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Ling Baodong's demeanor was also extraordinary. His way of inviting people even had a coercive nature. To Nie Zhenbang's ears, however, there was something grating about it.
He had mentioned sparingly prepared wine at the Hilton and directly asked if I was interested. Ling Baodong really was...
Like father, like son. Nie Zhenbang could see the root of Lingxiao's arrogance; Ling Baodong had this manner of forcing the issue, and his son Lingxiao had certainly learned it all.
To show disinterest would be a direct slap in the face. Nie Zhenbang scoffed. To invite guests, is this how one invites?
But Nie Zhenbang was also aware that, as members of the entry committee, it was quite normal for Ling Baodong to pull rank due to his age. Moreover, Nie Zhenbang was curious to hear what specific purpose this father and son had in taking the trouble to invite him. He then nodded and said, "Secretary Baodong, you are too kind. By rights, I should be the one inviting you."
