Power and Wealth

One week later.

Dong Xuebing’s transfer order arrived.

Morning. City Party Committee family quarters.

Dong Xuebing woke up to find himself alone in bed. He left his room and saw Luan Xiaoping and Xie Huilan preparing breakfast.

“Mum, when did you come?”

“I arrived this morning. You will leave today, and I want to send you off.”

“Ah, didn’t we visit you a few days ago?”

“It is different. Go and wash up. Breakfast will be ready soon.”

Dong Xuebing had been busy meeting his friends, colleagues, and leaders these few days. He met Qu Yunxuan, Geng Yuehua, Xu Yan, Yu Meixia, and other relatives. He had to eat four to five meals daily and drink with his colleagues and leaders. He drank until midnight last night with some leaders and was still sleepy now.

Breakfast.

Luan Xiaoping grumbled. “The transfer order is out today. Why are you in such a rush to go? Your appointment date is a few days later.”

Xie Huilan laughed. “He wants to drive there.”

Dong Xuebing nodded. “It’s quite far, and I drove a few days. That’s why I got to leave earlier.”

Luan Xiaoping looked at him. “Why must you drive? Taking the plane is much faster.”

“It’s more convenient to drive. If not, I still got to buy a car there.” Dong Xuebing replied.

“Do what you want. I cannot be bothered with you.” Luan Xiaoping pointed to the luggage at the side. “Come back early. I have prepared your luggage for you. I had thrown away that unnecessary stuff. Oh, I had also packed a few local produce for you. Bring them along and give them to your neighbors and friends. Anyway, you got to take care of yourself.” She said and wiped her tears.

Xie Huilan puts down her chopsticks and holds Luan Xiaoping’s hand. “Mum….”

Dong Xuebing stopped eating. “What are you doing, Mum?”

Luan Xiaoping cried. “You had never left my side since you were born. Now, you are going to a mountainous area.”

Dong Xuebing was speechless. “But we are living in two cities now.”

Luan Xiaoping replied. “How can it be the same? Our cities are next, and I can see you whenever I want.”

“You can also see me after I get there. After I settle down there, you can stay with me for a few days. Can you stop crying?”

Luan Xiaoping sniffled. “You are so clumsy and lazy. I am relieved with Huilan by your side. But you will be alone there.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “I am not a kid, Mum. Don’t worry about me.”

Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing. “Remember to call us after you get there.”

Dong Xuebing nodded. “I will not forget to call you all.”

They chatted for a while, and Luan Xiaoping stopped crying. She started nagging Dong Xuebing to take care of himself. He knew she was worried about him and did not want him to leave. He listened to her naggings and did not stop her.

In the end, Luan Xiaoping said. “Alright. I will leave some time for your wife.”

Xie Huilan rubbed her tummy and smiled. “Our son will be born in a few months. You should know education is vital for a child. Haha…. You better achieve outstanding results and transfer back fast, or our son will be closer to me in the future.”

Dong Xuebing replied unhappily. “No.”

Xie Huilan drank her porridge. “Try coming back after two or three years and see if our child can recognize you.”

Dong Xuebing panicked. “Huilan, can you stop threatening me like this? Fine… I will try to return within six months.”

Luan Xiaoping interrupted. “Can you return within six months?”

Dong Xuebing paused for a second. “I will try my best.”

Xie Huilan looked at the time. “It’s time to go to work. You are going back to your office to pack your stuff, right? Let’s go.”

“Ok. Oh, I need to discuss something with you.”

“What is it?”

“Err…. Can you let me drive your Land Rover?”

“Don’t you have your car? Why do you want to drive mine?”

“Sigh… I am going to a mountainous region, and the road conditions will be bad. There will be potholes everywhere. How can I drive a sportscar there? Your Land Rover is more suitable for those conditions.”

“Hehe…. Nope.”

“What conditions do you have?”

Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing and laughed. “Kiss me, and I will lend you my car. Haha….”

Dong Xuebing blushed. “Mum is looking at us.” He turned to Luan Xiaoping and pointed at Xie Huilan. “Look at her. She is always teasing me.”

