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The conference room in the Construction Bureau was a long, rectangular space akin to a classroom. At that moment, Nie Zhenbang was seated in the central position of authority, flanked by Yi Jun and Li Lin.

By now, Jiang Chongui had collected himself. He resented Yi Jun somewhat, but could do nothing about it. The man was like the sun at noon, favored and close to the county head. At this moment, all Jiang Chongui could do was swallow his pride.

“Director Xiong, why don’t you represent us and report on the basic status of the Construction Bureau?” After some thought, Nie Zhenbang addressed Xiong Jianming.

Xiong Jianming had left a favourable impression on him. He wasn’t the type to kick someone when they’re down; that alone spoke of a decent character. Earlier, when Nie Zhenbang had criticised Jiang Chongui in front of everyone from the Construction Bureau, Xiong Jianming hadn’t reveled in his misfortune but had instead spoken up in his defense. This established that Xiong Jianming had a good heart. In such a situation, Xiong Jianming could have easily stood aside in silence like Jia Zhenghe – no need to risk angering Nie Zhenbang by speaking up.

So naturally, Nie Zhenbang now appreciated Xiong Jianming more. Hearing his name, Xiong Jianming nodded and said, “Director, until the last month of this year, our Construction Bureau has completed a total of municipal public facilities and garden greening construction, securing three million yuan in funding from the higher authorities and over four hundred thousand yuan by ourselves. We have completed basic renovation of street lights in Li County urban area, and the greening project of Li County Park… Moreover, in terms of public utilities, the county-owned Water Company is now prepared to establish a new water intake and branch factory in the upper reaches of Tahe River, on the existing foundation of County Water Plant. This is to ensure the drinking water supply for the people of the county.”

Xiong Jianming paused here. After observing Nie Zhenbang’s expression, he continued. “However, we are facing significant financial difficulties in constructing the new plant. We expect an investment of six million yuan, of which we can finance almost four million yuan. We can secure about one and a half million yuan as special funds from autonomous regional government. However, there still remains a gap of nearly seven hundred thousand yuan, and we hope the county committee and government can help us think of a solution.”

A new water plant?

Nie Zhenbang pondered for a moment. Issues related to drinking water, electricity, and vegetable basket projects, which affected people’s livelihood, had to be prioritized. The Northwestern region was arid and had scanty water resources. However, Li County was fairly good since it was near Tahe River, so drinking water wasn’t an issue. However, with the economic development, the current water plant of Li County, which was built in the 50s and 60s, could no longer keep up. Construction of a new water plant was necessary.

But the seven hundred thousand yuan made Nie Zhenbang uneasy. Current financial condition of Li County was no secret. It would be difficult to even procure seventy thousand yuan, let alone seven hundred thousand. Nie Zhenbang could easily put forward his own funds. However, using personal funds to subsidize government projects was unprecedented in Huaxia. Plus, the source of this money could cause suspicion. If word got out that the county head was using his own money for subsidies, it wouldn’t gain him any praise. On the contrary, it might give the impression of buying his position with money, which might raise suspicions from higher authorities. This option clearly wouldn’t work. Yet, this was an important project that could boost development in Li County. So, after some thought, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Hmm, seven hundred thousand. It’s not too much. Leave that to me. You can start with the early stage construction, and the County will help with the follow-up funds.”

After finishing, Nie Zhenbang checked his watch. It was almost half past eleven. So, he stood and said, “Right, overall, I am quite satisfied with the work of the Construction Bureau. Although the Bureau is currently lacking a head, I hope the standing committee members present here will bear the responsibility and not halt their work because the position is vacant. I have to go visit another place, so I can’t stay any longer.”

On hearing this, Xiong Jianming and the others were taken aback. Glancing at one another, Xiong Jianming stood and said, “Director, it’s almost lunchtime. Why don’t you eat with us before you leave?”

Nie Zhenbang waved him off. In the bureaucracy, it seemed customary for leaders to expect their subordinates to entertain them during visits. If not entertained, they would take it as a sign of dissatisfaction. This was an unhealthy practice, and Nie Zhenbang was determined to reform it. Although he did not have bureaucratic experience in his past life, he was acquainted with significant societal issues from then. One of the things etched deeply in his memory was public spending. At this moment, he decided to start eliminating this practice with himself.

Seeing the expressions of Xiong Jianming and the others, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “It’s just a meal. It doesn’t matter where I eat. The biggest respect you can show me is to do your jobs well. Respect isn’t shown in the dining hall, but in your work.”

