Power and Wealth

United University.

Outside the auditorium.

Dong Xuebing helped Jiang Min walk over. The school celebration had already started, and music could be heard from inside, like ssong and dance program.

"Dong Xuebing, you go in first."

"But what about you?"

"I'm going backstage to check on my students' rehearsal."

"I'll go with you. I have nothing else to do."

"Alright, I'll go see my students' rehearsal. You go in and sit down first."

"Fine. Just be careful on the way, don't fall."

"Haha, my foot is already better, remember? It's just a show, don't worry."

After saying that, Jiang Min pretended to limp and walked away, entering backstage through the back door.

Seeing that there weren't many people around, probably all inside the auditorium, Dong Xuebing also went in after smoking a cigarette outside. He had a pass hanging around his neck, so the staff didn't stop him. Everyone had probably seen or heard about what happened at the school gate, and a school staff member even smiled at Dong Xuebing kindly and nodded to him, opening the door to the auditorium for him.

Sure enough, there was a song and dance program in the auditorium.

Dong Xuebing walked down the aisle towards the back, intending to sit in the last row.

But a sharp-eyed school leader spotted Dong Xuebing from the dark doorway of the auditorium and quickly approached him, saying, "Director Dong."

Dong Xuebing looked at him, "Hello."

The school leader pointed to the first row, "There's a seat reserved for you here."

Dong Xuebing smiled, "No need, I'll just go to the back."

The school leader hurriedly said, "You can't do that. Everything has been arranged for you. Deputy Mayor He specially instructed to reserve the seat next to him."

Dong Xuebing had caused quite a stir before, but it was unavoidable for the sake of his mentor. Now, he wanted to keep a low profile and not attract too much attention. He understood the concept of "hiding one's light and biding one's time" that Huilan and the Xie family had talked about. He didn't want to be too arrogant. If others respected him a foot, he would respect them a yard. So, he couldn't refuse. He could only go over.

The first row was all leaders.

There were government officials and school leaders.

Because it was right below the stage, it was very conspicuous. When Dong Xuebing passed by the first row, many people looked at him. Those who didn't know him whispered to the person next to them, probably wondering how such a young man ended up in the front row. They were all very curious.

In the middle seat.

Dong Xuebing saw He Zhengfei. He was observing the performance, with a smile on his face. Indeed, an empty seat was next to him, so Dong Xuebing sat down.

He Zhengfei saw him, "You're here."

"Yeah." Dong Xuebing smiled.

He Zhengfei asked, "Is Huilan doing well?"

"She's fine. She left right after her confinement. I think she's in better spirits than me. She's just a little heavier now, about seven or eight pounds."

He Zhengfei also smiled. "Young people these days pursue slimness as beauty, but there's no need. Being a bit heavier is healthier and less prone to illness. And only seven or eight pounds, that's nothing. Huilan used to be too thin. This weight is just right. You don't know, my wife was beautiful back then too. But after giving birth, she immediately gained twenty pounds. Now she gains three or four pounds every year, haha."

Dong Xuebing laughed, "I've only seen Auntie on TV once. It's not as serious as you said, and she looked gorgeous when she was young."

"Now she's old."

"No, Auntie doesn't look too old."

"Not mentioning her, what about your child?"

"Huilan took him away, went to the south together."

"Went together, oh, I thought Mdm. Han would look after the child."

"My mom wanted to help us with the child, but Huilan disagreed. She insisted on taking care of him herself. I have to get her permission even to hold my son. Forget it."

"Haha, that's mothers for you."

"Yeah, there's no way around it."

In Dong Xuebing's unit or in the government departments where he used to work, people of Dong Xuebing's rank were generally middle-aged, around forty years old. Dong Xuebing usually interacted with them as peers in the unit. After all, in the hierarchical officialdom, rank determined everything. However, in front of He Zhengfei, Dong Xuebing didn't dare to talk to him as an equal. After all, he worked with his father-in-law, and from his tone, his relationship with Dong Xuebing's wife seemed good. Dong Xuebing naturally addressed him respectfully as Uncle and Auntie.

After chatting for a while, the two of them watched the program.

Several cadres nearby couldn't help but glance over here when they saw He Zhengfei chatting happily with a young man. It was rare for Deputy Mayor He to let down his guard and joke with a young person like this. However, similar to the situation in Dong Xuebing's office, they didn't know Dong Xuebing's background due to the difference in levels. They probably hadn't even heard his name. At most, they knew he was a cadre of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The program continued.

Cross talk.

Singing.

Dancing.

Finally, Teacher Jiang's students also performed on stage.

