Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 892 - 848 Donation Exclusive

Chapter 892: Chapter 848 Donation Exclusive

Chapter 892 -848 Donation Exclusive

Upon receiving Anna’s call, Nie Zhenbang furrowed his brow. Understanding Anna’s personality very well—he knew she was conscious of the bigger picture and cared for the greater good—it must be something significant that prompted Anna to call him amidst such a major incident in Bashu Province. After a brief pause, Nie Zhenbang decided to answer the call.

“Hello, Anna!” Nie Zhenbang’s tone became softer, naturally different from the way he spoke with his subordinates when talking to his wife.

“Husband, I’m back. There’s something I need to discuss with you,” Anna’s voice came through, sounding somewhat anxious.

This piqued Nie Zhenbang’s curiosity even more, wondering what could possibly make Yang Anna so unsettled: “Anna, what’s the matter? The way you’re acting today doesn’t seem to fit your character.”

Instead of retorting to Nie Zhenbang’s teasing, Anna continued, “Something serious has happened. Yesterday, Sister Qiao called me. Huier has come to Bashu on her own to volunteer.”

Upon hearing this news, Nie Zhenbang was bewildered. This was absolutely reckless—Qiao Huier is Qiao Yiren’s daughter, probably seventeen this year, to travel alone to Bashu Province, and to serve as a volunteer at that. Without anyone accompanying her, if anything were to happen in Bashu Province, no one could bear such responsibility.

Even though the earthquake-struck areas of Bashu Province were now mostly stable, every aspect was certainly not as usual; security lapses were inevitable. This was serious. As for the matter of volunteering, Nie Zhenbang didn’t have much to say. After all, Qiao Huier wasn’t male and wouldn’t be going to the front lines for the rescue efforts, so the risk to her life wasn’t a major concern. However, even so, her safety was not something to take lightly.

After a moment’s pause, Nie Zhenbang then asked, “What does Sister Qiao mean? Did she tell you anything?”

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Given the relationship between Nie Zhenbang and Qiao Yiren, in reality, if following the hierarchy from Nie family’s elder, Nie Zhenbang was supposed to address Comrade Qiao Yiren as ‘Uncle.’ However, given the special relationship with Comrade Qiao Yiren, both Nie Zhenbang and his wife would usually refer to Qiao Yiren’s wife as Sister Qiao.

Anna now sounded somewhat discouraged, “I don’t know how Huier managed to convince Uncle Qiao, but anyway, Uncle Qiao has consented to her actions. Now, Sister Qiao can’t really say much, except to ask me to help keep an eye on her.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang finally felt relieved; since Comrade Qiao Yiren had given the nod, he must have already considered and weighed the security issues for Huier. He then said, “In that case, don’t worry about this matter, leave it to me to arrange.”

After hanging up the phone, Nie Zhenbang immediately dialed Comrade Qiao Yiren’s number. As soon as the call connected, Qiao Yiren’s voice came through, “Zhenbang, you’re calling about Huier’s matter, aren’t you?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and smilingly said, “Old leader, you sure have given me a tough problem. For Huier’s situation, what would you suggest is the proper way for me to handle it?”

There was a noticeable pause on the other end of the line before Comrade Qiao Yiren spoke after a long moment, “Zhenbang, to be honest, I was hesitant about Huier volunteering in Bashu. However, after careful thought, I agreed to her request. Now, with the whole nation united, all contributing to this massive disaster relief, can my child, Qiao Yiren’s daughter, claim any special treatment? I am reassured and proud as a father to see Huier’s initiative. This time, I did not arrange for any guards to follow her.”

No sooner had he said this than Qiao Yiren added, “Surprised, aren’t you? Not only that, but I also request that you don’t send any either. Let her truly experience life among the people. As my daughter, she should also learn to live, to understand life’s difficulties and hardships. Regarding security, I still trust you—and Bashu Province. Don’t feel burdened by this. Just do your job well. The day after tomorrow, I’ll be visiting Bashu Province with Director Shen.”

After ending the call, Nie Zhenbang felt a sense of reflection. Comrade Qiao Yiren’s magnanimity, his selfless spirit, it touched Nie Zhenbang. Yet, speaking is one thing; if something were amiss, he feared he would not be able to shirk the blame. He must still ensure her safety—merely more covertly, so Huier wouldn’t know.

