Chapter 77 - 77 Dynasty Club 1
Chapter 77 Dynasty Club
Back home, Nie Zhenbang and Nie Guowei seemed very calm. As Nie Zhenbang got out of the car and walked into the living room, he murmured under his breath, “Dad, you looked very formidable today.”
Nie Guowei was taken aback before breaking into laughter and scolding, “You little brat, they were bullying you right under your nose. Could I just stand by and watch?”
For once, the family had a pleasant dinner together. Nie Zhenbang put down his cutlery and said, “Dad, Mom, I’m catching a flight back to Jingcheng tomorrow.”
Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Nie Ziyu started to grumble, and Ye Shuxian looked startled, saying to Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, since you have nothing to do, it’s better to stay here.”
Nie Zhenbang felt a headache coming on at Ye Shuxian’s pleading look, but time waits for no man. To become a superior person, one can’t always rely on their ancestors’ blessings. At this time of abundant opportunities everywhere, Nie Zhenbang didn’t want to waste this precious chance. He then apologized, “Mom, I’m sorry. This time I came back with a bunch of stuff, and I made a bet with that Ou’s kid. If I don’t go back, and the deadline passes, I guess I’ll have to circle around the Forbidden City.”
Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s explanation, Ye Shuxian laughed and slightly admonished, “Why would you make such a bet with others? You should be careful.’
The next day, Nie Zhenbang departed early with Long, boarding a direct flight back to Jingcheng.
This time, no one picked him up nor was anyone informed. His purpose in coming to Nanhai had initially been fulfilled. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang had one last procedure to complete. Once he had confirmed it with either Elder Nie or Elder Yang, his trip would be considered satisfying.
Thus, Nie Zhenbang didn’t inform anyone. If people like Yang An Bang knew he was back, he would probably not be at leisure.
Within the Forbidden City, in Elder Nie’s courtyard, Nie Zhenbang had laid out the teaware under a tree. The exquisite Mingqian Longjing tea was emitting waves of fragrant aroma.
Around 11:50, the courtyard door was pushed open from the outside, and Elder Nie strode in energetically. Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Elder Nie was taken aback, and then said, “Didn’t you say you were going to Nanhai? How come you’re back so soon?”
At the moment, Nie Zhenbang brought over a wicker chair, smiling and saying, “Grandfather, please sit down.”
If Elder Nie had no external activities or military inspections, he would usually come home to eat at this time every day. It’s almost a habit. Even if Elder Nie didn’t want to return, the health care doctor nearby would always remind and urge him.
In the eyes of people with Elder Nie’s status, the health care doctor is actually the most feared.
Gazing at the tea leaves on the table, Elder Nie sat down, waved his hand to dismiss the guards and health care doctor, and then chuckled, “Top-notch Longjing tea and such enthusiasm, Zhenbang, you must have something in mind. Spill it. What’s the matter?”
Looking at Elder Nie, Nie Zhenbang laughed and said, “Grandfather, I guess, my father will also be back in a few days. This time, the Nanhai Municipal Committee has decided to go ahead with the airport project. At my suggestion, the Nanhai Municipal Committee decided to aim for an international airport all at once. As a result, the funding gap has increased significantly. I was wondering, if possible, I would like to invest in the Nanhai Airport in the name of Wal-Mart’s holding. What do you think?”
Elder Nie was taken aback. He generally refrained from meddling in economic matters as a matter of principle. He always believed in the principle ‘professionals lead the professionals’ and economic construction wasn’t his forte. After some time, Elder Nie nodded, “I’ll keep this in mind. In the afternoon, I’ll find some time to consult the Nanxun Chief about it.
After saying this, the old man looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Zhenbang, I don’t know what your thoughts are. If your ambition lies in the business field, I won’t say much. However, I heard you mention in the past that you would prefer a career in civil service in the future. If that’s the case, I think there’s no need for you to concern yourself with those betting commitments.”
Here, the old man paused for a moment, and then said, “Do you know why I’m still in my position? Because in my lifetime, I have served as a political commissar all along, from the division level to the field army, and finally to the military region. My connections now can be said to span across the entirety of Huaxia. Zhenbang, you’re a smart man. I don’t want to say too much, but I
think you only have two years until graduation. It’s time for you to start planning for the future.”
“Connections? Preparation?” Nie Zhenbang watched the old man’s receding figure as he entered the room, lost in thought.
What did the old man’s words mean? Was he saying that it was time to start preparing now? At this moment, Nie Jialei also walked into the room from outside.
Seeing Nie Jialei, Nie Zhenbang was curious and asked, “Big Brother, why are you home so early today?”
At this moment, Nie Jialei’s attitude towards Nie Zhenbang had noticeably changed. Ever since the Nie family had shifted its faction, Nie Jialei had felt the unmistakable change, and life now felt much more relaxed than before. Furthermore, with the publication of his scholarly article, Nie Jialei’s future knew no bounds.
Now, he smiled and said, “Zhenbang, you’re back. I heard from people in the circle that you went to the Soviet Union. How was the trip? Did everything go smoothly?”
At this time, no one in the Nie family, apart from the old man, knew Nie Zhenbang’s real thoughts. Nie Jialei also assumed that Nie Zhenbang had chosen the path of business, which would mean no conflict of interest amongst them.
After all, it is absolutely impossible for two high-level individuals to emerge from the same generation in a family. Even if both individuals are outstanding, only one can be chosen, as other families would not tolerate a single family’s dominance. This is the nature of high-level political maneuvering.
Hearing Nie Jialei’s words, Nie Zhenbang felt a sudden clarity in his mind, as if everything made sense all at once.
The circle, connections, preparation – when connected, it implies that the old man was hinting at him that it’s time to start planning for the future.
At this time, regardless of their stubbornness, these men of the circle would certainly choose one path for the future – either business, politics, or the military. These were the only three options. Despite the existence of this circle in Jingcheng, it wasn’t an especially reliable connection. This was why the circle of Nie Guowei’s generation had always had a loose connection.
The word ‘club’ suddenly came to mind. In the future, the famous Luoyang Club of Jingcheng would be considered a top-tier club in the city.
With high membership fees and a gathering of political and business talents, such private clubs, while serving as a communication hub, could play a significant role.
At this time, there weren’t any such clubs in Jingcheng. If he were to establish the first such club in the country, targeting political elites and the privileged youth of not only Jingcheng but also all provinces and cities, it would help him build an extensive network. Thinking of this, Nie Zhenbang began to feel excited.
After quickly clearing the table, seeing that dinner was ready, Nie Zhenbang was so excited that he didn’t even bother to eat. He rushed out and immediately said to Long, “Long, let’s go. Drive me to the Wal-Mart.”
Half an hour later, Nie Zhenbang rushed into the Wal-Mart headquarters, marched straight into Yang Anbang’s office. Yang Anbang was just about to finish work for dinner. Seeing Nie Zhenbang, he was about to speak.
But Nie Zhenbang preempted him, saying, “Second Brother, how much funds do we have left in the account? Prepare 20 million for me. I want to start a club- the Dynasty Club..”