Chapter 452: Chapter 425: Taking Charge in Crisis_1
 

Seeing the area code displayed on the phone, Nie Zhenbang’s heart skipped a beat. A call from Jingcheng City, his family? Nie Zhenbang immediately dismissed the possibility. His family could reach him through his personal cell phone; there was no need to go through official channels.

He picked up the phone, just about to say something, when a voice on the other end beat him to it, “Nie Zhenbang, right? I’m Deputy Director of the Secretary Bureau of the State Council, Tong Shian. Following the instructions of the higher-ups, I need to inform you to report to the State Council at nine o’clock on the morning of June 17th.”

Nie Zhenbang looked at his watch. It was already the afternoon of June 15th, which meant that he had to return to Jingcheng City tomorrow. Such urgency, what could it be about? He couldn’t help pondering.

The voice on the other end, perhaps sensing Nie Zhenbang’s confusion, immediately explained, “Don’t worry about the details now. Come here first and then we can discuss. When you arrive, report directly to Director Zhang. Also, we’ve already notified the Jiangbei Provincial Committee. For the time being, you’re on temporary assignment, but your organizational affiliation remains with Jiangbei. Start preparing soon.”

With that, Tong Shian promptly hung up the phone. Director Zhang, of the State Council… There was only one Director Zhang in the State Council Office – Zhang Houpu, a ministerial-level official. Realizing this, Nie Zhenbang relaxed. Whatever the matter was, it couldn’t be bad. If it were, there wouldn’t be so much hassle. Just one phone call and the Jiangbei Provincial Committee would take immediate action.

Nie Zhenbang hung up the phone and ordered, “Xuyang, book a ticket to Jingcheng City for tomorrow immediately. Prepare a vehicle, I’m going to Jiangzhou tonight.”

“Xuyang, after I leave, carry on with your work as usual. Maintain close contact with Director Chen and Mayor Xintian. If anything comes up, I’ll call you. If there’s any situation in the city, contact me immediately.” On the way to Jiangzhou Airport, Nie Zhenbang instructed his secretary, Huang Xuyang.

Huang Xuyang nodded. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation and seemed somewhat flustered. He hesitated for a moment and then asked, “Mayor, why is this so urgent?”

Nie Zhenbang shook his head, sighing, “I don’t know. This time, it’s a direct order from the State Council. They simply informed the Jiangbei Provincial Committee. I am not clear about the specifics, but I guess it’s not bad news. Don’t lose your heads, follow the prearranged plan, work steadfastly, and no one can pick at it.”

Nie Zhenbang had already left Jingcheng City Airport by noon the following day. Outside, Nie Jiamin was waiting, the gleaming stars denoting his senior military rank on his shoulder couldn’t be overlooked.

Once in the car, Nie Jiamin smiled and said, “Zhenbang, this time, I think I’m going to be moved to another post.”

In the military, there are several systems: one is the main combat forces, commonly known as Type A forces. Then there are the logistics departments, which belong to the civil service system of the military;Lastly, there are the Provincial Military Districts and City Military Sub-districts systems, commonly grouped with reserve forces and some Type B forces.

What Nie Jiamin referred to as being moved was to these types of departments, mostly such as being transferred to a city to serve as commander of a military sub-district or some other rank.

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang chuckled, “Jiamin, did you bump your head or something? You’re going to leave the Xibei Military Region, an elite field force, to join these paramilitary units. And you seem happy about it.”

At this, Nie Jiamin scoffed, “Zhenbang, you don’t know this. This is the Elder’s idea. He is now serving in Jingcheng City Military District as a high-level official. Some things in the military aren’t as you would think. At my current level, further promotion in the field forces would inevitably draw suspicion. So, the Elder made arrangements for me to serve as the deputy commander of the WangHai City Military Region in Minan Province. This way, my military affiliations would change to the Yuedong Military Region. Going to a local military district counts as avoiding suspicion.”

“You seem happy to duck suspicion, don’t you harbor the slightest wish to be in the field forces?” Nie Zhenbang asked, teasing his cousin.

Now Nie Jiamin seemed somewhat embarrassed, “Sure, at first, I did resist. But now I’ve come around. I’m a young achiever and this detour to WangHai could also solve a big personal issue. In a few years, when the Elder retires, I can come back. Think of the next few years as a vacation.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang laughed, “That doesn’t sound bad at all. I think it’s about time you took this step. In a few months, I’m going to be a father. My elder brother’s child will also be born soon. You, my boy, need to get a move on.”

Nie Zhenbang’s return to Jingcheng didn’t alert anyone. After resting at home for one night, he made his way to the State Council first thing the next morning.

Upon presenting his pass to the guards at the main gate, he entered the office area of the State Council quite adeptly, and without much trouble found the State Council Office.

