Chapter 1268: Chapter 1223: A Desperate Struggle Where Both Sides Perish Chapter 1268: Chapter 1223: A Desperate Struggle Where Both Sides Perish Hearing President Mu say this, Nie Zhenbang also felt a surge of joy. If even President Mu described the benefits as immeasurable, that said it all.

He humbly said, “All successes are due to our leaders and the organization’s wise guidance. Nowadays, with the rapid progress in technology, people’s demands for the environment are becoming increasingly urgent. I was merely in the right place at the right time. Even without me, I believe such excellent research results would still be promoted throughout the country.”

President Mu smiled and said, “You, you’re more and more like a politician. You’ve lost a lot of that youthful vigor you used to have. Remember, back when you proposed the Youth Civilization initiative, it was perfectly aligned with my own thoughts. Back then, you were fearless, talking eloquently, full of the spirit to point out directions for our country. Where has that spirit gone?”

Nie Zhenbang said nothing, only maintaining his smile. After all, regarding this matter, it was best to say nothing.

President Mu naturally didn’t dwell on this topic. Changing the subject, he said, “It’s rare for you to come back, so go home and have a look. Starting tomorrow, the preparatory meetings begin. It’s nothing special for others, but for you, it’s a critical matter that you must not take lightly.”

After taking his leave from President Mu, around five in the afternoon, Nie Zhenbang had already returned home. An Na and the two other women were there. The children were nowhere to be seen.

All three were visibly happy about Nie Zhenbang’s return. An Na smiled and said, “Honey, this time, you should be getting a promotion, right?”

At this, Nie Zhenbang’s face became serious. He pondered for a moment and said, “It’s still not clear. This year’s competition is undoubtedly a disadvantage for me. There are several high-ranking leaders supporting me, but there’s also significant opposition. The leaders have to weigh and consider various factors. It’s not easy.”

As his words fell, from outside the door, a rush of hurried footsteps approached. Yang Anbang and Liu Kun entered with very grave expressions. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, they said, “Third brother, something big has happened.”

Liu Kun handed over the newspaper he was holding and said gravely, “Third brother, this is the Jingcheng Evening News that’s coming out tonight. I have some connections there and got the news early. Someone’s targeting you.”

Seeing their serious faces, Nie Zhenbang was surprised. He took the newspaper and joked, “What’s the matter that’s making you so…?”

Initially, Nie Zhenbang was about to say, what’s so urgent that it seems like the sky is falling, but after seeing the newspaper, he choked back his words.

The front page headline of the newspaper featured a prominent news story titled, “Polygamy? Rumors say a senior official within the party is suspected of bigamy.”

The entire report was about five or six thousand words long. Although it didn’t name names, the content pointed directly at Nie Zhenbang. Three wives, three children, and an extravagant courtyard mansion in Jingcheng. It all pointed toward Nie Zhenbang.

Reading this news, Nie Zhenbang’s expression grew stern. He looked at Liu Kun and Yang Anbang and said, “Kun, big brother, let’s talk inside.”

“Third brother, at a time like this, how can you stay so calm? I’d say we should hurry up. Arrange for your people to block the entrance to the Jingcheng Evening News office and prevent a single newspaper from getting out. If this spreads, everything’s finished, and so is your future,” Liu Kun said anxiously.

Nie Zhenbang, however, didn’t speak but turned and walked into his study. Yang Anbang pulled Liu Kun aside and whispered, “Kun, don’t panic, trust Zhenbang. At this time, we must not lose our composure.”

Inside the study, the atmosphere was tense. Nie Zhenbang looked at Liu Kun and said solemnly, “Kun, since our opponent has already made a move, and it’s such a desperate move at that, it means Ling Baodong has realized his situation. He knows he has no hope anymore, which is why he’s taking this risk. This is a typical case of willing to lose a thousand to kill the enemy, harming himself in the process. What I can’t have, nobody else can either. Understand?”

The Jingcheng Evening News, what kind of news outlet is that? A mainstream media newspaper in Jingcheng. What gets reported, what gets published, the editor-in-chief scrutinizes every single piece. Drafts need to go through approval by Jingcheng’s City Committee’s Propaganda Department before finalization. Now that it’s out, this means Ling Baodong has made his connections. And to Nie Zhenbang, this was understandable. It’s not that Ling Baodong’s connections were that strong, but it simply showed that there were plenty of people who wished him ill.

Ling Baodong’s approach would instigate factions in Jingcheng, sooner or later, particularly those with even the slightest ambition towards the Nine Cauldrons, to fan the flames. If Ling Baodong succeeded with this, he himself would be finished. It was a done deal.

