Power and Wealth

Noon.

County Party Committee Building.

The appointment letter was read out, and Dong Xuebing was officially appointed.

After a welcome lunch at the rundown cafeteria, Meng Yiguang left with his driver. Dong Xuebing noticed he was holding his stomach before he went and seemed uncomfortable. The food at the cafeteria was average, and most of the dishes were vegetables. For a meat lover like Dong Xuebing, he did not enjoy it.

Everyone returned to their offices after the Zhonghua car left.

Dong Xuebing does not know anyone at the lunch as they had not introduced themselves.

“Mayor Dong.” Jiang Fangfang called Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing looked at her. “Mayor Jiang.

Jiang Fangfang said. “Let's talk in my office.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and followed Jiang Fangfang into the building.

Mayor Office.

It was a simple office, and the PC was very old.

Dong Xuebing thought the top county leader’s offices would be different and did not expect them to be so impoverished.

“Have a seat.” Jiang Fangfang walked to the hot water flask. “I have run out of tea leaves. Is water fine?”

“Let me do it.” Dong Xuebing said and saw she had poured a cup of hot water. “Thank you.” He did not see any hot water dispenser or electric kettle in the office, but he saw a pantry on its way up. She must have gotten the hot water from there. The water here is drinkable, but it has an alkaline taste. He did not mind as he was getting used to the environment here.

“You should have seen the situation here.” Jiang Fangfang sat on the sofa. “You might not get used to it when you just arrive. You will be fine after a while.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and waited for her to continue.

“We don’t know each other, and you might not understand me. This meeting is for us to know each other better.” Jiang Fangfang said.

Dong Xuebing smiled. “I would like to know you better too.”

“Good. I saw your file. You had worked in the Investment Promotion Agency before.”

“Yes. I worked in Yan Tai County for around six months.”

“Your leader stated in your file that you are outstanding in attracting investments. I hope you can take charge of investments here too.”

“Sure. I will try my best.”

“You will be in charge of other areas. However, Secretary Meng has gone to the provincial government, and I am not sure when he will return. So, your work arrangements will have to wait for a few days. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Ok. I will familiarize myself here as soon as possible.”

“I am looking forward to your performance.”

They chatted for a while but did not talk much, as this was their first meeting.

Jiang Fangfang picked up the phone on her table. “Director Ma, come to my office.” She hung up the phone and turned to Dong Xuebing. She extended her hand to him. “That’s all.”

Dong Xuebing shook her hands. “I will leave now.”

The door opened, and a man in his thirties entered. “Mayor Jiang, Mayor Dong.”

Jiang Fangfang said. “Accompany Mayor Dong to his office.”

“Yes.” Ma Lin extended his hand. “This way, Mayor Dong.”

Dong Xuebing was still thinking about Jiang Fangfang’s body after leaving her office. He noticed she was calm. She looked calm, had a faint smile and a calm temper, and spoke calmly. It seemed that she was unfazed by anything except for the first time they met. When Minister Meng introduced them, he noticed Jiang Fangfang staring at him for a long time. He wondered what she was thinking, and she returned to a calm state like a puddle of still water after that.

That look in Jiang Fangfang’s eyes was abnormal.

Why did Mayor Jiang look at me like that? Was she trying to show her power? What can that stare do?

Dong Xuebing stopped thinking as he could not get any answers. He needs to get to know her better before he can guess what she is thinking. He needs time.

Dong Xuebing turned to Ma Lin. “Director Ma, you are….”

Ma Lin slapped his forehead and smiled. “I forgot to introduce myself. I am the County Government Office Department Director, Ma Lin.”

This guy is Yao Cui’s direct leader, and Dong Xuebing shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you, Director Ma. I will have to trouble you a lot in the future.”

“No problem. Just let me know if you need anything. The Office Department’s duty is to serve the leaders.”

Dong Xuebing looked into the Secretarial First Section when he walked past, and he did not see Yao Cui. He did not see her in the morning and did not see her during lunch. She must have fallen sick, and he decided to visit her tonight.

They reached Dong Xuebing’s office in no time.

Ma Lin opened the door. “This is your office, Ma Lin. I asked someone to clean it two days ago.”

The office layout was about the same as the Mayor’s office. The computer and table were clean but old.

Ma Lin took out a bunch of keys. “These are the keys to your apartment at the family quarters. I cleaned your apartment too.” He paused for a second and smiled. “However, we might not be able to assign you a car. Only Mayor Jiang and Secretary Meng had cars, and the other leaders had to share the county government cars. If you need to use the car, you must book it two days in advance unless it is an emergency. Or else you might not get a car. We only have a few cars and have too many leaders.”

“Alright. I understand.”

Ma Lin spoke politely to Dong Xuebing. He was only a County Office Department Director. Dong Xuebing is a Deputy Mayor and a County Party Committee member.

There was another important reason.

Dong Xuebing is not an ordinary Deputy County Mayor. He is appointed as Zhen Sui County Government’s Executive Deputy Mayor.

An Executive Deputy Mayor is second to the Mayor and oversees the County Office Department. That’s why Ma Lin had to watch what he said in front of Dong Xuebing.