The two middle-aged men each had a cigarette between their fingers. They were silent as they sat on the sofa. There was an ashtray and a document on the table in front of them.
Everything looked so ordinary.
“Old Xu, what do you think?” One of the middle-aged men extinguished the burning cigarette in his hand and asked softly.
“My nephew Xu Xi was also there.” Xu Gang pointed at the document and continued, “If it’s true, this girl saved more than a hundred lives without asking for anything in return.”
“Your nephew was at the scene too?” The middle-aged man was surprised by the revelation.
“Yes, they’re classmates. They were at the amusement park today to have some fun.” Xu Gang nodded in response.
“I’m a little curious. Is this girl clairvoyant?” The middle-aged murmured as he rubbed his temples.
“Old Li, I’ve looked at this young lady’s information. She’s an outstanding individual. Her grades are excellent; she’s even won the gold medal in the national physics competition. I gather that she also has an incredible business sense and…”
Xu Gang did not speak quickly, but if Chu Ning were present, she would be shocked by the depth of knowledge he had of her. Not only did he know how she obtained her first pot of gold investing in property, but also that she had bought a car and, more recently, her dealings with Qinghe Village.
In such a short time, Xu Gang had investigated Chu Ning’s background so thoroughly that it even extended to her family!
This was the power he possessed as someone at the top. Xu Gang was the Deputy Mayor, and the Old Li he spoke to was M City’s mayor!
“To think M City would have such a talent…” Mayor Li sighed and continued, “If it weren’t for her, I, the mayor, would be responsible for the death of more than a hundred citizens!”
Mayor Li stood up and took a deep breath. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and watched as the rain grew lighter and lighter. The leader of M City stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes flickering back and forth as if deep in thought.
After a while, he spoke. “Although this was an accident, we don’t want something similar to happen again. These businessmen have grown arrogant with the wealth they’ve plundered from the people. I fear I may not have sufficient cause to move against them yet…”
“For the growth of M City, we have endured much. These rich tycoons have reached the point where they’ve gained a monopoly in several industries. If we allow this to continue, it’ll form a vicious cycle, and the people will suffer.” Xu Gang spoke quietly.
“Speaking of which, that girl has helped you and me, no, helped our M City’s government avoid a crisis. Old Xu, you should have her contact information. Let’s have a chat with her. ”
“The earlier, the better. Although the girl is young, she is much more outstanding than you and I were at her age.” Mayor Li grew emotional as he spoke.
“It’s rare for you to offer such high praise,” Xu Gang said with a smile.
“Aren’t you the same? Moreover, isn’t the girl your nephew’s classmate? Why? Don’t tell me you haven’t had thoughts about it.” Mayor Li gave Xu Gang a knowing look, smiling in a way that said he could read the latter like an open book.
“I didn’t take you, the mayor of M City, to be one for gossip or open a discussion about private matters.” The two looked at each other and smiled.
Xu Gang continued, “But your right. The girl truly is outstanding. I’m afraid my nephew isn’t her match just yet. Things may change, but only time will tell.”
“It’s still early. The girl hasn’t even graduated from high school. She has a long road ahead of her and many trials she must face. I shall be monitoring her growth with great interest. M City needs people like her,” Mayor Li said seriously.
“Oh? Are you planning to rope her in at some point? Do you really hold her in such esteem?” Xu Gang could not help but express his shock.
“She has the ability; all she lacks is experience.” Mayor Li nodded.
“By the way, what’s her name?” Mayor Li asked.
“Chu Ning,” Xu Gang replied.
“Chu Ning. Her name is Chu Ning… Old Xu, please make the call.” Mayor Li felt it was necessary to meet Chu Ning as soon as possible.
“How about I get my nephew to speak with her? My identity is a little sensitive.”
“Sure. I overlooked that. However, this smart girl might already know your identity. You can tell your nephew that a… friend is interested in her.”
Chu Ning did not know that after the amusement park incident, she had inexplicably caught the attention of the two most powerful people in M City.
A simple word from either one, a document carelessly signed, and millions of lives danced in the palm of their hands. They determined the fate of the people who called M City their home; they were the commanders directing the city’s development.