Chapter 219: Back on ‘Daily at Seven’ (Ten more explosive, ninth more)_1

Translator: 549690339

Experience at the grassroots level has always been highly valued in Huaxia’s officialdom since ancient times. In ancient imperial examinations, the top graduate generally focused on scholarship. Those that passed were usually posted to the provinces, starting from the position of county magistrate and working their way up to the imperial court.

The current situation has changed from previous years. For someone with a background like Nie Zhenbang, the previous smooth path might seem appealing, but it lacks luster on a resume. Especially since the current top leader has followed the grassroots route. As a result, the importance of grassroots-level positions across the country has been increasingly recognized. If one can make tangible achievements at the grassroots level, it is seen as even better.

At this moment, Guo Donghai also fell into deep thought. He could guess some things about Nie Zhenbang’s situation, but answering was difficult. Guo Donghai was hesitant about the intentions of the older leader – Elder Nie arranged this but did not explicitly mention it, so what did he intend? Was he trying to let Nie Zhenbang figure this out on his own? Should he speak out, he wondered if it might have implications for Nie Zhenbang, or if it might disrupt Elder Nie’s overall plan. These were all considerations to be taken into account.

In the end, Guo Donghai decided to just nod. As for how much Nie Zhenbang would comprehend, that would depend on his own insight.

“Zhenbang, this issue involves your family and the future direction of the Nie family’s development. Normally, I should not meddle or speak much about it. However, since you asked, I’ll give you my opinion. Today, after the continuous deepening of reform and opening up, governing capacity has become an important criterion for promoting cadres. And where can one best demonstrate this?” Guo Donghai’s words were very tactful.

Nie Zhenbang nodded and said: “Uncle Guo, it’s like building a house – grassroots work experience is the foundation. With a solid foundation, one can determine the height of the building, right?”

At that moment, Guo Ming knocked on the door and walked in, saying with a smile: “Dad, Boss Nie, dinner is ready.”

The Guo family dinner was elaborate. Given Guo Donghai’s rank, he was entitled to a nanny. However, to honor Nie Zhenbang, they had given the nanny a break and let Li Cuiying cook personally. It was a sign of respect for Nie Zhenbang.

The dishes were typical Cantonese cuisine. Nie Zhenbang didn’t find it unfamiliar since Ye Shuxian, being a native of Yuedong, frequently cooked Cantonese dishes at home.

After finishing his meal, Nie Zhenbang rose and said: “Uncle Guo, I won’t disturb your work anymore. I’ll visit you specifically after the exhibition.”

Just as Guo Donghai expected, the news that Li County Government was participating in the trade fair set the national news media abuzz the next day. A local government participating as a group in a commercial trade fair was undoubtedly explosive news. The nation’s attention converged on the exhibition. Li County became the focus of discussion and concern among local governments nationwide.

The next morning, heavyweight news media from Yuedong, including “Yuedong Daily,” “Yuedong Weekend,” “South Sea Daily,” and Yuedong Television Station, arrived at the venue.

As the venue opened in the morning, the officials of Li County had barely arrived. The stage wasn’t even set up yet, and the promotional materials were still not fully arranged. Cameras were already rolling, and many journalists raised their microphones and recorders to every staff member: “May I ask, are you from Northwestern Li County? What was the original intention of your government to participate in this commercial exhibition?”

“Hello, we are journalists from the ‘Yuedong News’ program on the Yuedong Television Station, may I ask if the transition from government functions to a commercial nature is a bit too ahead of its time?”

“May I ask where your county mayor is? I’m a reporter from ‘Yuedong Daily.’ Can I have an exclusive interview?”

“Hello, I’m from the Huaxia News Agency in Yuedong Province, may I ask what prompted your Li County Government to take such a pioneering initiative? How do you maintain the image of the government and its solemnity in these business-like, market-oriented activities? Has this approach won the support of higher-level governments?”

As soon as the reporter finished speaking, the surrounding reporters sucked in a breath of cold air. Regardless of the industry, there’s always a hierarchy, and provincial media outlets are usually pretty impressive. But this time, the Huaxia News Agency had arrived, which is considered a top-tier official media outlet. Its articles are directly published on national television and national media outlets, such as “Hope Daily” and “Alarm” magazine. It looks like Li County will be famous nationwide soon.

On a deeper level, if the mayor of Li County aligns with the intentions of the higher-ups, he’s set for success. But if not, his career as an official might be nearing its end.

For a while, there was a crowd in front of the Li County Government’s exhibition stand. The congregation of so many media outlets also attracted the attention of the exhibitors, who stopped to watch.

