Chapter 33 (1/2)

Treat Me To Soy Milk

In the office, Ning Yuan-Shan personally poured a glass of red wine for Xia Lei, then poured one for himself and Ning Jing. For a man of his status, this action showed a high level of respect for Xia Lei.

“Thank you, Uncle Ning.” Xia Lei spoke respectfully to his elder.

Ning Yuan-Shan chuckled, “What’s with the formalities? We’ll be family sooner or later. You’ll have to call me ‘Second Uncle’ too in the future.”

Xia Lei did not dare reply. He knew that Ning Jing had lied that he was her boyfriend to help him get the contract for this job. It was awkward enough in the beginning – if he said more and added to the story, it would become so awkward he could die from embarrassment.

“Uncle!” Ning Jing was upset, “Can you not say things like this? Didn’t you want to talk business with Lei? Go on, do business.”

Ning Yuan-Shan laughed dryly, “Sure. Let’s talk business, Little Lei.”

Xia Lei quietly let out a breath. “Yes, Uncle Ning. Please go ahead.”

Ning Yuan-Shan spoke, “You did beautifully this time. Seeing those stubborn old farts eat their hats made me very happy indeed – you really wiped the floor with them. These high precision processing parts are very important to us since they are related to… Forget it. There are some things you don’t need to know and I can’t talk about. How about this – we provide the materials and equipment and you’ll be in charge of processing. When you have completed the job, your remuneration will be one million yuan. Is this acceptable, Little Lei?”

“A million?” Xia Lei’s jaw dropped in shock.

Ning Yuan-Shan asked questioningly, “Why, is it too little?”

“No, no, no. I meant… “ Xia Lei was about to say more, but he changed his mind, “It doesn’t matter if it’s more or less. The most important thing is completing this purchase order. Yep, I have no problems on my side. I accept.”

“Haha, decisiveness. I like young people with this trait. Let’s have a toast to our meeting and cooperation.” Ning Yuan-Shan raised his glass.

The three of them clinked glasses and drained their glasses. Xia Lei took note of the red wine in the wine cabinet – it was a locally produced Great Wall brand red wine. The most expensive of their bottles was only over 200 yuan. His choice of wine made it clear that this Ning Yuan-Shan was not one to wield power for his own ends and advantage but a true nationalist who worked wholeheartedly for his country.

Ning Yuan-Shan’s offer of one million was not because Xia Lei could be his ‘future in-law’. This high precision processed parts could not be obtained from overseas and no one else could produce it locally. Based on this, it was no problem even if Xia Lei wanted more remuneration for his work. However, Xia Lei was also a realistic man and wouldn’t shake the tree for more coconuts to fall. If he did that, would Ning Jing still treat him as her friend?

Ning Yuan-Shan was swift and decisive as expected. He quickly had Chi Jing-Qiu draw up a contract and signed it with Xia Lei.

“Little Lei, stay here for this period of time. I’ll get my secretary to handle your accommodations. Let Secretary Chi know if you need anything.” Ning Yuan-Shan was chuffed after signing the contract.

“Must I stay here? I can just come early in the morning,” said Xia Lei.

Ning Yuan-Shan leaned on Xia Lei’s shoulder and whispered conspiratorially in his ear, “My good nephew, this is really quite urgent. I won’t keep it from you; my bosses have given me an ultimatum and I have to solve this problem in half a month. Bear with it for a few days, work overtime as a favour to your Uncle Ning. In the future, when you and Ning Jing get married, I’ll give you more toasts at your wedding feast. When you two have children, I…”

Xia Lei quickly cut him off before he could finish, “Okay, Uncle Ning. I’ll stay here for the next few days and work on completing the order.”

“Hoho, family is best after all.” Ning Yuan-Shan gave Xia Lei a bear hug.

Ning Jing looked at the hugging Ning Yuan-Shan and Xia Lei and smiled awkwardly. She did not hear what Ning Yuan-Shan had said to Xia Lei but she could guess.

“Ning Jing, you can go back on your own. I’ll be borrowing Little Lei and keeping him here for the next few days.” Ning Yuan-Shan seemed worried that Ning Jing would take Xia Lei away and quickly ordered her to go home.

Ning Jing giggled, “That’s so you, Uncle, to abandon your benefactor after achieving your goal. Ah, but you are still my Uncle. Okay, I’ll be going. I’m leaving him here but you have to watch him and make sure he doesn’t sneak away.”

“Who would dare?” Ning Yuan-Shan glared.

Ning Jing and Ning Yuan-Shan were just joking around but Chi Jing-Qiu, who was standing in a corner, had a strange expression on her face, her thoughts indiscernible.

Xia Lei walked Ning Jing out and they chatted as they walked. “Big Sister Ning, I really don’t know how to thank you this time.”

Ning Jing pouted and said playfully, “Thank me? What for? You earned that money with your skill. I was just the connecting thread. There really is no need to thank me.”

“Well, that’s true too but I know that I wouldn’t even be able to step through the doors of East Wind Heavy Industries if it were not for you, let alone have a talk with your uncle and sealing this deal.”

“Okay, okay, you really want to thank me?” said Ning Jing, “Then hurry and complete this order. It’s very important to my uncle and also important to this country. Completing it can be considered your thanks to me. This is more important than any gift.”

“You really don’t want a gift?” Xia Lei wanted very much to gift her something.

“Mm. I won’t object if you really want to buy me something. How about this – treat me to a meal after you complete the order,” said Ning Jing.

“Sure, when I finish this I’ll take you to the best Western restaurant,” said Xia Lei.