Chapter 2131 Ning Family, Wu Yuan

Cui Yingying stared at Leon, only to see an irrepressible eagerness on his face, as if he was looking forward to something. This undisguised emotion made Cui Yingying suspicious, and she couldn't help but look at Leon again.

The Ning family, a name recognizable throughout China, is a household name. Not only is it the most powerful and influential family in China, but it's also shrouded in mystery due to certain historical issues. Unlike other families, such as the Li family, which boasts Li Tiandao, the nation's anchor, or the Tian family, which, since the arrival of humans, has made numerous significant contributions to the construction of Qimingxing and its fight against foreign enemies, the Ning family's rise and development remains a mystery, leaving one elusive as to how it grew to the colossus it is today.

The Ning family's eldest daughter, in particular, was considered an outlier within the family. The Ning family protected their descendants with impenetrable protection. No one, not even ordinary people, nor even someone like Cui Yingying, the Director of the Demon Suppression Division—a crucial figure responsible for maintaining public order and combating violent crime—had the right to access the information of any direct descendant of the Ning family, let alone the eldest daughter.

About a year ago, a shocking incident occurred in the Ning family. The head of the Ning family and many core members disappeared overnight, causing an uproar among the top leaders of the entire Chinese nation.

Just as everyone was worried about the future of the Ning family, a little-known figure suddenly stood up - Ning Xiangtong, the eldest daughter of the Ning family. She resolutely announced that she would take over the Ning family. This decision undoubtedly dropped a heavy bomb on the calm surface of the lake.

However, surprisingly, no one in the Ning family objected to Ning Xiangtong's decision. The remaining elders stood by Ning Xiangtong without hesitation, giving her their unreserved support.

In just three days, Ning Xiangtong successfully took over the entire Ning family and became the new head of the Ning family. Such speed and efficiency were truly astonishing.

Ning Xiangtong's actions instantly shattered the tacit understanding between the Chinese government and the Ning family. Chinese officials began to harbor suspicions about the Ning family, believing they must be hiding some hidden secret. Consequently, Cui Yingying launched an in-depth investigation into the Ning family, even collaborating with Leon.

Leon suddenly showed a strong interest in Ning Xiangtong and asked to meet her. This request attracted Cui Yingying's attention. However, fortunately, she would be present at the meeting, so she was not worried that Leon would play any tricks.

However, Cui Yingying was puzzled by why Leon was so interested in Ning Xiangtong. Was there some ulterior motive behind his request? These questions lingered in Cui Yingying's mind, making her look forward to this meeting with both anticipation and doubt.

"Are your injuries almost healed? Why are you starting work so soon?"

Leon looked at Cui Yingying, feeling somewhat puzzled. He had originally thought that Cui Yingying would follow the advice of the higher-ups and rest up in a sanatorium for a while, or go on a happy vacation with paid leave. However, she now appeared in the office, which surprised Leon.

Cui Yingying seemed to see Leon's doubts. She smiled slightly and explained,

"I just can't sit still. I always feel a little bored staying at home, so I came here. Besides, don't you think there is no place safer than here in Yancheng?"

As she spoke, Cui Yingying pointed to the top of her head.

Leon looked in the direction Cui Yingying pointed and immediately understood what she meant. This was the Eastern Star. As one of China's most important institutions, its security measures were naturally top-notch. Not only were there various high-tech equipment and strict personnel monitoring, but there were also super-star-level experts on duty to ensure the safety of the place.

Leon recalled the moment he entered the Eastern Star. He keenly sensed a powerful spiritual force silently locking onto him. That power was definitely possessed by a super-star-level expert. Thinking of this, Leon couldn't help but deeply agree with Cui Yingying's words. Indeed, even in all of China, there was probably no place safer than this.

"Zoe's missing?"

Suddenly, Cui Yingying’s words exploded in Leon’s ears like thunder, which made him stunned.

"Missing?"

Leon repeated in disbelief.

"How do you say it?"

