Power and Wealth

by Stayrr

An accident let him have a special ability to turn back time up to 1 minute. When he said the wrong things in front of his leader, he was able to return back to 1 minute before to correct what he said. During jade stone gambling and there was no jade inside, he turns back time to pick another stone. When the woman he likes met an accident, he can return back to 1 minute before to s

14. 401

Power and Wealth #Chapter 401 – Left the borders! - Read Power and Wealth Chapter 401 – Left the borders! Online - All Page - Novel Next

Chapter 401 – Left the borders!

10 AM.

Xie Jing's apartment.

Dong Xuebing looks at Xie Jing in the messy room, who was not giving up and searching for the safe, and Xie Hao, who was cursing and swearing. He took a deep breath and stopped them from destroying the evidence. It's useless to say anything now, and they must call the Police immediately. Xie Jing reached for her phone in her pocket and called a friend who is a police officer. After that, the three of them went downstairs to wait for the Police in Dong Xuebing's car.

In the Mercedes MPV.

Xie Jing's head was almost on her chest. "It's all my fault! Why did I borrow the Buddha statue in the first place?! I..."

Dong Xuebing consoled. "Don't be anxious. Let's wait for the Police to collect the fingerprints. Maybe we can still get it back."

"It's impossible!" Xie Jing knew it was too late. "Those clothes on the floor are covered with a layer of dust. The burglar must have stolen it at least two weeks ago. It's too late for us to do anything. Even if the burglar had not escaped, he would have also sold the statue. How are we going to get it back?! I... it's all my fault! How am I going to face my Aunt?"

"Second Sis." Xie Hao said. "Our Aunt has a good temper, and she will not blame you."

Xie Jing covered her face and cried. "That's a gift from our grandfather to her, and it's not any other antique! It's different."

Xie Hao waved his fist in anger. "That damn bastard! Should we... tell Aunt now?"

"Madam Han's health is not very good. I think we should not let her know first." Dong Xuebing took a deep breath. "Let's wait and see if we can get it back with the clues from the Police first."

Xie Jing had her palms together and prayed towards the sky.

After a while, the Police arrived. There are six to seven officers in uniform and a few crime scene officers. Xie Jing saw the officers and quickly bring them upstairs. The Police had sent so many officers is because this is a big case. Not only is this the Xie Family's family heirloom, but it is also worth over ten million, and it's a Tier two cultural relic!

After half an hour, the Police got the findings.

There are markings on the floor indicating that the safe had been dragged happened at least twenty days ago. The criminal did not leave any fingerprints and should be an experienced burglar with gloves. The Police did not even find a shoe print or other DNA samples. The only clue is a CCTV footage from twenty days ago. A tall skinny man had carried a heavy object covered in cloth out of the building. His face was captured, but it was not very clear. The Police's team leader promised he will do his best to catch this guy and made a few calls to get other departments to assist.

Now, there's no way for them to hide this matter.

Xie Jing clenched her teeth and called her father Xie Guoliang. "Dad..."

Dong Xuebing and Xie Hao are standing not far away and could hear the laughter on the other line. "Haha... Xie Jing ah? Are you coming back for dinner today?"

"I... I..."

"Huh? What's wrong?"

Xie Jing's eyes turned red, and she told her father about the stolen Buddha statue.

Xie Guoliang is the second son of the Xie Family and is currently the Finance Ministry's First Deputy Minister. He has a good temper, unlike his elder brother, Xie Guobang. He always wears a smile on his face, but this time, he lost his temper and started scolding his daughter. "Why did not borrow that Buddha statue from your Aunt?! Ah?! Why didn't you tell me about this earlier? You! Do you know how important that Buddha statue is to your grandfather? Several decades ago, your grandfather killed two Japanese soldiers who tried to snatch this statue from him. This is how he joined the resistance force and got to where he is now. You... I am speechless! You should know how important this statue is to your Aunt!"

Xie Jing knew she had got herself in deep trouble and sobbed.

Xie Hao could not stand it. He and Xie Jing might always be bickering, but they are very close. He snatched the phone from Xie Jing. "Second Uncle. Stop scolding my Second Sis. What should we do now?"

"You all don't interfere in this. I will get someone to investigate. Also, don't tell your Aunt about this first!" Xie Guoliang hung up.

Xie Guoliang is worried. He knew how important this statue is to his Sister-in-law. So, he immediately calls his elder brother, Xie Guobang, to inform him about this incident before calling an old friend.

The second generation of the Xie Family has more weight than Xie Jing and Xie Hao. After a while, another group of Public Security Officers arrived to investigate this case. Dong Xuebing thought they are officers from the City Bureau or the District Station initially. But after he spoke to them, he found out that they are from the Central Public Security. It's been twenty days, and if the burglar is not an idiot, he would have gone into hiding in other provinces. Having the Central Public Security Officers investigating this case will make it easier to coordinate between Provinces and cities. Once they got a suspect, they can order the Public Security Bureaus under them to look out for him.

"Xiao Jing, let's go and have lunch first."

Xie Jing had been standing downstairs for two hours, and it's almost 12 PM. Dong Xuebing dragged her into the car and drove them to a nearby restaurant.

The food was served, but Xie Jing did not take a single bite. She continued to stare at the ceiling in a daze.

Dong Xuebing saw her and loses his appetite.

Xie Hao threw his chopsticks on the table. "If I get that bastard, I will f*king kill him! How dare he steal from our house?!"

Dong Xuebing replied. "Leave it to the Public Security. I hope they can find out the culprit soon."

Since Lunar New Year until now, Dong Xuebing had been saving his power. He will not use BACK or STOP unless necessary. He checked his MENU and had accumulated more than 40 minutes now. But the break-in happened twenty days ago, and there's nothing he can do. He felt terrible as he still owes Xie Jing a favor, and the Buddha statue belongs to Xie Huilan's mother. He wants to help badly but doesn't know how.

One hour...

Two hours...

Three hours...

The three of them sat in the restaurant and waited. The food is still in front of them, but they did not eat much.

Ring... ring... ring... Xie Jing's phone rang.

They had been waiting for this call, and Xie Jing quickly answered. "Hello, Dad?!"

Xie Guoliang said. "It is impossible to get it back now. Don't interfere in it now. I will speak to your Aunt."

Xie Jing's face turned pale. "What happened? Is the burglar caught?"

Dong Xuebing and Xie Hao were stunned as they were listening to Xie Jing's conversation.

Xie Guoliang replied. "I had asked someone to investigate. The local Police recognized this person. He is called Wang Dongran, and was arrested ten days ago in a neighboring province for theft."

Xie Jing asked anxiously. "Since he is arrested, what about the statue?"

"He was arrested for break-in and stealing cash and pieces of jewelry and did not admit to other cases. Two hours ago, the local Police questioned him again. He admitted to breaking into our house and stole a safe and 2,000 RMB. After that, he used tools to cut the safe open in a friend's house. They took the Buddha statue from the safe, but they don't know the market value. So, they sold it to a Japanese businessman through the black market for 100,000 RMB. We don't know what methods that Japanese businessman used, but the statue had been smuggled to Japan."

The Xie Family is resourceful. Within a few hours, they found out so many things. The Buddha Statue is now in Japan and is confirmed to be in their Tokyo National Museum. That Japanese businessman had bought the statue for 100,000 RMB and donated it to the museum.

Xie Jing panicked. "Since the statue is in Tokyo, can we contact them to get it back?"

"Your Eldest Uncle had already contacted them, but you must be prepared. The odds are slim."

After hanging up, Xie Jing said in a daze. "My Dad says the item is in Tokyo National Museum now, and the hopes of getting it back are slim.

Dong Xuebing and Xie Hao were stunned to know the statue is overseas now.

Xie Hao is furious. "F*k! We cannot get it back even when we know it is in the museum? That's a stolen relic! Even our Foreign Affairs cannot get it back?! The Embassy can send someone to get it back!"

Xie Jing covered her face and sobbed.

Dong Xuebing knew this is much worse than not knowing the location of the stolen statue. Although the Xie Family is influential, their influence is limited to within the borders. Once it involves two nations, they might not get it back even if it is a stolen good. There are lots of cases of foreigners committing crimes in China and escaping overseas. How many of them are repatriated to China? Most of them are still scot-free overseas. The local Police are not doing anything, let alone this statue was donated to Tokyo Museum by a Japanese businessman. Japan had robbed lots of National Relics from China in the past. How many of these items had been returned? It will be the same this time!

But the three of them still hoped for the best.

At around 5 PM, Xie Guoliang called Xie Jing again. "We had contacted the Museum, and they refused to return the statue!" He sounded angry.

Xie Jing bit her lower lips. "That means we cannot get it back?"

"... Yes. There's nothing we can do."

"But..."

"Xiao Jing, I will go over to your Aunt's place to apologize first. You go over later."

"Dad! Let me speak to Aunt..."

"That's final! I will speak to her first!"

Xie Hao heard it and cursed. "Those Japanese had stolen our items and still dare to refuse to return it to use?! Bastards!"

Dong Xuebing's face also changed. Damn!

Translator's notes: Lol... Another racist arc.

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Chapter 402 – Prepared to risk everything!

Evening. The sky is turning dark. Dong Xuebing drove Xie Jing and Xie Hao towards Beijing City Party Committee Family Quarters. 1 KM... 2 KM... 3 KM... the further they drove, the paler Xie Jing got. His father had arrived, and Han Jing should know the statue was stolen now. Xie Jing can't imagine how Han Jing will react after finding out about this.

Ring... ring... ring... Xie Jing's phone rang.

Xie Jing quickly answered. "Dad, what did my Aunt... What?! Why did this happen?!"

Xie Hao panicked as he senses something was wrong. "What happened?"

"Where is she now?" Xie Jing ignored Xie Hao and continued to ask over the phone. After that, she hung up and shouted. "Brother Dong! Go to 305 Military Hospital now! Quick! My Aunt... her high blood pressure acted again and is in an ambulance now!"

Dong Xuebing's face changed, and they quickly make a U-turn, ignoring the traffic rules.

40 minutes later.

Military Hospital.

Han Jing's condition had been stabilized and is now on a drip in a single person ward. Beijing City's Party Secretary Xie Guobang, Finance Ministry Deputy Minister Xie Guoliang, Xie Ran, and Xie Hao's mother, Ci Lifen, are there. Dong Xuebing, Xie Jing, and Xie Hao immediately ask about Han Jing's condition when they arrived and are relieved to know she is no longer in danger. Xie Jing leaned against the wall and sobbed.

At this time, Xie Ran walks out from the ward. "Xiao Jing."

"Brother..." Xie Jing sobbed. "It's all my fault. I..."

Xie Ran sighed. "Don't bring this up again. Aunt asked you all to go in."

After Xie Jing and Xie Hao entered the ward, Dong Xuebing asked Xie Ran softly. "Does Huilan knows about this?"

Xie Ran shook his head. "We had wanted to call Big Sis, but my Aunt says she is busy with work and refused to let us inform her. Oh, Brother Dong, my Aunt wants to see you."

Dong Xuebing nodded and greeted Xie Guobang, Xie Guoliang, and the rest before entering the ward.

In the ward, Xie Jing is standing beside the bed, crying.

Han Jing, who is very pale, had a smile on her face. She pulled Xie Jing closer and asked her to sit. "Foolish girl. How old are you? Why are you still crying? Do you think you are still a kid? Huh? Haha... I am fine and will be out of the hospital tomorrow after completing the drip. Stop crying."

Xie Jing heard that and cried louder. "Aunt, the Buddha statue... I..."

Han Jing patted the back of Xie Jing's hand. "Since it had happened, just let it go. This means I am not fated to own the Buddha statue. It's not your fault."

"Aunt..."

"Hehe... it's a small matter. Stop crying over it."

Xie Guoliang, who was standing near the door, said. "Sister-in-law, Xiao Jing..."

"It's none of your business. Step aside." Han Jing interrupted sternly and gave him a stare. After that, she smiled at Xie Jing and held her hands gently. "Stop crying, or I will be angry. Wipe your tears now. This is not your fault. If your parents scold you for this, let me know. I will not let them off. Haha..."

Dong Xuebing was surprised. Han Jing doesn't mind about the Buddha statue? How is this possible? If she doesn't mind about it, she will not be in the hospital after knowing the statue was smuggled to Japan. She is saying this to make Xie Jing feel better. People from reputable families are different. Not everyone can be as gracious as Han Jing, and Dong Xuebing knows he can never reach her level. The more he knows about Madam Han, the more he understands why she can get so much respect within the Xie Family. Xie Guoliang and the younger generation respect her. Even Senior Xie gave her the Xie Family's heirloom. This is not only because Xie Guobang is the eldest son.

"Xiao Bing, you are here?" Han Jing looks at him.

Dong Xuebing stepped forward. "Aunty."

Han Jing nodded. "I should not have let you all come and visit me. I am fine. Don't worry about me. Oh, don't let Huilan know about this."

What else can Dong Xuebing say, other than nodding and agreeing to her request?

But the next moment, Xie Huilan called Dong Xuebing on his phone.

"My mother is sick? How is her condition?"

"She is on a drip, and the doctor says she is not in danger. How did you know about this?" Dong Xuebing asked and felt stupid to ask this question. Xie Huilan's roots are in Beijing, and how can she not know about it? Someone would have told her.

Han Jing looks at Dong Xuebing. "Is it Huilan? Give me the phone. I will speak to her."

Dong Xuebing passed the phone to Han Jing.

After speaking over the phone for a while, Han Jing hangs up. "Huilan insists on coming back and is already on her way. Sigh... I had said I am fine."

Xie Jing stopped crying. "Aunt, I know how important the Buddha statue is to you. I will think of ways to get it back. I will get Xin Hua News Agency overseas branch to contact the Museum. If they refuse to return, we will report it on the newspaper!"

Han Jing gently replied. "Your Eldest Uncle had already contacted them, but the museum refused to cooperate."

"Let me try. I will get it back no matter..."

Han Jing also wants to get it back. To her, this statue is not only a relic worth over 10 million RMB. It also symbolized Senior Xie's recognition of her. It is the Xie Family's heirloom, and she remembered what Senior Xie said when he handed the statue to her on her wedding day. Senior Xie had not given the statue to his eldest son or second son but instead gave it to her. From then onwards, Han Jing valued this statue higher than her life and prayed to it every day.

But now, it's gone.

The statue is now in Japan.

When Han Jing heard what happened, her mind goes blank.

Senior Xie had joined the resistance force against the Japanese because of this Buddha statue and had protected it for decades. But now, Han Jing had lost it and even let the Japanese get it. She felt ashamed to face Senior Xie again!

Half an hour earlier, Han Jing had called Senior Xie after her condition stabilized and told him what happened.

Han Jing hoped Senior Xie will scold her.

But Senior Xie only replied, "I know," and hangs up.

Han Jing knew Senior Xie is disappointed with her and almost cried. But her husband, Guoliang, Xie Ran, and the rest are around, and she held back her tears. She is the Eldest Sister-in-law of the family, and she cannot shed a tear even if the sky collapsed.

Dong Xuebing knew Madam Han was putting on a brave front and pulled Xie Ran and Xie Jing aside. "Let Madam Han rest."

Xie Jing nodded and pulled up the Han Jing's blanket before leaving the ward with Dong Xuebing.

Xie Guobang and Xie Guoliang are no longer outside. Xie Hao's mother, Ci Lifeng, said they are calling the Museum again to negotiate with them.

Xie Jing also took out her phone to call her agency. She wants to exert pressure on the Museum through the newspaper agency.

Half an hour passed...

One hour passed...

The replies from all sides are the same. The National Museum refused to return the statue, and their reply made all of them mad. The Museum refuses to admit it is a stolen good and made it sound like the statue is from Japan. Their attitude is firm, and even Xin Hua Agency and the Embassy are useless!

That stupid burglar did not know about the statue's value and sold a Second-Tier cultural relic for 100,000 RMB!

But the Japanese National Museum should know the value of it. They should know this statue has high historical and economic value, and that's why they refuse to return it!

Damn!

Dong Xuebing is furious!

After negotiating for so long and exerting so much pressure, it is still useless. Everyone knows it is impossible to get it back.

Xie Guobang and Xie Guoliang did not say anything now.

Xie Jing hit her own arms angrily. Are we giving them the Buddha statue just like this?

When Xie Huilan arrived at the hospital, Xie Guobang and the rest had left.

In the ward, Han Jing forced a smile when facing Xie Huilan. She chided her for rushing back. But other than Han Jing, no one in the ward is smiling. The ward felt depressing, and Han Jing held Xie Huilan's hand with a smile. "I am fine. All of you should go back too. Since the statue is gone, just let it be. Stop thinking about it."

Xie Huilan narrowed her eyes. "Should I seek help?"

"It's useless. Just forget about it." Han Jing replied.

Xie Huilan sighed. She knew it is impossible to get back the statue after it was smuggled to Japan.

Dong Xuebing cannot stand seeing women suffer. When he saw Xie Huilan, Xiao Jing, and Madam Han's facial expressions, he felt terrible. These Japanese bastards! How dare you all mess with me?! Damn! Since we cannot get it back legally, and they refused to return it... Fine! I will risk my everything to get it back!

Dong Xuebing suppressed his anger and left the hospital without telling anyone. He took out his phone in his car and called Western District State Security Bureau's Deputy Chief Xu Yan. He skipped the pleasantries and said directly. "Chief Xu, I have an emergency now. Can you help me settle my passport? I need to fly to Japan urgently tonight."

"Tonight? Is it that urgent?"

"Yes. I still need some Yen."

Xu Yan paused for around five seconds and replied. "Alright. I will get someone to settle this for you. Wait for my call!"

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Chapter 403 – Museum

10 pm. Beijing International Airport.

It's a starry night.

Dong Xuebing is chain-smoking in front of the terminal building while waiting. Lesser people are departing at this hour, and mostly are arrival passengers. Passengers are walking past him with their luggage. Some are from tour groups, businessmen, and some are here to visit relatives.

At this time, a black Hyundai Elantra with a civilian registration number plate stopped in front of the terminal building.

Dong Xuebing saw the car and snubbed his cigarette before boarding the front passenger seat.

"Chief Dong. It's been a while since we met." The driver is Beijing State Security Western District Bureau's Sixth Division Deputy Chief, Old Qian. Dong Xuebing is quite close with him when he was still in the General Affairs Office. Dong Xuebing had also helped him when he wrongly arrested the City Bureau Chief Jiang's relative.

Dong Xuebing forced a smile when he saw his former colleague. "Old Qian, why did you come personally?"

"How can I not treat this seriously?" Old Qian knew Dong Xuebing is in a rush and did not waste time. He took out a passport and some items from his bag. "This is specially approved by Chief Xu and had not gone through other departments because there's not enough time. This is using our State Security internal paperwork, but the passport looks the same as other passports. Take it."

Dong Xuebing took it and nodded.

"This is 100,000 Yen and an air ticket. The money is from Chief Xu... Haha..." Old Qian looks at his watch and quickly said. "Oh, your flight is departing soon. It is a delayed flight and was supposed to depart at 9 pm. But there was a delay in its arrival, and its departure is postponed until now. Your ticket is last minute as there is an empty seat in the economy class. I had already spoken to the airlines, and you better hurry up, or you will miss it. I will arrange for your return flight. Just call me when you are about to come back."

Dong Xuebing quickly keeps the passport and money. "Thank you."

Old Qian laughed. "We are old friends. What's there to thank?"

"If everything goes smoothly, I should be coming back the day after tomorrow. Help me thank Chief Xu too. I will return her the money when I am back."

"Ok. Chief Xu asked me to remind you to take care and don't cause trouble there."

Dong Xuebing nodded and did not say anything else. This time, he is going to Tokyo is to wreak havoc there. How can he not cause trouble?

Dong Xuebing alighted and ran into the departure customs.

After checking the passport, the customs officer let Dong Xuebing enter. Dong Xuebing rushed to the boarding gate for secondary checks.

Dong Xuebing is the last person to board the flight. If Deputy Chief Qian had not contacted the airlines, he might not even get to board because the gates were already closed. Dong Xuebing's seat is beside an old lady, and all other passengers are looking at Dong Xuebing, wondering why he can still board the flight so late.

This is a big plane. There are two rows by the windows and a row in the center.

Dong Xuebing has no luggage and went straight to his seat.

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing's phone rang suddenly. It is Xie Hao.

The plane had not departed yet, and Dong Xuebing still have not switched off his phone. "Hello, Xiao Hao."

Xie Hao asked. "Brother Dong, are you still at the hospital?"

"No. I have something on and had left the hospital."

"Ah... we thought you were waiting downstairs and went looking for you. Oh, my Sis's phone battery had died, and she asks me to tell you that she will accompany my Aunt at the hospital tonight. My Second Sis and I had just left the hospital. My Aunt's birthday celebration tomorrow might be postponed to Monday or canceled. No one has the mood to celebrate after losing the Buddha."

The flight stewardess frowned and signaled to Dong Xuebing to switch off his phone.

Dong Xuebing nodded. "I know. Xiao Hao, I have some urgent matters now, and I might not be back tomorrow. Help me tell your Big Sis. Call my phone to look for me." Dong Xuebing's phone has auto-roaming services and can be used in Japan.

"Oh... alright." Xie Hao ended the call.

Dong Xuebing did not want to tell them because he is afraid Xie Huilan and Madam Han will be worried.

After a while, the stewardess announced to the passengers to fasten their seatbelts, and the plane is about to depart. Bigger planes are more stable than small planes and are more comfortable. After liftoff, Dong Xuebing closed his eyes and thought about his plan.

One hour...

Two hours...

Three hours...

The flight from Beijing to Tokyo takes about the same time from Beijing to China's southern cities. But the difference is the time zone.

It was already past midnight when Dong Xuebing arrived in Tokyo.

Dong Xuebing is not familiar with the area and doesn't speak Japanese. He boarded a taxi, and luckily the driver can understand simple English. His revision of English words some time ago had come in handy now. He asked the driver to bring him to a hotel and arrived around ten minutes later. He managed to get a room with his simple English.

Level six, standard room.

After taking a shower, Dong Xuebing fell asleep immediately.

Early next morning, Dong Xuebing took a taxi to the National Museum.

It's Sunday, but after walking around Ueno Park, Dong Xuebing noticed not many people visit the Museum compared to the Museums in China.

The Museum ticket cost 600 Yen.

After getting the tickets, Dong Xuebing entered the Museum.

The Museum is very different from China's Museum. Dong Xuebing did not see any security features on the exterior walls, and anyone can climb over it easily. Compared to The Palace Museum in China, this place looks more like a university.

After walking a few meters, Dong Xuebing saw the main entrance.

The steps are brownish-white, and it is a three stories building.

But Dong Xuebing is not here for sight-seeing. He walked around the building like other tourists and did not enter. He would look at the perimeter walls, the hidden CCTV cameras' locations, and estimate the distance to the building's entrance. Before he was transferred to the Public Security Bureau, he had entered the State Security's Party School for training and knew what to look out for.

About 40 minutes later, Dong Xuebing entered the museum building.

There is a security check with metal detectors at the entrance. In the lobby, Dong Xuebing checked the guards and CCTV cameras' locations before entering the National Treasures Hall. He does not know a lot about Japanese antiques, and there are lots of Japanese paintings, Buddha statues, and Samurai swords on display. The only painting Dong Xuebing recognized is . This is a famous painting in Japan and is Japan's national treasures. Its status is equivalent to China's Liu Shen Jade Suit Sewn with Golden Thread.

Dong Xuebing pretended to be a tourist and look around before leaving the hall.

The National Museum is Japan's No. 1 Museum. Its main Gallery, which Dong Xuebing was in, is exhibiting Japan's national treasures. There are other galleries like Heisei Gallery, Asian Gallery, Gallery of Horyoji Treasures, Congratulatory Gallery, and Research and Information Center. The majority of Asia and overseas art pieces are displayed in Asian Gallery.

Dong Xuebing went straight to his target. Asian Gallery.

Dong Xuebing walks around Asian Gallery looking at the art pieces and checking the CCTV cameras' locations. These are not hidden cameras, and it's easy to spot. He even checked the cameras' blind spots and made a trip to the toilet inside. He spent nearly two to three hours scouting the Museum.

It's almost noon, and after Dong Xuebing had formulated a plan, he turned his attention to the displays.

Dong Xuebing is furious when he saw the displayed relics. More than a few hundred artifacts displayed are from China. These are stolen from China in the past, and it did not include the rest stored in the safe. Some are even tier-one and tier-two relics.

One artifact...

Ten artifacts...

Hundred artifacts...

Finally, Dong Xuebing spotted a Buddha statue on display in a corner.

The Buddha in the glass showcase has a peaceful and dignified expression. Its legs are crossed and look natural. At first look, the statue looks ordinary, but if you look closer, you will notice it is beautiful.

Dong Xuebing's eyes narrowed and grew cold.

This is it!

This is the Tang Dynasty Tianlong Mountain sandstone Buddha Statue! The Xie Family's heirloom!

I finally found you!

Ueno Park

Chapter 404 – Making a scene

Before noon.

Tokyo National Museum, Asian Gallery.

To avoid suspicions and being recorded by the CCTV for too long, Dong Xuebing took a short glance at the Tianlong Sandstone Buddha statue and move on to other artifacts on display. After that, he made his way to the entrance while remembering the shortest route out of the museum.

Ok!

Everything is ready.

Just when Dong Xuebing was about to go and have lunch and think about the minor details of his plan, he heard a commotion. Someone is shouting in Japanese, and a middle-aged man is pointing his camera at that Buddha statue. A Museum staff had gone up to stop him from taking pictures, and they started arguing.

Huh? What's going on?

Dong Xuebing paused and watched from a distance.

Li Li shouted. "Where is the museum's Curator? I want to speak to him! This is our country's cultural relic! It was smuggled out of China! Who gave you all the rights to display it?!"

The Japanese staff coldly replied. "Who are you to question us? How dare you come and create trouble here?"

Li Li took out an ID and flashed it. "I am Xin Hua News Agency's reporter! I want to speak to your Curator!"

Although Dong Xuebing cannot understand what they are saying, he understood what was going on when he saw the reporter's ID. This reporter is sent by Xie Jing!

The museum staff shouted angrily. "Are you all mad? Since yesterday, you all had been creating a scene here! The embassy staff and Xin Hua News Agency, and you all are back again today?! Our Curator had said this Buddha Statue is donated to us by a Japanese! It is legal! Smuggled out of China?! It's all your words! Get lost! Our Curator is not accepting any interviews!"

This commotion had attracted a crowd.

After a while, a middle-aged man in a suit and a group of security guards walks over. He is the Museum's Curator, Tojo Shinji. He overheard his staff shouting, and stopped him, and asked him to step aside. He is very concerned about this statue, as he received lots of calls yesterday regarding it. Xin Hua News Agency and China's Embassy had sent many people over to meet him. This concerns the diplomatic relations between both nations.

Li Li saw the Curator and immediately question him. "Mr. Tojo, I am a reporter with Xin Hua News Agency. I demand an explanation on why this smuggled Buddha statue is displayed in your museum!" He took out a recording pen and started recording.

The museum staff cleared an area for them, and Dong Xuebing remained in the crowd to watch them.

Tojo Shinji smiled. "I had answered this question to Xin Hua News Agency yesterday. This relic is donated by a Japanese and has all the paperwork and had shown them to your Embassy staff. As for why are we displaying it? Haha... This is our Museum's property, why can't we display it? Do we need to seek permission to display it?"

Li Li frowned. "From what I know, this Buddha statue is a stolen property! It is..."

Tojo Shinji interrupted. "I don't know about this, and it is not within my power to question this. You can check with other departments, but for our side, we got all the legal documents."

Li Li retorted. "This donation is not legal in the first place! The documents are also..."

"You should go to other departments as this is not part of our Museum's procedures." Tojo Shinji started to push the responsibility to others.

"If it's not your museum, which department is responsible for it?!"

Tojo Shinji did not reply and walks away.

Many of the visitors in the Asian Gallery are Chinese overseas students and tourists. Many of them understand Japanese. When they heard this statue was smuggled to Japan from China, and the Museum refused to return it, some Chinese youth started scolding!

"Bastards! These Japanese dogs!"

"You all had stolen this relic and yet refuse to return it?! What upbring do you all have? Ah?!"

The security guards immediately went over to those scolding visitors and point to the exit while shouting at them.

An old Chinese woman pointed at Tojo Shinji and cursed him!

The few security guards immediately grabbed the few Chinese youths and an older woman by their arms. They were about to 'invite' them out!

Tojo Shinji ignored them and went upstairs with a few staff. Although this matter is sensitive, it is also a small issue. Many Chinese relics had been smuggled to Japan these few years, but how many of them were returned? Although he did not say this in front of the reporter, he knew that it belongs to Japan once the relic entered Japan. How can it be returned?! Even if he agrees to return it, the higher-ups will not agree. He knows the Chinese will use the media to pressure him, but people will soon forget it. That's why this statue will not be returned, and there's nothing China can do about it.

It was chaotic.

Dong Xuebing saw a man that looks Chinese and asked. "Bro, sorry to disturb you."

That young man looks at Dong Xuebing. "What is it?" He replied with a Shandong accent.

"You are from Shandong? Can you tell me what they were saying earlier?"

The young man looked at him and told him about the reporter and the Museum Curator's conversation.

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath and nodded. Although he knows the Museum will be firm, seeing it with his own eyes felt different. He has a bad temper and is about to blow up after knowing the Museum's stand. Fine! You all are asking for it! If I don't make you all suffer, I will change my surname! F*k!

Dong Xuebing had wanted to steal the Buddha statue back, but he changed his mind now!

I shall teach you all a lesson this time!

Dong Xuebing saw the Chinese Old lady being carried away by the security guards forcefully, and he rushed forward. "F*k off!"

The two Museum Security guards look at Dong Xuebing coldly.

Dong Xuebing shouted. "Stop staring! Do you all want to be knocked out?!" He pushes the guards' arms around the old lady away!

The Museum also don't want to have any conflicts with their visitors, and the person-in-charge mumbled something to the guards, and they let go of the old lady. They said some threats and warnings in Japanese to Dong Xuebing and stepped aside.

The old lady is furious.

