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Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 811 - 767 Not Your Average Black
Chapter 811 -767 Not Your Average Black
Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zeng Taiping was somewhat hesitant. What was Nie Zhenbang trying to do? Use this opportunity to ignite his third fire?
The governor personally leading the team gave off an impression of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Moreover, with Nie Zhenbang leading covert inspections, the operable connotations became plentiful. If he agreed, it would mean handing over an absolute authority to Nie Zhenbang. Should the situation become uncontrollable later on, he himself would be in a passive position.
Seeing Zeng Taiping’s hesitant expression, Nie Zhenbang coldly sneered. Zeng Taiping’s approach was somewhat indicative of suspecting others of one’s own bad motives.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was well aware of what Zeng Taiping was worried about and immediately said, “Secretary Zeng, here’s what I’m considering. If this issue can be exposed by these two mainstream media outlets, it indicates that the victims have a certain background. Secretary Bojun’s opinion is good under normal circumstances, but at a time like this, it might seem somewhat inappropriate, giving people a feeling of being glossed over. If the other party is not satisfied and attacks us again, we will be even more passive.”
At this point, Nie Zhenbang intentionally paused, giving Zeng Taiping ample opportunity to consider.
Zeng Taiping’s expression changed slightly at this moment. He had indeed been a victim of habitual thinking. Now, on reflection, Nie Zhenbang’s words weren’t unreasonable; being able to expose the negative side of Bashu Province in these two media outlets meant that the victim must also have considerable backing. This approach might not necessarily satisfy the other party.
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After looking at Nie Zhenbang, Zeng Taiping also began to ponder. It looked like Nie Zhenbang already knew who the victim was. Someone who could drive Nie Zhenbang to such actions surely had a complicated background.
After musing for a moment, Zeng Taiping nodded and said, “Comrade Zhenbang’s plan is indeed a perspective, and this way, it better reflects our sincerity and attitude in Bashu Province, along with our determination to restore the province’s tourism image. Moreover, after an on-site investigation, we can obtain the most accurate and authentic firsthand information, which would assist in the development of our next steps. I think it’s feasible. However—”
At this point, Zeng Taiping’s tone changed, and a ‘however’ slipped out, a common tactic within the system. The previous words would make you incredibly joyful, thinking the other party agreed, but a turn would certainly bring more discussion.
No particular expression change was visible on Zeng Taiping’s face as he continued, “Just having Comrade Zhenbang might be slightly inadequate. To show our sincerity, I think we can consider inviting Secretary Bojun to join the covert inspection. This would further highlight our seriousness. Comrade Zhenbang, what do you think?”
Zeng Taiping’s words made Nie Zhenbang inwardly scoff. So-called sincerity and attention were just excuses; Ning Bojun’s inclusion aimed to monitor and restrain him. Ning Bojun had fallen out with Long Genghua and was now very close with Zeng Taiping, almost to the point of being inseparable. Having Ning Bojun accompany them would give Zeng Taiping peace of mind.
Moreover, Ning Bojun’s identity and the independence of the Disciplinary Committee would be enough to constrain him. However, Nie Zhenbang didn’t care about this. Since he initially had no such intentions and Zeng Taiping would only be at ease by doing so, it wouldn’t hurt to let him.
Immediately, Nie Zhenbang also nodded, “Having Secretary Bojun accompany us is more than ideal. Any issues that arise can be dealt with directly. I agree. However, since it’s a covert inspection, we should at least make it look the part. We shouldn’t bring too many people. Just taking four secretaries should suffice. Also, since it’s for tourism purposes, it’s best to bring our spouses. That way, there won’t be any suspicion.”
Upon saying this, Nie Zhenbang added, “As for the expenses, since I’ve proposed this covert inspection, I will bear all the costs for the entire trip.”
Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zeng Taiping burst out laughing, then said, “Haha, since Governor Zhenbang has said so, then let’s settle on this. Secretary Bojun, you should thank Governor Zhenbang. He is inviting both you and your wife to travel.”
After finalizing the matter, Zeng Taiping announced the meeting adjourned. Nie Zhenbang discussed with Ning Bojun, deciding that there should be no delay in dealing with the situation since Bashu Province had not yet responded, and the other party might stir up more trouble. They resolved to set off immediately.
Nie Zhenbang called Yang Anna, and in choosing vehicles, they did not opt for Yang Anna’s military SUV, but instead secured a civilian-licensed BMW X5 SUV and a Nissan Patrol SUV, both worth over a million. This way, once they entered the scenic area, they would project the image of big spenders.
For the selection of covert inspection locations, the first stop was Jinding. As a well-known destination within Bashu Province and the site involved in this incident, it was only natural to make this the first destination.
With Little Wu driving and Li Jupeng sitting shotgun, Nie Zhenbang and his wife, along with Yang Zhi, took their seats in the back of the BMW. The spaciousness of the vehicle meant they did not feel cramped.
