Power and Wealth

Two days later.

Chengguan Police Station.

Early in the morning, around 8 a.m.

In the specially assigned duty room for Dong Xuebing, he had already gotten up early, freshened up, packed his luggage, and tidied his clothes. After arranging everything neatly, he spent some time in front of the mirror to ensure he looked presentable. Only after confirming everything was in order did Dong Xuebing leave the room with his luggage. Today was the official reporting day, as Dong Xuebing’s appointment letter stated. After staying at the police station for a few days, handling the necessary tasks, and making the necessary expressions, Dong Xuebing headed to the city to do his official duties. He didn’t know what others thought, but Dong Xuebing was quite satisfied with how things had gone before his formal appointment. It had been an interesting experience, and although the effects were still unknown, it was, after all, an attempt.

He was leaving.

Heading to the city for the official report.

Dong Xuebing walked into the courtyard with his luggage.

As soon as he stepped outside, he noticed that Chang Lin, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee and Director of the Public Security Bureau, was already waiting in the courtyard. It was unclear how long he had been there. Dong Xuebing had made it clear more than once over the past few days that he was not officially appointed yet and would not meet any county leaders or officials. However, due to the recent incident, Chang Lin, as a county committee member, was the only one who could meet and communicate with Dong Xuebing. They had shared several meals and drinks over the past few days, all prepared by Dong Xuebing, so their relationship had become a bit closer. Dong Xuebing had learned a bit about the situation in Jiaolin County from Chang Lin. He had a rough understanding by now.

“Secretary Dong,” Chang Lin immediately approached.

Chang Lin replied, “I heard you are reporting to the city today. Since the transportation isn’t very convenient and we can’t let you take a long-distance bus, I specially arranged a car for you.”

Dong Xuebing politely declined, “No need. I can go by myself. There are cars in the city as well.”

Chang Lin insisted, “How can that be? I’ve already called the driver. Once you arrive, he will return, and then you can come with the city car.”

Dong Xuebing thought for a moment and agreed, “Alright then.”

Chang Lin noticed Dong Xuebing’s luggage and quickly took it, saying, “Let me handle your luggage. I’ll have someone arrange to send it to the staff compound.”

Dong Xuebing hesitated, “It’s not necessary. Let’s leave it.”

Chang Lin firmly took the luggage. “You don’t need to be so polite with me. It’s just a small favor.”

Dong Xuebing couldn’t refuse and accepted Chang Lin’s kindness. He then got into the car.

Forty minutes later.

The car exited the highway and arrived in Baohong City.

Dong Xuebing had seen Baohong City when coming from the provincial capital. The view from the highway was limited, and he couldn’t see it in full. Now that he had entered the city, he found that Baohong City was not significantly different from Jiaolin County. Although it was somewhat better regarding urban development, people, and environment, the difference was insignificant. After all, this was not a wealthy place. Local people might notice some distinctions, but to Dong Xuebing, it seemed pretty similar. He wasn’t disappointed, as he had prepared for this. Moreover, he came here not to focus on the environment but to achieve a deputy department-level position. Therefore, Dong Xuebing was not particularly concerned even if the environment was lacking. He had worked in national-level impoverished counties before and did not mind the conditions too much.

Baohong City.

City Party Committee compound.

The car arrived and stopped at the entrance.

Without any luggage, Dong Xuebing grabbed his bag and pushed open the car door. He said to the driver, “Thank you very much. You can go back now.”

The driver respectfully replied, “I’ll wait for you.”

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, "No need. There are cars in the city to take me."

The driver hesitated for a moment. "Well, alright. I'll head back now."

Dong Xuebing responded, "Alright then, drive safely and have a good trip."

The driver felt that Dong Xuebing was too polite. He wasn’t used to such courteousness, and after some awkward mumbling of thanks, Dong Xuebing got out of the car. Ŕ

The driver waited until Dong Xuebing had entered the compound before driving back.

In the compound.

As soon as Dong Xuebing entered, he was stopped by the security guard.

The guard, likely unfamiliar with Dong Xuebing, said, "Please register. Who are you looking for?"

Dong Xuebing replied calmly, "I’m going to the Organization Department."

"Please register first." The guard handed him a registration book.

Dong Xuebing was not upset and wrote his name in the book.

The guard glanced at the name and was momentarily stunned. "Dong Xuebing, you’re the new county party secretary from Jiaolin County?"

Dong Xuebing nodded, "That’s me."

"I’m sorry. Please come in." The guard immediately said.

