With half a bottle of Maotai down Ning Ziqiang’s gullet, Ouyang Qing was able to find out everything about the Ning family.
“Sir, this matter is really quite simple. It’s not that she doesn’t want to lend you the money; it’s just that there are still too many misunderstandings between you two. She’s being a little prideful, that’s all.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have a plan that will ensure she gives you the money.”
Excited, Ning Ziqiang demanded, “What do I have to do?”
“All you have to do is go along with my plan, and I can assure you that she’ll cough up the money. However, you can’t let anyone know about this plan. In fact, you can’t let anyone find out we know each other either.”
“Aren’t you friends with Ran? What’s wrong with us knowing each other?”
Ouyang Qing chuckled, replying, “I’m not at liberty to reveal certain things. Rest assured that I’m doing all this for you, sir. You want the money, don’t you?”
“Of course! Do you even need to ask?”
“Then are you willing to obey whatever I say?”
“Yes, I am. But…”
“Don’t worry, sir. I won’t do anything that will harm her. All I want to do is help the two of you resolve your misunderstandings with each other. The most important thing is to help you out of this difficult situation.”
Ouyang Qing’s guileless and sweet appearance made the words coming out of her mouth all the more believable.
Was it any wonder that Ning Ziqiang trusted her?
Not only did she treat me to a free meal with Maotai, now she’s even willing to help me out of this dire situation! She’s practically a heaven-sent angel!
“Alright. I’ll do whatever you say!” he agreed.
“Wonderful! Then it’s settled. I’ll be in touch with you.”
“Okay. How should I address you?”
“I’m called Cheng Xiangyun. I’m Ning Ran’s assistant.”
She had seen this name mentioned when she had her men investigate Ning Ran. By using a name from someone close to Ning Ran, there was no way Ning Ziqiang would not believe her.
“Oh, you’re her assistant? Does she know you came to talk to me?” Ning Ziqiang questioned in an agitated tone.
“No, she doesn’t. I know she’s very unhappy about this situation, though. That’s why I’m here to help you out. Once this issue is resolved, she’ll be able to focus on her work. In a way, this is personal but also official business.”
“Splendid! You’re absolutely right! As long as Ran settles these debts of mine, I won’t bother her any longer!” Ning Ziqiang promised with a wide smile.
“Alright, sir. I have some matters to attend to so I’ll be taking my leave. You can stay here and continue drinking.”
Upon hearing that Ouyang Qing was departing, Ning Ziqiang leaped to his feet as well. He was worried that she would leave without paying the bill. He could not possibly pay for all this!
“I’m done too! It’s a pity to leave this liquor unfinished… I’ll be taking it with me then! Hehehe…”
Giggling, Ouyang Qing suggested, “That’s up to you, sir. I’ve already paid the bill. Actually, a lot of these dishes have not even been touched yet. You can take them with you if you don’t mind.”
Ning Ziqiang, who had been planning to do exactly that, instantly responded with, “Great! I was just thinking that we shouldn’t be so wasteful. I’ll tell the waiter to put them in takeout containers.”
…
At five in the afternoon, Ning Ran received a phone call from an unknown number.
An unfamiliar man’s voice spoke up through the phone, “Are you Ning Ran?”
“I am, and you are?”
Just what is that shameless old man up to this time? What’s this about jumping into the river? Didn’t I just give him five thousand yesterday? What does he want now? Then again, if I don’t do anything and he really does die, I’ll definitely regret this for the rest of my life.
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