Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 784: Chapter 740: Financial Power_1
 

Hearing Long Genghua’s words, Nie Zhenbang remained silent. Long Genghua was not wrong; control over fiscal policy was extremely critical for the government’s leader.

If it was the party committee’s leader, whether he had financial power in his hands didn’t matter much. Because, as the party committee secretary, as the leader of the team, he had the authority to veto, and there were many ways to balance power. In this case, one more or one less financial power wouldn’t make a significant difference.

However, it was different for the government’s leader. The primary responsibilities of the government’s leader were to get things done, including local economic development, social advancement, business growth, and so on. This also included local development, regional traffic planning, etc. The government was in charge of preparing and executing all sorts of plans, and these required money.

If the financial power was lost, it would feel like having a shackle around his neck. Just imagine, if he came up with an economic development plan but he couldn’t get financial support and didn’t have any money. How uncomfortable would that be?

Thereby, he would be inadvertently reduced to a subordinate position and lose more autonomy. This was something Nie Zhenbang didn’t want to see. He didn’t want anyone to interfere with his developmental plans.

However, Long Genghua’s urgency made Nie Zhenbang think. Long Genghua gave him the feeling of acting more worried than the first party involved.

Inciting him to vie for financial power with Zeng Taiping would be greatly beneficial for Long Genghua. On one hand, it would disrupt the peace between Zeng Taiping and him. It could be imagined that although Zeng Taiping had gained some benefits regarding Yangde City, he had lost some pride. Zeng Taiping must have some resentments, even if he didn’t say so.

If they fought for fiscal authority, the conflicts between them would definitely be completely ignited. Nie Zhenbang didn’t want this outcome. After all, straining the relationship with the party committee leader would have negative effects on him, perhaps giving rise to a negative reputation for disrespecting the leadership and being disunited with comrades.

On the other hand, in case he had a falling-out with Zeng Taiping, Long Genghua would benefit the most. By then, Long Genghua could either attack or defend, benefit from both sides, and seize the opportunity.

Reflecting on this, Nie Zhenbang chuckled, “Secretary Long, where did you hear this news? You are well-informed indeed.”

pausing for a while, Nie Zhenbang, not waiting for Long Genghua to speak, continued, “I see nothing wrong with this. Secretary Zeng’s consideration must also be taking into account the situation of the whole province. I heard that comrade Fan Youcai has a financial background and has served as the director of the civil affairs department. Now that he is appointed as the finance director, it’s just a step aside. I think it’s perfectly reasonable.”

Nie Zhenbang’s nonchalant statement made Long Genghua feel a bit awkward. Nie Zhenbang was not as simple as he had imagined.

Actually, Long Genghua underestimated Nie Zhenbang. He always thought that the provincial-level cadre who hadn’t reached the forties had a family background. However, after having a real contact with Nie Zhenbang, he realized he was wrong, quite wrong. Nie Zhenbang being a governor at thirty-six was not by accident.

He then chuckled, “That’s true. Comrade Fan Youcai’s resume shows that there won’t be any problem with him serving as the director of the finance department. Hehe, actually, I was just concerned. Governor Zhenbang, please don’t mind it.”

Nie Zhenbang chuckled, “Secretary Long, you worry too much. It’s normal to have some discussions and share views in private. Secretary Long, I think it’s getting late. Why don’t we leave?”

At this point, both of them knew that there was nothing more to say. Beside them, Long Genghua stood up, chuckling, “Sounds good. Next time, when we have a chance, let’s gather again. Governor Zhenbang, let me see you out.”

As wives of senior officials, they were spot-on in judging such timings. Even if they stepped out for a while, they wouldn’t go too far away.

In reality, everyone knew that talking about going out to enjoy the scenery was just a pretense. The main purpose was to leave the principal characters some private space for conversation.

As soon as Nie Zhenbang and the Long father and son walked out of the private room, Liang Cuie and Yang Anna came up.

Liang Cuie laughed, “When I was walking with sister Anna, I lost track of time. Governor Nie, Anna and I have scheduled to go shopping next time. I hope you wouldn’t mind.”

This was a benefit of a spouse’s position. Even if the talks did not go very well, at least on the surface, the relationship looked nice and smooth.

Nie Zhenbang also chuckled, “Hehe, what are you saying, elder sister Liang? Anna hasn’t been in Bashu for long and we don’t have any friends or relatives here in Bashu Province. If you take Anna shopping, it will be a good thing for us.”