Dong Xuebing helped the old lady up. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. Thank you." The old lady is panting. "These Japanese are too much! That Buddha statue is a second-tier cultural relic! It has high historical value!" The old lady is a Buddhist, and that's why she is so agitated. She does not want her country's treasure to fall into the hands of the Japanese. If it is during wartimes, it might be fine, but the war had ended for so long, and it's peacetime now. How can they... The old lady is furious!

Dong Xuebing took one last look at the Buddha statue in the corner before helping the old lady out.

When they are out of the Museum, the old lady thanked Dong Xuebing again before returning to her tour group.

Other Chinese tourists and overseas students also made their way out of the Museum. After knowing what happened, they had no mood to tour the Museum.

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing's phone rang.

Dong Xuebing reached for his phone. It's Xie Huilan.

"Xiao Bing, where are you? Why is it so hard to call you?"

"Oh, I am busy outside. How's your mother?"

Xie Huilan calmly replied. "She was discharged this morning and is fine now. We had just returned to the City Party Committee Family Quarters, and Xiao Hao and Xiao Jing are here. I am calling to let you know she is discharged, and you don't need to return to the hospital later. Also, my Mum's birthday... she insists on celebrating this evening, and we can't stop her. If you are back, just come over."

Dong Xuebing acknowledged. "Alright. I will try to return earlier."

"Everyone in the family will be here. Try to be earlier, ok?"

"Ok."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing looks at his watch and knows he doesn't have much time. He made a call to Beijing State Security Western District Bureau's Sixth Division Deputy Chief Old Qian. "Hello, Old Qian. It's me. Can I trouble you to let Chief Xu know that I want to take the 2 pm flight back to Beijing? Help me amend my ticket. If it is not possible, help me use my ID to book an electronic ticket. It is inconvenient for me to book the ticket here as I can't speak Japanese."

Old Qian is surprised. "So early?"

"Yes. My task is almost done."

"Alright. I will let Chief xu know. Once we got the tickets, I will call you again to let you know the flight details."

"Ok. Thank you."

After keeping his phone, Dong Xuebing took a taxi to his hotel to check out before getting lunch at a nearby restaurant. He looks at his watch. It's 12 pm. Taking the check-in, boarding, and traveling time, he has less than an hour. After settling the bill, Dong Xuebing looks at the National Museum in the distance. He replayed his plan in his head and started walking towards the Museum.

It is not propriety not to give out but to receive, or vice versa!

Dong Xuebing is going to create havoc at the Museum!

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Chapter 405 – Chaos at the Museum!

Afternoon.

A few minutes passed 12 pm.

Outside of Tokyo National Museum. Dong Xuebing walks towards the Museum while combing his hair back. He had changed his hairstyle and shaved before leaving his hotel. After that, he put on a pair of sunglasses to disguise himself and touched the pair of gloves and folded cloth back in his pocket. Everything is ready, and he continued his way to the security check at the Museum's main gallery.

Two guards are standing at the entrance.

The alarm did not sound as Dong Xuebing walks past the metal detector.

It is lunchtime now, and there are not a lot of tourists in the Museum. Only a Japanese family of three and some staff and guards are around. Maybe it's time for the guards to change shifts. There are fewer guards around than in the morning. The Museum had installed sufficient anti-theft measures like CCTV, alarms, and not every gallery has guards and staff.

Ten meters...

One hundred meters...

Three hundred meters...

Dong Xuebing entered the Asian Gallery.

But he frowned as he saw the crowd inside. There are more visitors in the Asian Gallery compared to the main gallery. Some of them are families, and some are Chinese students. A few Japanese students are listening to the staff introducing the displayed artifacts. There are pros and cons. With so many people around, it is easier for Dong Xuebing to hide, but it is also harder for him to make his move.

Dong Xuebing walked a few steps forward and glanced at the display diagonally across the hall.

Tian Long Mountain Sandstone Buddha statue is displayed at that corner, and two Japanese couples are looking at it.

What should I do now? Wait? Dong Xuebing looked at his watch and forced himself to calm down. He must not be impatient now and must wait for the best timing to act!

One minute...

Two minutes...

Three minutes...

A couple left that area, but the other couple is still there.

Dong Xuebing doesn't want to attract any attention and does not want CCTV to capture him looking suspiciously. He continued his way around the gallery, pretending to look at the displayed items. About five minutes later, Dong Xuebing returned to the Buddha Statue's gallery again. He took a glance, and there's no one around! That young couple had left! He took a deep breath and is prepared to make his move!

Dong Xuebing did not walk over to the Buddha statue. Instead, he went to a toilet not far away.

Dong Xuebing entered the toilet. He doesn't know if there is anyone in the cubicles, but there is no one outside at the basins.

Dong Xuebing immediately shouted the command in his heart. "STOP!

Time stopped!

The water droplets hung in mid-air from the tap, and all sounds stopped. It is as if Dong Xuebing had entered an extremely quiet place. His reflection in the mirror was also frozen in place. He moved and saw this reflection still remained the same in the mirror, and he knew the time had stopped.

Go!

Dong Xuebing opened the toilet's door forcefully and saw two middle-aged men around one meter from the door. They look like they are about to enter the toilet, and one of them had his hand out in mid-air, about to open the door.

Dong Xuebing walked out of the toilet sideways to avoid them and closed the door.

He does not want to waste any time and started running towards the gallery where the Buddha Statue was displayed.

Five meters...

Ten meters...

Twenty meters...

Dong Xuebing had finally reached, and there is no staff in the gallery! The staff should have left for lunch! But there is a staff standing in the corridor outside, speaking to an old lady. The nearest security guard is around 50 meters away. None of them can see the corner where the statue was displayed. They must walk over before they can see it!

This is the best opportunity!

Dong Xuebing walks over to the statue while putting on his gloves as he doesn't want to leave any fingerprints.

He raised his head to look at the two CCTV cameras above him. One of them is facing the Buddha statue area, and the other is facing the corridor. Dong Xuebing does not want the CCTV to capture any discriminating evidence. He pulled a display cabinet over and stood on it to reach the cameras. He had prepared a roll of opaque adhesive tape from Beijing and covered the camera's lens before jumping off the cabinet before wiping off his shoeprints. After that, he went over to the second camera and covered the lens.

After covering the CCTV, Dong Xuebing turned his attention to the Buddha statue.

Baby, sorry to keep you waiting.

Dong Xuebing walked over and tried to lift the glass cover, but it seems to be locked. There is a strange-looking keyhole on the right, and the cover cannot be lifted without the key. But he is not surprised. He raised his arm and hit the glass cover with his elbow!

Bam! Bam! Bam!

After hitting the glass cover thrice, there is a crack on the cover!

Dong Xuebing knew the cover is not bulletproof, or it will not crack so easily. It should be made of reinforced glass, and any impact will trigger the alarm. If the alarm sounded, staff and security guards would be there within seconds, and you don't even have the chance to touch the artifact inside, let alone steal it.

But all these security measures are useless against Dong Xuebing.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Dong Xuebing hit the glass cover three more times. 'Crash!'

Because time had stopped, the glass pieces did not drop. Instead, they were floating in the air, and Dong Xuebing removed the glass pieces carefully. He doesn't know how the alarm system works, but the glass cover broke during the time stop, and the alarm should not be triggered. He doesn't want to alarm sound too early, but that's not what he can control.

After clearing off the glass pieces, Dong Xuebing took a deep breath and grabbed the Buddha statue from the showcase.

I finally got you back!

Come home with me, baby... This place is not where you belong!

After getting what he wanted, Dong Xuebing started running towards the toilet while keeping the Buddha statue inside his clothes. The statue is not big and is around the size of two mobile phones. With the thick coat he was wearing, no one will notice it.

The toilet door was pushed open, and Dong Xuebing entered a cubicle.

STOP!

...

...

Time resumed!

The toilet door opened.

"Haha... it's an eyeopener today. The Chinese porcelain is so beautiful."

"Haha... all these beautiful pieces are all displayed in our museum, and we had gotten them for free!"

"You are right. I heard the Museum had received another Second-tier Cultural Relic yesterday, and the embassy staff wanted it back. But we did not return it."

"Return?! Why should we return?! Are they out of their mind?!"

These two men are the ones standing outside of the toilet earlier.

Dong Xuebing does not understand what they are saying, but he is listening from inside of the cubicle.

Five seconds...

Ten seconds...

The alarm did not sound!

Dong Xuebing knew he is lucky. It's none of his business why the alarm did not sound. His main concern now is his next move. He pretended to finish using the toilet and left. Once out of the toilet, he purposely walks in front of a CCTV camera along the corridor. This is to make sure the camera captured him in the toilet when the incident happened.

After that, Dong Xuebing walks towards the main gallery with big strides. He wants to get out of the area as soon as possible!

I must not be discovered!

Dong Xuebing walked fast and was about to enter the main gallery.

Suddenly, beep... beep... beep...! The alarm sounded!

Dong Xuebing frowned and stopped. The rest of the visitors were stunned and wondered what was going on.

"The glass showcase is shattered! Hall No. 7 Buddha statue is stolen!"

"Quick! Close the exits! Stop anyone from leaving!"

"What? How was it stolen? Is this a false alarm?"

A few staff and guards are shouting at each other, and the surrounding tourists knew what happened. Something in the Museum was stolen?! But this is the National Museum, and it has the most advanced security features in Japan! How can anyone steal from it in broad daylight?!

Tojo Shinji was informed when the alarm sounded, and he thought it was a joke at first. Many Japanese museums were broken into, but it all happened at night. It's daytime now, and with so many tourists and staff around, how can anyone steal from the Museum? A break-in now?! Are you kidding me?! He immediately rushes to the scene and saw the glass pieces on the floor. The two CCTV cameras were covered by adhesive tapes, and he immediately ordered his men to review the footage!

If you reach out your hand to cover the CCTV camera lens, your face will be captured in the footage.

But after checking the CCTV footage, everyone in the Museum was stunned. The criminal's face was not captured, and the footage turned black suddenly!

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Chapter 406 – The National Treasure was also stolen?!

The National Museum is in chaos!

The alarm had sounded, and all the exits are locked. No one is allowed to leave the Museum and must be searched!

Tojo Shinji and the rest of the Museum's executive saw the buddha statue was missing and knew it must be related to the Chinese. They immediately ordered the security guards to gather all the Chinese together and to search them. Even if they cannot find anything, they will also hand them over to the Japanese Police. They cannot rule out the possibility of accomplices among these Chinese tourists. There are many Chinese tourists in the Museum, and when they know the staff is only searching for them, they are furious. But Tojo Shinji couldn't care so much. A relic is stolen from the National Museum is a big case. If he cannot recover the relic or catch any suspects, he will risk being fired!

"Let go! F*k! Do you hear me?!"

"What are you doing?! Do you have any search warrants?! Why are you searching for me?!"

"Hey! How dare you touch my wife?!"

More than a dozen Chinese tourists refused to be searched, but the staff had received permission from the higher-ups to use force on them.

If the staff faces Japanese tourists, they might still be wary as using force on them might result in lawsuits.

But they are not worried when facing these Chinese tourists. They are tourists, cannot speak Japanese, let alone suing the Museum. Anyway, these tourists will be leaving in a few days. What's most important is to arrest the suspect!

Dong Xuebing saw the staff dragging the Chinese tourists away and is extremely furious. He had entered the toilet in the main gallery earlier and took a deep breath. He mumbled sorry to his fellow countrymen and quickly formulated a plan.

Bam! The toilet door was pushed open!

"Is there anyone inside?! Come out!"

"Take out your IDs! Which one of you is Chinese?"

The security guards entered the toilet and started kicking open the cubicle doors.

Damn! You all are asking for it!

Dong Xuebing is in the last cubicle and knew he will be found soon. His eyes turned cold, and he mumbled STOP! Before the guards kick open his cubicle's door.

Time stopped!

Dong Xuebing opened the cubicle door and saw a security guard, with his leg raised in mid-air, outside. He is about to kick Dong Xuebing's cubicle door, and Dong Xuebing walks out and closes the door behind him. He looked at the other security guard and walks out of the toilet.

Everyone outside is panicking, and Museum staff and security guards are running towards the Asian gallery.

Everyone stopped in their running position like statues.

Dong Xuebing recalled what he saw in the morning, and he ran towards an exhibition hall on his left.

This is the Museum's National Treasure display hall. All the artifacts inside are Japan's national level relics, and its historical values are equivalent to China's National relics. These relics symbolized the country's culture and history, and they are priceless. All the security guards had gone to the Asian Gallery. Only two guards are standing in the corridor outside of the National Treasure display hall. There's no one inside the hall!

Dong Xuebing sneered and repeated what he did earlier. He climbed on a display cabinet and covered the CCTV cameras with opaque tape.

After that, Dong Xuebing used his elbow to hit the glass showcase of !

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Bam! Bam! Bam!

The glass showcase shattered!

Dong Xuebing reached inside and took out the . He tore out the paintings from the scroll and kept them with the Buddha statue under his clothes before walking away. He did not return to the toilet in the main gallery and went to the CCTV cameras' blind spot before he mumbled "Stop!"

...

...

Time resumed!

Footsteps of people running and shouting over the walkie-talkies sounded again! At the same time, another alarm sounded!

Dong Xuebing was surprised. The National Treasure Hall's alarm is more sensitive than the Asian Gallery.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Beep! Beep! Beep!

"Shit! What's going on?!"

"Which alarm went off?! How come the alarm sounded again?!"

"Damn! It's the National Treasures Hall!"

The two guards in the corridor turned pale and rushed into the National Treasures Hall. When they saw the shattered glass showcase, their hearts dropped. This is where the was displayed! It's gone?! The National Treasure is stolen!

Ah!

How is this possible?!

The guards used their walkie-talkies to inform Tojo Shinji and the rest of the Museum's higher executives.

If the stolen Buddha statue is a nationwide case, then the will... shock the world!

Tojo Shinji's face turned green!

"What are you all doing?! Ah?!" Tojo Shinji shouted. "Where is the criminal?!"

The guard wiped his sweat on his forehead. "We... we did not see anyone. We only heard the alarm sounded, and the scroll was gone. No one had entered the National Treasures Hall before that!"

The other guard added. "That's right. No one had entered the hall."

"Bullshit!" Tojo Shinji shouted angrily as he ran over to the National Treasures Hall. "No one had entered? Then how did the get stolen?! Ah?! How did it disappear?! Search the whole building! Make sure no one leaves the building, especially those Chinese! Search them and check every corner of the Museum!"

This is Japan's national treasure!

Tojo Shinji cannot imagine what will happen to him if he cannot recover it!

Tojo Shinji's Deputy had turned pale. He knows that even if they recover the scroll, all the higher executives of the Museum will be removed. If they cannot recover, or the scroll is damaged... he shivered. He was the one who received the Buddha statue from the Japanese businessman. He was also the one who prepared the paperwork. But now, he regrets accepting the Buddha statue. Losing Japan's National Treasure because of a China Second-tier Cultural Relic is not worth it!

If he had known this will happen, he would never accept the Buddha Statue!

After losing two relics, who knows if there will be a third or fourth relic. This criminal is obviously an expert. He can block the CCTV cameras and stole the relics without anyone noticing. They don't even have any witnesses and don't even know if the criminal is male or female! Furthermore, the criminal had stolen the relics in broad daylight! This is declaring war with the Museum! He is too arrogant!

Now, Tojo Shinji and the rest can't be bothered with the Buddha statue. They are more concerned about the .

If they cannot get the back, they will be the sinners in Japan's history!

They will be the whole country's sinners!

"Search! Go and search the whole building!" Tojo Shinji shouted in the hall.

After searching for so long, they cannot even get a glimpse of the criminal's shadow! This is too weird!

In another part of the Museum.

Dong Xuebing used STOPs to avoid the guards and CCTV cameras. He would use STOP and hide in the cameras' blind spots. Soon, he heard police sirens of more than a dozen police cars outside of the Museum. He frowned and knew he must act now. With dozens of policemen around, it will be hard for him to escape with his powers. The Museum had also increased its security and cannot take away the rest of the National Treasures. After all, the is enough to shake the world.

It's time to leave. Dong Xuebing does not want to get arrested.

The Museum is in chaos now, and no one should notice Dong Xuebing disappearing.

STOP!

Time stopped! Everything stopped and froze!

Dong Xuebing did not wait any longer and started running. He used the escape route he planned in the morning to leave the Museum in the shortest distance. Seems like this incident had blown up. Tens of police officers were running into the Museum, and some were alighting from their police cars. Dong Xuebing does not know how many police officers there are in the area. Still, from the number of officers and police cars, all the officers around the region should be here.

Dong Xuebing sneered. Now, you all know how it feels.

You all dare to feign innocent?! Refuse to return our stolen relics?! This time I will let you all have a taste of losing your national treasure!

It's crowded at the entrance, and there's not much space for Dong Xuebing to get past.

Dong Xuebing got to turn his body sideways to avoid five to six police officers. He squeezed his way through the security post. Finally, he got to the main entrance. The Museum had ordered a lockdown, and all the exits and windows are guarded. He did not want to take chances and did not resume time. It's safer to stop time for a while more.

Dong Xuebing ran out of the main door.

Five steps...

Ten steps...

Twenty steps...

Dong Xuebing ran along the manmade river until he was out of the Museum compound.

A crowd had formed outside, and all of them were stretching their necks to look inside. The crowd found out what had happened, and a few police officers have stopped them from entering with batons.

After getting out of the cordoned area, Dong Xuebing found a quiet corner and mumbled STOP!

...

...

Time resumed!

"How did anyone break into the Museum? What are they doing?!'

"Who is it? This is too daring!"

"The criminal will not escape! The whole area is surrounded."

The crowd discussed among themselves, not knowing the one who had stolen the relics had boarded a taxi behind them.

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Chapter 407 – Getting past the customs!

Noon.

1 pm.

Dong Xuebing boarded a taxi outside of the National Museum. He told the driver to send him to the airport in English, but the driver doesn't understand. He had to gesture with his hand like a plane taking off before the driver gets it. He closed his eyes to rest and had one hand over the Buddha statue and under his clothes.

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing's phone rang.

Dong Xuebing answered. "Hello, Old Qian."

"Xuebing, the signal over at your side is poor. I had to call several times before it got through." The Sixth Bureau Deputy Chief said.

"Maybe... I was busy earlier. Oh, my return ticket..."

"Chief Xu had settled it for you. We couldn't get any flights around 2 pm, but there is a flight departing at 3.05 pm. Is it fine?"

"Ok. Thank you."

"Haha... everything is ready. Just bring your passport, and you can board the plane."

"Thanks. Sorry to trouble you and Chief Xu. I will treat you all for dinner when I am back."

"Hahaha... no problem. I will order all the expensive dishes."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing lifted his hand to look at his watch and remembered he had left his watch in his car at the airport. Expensive items like his watch must be declared at the customs, and it's a hassle. That's why he did not bring it along. He looked at the time on his phone. Hmm... it's slightly past 1 pm. and he should reach the airport before 1.30 pm. There's still time.

Tokyo International Airport.

After paying the taxi drivers, Dong Xuebing entered the terminal building and is prepared to enter the departure hall.

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing noticed a few armed police officers running. They are holding on to their radio sets and seems to be attending to some urgent cases.

Dong Xuebing looks around, and there are five times more police officers compared to yesterday. He frowned and started walking over to the customs. More than a dozen police officers are stationed at the customs, and the queue for security checks is very long. Not only all luggage had to go through the x-ray machine, but everyone also had to be searched.

"Eh? What's this?"

"It's a Buddha statue. What's wrong?"

"Please come over here. We need to conduct further checks."

"What's there to check? It's fine with I enter. Can you all hurry up? I need to catch my flight."

"Sorry. Please cooperate with us!"

The security officers and a few police officers surrounded a middle-aged woman, and one of them is making a phone call. After a while, someone ran over with a picture and pass it to the customs officers. The officers look at the picture and the Buddha statue before letting the woman go. Dong Xuebing looked from afar and narrowed his eyes. He knew the Japanese Police had tightened its security. They could not find the Buddha statue and the at the museum and increased the manpower at the airport customs. They are afraid their national treasure will be smuggled out overseas!

There are a lot of police officers around.

Dong Xuebing felt a headache. It will not be easy for him to pass the custom.

When Dong Xuebing comes to Japan, all he had thought about is how to steal the Buddha statue back and not consider how he will bring it back. How is he going to get past the custom? He will definitely be caught if he goes through the security checks now!

Standing in the center of the departure hall is too eye-catching. Dong Xuebing did not want to be noticed by the Police and went into the toilet.

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and entered a cubicle. He took out the and rolled it again before securing it with a rubber band. After that, he took out the Buddha Statue and stuffed it into the roll's empty space before keeping it in his cloth bag. He then tied the cloth bag with a dead knot and held it in his hand. Other than it is slightly heavy, it looks normal, and no one can tell what was inside.

OK!

Dong Xuebing has an idea!

Dong Xuebing looked at his phone time and switched it off as the battery is running out.

Dong Xuebing took a few deep breaths and said the command. STOP!

Time stopped!

To save time, Dong Xuebing did not waste a second and went out of the toilet. The noisy departure hall is very quiet now. A passenger is handing over his passport to the customs officer, and some passengers look like they are in a rush.

Dong Xuebing held the cloth bag in his hand and ran towards the customs. People are in queue to clear customs, and he saw two customs officers and three police officers at the checkpoint. He squeezed himself through the gap between the officers and entered the transit area. He continued running and entered the toilet diagonally opposite boarding gate 25. Two men are washing their hands, and Dong Xuebing entered a cubicle before resuming time. STOP!

...

...

Time resumed!

"Why is the security so tight today?"

"I think a serious case had happened. I saw the officers holding up a picture, and they seem to be searching for something."

The two middle-aged men chatted as they washed their hands and left the toilet after a few seconds.

Dong Xuebing sigh in relief when he heard those two men left. He looks around in the small toilet cubicle. There is a toilet bowl, a toilet paper holder, and nothing else. He frowned. He does not want to lose these items, and he placed the bag on the toilet bowl before locking the cubicle from inside. After that, he stepped on the toilet bowl and climbed out through the gap between the cubicle walls and the ceiling. Once outside of the cubicle, he pushed the door to check if it is secure. Now, it will look like someone is in the cubicle, and no one will enter.

Ok!

STOP!

Time stopped.

Dong Xuebing left the toilet, got past the customs, and returned to the toilet cubicle earlier before resuming time. He had thought of boarding the plane straight away without getting check by the custom, but he cannot board without the boarding pass and getting the passport stamped. Even if he had boarded the flight with his power, the Japanese authorities would suspect him for having no records of him leaving the country. He does not want the museum to suspect him as he is from the government service/

After leaving the toilet, Dong Xuebing went to clear customs and immigration.

Five minutes...

Ten minutes...

Twenty minutes...

Finally, it's Dong Xuebing's turn.

The customs officers and police officers look at Dong Xuebing. one of them used a metal detector to check him from head to toes. It did not sound, and Dong Xuebing does not have any luggage. There is only a mobile phone, wallet, and passport on the X-ray machine's conveyor belt. The security personals saw Dong Xuebing's passport and started conducting a body search as if he is a criminal.

Dong Xuebing gave them a stare angrily. "Are you all done?!"

The customs officers could not even find a piece of paper on Dong Xuebing and let him enter.

After keeping his wallet, passport, and phone, Dong Xuebing smiled in his heart before making his way to the toilet outside of gate 25 quickly.

There is someone in the toilet, and Dong Xuebing pretended to wash his face and hands. This toilet is nearest to the customs check, and people kept entering. He got impatient and stopped time. He quickly climbed into the cubicle and grabbed the cloth bag. He checked the knot on the bag, and there are no signs of anyone trying to untie it. He returned back to his former position in the toilet and resumed time. STOP!

...

Time resumed!

Everyone is in a rush, and no one noticed Dong Xuebing is holding a cloth bag in his hand suddenly.

After walking out of the toilet, Dong Xuebing checked his flight and gate. His flight is at gate 36, and he started making his way over to his boarding gate. There will be no more security checks until he arrives at Beijing customs. But he can repeat what he did earlier and is not worried. Many people are queuing up to board the flight when he reached gate 36.

Dong Xuebing sat in the gate hold room and thought back on this trip.

It's not easy...

If it was someone else, he or she would surely be arrested before he can bring the relics out of the museum. Even if the person can bring it out, it will be hard to bring it back to China.

Luckily everything went smoothly.

It was until now, Dong Xuebing can finally relax. He knows the Japanese Police cannot catch him now.

But... what is he going to do with the now? Dong Xuebing had stolen it in a fit of anger, and it is too hot to handle!

Sell it?!

This relic is Japan's most famous national treasure, and no one will dare to buy it.

Throw it away?

But it will be a waste to throw it away.

Dong Xuebing suddenly got an idea. Damn! I can donate it to the museum too. Damn! You all dare to refuse to return our stolen relic?! Fine! I will do the same to you all!

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Chapter 408 – Shocking!

Airport runway.

It's Sunday, and many people are flying off.

Many people are boarding the flight, and the overhead compartment quickly becomes full. Dong Xuebing was the last batch to board the flight, and he dare not place his cloth bag in the overhead compartment. He went to his seat, which is by the windows, and placed the bag by his lap before fastening his seatbelt.

Suddenly, a man sat down beside him.

The row of seats is narrow, and the cloth bag took up some space on the seat. When that man sat down, his knee accidentally knocked Dong Xuebing's leg.

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath as he felt the pain.

"Oh, sorry... sorry..." That middle-aged man quickly apologized. "Sorry, young man."

Dong Xuebing smiled when he heard that man's Beijing's accent. "It's alright. Haha..."

Mu Zhengzhong moved his leg and smiled. "Are you from Beijing? Studying overseas?"

"Studying? I have been working for almost two years. I have come to Japan to attend to some matters." Dong Xuebing looks at him. "Are you here for holidays? I find you quite familiar."

Mu Zhengzhong replied. "I'm not here for a holiday. I had come to Japan to buy an antique but didn't manage to get it."

"Antique? Haha... I like antiques too."

This man is in his late forties with thick brows and a squarish face. He is well mannered and modest, which are typical Beijing people's traits. They are both from Beijing and sitting together, and Dong Xuebing started to chat with him about antiques. After chatting for a while, he is impressed with Mu Zhengzhong's knowledge of Chinese cultural relics. He can easily name all the famous antiques from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and know their history.

Dong Xuebing become curious and suddenly remembered a name. He slapped his lap and gasped. "Ah... You are that Mu Zhengzhong?!"

Mu Zhengzhong smiled. "Have we met before?"

"I know who you are, but you don't know me. I heard of your name a long time ago."

"It's nothing." Mu Zhengzhong smiled and shook his head. "It's the media who exaggerated and gave me my fame. Don't be fool by what you saw on TV. Haha..."

"You are too humble."

Mu Zhengzhong is famous in the antique collector circle. Dong Xuebing had worked at an Antique shop when he was studying and have heard of him. The first private antique museum in Beijing is set up by him. The word 'Wealthy' can no longer be used to describe his wealth. If he auctioned off his collection in his museum, he would get an astronomical sum of money. But he had set up a museum to make money and create a cultural environment. Dong Xuebing also heard Mu Zhengzhong is actively participating in charity events, and that's why he respected him a lot.

This is such a coincidence.

Dong Xuebing smiled. "Teacher Mu, you must tell me more about antique collections. It's not easy to meet you, and I must learn something from you."

Mu Zhengzhong waved his hand. "I also make mistakes often."

"You are modest. Are you looking down on me?"

"Haha... no... let's not talk about learning from me. We will just discuss and exchange pointers."

"Alright. Then I will ask you now. What do you think of Japanese antiques? How much are they worth?"

Dong Xuebing had thought of donating the to the Palace Museum but felt it's not a good idea now. If the is a second-tier relic, it's still alright. But the national treasure tier relic will involve a lot more. There will be diplomatic issues, and private museums seem to be a better choice. At least, it will not escalate to become a national dispute. But Dong Xuebing did not know much about Mu Zhengzhong and had to be wary. He also pretended to be an ordinary young man and did not tell Mu Zhengzhong his name.

Mu Zhengzhong is easy going and modest. Even when flying, he sat in the economy class. No one can tell he is a billionaire. He has good feelings for Dong Xuebing, as they are both from Beijing. That's why when Dong Xuebing asked him about antiques, he told him what he knows about Japanese antiques. Both chatted happily on the three hours flight.

One hour...

Two hours...

Both chatted happily.

Dong Xuebing felt he has a good judgment for a person's character. Mu Zhengzhong had left a good impression and didn't give him the feeling he was putting up an appearance. He is very sincere and is someone worthy to be friends with.

So, Dong Xuebing asked Mu Zhengzhong about .

Mu Zhengzhong smiled. "This is a difficult question. Haha... to be honest, I had only seen the at the museum twice, and I cannot say much about its value. After all, Japan's culture is different from ours. All I can say is that even our County's Qi Baishi's paintings cannot qualify as a second-tier relic, but the is known as one of the top few Japan's National Treasures. This shows its historical and economic value."

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and asked. "That painting is so good?!"

"Of course. What's wrong? Are you very interested in Japan's antique?"

"Err... no. I was just curious. Is that painting better than Mr. Qi's painting?"

"You cannot compare it this way. The culture in both countries is different. The is valuable because of its historical value. At the same time, Mr. Qi Baishi's paintings are worth it because of their artistic value. Both cannot be compared." Mu Zhengzhong added. "But the is really a good painting. Although I had seen it twice only, it left a deep impression."

Dong Xuebing nodded and did not continue asking about the .

They continued chatting, and Mu Zhengzhong suddenly asked. "Young man, I still don't know your name."

Dong Xuebing smiled. "My name is too common and is too embarrassed to tell you."

Mu Zhengzhong paused for a second and did not continue to ask.

At around 6.40pm, the flight landed at Beijing International Airport. After getting off the flight, Dong Xuebing used STOP to get past the customs and walks out of the arrival hall. From a distance, he saw Mu Zhengzhong smoking at the entrance. He seems to be waiting for someone. A few seconds later, an Audi A8, with only a driver, stopped in front of him and boarded.

Dong Xuebing had been following Mu Zhengzhong, and he quickly opened Audi's rear passenger seat and entered the car.

The driver's face changed, and he looked at Dong Xuebing, wondering who this person is.

Dong Xuebing smiled and asked. "Haha... Teacher Mu, can you give me a lift?"

