Chapter 174: Whether One Lives or Dies Depends on Luck

Ning Weiguo's expression was serious as he said in a low voice, "At present, Division Chief Liu should not have yet..."

Having said this, he paused, the implication being quite clear.

Ning Weidong understood immediately: "Not yet, but... given Shi Xiaonan's beauty and Division Chief Liu's situation, if things are left to develop, I fear he is going to lose his integrity in his later years."

It must be said, although Section Chief Zhang and Manager Wang are enemies, their grasp of human nature and their ability to exploit every opening truly cannot be underestimated.

Given Division Chief Liu's age and experience, simply finding a young, beautiful woman to seduce him would, nine times out of ten, not actually work.

But Shi Xiaonan is not just beautiful.

Division Chief Liu is an expert; he can tell whether a performance is good or not the moment he hears it, and there is no doubt that Shi Xiaonan has a kind of spiritual appeal to him.

This is what is most fatal.

It comes back to that saying: beauty is only a basic condition; even among one-in-a-million beauties, one can find ten thousand among a hundred million people.

True charm is what lies beyond beauty, the thing that can make a person's heart flutter.

And Ning Weidong could also understand Ning Weiguo's meaning: there is a great deal of room to maneuver in this matter.

A day earlier or a day later, it all depends on a single thought.

Yet it can determine Division Chief Liu's life or death.

Ning Weiguo is able to survive in the bureaucracy and gain the attention and cultivation of his father-in-law because he is no pushover.

He is good to Ning Weidong because Ning Weidong is his own brother from the same mother;

he is good to Wang Yuzhen because she is the wife with whom he has shared hardships.

Otherwise, if he were placed in a key department position, he would never be able to hold onto it.

Ning Weiguo pursed his lips, frowned, and pondered: "Let me think..."

Ning Weidong did not press further and looked at Wang Yuzhen: "Sister-in-law, this man surnamed Liu isn't on the same side as our family, right?"

Wang Yuzhen said: "He is from the academic faction..."

Ning Weidong suddenly understood.

It was the same in ancient times.

The nobility followed Taizu to conquer the world together.

From the very beginning, they controlled important resources and positions, effectively acting as original shareholders.

There were others who were promoted through the imperial examinations or other channels, effectively acting as corporate executives.

The former were united by blood and marriage, the latter by teacher-student and classmate relationships.

The two were naturally not on the same side.

After a long while, Ning Weiguo slowly waved his hand: "Forget it, the benefits of this matter won't fall to us, so it's better to sell a favor."

Ning Weidong was not too surprised when he heard this.

He had said long ago that Ning Weiguo's current position as Section Chief is a key post that controls important resources.

Don't look at Division Chief Liu as a superior; when it comes to true criticality, he might not compare to Ning Weiguo.

Therefore, even if Division Chief Liu fell, Ning Weiguo would not reap many benefits while trapped in this position.

Ning Weidong had discussed this with Ning Weiguo before: key positions are hard to manage; although important, it is best not to hold onto them for too long, as it is easy for trouble to arise.

Ning Weiguo and Wang Yuzhen also agreed with this view, but under the current circumstances, the Wang Family must hold onto Ning Weiguo's position at the Mechanical Bureau.

The earliest they could wait is next year, or the year after.

By then, Wang Yuzhen's father will be prepared to step into a secondary role, and only by giving up that position can he help Ning Weiguo move up a step; now is far from the time.

Ning Weidong said: "Big Brother, how do you want to sell this favor?"

Having thought through the pros and cons, Ning Weiguo relaxed, his mind becoming more agile, and he said with a smile: "We can't sell this favor ourselves." As he spoke, he looked at Wang Yuzhen: "We have to let Dad go personally to sell it for a high price."

Although there is competition and opposition between the nobility and the academic faction, they fight without breaking ties.

When they encounter issues, they can talk, rather than immediately trying to figure out how to kill the other side.

Wang Yuzhen smiled: "That's true. Old Liu is no small fry over there; if we let him off the hook this time, they will definitely owe us a favor."

Ning Weiguo checked the time and said: "The two of us will go home right now and tell Dad the situation." He then said to Ning Weidong: "Weidong, don't make any moves on your end yet."

Ning Weidong said: "I know. Don't worry, this matter was originally in the hands of the Fourth Brother; he had to attend to the situation at the Red Star Factory a while ago, and he has only just freed up his hands, so it won't happen that fast."

Ning Weiguo nodded, then turned to Ning Lei and said: "Study hard at home; your mother and I are going out for a while."

Ning Lei hurriedly responded.

Ning Weidong gave a mischievous grin: "Sister-in-law, don't worry about it. Hasn't he finished his homework? I'll keep an eye on him..."

The corners of Ning Lei's mouth, which he had been struggling to keep straight, suddenly drooped.

The next afternoon, Ning Weidong received a phone report from Zhang Dajun at his unit.

Yesterday, Chu Zhongxin made arrangements overnight and carried out the arrest before Section Chief Zhang and Shi Xiaonan could take further action against Division Chief Liu.

Ning Weidong knew what was going on; he had only left last night after Ning Weiguo and his wife returned from the Wang Family.

At that time, Wang Fu had already called the person behind Division Chief Liu.

It was clear that the negotiations between the two sides were very efficient.

Ning Weidong did not know what Wang Fu had obtained on that side, but judging by Chu Zhongxin's speed, he should be quite satisfied.

However, at this moment, Zhang Dajun suddenly mentioned another situation: "Leader, there is one more thing. Is it convenient for you? Should I come over?" Ning Weidong was slightly surprised; Zhang Dajun had just reported all these details, so what could be so sensitive that it couldn't be said over the phone? But upon second thought, he couldn't help but frown.

