Chapter 197

As soon as Bai Fengqin entered the room, she asked, "Brother Weidong, has something happened?"

Ning Weidong turned to look at them, smiled, and said, "Nothing, just small matters."

Bai Fengyu, who was following behind, let out a sigh of relief.

Although she guessed that Ning Weidong was reporting the good news but not the bad, having these words from Ning Weidong made her feel a bit more at ease.

In any case, she believed whatever came out of Ning Weidong's mouth.

Bai Fengqin, however, pursed her lips and said, "Brother Weidong, is there a change regarding Qian Xiaopeng's matter?"

Ning Weidong saw that Bai Fengqin was worried; he put on a stern face and puffed out his cheeks, looking like a guinea pig.

He couldn't help but chuckle, reached out to press down on Bai Fengqin's head, ruffled her hair, and said, "Don't worry, it's fine~"

Bai Fengqin was stunned; she hadn't expected Ning Weidong to do that to her. Her cheeks turned bright red in an instant, and she muttered like a mosquito, "Oh, you're annoying."

Bai Fengyu, standing to the side, was also stunned. She glared at Ning Weidong, thinking to herself that this girl Bai Fengqin already had a crush on Ning Weidong.

Ning Weidong had acted on impulse, and only after his hand landed on Bai Fengqin's head did he realize it was inappropriate.

But since he had already touched her, pulling back abruptly would be too deliberate, so he simply went with the flow and ruffled Bai Fengqin's hair.

Bai Fengqin's face flushed deep red. She stood there foolishly for a few seconds, then hurriedly turned her head and rushed out.

Bai Fengyu, left behind, rolled her eyes at Ning Weidong and whispered, "Why did you provoke her~"

Ning Weidong chuckled: "Forgot, forgot~" As he spoke, he went over, hugged Bai Fengyu, and kissed her.

Bai Fengyu whispered: "Don't mess around, you have serious business~"

Ning Weidong said sneakily: "Just a little touch, it won't get in the way."

Bai Fengyu feigned anger while secretly pleased; she scolded him for being a hooligan, but she pulled out the hem of her shirt herself.

Ning Weidong reached inside and rubbed her.

Bai Fengyu kept glancing toward the door, terrified that Bai Fengqin might suddenly turn back.

After enduring it for a few seconds with her heart in her throat, Bai Fengyu pressed Ning Weidong's hand through her clothes and said, "Alright, I have to go back."

After saying this, she hurriedly ran off feeling guilty. Just as she stepped outside, she saw someone standing at the base of the wall—it was Bai Fengqin, who had just run out.

Bai Fengqin had run out earlier, but after being blown by the hot air outside, her head had cleared, and she was just about to turn back.

She happened to see Ning Weidong just now reaching his hand inside.

Bai Fengqin's heart tightened, and a thought suddenly popped into her mind: how wonderful it would be if the person inside being touched by Brother Weidong were her.

But it was only a thought; she realized what she was thinking, hurriedly shook her head, and felt both ashamed and annoyed.

At this moment, Bai Fengyu came out, and Bai Fengqin's mood became even more complicated.

Bai Fengyu clutched her chest and said, "You dead girl, you scared me."

Bai Fengqin pouted without responding, her gaze sweeping toward her cousin's chest, secretly thinking that she wasn't inferior in size, and Brother Weidong would probably like it very much~ Just as Bai Fengqin was letting her imagination run wild, rapid footsteps came from outside the Moon Gate of the East Cross Courtyard.

Wang Zipeng led someone inside.

The two Bai sisters came to their senses; there was no time for wild thoughts as they watched the two men enter Ning Weidong's home one after the other.

The two looked at each other, both feeling a bit worried.

But knowing they couldn't help at this moment, they had to silently return home.

Inside Ning Weidong's room, Wang Zipeng went in to greet him and introduced: "Leader, this is Comrade Feng Bing, whom I told you about."

Ning Weidong stood up with a smile and reached out to shake hands with Feng Bing: "Comrade Feng Bing, nice to meet you."

Feng Bing was in his early thirties, looking quite presentable with a square face, regular features, and a pair of black-rimmed glasses. He wore a polite smile: "Comrade Ning Weidong, I've long admired your name."

After the two shook hands, Ning Weidong said "Please sit," and the three sat down. Without any unnecessary pleasantries, he went straight to the point: "Comrade Feng Bing, I heard from Brother Wang that you received a letter reporting me?"

Feng Bing smiled. To Ning Weidong's surprise, he took a kraft paper envelope directly out of his pocket!