"Haha... no problem." Mu Zhengzhong looked at Dong Xuebing suspiciously and did not ask anything. "I am not in a hurry. Let me send you back first."

Dong Xuebing felt Teacher Mu is quite interested and nodded. "Sorry to trouble you."

The car moved off and left the airport for the highway.

Suddenly, at a sideroad outside of the airport, Dong Xuebing stopped the driver. "Please stop the car. Mr. Driver, can you step out for a while? I need to speak to Teacher Mu."

The driver frowned.

Mu Zhengzhong was also stunned. "What is it?"

Dong Xuebing looks around. "It is very important, and I can only tell you."

Mu Zhengzhong thought for a while. He is bewildered by Dong Xuebing's request, but he had met all sorts of people in his life. He waved to his driver. "Old Zhou, go out and have a smoke first."

The driver is wary of Dong Xuebing. "This person..."

"It's fine. Just leave us for a while."

The driver alighted from the car and stood at a distance.

Mu Zhengzhong smiled. "Young man, what is it that is so secretive? You can speak now."

Dong Xuebing saw there is no CCTV along the road and nodded. "Sorry, Teacher Mu. I hope you can understand as this is confidential."

"It's alright. What is it?"

Dong Xuebing moved his body in the rear passenger seat to create some space and took out his cloth bag. He slowly untied the strings and took out a scroll in a rubber band before passing it to Mu Zhengzhong.

Mu Zhengzhong unrolled the scroll puzzledly and look at it.

Even Mu Zhengzhong, who has lots of life experiences, is shocked. "?!"

Dong Xuebing did not say anything.

Mu Zhengzhong was stunned. He quickly spread out the scroll and used a magnifying glass to examine it. "This is the authentic piece! It's the one that was displayed in the National Museum?!" Mu Zhengzhong finally understood why Dong Xuebing was so secretive and why he didn't want to tell him his name. "Young man... Before I boarded the flight, I heard the National Museum was broken into in broad daylights. This it..."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "I don't know anything about that. What do you think of this scroll?"

Mu Zhengzhong is speechless. "This is Japan's National Treasure. Young man, why did you show me this? What do you want?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "I don't know what to do with it, and I need your advice."

Mu Zhengzhong quickly calmed down and took a deep breath before looking at the scroll again. In the past, it was always China's national treasure being smuggled overseas, and Mu Zhengzhong had never expected to see another nation's National Treasure in China. How can he not be excited? He also has lots of questions in his heart. Did this young man break into Japan's National Museum? But how did he escape and board the flight with this scroll? How did he get past the custom and bring it back to China?! Who the hell is he?!

Qi Baishi

Chapter 409 – I don't want money

Outside of Beijing Airport.

In the Audi.

Mu Zhengzhong stared at the painting for a long time.

Dong Xuebing looks at him. "Mr. Mu, we had just met, but I know you are a patriot like me. I have no worries showing you this painting and have no ill-intentions. I cannot tell you the details, but I will leave with this painting if you think this is too hard to deal with. We will treat it as we have not met before."

One second...

Two seconds...

Mu Zhengzhong did not let go of the painting and continued to examine it. He sighed. "Young man, I had not made myself clear on the plane. This is worth much more than you can imagine for Japan. No wonder the airport tighten its security and have so many police officers. They had lost their National Treasure... and mobilized all its officers to search for it. If Japan knows this had already left its borders and entered China, the whole world will be shocked."

Dong Xuebing replied nonchalantly. "I don't know if the world will be shocked or what. They had stolen lots of our country's cultural relics from us, and it's normal to get one of theirs back. This is called retribution, and what's the big deal?"

Mu Zhengzhong is speechless with Dong Xuebing's bold statement.

No matter how dumb a criminal is, he will not be dumb to steal a country's national treasure. This is seeking death. A country's national treasure is valued based on its historical values and not its economic value, as no one will dare to buy it. It is not worth stealing it, but this young man had changed Mu Zhengzhong's thinking. Not only he had stolen Japan's National Treasure, but he is also nonchalant about it. He doesn't even want to hide and even dare to show it to him. This person is extraordinary.

Mu Zhengzhong took a deep breath. "I want to ask you a question. Why did you bring back this painting? What is your motive?"

"Hmmm... I just want to vent my anger and give them some problems." Dong Xuebing replied.

"Give them some problems?" Mu Zhengzhong is astounded. "Just because of this reason?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Actually, I took it on my way out. I cannot tell you the real reason. Sorry."

Took it on his way out?!

Taking a Country's National Treasure on his way out?!

Mu Zhengzhong is speechless again. He felt his mind cannot catch up with what this young man said. He had met bold people, but he had never met anyone daring as Dong Xuebing!

This person is not scared at all?!

Mu Zhengzhong had guessed correctly. Dong Xuebing is a government leader and is not afraid people to suspect and investigate him. Even if he is suspected and investigated, what's there to be afraid of? He had returned home, and even if he is in Tokyo now, he is not afraid. He has STOP and BACK to protect himself, and no one can stop him from leaving.

"Teacher Mu, have you considered?" Dong Xuebing asked.

Mu Zhengzhong frowned and slowly roll up the painting. "... yes... Haha... I had made up my mind once I saw this painting. Young man, name a price. I will buy this painting from you."

Dong Xuebing blinked. "You are not afraid of getting into trouble with this painting?"

"Haha... you are not afraid of anything, and how can I lose to you?" Mu Zhengzhong calmly replied. "You are right. Tit for tat. Japan had stolen so many of our cultural relics from us, and stealing one of their National Treasure is nothing. This is China. Do they dare to use force to get it back?" He is influenced by Dong Xuebing. "Just imagine if their National Treasure is displayed in our Museum. It will be an uproar. But if it is displayed in our National Museum, it might affect diplomatic ties. But mine is a private museum. What's there to be afraid of? If the higher-ups want to pursue this matter, I will just close my Museum! Hahaha..."

Dong Xuebing felt he had not picked the wrong person. Teacher Mu is also someone fearless.

"Old Mu, You will be my friend from now on." Dong Xuebing said. "Err... Will it be too disrespectful if I address you as Old Mu?"

Mu Zhengzhong waved his hand and laughed. "If you name a lower price, you can even call me Xiao Mu!"

Dong Xuebing is overjoyed. "What are you talking about? Just take it. I will not take a single cent from you."

"Huh?" Mu Zhengzhong is stunned and looked at Dong Xuebing in his eyes. "Young man, are you serious?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "I had told you that I had only wanted to create some trouble for those Japanese and had never thought of selling this painting to you. Using their National Treasure to make money? This is an insult to me! Oh, when you exhibit this painting, you can mention that this is donated by a patriot. This will prevent people from suspecting your Museum of getting people to steal it. I don't want to get you into trouble, as you had set up your Museum to serve the community."

Mu Zhengzhong looks at Dong Xuebing again. "Alright! You will be my friend with just this sentence alone!" He is full of respect for Dong Xuebing. Stealing the from Japan but doesn't want anything in return. Other than respect, he is also curious about this young man.

Dong Xuebing added. "But after exhibiting this painting for some time, and made the Japanese anxious for a while, we can use it to exchange for our relics. This painting is useless to us, after all. Of course, this is only a suggestion. You can decide when the time comes."

Mu Zhengzhong kept quiet for a few seconds and replied. "If we can use it to exchange some first-tier relics or even our National Treasures, every Chinese will have to thank you."

Dong Xuebing shook his head. "They should be thanking you. This has nothing to do with me, and we have never met today."

Mu Zhengzhong laughed. "Alright. I owe you one favor. This is my mobile phone number. If you need me, just call this number."

After taking down Mu Zhengzhong's number, Mu Zhengzhong invited him to have dinner.

But Dong Xuebing looked at the time and rejected his invitation. He alighted from the car and rushed to the carpark for his Mercedes MPV. Madam Han will celebrate her birthday this evening, and Sister Xie had reminded him to reach early. He is already late!

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Chapter 410 – Madam Han's Birthday gif

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Evening, 7.15 pm.

The sun is setting, and the sky is turning dark.

The City Party Committee Family Quarters, no. 1 mansion. The fragrant food from the kitchen filled the whole house. In the living room, Xie Huilan used a blood pressure meter to measure Han Jing's blood pressure, while Xie Jing, Xie Hao, and other younger generations watch. After a while, the meter beeped and showed the result. "Pulse 76, Blood Pressure 70 – 110. Normal."

Xie Jing was relieved when she heard it.

Han Jing smiled gently. "I had said I am fine, and you all don't need to worry."

Xie Huilan narrowed her eyes and slowly removed the arm strap. "It's time for dinner, and you should take your medication first. Xiao Hao, go and get a glass of water."

"Ok!" Xie Hao immediately go and get water for his Aunt.

Han Jing slapped the back of Xie Huilan's hand. "Stop ordering your younger brother around. Why can't you go and get water yourself? Oh, where's Xiao Bing? Is he coming over today?"

Xie Huilan smiled. "I had told him, and he said he will be coming. But I called him a few times earlier, and his phone is off, or his battery had died. I will call him again." She took out her phone and dialed Dong Xuebing's number. A few seconds later, she puts her phone aside, and her eyes narrowed into a slit. "His phone is still off. How dare he come late for my mother's birthday celebration and still let everyone wait for him?!"

Han Jing patted Xie Huilan's hand. "Maybe he is busy."

Xie Huilan helped her mother up. "Let's not wait for him anymore. Let's eat now."

Xie Ran looked at his watch and frowned. Last night, Xie Huilan had accompanied Madam Han at the hospital, but Dong Xuebing, the future son-in-law, is nowhere to be seen. He even left the hospital without telling anyone and did not appear today. It's his Aunt's birthday today, and how can he switch off his phone? He is too unreliable.

The Xie Family's brothers, Xie Guobang, Xie Guolian, and Xie Guojian, came downstairs.

Xie Guobang looks around. "Xiao Dong is not here yet?"

"He is attending to something urgent." Xie Huilan lied. "... and is reaching soon."

Xie Guojian is a Lieutenant General and is straightforward. "What time is it now? What is more important than your mother's birthday celebration?"

Xie Ran also felt the same.

Xie Huilan smiled and looks at his Second Uncle. "Second Uncle, you are wrong to say this. The local government is different from the military. It's peacetime, and your side might not be busy, but the local government is different. We need to place our people and country's interest before us. If there is an earthquake in our County, do you think we can still come to celebrate my mother's birthday? I think my mother will give me a slap if I appear here, right?" Her tone is a bit agitated.

Xie Ran had wanted to say Dong Xuebing is disrespectful but changed his mind after seeing his eldest sister's expression. He doesn't want to be scolded as everyone in the family knows her temper. He was scolded and beaten up by Xie Huilan when he was young and is afraid of her.

Han Jing stared at her daughter. "Huilan! How can you speak to your Second Uncle this way?!"

Xie Guojian is mad. "You brat wants to side with him?! Hmph! I cannot even criticize Xiao Dong for being late?! Ah?!"

Xie Guojian's wife, Ci Lifen, pulled him back. "Stop arguing."

Xie Hao lifted up his hands and made a time-out gesture. "Dad, Sis, stop arguing. Let's have dinner."

Xie Guoliang smiled. "Enough. Let's start dinner now."

Everyone is upset because of the Tianlong Mountain Sandstone Buddha statue.

Ring... ring... ring... the house's phone rang.

Han Jing quickly stood up. "... I will answer."

Everyone knows Han Jing is waiting for this call, and Xie Huilan quickly helped her over to the phone. "Hello."

"Sister-in-law, I'm Xie Guoyue. I heard you are not feeling well. How is it?"

Han Jian's eyes showed some disappointment and forced a smile. "Guoyue... Haha... I am fine... Alright... Thank you. You must take care of yourself too..."

Han Jing is waiting for Senior's Xie call. Every year, Senior Xie will call her on her birthday without fail, but this year... she did not receive any calls from him. She held back her tears and returned to the dining table after hanging up. She forced herself to smile and thanked everyone for celebrating her birthday with her.

Everyone can tell Han Jian is feeling terrible.

This should be a happy occasion, but now...

Everyone at the dining table is quiet.

Ding dong... ding dong... the doorbell rang, and Xie Hao jumped up to check the CCTV before opening the door. "Brother-in-law, you are finally here."

Dong Xuebing is panting. "Am I very late?"

Xie Hao lowered his voice. "Be careful. My Eldest Sis had just argued with my Dad because of you." He quickly said.

Dong Xuebing felt touched when he heard this. He had not expected Xie Huilan to be so protective of him. "Huh? It's my fault... Huilan should not answer back to her elders too." He quickly took off his shoes and changed into slippers before entering. He is physically and mentally exhausted today. He had to run a short distance to come here and is perspiring.

The moment Dong Xuebing enters the living room, everyone turned and looks at him.

Dong Xuebing held on to a bag and apologized. "Sorry for being late. I had gone to prepare Auntie's birthday present, and my phone's battery had died. I will punish myself by drinking a glass." He poured a glass of alcohol and gulped it down.

Han Jing smiled. "Hurry and have a seat."

Dong Xuebing sat down and looks around. Huh? Why does it feel so gloomy?

This should be a happy occasion, but it felt depressing. Xie Jing felt it was her fault. If she had not lost the buddha statue, it will not... She felt a pain in her heart and took out the porcelain gift she bought. "Aunt, I wish you longevity. This porcelain ornament is for you." She passed her gift to Han Jing.

Han Jing took it out and held it in her hands. "Thank you. Haha..."

Xie Hao, Xie Ran, and the rest took out their gifts one by one, and Han Jing thanked them. "These are so beautiful. Thank you."

It should be Xie Huilan's turn to give her mother her gift, but she had rushed over and had not prepared anything. She can only smile and signal to Dong Xuebing. It's your turn.

Dong Xuebing got the hint and opened his cloth bag slowly. "Auntie, this is a token from Huilan and me..."

Everyone looks over as Dong Xuebing opens the cloth bag. All of them are looking forward to seeing what gift he had prepared.

One second...

Two seconds...

When the item is taken out of the bag, everyone is stunned.

Xie Huilan gasped. "Buddha Statue? Where did you get that from?"

Dong Xuebing said in his heart. 'Where else can I get it from?' He placed the Buddha Statue into Han Jing's hands. "Auntie, I wish you will have good health."

Han Jing touched the statue. "Thank you, Xiao Bing. This is a thoughtful gift."

Huh? What reaction is this? Wait... shouldn't you be excited?

Xie Huilan smiled. "You are quite capable. Only one Tianlong Mountain Sandstone Buddha Statue had been unearthed and is kept by my grandfather and Mum. Haha... This looks real... oh, even the material and cravings look like the real one. Not bad. Is this a top-grade replica? This piece is worth at least over a hundred thousand, right?"

Xie Hao nodded. "It does look like the real one."

Dong Xuebing almost fell off his chair. Damn! I had painstakingly stolen it back from Japan, and you all are saying this is a replica?! This is the real piece! But Dong Xuebing knew what they are thinking. It's just like you showing others the painting, which is supposed to be displayed in the Palace Museum. Everyone will think the painting you are holding is fake.

Han Jing knew Dong Xuebing had put much thought into his gift. But top-grade replica is still not the real thing. She had been thinking about the Buddha statue and is upset when she saw this 'replica.' She quickly put it aside and did not take a second look at it again. She knows she will never get the real Buddha statue back again and wants to stop thinking about it now.

Dong Xuebing quickly said. "Auntie, this Buddha Statue..."

Han Jing forced a smile. "I like it very much and will pray to it in the future."

"No... I am saying this statue is..."

Ci Lifen interrupted Dong Xuebing. "Let's eat before the food gets cold."

Xie Ran frowned as he looks at Dong Xuebing. Can't you see Aunt's expression? Why are you bringing the Buddha statue again?

Xie Huilan nudged Dong Xuebing under the table, asking him to keep quiet.

The dining table becomes depressing again.

Dong Xuebing felt frustrated after getting interrupted several times. Damn! I can't even explain myself.

Suddenly, the news on the TV reported a piece of news that attracted Xie Hao's attention. He has good hearing and quickly turns up the volume.

They saw a row of words at the bottom of the screen. "Tokyo National Museum had been broken into!"

Translator's notes:

Along the River During the Qingming Festival

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Chapter 411 – This is real?!

The mansion's living room.

Everyone's eyes are glued to the TV.

The National Museum break-in? What's going on? How can a break-in happen there?

This is last-minute news. Japan had tried to withhold the news, but the Chinese reporters stationed in Japan found out about it. The newscaster read out the news emotionlessly on the TV. "Our reporters had just informed us that Japan's No. 1 Museum, Tokyo National Museum, was broken into at around 1pm today. Because the Museum is not accepting any interviews, we are still trying to find out the details..."

Xie Hao laughed out loud when he heard this. "Serve them right!"

Xie Jing is also happy. "Good! This should teach them a lesson!"

Han Jing, Xie Guobang, and the rest are very concerned about this. "Xiao Hao, switch to a news channel."

Some TV stations have more restrictions and will not report on unconfirmed news by the official parties. But other TV stations do not have these restrictions and will report more details.

After switching three to four channels, they finally found one news channel.

The news is showing footage of Ueno Onshi Park's entrance. It should be recorded by an Overseas Chinese student or a tourist with their phone. A crowd had gathered outside, and there is a police cordon tape sealing the entrance. More than a dozen police officers are there to maintain order and the front yard is full of police cars. Something major had happened.

Xie Guobang frowned. "Seems like the stolen relic is very valuable."

"There are so many officers there. Did their National Treasure got stolen?" Ci Lifen asked.

Xie Hao laughed. "This is what they deserve! Hahahaha... All of their displayed items should be stolen!"

The footage switched to the newscaster. "From what our reporter gathered, the case happened around 1 pm Tokyo time, and the Museum is still opened to the public. The first alarm in the Asian Gallery sounded. An overseas Chinese student told the reporter that he was near the gallery when it happened. Lots of guards rushed over immediately. But they did not find anyone other than shattered glass pieces. About more than ten minutes later, the security alarm sounded again. This time, it is in the Main Gallery. The Museum still has not issued an official statement on what was stolen."

After that, the footage switched to old news footage, introducing the National Museum's security features.

This is Japan's archived news footage with Chinese translations at the bottom.

The footage introduced the state-of-the-art security features within the National Museum, etc. Still, after the clip ended, the newscaster said no one had been arrested, and this crime happened in broad daylight. The CCTV did not capture the criminal, nor are there any eyewitnesses. The reporter at the scene had received news that the Police were investigating the staff and did not rule-out this might be an inside job.

Xie Jing took a deep breath. "Who is this criminal? How can he be so skillful?"

Ci Lifen is also puzzled. "By right, it should not happen. How can this happen in the day, and they cannot catch the criminal? What are their Police doing? What happened to their security?"

Xie Ran nodded. "This should not happen. The Police there should at least have some clues. From the report, it seems that the culprit had escaped."

Han Jing said after a long pause. "The culprit should not have escaped and should be hiding within the Museum. Maybe he is under investigation now, but he had hidden the stolen goods already."

Xie Hao replied gloatingly. "I hope it is their National Treasures that is stolen!"

Dong Xuebing was still feeling upset for being interrupted earlier. He cleared his throat and added. "Yes. It's the . One of Japan's National Treasures."

Xie Jing paused for a second. "Huh? I heard of this painting before, and it seems to be one of Japan's top National Treasures."

Xie Hao laughed. "Brother-in-law, how do you know that scroll is stolen? The reporter in Japan does not even know. I was talking nonsense earlier. Furthermore, how can they lose their National Treasure? The security for their National Treasures gallery should be tighter than other galleries, and who can steal it?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "That might not be true. The had already left Japan."

Everyone looks at Dong Xuebing and wonders why he is so sure about this.

Ci Lifen shook her head. "What Xiao Hao said is right. The National Treasure should not be stolen. It's too difficult to steal Japan's National Treasures. Most likely, it is our country's First-tier or second-tier relics. It is even harder to smuggle it out of Japan. How is the criminal going to get past customs? Furthermore, there will be two security checks if the criminal took a flight. Even if you don't declare a branded watch to the custom, you will not get past it. Let alone the ."

Xie Ran laughed. "The museum had been cordoned off, and the criminal might not even leave the museum's compound unless he can fly."

Dong Xuebing replied. "There will be a way."

Xie Hao laughed. "Brother Dong, why are you going against us? Their National Treasures will not be stolen. Stop arguing."

Before Xie Hao can finish, the newscaster paused.

The newscaster listened to his earpiece for a few seconds and continued reporting. "It's been confirmed by the National Museum that the was stolen. This cultural relic is one of the Museum's 88 National Treasures. It has a high historical value..."

Xie Hao was stunned. "Damn! It's really their National Treasure?!"

Xie Ran was shocked and couldn't believe his ears!

Han Jing, Ci Lifen, and the rest were also stunned. "Xiao Bing, how did you know about this?"

Before Dong Xuebing could reply, the newscaster on the TV said something that shocked everyone. "Two cultural relics had been stolen from the Museum. A Museum staff, who refused to be named, told us that the other piece is a Tianlong Mountain Sandstone Buddha Statue displayed in the Asia Gallery. It is our Second-tier cultural relic!"

Everyone in the mansion froze in place!

Tianlong Mountain Sandstone Buddha Statue?!

After two to three seconds, Madam Han stood up excitedly. "Xiao Bing! The Buddha Statue you gave me earlier... is..."

Dong Xuebing rubbed his nose. "It's the real one. The one you lost. Errr... I just... stole it back from Japan."

Damn!!!

Everyone is stunned and speechless!

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Chapter 412 – Thank god!

Mansion.

"Xiao Bing." Xie Huilan narrowed her eyes into a small slit. "What is going on?"

"Didn't I just say it?" Dong Xuebing could not explain the details.

Everyone is still trying to process what Dong Xuebing said.

The younger generation, like Xie Jing, Xie Ran, etc., the first reaction is 'this is impossible.'

Xie Hao also doesn't believe what he heard. He looks at Dong Xuebing in a daze. "Brother Dong, Brother-in-law, my idol, I know you are good at fighting and can fight more than a dozen grown-ups at the same time. But the Museum... has security alarms, security guards, CCTV cameras, etc. Their guards are also armed, and you are saying that you went to the National Museum and stole the Buddha Statue and that scroll earlier today? Why are you not trapped within the Museum when they sealed off the exits? Why didn't the CCTV cameras capture you? How come the Airport Security didn't detect you? How did you get past the customs in Japan and Beijing Airport?! Damn! Are you bullshitting us?"

Dong Xuebing doesn't know what to say.

No wonder no one believes him. This is too unbelievable.

Madam Han did not even ask and quickly picks up the Buddha statue Dong Xuebing gave her.

Everyone turned and looked at Madam Han. They are waiting for her to say something.

It's not they don't trust Dong Xuebing. This is too unbelievable!

This time, Han Jing did not put it away after a short glance. She picked it up and examined it carefully. After that, she looks at the bottom of the statue, and her pupils dilated, and she started breathing heavily.

Xie Huilan quickly went over to help her mother up. "Mum, how is it?"

Madam Han hugged the statue in her arms tightly, and her tears rolled down her cheeks. "This is our family's Buddha Statue! It's the real one! When Senior Xie handed this statue to me, there is a small crack around one centimeter at the bottom." She closes her eyes and mumbles to the skies. "Thank god... Thank god!"

No words can describe Madam Han's feelings now after recovering the Buddha Statue!

The rest in the mansion were speechless. It's really Madam Han's lost Buddha Statue?!

"Brother Dong! Did you really steal it back?!"

"You are the one the whole of Japan is searching for?! You... how did you come back?"

After knowing the Buddha statue was smuggled overseas yesterday, no one had expected it to return to the Xie Family. But one day later, Dong Xuebing stole it back and even steal Japan's National Treasure on his way back. This is ridiculous. Are you possessed by god? Are you a deity from the heavens? How did you escape from the tight security at the Museum?

Madam Han wiped her tears. "Sorry, I lost my composure. I am too happy and had embarrassed myself. Xiao Bing, come over and sit beside me."

Dong Xuebing acknowledged and sat beside Han Jing.

Han Jing grabbed Dong Xuebing's hand and squeezed it hard. "Thank you. I really thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Dong Xuebing replied embarrassedly. "Haha... you are too polite. This is what I should do."

"I had never thought I can get this Buddha Statue back." Madam Han is still holding on to the Buddha Statue tightly in her left hand and patted Dong Xuebing's hand with the other hand. "This is really a surprise gift... Thank you, Xiao Bing. It must be tough on you."

"It's not tough." Dong Xuebing replied casually. "After you were warded in the hospital last night, I got my connections to put me on a flight to Japan and spent the night there. After I woke up, I went to the National Museum and grabbed the relics before heading to the airport. The moment I touched down, I rushed here. Everything had gone smoothly."

Xie Hao rolled his eyes. Bullshit!

Dong Xuebing had made it sound simple, but everyone at the dining table knew he is lying.

Tokyo's National Museum is famous internationally and has tight security measures. How can it be that easy? Dong Xuebing has to get through layers of security checks, and they can imagine what sort of dangers he faced. If he was caught by the Japanese Police, he might have to spend the rest of his life in prison there.

Dong Xuebing's rank, Section Chief, might be low among Xie Family's third generation. Still, he is moving up much faster than any one of them. It can be said he has a bright future.

But Dong Xuebing dares to risk his everything.

Dong Xuebing dares to create such a big mess in Japan for Madam Han and almost gets caught.

Dong Xuebing is also a Section Chief with the government and still has a long way to go, but he doesn't even know how to protect himself. How can he make such a big risk? Doesn't he know that if anything goes wrong, he might not return for the rest of his life and will never get to see Huilan or his mother again?

Dong Xuebing knew the consequences of his actions.

But despite knowing the risk, he still did it, which touched Han Jing, Xie Guobang, and the rest!

Anyone can say he is prepared to risk everything, but how many people dare to do it if it concerns his life and future?

Xie Ran is quiet after knowing what happened. He was still unhappy with Dong Xuebing for being late and felt disrespectful to Madam Han. But after knowing he had risked his life by stealing from Tokyo's Museum and almost didn't make it back, he felt embarrassed. Luckily he did not voice out his displeasure with Dong Xuebing earlier, or he will be too ashamed to face him.

"Xiao Bing." Han Jing looks at Dong Xuebing lovingly. "Are you hurt?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "No. I did not fight with anyone and had tried my best to hide from them."

Han Jing patted Dong Xuebing's hand. "You... this is too risky. How am I going to face Huilan if anything happens to you in Japan?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "I am blessed. Nothing will happen to me."

"Brother Dong." Xie Jing finally digested what Dong Xuebing had done and took a deep breath. "Thank you." She is responsible for losing the Buddha statue and had been guilty for the past two days. She had cried several times and felt she had let her Eldest Aunt down. Now, they had finally gotten back the statue, and she is really thankful to Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing kept saying, it's alright. "It's a small matter, and there's no need to thank me anymore. This is making me uncomfortable. Haha..."

Xie Hao saw everyone thanking Dong Xuebing and shouted. "Damn! How did this topic change so suddenly? I still don't know how my brother-in-law got back from Japan, and you all talked about something else? That is Japan's National Museum, and he had also stolen their National Treasure! How did he come back in one piece?"

This is also the question Xie Ran has in his mind.

Dong Xuebing explained it was luck and coincidences for everything to go according to his plan.

Xie Hao didn't believe him and rolled his eyes. "Oh, where is that National Treasure?"

Everyone turned and looked at Dong Xuebing. That's right. Where is Japan's National Treasure?

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and smiled. "I met Mu Zhengzhong, Teacher Mu, on the flight back and had donated it to his Museum. They should be exhibiting it tomorrow."

Everyone is stunned again.

Xie Hao cursed. "Damn! You are too evil! Exhibiting it?! This is slapping Japan in their faces!"

Xie Huilan narrowed her eyes. "How can you speak to your Brother Dong like this?! You want me to slap you?"

Xie Jing bursts out laughing. "Good! This should be the way we treat them!" She felt Brother Dong is too bold. After creating such a scene in Japan's National Museum, he still dares to donate their National Treasure to the Museum to be put on display. He seems to be eager to let Japan know that their National Treasure had left its borders. This is face-slapping at its finest!

Xie Guojian spoke. He laughed and raised his wine glass. "Good job! Come, let your Second Uncle give you a toast! Bottoms up!" He had argued with Xie Huilan earlier over Dong Xuebing because he was late. But after finding out what happened, he had to say something. Furthermore, he likes what Dong Xuebing did. Within the Xie Family, Xie Guojian's character is the most similar to Senior Xie.

Xie Huilan smiled. "Second Uncle. You are our elder. How can you give him a toast?"

Dong Xuebing quickly raises his glass. "That's right. I should be the one toasting you."

After finishing the alcohol in the glass, Xie Guojiang said. "I know about Mu Zhengzhong. He is the one who operates a private museum, right? Alright. Let me handle this. I will send some of my soldiers to guard it when it is on display." He was furious with the Japanese Museum for refusing to return his Sister-in-law's item and wants to use this opportunity to get back at them.

The news on the TV is still reporting about the National Museum's break-in case. The National Treasure of Japan was stolen, and no news channel will miss reporting this earth-shattering case.

Suddenly, some small words appeared at the bottom of the screen, stating the investigation results. The Museum did not recover the and in their premises. Both relics might have been brought out of the Museum and are currently unknown. The Japanese Police suspects this was done by a group of criminals. They are currently investigating all the suspicious people in the Museum and searching for the criminals in Tokyo. The government officials swore that they will never let their National Treasure be smuggled out of the country. The suspects and the stolen relics should still be in Tokyo, and it's only a matter of time before they are arrested.

After looking at the news bulletin, everyone looked at Dong Xuebing. Arrest the criminal? The criminal is in China enjoying his dinner now!

Everyone has a better understanding of Dong Xuebing's capability after seeing the whole of Tokyo Police Force cannot do anything to him!

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Chapter 413 – Bringing forward the marriage date?!

8 pm.

Xie Family Mansion.

Madam Han's dinner had ended, and Dong Xuebing's phone rang.

Xie Hao was still questioning Dong Xuebing about how he stole the Museum's relics in the living room. He finally found an excuse to leave when his phone rang. He walks over to the window and looks at the caller. It's Beijing's Western District State Security Branch, Sixth Bureau's Deputy Chief Old Qian.

"Hello, Old Qian?"

"Chief Xiao Dong, you are putting me in a difficult spot."

