Reborn as a Noble s Son

Chapter 619: Chapter 575: High-profile Secretary Tian (1500 bonus monthly chapters)_1
 

Tian Xujian’s disrespect led to a slight dent in Sun Yuzhou’s dignity, and as a result, the pace of the dinner gathering was hastened. Half an hour later, Sun Yuzhou set off to leave Wanghai City, to return to Minzhou.

“Secretary Tian, I regret I won’t be able to join you further. There are still a lot of things in the city that require my attention.” Nie Zhenbang said with a smile as Sun Yuzhou had just left, the respect evident in his tone, yet the implied message was clear to all.

Nie Zhenbang didn’t care about Tian Xujian’s response; his special car had already arrived and as soon as Li Jupeng opened the car door, Nie Zhenbang left without hesitation.

“Mayor, what happened?” In the car, from the passenger seat, Li Jupeng turned and asked.

With Qi Siyuan’s transfer, Li Jupeng was the happiest one in Wanghai. After Qi Siyuan left Wanghai, Li Jupeng no longer had any issues and was no longer required to be cautious as before, wondering whether the mayor would have any opinions about his actions. He seemed more carefree for the time being.

“Jupeng, in the system, it’s necessary to uphold the prestige of the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee. But, it also depends on the situation. Sometimes, respect is given by others, but it can also be lost willingly. I’ve done what I was supposed to do. If Tian Xujian is not satisfied, then it’s natural that I won’t enthusiastically accommodate his indifference. It’s useless even if this was brought up in the provincial committee.” Nie Zhenbang nonchalantly stated.

The inauguration of the new standing committee ended like this farcical drama, which surprised the cadres of Wanghai City. That Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor Nie were not on the same page was no secret now. Suddenly, the ambitious cadres, too, paused and began to observe the situation.

The Next Day

Early in the morning, Yi Chang, the secretary-general of the Municipal Party Committee, rushed to the Municipal Party Committee Guesthouse Hongyan Building where Nie Zhenbang used to stay, which was now reserved for Tian Xujian’s use.

Tian Xujian had just taken office and his wife was still in transit, so he was the only one residing here temporarily.

Upon entering Hong Yan Lou, director of the reception office of the Municipal Party Committee, Ma Fei intercepted him. Seeing her, Yi Chang showed a smile, “Director Ma, you’re up early.”

Yi Chang didn’t dare to underestimate Ma Fei. She had steadily climbed the ranks from an ordinary guesthouse staff member to the director of the reception office of the Municipal Party Committee during Shi Yiwu’s era, an exceptional feat for a woman in her thirties. Her position was of equal standing with his own as secretary-general, allowing her insights into preferences and personality traits of the leaders.

“Secretary-General, you’re early too. By the way, Secretary Tian went out for a bit last night and returned in a not-so-good mood. Even our floor attendant, Little Jiang, was scolded by him.” Ma Fei remarked nonchalantly.

However, what she was really revealing was significant. She implied that Tian Xujian was not one to sit idle and seemingly had a volatile character. Her remark about Little Jiang being scolded further reflected Tian Xujian’s impulsive nature when under stress.

As an attendant, you can only assume that one would be careful and appropriate in the presence of city committees. Jiang getting scolded seemed rather absurd.

At these thoughts, Yi Chang thanked her, chuckling: “Director Ma, thank you.”

Ma Fei responded with a faint chuckle, “Secretary-General, you’re too formal. You’re the higher-up here, please don’t be modest.”

Her mild flirtation rendering even a seasoned person like Yi Chang to blush slightly and stammer: “Director Ma, must you tease me so? If you were serious though, would you really consider it?”

Yi Chang was not one to overthink things. Hearing this, Ma Fei snorted, gave Yi Chang a faint charming glare, and immediately said: “Secretary General, you better hurry up. You should be worrying about your own days now. We are just the little underlings, so it doesn’t matter to us, but you are the one in the line of fire.”

At this moment, Yi Chang also forced a bitter smile, shaking his head and said: “Forget it. As the saying goes, ‘Let be what has to,’ we just have to do our job conscientiously. I believe the organization will do me justice.”

