Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 896 - 852 Director Shen Summons

Chapter 896: Chapter 852: Director Shen Summons

Chapter 896 -852: Director Shen Summons

Bashu Provincial Committee Guest House

After the Bashu Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government relocated to their new premises, including the provincial committee’s guest house, the corresponding offices and units had all moved over. The guest house, serving as an important venue for hosting senior leadership within the province, naturally was no exception.

The guest house, situated in the family quarters of the provincial committee, has a separate exit, but one could also come over from the main provincial committee compound.

The sourc𝗲 of this content is freēwēbηovel.c૦m.

The guest house’s buildings were newly constructed two-story villas, designed in the style of traditional Chinese villas. Nie Zhenbang was very satisfied with this. He did not hold back any praise for Zeng Taiping’s arrangements in this respect.

From the outside, the guest house seemed very old. Looking at it from the outside, one would never guess that it was built less than three years ago. The exterior walls of the house were covered with climbing vines. In the courtyard, under the shade of green trees, the transplanted century-old trees were proof of the Bashu Provincial Committee’s careful planning.

The interior decoration of the house was also unique, featuring exclusively Ming and Qing dynasty-style furniture, complete with heating and air conditioning. It gave off a refined, yet unsophisticated vibe.

Director Shen’s party, naturally, was staying here this time. At the entrance of the first courtyard of the guest house, the standing committee leaders of the provincial committee had already been waiting.

At that moment, Secretary of the Secretariat Huang Yunshan had already walked out from inside the house, followed by the Secretary of the Provincial Committee, Su Xuan, whose expression was very calm.

Huang Yunshan looked around at everyone and said with a smile, “Governor Zhenbang, the chief invites you in.”

As he said this, Huang Yunshan looked up at the others and said, “The rest of the comrades may leave. You’ve all worked hard today; rest well.”

With those words from Huang Yunshan, the meaning was very clear: Director Shen did not wish to see any other leaders.

Under the guidance of Huang Yunshan, Nie Zhenbang walked into the living room. As governor, Nie Zhenbang often visited the guest house, but at that moment, he felt a certain unease in his heart.

Upon entering, Director Shen took off his glasses, put down the newspaper he was reading, and said with a smile, “Comrade Zhenbang, please take a seat here.”

Director Shen’s demeanor was very cordial as he gestured to the sofa beside him. Nie Zhenbang, maintaining proper decorum, bent slightly and sat down, looking at Director Shen and said, “Chief…”

Before he could continue, Director Shen chuckled and said, “Comrade Zhenbang, don’t be so formal. This isn’t like you at all. I remember the Nie Zhenbang who spoke passionately and pointedly about the issues facing agriculture, rural areas, and farmers, and openly discussed the expenses on ‘The Three Publics’. You seem to be getting more and more cautious.”

Nie Zhenbang laughed awkwardly and nodded, “Chief, you are right to criticize. The higher my position, the more cautious I’ve become, afraid of gain and loss.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s response, Director Shen burst into hearty laughter, obviously pleased, “That’s better. This is the Nie Zhenbang I remember.”

After a pause, Director Shen continued with a smile, “Zhenbang, after the Wenshu earthquake, I am very satisfied with the work of Bashu Province, especially your performance. Throughout the earthquake relief process, your fearless dedication and leading from the front were commendable. This is what an official should do. To suffer first and enjoy later, that is the principle a leader should follow. This time I’ve asked you here mainly to consult with you about a matter and also to prepare you mentally.”

Hearing Director Shen’s words, Nie Zhenbang’s heart skipped a beat. There was a deeper meaning hidden in what Director Shen had said. It seemed that there might be a plan to move him elsewhere. But where would his next posting be? Nie Zhenbang fell silent.

The Eastern coastal developed areas, that doesn’t seem very realistic at the moment. As far as the leadership in the Eastern coastal regions is concerned, one could say there’s one person for every position. Besides, they’re all vigorous and strong candidates. It’s unlikely there will be any adjustments at this time.

Other places? An agricultural province like Yuzhou Province? This might be possible. This time, Comrade Mu Dingjian is about to be transferred there, freeing up a position in Yuzhou. But, would they really let me go to Yuzhou?

While deep in thought, Nie Zhenbang humbly said, “Director Shen, I have no issues at all, I will comply with the organizational arrangements.”

Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, observing his demeanor, Director Shen was very satisfied. Nie Zhenbang was a cadre he had personally witnessed growing up. Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t spout falsehoods in his presence.

After a moment of silence, Director Shen looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Zhenbang, I trust that you also have some understanding of the current international situation.”

