Reborn as a Noble's Son

Organization Department?

Nie Zhenbang’s heart rate quickened as he hung up the phone.

In advance, Nie Zhenbang had not received any news, nor any hints. Suddenly, he got a call from Fang Gushan from the Bazhou City Party Organization Department. From Fang’s tone and manner of speaking, it seemed like good news. Interactions with the Organization Department often implied a potential promotion.

“Zhenbang is here, haha, you’re quite prompt,” said Fang Gushan. He stood up as Nie Zhenbang entered his office. As a member of the city committee, Fang’s warmth was a bit excessive.

However, that’s an area where Fang Gushan excels. After pouring a cup of tea for Nie Zhenbang, Fang sat down and became serious. He looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Comrade Nie Zhenbang, this time, I was appointed by the city committee to represent the organization and have a discussion with you.”

After a pause, Fang Gushan continued, “This time, there are a lot of changes in Lixian. Comrade Mo Zhihai’s incident is a lesson for us all. Your achievements in your work at Lixian are clear to the organization and acknowledged. Regarding competent and energetic comrades like you, the organization believes more responsibilities should be appropriately given to you. Do you have any thoughts in this regard?”

Conversations with the Organization Department usually entail asking for the individual’s opinions. This is a routine conversation model and unless someone is foolish, they wouldn’t object. Even though Nie Zhenbang has not contemplated this position or knows the specifics of the city committee’s meeting, now that the initiative has arrived to him, he wouldn’t waver. The opportunities that he can grab, he won’t let go of them. After musing on it for a while, Nie Zhenbang answered sincerely, “I thank Minister Fang, and the city committee, and the organization for their faith and support. My ideas are simple: perform my duties with dedication and implement the tasks assigned by the organization. As an official, I aim to serve the public, and I won’t fail Minister Fang and the organization’s trust.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words were full of vigor and decisiveness. When mentioning the organization, he specifically included the word “my.” Although it’s a form of politeness, Fang Gushan understood that, given Nie Zhenbang’s background, Secretary Cheng was merely acting as his guardian. People like him, they would not stoop to curry favor with Fang Gushan. Because of this, Fang Gushan found Nie Zhenbang’s modesty and tactfulness agreeable.

Following this, Fang Gushan laughingly said, “Zhenbang, prepare yourself and think about how you’re going to strategize in Lixian from now on.”

Two days later, the City Party Organization Department issued another appointment, which shocked all the officials in Lixian.

Contrary to expectations, Ma Yunfang, who everyone thought would ascend smoothly, was transferred to the Bazhou City Construction Bureau as deputy director and deputy party secretary. Meanwhile, Nie Zhenbang was appointed as a member, standing committee member, deputy secretary of the Li County Party Committee, deputy mayor, acting mayor of Li County People’s Government, and nominated as a candidate for the county mayor of the Li County People’s Congress Standing Committee.

Immediately, the whole atmosphere in Lixian changed. The originally unassuming Director Nie suddenly leapt over the threshold of the deputy director’s position and directly became the candidate for mayor, acting mayor, and was responsible for the full work of the county government. The meaning of this was already very clear. The so-called acting mayor was just going through a process. Even if the deputies of the Lixian People’s Congress had ideas, when the time came, the city party leader would personally preside over the situation, and nothing would go wrong.

As Nie Zhenbang’s secretary, Yi Jun felt like he had skyrocketed. All of a sudden, the number of people who came to Yi Jun’s house to propose marriage increased substantially.

As soon as Yi Jun got home, a middle-aged woman already came forward with a smiling face. She looked at Yi Jun and said, “Do you remember Auntie? Wow, you’ve grown so much. Even when you were little, I knew you’d be successful. Now you are even more impressive. Being the secretary to Director Nie, you are quite the confidant.”

Looking at this middle-aged woman, Yi Jun frowned. He knew this woman, she was his mother’s coworker and her husband was a deputy director at the construction bureau. Usually, they carried themselves quite arrogantly. He had never seen her act in this way before.

“What confidant? I am just an errand boy, just servicing Director Nie. What do you want?” Yi Jun’s indifferent expression made the middle-aged woman felt very awkward.

“What are you talking about, young man? Teacher Wang is a rare guest, please come in. Teacher Wang is here specifically to propose a marriage for you. Teacher Wang’s niece, Jiang Lili, who also teaches at our county’s central school, is famously beautiful. It’s your good fortune that she’s taken an interest in you.” At this time, Yi Jun’s mother, Li Yue E, also came out of the kitchen. Seeing Yi Jun looking like this, she immediately chided him.

