Power and Wealth

Afternoon.

After lunch.

Xie Guojian left in a rush. He will inform the military higher-ups about Dong Xuebing’s decision and ask them to think of other solutions to rescue Zhong Lizhen. Han Jing and Xie Guobang went to take a nap.

“Xiao Bing, you should take a nap.”

“No. I should return to my hotel.”

“Have dinner with us before leaving.”

“Ok. I will take a rest in Huilan’s room.”

“Yes. Huilan’s room is cleaned.”

Dong Xuebing entered Xie Huilan’s room and lay on the bed. He looked at the ceiling and felt uneasy. He had gone to Japan to steal the relics without informing anyone. Xie Huilan’s family had never asked him to do anything. Han Jing and Xie Guobang had asked for him, but he rejected it. It made him feel bad.

But what can he do if he goes?

Dong Xuebing does not know what will happen and can only smack his lips.

An hour passed. Dong Xuebing did not sleep. He went downstairs to have tea.

He overheard Han Jing crying when he walked past Xie Guobang and Han Jing’s room. Dong Xuebing stopped. As the eldest Sister-in-law of the Xie Family, she had never cried or shown weakness in front of anyone.

Mum is crying.

What happened?

Dong Xuebing knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but he still stopped outside the door.

“Crying will not help.”

“But Lizhen….”

“Lizhen will be fine. Don’t worry.”

“Yes…. But what if Lizhen….”

“Guojian will think of a way, and I will push the higher-ups to do something tomorrow.”

“I kept thinking of the time when I played with Lizhen. She had only called me to ask for help. I….”

“We can only wait now. Maybe things might change.”

“Impossible. Will they release Lizhen?”

“We will think of a way to save her.”

Dong Xuebing felt worse after hearing their conversation. Sigh…. What should I do?

Night.

Wang Fu Hotel.

Dong Xuebing returned to his room and started chain-smoking. He kept hearing Han Jing’s sobs.

After a while.

Ding dong, ding dong.

Dong Xuebing walked over and opened the door. “Hi.”

An old man in his seventies or eighties was standing outside. His hair is all white, and he looks familiar.

The old man looked at Dong Xuebing. “Are you Dong Xuebing?”

“Yes.” Dong Xuebing replied. “You are….”

The old man replied. “I am Chen Xuekai, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.”

“Chinese Academy of Sciences?!” Dong Xuebing suddenly remembered a person and gasped. “You are Professor Chen!”

Chen Xuekai looked inside the room. “Let’s talk inside if it’s convenient.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and let this old man enter his room.

Chen Xuekai…. No wonder I have seen him before. He is one of the few famous scientists in China and has made significant scientific contributions to China. Dong Xuebing had seen him more than once on TV when he was young.

Why is Professor Chen here?

Dong Xuebing was puzzled.

Inside the room.

Professor Chen sat on the sofa and looked at Dong Xuebing. He was frowning. “Is it fine if I address you as Xuebing?”

Dong Xuebing nodded. “Of course.”

Chen Xuekai continued. “I know your wife’s parents and know your background. I know you are extraordinary and had heard much about you from my military friends.”

Dong Xuebing understood why Professor Chen was there. “You must be here for Zhong Lizhen.”

Chen Xuekai nodded. “I don’t need to hide anything from you. Xiao Zhong is my best student, and I am not surprised by her achievements. This is not a small incident; I believe you have heard about it with your background and your family’s relationship with her. I must say this. Xiao Zhong must return. Her research is important to our country, and she must return at all costs.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “I know, but….”

Chen Xuekai replied. “Honestly, I didn’t believe you could do anything when I saw you. Maybe you looked too ordinary. My military friends told me that it would be you if anyone could rescue Lizhen single-handedly. I want to believe them as I have no other choices. That’s why I used my connections and found out you are staying in this hotel.”

Dong Xuebing quickly said. “You think too highly of me. I am just an ordinary person.”

Chen Xuekai said. “I know this is a tricky situation, and it’s almost impossible to succeed. But I still hope you can do your part for the country. I cannot order you to do anything with your family background. As someone who gave more than half his life to the country, I still can say this. I cannot represent the country, but I can represent the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Please bring Xiao Zhong back.” He stood up and bowed.

Dong Xuebing quickly help him up. “Please don’t do this. I cannot accept your bow.”

“Yes, you can. I can kneel before you if you bring Xiao Zhong back safely.” Chen Xuekai firmly said. “Please help Xiao Zhong and help our country.”

“You think too highly of me.”

“I am not forcing you. I hope you will consider it.”

“Ok. I will consider it. Please get up. I cannot accept your bow.”

Dong Xuebing respect Chen Xuekai a lot. Someone who spent his youth and whole life for the country.

But….

Saving Zhong Lizhen….

Dong Xuebing was not confident at all. How is he going to save her?

What should I do?

Should I go or not?

Dong Xuebing hesitated.