Dong Xuebing asked, "Which building is the Organization Department in?"

The guard pointed, "That building over there, on the third floor."

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, "Alright, thank you."

"You’re welcome." The guard looked at him once more before leaving.

Dong Xuebing followed the directions, entered the building, and descended the stairs. The building was quite old, likely having been around for several decades. The walls were painted in an outdated green, giving it a shabby look. As he climbed the stairs, Dong Xuebing found the Organization Department’s floor, as indicated by the sign.

A staff member was walking towards him. Upon seeing him, she stopped and asked, "Who are you looking for?"

Dong Xuebing replied, "I’m looking for your minister."

The woman frowned slightly. "You’re looking for the minister because…"

Dong Xuebing explained, "I’m Dong Xuebing, here to report to the Organization Department."

The woman’s eyes widened in recognition. After a few seconds, she said, "I know you. However, the minister is out on business today and may not return. If you’re here to report, you should find Minister Ma. His office is down this corridor, the third room on the right."

Dong Xuebing said, "Alright, thank you."

"You’re welcome." The woman glanced at him again before walking away.

Dong Xuebing proceeded to the indicated office. He saw the door with the sign for the Executive Deputy Minister of the Organization Department and knocked lightly.

Knock knock.

A male voice from inside said, "Come in."

Dong Xuebing opened the door and entered. "Hello, Minister Ma."

Ma Wei looked up at him with a puzzled expression. "You are…"

Ma Wei was in his early forties, looking youthful without the typical beer belly or baldness seen in some leaders. He was thin, with neatly trimmed hair and a few wrinkles on his face, hinting at his age.

Dong Xuebing said, "I’m Dong Xuebing, here to report to the Organization Department."

Ma Wei’s face lit up with understanding. He stood up and said, "Hello, I’ve been waiting for you."

Seeing Ma Wei extend his hand, Dong Xuebing shook it, opting for a two-handed handshake out of respect. Although Ma Wei’s rank was slightly higher, it was still above his own. While Dong Xuebing had a naturally carefree demeanor, he presented himself with dignity.

Ma Wei studied him for a moment.

After a brief introduction, Dong Xuebing handed over his appointment letter to Ma Wei.

Ma Wei opened the document and nodded, "The minister is out on business today. Since you're starting today, I'll take you down myself."

Dong Xuebing smiled, "Alright, thank you, Minister Ma."

Ma Wei said, "No need to be polite. Do you need help with your luggage?"

Dong Xuebing replied, "No, I came a few days ago and have already been to Jiaolin County. My luggage is over there. I only have this briefcase with me."

Ma Wei said, "That makes things easier. Please wait a moment while I finish up here and arrange for a car."

Dong Xuebing responded, "Alright, you go ahead. There's no rush."

Dong Xuebing settled comfortably on the guest sofa, not playing with his phone, maintaining a composed demeanor. He poured himself a cup of hot water and drank it slowly. From Ma Wei's gaze, Dong Xuebing could tell that the city was likely aware of the issues he’d stirred up in Jiaolin County. Ma Wei's eyes were somewhat strange, and he studied Dong Xuebing for quite a while.

Dong Xuebing also gathered another insight. It seemed that the city was not warmly welcoming his appointment.

One clue was the absence of the Organization Department minister. Even when Dong Xuebing’s rank was lower in the past, he had always been accompanied by a top official upon his appointment. This not only showed basic respect but also conveyed an attitude. Dong Xuebing’s appointment date had been set half a month ago, so the local area must have known about it, and the Organization Department should have received advance notice. Even the guard knew Dong Xuebing's name, so it was unlikely that the minister wasn’t aware. The fact that the minister was away at this time indicated a lack of respect for Dong Xuebing. It was as if they didn’t want to accompany him or interact with him, reflecting a deliberate attitude. Dong Xuebing didn’t believe that the minister had urgent business; such things in the system are subtle signals, and actions are often purposeful. In politics, sometimes people don't show consideration as in daily life because certain behaviors are intentionally displayed.

As for why, Dong Xuebing had a rough idea.

This was the territory of the Fang family. Last time, Fang Ping had already warned Dong Xuebing. With Dong Xuebing coming to office, the Fang family’s loyalists would be aware. Someone likely had given instructions, resulting in Dong Xuebing receiving a cold reception from the Organization Department on his first day. This clearly indicated that the provincial and municipal authorities were not welcoming him and foreshadowed that Dong Xuebing would face difficulties in his future work.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om