Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 693: Chapter 649: Pre-departure Arrangements_1

Mayor Nie was hosting a dinner party for his faction—a news that quickly spread amongst all his faction’s officials.

Before leaving work, Nie Zhenbang called Yang Anna and also sent his driver Guo Sanbao to her. He prepared all the dishes for the evening by himself instead of using the readymade ones provided by the small respite at the Municipal Party Committee. Perhaps this was going to be the last gathering for him and his subordinates in Wanghai City and consequently, the last meal he offered them. He wanted everything to be perfect.

After work, Nie Zhenbang left his office with Li Jupeng and went home. As soon as he entered the door, Yang Anna appeared, dressed for cooking.

“An Na, how is the preparation going? I’m here to help,” said Nie Zhenbang, rolling up his sleeves and preparing to enter the kitchen.

“Mayor, cooking personally today, we are really fortunate.”

While they were speaking, Zhou Zihui and Liu Yafu entered from the door as a pair. It was pretty normal for the two – the Minister of Organization and the Minister of Propaganda, who both worked at the Municipal Committee building – to arrive together. @@novelbin@@

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Halfway through, Yang Anna said with a smile, “Zhenbang, you can keep Liu Minister and Zhou Minister company. Aunt Zhang and I can handle things here.”

Just as she finished speaking, the voice of Wang Jianhua rang out from outside, “Director Yang, Mayor Nie insists on cooking himself, you must not refuse. He must be given a chance to show his skills.”

Regarding how to address Yang Anna, this posed a significant dilemma for many officials in Wanghai City. There were few officials in Nie Zhenbang’s orbit younger than him, with the exception of several secretaries like Li Jupeng. Others were all older, so referring to her as sister-in-law was inappropriate.

Addressing her as sister? It would inevitably give people a frivolous and presumptuous impression, which was somewhat improper. After all, Nie Zhenbang was the leader and the core of their circle.

Looking at it this way, addressing her by her position in the Women’s Federation seemed the most appropriate. Who coined this honorific remains unknown, but it had grown quite fitting for Nie Zhenbang’s subordinates in Wanghai City.

Seeing Wang Jianhua, An Guoyu and Xiao Shanming walk in, Nie Zhenbang chuckled, “Old Wang, you surely know when to make a smart remark. Fine, I’ll show you my best dish today, Peking Style Shredded Pork. That won’t be a problem.”

That said, Nie Zhenbang didn’t return to the kitchen. They all sat in the living room and Liu Sheng, Luo Xiaobing, Liu Gaohua, Yi Chang, Deng Yihui and others also came over gradually.

The wine was Maotai specifically supplied for the dignitaries. Nie Zhenbang had rarely, if ever, used this liquor since taking office in Wanghai City. Now, it was finally brought out conspicuously.

Seeing these wines, all the officials’ hearts skipped a beat. Mayor Nie’s background was once again demonstrated. Special supply liquor was directly supplied to central leaders, showing the grandeur of Mayor Nie.

After everyone had a glass of wine poured, Nie Zhenbang picked up his glass. Standing up, he looked around at everyone and said with a smile, “Today, we have a rare gathering. The achievements and development that Wanghai city has made are thanks to all of your concerted support and cooperation. Cheers to all of you.”

As his words fell, Wang Jianhua stood up, “Mayor Nie, what are you implying? Among all the comrades present, I came the latest. However, I have experienced the most. You have put your heart and soul into the development of our city, often neglecting your own home. You are always the last to leave the office building of the municipal government, the one who works overtime the most. We all see it. We should be toasting to you.”

Once Wang Jianhua finished speaking, Zhou Zihui and An Guoyu’s expressions darkened. Frankly speaking, amongst this group, Wang Jianhua’s flattery was unparalleled.

Although everyone was part of Nie’s faction, it didn’t mean that there was no competition or barriers amongst them. Despite being united on major issues, there was still competition behind the scenes.

Wang Jianhua was the first to express his loyalty. Liu Yafu also got up laughing, “Mayor Nie, I suggest we stop toasting each other. Let’s all raise our glasses together.”

Throughout the meal, Nie Zhenbang purposefully let loose, aware that he would soon be leaving. It made sense to open his heart to these people, share some truths, and speak freely. This way, he could leave with more peace of mind. Nevertheless, to get these adherents of the system to open up, it would require a liberal amount of alcohol.

