Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Meeting with Dong Wan_1
Translator: 549690339
“Girl! What nonsense are you talking about? Shut your mouth!” Before anyone else could speak, Elder Yang immediately scolded.
This scene made Yang Shengli, who was standing nearby, feel a bit ashamed. The old man was too cunning. He was the one who had called Anna over. His motive was clear: Elder Yang wanted to break up this arranged marriage. It wasn’t that he was worried about the Nie family’s power becoming too great. Rather, Elder Yang seemed to have an eye for Nie Zhenbang. Besides, considering the personality of his own granddaughter Anna, Elder Yang naturally had to consider her interests.
The old are indeed cunning. In this situation, it was not appropriate for any outsider to speak, only Yang Anna, the child, could. After all, children’s words are considered innocent.
At this moment, Yang Anna stood like an indignant hen, puffing out her chest, glaring at Elder Dong, and then at Elder Nie. It looked like if Elder Nie agreed to this marriage, she was ready to fight over it.
At Elder Yang’s yell, Yang Anna immediately burst into tears, “Grandfather, you can’t go back on your word. I’ve said it before. Zhenbang brother is my life-saving benefactor. In this life, I will marry no one but him. If you won’t let me, I’ll just become his concubine.”
At this juncture, people like Elder Nie, who had come from the old society, were aware of multiple marriages. But young Anna, only fourteen years old and already aware of these things, was quite precocious.
At this time, Elder Dong had come to his senses and purposefully glanced at Elder Yang next to him. This Yang fellow, resorting to all means to scoop up a grandson-in-law.
Perhaps out of confidence in his own granddaughter, Elder Dong smiled and said, “Well then, let’s leave it at that.”
Then he looked at Yang Anna, “Little Anna, where did you learn all this from? At such a young age, it’s not good to watch Hong Kong and Taiwanese TV shows. Children should focus on their studies. Dong will promise not to steal your brother Zhenbang anymore. But remember, if your brother Zhenbang doesn’t like you but likes Dong Wan instead, you can’t take it too hard.”
Who was Elder Dong? He was the Deputy Director of the Central Advisory Commission, appointed by the Head of State to oversee the comprehensive work of the Commission. In this era, it could be said that the Commission was indeed the true center.
Since Elder Dong had already identified the issue, he would naturally not let the Yang family succeed. Thus, he proposed this solution. The aim was obviously for free love, depending on whom Nie Zhenbang favored.
At this moment, Yang Anna looked at Elder Dong. Her bright eyes sparkled. Beside her, Nie Zhenbang felt overwhelmed. Honestly, in his previous and present lives, Nie Zhenbang did feel guilt towards Yang Anna. However, he needed time to accept her.
In his previous life, Nie Zhenbang had no feelings for Yang Anna. Gratitude should not be confused with affection. In this life, Nie Zhenbang was unsure about his future. It appears he could only take one step at a time.
Yang Anna hesitated for a moment and finally nodded, “Alright, Grandfather
Dong, you must keep your word.”
With this, Elder Dong burst into hearty laughter, looking at Elder Yang, he said with hidden meaning, “Old Yang, you have really brought up a great granddaughter.”
After the kinship acknowledgment was over, the news of the Head of State considering the third son of the Nie family as his godson had already spread in Jingcheng.
In the Forbidden City and the Purple Pavilion — Xuri’s office, Xuri looked at Ou Huajun with a rather gloomy expression. They had attempted to test the waters but did not expect to elicit such a strong response from the reformist faction.
The Head of State’s decision to acknowledge Nie Zhenbang as a family member at this moment was not without the intent of backing Nie Zhenbang. After all, Wal-Mart, which has launched a large-scale expansion across the country, opening fifteen stores in just two months, has now become famous. At the same time, it has become an example for private businesses.
“Huajun, slow down with Wal-Mart. The general principle is strict screening. As for those already operating, let’s leave them as they are. As for those yet to operate, we certainly will not approve any further.” After some thought, Xuri expressed his intentions.
Hearing this, Ou Huajun knew that matters pertaining to his son had reached an impasse. He nodded and replied, “Chief, I understand. You can rest assured.”
The Kin recognition incident brought changes to the central government, but Nie Zhenbang wasn’t concerned. At this point, Nie Zhenbang didn’t need to worry too much. At this time, the Nie family was already on board with the reformist faction. They were comparatively at ease.