Luan Xiaoping smiled. “Just give her a kiss.”

“Huh?! Mum, why are you siding with her?” Dong Xuebing was speechless.

Xie Huilan crossed her legs. “Mum had spoken. Did you hear what she said?”

“Fine… fine…. I will kiss you.” Dong Xuebing walked over to Xie Huilan and kissed her lips.

Xie Huilan laughed and took out her keys. “Here.”

Dong Xuebing gave Xie Huilan his Porsche key. “I will remember this. You must kiss me first before I help you with anything.”

“You dare?!”

“You think I don’t dare?! You will know when the time comes.”

“You two….” Luan Xiaoping laughed and shook her head.

The bickering between them livens the mood.

Morning.

Discipline Inspection.

Dong Xuebing packed his stuff and went to every leader's office to bid farewell. Deputy Secretary Zhan Guiping was closest to him and chatted longer. They had a farewell dinner a few days ago, but Zhan Guiping was still reluctant to see him go.

“Xiao Dong, I don’t want to see you leave. However, this transfer is good for you, and I cannot stop you. I told you what to take note of when you get there, and I shall not repeat those.” Zhan Guiping sighed and said. “The Inspection First Office Director position will open after you leave. We are looking for candidates, and I want your opinions.”

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and asked. “Are the candidates from Inspection First Office?”

“Not necessary. We have not decided or reported to the higher-ups.”

“Old Liu’s father incident at ICBC bank was because of me….”

“Yes. That incident had just quieted down, and we can forget about Liu Hanqing for now.”

“Then I will recommend Luo Haiting. Director Luo is capable and has a flexible working style.”

Zhan Guiping thought for a while. “But she got too little experience.”

“Director Luo might have lesser experience in Discipline Inspection, and she had been working in the government for many years. Also, she should be in her forties, right?”

Zhan Guiping nodded. “Aright. I will put her name up, and it should not be a problem.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. My daughter’s legs are treated because of you, and this is nothing compared to that. Xiao Luo is a good candidate too.”

After leaving the leader's office, Dong Xuebing was surrounded by many colleagues again.

“All the best, Director.”

“Please visit us when you are free, Director Dong.”

Luo Haiting, Liu Hanqing, and the rest were sad to see Dong Xuebing leave.

Dong Xuebing also felt the same. He patted Liu Hanqing’s arm. “Old Liu, you got to take care of your body. I have some wild ginsengs for you if you need them. Director Liao, you got to take care of yourself. Xiao Zhu, why are you crying? I will be coming back.”

After bidding farewell to everyone, Dong Xuebing called Luo Haiting to his office.

“Sorry, Sister Luo.” Dong Xuebing said. “I had to transfer you to Discipline Inspection because I need someone trustworthy to assist me. But I am leaving after a few months and got to leave you here alone.”

Luo Haiting replied. “Don’t say this, Xuebing. It’s fine. I got promoted when transferring from the County to the City.”

Dong Xuebing said. “I heard from Secretary Zhan that they are looking for the Inspection First Office Director candidate. Yes, I recommended you.”

Luo Haiting smiled. “I became Deputy Director six months ago and can't succeed you. I don’t even dare to think about it.”

Dong Xuebing gave a firm reply. “It should not be a problem.”

Luo Haiting was surprised. “My experience….”

“Your experience is not a problem.” Dong Xuebing continued. “Secretary Zhan is in charge of the Inspection First Office, and the higher-ups will consider our recommendation. I have also talked to Huilan, and she will speak up for you in the Party Committee meeting. Of course, I cannot guarantee you will get this position.”

Luo Haiting was grateful. “Xuebing…. thank you.”

“It’s nothing.” Dong Xuebing looked at her. “I told my wife to care for the people close to me. If you face any difficulties, look for her. Her position should not change anytime soon, and she has a say in the city.”

Luo Haiting nodded. “I will remember it.”

“Take care.” Dong Xuebing said. “Thanks for all the help.”

“I should be the one thanking you. You had been helping me with my career and family.” Luo Haiting’s eyes turned red. “Let’s stop, or I will cry.”