Two days later.
The rain had finally stopped in the morning, and a rainbow appeared among the clouds.
Dong Xuebing had returned to the Public Security Family Quarters yesterday. Some of the home appliances he ordered were still not delivered, and Yu Qianqian is preparing for her final exams. So, he did not ask Yu Meixia to come over to cook for him. He made her stay at Hua Mei Estate for a few days to receive the deliveries and supervisor Yu Qianqian’s revision. It’s noon, and Dong Xuebing went to the fridge to see what ingredients are left. He just wants to fill his stomach and watch TV on the sofa.
Beep… Beep… It’s the notification for SMS.
Dong Xuebing picked up his phone and was surprised. It’s an SMS from Xie Huilan. Sister Xie always calls him and had never sent SMS to him. He read the contents and was stunned. ‘God of Plague Xiao Dong. This nickname is awesome!’
Dong Xuebing knew this SMS is not sent by Xie Huilan, and he replied. “Xiao Hao?”
The other party immediately reply. “Hehe… Brother-in-law, how do you know it’s me?”
Dong Xuebing speechlessly typed a string of words. “When did you see your sister speaks like this? Where did you hear of God of Plague?”
Xie Hao: “Hehehe. From my Sister, of course. My Sister told me that you stirred up lots of troubles in your County.”
Dong Xuebing slapped his forehead. Damn! Bad news spread faster. Even Sister Xie and Xiao Hao know about this. “Where is your Sister?”
Xie Hao: “She is upstairs. Oh, she told me to inform you that she will be going over to your County these two days.”
Dong Xuebing: “Ah? Is she here for a holiday? There is nothing here. Who else is coming with her?”
Xie Hao: “Just my Sister alone.”
Dong Xuebing: “Is she here for work?”
Xie Hao: “Secret. Hehe. You will know when my Sister got there.” He ended the SMS with a smiley face.
Xie Huilan is coming over? Dong Xuebing was glad that he had bought a new apartment. If Sister Xie comes over and sees the beautiful mother and daughter, Dong Xuebing can’t imagine how she will react. Now, Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian had moved out, and he got nothing to worry about. Holiday? Work? Never mind. He is currently on leave from work and can accompany her around.
When Dong Xuebing thinks about Xie Huilan, he remembered what he had done to her stockings.
Suddenly, Dong Xuebing’s phone rang. It’s Qu Yunxuan’s secretary, Xiao Tao.
“Hello, Brother Dong, I had arrived in your car.”
“Ah… that’s fast. Sorry to trouble you. Thank you.”
“It’s not troublesome. I am now at the commercial street junction. Where should I go?”
“Alright. Just wait there for me. I will go over now.”
Dong Xuebing grabbed his wallet and phone and took a Taxi to commercial Street.
Xiao Tao was on the phone when Dong Xuebing reached. She saw Dong Xuebing and passed him the keys and some documents, before leaving for the Provincial City. She was going there for work and got to rush back to Beijing at night. Dong Xuebing knew Yun De Auction’s Spring Auction would be starting soon, and this is their busiest period and did not stop her. After Xiao Tao left, Dong Xuebing stood there to admire the Silver White Mercedes Benz R500L.
The design of the car is sleek and luxurious.
After a while, many passersby noticed this car and started gathering to admire it.
Dong Xuebing knew there are not many good cars in Yan Tai County, and driving this Mercedes around will stand out. He got into the vehicle, grabbed the steering wheel, and admire the interior fittings. After a while, he started the engine and drove to the outskirts of the County’s town. There are not many cars around and Dong Xuebing speed along the roads. He felt this Mercedes MPV’s performance is on par with Aunt Xuan’s S class and is much better than the rest of the MPVs.
Feels good!
Dong Xuebing drove to the County’s Management of Motor Vehicles Office to register a local number plate.
Dong Xuebing is also in the government service and had no trouble with the application. Even the Department head came out to receive him personally. Dong Xuebing had nothing to do and chatted with him for a while. They talked about the shuffling of the County Government’s Leaders. After the County’s Party Secretary is transferred away, the Publicity Department Head gone, everyone is guessing who will be taking over these positions. The City Government has a Party Committee meeting to discuss this.
These transfers and appointments are sensitive, as it will affect many people, including Dong Xuebing.
On the way home, Dong Xuebing thought about the days he was in Yan Tai County. Since the day he was transferred here, his work was not smooth sailing. Although nothing happened to him in the end, and he even dragged the Publicity Department Head and the County’s Party Secretary off their seats, Dong Xuebing knew the importance of having a strong backing. Without strong backing, he will be restricted in a lot of things.
Backings? Where should he find the backing he needs?
Dong Xuebing is close to Liang Chengpeng recently, but Liang Chengpeng is not in the County’s Party Committee. He is not powerful enough to be his backing.
