Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 195: Big Brother Visits_1

Translator: 549690339

“County Head, when this table was being cleaned yesterday, one of its legs became crippled. Should I replace it with a new one for you?” In Nie Zhenbang’s office, Yi Jun felt somewhat embarrassed.

No wonder, he kept feeling all day that this table was shaky, so it originally lost a chunk. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang also felt somewhat awkward. The things bought by the government departments were really poor quality. Looking at the chunk missing from the table, it reminded Nie Zhenbang of his own limping from a previous life. If he were to play a cripple at this moment, there would be absolutely no need for any training. He would be a master of the craft.

“Ha ha, there’s no need to replace it. Just place something underneath the table. As long as it’s stable, it’ll be fine. We’re going to relocate the office soon. Replacing the table now would be a waste of money,” Nie Zhenbang responded with a laugh.

At this moment, someone from outside opened the door and walked in. This scene took Yi Jun by surprise. Why did it keep happening today? First, the table was crippled, and now, someone barged in. He was just preparing to say something.

Nie Zhenbang had already stood up and said to Yi Jun, “Xiaoyi, you go out first, close the door behind you. Unless there’s an emergency, I won’t be receiving any visitors today.”

Yi Jun was confused at this moment. He looked at the young man who had walked into the office. The man was wearing glasses, and looked cultured. Standing there with a slight smile, he exuded a sense of confidence. Although confused, Yi Jun didn’t dare ask anything, so he nodded and left.

Once the door was closed, Nie Zhenbang laughed, “Brother, why did you suddenly come over without a heads-up?”

Nie Jialei had arrived yesterday afternoon. The reason he didn’t inform Nie Zhenbang was mainly because he wanted to see for himself how Nie Zhenbang was managing his area. At home, Nie Jialei constantly heard how well Nie Zhenbang was doing, and to be honest, Nie Jialei was somewhat skeptical.

Among siblings, there are always some disagreements. In this respect, their family was relatively good. The discipline instilled by their grandfather had always been strict. Although they were not exactly harmonious, at least they didn’t resort to fratricide; their competition was healthy.

Nie Jialei himself had a decent status in Yanbei Province. After spending two years in a prestigious position, he was transferred back to a ministerial level department to serve as the office director in the State-Owned Enterprises Bureau, making him a rare character as a bureau-level official at only twenty-seven. Prompted by curiosity, he decided to come over.

He casually chose a guesthouse in Lixian to stay and did not go to the Li County Hotel. After a night observing the development and economic growth of Lixian, he was inwardly impressed. Both he and Nie Zhenbang started their careers at the deputy department level, but he was only promoted after two years. Compared with Nie Zhenbang, he felt insignificant.

“Haha, I was transferred back to a ministerial agency and have a position in the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. In my free time, I suddenly decided to come and see you. Doesn’t our brother Jiamin also live here? I thought I’d also pay him a visit,” Nie Jialei said nonchalantly, privately concealing his frustration.

In Jingcheng, all families adhere to a principle, a rule. Families with little manpower do not exist; families with surplus manpower, like their grandfather, tend to place one member in the military and one in politics. Even so, they must choose one main representative among them. This is a kind of political balance technique. Every family has to follow this unspoken rule. To put it simply, it is the designation of the next Head of the Family.

“Zhenbang, you are doing very well. Yesterday, I specially toured Lixian, and I noticed that the roads in the development area are flat and orderly. In my view, the future here is boundless. In a year or two, it could be another miracle in the whole country,” Nie Jialei casually said.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang walked over to the teapot and poured Nie Jialei a cup of cold tea. He then laughed, “Brother, pay attention to your health. The weather here in Xibei is hot during the day and cool at night. Drinking hot water isn’t suitable. Have some cold tea.”

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang sat on the sofa and chuckled, “What miracle or not, to be honest, I just want to do something meaningful here, that’s it. I haven’t thought much beyond that.”

Nie Jialei truly respected Nie Zhenbang’s attitude. Perhaps it was this very attitude that made Nie Zhenbang so outstanding.

“Zhenbang, Jingcheng is much calmer now. After the Leader assumed office, everything has been stable. Last year, after the nationwide tour of the Leader, many people’s confusion about the reform and opening up was cleared, and they gained more confidence. Now, everything is looking good. Haven’t you ever considered going back to Jingcheng, to assume a position in the ministry?” Nie Jialei inquired once again.

This model seemed to be a familiar pattern adopted by the offspring of nobility: Take up a job, serve a period of time in a ministry, raise up the ranks to deputy bureau level, then demote to the grassroots level to gain practical experience for one or two years. After that, they would be promoted, likely to the position of directorship. They would continue mixing in the ministry for a period of time, accumulate seniority, achieve the deputy or directorship department level, after which they’d move downward. Upon returning, they would then serve in the ministry at the deputy ministerial level. This has practically become an established pattern, a fixed pattern.