Ning Weidong frowned, feeling some aversion toward this person.

Bringing the letter directly—what was the meaning of this? Ning Weidong hadn't asked him for anything, and intercepting a report letter was meaningless; if someone really wanted to target Ning Weidong, they could simply write another one.

As long as one has hands, one can write as many report letters as one wants.

However, Ning Weidong didn't say anything immediately. His gaze swept over the letter, then looked at Feng Bing, and he reached out to take it.

The envelope had already been opened.

This was not surprising; since Feng Bing wanted to use this letter to curry favor with Ning Weidong, he naturally had to know the weight of this favor.

If it were just a trivial report that posed no real threat to Ning Weidong, this favor would be hard to sell.

Ning Weidong took out the letter paper from inside.

The report letter inside was only a thin sheet, folded twice.

After unfolding it, the characters on the paper were actually very neat imitation Song-style type.

If it hadn't been written in pencil, Ning Weidong would have suspected at first glance that it had been printed by a printing press.

The person who wrote the letter did this intentionally to disguise their handwriting.

As for the content, it was also very simple: it reported that Ning Weidong's process of becoming a Deputy Section Chief in the Security Division from a Big Collective worker was non-compliant, specifically highlighting the procedure of "Worker-turned-Cadre."

Ning Weidong narrowed his eyes, guessing the focus of the opponent's attack.

He suddenly understood; no wonder Qian Dacheng had pulled strings to go to the Personnel Department to look at the files.

Although Ning Weidong had already passed his Correspondence Education, obtained a Secondary Specialized School Diploma, and gained Cadre Status.

The procedure for his personnel records hadn't been completed yet, so in his personnel file, he was still in the status of a Worker-turned-Cadre.

Coupled with the fact that in the second half of this year, the authorities had issued a document strictly managing Workers-turned-Cadre, if Ning Weidong didn't have Cadre Status and was still in the status of a Worker-turned-Cadre, this report letter would truly have some power.

But now... it posed absolutely no threat to him.

After reading it, Ning Weidong smiled, stuffed the letter back in, and looked at Feng Bing: "Comrade Feng Bing, I wonder what your requirements are?"

Feng Bing smiled cheerfully and looked at Wang Zipeng beside him: "Comrade Weidong, what requirements? We are all friends; helping each other is only natural."

Ning Weidong nodded. It seemed Feng Bing really didn't have any specific demands; he probably just saw this letter and thought it was an opportunity for speculation.

Furthermore, Ning Weidong estimated that the reason Feng Bing acted this way had to do with the situation on Ruyi's side.

If it were purely aimed at Ning Weidong, Ning Weidong did not feel there was any need for the other party to curry favor with him.

Even as Ning Weiguo's younger brother, or the Zhao Family's son-in-law, it was nothing extraordinary.

But with the Trade Company on Ruyi's side, the situation was different.

That was a place that could truly make people earn real gold and silver.

Recently, as Ruyi had sought out quite a few young people familiar with the courtyards, the reputation of Dongyi Company had gradually spread.

Feng Bing worked in a government agency, so he should have been able to come into contact with it.

According to what Wang Zipeng provided, Feng Bing had no background himself and could not reach Ruyi's level, which was why he wanted to find another way.

Upon discovering that someone had filed a Report Letter against Ning Weidong, he took it as a perfect opportunity to offer a treasure.

Having figured this out, Ning Weidong's smile carried a hint of amusement.

Toward this kind of person, Ning Weidong was not repulsed; he did not have that sort of moral squeamishness.

There was no need to offend someone like Feng Bing; friend or not, they could completely make use of each other.

It was just that the value of Feng Bing bringing out this letter had to be discussed.

Clearly, Feng Bing felt that by bringing this letter, he had done Ning Weidong a huge favor.

But Ning Weidong could not accept such a large favor.

"Comrade Feng Bing, since you put it that way, I will accept you as a friend." Ning Weidong said unhurriedly, yet he pushed the letter back in front of Feng Bing: "However, as for this letter, put it back where you got it from. Since we are friends, I cannot let a friend make a mistake because of me."

Feng Bing was stunned; he had not expected this reaction from Ning Weidong.

He had accepted him as a 'friend' yet pushed the Report Letter back—what did this mean? Ning Weidong continued: "Furthermore, since someone wrote a letter to the organization to report me, it shows they have doubts about me personally. Since that is the case, let them investigate if they must; I have complete trust in the organization."

