Night.
The auction had started for more than an hour.
The ballroom was tense. Mayor Zhong Zhengwei’s calligraphy piece was sold at 3 million RMB, and he smiled. He nodded at Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan with appreciation. His item was the most expensive in the auction and was more than ten times the artist’s painting. It made him proud.
Dong Xuebing walked off the stage with the calligraphy.
When Xie Huilan walked past Zhong Zhengwei, she smiled. “Mayor Zhong, I will frame and hang it in our house.”
Zhong Zhengwei smiled. “My calligraphy is not worth so much.”
Dong Xuebing interrupted. “Your calligraphy is priceless.”
Zhong Zhengwei laughed. “This flattery…. Haha…. I am glad you two like it.”
“I like calligraphy too.” Xie Huilan smiled. “How about I go to your place to learn from you another day?”
Zhong Zhengwei replied. “Sure. We can learn from each other.
They chatted for a while before returning to their seats.
Some connections are formed like this.
Luo Haiting and many other people were speechless. Only Director Dong is willing to spend 3 million RMB on a piece of ordinary calligraphy.
After getting back to their seats, Dong Xuebing asked softly. “The money is well spent as you get closer to Mayor Zhong. Don’t talk about not donating more than the City Party Secretary. That’s all bullshit. It’s all about building networks and contributing to the earthquake rebuilding effects.” He was not afraid of spending money. Unlike those businessmen, he had no concept of money.
Xie Huilan glanced at Dong Xuebing. “I will deal with you when we get home.”
“Hehe…. I helped you. Why are you going to deal with me?”
“Haha…. Is that helping me? You are just trying to win.”
“Who asked that Song Fei want to compete with my wife?”
“I think you can never change your foul temper forever.”
“It’s not about my temper. I can lose, but I cannot allow my wife to lose.”
“Did you smear honey on your lips? So sweet. Let me taste how sweet it is when we reach home.”
“Eh, softer. It’s embarrassing if someone hears that.”
The other items were auctioned off without any trouble. However, after Dong Xuebing’s 3 million RMB bid, all other items paled in comparison. They were sold for around a few hundred thousand RMB. Businessmen were shrewd and would not pay more than their limit. If Dong Xuebing were a businessman, his 3 million RMB bid would not be a surprise. However, he is a civil servant, and many reporters took pictures of him and Huilan.
The auction ended.
The total amount raised was almost ten million RMB.
City Party Secretary Wan Fanglei went up the stage to address the closing. He thanked everyone’s contribution to Fen Zhou City and promised to spend every cent on rebuilding after the disaster. A list of the spending would be available to the public.
Dismissed.
Everyone stood up and left.
Dong Xuebing went to that beautiful host.
The host laughed. “Director Dong, thank you for donating to the disaster relief efforts.
Dong Xuebing smiled. “It’s my duty as a part of Fen Zhou City. How do I make payments?”
“I will give you a bank account.” The host took out a card and gave it to Dong Xuebing. Other people do not need it as their amount was only tens of thousands. Some even paid before they left. However, Dong Xuebing got to pay 3 million RMB and could not use his credit card. He could only use bank transfers. “Transfer the amount to this account. Our government set up this special bank account for this fundraising. It’s transparent.”
“Alright. I will transfer the money tomorrow.”
After saying this, Dong Xuebing glanced at Song Fei before leaving with Xie Huilan. Luan Xiaoping had wanted to stay at Dong Xuebing’s place, but Yang Zhaode and Zhong Zhengwei were going for dinner. So, he and his wife returned home.
At the same time.
Hotel’s entrance. Song Fei was in a bad mood as he looked at the taillights of Dong Xuebing’s car. All his plans tonight did not succeed.
Everyone was giving Song Fei weird looks.
Song Fei felt uncomfortable and wondered why everyone was looking at him.
“Old Song, are you leaving?” A businessman appeared behind Song Fei. “I am not driving today. Can you give me a lift?”
Song Fei forced a smile and nodded. “Sure, Old Zhang. Let’s go. We are staying at the same hotel anyway.”
Both men looked like they were close, and they got into the car.
Inside the car, Mr. Zhang looked at Song Fei. “Song Fei ah…. You…. Sigh….”
Song Fei looked at him. “What do you want to say?”