Nie Zhenbang was also deep in thought at the moment. Returning to Jingcheng was an idea, but the attitude of the elder did not suggest that he wanted him to return, and essentially, Nie Zhenbang did not want to leave just yet. “He who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and he who stays near ink gets stained black.” At least until the batch of cadres in Lixian has been thoroughly influenced and infected by him, Nie Zhenbang will not leave. He vividly remembered a quote from a great man — a single spark can start a wildfire. Now, he was that delicate spark. On the road to sustainable development, in environmentally friendly and resource-saving societies, Nie Zhenbang could rightfully claim to be the pioneer of inheriting the achievements of his predecessors. But, if he leaves now, all his efforts will have been in vain.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang adamantly shook his head: “Elder brother, to be honest, I don’t want to leave Lixian yet. The fruits of labor here in Lixian have just started to show. To benefit our community takes time. I won’t sugarcoat my words, I believe there needs to be some kind of legacy left behind in our lifetime.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words shocked Nie Jialei again, he had not anticipated this line of thought. In fact, his visit this time stemmed from a conversation he had overheard.

Upon hearing their conversation between Old Huang and the elder of the Yang family, Nie Jialei had taken a trip to Lixian.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Nie Jialei admitted defeat for the first time. After a long silence, Nie Jialei was also torn. Conceding meant willingly withdrawing from the competition for successors within the Nie family. Henceforth, the Nie family would prioritize Nie Zhenbang, and all resources would lean towards Nie Zhenbang. Nie Jialei would then become Nie Zhenbang’s future assistant.

After hesitating for a while, Nie Jialei finally said: “Little brother, until now, I must admit defeat. I am not as broad-minded as you. From now on, the Nie family will depend on you. The office that Grandfather once occupied will be entrusted to you.”

Nie Zhenbang was also startled for a moment, then laughed: “Elder Brother, why say such things? There’s no need for talk of depending on anyone. We all have to rely on each other, because together, we are the Nie family.”

Nie Jialei replied: “Little brother, do you know how our grandfather and the elder of the Yang family assess your work in Lixian?”

Nie Zhenbang was a bit surprised. Was his work in Lixian being noticed by the seniors in Jingcheng? If so, he felt a bit overwhelmed.

However, Nie Jialei didn’t ask Nie Zhenbang’s opinion and continued: “I happened to overhear them discussing whether you should return to Jingcheng immediately or continue in Lixian, they had a dispute.”

“Do you know why I asked you whether you want to return to Jingcheng or not?” Nie Jialei gave a mysterious laugh, then continued: “If you return to Jingcheng, given your achievements, a promotion is inevitable; becoming a deputy at under 24 is absolutely unprecedented in Jingcheng. But afterwards, you’ll probably have to stay in that position for at least five years. At age 30, being a standing deputy in the local area can be considered quite good. However, I’m guessing our grandfather has different arrangements for you.”

The grandfather’s arrangement?

Nie Zhenbang was also shocked, hadn’t the old man simply asked him to train in the underdeveloped area? Could there be a deeper meaning to his arrangement? Seeing Nie Zhenbang’s expression, Nie Jialei burst into laughter – he was glad that his little brother wasn’t as astoundingly talented as he thought. He then explained: “According to my grandfather’s guess, Grandfather’s intent may be for you to remain unobtrusive here for a time. The county and bureau level might seem unimportant, but it’s actually a vital link between the departmental level and grassroots. If you lay a solid foundation here, your future will be smooth sailing and invincible.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang felt cold sweats running down his back. Indeed, no child from a prestigious family is a pushover. If he really believed Nie Jialei and was tempted to return to Jingcheng, he feared his path would differ. The old man’s appreciation and expectation, as well as other aspects, would gradually fade away.

However, Nie Zhenbang was grateful at this moment that he genuinely wished to stay and get things done. Perhaps it was a fool’s luck. Nie Zhenbang stood up and laughed: “Elder Brother, we’ve been sitting for a while. Let’s go to Li County Hotel. Conveniently, Dong Wan is also here. Liu Kun and Zhao Xinglong are here as well. We can call them over for a get-together.”

Upon hearing the name Dong Wan, Nie Jialei’s expression was a bit complicated, and he looked at Nie Zhenbang: “Little brother, speaking of Dong Wan, I really have something to remind you of. I think Master Dong might already know about your relationship. I guess your trouble is coming. Neither the Yang family nor the Dong family is good to offend.”

PS: It’s Friday, my brothers and sisters. I’m back. We’ve both finished this week’s shift. I’m so grateful for your support, which still keeps us in second place. Without further ado, let’s explode with four more chapters tomorrow for a warm-up. The explosiveness will gradually increase, my brothers and sisters! Let’s support with monthly tickets! (.)