Afternoon.
Commission for Discipline Inspection.
Dong Xuebing had lunch with Zhan Guiping, and the other staff at the cafeteria were surprised.
“Why is Secretary Zhan so close to Director Dong?”
“Really? When Director Dong was appointed, Secretary Zhan was on long leave.”
“That’s right. This should be Secretary Zhan’s first meeting with Director Dong. Could they know each other previously?”
“Director Dong had offended Secretary Wan. Why is Secretary Zhan still mixing around with him?”
Everyone, including some Discipline Inspection leaders, was puzzled.
Dong Xuebing returned to his office after lunch. He read all the documents and meeting minutes and signed them. He was away from work for many days, but there were no major hiccups. However, government agencies had rules to follow, and as the leader, he had lots of work. He had to read and sign dozens of documents.
One hour….
Two hours….
At around 3 pm, Dong Xuebing’s phone rang.
Dong Xuebing looked at the caller ID, and it was Xie Huilan.
“Hello, Huilan.” Dong Xuebing answered.
“Haha… what are you doing?”
Dong Xuebing replied helplessly. “Don’t talk about it. I had been signing off documents for over two hours. My hand is numbed from signing. Have you arrived at your unit?”
“I reached this morning, and I saw your car. You are earlier than me.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“Nothing. Can’t I call you?”
“No. You can call whenever you want.”
“Haha…. I missed you, so I called. Oh, are you free tonight?”
“See, you need me for something. I am free. Why?”
“Go back and change. We are attending a Charity fundraising event.”
“Fundraising? Who organized it?”
“A leader from the higher-ups. The event is around 7 pm, and it’s for the earthquake victims. It will be a ball, and there will be an auction. The higher-ups had issued a directive. All City Leaders must attend.”
Dong Xuebing blinked. “I am not a City Leader. Why must I go?”
Xie Huilan smiled. “You will be accompanying me. Haha…. The City Leaders would bring their spouses to such events, and I must bring my little husband with me.”
“I will get mad if you call me little again.”
“Fine…. You are my big husband. Go home and wait for me tonight.”
“Let’s talk about it later. I don’t like such activities.”
“The Party Secretary and Mayor will be attending, and other cities’ leaders were invited. It’s good to go and know more people. It would be helpful for your future development. Alright, it’s settled. You will be attending with me.”
“Alright, alright. Let’s talk later.”
“Ok. Bye.”
“Bye.”
“Wait…. haha…. I want a kiss first.”
“You do this to me every time.”
“Are you going to kiss or not?”
Dong Xuebing slapped his forehead. “I think I owe you in my previous life.” He kissed his phone. “Are you satisfied?”
“Not bad. You should be praised for your performance.”
“You win.” Dong Xuebing laughed. “I still got work to do. Bye.”
“Don’t forget to return home early later.”
“I know. I will cook dinner. Come back and eat.”
“Haha…. Great. I can’t wait to eat your food.”
After hanging up, Dong Xuebing shook his head. He was not interested in these events. He did not mind donating to the earthquake victims or attending the event alone. He could attend as the Discipline Inspection First Office Director. But attending with Xie Huilan means he would be known as Deputy City Mayor Xie’s husband. He does not like this introduction.
However, how can he not go after what she said?
Dong Xuebing had never appeared with Xie Huilan in Fen Zhou City. He had to attend this event no matter what.
Ring… ring… ring…. The phone rang again.
Dong Xuebing answered. “Hello, who is it?”
“You don’t have my number?!” Luan Xiaoping asked.
“Oh, Mum. I am busy and did not look at the caller ID.”
“Watch your health and don’t overwork.”
“I know. What is it?”
“I am calling to tell you that Old Yang and I will go to Fen Zhou City for a Charity event tonight. Are you and Huilan attending?”
“We are attending.” Dong Xuebing replied. “Why are you all attending?”
Luan Xiaoping replied. “We received the invitation during New Year.”
“Oh, why didn’t you tell me yesterday?”
“You went out to socialize and come home so late. When I woke up, you had left. How am I going to tell you?”
“I am busy.”
“Anyway, Old Yang and I will be going tonight, and we will visit your place after the event. I want to see how Huilan is doing. You two are always busy, and I am afraid you all don’t know how to take care of your baby. Pregnancy is a critical period. Do you know how to care for Huilan? Do you need me to go and help?”
“Mum, I can look after her. You still need to look after Qianqian.”
“That’s right. Be careful.”
“I know. See you tonight.”
“Ok. Remember to put on more clothes. It will be cold at night.”
Luan Xiaoping was naggy, but Dong Xuebing knew she was concerned for him. He looked at the time and continued working.
Around 5 pm.
Dong Xuebing stretched and stacked the documents neatly before leaving. He went to a supermarket for groceries and went home to prepare dinner for Huilan. As a Deputy Mayor, she spent most of her time at work and seldom could return home on time. She returns home later than Dong Xuebing most of the time. She should be back when he finishes cooking.
Charity fundraising event.
Dong Xuebing had to attend but did not think about how much to donate.
Dong Xuebing had made one to two thousand RMB donations to keep a low profile. Now, his asset is exposed, and he cannot continue making one to two thousand donations.
