Reborn as a Noble’s Son - Chapter 600

Chapter 600: Chapter 556: Swiftly Solving the Case (Additional Chapter for 1150 Monthly Votes)_1
 

Listening to Jiang Ruoxuan’s words, Nie Zhenbang was quite taken aback. He hadn’t expected this young girl to be so bold. He might not be very old, but he held a high position and carried with him the aura of a leader.

The one named Ma Fei from the municipal committee reception office, who spent all day courting favor from leaders, was quite an oddity in Wanghai City. And yet, even he did not dare to be so brazen in Nie’s presence. Nie was surprised at the audacity of this young girl.

Furthermore, they were in Tongqian Lane alone under the cover of darkness. The police who had been searching the area had all gone off with Xiao Shanming on a mission. It seemed rather ambiguous as an attractive young woman had offered herself to him under the lonely dark night.

However, Nie Zhenbang had no thoughts about this. If he had a choice, he would have chosen Dong Wan alone, but fate had played its part and he had taken that step with Li Lixue. Later, he was moved by An Na’s devotion spanning two lifetimes. Now, Nie Zhenbang had a more casual mindset regarding relationships. He was content with having these three women in his life.

If he did have any thoughts, Nie Zhenbang might find it hard to answer at this moment, but without any such ideas, he seemed even more carefree. He jested: “That could be interesting. However, Reporter Jiang, perhaps you should wash your face first before discussing this.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Jiang Ruoxuan was a little annoyed and felt even more shy. “Jiang Ruoxuan, you’ve lost your decency. You’re a girl, how could you say something like this?” Internally, she was berating herself.

A moment ago, seeing Mayor Nie’s teasing smile, she couldn’t help feeling annoyed. In the heat of the moment, she blurted out those words.

The two of them left the alley, beside them, quite a few policemen stood guard. Nie Zhenbang waved to one of them: “Officer, could you drive Reporter Jiang home?”

After sending Jiang Ruoxuan away, Nie Zhenbang and his team hurried to the Tongsheng Residential Area. As soon as they entered the area, a police officer quickly led Nie Zhenbang into the basement through a hidden door. The casino, which covered thousands of square meters, was now desolate. A few scattered hundred-dollar bills on the floor proved that these people had evacuated in haste.

At this time, Xiao Shanming came up and reported: “Mayor, it seems that Li Dongjiang had been tipped off and escaped. When we arrived, the place was already empty. The message from another team says the same about the East Stream Company. We also couldn’t find Li Dongjiang at his home. It seems this person knew he was exposed and fled.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded. This type of incident was taboo in Wanghai City. No one could have imagined that such a large criminal force had emerged in Wanghai City so soon after the overthrow of Eastern Sea Group’s smuggling ring. This was indeed a slap in the face.

The city committee and government would certainly be enraged by such an incident and would inevitably impose severe punishments. The Tongping District Party Committee and District Government might also have to take responsibility and face corresponding penalties. It was only natural that Li Dongjiang ran away.

Nie Zhenbang’s expression darkened, he ordered solemnly: “Run, the monk may run away but not the temple. We were able to apprehend Lin Zhengxing, we won’t let Li Dongjiang get away. Director Xiao, immediately inform the city’s police command center, notify the city’s armed police unit. Block off all main traffics and intersections in the city, seal off the train station, airport, and ports; We must apprehend this public menace, Li Dongjiang, and bring him to justice.”

By taking these measures, they effectively cast a dragnet over the city. Xiao Shanming nodded and immediately started issuing the orders. At this moment, Li Dongjiang was completely unprepared and was hurriedly trying to escape, it was impossible for him to get too far.

After giving out these instructions, Xiao Shanming walked up to Nie Zhenbang and whispered: “Mayor, why don’t you go back and rest? I’ll keep you updated about everything.”

It was past three in the morning, and Nie Zhenbang hadn’t had any rest. The issue in Tongping District was not only a lesson but also a warning. Just as the city committee’s standing leadership believed that all the officials in Wanghai City had been scared straight by the Eastern Sea case, the incident in Tongping District had slapped them in their faces.

In front of him under the desk lamp, there was a stack of documents on his desk. The title of the top one read: “Implementation details of the official reception standards in Wanghai City.”

Officialdom is a tradition in Huaxia, where thousands travel long distances to receive education with the sole purpose of becoming officials. Since ancient times, people have strived hard to earn their ranking in society. For scholars of poor backgrounds in ancient times, this could provide the opportunity to rise in status. This kind of thing has carried over into modern society, subconsciously influencing some. The moral education of officials is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Now, Nie Zhenbang plans to start by restricting the privileges of officials.