Oh, Chief Liang’s backing is the County’s Mayor Xiang Daofa. He should be getting promoted to be the County’s Party Secretary now. His coming promotion is all because of Dong Xuebing’s credit. Without Dong Xuebing investigating Jin Di Mansion and getting those photographs and other evidence, Chang Lei will not be forced to step down. Xiang Daofa should be grateful to him, and with his help, Dong Xuebing’s prospect in the County should be better.
Dong Xuebing felt his political wisdom had increased slightly. This is a great opportunity for him!
Dong Xuebing parked his car by the roadside and gave Liang Chengpeng a call.
“Chief Liang, I’m Xiao Dong.”
“Oh, Xuebing.”
“Err… when will you be free? If you are free, can I meet the Mayor to report on the progress of my work?”
Who is Liang Chengpeng? He immediately understood what Dong Xuebing wants. This is trying to get connected with the higher-ups. “Haha, let me ask for you.” Liang Chengpeng has a good impression of Dong Xuebing. When his mother was admitted to Beijing Hospital, it was Dong Xuebing who helped him. Even if Dong Xuebing did not bring up this matter, Liang Chengpeng also wanted to introduce Dong Xuebing to the County’s Mayor. In the past, he does not have an excuse. But now, after the County’s Party Secretary is transferred out, it will be easier.
After hanging up the phone, Dong Xuebing waited nervously. If Mayor Xiang is willing to meet him, he will express his intentions to join his faction.
At the same time, Liang Chengpeng is speaking to Xiang Daofa over the phone.
Liang Chengpeng speaks directly. “Mayor Xiang, our Bureau’s Chief Dong, had contributed significantly to the Jin Di Mansion case. He had almost single-handedly raided the Casino there and got all the evidence. I heard the City Government is very concerned about this case and felt Xiao Dong should report the details of this case to you personally.” Liang Chengpeng did not mention that Dong Xuebing had expressed interest in joining the Mayor’s faction. He is only creating an opportunity for both to meet. It is up to Dong Xuebing to leave a good impression with the Mayor.
Xiang Daofa frowned. “Xiao Dong? He is the one who started the investigation?”
Liang Chengpeng replied. “Yes. He is the one who got all the evidence.”
Xiang Daofa shook his head. “I heard he is also the one who solved the case of our government’s website being hacked.”
Xiang Daofa thought for a while and said. “The Jin Di Mansion case is over. He doesn’t need to make any reports to me.”
Liang Chengpeng was stunned. “That Xiao Dong… You…”
Xiang Daofa interrupted Liang Chengpeng. “I am not meeting him now. Maybe there will be a chance for us to meet in the future.”
Liang Chengpeng could tell the although Dong Xuebing had helped to bring the downfall of the Party’s Secretary, Xiang Daofa does not have a good impression of him. Liang Chengpeng did not continue with the conversation and called Dong Xuebing after hanging up. “Xuebing, Mayor Xiang, is busy recently and does not have time for you.”
Dong Xuebing was still waiting eagerly for Liang Chengpeng’s good news, but after hearing what he said, he sighed. “I understand.”
Liang Chengpeng was afraid that Dong Xuebing might have other thoughts and said. “This is the critical period for the higher-ups because of the manpower appointments. I will try to arrange a meeting for you in the future.”
Dong Xuebing replied emotionlessly. “Thank you, Chief Liang. No need.”
Liang Chengpeng knew Dong Xuebing’s temper and sighed. He felt Xiang Daofa had not handled this matter well. How can he reject someone willing to join his faction? This will dampen Dong Xuebing’s spirits. Maybe Mayor Xiang thinks that he is going to be the County’s number one and does not need subordinates like Dong Xuebing. But Liang Chengpeng knew Chief Dong is not any ordinary subordinates. He is capable and has connections in Beijing. The nickname God of Plague appeared for nothing.
After keeping his phone, Dong Xuebing’s face turned black. Xiang Daofa looks down on me? Dong Xuebing knew he is young and impulsive. But he had done Xiang Daofa a favor by forcing the County’s Party Secretary out of the local government. If not, Xiang Daofa might have to wait 5 to 6 years before he got a chance to become the County’s number one! Fine! Now, you are not even grateful for my help, and you don’t even want to meet me? What sort of person are you?!
Dong Xuebing is someone who gives respect to the people who respected him. Since Xiang Daofa had shown this attitude, Dong Xuebing will not try to get close to him in the future. His foul temper does not allow him to bow his head. Dong Xuebing is someone who bears grudges. He will ignore Xiang Daofa if the latter wants to meet him or pull him over to his side in the future. Who doesn’t have pride? Even without your protection, I will not die. Do you think you are somebody?!
After driving the car back to the Family Quarters, Dong Xuebing thought hard on where to find a suitable backing.