At the end of his speech, Long Genghua laughed as well, “Old Liang, that’s a good thing indeed. Sister Anna, who is young and fashionable. You can learn from sister Anna.”

Long Genghua would not miss any opportunity to ease the tension between the two parties. As a host, being humble and letting Nie Zhenbang take the lead was natural. As soon as they walked out the main door, Little Wu was parked at the gate. After bidding farewell to Long Genghua, Nie Zhenbang and Anna got into the car and left.

As the car left Yuzhuang, Yang Anna laughingly said, “Dear, I reckon Long Genghua has some purpose for this visit, doesn’t he?”

Seeing Nie Zhenbang’s surprised expression, Yang Anna laughed and said, “Even though Sister Liang and I share the same office, I’ve only been at work for about a month. Sister Liang hardly comes to the office, so I wouldn’t say we’re particularly close. This time, her sudden enthusiasm to see me is strange. Isn’t there an old saying ‘be suspicious when getting unsolicited kindness’?”

Seeing Anna’s expression, Nie Zhenbang also laughed. If Long Genghua and his wife knew of Anna’s comment at this moment, they would certainly be stunned.

Then, he laughed and said, “Honey, it is unfair to say so. Long Genghua, this time, has good intentions. Zeng Taiping from the Ministry of Finance is trying to get involved. Long Genghua is warning me about it!”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Anna gave him a dissatisfied look. The young girl of the past was now a thirty-three-year-old woman.

Today, Anna was dressed in a white professional suit. The top was a blazer design, while the bottom was a short skirt. Her silk bustier exposed a patch of snow-white skin on her chest. A pure white pearl necklace further accentuated Anna’s charm.

Her soft waist seemed to sway as she moved. Her youthful innocence was replaced by a bewitching maturity.

Noticing Nie Zhenbang’s gaze, Anna scolded him lightly, “What are you looking at, Brother Zhenbang? Little Wu is up front…”

“Brother Zhenbang” took Zhenbang back to the old days of the stubborn and determined girl who used to follow him around. She would confidently say, “Brother Zhenbang is mine!”

Instinctively holding Anna’s hand, Nie Zhenbang whispered, “Anna…”

Before Nie Zhenbang could finish his sentence, Anna shifted the topic, “Dear, are you implying that Long Genghua’s dinner invitation today was aimed at inciting you and Secretary Zeng to fight for financial power? He is setting you up against each other for his own gain. You didn’t agree, did you?”

Seeing Anna’s worried expression, Nie Zhenbang felt warm inside. Touched, he smiled and said, “Honey, as you said, it’s a set-up. Do you think I would agree?”

Then, Nie Zhenbang assured her seriously, “Anna, don’t worry. Whether it’s for you or for our children, I will be careful with my actions.”

Little Wu’s driving skill was superb. From the third ring road to the residential complex of the provincial party committee and the provincial government, the journey took less than twenty minutes, which was almost ten minutes faster than before.

That night was naturally a passionate one.

The next morning, as he looked at Anna lying languidly with her body exposed, the aura she emanated was intoxicating. Her voluptuous curves felt like holding a flawless piece of jade. A light lick triggered a soft moan. Half-asleep, Anna opened her eyes, her gaze seductive. She murmured, “Oh dear, you still want more.”

After their morning exercise, Anna looked even more radiant and enticing. After they had a warm and sweet breakfast, the car stopped outside, and Li Jupeng opened the door and walked over.

Fang Yuan had thoughtfully arranged their accommodation. Although both Little Wu and Li Jupeng were bachelors, they were assigned a separate three-bedroom apartment each. The arrangement was very convenient due to the apartments being directly opposite each other.

Upon entering the office building of the provincial party committee and the provincial government, many staff and mid-level cadres proactively greeted Governor Nie with a smile.

Everyone was careful around Nie Zhenbang. The recent display of power in Yangde City had put many officials on edge. This amiable young governor was not to be trifled with when he took action.

As soon as he walked into his office, Nie Zhenbang asked Li Jupeng, “Ju Peng, what’s on the agenda for this morning?”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s question, Li Jupeng didn’t even need to check his schedule and said directly, “This morning, there is only one event, attending the groundbreaking ceremony of Yishan Heavy Industry Tianfu Factory.” (