Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 683 - 639: Rectifying the Investment Environment_1

Chapter 683: Chapter 639: Rectifying the Investment Environment_1

Nie Zhenbang could not help but feel uneasy. Wanghai City was his cat’s-paw, and so he was paying it the utmost attention.

On the one hand, Wanghai City needed to increase its efforts in attracting investment, a point that didn’t need to be said. The establishment of servers and the recent trip to America were all part of the effort to increase investment attraction and improve the construction of the investment infrastructure.

However, the current situation made Nie Zhenbang look rather sombre. A dam thousands of miles long could be destroyed by a tiny ant nest. At first glance, this might not seem like a big deal. After all, treating someone to a meal will only cost several thousand dollars at most. It was something the Wal-Mart Group or any boss who came to invest in Wanghai City could easily afford. A drop in the ocean, really.

But if not nipped in the bud, such a small matter could possibly snowball into a big deal. At the same time, it would also be a problem for the soft environment of Wanghai City’s investment.

Upon leaving the Wal-Mart department store building, Nie Zhenbang logged this incident in his mind.

…

...

The family compound of the Wanghai Municipal Party Committee

Courtyards number one and two sat close together. At this moment, at the entrance of courtyard number one, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee Tian Xujiang and his wife Dai Qinge, were standing at the main entrance.

The fact that the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and his wife were standing at the door to greet him was already the highest level of reception etiquette.

Nie Zhenbang parked his car directly at the entrance of courtyard number one. He and his wife, holding the gifts they bought just now, walked in.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Tian Xujiang stepped forward to greet him with a smile, saying, “Mayor Zhenbang, I heard you got off work early today. Why are you being so polite, bringing gifts and all.”

Nie Zhenbang also broke into a smile: “Secretary Tian, if I come over to your place for a meal without bringing a gift, it would make me the laughing stock if word got out, wouldn’t it?”

Yang Anna also smiled and said, “Sister Qinge, we are going to be working together from now on.”

Tian Xujiang’s wife, Dai Qinge, was around fifty years old but looked considerably younger. She seemed to be in her early forties, with maroon hair that was very stylish. Her face was also very kind.

Seeing this, Nie Zhenbang felt somewhat emotional. It is always said that behind every successful man is a woman who has silently made sacrifices, and this certainly seemed to be true. Tian Xujiang’s wife was indeed this type of person.

At this moment, Dai Qinge also broke into a smile and said, “Anna, why are you being so polite? From now on, we are all in the same trench.”

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freёnovelkiss.com.

The two women seemed to get along very quickly. Tian Xujiang also looked very happy at this time. Good relationships between the wives could be a great advantage in the political arena.

With this thought in mind, Tian Xujiang burst into laughter and gestured, “Mayor Zhenbang, please come inside.”

After the wine had been poured thrice, Tian Xujiang laughed and said, “I need to be blunt, Mayor Zhenbang. Back when we were in Jiangbei Province, I didn’t think highly of you.”

Tian Xujiang’s statement was rather frank. Normally, he wouldn’t say such things. But the fact that he did, demonstrated that his attitude towards Nie Zhenbang had changed significantly since they started working together.

In truth, the feud between Tian Xujiang and Nie Zhenbang primarily stemmed from Yao Yuhong, the factory manager of Liangxi Light Textile Factory Two. Yao Yuhong was Tian Xujiang’s brother-in-law and his business practices were suspect.

At that time, Nie Zhenbang wanted to investigate. Tian Xujiang saw this as a snub. From then on, their relationship was soured.

However, upon careful reflection, Tian Xujiang realised that at the time, Nie Zhenbang had shown some restraint. Even if Yao was transferred, an investigation could still have been pursued.

Through a year’s work of collaboration and uniting against the reporters last night, Tian Xujiang’s attitude towards Nie Zhenbang had naturally transformed.

Beside them, Dai Qinge also smiled and said, “Mayor Nie, that’s just how my husband is. When he was in school, our family was struggling and his sister suffered a lot because of it. She is his only sister. So maybe he is a bit too sensitive about her.”

Nie Zhenbang also laughed, “Aunt Dai, even if you hadn’t said it, I would have known. On this matter, it’s mainly my fault. If I’d communicated with Secretary Tian beforehand, none of this would have happened. It shows my lack of maturity at work. Here, I toast you, Secretary Tian. Let bygones be bygones. Let’s look forward.”

