Chapter 107: Chapter 107 National Pilot (Second update, asking for monthly ticket) _1
Translator: 549690339
Nie Zhenbangs remarks were hardly over when, beside him, Zhang Jue, whom the remarks were obviously directed at, visibly darkened. The meaning of Nie Zhenbangs words was unmistakable. What did he mean by someone who needed to work? It was an open provocation. His words were simple and clear. There was only one meaning: the preparatory committee doesn’t need an office director but someone who actually does the work.
Zhang Jue was about to retort, but Wei Bin, also seated nearby, nodded approvingly. He was increasingly fond of Nie Zhenbang, who proved to be a flexible character. He understood the appropriateness of holding his peace on such an occasion, and there was no need for Wei Bin to say anything. This kind of tacit comprehension was a rarity that Wei Bin had not previously come across. He was also amazed by Nie Zhenbangs keen political instinct.
He immediately agreed, saying, “Comrade Zhenbang is right. The preparatory team is a temporary organization, and will dissolve as soon as its mission is accomplished. I think we need to focus on getting the job done. I think Zheng Gensheng, whom Comrade Zhenbang proposed, is a fine choice. I have no objections.”
With this tone set, even if Zhang Jue had any objections, he was left with no room to voice them. However, the look Zhang Jue gave Nie Zhenbang was now somewhat different.
Nie Zhenbang rose with a slight smile, took the initiative to shake hands with Zhang Jue, and said, “Deputy team leader Zhang, we will be colleagues from now on. Please give me your guidance and support in our future work.”
“Nie, hahaha, you are too courteous”, Zhang Jue managed to cover any trace of dissatisfaction on his face. Over time, he had adjusted his mindset. “We are all colleagues. From now on, we’ll work together.”
Thanks to Wei Bin’s management, the preparatory group was soon augmented with capable personnel reassigned from other sectors. Naturally, Zheng Gensheng was pulled over from the administration office.
Preparation team by name but, in reality, its main task was quite simple. At present, the preparatory group’s primary purpose was to refine some details of the “Youth Civilization” project, such as the selection method, criteria, and rules.
The preparatory team’s office… presently, the entire preparatory team had two offices. One was a small office used collectively by Wei Bin, Zhang Jue and Nie Zhenbang. In reality, given their dual roles as secretaries, this office was mostly used by Nie Zhenbang.
The other office was much larger. The preparatory team had brought over five people from the entire Qinglian System. Apart from Gu JinQiang, Zhang Jue had also reassigned a youth named Shen Hua from another department. Two of the old hands belonged to Wei Bin’s trusted team.
At that moment, Nie Zhenbang was sitting in his office refining the “Youth Civilization” project. After closely observing for a few days, Mu Dingjian had finally added a few suggestions to the purpose section of the “Youth
Civilization’s” inception. Reflecting on this, Nie Zhenbang held Mu Dingjian in high admiration. As the real planner, every seemingly insignificant detail was filled in.
Just then, there came a knock on the door, followed by Zheng Genshengs voice from outside, “Is Director Nie in? It’s Zheng Gensheng. I have something to report to you.”
Director Nie – this was Nie Zhenbangs new title in the preparatory team.
Although officially he was also an ordinary member of the preparatory team, Nie Zhenbang was in charge of liaison and coordination work. In terms of responsibilities within the preparatory team, he was equivalent to the office director. Once Gu JinQiang arrived, he swiftly assigned Nie Zhenbang this role, causing others to follow suit.
Hearing Zheng Genshengs words, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said to the door, “Brother Zheng, come in.’!
Upon hearing Nie Zhenbangs words, Zheng Genshengs face relaxed considerably. Even he himself hadn’t expected Nie Zhenbang to pull him out of the general affairs office so quickly. While the preparatory team here was temporary in nature, it was clear to anyone with discerning eyes what being part of the “Youth Civilization” project signified. By entering here, even on a temporary basis, and subsequently moving to the official “Youth Civilization” office when the project formally kicked off, would lead to undeniable benefits for his future.
At this moment, Zheng Gensheng also wanted to take this opportunity to express his stand to Nie Zhenbang. After listening to Zhenbangs passionate words, Zheng felt somewhat moved in his heart. Initially, Zheng was worried that Zhenbangs attitude might have changed due to his new position. But now, he was relieved.
As soon as Zheng walked into the office, Zhenbang got up from his desk and, with a smile on his face, walked over to pour a glass of water for Zheng, saying, “Brother Zheng, there’s no need to stand on ceremony. We’re brothers, aren’t we? There’s no need to be so formal.’
