turned to Nie Zhenbang to introduce Director Xu to him.

As the minister finished speaking, Nie Zhenbang reached out for a handshake, but Director Xu ignored him. With a dismissive sneer he said, “Let’s go in, Minister Yin.”

PS: I need to apologize, I might have let down my readers. Today, many guests, cousins and siblings, visited for the holiday and I had to entertain them. This is all I have for today but I promise to make it up tomorrow. (To be continued. If you like this story, please support me by voting on . Your encouragement is my biggest source of motivation.)