Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1167 - Chapter 1167 Chapter 1123 Ill-intentioned Visitor

Chapter 1167: Chapter 1123: Ill-intentioned Visitor Chapter 1167: Chapter 1123: Ill-intentioned Visitor Nie Zhenbang’s words immediately caused many of Jinan City’s leaders’ faces to show signs of embarrassment. As the Secretary of the Municipal Committee, Ma Zhongxiong also knew that Secretary Nie’s words had a deeper meaning.

The so-called reliance on not just a single state-owned or private enterprise was clearly aimed at the Zhao Clan Group.

As the leading enterprise in Jinan City, generating nearly three billion yuan in profits and taxes annually, the Zhao Clan Group is a diversified conglomerate involved in real estate development, entertainment management, mineral resources, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Ma Zhongxiong was aware of the unfavorable rumors about the Zhao family in Jinan City.

At this moment, others might shrink back, but as the top leader of Jinan City, he had no room to retreat. Faced with the soft pressure of Nie Zhenbang’s veiled attacks, Ma Zhongxiong managed an awkward smile and had no choice but to stiffen his resolve and say, “Secretary Nie, as you see, it’s already noon. The city has prepared a simple meal, and we invite you to dine with us.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang responded with a dismissive smile. Turning to look at Zhang Yongjun beside him, he said, “As the saying goes, ‘an emperor doesn’t shortchange his soldiers.’ Vice Governor Zhang, since Jinan City is prepared, let’s have lunch first. What do you think?”

Zhang Yongjun was taken aback, unsure of Nie Zhenbang’s intentions. It was unconventional to ask for his opinion instead of Liu Xiaomin’s at such a gathering. Was Nie Zhenbang using this opportunity to gauge his stance?

But seeing Nie Zhenbang’s calm demeanor, it didn’t seem like he had any hidden motives. Immediately after, Zhang Yongjun also replied with a smile, “Secretary Nie is right. People are iron, food is steel, and one cannot go without a meal. Since it’s already midday, let’s have lunch.”

At this moment, Ma Zhongxiong watched as Nie Zhenbang turned to head toward the neighboring Jin’an City Party Guesthouse and finally breathed a sigh of relief as he followed.

Behind Ma Zhongxiong, a man around fifty-seven or fifty-eight years old lagged by a step, slowly following behind. He instructed his secretary beside him, “He, call the third brother.”

…

In Jinan City, the headquarters of the Zhao Clan Group is located in the bustling commercial district of Jinan City, unquestionably a prime piece of real estate.

The forty-story Zhao Clan Building, the tallest building in Jinan City with offices on the top floor, consists of a thousand square meters complemented by a six-hundred-square-meter sky garden and a four-hundred-square-meter swimming pool. All this belongs exclusively to the office floor of the chairman of the Zhao Clan Group.

Inside the vast office, at this moment, Zhao Santai’s face seemed rather gloomy as he hung up the phone. Beside him, Zhao Xiaoyang was already approaching, “Dad, what’s going on?”

Zhao Santai, in his fifties, was not particularly tall, standing around one meter seventy. However, he weighed well over 170 pounds, a veritable heavyweight. With a slicked-back hairdo and a face free of many wrinkles, he possessed a sharp gaze. Occasionally the flashes of piercing intensity that emitted from his eyes could send shivers down one’s spine.

“Bad tidings,” Zhao Santai sighed before he spoke.

The call was from Secretary He, who didn’t relay much, only that Secretary Nie had made a speech during the Municipal Committee meeting. He expressed dissatisfaction with Jinan City’s economic development and specifically mentioned the Zhao Clan Group. He felt that in the process of Jinan City’s development, too much reliance was placed on one company.

The words were few, but it was evident that they were a harbinger. Although Zhao Santai was not involved in government affairs, he was very aware of them. He knew the foundation of the Zhao Clan Group and was aware of its bad reputation, which probably was an understatement. The municipal and provincial governments likely had a stack of complaints about the Zhao Clan Group.

And now, the newly appointed chief of the Provincial Committee, Secretary Nie Zhenbang, had raised these concerns and expressed dissatisfaction at such an occasion. That was enough.

At Nie Zhenbang’s level, nothing needed to be explicitly stated. Once such an attitude was revealed, those below would naturally be motivated. The Zhao Clan Group may appear stable as Mount Taishan, but it could not withstand the serious scrutiny of the party and government.

Now, with Secretary Nie holding a grudge against the Zhao family, it was inevitable that some people below would get ideas. Everyone wanted to earn the approval and praise of Secretary Nie; after all, politics has always been about climbing over others’ remains to ascend.

“What bad tidings? Dad, why are you speaking so hesitantly? That’s not like you. On this patch of land in Jinan, is there anything we can’t handle? Tell me what’s troubling you so much, and I’ll take care of it. I refuse to believe it can’t be managed,” Zhao Xiaoyang said with his usual brazen and arrogant demeanor.

Looking at his son’s resentful expression, Zhao Santai warned sternly, “Xiaoyang, instruct our people to wrap up all those under-the-table dealings for the time being. Anyone who dares to cause trouble, don’t blame Zhao Santai for being ruthless.”