This statement from Director Shen surprised Nie Zhenbang, followed by a sense of joy. By discussing the international situation with him, it meant that, either the higher-ups or Director Shen himself, was considering grooming him for a higher role. After all, if one were to make it to the end, what they would face would be international affairs, dealing with relations between nations.

Pausing for a moment, Nie Zhenbang suppressed the elation in his heart and nodded slightly, “Director Shen, I understand that our country’s international situation has never been optimistic. The Western countries have always harbored a hostile and wary attitude towards us. Now, some coastal countries are also causing disturbances. The slightest mistake could lead to national chaos.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang say this, Director Shen also nodded and said, “Containment is natural; put bluntly, it’s because the Western nations fear us. They are afraid of our resurgence.”

Pausing briefly, Director Shen continued, “Zhenbang, I believe you’ve heard the saying, ‘Among nations, there are no eternal friends nor absolute enemies, only interests matter.’ In the end, the fundamental strength of a nation—its economic and military prowess—is what really makes others fear and respect you.”

Another pause, and Director Shen went on, “That’s why, this time, the central government and the military’s high command, along with several major military regions and the General Staff Department, have come together for multiple meetings. This time, the state plans to establish a new group corporation in addition to the Huaxia Arms Trading Company and the Military Engineering Group. This company, in terms of hierarchy, will be positioned at the ministerial level. However, considering it’s a corporate entity, it will not be part of the military system but included in the state-owned enterprise system. Together with Comrade Qiao Yiren and several other central leadership, after seeking military approval, I have recommended you to serve as the Chairman and legal representative of this group corporation.”

Hearing Director Shen’s words, Nie Zhenbang was completely stunned, feeling somewhat caught off guard. Nie Zhenbang couldn’t understand why Director Shen would entrust him with this position.

Pausing for a moment, Nie Zhenbang looked up at Director Shen and said, “Leader, I have no personal issue with becoming the Chairman, and I will definitely follow the organization’s instructions. However, Leader, I want to know the group’s capital, how many people it has, its main business direction, and what I’m expected to do after I take over.”

Nie Zhenbang, true to his economic background, hit the nail on the head with his question, earning Director Shen’s admiration. Truly the select individual he’d recognized himself. After another pause, Director Shen said, “The group is preliminarily named Huaxia Group. In terms of funding, an injection of 600 billion Yuan will be provided. Additionally, in terms of fixed assets, several major military enterprises from across the country will be consolidated into the Huaxia Group. Furthermore, personnel from all state-owned enterprises, military, and government bodies across the country, whether they are in leadership or regular positions, up to the level of vice-ministerial rank, are at your disposal for selection. The main focus will be on purchasing high-tech industries such as foreign equipment and machinery.”

Upon hearing Director Shen’s words, Nie Zhenbang immediately understood. The primary focus of Huaxia Group, it seems, was external. Much like what he had done in the Soviet Union years before, using all resources and means to obtain the most advanced military or civilian technology from foreign countries.

At that moment, however, Nie Zhenbang hesitated. He was really willing to take on this job from the bottom of his heart. After all, for the rise of Huaxia, any passionate and idealistic Huaxian would be willing.

Yet, taking this position left Nie Zhenbang unsure of the impact it would have on his future.

It was well known on the domestic front that whether it was the party’s top leader or the head of the government, they generally emerged from within the governmental system. Now, if he were to leave Bashu Province, he couldn’t be sure of the influence it would have on his further career path. After all, throughout the country, there hadn’t been a precedent over the years, nor was there a case of someone taking up a post in a state-owned enterprise and then moving into the core echelons of power.

After a brief pause, Nie Zhenbang considered for a long while. Meanwhile, Director Shen was smiling as he watched Nie Zhenbang, who seemed hesitant. Seeing Nie Zhenbang’s indecisiveness, Director Shen spoke, “Zhenbang, why don’t you think it over? This position indeed isn’t easy, and it’s wise to consider it carefully. It’s only human to be cautious.”

Director Shen knew that stealing military technology was akin to the deeds of spies or secret agents. Though as the man at the top, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t face risk often, life-threatening dangers couldn’t be ruled out completely. As soon as Director Shen had finished speaking, to his surprise, Nie Zhenbang suddenly said, “Leader, no need to think it over. I’ll take the job. My grandfather always taught us that personal gains and losses, personal honor and disgrace, are trivial compared to the national interest. Now, thanks to your care and the organization’s trust in me, please be at ease, Leader. I will definitely do a good job.” (