Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 350: Chapter 341: The Old Secretary’s Family Feast_1

As the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Fan Changsheng is very competent for this position. As the head of the municipal committee, Fan Changsheng rarely voiced his opinions at the standing committee meetings. However, when he spoke, his words carried weight. If this issue continues, Nie Zhenbang might actually dispatch the Audi official vehicles designated for the standing committee leaders to the Elderly Activity Center.

Fan Changsheng had foreseen this, which is why he promptly stopped this farce. If this issue was disseminated, the reputation of Liangxi City would be greatly affected.

Now, by directly vetoing the vehicle reassignment on the ground of it being a show, and moving directly into the voting process, Nie Zhenbang clearly lacked the prerogative. This is where the advantage of being the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee lies.

Fan Changsheng’s face became slightly stern. He looked around at everyone and slowly said in a grave tone, “Regarding vehicle allocation and construction for the Elderly Activity Center, let’s vote on it. Raise your hand if you agree.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Nie Zhenbang immediately raised his hand without hesitation. His position now wasn’t the same as before. If Nie Zhenbang were the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee at this point, he wouldn’t have done what he did. A secretary, in general, is usually the final decision maker, or in other words, the most successful secretary would be the one whose vote could break a tie. But now, Nie Zhenbang’s current status was merely a temporary mayor, and so, he had to present a firm stance for the others to witness. This would instill confidence in those who weren’t sure.

The conversation just now took an unexpected turn. When the conversation returned to exchanging the committee members’ cars to the Elderly Activity Center, Zhu Zhuozhen and Lei Dingguo almost immediately understood what Nie Zhenbang was implying.

You, Fan Changsheng and Li Guohua decided not to discuss it, right? Nie Zhenbang brought the spotlight onto him, then drew the topic back to the Elderly Activity Center. He compelled Fan Changsheng to initiate the hands-up voting. One step led to another, even his own reaction was considered within his plans. Zhu Zhuozhen and Lei Dingguo had no choice but to admire his strategic acumen.

They looked at each other. Both saw a sense of astonishment in each other’s eyes. With Nie Zhenbang here, the future scenario of Liangxi City is uncertain. However, any change would be better than the existing situation where Fan Changsheng had absolute power, and his word was law. Consequently, both of them simultaneously raised their hands.

Zhao Xintian’s attitude towards Nie Zhenbang also dramatically changed at this moment. From initial disdain to admiration now, Zhao Xintian understood why Nie Zhenbang was held in higher esteem by Governor Ning than his own son. Mayor Nie is indeed not a simple character. Immediately after, Zhao Xintian raised his hand too.

That made four votes already. Beside them, Ye Zhengwen, the Secretary of Liangcheng City District Committee, raised his hand too. According to the news, Ye Zhengwen was under Zhu Zhuozhen. Since Zhu Zhuozhen agreed, naturally, Ye Zhengwen wouldn’t oppose.

Next, Peng Kaibao, the commandant of the military district who rarely spoke up or participated in voting, said, “I, Peng Kaibao, am not very clear about these government matters. I am a coarse person. But in the army, camaraderie is what matters the most. I believe that the elderly cadres are our predecessors. Ensuring their peaceful twilight years is a must. I agree with this consideration.”

Even Peng Kaibao, who always abstained, also casted a vote in approval. Huang Jiang, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission standing aloof, smiled, “We always say that the army and the police are one family. Both are strictly disciplined military units. I was also a retired soldier. Commander Peng’s words resonated with me. I agree to provide additional vehicles to the Elderly Activity Center and to construct activity centers.”

At this moment, that made six votes. Beside them, Wen Yuhe, the Director of the United Front Work Department, although a bit uncomfortable, remained silent for a while and then slowly raised his arm.

Seeing this scene, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Fan Changsheng, also slowly raised his arm. He sighed, “Promoting the essence of traditional culture, respecting the old and loving the young is a shining pearl in our five-thousand-year-old Huaxia civilization. I agree with this sentiment too.”

This displayed Fan Changsheng’s wisdom. The situation was clear; there were already seven votes. With thirteen standing committee members and already seven votes in support, the overall situation was clear. If he exercised his veto power as the Secretary now, it would only make him a laughing stock. Besides, the issue of the Elderly Activity Center and a few vehicles, a building costing only over a million. To rashly use veto power over such a trivial issue was totally unworthy. Of course, if it was about the transfer of a position, Fan Changsheng would naturally use this power without hesitation. But now? Definitely not.

At this moment, Fan Changsheng naturally wanted to maintain his authority as the Secretary. This way, supporting the vote was the best method.

After Fan Changsheng raised his hand, all the others aligned with Li Guohua and Fan Changsheng also raised their hands.

He looked around calmly, his face remained expressionless. He calmly said, “It’s a unanimous decision. So, the matters of the Elderly Activity Center are set. Mayor Guohua, you are the executive deputy mayor and in charge of finance and economic construction. We have only one requirement from the municipal committee for this matter, ensure the retirement and wellbeing aspects of the older comrades’ lives, and allow the elderly cadres and leaders to enjoy their twilight years in peace. Meeting dismissed!”

