Reborn as a Noble's Son

Li Chao and the others are all from Donggang, naturally acting as hosts just like Chief Executive Tong. The banquet wasn’t being held under any particular person’s name, but rather jointly by the Donggang Special Administrative Government and the Donggang business community. So, these people naturally did not mind. Besides, even if they did, the first glass of champagne was rightfully Nie Zhenbang’s.

Once these formalities were complete, melodious music began to echo through the banquet hall. This kind of Western style banquet is primarily a networking event, the purpose of networking overshadows that of dining.

Moreover, many middle-class girls dressed to the nines with the full intent of attending such a banquet, hoping for a chance encounter. The goal being that if they manage to catch the eye of a wealthy young master, they could marry into a rich family and completely transform their lives.

Of course, in such settings, people like that aren’t common. However, the nature remains the same, with many rich ladies, gathered in small groups, sipping champagne elegantly, discussing French fashion or Italian trends.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was gathered with Chief Executive Tong, Li Chao, and others. Just then, Mr. Bao chuckled and said, “Mr. Nie, where did you acquire such superior operational skills? You’ve shown me a thing or two with your ‘earn first, oppress later’ strategy. I happen to want to venture into the financial world but lack suitable candidates. Mr. Nie, if possible, I’d like to hire you to be the president of my new company. You can set your own annual salary. Besides, I’ll give you an additional 40% of the managing stock. If you are willing to sign a ten-year contract, these 40% shares will be yours.”

This is a big move, absolutely a big move. While the boss provides the funds, Nie Zhenbang can get 40%. Mr. Bao is a well-known figure in the shipping industry, known as the Ship King of the world. His investment is by no means small-scale. Venturing into the financial world would involve at least a billion-dollar investment.

Only Li Chao remained silent. He was fully aware of Tenglong, the behemoth behind Nie Zhenbang. That’s not something Mr. Bao could afford.

Meanwhile, Li Estate also laughed and said, “Mr. Nie, you can consider it. If you agree, I am willing to invest one billion Hong Kong dollars. Your share does not change. For the rest, I will negotiate with Mr. Bao.”

At this moment, Chief Executive Tong also smiled and said, “Mr. Nie, which financial institution do you work for? If possible, on behalf of the Special Administrative Government, I would like to hire Mr. Nie as our Chief Economic Advisor. The salary would be approximately one million Hong Kong dollars. What does Mr. Nie think?”

This was another shocking piece of news. An annual salary of one million isn’t much, but the important thing isn’t the salary, it’s the prestige that comes with the title of Chief Economic Advisor to the Special Administrative Government. A title that money cannot buy.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang also laughed and nodded to everyone, expressing gratitude by saying, “Chief Executive Tong, Mr. Bao, Mr. Li, first of all, thank you for your sincere invitations. It’s not that I’m not grateful. The reason is that I have a somewhat special identity. Since I’m a government worker, I was temporarily reassigned here and will need to return to my original post after.”

“May I ask what your position is, Mr. Nie?” Mr. Bao, being the direct character that he is, immediately asked.

Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said, “In my regular job, I serve as the mayor of the People’s Government of Liangxi City, Jiangbei Province.”

Upon hearing this, even Li Chao was taken aback, let alone Mr. Bao who exclaimed in surprise, “You’re a mayor? What a pity that such a talent is not being used to its full potential.”

The people of Donggang, heavily influenced by the West, don’t view the position of mayor the same way as those domestically do. To them, a specialist’s position is far more gratifying.

Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Mr. Bao, to each their own. I can still do research in the economic field, and I also can promote local economic development by using what I’ve learned. Being able to serve the people and bring them prosperity is one of my pursuing goals. I am satisfied with my current job. Therefore, I cordially invite you all to attend the Eastern Development Forum held in our city in mid-October. Representatives from Ludong, Hucheng City, Jiangbei, south of the Yangtze River, and Minan provinces will be there. The market in mainland China is vast. As giants in the business world, it wouldn’t hurt to go and take a look. Perhaps, you may find some business opportunities.”

On Nie Zhenbang’s invitation, these people agreed to give him some face and attend the forum. As for whether there will be good opportunities, they would see when the time comes. There was no forced buying or selling, nor mandatory investment requirements. It’s just one trip. There is no loss.

Having received these promises, Nie Zhenbang then extended an invitation to the Donggang Special Administrative Government, and Chief Executive Tong readily agreed to attend this forum.

After the banquet, receiving the commitments from these Donggang moguls was a big win. The next morning, Nie Zhenbang and his delegation boarded a flight to Jingcheng.

Back in Jingcheng and once again in Prime Minister Yun’s office, Nie Zhenbang felt a little apprehensive as the Prime Minister immediately stood up with a smile to greet him. In a panic, he said, “Prime Minister, your grand gesture is quite overwhelming for me.”