Nie Zhenbang knocked and entered the office of the director of the State Council, greeting with a nod, “Comrade, hello. Is Director Zhang in? I’m Nie Zhenbang from Liangxi City.”

As soon as the words fell, Zhang Houp came out from the inside. When he saw Nie Zhenbang, Zhang Houp laughed and said, “Zhenbang is here, so early. Luckily, at this time, the Prime Minister should be free. I’ll take you over now.”

‘Could it be that the Prime Minister is calling on me because of the economic crisis this year?’ Nie Zhenbang thought to himself but maintained his composure. In the office of the State Council, even a seemingly insignificant official could well be at the department-level. Nie Zhenbang dared not be negligent and remained conscious of his image at all times.

Under the guide of Zhang Houp, he walked directly into the Prime Minister’s office. The ancient-style office, adorned with the national emblem and party flag, highlighted the dignified ambiance of the State Council.

About a minute after Zhang Houp entered the office, he came out again, nodded at Nie Zhenbang, and said, “Zhenbang, go in. The Prime Minister is waiting for you. This time, you will be in the spotlight again.”

By the time one reaches Zhang Houp’s rank, they would be privy to many events. He was aware of some of the deeds Nie Zhenbang had accomplished, and thus understood that this seemingly humble young man had done quite a lot for the country.

Walking into the Prime Minister’s office, before Nie Zhenbang could speak, the Prime Minister, who was sitting at his desk, spoke up first, “Zhenbang is here. Sit first, let me finish this report.”

Seeing the Prime Minister’s red eyes and his fervently writing demeanor, Nie Zhenbang felt a stir in his heart. It seemed that the Prime Minister had pulled yet another all-nighter.

At the level of the Prime Minister and the General Secretary, their personal gains and losses seemed trivial. They bore the weight of the entire country in their hearts. That was the spirit of serving the country and the people.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang stood up, walked to the water dispenser in the outer room and poured a cup of strong tea for the Prime Minister, which he placed on the desk.

Typically, such behavior from Nie Zhenbang, a subordinate — and one ranked at the departmental level only — would be considered inappropriate. To move around the Prime Minister’s office at will, what’s that about? However, given Nie Zhenbang’s background and status, it could be justified as a mark of kinship.

At that moment, the Prime Minister put down his documents, lifted the teacup, took a sip, and remarked, “You lad have probably consumed half of my tea by now.”

Nie Zhenbang also laughed, “Prime Minister, please take care of your health. Staying up late is harmful to your health. You shouldn’t fret over this bit of tea.”

At Nie Zhenbang’s words, the Prime Minister also burst into hearty laughter. After the laughter subsided, his face turned serious. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, he spoke formally, “Zhenbang, do you know why I transferred you here this time?”

At this point, the financial crisis in Donggang had started to show signs. The Hang Seng Index in Donggang had been fluctuating frequently, which hinted that international capital, especially the sly fox Soros who had wrecked havoc in Thailand, Indonesia, and Dongying, was preparing to make a move against Donggang or Huaxia, the country behind Donggang.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Prime Minister, it must be because of the situation in Donggang.”

The Prime Minister, an approving look on his face, responded, “Right, based on the surveillance and research of our economic experts, we have initially estimated that international hot money, the capitalistic crocodiles sweeping through Southeast Asia, are ready to make a move against us. A few months ago, your article accurately predicted the economic transition from Indonesia to Dongying and then to Donggang. This time, our country is determined to ensure the special status of Donggang at all costs.”

After a brief pause, the Prime Minister’s expression turned grave, “I have already reported the matter to the General Secretary and Elder Nan. Elder Nan and the General Secretary believe that, since Donggang only reverted to us a year ago, in order to ensure its prosperity and stability and to enhance the faith and recognition of the Donggang citizens towards the country, we need to show our international image to the world. Proclaim to the world that our government can, and has confidence to ensure the prosperity of Donggang. The state has decided, no matter what the cost, to maintain financial order in Donggang.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded, this was expected. In his past life, this was how the situation played out. This time, in this life, there won’t be any change either; it was inevitable. If Donggang experienced economic turmoil just one year after returning to Huaxia, the country’s international reputation would have been lost. For the sake of the national image, retreat is not an option.

This time the Prime Minister continued, “Of course, for this financial crisis, the country must dispatch a professional economic team to be stationed in Donggang Special Administrative Region. To confront these international capitalist crocodiles directly. When choosing the Chief Expert, the experts of the Financial Advisory Committee, unanimously recommended you to be the Chief Expert this time.”

These words left Nie Zhenbang stunned. Originally, he thought he would be transferred to participate in the case, he had not expected to take on such a heavy responsibility.

“Prime Minister… I…” No sooner had Nie Zhenbang begun to speak than the Prime Minister stopped him. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to give our recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)