Chapter 37 The Moon of Yesteryear
Xie Ning waved her hand and said, "They will eventually find out about me. My disappearance at this time will make them even more wary of Commander Cai and his men. On the contrary, if I re-enter the public eye as Xie Ning's sister, Commander Cai will probably be under much less pressure."
I understand the commander's thoughts, but the weapons I designed are only for use against invaders. I'm sure you understand what I mean.
After saying that, he took a box out of the drawer and handed it to Cai Huai.
Since we used those weapons, we have to bear this pressure.
Moreover, since they've already said this to Xie Ning, the underlying meaning is quite clear: they no longer want to follow Jiang Gan and intend to establish their own faction. Therefore, taking Xie Ning away first is also a way of testing the waters.
However, Xie Ning knew very well that they would not succeed, and she did not want to get involved in this struggle. She had already decided on her future path.
Xie Ning's refusal was not expected by Commander Cai, who thought the two were in the same boat.
Zhang Mingyuan glanced at Cai Huai, who was relaying the message, and sighed inwardly. Did Xie Ning not know that only the army commander could protect her now?
Everyone had this question, but only Chen Jian asked it.
"Miss Xie said that the weapons she designed were only for use against invaders."
Everyone looked at the small box on the table. It contained two design drawings, one for a rifle and one for a machine gun, both even more perfect than the previous designs.
Knowing that Xie Ning's mind was made up, the others did not press him any further. Xie Ning had his own principles and integrity, and they did not believe that coercion could make him submit, nor did they deign to do so.
After Cai Huai left, Commander Cai said to Chen Jian and Zhang Mingyuan, "Immediately send more people to the factory. Even without Xie Ning, there is still Assistant Cheng and the other students. With these blueprints, we can make it by copying them."
Zhang Mingyuan respectfully agreed, but in his heart he planned to have his younger brother invite Xie Ning home for a meeting, so he could persuade Xie Ning in person.
At this moment, Xie Ning was being led by Lin Qin to a club.
"Many people have been displaced by this war, and many orphans have been created. This gathering is mainly for donations of money and goods. Most of the participants are ladies from the inner quarters of the household. You can also use this opportunity to make some connections."
The organizer was a relief association. When Xie Ning and Ms. Lin Qin arrived, there were already quite a few people there. The building was designed like an opera house, with a stage in the front and rows of seats in the back. A white banner was hung above the stage, which read, "Working together, helping each other, and providing relief to our compatriots."
Ms. Lin Qin introduced Xie Ning to several people, and then they found a relatively quiet spot to sit down.
Once most of the people had arrived, a play began to be performed on stage. It was organized by student volunteers, and although it wasn't very professional, the performance was full of emotion. Xie Ning applauded enthusiastically after it ended.
Next came the donation segment. Reporters were taking photos below the stage. Xie Ning adjusted her hat, lifted her skirt, and followed Ms. Lin Qin upstairs.
I thought that was the end of it, but unexpectedly there was a small banquet afterwards, which must have been the second purpose of these people's visit.
Expanding your network here is a great option for all of you ladies.
Xie Ning had no interest in this; he was merely accompanying Ms. Lin Qin. However, he did not expect to see an acquaintance as soon as he stepped into the banquet hall.
“Mr. Xie?” Mrs. Zhang’s pupils dilated in shock.
Xie Ning remained composed, only looking at Madam Zhang with a puzzled expression. "Madam, I think you should address me as Miss Xie."
Mrs. Zhang came to her senses and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Miss Xie looks too much like someone I've met before, so... I'm really sorry."
"It's alright." Xie Ning smiled generously and politely. "If the person you're referring to is a man, then it should be my elder brother, Xie Ning. He recently returned to France for treatment due to illness. I am his sister, Xie Qing."
"I see. No wonder you and Mr. Xie look so alike. I've long heard that Mr. Xie has a younger sister, but she's frail and recuperating. I never expected to see her today. Miss Xie, you are truly beautiful. I thought your brother was already incredibly handsome, but I never imagined you were the real beauty."
Mrs. Zhang smiled and praised her. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that Miss Xie was shorter than her brother, with a slender and petite figure. Her skin was also several shades lighter than Mr. Xie's, and her facial features were softer. While Mr. Xie's eyelashes were long and slightly drooping, Miss Xie's eyelashes were curled, making her eyes appear clear and bright. One couldn't help but admire what a pair of bright eyes she had.
Xie Ning was not afraid of Zhang Er's scrutiny. She had dressed up carefully before going out. Although she looked similar to her previous appearance, there were still significant differences upon closer inspection, and no one would mistake the two people for the same person.
Ms. Lin Qin smiled and said, "This is Mrs. Zhang the Second. I remember you said you were going to visit the Zhang family in a few days. They are the Zhang family that your brother is on good terms with."
Xie Ning looked enlightened and her tone became more familiar. "So you are Madam Zhang the Second. I've heard my brother mention you before. He said you are a very gentle and virtuous wife."
Even when she was angry, she only let Zhang Congzhi sleep on the sofa; how gentle she was.
Hahaha--
Mrs. Zhang was secretly pleased, but on the surface she smiled very modestly, "She really has a sweet tongue."
“Miss Xie is much more lively than Mr. Xie.” The sudden interjection made Mrs. Zhang stop smiling.
Xie Ning, who hadn't been paying attention to Ruan Xue, had to feign curiosity and ask, "And who is this lady?"
“She is my husband’s aunt, Aunt Ruan.”
As soon as the words "aunt" were uttered, many strange looks came over. Ruan Xue's face contorted for a moment, but she quickly recovered and nodded obediently.
He seemed to be very obedient to Mrs. Zhang.
Xie Ning nodded slightly but did not reply, which made Ruan Xue's expression even worse.
After the donation ceremony, Ruan Xue returned to the Zhang family home and stayed indoors, claiming she was ill. Old Madam Zhang beckoned to Second Madam Zhang and asked, "What's wrong this time?"
“Mother, that’s just her temper now. She insists on showing up at the donation event, but she doesn’t think about her status. I’m not afraid of what others will say, but she is very concerned about her image.”
Today, she saw Mr. Xie's sister and eagerly went up to him to chat. Who is Mr. Xie's status? To talk to a mere concubine like her would be beneath her dignity!
As soon as the words were spoken, Mrs. Zhang's attention was drawn to Mr. Xie's sister's statement, "Mr. Xie's sister has come to Shanghai?"
Xie Ning had already deliberately revealed that she had a younger sister, so Old Madam Zhang was aware of it as well.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
