Chapter 87: Wang Kaifeng Gets Beaten

After finishing his meal and returning to the earthquake shelter, a name that would be very important to him for at least the next few years appeared in Ning Weidong's mind—Zhao Ruyi.

Although Ning Weiguo had just reminded him that this blind date might not necessarily work out, and that the young woman might not take a liking to him.

Ning Weidong, however, was not worried about that situation in his heart.

Because that was almost impossible.

According to what Ning Weiguo and Wang Yuzhen had just introduced, the Zhao Family and the Wang Family could be considered family friends.

This marriage alliance was not just the Wang Family being enthusiastic on their own; the Zhao Family had an equally strong need for it.

It was just that the Wang Family wanted the Zhao Family's future potential, while the Zhao Family needed the Wang Family to exert effort to turn that potential into strength; the two families hit it off immediately.

As for why such an important marriage alliance could fall to Ning Weidong, it was mainly because the nephews and nieces of the next generation in both families who should be married were already married, and those who weren't were simply too young.

After picking and choosing, the only one left who was of a similar age to Zhao Ruyi was the younger brother of Ning Weiguo's wife.

Fortunately, Ning Weiguo had remained loyal to Wang Yuzhen from the beginning, winning the respect of the Wang Family, and coupled with his solid capabilities, he occupied a key position.

This was what allowed Ning Weidong to rise along with the tide.

Of course, there was another reason, which was that Ning Weidong's appearance was presentable; his height and looks were right there.

"Zhao Ruyi!" Ning Weidong chewed on this name in his mouth, vaguely feeling that the name was a bit familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere, or at least heard of it.

But when he tried to get serious about it, he couldn't recall it again.

He thought and thought, until he started to feel sleepy himself.

Early the next morning.

Ning Weidong yawned, fished out that Shanghai Brand watch from under his pillow, and took a look; it was already seven o'clock! Last night he had been too preoccupied with thinking about where he had heard the name "Zhao Ruyi" and ended up forgetting to set the alarm.

Although even if he were late, they were all his own people in the Security Division, and the South Gate wouldn't record him, it still wasn't good.

Ning Weidong hurriedly put on his clothes, washed his face, brushed his teeth, left the courtyard, and rode his bicycle in a flash to his unit.

Fortunately, he sped all the way and reached the South Gate of the Red Star Factory just as the factory bell rang, so he wasn't late.

Once he arrived at the factory, Ning Weidong was no longer in a rush and slowly parked his bike in the shed under the Factory Office building.

He didn't notice that behind a window in an office on the second floor, two women were standing side by side.

One of them was precisely Gao Yanmei from the Logistics Department, whom Ning Weidong had seen yesterday.

She saw Ning Weidong walking into the bike shed and raised her eyebrows to signal: "That person is Ning Weidong."

Standing next to her was a woman half a head taller than her, standing over 1.7 meters tall, wearing khaki trousers and an unbuttoned beige trench coat, revealing a striped wool sweater underneath; she wore a high ponytail, which, besides making her look even taller, added an air of authority. She was certainly beautiful and had a graceful figure, yet she gave people the impression that she was not easy to talk to.

The woman looked down from above, watching Ning Weidong enter the bike shed, then walk out a moment later, continue forward, and enter the building before she withdrew her gaze.

Gao Yanmei smiled from the side and asked curiously: "What? Taken a fancy to him?"

The woman said crossly: "Sister Gao, don't talk nonsense. He's just a little brat, arranged by the family."

This woman was none other than Zhao Ruyi.

Gao Yanmei was stunned; she knew Zhao Ruyi's background and had also seen Ning Weidong yesterday.

By rights, the two were actually quite a match in terms of height and appearance, but when it came to family background... Ning Weidong was far behind.

Gao Yanmei suspected she had misheard; the Zhao Family actually wanted to arrange for Zhao Ruyi to go on a blind date with Ning Weidong? What kind of situation was this? Could it be that Ning Weidong had some unknown identity?

And this was the protective talisman that Ning Weiguo wanted to put on Ning Weidong.

Making people unable to see through Ning Weidong's trump cards, including Li Peihang and even Li Weibing; once they knew Ning Weidong was going on a blind date with Zhao Ruyi, they would all generate various guesses and thoughts.

Humans always harbor some apprehension toward things they don't understand, and they won't risk provoking them unless necessary.

Although Gao Yanmei was curious, she knew that this kind of thing shouldn't be asked about blindly.

At this moment, Ning Weidong didn't know that he had just been looked over by someone in advance.

He arrived at the office on the third floor.

