Reborn as a Noble's Son

However, not being able to say it signifies the end of Yan Fengjiao’s life. While this might seem unfair to the Fan family, it was also cruel to Yan Fengjiao.

At that moment, Nie Zhenbang looked at Yan Fengjiao and then garner his thoughts in his heart, saying, “Old Secretary, I brought Comrade Yan Fengjiao here primarily to discuss a matter with you.”

This tone and style were perhaps the most appropriate that Nie Zhenbang could conceive. If Yan Fengjiao were a man, or, if he himself were a woman, then it wouldn’t be as problematic. However, unfortunately, they were a man and a woman, making this situation very likely to cause misunderstandings.

“Director Nie, you shouldn’t…” Yan Fengjiao suddenly called out, backing away.

Hearing this, Fan Guoliang also said abruptly, “Feng Jiao, don’t speak. Let Director Nie talk. I understand your thoughts. As long as I’m clear, it’s enough.”

Nie Zhenbang steeled his heart. The life that Yan Fengjiao was leading was too miserable. It’s utterly unfair and cruel to her. Even if he was being nosy, even at this cost, he would play the villain.

Looking at Fan Guoliang, Nie Zhenbang continued, “Old Secretary, I heard about Comrade Yan Fengjiao and Fan Jianjun’s situation. Personally, I believe a divorce is in order. Yan Fengjiao is still young and has a promising future. You should know far better than I do about what kind of person Feng Jiao is, whether she has upheld her duties as a wife. Let’s not discuss these matters now. A woman, a physically and mentally healthy woman, should have the right to pursue her happiness. I hope that the Old Secretary can persuade Fan Jianjun – a good separation is better than a perilous unity. Persisting in this way doesn’t get anyone anywhere. It just hurts both individuals and both families.”

Fan Guoliang nodded in agreement. He knew clearly that Yan Fengjiao had never betrayed the Fan family, leading to his feeling of guilt. His son had been a disgrace while Yan Fengjiao remained by his side. The Fan family owed it to her.

If it weren’t so, if Yan Fengjiao had indeed done as Fan Jianjun had accused, perhaps Fan Guoliang wouldn’t feel the way he did. Although Fan Guoliang had retired, his words still carried weight in Bazhou City.

“Dad… I…”, Yan Fengjiao tried to interject on the side.

Before she could finish, Fan Guoliang waved his hand to stop Yan Fengjiao from speaking. Staring at Nie Zhenbang, Fan Guoliang’s eyes bore a serious expression. After a while he said, “Young Director Nie, you are a good person. You’ve expressed your concern for a subordinate without worrying about your status and image. This sort of person is getting rarer in our bureaucracy. If I did not know Feng Jiao’s character so well, you might be in big trouble.”

There was an implicit meaning behind Fan Guoliang’s words. It was all clear since Yan Fengjiao was present and didn’t need to be spelled out. Despite being flirtatious and exuding a mature charm, Yan Fengjiao was a virgin. Being a former city committee secretary, Fan Guoliang was easily able to tell the physical and mental changes of a woman. Thus, he was certain that there were no entanglements between Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao.

Behind his words, Nie Zhenbang got the gist. Although Fan Guoliang had retired, he was still an influential figure in Bazhou City, especially with the connection to Liu Wenqing. Despite Nie Zhenbang’s solid background, if Fan Guoliang wanted to stir trouble for him, it was absolutely within his reach.

“Young Director Nie, a true man knows his actions and omissions. Your ability to cast aside societal prejudices and stand up for Feng Jiao is truly admirable. To be honest, I appreciate your help. Our child, Feng Jiao, should have her life. I’ll arrange Feng Jiao and Jian Jun’s situation. However, I do have a request. Feng Jiao, hope you’ll agree.”

Fan Guoliang’s words were amicable and humble while looking at Yan Fengjiao, who saw no city committee secretary nor elderly cadre in him – just an old man.

At this moment, Yan Fengjiao’s voice began to crack, struggling to not let herself cry out loud, she looked at Fan Guoliang and said, “Dad, you say it. I’ll agree to anything.”

Fan Guoliang smiled gently. “Silly girl, why so resolute? In fact, it’s our Fan family who’s hindered you and that rascal Jianjun, who’s ruined your life. Before, I couldn’t bring myself to make this decision. But Young Director Nie’s words awakened me. You’re still young, you shouldn’t waste your whole life like this, you should live your life.”

Soon after, Fan Guoliang smilingly said, “Feng Jiao, consider this the last request I ask of you. After you get married, could you let one of your children bear the surname Fan? As for the family planning policy, I’ll handle it all. Rest assured, it won’t affect your future.”

