Power and Wealth

Evening.

It's past seven.

The sky darkens, and the streets are alive with colorful lights and revelry.

Dong Xuebing and Hou Wen have had quite a few drinks after reuniting. After dinner, they walk arm in arm down the street, singing loudly, attracting sideways glances from passersby. But Dong Xuebing and Hou Wen pay no mind, as they used to indulge in this activity in their college dormitory. After drinking, they would hit the streets, singing and dancing in high spirits. It had beca tradition for them. Now, as they start singing, Dong Xuebing and Hou Wen feel nostalgic for their college days. After finishing a song, they exchange a glance and burst into laughter.

"Today was delightful," Hou Wen remarks.

"Yeah, drinking was satisfying, too," Dong Xuebing agrees.

Hou Wen sighs, "I wonder how those two bastards from our dorm are doing."

Dong Xuebing smiles nostalgically, "I miss them too, but unfortunately, I can't reach them. Just like you, they've changed their phone numbers."

"That's because I had no choice. How could I use a Beijing number in Jiangnan Province? Any call I make would be long-distance and expensive. Before changing my number, I tried contacting your family many times, but no one answered. I also tried calling those two but couldn't get through."

"I don't know. I'll inquire about it another day. We must find them."

"Agreed. I'll ask, too. The four of us brothers must reunite."

"Absolutely. We can't let such good friendships fade away. We must meet up."

"Let's go, it's getting late. Let's head back to the hotel. What do you want to do tonight?"

"I'm easy. I'm here for sightseeing this time, so anywhere is fine."

Ahead is the Royal Hotel. Cars cand go, and at this time, there are more people around. Although Dong Xuebing and Hou Wen have had several drinks, they're not drunk. They didn't drink excessively, so Dong Xuebing, with his sharp eyes, immediately noticed Xie Huilan at the lobby entrance. There are also quite a few other people around, probably leading cadres and their families who have cfor a study tour from Jiangnan Province. Dong Xuebing also spots a leader from Xiaxing City, a deputy mayor.

"Your wife is over there," Hou Wen points out.

"I see her. What's up?" Dong Xuebing looks over and, along with Hou Wen, walks up to her. After entering the revolving door, he greets her, "Huilan."

Having had sdrinks, their voices are a bit loud.

This call attracts the attention of many people, but since they don't recognize Dong Xuebing, they have no idea who he is. They know Xie Huilan as Secretary Xie.

Xie Huilan smiles, "Just finished eating."

Dong Xuebing nods, "Just finished. What's going on?"

"We have nothing to do at the hotel, so we're discussing going out together. But we haven't decided on a place yet. Haha, why don't you join us?" Xie Huilan suggests.

"I don't mind," Dong Xuebing looks at Hou Wen, "What do you think?"

Hou Wen chuckles. Looking at Dong Xuebing, he says, "Of course, countin. It's rare to meet up, and I was thinking of chatting with your wife more." After saying that, Hou Wen extended his hand toward Xie Huilan and said, "Sister Xie, we haven't formally met yet. I'm Hou Wen. You can callXiao Wen or Monkey."

Xie Huilan smiles at the corners of her eyes, shakes hands with Hou Wen, and says, "Then I'll follow Xuebing's lead and call you that. You don't have to call'Sister,' callHuilan."

"Alright," Hou Wen is now more relaxed than when he first met her during the day.

Many cadres from Jiangnan Province know Hou Wen, recognizing him as the son of Mayor Hou, but they haven't met Dong Xuebing before. Now that the two sides have exchanged greetings, and judging by the content of their conversation, many people are slightly surprised to learn that this is Secretary Xie's husband, the leader of the Discipline Inspection Commission. The crowd's expressions are pretty varied, probably because Dong Xuebing's unassuming appearance has caught them off guard. Dong Xuebing's image and temperament differ from what they had imagined, especially in age.

"Hey, Mr. Dong."

"Director Dong, nice to meet you."

"Hehe, hello, Director Dong."

Scadres cup with cheerful greetings.

Xie Huilan smiles as she introduces them to each other one by one, fostering mutual acquaintanceship.

There are deputy mayors from cities in Jiangnan Province, secretaries from other cities, and heads of departments. Dong Xuebing smiles and shakes hands with them, maintaining an air of dignity. If it were any other leader or ordinary family member, perhaps such formality wouldn't be necessary, especially since everyone is eager to stroll. However, Dong Xuebing's status is different, and naturally, he receives a certain level of attention.

"When did Director Dong arrive?"

"This afternoon, later than your two groups' flights."

"Oh right, we haven't decided where to go yet. What do you think?"

"Let's decide together. I don't know either; it's my first there."

Only a quarter of the leaders and their families are gathered here, and Hou's parents are absent. Additionally, everyone is from different cities, and there's no one leading the group. Although everyone's intentions are similar, preparing to go out together for a stroll in the evening, it's unclear where to go. Opinions are divided, mainly because there's no one authoritative figure with the highest rank to decide. However, with Dong Xuebing's arrival, the atmosphere becomes somewhat different. He's probably the only person here who can command everyone's attention. If he suggests a destination, most people probably won't object. However, Dong Xuebing doesn't want to take charge. He cwith the identity of Xie Huilan's husband and didn't intend to flaunt his authority here.

So, everyone continues to discuss.

"How about going to the Macau Tower?"

"I think we should go to the area near the church."

"When we cover, we saw several impressive palace buildings that we haven't explored yet."

"Old Wang, you like palace architecture. When we went on a business trip to Beijing last year, you dragged us to the Forbidden City for two days."

"Haha, mainly to experience the cultural atmosphere and understand the city. You have to take a look at old buildings."

As they continued talking, speople seemed to lose interest in going with the group and developing their ideas. They bid farewell and leave in small groups, perhaps impatient or uncomfortable with having a Discipline Inspection Commission leader around while shopping.

Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan don't interfere, nor do many cadres. They casually chat on the side, indifferent to the destination.

Finally, a decision is made.

It's a place that surprises even Dong Xuebing—the Grand Lisboa Casino.

However, it's also expected. How could they cto Macau and not visit the famous casino? Even if they don't gamble, Dong Xuebing plans to explore it himself. Of course, as officials, they won't be gambling; they're just there to witness and experience it.