After pondering for a moment, he looked at Liu Kun and said, “Kun, blocking the doors to the Jingcheng Evening News and seizing the newspapers is the worst of solutions, not even worthy to be called such. Do you think the opposing side will be unprepared after taking such an act? Blocking is impossible; the mouth of the people is vast, how many can you silence? It’s better to drain the water than to stop the flow.”

Having said that, Nie Zhenbang sneered and said, “I reckon that it won’t just be the Jingcheng Evening News. In some newspapers elsewhere in the country, on the internet, and even on television media, these reports will appear. Next, they will probably begin to specifically name names.”

“Zhenbang, what should we do now? Letting this develop might not be the way to go,” Yang Anbang said worriedly from the side.

Nie Zhenbang was the backbone of this entire faction. If Nie Zhenbang fell, the faction would disperse. The consequences would be immeasurable.

At this moment, however, Nie Zhenbang pondered for a while and gritted his teeth, “For now, our only choice is to tough it out. Second brother, arrange immediately for Wen and Zhiping to disappear without a trace. As for An Na and the others, I believe there won’t be any problems. Also, get the Wal-Mart Group’s accounts in order. As for this courtyard, it is your personal gift to your sister. That’s something we need to stick to. Do you understand?”

“Third brother, Ling Baodong’s own hands aren’t so clean either. His son, Lingxiao, is corrupt and abuses the law, that’s one aspect. He himself is no saint either. I’ve got plenty of dirt on him. From what I know, he has had improper relationships with at least five or six women. At this time, rather than sit by and do nothing, let’s go all out and expose him,” Liu Kun, who had never been part of the system, though familiar with its workings, was not an insider. His actions and business dealings carried a strong air of the underworld and business culture.

In the midst of commercial warfare, when a business rival defamed him, hitting back hard was Liu Kun’s usual style. At this moment, this approach came naturally to him.

However, before Nie Zhenbang could speak, Yang Anbang shook his head from the side and said, “Kun, you better get moving according to what the third brother wants. Your idea simply won’t work. It will only make things worse and worse. By then, if it really blows up, it will affect Zhenbang and make people in central leadership feel that Zhenbang isn’t mature enough. Do you understand?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Kun, the second brother is right. If we really did that, it would play right into Ling Baodong’s hands. Ever since he played this rotten move of cooperating with Ling Li, the wind has shifted. If I get involved, it would be exactly what he wants. Right now, anyone could act, but we must not. If we make a move, how would our superiors see me, Nie Zhenbang? Would they see me as someone who acts recklessly, without considering the bigger picture? Would they still trust me? Could they rely on such a person to govern this country? So, right now, all we can do is endure.”

As he finished speaking, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said, “Second brother, I need another favor from you. Make arrangements for Li Xue and Wan. It’d be best if it were the old houses in Jingcheng with all sorts of historical records. Make sure everything else is well-prepared.”

The Wal-Mart Group, now led by Yang Anbang, ranked as the world’s second-largest retail chain enterprise, second only to Walmart. After operating in Jingcheng for so many years, it was believed that this task shouldn’t be a problem for Yang Anbang.

Nodding, Yang Anbang said, “That’s not a problem, but should Li Xue and Dong Wan lie low for a while?”

“There’s no need. The more we hide, the more it incites suspicion and doubt. It’s better to stand up in the open. This isn’t anything serious. Don’t worry,” Nie Zhenbang replied.

As Yang Anbang and Liu Kun left one after another, Dong Wan and three others entered. Both Dong Wan and Li Lixue looked quite serious.

After a long silence, Dong Wan slowly said, “Li Xue and I should not have come back.”

Yang Anna also added from the side, “It’s just Ling Baodong, that mad dog. He bites wildly at anything. This time, we don’t need to deal with him; he’s sealed his own fate. By doing this, he’s crossed a line.”

Nie Zhenbang, looking at Dong Wan and Li Lixue, was somewhat agitated and hugged them, whispering, “It’s nothing. You’ve suffered a lot for me, looking back, it was too naive of me. Nowadays, I wouldn’t do such a thing. Even if it means sacrificing my future, it’s worth it. Rest assured, all of you. Our situation is different from others. An Na and you won’t talk nonsense. Ling Baodong’s actions are futile. There won’t be any major problems.”

At this, Nie Zhenbang suddenly kissed Li Xue and Dong Wan on their cheeks and smiled, “Next, I expect things will become even more intense. The internet will definitely spread clearer information. When that happens, reporters will surely come to interview you. You’d better be mentally prepared for that.”

Indeed, just as Nie Zhenbang had predicted, following the sale of the Jingcheng Evening News, within a short time, many evening newspapers across the country began reporting on this matter. It instantly became a hot topic domestically. The focus of the discussion was, who was this person? (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, we welcome you to to vote and donate your monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)