C127 Reporting to Director Lin
"Mr. Wang, don't you think your demand is a bit excessive?" Ning Que was taken aback by Wang Chengdao's outrageous demeanor. He couldn't fathom the depth of his grudge.
How could he have the audacity to demand that Zhang Qimo kneel and apologize to Wang Guokang and his son? And to expect her to serve as a lifelong maid for the Wang Family?
Is Mr. Wang looking for trouble?
Wang Chengdao let out a cold laugh, his arrogance palpable as he taunted, "Excessive? Wasn't it excessive when you crippled Wang Guokang and his son? Ning Zongbao, you tell me, Ning Que is being stubborn. He won't even agree to such a trivial request? Elder Uncle, it's your call!"
"Ning Que, you have no right to refuse the Wang Family's demands. Do you believe I can strip you of all your status within the Ning Family in Imperial City?" Ning Zongbao boasted over the phone.
Ning Zongbao had never seen eye to eye with Ning Que, and he was envious of Ning Que's success in East Sea Province. When the Old Master of the Wang Family from East Sea Province personally sought his help and offered a generous gift, Ning Zongbao was only too eager to comply. Not only could he gain wealth, but he could also suppress Ning Que and possibly take over the fruits of Ning Que's years of hard work in East Sea Province. It was an opportunity to hit two birds with one stone!
Sweat beaded on Ning Que's forehead as he realized Ning Zongbao had found the perfect chance to cause him trouble.
A thought flashed through Ning Que's mind, and he instantly decided he must rely on the First Elder and Director Lin.
"Uncle, I cannot agree to your terms!" Ning Que firmly and coldly refused.
"Ning Que, you dare to defy me? Are you seeking rebellion?" Ning Zongbao bellowed in fury.
"You're making me lose face in front of Mr. Wang," Ning Zongbao said icily. "Ning Que, if you're unwilling to comply, so be it. Return to Imperial City immediately, and I'll have your assets frozen right away!"
"You'd better board a flight back to Imperial City before midnight tonight. If you exceed the deadline, I'll publicly declare that you are no longer a member of the Ning Family!" Ning Zongbao threatened Ning Que before hanging up the phone.
Ning Que's face was a mix of frustration and rage as he clenched his fists tightly. Ning Zongbao certainly had the power to punish him. But would Ning Que simply give in without a fight?
With a snort of contempt, Ning Que said to Wang Chengdao, "You'll regret what you've done today!"
"Let's go." Ning Que, with Wu Yang in tow, left the Wang Hotel.
"Goodbye," Wang Chengdao said with a smug look.
"Chengqian, even though we can't punish Ning Que directly, he must return to Imperial City today. If he doesn't make it back in time, he'll lose the Ning Family's support. Without their backing, there's no reason for us to fear him!" Wang Chengdao explained to Wang Chenggan with a cunning air.
"Arrange for someone to bring Zhang Qimo to the Wang Family immediately. I want to ruin this woman! She must kneel and apologize to Guokang and Ziwen!"
Wang Chenggan looked at Wang Chengdao, whose face was twisted in madness, with a complex expression.
"Dad, this isn't right. The Wang Family is a century-old household with a far-reaching reputation. Bullying a young girl would be disgraceful if word got out," Wang Chenggan said reluctantly. "Moreover, Guokang is indeed at fault..."
Wang Chengdao snorted dismissively. "Chengqian, I know you look down on Guokang, but he's still your brother. And this is no trivial matter; he's lost his ability to father children!"
Wang Chenggan, still conflicted, replied, "Dad, I think we should seek revenge against Shen San. After all, it was Shen San who attacked Guokang. Going after that woman from the Zhang Family would be despicable. But provoking Shen San over this would be unwise."
"Shen San is no longer someone we can provoke easily," Wang Chengdao said with a cold snort. "Stop making excuses! If you're unwilling to take action, then so be it. I may be old, but I still have some influence. I'll handle this matter myself."
Wang Chengdao was seething with frustration. Despite having many sons, none had met his expectations, except for Wang Chengqian, who had a solid reputation in East Sea Province. However, Chengqian was very protective of his reputation and had a strained relationship with Guokang. If forced to avenge Guokang, Chengqian would likely do it half-heartedly.
"We don't have the power to deal with Shen San!" Wang Chengdao said bitterly. "Once Ning Que returns to Imperial City, find an opportunity to eliminate Wu Yang! Even if we can't harm Ning Que, we have no qualms about dealing with Wu Yang. His actions at Zhang's Group have put Guokang in this dire situation. We must get rid of him!"
Wang Chengdao wished he could confront Shen San directly, but unfortunately, Shen San had become a prominent figure in the underworld of East Sea Province, leaving Wang Chengdao with no way to challenge him head-on.
His only option was to take his anger out on Zhang Qimo!
"Call Master Ding; I need his help," Wang Chengdao instructed his personal bodyguard.
"You want to ask Master Ding for help?" Wang Chengqian asked, visibly shocked, clearly aware of Master Ding's esteemed status.
Master Ding had been a renowned figure for over thirty years, the top martial artist in East Sea Province, but he had long since retired. He was almost a mythical presence in the province's martial arts community.
After leaving the Wang Hotel, Ning Que and Wu Yang got into a Lincoln. Wu Yang took the wheel, while Ning Que, with a troubled expression, dialed a number from the back seat.
He had to return to Imperial City tonight, but first, he needed to urgently report the situation to the first elder and Director Lin.
He called three times in a row, but each time there was no answer.
Ning Que's forehead glistened with sweat, his nerves taut with tension. He had to get back to Imperial City tonight. If he failed to inform Director Lin promptly and something happened to Zhang Qimo, Director Lin's fury could spell disaster for him as well.
For ten agonizing minutes, Ning Que's gaze was fixed on his phone. Suddenly, it rang, and his face lit up with relief as he quickly answered.
"First Elder, I have an urgent matter to report," Ning Que said with due respect.
"Speak," came Lin Yin's steady voice from the other end.
"First Elder, I've been reassigned to Imperial City today. Mr. Wang, the Old Master of the Wang Family, has intervened due to the situation with Wang Guokang and his son. He's also reached out to my elder uncle, Ning Zongbao. Currently, Mr. Wang intends to harm your wife," Ning Que explained methodically.
"Is the Wang Family looking for trouble again? And who is this Ning Zongbao? Give me the full details," Lin Yin demanded icily.
"Yes, of course."
Ning Que recounted to Lin Yin all the day's events at the Wang Hotel.
"I understand. Head back to Imperial City for now. I won't let anyone working for me be mistreated," Lin Yin said dismissively before ending the call.
Ning Que breathed a sigh of relief. With the First Elder's assurance, his worries dissipated.
He was acutely aware that upon his return to the Ning Family in Imperial City, he would face significant opposition. The Ning's Group, which he had painstakingly built, would surely be vulnerable to Ning Zongbao's machinations. Only the First Elder could assist him through this ordeal.
Meanwhile, Lin Yin sat in the CEO's office at Zecheng Building, his features growing colder, his intent to act palpable.
He sent a text to Jiang Qi and Shen San, instructing them to ensure Zhang Qimo's safety. Once back in Qingyun City, he would take care of the Wang Family matter personally. Then he placed a call to Yu Zecheng.
Shortly thereafter, Yu Zecheng knocked and entered the room, addressing the man with a formal tone, "Master Yin, do you have any instructions?"
"We're leaving," Lin Yin stated, his expression unreadable. He had already risen and was making his way out of the chairman's office.