Chapter 705 - 661: Old Friends Reunite_1
Chapter 705: Chapter 661: Old Friends Reunite_1
In February, Lizhou City was still a bit chilly. Piles of unmelted snow could be found in the flower beds along the street.
But at this moment, around the exit of Lizhou East toll station on Wu-Li highway, the officials of Lizhou City were full of burning passion.
The door of the Coestar commercial car opened, and Nie Zhenbang stepped down. He was clad in the same dignified deep blue woolen coat, his short hair as lively as ever, and his eyes filled with an unending burst of energy.
With a smile on his face, Nie Zhenbang extended his hand to Liu Wenqing. It was normal for him to do so. Both logically and emotionally, he was a cadre who had left the Northwest. Being a bit reserved in the presence of the Party Committee of the Northwest Autonomous Region would help him maintain his impartiality. However, in Lizhou, these people were either his former leaders, colleagues, or even subordinates. If he were too reserved, it would make him seem arrogant and give people the impression that he snubbed people after his promotion. Therefore, Nie Zhenbang was very proactive in extending his hand.
At this moment, Liu Wenqing was also full of mixed emotions.
He remembered that this man had been under the care of Cheng Xinhua, the then current Standing Committee member and Organization Department Minister of the Regional Party Committee. However, who would have thought that this former minor deputy-level cadre, in just seven short years, had become an official on par with him who had come to conduct inspections in the capacity of central leadership?
Smiling, Liu Wenqing shook hands with Nie Zhenbang, laughing, “Director Nie, it’s been several years. You’re more heroic than ever. On behalf of the Lizhou Municipal Party Committee, Municipal Government, Municipal People’s Congress, and Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, welcome to our city to supervise the implementation of the three public rules.”
Liu Wenqing’s words were very formal, which made Nie Zhenbang also laugh in his heart. Liu Wenqing was still the same, always seeking stability before taking action. Clearly, Liu Wenqing was cautious in case Nie would feign ignorance. But was he really that kind of person?
Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said, “Old leader, it’s been many years. You seem more radiant than ever. Don’t talk about inspections. I am a cadre from Lizhou City, and back then, I worked under you. The implementation of the three public-price in Xinli City was my idea. I believe that the cadres and comrades in Lizhou City are managing this well. The inspection work is being done by Director Huang and others. My trip here is just to visit my old leaders and colleagues.”
Nie Zhenbang’s words immediately put the officials of Lizhou City at ease. Even though Nie Zhenbang had said that the inspection was being conducted by Director Huang, but everyone present was no stranger to government affairs and understood the rules of the system. Would Director Huang dare to go against him?
Of course, the officials of Lizhou City were not nervous because they hadn’t done their jobs, or because they hadn’t done a good job. Rather, it was because of the formal nature of such inspections. The results, good or bad, relied entirely on the inspector’s attitude and intention. If they were to be truly inspected, with Lizhou City being so large, there would inevitably be some slip-ups somewhere.
“Secretary Nie. It’s good to see you.” At this moment, Xie Yi stepped forward. In his address, Xie Yi still used the old title.
Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ƝονǤ0.ƈ0
Back in Xinli City, as Nie Zhenbang was the Party Secretary of Xinli City, Xie Yi’s form of address was entirely appropriate.
Nie Zhenbang also nodded and smiled, saying, “Old Xie, it’s been many years. You’re even more radiant than before. You’ve done well. The development of Xinli City is good. The establishment of Lizhou City is not my achievement. It’s yours.”
After shaking hands with the other members of Lizhou’s Party Committee, Nie Zhenbang turned to Liu Wenqing and said, “Old leader, let’s head to the Lizhou Party Committee first. With this inspection work, we will be relying on you to handle logistics and support for us.”
Liu Wenqing also laughed and said, “Director Nie is right, let’s head to the city. We’re too conspicuous standing here.”
…
“Secretary Nie, you’ve lost weight!”
The number one guest house in the Lizhou Party Committee had been specially cleared for Nie Zhenbang’s use, which fully demonstrated the importance the Lizhou Party Committee attached to Nie Zhenbang and his team.
Meanwhile, the other staff of the Three Public Office were accommodated in the guest house of the Lizhou Municipal Party Committee, and a deputy secretary-general of the Lizhou Municipal Party Committee was assigned to accompany them at all times, but absolutely would not interfere with the work of the inspection team.