But Dong Xuebing does not know anyone in the County’s Party Committee, and also does have the chance to know them. He cannot choose sides blindly as he might get into trouble.
Backing… who should I look for?
“Oh, Chief Dong?” Qin Yong and his wife walked over.
Dong Xuebing smiled and alighted from his car. “Chief Qin, Sister-in-law, you all had finished work?”
Qin Yong looked at that Mercedes MPV in shocked. “I am not working today. Hah, you bought a new car?”
Qin Yong’s wife was also shocked by Dong Xuebing’s car. Although she does not know a lot about cars, she knew this car cost at least 1 million RMB because of the brand. Qin Yong’s wife was surprised. Her husband is only earning less than 5,000 RMB a month, and how long do they need to save to buy this Mercedes?
Dong Xuebing replied. “It’s my friend’s car. I borrowed it.”
Qin Yong gasped. “This is a beautiful car. Does it cost 1 million?”
Dong Xuebing smiled. “It should be around that price. I am not very sure.”
Qin Yong looked at Dong Xuebing and reevaluated his judgment of him in his heart. He does not know how Dong Xuebing got his hands on this car, but he is impressed with Dong Xuebing’s guts. Even if Qin Yong can afford to buy this Mercedes Benz, he will not dare to buy it. This is too outstanding. Look at all the officers returning from work. Everyone is staring at this car, curiously.
Qin Yong found himself liking Dong Xuebing’s daring character. He grabbed Dong Xuebing by his arms. “Chief Dong, you cannot escape today. Hahaha… Come over my place and try your sister-in-law’s cooking. I am not boosting. Even the chefs in the five stars restaurants can’t cook better than her.”
Qin Yong’s wife smiled embarrassedly. “I’m not that good.”
Dong Xuebing couldn’t reject Qin Yong’s invitation. “Then I will trouble both of you. Let me go back and get a bottle of Maotai first. I still need to thank Brother Qin for his help yesterday.” There was no one around, and Dong Xuebing did not hold back his words. If not, he had to watch his words. After all, they are in the government service and should not talk about these sensitive matters at home.
Qin Yong knew Dong Xuebing is referring to helping Liu Li gets promoted to a Police Officer. “Hah… It’s only a small matter.”
Qin Yong’s apartment.
Qin Yong’s wife had gone to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Qin Yong and Dong Xuebing were sitting in the living room smoking.
“Have you heard the news?” Qin Yong lowered his voice and said. “The City Government had held a Party Committee meeting. Our County’s Publicity Department’s Head is appointed. A non-party committee Deputy Mayor will be taking over that position. He had got the experience, and it’s not surprising.” Qin Yong was transferred from the Provincial Public Security and knew a lot of people in the City Government. His information is faster and more accurate than other people.
Dong Xuebing thought for a while and asked. “What about the Party Secretary?”
Even when no one is around, it is a taboo to discuss such sensitive topics. That’s why Qin Yong lowered his voice and said. “Mayor Xiang will be taking over.”
Dong Xuebing felt frustrated. Damn. This old bastard still gets to become the County’s number one!
Qin Yong looked at Dong Xuebing. “Brother Dong, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Dong Xuebing was too embarrassed to tell Qin Yong about him getting rejected by Xiang Daofa.
Qin Yong flicked his cigarette ash and continued. “There will be a chain reaction, and many people stand to gain from it. Hahaha… All of them should thank you.” Chief Dong’s raid on Jin Di Mansion had brought the downfall of Qian Shen and got rid of Chang Lei. This is considered a legend.
Dong Xuebing cursed in his heart. Thank me? It would be a blessing if Xiang Daofa did not hate me.
Dong Xuebing asked. “What about the Mayor?”
Qin Yong’s face changed. “The previous few appointments are normal. But the appointment for our County’s Mayor is weird.”
Dong Xuebing has been thinking of getting a backing. Since the County’s Party Secretary is ignoring him, then the new Mayor will be his best option. This is why Dong Xuebing is curious to know who the next Mayor will be. “Weird? Why is it weird? The new Mayor is not a from our County Government?”
Qin Yong nodded. “The higher-ups might not be pleased with our County, and this time, they arranged someone to be transferred over as our new Mayor.”
Dong Xuebing looked at Qin Yong puzzledly. What’s so weird about transferring someone into the County? When Dong Xuebing was with the State Security, Bureau Chief Zhen is also transferred in from other places.
Qin Yong explained. “The new Mayor is not transferred from the City Government, and not from the Provincial Government. It is from… the higher levels.”
Dong Xuebing was shocked. “Central Government?”
Qin Yong smiled and nodded.
“Which department?”
“I still don’t know the details.”