"Huh? What happened?"

Old Qian smiled. "Don't tell me that you have nothing to do with Tokyo Museum's break-in."

Dong Xuebing denied it. "How is it possible? I just heard about it on the news. It has nothing to do with me."

If it was someone else, Old Qian would never suspect as not everyone can do this. But Dong Xuebing is different. When he was the Deputy Chief of the General Affairs Office, he had performed miracles more than once. Even the City State Security Bureau had heard of him. Anything is possible if Dong Xuebing is involved. "You had flown to Tokyo at night, and the Museum is break-in the next afternoon. After that, you flew back one hour later. This..."

Dong Xuebing replied 'innocently.' "Old Qian, you are accusing me. No matter how bold I am, I will not dare to steal Japan's Nation Treasure."

Xie Hao, Xie Jing, and the rest overheard Dong Xuebing and looks at him. How can he lie without batting an eyelid?

"Good to know it's not you. Chief Xu is asking me about this. I will help you explain to her." Old Qian did not continue as he is afraid of getting into trouble. After all, this case is too sensitive.

Dong Xuebing sigh with relief after hanging up.

Xie Hao giggled. "Brother-in-law, I realized that you are good at lying. Your face did not even change."

Xie Huilan sipped on her teacup and smiled. "Really? I think I should think about what Xiao Bing had said to me in the past. Maybe all those are lies... Haha..."

Dong Xuebing quickly replied. "No... Absolutely not. I will never lie to you."

Everyone laughed, especially Xie Hao. He laughed the loudest.

"Go to the room." Xie Huilan stood up and smiled. "I want to interrogate you."

Dong Xuebing knew Xie Huilan is joking, and she must have something to speak to him. He gave Xie Hao a stare and followed Xie Huilan into a room upstairs.

The room is very clean and tidy.

After closing the door, Xie Huilan smiled. "This is my room. You can sleep here tonight."

Dong Xuebing looks at Xie Huilan excitedly. "Are you serious? We are going to sleep together?"

"I did not say this. I had stayed there for more than a day. I need to return to Yan Tai County to finish my work and will be leaving soon." Xie Huilan looks at her watch. "I will be leaving in 20 minutes."

Fine... Got excited about nothing.

After a short pause, Xie Huilan suddenly said. "You... don't do anything risky like this again."

Dong Xuebing nodded. "I will take note of it, but I will risk my life for you. It's only stealing some relics. This is nothing to me. I will do anything for you." Dong Xuebing had always felt pressure when he was with Xie Huilan and didn't dare to say such sweet nothings. But he had just done something outstanding and is bolder now.

Xie Huilan smiled and looks at him. "You... are good with words."

"I am only speaking my mind. I..." Before Dong Xuebing could finish, he was interrupted.

Xie Huilan had one hand around with his waist and the other in his hair. Her sweet sexy lips are pressed on Dong Xuebing's, making him stunned. He had never kissed Xie Huilan like this before. A few seconds later, their lips parted, and a string of saliva was hanging for a while. "Haha... your lips are really sweet. Did you eat fruits earlier?"

Dong Xuebing is still in a daze. "Yes... I had eaten a piece of apple."

"I want to say..."

Dong Xuebing got bolder after the kiss and hugged Xie Huilan. He kissed her on her forehead, and his right hand stroked her skinny waist. "You are very slim."

Xie Huilan smiled. "What do you mean? My figure is not good enough?"

"No... you are perfect."

"Haha..." Xie Huilan's eyes narrowed into two crescents. "You had made me proud today. Sometimes I wonder how come you are so capable?"

Dong Xuebing smiled wearily. "How come you make it sound like I had always let you down?"

"You are sensitive. Haha... You had always made me proud, ok?"

"But I am worried that your family will think I am too reckless. This incident has a negative impact, as I had gone to Japan to steal their relics. Although I am not wrong morally, I had broken the law..." Dong Xuebing blinks. "This... Will your family think badly of me?"

Xie Huilan smiled and shook her head. "Have you read ?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Which character do you like?"

"... Err..." Dong Xuebing thought for a while. "Lu Zhishen."

Xie Huilan laughed. "That's right. Most people will like this type of ''reckless' character when they read this story. These characters don't care about consequences and don't use their brains. But it's these traits that make people like them."

Dong Xuebing felt warm. "Then what about you?"

"What do you think? Haha..." Xie Huilan looks at her watch again. "Alright. I need to be going. You had created a big mess this time. Don't return to the County and stay at my Dad's place for a few days. No one can touch you here. Return when this incident dies down, and remember to apply for leave at the Investment Promotion Agency. Ok?"

"Ok. Give me another kiss."

"Stop trying to take advantage of me, ok?"

Both continued for a while before going downstairs to the living room.

Xie Hao, Xie Jing, Ci Lifen, and the rest were still watching TV when they saw Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan coming downstairs with red faces. They smiled as they knew they should be doing something naughty upstairs.

Xie Huilan is 'thick skin' and did not even bat an eyelid.

But Dong Xuebing could not stand it and blush.

...

At around 8.30 pm, Xie Huilan left, and Xie Guoliang and Xie Guojian left with their families.

Dong Xuebing said. "Auntie, Uncle, I will be going too."

Xie Guobang replied. "You must be tired. Just stay over tonight. Your Auntie had cleaned up Huilan's room for you." Asking Dong Xuebing to stay and letting him sleep in Xie Huilan's room indirectly tells Dong Xuebing he approves of their relationship. He had never shown his approval like this before.

Han Jing smiled and held Dong Xuebing's hand. "You are not allowed to go back tonight. Come and accompany me for a chat."

"Ok. Sorry to bother you all." Dong Xuebing did not reject their offer.

Han Jing is in a good mood today. Dong Xuebing had 'snatched' the Buddha statue back from Tokyo, and not only he had made Xie Huilan proud, but he had also made her proud. She pulled Dong Xuebing to the sofa and said. "Your Second Aunt kept saying that I had found a good son-in-law. Guoliang and Guojian also kept praising you. Haha... Your Eldest Uncle had called Senior Xie to tell him about you, and Senior Xie asked you to play chess with him when you are free."

Madam Han said a lot to Dong Xuebing, which is her way of expressing gratitude to Dong Xuebing.

Han Jing knew how risky it was for Dong Xuebing to break into the Museum by himself, and no words can express her feelings.

They chatted until around 9 pm.

Madam Han suddenly asked. "How is your work?"

Dong Xuebing thought for a while. "Everything is on track, but the investment target is quite high this year, and I am not sure if I can hit it."

Han Jing nodded and laughed. "I had mentioned previously that I will allow you and Huilan to get married when you are promoted to Deputy Director. But you are just promoted to Section Chief, and no matter how well you perform, it will take a while before you can be promoted again. Also, you had never managed a village town before. If you want to move up, you need to manage a village town as the mayor for the experience. This is a must before you can be promoted to Deputy Director rank, and it will take some time. Huilan is not young... Xiao Bing, I had not considered this before. Let's forget about the Deputy Director rank. I will allow both of you to register your marriage when you are transferred away from Huilan. What do you think?"

What do I think?!

"Awesome!"

Dong Xuebing could not control his happiness. "Sure. I will listen to you."

Han Jing patted the back of Dong Xuebing's hand and turned to Xie Guobang. "Guobang, I will decide on this. Ok?"

Xie Guobang, who was reading the papers, looked up and nodded.

Dong Xuebing knew that getting promoted to Deputy Director before getting married to Huilan, is a test for him by Han Jing and Secretary Xie. Now, he had passed their test and can get married to Xie Huilan without being a Deputy Director. He suddenly no longer feel so stressed.

This is terrific for Dong Xuebing!

Just like what Madam Han said. Dong Xuebing had not managed a village town before. It will be difficult for him to get promoted to Deputy Director from the Investment Promotion Agency. He lacks experience and years of service. To get promoted, he must work in the Investment Promotion Agency for at least three to five years. This is too long.

But Madam Han had given her approval.

Once Dong Xuebing completed his target this year, he can ask for a transfer to a village town or a County Party's department. He can get married to Sister Xie!

Maybe it will not even take one year!

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Chapter 414 – Media reporters coming in great numbers

Monday morning.

Spring. Flowers are blossoming, and this is the most beautiful season of the year.

The flower scent and fresh air entered the room from the half-opened windows.

Dong Xuebing slept on Xie Huilan's sweet-smelling pillow and covered himself with her cozy blanket. He slowly opened his eyes and looks around the room. It took a few seconds before he remembered where he was. He yawned and smelled the pillow again and got up to wash his face.

Dong Xuebing had a good rest, and all his fatigue was gone.

Dong Xuebing was satisfied after his trip to Tokyo, and bringing forward his wedding with Sister Xie is the greatest reward.

After a quick shower, Dong Xuebing called Xie Huilan. "Hello, Huilan. Are you awake? I knew you were driving last night, so I did not call you. Err... Your mother said our marriage doesn't need to be delayed until I get promoted."

Xie Huilan laughed. "I know. My Mum called me last night. Ok. You just need to work hard to complete the Investment Promotion Agency's target this year. I will be waiting for you to join me in my bed."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Why do you keep mentioning this? Are you trying to seduce me?"

"I am motivating you. Haha..."

Dong Xuebing knows Xie Huilan is busy and hangs up quickly. He lit a cigarette and called his office and Deputy Mayor Zhao Xinglong to apply for leave for the week. Japan's break-in case had caused an uproar, and Dong Xuebing followed Sister Xie and Madam Han's advice to stay low in Beijing. The Investment Promotion Agency work is going smoothly, and everything should be fine when he is not around.

Knock... knock... knock... someone knocks on the door.

"Xiao Bing. Can I enter?" It's Han Jing.

"Yes." Dong Xuebing quickly snubbed his cigarette. "Please come in."

The door opened, and Madam Han, who is wearing a long dress, entered the room. "Why did you snub the cigarette? Just carry on."

Dong Xuebing opened the window to air the room. "No need. The cigarette smell is too strong. Oh, how are you feeling today? Have you check your blood pressure?"

Han Jing smiled and sat on the bed. She patted Dong Xuebing's hand like his mother. "Thanks to you for getting back the statue. I feel much better."

Han Jing's blood pressure had gone up because of the Buddha statue. Now it's recovered, she felt better.

After chatting for a while, Madam Han said. "Your Uncle had gone to work. Let's go and have breakfast."

The breakfast was prepared by the helpers, and it was sumptuous.

After breakfast, Dong Xuebing took the medicine box from the coffee table. He helped Madam Han get high blood pressure medicine. Dong Xuebing's mother also has high blood pressure, and he is familiar with such medications. The dosages are either half or one tablet. After that, he poured a glass of warm water and gave it to her. Madam Han smiled and nodded before taking her medicine.

At around 9.30 am, Madam Han has to attend a charity event. The wife of the City's Party Secretary is very busy and must attend these functions.

The car had arrived to pick Madam Han, and she left.

Only Dong Xuebing and the helpers are in the house, and he felt awkward to remain there and went out. Last night, many people had come for Madam Han's birthday dinner. Dong Xuebing had to park his Mercedes MPV beside the trees in the Party Committee Family Quarters.

Dong Xuebing pressed the remote, and his car beeped.

Just when Dong Xuebing was walking out of Mansion No. 1, a middle-aged man walks out of another mansion diagonally opposite, to a parked Audi, with the City's Party Committee registration plate. The driver got down and opened the rear passenger door.

Eh? Isn't that the City's Public Security Bureau Chief, Feng Xueliang?

Beijing City Party Committee Members are all high-level officials with at least Deputy Minister rank.

Dong Xuebing had met Feng Xueliang before when he was working in State Security. They met in Wangfu restaurant when Xie Huilan brought him there for lunch. She also introduced Dong Xuebing to him. But Feng Xueliang is a high-ranking official and should not remember him. Furthermore, he heard that Feng Xueliang is with the City Mayor's faction and is different from Xie Guobang's faction.

Feng Xueliang, in his police uniform, saw Dong Xuebing.

Although Dong Xuebing felt Feng Xueliang will not remember him, he still greeted him. "Chief Feng."

Feng Xueliang smiled and nodded. "Xiao Dong ah... did you come to celebrate Madam Han's birthday?"

Huh? Xiao Dong?

Dong Xuebing is surprised to know the other party remembered him and even knows his surname. He quickly acknowledged.

Feng Xueliang took a glance at the No. 1 Mansion behind Dong Xuebing and looks at his wet hair. He looked surprised and nodded before getting into his car. After that, he rolled down the window and smiled at Dong Xuebing. "Haha... drop by my place for dinner with Huilan when you two are free."

The driver heard that and looked at Dong Xuebing to remember his face.

After Feng Xueliang left, Dong Xuebing was still wondering what he means.

Dong Xuebing is only a Section Chief at the grassroots level. He has no experience dealing with people from a higher level. Although he had spoken to Xie Guobang, Xie Guoliang, and the rest at home, it was different from interactions at work. That's why Dong Xuebing can be considered to have not interacted with high-ranking officials. They are out of reach for Dong Xuebing, and he doesn't understand the underlying meaning.

Dong Xuebing remembered Xie Huilan mentioned that competitions are more subtle at the Provincial level because there are too many complications. The leaders can no longer be identified by factions like the grassroots level. Feng Xueliang might be the Mayor's man and is from a different faction from Xie Guobang. But Feng Xueliang is close to Xie Huilan and Madam Han and continued interacting with the Xie family. Is it because of Senior Xie?

I should stop thinking about this as this is too far from me.

Dong Xuebing boarded his car and drove out of the Party Committee family quarters. He is only staying in Beijing for about a week and has many things to do.

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and called Aunt Xian.

But Aunt Xuan is not in Beijing. She had handed the Auction company to her deputy and left for a holiday in Zhejiang with her mother yesterday morning. She said relaxing herself is good for her baby and should not return this week. Dong Xuebing is speechless and reminded her to take care of herself.

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing called Mu Zhengzhong. He is quite concerned about the Museum exhibiting Japan's National Treasure.

Ring... ring... ring... the line got through. "Hello, Teacher Mu?"

The background is very noisy, and there seem to have many people around Mu Zhengzhong. "Who are you?"

"Who do you think?" Dong Xuebing laughed. "How is it going with the scroll?"

Mu Zhengzhong paused and said to the people around him. "Please wait for a minute. Let me answer this call... No comment... Please wait..." After a while, Dong Xuebing heard the sound of a door closing, and the background becomes quiet. He smiled wearily. "Young man... that thing is on display now. I had not wanted to exhibit it so early, but news of it had leaked. I had no choice but to exhibit it."

Dong Xuebing asked. "How is the response?"

"Did you not watch the news? You will know when you come over to the Museum. Sigh... If I know this will be an uproar, I will not get involve... haha..."

"But how come you sound very excited?"

"Really? I am having a headache now!"

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing switched on the radio while driving to Mu Zhengzhong's Museum. He did not expect the will be exhibited so soon and had not followed the news this morning. The Museum is located near to the outskirts and is not far from where Dong Xuebing was.

When Dong Xuebing reaches the Museum, he got shocked.

Damn! The traffic is blocked by cars and TV stations trucks. Many cameramen, armed with video cameras, and reporters with microphones, are reporting live. From the logos and signs on the vehicles, there are at least a dozen TV stations here!

Dong Xuebing had found out about this much later, and the chaos had started more than one hour earlier.

The , which the Japan Officials claimed will not leave their borders, is on display in Beijing!

This is a piece of earthshaking news!

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Chapter 415 – Beauty

Noon.

A private room in a mid-range restaurant.

Dong Xuebing had called Sixth Bureau Deputy Chief, Old Qian, out to treat him. Old Qian is still worried and kept asking if he has anything to do with the Tokyo National Museum break-in case. Although the had been brought into China and is on display in the museum, the damage to China's foreign affairs is great. This had become an international dispute, and all major newspapers are reporting about this. If Dong Xuebing is involved, Old Qian might be implicated as his accomplice, as he had bought the air tickets for him.

Dong Xuebing refused to admit and claimed he had gone to Japan to look for someone.

Old Qian finally believes him and did not continue to ask.

Dong Xuebing felt guilty for implicating Old Qian and gave him three cartons of Zhonghwa cigarettes after lunch. He tried to refuse but accepted Dong Xuebing's gifts after some persuasion. This is the Chinese culture of exchange gifts and favors, and the gifts don't need to be expensive.

Old Qian told Dong Xuebing that Xu Yan had not come to work today and might be sick before leaving.

Dong Xuebing got worried. Chief Xu had treated him well, and he should pay her a visit if she is sick.

...

1 pm.

Dong Xuebing looks around in the small road outside of Western District State Security Branch's family quarters. Nothing had changed. The buildings are still one-story buildings and are still located within lots of complex alleyways. It was almost two years when Dong Xuebing used BACK to buy heart attack and asthma medication for Minister Lui. He had kept in touch with Xu Yan over the phone, and it's been a while since they met. He had not visited her during New Year, and he should buy some gifts to visit her now.

The guard stopped Dong Xuebing at the entrance of the quarters. "Who are you?"

Dong Xuebing smiled. "I am Dong Xuebing. Is Xu Yan, Chief Xu, at home?"

"Wait here." The guard returned to his post and made a call. After a while, he sticks his head out. "Chief Xu asked you to go in. Building 1, 202."

"Ok. Thanks." Dong Xuebing carried his gifts and entered.

Ding Dong... ding dong... Dong Xuebing pressed Chief Xu's doorbell.

A few moments later, the door opened from inside, and a beautiful woman appeared in her early forties. She has above-average looks and is wearing silk pajamas. Her hair is pinned up, and she has a wool sweater over her sweater.

Dong Xuebing was stunned for a second. "Xu... Chief Xu?"

"Why do you look so surprised?" Xu Yan laughed and opened the gate. "Do you think I am an imposter?"

Dong Xuebing blushed. "Err... You looked pale, and I didn't recognize you at first glance. I heard you are sick. How are you feeling now?"

Xu Yan stepped aside to let Dong Xuebing enter. "I am fine. I am only tired. Come in."

Dong Xuebing had not recognized Xu Yan earlier as they have not met for a long time. His first impression of Xu Yan is an ordinary middle-aged lady with average looks. But this time, Dong Xuebing felt Xu Yan is prettier than before despite her features are still the same.

Dong Xuebing knows it is not Xu Yan who had changed. He is the one who changed.

In the past, Dong Xuebing had always look at others' appearance and did not care about other things. But as he met more people of higher status, he learned not to judge by appearances. Now, he looks at his former leader and realizes he had not noticed she looks prettier after looking at her for a while.

The door closed, and only both of them are in the apartment.

"Sorry for the mess. I didn't know you are coming over and do not tidy up." Xu Yan saw Dong Xuebing kept looking at her and smiled. "What's wrong?"

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. He is no longer Xu Yan's subordinate and can be more casual when speaking to her. "I noticed you had changed... Hmmm... you are prettier now."

Xu Yan laugh. "You brat... how dare you to say such things to your former leader?"

"Ah... I am telling the truth." Dong Xuebing looks around. "Oh, are you alone at home?"

Xu Yan nodded and sat on the sofa with Dong Xuebing. "You know I had divorced for many years and have been living alone. Here... have a cup of tea."

Dong Xuebing knew Xu Yan is a divorcee and has a son studying in Junior High school. But her son is with her former husband and will live with Xu Yan two days every month. He felt bad for his former leader for being alone even when she is sick. He has always been grateful to Xu Yan and wants to do something for her. "Have you eaten?"

"I have no appetite and am lazy to cook. I just took my medicine."

"This is wrong." Dong Xuebing rolled up his sleeves and stood up. "I will prepare something for you. Stay here."

Xu Yan pulled Dong Xuebing back. "No need. You have just arrived. Sit down."

Dong Xuebing replied. "Old Leader, you don't need to be so polite with me. Look at your face. You are so pale. How can you skip your meals? Go and rest in your room, and I will call you when the food is ready." He could tell Xu Yan had been resting in her room before he came from the way she is dressed. He helped her up and walk her to the room. Xu Yan is well developed, and her breasts jiggle as she laid down on her bed.

Damn... how come I didn't realize Chief Xu is so alluring in the past?

Dong Xuebing quickly looks away. "Take a nap while I prepare lunch for you."

Xu Yan smiled. "I thought you only know how to create trouble outside. I didn't know you know how to care for others."

Dong Xuebing covered Xu Yan with her blanket and replied shamelessly. "It's not too late to know this. I am not good at a lot of things, but I am good at taking care of others." He is not boosting. After his father passed away and his mother returned to the County to work, he took care of himself in Beijing for many years. Although Qu Yunxuan helped him wash his clothes later, he seldom washed his clothes or cook in Yan Tai County, but that does not mean he doesn't know. He is just lazy.

After entering the kitchen, Dong Xuebing starts to cook.

About twenty minutes later, Dong Xuebing carried a bowl of hot porridge into the bedroom for Xu Yan and took out a thermometer to see if she is running a fever.

Xu Yan sighed. "It would be nice if you are my son."

Dong Xuebing placed the empty bowl on the side table and heard Xu Yan's lonely tone. He knows she felt lonely as she is separated from her son. "Then just treat me as your son. If you are not feeling well, just call me. I might not know a lot, but cooking and washing dishes is not a problem."

Xu Yan laughed. "Thank you."

"Look at you. I should be the one thanking you for taking care of me. I was rash in the past and caused you lots of trouble in the past."

Xu Yan pulled the collar of her pajamas and placed the thermometer under her armpit. She is not wearing a bra, and her breasts swayed vigorously as she moved. Dong Xuebing quickly turned his head away and took the empty bowl to the kitchen to wash. After that, he took out an envelope with a pile of cash from his bag to the room. He placed the envelope on the side table. The money is to repay Xu Yan for paying for the air tickets and Yen.

After a while, the thermometer beeped. 37.9 degrees Celsius. It is almost a high fever.

Dong Xuebing found fever medication in the house and gave it to Xu Yan. "Eat the medicine and take a nap. If you are still not feeling well, you need to see the doctor."

Xu Yan waved her hand. "Help me up. This is only a slight fever."

Dong Xuebing gave her a stare. "No. I will not listen to you. Just take a nap and call me if you need anything. I will be watching TV outside."

The medicine took effect, and Xu Yan felt drowsy. "You had traveled so far to see me. How can I let you do this?"

"This is what I should do. Are you treating me as an outsider?"

After Xu Yan fell asleep, Dong Xuebing went to the living room and closed the door lightly behind him.

It's around 2 pm now.

Dong Xuebing knew Chief Xu had been unhappy at work. Did she feel sick because of this? Oh, Chief Xu had been looking for connections to be transferred to Fen Zhou City State Security sometime earlier, and he had asked Old Yang for help. He wonders if there is any good news, as he wants to give Xu Yan a surprise. So, he called Luan Xiaoping.

Dong Xuebing dares not to chase after Old Yang and can only ask his mother.

The line got through. "Mum, are you in class?"

"No. My class just finished. What's wrong?"

"You remembered the last time I asked Uncle Yang about the State Security Bureau Chief position? How is it?"

"Ah... I have almost forgotten to tell you. This morning, your Uncle Yang mentioned that it is basically settled."

Dong Xuebing's eyes brighten up. "What is the probability?"

Luan Xiaoping replied. "Old Yang said it is basically settled, that means it should not be a problem. He had asked for your number this morning. He still has not called you? Then just give him a call. He had been monitoring this for you, and you should thank him."

"Ok! I know."

It's settled!

Chapter 416 – Xu Yan's transfer

Afternoon.

Xu Yan's apartment.

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing called Yang Zhaode's mobile phone. "Uncle Yang. I'm Xiao Bing. Am I disturbing you?"

Yang Zhaode laughed. "No. My meeting just ended and I was about to call you. I heard from Xiaoping that you had returned to Beijing during the weekends. Are you back?"

"Not yet. I have something to attend to and took a few days off work."

"It is troublesome? Do you need help?"

"Haha... it's a small matter."

"Ok. Oh, Xiao Jia had gone to Beijing this morning too."

"Huh? Sister Su is coming? Is it for work?"

"I think she is going to Beijing to ask people for a favor. I did not ask her about the details." Yang Zhaode paused for a second and laughed. "Remember the last time you asked me about Fen Zhou City State Security Bureau Chief position? It's settled. The Provincial State Security needs to consider the local authority's suggestion, and Xu Yan's transfer should not be a problem. But many people are eyeing this position, and the Provincial State Security did not reveal her appointment earlier. The transfer order and appointment letter should be issued together this week. Just tell your former leader about it and let her be prepared."

What Old Yang said is basically confirming Xu Yan's transfer.

Chief Xu's transfer is confirmed!

Dong Xuebing quickly thank him. "Thank you so much, Uncle Yang. I will treat you to dinner when I am back."

"We are a family. What's there to thank?" Yang Zhaode replied. "You are my son now, and your problem is my problem." Dong Xuebing did not know how much effort Yang Zhaode put in to get this transfer. He had used lots of personal favors, but he did not tell Dong Xuebing about it.

Dong Xuebing is touched.

Son? Dong Xuebing's heart suddenly beats faster.

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing thought for a while before calling Yang Zhaode's niece, Su Jia. Old Yang had helped Dong Xuebing a lot, and he needs to do something. Furthermore, he owed Su Jia a favor. This time, Su Jia is coming to Beijing to seek favor from others, and Dong Xuebing should ask and see if he can help. Even if he cannot help, he can arrange lodging or play host for her, as he is considered a local.

But the line was engaged after calling twice. Dong Xuebing can only try again tomorrow.

Dong Xuebing looks at the clock in the living. It is almost 3 pm.

Dong Xuebing really wants to wake Xu Yan up to surprise her with her transfer news but did not disturb her rest. He got nothing to do and looks around for the TV remote to watch TV to past time. The remote is not on the coffee table or the TV console. He looks at the gap between the sofa's cushions but could not find it. He saw a leather coat on the single-seat sofa beside and lifted it up to see if the remote is under it.

Ah... the remote is under the coat.

But the next moment, Dong Xuebing blushed.

Other than the remote, there are a few pieces of clothing under the coat. A pair of skinned colored stockings light purple bra and panties, and long johns set. These are all inner clothing, and Xu Yan should have taken them off this morning. Dong Xuebing had come suddenly, and she did not have time to keep it away. So, she covered it with her coat. Dong Xuebing's heart was racing, and he reached for the TV remote. The remote is on that pair of purple panties, and his fingers touched the underwear accidentally. Xu Yan's underwear is slightly damp, and she should have changed out of it after sweating from fever.

Damn!

Dong Xuebing took his hands off the remote as he is afraid Chief Xu will remember where she places the remote. If he takes it out from under the coat, that means Xu Yan will know he had seen and touched something he is not supposed to. It will be too embarrassing. He quickly placed the leather coat over the TV remote and tried to put it back into its last position.

Watch TV.

Dong Xuebing switches on the TV with its buttons and mutes it to prevent disturbing Xu Yan.

Ten minutes...

Half an hour...

One hour...

Dong Xuebing made a trip to the toilet and went to the bedroom to check on Xu Yan. He saw her sleep on her side under the blanket, and her forehead is covered with beads of sweat. He walked over and wiped off her sweat, and felt her forehead. Her fever is subsiding.

Dong Xuebing was relieved. Xu Yan should have caught a cold and is not very serious.

Dong Xuebing looks at Xu Yan's body and saw her feet are sticking out from the blanket. He is afraid she would be cold and pulled the blanket over them. After that, he went to the kitchen to get ice and cold water in a washbasin before returning to the bedroom. He wet a face towel and placed it on her forehead.

Ten minutes later, the towel becomes warm.

Dong Xuebing rinsed it in the cold water basin and continued to place it on Xu Yan's forehead.

One time... three times... five times...

More than an hour passes.

Dong Xuebing stood beside the bed looking at Xu Yan and noticed her face is not as pale as before. Her temperature should return to normal.

But after looking at Xu Yan for a while, Dong Xuebing slowly becomes attracted to her. Loose strands of her hair fell onto her face, and the blanket outlined her voluptuous body... He cursed and knocked his head with his fist. What am I thinking? Just a few days without touching a woman, I get dirty thoughts from looking at other women?

People's ideas of beauty will change as they get older and have more life experiences.

In Junior High, Dong Xuebing felt the face will determine if one person is pretty or ugly. When he looks at women, he will look at their faces first. But as he was about to graduate from Junior High School, he started noticing women's breasts. He felt women with pretty faces, and big breasts are beautiful. In Senior High School, he started to pay attention to women's figures. Pretty women should have long legs, a slim waist, a perky butt, and a pretty face. But after he entered university, his definition of beauty changed again. He felt younger women, with a good figure, pretty faces, who can carry themselves well in front of others are beautiful. He had become pickier as he grows older.

His definition continued to change after completing his studies.

As Dong Xuebing interacts with more people at work, his perspective changed again.

Now, Dong Xuebing is almost 25 years old, but he suddenly realized he had returned to the basics again.

Age? Face? Attitude? Legs? Butt? Breasts?

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing felt all these are not so important anymore.

Dong Xuebing felt he can better appreciate a woman's beauty now. So what if a woman is flat-chested? They can also be beautiful! Why do legs must be slim? Voluptuous women are attractive too! Butts must be perky to be attractive? But fat butts are also attractive! Younger women are more attractive with their cheerful and energetic attitudes? Older women are also attractive with their mature looks! Dong Xuebing looks at a small skin blemish on Xu Yan's face and felt it is sexy!

Every woman is beautiful in their own ways.

I had really returned to basics!

But knowing how to appreciate a woman's beauty doesn't mean Dong Xuebing will do anything else. He only felt Chief Xu is beautiful and only dare to have dirty thoughts in his mind. But he dare not express or say anything. After all, Xu Yan is in her forties, and if she knows he felt she is beautiful and attractive, she will not dare to keep in touch with him in the future.

6 pm.

Dong Xuebing rinsed the towel for the umpteen when Xu Yan opened her eyes slowly to look at him.

"Huh? Did I wake you up?"

"No. I have woken up for a while but felt giddy."

Dong Xuebing got a shock. Xu Yan had woke up for a while? Does she know I have been looking at her all this while?

Xu Yan reached over and pulled Dong Xuebing onto the bed. She patted his leg. "You are making me guilty. You had wiped my sweat and change towels for me the whole afternoon? Thank you. Haha... even my ex-husband and son do not treat me like this."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Isn't this what I should do?"