Dong Xuebing watched with relish, applauding and cheering from tto time. It was quite enjoyable.

Around noon, the school celebration ended. Everyone applauded for the last time, and then, escorted by the school leaders, the cadres in the first two rows left first.

Outside.

He Zhengfei exchanged greetings with a few cadres he knew, then seeing Dong Xuebing there too, he said, "I have something to do in the afternoon, and I won't stay for lunch. I'm leaving."

Dong Xuebing immediately said, "Alright, take care."

He Zhengfei nodded, "Dong Quan is an old subordinate of mine. I've heard about this incident too. He indeed has sproblems. He is a bit arrogant. You don't need to giveface, handle it however you see fit."

That's what he said, but Dong Xuebing didn't take it seriously, and he understood the meaning behind his words. "It's okay, just a minor disagreement. It's not that serious. Besides, he already apologized to my mentor before. Let's just let it go. And, of course, I have to give you face. I was trying to scare him earlier. I won't seek revenge. Anyway, this matter is over now." Since Teacher Jiang had spoken, Dong Xuebing had also agreed, so there was no need to make things difficult for Dong Quan again. He had already lost enough face today, and Dong Xuebing was not angry anymore.

He Zhengfei chuckled, "If he knew who you were, he wouldn't have dared to offend you. You, who single-handedly infiltrated the City Public Security Bureau, are probably the only one in the capital."

Dong Xuebing smiled wryly, "You're criticizing me."

He Zhengfei chuckled, "I'm not. I quite like your character. If I were in your position, I wouldn't be as carefree as you. So, I envy you." He paused for a moment, then waved his hand, "Let's not talk about it anymore, my car is waiting for me, I'm leaving."

"I'll walk you out."

"Never mind, you go have your meal."

"Alright then. If I have time, I'll visit your home."

"Sure, you're welcanytime, hehe."

He Zhengfei wasn't an amiable leader, but that was for others. When it cto Dong Xuebing, he was like an elder, very kind. This made the people around who saw them talking even more puzzled. They didn't understand how He Zhengfei could have such a good relationship with this young man. Considering what happened at the school gate earlier, everyone saw that this young man didn't give face to He Zhengfei. It seemed like they didn't know each other well, but in a short while, they were chatting happily as if they were old acquaintances.

At this moment, Vice Principal Wang cover, "Director Dong, a table has been reserved at the hotel outside, and the car is ready. Let's go together."

Dong Xuebing glanced at him, "Go to the hotel?"

Vice Principal Wang nodded, "It's not far, just five minutes away."

"What about others?" Dong Xuebing asked.

"The other teachers and students are all prepared banquets at the first and second cafeterias," Vice Principal Wang replied.

Dong Xuebing nodded immediately, " I won't go to the hotel either. It's better to eat with the school on the school's anniversary. I still miss the stir-fries from the second cafeteria. I must try them today."

Vice Principal Wang said, "But the leading cadres…"

"Don't treatas a cadre. I'm just a graduate," Dong Xuebing insisted. He had to give face to He Zhengfei, but there was no need for others to do so, especially since he didn't have a good impression of Vice Principal Wang himself.

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Vice Principal Wang had to agree. He had already seen Dong Xuebing's character from before. Dong Xuebing spoke in a typical Beijing accent, obviously a native Beijinger who had lived in the hutongs. Most old Beijingers were straightforward and had a "love who loves" attitude, which meant they didn't hold back. This was typical of ordinary Beijingers, let alone Dong Xuebing, who was already a Division Chief level cadre. He was a straightforward person.

Over there,

Lei Haidong, Sun Ruhua, and a few other classmates also cout and walked up to Dong Xuebing when they saw him.

"Xuebing, let's go eat."

"Yeah, I'm hungry. Let's go."

"Hehe, I'm hungry too. Let's wait for Teacher Jiang."

"Oh, Teacher Jiang is already here. Over there."

They looked in Lei Haidong's direction and saw Jiang Min leading her students out of the auditorium.

As soon as Jiang Min saw Dong Xuebing, many of her students surrounded him. Since talking earlier wasn't convenient, they started asking questions.

"Senior."

"Hello, senior."

"You're a Division Chief level leader?"

"Senior, we'll graduate in two years. Can you share sexperiences with us?"

People from Shanghai like to talk about business, while people from Beijing like to talk about officials. This directly relates to the region's cultural background and history.

Seeing Jiang Min nodding encouragingly, Dong Xuebing had to go along. As they walked towards the cafeteria, he briefly talked to them about strivial matters in the office.