Feng Bing blinked his eyes, only then realizing that Ning Weidong was confident and unafraid, not fearing this Report Letter being submitted at all.

The implication was: you can be a friend, but I do not owe you this favor.

Feng Bing licked his lips; this result exceeded his expectations.

He had not expected Ning Weidong to be so unyielding; one had to know that many people were currently panic-stricken because of the policy of replacing permanent staff with contract workers.

What did Ning Weidong rely on? He could not figure it out.

However, Feng Bing was not a stubborn person; although this result was not perfect, it was not unacceptable to him.

At the very least, he had established a connection with Ning Weidong through this letter, and through Ning Weidong, he could connect with Ruyi of Dongyi Company.

Just as Ning Weidong guessed, Feng Bing's risk in intercepting this Report Letter was also aimed at getting a bite of the Approval Document business.

But this matter could not be rushed. Feng Bing thought and weighed things quickly in his mind, then laughed out loud and reached out to take the letter back: "Comrade Weidong, it was my lack of consideration."

"You can't say it like that." Ning Weidong patted Feng Bing on the shoulder: "I am quite grateful that you could come tonight. Since we are all friends, let's drop the 'Comrade Weidong'; you call me Old Ning, and I'll call you Old Feng." As he spoke, he looked at Wang Zipeng: "Brother Wang, please make the arrangements; I'll host tomorrow night."

Wang Zipeng hurriedly agreed.

Feng Bing was secretly delighted; regardless of Ning Weidong's attitude toward the Report Letter, this gesture was enough.

Afterward, Wang Zipeng and Feng Bing did not stay long, and Ning Weidong saw them out the door.

Feng Bing repeatedly said "no need to see me out," not letting him walk any further.

Wang Zipeng walked Feng Bing all the way outside the gate of the Dazayuan, watched the other party ride away on his bicycle, and then turned back to Ning Weidong.

Tonight's events were undoubtedly an opportunity for him to improve his relationship with Ning Weidong.

Returning to the room, Ning Weidong was waiting, having guessed that Wang Zipeng would return.

Wang Zipeng entered the room, cautiously glanced behind him, and lowered his voice: "Leader, is there any problem with this Feng Bing?"

In fact, Wang Zipeng felt somewhat uneasy, fearing that Feng Bing had come with other motives and that if something really happened later, he would be in a tight spot.

After all, he was the middleman who brought Feng Bing.

What was worse was that even now, he did not know what was actually written in that Report Letter.

Ning Weidong said with an ambiguous smile: "You brought the person here, and you're asking me if there's a problem?" Wang Zipeng choked, then smiled bitterly: "Leader, I... I'm just afraid that if something happens, how could I dare to be negligent..."

Ning Weidong did not wait for him to explain further, smiling as he said: "Brother Wang, I know you; what kind of relationship do we have?"

Wang Zipeng breathed a sigh of relief.

Ning Weidong added: "By the way, I remember your wife's father is a leader at the First Light Industry Bureau?"

Wang Zipeng was stunned for a moment, not understanding why Ning Weidong had suddenly jumped to this, but he hurriedly nodded in agreement: "I suppose so~ a Deputy Division Chief, about to retire soon."

Ning Weidong smiled and said lightly: "When you get back, discuss it with your wife. I'll have a word with Ruyi; whether it's a lot or a little, it'll help with household expenses."

Wang Zipeng's eyes lit up.

Although Ning Weidong's words were subtle, he was a perceptive person and knew what Ning Weidong meant.

It was to let them use the connections of Qian Fangqi's father to find a way to get some Approval Documents from the First Light Industry Bureau.

Although with his father-in-law's position, Wang Zipeng probably couldn't get the biggest pieces of the pie, there would always be some profit, more or less.

All along, Wang Zipeng had been quite proactive toward Ning Weidong in the courtyard and at the Manager's office.

Regardless of the person's inner intentions, one certainly couldn't dampen their enthusiasm; to put it bluntly, even if you keep a dog at home, you have to give it a bone~ "Leader! I..." Wang Zipeng was excited inside; he knew that many people were currently dealing in Approval Documents, and that thing was extremely profitable.

It was just that given his family's situation, they could see the threshold of this trade but couldn't touch it; at least at this time, dealing in Approval Documents wasn't as rampant as it would be in the late eighties.

Ning Weidong giving him this opportunity was equivalent to giving him money, and it wasn't just a few hundred, but thousands as a baseline, possibly even ten thousand.

As for the exact amount, it depended on how many resources his father-in-law could leverage.

With an excited mood, Wang Zipeng left Ning Weidong's home.