Xu Yan placed her hand on Dong Xuebing's knees. "My fever is gone, and I am feeling better. If it's not for you, I might not recover until tomorrow."

Xu Yan had perspired a lot, and Dong Xuebing could smell her sweat through a small opening of the blanket. It does not smell at all.

"Good. I will prepare dinner for us tonight."

"Ok. Just use whatever ingredients you can find in the fridge. I also cannot remember what I have in the kitchen. A simple dinner will do."

"Ok. I will see what is available."

Xu Yan slowly sits up on the bed. "I should get a shower too. I am too sweaty."

Dong Xuebing reached over to support her waist. His hand touched her waist, and it was damp.

"Don't need to help me. I am covered in sweat." Xu Yan pushed her blanket aside.

"It's fine. Be careful." Dong Xuebing bends over to put on the slippers on Xu Yan's feet.

Ding Dong... Ding Dong... Ding Dong...

Suddenly, the doorbell rang!

Power and Wealth

Chapter 417 – It's Confirmed

6.30 pm.

Xu Yan's apartment bedroom.

Xu Yan picks up a piece of clothes and puts it over her shoulders after hearing the doorbell rang. She looked at her damp pajamas and turned to Dong Xuebing. "Xiao Dong, wait for me in the room, ok?"

"Ok. Wear another piece of clothing. Don't catch a cold."

Xu Yan nodded and closed the door behind her as she left the room.

Dong Xuebing knows Chief Xu doesn't want others to know he is in her apartment. Her pajamas are wet with sweat, and others might get the wrong idea if they saw Dong Xuebing with her alone. Regardless of age, being alone with the opposite sex in an apartment is taboo in the government sector.

Dong Xuebing heard the main door opening.

"Oh, it's Old Song. Did you just finish work?"

"I heard you were not feeling and dropped by to check on you. Are you feeling better?"

"I feel better now. Come in and have a sit."

Dong Xuebing sat on the bed and listened to the conversation outside. The visitor is a middle-aged man from his voice and sounded quite familiar. He immediately recalls who this person is. Song Shoujie. He is the State Security Western District Branch's Commission for Discipline Inspection Secretary, Xu Yan's former classmates. They are close, and when he was working in the General Affairs Office, they had helped him a lot.

Song Shoujie asked. "Are you running a fever? Are you alone at home?"

"Yes. I just woke up, and my fever had subsided."

Song Shoujie signed. "Xu Yan, you cannot carry on like this. You are so sick, and no one is looking after you. It's about time to consider looking for a partner. We are not young anymore, and it will get worse when we get older. Although my daughter is useless, at least she is by my side. But you? Who is going to care for you when you are old? I know you don't like to hear these, but I must still say it."

Xu Yan shook her head. "I prefer to be alone, and how long more can I live? Just let nature take its course."

Song Shoujie could tell Xu Yan is feeling down. He frowned. "Your transfer… is not successful?"

Xu Yan sighed. "It's not that easy. Feng Zhou City is too complicated. Although I had gotten my connections to help me, many others have stronger connections than me. I know at least three people are eyeing this position, and all of them are more experienced and have strong backings. Anyway, I do not have high hopes for it to be successful. This transfer will be across provinces, and the position is two levels higher. By right, this position should be succeeded by at least a No.1 Deputy Chief. You should know what position I am in the Bureau. It is too difficult."

Song Shoujie paused for a second and asked. "How about asking for a Deputy Chief's position?"

"I had thought of this too. This will allow me to leave the Western District Branch, but Deputy Chief positions are not easy. On the contrary, a Deputy Political Committee Chief is easier."

"Sigh… why did things sour between you and Zhen Anguo?"

"It's too late to say anything. He is the one who keeps finding trouble with me. If all else fails, I will just fight it out with him. I am also not a pushover!"

"You are still young, and it will be better for you to develop your career at the grassroots level. Don't destroy your own career."

"I had thought about this too. But if I take on a lower position like the Deputy Political Committee Chief… sigh… that will be my position until I retire."

Song Shoujie kept quiet. If it is not a position with powers, Xu Yan might remain in the Western District Branch. The State Security's system is about the same as the Public Security. A Deputy Bureau Chief and a Deputy Political Committee Chief might be of the same rank, but the authority level is different.

Xu Yan is unhappy when he mentioned this. It's just like what she told Dong Xuebing about her work at the Bureau. Chief Zhen had been suppressing her, and her subordinates are not listening to her orders. Basically, all her powers had been removed, and some subordinates even dare to defy her. She had fallen sick this time because her son had not visited her for almost two months, and her troubles at work.

Song Shoujie knows it is tough for Xu Yan but doesn't know how to help her.

After chatting for a while, Song Shoujie said. "Come over to my place for dinner. I will ask my wife to prepare your share."

"No thanks. I want to sleep a little longer. You should go home early too."

"Alright. Just give me a call if you need anything. If you are not getting better, go visit the doctor at the hospital." A few minutes later, Song Shoujie left.

Xu Yan sighed to herself and closed the door.

The bedroom door opened, and Dong Xuebing walks out. He had heard everything and felt he must do something to cheer his former Leader up. "Haha… Leader, I didn't have the chance to tell you earlier. Err… I have a piece of bad news for you. Can I tell you now?" He joked.

Xu Yan laughed. "I have enough of bad news recently and is used to it. Just tell me."

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. "You might need to leave Beijing soon, and it will be inconvenient for you to meet your family."

"Huh?" Xu Yan paused for a while, and before she can ask, her phone rang. "Please wait for a minute. I need to answer this call."

An Old Man said over the phone. "Haha… Yan Zi… Why did you not tell me that you are leaving?"

Xu Yan is confused. "Second Uncle, who is leaving?"

Xu Yan's Second Uncle laughed. "Are you still trying to keep it from me? Huh? Although I am retired for a few years, I still have many friends. I know about your transfer, and remember to take care of your health with you are there. Come back and visit me when you are free."

Xu Yan took a deep breath. "I am going to be transferred?! Where did you hear about this from?"

Xu Yan's Second Uncle paused for a second. "… you don't know about this?"

Xu Yan asked her Uncle back. "I have not heard about this. Are you sure about this?"

"Then it's weird. You don't even know who you asked, and no one told you about this?" Xu Yan's Second Uncle laughed. "You are so lucky. Your transfer is confirmed, and you will be Fen Zhou City's State Security Bureau's Chief. This position is two levels higher, and it is also a cross-provincial transfer. Such transfer is rare within the State Security, and you are going to be promoted to Director rank."

Xu Yan took a deep breath. "Are you sure? I really don't know anything about this!"

Xu Yan's Second Uncle replied. "Yes. It is confirmed, and the transfer order should be out this week or next week. You don't even know who had helped you get this transfer? I heard Fen Zhou City Government had asked for you only. Because of the previous State Security Bureau's Chief incident, the Provincial State Security Bureau and the higher-ups need to consider the local authority's suggestion. That's why they gave in to their request. If not, the Provincial Bureau would have appointed one of their men over. Haha… but you snatched this position away from them…"

Xu Yan still could not believe this is happening. She had tried asking for a transfer several times, but it was unsuccessful. How come it is successful this time?

The local Government had requested for her?!

Xu Yan wondered who is so influential to do this.

"Yan Zi, you better find out who had helped you and thank that person properly. It should not be easy for that person to help you get this transfer. You ah… are too lucky."

After hanging up, Xu Yan put her phone on the table in a daze and looked at Dong Xuebing excitedly. She didn't know anyone within Fen Zhou City Government and had only asked Dong Xuebing sometime ago. That's why she did not expect too much. But now, other than Dong Xuebing, she could not think of anyone who can help her get this transfer.

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Leader, congratulations."

"Are you the one who gets someone to help me?"

"Yes. I had just helped you ask around, and it is Minister Yang who had helped you. Err… I am also not that powerful to get him to help. It is my mother."

After getting a firm answer, Xu Yan did not hold back her excitement. "Xiao Dong, I really don't know how to express my joy now. This is a great surprise!" Many people's careers are stuck at the Deputy Director rank. She had never expected this transfer to be successful. Now, she will head Fen Zhou City's State Security Bureau, and it will solve her current work issues. This is also an important step in her career!

Xu Yan could not remain calm anymore. She held Dong Xuebing's right hand tightly. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Dong Xuebing laughed as he saw his former Leader so happy. "Don't mention it. Just take care of me if I get into trouble when you are in our city."

Xu Yan is really excited and did not hide her emotions in front of Dong Xuebing. After all, he is not considered an outsider to her. She lifted Dong Xuebing's hand and kissed the back of it lightly.

Dong Xuebing immediately blushed. It felt soft and ticklish.

Damn! Are you trying to kill me? Why are you kissing my hand?!

Xu Yan laughed and let go of Dong Xuebing's hand. "I am too excited. Haha… Did I scare you?"

"Err… no…"

After a while, Xu Yan calmed down and patted the back of Dong Xuebing's hand, and wiped away the lipstick stains on it. "Sit here. Let me show you your former Leader's cooking skills. This is to reward you."

Dong Xuebing quickly stood up. "No… you are still not feeling well."

Xu Yan laughed. "I have recovered after hearing this piece of good news."

Dong Xuebing could not stop her and could only wait.

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Chapter 418 – Su Jia seeking favors from others

The next morning.

Heping North Road. Dong Xuebing's apartment.

After getting up, Dong Xuebing went downstairs to buy Soybean milk and dough sticks for breakfast.

Dong Xuebing left Xu Yan's place at around 8pm, as she is too enthusiastic. She cooked six to seven dishes and even took out a bottle of Chivas. State Security has strict regulations on drinking, and she did not drink when they chatted. He only managed to leave as it was getting late.

Xu Yan's transfer, Madam Han's banquet... Dong Xuebing had settled all his tasks in Beijing.

After breakfast, Dong Xuebing crossed his legs and watched TV on his sofa.

Home is still the best.

It's been a while since Dong Xuebing felt so relaxed.

One hour...

Two hours...

Dong Xuebing suddenly remember Sister Su had come to Beijing yesterday, and he had wanted to host her. He quickly picked up his phone and called her. This time, the line got through, but there are static noises. The signal is not very good.

"Hello, Sis? Where are you?"

"... hello?"

"I'm Dong Xuebing. Can you hear me?"

"Yes." Su Jia laughed. "The signal is bad. I am in Beijing to attend to some matters."

"I am also in Beijing. It's almost lunchtime. Let me treat you to lunch as I still have not thanked you for your help previously."

"You are also in Beijing? Haha... Don't mention that. I am your Sister, and I should help."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "My house is in Beijing, and I should play host when you are here."

There is a long pause. "Alright. I am at Xing Fu Road and don't know which district is it. Is it far from where you are? Beijing is too big, and it's easy to get lost here."

"I know where you are and will call you when I reach."

"Alright. Be careful on the roads and don't drive too fast."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing changed and drove over.

...

Western District Beijing. Xing Fu Road.

This place is along the road with Xin Hua News Agency.

Two women stepped out of a hotel and stood at the entrance. Su Jia is wearing a professional-looking suit with padded shoulders, and her chest looks bigger. The weather is warmer now, and she is wearing a pair of black stockings and heels. Her long legs attracted many stares from young men walking past.

Zhou Xiaoru joked after Su Jia kept her phone. "What Brother and Sister? Who is that? How come I have not heard you mention you have a Brother?"

Su Jia tucked her fringe behind her ears. "It's Chief Dong."

Zhou Xiaoru was surprised. "Huh? When did Chief Xiao Dong become your Brother?"

"Haha... recently."

"Bullshit. We had just arrived yesterday, and he calls you today. He also gave you a ring. What Brother? I think he should be your lover, right?"

Su Jia rolled her eyes. "Sister Zhou, how many times must I tell you that the ring is given to me by an elder family member? Haha... you are the one who gets excited whenever I mention Xuebing. Huh? Are you interested in him? Is your husband losing interest in you? Do you... want me to introduce Xuebing to you? Hehe... I will find an excuse to leave later and create some opportunities for you."

"Stop your nonsenses!"

"But you are the one who started it first."

Both women joked around for a while.

When Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru returned from shopping, Dong Xuebing had arrived.

Dong Xuebing alighted from his car and noticed Su Jia is not alone. He smiled. "Sister Su, sorry to keep you waiting. This is?"

Su Jia introduced Zhou Xiaoru. "Zhou Xiaoru, Sister Zhou. She is also from our station's News team."

Dong Xuebing shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Sister Zhou."

"Nice to meet you, Chief Dong." Zhou Xiaoru smiled. "I heard you are quite close with Xiao Jia. If our TV station's news program wants to interview you in the future, you must not reject us. I could not even step into the Public Security Bureau to interview you previously and got a scolding from our Station Chief."

"Haha... Sure... I will do my best to help you all."

"That's great."

After chatting for a few minutes, they boarded Dong Xuebing's car. "Where should we go for lunch? Sister Su, Sister Zhou, do you all have any place in mind?"

The ladies sat in the rear passenger seat, and Su Jia replied. "We are not familiar with this area. You can decide."

"Alright." Dong Xuebing is a proud person, and Yang Zhaode had just done him a huge favor. He must play a good host to Sister Su. He thought for a while and drove to a nice restaurant nearby. "How long will you all be staying here? Have you all find a place to stay? Do you need my help?"

Su Jia stopped smiling and shook her head. "We will be returning if we can settle our matter today."

Zhou Xiaoru replied. "I am also starting to miss home. Haha... Beijing is a nice place, but I realized it is hard to do anything here."

Su Jia also sighs. "I also thought it will be easy. It is really difficult to get anything done here."

Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru sounded dejected. Su Jia has a relative in the Fen Zhou City Party Committee, and everything can be settled with just a phone call there. Zhou Xiaoru also knows Su Jia has backings in the City and thought everything should be fine when they come to Beijing. Su Jia had also contacted her connections for help. But after treating dinner, giving gifts, and spending money, there was still no news yet.

It was at this time Su Jia realized her status is useless in Beijing.

Dong Xuebing was about to ask Su Jia what the matter was about when her phone rang.

Ring... ring... Su Jia quickly picks up her phone. "Hello, Brother Lei... I'm Xiao Su... Yes... the favor I ask you... ah? There are no more spots? This... Didn't you say there is one more spot yesterday? No more?" Su Jia's face changed, and she sighed. "Err... it's fine... Thank you... ok... Bye..."

Zhou Xiaoru asked. "It failed?"

Su Jia nodded. "There are no more spots. All the spots have been taken up."

Su Jia had known this Brother Lei through his father's connection and is not familiar with him. She only heard that he has some connections in Beijing. Yesterday, Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru had treated him to dinner and gave him alcohol and cigarettes. But he just called up to tell her that there's no more spot. He is too unreliable.

Dong Xuebing slowed down and asked. "What is going on?"

Su Jia had lost hope and replied helplessly. "It is the internship exchange program at Xin Hua News Agency. I thought I can go over to Xin Hua News Agency to get some experience."

Dong Xuebing replied. "Oh, is it the exchange program announced two days ago? You all are here for this?"

Su Jia was surprised. "You have also heard about it? Yes, we are here for this matter."

Dong Xuebing had heard about this, and it was Xie Jing who told him about it. It is her HR department who is in charge of organizing it. "You all want to join this program? Sister Zhou is an editor behind the scenes and is suitable for this program. But you are a host. What's the point for you to intern at Xin Hua News Agency? Will it be useful?" Xie Jing had not told him about the details. Still, Dong Xuebing's first thought is that a News Agency and local TV station are different despite both media.

Su Jia looks at Dong Xuebing. "Xin Hua News Agency is not only a newspaper agency. They also have hosts. For example, the CGTN and other overseas English programs are from them. I have been working hard towards this direction, and I had majored in a foreign language during my university. Although I will not get to host if I can enter this program, I can learn from the backend. I will get experiences, and it will be recorded in my records. With the experiences, I will be years ahead of my peers and be good for my future career. Maybe if I perform well, I might get hired by them too."

Dong Xuebing nodded. "Oh, I see."

Zhou Xiaoru smiled wearily. "But after we arrived, we heard there is only around a dozen places for this program, and most of it is taken up."

Su Jia corrected her. "It's not most of it. All the spots have been reserved."

Zhou Xiaoru and Su Jia know this is a wasted trip. It's their fault for not checking before coming. This exchange program is a rare opportunity for everyone working in the media industry. How can she get a spot by treating a dinner and giving some gifts? It might be possible if there are over a hundred vacancies. But if there are only around ten to twenty spots, it will not be their turn.

The restaurant.

Dong Xuebing parked his car. "Let's have lunch first."

Dong Xuebing doesn't dare make any promises as he knows this matter cannot be solved so easily. If not, Xie Jing would not move out of her quarters because of this exchange program. Also, Su Jia had said that all the spots have been taken up, and he doesn't know if Xie Jing can do anything to help. But he will still try to ask for her. After entering the restaurant, Dong Xuebing called Xie Jing, hoping to ask her about it. But she might be in a meeting, and her phone is off.

Never mind. I will drop by Xie Jing's office later.

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Chapter 419 – Seeking favors

After lunch.

At the entrance of the restaurant.

Su Jia rubbed her tummy and laughed. "I am stuffed. The food here is more delicious than our County."

Zhou Xiaoru is also very full. "Thank you, Chief Dong, for the meal. It's been a while since I ate so much. Xiao Jia, what time are we going back?"

Su Jia looks at her watch. She decides to return soon since she cannot get the spot.

Dong Xuebing said. "Let's go to a place first. Come in."

Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru did not ask anything and boarded the Mercedes.

At this time, Dong Xuebing's phone rang. It's his mother, Luan Xiaoping. Luan Xiaoping said softly. "Xiao Jia had called your Uncle Yang earlier, and it seems she had failed. Are you with Xiao Jia now? You know lots of people in Beijing, right? Can you see if you can help with your connections? Your Uncle Yang had put in tremendous efforts to help you get the State Security Bureau Chief position. You should return the favor by helping Xiao Jia. Even if you failed in the end, but at least they know you had tried. Do you understand?"

Dong Xuebing smiled. "Yes, Mum. I will do my best."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing drove to Xin Hua Agency. He looked at the six stories office building and alighted.

Su Jia was stunned. "Xin Hua News Agency? Xuebing, why are we here?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "Let me see if I can help you all enter the exchange program."

Zhou Xiaoru was surprised. She did not expect Dong Xuebing to have connections in Beijing. But there are no more spots available for the program, and what else can he do?

The guard stopped them at the entrance. "Who are you all looking for?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "Xie Jing from Human Resource Department. I have an appointment with her." He lied. Xie Jing had switched off her phone, and he had to come over to try his luck.

The guard looked at them and made a call. He told Dong Xuebing Section Chief Xie's office is located on the fourth floor in the second building politely.

Dong Xuebing brought Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru into the compound, towards an office building. They went up to the fourth floor and got to an office after asking around. Knock... knock... Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru looked at each other and did not say anything.

"Come in." A woman said from inside the office.

Dong Xuebing opened the door and saw Xie Jing, in a lady's suit, sitting behind her desk reading some documents. Her dressing and the way she carries herself are similar to Xie Huilan. Dong Xuebing knows she was influenced by Xie Huilan since young, and most younger siblings will try to imitate and look up to their older siblings.

Xie Jing smiled when she saw Dong Xuebing. "Brother Dong, why are you here?"

Dong Xuebing replied helplessly. "I was forced to come. Your phone is off, and I cannot reach you."

Xie Jing took out her phone and replied apologetically. "I forgot to switch on my phone after this morning's meeting. Oh, who are these?" She stood up to pour Dong Xuebing a cup of water.

Dong Xuebing did not beat around the bush. "They are my Sisters, and they are working in our County's TV station. Do you still remember the exchange program you told me about a few days ago? Don't smile like this. I know you are in charge of this program. Can you reserve two spots for my Sister Su and Sister Zhou?"

Xie Jing rubbed her temples. "The final spot had been finalized this morning. You should have told me earlier. It's been a few days..."

Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru were not surprised and knew it will not be easy to succeed.

Dong Xuebing refused to accept it. He sat down. "Then add two more spots. It's not easy to organize an exchange program, and twenty places are not enough. Xiao Jing, you must help me with this favor."

Xie Jing did not reply and asked Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru to sit down. After that, she went back to sit behind her desk and rubbed her temples with her knuckles. This is too hard. If it is someone else, Xie Jing will reject directly as all the slots had been taken up. But it's Dong Xuebing who is asking, and she cannot refuse him. After thinking for about a minute, she picks up the phone on the desk. "Let me ask for you."

Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru were stunned when they heard Xie Jing.

Xie Jing's office door did not state her position, and they don't know her rank.

"Hello, Chief Sun. Can you add two more spots for the exchange program? ... Yes... it is for two of my friends... I am not trying to put you in a difficult spot... Yes... I know it's been finalized... but... that's right... there will be no changes to the people on the list, and just add two more spots... Yes... yes... it's hard to coordinate with the departments, and you want me to speak to them? Ok... sure... Haha... Thank you..." After speaking to Chief Sun, she made another two more calls.

About seven to eight minutes later.

Xie Jing put down the phone and smiled. "Alright. It's settled. The agency will add in two additional slots now. Brother Dong, it's only two more and nothing else."

Dong Xuebing felt proud. "Thanks, Xiao Jing. I will treat you to dinner another day."

Xie Jing laughed. "What's there to thank, and how can I reject you?"

Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru took in a deep breath when they heard it's been settled. They quickly stood up to thank Xie Jing. This is a big issue, and they had never expected her to settle it with just a few phone calls. She must be holding on to a high rank within the agency and has strong connections.

Xie Jing waved her hand and took out two documents from a drawer to fill up their particulars. This is only a simple document, and the official exchange program document will be sent to their workplace.

About half an hour later, Dong Xuebing left with Su Jia and Zhou Xiaoru.

In the car, Zhou Xiaoru asked excitedly. "Xuebing, I will call you Xuebing like Xiao Jia... Thank you very much." Adding two more slots after all the spots had been taken up is harder than changing the list's people.

Su Jia looked at Dong Xuebing from top to toe and laughed. "If I know you have such strong connections in Beijing, I would not look for that Brother Lei. Oh, you still treat us to lunch this afternoon. Let Sister Zhou and I treat you to dinner tonight. You had done us a great favor."

Dong Xuebing shook his head. "Don't mention it."

Su Jia had heard that Dong Xuebing has no backings and maybe only knows a few people in Yan Tai County. But now, she realized that he is influential in Beijing too.

Su Jia felt it's too weird...

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Chapter 420 – Someone is harassing Madam Han?

Wednesday morning.

It's a cloudy day with a slight overcast.

Dong Xuebing received a call from Madam Han asking him to go to the City Party Committee Family Members Quarters.

Madam Han is dressed in sports attire today and did not put on any makeup. Her hair is pinned up, and she looks different from her usual self. When Dong Xuebing entered the mansion, Madam Han smiled and asked him to sit on the sofa. "Your Second Uncle, Guojian, had asked his connections to suppress the National Treasure fiasco. Now, they are negotiating the exchange of relics between the Museums, but it will not be reported in the media. You... can return back to the County anytime you want. Everything should be fine."

Dong Xuebing poured a cup of tea for Madam Han. "Thank you, Auntie. Since everything is settled, I will go back soon."

Han Jing patted the back of Dong Xuebing's hand and smiled gently. "Let's talk about that in the evening. Give me your car keys."

"Huh? Keys?" Dong Xuebing took out his Mercedes MPV keys from his pocket and gave them to him.

"I will get someone to change your registration plate." Madam Han took the keys and continued. "You will need to return to Beijing often in the future, and your Province's registration plate will be inconvenient due to the many restrictions. I had made a call yesterday to get you a new plate. Beijing 9999. Haha... I will get someone to drive your car away, and it should be ready in the afternoon." Madam Han made a call to someone to come and get the car.

Dong Xuebing is overjoyed and quickly thank Madam Han. A 9999 numberplate?! This is a special plate!

In Beijing, people must draw lots to get number plates, and such number plates are no longer available. You cannot get it even if you are willing to spend money.

Madam Han looks at her watch and smile. "Your Uncle has a meeting today and will not be coming back for dinner. Xiao Bing, accompany me to the gym today."

Dong Xuebing finally understood why Han Jing is wearing sports attire today. "Ah... you had just recovered. Shouldn't you..."

"Exercise is good for health. Haha... my doctor also advised me to exercise more. It's fine."

Dong Xuebing did not continue as he saw Madam Han looks healthy.

Outside of the mansion, an Audi is waiting, and the driver, in his thirties, opened the door for Madam Han. Dong Xuebing can tell this person is not only a driver. He seems to be trained in martial arts from his physique and should be from the Central Police Bureau. He was about to board the front passenger seat when Madam Han asked him to sit with her in the rear seats.

The driver asked emotionlessly. "Madam, are you going to Yuan Yue?"

Han Jing shook her head. "There are too many acquaintances there. I want to relax today. Let's go somewhere with lesser people."

About half an hour later, the Audi stopped in front of a clubhouse.

Dong Xuebing thought they would be going to a gym, but they went to a nicely renovated recreation club. The club has ten floors and is majestic looking. As they entered the building, the lobby is spacious. There are restaurants, bowling alleys, tennis courts, billiard saloons, a spa, and a gym. The top floor is a ballroom.

Madam Han seldom comes here and is not a member. Dong Xuebing quickly went up to the counter to register for them. This place is not only restricted to members, and they serve non-members too. But non-members have no access to some of its facilities.

After settling the registration, Dong Xuebing and Madam Han entered the lift.

"Which floor are we going to?" Madam Han smiled. "Do you want to play a game of tennis?"

Dong Xuebing jumped and quickly rejected. "No... tennis is a strenuous sport. How am I going to answer to Uncle if anything happens to you?"

Madam Han laughed. "I'm joking... Hahaha... I am old now and cannot move like when I was young."

Dong Xuebing was relieved. "How about we go to the gym?"

"Ok. That's on the second floor. Let's go."

Dong Xuebing pressed the button, and the lift's door slowly close.

Before the door closes fully, Dong Xuebing noticed a group of people entering through the main door. One of them is China's top Snooker player, Liu Cheng, in his thirties. The man beside him is Da Feng County's Investment Promotions Agency Chief, Pang Zhou.

One second later, Pang Zhou and Dong Xuebing's eyes met.

Pang Zhou was slightly surprised and smiled.

Liu Cheng and the rest looked towards the lifts, but the door had closed.

First floor...

Second floor...

Dong Xuebing frowned as he walks out with Madam Han. Why is Pang Zhou here? When Dong Xuebing went to Feng Zhou City for the meeting, he heard that Liu Cheng had signed a letter of investment intent with Pang Zhou, and they have not signed the official contract then. Pang Zhou should be here to follow up on this investment, and it seems he is close with Liu Cheng. Liu Cheng had won lots of cash prizes from snooker competitions, and his family is wealthy. This investment should be a big amount.

When Dong Xuebing thought about this, he becomes angry.

Da Feng County's economic status is much higher than Yan Tai County, and their annual investments are several times higher. Many times, they are not bothered with projects that are worth over 10 million. Their Investment Promotion Agency had been doing well. Still, because Liang Zeyuan did not invest in the meat processing factory, Pang Zhou sent Xin Hua News Agency's reporters to create trouble in Yan Tai County. If it was not for Xie Jing, who knows what are trouble they will face? This is too much, and Dong Xuebing remembers it.

Why should all investors invest in your Da Feng County? Why can't they invest in Yan Tai County? What has it got to do with you all?!

Dong Xuebing really detests Pang Zhou.

If Dong Xuebing had used dirty tricks to get Liang Zeyuan to invest in Yan Tai County, he would not say anything. But he and his agency had won Liang Zeyuan's investment fairly, and he had not even signed the letter of investment intentions with Da Feng County. Dong Xuebing had not gone to Da Feng County to snatch investors, and everything is legal. You all are the ones who did not do a proper job and still tried to use dirty tricks to try to sabotage us?! This is too petty!

At the lobby.

Pang Zhou narrowed his eyes as he saw the lift stopped on the second floor. "Such a coincidence. I saw someone familiar."

"Huh? Those two people in the lift?" Liu Cheng looks at him.

Pang Zhou smiled and nodded. "He is Yan Tai County's Investment Promotion Agency Chief, Dong Xuebing. I heard he is only 24 years old only."

Liu Cheng knew both Counties' Investment Promotion Agencies are on bad terms and laughed. "He looks like a kid. How did he become a Section Chief at his age?"

"I heard he had saved his County Mayor's life." Pang Zhou replied.

"Oh... no wonder." A young man snickered. "He had found a strong backing."

The rest of the group are all young and like to compare themselves with others. They are snooker players, and when they see a Section Chief younger than them, they are unhappy.

Pang Zhou looked at Liu Cheng and said to himself. "Is the woman beside Dong Xuebing his mother? She looks pretty, and I heard she is teaching in a middle school. Her husband had passed away a few years ago." He had checked on Dong Xuebing's background.

Liu Cheng heard that and asked. "How old is she? She looks like she is in her early forties."

Pang Zhou laughed. "I don't know how old she is, but she had maintained her looks well."

Liu Cheng looked at the closed elevator door and kept quiet.

Pang Zhou smiled and knew his words had reached Liu Cheng. He had heard rumors that Liu Cheng is not interested in women younger than him. He is more interested in mature women, especially those divorcees or widows in their forties. The last time when Liu Cheng finished a business meeting with Pang Zhou in Da Feng County, he saw Liu Cheng teaching a middle-aged lady how to play snooker, and they even exchanged numbers.

Pang Zhou is good at instigating and likes to watch his opponents quietly from a distance. For example, he will make us of others to target the investors and his political enemies. He enjoys being in control while hiding behind the curtains.

...

Second floor.

Gym.

Dong Xuebing did not wander far from Han Jing and stayed beside her to protect her. Han Jing is jogging on the treadmill with a smile. After ten minutes, she started sweating.

After a while more, Madam Han stepped off the treadmill, panting. "I can't jog anymore... haha... I'm old already. How many minutes was it?"

Dong Xuebing started bootlicking. "You are doing great. I can only run for five minutes."

Han Jing laughed. "You ah... stop lying. Do you think I don't know that you challenged all of Seoul's Taekwondo schools by yourself?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "That is brute strength. My stamina is really not as good as you."

"Stop flattering me. Haha..." Han Jing picked up a towel to wipe her sweat and sat in the rest area.