To a large extent, restricting privileges means first restricting public expenditure known as ‘the three public expenses’. This is why Nie Zhenbang has burned the midnight oil writing the implementation details of the official reception standards.

After an hour and a half, Nie Zhenbang finally completed it. In contrast to the standards in New Li City and Liangxi City, this time the details are more comprehensive. Clear restrictions have been set not only on official receptions but also on official vehicle expenses and government-funded foreign visits. Moreover, the standards stipulate that the Wanghai City Municipal Party Committee and City Government, including all bureaus and sub-areas such as the High-tech zone, must report their annual budget to the city government and finance bureau in detail, including official reception costs, the purchase and maintenance of official vehicles and their daily usage fees. All government-funded foreign visits must be reported to the Municipal Party Committee and City Government.

It can be said that if this entire plan is effectively implemented, it can save Wanghai City tens of millions in financial expenditure each year.

Nie Zhenbang stretched his body and stood up, preparing to brew another cup of strong tea. At this point, it was impossible for him to sleep anymore.

Just then, his phone rang. The caller ID read “Director Shanming”. Nie Zhenbang answered the call and heard Xiao Shanming’s voice from the other end, “Nie, we’ve captured Li Dongjiang at his mistress’s house and seized over 3 million yuan in cash from the scene. Also, Reporter Jiang’s video footage has been handed to the bureau’s technology department for record keeping. We have interrogated Zhao Zhuobin and Li Dongjiang overnight and under relentless pressure, both have confessed to their illicit collusion. Li Dongjiang confessed to money laundering and Zhao Zhuobin admitted to providing him with protection.”

Xiao Shanming was obviously excited about obtaining the confession so quickly, an outcome he had not anticipated. He knew that if he mishandled the situation, it could have a significantly adverse effect on him as well, but thankfully, it seemed the negative impact would now be minimized.

Listening to Xiao Shanming’s words, Nie Zhenbang simply nodded and calmly responded, “Hmm, you should arrange all the case files as soon as possible. I’ll need them tomorrow morning.”

After hanging up the phone, Nie Zhenbang poured himself a cup of strong tea. He had anticipated that Zhao Zhuobin and Li Dongjiang would not resist confessing. The ordeal had not gone beyond the level of a department. If the Tongping District Party Committee and District Government were involved, perhaps things would have turned out differently. However, under the strong suppression of the Municipal Party Committee and City Government, other possibilities stand little to no chance.

Early the next day, around 6:30 am, Nie Zhenbang stepped out. Having stayed awake all night, he was inevitably tired. But practicing a set of Shape-Intent Fist exercises could alleviate some of the fatigue and rejuvenate him.

At this time, Li Taishi, the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee who was living next door, also came out dressed in his practice suit. Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Li Taishi nodded slightly and said, “Zhenbang, I saw your lights on all night. Did you pull another all-nighter?”

Being neighbors with Nie Zhenbang, Li Taishi witnessed firsthand Nie Zhenbang’s relentless effort and tenacity which he rebuked in his tone, “Zhenbang, I understand you are young and healthy now, but you still need to take care of your body. In just one month, you’ve pulled at least five all-nighters. How can one tolerate such a trend in the long run?”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang also started laughing. The harmonious and unified atmosphere in the team was rarely seen. Such a friendly environment made Nie Zhenbang feel comfortable. He walked to the over a metre high fence in the middle of the yard and replied to Li Taishi, “Secretary Li, I’m fine, don’t worry about me. Speaking of which, Secretary Li, there’s something I need to discuss with you. Tongping District had a major incident last night.”

Li Taishi had heard about the incident in Tongping District last night as well. As the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, he would have been a total disaster if he was not aware of it. If he were that uninformed, it wouldn’t be long before he would be marginalized entirely. Although Li Taishi doesn’t interfere much, he is still a de facto leader, a number one in Wanghai.

Then, Li Taishi nodded and said, “I heard about last night’s incident as well. How audacious they must be! The Eastern Sea Group case just wrapped up and now, this has erupted in Tongping District. This is a disgrace to Wanghai. Zhenbang, what’s your take on this?”

Nie Zhenbang pondered for a moment then responded, “Secretary Li, my view is that Zhao Zhuobin’s case must be dealt with strictly. Furthermore, I have drafted an action plan overnight. Secretary Li, you should review it first. If it is feasible, I suggest the Standing Committee convene a meeting this morning to discuss it.” (To be continued. If you enjoyed this book, you are welcome to vote for it and recommend it on . Your support is my greatest motivation.)