Yi Jun was very filial towards his mother, and found it hard to refute her words, but he had heard about Jiang Lili, who was related to the Deputy Director of the Construction Bureau, and whose aunt was the Director of the local primary school. Her reputation was not good and there were numerous rumors about her ethical conduct. How could Yi Jun be interested in such a person?

Teacher Wang, standing by, chuckled and said, “Old Li, you’re simply exaggerating. Lili is not as great as you make her out to be. Our family speaks highly of Jun. He’s well-educated and has good connections. He has an unlimited future ahead of him. In fact, it’s Lili who should be honored to be considered by him. Old Li, you’ll enjoy a carefree life in the future.”

At this point, Yi Jun could no longer stand listening. Immediately, he stopped eating, picked up his briefcase, and said, “Mom, I just remembered that I haven’t finished a document that Director Nie needs for tomorrow. I’ll head back to the office first. You guys continue eating and don’t wait for me.”

“Oh, child, no matter how much work you have, Director Nie wouldn’t deny you a meal, would he? Look at how busy you’ve made yourself.” Yi Jun’s mother chided, but there was undisguised pride in her words. Her son had become successful. Looking back, she felt fortunate for having followed her sister Li Lin’s advice on educating Yi Jun, otherwise, where would be his bright future now?

Teacher Wang, who was next to them, looked somewhat awkward. Indeed, given Jiang Lili’s reputation, Yi Jun was unlikely to consider her, but among their own relatives, she seemed to be the only match for him, even though it was quite a disappointment.

As Yi Jun left, Teacher Wang stood up and said, “Old Li, children are occupied with their work. Let him be. I’m also going now. If I have ever offended you in the past, please forgive me. And, the head of the Chinese teaching and research group at our school may be changing soon. I think you would be a good fit, why not give it a shot?”

Yi Jun’s mother was somewhat excited at this moment. She hadn’t expected that her son’s rise would also bring benefits to her. This was indeed what it meant when they say ‘One man’s rise lifts all under his domain’. Without hesitation, she responded, “I’ll give it a try.”

Upon hearing her acceptance, Teacher Wang heaved a sigh of relief and laughed, saying, “Old Li, you are too modest. I am well aware of your capabilities. In the end-term examinations, you have been the county’s number one for many times. If the Chinese teaching and research group is handed over to you, I will be absolutely confident. Moreover, ever since the Director of the Construction Bureau was removed from office, the position has been vacant. In terms of capability and qualifications, it should be our Old Jiang’s turn. Old Li, could you help me mention this in front of Jun? After all, he is now Director Nie’s secretary, so his words have weight.”

Over the last few days, Yi Jun’s phone had been ringing off the hook. Ever since Nie Zhenbang became the Acting Director, not only did the number of guests to their home increase, but the calls to his office also became more frequent. Just as he hung up one call, the phone on his desk rang again.

Picking up the receiver, Yi Jun, feeling a bit annoyed, answered, “Hello! Who is it?”

From the other end came a very friendly voice. “Is this Director Yi? Hehe, hello, hello, I’m Old Liu from the County Finance Bureau, do you remember me? Last time we met when Director Nie came to our bureau to preside over the Farmer Welfare Company coordination meeting.”

Hearing this, Yi Jun tensed up again. On the surface, however, he replied with a smile, “Director Liu, how can I assist you today?”

On hearing Yi Jun’s politeness, the man on the other end said, “Director Yi, you don’t need to be formal with me. Just call me Brother Liu. We didn’t call for anything specific, a few friends and I are just getting together. Can you join us?”

Brother Liu? Yi Jun was both amused and frustrated. He himself was only 25 years old while this Director Liu was probably almost fifty. And yet, he wants to be called Brother Liu. Feeling awkward, Yi Jun replied, “Director Liu, I’m afraid I can’t make it. We still have a lot of outstanding work from our leaders. They need it urgently, and we subordinates do not have any spare time. Perhaps, some other time.”

Nie Zhenbang had already noticed Yi Jun’s predicaments over these past few days. He didn’t say anything because he wanted to test Yi Jun’s mettle. After all, young people who achieve success are prone to arrogance. However, Yi Jun’s performance over these days had satisfied Nie Zhenbang. Walking out from his inner office room, Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Jun, I bet these past few days have been challenging for you. Don’t worry, just stay true to your principles and maintain your style. Remember, don’t take what you shouldn’t, don’t say what you shouldn’t. As for these invitations, don’t refuse them all. If any pique your interest, you can consider accepting.”

While Nie Zhenbang was talking to Yi Jun, there was a knock on the office door, and a voice asked, “Is Director Nie inside?”

Immediately after, the door was pushed open and to Nie Zhenbang’s surprise, a very unexpected person walked in.(