Chapter 275 - 274: Sudden Mishap_1

At the mention of such a sensitive topic, not only did Ning Zhiyuan’s complexion change, but so did everyone else’s. Liu Kun stood up at this moment with some understanding: “Alright, alright. Everyone go out.”

Any person possesses a curiosity for gossip, even these ladies. Especially those who come to this paradise on earth and can go above the fifth floor, all of them are remarkable people in terms of status and identity. These ladies always have hopes that perhaps, if they catch the eye of some tycoon or young master who can sponsor them on a long-term basis, wouldn’t that be much better than having to sell smiles every day?

Upon Liu Kun’s words, several ladies became disheartened and stood up, sulking, “Kun…”

The coquettish tremor of their voices made Liu Kun shudder from head to toe. This seductive creature was truly something.

Nevertheless, Liu Kun was able to distinguish the gravity of the matter at hand. He grabbed the lady’s voluptuous behind, gave it a light spanking and said, “You little devil, be obedient. Step out for a bit, the big boys have serious business to discuss. Tonight, it’ll be just you and me for three hundred rounds.”

Once their private room was left to them alone, Ning Zhiyuan seriously said: “I haven’t paid much attention to this issue. As you’re aware, we spend more of our time overseas and in Jingcheng. Unless someone is interested in getting into the system, we don’t usually concern ourselves with these matters.”

Sitting nearby, Zhao Xinglong finally understood Nie Zhenbang’s implications. Zhao Xinglong, himself having a Western education background, was particularly sensitive to this. Promptly, he looked at Nie Zhenbang and said: “Third brother, do you mean we can use this as a breakthrough to trap Li Guohua?”

Nie Zhenbang seemed placid at the moment. He had temporarily been thrown into chaos due to marriage issues recently. First, he was played by Li Guohua at the Dynasty Club, and then Zhou Chen, who was stationed in New Li City, added to the confusion. Now that the marriage issue had been somewhat alleviated, even though it was not yet settled, neither the Dong family nor the Yang family would pay much attention to it. Nie Zhenbang finally got some relief. Not striking back at such a time wasn’t his style.

Subsequently, he smiled and said, “Not sure about trapping him, but we definitely can’t let him coast through easily. With Li Guohua being woefully unoccupied these days, let’s keep him busy if he has nothing to do.”

Aside, Li Hua frowned: “Third brother, the issue isn’t that big, but Jiangbei Province has traditionally been within the Li family’s sphere of influence. Ning Zhiyuan’s father becoming the governor was a stroke of luck. If we confront Li Guohua, I’m afraid we might not be able to pull it off alone.”

Speaking of it, Ning Shouchang’s assumption of the office was quite dramatic. Initially, during the selection of a governor candidate for Jiangbei Province, various forces were vying. Jiangbei Province, after all, was a major economic province with prime location and strong economic power. The competition for the top party and government positions was always intense. Although Jiangbei was traditionally dominated by the Li family, it doesn’t mean other forces wouldn’t try to intervene. Politics has always been a form of art where compromise and counter-compromise clashed.

Amid the dispute, Ning Shouchang, the deputy governor without any backing suddenly rose to power taking advantage of the situation.

And now, Ning Zhiyuan frequently mingles in Jingcheng, probably with an intention to find some backing for his father.

Without a doubt, the Nie Family was very appealing. Nie Family patriarch was fit and healthy and had a vast network. He was highly respected in both the military and the local government, making him one of the few remaining big shots.

The second generation of the Nie family, one in the military and one in politics, although not as prosperous as the patriarch, could still barely maintain the power and influence of Nie Zhenbang. The third generation, which includes the three brothers of Nie Zhenbang, was also outstanding. Sometimes, the newcomers in a family can also determine the family’s status.

Now, Nie Zhenbang was pondering. Ning Shouchang’s current position was indeed enticing to the Nie family. Consequently, Nie Zhenbang hesitated: “This matter can’t be rushed. After all, the transfer of provincial and ministerial officials involves various trade-offs. The rigorous competition involved here is clear to all, I don’t need to say more. It’s better to go slow. Ningzi, just keep this in mind and be aware of it. There’s no need for any action. Inform me as soon as there’s any news.”

Jiangbei Province, Nie Zhenbang was now thinking. Figuring out how to plant someone in Jiangbei was a challenging task. This wasn’t something that could be arranged on a whim. Even President Yuan might not dare to guarantee such a thing.

Moreover, the person to be planted must be chosen carefully. At present, Liu Kun’s father was a suitable candidate. If handled properly, appointing Liu Kun’s father in Jiangbei Province would greatly boost the Nie faction’s development in Jiangbei. Moreover, it could bog down Li Guohua.