Subsequently, after having lunch at the county government cafeteria, Nie Zhenbang proceeded to the Transportation Bureau in the afternoon. Perhaps the news from the Construction Bureau had tipped them off. The yard of the Transportation Bureau was calm, with only the middle-level leaders and a few deputy directors present, without any fanfare.

The issues faced by the Transportation Bureau were giving Nie Zhenbang a headache. The funds required for transportation construction were immense. Although there was financial allocation from higher authorities, the local government sometimes needed to raise funds on their own. Other than revenue from state highway toll stations and road maintenance fees, the Transportation Bureau had limited income sources. Besides, Li County had a small population but a large area, so the cost of road maintenance was significantly high. As a result, the Transportation Bureau was also facing financial difficulties. It seemed to boil down to needing more money.

However, Wei Chenglin, the union chairman and party committee member of the Transportation Bureau, had given Nie Zhenbang a good impression.

The entire bureau’s work report and some professional data interpretation were essentially answered by Wei Chenglin. The other vice-bureau chiefs seemed to have become decorations. Wei Chenglin was a typical scholar-type officer who could talk confidently about professional matters, but when it came to other things, he was rather reticent. Such a person being sidelined to the position of trade union chairman was as natural as it got.

After a few days, having visited every important agency, Director Nie’s practice of refusing hospitality from subordinates had spread throughout Lixian.

As for the selection of the bureau chief, Nie Zhenbang had only a rough idea in his mind. However, in these few days, Nie Zhenbang’s head had grown big. The reason was simply the documents on the table. The Construction Bureau needed seven hundred thousand in funds, and the Transportation Bureau needed even more, about one and a half million. The Health Bureau also needed money for improvements to the conditions of the Li County People’s Hospital and rural health clinics, and the preservation and promotion of traditional ethnic medical practices. The Financial Bureau, even though it was in charge of finances, also needed money. In short, Nie Zhenbang’s mind was filled with one word: money.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang truly felt the challenges of being a county head. Lying back in his chair, Nie Zhenbang vigorously rubbed his face, mumbled to himself, “Money, money. Where am I going to get the money?”

“Hehe, what’s the mayor busy with?” Suddenly, a voice came from the doorway.

This caused Nie Zhenbang to jump up. Looking at the person before him, he also smiled. Deputy Mayor Bekri had come in, and he motioned him to the sofa, saying, “Mayor Bai has arrived, please have a seat.”

Ever since he became acting county head, Bekri had visited his office more frequently. Unlike Bayaer’s mentality, Bekri kept his emotions in check. Nie Zhenbang’s promotion was inevitable, so it was better to build good relations with him, at least, there was still the position of executive deputy head.

Bekri sat down naturally, took the tea cup handed over by Yi Jun, and said with a smile, “You must be worried about financial matters. The Northwest Region is poor, and this poverty lies in finances. Local governments have no money, so they can’t carry out various investment plans, and naturally, they can’t develop.”

“Old White, how did Mayor Wu solve this problem when he was in office?” Nie Zhenbang also asked at this moment.

He knew what he knew and what he didn’t. Nie Zhenbang didn’t feel asking Bekri would tarnish his reputation much.

Bekri was startled for a moment. He hadn’t expected Nie Zhenbang to ask such a question. He admired Nie Zhenbang’s realistic attitude; it wasn’t feigned or exaggerated, it was truly embodied. If he were in this position, Bekri admitted he would not be so cool. Even if he wanted to ask, it would only be indirect inquiries, not so straightforward.

After a moment of contemplation, Bekri said, “When Mayor Wu was in office, he also raised funds from here and there, asked for some from the city’s finances and put off paying some debts. He also asked for a bit from some profitable units in the city, dragging year after year. As for construction, he didn’t dare to implement it. He didn’t even think about it.”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang felt like a good chef short of rice. This time, Nie Zhenbang had deep experience. Development doesn’t just happen with a plan. It really needs economic and financial cooperation. Then, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said, “Old White, thank you. In the future, I will need you to continue to support the work of the county government.”

Upon hearing these words, Bekri was somewhat excited. What Nie Zhenbang said was quite clear. Even though the position of executive deputy county head was not something that Nie Zhenbang could decide, with his approval, Bekri’s chances of promotion would be much greater. Immediately, Bekri also laughed, saying, “County head, you are too polite. Assisting the county head in government work is my duty. It’s what I should do. You carry on with your work, I won’t disturb you.”

After sending Bekri off, Nie Zhenbang started to get busy. By now, the county committee’s leadership had basically stabilized, so it was time to finalize the members of each bureau at this regular standing committee meeting.