Power and Wealth

The third day of the National Day Holidays.

Morning, at 10 am.

Dong Xuebing was in his living room, looking at Xie Huilan's number on his phone. He wants to call her, but hesitates and was walking around his apartment wondering if he should call her.

In the end, Dong Xuebing gritted his teeth and dialed Xie Huilan's number.

But the phone rang for a long time without anyone answering.

Dong Xuebing knew Sister Xie is still angry with him and sighed. He had no choice but to call Xie Huilan's secretary, Hu Silian. "Hello, Sister Hu. I am Dong Xuebing."

"Haha… Chief Dong, you are back? When are you treating me to dinner? I am still waiting for your treat."

"You are not the same as before, and I am afraid you will turn down my invitation."

"Are you poking fun at me? Why will I reject your treat?"

After joking for a while, Dong Xuebing asked. "Oh, what is Mayor Xie's schedule for today? Is she working?"

Hu Silian knew Dong Xuebing must be looking for the Mayor for something. If it were someone else, she would not reveal the whereabouts of Mayor Xie. But Dong Xuebing was the one who helped her get this position. She thought for a while and whispered. "Today is supposed to be Mayor Xie's off day, but a group of businessmen had arrived from Beijing. They are going to invest in Yan Tai County, and Mayor Xie is hosting lunch for them. Improving Yan Tai County's economy is something Mayor Xie is working on since she was transferred here. That's why she is hosting them personally, and our County's Investment Promotion Agency Deputy Chief Lui and I will be attending the lunch."

Dong Xuebing frowned. "Businessmen from Beijing?"

"Yes. I heard the person bringing them over is called Wei Nan. He seems to know Mayor Xie."

"Wei Nan?" Dong Xuebing's face changed. "Sister Hu, can you tell me which restaurant is it?"

Hu Silian hesitated for a while and told Dong Xuebing the address.

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing's face turns black. Wei Nan is here? Is he coming here to invest? Although his father is a medical supplies supplier and is wealthy, he does not need to invest here. There is nothing to invest here! Damn! This bastard is not here to invest! Dong Xuebing suddenly realized that Wei Nan is not using those photographs to revenge on him for snatching his fiancee. He is going after Xie Huilan again!

Dong Xuebing hit the sofa angrily!

I must not let this bastard succeed!

12.30 Pm.

Dong Xuebing parked diagonally in front of a restaurant in the western district of the County town. He alighted and looked around the open-air car park. There is a BMW 7-series and a Toyota, with the county government's number plate. Dong Xuebing had seen that BMW in Senior Xie's mansion, and it belongs to Wei Nan. The other car is Xie Huilan's ride, and the driver, Old Xing, is eating a burger and reading papers in it.

Dong Xuebing pretended to pass by. "Hi, Master Xing."

Old Xing was surprised and greeted Dong Xuebing. "Chief Dong."

Old Xing is Xie Huilan's driver, and Dong Xuebing had met him once in the County Government building. "Haha… why are you eating in the car? Is Mayor Xie in this restaurant?"

Old Xing nodded and did not say anything.

Dong Xuebing did not want to enter the restaurant, and he chatted with Old Xing in the carpark. Old Xing is a quiet middle-aged man and knew what to say and what not to say. He only told Dong Xuebing that Mayor Xie and Secretary Hu had entered the restaurant 20 minutes ago and did not say anything else.

Half an hour later.

The restaurant doors opened, and Xie Huilan, Hu Silian, Wei Nan, and three men walked out.

Hu Silian is walking behind Xie Huilan, and another middle-aged man is smiling and chatting to one of the Beijing investors. This man should be the County's Investment Promotion Agency Deputy Chief Lui Dafa.

Dong Xuebing could feel his blood boiling when he saw Wei Nan, and Xie Huilan is chatting with him and the other two men with a smile on her face. Dong Xuebing was impressed with her for not bringing her emotions to work. She had fallen out with Wei Nan over their engagement in the past, but that is a separate issue. Dong Xuebing knows that even if he goes up to Sister Xie now, she will not treat him coldly, as she is representing the County and not herself.

Wei Nan laughed and asked. "Hou Zi, how is it?"

A tall young man laughed and replied. "This place is not as good as other Counties, but it has its advantages. If the local government can give us some support, I think we can discuss the setting up of a factory." He is still satisfied with the environment here and feels it is suitable to set up a factory.

Wei Nan looked at Xie Huilan. "Mayor Xie, let's find a place to discuss."

Xie Huilan looked at her watch and told them that Deputy Chief Lui would be discussing with them.

Although bring in investment to the County will improve its economy and Xie Huilan will score some political points, but she does not need to handle everything herself. She had shown enough respect for these businessmen by accompanying them for lunch. But Wei Nan shamelessly insisted that they must discuss the terms of the contract with her. Hou Zi and another young man, Zhou Zi, seems to know what Wei Nan is up to, and they helped to persuade Xie Huilan.

