Power and Wealth

Morning.

9.30 am.

County Investment Promotion Bureau.

After Dong Xuebing had a conversation with his subordinates, the personnel from the County Organization Department arrived. They entered this not-too-big office area.

Men and women.

About three or four people came.

The one leading them was a woman around forty years old, a Deputy Minister named Wang Xia from the Organization Department. She had seniority, permed hair, short hair, and a very gentle appearance. After entering, she greeted Dong Xuebing with a smile. Although they weren't familiar, they had met a few times in the County Party Committee compound before, even though they hadn't had in-depth conversations. However, they were not strangers to each other.

" Mayor Dong," Wang Xia smiled.

"Minister Wang." Dong Xuebing shook hands with her.

Wang Xia looked around. "I hope we're not disturbing your work."

"It's okay, please come in," Dong Xuebing said.

"We need to borrow an office. What do you think?" Wang Xia said.

Dong Xuebing pointed, "Go to the inner room; we only have one single room here."

"Hehe, then we'll use it for a while." Wang Xia then instructed her subordinates.

"You're welcome," Dong Xuebing said, looking at Zheng Dayou. "Old Zheng, I'll go out for a moment and be back soon. You handle the rest."

Zheng Dayou nodded, "Alright, the morning work may be delayed for a few hours."

Dong Xuebing nodded, "You take care of it; the work won't be finished quickly."

After that, Wang Xia and the Organization Department staff went to the Bureau Director's office under Zheng Dayou's arrangement. Soon after, an Organization Department comrade came out and called someone. A new round of discussions began, but the decisions had already been made in the County Party Committee. Secretary Meng and Mayor Jiang had already agreed. The Organization Department's inspection was just a formality. Dong Xuebing had also talked and exchanged ideas with his subordinates before. The matters that had been decided were set in stone.

"Mayor Dong, are you going out?" Gong Na from the front desk hurriedly said, "Shall I call Brother Wei? Let him pick you up."

Dong Xuebing smiled, "Old Wei just left; no need to bother him."

Chen Yunsong, behind him, immediately said, "I should be able to pick up the car today. The money has also been paid. I'll quickly pick up the car and come back. It will be more convenient to use the car that way."

Dong Xuebing turned around, "Focus on your work. The Organization Department need to conduct an inspection."

The people were very enthusiastic towards Dong Xuebing. In their tone and attitude, one could feel the difference from before. This promotion was almost across the board; everyone under the Investment Promotion Bureau received a promotion and a salary increase. Even someone who had just arrived, Xiao Hong, got the nominal position of Deputy Section Chief, which was a joyous and beneficial job adjustment for everyone. Dong Xuebing had fought for this at the Party Committee meeting yesterday through heated discussions. Everyone knew in their hearts, and they naturally remembered Dong Xuebing's favor. Their attitude towards him was different, with more heartfelt gratitude.

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Dong Xuebing went downstairs, and his phone rang as soon as he left the small courtyard.

It was Deputy Director Chen Xiaomei from the Finance Bureau. "Hello, Mayor Dong. It's me, Xiao Chen."

Dong Xuebing chuckled and said while walking, "What's the matter, Sister Chen?"

Chen Xiaomei smiled and said, "I heard that Yun Song has been promoted to the head of the Business Division, and you helped him fight for it. I just called to thank you."

Dong Xuebing said, "That's the result of Xiao Chen's own efforts, and everyone can see his achievements. It's only natural for him to be promoted."

"He's been in the system for less than two years. If it weren't for you helping him fight for it, he wouldn't have had a chance, no matter how well he worked. Thank you, Mayor Dong."

"It's nothing."

"Tonight, I'll take my younger brother to treat you to a meal."

"These days are busy. Another day will do."

"That's fine. Anyway, I owe you a meal, and you must remember that."

"Hehe, okay, I won't forget. I'll have a meal with you, Sister Chen, someday."

"Oh, then I need to prepare. Otherwise, I won't be able to withstand your appetite."

This sounded a bit ambiguous, and Dong Xuebing coughed after hearing it.

Continuing, Chen Xiaomei added jokingly, "I'm not wealthy. If you want to eat at a hotel, I can't afford it. But my cooking skills are much better than those of hotel chefs."

"Alright, let's go to your place another day."

"Okay, whenever you're free after this busy period. It's just a phone call, mainly depending on your time."

"Sure."

"I won't disturb your work then."

Dong Xuebing, had recommended her brother because of her. Naturally, Chen Xiaomei wanted to express her gratitude with a phone call. In reality, Dong Xuebing claiming to value Chen Yunsong's abilities was nonsense. If it weren't for Chen Xiaomei's connection, Dong Xuebing wouldn't have recommended a young man with only a little over a year in the system. Although Dong Xuebing himself had worked in the government for only two or three years, there was no comparison. Chen Xiaomei was surely aware of this.

