Chapter 78 - 78: Meeting Dong Wan Again
“What does a club do? Is it similar to the membership system of our supermarket?” At this moment, Yang Anbang was somewhat puzzled. He asked question after question.
Even though Yang Anbang also comes from a well-connected family, in this era, he is considered knowledgeable. However, he still didn’t understand much about those private member clubs in foreign countries.
As soon as Nie Zhenbang shook his head, Yang Anbang suddenly realized, “Ah, I get it. Zhenbang, your interests are really too diverse. Managing a football club? But at this time, is there anyone in China competing with you in this?”
At this moment, with the deepening of the Reform and Opening Up, Europe’s top football leagues were gradually becoming known to the Chinese people.
Even though Yang Anbang didn’t pay much attention, he knew quite some top European clubs.
Nie Zhenbang felt like collapsing right now, he made a pause gesture and said, “Hold on, hold on! An Bang, I find you being as impatient as my sister. Are you influenced by her?”
His words made Yang Anbang snort disdainfully. He smirked and said, “How could she influence me? It’s more like I’m influencing her.”
Looking at these two, Nie Zhenbang laughed softly. They were both competitive. It was surprising that they had come together of their own accord and collaborated in the long run despite their tough personality. He was not sure if this was a good thing or not.
Shaking his head, Nie Zhenbang explained, “An Bang, the club I’m talking about is not what you think. It’s more like the circle we are interacting with right now. Clubs in foreign countries have a long history. What I mean is to choose a location in Jingcheng, buy it, then renovate it and create a private club with a bar, dance floor, Western restaurant, and even various leisure and entertainment activities. But it’s not open to the public, only for the club’s members. In other words, we don’t have to go anywhere else for gatherings in the future. We can just do it at the private club. Here, it is a private gathering place and a symbol of nobility. Our target customers are only elite people like us and officials from all over the country. What do you think? Is it feasible?”
Yang Anbang was stunned for a moment. After regaining his senses, he even walked over to Nie Zhenbang. Smiling jokingly he said, “Zhenbang, how does your mind work? This is a good way to gather connections! Then I should make one too, aiming at business elites both at home and abroad. Since you are naming yours Dynasty Club, I will call mine the Tang Dynasty Club.”
Yang Anbang’s thinking was incredibly agile. He quickly grasped the crux of the matter. Nie Zhenbang nodded with a smile, adding, “OK, you can name it whatever you want. You can call it Great Han, Great Qin, or Great Zhonghua, whatever you like. But I’m leaving the location hunting for the club to you. My only requirement is that the property has to be independent, without any other companies or entities in it. Once you find a place, give me a call. I’ll take my leave now.”
With the ongoing expansion under Wal-Mart’s control, Huang Guangyu, a well-known tycoon, has been supported by Wal-Mart’s vast capital and connections in this life. Gome Electrical Appliances chain stores have been quickly set up in major cities across the country. The pace of development has far exceeded expectations. Now, the cash flow of Gome is almost comparable to that of Wal-Mart Supermarket.
Naturally, under the control of Wal-Mart, Yang Anbang has also assembled a team of talents. At this time, many things no longer required him to take personal action as before. Now, if there’s anything requiring a location, someone will handle it.
Walking out of the doors of Wal-Mart Building and strolling on the streets of Jingcheng, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t help but ponder about the arms deal. At this point, there were not so many small-scale local wars in the world anymore. If it was the 1990s, the Iraq War, it could have been a different story. Taking the opportunity to sell some Katyusha or SAM-16 portable missiles to Saddam would have been a good move.
At this time, the Iran-Iraq War was also coming to an end. At Iraq’s request, the United Nations had already intervened in the investigation. Also, after his agreement with Ou Zheng, his initial idea to sell products through Huaxia Arms Trading Company was no longer workable. Since he had to sell them himself, it appears that he will have to personally visit Iran and Iraq now.
Just as he was about to turn this corner, he suddenly bumped into someone in front of him, followed by a cry of pain. Looking up, he saw a woman already sitting on the ground.
Nie Zhenbang had practiced martial arts from a young age, which made his body control outstanding. Although he was distracted, his natural reflexes kicked in. Under inadvertent collisions, his body was designed to respond quickly.
Seeing the girl fall, Nie Zhenbang rushed to her aid, apologizing, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I was lost in thought and didn’t pay attention. I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
No sooner had the words left his lips than the woman on the ground looked up. Stunned, Nie Zhenbang recognized her—it was Dong Wan.
At this moment, Dong Wan maintained her usual icy demeanor. Her face was as unperturbed as a calm old well, and upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, she recognized him as the first man who did not mince words around her.
Dong Wan was dressed in white jeans and a black batwing top. The V-neckline was somewhat low, revealing her fair skin which added a touch of allure to her look.
Looking at the outstretched hand of Nie Zhenbang, Dong Wan didn’t even give it a glance. She stood up on her own and said coldly, “I’m fine. But, Nie Zhenbang, please watch where you are going next time.”
At this point, a tinge of unspoken sadness could be detected in her eyes, blending with her usual cold beauty. Such an expression made Nie Zhenbang slightly intoxicated.
Such a woman, like a fairy untouched by the mundane world, was the reason
why Nie Zhenbang did not hold back in front of Dong Wan. He was well aware of his own status—he was just an ordinary person. He never even dreamed of winning over a fairy-like woman. The philosophy of being as hard as a rock when one has no desires perfectly defines Nie Zhenbang’s mindset; since he had no intentions with her, he wouldn’t be affected.
At this moment, Dong Wan’s face, beaming with its usual cold beauty and a tinge of sadness, exuded a certain aura as if a fairy had descended. Her demeanor evoked a sense of sorrow. Impulsively, Nie Zhenbang asked, “Dong
Wan, do you have something on your mind?”
This question took Dong Wan by surprise. She had always hidden her feelings well, so much so that nobody at school had ever noticed. How on earth could he have figured it out? Could it be that he truly understood her?
At this time, romance novels started to gain popularity on the mainland. For someone of Dong Wan’s status, getting hold of these books was not difficult. Like all girls her age, Dong Wan was also influenced by these stories and began to harbor dreams for her own love life.
At this moment, Dong Wan felt somewhat different. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, she said softly, “Whether I’m sad or indifferent, what difference does it make? Everyone in this world has their share of troubles. Compared to others, I think I am quite fortunate.”
Indeed, she’s a girl with a soft exterior but a strong heart. Nie Zhenbang was over forty years of age, both physically and mentally. His youthful innocence had long faded away. Now, he was like a middle-aged man. Smiling, he said to Dong Wan, “Dong Wan, come with me. Whenever I feel down, I do something. It works quite well. Would you like to try?”
Saying this, Nie Zhenbang grabbed Dong Wan’s delicate hand and ran towards
Wal-Mart Building..