Chapter 412: Chapter 395: Parted on Bad Terms_1
Yidege

In Liangxi City, it is a well-known dining spot.

The reason it’s referred to as a spot rather than a restaurant is mainly because Yidege adopts the typical private kitchen business model.

Although Yidege has made a name for itself, its actual location is not on a bustling commercial street. It is tucked away in a secluded alley within the residential area of the Liangjiang District’s Machinery and Electric Company. Yidege is situated in an old residential building on the fourth floor.

What’s unique about it is that Yidege only prepares one banquet table per day. No matter how many guests come, there is always just one table, and the dishes are fixed, with only a few options. As for the cost? A table’s meal, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, is three thousand yuan.

Surprisingly, Yidege does remarkably well in business. A large proportion of its patrons are top influencers among Liangxi City’s politicians and businessmen. Although Nie Zhenbang has never been here before, he can’t help but admire the owner of Yidege.

This time, Nie Zhenbang didn’t ask Yang Qingshan to accompany him. The car was driven by Yi Jun, and when they parked downstairs, Fan Changsheng’s car had already arrived. Fan Changsheng and Wang Mingxuan were waiting at the door. This attitude surprised Nie Zhenbang a bit. Having Fan Changsheng personally waiting was granting him an immense amount of face. As the saying goes, undue solicitude is indicative of ill intent or theft. It seemed that things wouldn’t be so simple afterward.

At the entrance, Wang Mingxuan already greeted him, “Mayor Nie, how do you do?”

At this moment, Fan Changsheng also smiled and said, “Mayor Zhenbang, let Mingxuan and Xiaoyi go park the car. Let’s go up first.”

When Nie Zhenbang first saw Fan Changsheng’s official car parked right at the entrance, he was a bit stunned, but he quickly realized there must be a designated parking area. Considering that both their cars were here in this narrow alley, it would indeed create a bad impression.

The two of them, one behind the other, proceeded to the fourth floor. This residential building had two units per floor, but Yidege had rented out the entire fourth floor.

As soon as they entered, a young woman in her twenties greeted them. She had a melon seed-shaped face, phoenix eyes, curved eyebrows, a small mouth, and when she smiled, dimples would show on her cheeks. She was charming.

She wore a white long-sleeve T-shirt, a white mini-skirt, and black stockings. It was seductive. She had a good figure. She was busty and curvy.

Upon seeing Fan Changsheng, she immediately smiled and said, “Secretary Fan, it’s been a long while since you last came here. Are you tired of our flavor?”

As she spoke, she naturally stood by Fan Changsheng, exuding a seductive fragrance. Occasionally, her abundant chest would brush against Fan Changsheng’s arm.

This captivating woman, to say she could enchant all beings would not be an exaggeration. Fan Changsheng laughed and said, “How could I be tired? I’ve been salivating over Yidege’s flavor for a long time. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to savor it.”

His statement was incredibly ambiguous. The suggestive nature of it made the woman blush slightly. Glaring at Fan Changsheng, she laughed and asked, “Secretary Fan, who is this guest you have not introduced yet?”

This woman was shrewd. She astutely understood the psychology of wanting something you can’t have. Such a woman was a man’s kryptonite. No wonder Fan Changsheng was so fond of Yidege. Probably those who had visited here couldn’t forget this woman.

On the side, Fan Changsheng also laughed and introduced her, “Xu Yun, let me introduce you to Mayor Nie of our Liangxi City. This is Mayor Nie’s first time here. Today, Xu Yun, you need to showcase your talents. I’ve introduced the business to you. Whether you can win over Mayor Nie’s heart depends on your abilities.”

Hearing Fan Changsheng’s words, Xu Yun immediately showed an admiring expression and said to Nie Zhenbang, “Mayor Nie, welcome, welcome. Mayor Nie, you have brought honor to us Huaxia this time. Watching those Americans apologize was thrilling for me.”

“Haha, Xu Yun, was it thrilling? I don’t see much of a change, it doesn’t seem to have grown much.” At this moment, Fan Changsheng abandoned all caution and started making bold jokes in this place.

Even though he already knew that this Xu Yun was not simple, Nie Zhenbang was still a little surprised at this moment. This woman truly knew how to handle men. The way she worshipped him was something very few men could resist.

Then, Nie Zhenbang smiled calmly and said, “Ms. Xu, you’re too kind. I am only following the rules in my work, and there’s nothing meritorious to talk about. All credit goes to the state.”

The entire house was designed entirely in a homely style. Surprisingly, there was no one else present, everything was managed by Xu Yun herself. Even the cooking was done by her. A bedroom had been converted to a dining room with a high-end circular table. The chairs had soft cushions. Clearly, Xu Yun was targeting high-end customers.

Thinking about it, if she charges three thousand yuan per meal and hosts twenty meals a month, that would be sixty thousand a month and several hundred thousand a year. In this day and age, it’s a huge income.