Hearing Fan Guoliang’s words, Nie Zhenbang wasn’t the least bit surprised, having already had a premonition from the conversation between father and son. At this moment, Yan Fengjiao covered her mouth with her hands, tears streaming down her face. Looking at Fan Guoliang, who seemed to have aged greatly, she nodded vigorously and said, “Dad, I promise you. I’ll forever be your daughter. I promise you.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang also stood up. It wasn’t appropriate for him to stay any longer; after all, this was someone else’s family matter, and he had already meddled more than enough.

Then, Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said: “Old Secretary, County Mayor Yan, you two carry on with your chat. I’ll go to Bazhou Hotel for the night. County Mayor Yan, we can meet tomorrow. We can go back to Lixian together, or you can go back on your own. I won’t bother you anymore. I’ll leave first.”

Just as he stepped out of the Fan family’s front door, Yan Fengjiao followed him out silently. When they approached the car, Yan Fengjiao finally softly said, “Director Nie, thank you.”

Now, after piercing through such thin veil of secrecy, Yan Fengjiao felt considerably more relaxed. Naturally, she was filled with gratitude towards Nie Zhenbang.

Nie Zhenbang also began to laugh at that moment, “County Mayor Yan, you better hurry back. The Old Secretary must be feeling quite upset, being an elder, he takes these matters very seriously. You don’t need to worry about me.”

The Bazhou Hotel is one of the better hotels in Bazhou City. Room 509, it’s a standard single room that comes with an attached bathroom.

The room size isn’t that big, with a bed in the middle and a colored television placed on a desk. Beside the bed, there is a round little table and two chairs. A telephone is set on the bedside table.

At that moment, Nie Zhenbang had yet to get out from bed, but there was a knock on the door. Nie Zhenbang sat up and glanced at his watch, realizing it was almost ten o’clock. This is something that has never happened before.

Due to his regular martial arts practice, typically, Nie Zhenbang wakes up at around six every morning. It’s no wonder, as he has been working late into the night lately due to the developing zone’s affairs. Afterward, the Lixian earthquake wore him out and then there was the entire Gemu Township relocation plan and the reconstruction project for all the primary and secondary schools in the county. A series of events came one after the other. Nie Zhenbang participated fully in each of them. Right now, after finally being able to relax his mentality, he unconsciously overslept.

When he dressed up and opened the door, Yan Fengjiao was standing at the door. Today, Yan Fengjiao was wearing a set of trendy sportswear, all white. She had her hair tied in a ponytail which stood high behind her, giving her a youthful spark.

Seeing Yan Fengjiao’s demeanor and expression at this moment, Nie Zhenbang knew that the issue between Yan Fengjiao and Fan Jianjun must have been successfully resolved.

People like Fan Jianjun might act mighty and brash outside, behaving like they own the world, but, in fact, their confidence comes solely from the support of Fan Guoliang. Now, even his father no longer supports him, so naturally, Fan Jianjun lost his temper completely.

“Director Nie, you just woke up, I thought you might have already gone back to Lixian County. I’m glad I decided to check.” Before Nie Zhenbang could speak, Yan Fengjiao was the first to talk.

Nie Zhenbang laughed at that moment and then said, “County Mayor Yan, make yourself comfortable. I just need to freshen up.”

When Nie Zhenbang finished freshening up and walked out of the bathroom, he said, “County Mayor Yan, you look good. It seems you’ve completely resolved the issue with Fan Jianjun, haven’t you?”

Yan Fengjiao nodded, and then solemnly said, “Yes, I took care of it this morning. Right now, I feel an unprecedented relief. Thank you, Director Nie. You’ve done me a huge favor. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have had the bravery or the determination to face it. Director Nie, when we’re alone, you can just call me Feng Jiao. Wan and Li Xue both address me that way. Always calling me ‘County Mayor Yan’ feels a bit rigid.”

Listening to Yan Fengjiao’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded. Based on what she had said, one could tell that Yan Fengjiao felt completely relieved at this moment. He subsequently laughed and said, “Alright. Then, I’ll follow how Li Xue addresses you. However, it sounds a bit formal if you still call me ‘Director Nie’. Just call me Zhenbang.”

After checking out of the hotel, Nie Zhenbang had a casual meal at a roadside ramen shop. Then, Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao drove back to Lixian County.

At half-past twelve in the afternoon, the car finally entered the county government courtyard. At that moment, Nie Zhenbang parked the car under the residential building. Just as he got out of the car, Yi Jun was descending the stairs from upstairs. Seeing Yan Fengjiao following Nie Zhenbang, Yi Jun was taken aback. Then he walked up to Nie Zhenbang and said, “Director Nie, Bureau Director Fan came by several times today. The sample of the brochure is out.”

PS: Final two days, Old Cai will go all out. One last push, working tirelessly through the night to write. Brothers and sisters, please support me with a monthly ticket. Give me unlimited motivation.