"Let me grab a drink for you. What would you like?"

"Mineral water will do. Thanks."

There are two water dispensers in the corner of the gym, and there was a queue. Dong Xuebing had to wait for a while before it was his turn. He took a paper cup and mixed hot water with cold water before returning. Suddenly, Dong Xuebing saw a man sitting beside Madam Han. It's Liu Cheng!

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Chapter 421 – Beat him up!

Gym.

Rest area.

Liu Cheng sat beside Madam Han on a long bench to chat with her with a smile.

Dong Xuebing is a firm believer of birds of the same feathers flocks together. He does not have a good impression of Liu Cheng, who is close with Pang Zhou. He looked around and did not see Pang Zhou and the other youngsters who were in their group. From Madam Han's expressions, she seems to know Liu Cheng. Maybe she had seen his match on TV before.

They know each other?

Dong Xuebing walks closer to listen to their conversations.

Liu Cheng said. "Big Sis, you should avoid excising on treadmills. It's too strenuous for you. How about we go upstairs for a game of Snooker?"

Madam Han smiled faintly. "It's just for exercising, and I also don't know how to play snooker."

"It's alright. I can teach you." Liu Cheng smiled. "Snooker is easy, and you can master it in no time."

Han Jing waved her hand. "No. I am already in my fifties, and is not suitable to play a youngsters' sports like Snooker."

Liu Cheng exclaimed. "You are in your fifties? You look like you are in your early forties. It's rare to see anyone who can maintain her looks like you."

Dong Xuebing almost exploded. He realized Liu Cheng does not know Madam Han, or else he would not have said that. Madam Han doesn't look like she is in her fifties and is still attractive. But who are you to say this? This is too much! How dare you offer to teach Madam Han to play Snooker and flirt with her?! Damn! Are you trying to court her?! You are too bold! Even if Han Jing is not the Politburo Member's wife, she is still Dong Xuebing's future mother-in-law! She is not someone you can fool around!

Pang Zhou stepped out behind a corner from the other side of the gym and snickered.

After seeing Liu Cheng has evil intentions, Dong Xuebing cannot pretend not to see or hear anything. He walks over quickly.

Madam Han saw Dong Xuebing and waved to him. "Xiao Bing. Let me introduce myself. This is our National Snooker Player, Liu Cheng. Have you watched his competitions?"

Liu Cheng turned to Dong Xuebing and nodded.

But Dong Xuebing did not give Liu Cheng any 'face.' "Snooker? No."

Han Jing is amused.

Liu Cheng is a late bloomer and entered international competitions in his mid-thirties. He does not like people who become successful at a young age. For example, Dong Xuebing, who had become the Investment Promotion Agency's Chief. His brows twitched, but he did not say anything. He smiled at Madam Han. "Big Sis, let go over to the billiard hall. My friends are over there, and we will have a friendly match later. Haha... I am inviting you to watch the match."

Han Jing waved her hand. "You all can go ahead. I am not interested."

Liu Cheng insisted. "Big Sis, it's just for a while. The billiard hall is on level 3. Let's go."

Han Jing is getting impatient, but she did not show it. She still smiles gracefully and shakes her head.

Han Jing's bodyguard had been watching them all this while. He frowned but did not go over to chase Liu Cheng away as she did not say anything.

But Dong Xuebing could not hold back his anger anymore. "F*k you! I am giving you three seconds to get lost now!"

Dong Xuebing is loud and attracted everyone in the gym. Some of them recognized Liu Cheng, as he had often appeared on the TV recently.

Liu Cheng is mad after Dong Xuebing raised his voice.

Pang Zhou, who was some distance away, frowned. He did not expect Dong Xuebing to start scolding Liu Cheng suddenly.

"Xiao Bing." Madam Han gave Dong Xuebing a stare. "Control your temper."

Dong Xuebing knows Madam Han is not mad with him for losing his temper. Because of her status, she cannot fall out with Liu Cheng in public, and she needs Dong Xuebing to settle this.

Liu Cheng had been competing internationally and is an investor recently. That's why he is not afraid of Dong Xuebing, an Agency Chief from a small county. He looked at Dong Xuebing coldly and shouted. "Am I talking to you?! Who are you to meddle?!" He knows he could not get this middle-aged woman and does not mind falling out with Dong Xuebing.

Madam Han narrowed her eyes and looks at Liu Cheng.

Damn! You still dare to scold me? Dong Xuebing returned with a cold smile. "Who do you think you are?! Just because you played a few international matches, and you think you are great?! I will count to three, and if you still don't get lost, don't blame me!" Madam Han is looking at them, and Dong Xuebing does not want to beat him up unless necessary. He put out three fingers. "... three... two... one..." When he counted to one, Liu Cheng moved.

Liu Cheng has a bad temper, and he swung his arm at Dong Xuebing's arms. "F*k off! Don't point your fingers at me."

Dong Xuebing was still holding on to a paper cup, and Liu Cheng flicked the cup away from his hand, and Madam Han was splashed!

Han Jing's face changed, and the bodyguard rushed over.

Dong Xuebing was in a daze for a second after Madam Han was splashed, and he exploded. He kicked out furiously, but Liu Cheng dodged his kick and sneered. He returned a punch to Dong Xuebing's face. Dong Xuebing did not dodge and used his fist to meet Liu Cheng's punch. Bam! The two fists met, and Liu Cheng took a step back in pain!

Dong Xuebing stepped forward and kicked Liu Cheng on his kneecap!

Bam! Liu Cheng fell to the ground, wincing in pain!

If the water is splashed onto Dong Xuebing, he might not be so mad. But now, Madam Han was splashed, and Dong Xuebing cannot hold back anymore. He raised his leg and stomped on Liu Cheng!

Crack!

"Arghhh!" Liu Cheng's knee is almost shattered.

Dong Xuebing did not stop. He moved a step forward and kicked Liu Cheng's face. "F*k you!"

Liu Cheng's face was cut on his lips and cheeks!

The bodyguard was surprised by Dong Xuebing's ruthlessly and fast reaction. By the time he reached, Dong Xuebing had disabled Liu Cheng with two moves. He can only stand beside Madam Han to protect her.

Han Jing wiped the water on her clothes with a towel. "Xiao Bing, that's enough."

Dong Xuebing is not satisfied and stomps on Liu Cheng's stomach twice. *Vomit. Liu Cheng rolled to his side and vomited on the floor. He was almost losing his consciousness from Dong Xuebing's beating. Dong Xuebing did not hold back on someone like Liu Cheng. He needs to teach him a lesson for harassing and splashing water on Han Jing, or else Xie Huilan and Secretary Xie will not let him off.

Liu Cheng groaned in pain on the floor.

The gym's staff came running in with a few security guards. "What happened? Who fought here?! Huh? Liu Cheng?"

Dong Xuebing is still angry. He looks at the person in charge of the gym. "Is this the way you run your business?! Ah?! How can you let someone like him enter?! I still have not settled the score with your clubhouse, and how dare you stare at me?!" He is still furious. Madam Han was splashed with water when he is standing beside her. What if she got a fright and have a heart attack?! How is he going to face Sister Xie in the future?

The security guards and other members were speechless. This person is overbearing. He had beaten up Liu Cheng and still dare to accuse others?

The guards were stunned by Dong Xuebing and dare not make any moves.

Madam Han waved her hand. "Xiao Bing, come back."

Dong Xuebing heard it and walked back to Han Jing. "Sorry to frighten you. It's all my fault."

"I'm fine." Han Jing looks at her bodyguard, and he took out his phone to make a call.

Madam Han wiped the water off her clothes. "I don't feel like exercising anymore. Let's go back."

Her bodyguard did not leave. He whispered to Dong Xuebing to ask him to take care of Madam Han and stayed in the gym to settle this incident. Liu Cheng had suffered a fractured, and they cannot leave just like this. The person in charge of the gym saw someone had stayed behind and did not stop Dong Xuebing and Han Jing from leaving. They can tell this woman, and the young man is not ordinary people and don't want to create more troubles. Also, he felt the woman familiar and seems to have seen her on TV before.

Everything is over.

Pang Zhou, who had been watching them, frowned and then smiled before leaving. It's like all these have nothing to do with him. Anyway, Liu Cheng had already signed the contract with Da Feng County, and the money has been wired. The investment will not be affected as long as Liu Cheng is still alive.

Outside of the clubhouse.

Dong Xuebing was feeling apologetic in the car and kept asking Madam Han if she is fine.

Madam Han smiled and shook her head. "I am not that weak. How can such a small incident scare me? Haha..."

Dong Xuebing is relieved. "Luckily, you are fine. If not, I will never forgive myself. This Liu Cheng is a scumbag."

Madam Han looked at Dong Xuebing and smiled. "You... are too ruthless."

"I treated you as my mother and cannot control myself when something happens to you. Most of the time, I am not this rash." Even Dong Xuebing doesn't believe what he said. He had always been ruthless to his enemies.

Han Jing smiled gently and patted Dong Xuebing's hand. "I also treated you as my son. Haha... oh, when Liu Cheng chatted with me, he thought I am a teacher. I remember your mother is a teacher, right? This is not as simple as it seems. Someone should be making use of him to create trouble."

"Huh?"

What Madam Han said made Dong Xuebing's face changed.

Someone is behind this?!

Chapter 422 – Are you treating me as your driver?

Next morning.

The dark clouds are gone, and it's bright and sunny.

Dong Xuebing packed his stuff and left his apartment. He went downstairs and saw his Mercedes MPV with a new Beijing number plate, 9999, before boarding his car and drove out of his neighborhood. It's time for him to return to Yan Tai County as he had finished all his errands in Beijing. When Dong Xuebing was out of the city area, he saw a signboard, Da Feng County's Beijing offsite office, by the roadside.

Dong Xuebing slowed down, and his eyes turned cold.

He remembered what Madam Han said yesterday.

Someone is making use of Liu Cheng. Who is the one behind Liu Cheng? The first person that comes to Dong Xuebing's mind is Pang Zhou!

At the clubhouse's lobby, Pang Zhou had seen Madam Han and Dong Xuebing in the lift. He must have thought Madam Han is his mother and told Liu Cheng she is a teacher. It's easy to guess what happened next. He must have instigated Liu Cheng to go after Dong Xuebing's 'mother,' a widow.

Pang Zhou's real target is not Madam Han, but Dong Xuebing's mother!

F*k! This old bastard! This is too much!

This is not the first time Pang Zhou had created trouble for Dong Xuebing. A few days ago, he had instigated Xin Hua News Agency reporters to create trouble for Yan Tai County's Investment Promotion Agency. That incident is similar to this incident. Pang Zhou is hiding behind the curtains instigating others. If it is not because Dong Xuebing knows people within Xin Hua News Agency, he might have been framed and doesn't know Pang Zhou is the mastermind.

Damn! Pang Zhou!

You instigate others to go after my mother?! This is to embarrass me?!

Dong Xuebing's face turned cold. He worked in the government sector for two years, and it's rare to see someone as disgusting as Pang Zhou. Dong Xuebing had never offended him, but he kept finding trouble with him. He even wants to target his mother. How despicable is he to do such things?!

Suddenly, Da Feng County's Beijing offsite office's door opens, and a group of people walks out. One of them is Pang Zhou, and Dong Xuebing has not seen the rest.

Pang Zhou and a few staff are crowding beside a middle-aged man.

Dong Xuebing is driving slowly as he is thinking about Pang Zhou and is surprised to see him. Pang Zhou was still at the clubhouse with Liu Cheng. After Liu Cheng is hospitalized, he comes over to his County's offsite office as if it has nothing to do with him. Dong Xuebing's impression of Pang Zhou got worse. This person is not only petty and scheming, but he is also irresponsible!

Pang Zhou saw Dong Xuebing's car. "Eh? Chief Dong!"

Dong Xuebing did not stop and continued moving forward.

But Pang Zhou quickly stepped onto the road and stop Dong Xuebing's car.

Dong Xuebing stepped on the brakes and is furious. How dare he block my way?

Pang Zhou laughed. "Chief Dong, this direction... are you going back to the County? That's great." He spoke as if he doesn't know what happened yesterday. "Mayor Li's car had broken down, and his driver had just sent it to the workshop. Our Counties are next to each other, and it's on the way. Let's go back together."

Dong Xuebing rolled down the windows and coldly replied. "I did not say I am returning to the County."

Pang Zhou laughed. "Then just give Mayor Li a lift. Anyway, it's not far from here, and the leader had lots of work waiting for him in the County. You can't let him take a taxi, right?" before Dong Xuebing could reply, Pang Zhou turns to Mayor Li. "Mayor, this is Yan Tai County's Investment Promotion Agency's Chief Dong. He is returning to the County and can give you a lift."

Mayor Li, who is at the entrance, nodded and said something to the people around him before walking over to Dong Xuebing's car.

Pang Zhou opened the rear passenger door for Mayor Li to board and followed to sit beside him before closing the door.

Dong Xuebing is furious when these two people boarded his car without his permission. Did I allow you all to enter my car? Are you all treating me as your driver?

But it was Da Feng County's Mayor, Li Feng, and even if he is not from Yan Tai County, he should have some connections in the City. Furthermore, Mayor Li held a higher rank, and Dong Xuebing did not chase him out after he boarded his car. If he does that, he will offend Li Feng greatly. He looks at the old bastard, Pang Zhou. If Dong Xuebing refuses to drive, Pang Zhou will instigate Li Feng to target him.

Damn!

Dong Xuebing decides he will settle the scores with Pang Zhou. His actions had crossed the line.

Old bastard! If I cannot remove you from your position, I will write my name backward in the future!

Dong Xuebing drove off towards the south.

Li Feng is much older than Xie Huilan, and their characters are poles apart. He is very serious and other than receiving two phone calls, he spoke about work with Pang Zhou. Dong Xuebing can tell Pang Zhou and Li Feng are not very close from their conversations. After driving for so long, Li Feng had not even thanked him and treated him as his driver. It's as if it's his duty and honor for him to drive Li Feng back.

These bastards!

Dong Xuebing is an Agency's Chief, after all. Even if he is lower ranked than a County Mayor, should you thank me for giving you a lift because your car had broken down?! Do you think I owe you?

Dong Xuebing does not fear anyone and doesn't care whether if you are the Mayor or not!

At around 9.30 am, Dong Xuebing entered Yan Tai County.

Pang Zhou, who was sitting at the back, looks in front. "Drive further towards the south and turn towards the west to Da Feng County Government Building." Both Counties are next to each other, and further south of Yan Tai County is Da Feng County.

Dong Xuebing heard Pang Zhou's orders and stepped on the brakes!

Screeched! The Mercedes MPV stopped by the roadside!

Li Feng and Pang Zhou almost knocked their heads against the seats in front. Li Feng frowned and looks at Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing has seen someone at the entrance of a hotel next to the road. He turned. "Sorry, Mayor Li. I just got my driving license and is a new driver. Oh, I have something urgent to attend to. I have an appointment with someone, and my leaders will give me a scolding if I am late. So, I can only send you all to here." After that, Dong Xuebing alighted and walked towards the hotel, leaving Li Feng and Pang Zhou in the car.

"Mr. Peng!"

"Huh? Chief Dong?"

"Are you free? I would like to discuss something with you."

"Sure. I had just sent off a friend. Let's find someplace quiet to talk."

The man standing outside of the hotel is Peng Kenong. He had signed the letter of investment intent for the Chicken Manure processing plant with Dong Xuebing and Lin Pingping. They will be signing the official contract soon. This investment is around 10 million RMB. It's one of the first projects handled by Dong Xuebing after he was appointed.

"How's Xiao Hu doing? Is he doing well in his studies?"

"Sigh... He only knows how to play PC games and is always in his class's last few positions. He talked about you and wants me to invite you home to teach him how to play games. This kid is addicted. Online games are too harmful." Peng Kenong saw Pang Zhou in Dong Xuebing's car, as they had dinner together twice in the past. But since he decided to invest in Yan Tai County, he pretended not to see him.

In the car.

Li Feng's face changed when he saw Dong Xuebing walks away, leaving them in the car. He did not expect a lowly Investment Promotion Agency Chief will dare to treat him this way. But he knows Dong Xuebing is not his subordinate and has no right to make him his driver. He did not say anything and alighted to find someone to send him back to Da Feng County.

Pang Zhou saw Li Feng's face and said. "This Xiao Dong is too much. What can be more important than your work?" He started to sow discord.

Li Feng looked at Pang Zhou and frowned.

Pang Zhou knew what he said was too much, but he continued. "That person looks like Peng Kenong. We were still talking about his investment in our County the last time we met. How did Xiao Dong bring him over to Yan Tai County? This is too much! He had snatched a pork processing plant investment, which we had sealed the deal previously, and he is doing this again!" Pang Zhou is lying as Liang Zeyuan had not even signed the letter of investment intent with Da Feng County.

"... huh? Is this true?" Li Feng had heard about the pork processing plant. "Isn't this investment been confirmed during the meeting?"

Pang Zhou nodded. "But Yan Tai County snatched the investment from us."

Li Feng is concerned with Da Feng County's Investment promotion and had mentioned it more than once during meetings. His face turned black when he heard this.

Pang Zhou knew he is successful. "Mayor, we..."

Li Feng looks at his watch. "Don't call for a call. We will leave at night."

Pang Zhou laughed in his heart as he knows Mayor Li has deep connections in the Provincial Government.

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Chapter 423 – He is not here yet?

Morning 10 am.

Yan Tai County, Investment Promotion Agency.

Dong Xuebing did not talk to Peng Kenong for too long, as he had only used him as an excuse to stop the car. After Pang Zhou and Li Feng left, he stopped the discussion and returned to his car to drive to the Investment Promotion Agency. It's office hours now, and there's no one in the lobby. He saw everyone hard at work in the offices and is satisfied.

Chief Dong is back.

News spread very fast, and after a while, someone came knocking on Dong Xuebing's door.

Knock... knock...

It's the Office Director, Luo Haiting. She is wearing a sexy long dress and make-up, and her hair is pinned up with a brightly colored hair clip. She still likes to doll up for work. She might be in her forties, but she knows how to flaunt her attractiveness.

Dong Xuebing looked at Luo Haiting and smiled. "Director Luo, thanks for your hard work these few days. Did anything happen when I am not around?"

Luo Haiting smiled and replied. "Everything is normal, but without you around, we feel uneasy. Everyone is looking forward to you to be back."

It still feels the best in my own territory.

Dong Xuebing laughed and felt his mood got better. "Something had happened at home, and it's settled. But with you taking care of the Agency, I have nothing to worry about."

Luo Haiting quickly said something modest and smiled.

Knock... knock... Guo Panwei knocks and entered. He did not care about Luo Haiting and started to flatter Dong Xuebing. Luo Haiting heard it and joined in. After a while, Business Section One Chief Lin Pingping and Business Section Two Chief Jiang Hailiang arrived. About two minutes later, Deputy Chief Sun Shuli and Lui Dafa also came to Dong Xuebing's office.

All the leaders are here.

Dong Xuebing immediately calls for a meeting since everyone is here.

Guo Panwei, Luo Haiting, and the rest had called Dong Xuebing to report on their work these few days, and he knows what was going on within the Agency. Lin Pingping's Section One had gotten another contract. Sun Shuli had also signed a deal. They are currently more than 50 million, and it is 10% of the 500 million RMB target. Peng Kenong will be signing the Chicken Manure processing plant contract this afternoon. It will add 10 million to their current results.

This is the power of bonuses and commission.

Dong Xuebing praised everyone, especially Lin Pingping. This woman is very capable, and most of the 50 million investments are from Business Section One.

The Agency has cars, money, and results now.

The Investment Promotion Agency is totally different from the past.

Dong Xuebing looks at his watch. "Alright. That's about it. Is there anything else you all want to bring up?"

Luo Haiting suddenly said. "I didn't have the chance to tell you earlier. Mayor Xie will be coming over for an inspection this afternoon. Secretary Hu had called to inform me this morning."

Dong Xuebing nodded. "The County's leaders know about our results, and this is their way of acknowledging our performance. Director Luo, we must prepare to welcome the leader. Oh, are we signing the contract with Mr. Peng this afternoon?"

Luo Haiting nodded. "Secretary Hu said that Mayor Xie will be attending the contract signing ceremony."

Dong Xuebing replied. "Then we must make it grand. Get everyone to be ready and clean up the place."

Luo Haiting had arranged for her men to get ready before Dong Xuebing said this. Leader inspection is an important event, and nothing must go wrong.

"If there's nothing else, we shall dismiss this meeting." Dong Xuebing looks at them.

Sun Shuli frowned and thought for a second before saying. "There's one more thing. I heard those Xin Hua News Agency reporters are sent by Da Feng County's Pang Zhou."

Lin Pingping and Jiang Hailiang had also heard about this, and their faces changed.

Dong Xuebing looks at Luo Haiting.

Luo Haiting cleared her throat and did not say a word.

Dong Xuebing knew it must be Sister Luo who had leaked this information as he had gotten her to verify it. She is the only one who knows about this. He smiled and felt Sister Luo cannot keep any secrets. But he had also not told her any secrets, and this incident is also not a secret. "I had also heard about this, but it is not confirmed. Don't spread this rumor." As the Agency's head, Dong Xuebing can only stop them and not join them talking about this.

Sun Shuli is direct. "I think it's most likely to be him. That hooligan Wang Shaoyan was arrested by Public Security. I heard a Da Feng County Investment Promotion Agency had asked him to create trouble with us. That person also hinted to him that Xin Hua News Agency reporters will be around that day! All these are planned!"

Dong Xuebing frowned. "Is it true?"

Luo Haiting looks at Dong Xuebing. "I have also heard about this."

Damn! No wonder Wang Shaoyan appeared just before the reporters arrive! All these are planned by that old bastard!

Sun Shuli is furious. "Chief, should we report this to the City? What's the meaning of this? They are setting us up and framing us! I just don't understand why are they doing this? We have not offended them, and how can they use these despicable tricks on us?! What are they trying to do?"

Lin Pingping frowned and added. "This is too much!"

Jiang Hailiang continued. "Is it because of Mr. Liang's pork processing plant? I heard he had been in talks with Da Feng County before coming to us! But they have not even signed the letter of investment intent. It's up to each other capability to get this investment. How can Da Feng County be so overbearing? They are making it as if we had snatched the investment from them!"

Jiang Hailiang and Lin Pingping are on bad terms, and Sun Shuli is unhappy with Dong Xuebing...

But when facing enemies, they are still united.

They have no choice but to be united. That incident had almost impacted them badly, and they were almost held responsible for it. That's why when they know it was a setup, they are furious. Furthermore, Da Feng County Investment Promotion Agency and Yan Tai County Promotion Agency have been on bad terms for several years. Even Sun Shuli cannot take this lying down and wants to complain to the City Government! This too much!

Dong Xuebing did not give them any answers and asked them to return to work. But in his heart, he is fuming.

Pang Zhou!

I will settle all our scores when this is over!

One hour...

Two hours...

Three hours...

At around 2 pm, the Mayor's convoy entered the Investment Promotion Agency's compound.

Dong Xuebing did not get all the staff to welcome Xie Huilan and only waited for her with the leaders and a few staff in the compound.

The door opened. A pair of slim legs in black pants stepped out, and Xie Huilan's pretty face appeared in front of everyone. Other than Xie Huilan and her secretary, Hu Silian, Deputy Mayor Zhao Xinglong, a Deputy Office Director from the County Government, and a few other staff had come along for this inspection. This is the first inspection after Lunar New Year, and they chose the Investment Promotion Agency. This shows how important investments are to Party Secretary Xiang and Mayor Xie.

Dong Xuebing quickly walks over. "Thank you for coming over to inspect our work."

Xie Huilan smiles and looks at them. "I heard you all had done well and wants to come over to take a look. Haha... How was it? You all had changed your cars?" She saw a few Camry parked in the compound.

Sun Shuli, Luo Haiting, and the rest are worried, as they had spent over a million RMB to buy cars.

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Yes. We had just changed it, but it is for work.

Xie Huilan nodded. "Investment Promotion Agency represents our County in front of investors. We must not be too extravagant, but must also not be too modest." What she said had set the tone for today's inspection. She is here to encourage and praise them.

Luo Haiting, Lin Pingping, and the rest were relieved when they heard that.

Dong Xuebing dares not to make eyes with Xie Huilan with so many people around. He obediently brought the leaders around the Agency and showed them their offices and even the cafeteria. Xie Huilan and Zhao Xinglong nodded with approvals and exchanged some views. They are still satisfied with the environment and attitudes of the staff.

The inspection lasted for about half an hour.

Suddenly, Hu Silian tapped Dong Xuebing's back.

Dong Xuebing quickly asks Sun Shuli to accompany the leaders and walks over to Hu Silian. "Secretary Hu."

They are very close, and Hu Silian did not hide anything from him. She whispered. "Mayor Xie still needs to inspect the Trade and Industry Bureau in the afternoon and must leave before 3.15 pm. Can we go ahead with the Chicken Manure Processing plant's contract signing? I can tell Mayor Xie is looking forward to this as this is an environmental protection project. It is the first for our County. She wants to attend the contract signing ceremony, and the venue doesn't need to be grand."

Dong Xuebing replied. "I have made arrangements. Don't worry."

Suddenly, Lin Pingping walked over and whispered. "Chief, it's already 2.30 pm, and Mr. Peng is not here yet. I also cannot reach him by phone."

Dong Xuebing is stunned. He is not here yet?!

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Chapter 424 – Furious!

Investment Promotion Agency.

Sun Shuli and Luo Haiting continued to accompany Xie Huilan, Zhao Xinglong, and the rest to tour the place.

Dong Xuebing looked at his watch and called Peng Kenong. But Peng Kenong did not answer. "What's happening? I had just met him this morning and heard about the contract signing from him. What time did you tell him yesterday?"

Lin Pingping replied. "2.15 pm. He is late by 15 minutes."

Dong Xuebing thought for a while. "Does Mr. Peng knows Mayor Xie is coming for an inspection?"

Hu Silian frowned and replied. "I had told Mr. Peng this morning, and he knows Mayor Xie will be hosting the contract signing ceremony. He still says he will get prepared and should not be late. Could something happen last minute? Why didn't he call us? No matter what's the emergency, he should not let the Leaders wait for him." Party Secretary Xiang and Mayor Xie are very supportive of the Investment Promotion Agency, and Hu Silian had represented the Mayor to dine with the investors. She knows most investors are arrogant and likes to make ridiculous demand. She doesn't like speaking to them, and even before they invest, they sound like everyone should give in to their demands.

"Maybe he is really caught up with something. Let me try calling him again." Dong Xuebing started calling again.

First, try...

Second try...

Third tries...

It's already 2.40 pm, but Peng Kenong is still not answering.

Dong Xuebing is getting impatient. "What the f*k is he doing?!"

A middle-aged man, carrying a camera, and two TV station staff came over and asked. "Secretary Hu, Chief Dong, should we go to the ceremony venue now? We need to set up the lighting and equipment first." Mayor Xie is hosting this signing ceremony, and the media needs to report about it.

Hu Silian paused for a second and replied. "Wait for a while more."

After the TV station staff walks away, Lin Pingping asked anxiously. "Chief... We..."

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath. "Get someone to look for him! Now!"

Lin Pingping immediately calls her people from her section to look for Peng Kenong

Dong Xuebing turned to Hu Silian. "Sister Hu, the investor is not here, and the contract signing ceremony... can you bring the leaders to walk around for a while more? Mr. Peng should not be purposely late. I think something has cropped up last minute, and he should be here by 3 pm."

Hu Silian thought for a while and nodded. "We can only do this now. I will speak to them."

Mayor Xie and Deputy Mayor Zhao are very busy. They showed their support for the Investment Promotion Agency but took time to attend this contract signing ceremony. This is to give the investor confidence and send out a message to other investors. But how can the investor be late for such an important event and even let the leaders wait for him? This is not right and will make Dong Xuebing and the rest look bad. That's why Dong Xuebing is trying to buy time. It will be an embarrassment if the leaders arrive at the venue and the investor did not turn up.

Hu Silian quickly walks over to speak to Xie Huilan, and she nodded. She did not show any displeasures and continued to tour the Agency.

Luo Haiting, Sun Shuli, and the rest could tell something is off.

Lin Pingping quickly told them that Peng Kenong did not turn up yet.

Sun Shuli's face changed, and he walks over to Dong Xuebing. "Chief, the investor still has not arrived? Can you get him on the phone?"

Dong Xuebing replied emotionlessly. "I tried calling, but no one is answering."

"He is not answering his phone?" Luo Haiting is mad. "Didn't we confirm the timing with him? Mayor Xie and Mayor Zhao are already here."

This is the worst situation.

This project is brought in by the Investment Promotion Agency. If Peng Kenong did not appear, it would be an embarrassment for the Agency and the leaders. It will also affect Mayor Xie's reputation! She has come here to host the ceremony, but Peng Kenong had gone back on his words! This will be too disrespectful!

One minute...

Three minutes...

Five minutes...

Peng Kenong is still nowhere to be seen!

Peng Kenong's house is not far from the Agency, and Lin Pingping's men have already gone there. They called back to inform her that there's no one at home.

Hu Silian walks over to Dong Xuebing anxiously. "Chief Dong, Mayor Xie has made two rounds in the Agency, and she needs to leave around 3 pm. Did you find the investor?"

Dong Xuebing is very angry now. Peng Kenong! What the f*k are you up to?!

Lin Pingping had been calling Peng Kenong, and she suddenly shouted. "He answered!"

Sun Shuli and Hu Silian looks over.

Dong Xuebing rushed over and snatched the phone. "Let me speak to him! Hello?"

"Chief Dong?" Peng Kenong said. "Sorry. I was attending to something urgent at work and just saw my phone ringing."

Dong Xuebing suppressed his anger. "Mr. Peng, it's almost 3 pm. Mayor Xie and Mayor Zhao are waiting for you for almost an hour. Even if you are busy, you should have informed us. Mayor Xie and the TV station are here to give you free publicity! Our County had shown our sincerity and gave you many subsidies! How can you do this to us?"

"Haha... Sorry." Peng Kenong replied.

Hu Silian signaled to Dong Xuebing, asking him to settle the problem first.

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath and asked. "Can you come over now? The contract is ready, and Mayor Xie still has something on later. Do you want me to send a car to fetch you?" If they rush over, they might still have time.