Now, Li Guohua had already seen himself as the biggest opponent of his life, so much so that he had begun to suppress him at this current level. More importantly, Li Guohua was able to appoint Zhou Chen as the acting mayor of New Li City. This proved that his decision was supported by the Li family.

Better to be safe than sorry. For a family like the Li’s, they had reached an extreme precautionary measure. Although it indirectly proved that Li Guohua was afraid of himself, without giving him some lessons, it is likely that he wouldn’t have much peace.

At this thought, Nie Zhenbang’s phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the number, and was taken aback. It was from the Dynasty Club. Immediately, Nie Zhenbang gestured for silence and picked up the phone. On the other end, he heard Dong Wan’s voice: “Zhenbang, are you busy? If not, come over to Dynasty. Anna and I want to see you.”

Upon hearing Dong Wan’s words, Nie Zhenbang didn’t hesitate at all and immediately said, “Alright, I’ll be right over.”

When he hung up, Liu Kun and the others came over. Liu Kun was particularly concerned and asked, “Third Brother, is there something wrong?”

Standing nearby, Zhao Xinglong echoed, “Exactly, Third Brother. If there’s a problem, just say it. We brothers have some pull in Jingcheng.”

Nie Zhenbang smiled slightly but shook his head, “Stop guessing guys, Dong Wan and Anna are looking for me. You guys play at the Dynasty Club for a bit and I’ll host a dinner for us brothers later tonight.”

Upon hearing Dong Wan and Anna’s names, everyone had a knowing smile. Liu Kun sat down and immediately said, “Third Brother, you go ahead. We’ll hang out here for a bit, then meet up at the Dynasty Club at seven tonight.”

Nie Zhenbang chuckled at Liu Kun’s words and jokingly said: “Take it easy, don’t wear yourself out.”

Walking out of the doors of the Paradise Pavilion, Nie Zhenbang got into his car. It was clear that Dong Wan and Anna wanted to talk about the engagement. After today, they likely already had a conclusion.

The car was parked in the underground garage of the Dynasty Club. He took the private elevator direct to the ninth floor, and as soon as he stepped out, he saw Dong Wan and Anna in the living room seated on the sofa.

Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang enter, Dong Wan stood up with a smile and poured him a cup of tea which she placed on the coffee table. This made Nie Zhenbang somewhat emotional. Anna didn’t have Dong Wan’s maturity when it came to these small details.

At that moment, seeing Nie Zhenbang accepting the tea cup from Dong Wan, Anna suddenly grumbled under her breath, “Sister Wan, I feel like you and Brother Zhenbang are a better match. Should I step back?”

In this life, Yang Anna’s feelings for Nie Zhenbang weren’t as strong as in her previous life. Back then, she felt deep guilt and when she saw Nie Zhenbang alone and helpless, her feelings intensified.

Now, Nie Zhenbang is healthy and has several women around him. Suddenly seeing the harmony between Nie Zhenbang and Dong Wan made Anna feel like something was off. The jealousy was amplified.

Hearing Anna’s words, both Nie Zhenbang and Dong Wan were taken aback. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was shocked. He couldn’t say that he didn’t have deep feelings for Anna, but he also couldn’t say that his feelings for her were purely out of guilt and compromise.

He knew himself well and knew that he had to have feelings for Anna to be having such a tough time deciding. If not, he would have chosen Dong Wan without hesitation.

Dong Wan was silent for a while before suddenly laughing, “What are you talking about? Didn’t we agree on this before? Are you changing your mind?”

Dong Wan could very well comprehend what Anna was feeling. Women are very emotional, and maybe what just transpired had moved Anna. Being raised in a sheltered family, Anna was immature in many aspects, like her social skills and dealing with family affairs. Given Nie Zhenbang’s status, background, and family lineage, he needed someone who could assist him with his career. This was something Dong Wan had clarity on. Her personality didn’t fit, but Anna had potential.

At this moment, under Dong Wan’s pressure, Anna seemed a bit aggrieved. She muttered, “Sister Wan, that’s not what I meant. Honestly, I just feel like you’re a better match. Plus, I have a foreign education background which could impact Brother Zhenbang’s final success.”

Hearing Anna’s words, both Nie Zhenbang and Dong Wan fell silent. Anna wasn’t ignorant about these things. She just often overlooked such details because of her laissez-faire nature.

Dong Wan, seeing the atmosphere turning heavy, lightened it by saying, “Alright, alright. Let’s not talk about this right now. Let’s discuss something else.”

Then, she looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Zhenbang, I, Anna, and Li Xue were just discussing and we all thought it would be nice to visit your hometown of Tang City, to see where you grew up, to meet your grandparents and… your mother!”(To be continued. If you like this story, please visit to vote and seal your support. Your support is my greatest motivation.)