Chapter 426: Chapter 406: The Transformation of Li Guohua _1
 

Sun Minghao’s actions and words quieted the entire private room.

Nie Zhenbang’s brows furrowed too. If Sun Minghao was an ignorant young man, it would be easier to understand, because ignorance can be excused. But Sun Minghao is a seasoned veteran at 50 years old. It’s impossible for him not to understand the rules. Was he intentionally trying to stand out and attract the hostility of other standing committee members? Or was there some other reasons? It’s more confusing now. There are many ways to build a relationship with him, visiting him, reporting to him, and arranging private meetings, etc. There’s no need to demonstrate such intentions in this setting.

“Minister Sun, there’s a certain order to toasting. Based on age, I should be the one toasting you. But Minister Sun, what’s the special meaning behind your toast?” After pausing, Nie Zhenbang swept his gaze over Yang Xingan. Yang Xingan, the big shot of the provincial party committee was all smiles, whispering something quietly to Fan Changsheng, acting as though he didn’t even care about the current situation.

Nie Zhenbang then said with a smile, “Minister Sun, if there’s no particular meaning, I’m afraid I can’t drink this toast.”

Before he finished speaking, the faces of the other standing committee members changed, and Li Xiaoqin looked even more disgusted. At this point, Nie Zhenbang might have massively offended the new Minister Sun, and even potentially offended Minister Yang.

However, Nie Zhenbang said calmly, “That’s because it’s against the rules. If anyone should make a toast first, it should be me toasting my seniors.”

His last sentence turned the tide completely. Without it, Nie Zhenbang would be seen as disrespectful. With it, he showed respect for his elders. He cannot help but marvel at the beauty and depth of the Chinese language.

Sun Minghao also laughed at this point and said “Mayor Nie, of course there’s a special meaning. Mayor Nie, You’re not aggressively dominant, and you’ve withstood pressure to halt operations at three American-funded businesses, thereby seeking a legitimate living space for the hundreds of thousands of residents along the Liangxi River. Just this courage alone is enough for me to toast to you. Mayor Nie, your kind-hearted sentiment towards the common people genuinely impresses me. This toast is for that spirit.”

With that, Sun Minghao looked at Nie Zhenbang, his eyes flashing with sincerity. He thought to himself that Sun Minghao was a person worth getting to know. Just this considerable mindset and sentiment was enough proof. Sun Minghao is indeed a man who loves the common people. Such a person is worth knowing, regardless of his private intentions. Nie Zhenbang thought to himself, then stood up, raised his glass, very seriously and solemnly gave a nod and said: “Minister Sun, you flatter me. This toast, let’s make it a mutual one.”

Upon hearing this, the other standing committee members, who were initially very serious, relaxed. Only Li Guohua’s expression seemed a bit awkward because he was the one who introduced the American-funded enterprises.

As long as Sun Minghao and Nie Zhenbang weren’t teaming up, everything would be okay. At this point, everyone was wary of such a union. Liangxi City currently has a three-headed balance of power, Fan Changsheng being the strongest, followed by Zhu Zhuozhen and Nie Zhenbang. Sun Minghao, however, was a player capable of influencing the power structure. Any situation could potentially lead to a reshuffling of Liangxi City’s power dynamic, which required careful guarding against.

By the meal’s end, both guests and hosts were delighted. In the afternoon, after Yang Xingan drove off from Liangxi City, the issue about the new Minister that had stirred great controversy finally settled down.

…

Liangxi City Government Office building

This was a regular meeting of the municipal government team.

At this moment, all members of the Party Group of the Municipal Government were sitting in the meeting room.

Nie Zhenbang walked into the meeting room with his notebook, accompanied by his secretary Yi Jun who was watching the clock. After scanning the room, his gaze finally rested on Li Guohua. The recent low-key behavior of Li Guohua was quite unusual. However, Nie Zhenbang didn’t seem to care. At this point, Li Guohua didn’t dare to be high-profile. His previous delay had upset Fan Changsheng who bore his name in endorsing the project. Furthermore, his handling of the American-funded enterprises completely suppressed him. His previous achievements had been completely negated. At this point, even if Li Guohua wanted to be high-profile, he couldn’t.

After taking his seat, Nie Zhenbang slowly began, “Before the meeting starts, let me first announce some good news, which I believe, considering your efficient communication, everyone has basically known.”

As he finished speaking, Liu Weijun, the Secretary-general of the municipal government, showed a humble expression on his face. But the sense of satisfaction that fleetingly passed through his eyes gave him away.

Nie Zhenbang continued calmly, “This morning, the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department officially issued a document. Secretary-general Weijun is going to be transferred to Liangjiang District Committee and serve as the deputy secretary there. After a seven-day public exposure period, he will officially take office.”

The other members of the Party Group of the municipal government began to clap. The position of the Secretary-general of the municipal government was rather awkward. Compared to the Secretary-general of the Municipal Party Committee, it was half a level lower. One way to move up was to be promoted to Deputy Mayor through the government route. However, in the case of Liangxi City, such possibility did not exist. For Liu Weijun, to be able to become the Deputy Secretary of Liangjiang District was indeed a great position. The congratulations given were genuinely heartfelt.

A look of gratitude appeared on Liu Weijun’s face. The position of Deputy Secretary of Liangjiang District was indeed a rare one for him. He was quite excited about Nie Zhenbang’s arrangement.