There is a long pause, and Peng Kenong said. "I am still busy here and cannot leave. Chief Dong, I am not lying. I am really busy."

Dong Xuebing's face changed. "What do you mean?"

"My company is facing some financial issues and the contract... we need to reconsider it."

Lin Pingping's phone is loud, and Sun Shuli, Hu Silian, and the rest can hear it. Even Hu Silian, who has a good temper, flared up.

Reconsider?

He is not going to sign the contract?!

Why didn't he inform us earlier? Why must he wait until now to tell us?!

Dong Xuebing felt his chest about to explode. "Mr. Peng, are you joking with me? Everything is still fine when I met you this morning! Now, Mayor Xie and the TV station people are here to give you publicity and promote your company! This will lower your investment risk! We have treated this with importance and done our best to help you. But you are telling me you are not signing the contract now?! How can you do this?! Is this the way you treat our County's leaders and us?!"

Peng Kenong paused for a few seconds and replied. "Chief Dong, I have my reasons, and I am not the one who has the final say in the company. I also didn't want things to end up this way."

Dong Xuebing replied. "Now, everyone is waiting for you. You are not answering our calls first, and you are telling me you want to cancel this investment? Mr. Peng, I just realize your ego is so big!"

"We really have issues with our finances. Hmm... I have a suggestion..."

Dong Xuebing waited for Peng Kenong to continue.

Peng Kenong continued. "My company had discussed. To lower the strain on our finances and risks, can you all lower the price of the land parcel further by 1 million RMB? My company had felt the land parcel cost too high, and with our current financial issues, this had become a problem. If you all can lower the price by 1 million, we will send someone over to sign the contract now. What do you think?"

Sun Shuli is furious. "This is too much! We have already given him our best offer, and he still wants to lower by 1 million?! How much does the land cost? He wants another 30% off?!"

Lin Pingping is furious. "Why didn't he raise this issue when we negotiated on the contract? Why did he wait until we are going to sign the contract? I know businessmen are profit-driven, but they should at least stick to their words!"

Dong Xuebing sneered. "Mr. Peng, I finally understand what is happening. Because our County had treated your investment with importance, and you become proud and arrogant. You know our Mayors and the TV station are here and purposely don't answer our calls. You know that we will be anxious, and to take care of the mess, we have to give in to your demands, right? Are you threatening us now? We have met many times, and I didn't know you are someone like this!"

Peng Kenong replied. "I am not threatening you all. My company is really facing some financial issues, and my partners are skeptical about this project. Never mind. You will not believe whatever I say now. Chief Dong, let's put this matter aside for now and hope we can cooperate in the future." Dong Xuebing's words are not nice, and Peng Kenong had enough of him. He immediately hangs up on Dong Xuebing!

F*k!

You hang up on me?! You still think you are right?!

Sun Shuli might be furious, but he knows the Agency will be in trouble when Peng Kenong did not show up today. "I will go and speak to him!" He walks towards the car while calling Peng Kenong.

Dong Xuebing shouted behind him. "Don't give in on the contract terms!"

"I know!" Sun Shuli boarded the car and drove out.

Lin Pingping is looking pale. "Our County leaders and our Agency are being disrespected! How can this benefit Peng Kenong for falling out with us? Why is he willing to offend the County's leaders for a bit of profit?"

Hu Silian replied angrily. "I think someone had offered him better terms! Even if he had offended our County, he could go to other Counties! That's why he is not afraid of us!" These people are too much.

Dong Xuebing paused for a while.

Someone had offered Peng Kenong a better offer?!

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Chapter 425 – Earth-shattering punch!!

3 pm.

Xie Huilan, Zhao Xinglong, and other leaders are still making their rounds in the Investment Promotion Agency offices. Until now, other than the Agency's leaders, most people don't know the contract signing had been canceled. A Deputy Director from the County Government is still ordering the TV station's staff to film the ceremony.

"Secretary Hu, please help us to buy some time."

"It's already 3 pm. I can't buy any more time."

"I will think of a solution and will let you all handle the situation here."

Dong Xuebing ran upstairs after speaking to Hu Silian and Luo Haiting. He avoided the County Leaders and returned to his office to make phone calls. His solution is simple. He must settle this problem first. Since the Chicken Manure Processing plant is canceled, then he will switch to other projects. He must let the County Leaders host the contract signing no matter what.

One call...

Two calls...

Three calls...

But how can the contract signing be arranged so last-minute?

Most of the time, the agency might not have any contract signing within a month. No investors will sign the contract within this short span. They must consider and plan their budget before they sign the contract. After a few calls, Dong Xuebing could not get anyone to sign the contract today and slammed the phone in anger. "Damn!"

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing's phone rang.

Zhao Xinglong asked angrily when Dong Xuebing answered. "Where are you? Is the contract signing ceremony canceled? Xiao Dong... What the hell are you all doing?! You all are embarrassing Mayor Xie!" The inspection ended, and the Leaders found out what happened.

Dong Xuebing could not refute. "Sorry, we had failed in our duties."

"You all had failed us! You... I really don't know what to say about this!"

"Mayor Zhao, someone had set us up. This morning, Peng Kenong was still..."

"Don't give me excuses! Come over and explain to Mayor Xie now! You... you should know how much Mayor Xie trust you and had come to help you by hosting the contract signing ceremony! But you..."

Dong Xuebing really felt he had failed Sister Xie and Mayor Zhao. Damn! Don't let me find out who is behind this! This is too much! Dong Xuebing composed himself and rushed downstairs. He needs to explain to the County Leaders and takes responsibility for this screwup.

Fourth floor...

Third floor...

When Dong Xuebing reached the second floor, his phone rang again.

Luo Haiting shouted angrily. "Chief Dong, come to our main entrance now!"

Dong Xuebing is puzzled, but he did not ask any questions and quicken his pace. When he reached the main lobby, there are no one around. Xie Huilan, other County Leaders, and the Agency's Leaders are standing at the main entrance. He can hear some arguments, and something must have happened. Dong Xuebing quickly ran over and saw Sun Shuli's Buick blocking a Mercedes. He recognized it was Peng Kenong's car!

Sun Shuli is furious and started arguing with Peng Kenong.

"Mr. Peng, didn't you say you are busy at work? Why are you at the restaurant?"

"I had finished my work and drove past here. No matter how busy we are, we must not skip our meals."

"All the County Leaders and our agency have been waiting for you, and you are just having lunch nearby?! You are so near, and you refused to turn up? What's the meaning of this?!"

Dong Xuebing immediately realized what had happened. Peng Kenong had been dining in a restaurant near the Agency, and Sun Shuli saw his car turning out from the restaurant's carpark and blocked him. Xie Huilan and Zhao Xinglong had walked to the main entrance because they heard the commotion.

Dong Xuebing is furious. Peng Kenong is just eating at the restaurant next to the Agency, and he purposely did not answer his calls. He even claims he is busy in his company!

Peng Kenong!

This is too much!

But before Dong Xuebing could flare up, he is shocked by what happened next!

The Mercedes doors opened, and Da Feng County's Investment Promotion Agency's Chief, Pang Zhou, and Mayor Li Feng stepped out with a frown!

Da Feng County's Leaders?!

Sun Shuli's face changed. "Mayor Li? Pang Zhou?!"

Everyone understood what happened when they saw Li Feng and Pang Zhou!

Why did Peng Kenong change his mind suddenly! It's Da Feng County who is behind this! Peng Kenong should be having lunch here when Li Feng and Pang Zhou found him and entice him with better benefits! As a businessman, he will invest in the County with the best benefits!

F*k!

This is stealing!

Pang Zhou pretended not to see the others and stared at Sun Shuli. "Aren't you Chief Sun? Why are you using your car to block the road? Don't you know about traffic regulations?" He had met Sun Shuli in the past, and they have a bad relationship. Sun Shuli is only a Deputy Chief and Pang Zhou, did you speak nicely to him. "Move your car away! Who do you think you are to block Mayor Li's car?! What are you trying to do?!" Pang Zhou has a habit of hiding behind others and purposely bring up Li Feng's name.

Peng Kenong did not say anything after Pang Zhou and Li Feng stepped out of the vehicle. After all, he does not want to fall out with Yan Tai County as he is living here.

Li Feng is a County Mayor, and no one dares to say anything after he appeared.

At this time, a woman stepped forward. It's Xie Huilan, and her eyes are narrowed into a slit. People who know her well will know she is very angry now. "Mayor Li, did you all snatch away Mr. Peng's investment?"

Li Feng calmly replied. "We are still negotiating."

Xie Huilan smiled. "Haha... don't you think Da Feng County had crossed the line? Our Investment Promotion Agency had signed the Letter of Investment Intent with Mr. Peng from what I know. It had confirmed the contract signing ceremony this afternoon. Don't you think interfering at the last minute is too much? I have always encouraged healthy competition and let the investors pick. But now, we had confirmed the terms of the contract and are about to sign it, and you all traveled all the way here to create trouble?! Is this how you treat a fellow County? Shouldn't you give us an explanation?"

Da Feng County and Yan Tai County's Investment Promotion Agencies had been competing. The higher-ups are also at loggerheads. Li Feng had not thought of clashing with Yan Tai County's Leaders this time, as he had crossed the line. But at this point, he cannot step back. He smiled. "What you said is incorrect. It is up to the investors to decide where to invest. We have only extended our sincerity, and it was Mr. Peng who decided it!" He did not bring up about Yan Tai County snatching away the Pork Processing Plant from Da Feng County previously.

Almost all neighboring counties will fight for investors. It's hard to determine who is right as everyone is trying to get the investment for their County.

Sun Shuli shouted. "You all are purposely creating trouble!"

Li Feng gave him a cold stare.

Pang Zhou sarcastically replied. "Chief Sun, how can you say that? Mr. Peng has the right to change his mind before he signs the contract. Who says he must sign the contract with you all?"

Zhao Xinglong's face changed. "Your action is considered ruinous competition! When Peng Kenong was negotiating about his investment with you all in the past, why didn't you all sign the contract?! Why must you all wait until we are about to sign the contract and appear in our County to stop it? Chief Pang! No one does things like this! You all are coming over to our County to get investors?! When did Yan Tai County change its name?!"

Da Feng County's actions had infuriated everyone!

Yan Tai County had snatched a major project from Da Feng County, but before the investor signed the Letter of investment intent. At that time, Mr. Liang had not promised to invest in Da Feng County and is still checking Yan Tai County's investment site. That is normal competition. But what Li Feng and Pang Zhou did is too much. They are about to sign the contract, and they secretly come to Yan Tai County to stop it! This action had crossed the line!

This is too arrogant!

Both parties felt they are not wrong, and the situation got tense!

Sun Shuli knew it must be Pang Zhou behind all these, as he knew his character well. Li Feng is the Mayor, and he can't ignore his status to come to Yan Tai County to snatch this investment. It must be Pang Zhou who had said something to Li Feng and gave Li Feng the impression Yan Tai County was at fault first!

Li Feng and Zhao Xinglong have started arguing by the road!

Pang Zhou sneered as he looks at them arguing and did not join in.

Sun Shuli doesn't have a good temper, and when he saw Pang Zhou's expression, he exploded. He rushed forward and looks like he is about to hit him.

Luo Haiting panicked and quickly pull him back. Jiang Hailiang also grabbed Sun Shuli's arm to stop him.

Pang Zhou looked at him and laughed in his heart. He knows no one will dare to start a fight, and who is Sun Shuli trying to scare?!

Fighting is taboo in the government service. It's fine if a government official beats up a criminal. Still, hitting a fellow civil servant, the person who started the fight will have to face severe consequences. Anyone who has some political wisdom will never do that.

"Chief Sun!"

"Calm down!"

Everyone pulled Sun Shuli back and tried to stop him.

Dong Xuebing stepped forward and shouted. "Old Sun! Come back!"

Zhao Xinglong and the rest were glad that Dong Xuebing did not lose his temper and still stopped Sun Shuli. They can be angry but cannot raise their fist. Seems like Chief Xiao Dong had become more mature.

But the next moment, everyone's jaw dropped!

Dong Xuebing walks up to Pang Zhou...

"Arrgh!" Pang Zhou shouted in pain and flew backward while covering his face!

Bam! Pang Zhou's body knocked into Li Feng, who was arguing with Xie Huilan! Li Feng was knocked onto the group, and both Pang Zhou and Li Feng's heads knocked onto the Mercedes' door!

Dong! Dong!

Everyone was stunned by the sounds of their head knocking against the car's door!

The ones who felt Dong Xuebing had become matured earlier almost cursed out loud! Damn! You had called Sun Shuli back because you want to hit Pang Zhou yourself?!

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Chapter 426 – Let's raise the stakes!

The main entrance of the Investment Promotion Agency.

Everything had happened suddenly and had caught many people off guard. Even Dong Xuebing did not expect this outcome.

Dong Xuebing saw Pang Zhou's expression about one minute ago and knew this is one of his dirty tricks. Dong Xuebing could not control his anger anymore. Pang Zhou had gotten Xin Hua News Agency reporters to create trouble, instigate Liu Cheng to harass Madam Han, and now, snatched his County's investment. This is disrespecting the Investment Promotion Agency, Xie Huilan, and Zhao Xinglong. He is even hiding behind to watch the show with a smile!

Damn!

You are seeking death!

Dong Xuebing could no longer hold back and shouted, "Old Sun, Come back!" After that, he walked up to Pang Zhou and shouted the command in his heart!

STOP!

Everything in the world stopped!

Luo Haiting and Jiang Hailiang were grabbing onto Sun Shuli's arms. Li Feng's mouth is slightly opened in front of Xie Huilan. Because Sun Shuli had been stopped, most people are not paying attention to him and are focusing on Mayor Xie and Li Feng. Pang Zhou is standing behind Li Feng with a faint smile on his face.

No one can move to expect for Dong Xuebing!

Smile?! F*k you!

Pang Zhou had provoked Dong Xuebing and Yan Tai County several times, and Dong Xuebing hates him to the core. He clenched his fist and punched Pang Zhou's face with all his strength. Bam! The punch landed on Pang Zhou's face, and his nose was flattened! But because time had stopped, he still has a faint smile on his face. Only his body was moved backward slightly with both feet leaving the ground!

You are still smiling?!

I will make sure you will not dare to smile for the rest of your life!

Dong Xuebing had not vented his anger. Bam! He threw another punch!

One punch...

Two punches...

Three punches...

During the time stop, all objects, including people, are not affected by gravity, except Dong Xuebing. Pang Zhou's body is floating in mid-air after all the punches. His body did not fly backward, and although Dong Xuebing had not vented all his anger, he felt it's enough. He pulled Pang Zhou's body from Li Feng back to where he was standing.

Dong Xuebing knew the consequences of hitting another government servant and does not want to leave any evidence.

Alright. These internal injuries are enough for Pang Zhou to suffer!

STOP!

...

...

Time resumed.

"Don't say all these to me! You all Yan Tai..." Li Feng is still arguing with Xie Huilan with a snobbish smile.

Pang Zhou is smiling while staring at Dong Xuebing, who had reached in front of him. The next second, the smile on Pang Zhou's face is gone, and he shouted out in pain. He covered his face with his hand and flew backward. Blood started to spurt out from his nose and mouth!

Everyone is stunned to see Pang Zhou flying backward suddenly!

Dong Xuebing is also stunned. He did not expect this to happen!

Dong Xuebing had discovered STOP for a few months but did not conduct many experiments with it. He thought he can inflict some internal injuries on Pang Zhou and settle the score with him another time. But the impacts during STOP will happen after time is resumed. The impacts from Dong Xuebing's punches all happened at once after time was resumed!

Oh, this is something new!

Dong Xuebing learned something new about his power, STOP, today.

Pang Zhou's body flew backward and knocked into Li Feng. Li Feng felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, and the momentum pushed them backward. 0.5 meters... 1 meter... two meters... Dong! Dong! Li Feng and Pang Zhou knocked onto the Mercedes door! It was loud, and there are two small dents on the door!

"Arggh!"

"Ahh..."

Li Feng and Pang Zhou are groaning on the ground.

"Mayor Li! Chief Pang!" Peng Kenong was scared out of his wits.

Everything happened too fast, and before anyone can see what happened, Li Feng and Pang Zhou had fallen and hit their heads against the car's door. The only thing everyone saw was Dong Xuebing walking up towards Pang Zhou. Without a doubt, it must be Chief Dong who had hit Pang Zhou!

Everyone is stunned!

Zhao Xinglong was still feeling glad when Dong Xuebing stopped Sun Shuli. Luo Haiting, Lin Pingping, and the rest are all afraid Chief Dong will start scolding Pang Zhou like he did with Xin Hua News Agency reporters. Li Feng is different from others and is a Director-ranked Leader. He also has connections in the City and Provincial Government.

But out of everyone's expectation, Chief Dong did not scold anyone! He just hit Pang Zhou without saying a word!

Dong Xuebing had hit Pang Zhou and Li Feng?! One of them is a County Department's Head, and the other is a County Mayor!

Xie Huilan is also stunned.

"Xiao Dong! What... What have you done?!" Zhao Xinglong pointed at Dong Xuebing and scolded. He felt he is a fool to believe Xiao Dong had become mature. Bullshit!

At that moment, everyone is looking at Dong Xuebing.

Great! These people from Da Feng County should be beaten up! Sun Shuli almost jumped with joy when he saw Pang Zhou flying backward. But when he saw Pang Zhou's bloody face and Li Feng, who held the back of his head, he and the other Agency's leaders felt a chill up down their spines! At that moment, everyone calmed down, and the shit hits the fan!

Hitting a Mayor?! Hitting a fellow government servant?!

This is insubordination! It is taboo in the government service!

Dong Xuebing knew he is in trouble, but he doesn't care about the consequences since it had happened. He did not use BACK to rectify it! Damn! I am the one who had hit you all! What can you all do?!

Of course, Dong Xuebing dares to hit them and is not afraid of Da Feng County. But he must never admit hitting them. He looked at the County's Leaders and the people from the Investment Promotion Agency and raised both hands innocently. "Why are you all looking at me? I did not do anything. It's Chief Pang who had jumped backward. I have nothing to do with this." He turns to Pang Zhou, who is still groaning on the ground. "Old Pang, what's the meaning of this? Ah? I did not even touch the corner of your clothes. Are you trying to accuse me? You even knocked Mayor Li down! What are you trying to do?!"

Pang Zhou heard what Dong Xuebing said and almost vomited blood. He pointed at Dong Xuebing and shouted. "Dong Xuebing!"

This is the real culprit calling the victim the culprit!

Everyone has finally experienced Chief Dong's shamelessness!

You are too evil! You had hit him, and you are still pushing the blame to the victim?!

Dong Xuebing turns to Luo Haiting. "What are you waiting for? Call the ambulance." After that, he turns to Pang Zhou. "Old Pang, you are in trouble this time. Even if you want to pretend you are hit, you should not knock into Mayor Li. Is this the way you treat your Leader?"

"You... bastard!" Pang Zhou is furious. He did not expect anyone to dare to hit him in front of so many people and dragged Mayor Li into this!

Li Feng stood up with his hand holding his head. "Mayor Xie! Is this how your Yan Tai County's staff behave?! How can someone like him be the Agency's head?! How did you all approve his appointment?!" He had never been humiliated like this before in his life and is extremely furious!

But Mayor Xie's reaction shocked everyone. Xie Huilan looks at Li Feng with narrowed eyes. "Mayor Li, do we need to report to you how we appoint our staff? Don't make any accusations before you find out what happened." Xie Huilan looks around. "Anyway, I did not see Xiao Dong hitting anyone earlier."

Everyone realized Mayor Xie is very protective of her own people at this moment.

Mayor Xie claims she did not see what happened? This is very obvious!

Everyone at the scene is from Yan Tai County and understood what Mayor Xie means.

Loh Haiting was the first to speak up. "I did not see Chief Dong doing anything earlier, but I saw Chief Pang flying backward without anyone touching him."

"That's right. I also saw Chief Pang falling backward by himself."

Everyone starts to speak up for Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing is touched, but he knows everyone really did not see him hitting Pang Zhou. He had punched Pang Zhou several times after he stopped time.

Li Feng looks around angrily. "Fine! Fine! Fine!" He took out his phone and start making a call!

Zhao Xinglong knew Li Feng is really furious, and he sighed in his heart. Xiao Dong is in the wrong this time, and even with Mayor Xie's help, he will still have to face the music.

Pang Zhou got up slowly and wiped the blood off his face. He knows Dong Xuebing is in trouble, and the most lenient punishment is getting fired!

Dong Xuebing starts to think of a countermeasure. Get someone to help him? It will not work, as no one can help him.

What should he do?

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing caught something from the corner of his eyes, and he smiled!

Yes! I have an idea!

Damn! I will raise the stakes with you all!

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Chapter 427 – Who is scare?!

3.30 pm.

The injured were sent to the hospital, and everyone left.

This incident had blown up, and there's no way to cover up. The County's Party Secretary, Xiang Daofa, and other Committee Members received news of this incident and called for an emergency meeting. Xie Huilan did not continue with her inspection at the Industry Bureau and rushed back to the County Committee. The Commission for Discipline Inspection Secretary, Duan Zhengan, was in the City Government to attend to some matters and rushed back to the County.

News of this incident spread throughout the whole of Yan Tai County.

Chief Dong had beat up the neighboring County's Mayor and Department Head?! The injuries are so serious that blood is flowing out of his nose and mouth?!

Some staff is worried. Chief Dong is too ruthless. Why can't he stop getting himself into trouble? He had just created havoc at the Finance Department a few days ago, and he beats up a Mayor next?! Pang Zhou is still alright, but who is Li Feng?! He is a County's head! Even if Da Feng County had gone overboard, he should not raise his fist! This might escalate to a political incident!

Chief Dong is really in trouble this time.

It is too serious this time, and everyone thinks the same.

This incident is very serious. Even if Chief Dong has backings from the Central Government, rules are rules. Some rules within the government service cannot be broken. Hitting someone is too serious, and all your backings and connections will not save you. Furthermore, it is a Mayor and a Department Head who is hit. People at these positions have their own backings.

At the same time.

Investment Promotion Agency.

Luo Haiting looks at Dong Xuebing. "Chief, this..."

Sun Shuli frowned. "I think Li Feng had called the City just now. This... Sigh..."

Everyone felt Dong Xuebing was too impulsive but don't dare to say anything.

But Dong Xuebing is not nervous at all. He waved his hand. "Alright. Get back to work. It's still office hours." He looks at a middle-aged man who was about to leave and quickly walks over to him. "Please wait for a moment."

That man turned. "Chief Dong, did you call me?"

Dong Xuebing smiled. "That's right. Let's go to my office. I want to speak to you."

That man is puzzled. Although he knows Chief Dong will surely lose his job, he does dare to delay. He grabbed his stuff and followed Dong Xuebing back to the office.

Sun Shuli, Luo Haiting, and the rest were in awe as they look at Dong Xuebing walking away as if nothing had happened. His career is gone, but he doesn't even seem to care. Just this attitude alone impressed everyone. No wonder he can be the Agency's Chief.

Twenty minutes later.

Dong Xuebing walked the middle-aged man out of his office. "Thank you."

That man took a deep breath. "Don't mention it. I will go and prepare. It should be ready tonight."

"Ok. Sorry to trouble you." Dong Xuebing looks at him. "Wait for my call."

Someone along the corridor saw this and is puzzled. What did Chief Dong and that man discussed in the office?

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing's mobile phone rang.

It's the County's Party Committee Deputy Secretary, Yan Tai County's No.3 person, Cao Xupeng.

Cao Xupeng is very angry and shouted the moment Dong Xuebing answered. "Xiao Dong! What have you done?! Tell me what you were thinking?! You dare to hit Mayor Li and Pang Zhou?!" Because he has high hopes for Dong Xuebing, he is furious. "I am speechless about what you did! You are too reckless! The County had just ended an emergency meeting, and even the City's Commission for Discipline Inspection called Secretary Xiang to reprimand him!"

Dong Xuebing smiled wearily. "Secretary Cao, I had not hit anyone. Don't accuse me."

Cao Xupeng doesn't believe Dong Xuebing. If it was someone else, he might still believe him. But Xiao Dong absolutely dares to do such things. "Secretary Xiang is speaking to Mayor Xie. Just wait for the outcome. Sigh..."

After a while, Duan Zhengan called and scolded Dong Xuebing. Dong Xuebing had saved his son from the tiger at the zoo, and he doesn't want anything bad to happen to him.

After that, Dong Xuebing received calls from his close friends. This incident had blown up, and everyone knows about it.

Dong Xuebing felt warm when he sees so many people are concerned about him. I am still quite good with people. But none of them believe him when he said he did not hit Pang Zhou.

Huh? Is my reputation really that bad?

I had used STOP, and no one should have seen me punching him. But why does everything thinks I had done it?

Dong Xuebing has a reputation for being rash, impulsive, and violent. They will even believe he will dare to beat up a City Mayor, let alone a County Mayor.

This guy dares to do anything, and everyone is used to it.

Ring... ring... Hu Silian's number appeared on Dong Xuebing's phone.

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and answered. "Hello, Sister Hu."

Hu Silian sighed. "Your punishment is out. Mayor Xie, Secretary Cao, and Secretary Duan had wanted to suspend your duties until this incident is over. But the City Government and Secretary Xiang think differently. Mayor Li had filed a complaint against you to the City's Commission for Discipline Inspection and City Government leaders. The pressure from the top is too big, and even Secretary Xiang and Mayor Xie were reprimanded."

The City is pressuring them?

"What's the punishment?"

"Removal from your position. From today onwards, you are not the Investment Promotion Agency's Chief."

Dong Xuebing's face changed. "It's so fast?! They haven't even investigated into this incident, and they want to remove me from my position?" He thought he will be suspended and can resume his duties later. But he is getting removed straight away! Who do you think you are by using your connections within the City Government to pressure us?!

Hu Silian continued. "Do you know you had really made Mayor Xie angry this time?!"

Dong Xuebing is apologetic. When he saw Hu Silian calling him, he knows Xie Huilan is angry with him. "What did Mayor Xie say?"

"What else can she say? She had tried to argue with the higher-ups but could not stop them from ordering your removal. You might get another punishment later. This time, even Mayor Xie cannot do anything. But I think she might transfer you to another County after being removed from your position and waiting for the dust to settle. You might be demoted, but after one or two years, you should be..."

Hu Silian knows this is the best scenario. Dong Xuebing is still young, and this incident might not end his career. At most, his progress is delayed for one or two years. At the same time, she noticed Mayor Xie's attitude towards Dong Xuebing. Despite being angry with Dong Xuebing, she had still tried her best to save him. If someone else had hit a County's Mayor, he would be finished. But this incident made Hu Silian realized Mayor Xie is very forgiving and concerned for Chief Dong. She is even willing to protect Dong Xuebing in this situation.

But Dong Xuebing cannot accept this outcome!

One to two years? How can he wait so long?!

Li Feng! How dare you ask the City Leaders to scold my Huilan?! Do you want to die?!

Dong Xuebing is furious. "Sister Hu, Mayor Xie might be angry with me still, and I will not call her. Help me tell her that I can handle this!"

"Huh? You have a solution?!"

"Yes!"

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing's phone rang again. It's Yang Zhaode!

Dong Xuebing answered. "Uncle Yang..."

Yang Zhaode did not reprimand Dong Xuebing but only let out a loud sigh. "I know about it. You had really got yourself in a mess this time. There's no way to save you. But don't get anxious. I will try to get you transferred to the City after you are removed from your position. Just stay low for two years, and I will find ways to transfer you to another County."

Yang Zhaode had tried his best and went to speak to the Leader handling this incident.

But this is not a small matter, and there's nothing he can do now.

Dong Xuebing smiled. "Thank you, Uncle Yang."

"I had not done anything. What's there to thank? But you should give your mother a call."

"Huh? What's wrong with Mum?"

"Xiaoping called me earlier and is crying. She is afraid something might happen to you." Yang Zhaode replied. "I had to console her for a long time for her to believe that you will be fine."

My mother had cried?!

Dong Xuebing felt guilty and angry at the same time!

Dong Xuebing was still thinking of taking care of Pang Zhou as soon as possible after receiving news of his removal. But now, he changed his mind. Damn! Da Feng County is too much! You all think you can bully others and then use the City Government to suppress our County?! Reprimand Huilan and even make my mother cry?! F*k! You think we are pushovers?! Do you think I will let you all step all over me?!

F*k you!

Do you all think I will be scare?!

You all want to blow this up and remove me from my position?!

Fine! I will play with you all and see who will emerge as the winner!

Dong Xuebing told Yang Zhaode that he will think of a solution and hangs up.

Come on!

Who is scare?!

I will make sure you all know the consequences of bullying others!

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Chapter 428 – Removal saga!

Dong Xuebing is removed from his position!

There is an uproar in Yan Tai County after news of Dong Xuebing's removal is confirmed!

Everyone knows Chief Dong will be in trouble after hitting the Mayor and Department Head of the neighboring County. But no one had expected the punishment to be so severe and so fast! This is not suspended from duties for investigations! It is removing him from his position! This is as serious as getting fired! The infamous God of Plague will be kicked out from the Government service? Some are shocked and felt this is not real. Dong Xuebing had gotten himself into trouble too many times, but nothing had happened to him. He is tougher and more resilient than a weed. This time, he is finally removed from his position. Some people are gloating about this, and some are furious as they felt the punishment is too harsh!

It's chaos outside, but Dong Xuebing remained calm.

4 pm. Investment Promotion Agency.

Agency Chief Office. Dong Xuebing called that middle-aged man and gave some instructions. After that, he received a file on his PC and transferred it to his mobile phone. After everything is done, he lit a cigarette and played music loudly.

...

Downstairs.

Lin Pingping entered Luo Haiting's office. "Director Luo, is the news about Chief Dong true? Is he really going to be removed from his position?"

Guo Panwei is also in the office and signaled to her to keep quiet.

Luo Haiting, who was seated at her desk, is speaking on her phone. She is speaking to Zhao Xinglong. "Mayor Zhao, the Agency cannot do without Chief Dong. You should have seen the results after Chief Dong was transferred over two months ago. It will be too demoralizing for the staff if he is removed from his position. Furthermore, it's Da Feng County who is at fault. If they had not crossed the line, Chief Dong will also not..."