Ning Weidong returned to his room.

Regarding this Report Letter, Ning Weidong was not worried; he had a Secondary Specialized School Diploma and was in the process of obtaining Cadre Status, so the issue of replacing permanent staff with contract workers did not exist.

It was just that this move by Qian Dacheng was truly like a toad crawling on one's foot—it didn't bite, but it was disgusting.

Ning Weidong's eyes narrowed slightly; originally, his attitude toward the Qian Xiaopeng matter was very clear—since a leg had been broken, that was about enough.

After all, killing someone is just a matter of a head hitting the ground, and furthermore, given Qian Xiaopeng's situation, it was unlikely he could be finished off with one blow.

But the Qian family didn't know how to read the room; they actually dared to fight back!

……

The next day, Ning Weidong arrived at his workplace.

The old saying that enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road is absolutely correct.

Just as Ning Weidong finished parking his bicycle, he saw Qian Dacheng walking out of the bike shed after parking his own.

Ning Weidong deliberately slowed down a step to cross paths with him, smiling and saying, "Section Chief Qian, what a coincidence. Thank you for your gift."

Qian Dacheng felt a jolt in his heart, but his expression remained calm as he asked in surprise, "Section Chief Ning, what gift?"

Ning Weidong said indifferently, "Nothing, I'll be going now."

Watching Ning Weidong's back, Qian Dacheng's face darkened, and his heart began to flutter with anxiety.

He had just arranged for the Report Letter to be submitted yesterday, and this morning Ning Weidong was already saying such inexplicable things to him. What did this mean? Could it be that Ning Weidong knew?

But then he thought again and felt it was unlikely; Ning Weidong wasn't a deity who could divine the future or predict events before they happened.

The Report Letter he sent out yesterday probably hadn't even reached the desks of the relevant leaders yet, so how could Ning Weidong possibly know?

Qian Dacheng comforted himself, assuming Ning Weidong was just bluffing, not knowing that what he thought was impossible had actually happened.

Ning Weidong went upstairs to his Office, and as soon as he entered, he picked up the phone and dialed: "Hello, Zhang, it's me. If you're free this morning, come over."

Ever since Zhang Dajun was transferred to the district Sub-bureau, Ning Weidong found him even handier to use.

Back at the Police Station, the relationship between Ning Weidong and Zhang Dajun had been relatively equal, even after Zhang Dajun clearly defected from under Chu Zhongxin to Ning Weidong's side.

At that time, to put it bluntly, Zhang Dajun hadn't really received any genuine benefits from Ning Weidong.

Risking one's life isn't just about empty words; one must provide corresponding resources.

It wasn't until this time, when Zhang Dajun was officially transferred to the district, that he truly secured his place on Ning Weidong's boat.

Correspondingly, Ning Weidong felt more justified in ordering Zhang Dajun around.

Less than an hour after the call, Zhang Dajun arrived at Ning Weidong's Office.

"Leader, what's the situation?" he asked hurriedly before he had even caught his breath.

A flash of malice crossed Ning Weidong's eyes, and he said in a low voice, "Qian Xiaopeng's brother wrote a Report Letter to our superiors..."

After hearing Ning Weidong finish, Zhang Dajun was immediately furious: "How unreasonable! That guy surnamed Qian doesn't know what's good for him!"

There used to be a saying: when the master is humiliated, the subordinate dies.

Although that kind of feudal personal attachment no longer exists, the essence of human relationships hasn't changed.

When Ning Weidong encounters such a thing, Zhang Dajun must show even more extreme anger than Ning Weidong.

Otherwise, what does that make you? Are you saying it serves Ning Weidong right to be slandered? Ning Weidong raised his hand: "Zhang, don't get excited."

Zhang Dajun gritted his teeth and said, "Leader, leave this matter to me. I'll finish off those bastards."

"That won't be necessary~" Ning Weidong said indifferently. "I originally intended to let this matter end here, but since they insist on making trouble, we will accompany them to the end. Zhang, go and investigate for me. Given Qian Xiaopeng's character and his wild behavior outside all these years, I don't believe he's clean!"

Zhang Dajun said, "Don't worry, give me one day..."

Before Zhang Dajun could finish, Ning Weidong waved his hand: "Don't use those methods. What I want is ironclad proof, based on facts, understand? No one will be able to overturn it."

Zhang Dajun's expression stiffened.