With this thought, Nie Zhenbang pressed the phone on his desk and summoned Li Jupeng, giving him some instructions. Then, looking at Nie Zhenbang, Li Jupeng said, “Governor, there’s something I need to report. After the earthquake, spontaneous donations for the disaster area started coming in from all over the country. Now, the first batch of donations from several provinces has been transferred to Bashu Province’s treasury account. What do you think…?”

Donations—it was a topic that immediately furrowed Nie Zhenbang’s brow, as disaster area donations have always drawn public criticism. In his previous life, he had been thoroughly dissolute at that time and utterly negligent of this major earthquake. He had lost interest in external affairs, leading to his obliviousness regarding the donations. In those days, aside from sleep and drink, he had become indifferent to the world outside.

Now, faced with these donations, although I don’t know how the leaders in my previous life arranged things, for me, Nie Zhenbang takes them very seriously and with great caution.

Whatever the case, at least during my tenure, these donations must be put to good use and must not leave a bad impression on the public.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang also asked, “What is the exact amount, and from how many provinces are the donations?”

In this regard, Secretary Li Jupeng is certainly competent, without any need to think or hesitate as if these figures were rooted in his mind. Without any pause, Li Jupeng directly said, “Currently, the total amount of donations received is two hundred and eighty-six million yuan, of which, Heishui Province Committee and Provincial Government, and the entire province, donated forty-six million. Yu Province donated fifty million, Minan Province seventy million, Jiangbei Province sixty-seven million, and Liaodong Province fifty-three million.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang wasn’t too surprised, as most of these provinces had ties to him. Tian Xujian was in charge in Heishui Province. The situation was the same in Liaodong Province, and Yu Province needed no mention. Both Li Taishi and Mu Dingjian were there, and he had worked in both Jiangbei and Minan.

Now, this is a manifestation of personal connections. My disadvantage lies here—with my age, having reached this level, among the provincial and ministerial-level officials, it is undoubtedly inadequate. As the saying goes, ‘a hero needs three helpers,’ and ‘a fence needs three stakes,’ that’s exactly what this means.

However, such things cannot be rushed. Having achieved what I have now, I am already very satisfied. After a pause, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Ju Peng, notify the standing committee members who are at home immediately…”

He was halfway through speaking when Nie Zhenbang stopped and changed his mind, saying, “Never mind, this matter is very important to Bashu Province, and moreover, we can predict that the donations from all over the country as well as from Donggang, Lian Island, and other regions and abroad will definitely not be a small amount. I will personally go and find Secretary Su. We must set the right tone for handling these donations.”

…

In the Provincial Party Committee office building.

Inside Su Xuan’s office, at this moment, Su Xuan was sitting on the sofa with a cigarette butt between his fingers, which had burned down to the end, only realizing it when his fingers felt a burning pain. He then tossed the butt into the ashtray.

After a moment, Su Xuan looked up at Nie Zhenbang, and said with worry, “Zhenbang, your idea certainly starts from a good place. However, I’m afraid this approach might be a heavy blow to the confidence of officials at all levels throughout the province.”

This was Su Xuan’s biggest concern. Having a dedicated fund for donations, of course, he understood that with strict supervision and a separate account, it could ensure that every cent of the donations is traceable and accountable, maximizing the appropriate use of the funds and limiting corruption as much as possible.

Yet at the same time, such an approach might make the officials and even the other Provincial Standing Committee members feel a sense of distrust from the provincial leadership. In doing so, Nie Zhenbang would inevitably offend many people.

This was also a concern for Su Xuan. Before coming to Bashu, Director Shen had made it clear that his role was to protect and support, but if Nie Zhenbang were to be isolated, how could he face Director Shen?

Nie Zhenbang understood Su Xuan’s concern and a flicker of gratitude crossed his eyes. Touched by Su Xuan’s attitude, he said resolutely, “Secretary Su, I think there are two sides to this issue. Having a dedicated fund and a separate account is not unacceptable. This is also for better earthquake relief efforts. If someone has objections, it means they have something to hide. I’m certainly sticking to this view.”

Seeing Nie Zhenbang’s resolute expression, Su Xuan gave a subtle smile and nodded, “Governor Zhenbang, since you’ve made up your mind, naturally I have no objections and I agree with your plan. I think the donations will continue to flow in. Let the Provincial Red Cross, Provincial Civil Affairs Department, Provincial Finance Bureau, and the Provincial Political Consultative Conference all be involved, to establish a special account for multi-party monitoring and joint use.” (