Chapter 585: 541 Apologizing (Extra update at 1000 monthly tickets)_1

You hear the voice before you see the person. This was the style of the young master Yun, imparting an attitude of superiority and transcendence.

In Jingcheng, young master Yun had a unique identity. He was a holder of foreign citizenship. Secondly, this person, Yun Zhiguang, didn’t participate in any system affairs; his only focus was on doing business. This fact put young master Yun at a distinct advantage, giving him few rivals, and making him quite popular among the young masters of Jingcheng’s prominent families. Since Yun Zhiguang posed no threat to their systemic development, they saw no need to offend Yun Zhiguang—because offending him equates to offending the influential Elder Yun Bo behind him.

“Younger brother, it’s been a while. What? You’re leaving already? Why? Did I not take good care of you?” Yun Zhiguang glanced around the room and laughed as he spoke.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang merely glanced indifferently at Director Xu and said to Yun Zhiguang: “I don’t feel like eating anymore, so I’m leaving. My mood has been spoiled by some people today, so let’s save the chatter and I’ll make my leave.”

Director Xu seemed quite surprised at this moment. He used to be a staff member of a local Provincial Planning Committee.

The Planning Committee was the antecedent of the Development and Reform Committee. When Nie Zhenbang used to have massive influence in Jingcheng, Director Xu was still at the local level. Naturally, he didn’t know that by the time he had been transferred to the National Planning Committee, Nie Zhenbang had already left Jingcheng.

When he had just heard Yun Zhiguang referring to Nie Zhenbang as “younger brother”, Director Xu suddenly remembered a person who came out of the National Planning Commission, the predecessor of the Development and Reform Commission. That person is now the Vice-Governor and the Governor of Bashu Province, Nie Guowei. During the time when Guowei was at the Ministry, Director Huang and others spoke highly of Guowei’s promising son, the exceptional third son of the Nie family. Wasn’t they talking about the man in front of him?

Thinking of this, Director Xu began to sweat a little. Over the years, he had been somewhat carried away by his own success. Now he realized, it wasn’t that he hadn’t encountered formidable characters, but that no one had bothered to trouble him.

“Old Yin, you’re seriously not cool. You kept Mayor Nie’s identity a secret from me. His father, Nie Guowei, was our old leader at the Development and Reform Commission. Aren’t you setting me up?” Director Xu whispered to Minister Yin’s ear.

Minister Yin was looking wronged at this moment. He really wasn’t completely sure about Nie Zhenbang’s real background. Later, when he tried to find out more, he didn’t receive much information. Hearing what Director Xu just said, Minister Yin also whispered, “Director Xu, how was I supposed to know if you didn’t tell me?”

On the other hand, Yun Zhiguang nodded and smiled, saying, “Younger brother, since you’ve put it like that, I won’t try to detain you. How long are you staying in Jingcheng this time? Remember to stop by if you have free time and show some support.”

After Nie Zhenbang exited the castle, he took a deep breath. Endurance has its limits. Director Xu’s exhibition just now thoroughly enraged Nie Zhenbang. Nie Zhenbang has always been humble and cautious. He was always composed in his dealings and never arrogant or wild. His actions this time were solid proof of the strong resentment he carried inside.

“Mayor, if we just leave like this, will it …?” At his side, Liu Gaohua voiced his concerns.

After all, they came here to run a project. If they just left like this, would there still be hope for the project?

Nie Zhenbang gestured nonchalantly and said in a deep voice, “Old Liu, don’t worry. I’ve got this under control. The Development and Reform Commission isn’t just Director Xu’s domain. Besides, Elder Qiao will be personally coming to Jingcheng in a couple of days. The matters from here on can be a headache for him.”

Just as they were about to leave, a voice came from the castle entrance, “Mr. Nie, Mr. Nie, please wait a moment.”

Looking in the direction of the voice, Director Xu and Minister Yin came running out of the castle. Now, Minister Yin had already reached Nie Zhenbang’s side and whispered, “Mr. Nie, Director Xu said he was truly sorry for what happened just now. This time, he’ll host a dinner in your honor as an apology.”

At this moment, Director Xu also caught up and smiled, “Mayor Nie, I really must apologize. Let’s just chalk it up to ‘no fight, no acquaintance’. If I had known earlier that you were the son of our former leader, why all this formality? It’s just a matter of a phone call.”

Nie Zhenbang didn’t expect Xu to be so resolute and decisive. To apologize in front of the whole WangHai City delegation was not an easy feat for someone of Director Xu’s rank.

