Reborn as a Noble's Son

Nie Zhenbang’s eyebrows furrowed as well. The geographical location of the Northwest Region, under these circumstances, it makes sense to introduce some businesses. But, such generous incentives seem somewhat inappropriate. It would merely be a surface project. The two years of tax exemption and three years of tax reduction was already a very generous incentive policy.

Furthermore, even if enterprises do enter, they are usually those that produce everyday consumer goods or food. Those companies which should come will come regardless of the incentive, and those that should not, even with more incentives, will not come.

What seems like Zhang Chubin’s bold and hearty pledges, in reality, reveal a boldness born out of ignorance.

Nevertheless, Nie Zhenbang agrees with developing the Development Zone, and now he has an initial plan in mind. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang does not refute Zhang Chubin’s words, after all, in public, it’s important to maintain the image and credibility of the County Party Secretary.

Over the span of three days, under the arrangements made by Yangwu County, the entire leadership of Li County Party Committee seemed to have broadened their perspectives significantly. During these few days, the discussion centered around the Development Zone and the economy.

“Comrades, after these past few days. Our horizons have widened, our thinking has expanded, and we have learned a lot. Overall, it was a productive journey.” In a room at JinDing Hotel, Li County’s officials were all gathered in Zhang Chubin’s room as he spoke at length.

Pausing for a moment, Zhang Chubin continued, “For example, the Economic and Technological Development Zone in Yangwu County, that’s a great model. I think we can learn and replicate the successful experience of coastal developed regions in Li County. We could consider setting aside an area north of Li County City to build our new city of Li County. The County Party Committee, the People’s Government, as well as bureaus directly under the county could relocate to the new area, which will drive its development.”

At this moment, this could be considered somewhat an informal meeting of the Li County Party Committee. As Zhang Chubin’s words fell, Xue Daming, the head of the Propaganda Department at his side, also nodded in agreement, saying, “Yes, the Secretary’s thoughts concur with mine.”

Xue Daming’s ass-kissing annoyed some people. At least, Sun Kewen, the head of the Discipline Inspection Department looked disdainful. After contemplating for a moment, Sun Kewen also spoke up, “The field trip has indeed opened our eyes. However, I believe we should be cautious. The development of Yangwu County is intrinsically linked with its regional advantages and its surrounding environment. When we implement it in Li County, I propose that we ask the upper organization to seriously consider Li County’s situation. Being located in a border area and economically weak, if we fail to attract investment, the huge funding gap for infrastructure construction will pose a great pressure.”

As soon as his words fell, Zhang Chubin’s face cooled down. The plan for the Development Zone was not conceived after the field trip to Yangwu County. When they were still in Li County, Zhang Chubin and Nie Zhenbang had already discussed it once. This time, Zhang Chubin’s objective was obvious – to learn from the experiences here, which excited him greatly.

The rapid development of the Development Zone, even in Yangwu County, the differences inside and outside the zone were significant. Under such circumstances, Zhang Chubin’s ambition was further provoked. Now, Sun Kewen was pouring cold water on him, wasn’t this indirectly opposing his view? If this had been when Zhang Chubin was just the deputy secretary, he would have said nothing. But now, Zhang Chubin was fully in charge. In other words, he was no longer a subordinate.

Zhang Chubin then said with a smile, “Well, let’s stop the discussion here for today. We have to catch an early flight tomorrow. Everyone should rest early. As for the Development Zone project, after we return, we can thoroughly examine it again based on our own situation. The Western Region also has its characteristics and advantages.”

After almost a week of travel, as soon as Zhang Chubin returned to Li County, he immediately started working diligently. The project of the Development Zone and its promising prospects now solidified Zhang Chubin’s determination.

Earlier, during the large-scale reshuffle of officials in Li County, Zhang Chubin had to compromise with Nie Zhenbang for several seats on the Standing Committee, and he had to give up several positions from bureaus directly under the county. He didn’t care at first, but afterwards, Zhang Chubin found that apart from the routine work of the County Party Committee, there seemed nowhere else for him to make a difference. This was the initial reason why Zhang Chubin wanted to develop the economic zone. This was also where Zhang Chubin could demonstrate his abilities and value. Naturally, he paid utmost attention to it.

The Planning and Construction Bureau of Li County also allocated a significant number of people to conduct a detailed survey of the northern area of Li County City and to draw up preliminary plans for the Development Zone.

As time went on, the atmosphere in Li County became increasingly strange. At this point, Nie Zhenbang was also extremely busy. With the People’s Congress on the horizon, this was critical for Nie Zhenbang. Because at this People’s Congress, Nie Zhenbang, as the candidate for the county head, would be officially elected as the county head by the delegates of the People’s Congress.

