Reborn as a Noble's Son

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Yan Fengjiao was stunned. She hadn’t expected this impulsive, passionate side of Nie Zhenbang. He had always given the impression of being steady and calm, even in the face of the greatest upheavals. But now, she had seen a new side of Nie Zhenbang.

Immediately, Yan Fengjiao, who had been pulled up from the sofa by Nie Zhenbang, seemed a little flustered. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, she hesitated for a while, then retreated: “Director… Director Nie, I think we should reconsider. If we really do this, I’m afraid my father-in-law’s reputation would be destroyed. Moreover, if you get involved, it might complicate the matter further.”

Yan Fengjiao’s worries were not unfounded. In the past, Fan Guoliang was easy to deal with and felt guilty about his daughter-in-law and took good care of her. But that was all under the premise that Yan Fengjiao had not wronged the Fan family. Now, Yan Fengjiao wanted to divorce, bringing another man to the house, regardless of her relationship with Nie Zhenbang, whether it is innocent or not, the old man’s thoughts would certainly be different.

People are like this, sometimes they are blinded by their imagination. Fan Guoliang had been the secretary of the Bazhou Municipal Committee for many years and had a good reputation. But that was in the past. Now, Fan Guoliang was a seventy-year-old man. This was not the time for reasoning.

Nie Zhenbang was also taken aback for a moment. Then, looking at Yan Fengjiao, he was somewhat puzzled. After being stunned, he smiled: “County Mayor Yan, are you scared? Don’t be. As a woman, fighting for her happiness is human nature. I believe Secretary Fan would not want to see you living a lonely life. As for sex, although it appears rotten, it is something no one can escape. As for me, don’t worry. My actions are upright, I am not afraid of any rumors. The pure have nothing to fear. People live for themselves, not for the opinion or reputation of others.”

Nie Zhenbang was quite eloquent at the moment, but that was because he was talking about others. When it comes to himself, Nie Zhenbang was not so free and easy. At least on the issue of his three daughters, Nie Zhenbang didn’t know what to do.

Yan Fengjiao had suffered in loneliness throughout her life, enduring this pain and the judgmental gazes of society, coupled with the big-mouthed Fan Jianjun. Regardless of where Yan Fengjiao worked, she was certainly causing a commotion.

Fan Jianjun’s inhumane actions were almost known throughout the city. Consequently, rumors were bound to circulate, accusing Yan Fengjiao of being unfaithful. Landing a man without any capability, looking outside, that was considered normal. This kind of need is not gender-specific.

It could be said that for the past decade, Yan Fengjiao had been bearing this pressure and scrutiny alone, even enduring harassment from higher-ups.

Now, when she poured out her heart to Nie Zhenbang. Yan Fengjiao felt a significant closeness with Nie Zhenbang.

After an internal struggle, Yan Fengjiao was reassured by Nie Zhenbang’s words. When she looked up again, Yan Fengjiao nodded determinedly: “Director Nie, we can go, but, I have a request. My father-in-law’s health is poor, he has high blood pressure and heart disease, he cannot be overly stimulated. So, don’t provoke him excessively.”

This woman, even in this moment, was considering Fan Guoliang’s health. This act of repaying kindness with a spring of generosity amazed Nie Zhenbang, she was a remarkable woman.

Nie Zhenbang drove the car himself while Yan Fengjiao sat in the passenger seat, music played in the vehicle. Liu Dehua’s tape was on, at this time he was one of the popular music icons. It seemed that the driver was also a fan. Now, the car was silent. Nie Zhenbang thought about playing some music to alleviate the somewhat oppressive atmosphere.

Nie Zhenbang drove fast, covering the distance of fifty kilometers in less than an hour to Bazhou City.

It was only eight o’clock. Looking at Yan Fengjiao next to him, Nie Zhenbang turned his head and asked: “County Mayor Yan. Where do you live?”

Under the direction of Yan Fengjiao, the car drove directly into the yard of the Bazhou City Veteran Cadre Bureau. Just at this point, Nie Zhenbang had a favorable impression of Fan Guoliang. Typically, a cadre of Fan Guoliang’s rank, who had retired from a top position in Bazhou, even if they lived in the municipal committee’s compound and continued to occupy a courtyard, the leaders of the municipal committee usually wouldn’t say anything. After all, many of the current leaders of the municipal committee were promoted by Fan Guoliang.

However, Fan Guoliang voluntarily moved out of the municipal committee compound to live in the Veteran cadre bureau. This showed that Fan Guoliang was a noble person.

The house at the veteran bureau was not very big. It was a three-bedroom with a living room, but it was sufficient for Fan Guoliang.

Fan Guoliang’s house was in the first dormitory building of the veteran cadres dormitory area. These buildings, built by the Bazhou City Veteran Cadre Bureau a few years ago, were brick and concrete structures. The exterior walls were plastered and covered with colorful stones. There was one stairwell per unit.

