Power and Wealth

Night.

Outside of Yao Cui’s house courtyard.

Ma Lin was sweating profusely after leaving Yao Cui’s house and not saying anything.

“Director Ma.” Chief Cai was confused. “You….”

Chief Cai was Ma Lin’s trusted aide, and he replied. “You did not see it?”

Chief Cai blinked. “Huh? See what? I don’t know.”

Chief Cai’s rank was not high enough, and she did not see Dong Xuebing’s face today.

Ma Lin sighed and said. “Today’s newly appointed Mayor Dong was having dinner at Yao Cui’s house.”

“Ah?!” Chief Cai exclaimed. “Are you sure?”

Ma Lin replied. “I saw him with my own eyes.”

Chief Cai remembered Dong Xuebing had put his glass on the table hard earlier. An ordinary civilian would never dare to do that in from of them, and she finds him familiar. She did not shake his hand this morning and only saw his back.

“Xiao Yao knows Mayor Dong?” Chief Cai asked.

Ma Lin forced himself to calm down. “I think so.”

Chief Cai replied. “But… it is Mayor Dong’s first day here. How….”

Ma Lin was puzzled too. Mayor Dong should not know anyone here. Why was he having dinner at Xiao Yao’s house? Why didn’t Xiao Yao say she knew him?! Is she trying to embarrass them? If he had known Xiao Yao and Mayor Dong, he would never force her to accompany the leaders.

F**k!

How are these two related?

Ma Lin thought for a while and stopped suddenly. He turned to Chief Cai. “How old is Xiao Yao?”

Chief Cai thought for a second and said. “I think she is twenty-five this year.”

Ma Lin took a deep breath. “Mayor Dong is also twenty-five. Call the office now and check Xiao Yao’s resume.”

Chief Cai reminded Ma Lin. “The neighboring leaders are arriving soon.”

Ma Lin replied. “I know. Check her resume first, or I don’t feel at ease.”

“Alright. I will call the office now. Xiao Li should be around.”

Ma Lin knew who was more critical. The neighboring leaders or Mayor Dong. He cannot attend this dinner, but he must know Yao Cui’s relationship with Mayor Dong. He needs to know how he offended Mayor Dong as it concerns his future.

One minute….

Five minutes….

Ten minutes….

Chief Cai hung up her phone and looked uneasy.

“How is it?” Ma Lin asked.

Chief Cai wiped her sweat and said. “I found out. Yao Cui studied at a Beijing university. Lian He University and Mayor Dong were from there too. They seemed to be in the same cohort.”

University classmates?!

They are university classmates?!

“No wonder….” Ma Lin looked terrible and finally found out how he offended Mayor Dong. He tried to order his classmate to drink with his guests. No wonder Mayor Dong was unhappy with him. He slapped his forehead and regretted calling Yao Cui. He was slightly relieved as he did not know about their relationship. It was not too late to salvage the situation.

Sigh…. It’s easy to offend others and to challenge them to build a good relationship with them.

Ma Lin starts thinking of ways to salvage the situation.

Yao Cui’s house.

The dinner was over.

Yao Cui’s parents and brother were worried about Director Ma’s visit and suddenly changed of attitude.

“I am full. Let me help with the dishes.” Dong Xuebing said.

Yao Cui’s father stopped Dong Xuebing. “No need… no need…. Let Yao Cui’s mother clear it.”

Yao Cui’s mother added. “That’s right. You still have to bring your luggage to your lodging. Let Yao Cui send you.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “No…. Yao Cui is not feeling well and should not go anywhere. I can manage myself. Thank you for dinner. I will make a move first.”

Yao Cui’s father nodded. “Be careful on your way back.”

Yao Cui added. “Wait for me. I will get change and walk you back.”

“No need.” Dong Xuebing replied. “Stay home and have a good rest.”

“I feel much better after a hot meal. Wait for me.” Yao Cui returned to her room.

Yao Cui wore a pair of jeans and a coat when she returned. She looked much better now.

“Are you feeling better now?” Dong Xuebing asked.

Yao Cui laughed. “It’s only a cold. Do I look so sick until I cannot walk?”

Dong Xuebing did not stop Yao Cui and bid farewell to her family before walking to the bus stop with her.

“Sorry to let you see that today.” Yao Cui said.

Dong Xuebing smiled. “It’s alright.”

Yao Cui replied helplessly. “This is what we civil servants face. We must follow the leader’s orders unless we get connections with the higher-ups.”

Dong Xuebing looked at Yao Cui. “I said you will be promoted recently, and I forgot to ask you where you want to go?”

Yao Cui thought Dong Xuebing was joking with her again and laughed. “Promotion?! I will be satisfied if I am not posted elsewhere tomorrow. Haha…. If I am promoted, I want to be our County Government Office Department Deputy Director. No one can order me to accompany or drink with others once I am a leader, and I can also order Chief Cai around.”

Dong Xuebing was amused. “That’s a good ambition.”

Yao Cui laughed. “I am talking nonsense. How can someone like me become a Deputy Director? I don’t follow orders and have no powerful backing. It will never be my turn. Moreover, I should be thankful if I am not posted away after today’s incident.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “You never know what will happen.”