Yi Chang understood what Ma Fei meant very clearly. As the secretary-general of the municipal party committee, you need to rely closely on the leaders. But he was promoted by Li Taishi, that made him Li Taishi’s man. And everyone in Wanghai City knew about Li Taishi’s relationship with Mayor Nie. Winning the trust of Tian Xujian was simply impossible.

Upon reaching the fourth floor and just arriving at Tian Xujian’s room door, the door was opened from the inside and Tian Xujian came out, already dressed neatly.

Looking at Yi Chang, there was no expression on Tian Xujian’s face. At this moment, all Yi Chang could do was to steel himself and say: “Secretary Tian, I’ll take you to see the office. The renovation was left over from when Secretary Li was in office. I thought we should wait until you’ve come over, see how you want to remodel it, and then I’d arrange manpower. Rest assured, we can complete it in as little as a day and two nights.”

“Hm!” That was Tian Xujian’s response.

At this moment, Yi Chang seemed to have an epiphany. From his loose tongue, he was talking about the very thing he shouldn’t have. Mentioning Secretary Li in front of Tian Xujian was indeed asking for trouble.

The municipal party committee secretary’s office, the current decor still followed the style left by Shi Yiwu. The office was decorated in a traditional style, the bookshelves, desk, and chairs were all in antique style. After Li Taishi took office, considering the economic situation of Wanghai City, he didn’t make significant changes, only some minor adjustments.

On the wall across from the office desk hung a painting featuring four large characters: “Heaven Rewards the Diligent”.

Tian Xujian scanned the layout of the office without betraying any emotions.

Yi Chang carefully observed Tian Xujian’s expression while giving them a tour. After introducing it all, he said: “Secretary Tian, what do you think? Is there anything that needs changing?”

Just as Yi Chang finished speaking, Tian Xujian settled himself on the sofa, seeming to gauge its quality and comfort.

He then nodded and said: “Secretary-General Yi, I don’t have big demands for the renovation, but I don’t fancy this antique style; it’s too ostentatious and luxurious. We, as party and government leaders, are essentially public servants. How could we indulge in luxury? Change to a simpler style, not so flashy. Also, replace these bookshelves and desks. A simple style will be fine. As for books — some heavy economic books and works of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Mao are necessary. And the selected works of Elder Nan, all are meant for thoughtful study and learning.”

Yi Chang paused, surprised at Tian Xujian’s decision to go high profile in this matter. Renovations are not uncommon, but they generally fall under two scenarios.

In the first scenario, the predecessor leader worked in this office until retirement. Generally speaking, the decor of such an office would be about three to five years old or even over ten years old. Then, new leadership, new atmosphere, and a renovation is appropriate to avoid any impressions of clinging to the predecessor’s old path. This is permissible.

The second scenario is when the previous leader has committed a crime and fallen from grace, going to prison or other punishment. In this case, a renovation is understandable. Even though it may seem superstitious, such taboos are significant in the world of bureaucracy. In Yuedong Province, even the office layout of government officials should be designed by a Feng Shui master. In their case, it’s all about omens.

However, currently, this office clearly doesn’t have a connection with either of these scenarios. Shi Yiwu renovated it just last year. And in terms of omens — in April, Shi Yiwu fell from grace, Li Taishi took his place and in just half a year’s time, Li Taishi got promoted to the position of executive vice governor in Central Province. And according to the feng shui masters, this is a great omen for promotion and gain in wealth.

Now, Tian Xujian insisting on a lavish renovation will certainly appear high-profile if word goes out. What is Tian Xujian trying to express?

Yi Chang quickly came to his senses, immediately smiling and saying: “Secretary Tian, rest assured. I will follow your instructions thoroughly. How about you work in the Municipal Party Committee Guesthouse Hongyan Building in the next few days? As for the renovation, I estimate that it can be completed in just two days.”

Tian Xujian also nodded and said: “I guess there’s no other option then. Yi, tomorrow I want to visit the construction site of Wanghai New Port, can you arrange that?” (To be continued. If you like this story, please go to qidian.com to recommend, support. Your encouragement is my greatest motivation.)