In the end, Xie Huilan said something to Hu Silian and nodded to Wei Nan. Hu Silian knew Wei Nan, and his friends are big-shots, and the invested amount is huge. If not, they will not ask to discuss the terms with the Mayor directly.

Wei Nan laughed. "Mayor Xie had bought lunch, and this time it should be our turn."

Zhou Zi said. "Let's go to that shooting range we passed by in the morning and discussed the contract while shooting some targets."

Hou Zi agreed. "Sure. It's been a while since I fire some guns."

Just when they were about to go to their cars, Dong Xuebing walked over. "What a coincidence. Mayor Xie, you are here for lunch?" Hu Silian almost burst out laughing at Dong Xuebing's fake expression. She knew this is not a coincidence as she is the one who told Dong Xuebing this address.

Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing and smiled. "Chief Dong, you are here for lunch too?"

Xie Huilan is different from yesterday, where she smashed the remote control and banged the table. But Dong Xuebing knew she had not forgiven him, and she is speaking to him with no emotions attached. Dong Xuebing smiled. "No… I passed by and saw your car."

Xie Huilan nodded and did not say anything.

Hu Silian did not notice anything from Xie Huilan's reaction. She does not know about the relationship between Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing. She is only curious why Mayor Xie is treating Dong Xuebing so coldly. By right, Dong Xuebing had done Mayor Xie a huge favor by saving that man jumping from the County Party Committee building, and she should be thankful to him. But Hu Silian is no one to guess what her leader is thinking.

Wei Nan is different. He knew Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing are dating, and from Xie Huilan's expression, he knew they have some problems in their relationship. Xie Huilan must have received the photos he sent to the Commission for Discipline Inspection, and he is laughing in his heart, as he looked at Dong Xuebing.

Since taking those photos that day, Wei Nan had made plans to make Xie Huilan fight with Dong Xuebing, and he will take advantage by entering in between them. But after his last failure, Wei Nan is more matured and didn't show his intentions to Xie Huilan. He got a few friends, who are looking for places to invest, and he makes use of this excuse to get close with Xie Huilan.

Dong Xuebing narrowed his eyes as he stares at Wei Nan.

Even if Dong Xuebing had broken up with Sister Xie, he would not allow Wei Nan to be with her. He will settle the score with Wei Nan sooner or later.

After Dong Xuebing appears at the restaurant's entrance, it became quiet.

Dong Xuebing seems like he cannot sense that he is not welcomed and continued to chat with Xie Huilan.

Xie Huilan replied Dong Xuebing out of courtesy and said to Hu Silian. "Xiao Hu, get ready to go."

This is the leader's way of asking others to leave. Those that are smart will bid goodbye and not disturb the leader. But Dong Xuebing has no intention of leaving. Seeing Xie Huilan is ignoring him, he turns to a middle-aged man. He walked over and shook his hand warmly. "Ah…. You are Chief Lui! I had heard a lot about you!"

Lui Dafa forced a smile. "Chief Dong, nice to meet you."

Dong Xuebing put his arm over Lui Dafa and chatted with him.

Lui Dafa almost cursed. Since when are we so close? Why are you putting your arm around my shoulder?!

Hu Silian was from the Public Security and knew about the grudges between Lui Dafa and Dong Xuebing. She was speechless when she saw this. Chief Dong's cousin, Tang Jin, had bought counterfeit cigarettes at Lui Dafa's relative's shop and was beaten up by one of the staff there. In the end, Chief Dong went over to the shop and beat up Lui Dafa's relative and even argued with him over the phone. They should be at loggerheads, but why are they…

Xie Huilan ignored Dong Xuebing and got into her car.

Wei Nan took a glance at Dong Xuebing and walked to the carpark to get his car.

"Old Lui…" Dong Xuebing changed the way he addresses Lui Dafa. "Where are you all going?"

Lui Dafa was about to blow his top. Who are you to call me Old Lui? But the investors are with them, and he cannot say anything. He faked a smile and said. "We are going to the shooting range. We should get going. Chief Dong, let's chat another day." He does not want to be anywhere close to Dong Xuebing now, but what Dong Xuebing said next almost caused him to vomit blood.

Dong Xuebing slapped his thigh suddenly and exclaimed. "What a coincidence! I am on my way there too!"

Bullshit! Lui Dafa's face is turning black slowly. "Why are you going there?"

"Target practice." Dong Xuebing replied shamelessly and wrap his arm around Lui Dafa's shoulder again. "Old Lui, since it is on the way, I will give you a ride."

Lui, Dafa replied. "I drove here!"

Dong Xuebing ignored him and walked towards the carpark with his arm around his shoulder. "You don't need to be so polite. Just leave your car here. Let's take my car over!"

Hu Silian stole a glance at Mayor Xie and said. "Chief Dong, you are…"

Dong Xuebing feigned ignorance. "What is it? Secretary Hu."