Cui Yingying's face was solemn, and she spoke slowly.

"Yes, missing. Li Lingzhi initially detected Zoe outside of Planet 47, and due to mental exhaustion, she fell into a state of self-preservation. However, according to information provided by our 'spy' in the United States, Zoe did not return to the United States as expected."

Leon's brows furrowed tightly as he realized that things might be more complicated than he had imagined.

"So, what does this mean?"

he asked.

Cui Yingying took a deep breath and continued.

"We suspect this is a plot orchestrated by Zoe and the United States. Her injuries might not be that serious, and she may have already infiltrated Chinese territory. Furthermore, because I'm the most likely target of Zoe's attack, I've been specifically asked to stay here unless otherwise requested."

Leon frowned slightly and asked.

"What are you going to do??"

Cui Yingying shook her head helplessly.

"We don't have many clues at the moment, so we can only strengthen our vigilance. A super-star expert is determined to hide himself, and even Grandpa Li may not be able to discover him. Fortunately, the Ning family is an absolutely safe place. Otherwise, I'm afraid even taking you to the Ning family would be obstructed."

At this point, Cui Yingying's face showed a hint of anger, and she was obviously very annoyed by Zoe's behavior. When she thought of the enemy who might be hiding in the dark, she felt a little angry.

Seeing this, Leon could only shrug his shoulders, expressing his helplessness about the conflict between the two super-star powers.

He was terribly anxious, wanting nothing more than to follow Li Lingzhi to the Ning residence to confirm his suspicions. Along the way, the two chatted casually, and time flew by unnoticed. As the time Cui Yingying and Wu Yuan had agreed upon approached, she glanced down at the time on her laptop, confirmed it was almost time, and decisively stood up and spoke.

"let's go."

Leon had no objection to this and nodded readily in agreement. Then, the two of them stood up together, took a brisk walk, and took the elevator directly to the underground garage of the Oriental Star.

Upon reaching the underground garage, a luxurious business-class maglev sedan came into view. This sedan had been waiting for a long time, evidently Cui Yingying's personal vehicle. Not only could it travel freely throughout China, it even carried a Ning family pass, a symbol of status and position.

Half an hour later, the business maglev car arrived smoothly in front of the Ning family's gate. Through the car window, Leon stared at the magnificent gate and couldn't help but exclaimed in amazement.

"Wow, the Ning family's gate is really magnificent!"

Cui Yingying, who was sitting next to him in the back row, smiled slightly, as if she was not surprised by Leon’s admiration.

Although this gate looked magnificent, it still seemed insignificant compared to the main hall of the Void Scorpion clan, which possessed numerous elemental stars. However, the exquisite decoration on the gate and the vague and undisguised aura of terror that could be felt in the Ning family's main residence complemented each other, causing Leon to exclaim in amazement.

"Get out of the car. Although we can drive directly in, it seems a bit impolite to do so. Besides, the roads inside are not suitable for vehicles."

Cui Yingying did not respond to Leon’s exclamation, she just gently pushed open the car door, and then said lightly.

Leon naturally nodded in agreement to Cui Yingying's proposal without any hesitation.

The two men got out of the car side by side, and the door slowly closed with a slight "bang". Leon's eyes were immediately drawn to the neatly arranged row of waiters standing at the door. They were dressed in the same black uniforms, standing tall and smiling, and were obviously well-trained.

However, what surprised Leon was that the waiters looked unusually relaxed, completely devoid of the nervousness and restraint he had imagined they would have when facing the Director of the Demon Suppression Division. Clearly, this wasn't Cui Yingying's first visit.

Just as Leon was thinking to himself, Cui Yingying had already walked towards the door. Seeing this, the waiters bowed and nodded to welcome Cui Yingying.

Cui Yingying smiled and nodded, exchanged a few words with the waiters, then turned to look at Leon, motioning him to follow. Leon walked quickly to Cui Yingying's side and walked into the Ning family's gate together.