Today, everyone had the opportunity to witness Mayor Nie’s incredible capacity for drinking. Between ten or so people, they consumed twenty-four bottles from four cases of special supply liquor. On average, each person drank almost a bottle and a half. Mayor Nie, however, drank almost four bottles on his own. At this point, everyone was somewhat inebriated. Yet, Mayor Nie looked only slightly tipsy.

After dinner, they all gathered in the living room. Each one of them steeped a cup of green tea. Nie Zhenbang took a seat in the middle of the sofa, Wang Jianhua and Liu Yafu sat on either side. The others found a perch on the sofas, by dragging over stools to sit close by, or even on the sofa armrests. The leaders of WangHai city, typically full of official dignity, acted much more relaxed at this moment.

He glanced around at everyone. At this moment, there was a solemn quiet in the living room. Everyone knew that Mayor Nie had something important to say.

Moreover, Tian Xujian was about to be transferred. At this critical moment, everyone lent their full attention.

Nie Zhenbang slowly started to speak after some reflection, “Everyone is aware that comrade Tian Xujian is leaving us; his new position is already arranged. He will be the governor of Heishui Province. It’s a fulfilling promotion.”

Everyone nodded in agreement over his words. Jumping from a vice-ministerial position to the ranks of minister level officials was significant. Even though Heishui Province is a peripheral province, not prominent in agriculture, industry or economy, it was a step into the ministerial level nonetheless. Looking at the whole country, there aren’t more than a hundred ministerial level officials.

Pausing for a moment, Nie Zhenbang then said with grave seriousness, “Yesterday, I received a call from Minister Jiandong of the Central Organization Department. I, too, am being transferred.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang’s face revealed a hint of indifferent sorrow. Serving as Mayor of WangHai City was the longest position he held in his political career, a solid four years, which is a full term. It was a highlight in his political career.

With WangHai City’s booming development, he put in so much effort and energy, and to suddenly leave now, it would be a lie to say he wasn’t feeling sentimental.

This news hit everyone like a bombshell, leaving them all stunned.

In the eyes of all the WangHai City officials, after Tian Xujian’s transfer, Mayor Nie would be promoted to City Party Secretary and concurrently serve as a standing committee member of the Provincial Committee of Minnan Province. This was something that was considered a done deal. But now, unexpectedly, both the Secretary and Mayor would be leaving. This news was too sudden.

Especially for Wang Jianhua, he was taken aback. Just yesterday afternoon, the two of them had a discussion, and at that time, Mayor Nie implied that he would be taking on the role of the City Party Secretary. But now, suddenly, Mayor Nie was leaving too. Could something unexpected has happened on the central government’s side?

Without waiting for questions, Nie Zhenbang explained, “This time, the Central government, under the leadership of the General Secretary, intends to establish a special inspection group to regulate public expenses nationwide. The central government hopes that I will lead this group. Minister Shi spoke to me yesterday evening and I generally agreed. Today, I have gathered you all here to let you know.”

Nie Zhenbang then looked at everyone and continued, “Previously, I also had a conversation with Old Wang. With comrade Tian Xujian’s transfer, he communicated to me that he hopes to recommend Li Chaoyang as the next Mayor of WangHai City. I generally agree with this. Now that I am being transferred, for the position of City Party Secretary, I would like to recommend comrade Wang Jianhua.”

If Nie Zhenbang’s transfer was shocking, this particular arrangement attracted envious glances. The City Party Secretary of WangHai City. This was a deputy minister-level official who was part of the standing committee of the Provincial Party Committee. A position that many aspire to be in.

Besides, with WangHai City’s strong foundation, anyone holding this position would almost certainly be guaranteed a promotion. It might even lead to Minister level, which one could hardly escape from.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang observed the expressions on everyone’s faces. Each person had a different reaction. However, what pleased Nie Zhenbang was that no one had shown jealousy. This satisfied him tremendously.

Without jealousy, things can remain under control. If there was jealousy, it could cause fragmentation, which can lead to them being easily broken one by one. If this were to happen, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t allow it. No matter who it was, he would find ways to transfer them out. Such unreliability cannot be tolerated. (.)