Chapter 158: Chapter 158 Gathering of Small Circle (Second Call for Monthly Tickets)_1

Translator: 549690339

Generally speaking, even if it is necessary for Zhao Kunlun to relinquish his position as the head of the Public Security Bureau, the norm would be to communicate this matter privately with Zhao Kunlun and let him make the proposal himself. This way, it would be seen as a gesture of modesty and a pragmatic approach. It shows broad-mindedness and willingness to give opportunities to younger people, creating a path for them.

However, Nie Zhenbang did it differently. Without having any discussion with Zhao Kunlun, he brought up the matter directly during the standing committee meeting. This left Zhao Kunlun not only shocked but also irate. Doing this was undoubtedly a slap in Zhao’s own face and made people assume Zhao has an excessive hunger for power and has been longing to monopolize this position.

At this moment, the entire conference room was silent, all the committee members’ eyes were focused on Zhao Kunlun, waiting for his response. Zhao’s face darkened, he knew that Nie Zhenbang’s move was indeed a severe affront to him.

“Comrade Chen Le is capable. During his tenure as the head of Chengguan Town police station, the public security in Chengguan Town was very excellent. Overall, he is a good comrade. However, when he was in Chengguan Town, some people complained that he was brutal in his work and did not pay attention to the method. There was quite some resentment from the public.” Zhao Kunlun also adopted a praise-first-and-then-criticize approach in his speech.

Looking at everyone, Zhao Kunlun continued, “In these years, I have indeed felt my energy fading. I have been considering this thought for a while and was examining potential successors. Since Director Nie brought up this matter, I’ll add here that I think our current Deputy Director Ma Laixi is quite good. He is a seasoned police officer and has always been dedicated to the police force. In our day-to-day work, he is an indispensable assistant of mine. I think it will be quite suitable for Ma Laixi to succeed me as the director.”

At this moment, Zhang Chubin admired Zhao Kunlun’s quick response. Facing the ambush, Zhao Kunlun was able to swallow his pride which showed Zhao’s great patience. Moreover, he quickly figured out a countermeasure. Zhao Kunlun was not to be underestimated.

Looking at Xie Yi on the side, Zhang Chubin couldn’t grasp the intentions of this always low-key deputy secretary of the county committee. Clearly from a faction, Xie Yi had learned well from Cheng Xinhua’s discreet approach.

Suddenly, Zhang Chubin interjected unexpectedly, “Does Secretary Xie have any thoughts on this?”

Xie Yi paused. He hadn’t planned on speaking during this standing committee meeting. Yet, Zhang Chubin unexpectedly singled him out. After pondering over, Xie Yi replied with a smile, “Secretary Zhang, I’ve just assumed office and I’m not quite familiar with Li County. I shouldn’t have any strong opinions. However, I did hear that Comrade Chen Le was named an outstanding police officer by the autonomous regional Public Security Bureau last year. I believe that a comrade recognized by the leaders of the autonomous region shouldn’t be mistaken.”

Originally, Xie Yi planned to merely show support for Nie Zhenbang when it came time to raise his hand and vote, instead of making any public statements. But since he had already spoken up now, Xie Yi decided to be firm in his stance. After all, it would only offend Zhao Kunlun regardless, so he might as well make a few comments. This would at least hold more weight.

The committee members were stunned to see the county secretary, mayor, and even the newly appointed Deputy Secretary of the party committee sharing the same opinion. When did the team of the County Party Committee become so harmonious?

Zhang Chubin then laughed, his objective was achieved. His previous probing was merely a test to uncover Xie Yi’s position. Now that it was clear, there was no need for Zhang Chubin to press anymore. He then laughed and said, “Well, in that case, let’s move on to the next step, voting by a show of hands.”

During the first vote on the issue of the head of the county agencies, all standing committee members, except Zhao Kunlun, showed their approval. The situation was clear now. This matter had been discussed by the top two leaders and there was no suspense. Rather than offending Nie Zhenbang over this, it was better to support him.

Xiong Jianming, Wei Chenglin, Huang Chengbiao, and Lin Weimin smoothly became heads of several county agencies such as the Construction Bureau.

Following that, in voting for the head of the Public Security Bureau, Chen Le defeated the current deputy director Ma Laixi by ten votes to one, and formally became the party secretary and director of the Li County Public Security Bureau.