At this moment, Yan Fengjiao felt a bit taken aback. Such a large crowd was something Yan Fengjiao had not seen before. She looked at the Director of the Bureau of Commerce, Fan Zhenming, and shook her head. Everything happened too suddenly, and without Nie Zhenbang’s presence, the others were not yet willing to take a stand.

Right then, Nie Zhenbang arrived, carrying a pile of promotional materials. To participate in the exhibition, Li County had printed 50,000 copies of promotional flyers and 5,000 copies of Li County Investment Guide. It seemed that the quantity was still insufficient. Nie Zhenbang immediately set off with Yi Jun and Li Yan from the Bureau of Commerce to find a printing factory in Yuedong to print more.

After returning to the hotel with some materials, the scene before him also took Nie Zhenbang by surprise.

As soon as she saw Nie Zhenbang, Yan Fengjiao looked like she’d found a lifeline. She hastily said: “Thank you for the attention from our media friends. Our Director Nie is here. If you have any questions, you can ask Director Nie.”

Seeing the young Nie Zhenbang carrying a pile of materials, despite being dressed quite well, everyone could see that his demeanor was truly not put on. As media professionals, their observational skills were sharp. They could tell the difference between pretense and sincerity.

It was admirable and impressive that a County Director was doing such work himself instead of showing off. All the reporters began to form a good impression of Nie Zhenbang.

After putting down the materials, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said: “I thank all the news media professionals for their attention and support. It seems a bit crowded here, so how about this: wait a moment and let us contact the exhibition venue and borrow a function room. Everyone can move there. I promise to answer every question to the best of my knowledge.”

Nie Zhenbang’s harmonious and witty remarks satisfied all the journalists. A young county director, free of pretense and speaking candidly. This style was refreshingly different from the usual cunning and sly politicians, giving rise to a feeling of trust. Everyone echoed along.

Hope Daily took the lead and published an opinion piece on the front page titled “Government Functions Change, or Government Institutions Decadence?”. At first glance, it seems to be praising the effort. Discussing the transforming trend and patterns of government functions after the start of the reform and opening up. However, the article essentially criticizes the actions of the Li County Government. The piece used harsh words to refute the Li County Government for becoming market-driven and commercial, losing the solemnity and dignity befitting of the government.

Inside Guangzhou Lihua Hotel in Yuedong City

Looking at the newspaper on the table, Nie Zhenbang remained very calm. Yan Fengjiao and Fan Zhenming beside him, however, were somewhat anxious.

“Director, the national media are now making a fuss. There is praise, but there is also criticism. Now that ‘Hope Daily’ has published such an article, I’m afraid…” Yan Fengjiao, sitting on the side, spoke softly.

Yan Fengjiao was insightful. At present, newspapers from Yuedong City were placed on the coffee table of the sofa. Among the national media, there were many papers criticizing. The situation was quite lively, and Yan Fengjiao was certain that next, Li County, especially Nie Zhenbang, would face immense pressure.

At the side, Fan Zhenming also nodded and said, “Director, County Mayor Yan is right, we need to be prepared. Look at this ‘Hope Daily.’ At first glance, it seems to be discussing the issue. However, the article’s text has sparked much debate, especially about our government participating in commercial exhibitions. I think they have ulterior motives.”

Nie Zhenbang laughed at this point. He realized very clearly that this was likely the doing of certain hostile families stirring things up. The goal: to prevent him from becoming a prominent figure. Whether he could be suppressed was uncertain. At least they muddled the situation, causing his political performance to be questioned. Knowing the law of development in the future, Nie Zhenbang was not particularly worried.

He was about to speak when the phone rang in the room. Yan Fengjiao and the others were taken aback. Who could it be at this time? People from Li County would never call the hotel room.

Nie Zhenbang picked up the phone. Just as he uttered a greeting, his brother Nie Jialei’s voice came from the other end, “Third Brother, you’ve made a big fuss this time, and caused a commotion among all families in Jingcheng. Tonight, wait in front of the TV. Your Li County is going to be on ‘Daily at Seven’ again.”

Hearing Nie Jialei’s words, Nie Zhenbang laughed. After casually chatting for a few more words, Nie Zhenbang hung up the phone and said to Yan Fengjiao and Fan Zhenming: “County Mayor Yan, Old Fan, notify everyone to watch the news tonight. This time, we’re going to be on ‘Daily at Seven’ again.”

It seemed that there was a reaction from above. Being on ‘Daily at Seven’ was likely to set the tone of the entire event. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to qidian.com to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)