Reborn as a Noble's Son

As the saying goes, one can rise high in government with the right connections. In the Huaxia, this is a tradition. This is reality. At first, Director Wang presented an austere and stern impression, with an imposing lofty demeanor. He seemed set on driving out Nie Zhenbang and his group. But at the moment, he had transformed into an enthusiastic person, even offering to help Lixian County set up a sun-shade canopy.

Lin was quick to act, implementing the orders of his superiors straightaway. In less than ten minutes, he had already brought a group of workers over.

At this time, the sun-shade canopies were not the retractable types from later eras. They were all structured with steel frames, manually assembled into a square formation, like a stage in later times. These workers were quick; in two hours, they had already set up a large frame. Over it, they covered a transparent plastic sheet. At the front, they hung a big red banner that said, “People of Lixian, Northwest Bazhou City welcomes you.”

Looking at the fully set up canopy, Director Wang was quite satisfied, as the work was carried out quickly and efficiently. More importantly, he looked good in the process.

After a glance around, Director Wang gave a satisfied nod and said, “Mmm, not bad. Now this looks decent. Lin, do this – during the afternoon work shift, go to the warehouse and bring a large sofa set for Director Nie, along with the matching coffee table, and that new water dispenser. Everything has to be set up. A government exhibition has to look like a government exhibition. Even when we are outside, we have to maintain high standards.”

Director Wang spoke with grand authority. It seemed as though if he didn’t do this job well, he would be subject to humiliation. He conveniently forgot the scenes of him trying to drive out Nie Zhenbang and his group at first. After finishing his speech, Director Wang turned to Nie Zhenbang with a smile, “Director Nie, don’t worry. I will help you arrange the exhibition. Every year we always have a few booths in reserve. This time, since you are participating under the name of the government for the first time, I see the need for grandeur. We happen to have a super large exhibition booth of 200 square meters. But as for how to design and decorate the booth, that will be left to you.”

Nie Zhenbang also broke into a smile. Director Wang was a true petty person. But Nie Zhenbang didn’t dislike him. After all, such people were always straightforward. A hypocrite was indeed more infuriating.

“Director Wang, thank you very much. You will have to bear the burden of the upcoming tasks. After the exhibition ends, I will be sure to invite you to a meal,” Nie Zhenbang also replied with a smile.

These words lifted Director Wang’s spirits. The young Director Nie had a deep background. Even the provincial governor was being so courteous. He was definitely not an ordinary person. If such a person invited him to a meal, wasn’t this an indication that his official position would soon rise rapidly?

Immediately, Director Wang responded with a smile, “Director Nie, you’re too courteous. At that time, I will invite you to get together. You can get busy now. I will not disturb you. If you need anything, I will come over to contact you at any time.”

With the proper booth in place, the atmosphere changed significantly. The location was the main entrance and exit for the entire exhibition, with a high footfall. Numerous merchants from all over the world passed through the gate. Beside, Several staff members from Lixian Investment Promotion Bureau were handing out brochures to passers-by one by one. This was a good method for Lixian to expand its influence.

Through the afternoon, many businesses stopped by to watch. Some businesses dealing with agricultural products, leather, and woolen textiles were particularly interested and inquired about specific details.

By around five in the afternoon, when the exhibition was about to close, everyone, including Yan Fengjiao, was excited. Although they had been in the sun all day, they had handed out more than 10,000 brochures and over 400 investment guides. It should be noted that each of these materials represented a potential investment. Merchants who were interested in obtaining detailed materials were likely to be interested in investment as well. The strategy being employed now was to cast a wide net – even if only half or a third of these prospects were successful, the promotion would still be considered a success.

“Director Nie, we have received the contact numbers of more than 360 businesses today. Just now, we have compiled some statistics. Among them, there are sixty-five leather goods companies, thirty-seven leather manufacturing companies, seven agricultural companies, and ninety-two woolen textile enterprises. There are also forty-nine meat processing enterprises and tourism development companies, as well as fifty-three pharmaceutical companies. The rest are mining companies interested in Lixian County’s tantalum resources,” said Fan Zhenming, excitedly. With so many companies, some suitable businesses were bound to be found. Moreover, the fur resources of Lixian County, were more than one or two companies could consume. Even if the Farmer Welfare Company reached its peak output over the next year, it could still support over forty leather companies. Leather goods companies represent the final link in the chain of the leather goods industry and deal with the production of finished products. If the leather manufacturing industry flourishes, the leather goods companies can also thrive. This is the domino effect of investment.