They departed from Tianfu City, and by a little past four in the afternoon, they arrived at the Jinding Scenic Area. The two vehicles, one following the other, parked in the parking lot of the area.
Buying tickets was naturally handled by the secretaries. At this moment, Ning Bojun also made some alterations, dressing very plainly and concealing his usual demeanor. If not looked at closely, he appeared to be a rather ordinary older man.
The group, after checking their tickets, entered the scenic area. They strolled leisurely, with Yang Zhi following close by Nie Zhenbang’s side. Ning Bojun laughed and said, “Elder Nie, who is this child?”
Regarding titles, it had been agreed upon beforehand that Ning Bojun would address Nie Zhenbang as “younger brother,” while Nie Zhenbang would refer to Ning Bojun as “older brother.” Nie Zhenbang immediately replied with a smile, “An Na’s nephew, her elder brother’s child. There was a bit of trouble at home, so he’s been left in my care. This little guy is a real handful. Both of us are out, and if we’d left him at home, who knows what kind of trouble he might have caused, so we just brought him along.”
Continuing, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Older brother, the scenery at Jinding is truly unique. Looking at the mountain peaks wrapped in mist, it feels like something out of a fairy tale.”
Ning Bojun also laughed heartily and replied, “Well, this place has always been a center for Buddhism and Taoism. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a good look around.”
Two hours slipped by as they walked inside the scenic area. Li Jupeng came forward and said with a smile, “Boss, it’s almost six o’clock. How about we rest here for the night? Little Wu and I checked, and there’s a hotel up ahead that’s perfect for a stopover.”
Nie Zhenbang and Ning Bojun exchanged glances, communicated briefly, and Nie Zhenbang nodded, “That sounds good to me, let’s rest up ahead.”
At the side of the mountain ahead, next to the mountain road, there were several buildings resembling homes, some with signs for farmhouse restaurants, others for hotels. They chose a hotel that looked slightly more upscale and, after completing the check-in procedures, the group came back out.
“Elder Nie, what do you think about that Xianfeng Wine Shop up ahead? How about we settle for dinner there?” Ning Bojun asked with a smile, pointing at a restaurant ahead.
There were nine of them in total, which made for a full table. Once they sat down, Ning Bojun said with a smile, “Younger brother, I owe you one this time. I got to enjoy myself thanks to you. I’ll cover dinner tonight. Waiter, we’re ready to order.”
Ning Bojun skillfully ordered twelve dishes, mainly local farm specialties like free-range chicken, duck, and wild fish, along with a few meat and vegetarian dishes. The combination was well-balanced.
The taste of the dishes was not bad at all. The advertising wasn’t exaggerated; it truly was authentic farmhouse cuisine. After the meal, both Nie Zhenbang and Ning Bojun had drunk a bit. At this point, Yang Anna and Ning Bojun’s wife were deep in conversation.
Ning Bojun then stood up and said, “Waiter, could we have the check, please?”
No sooner had he spoken than a waiter stepped forward and, looking at Nie Zhenbang and the rest, finally set his gaze on Ning Bojun, saying with a smile, “Sir, the total comes to 3,682 yuan. I can give you a discount, and you can just pay 3,600 yuan.”
As soon as these words were uttered, Ning Bojun shot up from his seat. “Three thousand six? What on earth did we eat that’s so expensive? Bring me the menu to check.”
At this, the waiter glanced at Ning Bojun with a look of disdain and muttered, “Pretending to be a big spender now, are you? If you can’t afford it, why come to eat here? Planning to dine and dash?”
Though he spoke those words, the waiter did bring a menu over. Nie Zhenbang started to look at it, only to be taken aback. Braised free-range chicken was 680 yuan a dish, wild mushroom stewed duck was 880 yuan a dish, and even a portion of vegetables was priced at 138 yuan.
The prices truly were exorbitant. No wonder those few girls were so enraged that they publicly exposed the place without reservation. Anyone from the elite families of Jingcheng would have done the same upon encountering such a situation.
At this moment, Ning Bojun put down the menu, clearly dissatisfied, “No, this isn’t the right menu. The one you showed me earlier didn’t have any prices on it. This is fraud. A free-range chicken worth 680 yuan? And there isn’t even a whole one, at most half. Look for yourself, there’s only one chicken wing on the table.”
“Fraud? What do you mean, fraud? Let me tell you, don’t bring that up; it’s your own fault for not asking. And besides, this chicken was raised on insects and ate plenty of Chinese herbs. The 680 yuan I’m charging you is already a bargain,” the waiter retorted the moment he heard the word “fraud,” jumping to his feet angrily.
Outside, as the commotion inside was heard, four or five men walked in, eyes fixed on Nie Zhenbang and his party with a menacing look. (