After the two of them sat down, Xu Yun left the room. At this moment, Fan Changsheng, like a boss, picked up the delicate tea set on the table and poured a cup for Nie Zhenbang. He then smiled and said, “Mayor Zhenbang, I invited you over for dinner mainly to discuss a few personnel matters with you.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang knew that the real drama was coming. He replied with a smile, “Oh? Secretary Fan, since you’re interested, we can certainly discuss it. I wonder what exactly you want to discuss.”

Nie Zhenbang’s attitude pleased Fan Changsheng. Without refusal, this is good, and Fan Changsheng was confident in the stake he had to offer.

Then, Fan Changsheng also smiled and said, “Mayor Zhenbang, speaking of the Finance Bureau, Comrade Liu Qingquan has served as the Executive Deputy Director of the Finance Bureau for many years. This time, coincidentally, there is an opportunity. The Party School of the Provincial Party Committee is holding a training class for young cadres on the position level. Therefore, the Municipal Party Committee intends to let Comrade Ren Yong take a sabbatical to study. In this way, a position in the Finance Bureau will be vacant. I think we can let Comrade Liu Qingquan assume the position.”

“Additionally, I think Comrade Liu Weijun, who has been the Secretary-General of the municipal government for many years, can be considered for a transfer to the Liangxi Medical College to serve as the Party Secretary of the Medical College. As for the candidate for Secretary-General, I think Comrade Yi Jun is quite suitable.”

Fan Changsheng put forth two proposals for personnel appointments. Nie Zhenbang couldn’t refuse either of them. If he could control the city’s finances, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit to him. Not to mention other considerations, having control of finances would force many people in the city to reconsider whether they dare to offend him. As for the position of secretary-general of the municipal government, it was icing on the cake.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang deep in thought, Fan Changsheng showed a faint smile on his face. He was very calm, throwing out such a big bait, Fan Changsheng wasn’t afraid that Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t bite.

Sure enough, at this moment, Nie Zhenbang weighed the pros and cons in his mind. Seeing Fan Changsheng’s preparedness, he also pondered. Giving up control of the city’s financial authority was a heavy price for Fan Changsheng to pay. It seemed that Fan Changsheng’s ultimate aim had to do with Huang Junshan. Thinking of this, Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said, “Hm, Secretary Fan, I think this is a great idea. Comrade Ren Yong is indeed a rare good cadre, and I suspect he will be a key focus of cultivation once he returns from his off-job study period. I understand Comrade Liu Qingquan well; he performs excellently in all areas. I have no problem with him taking over as Director of the Finance Bureau.”

At this moment, Fan Changsheng showed an expression of ‘just as I thought’. He then said, “Brother, there’s another issue I would like to consult with you about. Comrade Huang Junshan from the Organization Department came to me the other day. He said he was not feeling well and wanted to resign from his post as the Minister of the Organization Department and retire early. Considering his dedication and the great contributions he has made to the personnel organization work of our city, and understanding his health problems, I agreed to his request. Regarding the candidate for the next Minister of the Organization Department, I am considering letting Comrade Chen Haiqing, the Deputy Minister, take over.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang’s brows furrowed. He had not expected that Huang Junshan would have such resolution and courage to give up all his posts and retire early. This was a way to cut off his own political future. One wouldn’t choose this path unless it was a last resort. It seemed that Huang Junshan had been pushed to the brink by Lei Dingguo, and that Huang Junshan was involved in some serious matters.

Now, Fan Changsheng was finally getting to the point: “Mayor Zhenbang, there are some leaders in the city who are making a fuss about small matters, not dropping them easily. This is not good. We are all members of the Standing Committee. Comrade Junshan, who is in charge of the personnel work of the organization, is bound to offend some people and make some mistakes. Now that he’s about to retire, I think we can forget the past. There is no need to fight to the bitter end. Mayor Zhenbang, I wonder if you share my view.”

Having said this much, the meaning was very clear now. Moreover, Fan Changsheng was well aware of his deep relationship with Lei Dingguo. Coupled with his background in the Disciplinary Committee and his relationship with the secretary of the Provincial Disciplinary Committee, Sun, if he could mediate, Lei Dingguo would naturally let go to save face. Hence, Fan Changsheng had come to him.

If he hadn’t had communication with Lei Dingguo before, Nie Zhenbang might indeed have reached a deal with Fan Changsheng. But now? After some thought, Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said, “Secretary Fan, forgive my straightforwardness. In some aspects of work, it’s not suitable for me to intervene. I’m afraid I’m powerless on this matter.”

With this statement, it was enough. There was no need to be too explicit. As Nie Zhenbang’s voice fell, Fan Changsheng’s face instantly turned gloomy. After a while, he forced a smile and said, “Heh heh, of course, of course. Nie Mayor, let’s not talk about work during dinner. Let’s raise our cups for a toast.”

Since the negotiation didn’t go well, the atmosphere between them naturally turned a bit awkward. They finished their awkward meal without drinking, and soon Fan Changsheng had finished eating. At this point, Nie Zhenbang also stood up and said, “Secretary Fan, I think we’ll leave it at this today. Let’s catch up another time when we have the opportunity.”

Watching the back of Nie Zhenbang as he left, Fan Changsheng’s face was gloomy. This meeting ended unhappily.

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