“Additionally, find some time tomorrow to meet Uncle Luo. It’s about time to settle the matter of your marriage to Luo Xi,” Zhao Santai ordered sternly.

This statement suddenly made Zhao Xiaoyang freeze. His marriage to Luo Xi–that woman whose life was a chaotic mess, with average looks and questionable behavior. After the marriage, who knew how many affairs she might have? Hadn’t it already been decided to put this matter on hold for now? Why the urgency? Could it be that something had gone wrong? Was someone targeting the Zhao family?

Although Zhao Xiaoyang is overbearing, he still has some shrewdness about him. After much observation, he can guess a few things.

After pondering for a moment, he looked at Zhao Santai and asked, “Dad, what’s going on? Is someone going after us?”

Zhao Santai nodded and then said, “You don’t worry about this matter for now. I need you to inform the limper to arrange a car and some stuff. We’re making a trip to the Ancient City this afternoon.”

Going to the Ancient City again? Zhao Xiaoyang was even more astonished. “Dad, are we going to the province again? Just who is so formidable that we have to be this cautious and careful?”

At this point, Zhao Santai stopped being evasive and said to Zhao Xiaoyang, “Xiaoyang, today, Nie Zhenbang from the provincial committee is inspecting Jinan City. Just three days into his post, he rushed over to Jinan City. Just now, during the city committee’s meeting, Nie Zhenbang raised some criticisms of Jinan City’s development. These criticisms are aimed at us, Xiaoyang. The benign do not come.

Zhao Xiaoyang was stunned for a moment, and a cold sweat broke out. If this were really the case, then the Zhao Clan Group might not be able to withstand it.

However, Zhao Xiaoyang still held onto a glimmer of hope and said, “Dad, that can’t be. He didn’t directly mention our Zhao Clan Group. Besides, he doesn’t have any evidence. It doesn’t make sense for him to take us on without a reason. It can’t be that simple.”

The words of his son made Zhao Santai somewhat dejected. After all, it was the inexperience of youth. Looking at Zhao Xiaoyang, Zhao Santai said evenly, “Xiaoyang, do you think that at Nie Zhenbang’s level, there are times when he needs to take personal action? A signal, that’s enough. There are plenty below who want to show off and make their mark. Moreover, over these years, we’ve been too conspicuous. Not to mention the provincial level, even in the city, figures like Ma Zhongxiong and Chen Zhaotong are probably eager to see me dead.”

Continuing, Zhao Santai spoke with a serious tone, “Xiaoyang, later this afternoon, Nie Zhenbang will surely inspect the Zhao Clan Group. You must instruct our people that at this time, we absolutely cannot have any disruptions.”

At this, Zhao Xiaoyang’s demeanor also turned solemn. He was well aware of his father’s meaning in his words. Over the years, the deeds of the Zhao Clan Group had aroused much public anger, and complaint letters were almost commonplace. Furthermore, being petitioned was also not uncommon. The so-called ‘disruption’ meant there could be no petitioner intercepting Nie Zhenbang during the inspection.

Zhao Xiaoyang nodded and said, “Hmm, you can rest assured. I’ll take care of it.”

…

Jin’an City Party Guesthouse

The welcome luncheon for Secretary Nie was held in the guesthouse’s VIP building. Although the venue was of high standards, the reception was strictly executed according to the three-public principle.

Since it was noon, no alcohol or cigarettes were provided, making the atmosphere less convivial. The meal was over in less than half an hour.

In Zhang Yongjun’s room, he was now seated in the main seat on the sofa, with a middle-aged man about fifty years old next to him.

“Old leader, looking at this situation, Secretary Nie is quite aggressive,” the middle-aged man said cautiously.

At this moment, Zhang Yongjun’s face also showed a grave expression. Though common, such tactics were very effective. After today, the entire province would likely be restless, and those with ulterior motives would naturally seize this opportunity.

Yet, Nie Zhenbang’s boldness and decisiveness had to be acknowledged. Straight after taking office, he dared to tackle this issue, something not everyone would have the courage to do.

Whether it was relying on his newly assumed status or if he had truly pinpointed his target, Zhang Yongjun was unsure. After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yongjun then slowly said, “Following this, Jinan City might face some serious turmoil. On this issue, just maintain a balance. Don’t be the one to lead the charge. This matter, let’s see how determined Secretary Nie is.”

At two o’clock in the afternoon, with the company of Jinan City’s party leadership, Nie Zhenbang visited the Zhao Clan Group headquarters building and the Jinan City Economic Development Zone.

Throughout this inspection route, Nie Zhenbang seemed very normal. But the more normal he appeared, the more it reflected his stance.

During the entire inspection process, Liu Xiaomin was the most careful one. As she was always following closely behind Nie Zhenbang, she observed everything meticulously. During the Zhao Clan Group’s inspection, Nie Zhenbang refused Zhao Santai’s handshake, which is considered a significant slight. Although both men were very discreet–Zhao Santai quickly withdrew his hand–Liu Xiaomin still picked up on it. From this incident, it was evident that Nie Zhenbang was preparing to make a move on the Zhao Clan Group.

In the afternoon, after declining the Jinan City’s party committee leadership’s entreaties to stay, Nie Zhenbang and his entourage drove back to Ancient City. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it at NovelFire.net. Your support is my greatest motivation.)