On the road.

After hanging up with Chen Xiaomei, Dong Xuebing didn't put away his phone. Instead, he called Chang Juan. After several rings, the call connected.

"Hello, Xuebing."

"Sis Juan, why is it so chaotic over there?"

"Oh, I'm outside, and the signal isn't very good."

"Did you go out to play today?"

"No, sis is looking for a house. I'll be staying here for a while. I can't always stay in the guesthouse, and I can't keep relying on your connections."

"Hehe, it's okay."

"I'll keep looking. I am afraid you'll kick sis out. This time, I caused you trouble. I knows that, but I had no choice but to come to you shamelessly. Xuebing, you won't ignore me, will you?" As she spoke, her voice took on a slightly tearful tone. It wasn't clear if it was genuine or an act, considering Dong Xuebing hadn't called her all day yesterday.

Dong Xuebing sighed, "Sis Juan, am I that kind of person to you? Don't overthink it. By the way, I have something to discuss with you; let's meet."

"Where are you?"

"I'm with the Investment Promotion Bureau."

"Okay, I'll come find you."

"Good, let's meet at the restaurant outside on the north side of the road."

"Alright, you wait for me. I will be there in twenty minutes."

More than ten minutes later, a Land Rover stopped on the side of the road.

Chang Juan got off from the Land Rover, attracting several onlookers. After all, it was a four million car, and anyone who recognized it in this impoverished county couldn't help but take a few more glances. Perhaps influenced by the car, Chang Juan had a strong presence. She swiftly got out of the car, slamming the door with gusto.

Inside the restaurant.

Dong Xuebing waved from the glass windows.

Chang Juan, seeing him, quickly came in. "Xuebing."

Tea was prepared on the table, and Dong Xuebing pushed a cup toward her. "Have some water first."

"Okay." Chang Juan picked up the cup and took a sip, looking tired.

Today, she wore a brown pleated skirt and a shirt on top. Her makeup was not light, with mascara and foundation applied. Dong Xuebing didn't understand Chang Juan's mindset. If you say she's not in a hurry, she is. But with this heavy makeup every day, it seems she isn't.

"Although cheap, the market isn't large, and finding a place is hard."

"True, most of the people here are locals, and very few outsiders rent here."

"Even if the rent isn't expensive, my spouse and I have never saved much. Now, after the medical expenses and almost no money left, my salary has been suspended, and there's still a child to support," Chang Juan sighed.

Dong Xuebing looked at her and said, "I've said it before: if you're short of money, you can temporarily take some from me. It's just a matter of tens or a few hundred thousand with a word from you."

Chang Juan shook her head, "No, I can't take your money."

Chang Juan would surely think the person had impure motives if someone else said this. Who would lend so much money for free to a colleague with whom they had neither a good nor a bad relationship? There must be an ulterior motive. However, since it was Dong Xuebing saying this, Chang Juan probably knew that Dong Xuebing had no other intentions; he just genuinely wanted to help. Since Dong Xuebing entered the system and worked in State Security, everyone knew he was very protective of his subordinates and treated them well. Initially, Dong Xuebing dared to argue and glare at the leaders for the sake of a subordinate. Everyone was clear about Dong Xuebing's character. Perhaps because she knew Dong Xuebing's character, when Chang Juan had nowhere to turn, she was the first to think of seeking refuge with him.

"Xuebing, what do you want to talk to sis about?" Chang Juan asked him, "Is it about transferring to work at the Investment Promotion Bureau?"

Dong Xuebing paused, "Sis Juan, let me ask you again: our work here is hard, and the environment is not good. Are you sure you can endure this hardship?"

Chang Juan affirmed, "I can."

Dong Xuebing said, "Okay, you can start working today."

Chang Juan's eyes lit up, "Has my personnel file been transferred as well?"

"I contacted Director Zhen, helped you pull some strings, and your file will be here in a few days. You can handle it when it arrives, and I've already made the arrangements," Dong Xuebing said.

Chang Juan was very happy, "Then what am I doing at your Investment Promotion Bureau? I can pour tea and do other chores if there's nothing to do. As long as I can come and work here."

Dong Xuebing smiled, "You came all the way to find me. This is trust in me and our old friendship for so many years. How can I let you pour tea and do chores? I'll arrange a good position for you."

Chang Juan was stunned, "What position?"

Dong Xuebing chuckled, "Deputy Director of Zhen Shui County Investment Promotion Bureau. I proposed it at the Party Committee meeting yesterday, and the county has already approved it. Later, you can meet with the comrades from the Organization Department."

Chang Juan exclaimed, "Deputy Director? But I'm still suspended!"

"I had someone erase the record of your suspension, and it's not in the archives. So, you have no issues in Beijing now. If you want to go back, you can go back now. If you want to stay and work here, you can start preparing for the promotion," Dong Xuebing explained.