At this moment, Zheng also laughed. Zhenbangs politeness and friendliness warmed Zhengs heart. It showed that Zhenbang was not the kind of person who would forget old friends once he gained power. Such a person was worth following. Yet, as a smart person himself, Zheng knew that despite Zhenbangs disinterest, respect for hierarchy was still necessary. So, he respectfully accepted the teacup that Zhenbang handed to him, and then jokingly replied, “Zhenbang, it’s not about formalities. We ought to act professionally at work, isn’t it? After work, we can call each other whichever we like.’
At this point, Zheng hesitated for a moment before saying, “Director Nie, are you free tonight? If you are, how about having dinner together?”
Seeing Zhengs hopeful eyes, Zhenbang also laughed inwardly. He understood clearly that Zheng was trying to show his goodwill or more directly, his loyalty. Immediately, Zhenbang got up and said, “Sorry, Brother Zheng, I’m afraid I can’t make it tonight. I’ve just received a message that the preparation team is about to get busy. Secretary Mu has already reported to the higher authorities and the State Council about the Youth Civilization project during these few days. They have already approved our plan. We’re about to start pilot programs in several cities throughout the country soon. Secretary Mu’s intention is for us to organize a grand opening ceremony. At that time, the number one leader will also come to personally inscribe a motto for our Youth Civilization.’
Upon hearing Zhenbangs words, Zheng was stunned momentarily. However, he soon burst into joy. Now that he was also on board the ‘Youth Civilization” ship, the more widely it became known, the higher the political credit and merit for those involved in the project, and naturally the more opportunities for promotion.
Coming to this realization, Zheng nodded and said, “Director Nie, this is a great opportunity. In this case, we should prioritize our work.”
In September of 1990, as golden autumn arrived, the National Youth League launched its first nationwide selection project, Youth Civilization, in the office building of the Central Committee of the Youth League. This was more than two years earlier than in the previous life.
At the same time, the administrative level of the Youth Civilization Office was officially established. It was a directly administrated unit under the National Youth League, and the Director’s rank was set as the Deputy Bureau level. This was carefully considered. According to the rank of the Central Committee of the Youth League, the rank of the Fifth Secretary of the Central Committee was set at the ministry level. Organizations under the Central Committee of the Youth League, such as the National Youth League and the National
Student Federation, should theoretically be general units or units of membership nature. However, due to the special circumstances of the Youth League, it is usually led by the Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central
Committee, so its rank is roughly at the deputy ministry level. In comparison, the second level units under the Central Committee are at the bureau level, so the rank of Youth Civilization is set at the deputy bureau level.
This time, Wei Bin finally got his wish and moved up to the Deputy Bureau level from the regular office level. Although it was merely a subordinate department of the Youth League Central Committee and couldn’t compare in terms of real power with deputy officials in municipal governments, Wei Bin was still young. Being a deputy bureau level at thirty-one was still quite rare in the country.
However, this time, Zhang Jue didn’t come. Since it was an official unit, if he were to hold concurrent positions, Zhang Jue would have to give up his secretary position like Wei Bin. Comparing a standing office level position with a secretary to the leader, Zhang Jue chose the latter.
Nie Zhenbangs rank didn’t change much, but he assumed the position of the director of the first division of Youth Civilization. At present, the Youth
Civilization Evaluation Office was divided into six various departments, each responsible for supervising the national Youth Civilization Review and provincial Youth Civilization at various provinces and cities.
On that day, at the entrance of the Youth League Central Committee building, colorful flags were flying and crowd was bustling. All the leaders of the Youth League Central Committee, including the first secretary, Secretary Song, were waiting at the entrance. Mu Dingjian was standing next to Secretary Song. Nie Zhenbang, at this moment, was also standing behind Wei Bin in a conspicuous position in the front row. After all, the number one leader from the central government was coming for Youth Civilization, and as the main characters, all the staff of the Youth Civilization office were already waiting on the side.
With the arrival of half-past eight, the number one leader’s black bullet-proof Red Flag car slowly approached under the guidance of police cars. The first ones to get off were two flat-headed men in dark suits and sunglasses. Zhenbang was no stranger to these people; they were guards from the Red Wall Security Regiment, or commonly known as Red Wall bodyguards.
As the number one leader got off the car, Secretary Song and Mu Dingjian both went up to greet him. With a smile on his face, the number one leader greeted the crowd and shook hands with everyone. Suddenly, while still smiling, he turned to Mu Dingjian and said, “Comrade Dingjian, I’ve heard long ago that the Youth Civilization initiative was proposed by a young person. Why don’t you introduce me today?” (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to novelhall to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation..)