Ning Weidong knew what he was thinking, so he reached out, took out a cigarette, and tossed one to Zhang Dajun: "Zhang, what does it mean to be 'great skill looks like clumsiness'? It means doing things thoroughly, building strong fortifications, fighting a steady battle, without adding any embellishments, just digging up the facts, understand~"

Zhang Dajun understood Ning Weidong's meaning; this was to be an ironclad case.

But he didn't dare to guarantee this kind of thing.

He had dared to promise earlier because he had his own methods, but now Ning Weidong clearly didn't want to use those methods.

Zhang Dajun hesitated slightly, leaned forward, and said, "But... what if..."

Ning Weidong understood what he meant by "what if"—what if there really was no dirt on Qian Xiaopeng?

Ning Weidong said, "If that happens... then I'll consider him a tough guy, and I'll accept it."

Hearing this, Zhang Dajun felt slightly relieved; he was afraid that Ning Weidong would try to have it both ways, which would make the task impossible.

"Understood, I'm going now." After saying that, he left like a gust of wind.

Ning Weidong stood by the window of the Office, watching Zhang Dajun downstairs mount a sidecar motorcycle and roar out of the factory gate.

As for the result, Ning Weidong wasn't worried.

Just looking at how Qian Xiaopeng treated Bai Fengqin this time, one could see that the kid was used to being a bully; it was definitely not an impulse, and certainly not his first offense.

There was definitely something on him; as for how long it would take to find out, that depended on Zhang Dajun's ability.

Just then, the Office door was knocked, pulling Ning Weidong's thoughts back.

"Come in~" Ning Weidong called out as he returned to his seat.

It was Ning Wei who pushed the door open and entered.

"Xiao Wei?" Ning Weidong was slightly surprised: "Why are you here?"

Ning Wei closed the door and said with a grin, "Third Brother, didn't you ask me to look for a place..."

"Found one?" Ning Weidong leaned back in his chair, gesturing for Ning Wei to pour himself some water.

It was a hot day, and Ning Wei had ridden his bicycle over; his undershirt was soaked through.

The place where Shi Xiaonan lived in the Tongzi Building last time had been arranged by Ning Wei.

Ever since he was hurt by that female doctor at the Red Star Factory Hospital, Ning Wei had matured quite a bit and handled things more steadily.

He could guess the relationship between Ning Weidong and Shi Xiaonan, but he never asked a single extra question from start to finish.

Ning Wei said, "There are two places. One is on the edge of Di'anmen Street, a small courtyard carved out of a large mansion, with a separate entrance on the side facing the street; it was originally the back-row house, with a total of five North Rooms."

Ning Weidong listened without rushing to speak.

Ning Wei continued, "The other is a family apartment building of the Ministry of Railways, a two-bedroom unit on the third floor, but it can only be rented, not bought."

Ning Weidong frowned and said noncommittally, "Just these two?"

Ning Wei said, "Originally there was also a west wing room in the front yard of a Dazayuan, plus an adjoining room; it belongs to the family of Qin, who cooks for the company."

The corners of Ning Weidong's mouth twitched slightly; he thought to himself that it was a nest of trouble.

Ning Wei then said, "But a Dazayuan has many people and prying eyes, it's not as quiet as the previous two places, so I took the liberty of declining it."

Ning Weidong nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "The family residential building is all one unit, it would be too abrupt for an outsider to move in, so forget it. That small courtyard... what is the situation? Tell me in detail."

Ning Wei had put the small courtyard first, guessing that Ning Weidong would favor it, and immediately began to chatter away with an introduction.

After listening, Ning Weidong frowned slightly and said, "Does the house need to be renovated?"

According to Ning Wei's description just now, two households had previously lived in this small courtyard, but later the original owner took the house back, intending to sell it directly; the condition of the house was average, and its only advantage was that it was a detached property.

The North Room at the front also had no back windows, so the privacy was very good.

Ning Wei said, "I've seen the house; if you tidy it up a little, there's definitely no problem with living in it for daily life, it shouldn't need major repairs or alterations."

Ning Weidong nodded and made the final decision: "Then it's this one. You go to the Housing Management Office and find Yang Zhengdong, and have him help run the procedures."

"Rest assured~" Ning Wei said, "Right, to handle the procedures, whose name should be used..."

Ning Weidong said, "Just use her name; later you go find her and get her documents."

Ning Wei nodded in agreement, and once finished, he prepared to leave.

Ning Weidong called him back: "Right, Xiao Wei, just now you mentioned that family residential building..."

Ning Wei was slightly stunned, not understanding what Ning Weidong meant.

(Six thousand words!!)

(End of chapter)