Only after this step is completed will Nie Zhenbang’s position as the county head officially be confirmed. This was why Nie Zhenbang took it so seriously.

From outside, Yi Jun also came in and said to Nie Zhenbang: “Director, please review today’s proceedings. Following yesterday’s visit to the County Veterans Bureau and the County People’s Congress, today’s schedule entails field research in Tahe Township and Mushan Township.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded. Before the People’s Congress, it was a step that he had to take. Otherwise, why would the representatives of the County People’s Congress elect him, Nie Zhenbang, as County Director.

There have been cases within the country where a deputy county director loses at the People’s Congress. Although local leaders were punished afterward, what’s the use when the reputation was tarnished, a stain on any official’s career record.

The day before the People’s Congress, Cheng Xinhua, a standing committee member of the Bazhou City Committee and the deputy secretary of the City committee, rushed to Li County specifically. Sitting in the middle main seat in the small meeting room of the Li County Party Committee, Cheng Xinhua looked around with a stern and solemn gaze.

As the Li County People’s Congress is about to convene, there have been more rumors than usual in Li County. Unlike previous years, the case of Nie Zhenbang, who had been decided upon by Bazhou City Committee. If he were to be defeated unexpectedly, it would undoubtedly be a slap in the face of the Bazhou City Committee.

After brewing for a while, Cheng Xinhua finally spoke: “Comrades, entrusted by the City Committee, and Secretary Liu, I personally came to Li County. On one hand, I am here to congratulate the successful convening of the 14th Li County People’s Congress. On the other hand, it is essential to emphasize that I am satisfied with the leadership team of Li County, and I hope that representatives at all levels in Li County will abide by discipline, adhere to principles, and consider the overall situation. Don’t indulge in individualism.”

This was also a warning from Cheng Xinhua. At this moment, the expression on Zhao Kunlun’s face was somewhat complex. Originally, Zhao Kunlun had this intention, Nie Zhenbang’s strong ascent to power was understandable, but then it turned against him, causing him to lose face in Li County, turning them into archenemies.

But now, seeing Cheng Xinhua personally overseeing things here, Zhao Kunlun realized that it probably wouldn’t work this time unless he also threw caution to the wind, even if it meant forfeiting his position.

After Cheng Xinhua took charge, the People’s Congress of Li County was successfully held. At the meeting, Nie Zhenbang was unanimously elected as the Director of the People’s Government of Li County.

At this moment, after the election results were announced, the entire conference hall erupted in thunderous applause. Zhang Chubin got up from his seat with a smile, “First of all, congratulations to comrade Nie Zhenbang for being unanimously elected as the Director of the People’s Government of Li County. Now, please Director Nie make a speech.”

At this time, the protagonist of the meeting was naturally Nie Zhenbang. After Zhang Chubin’s words, Nie Zhenbang stood up, smiling, bowed to the audience, and then said, “I appreciate the cadres and masses of Li County and the parents of my sixteen thousand fellow countrymen. I’m honored to have your favor and trust. Thank you for believing in a youngster like me. Being elected as the county director, while I am happy, I also feel the huge responsibility that comes with it. Here, my attitude is zealotry. I vow to do my utmost for my people, for the welfare of the people, for this trust and support. ”

As Nie Zhenbang’s words faded away, the auditorium erupted in applause. Unlike other cadres who have long-winded speeches filled with clichés, Nie Zhen’s words were straightforward and sincere, winning many rounds of applause. The ability of Director Nie, the people of Li County had already seen it. The operation of the Farmer Welfare Company and the opening of the Longhua Leech Stone Mine are all concrete achievements, not empty boasting.

In the small auditorium of the county party committee, at this moment, all the leaders of the county committee were tightly gathered around Cheng Xinhua. With Nie Zhenbang’s smooth election, Cheng Xinhua’s mood seemed very good.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang come in, Cheng Xinhua also walked up smiling, extended his hand, and said: “Director Nie, on behalf of the City Committee and the Municipal Government, I congratulate you on your election. I also hope that under your leadership, Li County as a whole can achieve even more eye-catching results.”

Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said: “Secretary Cheng, thank you. I want to thank Secretary Cheng and the organization for giving me this opportunity. I am grateful for the trust and support the organization has given me. Here, in front of all the county cadres, I also want to express a position to you and the organization that I will not fail the organization’s trust. I will go all out to build and develop Li County.”

On the side, Zhang Chubin also came forward with a smile and said to Cheng Xinhua: “Secretary Cheng, speaking of which, we do have some things we want to report to you.”