Power and Wealth

The next day.

In the morning,

The sun had risen, but its rays didn’t penetrate the room. The sunlight was still low, typical of winter, and there was no warmth to be felt at all.

Dong Xuebing was staying on the second floor. After waking up, he checked the time; it was still early. However, he didn’t have breakfast at home. After washing up, he dressed and went out. He came down just as it was eight o’clock, the time he had arranged with his driver, Xiao Wang. But when he got downstairs, he noticed that Xiao Wang’s car was already parked there. He didn’t know how long it had been there, but Xiao Wang was intently watching the corridor of Dong Xuebing’s building. As soon as he saw Dong Xuebing come out, Xiao Wang quickly got out of the car to greet him, then walked around to open the car door for Dong Xuebing, holding it respectfully.

“After you, sir.”

“You’re early.”

“No, I just arrived, too.”

“Ha ha, let’s grab some breakfast first.”

“Sure, let’s go to that place on the west side of the county committee compound.”

After getting in the car, Xiao Wang drove out of the neighborhood, taking Dong Xuebing to a breakfast stand. This wasn’t just any roadside stall; it was a reasonably legitimate setup with a storefront. Warm steam wafted out, carrying the delicious smell of buns.

Dong Xuebing got out of the car.

But the driver, Xiao Wang, didn’t move.

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, “Come on, Xiao Wang, let’s eat together.”

Xiao Wang hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly replied, “Alright,” and got out to follow Dong Xuebing inside.

This was near the county committee compound, and a few civil servants from the government were also there for breakfast. As soon as they saw Dong Xuebing, they recognized him and stole a few glances but didn’t greet him. They felt their rank was too low to approach him.

Dong Xuebing noticed this but said nothing. He and Xiao Wang casually sat at a table, called over a waiter, and ordered breakfast.

After eating, Dong Xuebing returned to the office.

At 8:40 AM.

Inside the county committee compound, in the secretary’s office.

When Dong Xuebing entered, Su Yan was already there, sweeping the office with a broom. Looking towards the desk, Dong Xuebing noticed that Su Yan had moved all his belongings, and everything was spread out on the desk in the outer office. He was already in work mode. РАɴＯꞖĘṦ

As soon as the door opened, Su Yan heard it and turned to look. “Good morning, Secretary Dong.”

Dong Xuebing smiled, “Good morning. Why are you busy sweeping the floor? Isn’t there a cleaning staff for that?”

Su Yan chuckled awkwardly, “I had nothing to do, so I just swept a bit.”

Dong Xuebing nodded slightly. “Did the newspapers arrive?”

“Yes, today’s morning edition.” Su Yan immediately put down the broom, turned around, and handed Dong Xuebing several prepared newspapers, “One from our county, one from the city, and one from the province.”

Dong Xuebing replied with a nod. “Any important news?”

Su Yan said, “I skimmed through them; nothing much.”

Dong Xuebing said, “Alright, I’ll return to my office. If anyone looks for me, let them in if they should, inform me of anything important, and keep out those who shouldn’t come in. You can decide how to handle it.” Dong Xuebing realized he couldn’t teach Su Yan every detail or specific task; it was up to Su Yan to figure things out. Moreover, when he comprehended things independently, he would remember them more vividly. Dong Xuebing had learned this way himself.

Su Yan appeared a bit pressured. “Understood.”

Dong Xuebing smiled at her and said, “Don’t be so nervous. Just keep the same mindset you usually have at work. There will always be an adjustment period. Don’t worry; I won't criticize you even if you make a mistake. Hehe.” After saying that, he turned and entered the inner office, closing the door behind him.

Inside the room.

Once seated and putting his things in order, Dong Xuebing picked up the newspapers. The county and city morning editions reported on his appointment, featuring a somewhat silly photo of him from his ID card. He wasn’t too satisfied with it. As for other news, Dong Xuebing didn’t see anything particularly important, so he tossed the newspapers aside. After checking the time, he casually looked through some documents and files Meng Hanmei had given him yesterday.

Five minutes passed.

Then ten.

No one had come to see him.

Dong Xuebing glanced at the clock again, and his eyes narrowed. He increasingly sensed an uncomfortable atmosphere regarding the situation in the county. Everyone seemed indifferent to his appointment, merely watching and waiting for the situation to evolve, without any proactive moves. Dong Xuebing understood this; the city or province didn’t welcome him, he was young, and his personality wasn’t the best. Plus, he had gotten into trouble in his first days in Jiaolin County, so it was natural for everyone to have their reservations. From any angle, County Mayor Zhang Dongfang held a significant advantage. Therefore, apart from Meng Hanmei, not everyone had come to express their stance or intentions regarding Dong Xuebing.

With this thought, Dong Xuebing chuckled. He had made plans yesterday but hadn’t anticipated the situation's complexity. This only strengthened his resolve.

Knock, knock.

Someone was at the door.

Dong Xuebing said, “Come in.”

Su Yan opened the door and peeked in. “Director Meng is looking for you.” Seeing Dong Xuebing nod, Su Yan stepped aside to let Meng Hanmei in.

“Secretary,” Meng Hanmei said.

Dong Xuebing replied with an “Mm-hmm,” prompting her, “What’s up?”

Meng Hanmei said, “The proposal for the deputy director of the county committee office has gone through the organization department. When do you plan to hold the county committee meeting? This proposal needs to be discussed in the standing committee.”

Dong Xuebing tapped his fingers on the desk and suddenly smiled. “There's no time like the present. Let’s hold it today—right now. Sister Meng, please notify everyone that we’ll convene the county committee meeting at ten this morning.”

Meng Hanmei was taken aback. “That’s in an hour!”

Dong Xuebing replied matter-of-factly, “Yes, just go notify them. Don’t mention anything else; say I want to greet everyone on my first day at work.”

Upon hearing this, Meng Hanmei understood that other matters were likely involved. Telling others it was to greet them implied there was more behind it. She hadn’t expected Dong Xuebing to call a standing committee meeting today. At least he should get familiar with the work and the situation before joining such a meeting. Even if a meeting was necessary, it could have been a casual get-together or a private chat with some county leaders he could contact for a preliminary discussion.

It felt too abrupt to dive straight into a standing committee meeting. Meng Hanmei thought it was too sudden and lacked preparation.

But Dong Xuebing's smiling expression indicated that he had already decided.

So, Meng Hanmei didn’t say anything further. She responded, hesitated momentarily, and slowly walked out to notify the other county leaders.

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