“Old Fan, don’t celebrate too early. The higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment. Now and in the future, we must maintain a realistic spirit, we must continue to practice and promote it. This is the foundation of doing things – promise and deliver, bear the fruit, and achieve success. This is a rule, but also a necessity. You need to work on this aspect more meticulously. I think, during this exhibition, you should contact these companies that have left their phone numbers more often. After the exhibition ends, we can invite these entrepreneurs to visit Lixian County in person, and conduct field investigations. I believe they will make the right choice,” said Nie Zhenbang right away. Seeing that everyone was so excited, Nie Zhenbang felt it was necessary to cool their enthusiasm a bit. Otherwise, they might lose their focus.

At this time, Yi Jun walked over and pointed to a young man standing not far away and whispered “Director Nie, that gentleman has been waiting for you for some time.”

Nie Zhenbang’s impressive performance during the morning had made Yi Jun show him much more respect. Also, he heard Guo Donghai’s words clearly in the morning: He had told his son to find Nie Zhenbang later in the day. Now, this man must be Guo Donghai’s son – the son of the governor of Yuedong Province. Although Yi Jun doesn’t serve under Yuedong’s jurisdiction, he can’t afford to offend such a person, let alone that this man is Nie Zhenbang’s friend.

Turning his head and looking at Guo Ming, who was also smiling and waving his hand, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said to Fan Zhenming and Yi Jun, “Mr. Fan, Xiao Yi, wait a moment and tidy up. Go back to the hotel on your own. Don’t worry about me tonight.”

Everyone understood Nie Zhenbang’s situation and naturally, wouldn’t say much. As soon as Nie Zhenbang walked towards Guo Ming, Guo approached him. Now in his mid to late twenties, Guo Ming had become much more mature compared to six or seven years before, even wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

“Mingzi, you’re doing well, becoming quite the gentleman.” Nie Zhenbang also started laughing.

Although Guo Ming was a few years older than Nie Zhenbang, he didn’t mind being addressed this way. The Guo family had now hitched their wagon to the Nie family. It was understood that they would rise and fall together. Moreover, it was clear that the second generation of the Nie family hadn’t achieved much. Now, it all rested on the third generation, in which Nie Zhenbang had the greatest potential. Having a good relationship with Nie Zhenbang was of great benefit to Guo Ming.

Subsequently, Guo Ming also laughed and said, “Third Young Master, was I that uncultured before? Now, I have no choice. I also work within the bureaucracy. If I continued as before, I won’t have any prospects.”

Hearing Guo Ming’s words, Nie Zhenbang paused, somewhat surprised. Generally, those with Guo Ming’s background, even children from many longstanding families in Jingcheng, did not prefer working within the bureaucratic system. Generally, if a family could have one or two members preserving the family’s continuation within the system, it would be considered good. For the likes of the Nie family, it was a rarity.

Nowadays, the trend was more so towards business. Not only was it profitable allowing them to lead a luxurious life, but it wasn’t as dry and rigid as working within the bureaucratic system. Outside, one could use one’s background without hesitation, but it wasn’t the same within the system.

Therefore, Nie Zhenbang was somewhat surprised by Guo Ming’s choice of working within the system. Guo Donghai and his son were truly insightful. While those currently operating outside the system seemed successful, things could change in the future. Soon after, Zhenbang also laughed and said, “You’re also in the bureaucratic system now? Good for you.”

The car that Guo Ming drove was an Audi, bearing the license plate of the Yuedong Province Military Region. This was Guo Donghai’s vehicle. After starting the car, Guo Ming laughed and said, “Third Young Master, actually, my decision to join the bureaucratic system was influenced by you. I felt that your choice can’t be wrong. Now, I’m working in the office of the Yuedong City Committee as the secretary to the Party Secretary.”

Guo Ming spoke frankly, without any sense of showing off. In the face of someone with Nie Zhenbang’s background, there was nothing worth boasting about.

The car drove smoothly all the way to the Yuedong Provincial Government complex. The Yuedong Provincial Government was located on Dongfeng Road, near the Zhongshan Memorial Hall.

Upon entering the provincial government campus, rows of lush mango trees on both sides were striking, demonstrating the distinctive characteristic of Yuedong – its abundant vegetation, unlike the barren Xibei.

Behind the provincial government office building, under the shade of the green trees, were a row of two-story Chinese-style cottages surrounded by see-through fences overrun with ivy. At the root of the fence was a row of evergreen shrubs. At this moment, the door of the No.6 residence was wide open, and Guo Ming’s parents were already waiting in the yard.

Seeing this arrangement, Nie Zhenbang didn’t dare to delay, as this was the etiquette for hosting esteemed guests. Since he was the younger generation, even if the Guo family was subordinate to the Nie family, it would be arrogant and rude to throw his weight around in front of Guo Donghai, despite him and Guo Ming being friends.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang also approached them, appearing rather apprehensive, “Uncle Guo, Aunt Guo. You are too kind.” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, come to to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support would be my greatest motivation.)