Chapter 207

An Zhiyuan clapped his hands and called out, "That's great!"

After finishing, he paced around the living room twice before remembering to ask, "By the way, when are we meeting?"

An Ning said, "This Sunday. You should prepare yourself. I'm telling you, it was not easy for me to convince him this time, so don't you dare mess it up for me."

An Zhiyuan choked, thinking to himself that this wasn't something he could decide anyway.

However, he couldn't afford to be pedantic at a time like this, and besides, An Ning being able to move Ning Weidong this time was indeed a huge help to him.

An Zhiyuan said, "Little Ning, don't worry, Brother remembers all your contributions~"

An Ning curled her lip: "Don't give me that lip service. The shares belonging to my father's branch of the family still haven't been settled to this day."

An Zhiyuan's expression stiffened for a moment.

An Ning's father's branch was the main line of the An Family, and the initial layout of the An Family's Overseas assets was directed by her father single-handedly.

It was only later, after the main line was gone, that other collateral branches usurped the position of the host.

Now, as the only remaining daughter of this branch, An Ning naturally had the right to inherit this portion of the shares.

Of course, An Ning was just saying that.

She was no naive fool; over these years, the shares belonging to her family's branch had likely long been carved up by the An Family in Hong Kong and Overseas.

It was just that doing so was ultimately illegitimate and unjustifiable, and as a famous family in Hong Kong, the An Family still needed to save face.

That was why An Ning said it on purpose—it was a sky-high demand.

To avoid the scandal of an internal power struggle, the An Family in Hong Kong would always give her some form of consolation.

This was also one of the reasons why An Ning intentionally exaggerated her influence over Ning Weidong; she wanted to borrow the banner of the resources behind Ning Weidong, namely the Wang Family and the Zhao Family.

She wanted to make the Overseas An Family feel that without An Ning in Beijing, it would be difficult for them to accomplish things.

……

The next day, three o'clock in the afternoon, Beijing Railway Station.

On the platform, Ning Weidong helped Bai Fengqin move her luggage onto the train.

After some streamlining, Bai Fengqin's luggage had been reduced by more than half, leaving two large canvas travel bags.

Zhao Ruyi and Bai Fengyu had also come along.

Zhao Ruyi had originally wanted to drive the jeep directly inside, but Ning Weidong vetoed it; it was too flashy and would have a bad impact.

However, that didn't stop Zhao Ruyi from finding someone to let them in before ticket inspection.

They arrived at the sleeper carriage and put the things away.

Zhao Ruyi smiled and said, "Sister Fengqin, study hard!"

Bai Fengqin said "Mm," nodded heavily, thanked Zhao Ruyi again, and then looked at Ning Weidong: "Brother Weidong, with me leaving like this, I'm afraid I won't make it to your wedding with Sister Ruyi." As she spoke, she took a small cloth bag out of her carry-on satchel and handed it to Zhao Ruyi: "I embroidered this myself. I wish you both a hundred years of harmony and an early birth of a noble son."

Zhao Ruyi was stunned; she hadn't expected Bai Fengqin to have prepared this, and she opened the small cloth bag.

Inside was a pair of handkerchiefs, one embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water, and the other with a chubby baby holding a large carp.

Zhao Ruyi didn't know needlework, and her eyes lit up as she looked at them: "Sister Fengqin, did you really embroider these!"

Bai Fengqin nodded: "They aren't embroidered well, please don't mind them."

Zhao Ruyi said: "How are these not good! They are beautiful! It must have taken a lot of effort~"

Bai Fengqin had been a bit anxious, fearing that Zhao Ruyi wouldn't like them, but now she breathed a sigh of relief, while simultaneously feeling a bit more guilt.

She thought to herself, Sister Ruyi is such a good person, yet I still harbor thoughts about Brother Weidong... I really am a shameless, bad woman.

Just then, the sound of a whistle came from outside the train.

Before long, the ticket inspectors outside let people in, and a massive crowd surged onto the platform.

Fortunately, there weren't too many people in the sleeper section yet, but the doorway to the hard-seat section was already packed.

Bai Fengyu gave a few more instructions.

Ning Weidong said: "Fengqin, when you get to school tomorrow, find a public phone to report that you're safe; don't be afraid to spend the money."

Bai Fengqin nodded. Yesterday, Ning Weidong had already given her the number for Zhao Ruyi's Office, so she could call there directly if necessary.

The few of them spoke a little more and only got off when the train was about to depart.

Bai Fengyu stood outside the window, holding Bai Fengqin's hand, reluctant to part.

At this moment, the train whistled, and the station broadcast announced an immediate departure.

Only then did Bai Fengyu reluctantly let go.

"Sister~ Goodbye, take good care of yourself!" Bai Fengqin finally couldn't hold back her tears, then looked at Ning Weidong: "Brother Weidong, Sister Ruyi, goodbye!"

She had been constantly telling herself to be strong and not cry, but she had held it in the whole way and finally couldn't hold it back anymore.