Upon hearing this, Tian Xujian laughed heartily and lifted his cup: “Ha ha, Zhenbang is correct, let’s move forward. Now that we are both in Wanghai, together forming a team. How to develop Wanghai City. This is our common goal.”

After Tian Xujian finished his drink, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Secretary Tian, I want to say something, but I don’t know if I should.”

After hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Tian Xujian was taken aback for a moment, then quickly answered, “Zhenbang, why are you still being so polite? Don’t call me Secretary Tian. In private, just call me Old Tian. Today, whatever it is, just say it. We will converse and discuss freely.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang also laughed, nodded and said, “Old Tian, with that said, I feel that your secretary, Li Sha, should be replaced.”

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang continued, “Old Tian, this time, in Wangxia District, Fuxing Street lacks a director. Transferring Comrade Li Sha over there would be an adequate solution. After all, sometimes it’s not so convenient to have a female secretary. Moreover, to some extent, the female secretary also affects your image.”

As soon as the words fell, Dai Qinge, who was sitting next to them, looked at Tian Xujian and echoed, “Indeed, I agree with Zhenbang’s proposal. When I first arrived in Wanghai, I felt that having a female secretary was inappropriate. I think it should be changed. One should be careful of gossip.”

Tian Xujian was the kind of person who had the desire but not the courage to act recklessly. A few months earlier, although there had been a bit of flirtation between him and Li Sha, he hadn’t dared to cross that line. Now, the arrival of his wife made him even less daring and temperamental.

Apart from that, at this point, Tian Xujian also pondered that after reconciling with Nie Zhenbang, they could foresee a bright future for Wanghai City with a large quantity of political achievements. This ignited Tian Xujian’s dormant heart. He was only 55, and might even become a provincial party secretary by retirement. With this in mind, having a female secretary indeed seemed inappropriate.

Upon thinking this through, Tian Xujian quickly agreed, nodding and saying, “Zhenbang, it’s like you’ve woken me from a dream. Looking at it now, this is indeed a difference between us. I think we should proceed according to Zhenbang’s suggestion.”

By the end of the meal, it was already past nine. After deep conversation, both parties had developed a deeper understanding of each other.

Tian Xujian was now 55 years old. Among the provincial and ministerial officials, his age was not considered high. If he performed well in Wanghai City, there was potential for promotion.

Nie Zhenbang had even greater goals, which Tian Xujian had clearly seen. With Nie Zhenbang’s current accomplishments at such an age, not many could compare. His goal was certainly at the central level. For such a scion of a powerful family, anyone or anything that hinders his progress is seen as a mortal enemy. Following his lead would guarantee tremendous benefits.

At this point, Yang Anna and Dai Qinge had headed to the second courtyard. Although the children had nannies, they were just on the other side of the partition wall; a short walk away. At this time, the men must have had more to discuss. Heading back not only allowed them to check on the children, but also gave Nie Zhenbang and the others some space. This was a very good arrangement.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang earnestly said, “Old Tian, today, I encountered an issue that I want to discuss with you.”

Nie Zhenbang then detailed the events of the evening. Hearing this, Tian Xujian’s face became serious.

Assessing his ability, Tian Xujian had fared well. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have become the Vice Governor of Jiangbei Province at the age of 47 or 48.

As soon as he heard this, Tian Xujian realized the severity of the problem, furrowed his eyebrows and said in a serious tone, “Zhenbang, it seems that there are many problems with the investment environment in Wanghai City.”

After a pause, Tian Xujian continued, “Corruption is not rare among governments all over the country. Accepting a few packs of cigarettes for doing some work or a meal for conducting an inspection is not a big deal from the perspective of these grassroots law enforcement officers. Society, merchants, and businesses all tolerate this. However, this does massive damage to the investment environment.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded, as this was exactly what he was worried about. Wanghai’s positioning was an international metropolis. In the future, with increasing multinational corporations, foreigners would not adapt to this phenomenon.

At this moment, Tian Xujian asked solemnly, “Zhenbang, what do you propose?”

After the deep talk, Nie Zhenbang seemed much more candid. The two of them were no longer as tentative as before. He nodded and said, “Old Tian, my suggestion is to hold a conference devoted to rectifying the investment environment involving various law enforcement departments such as the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, the Local Taxation Bureau, the National Taxation Bureau, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Health Department, throughout the city. Each unit should self-examine and self-correct within a given rectification period. If issues are discovered after, there will be severe punishment!”