Today, Chen and Feng Wen were both there.

Chen was smiling happily and seemed to be in good spirits. Feng Wen, however, was listless, and when he saw Ning Weidong walk in, a strange look flashed in his eyes.

Previously, learning of the plan Wang Kaifeng had laid out made him think that Ning Weidong was definitely finished this time; even if he didn't die, he would have to shed a layer of skin.

Who would have thought that just as the whole plan had started, Xu Jinshan, the key figure, would be killed! How the hell was this supposed to continue?

And Ning Weidong, who was originally a pawn, or even a discarded piece, hadn't been affected in the slightest.

What kind of dog-shit luck was this?

Feng Wen didn't know the real situation and just assumed it was Ning Weidong's luck.

The morning passed.

After a quick bite at the cafeteria at noon, Ning Weidong strolled out from the South Gate.

The weather was nice today; although it was still below freezing, the sun was bright, and it felt warm shining on his body.

Outside the factory gate, Ning Weidong walked a short distance along the road and saw Ning Wei poking half his body out from an alley across the street.

Opposite the South Gate of the Red Star Factory was a residential area for the factory.

It was built in the fifties specifically for the experts from the Soviet Union.

Ning Weidong crossed the road, entered the alley opposite, fished a cigarette out of his pocket to hand to Ning Wei, lit one for himself, and asked: "Any developments?"

Ning Wei said: "Third Brother, from yesterday afternoon until now, the six of us have been taking turns in three shifts to keep watch. That person went to the hospital yesterday afternoon; his finger was dislocated and fractured."

Ning Weidong nodded calmly.

Ning Wei continued: "After that, he went home. We kept watch outside all night, and there were no special circumstances. Until this morning, he still went to work as usual..."

Ning Weidong wasn't disappointed after hearing Ning Wei's report.

In reality, it was most normal for Deputy Factory Director Liu to have no reaction after having his finger snapped.

If he had been directly furious and started looking for people to take revenge, that would have been the suspicious thing.

However, one cannot let their guard down.

Whether Deputy Factory Director Liu is truly a paper tiger who has been thoroughly frightened, or is biding his time and secretly plotting revenge, is currently uncertain.

Fortunately, Ning Weidong has deep pockets and has someone like Xiao Wei who can get things done.

"Xiao Wei, you and the brothers have been working hard these past few days. This man is an old fox with a very sinister mind; you won't be able to see through him in a day or two," Ning Weidong instructed with a serious face.

Ning Wei's brows furrowed, and he whispered, "Brother, there is only the thousand-day thief, never the thousand-day defense against a thief. If you are truly worried..."

Having said this, Ning Wei did not continue, but a look of determination flashed in his eyes, and his meaning was self-evident.

Ning Weidong had not expected that although Ning Wei was young, his ruthlessness was not small.

He patted his shoulder and said, "It hasn't reached that point yet. Besides, you are my younger brother, and there are many good days ahead; don't dirty your hands so easily."

Hearing these words, Ning Wei felt a warmth in his heart.

Ning Weidong added, "This isn't a matter of a day or two, so let's not be too stingy. Didn't you find five people? Twenty per person per month, plus meal money and cigarettes, one yuan a day, for one month to start."

Ning Wei was stunned: "Third Brother, one yuan a day, plus twenty, that's fifty yuan a month! For those few guys, how are they worth fifty yuan..."

Ning Weidong waved his hand: "Listen to me, there is no such thing as spending money for nothing. If you pay twenty, they do twenty yuan worth of work; if you pay fifty, they do fifty yuan worth of work. To ruin the job over a few dozen yuan would be penny-wise and pound-foolish."

Seeing Ning Weidong's firm attitude, Ning Wei could only comply.

After saying a few more simple words, Ning Weidong returned to the Manager, and just as he entered the main gate, he saw Wang Zipeng swaying from the direction of the cafeteria toward the Logistics Department.

"Weidong!" Seeing Ning Weidong, Wang Zipeng immediately turned and came over.

When he reached him, Ning Weidong smelled the scent of alcohol; this guy was drinking in the middle of the day.

He smiled and said, "Brother Wang, you are living the life of an immortal~ having a drink in the middle of the day."

Wang Zipeng chuckled: "People from a brother unit came over, and as the hosts, we have to accompany them." He then winked and said, "Oh, by the way, Wang Kaifeng got beaten up; you don't know yet, right~"

——

The next chapter will be published; those who can read up to this point must feel that Old Jin's book is still worth reading. With the new book launching, I ask for a subscription. Thank you all for your support.

Twelve o'clock noon! (End of this chapter)