Fan Guoliang’s house was located on the first floor. As the former secretary of the Municipal Committee, he was advanced in age, and climbing stairs was a strenuous task. The city had considered this and deliberately arranged for Fan Guoliang to live on the first floor.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao had just arrived at the door, when a “crash” resonated from inside the house, the sound of a teacup shattering on the floor.

Immediately following, a voice rang out: “You unfilial son, I’ve told you before not to go after Fengjiao. You ignored my words. You don’t want to work. All you do is laze about the house, idling your time away. When I meet Mark (Death), how will you survive? Fengjiao is an extraordinary woman, a rare gem. You disregard her feelings; you shouldn’t even be deserving to live in this world. You should just die!” Such was the extent of Fan Guoliang’s rage that he was uttering such harsh words to his own son. After all, which parent doesn’t dote on their own child?

As soon as those words fell, a screeching voice filled with hysteria and rage sounded from Fan Jianjun: “You’re still taking her side, you must be going senile. You’re oblivious. This woman, she’s living quite the merry life in Lixian. She hooked up with the County Mayor Nie Zhenbang of Lixian. Now that you’re old and powerless, she’s become brazen. She doesn’t respect you anymore.”

“You’re a disgrace! Even if Fengjiao chooses another man over you, I’d accept it. Whoever gives the Fan family a descendant doesn’t matter. I’ve said it before. You should let go of Fengjiao. But did you listen?” Fan Guoliang’s voice resonates once again.

This exchange, however, took Nie Zhenbang by surprise. He hadn’t expected Fan Guoliang to have this attitude, which in turn comforted him somewhat. Initially, Nie Zhenbang had come here with the intention to confront Fan Guoliang. But the elderly former secretary of the Municipal Committee seemed reasonable after all.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang gave a glance to Yan Fengjiao and signaled her. Understanding Nie’s intention, Yan immediately took a set of keys out from her purse.

The sound of them opening the door silenced the room. As soon as Fan Guoliang and his son saw Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao at the doorway…

Fan Jianjun yelled hysterically: “You bitch, you’re getting more audacious, even bringing this stray man into our home. Watch me deal with you. Nie Zhenbang, you’ve got guts. You act as if it’s completely justified to steal another’s wife. Apparently, you really don’t respect the Fan family.”

Fan Jianjun, indeed cunning, knew he was in no position to confront Nie Zhenbang and deliberately implicated his father. Now, it seemed to look like Nie Zhenbang was confronting the former secretary of the municipal committee.

“Insolent! I’m not dead yet, this house isn’t your domain. Get out of here right now!” Fan Guoliang’s face darkened with anger and he bellowed.

At this moment, Fan Jianjun was somewhat terrified. His cocky demeanor was mostly contributed to the reputation of his father, Fan Guoliang. If even his father didn’t stand up for him, his demise would be inevitable. The moment Fan Guoliang roared, Fan Jianjun’s expression changed, and grudgingly looking at Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao he said, “You shameless pair, okay, very well, we’re far from done yet!”

Having said that, Fan Jianjun ran out. This man’s mentality was already severely twisted, and he could no longer be evaluated like a normal person.

Watching his son dash out of the house, Fan Guoliang didn’t show any reaction. His eyes settled on Nie Zhenbang. As the former secretary of the Municipal Committee, Fan Guoliang, though retired, carried himself with certain dignity. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Fan Guoliang finally smiled: “You’re the Mayor Nie Zhenbang, indeed commendable. You are skilled, capable, and young, Lixian is in good hands with you in charge. This will ease Comrade Wenqing’s workload significantly.”

Fan Guoliang was sharp at assessing people. Nie Zhenbang’s gaze was sincere, his demeanor calm, showing no fear or hesitation. Such a man should not be underestimated. Moreover, Fan Guoliang trusted Yan Fengjiao.

“Hehe, Mayor Nie, my household is in a state of disarray. You’ve seen an old man’s misery. Please, have a seat. Ever since my wife left, my home has been in chaos.” Fan Guoliang seemed genuinely warm as he welcomed Nie Zhenbang, truly exuding the aura of an ordinary old man. Turning his gaze to Yan Fengjiao he said, “Fengjiao, come in. It’s been a few months since you last visited home, hasn’t it? Why have you suddenly grown so distant?”

Looking at Yan Fengjiao, Nie Zhenbang began to understand why she had chosen to endure for so many years. With such an understanding old man in her life, it was difficult for her to speak out.

PS: I delivered 15,000 words in 5 updates today. But I am saddened. An explosion of 15,000 words, and during exciting chapters too, still couldn’t compete with others’ single chapter updates. Starting from the early morning of the 28th, there were ten updates, a total of 30,000 words. Hope it won’t be overshadowed by others’ 3,000-word updates. End of the next part. If you like this novel, you’re welcome to visit qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.