Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 194: Good Wine Too Is Lost in Deep Alleys_1

Translator: 549690339

“Going out? How? Director Fan, we’re a development zone, not a product. It’s completely abstract. I don’t think it’s easy,” Bayaer voiced his disagreement at this point.

Nie Zhenbang nodded in agreement. In the future, various trade promotion conferences, expos, etc., all teemed with the representatives of specific development zones. This is what promotion is. Today, it is no longer the age where good wine needs no bush.

Fan Zhenming wasn’t bothered and chuckled, “Mayor Ba, I’ve pondered over this problem and it bothered me too.”

After a pause, Fan Zhenming, glancing at everyone, handed out his research materials and continued, “Gentlemen, this is a small research I have done. Through data analysis, I found that the earliest domestic advertisement started in ’84. Back then, the advertising budget for Yanwu Tape Recorders on national TV was just 400,000. However, by ’87, the advertising budget had increased ten times to a staggering 4 million. Consequently, Yanwu’s sales covered the whole country. This is a typical case. In addition, the Nestlé advertisement that was broadcasted nationwide with Hucheng City as a backdrop last year made Nestlé coffee a fashionable drink for the Chinese. However, upon inquiry, we found that Nestlé coffee is, in fact, an internationally renowned brand, and the product mainly sold in our country is Nescafé, which is considered a middle and lower tier product abroad. This also shows the importance of advertising. What I mean is, can our development zone adopt this form of advertising, creating a promotional film and running it as an advertisement on television?”

Nie Zhenbang was taken aback. A city promotional film? This Fan Zhenming looked ordinary, but this was a too innovative idea. Not many people had such forward-thinking ideas in this era. Indeed, he was a rare talent. However, to Nie Zhenbang, creating a promotional film seemed too advanced and inappropriate for this time. Besides, using this idea for Li County felt somewhat inadequate. After all, it was a matter of the scope.

If Li County were a prefecture-level city, a promotional film at this time would be absolutely shocking. However, for a county-level city, there weren’t too many advantages.

Without waiting for Nie Zhenbang to refute, Yang Zhengping, the Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Committee, pondered for a moment then said softly, “Director Fan, the promotional film seems rather bold. After all, we need to maintain the image of the government. Wouldn’t this seem somewhat commercialized?”

Fan Zhenming was well aware that his idea was bold, so he nodded and said, “Secretary Yang, I have considered these issues. Indeed, there is a degree of this concern. However, considering the current national theme of economic development, I believe that it is an inevitable trend in the future.”

After Fan Zhenming had finished speaking, the others also offered their opinions. Some suggested seeking support from the Bazhou City Government, and some suggested establishing offices directly in special economic zones to get in touch with businesses through South China Sea officials. In short, it felt as though everyone was showcasing their unique skills.

These were common tactics at this time. In future, many local governments established representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities. Apart from the financial aspects, these offices mainly functioned to attract and encourage investment.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang turned to Yan Fengjiao and asked with a smile, “Director Yan, you seem deep in thought. Do you have any brilliant ideas?”

Surprised by Nie Zhenbang’s sudden question, Yan Fengjiao replied reluctantly. As her main responsibilities in the development zone involved current construction and coordination between the government and businesses, she had not really gone into the depths of attracting investment.

Yan Fengjiao responded with a charming look and shrugged, “Since Mayor Nie has invited me, I’ll put forward a few points.”

After a pause, Yan Fengjiao said, “Actually, I think it would be a good idea to go to the Canton Fair. The spring session has passed. It is July now, and the autumn session is coming soon. I think we can completely promote ourselves there.”

The Canton Fair, officially known as China Import and Export Fair, was the longest-running trade fair in China. It was held twice a year. The spring session was from April 15 to May 5 and the autumn session was from October 15 to November 4 each year. Given that it was already mid-July, they could only aim for the autumn session.

Yan Fengjiao’s remarks surprised everyone, intriging Nie Zhenbang. It seems that Yan Fengjiao was not just a pretty face. The current group of cadres in Li County, especially those elected from the development zone, were exceptional in Bazhou City in terms of their age and abilities. It could be said that it was a concentration of the elite young cadres in Bazhou City.

Among this group, Deputy Secretary of the Work Committee, Yang Zhengping, is steady. Gao Yuanshan, the Deputy Director of the Management Committee, is bold and dares to fight. Leng Guohua possesses impressive coordination and organization skills. Yan Fengjiao is especially skilled in promotion and communication. Fan Zhenming, the Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau, shown through the plan he conceived earlier, is a cadre worth cultivating. Deputy Director Li Yan is low-key and not generally outspoken. At the moment, it is still uncertain what Nie Zhenbang will do. But if they’ve made it through to the final evaluation, they can’t be wrong.