As the carriage door closed, the train began to move with a rumble.

Bai Fengyu chased after it for two steps, watching the window where Bai Fengqin was slowly pull away.

Not until the train was far away did she wipe away her tears, pull herself together, and turn to thank Zhao Ruyi.

After leaving the railway station, Zhao Ruyi wanted to take Bai Fengyu back, but Bai Fengyu said: "No need, I can walk back by myself. You both have work to be busy with, don't worry about me."

Zhao Ruyi offered once more, but seeing Bai Fengyu was firm, she felt helpless and looked at Ning Weidong.

Ning Weidong didn't insist either, just gave a word of caution: "Sister Bai, then take care of yourself." He then got in the car with Zhao Ruyi and left.

Zhao Ruyi started the car and said: "By the way, Dad talked to me last night."

"Oh?" Ning Weidong asked: "What did he say?"

Zhao Ruyi said: "He wants me to leave the Mechanical Bureau and go work at a bank."

Ning Weidong wasn't too surprised.

In fact, when Ning Weidong laid out his thoughts on the Soviet Union to Father Zhao, he had guessed that Zhao Ruyi would be transferred.

If the plan for the Soviet Union used Dongyi Company as a platform, Ning Weidong would definitely have to come over from Red Star Factory.

Zhao Ruyi would not be placed there; this was both to avoid the situation of a husband-and-wife shop and a form of protection for Zhao Ruyi.

After all, others do not know the future developments, and from the current perspective, directly contacting the Soviet Union carries certain risks.

Although it doesn't sound very pleasant to say, Ning Weidong is a son-in-law; if a situation arises, he can be cut off.

If Zhao Ruyi also gets involved, it would be equivalent to tying the entire Zhao Family in.

As for letting Zhao Ruyi work at the bank, that wasn't done casually either.

Ning Weidong squirmed in his seat, smiled, and said, "Our father's efficiency is not low! I thought it would take a while~"

Zhao Ruyi was stunned for a moment, then immediately reacted: "You guessed long ago that I would be transferred?"

Ning Weidong said: "Involving the Soviet Union, the prospects are unclear and it's very sensitive, what do you think~"

Zhao Ruyi is not stupid; she pursed her lips and worriedly asked: "Then you..."

Ning Weidong said: "The idea was mine, the matter was proposed by me; even if there really is a thunderclap, if I don't stand in front, who will?"

Zhao Ruyi was speechless for a moment.

Ning Weidong continued: "Besides, wealth is sought in danger; without risk, where would the gains come from? You wouldn't want your man to be a son-in-law who can't stand up straight forever, right~"

Zhao Ruyi quickly turned her head and glared: "What are you saying! I never took you as a son-in-law." Ning Weidong said: "I didn't say it was you; if you dare, I'll beat your butt until it's swollen."

Zhao Ruyi pouted~ Ning Weidong was certainly not bragging.

Ning Weidong said: "However, others don't see it that way; in their eyes, aren't I just someone climbing a high branch."

Zhao Ruyi said: "Why bother with them~"

Ning Weidong said: "A person fights for a breath, a Buddha fights for a stick of incense. I can ignore those things, but in the future, when we have children, if we let people point fingers behind their backs, saying their father is a freeloader, that won't do!"

Zhao Ruyi blushed and whispered: "You bear, who wants to have children for you."

Ning Weidong chuckled and said: "If you don't give birth, then I'll go find someone else."

"You dare!" Zhao Ruyi gripped the steering wheel and glared: "I'll crush your balls!"

Although the topic eventually went off track, from the arrangements made by Father Zhao, Ning Weidong also understood Father Zhao's attitude.

He hopes he can quickly advance the connection with the Soviet Union side.

Zhao Ruyi was confused, but Ning Weidong had already received this signal.

However, whether it is fast or slow is not something Ning Weidong can decide.

At least there has been no reply from Natasha's father's side yet, and it is estimated that the earliest a reply will be received is in two weeks.

This is also unavoidable; whether it is China or the Soviet Union, both are too vast.

Furthermore, that letter still has to transit through Eastern Europe.

Sunday afternoon, Overseas Chinese Apartment, An Ning's home.

Originally, An Zhiyuan wanted to treat Ning Weidong to a meal outside, but was refused by Ning Weidong, so the meeting place was set at An Ning's home.

At two o'clock, Ning Weidong knocked on the door and entered; An Zhiyuan had arrived early and came to the door with An Ning.

"Mr. An, we meet again~" Ning Weidong smiled and shook hands with An Zhiyuan.

"Comrade Ning, very happy to meet you again." An Zhiyuan wore a smile; he had sent a telegram back yesterday, telling his family that he had secured a second opportunity to meet with Ning Weidong.

This time, he must find a way to reach a cooperation with Ning Weidong.

After simple pleasantries, the three walked into the living room and sat down.

As the host, An Ning brewed a pot of tea and poured it for the two of them.

