Power and Wealth

Thursday.

Morning.

After breakfast at the stall, his old classmate Yao Cui’s parents opened, and Dong Xuebing's phone rang. Without even saying a few words to Yao's parents, he greeted them, left five yuan on the table, and hurriedly walked to the side of the road, opening the door of his own Land Rover.

"Hello, Mr. Liang."

"Xuebing, I inquired for you."

"Oh, thanks. How is it?"

"My friends can't free up time."

"The round-trip flight doesn't take much time, just one or two days."

"The main issue is that your place is too remote, and there's nothing they are interested in."

"Mr. Liang, we have many projects, and there are policy benefits. Otherwise, let me send you a brief list of our projects."

"Let it be, maybe next time."

"Alright, thanks anyway."

"No need to thank me; I haven't helped you much."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing shook his head helplessly, lit a cigarette, and, feeling a bit tired, rested his hand on the steering wheel. He closed his eyes for a moment, realizing that he had been contacting old friends since yesterday afternoon. After spending the whole afternoon making calls at home, he had contacted many people. However, the situation was not good. Dong Xuebing's face couldn't pull in a single person, not that he had a small face, but his relationships with those people were ordinary. During the investment fair in Yan Tai County, Hui Lan brought in some people from the capital. Still, after the earthquake, those who had invested suffered significant losses. Dong Xuebing couldn't ask Hui Lan to use favors and connections again, so the matter remained unresolved.

Let's go.

Let's see what progress there is at the Investment Promotion Bureau.

Dong Xuebing stubbed out the cigarette, started the car, and headed to work.

Investment Promotion Bureau.

In the small courtyard building.

After making a few calls when he woke up, Dong Xuebing was already a bit late going out today, causing a further delay. When he came in, it was already 9:30, and he was late.

Office area.

Everyone is busy.

"Xiao Gong, are the documents ready?"

"In the process of printing, almost done."The source of thɪs content is (ꜰ)ir(e).nᴇt

"Director Cheng, there's a call for you from your family."

"Let him call back later. I can't leave right now."

"Section Chief Chen, did Old Zhao respond to your message?"

"Not yet, Director Zheng. I'll remind him again."

"Okay. This person must be secured. Be more attentive."

Busy, many people are not sitting in their seats but running back and forth. Some are typing files, others are answering calls, and others are searching the internet. Dong Xuebing was at the door, and they hadn't noticed him. They are focused on their tasks. Although the enthusiasm for work doesn't seem very high emotionally, everyone is unexpectedly working hard. Clearly, without pressure, there is no motivation. Everyone is feeling the urgency.

Only Chang Juan is sitting steadily, typing on the computer with the sound of clattering keys. Who knows what she's busy with?

Seeing this, Dong Xuebing is also very satisfied. Even if things haven't progressed, the attitude of everyone gives him comfort.

Yes, worthy of praise.

This is what we need. This kind of dedication.

Dong Xuebing didn't disturb them or say anything. He quietly walked into the office area where the printer was clattering and took a casual look.

"Director Chang."

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Could you take a look at this project list?"

"Sure, just leave it here. I'll look at it later; I'm busy with something else."

"Okay, focus on your work; I'll leave it on your desk."

Dong Xuebing has always had a good impression of Director Chang, a cute big sister. However, he has never evaluated Chang Juan's work capabilities. As an old colleague, Dong Xuebing knows her inside out. While working with her at the State Security Bureau General Affairs, Chang Juan spent the whole day applying makeup with a small mirror and cosmetics. Anyway, she never did anything serious. So, when Dong Xuebing saw Chang Juan working so seriously, he nodded slightly. Chang Juan seems to have matured a lot after the accident in the capital. The urgent atmosphere in the office should significantly impact her; she probably wants to work seriously now. That's good.

Dong Xuebing showed approving eyes. But when he took a few steps forward and sneakily walked behind Chang Juan to see what she was busy with, his eyes fell on the computer screen in front of Chang Juan. Dong Xuebing suddenly staggered, almost falling to the ground, barely avoiding cursing.

Fighting the landlord?!

Chang Juan is playing games at work?

Not only that, she even opened three or four windows to chat with three or four people simultaneously while playing Landlord and typing to urge them to play faster. Dong Xuebing wondered why she was so busy; her hands barely left the keyboard. Playing cards and chatting with four people simultaneously, it's strange not to be busy.

Eight of Hearts, a card is played.

Immediately typing, "What kind of internet speed do you have? Hurry up and play!"

With a mouse click, a small window typed, "I'm at the office, hehe."

This busyness is all-consuming, completely immersed, unaware of someone behind.

Dong Xuebing was angry and amused, not knowing what to say to Chang Juan.

"Ah."

"Mayor Dong."

"Mayor Dong, you're here."

Finally, someone noticed Dong Xuebing in the room, and everyone looked over.

Chang Juan was stunned, and when she turned her head and saw Dong Xuebing standing behind her, she was also taken aback. She hastily closed the Landlord game and minimized all the chat windows. Chang Juan also cares about her reputation; her face couldn't help but flush a bit, and she coughed once, calling Mayor Dong.

Dong Xuebing acknowledged her, saying to everyone, "Let's get back to work." Seeing everyone continue focusing on their tasks, he looked at Chang Juan and said, "Director Chang, come here for a moment."

Chang Juan embarrassedly said, "Ah?"

"I need to talk to you," Dong Xuebing said, walking away.

Chang Juan was uneasy and hurriedly followed.

In the director's office.

Zheng Dayou has now moved his office outside. This room has become the meeting room for the Investment Promotion Bureau. As soon as he entered, Dong Xuebing sat on the sofa.

Seeing this, Chang Juan didn't dare to sit and quickly said, "Xuebing, just now… I made a mistake. Please don't be mad at me."

Dong Xuebing sighed, "Everyone is busy, but you're playing games and chatting. What do people think when they see you?"

Chang Juan quickly said, "Rest assured, I won't do it again. I just arrived and am unfamiliar with the work. I don't know anything, and they are so busy, I don't want to bother them by asking how to do the work. It's embarrassing to ask subordinates, so I'm idle alone, waiting for you to assign tasks so I can work seriously."

Dong Xuebing remained silent.

Chang Juan glanced at him and didn't make excuses. "Xuebing, you know who I am. I just came here after hearing about your situation. You immediately arranged a job for me and even promoted me. You helped me get rid of the suspension and file entry. I know you treat me well. I won't cause you trouble or disappoint you."

Dong Xuebing said, "Maybe I was a bit harsh."

"Not at all, not at all." Chang Juan looked at him and said, "I'm a lazy person who needs supervision and criticism. My husband is soft-hearted and never dares to say anything to me. This character of mine has gradually developed. You criticize me correctly. In the future, as long as I did something wrong, feel free to criticize me. It won't be a problem. When I return, I'll uninstall the game; I won't play anymore."

Dong Xuebing said, "Actually, playing a little during lunch break is okay. But, at least, you need to show a working attitude. I believe you understand what I mean. If I see it, it's fine, but don't let others see it." If it were someone else playing games during work hours, Dong Xuebing would probably get angry, but since it's Chang Juan, he can't bring himself to be angry.

People and relationships have varying degrees of closeness and distance.

Chang Juan nodded, looking at him, reaching out to touch Dong Xuebing's hand. "You're always good to me."