Chapter 634 - 590: Are You Here to Rescue? (Request for Monthly Tickets) _1

At this moment, Li Sha was a little worried, saying, “Sir, there are only eight dishes on the table, isn’t it going to seem a bit monotonous and shabby?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Tian Xujian commented, “Li, why are you so concerned? The Three Publics code is our standard in Wanghai City. Strictly executing this standard is a must. If there is any problem, someone will handle it naturally. In future, don’t talk about things you don’t need to.”

After being scolded by Tian Xujian, Li Sha turned around and quietly stuck out her tongue. It’s said that serving a king is like taming a tiger. It’s not just the emperor, even standing in front of Tian Xujian left Li Sha feeling somewhat perplexed.

Li Sha didn’t realize her every move was being observed by Tian Xujian. His rearview mirror reflected her full chest, fair skin, and black-rimmed glasses, all of which exuded an exceptional allure and charm.

Tian Xujian couldn’t help but lick his lips. Youth certainly has its benefits. The vibrant youth and charm of this woman were incomparable to those old hags.

When the convoy arrived at the entrance of Wanghai Hotel, Tian Xujian, as the host, naturally got out of the car first and stood at the entrance of the hotel, looking around. He said loudly, “What’s with Nie? we agreed to come at this time to greet and entertain the central leaders. How come he is not here yet? Secretary Yi, make a call to hurry him up.”

The volume of his voice was clear to Deputy Minister Yao and Director Huang, who had already gotten out of their car. Yi Chang’s expression was complicated. Tian Xujian was just too ruthless, never missing an opportunity to belittle Nie.

In such a situation, even if Nie was late, according to the rules, he could only secretly urge him to come quickly through himself or other leaders of the team. After all, within Wanghai City, this would be considered something to be kept hush-hush.

Now, Tian Xujian deliberately spoke loudly, obviously letting Deputy Minister Yao and Director Huang hear, the meaning behind this was pretty self-evident.

After hesitating for a moment, Yi Chang also laughed and said, “Director Tian, Nie has just called, he’s on his way. He’ll be here any minute.”

Seeing this, Deputy Minister Yao and Director Huang looked somewhat disgruntled, Nie’s approach was blatantly disrespectful.

The saying goes, “Man seeks respect as much as deity seeks incense”. Regardless, they were all important people here to inspect, especially Deputy Minister Yao. If this were ancient times, he would be considered an imperial envoy. Nie’s actions definitely gave off the feeling that he was not concerned about them.

However, Deputy Minister Yao wouldn’t show his dissatisfaction openly. Such matters could only be discussed privately, if openly fought, it could also affect his own reputation. Thus, Deputy Minister Yao smiled and said, “Director Tian, Director Nie is very busy and Wanghai City just experienced a powerful typhoon attack yesterday. It’s understandable if he’s occupied with work. Director Tian, let’s go in first. If Nie is busy, he doesn’t need to rush here.”

These words pleased Tian Xujian immensely. Deputy Minister Yao’s attitude was becoming increasingly apparent through his words. If Nie Zhenbang could slap him in the face over the Wanghai New Port and the Wal-Mart Group, he could use this excellent opportunity to retaliate and disgrace Nie Zhenbang.

Thus, wouldn’t they be even? With this thought, Tian Xujian’s face was full of smiles, and he nodded, “Minister Yao is right, we won’t wait for Director Nie. We should get started first, so we don’t keep our guests waiting.”

On the side, the Minister of Organization Liu Yafu, Minister of Propaganda Zhou Zihui, and the accompanying journalist Jiang Ruoxuan furrowed their brows. Tian Xujian and Minister Yao were clearly singling Nie out. They were obviously trying to disgrace Nie.

At this moment, a Mitsubishi off-road vehicle arrived and parked next to them. The car door opened, and Nie Zhenbang got out.

Having spent the entire morning touring the urban and rural areas of Tongping District, Nie Zhenbang looked slightly disheveled. He approached the group waiting at the entrance, laughing, “This must be a comrade from the Ministry of Civil Affairs task force. Thanks for all your hard work.”

Deputy Minister Yao seemed somewhat indifferent. He glanced at Nie Zhenbang, extended his hand for a light shake, and laughed, “Not at all, compared to you, we’re not doing anything close to hard work. Now that you’re here, let’s go in together.”

There was a clear sting in Yao Yude’s words that made Nie Zhenbang feel uncomfortable. However, he held himself back because after all, it was his fault that he was late. This was not the time to start arguing.

As the group of people entered the private dining room in the Wanghai Hotel banquet hall, they observed only eight sparse dishes on the table and drinks strictly arranged according to the regulations of the “Three Public” expenses rule. These circumstances caused Minister Yao and the working group of the Ministry of Civil Affairs to frown.