Ning Weidong took a shallow sip of tea and went straight to the point: "Mr. An, since I came today, I came with sincerity. Last time you said you wanted to engage in Smuggling; since it is Smuggling, there must be goods and channels. I want to know what preparations you have on your side."

An Zhiyuan was still thinking about how to enter the topic and didn't expect Ning Weidong to be so straightforward. He hurriedly wanted to speak but was interrupted by Ning Weidong: "A prior declaration: if it's something too low-end, forget it. Don't mention those zombie meats stored from the Second World War or gasoline from Nanyang; I need things with more technical content."

An Zhiyuan choked. Actually, what the An Family wanted to engage in was exactly those things, and the reason was very simple: to make money.

And there was no technical content.

However, An Zhiyuan was not a good-for-nothing; at least he was outstanding among his peers in the An Family, and his brain turned quickly. He hurriedly said: "Comrade Ning, that... regarding what you call technical content, please forgive me for not quite understanding; could you explain it?"

Ning Weidong said: "It's very simple, for example, electronic products from Japan, televisions and the like, and that kind of very exquisite Walkman, things that make people's eyes light up the moment they see them."

An Zhiyuan frowned and weighed his words: "Mr. Ning, forgive my bluntness, but with the domestic consumption level, I'm afraid the things you mentioned..."

What he said was already very tactful; An Zhiyuan had seen all the things Ning Weidong mentioned in Hong Kong.

Without a doubt, the seventies and eighties were the peak of Japanese manufacturing; their electronic products swept the whole world, and Europe and America were conquered by Japan's exquisite, beautiful, and relatively cheap and durable electronic products.

But Japan's cheap and durable was only relative to the income levels of Europe and America; for the domestic market, it was still too expensive.

If calculated according to the exchange rate, buying a Japanese color television would require at least over a thousand Renminbi.

Currently, domestic wages are generally in the tens of yuan, and those who earn more only make seventy or eighty yuan a month.

To buy one, one would have to go without eating or drinking for at least a year and a half.

Ning Weidong smiled.

Of course, he didn't intend to sell them domestically, at least not for now.

It would have to be at least ten years later before it becomes the window period for domestic large-scale purchases of color televisions.

But if these things are moved to the Soviet Union, the current official ruble exchange rate is about the same as the US dollar, and the purchasing power is quite strong.

As for the normal trade channels between the Soviet Union and Japan.

Ning Weidong was not worried at all. For one, limited by the positions of both sides, the trade volume between the Soviet Union and Japan is very small, and both sides originally had Smuggling, but the channels were not smooth.

After all, both sides guarded against each other like thieves.

Ning Weidong said: "Mr. An, this is not something you need to consider."

An Zhiyuan felt a chill in his heart; seeing Ning Weidong so full of confidence, he didn't know what medicine the other party was selling in their gourd.

But this did not affect his determination to cooperate with Ning Weidong.

Actually, it didn't necessarily have to be Ning Weidong, but he had to take results back from this trip to Beijing; only in this way could he stabilize his status within the family.

Ning Weidong asked again: "How about it, what does Mr. An say?"

An Zhiyuan gritted his teeth: "No problem, our family also has some channels in Japan; I believe we will certainly be able to meet your requirements."

……

Ning Weidong did not stay long at An Ning's place, only about half an hour in total, having initially settled the matters.

What followed was the next steps; An Zhiyuan would return to Hong Kong to report the situation and make preparations.

Ning Weidong likewise needed to prepare.

Just two days later, Zhao Ruyi's personnel file was transferred out of the Mechanical Bureau.

At the same time, the Dongyi Trade Company, which was affiliated under the Mechanical Bureau, was elevated to be directly managed by the Ministry, and Ning Weidong was transferred over, promoted by half a grade, to serve as Section Chief Manager.

……

Inside the Red Star Factory Office.

Li Peihang felt conflicted, let out a long sigh and said: "You kid, quiet as a mouse, you said you were leaving and just left!"

Ning Weidong simply packed his things, which were just some books for his correspondence education, and there was nothing else.

He said helplessly: "Brother Li, it's not that I intentionally kept it from you; this kind of thing isn't up to me. I'm just a brick for the revolution, moved wherever I'm needed."

Li Peihang pursed his lips, understanding what Ning Weidong meant.

To be able to make such a big move was indeed not something Ning Weidong could control; it was clearly an arrangement by that person from the Zhao Family.

But as for what exactly was going on, Li Peihang could not guess.

He patted Ning Weidong on the shoulder and said: "Alright~ you can consider this a promotion, going over to be the head in charge directly; come back and visit often when you have time."

Ning Weidong said: "Brother Li, I'm just transferring away, it's not like I'm going to another region, why are you like this~ Besides, you still have business at my place~"

Mentioning this, Li Peihang chuckled.

Recently, he and Li Ge had partnered up and completed a few more orders, truly earning quite a bit.

(End of this chapter)