Chapter 319: Chapter 313 Military Department Visit_1
Nie Zhenbang’s words silenced the crowd. Li Guohua was also taken aback. Li Guohua always had an air of flamboyant arrogance and a domineering manner. His aura invisibly influenced those around him, including his opponents.

The last time, it was also at the Dynasty, also at this place. Guohua was thrilled by the way he had rendered Nie Zhenbang helpless with a minor trick. Now, upon encountering Nie Zhenbang again, Li Guohua seized the opportunity to speak harsh words intending to strike at Nie Zhenbang again.

It was as if the two were young leaders and high achievers. The only reason Li Guohua wanted to hit Nie Zhenbang was to establish psychological superiority in their confrontation, making Nie Zhenbang instinctively fear and dread him. As a consequence, Nie Zhenbang would falter during future engagements.

However, Li Guohua, who had come with full confidence, didn’t expect Nie Zhenbang to retort with such a fiery comment instantly, leaving Guohua stunned.

Li Guohua didn’t respond, but he understood Nie Zhenbang’s words. Among the domestic leaders, there are those with an overseas education, but most of them have been to the Soviet Union. There aren’t any leaders with a Western background. At most, they have been to the West for a few months of exchange study—that itself would be quite exceptional. There are indeed inherent disadvantages and weaknesses for someone like him who has been studying and living abroad. Unless one has a strong family background, it’s difficult—even to serve as a provincial or ministerial official. Nie Zhenbang’s working at the Discipline Inspection Commission was unexpected, but he’s still at a lower level, and his future prospects are uncertain.

As Nie Zhenbang said, Guohua isn’t really up to being his opponent.

Li Guohua said nothing, but a follower disagreed. One of his followers, a hefty man weighing at least 190 kg and about 1.8m tall, scolded: “Nie Zhenbang, who do you think you are, some big shot?”

Zhao Xinglong came up to Nie Zhenbang as soon as these words landed and whispered in his ear: “Third Brother, this man is Huo Yuangang from the military’s logistics department of Huo Family.”

The Huo family from the military department. Nie Zhenbang frowned, surprised that Huo’s family had also joined forces with the Li family.

The Huo family and Liu Bin’s family are similar—they are pure military families. Although they aren’t supremely influential, they have several connections and relationships within the military. They are like regional dukes. Yet, they don’t have any influence in the government.

What the Li family lacked was military connections, and the fact that these two families are now joining forces is indeed an ideal match. At this moment, as Li Guohua felt humiliated by Nie Zhenbang, Huo Yuangang couldn’t wait to jump out and come to Li Guohua’s defense.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang calmly asked: “Li Guohua, is this also your view?”

Nie Zhenbang’s behavior today somewhat confused Li Guohua. In their previous encounter, Guohua had managed to embarrass and belittle Nie Zhenbang with just a few minor tricks. But why was Nie Zhenbang so strong-willed today?

With an embarrassed smile, Li Guohua laughed, “Well-known Third Young Master in Jingcheng, are you too concerned about these things? Today, we came here to support your business. You’re not going to refuse customers, are you?”

At that moment, Nie Zhenbang was somewhat in awe of Li Guohua’s ability to adapt and endure. His words had been harsh. Had somebody else been in his shoes, they wouldn’t have the face to stay, but Li Guohua deftly shifted the topic as if it was business as usual. Just this calmness impressed Nie Zhenbang. What was even more praiseworthy was that under these circumstances, Li Guohua decided to stay—a task beyond ordinary human capability.

Nie Zhenbang then nonchalantly replied, “Of course, as a business, we welcome everyone. However, Young Master Li, be careful with your wallet. The consumption at the Dynasty may not be affordable for everyone.”

At that moment, Li Guohua casually smiled and said, “No need for you to worry about that. If I came here, I’m naturally confident.”

Sitting in a booth not far from Nie Zhenbang and his party. As soon as Li Guohua and his group of five sat down, Huo Yuangang burst into anger and said, “Brother Hua, why didn’t you let me berate him just now? What’s he—a bastard is so arrogant.”

“Utilize restraint, Yuangang. Nie Zhenbang, from an unwanted bastard to the heir of the Nie family, represents an accomplishment we cannot underestimate. If we were to resort to force, we would fall into an inferior position,” Li Guohua immediately replied.

In his heart, Li Guohua didn’t say everything. His rivalry with Nie Zhenbang is like a duel between two unmatched martial arts experts. On the surface, there seems to be no conflict, but in private, the mental combat is extremely intense. Both want to suppress the other and secure an overwhelming victory advantage. Earlier, he intentionally mentioned the affairs of the Disciplinary Committee, but that was merely an unspoken rule. Although there’s no explicit stipulation that those in the Discipline Inspection line can’t reach the top, it’s a reality. In essence, it’s an unspoken rule. Yet, Li Guohua didn’t expect Nie Zhenbang’s response to be so swift in finding a way to counterattack. He couldn’t deny that his American background over the years has indeed been his Achilles heel; after all, it’s another unspoken rule.