Of course, Chen Le still had to wait until the announcement from the County Party Committee Standing Committee before he could officially take office. However, there was almost no suspense at this point. As for how Zhao Kunlun would plan before his resignation, that was Zhao’s matter. If Chen Le can’t even handle this, he doesn’t deserve to be director. If he manages to bring the whole public security bureau under his control, it will be a test for Chen Le. If he passes, he will become a significant figure in Nie Zhenbang’s system. But if Chen Le fails, Nie Zhenbang would certainly not lend a helping hand. This also goes for Nie Zhenbang himself. In Li County, this was a test for him from his family. If he succeeds, Nie Zhenbang will naturally rise through the ranks, and his status within the family will also soar. But if he fails…

The resolution from the Standing Committee quickly spread throughout Lixian. News of Nie Zhenbang nominating four department directors and all nominations getting approved spread as well. Now, officials in Lixian understood that this young county magistrate was not to be underestimated.

Many regretted not following Nie Zhenbang earlier, like Lin Weimin and others. Maybe, they could have been the directors now.

Several days had passed since the Standing Committee meeting, and Nie Zhenbang had rare leisure moments. Yi Jun was dispatched by Nie Zhenbang, and the site selection work by Zhao Xinglong and Li Hua was nearing its end. Once the project was set and the contract signed, the paid national land resource fees and mining fees would amount to tens of millions at least. This would significantly relieve the financial pressure on Lixian.

“Zhenbang, now that you are the county magistrate of Lixian, I’m afraid your time in Lixian will increase,” Dong Wan said during the weekly call, a routine of Nie Zhenbang. The surprise promotion of Nie Zhenbang to county magistrate could not be hidden from Dong Wan and others. With her political acumen, Dong Wan knew that Nie Zhenbang’s return would be delayed significantly.

When he was the deputy county chief, he was credited as soon as a project began. But now, as the county chief, Lixian’s development was inextricably linked to Nie Zhenbang. He needed to spend two years at least, waiting for the Farmer Welfare Company to achieve results and benefits before leaving.

Listening to Dong Wan’s words, Nie Zhenbang felt a little embarrassed and chuckled, “Wan, you’re really too smart.”

“Stop it, don’t try to change the topic with your smooth talk. We, Li Xue and I, initially thought you’d be returning quickly. But now? If you’re not coming back, we’re planning to go there,” Dong Wan scolded and laughed upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s playful words. She knew that he wanted to divert the conversation.

“Coming?” Nie Zhenbang was stunned, then asked, “Wan, are you sure you’re not joking? Can you and Li Xue stand the harsh conditions here in the Northwest? Plus, there’s nothing for you guys to do here.”

Actually, Nie Zhenbang himself did not know that he was evading his own feelings. On one hand, Dong Wan’s background was a concern. On the other hand, Yang Anna had been clinging to him, insisting on not letting go. Even though the three women had no issues with each other, it was hard to say whether their families would agree to such an arrangement. More bluntly, it simply wasn’t feasible. Neither the Dong nor the Yang family would want to see such a situation. This was the real reason why Nie Zhenbang was subconsciously avoiding the issue.

Dong Wan laughed, “Stop joking around, do you think we’re coming to see you? We’re planning to invest and set up a Wal-Mart supermarket in Lixian, injecting some life into the local business scene.”

After talking with Dong Wan, Nie Zhenbang spent a great deal of time talking with Li Li Xue, before hanging up the phone. Looking at the clock, it was already past nine. The sky had just darkened as days were long and nights were short in the northwest region.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door. When he opened the door, he found Lin Weimin standing at the entrance. Facing Nie Zhenbang, Lin Weimin said with a smile, “County Chief, you haven’t had your dinner, have you?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded. He was very satisfied with Lin Weimin’s performance and invited him in saying, “Old Lin, come in. Have you had dinner? If not, you can have something here.”

At this moment, Lin Weimin said with a laugh, “County Chief, I am here to purposely invite you. This time, Old Xiong, Old Wei, and I have decided to treat you to dinner to express our gratitude. We hope you will honor us with your presence.”

Remembering that Nie Zhenbang never ate outside, Lin Weimin hastened to add, “County Chief, rest assured, we’re paying for this dinner ourselves, not spending public money.”

Nie Zhenbang was stunned for a moment. Lin Weimin and Xiong Jianming have come together? Within Lixian, who belonged to whom was pretty clear. Now, people like Lin Weimin and Chen Le were considered Nie Zhenbang’s people. So, their contact with each other was normal. After a brief pause, Nie Zhenbang nodded in agreement, “Alright then. It can be a small gathering. Invite Chen Le from the Public Security Bureau and Huang Chengbiao from the Health Bureau. Let’s get together.”

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