In the vast living room of the number one guest house, the black leather sofa and elegant decorations made the atmosphere solemn and distinguished.
Nie Zhenbang was completely sunk into the sofa. The room was heated, and he wore a white shirt and a cashmere vest, looking spirited as he looked at the woman in front of him.
Nie Zhenbang was also overcome with emotion. He nodded slightly, smiling, he said: “Director Yan, don’t talk about me. Seeing all of you, my old colleagues and subordinates, I feel very happy and contented. The development of New Li City is changing with each passing day, and it’s all thanks to your hard work.”
Pausing for a moment, Zhenbang continued: “Now, with the establishment of the new Lizhou City, Comrade Liu Wenqing still serves as secretary. But now, the officials of New Li City are in various important positions. I am very gratified.”
When he had finished speaking, Yan Fengjiao also nodded. Her feelings towards Nie Zhenbang were complicated. It could be said that there was something between them, but also nothing substantial. Zhenbang had saved her from a life of hardship and she was grateful. Now, her life had undergone a tremendous change, even though her father-in-law had passed away. She was grateful for Zhenbang.
“Secretary Nie. Your teachings are unforgettable, not just for me, but for every official in New Li City. Today’s accomplishments of Lizhou City are inseparable from the foundation you laid initially in New Li City.”
…
In the following few days, Zhenbang met with a good number of officials from New Li City. These were all people who had worked under him and formed the foundation of his work in New Li City. Many of them will become a strong force for him in the future. The last person he met was Xie Yi.
Over the course of several days, as his secretary, Li Jupeng, finally saw a different side of Nie Zhenbang which was truly shocking. Even after being away from Lizhou City for nearly seven years, he still had such a significant influence. It was clearly indicative of his strength.
Walking into the study and seeing the leader resting his eyes, Li Jupeng quietly said: “Director, Mayor Xie from Lizhou has arrived.”
At these words, Zhenbang opened his eyes. Over the past few days, he had attended many gatherings. He had declined those he could, but there were still many banquets he had to attend. Companies like Farmer Welfare and Longhua Mining, and people from Zhu Clan Group, who were either his brothers or those who had helped him while he was in charge of New Li City, had invited him.
Having adjusted his mood, Nie Zhenbang sat up straight and nodded: “Bring him in!”
As he said this, Zhenbang got up and went to the door. Just then, Xie Yi, guided by Li Jupeng, entered.
Touched by Zhenbang’s personal welcome, Xie Yi felt it was enough, whether it was genuine or not. The former leader had made the gesture.
Once they sat down and Li Jupeng served hot tea, Nie Zhenbang took the initiative to speak: “Old Xie, I’ve specifically asked you to come here because there are some things I’d like to discuss with you. Do you have any plans for your future work?”
His question was not without purpose. Since his appointment at the office of government affairs, he had been considering it. With the officials he had in different places, from the distant Gangcheng’s Lin Mohan, Yu Province’s Li Taishi, Wanghai City, Liangxi City and Lizhou City, as well as Bashu Province where his father was located, were all possible places for exchange and promotion. Why he approached Xie Yi was because Xie was his leader in Lizhou City. If Xie Yi were handled well, everything else would fall into place.
At this moment, Xie Yi was excited. He knew Zhenbang’s character; he never made uncalculated moves. He must have prepared thoroughly.
After a moment of silence, Xie Yi looked determinedly at Zhenbang and said: “Leader, you must know my character by now. I will follow your orders, no matter what they are. I will follow them unconditionally.”
Xie Yi had made up his mind. As a local cadre of Xibei, he had reached a deputy minister-level position. To rise further in Xibei seemed unrealistic. It was rare for someone like Li Yifeng to emerge. Now, with Secretary Shen in power, there was an increased emphasis on cadre exchange and mobility. To be promoted, he would have to step out of his comfort zone. Unquestionably, he lacked an advantage in this aspect. Therein, Xie Yi responded decisively to Zhenbang’s enquiry without any hesitation.
Hearing Xie Yi’s statement, Zhenbang nodded in agreement. This attitude satisfied him. Looking at Xie Yi he said: “In that case, prepare yourself. By the time I return from Xibei, I expect things to be in order.”
PS: I’ve returned home and will gradually resume updating. In September, there will be three updates per day, including sudden eruptions!!! (To be continued. If you like this book, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for it. Your support is my biggest motivation.)