On the side, Bekri was initially not planning to voice his opinions. This matter of the development zone appears to be the County Government’s business. But everyone knows that Nie Zhenbang also serves as the Secretary of the Development Zone Work Committee and Yan Fengjiao as the Director of the Management Committee. The truth is, it is the matters outside the county that are within the jurisdiction of the Executive Deputy County Mayor like himself. Yet Yan Fengjiao’s idea made Bekri unable to hold back his retort: “Director Yan, the Canton Fair is a trade fair. How can we possibly arrange for a presentation booth? Does the organizer even have such a custom? This seems rather uncertain. Moreover, what would we bring there?”

As the words had just fallen, Nie Zhenbang then responded in a calm voice, “Old White, in my opinion, I think this is a good idea.”

As soon as Nie Zhenbang’s words fell, all the people in the conference room became silent. After all, this was the first time Nie Zhenbang indicated his stance since the meeting started. Quite evidently, the authority of the Big County Mayor Nie in the County Government is undeniable. Everyone knows their boundaries. Even Zhang Chubin, the County Secretary, has been tactful enough to keep his distance. I don’t think anyone can surpass the County Secretary.

Bekri felt a bit embarrassed and quickly covered it up with a laugh: “Hehe. The County Mayor is right here. It seems like I still have a lot to learn. I’m a bit behind the times.”

Nie Zhenbang laughed at this and calmly said, “Old White, don’t belittle yourself. The saying goes ‘Live till old, learn till old’, applies not just to you. We, everyone here, have to continue learning. It’s inevitable. If not, we will be eliminated. Survival of the fittest, as Darwin’s theory of evolution puts it quite thoroughly.”

Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment before continuing, “Also, Old White, you didn’t say anything wrong. Sometimes, it is necessary to voice doubts. What one person lacks, others have in abundance. As they say, even three cobblers can match the wisdom of Zhuge Liang.”

Having said this, Nie Zhenbang steered the discussion back to the main topic: “As County Mayor Bai mentioned, the Canton Fair does not have this tradition. However, the event is still some time away. If we consider it from a different perspective, although the participants are acutely focused on their products, these products must be produced by someone, right? These exhibitors, in fact, are manufacturers. This is an opportunity, a great opportunity to attract investment.”

How to promote Li County, reaching out to each and every enterprise is not realistic. However, at such large-scale trade fairs, there lies the opportunity, the pathway.

On the side, Fan Zhenming was deep in thought before nodding and saying, “I understand your point, County Mayor. It’s just like broadcasting an advertisement on television. That scale is a bit unrealistic from the current perspective. The trade fair, however, is a great opportunity. How could I not have thought of this?”

Fan Zhenming’s regretful tone brought a chuckle from everyone. At present, the atmosphere in Li County’s Government is very positive. The group is united and the goals are clear: all considerations revolve around the economic development of Li County. With everyone’s hearts united, the overall atmosphere is harmonious.

On the side, Bekri too started to laugh, “Director Fan, if you didn’t think of it, but Director Yan did, then it’s the same thing. We’re all part of the revolutionary work. United in effort, like rowing a big boat.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded at this, “County Mayor Bai is right. Only by uniting can great things be accomplished. I think we can settle this now. This time, we will send a delegation from Li County to participate in the Canton Fair held in October. Starting now, we must prepare immediately. Three months may seem neither short nor long. But, since a preparation is needed, three months is just the right amount of time.”

After a moment of contemplation, Nie Zhenbang continued, “I think the Investment Promotion Bureau can liaise with the Propaganda Department of the County Committee. Hmm, County Mayor Yan, I think it would be better if you handle it personally. Get the county’s resources from the Propaganda Department. The beautiful scenery and real estate, local customs, and our county’s abundant livestock and mineral resources. These are all the advantages of our county. It would be best to photograph these and make them into colorful promotional brochures. Also, make a detailed plan for the projects we’re planning to introduce. Preparedness ensures success. Director Fan, you can also consider communicating with the organizers of the Canton Fair to see if they can arrange a booth for us at the exhibition. We must be professional about it.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s series of directions, everyone in the conference room began to take notes. Bekri was looking at Nie Zhenbang with deep admiration. The real substance of County Mayor Nie does not show. Also, Bekri was impressed by Nie Zhenbang’s consideration; these are the manners of a leader. He does not take the credit, but instead gives others the opportunity. It seems he needs to adjust his mindset too. Maybe one day, when Nie County Mayor takes flight, he will not be able to take everyone with him. If he doesn’t progress, this seat may not be his any longer. (To Be Continued. If you like this novel, please go to to vote, recommend, and support. Your support is my greatest motivation.)