Next afternoon.
Saturday.
Dong Xuebing slept until the sun was up. He walked to the living room and saw Xie Huilan reading papers with a cup of tea.
“You finally wake up.” Xie Huilan said without looking up from the papers.”
“It’s already after 10 am. Why didn’t you wake me?” Dong Xuebing yawned.
“You have been busy for the past few days and should rest more since you are not working today.”
Xie Huilan suddenly looked up. “Oh, wear something presentable later. You need to accompany me to the Mayor’s home. Mayor Zhong and his wife invited us over for lunch. We did not visit them during Lunar New Year, and we must prepare some gifts. It was Mayor Zhong who supported me in entering the Party Committee. Without him, I could not even get nominated after you offended the City Party Secretary.”
“Mayor Zhong had helped you?! He should be trying to pull you over to his side.”
“Just watch what you say later.”
“I understand. I feel this is my credit as we had spent almost 3 million RMB buying Old Zhong’s calligraphy.”
“Old Zhong?! How can you call him that?”
“Haha…. There’s no one around.”
Dong Xuebing knew it was because of the auction. Although Uncle Yang and Mayor Zhong seemed to be close and had dinner together, the latter should know Huilan’s relationship with them. Huilan was transferred to Fen Zhou City for some time, but he did not approach her. His attitude changed after Dong Xuebing won the bid for his calligraphy piece. That’s why he felt his money spent was worthwhile. This was the reward, and Huilan did not need to work her way up slowly. It would take at least two years.
Of course, just spending money was not enough. Huilan would not enter the Party Committee if Feng Jie were not implicated in the case and punished.
An hour later.
Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan carried some gifts to Mayor Zhong’s apartment in the next building, within the Party Committee family quarters.
Many people, who saw Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan, greeted them politely.
“Mayor Xie, Director Dong.”
“Congratulations on your promotion, Mayor Xie.”
Xie Huilan smiled and returned their greetings.
Xie Huilan had more power and authority after she entered the City Party Committee. Many staffs’ attitudes towards her changed after her promotion. Dong Xuebing also received many friendly smiles from them because of her. However, he knew it was because Xie Huilan was beside him. These people will not dare to go near him if she is not around. They might be worried that Secretary Wan would see them talking to him.
Inside the apartment building.
Outside of the Mayor’s apartment.
Xie Huilan pressed the doorbell while Dong Xuebing straightened his clothes.
A middle-aged woman, around fifty years old, opened the door.
“Hello, Sister Chen.” Xie Huilan smiled and looked inside. “We are here to bother you, Mayor Zhong.”
Madam Chen smiled and stepped aside. “It’s not a bother. Come in.”
Xie Huilan entered the apartment. “We are here to wish both of you a Happy New Year. I hope it’s not too late. Something happened at home, and we could not visit you during the Lunar New Year holidays.”
Dong Xuebing quickly steps forward with the gifts. “Mayor Zhong, Madam Chen.”
Madam Chen pretended to be unhappy. “Why did you two waste money on gifts? Don’t bring anything the next time.”
“Sure, haha….” Xie Huilan bent to change her shoes.
“Hurry up and let them in.” Zhong Zhengwei smiled. “Have a seat first. Lunch will be ready soon.”
Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing sat on the sofa beside Zhong Zhengwei.
If Dong Xuebing was here alone, he could not be so relaxed as he is only a department head within the Discipline Inspection. Mayor Zhong is Fen Zhong City, the second most powerful man in the city. However, Dong Xuebing was here today as Xie Huilan’s husband and did not need to be so restrained. If he restrained himself, it would make Huilan look bad and distance themselves from the Mayor. Xie Huilan has entered the City Party Committee and is on the same level as Zhong Zhengwei.
The four of them chatted in the living room.
Madam Chen looked at Dong Xuebing and smiled. “So, this is your husband. I had heard of Xiao Dong several times but did not have the opportunity to meet him. We have finally met. Hmmm…. Not bad. You are quite good-looking. You are so lucky, Huilan.”
Xie Huilan laughed. “You must have heard a lot of bad things about him.”
Dong Xuebing cleared his throat due to his embarrassment. He knew Huilan would tease him.
Madam Chen was amused. “Of course not. Xiao Dong made our Fen Zhou City proud because of his contributions during the earthquake. He also risked his life to save several people a few days ago. His character and actions should be praised.”
Dong Xuebing was smiling in his heart, but he said modestly. “No… no…. You think too highly of me.”
Xie Huilan added. “That’s right. You must not praise him, or he will start showing off at home later.”
They got closer after chatting and joking around for a while. This was also because both parties wanted to befriend each other.
Madam Chen was observing Dong Xuebing closely while chatting.
Madam Chen was not lying when she said she heard much about Dong Xuebing. She had always wanted to meet him. He is someone who is not afraid of the City Party Secretary, spent 3 million RMB for her husband’s calligraphy, risked his life countless times to save others, fought off a tiger with his bare hands, etc….…. She was curious about him and thought he was someone extraordinary. However, she was speechless after meeting him today. Dong Xuebing was too ordinary. He has ordinary looks and an ordinary character. If you throw him into a crowd, he will be the most ordinary person.
So, this person is the legendary God of Plagues.
This is the person everyone is talking about.
Madam Chen was speechless when she looked at Dong Xuebing on the sofa. This guy looks too ordinary.