Having said that, Fan Changsheng stood up, put his hands behind his back and walked out of the meeting room. Right behind him—Li Guohua, Huang Junshan the Minister of Organization, Li Xiaoqin the Minister of Propaganda, Hu Youquan the Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, left the room in succession.

At this moment, Commander Peng Kaibao of the Liangxi City Military District approached with a smile. He extended his hand and said, “Mayor Nie, Commander Long has spoken highly of you before. Back then, I was wondering what kind of a man you were. Turns out you’re a tough one from the military. Did not expect that we could work together this time. In future, we should keep in touch closely.”

Hearing Peng Kaibao’s words, Nie Zhenbang also laughed. The ‘Commander Long’ mentioned by Peng Kaibao should be the commander of Jiangbei Provincial Military Region, Long Dianqin. Then he said, “Commander Peng, you’re too kind. In the army, we rank according to the years of service. By right I should be calling you platoon commander. When time allows, let’s get together, my treat.”

On the side, Zhu Zhuozhen also came forward with a smile, saying, “Mayor Nie, I just received a call from the former Secretary. After recounting the matters from the Standing Committee meeting, the former Secretary insisted that I invite you to have a meal at his home as a token of gratitude.”

Upon hearing Zhu Zhuozhen’s words, Nie Zhenbang was stunned for a moment, then somewhat touched. He truly was a former Secretary of Liangxi City. He Dingbang paid great attention to these small details. It was impossible for He Dingbang not to have Nie Zhenbang’s phone number, but choosing not to call himself was a precise detail. He Dingbang was very careful about his influence. By having Zhu Zhuozhen extend the invitation, he avoided creating suspicions of interfering in the work of the current leadership team.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Secretary Zhu, you are too courteous. If the former Secretary cordially invites, then let us go together.”

He Dingbang’s house is in the courtyard of the Elderly Activity Center. Behind the center’s office building, within the shade of green trees, a few residential buildings are tucked away.

Each building’s exterior wall is covered with ivy that will surely turn verdant green and provide shade in the summer. The residents live two per floor, in single unit buildings, assuring sunlight on three sides of each house.

The buildings aren’t very tall, just three-story buildings. This intimate design takes into account the day-to-day convenience of the elderly occupants.

He Dingbang’s house is on the east side of the first floor of the first building. As the former Secretary of the Liangxi City Committee, this treatment is something He Dingbang can enjoy.

When Nie Zhenbang arrived here with Zhu Zhuozhen and Lei Dingguo, He Dingbang was waiting for them personally at the entrance of his building.

Upon seeing this scene, Nie Zhenbang quickened his pace, approached He Dingbang, extended both hands, and shook hands with him, saying, “Former Secretary, I am really humbled.”

On the side, He Dingbang laughed heartily. He was quite pleased. After all, even for Zhu Zhuozhen and those who used to serve directly under him, there were no such times to show respect. Nie Zhenbang’s display was particularly valuable.

Moreover, in this Standing Committee meeting, Nie Zhenbang had argued the case forcefully, and had even slammed the table. He fought for the due benefits of the Elderly Activity Center. As a former Secretary of the City Committee, He Dingbang understood that slamming the table in a Standing Committee meeting was not unheard of. However, given the position held by Nie Zhenbang, it was tantamount to taking a significant risk. This gesture greatly impressed He and he would remember it well.

It is easy to add flowers to brocade, but precious is the act of sending charcoal in snowy weather. It is to be cherished. That is why, as soon as He Dingbang knew the results of the Standing Committee meeting, he immediately called Zhu Zhuozhen to invite Nie Zhenbang for dinner.

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s modest words, He Dingbang laughed and said: “Mayor Nie, you are too courteous. I am just an old man. Even though I once worked for Liangxi City, I am now retired. I have merely invited you for a humble dinner. Don’t upset me with such talk.”

“Mayor Nie, former Secretary, I suggest we take the conversation inside. It’s rather cold out here.” On the side, Zhu Zhuozhen suggested with a smile.

As they followed He Dingbang inside the house, they found a table full of sumptuous dishes already laid out in the dining room.

Upon entering the dining room and taking their positions, former Secretary He Dingbang took a bottle of special Maotai wine out of his wine cabinet.

Next to him, Zhu Zhuozhen laughed: “Former Secretary, you are actually going to drink this bottle of wine.”

…

After three rounds of toasts and a hearty meal, Nie Zhenbang gained much. Despite He Dingbang having retired, he was well informed about many happenings in Liangxi City. The exchange provided considerable help for Nie Zhenbang’s future work. In this case, doing right by the Elderly Activity Center was a good move.

PS: I’m back. Depending on the situation, there may be another chapter tonight. Starting tomorrow, updates will be fully resumed. I’ll update as much as I can. (