CHAPTER 1038: CHAPTER 1035: THE MISERABLE MR. QIAN

Did the Ning Family agree to Qian Jin being the next president? Everyone was taken aback for a moment, and Lin Tian also looked at Ning Weirong with an odd expression. Considering Ning Weirong’s personality, he supposedly shouldn’t favor someone like Qian Jin, but now he’s actually agreeing for Qian Jin to be president. What’s going on?

Lin Tian and Miss exchanged glances, with Miss looking puzzled as well, clearly unable to comprehend. Previously, she’d seen Ning Weirong having a pleasant conversation with Lin Tian and assumed the Ning Family was siding with Lin Tian. Even if not, they shouldn’t be on the opposing side, right? Miss pondered over and over again, unable to understand why Ning’s decision was so unexpected.

Qian Jin showed an ecstatic smile on his face and thought smugly to himself, the Ning Family indeed needs the information on the Blue Snake Grass. However, the Ning Family has historically not cared who becomes president. Now exchanging support for vital information? Quite worthwhile.

Just as everyone was deep in thought, Ning Weirong suddenly spoke again: "It’s undeniable that Mr. Qian has contributed to the commerce, but..."

The sudden "but" change pulled everyone’s attention back, and Qian Jin, who was just getting excited, felt a jolt in his heart. Would the Ning Family change their mind?

Ning Weirong continued, "But, the Yunhua Commerce has followed the tradition for too long. I find it overly conservative and outdated. We need some young and fresh blood to come in. We need to inject new energy into the commerce."

With that said, Ning Weirong paused again, but everyone understood his words already denied Qian Jin.

"We need to boldly utilize some new forces, so I propose Xiao Manxue as the new president," Ning Weirong finally said.

Qian Jin’s expression changed, and he stood up abruptly, staring intently at Ning Weirong, unable to believe what he heard: "Mr. Ning, you just said propose Xikou City’s Xiao Family, Xiao Manxue?"

"Of course, unless my Mandarin pronunciation is very poor, or you didn’t hear clearly, or maybe there’s a second Xiao Manxue in Xikou City? Or do you have any objections to my decision?" Ning Weirong glanced at Qian Jin, speaking calmly.

Qian Jin’s eyes flickered, thoughts racing in his mind. Despite thinking it over for a long time, he couldn’t fathom why the Ning Family would abandon the Blue Snake Grass information to support a seemingly unrelated small family.

Based on the information he possessed, the Ning Family should have no dealings with the Xiao Family. Why such a decision from the Ning Family?

However, Qian Jin was unaware that the Ning Family not only had dealings with the Xiao Family but had a good relationship. To be precise, Ning Weiguo’s household and Lin Tian had a very good relationship.

Whether it was Lin Tian and Ning Luoxi’s unexpected acquaintance or Lin Tian’s aid to Fang Ming and Ning Weiguo, Qian Jin was unaware of all these. Ning Weiguo’s actions in Xikou City were confidential, and even with thorough investigation, Qian Jin could not know that Lin Tian and the Ning family were long acquainted.

And with Lin Tian being in the Ning Family, naturally Ning Weiguo had good feelings towards the Xiao Family too. Ning Weirong and Ning Weiguo being of the same lineage certainly knew all this.

"Mr. Ning, I certainly have no objections to your decision, but that thing..." Qian Jin’s gaze flashed as he spoke halfway, then paused.

Ning Weirong’s eyes suddenly turned cold, expressionless, and he said, "I, Ning Weirong, sincerely detest being threatened. Some things need to be done within limits; otherwise, the consequences can only lead to general displeasure."

As Qian Jin met Ning Weirong’s cold gaze, his heart clenched, he shivered all over, and sweat dripped from his forehead. He realized his behavior had angered Ning Weirong. Ning Weirong was warning that it was best not to threaten him; otherwise, consequences are borne personally.

Everyone present felt somewhat perplexed listening to their conversation, wondering why things turned confrontational out of nowhere from just a normal discussion.

Lin Tian observed Ning Weirong’s and Qian Jin’s faces back and forth, seemingly grasping something. Earlier, Qian Jin mentioned "that thing"—could Qian Jin be holding something important the Ning Family wants?

Just what could it be? Lin Tian’s mind sprouted a question mark.

The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat tense, with everyone looking at Qian Jin’s unpleasant expression, instinctively moving their seats slightly as if wanting to distance themselves. Although the merchants didn’t know what transpired between Qian Jin and Ning Weirong, they sensed that Qian Jin had angered Ning Weirong.

Between the Yun Family and the Ning Family, if one had to provoke a family, they’d rather choose the Yun Family. Not because the Yun Family’s strength is weaker, but because the Yun Family traditionally has a scholarly merchant demeanor, relatively gentler.

The Ning Family, however, is primarily composed of martial artists, known for their fierce temperament. Provoking the Ning Family leads to less predictable outcomes, hence they’d rather avoid provoking the Ning Family.

"Cough, cough..." Yun Haoyu faked a couple of coughs, breaking the awkward atmosphere in the hall. He said loudly, "Mr. Qian need not be disheartened. It is merely a proposal now, not yet at the hand-raising voting stage. As long as Secretary Qian performs well, I believe everyone will see."

Qian Jin was moved inside, that’s right, the Yun Family hadn’t proposed yet. Yun Haoyu, being president, had considerable nomination power, as long as he nominated me, I could still securely ascend to the presidency.

Regarding the Yun Family, Qian Jin harbored significant hope, as he held medicinal materials the Yun Family needed, different from the Blue Snake Grass gamble, since with medicinal materials in-hand, he had something concrete, something he reckoned the Yun Family wanted.

Feeling slightly relieved, Qian Jin flashed a friendly smile at the Yun Family, then adjusted his posture, apparently wanting to display a good image.

"Mr. Yun, being the current president, do you have anyone in mind for the next president?" a merchant boldly asked.

Upon hearing the question, all the merchants perked their ears, eager to hear how Yun Haoyu would respond.

Yun Haoyu pondered for a moment and solemnly said, "I, Yun Haoyu, have leanings towards conservatism. Since assuming presidency, the commerce’s strategy lacked vigor, therefore, I greatly agree with Mr. Ning’s perspective that the Yunhua Commerce requires a new appearance, rather than us middle-aged uncles continuing to hold major positions. Young people need opportunities, and the commerce needs their vibrancy."

"I propose Xiao Family’s Xiao Manxue as the new president. I believe she will bring a burst of youthful energy to the commerce," Yun Haoyu said loudly.

With this outcome, everyone’s gaze immediately shifted to Miss, with some being surprised, some congratulating her, some envying, and of course, some displeased.

The most envious would be the Bai Family, who could never have expected the presidency to fall to the Xiao Family. Back then, they were contemplating how to devour and replace the Xiao Family, now it seems impossible.

The most displeased, undoubtedly, is Qian Jin, whose fleeting hope dashed again. He couldn’t understand why the Yun Family, like the Ning Family, would rather forgo vital medicinal material to support a small family—why?