As soon as he entered the Ning family, Leon immediately felt a simple and solemn atmosphere. The architectural style here is elegant and majestic, the courtyard is shaded by green trees, and the paths are winding, giving people a sense of tranquility and peace.

However, Leon's attention was quickly drawn to the gazes of the people around him. He noticed that many people were looking at him with curiosity, and some were even whispering to each other, seemingly discussing this stranger.

Leon couldn't help feeling a little uncomfortable. He couldn't help but glance at Cui Yingying, only to see that she looked calm, obviously accustomed to this situation.

"Director Cui, please follow me. Ms. Wu has been waiting for a long time."

As soon as they entered the inner area of the Ning family mansion, a waiter came quickly to greet them. The waiter was dressed in a neat uniform and walked steadily, clearly well-trained. He came before Cui Yingying, bowed slightly, and spoke in a respectful but not flattering tone.

"This way, please."

Cui Yingying smiled and nodded, expressing her satisfaction with the waiter's reception. She turned to look at Leon beside her and asked casually.

"Oh, by the way, I brought a friend with me. Will that be okay?"

The waiter's eyes quickly swept over Leon, the smile on his face did not change at all, and he answered slowly.

"Your friend is our Ning family's distinguished guest. You're joking. Please come in."

The waiter's answer was concise and appropriate, expressing both respect for Cui Yingying and the Ning family's warmth and tolerance towards their guests. After hearing this, Cui Yingying's smile widened, and she nodded in satisfaction, clearly very pleased with the waiter's response.

However, Cui Yingying's question wasn't just a simple greeting or polite remark. The Ning family actually had a very strict set of regulations governing who could enter and leave the main residence. Anyone wishing to enter the main residence had to obtain the Ning family's prior permission and undergo a series of tedious procedures and inspections.

Cui Yingying's reckless arrival with others was, to some extent, against the Ning family's rules. After all, she hadn't communicated or coordinated with the Ning family beforehand, nor had she followed the required procedures.

However, Cui Yingying held a special status after all. Not only was she the Director of the Demon Suppression Division, but she also had a close relationship with Wu Yuan. Naturally, the waiter wouldn't have any objections to her, and certainly wouldn't dare offend her easily. So, under the waiter's guidance, Cui Yingying and Leon successfully entered the core area of the Ning family mansion.

The Ning family mansion was vast, covering an expansive area, resembling a small town. It boasted pavilions, towers, gardens, and waterside terraces, as well as numerous houses and streets. According to the waiter, nearly half of the Ning family lived here, with the remainder scattered throughout the Ningfu area.

It's no exaggeration to say that the Ningfu District is practically the Ning family's independent kingdom, a kingdom within a kingdom. This is one of the reasons Leon was so amazed at the Ning family's immense power. After all, this is Yancheng! And it's the absolute heart of Yancheng! Yet, the Ning family has the power to establish a kingdom within a kingdom!

The main house was located right in the heart of the core area, its scale and grandeur astonishing. Before long, the two, led by the waiter, arrived safely at the main house. Leon remained quite composed throughout the journey, unlike other newcomers who looked around and avoided unnecessary trouble.

Finally, the waiter brought them to the door of a tea room in the main house.

"Ms. Wu is inside. Please make yourselves at ease."

The waiter said politely, then bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Cui Yingying gently pushed open the door. As the waiter had said, Wu Yuan was already sitting at the tea table, seemingly having been waiting for a while. When she saw Cui Yingying walk in, a delighted smile immediately broke out on her face. She waved enthusiastically at Cui Yingying, signaling her to come over quickly.

"Are you here? Come and sit down."

Wu Yuan greeted enthusiastically. However, when her eyes fell on Leon beside Cui Yingying, the smile on her face froze slightly, revealing a hint of doubt, and she was obviously curious about the identity of this strange man.

"This is a friend of mine. We were just chatting in the office, but before we could finish our conversation, it was time for our appointment. So I just brought him along. Do you mind?"