At this time, Nie Zhenbang was dragged to the gate of Yu Ying School by Nie Jiamin.
Seeing Nie Zhenbang come over, a group of people immediately gathered around, all familiar faces, including veterans from special wartime, Liu Kun, and the fourth child of the Chen family. The rest were all people who had been hanging out with Nie Jiamin.
“Third Brother, Young Master! This time, you’re not just here to see your sister-in-law, right? I heard the Dong family has proposed marriage already.” Many people greeted them one after another.
“Go away! What do you guys know? Today, our Young Master is here to test the waters.” Nie Jiamin also joined in the teasing.
A line of people, impressively walked into Yu Ying School. On the field, another group had gathered at this moment. At the forefront of the group was a young man about 1.8 meters tall, very robust overall, with a strikingly handsome face.
“Young Master Xu, if you don’t act now, it’ll be too late. Just now, I got the news that Third Nie is here. He seems to be headed for Dong Wan. If you don’t compete, it’ll be too late.” A man with glasses in the crowd said anxiously.
On the side, a fat man chimed in, “Exactly, Young Master Xu. We’re all from Dongye background. We’re no worse than them. I heard that Third Nie is now boasting to be the number one man in Jingcheng. Who gives him the right to do so? We from the military commission compound don’t even speak out, who the hell does Nie Zhenbang think he is?”
“Young Master Xu, let’s go, let’s meet Nie Zhenbang. Considering the background, your family’s Elder Zhang is number one in the National People’s Congress. He is third in the Politburo Standing Committee. He is ranked much higher than Nie’s. What are you afraid of?” On the side, someone stoked the fire again.
In Jingcheng, the ruling social circle is roughly divided into several factions, one of which is the government. Additionally, the army is considered a faction.
Inside the army, there are even more factions. In essence, they are divided according to the units of the older generation at home. Those from the same units naturally get along well, making the younger generation even closer.
This Zhang Xu is the direct grandson of the Zhang family. His grandfather came from the military background. Even though he is currently holding a position in the National People’s Congress, Zhang Xu’s parents are all serving in the military. He is part of the military faction among those who share a Dongye background, and he is seen as a top figure.
Zhang Xu is also an impetuous young man. Stirred by his peers, he immediately threw away his basketball and declared, “Let’s go!”
At the entrance of the teaching building, Nie Jiamin stood next to Nie Zhenbang, pointing to a young girl standing by the third-floor railing, whispering, “Old Three, look, that’s Dong Wan.”
Following Nie Jiamin’s pointing finger, they saw a girl standing by the railing on the third floor. She was about 1.7 meters tall, with long flowing hair, phoenix eyes, and a melon-seed face radiating an oriental charm. Her clothes were simple, yet very fitting and appropriate. Nie Zhenbang had to admire, she truly was an exceptional beauty.
At this time, Zhang Xu and his group were already approaching. Seeing this group approach with an aggressive manner, without Zhang Xu saying anything, his followers began shouting, “Make way! All make way! We’ve only heard that Nie’s Third Young Master is Jingcheng’s number one prince. We’ve got to see it for ourselves today!”
Nie Zhenbang’s eyebrows furrowed. This reputation was truly too tiring. His gaze swiftly landed on Zhang Xu.
Their eyes clashed in an instant, just like a duel between top-notch martial artists in a wuxia novel. With their first encounter, sparks were already flying.
Zhang Xu tilted his head, sizing up Nie Zhenbang. After a long time, he finally said, “So you’re Nie Zhenbang? Let me introduce myself,l’m Zhang Xu, from the military commission’s compound No. 2. If you’re here to play, I welcome you. But if you’re here for Dong Wan, I’d advise you to know your place and get lost!”
Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang laughed. Behind Zhang Xu, Nie Zhenbang saw Dong Wan walking over. With a serene smile on his face, he said, “Zhang Xu? Heard of him. Somewhat capable. Seeing him today, he’s just so-so. As for what I’m here to do, you don’t have the qualification to concern yourself.”
Seeing Nie Zhenbang’s attitude, Zhang Xu’s face darkened and he laughed,
“Woah, you’re pretty arrogant, kid. Let me make it clear, Dong Wan is the one
I’m interested in. If you’re not afraid to die, feel free to approach her..”
