Power and Wealth

Morning.

Office.

Yao Cui was telling Dong Xuebing about the County’s situation.

Dong Xuebing placed his teacup on the table and said. “What about the different factions in the County?”

Yao Cui replied seriously. “I was about to tell you even when you don’t ask. Although you are the Executive Deputy County Mayor and Mayor Jiang is your leader, you should not join her side. She is too weak. Party Secretary Meng holds all the power. He sometimes gave in to her, but he decided on all major decisions. This situation will not change, and more than half of the Party Committee Members are on Secretary Meng’s side. Only the Political and Legal Committee secretary, Chu Peng, is on her side. The rest are all Secretary Meng’s supporters.”

Dong Xuebing was speechless. “This difference is too wide.”

Yao Cui nodded. “Yes, it is one-sided.”

“What about the former Executive Deputy County Mayor?”

“He supported Mayor Jiang, and Secretary Meng suppressed him. That’s why he could not get promoted until his retirement. Mayor Jiang got weaker after he retired.”

“What about the Deputy Mayor in the Party Committee? Is he also on Secretary Meng’s side?”

“Are you talking about Ci Boyang, Deputy Mayor Ci? He is also Secretary Meng’s man.”

Even the Deputy Mayor is not on Jiang Fangfang’s side. She must be having a difficult time here. Sigh…. What should I do?

Yao Cui looked at Dong Xuebing. “Secretary Meng is coming back. You should speak to him and see if you can join his side.”

Let’s talk about it another time.”

“Xuebing, you must not do anything rash because Mayor Jiang is pretty. This is my suggestion as a friend.”

“Haha…. Don’t worry about it. I will observe first.”

Dong Xuebing thought to himself. Yao Cui knows me too well. He had decided to join Jiang Fangfang’s side after his appointment. He is the Executive Deputy County Mayor and should be supporting the Mayor. She is his direct superior and can make his life difficult during his time here. Secondly, she is pretty. After hearing what Yao Cui said, he hesitated. Secretary Meng has overall control of the County; joining her would kill his career.

Dong Xuebing still wanted to be promoted within six months.

If Dong Xuebing joined Jiang Fangfang’s faction, he might not hold any power, let alone get promoted within six months. He might not even get promoted after two years if he offended the County’s no.1.

Sigh…. The situation here is complicated.

I should put this aside and observe the situation first.

Dong Xuebing decided. “Yao Cui…. It sounds quite weird. Can I call you Xiao Yao when others are around and Cui Er when we are alone?”

Yao Cui laughed. “Sure.”

Dong Xuebing continued. “Help me reject all lunch and dinner invitations these few days. I want to monitor the situation first. I am not in a rash to pick sides.”

Yao Cui nodded. “Ok.”

“You can go back first. I don’t have anything for you here.”

“Ok. Call me if you need anything.”

Dong Xuebing had joined a faction almost immediately wherever he went. Some were based on his feelings, and some were forced.

Before 10 am.

The County Government's small meeting room.

Dong Xuebing checked the time and arrived 5 minutes before the meeting. He almost choked on cigarette smoke when he opened the door. He is a smoker, but the smoke in the meeting room is too thick. The room has no ventilation fan, and the cigarette smoke remained despite the windows being opened. If the leader is female, most of them will not smoke in the room when she is around. These people have no respect for Jiang Fangfang.

“Mayor Dong.”

“Oh, Mayor Dong. You are here.”

Dong Xuebing only knows County Government Office Department Chief Ma Lin among the people in the room. He gave out the meeting materials and politely greeted Dong Xuebing.

A middle-aged man walked over and shook Dong Xuebing’s hand. He smiled. “Mayor Dong, I did not introduce myself during your welcome lunch. I am Ci Boyang.”

Ci Boyang?

This man is the Deputy Mayor of the Party Committee.

Ci Boyang is the no. Three in the County Government held the same rank as Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing smiled and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mayor Ci.”

Ci Boyang smiled. “The meeting is about to start. Let’s chat over dinner and drinks.”

“Sure.” Dong Xuebing replied.

Another person walked over. “Mayor Dong, I am Lui Zhi.”

Dong Xuebing shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mayor Lui.” He heard about Deputy Mayor Lui Zhi but didn’t know which department he oversees.

This was Dong Xuebing’s first meeting in Zhen Shui County, and everyone at the meeting introduced themselves.

A few minutes later.

High heels footsteps got nearer to the meeting room.

The meeting room quieted, and everyone returned to their seats and snubbed their cigarettes.

Dong Xuebing saw the seat beside the head of the table was empty and knew it should be his. He quickly walked over.

The next moment, Jiang Fangfang appeared in the meeting room.

She walked into the room slowly and looked at everyone. “Let’s start.”

Everyone sat upright.

Even Ci Boyang sat upright and waited for Mayor Jiang to speak. Although he is on Secretary Meng’s side, Jiang Fangfang is still the County Government’s head. He dared not fall out with her and got to respect her.