Hu Silian doesn't know Dong Xuebing will do this and regretted telling him the restaurant's address. She quickly gave Dong Xuebing some hints with her eyes. "We are going there to discuss work… you…" Hu Silian is afraid that Mayor Xie and the investors will be angry.

Dong Xuebing replied. "Discussion about work? That's right. We must ensure the safety of the investors. Secretary Hu, you can leave this to me!"

Hu Silian was at a loss of words.

As Hu Silian and Dong Xuebing were speaking, Lui Dafa pushed Dong Xuebing's arm away and walked quickly to his car.

But Dong Xuebing's reaction is fast. He immediately grabbed Lui Dafa by his shoulders again and said. "Old Lui, my car has parked that side. Where are you going?"

Lui Dafa is old and had been sitting in the office for many years. He is not as fit as Dong Xuebing and was forcefully pushed into the car. Lui Dafa had never seen anyone so thick skin. Mayor Xie is around, and she did not say she will bring you along, yet you just shamelessly tag along? Are you seeking death?!

On the other side, Zhou Zi asked. "Who is that?"

Hu Silian replied softly. "He is Deputy Chief Dong, from our County's Public Security Bureau."

Hou Zi was surprised. "So young?" Dong Xuebing looks like he is five to six years younger than him.

At this time, Toyota and BMW arrived at the entrance. Dong Xuebing also drove up to the two investors and opened the door for them to get in. He had become one of the County's government staff that receive guests. But the Public Security has nothing to do with getting investments for the County.

But the Mercedes MPV pulls up beside them, Hou Zi was stunned. He couldn't believe their eyes.

Zhou Zi was speechless. They had been traveling all over China and met lots of people in different cities. But they have not met anyone from the Public Security that dares to drive a Mercedes Benz so openly. They could tell that this is not a domestic produced Mercedes. This is the top range of Mercedes Benz and costs at least 1.5 million. Damn! This young man is brave enough to drive this car in front of the Mayor!

Suddenly, Hou Zi's body stiffens up.

Zhou Zi asked softly. "What's wrong?"

Hou Zi said. "Look at his hand."

"His hand? What's wrong?"

"Look at what he is wearing."

Zhou Zi looked at Dong Xuebing's wrist and froze!

Patek Philippe! This Public Security Deputy Bureau Chief is wearing a Patek Philippe watch! Lui Dafa might not know about this brand or its value, but Hou Zi and Zhou Zi are aware of it. This Patek Philippe should be the real deal, and it should cost slightly more than the Mercedes, Dong Xuebing is driving. That is a watch worth close to two million! After that, they saw the jade Qilin pendant hanging on Dong Xuebing's waist and were speechless.

Damn!

Is this guy working for the government?

What Dong Xuebing is wearing is worth several million, and he looks wealthier than them!

Zhou Zi and Hou Zi immediately know Chief Dong is not any other Deputy Bureau Chief of the Public Security and is not someone ordinary. They discussed among themselves and said something to Wei Nan. After that, they boarded Dong Xuebing's Mercedes. They seem to be interested in Dong Xuebing, and Wei Nan frowned. Wei Nan drove up beside the Toyota and said something to Xie Huilan, before leading the way.

The BMW is in front, followed by the Toyota, and the Mercedes Benz MPV is at the back.

The shooting range is located near the borders of Yan Tai County, and the traveling time is around thirty minutes.

On the way, Zhou Zi and Hou Zi were sitting behind Dong Xuebing, and they introduced themselves. They gave Dong Xuebing their name cards, and Lui Dafa was introducing Yan Tai County beside them. But Zhou Zi and Hou Zi were not interested in what Lui Dafa's introduction. They had heard what they wanted and visited the places they wanted to see. Now, it is up to the local government's terms. That's why no matter what Lui Dafa says is meaningless to them.

Dong Xuebing did not say much and was staring at Xie Huilan's back view in the Toyota in front of him.

"Chief Dong…" Someone called from his back.

Dong Xuebing turns around. "Huh? What is it?"

Zhou Zi said. "This is a good car. R500I. Top of its range."

"Ah… this belongs to a friend of mine, and I had borrowed it." This is the usual excuse used by Dong Xuebing.

Hou Zi looked at Dong Xuebing's watch and asked. "Don't tell me that you had borrowed your watch too? Patek Philippe! Zhou Zi and I had seen this watch at an auction some time ago. It is a model similar to yours. It should cost at least 1.8 million, right?" Zhou Zi and Hou Zi were just curious about Dong Xuebing.

Lui Dafa got shocked!

Dong Xuebing shook his hand. "It's fake. I bought it on Taobao at around 1,800 RMB."

Lui Dafa looked at Dong Xuebing's watch and did a double-take.

Zhou Zi and Hou Zi exchanged looks and smiled. Fake? How is this possible?! They can tell whether if it is fake or genuine at a glance easily!