Next to them, the deputy of the municipal party committee, Li Chaoyang, also looked gloomy. He was well aware of the regulations regarding the “Three Public” expenses, a State imposes financial constraints on public officials. Nevertheless, at the very least, some affordable seafood should have been arranged. In Wanghai, seafood is inexpensive, but in Jingcheng it isn’t. This provided the senior leaders with an unclear direction. As a result, simple Bashu-style dishes created an impression of frugality.

The Disaster Relief Department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is an important department holding the power of disaster relief funds and material distribution. Usually when they visit local regions, they receive top-tier hospitality.

For a moment, all members of the Ministry of Civil Affairs workgroup stood to the side, frankly speaking, such a recepttion banquet was considered far below par.

Next to them, before Minister Yao could speak, the Director of the Provincial Civil Affairs Department, Huang Jingwu, frowned and said solemnly: “Mr Tian, Mr Nie, what is the matter with this…?”

In such a situation, as the deputy minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Yao Yude was embarrassed to say something. If Yao Yude spoke up, would this not make him seem like he’s demanding grandeur and enjoyment?@@novelbin@@

As a subordinate, Huang Jingwu naturally understood this, and questioned Tian Xujian and Nie Zhenbang. If Yao Yude wasn’t present, Huang Jingwu would have politely questioned. Given the fact that Wanghai City is a city with separate planning and Nie Zhenbang is a deputy minister-level official, a director like himself would not be in a position to teach them. However, with Yao Yude present, he could question them with Yao’s backing.

Tian Xujian chuckled coldly and calmly said: “Minister Yao, I really apologize. In Wanghai City, Mr Nie has set up the “Three Public” expenditure restrictions and stipulated the reception standards. I believe the comrades in the city are unaware of the situation.”

Tian Xujian then instructed: “Secretary Yi Chang, notify Ma Fei of the reception office to replace the dishes immediately.”

Tian Xujian was very astute, and knew Nie Zhenbang quite well. After all, during his time in Liangxi City, he had witnessed that Nie Zhenbang was not even afraid of international disputes for an insignificant environmental problem. Afterwards, for the reorganization of the Spinning Group, Nie Zhenbang forced Tian Xujian to the brink of desperation. Based on these past incidents, Tian Xujian gained a deep understanding of Nie Zhenbang’s character.

Ever since the implementation of the “Three Public” expenditure rules, there’d never been any precedent for bypassing them. Tian Xujian was certain that Nie Zhenbang will step up to stop the replacement of the dishes.

Next to him, Huang Jingwu was still unaware of the delicate situation and nodded, “That sounds better. Regarding the dishes, I think court cuisine would be appropriate. Make it quick. And for the white wine? Bring Five Grains Liquor.”

Huang Jingwu’s assertive manner caused Nie Zhenbang’s face to harden. He stepped forward and smiled, “Mr Tian, the rules restricting the “Three Public” expenses were decided collectively by a resolution of the Standing Committee of the Wanghai Municipal Party Committee. It was not only my decision, but a collective one. In the future, when you talk about it, please don’t present it as just my decision.”

After putting Tian Xujian in his place, he continues to say, “Mr Tian, what do you mean by this? Is there anything inappropriate about these dishes that you need to replace them?”

Nie Zhenbang didn’t openly criticize the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ workers, but he targeted Tian Xujian directly. If the people from the Ministry of Civil Affairs are sensitive, they will certainly be careful about what they say next.

However, Nie Zhenbang’s words infuriated Huang Jingwu. He spoke sternly, “Mr Nie, what do you mean by this? We can afford a meal. In that case, let us, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, host and cater for the event.”

Next to them, Yao Yude was also a bit annoyed. The actions of Wanghai City appeared petty. He was here to work for Wanghai City, and such a reception was a slight to him. Yao Yude also nodded, “That’s fine. I didn’t expect that Wanghai City’s disaster was so severe they could not even afford the expense of entertaining guests. In that case, I won’t bother those in Wanghai City. Jingwu can entertain me instead.”

Tian Xujian secretly laughed to himself. Things were developing exactly as he had expected. This way, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t be able to escape the situation.

If this went public, Nie Zhenbang’s prestige in Wanghai city would take a heavy hit. However, to Tian Xujian’s surprise, Nie Zhenbang grabbed a chopstick, picked up a piece of Mapo Tofu and ate it, then praised the food, “The Mapo Tofu tastes authentic. And the Mala Spicy Hot Pot, boiled fish slices, boiled meat slices, and braised pork – they’re all not bad. I don’t understand how they could be deemed unacceptable. Director Huang, I have a question for you, aren’t you here for the disaster relief?”

PS: It has been a busy month. Tomorrow is my son’s birthday, there will be many guests at home. Plus, I’ve felt a bit drained after the continual updates for the past two months. So, this month will see only two updates per day. I hope everyone can be understanding. Please support with monthly tickets! (.)