Mr. Zhang hesitated for a few seconds and said. “Why did you go against that Dong Xuebing earlier?”
Song Fei shook his head. “I knew you were going to ask about this. I have no intention of going against him. I only want to do something for my business. After a disaster, construction materials are in high demand. This is an opportunity for me to know Fen Zhou City’s No. 1 and 2. With their help, I can establish a firm footing here. My business in the south is facing some cashflow issues, and I need to inject new funds.”
Mr. Zhang sighed. “I know what you are thinking. Networking is important to your business, but you should not offend Dong Xuebing.”
Song Fei was puzzled. “What’s wrong with Dong Xuebing? I knew he had outstanding contributions during the earthquake, but he is now in the Commission for Discipline Inspection. He has nothing to do with my business. I thought you were telling me not to go against Mayor Xie. Due to my business, I cannot afford to think so much.”
“You are new here and do not understand the situation.” Mr. Zhang smiled wearily. “We have been friends for many years, and I need to tell you this. Do you believe me when I say in Fen Zhou City, more people know who Dong Xuebing is than who Mayor Xie is?”
“That’s for sure. He saved so many people during the earthquake. Who doesn’t know him?”
“You still don’t get what I mean. Most Fen Zhou City civil servants would rather offend Mayor Xie than provoke Dong Xuebing.”
“Why?”
“Dong Xuebing is notorious in Fen Zhou City.”
“Are you saying that he will come after me?”
“I did not say that.” Mr. Zhang replied. “I am just reminding you, and…. Sigh…. Why did you fight with him over that calligraphy? That was unnecessary.”
Song Fei was stubborn. “I feel there’s a need. At least I can show my loyalty to Secretary Wan. I heard Secretary Wan does not like Dong Xuebing.”
“That’s their political rivalry. Why are you getting involved?”
“How will I make money if I don’t get involved? I should have increased the bid by a few hundred thousand, and Dong Xuebing would give up.” Song Fei regretted it.
Mr. Zhang looked at Song Fei. “Are you serious? Based on my understanding of him, he would not hesitate a second even if you bid 30 million RMB.”
Song Fei was shocked. “Are you sure? Oh, why is he so wealthy?”
“He’s more than wealthy.” Mr. Song explained. “Do you know how much asset he has? He declared his asset when he was appointed, and did you know how much money he has? One hundred million RMB in cash! Do you have 100 million RMB cash? I don’t have it, but he has. I heard he won the lottery jackpot before, which was confirmed by the City Party Committee and Commission for Discipline Inspection.”
“100 million?!” Song Fei took a deep breath. “No wonder a civil servant like him dares to make such a large bid.”
Mr. Zhang advised. “Old Song, Dong Xuebing is not someone you can offend. I know you want to know the City Party Secretary and thought nothing about offending a Discipline Commission leader. However, Dong Xuebing is different. He is like a ticking timebomb in Fen Zhou City and could blow up anytime. Until now, not many people have been willing to offend him. Even the City leaders are staying away from him. Why are you putting up a strong front?”
Song Fei frowned. “Even the City leaders don’t dare to offend him?! Is he that powerful?”
“It’s not they don’t dare to offend. They are unwilling to offend him unless necessary. Do you know his nickname in Fen Zhou City? The God of Plague. Didn’t you notice those lower-rank civil servants stayed away from him earlier? Don’t you wonder what the reason is? His mother is a City Mayor’s wife, and his wife is Mayor Xie. Everyone should be trying to suck up to him. But they did not.”
Mr. Zhang lowered his voice. “Of course, the main reason is his way of doing things. He is wicked and does not go according to the rules. You will be caught off-guard. This is my warning to you. Forget it if you don’t believe me.”
“Alright. I will take note.”
“Good.”
Song Fei agreed to take note but still thought nothing about it in his heart. He is a risk-taker and would not give up easily. Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan…. One is a Discipline Inspection leader, and the other is a Deputy City Mayor overseeing the Ministry of Education. They have nothing to do with his business. If he can get into the City Party Secretary’s good books, he is not afraid of anybody.
He is willing to do anything to make money.
What can Dong Xuebing do? Tear his contract or shut down his company?!
However, Song Fei would never imagine that all these were something Dong Xuebing would do.