Everything mentioned before was an established fact, and it involved two factions; as long as anyone with a brain—whether it be Li Weibing or Wang Guoqiang—would not, and would not dare, to make an issue out of this.

Ning Weidong said: "Come on over~"

In less than half an hour, Zhang Dajun arrived by bicycle, already covered in sweat by the time he reached Ning Weidong's Office.

Ning Weidong smiled and poured him a glass of water: "Look at you, what's the rush?"

Zhang Dajun took the boiled water, drank it all in one gulp, and said seriously: "Leader, it's Shi Xiaonan; she asked me to find you."

Ning Weidong's brows twitched, and he reined in the smile on his face: "Looking for me? What did she say?"

Zhang Dajun said: "She recognized me and said she had seen you with me..."

Ning Weidong suddenly realized; Shi Xiaonan was desperate and clutching at straws, likely knowing that Ning Weidong and Zhang Dajun were acquainted, and this time she had recognized Zhang Dajun.

No wonder Zhang Dajun hadn't been able to speak clearly on the phone just now; this kind of matter was indeed difficult to talk about.

If someone didn't know the truth, they might think he had some unspeakable relationship with Shi Xiaonan~ When it comes to these matters between men and women, there is no such thing as the innocent clearing themselves; there is only the power of public opinion.

Because people have no need to understand the facts at all; if it really gets on you, it's not easy to deal with.

Especially given Shi Xiaonan's current situation.

Although her nature was different from Section Chief Zhang and Manager Wang, Shi Xiaonan also had a problem, which was that quota for the performance in Hong Kong.

That quota was handled entirely by Section Chief Zhang; if Shi Xiaonan wasn't one of their own, why would they help her?

Fortunately, Shi Xiaonan's background was relatively clean, and she hadn't caused any dire consequences.

However, getting involved in this kind of thing, she would likely suffer quite a bit.

Zhang Dajun said: "Leader, what should we do? I'm not worried about anything else, I'm just afraid that woman will be driven to desperation and start biting back at everyone..."

Ning Weidong frowned, having also thought of that possibility.

Although, based on his understanding, Shi Xiaonan shouldn't be that kind of person, who can say for sure when someone is at the end of their rope? ~ Shi Xiaonan didn't understand the relationship between Zhang Dajun and Ning Weidong, yet she rashly begged Zhang Dajun to find Ning Weidong; it was clearly a case of being driven to desperation and acting recklessly.

If Ning Weidong stood by and watched, there was no guarantee she wouldn't hold a grudge.

Whether now or before he transmigrated, Ning Weidong was accustomed to gauging the human heart with malice; only in this way could he ensure that the one getting hurt wasn't himself.

Ning Weidong pondered for a moment and said: "What is the bureau's attitude right now?"

Zhang Dajun understood that Ning Weidong was asking him about the characterization of Shi Xiaonan's case.

This was extremely important.

If Shi Xiaonan were labeled an accomplice who helped the villain, she would basically be not far from facing a firing squad.

But if she were characterized as an innocent member of the public who was coerced, she would likely be fine.

Zhang Dajun shook his head and said: "It's not clear yet; there have been two major cases in a row, and the higher-ups haven't gotten around to her yet, but..."

Ning Weidong raised an eyebrow: "But what?"

Zhang Dajun said: "According to the situation already grasped, Shi Xiaonan did have behavior that cooperated with them; if they really want to be strict, I'm afraid it won't be easy to handle."

Ning Weidong made a "tsk" sound, feeling depressed inside.

Damn it, sitting at home, and disaster comes from the sky.

It just so happened that Shi Xiaonan lived in the same courtyard as him before; if she really went all out to drag him down with her, it would definitely be a headache.

At this time, he had to steady her; he couldn't let this woman go crazy.

Ning Weidong said: "Zhang, go back immediately and find an opportunity to tell her that I have promised to help her maneuver, and tell her to absolutely stick to the story that she was coerced by Section Chief Zhang and was afraid of being killed by the enemy..."

"I understand~" Zhang Dajun nodded, already knowing Ning Weidong's plan.

Zhang Dajun was an old Public Security officer and was well-versed in the ins and outs of this.

Sometimes when people come begging for help, for various reasons you really can't refuse, so you have to agree.

But agreeing doesn't mean helping; there are many tricks to this.

Some things have low rewards and high risks, so you absolutely cannot get involved; some people are just not worth helping.

You can just agree to it, but privately do nothing, and in the end, find an excuse to say it didn't work out.

Or for some things, it gets done directly, and you get a favor for free.

The principle is an enthusiastic attitude, sincere words, "it's very difficult," "I tried my best"... but the matter didn't get done.

Ning Weidong clearly had this plan in mind too.

In this kind of matter, let alone a neighbor in the same courtyard, even a proper relative wouldn't dare to meddle blindly; if you mess up, you'll get yourself dragged in.

Ning Weidong patted Zhang Dajun on the shoulder; talking to a smart person really saves effort—as soon as he brought up the topic, he understood.

Zhang Dajun then left.

Ning Weidong still pondered this matter, not knowing what the result would be; in any case, he would absolutely not say a word to intervene.

But it wasn't that he was completely ignoring it; the message he just had Zhang Dajun pass on was the key—as long as Shi Xiaonan stuck to that story, it wasn't without hope.

Whether she lived or died would depend on luck.

Just at this moment, the phone on the desk rang again.

Ning Weidong suddenly came back to his senses and reached out to pick it up: "Hello, this is Ning Weidong."

On the phone, Zhao Ruyi said urgently: "Weidong, a telegram just came from the Northeast!"

(End of this chapter)