Dong Xuebing was worried. The people from the Central Government were proud. Will the new Mayor accept him if he offered to stand by his side? Dong Xuebing thought about it and shook his head. Taking sides need opportunity and strategies. Even if the new Mayor accepts him, he will also not think highly of Dong Xuebing. What Dong Xuebing needed is a strong backing that will protect him even when he made mistakes. Hmm… this should be impossible. Why would the new Mayor help him? Even Xiang Daofa, who Dong Xuebing had helped, had ignored him.
Dong Xuebing sighed in his heart. He would rather give up looking for backing if his backing did not support him wholeheartedly.
Ring… ring… ring… Qin Yong’s phone rang.
“Brother Dong, have some tea first. I need to answer a call.” Qin Yong went into his room to take the call.
About 10 minutes later, Qin Yong returned. His wife had also finished cooking, and all her dishes were laid on the dining table. They started drinking Dong Xuebing’s Moutai and had dinner.
“Sister-in-law’s cooking is 100 times better than me.” Dong Xuebing praised.
Qin Yong’s wife laughed. “Thanks for your compliments. These are just simple home-cooked dishes.”
Qin Yong asked. “Chief Dong, you know how to cook?”
Dong Xuebing laughed. “I cooked for myself in Beijing every day. It’s edible but does not taste good. Haha… I must learn from Sister-in-law.”
Qin Yong’s wife laughed. “I only know how to cook and do household chores. As a woman, what else can I do?”
Qin Yong shook his head. “You are wrong. What’s wrong with being a woman? Some women are very capable.”
Dong Xuebing nodded in agreement.
Qin Yong drank a few mouthfuls of Maotai and started chatting. “Brother Dong, someone called me earlier and told me that our new mayor is a woman.”
“Oh?” Dong Xuebing was surprised. It’s rare for women to climb to the ranks of Divisional Chief.
Qin Yong smiled. “Can you all guess how old is our new Mayor?”
Qin Yong’s wife guessed. “50?”
Qin Yong shook his head.
Dong Xuebing guessed. “40?”
“Let me reveal the answer.” Qin Yong put up three fingers. “She is only 30. I was shocked when I heard this. A 30-year-old holding a Divisional Chief rank, and she is still a woman… Hahaha… I dare not say the whole country, but in the whole province, she must be the youngest Divisional Chief Rank officer. She is not going to be the head of a department in the Provincial Government or City Government. She is going to be a Mayor of a county at the grassroots level. I wonder what the higher-ups are thinking.”
Dong Xuebing was surprised. A 30-year-old County Mayor? This is quite absurd.
Qin Yong’s wife interrupted. “I think Xuebing can also get to Divisional Chief rank when he is 30.”
Dong Xuebing waved his hand. “Sister-in-law, don’t flatter me. My position as Deputy Bureau Chief is still not stable and was almost demoted recently. Oh, Brother Qin, do you know which Central Government’s Department is our new Mayor from?”
Qin Yong replied. “I think she is from the Central Publicity Department.”
“Ah?” Dong Xuebing felt something is wrong. “Do you know her name?”
Qin Yong thought for a while. “I forgot her full name. I recall her surname is… Xie… something… Lan.”
Dong Xuebing gasped. “Xie Huilan?”
Qin Yong was startled and jumped. “Right… This is her name. You know her?”
Dong Xuebing almost cursed out loud. Of course, he knows her. That is his girlfriend. But Dong Xuebing was not drunk and knew somethings could not be revealed. There might be a conflict of interest, although he is not in the Finance Department or the Commission for the Discipline Inspection. If other people got to know Xie Huilan is his girlfriend, he might be transferred away.
Dong Xuebing quickly said. “I don’t know her. I had only heard of her before.”
Qin Yong exclaimed. “Ah… I forgot you are from Beijing. Is Mayor Xie very famous in Beijing?”
“You can say so…” Dong Xuebing wanted to tell Qin Yong that Xie Huilan is very famous. Her father is a Politburo Committee member, and her grandfather is the former CPC Chief Secretary. Before the age of 30, she is holding the position of the Central Publicity Department Deputy Chief. How can she not be famous? But Sister Xie had kept a low profile, and not many people know she is from the Xie family.
After dinner, Dong Xuebing walked home quickly. He laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling.
Damn!
Why is Sister Xie transferred to Yan Tai County as the Mayor? This is too sudden!
Dong Xuebing realized what Xie Hao meant in his SMS. Xie Huilan will be coming to Yan Tai County these two days. She is not here for a holiday or outstation. She is appointed here to be the Mayor! Dong Xuebing was still regretting giving that ungrateful Xiang Daofa evidence against the former County’s Party Secretary. But now, Xie Huilan will be transferred here, and his mood got better.
Dong Xuebing’s girlfriend is going to be the County’s Mayor, and he does not need to consider looking for a strong backing!
Xie Huilan will be his strongest backing!
