After watching Ning Zhiheng leave, Lin Mucheng's smile faded, his gaze turning indifferent. He asked his father softly, "Ning Zhiheng is a very influential figure in the Military Intelligence Bureau. When did he become so close to you, Father? Is there some inside story?"
Lin Mucheng was Lin Zhen's most valued eldest son. Lin Zhen often gave him personal guidance on his conduct, military and political affairs, and did not hide many things from him, which is why he asked him directly.
Lin Zhen nodded, turned around and walked back, saying in a low voice as he walked, "Zhiheng is no ordinary person. At such a young age, he is already a representative figure in our Baoding intelligence department. His future prospects are self-evident. I'm doing this for your own good, to plan ahead. I'm sure I can help you in the future!"
Lin Mucheng followed behind, somewhat disbelieving his father's words. He knew his father's usual attitude, so why such a sudden change? He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Your attitude wasn't like this before. With your status, why would you need to win over a junior? Do you think those people from the Military Intelligence Bureau would dare to make a move on you?"
"Foolish!" Lin Zhen said in a deep voice.
"In the past, I held military power, had men and guns, so I was naturally not afraid of those backstabbing attacks. But now? I'm just being put on hold to retire. Do you still think you have the glory of the past? If it weren't for the Baoding clique behind me, if it weren't for my former protégés and old friends still in the army, who would take a scare like me, a washed-up lieutenant general?"
As Lin Zhen spoke, he couldn't help but feel secretly saddened. His face-to-face confrontation with Ning Zhiheng a few days ago had completely awakened him. He was no longer the same as before and could no longer withstand a major storm. When disaster struck, he was helpless and had to ask a junior for protection and cover for him. All his former self-control and arrogance had now vanished.
In truth, having such a junior hidden in the shadows, wielding great power in the intelligence department, meant that at least he wouldn't have to worry about treacherous attacks from the darkness. This was one of the reasons for the dramatic change in his attitude towards Ning Zhiheng.
Lin Zhen continued, "Life is unpredictable. Who can say for sure what will happen in officialdom? I've thought it through. You have a long life ahead of you. You might be plotted against someday, and then you'll need his help. Besides, Zhiheng is considered a good person in the Military Intelligence Bureau. At least he's been dealing with the Japanese all these years and hasn't harmed his own people. He's reliable. It won't hurt for you two to get closer. Don't let my good intentions go to waste!"
Lin Mucheng was no fool. Over the years, he had experienced a lot and knew what was important. Seeing his father's painstaking efforts to pave the way for him, he didn't say anything more. So he nodded and agreed, "Okay, I understand. I'll get to know him well these next few days."
The next day at sunset, Lin Mucheng drove to Jinxiulou, a restaurant in the southern part of the Yuzhong Peninsula, facing the Nan'an District across the river, and quite famous in Chongqing.
Ning Zhiheng, as the host, was waiting at the door early. When he saw Lin Mucheng get out of the car, he stepped forward and greeted him with a smile: "Brother Mucheng, I have been waiting for you for a long time."
Lin Mucheng nodded in acknowledgment, shook hands with Ning Zhiheng, exchanged a few polite greetings, and then followed Ning Zhiheng into the restaurant and up the stairs.
This was the busiest time for the restaurant, with the first and second floors packed with people and noisy. But once he got to the third floor, it suddenly became quiet. Lin Mucheng looked around in surprise, but it was completely deserted. Apart from two young men in Zhongshan suits guarding the stairwell, there was no one else around.
Ning Zhiheng explained with a smile, "Since we're gathered here today, I didn't want to spoil the fun, so I booked the entire floor. Brother Mucheng, you must have a few more drinks tonight and enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Mucheng was quite taken aback. Ning Zhiheng was incredibly generous, booking an entire floor for a single meal.
He said helplessly, "Zhiheng, this is too much. It's just a simple meal, and you've made such a big fuss about it. I won't dare to agree to your request again in the future!"
Ning Zhiheng laughed and explained, "Haha, this won't happen again, this won't happen again. I was just worried that with so many people around, it would be inconvenient to talk. Please, let's talk inside!"
He turned and ordered Zhao Jiang to have the dishes served, then led Lin Mucheng into a private room. The room was elegantly decorated, and Lin Mucheng's eyes lit up as soon as he entered.
Ning Zhiheng pointed to the window and said, "This is the best room in Jinxiu Tower with a view of the river. I booked it a long time ago. Brother Mucheng, are you satisfied?"
"You're so thoughtful!"
Lin Mucheng stepped to the window and looked out. He was immediately attracted by the scenery outside and couldn't help but nod in approval.
As the sun was about to set behind the mountains, the Yangtze River, like a jade belt, encircled the mountains on the south bank. Chongqing was often shrouded in fog, its misty appearance appearing and disappearing among the mountains, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene!
Boats were still passing by on the river, including rowing wooden boats and huge ferries and steamships. Every now and then, a long whistle would break the silence. The river was as smooth as a mirror, and the sky and water were the same color, creating a beautiful scene.
The tranquil river and the gentle autumn breeze blowing through the window bring a touch of coolness and make it exceptionally refreshing!
"Wow, what a beautiful view! Zhiheng, I've been in Chongqing for quite a while, but I've never had the chance to appreciate such a wonderful river view. You really know how to appreciate it!" Lin Mucheng exclaimed repeatedly.
Ning Zhiheng laughed and said, "Brother Mu Cheng is preoccupied with military affairs and his mind is not on these things. Even if he had the time, he probably wouldn't have the mind to appreciate them, so he missed them."
The two chatted for a few more minutes, and then the hotel waiter brought out one exquisite dish after another, quickly filling the table. In particular, the braised fish in the center was golden in color, with vibrant ingredients, and its fragrant aroma wafted around, making one's mouth water.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