What a talent! Just on the basis of his ability to swallow his pride, Nie Zhenbang didn’t dare underestimate Director Xu. He wasn’t afraid of Xu retaliating, but if Xu was truly deeply offended, he might resort to troublesome small tactics. Although insignificant, they could still become a nuisance.

Thinking of this, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said: “Director Xu, you’re too courteous. The main reason I didn’t mention my father was that I didn’t want to use his reputation to get things done. Just now, I was a bit hot-tempered. Please accept my apologies.”

This was a step down for Director Xu. At this moment, a smile also appeared on Director Xu’s face. Nie Zhenbang’s ability to reach this point wasn’t entirely due to family background and luck. This move alone proves his political maturity.

Immediately after, Director Xu also chuckled, “Ha ha, little brother, I must express my admiration. Without relying on family or background, you’ve been able to attain such a high level at such a young age. It’s truly humbling for us. Shall we proceed inside?”

On the side, a group from Wanghai City felt stunned. How strong exactly was Mayor Nie’s background? Yesterday, it seemed mighty already, but witnessing this scene today left people like An Guoyu in shock. They thought they had known about Mayor Nie’s background, but now it appears they have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

Returning to the private room, Yun Zhiguang, who had received the news, also entered again. He signaled to the attendant, and two bottles of distinguished thirty-year-old Maotai were brought up by Yun Zhiguang. He smiled and said, “Third brother, I know you are not keen on other drinks. This is my private collection. It’s a small token of appreciation since you are here. Have a taste. If it’s not enough, I’ll bring more.”

The person in charge of Provincial Ministry wouldn’t be able to receive this kind of wine. It depended on their status as not everyone could qualify.

This kind of wine cannot be used for commercial operations; Yun Zhiguang was giving Nie Zhenbang a huge favor.

Nie Zhenbang also stood up at that moment and smiled, “Elder Yun, you’re too kind. As the saying goes, if you’re going to do a good deed, do it all the way. Why don’t you get me two specially provided Zhonghua cigarettes?”

It wasn’t just patronizing or overbearing when Nie Zhenbang said this. Yun Zhiguang came over to do him a favor, which clearly aimed to support him. Therefore, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t mind asking for a bit more. After all, he’ll eventually return the favor.

As expected, Yun Zhiguang hesitated for a moment, but still laughed and said, “Third brother, you’re always the same, never willing to take a loss.”

There was an abundance of special cigarettes and alcohol at Yun Zhiguang’s disposal. Quickly, two specially provided Zhonghua cigarettes were fetched. Yun Zhiguang showed his laughter and said, “Third brother, have a good meal. I have something else to attend to and won’t be joining you.”

In his final words, Yun Zhiguang didn’t forget to remind others. He only said he wouldn’t accompany Nie Zhenbang, implying that others weren’t qualified enough to be accompanied by Elder Yun Bo.

After Yun Zhiguang left, Director Xu also picked up his glass, stood up, and said with a smile, “Mayor Nie, I toast to you.”

Nie Zhenbang didn’t refuse and drank the small glass of two ounces completely. This made Director Xu’s smile even stronger as Nie Zhenbang’s show of respect made him happy.

After putting down the glass, Director Xu took the initiative to say, “Mayor Nie, about the Wangtian Highway project. It’s not that I don’t want to help. This matter relates to the overall layout of the national expressway. Our Development and Reform Commission only assists with preliminary work and really can’t be of much help.”

In fact, Nie Zhenbang was already clear about this yesterday. The funding is limited for the construction of national highways. Its effect on the country and the region’s interconnection are important considerations.

Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Director Xu, I understand this matter. The purpose of inviting you this time was mainly to understand the situation better. The saying ‘know your enemies and know yourself, and you will never be defeated’ bears this exact meaning, right?”

Director Xu felt somewhat relieved and said, “Based on my experience, the most likely project would still be the Capital City – Hong Kong Expressway, since this is the year of the return of the gambling city. If the Capital City – Hong Kong Expressway runs through, it will be significant for the overall connection. I believe that this project is a certainty. As for the others, it’s not easy for me to say. However, if Wanghai City wants to proceed with the Wangtian Highway project, I suggest you get the Minan Provincial Government’s support.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang didn’t hesitate and said, “What Director Xu said is correct. I have already reported this matter to the provincial government. This time, with the joint efforts of six provinces and cities, I think we should be somewhat confident.”

PS: Let me post the additional updates first. There are three more guaranteed updates today. Desiring monthly passes for support and wishing all brothers and sisters a happy Dragon Boat Festival! (