Chapter 463
Chapter 463 - Humiliation
Lee Xiuhua asked in a rush, “Su, do you really have a way to cure my husband's illness?”
Su Ming quickly reassured her, “Grandma Lee, please don't worry. Our family used to struggle, and Grandpa Zhang helped us immensely. Now, I've established a business in the city and have earned some money. You shouldn't stress about the surgery costs; I'll cover them. Moreover, through my business dealings, I've made a few connections in Beijing. I'm confident we can handle this.”
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lee Xiuhua struggled to find the right words to thank Su Ming.
Su Ming added, “Grandma Lee, we're all from the same village. It's our duty to support each other.”
While they were enjoying their conversation, Ning Zhiyuan was visibly upset.
Contract in his left hand and pen in his right, he watched as the deal he was about to close was thwarted by an unexpected intervention.
Curiosity piqued, Ning Zhiyuan wondered about Su Ming's identity.
Judging from their conversation, Su Ming seemed to be a fellow villager, yet Ning Zhiyuan had never encountered him before.
He didn't consider Su Ming to be a particularly influential figure.
His own family business was substantial, and he was acquainted with many influential people, but Su Ming's name had never come up.
To Ning Zhiyuan, Su Ming might just be a minor player who had made a few million yuan. In his eyes, such individuals were insignificant.
He had invested two to three years in pursuing this land deal, and he couldn't afford to let this rare opportunity slip away.
The land in question was crucial.
Other villages had limited available land, typically plots of just over a dozen acres.
But Village Chief Zhang had a sizable parcel of dozens of acres, and Ning Zhiyuan planned to build a large-scale factory there.
With a furrowed brow, Ning Zhiyuan coldly addressed Su Ming, “Brother, what you're doing isn't right. It's one thing to boast casually, but this involves Village Chief Zhang's life. Why are you exaggerating your influence? Doctors in the capital aren't so easily accessible. Don't jeopardize Village Chief Zhang's health.”
Zhang Tao, with a stern face, demanded, “What exactly are you implying?”
Ning Zhiyuan feigned omniscience, confidently asserting, “What? You still don't get it? He simply doesn't want you selling the land to me, then finding some random doctors from the capital to perform surgery on Village Chief Zhang. The surgery comes with risks, and failure wouldn't be unusual. Once he's covered the surgery costs, you'll owe him, and if he decides he wants to buy the land later, how could you refuse? Don't kid yourself into thinking you can deceive others just because you've made a little money. You might fool some, but not me. Grandma Lee, rest assured, with me here, this youngster won't pull the wool over your eyes.”
Zhang Qianqian was quick to counter Ning Zhiyuan's accusations, “That's absurd! Brother Ming would never stoop to such levels!”
Lee Xiuhua and Zhang Tao were skeptical of Ning Zhiyuan's claims. Having watched Su Ming grow up, they knew him to be honest from a young age. Could he really harbor such malevolent intentions?
It was clear to everyone that Ning Zhiyuan was maligning Su Ming just to get his hands on that land.
”I know you're doubtful of me, but Village Chief Zhang's condition is critical, and we can't postpone his surgery any longer,” Ning Zhiyuan continued with assurance. “Grandma Lee, let me propose something. I'll cover the surgery costs, and I'll call the doctor right now to schedule Uncle Zhang's operation. If I manage to arrange it, then you agree to sell the land to me, deal?”
Lee Xiuhua wavered upon hearing this. Given Village Chief Zhang's grave health, prompt surgery could mean a quicker recovery.
Su Ming noticed Lee Xiuhua's indecision and offered a reassuring smile. “Grandma Lee, don't worry. Regardless, our priority should be to arrange for Grandpa Zhang's surgery as soon as possible.”
”Okay,” Lee Xiuhua agreed with a nod.
Ning Zhiyuan smirked inwardly, thinking, “I'm far more capable than Su Ming. I can assure Lee Xiuhua right now that I can get a doctor on the line, something Su Ming can't do. I'll show them what a true big shot looks like. Once I've made the call to my contacts, the land will be mine. The Zhang family will be indebted to me, boosting my chances with Qianqian. Then, I'll be able to start my factory and be with Zhang Qianqian. What a perfect plan!”
Ning Zhiyuan immediately began calling a friend in J City. To demonstrate his capabilities, he activated the speakerphone on his mobile device.
The voice of a middle-aged man emerged from the other end, “Boss Ning, what brings you to call me today?”
Ning Zhiyuan succinctly relayed the situation. “Dr. Zhang, here's the deal: I have a patient urgently needing surgery. They have a brain tumor, and our local medical facilities can't handle the operation. Could you reach out to your mentor and see if he's able to perform the surgery? Rest assured, I'll be sure to express my gratitude afterward.”
Dr. Zhang paused briefly before responding, “Okay! Boss Ning, since you've asked, I'll do my best.”
With that, Dr. Zhang ended the call.
Ning Zhiyuan, phone in hand, boasted confidently, “Grandma Lee, rest easy. Dr. Zhang isn't just any doctor; he's an attending physician at J City Medical University, and his mentor is among the few in the imperial court capable of conducting this surgery. His mentor is Dr. Hwa, a name synonymous with excellence in medicine. You must have heard of him. With Dr. Zhang's assistance, I'm certain Dr. Hwa will accept.”
Those around Ning Zhiyuan internally marveled at his words. “Dr. Hwa is a distinguished figure, a celebrated surgeon nationwide. While this surgery poses a challenge for most, it's well within Dr. Hwa's expertise. If Ning Zhiyuan can indeed secure Dr. Hwa's help, the surgery is sure to be a success.”
Less than two minutes later, Ning Zhiyuan's phone rang again. He looked at the caller ID with a smile.
”See? It's been just two minutes, and Dr. Zhang has already returned my call. This is a sure sign of success. Grandma Lee, once the hospital is set, I'll personally drive Village Chief Zhang there and get everything ready for the operation.”
Ning Zhiyuan didn't pick up the call immediately; instead, he turned his triumphant gaze to Su Ming. Seeing that Su Ming remained silent, his pride swelled even more.
Ning Zhiyuan thought to himself, “Su Ming ought to recognize our disparity after this.”
Remaining calm, Ning Zhiyuan answered the phone. Dr. Zhang's voice came through, succinct and to the point, “Boss Ning, I've spoken with my mentor. He says he's unable to perform the surgery.”
Ning Zhiyuan gasped, “What?”
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He had just been basking in his own glory, but the words from the other end of the line left him completely bewildered. “This… Dr. Zhang…”
Moments before, Ning Zhiyuan had been quite pleased with himself, but now he found himself in an awkward predicament.