Chapter 282: Chapter 280: Approval Document in Hand_2
Hearing this, the matter seemed to be settled. Secretary Qin got up with peace of mind, laughing, “Governor Guowei, I still have some things to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Once Secretary Qin left, Nie Guowei also processed several documents and viewed the data files brought in from below. After work, he specifically hurried home because Nie Zhenbang and others were returning to Jingcheng.
This time, Nie Guowei personally cooked, which was a grand reception. At this moment, at the provincial party and government courtyard, things seemed to be clearly deteriorating.
After the meal, Nie Guowei and his son Nie Zhenbang ducked into the study. When Ye Shuxian wanted to take care of washing the dishes, Dong Wan and Li Lixue took it upon themselves to do it instead. The two women were conscious and proactive in front of their future mother-in-law.
In the study, once Nie Zhenbang had brewed a pot of premium Longjing tea for himself and his father, he started to speak, “Dad, there’s something I want to discuss with you. You can consult Uncle about it, and if you can handle it, there’s no need to bother Grandpa.”
Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s serious tone, Nie Guowei was startled, then asked, “Zhenbang, what’s so important?”
Nie Zhenbang proceeded to ask, “Dad, do you know about Jiangbei Province?” After repeating the situation with Governor Ning Shouchang of Jiangbei Province, he continued, “Dad, a provincial level official, especially Ning Shouchang, is only 57 years old and is a powerful figure in the provincial ministries. If we can integrate such a person into the Nie family, it would be a huge boost for us in the government. Think about it, we have Secretary Liang in the north, Governor Guo in the south, plus Ning Shouchang and you. The Nie family holds four provincial ministerial-level officials. This is significantly advantageous to us.”
Nie Guowei nodded in agreement, then said, “Zhenbang, I’ll personally make contact with Ning Shouchang. I’ll also speak to Grandpa. However, I don’t think that’s really what you’re getting at.”
Nie Zhenbang was quite satisfied with his father’s words. Under his tenure as a ministerial-level official, Nie Guowei had indeed demonstrated his capabilities.
Then, Nie Zhenbang laughed and said, “Dad, I mean, could we arrange for a vice-ministerial candidate from the Nie family to take up a position in Jiangbei. The person I have in mind is Liu Kun’s father. This way, he can provide mutual support with Ning Shouchang, which will aid in stabilizing Ning Shouchang’s position in Jiangbei Province. Moreover, with this arrangement, I will be able to contain Li Guohua through Ning Shouchang. Dad, I have a premonition that Li Guohua is going to be my biggest obstacle in the future.”
Upon hearing this, Nie Guowei was taken aback. Some people think three steps ahead, but his son seems to be thinking ten steps ahead. After some thought, Nie Guowei shook his head and said, “Liu Kun’s father isn’t quite suitable. He’s a full ministerial-level official now. Sending him down to Jiangbei may be difficult to arrange. However, you don’t need to worry. I’ll discuss this candidate with your uncle. It shouldn’t be too difficult to put someone there.”
With Nie Guowei’s approval, Nie Zhenbang felt relieved. With this arrangement, Li Guohua probably won’t have such an easy time in the future. He doesn’t ask for much, just hoping Li Guohua won’t create any obstacles for him. Smiling, he then said, “Dad, I’ve been away for four or five days, I’m planning to return to Jingcheng. I’ll check on the approval status, and once I get the Kuli Airport clearance document, I’ll return to Xibei.”
Looking at his son, Nie Guowei also felt a bit emotional. From the moment he first found out he had a son, his initial reaction was shock and disbelief.
Because Nie Guowei found it hard to believe that a reckless act in his youth had resulted in a son. But faced with the hard truth, he had no choice but to acknowledge it. Afterwards, Nie Zhenbang’s continuous actions not only led to his own promotion, but also brought glory to the Nie family. Now, Nie Guowei rarely speaks to Nie Zhenbang as a father, but more as an equal.
Professionally, his son was far more successful and talented than him, so Nie Guowei naturally wouldn’t interfere in his son’s affairs. After some thought, Nie Guowei slowly said, “Zhenbang, what are your thoughts on marriage? You’re now a deputy department-level official. It’s about time to consider the issue of marriage, regardless of your age. Marriage will be an important factor determining your promotions.”
Nie Zhenbang nodded, this matter was something his grandfather had discussed with him before. Nie Guowei’s words were just a repeat of previous talks. However, Nie Zhenbang could feel Nie Guowei’s care for him in his words.
Following, Nie Zhenbang laughed and said, “Dad, Grandpa has brought this up with me too. Grandpa’s inclination is that I’m only 24 years old. Due to age considerations, the Central Party wouldn’t promote me within the next three years. I promise, within three years, I will resolve the issue of marriage.”
Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Nie Guowei chuckled and nodded approvingly. A deputy department-level official at 24, Nie Zhenbang had broken records. Going at this rate, he’s likely to continue breaking records. This was his son after all, and Nie Guowei felt a sense of pride. Nodding, he said, “I was just speaking my mind. I understand my capabilities and my opportunities for promotion aren’t really that great anymore. Now, I’m just waiting for my retirement so I can help you raise children. You should get some rest, remember to be cautious when driving on your trip tomorrow.”
The journey from Zhuang City to Jingcheng is nearly three hundred kilometers. The next early morning, Nie Zhenbang and the others were prepared to depart. This time, Nie Ziyu wanted to return to Jingcheng with them. That little girl was hanging around Yang Anna again. Thankfully, the car was big enough that seating three people in the back wasn’t too cramped.
After more than four hours, the car entered Jingcheng, Nie Zhenbang directly drove to the Dynasty Club.
Just as he arrived back in Jingcheng, Nie Zhenbang’s pager started buzzing. The youngsters from Jingcheng’s prestigious families had very good sources of information.
If one person knew, everyone knew. First, Liu Kun’s call came, “Three, you’re not fair. You have such a good thing but didn’t tell us so we could show our support. Today, you’re the host at the Great Tang. I have good news to tell you.”
Good news? Nie Zhenbang was taken aback, what good news was there? This guy was keeping him in suspense now. Just as he hung up, the pager rang again. As soon as he picked up, Yang Anbang’s voice came through, “My younger brother, such a big matter happened and yet you didn’t inform me. This happened on my turf and my dad gave me a serious ticking off. Kid, you don’t seem to take your brother-in-law and uncle seriously.”
Nie Zhenbang laughed, “Second brother, why am I being criticized as soon as I come back? Alright, I admit my mistake, I’ll accept my punishment. Today, I’ll host a banquet at your Great Tang, is that okay?”
Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Yang Anbang also laughed heartily and said, “It’s a good thing you know better. Considering your sincere acknowledgment of your error, I won’t keep you in the dark any longer. I have claimed the approval for you.”
These words surprised Nie Zhenbang, he hadn’t expected to receive the approval so quickly. It looked like Yang Anbang was the one that helped him and judging by Liu Kun’s secretive manner, the ‘good news’ was likely regarding the Kuli Airport approval. However, for Nie Zhenbang, this was indeed a significant breakthrough and a matter of great joy. With the airport, New Li City and Bazhou now had wings to take off. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote for it on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)