Luo Haiting and everyone else thought Dong Xuebing's punishment will be a suspension. He will still have a chance to return. But the higher-ups wanted him to be removed from his position. This is unacceptable. The three people in the office are Dong Xuebing's men, and his removal will affect them the most.

The call is still ongoing.

Luo Haiting got agitated. "Mayor Zhao, can you speak to the higher-ups? Chief Dong..."

Zhao Xinglong replied. "The punishment is from the City's Commission for Discipline Inspection, and there's nothing I can do. Sigh..." Dong Xuebing had done well, and he also doesn't want to see him leave the Investment Promotion Agency.

Luo Haiting sighed after hanging up. "The punishment had been confirmed, and there's nothing we can do."

Guo Panwei asked anxiously. "But no one had seen Chief Dong hitting Pang Zhou. How can the higher-ups removed his position without any investigations?"

"It's Mayor Li who complained to the City!" Lin Pingping replied angrily. "This time, Chief Dong will be... how can the outcome of this incident be decided so hastily?"

Luo Haiting exhaled deeply. "Let's ask Chief Dong first. Let's go."

The three of them went upstairs and knocked on Dong Xuebing's office.

Dong Xuebing replied. "Come in."

Luo Haiting and the other two looked at each other and took a deep breath before entering the office cautiously. But they almost faint by what they saw.

Guo Panwei, Luo Haiting, and Lin Pingping were anxious for Dong Xuebing and thought Chief Dong should be angry about his punishment. He might even smash his teacups on the floor. But what they saw in the office is the opposite!

Chief Dong is listening to music!

And it is still a happy song!

He is still smoking and swinging his leg to the song!

Guo Panwei, Luo Haiting, and Lin Pingping are speechless and thought to themselves. You might not care earlier, but how can you be enjoying music after your punishment is announced?! You are getting removed from your position! How come you are acting like you had just gotten a promotion?! How can you be so calm?!

"Chief..."

"The County's punishment..."

Dong Xuebing switched off the music and look at them. He knows what they want to say and raised his hand to stop them. "Go back to work. I am fine."

Luo Haiting and Lin Pingping paused for a second. Could it be there's a chance for Chief Dong to reverse the removal order? But the punishment had been confirmed! Only Guo Panwei brightens up. He worked with Dong Xuebing since the latter passed his Civil Servant Exams and saw him creating miracles numerous times. He knows that since Chief Dong says he will be fine, then he will surely be fine!

After they left the office, Dong Xuebing looks at his watch and felt it's about time.

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing's phone rang. It's Cao Xupeng's secretary. "Chief Dong, the Leader asked you to come to our County's People Hospital."

Dong Xuebing frowned. "Secretary Wang, what happened?"

"I don't know about the details. The Leader is visiting the patient at the hospital, and Mayor Li is there too."

"... Oh... I will make my way over now." Dong Xuebing grabbed his bag and went downstairs to his car.

The hospital's lobby.

Dong Xuebing saw a few cars from the County's Party Committee parked outside. It seems Xiang Daofa, Cao Xupeng, and Duan Zhengan are there. He is not surprised as a County's Mayor is hit, and this incident had blown up. Xiang Daofa and the County's leaders should pay him a visit.

Upstairs.

Knock... knock... Dong Xuebing knocked on the ward's door and entered. Many people are inside.

Li Feng and Xiang Daofa sit at the other end of the room, and Li Feng's head is in bandages. Beside him is the Commission for Discipline Inspection's Secretary, Duan Zhengan, and Deputy Party Secretary Cao Xupeng. Pang Zhou is sitting on the bed, with his face and head covered in bandages. The secretaries of Xiang Daofa, Cao Xupeng, and other leaders are standing beside.

Li Feng and Pang Zhou's faces changed when Dong Xuebing arrived.

Xiang Daofa stares at Dong Xuebing without saying a word.

Dong Xuebing feels uncomfortable, but his leaders are all present, and he cannot say anything. He greeted Secretary Xiang, Secretary Cao, and the rest and stood there waiting for their instructions.

Xiang Daofa finally speaks. "Xiao Dong, do you know what your action is called? Causing intentional injuries! You are too daring! Did you consider the consequences before you hit anyone? You are a Party member! A government servant! Which part of you look like one?! Ah?! How can you lead the rest?!" Xiang Daofa paused for a second. "The organization has decided. From now onwards, you will be removed from your position as the Investment Promotion Agency's Chief!"

This is an official announcement.

Most of the time, the person should reply, "I accept the Organization's arrangement," and admit his mistake. But Dong Xuebing will not do that.

Xiang Daofa's face changed when he saw Dong Xuebing keeping quiet.

Cao Xupeng frowned and made eye signals at him.

Duan Zhengan also gave Dong Xuebing a stare, asking him to accept the punishment. If not, he might be dismissed from the government service and have his Party membership removed. When that happens, there will be no chance for Dong Xuebing to turn things around.

Xiang Daofa shouted. "Apologize to Mayor Li and Chief Pang now!"

Pang Zhou looked at Dong Xuebing and sneered.

Apologize? Dong Xuebing is furious as he realizes why Xiang Daofa, Secretary Cao, and the rest called him to the hospital. It must be Pang Zhou and Li Feng who wanted an apology from him. Damn! You all had snatched our project, tried to embarrass us, get someone within the City Government to remove me from my position, and you want me to apologize?! F*k you! Although Dong Xuebing knew he should not have hit Pang Zhou, he did not think he had done anything wrong. These two people should be hit. After what the other party did, he felt he should have hit harder!

"Secretary Xiang." Dong Xuebing's face changed. "I will not apologize!"

Cao Xupeng shouted. "Xiao Dong!"

Li Feng got furious. "What is this attitude?"

"This is my attitude!" Dong Xuebing's foul temper flares up again. "Removing me from my position? I have my reservations about this decision! I had not done anything or hit anyone! Why must I be punished?! You still want me to apologize?! Secretary Xiang, Secretary Cao, Secretary Duan are at the Investment Promotion Agency's entrance earlier! You can get the Public Security Bureau to investigate! I will have nothing to say if anyone saw me hitting them! But no one had seen it! Not a single person! How can you all insist that I had hit them?! Why are you all siding him?! What Chief Pang said is the truth and what the Agency's staff, the civilians at the scene, and I said are lies?!"

The secretaries of Secretary Duan and Secretary Cao looked at each other in shock. Chief Dong is too daring. Maybe he is the only person in Yan Tai County who dares to question all the County Leaders.

Pang Zhou coldly replied. "You still don't want to admit? If it's not you who hit me, then who is it?"

Dong Xuebing looks at him. "You should ask yourself. How do I know?"

"Shut up!" Xiang Daofa banged the table.

Duan Zhengan shouted. "Xiao Dong!"

Li Feng looks at Dong Xuebing coldly. "Since this is the case, then there's nothing more to say." He took out his phone and is about to call the higher-ups. Da Feng County's government leaders had been beaten up, and Li Feng was also injured. If he cannot get back at Dong Xuebing, he will lose his authority. You don't want to apologize or admit your mistake?! Fine!

Pang Zhou is laughing in his heart. You are asking for it. If you had apologized, it would be the end after you are removed from your position. But now, it will not end well. Dismissal? Removed from the Party? Criminal charges? He felt getting a punch in exchange for Dong Xuebing's dismissal is worth it.

Suddenly, Xiang Daofa's secretary, Zhou Jun's phone, rang!

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Chapter 429 – World-class pretender!

County's People Hospital.

Third Floor.

Secretary Zhou Jun looks at the number and walks out of the ward to answer it. "Hello, Xiao Wang. What is it? ... Secretary Xiang is at the hospital... What? What is going on?" Zhou Jun is shocked and held his bag. "I brought my laptop... where is it? ... ok... ok... I know..." After hanging up, he took a deep breath and took out his laptop from his bag. He switched it on and went back to whisper to Secretary Xiang. "This afternoon, someone had recorded the scene at the agency and posted it online."

Although Zhou Jun had lowered his voice, everyone heard it.

"Online?" Xiang Daofa frowned. This is trying to blow up this matter.

All County leaders do not want such incidents to appear on the internet. The Agency's Chief hitting someone in public will tarnish Yan Tai County's image.

"Notify the relevant departments to delete this video!" Xiang Daofa ordered.

Li Feng also does not want everyone to see him knocking his head against the car.

But Zhou Jun thought for a while and said. "Secretary Xiang, our County Party Committee Office's Xiao Wang say the video is... is... I think you should see it for yourself."

Xiang Daofa raised his brows. Isn't it clear by now? What's there to see?"

Pang Zhou's face changed. He also felt embarrassed, but Dong Xuebing had denied hitting him. Now, there's video evidence! Let's see how he is going to deny it!

...

At the same time.

County Government.

Hu Silian ran along the corridor and knocks on Xie Huilan's office with a USB drive. "Mayor Xie!"

Xie Huilan looks up. "What happens? Why are you in a rush?"

Hu Silian suppressed her anger. "I had just copied a video from the Government Office. You should take a look. They are too much!"

...

Deputy Mayor Office.

Zhao Xinglong received a phone call, and his face changed. A Government staff happened to enter his office to deliver a document, and he asked. "Xiao Chen, come over here and help me look for a video on the internet!" Xiao Chen could feel the anger in his tone and quickly walks over.

...

Investment Promotion Agency.

Luo Haiting and Guo Panwei are discussing something in her office.

Suddenly, Lin Pingping barged into the office without knocking. "Director Luo! Director Guo! Do you all know about it?!"

Luo Haiting was stunned. "Know about what?"

"Lend me your PC!" Lin Pingping did not explain and connect to the internet. "Da Feng County is too much!"

...

This afternoon, a video goes viral on major forums and video-sharing websites. It was uploaded several times as it got deleted again and again for its sensitive content. But the video was posted on several websites continuously, especially Hebei websites. Within half an hour, this video goes viral, and the views shot up!

The title of the video is quite ordinary.

When people see the title, they thought it is a football match video. The ones who are not interested in football did not click it. But when they saw the views increasing like crazy, they become curious and played it.

This video is too shocking!

Many people are in the video, and it seems to be at the entrance of a building. The sound is low, and the background is noisy. They are arguing around a Mercedes Benz when suddenly a young man shouted. "Old Sun, Come back!" and that young man walks up towards a skinny man.

One step...

Two steps...

Three steps...

But when the young man stopped in front of that skinny man, that skinny man shouted in pain and flew backward!

That young man did not do anything and just stood there. But the other party flew backward!

This performance is splendid. The skinny man looks like he had been hit by a heavy object, and he covered his nose. Blood started to spurt out between his fingers, and he landed on a middle-aged man behind him. That man was caught off guard, and both of them knocked their heads against the Mercedes Benz's door!

After that fall, the young man raised his hands innocently.

But that skinny man and the middle-aged man started shouting at him.

The forums and comments went crazy!

Someone said. "Damn! That guy is too exaggerated. Can he be funnier than that? No one had touched him, and how can he get blown away like this? Is he a rocket?"

"Wow! It's a pity this guy is not a football player. With this fall in the penalty area, even the referee cannot tell it is fake."

"That's right. Without this video, everyone would have thought he was hit by someone. If he joined our National team, we would have won the World Cup! This is the greatest dive of the century."

"The ones above are focusing on the wrong part. You all should focus on his blood. This person is ruthless even towards himself. I had replayed the video several times. When he flew backward, he covered his face with both hands and must have hit himself in the face!"

After this comment appears, the netizens got more excited.

Blood-spurting man, World-class pretender, etc., all sorts of names are given!

This video is too funny, but some felt that skinny guy is too unprofessional. He should have waited until the other party touch him or get closer. That young man is still two steps away from him when he shouted in pain while flying backward! Diving is common in football matches, but this is the first time someone breaks his own nose for blood to spurt out!

...

The netizens were watching this video as a joke and did not know what happened.

But in Yan Tai County, this video caused an uproar!

The Investment Promotion Agency is the first to explode. After watching the video, Luo Haiting banged on the table in anger, and Guo Pangwei's face turned pale. Pang Zhou! Chief Dong had never laid a finger on you, and you tried to frame him?! This is too despicable!

Luo Haiting immediately calls Mayor Zhao's phone, but he did not answer.

Zhao Xinglong is furious and had gone to the Mayor's office.

In Xie Huilan's office, Hu Silian and Xie Huilan are discussing something behind the monitor. They kept replaying the video to scrutinize it.

Zhao Xinglong shouted the moment he stepped into the office. "Mayor Huilan. What is Da Feng County trying to do? Pang Zhou had got Xin Ren News Agency reporters to create trouble for us previously and snatched away from our project this time! Now, he is trying to accuse one of our staff of hitting him and even complain Xiao Dong to the City Government, resulting in removing his position! Everything is set up by them! They are too scheming! How can someone like him be a government official?! He keeps finding trouble with us again and again! What do they want?!"

Hu Silian always wanted to say this. Da Feng County is disgusting!

Xie Huilan narrowed her eyes. "Old Zhao, calm down and have a seat first."

Zhao Xinglong could not calm down and sigh. "Xiao Dong is being accused and his punishment..."

"The official document on his punishment is not out yet." Xie Huilan looked at her monitor and smiled. "I think that document is useless now."

County's People Hospital.

It is quiet in the ward!

The video was played, and Pang Zhou could not believe his eyes. "This is impossible! Why is the punch not recorded?! This video has been edited!"

Cao Xupeng did not expect the video had recorded everything. He got mad when he heard what Pang Zhou said. "Chief Pang! You are really good at acting! How are you going to explain this video?! How is this edited? Even if it is edited, there is a limit. Xiao Dong is at least two steps away from you, and even his fist cannot reach you! How are you hit?! Ah?! How can this video be edited? Tell me!"

Xiang Daofa and Duan Zhengan are also furious after watching the video.

Only Li Feng has the most complicated facial expression. His eyes are spurting fire, and he stared at Pang Zhou coldly for three seconds!

Pang Zhou is sweating profusely. "Mayor Li, I was really hit! This video... How come it's like this?!"

Li Feng knows Pang Zhou likes to use dirty tricks behind others' backs. But he did not expect him to be so bold to accuse someone! What made Li Feng furious is Pang Zhou had purposely knocked into him after pretending to be punched by Dong Xuebing! This is to drag me into his plot and blow up the matter? He is making use of me to take care of Dong Xuebing?! Pang Zhou! You are too much! Li Feng is in an awkward position now. He had just reported Dong Xuebing to the higher-ups and removed him from his position. But moments later, he found out it was not Dong Xuebing who had hit Pang Zhou! It was his own men who acted this out!

Li Feng is embarrassed, and it's Pang Zhou's fault!

"Mayor Li! I really did not..."

"Shut up!" Li Feng shouted.

Pang Zhou saw Li Feng's expression and knew he is going to lose his job. There's no way he can explain himself with the video evidence!

But how is this possible?!

How come it is not recorded?! Why?!

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Chapter 430 – It's too weird!

The fake injury saga continued to spread.

Pang Zhou's "spitting blood and getting blown away" made many families laugh.

The video is released by Dong Xuebing. In the afternoon, after he punched Pang Zhou at the Investment Promotion Agency's entrance, he noticed the TV station's staff carrying the video camera. At that time, the Mayors of both Counties, Xie Huilan and Li Feng, are arguing. Although he knows this video clip cannot be aired on the news, he still recorded everything with his mobile phone. This is his habit as a news program's cameraman. The clip had also recorded what happened between Pang Zhou and Dong Xuebing.

Hospital.

The truth is out, and Li Feng was forced to speak out.

Li Feng suppressed his anger. "Secretary Xiang, this is a misunderstanding. I will investigate this incident thoroughly and give you all a satisfactory answer." He is implying he will take disciplinary actions against Pang Zhou.

Pang Zhou shouted anxiously. "Mayor Li! I was not pretending! I..."

Li Feng ignored Pang Zhou as this incident had embarrassed him, and his reputation is affected. He will not let Pang Zhou off lightly.

Li Feng's statement angered Yan Tai County's leaders further. Misunderstanding? If it's a misunderstanding, why did you come to our County to snatch our project and complained our staff to the City Government?! You even demanded us to visit you all at the hospital! Do you think this is over just because you claim this is a misunderstanding?!

Xiang Daofa stormed out of the ward with his secretary without saying a word.

Duan Zhengan looks at Pang Zhou. "Our County's Commission for Discipline Inspection should not interfere in this incident, but as one of our County Government's Leaders is involve, we must report to the higher-ups!" You all dare to instigate the City's Commission for Discipline Inspection to punish my staff?! We will do the same against you all! Using such a despicable trick to frame a Government Leader?! There's no way for Pang Zhou to get out of this! This video clip is the evidence, and no one can save him!

Cao Xupeng looks at Dong Xuebing, who had not said a word, and patted his back. "Xiao Dong, you had suffered grievances."

Dong Xuebing replied. "It's good that the truth is out. I had maintained my innocent, but no one believes me. Sigh... Huh?! Secretary Cao, Secretary Duan, I am not blaming you all. It's because Chief Pang's acting is too good. When I saw him spitting out blood and flew backward, I even thought I had hit him."

Cao Xupeng laughed. "You ah..."

Duan Zhengan also laughed and said in his heart. It's because of your bad reputation. If it was someone else, all of us would be suspicious as all Government staff have to discipline, and no one dares to hit a Section Chief in public. But because you are involved, everyone subconsciously concluded that you had hit him.

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. "Err... what about my punishment?"

Duan Zhengan thought for a while and went out to make a call. After the call, he told Dong Xuebing. "The punishment had been canceled. You will resume your position... Oh, the official document on your punishment had not been an issue yet. So, you cannot be considered resuming your duties, and it will not be recorded in your file."

Dong Xuebing smiled when he heard this. "I thank the Organization for being fair and impartial."

Cao Xupeng and Duan Zhengan discussed the cancelation of Dong Xuebing's punishment in front of Li Feng and Pang Zhou, who is still in the ward. This is disrespecting Da Feng County, and they did this on purpose. Both Counties have a poor relationship, and this incident infuriates everyone in Yan Tai County's Government. Even those who do not interact with Dong Xuebing are also mad with Da Feng County for accusing him!

After a while, everyone left the ward.

Li Feng is still a County Mayor after all, and Cao Xupeng and the rest did not continue to embarrass him. They left the hospital for the County Party Committee Office, but Dong Xuebing did not leave. His heart had stopped previously and almost died. This incident is finally over, and he decided to do a body check-up.

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing's phone rang.

Dong Xuebing looked at his phone and smiled. "Mum."

"My colleague had shown me that video. Are you alright?" Luan Xiaoping asked worryingly.

"I am fine, of course. I am your son, and how can anything bad happen to me? I heard from Old Yang that you cried? Sigh... I am fine. It's that Pang Zhou who tried to frame me by pretending to be hit. I..."

"What pretend? Others might not know, but do you think you can fool me?"

"Huh? How do you know?"

"If you had not hit that man, how can you remain so calm after he fell? Stop making me worry. How can you hit anyone you like? They are a department Chief and a Mayor!"

A mother knows her son best.

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat embarrassedly. "Err... can you don't tell anyone about it."

"... I know."

It's 6 pm, and it is almost dark.

In the parking lot outside of the hospital, a black Mercedes Benz is parked there with its lights on. Peng Kenong is sitting in the driver's seat and seems to be waiting for someone. Suddenly, Li Feng walks over, and Peng Kenong quickly alights to receive him. They said something, and Mayor Li patted him on his back before boarding the car and leaving together. They seem to be going to Da Feng County.

Dong Xuebing looks at them coldly. The incident happened because Da Feng County had snatched their project, and he did not expect Li Feng to still dare to bring Peng Kenong back openly. Although Pang Zhou had been dealt with, he knows this is not over yet. A 10 million project was snatched away minutes before the contract is signed, and he will settle this score with Da Feng County.

"Dong Xuebing!"

Pang Zhou shouted behind Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing turns and smiled. "Chief Pang, why are you still here? Oh, I just saw Mayor Li leaving. Why didn't both of you go back together?"

Pang Zhou breathes heavily. "The heaven is watching! Don't think your little tricks can fool everyone! You should know if you hit me! I had recorded that video, and I will send it to the technology department to verify if it had been edited! I don't believe an edited video can fool everyone!" He knows Dong Xuebing had punched him as other than Dong Xuebing, no one else is near him. That video must be edited.

Dong Xuebing laughed. "You are right. Heaven is watching, and I am saying this to you. How many times have you used dirty tricks to frame me? Getting someone from Xin Hua News Agency to create trouble, instigating Liu Cheng to harass my elder, instigating Mayor Li to snatch our project?! Do you think you are allowed to do anything you want just because I had been ignoring you?! The video is edited?! Fine. Go and verify it! This time, no one can save you!"

Dong Xuebing felt framing Pang Zhou is not wrong.

This guy is asking for it! If you want to frame others, be prepared to be framed! Since you like to use underhand methods to frame me several times, you should be prepared that I will do the same to you. The world does not revolve around you, and why do you think no one will set you up after what you had done?

Who the f*k do you think you are?!

Dong Xuebing is giving him a taste of his own medicine.

Ring... ring... ring... Pang Zhou's phone rang, and he answered it. "Hello, Secretary Liu... I am still in Yan Tai County. You... What?!" Pang Zhou turns pale. "Secretary Liu, wait... this incident still has not been investigated. I... Hello? Secretary Liu? Hello?"

Dong Xuebing glanced at Pang Zhou. "The Commission for Discipline Inspection is inviting you over to have tea? Are you suspended?"

Pang Zhou ignored Dong Xuebing and stormed out of the hospital. He seems to be waiting for a taxi to go back.

Dong Xuebing knew he had made the right guess. Making false accusations against a fellow Civil Servant, faking a fall, and injuring Mayor Li. Not only Yan Tai County's leaders will not let him off, but Li Feng will also not forgive him. It will be a miracle if Pang Zhou is not suspended. These are the consequences of trying to be smart.

...

Ten minutes later.

A car stopped beside Pang Zhou, and he boarded.

Tang Xiaojun, Yan Tai County Finance Department's Office Director, is in the car. He knew Pang Zhou for years and were classmates in Party School. They are close, but Pang Zhou had offended everyone, and Tang Xiaojun did not visit him at the hospital.

Tang Xiaojun looks at Pang Zhou. "Old Pang... sigh... How did you end up like this?"

Pang Zhou gritted. "Dong Xuebing had set me up!"

Tang Xiaojun knows this incident is suspicious. He knows Pang Zhou for years and knows he will not fake such an exaggerated fall when so many people are watching. If he is found out, he will surely be dismissed. Pang Zhou is not an impulsive person and will never gamble with his career. "You mean the video had been edited? But I heard after the video is released, it was sent to the technology department for verification. The outcome is... the video was recorded with a mobile phone and has not been edited."

Pang Zhou and Tang Xiaojun went quiet.

Within a few minutes, Pang Zhou looks like he aged several years. He leans back into the passenger seat. "Old Tang, I think this time I am finished. Mayor Li will not let me off!"

Tang Xiaojun sighed. "Why did you provoke him in the first place? He even dares to beat up and arrest our Party Secretary Xiang's relative and scold his Leaders in their faces when he is mad. Nothing good will happen if he is involved. This guy is the God of Plague. You... sigh..." The weird incidents at the Finance Department happened not long ago, and Tang Xiaojun shivered when he thought about that.

Weird things happen around Dong Xuebing!

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Chapter 431 – Xiao Dong's bad reputation!

Evening.

The sky is clear and is full of stars.

Dong Xuebing still has not taken his dinner and went to buy groceries at a nearby supermarket. He thought for a while and bought a few alcohol bottles before driving back to his quarters. On his way back, he called Xie Huilan's phone. "Hello, Sister Xie. Are you still angry with me? Ah... I was forced to do that. They are trying to embarrass you in front of me. How can I let him off? Giving him a beating is considered a light punishment. Stop being angry with me, ok? I promise I will take note of my conduct in the future." He had lost count of the number of promises he made.

Xie Huilan laughed. "Oh, I thought you will not admit it."

Dong Xuebing also laughed. "I can fool everyone, but I know I cannot fool you. I know you will not believe me even if I denied."

Luan Xiaoping's call let Dong Xuebing understands a lot of things. Three people in this world understand him the most. Luan Xiaoping, Qu Yunxuan, and Xie Huilan. Even if he can fool everyone in the world, he can never fool these three women because they know him too well. Instead of denying it, he might as well admit.

"Sorry to make you worry. Err... can I treat you to dinner as an apology?"

"Haha... What's there to worry about? You are Xiao Dong and even dare to beat up a County's Mayor. I am afraid you will punch me one day."

"What are you saying? Are you poking fun at me?"

After chatting for a while, Dong Xuebing noticed Sister Xie is no longer angry with him and added. "Have you taken your dinner? I will cook for you."

Xie Huilan laughed. "After creating this mess, you still have the mood to cook? Haha... I have no time to eat your dinner. I am on my way to the City to meet a leader. Putting your impulsiveness aside, Da Feng County had crossed the line this time. Do they think this will end by claiming it is a misunderstanding? Should they give us an answer for snatching away our project?! I can make use of this video to force the City Government to give our County an answer. If not, our staff will not calm down. You can have dinner yourself."

Dong Xuebing narrowed his eyes. "This incident is too disgusting. I saw Li Feng leaving the hospital with Peng Kenong in his car openly. This old bastard is too much. Don't worry, Huilan. If no one wants to give us an answer, I will show them what I can do!"

"Don't be rash."

"I know... I know..."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing's phone rang again.

Luo Haiting called. "Chief, I knew nothing will happen to you."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Thanks for your concern. Have you eaten your dinner?"

"Not yet. I have just gotten off work and am walking out with Secretary Guo, Section Chief Lin, and the rest out. You have not taken your dinner? Can we give you a treat? Haha..."

"You all are together? Great. Come over to my place."

"The County Party Committee Quarters? Sure."

After Dong Xuebing reached the County Party Committee Quarters, his phone rang again. It's Huitian Police Station Chief Liu Dahai.

"Chief Dong, I heard you have resumed your position." Liu Dahai continued. "We got a fright, and Old Chen and I drove over to the County Town immediately. If you are really removed from your position, we will arrest Pang Zhou and teach him a lesson at the station. Even if we are dismissed, we will also take revenge for you. Luckily you are fine. But those people from Da Feng County are too much. I heard they are still around. Do you want to have them arrested?! Just say the word!"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Thank you, Old Liu. Pang Zhou will not have a good ending after he returns. Oh, are you and Old Chen still in the County Town?"

"Yes. We are at the People's Square."

"Great. Come over to my place at the County Party Committee Quarters."

"Ok. We will go over now. Is dinner provided?" Liu Dahai joked.

"Haha... dinner and drinks are on the house. Come over now. I still have not eaten yet!"

After entering his apartment, Dong Xuebing dropped his groceries in the kitchen. He felt that since he had invited so many people, he might as well invite a few more people. He called Deputy Team Leader Feng and Hu Silian to invite them over. This counts as a celebration of him resuming his duties. Hu Silian had not gone to the City with Xie Huilan and immediately agree.

About twenty minutes later, Luo Haiting, Guo Panwei, and Lin Pingping arrive.

Dong Xuebing opens the door to invite them. "Come in. I have not been back for a few days, and it's a bit messy. The tea leaves are on the table, and you all can prepare yourselves." These people are his trusted subordinates and friends, and he did not treat them as outsiders. After that, he returned to the kitchen.

Luo Haiting exclaimed. "How can you cook dinner yourself? Let me do it."

Lin Pingping quickly walks over to help. "Chief, go and take a rest. Director Luo and I will prepare dinner."

Dong Xuebing is not good enough to prepare dinner for so many people. "I still have a few more friends coming over later. They are not outsiders, and..." Suddenly, the doorbell rang. He smiles and goes out to open the door. "They are here."

It's Liu Dafai, Deputy Chief Chen Fa, and Deputy Team Leader Feng.

"Old Liu, Old Chen, come in. Old Feng, you came over together with them?"

"Haha... no. We met downstairs."

"Don't need to change your shoes. Just come in."

Everyone in the apartment is working in the County Government. Even when they don't know each other, they have seen each other before. Dong Xuebing introduces them to each other.

Hu Silian is the last to arrive.

Hu Silian thought there will only be one or two people in Dong Xuebing's apartment and was shocked to see six to seven people. It's fine if it's one or two people having dinner at home. They should be dining at a restaurant if there are so many people. After all, this is the County Party Committee Quarters, and it's not good for others to notice. People might think they are trying to form a faction, and most ordinary leaders will avoid this. Only Chief Xiao Dong will dare to do this.

Dong Xuebing also knows this will be bad for his reputation.

But Dong Xuebing has a bad reputation and doesn't mind what others say.

Everyone greeted Hu Silian when she arrives. She is easygoing and did not put on the Mayor's secretary's airs.

About twenty minutes later, the dinner is ready.

Dong Xuebing did not sit at the main seat and offered the seat to Hu Silian.

Hu Silian refused, and after some back and forth, they added a chair at the end of the table. Both sat at the main seat together.

Everyone drank during dinner and talked about this afternoon's incident. Liu Dahai and Chen Fa are more direct and started scolding Da Feng County after a few glasses of alcohol.

Translator's notes: The main seat or the seat of honor is normally reserved to the Chinese seating arrangement's highest status. It is the seat facing the door. Guo Panwei, Luo Haiting, and the rest joined in, as they are still furious. Even Si Huilian also said. "Da Feng County's people are too much."

After a few drinks, Dong Xuebing received a call from Yang Zhaode. He quickly excused himself and answered the call in the kitchen.

In the living room, Luo Haiting sighed again. "This is close. If no one had recorded the incident, Chief Dong will surely be removed from his position."

But Guo Panwei disagrees. "This is nothing."

"Huh?" Luo Haiting, Lin Pingping, and the rest, turned and look at Guo Panwei. Dong Xuebing was almost removed from his position and this is considered nothing?!

Guo Panwei is slightly drunk. "When Chief Dong was in Beijing, he got into trouble several times..." He told them about Dong Xuebing's feats in the past.

State Security is a confidential department, and all these happened in Beijing. News of what Dong Xuebing did in Beijing had not spread to Yan Tai County when he was transferred. Everyone at the table knows Guo Panwei was Dong Xuebing's former subordinate and did not doubt his words. After they heard what Chief Xiao Dong did in State Security, they were stunned. This is not the first time Chief Dong was almost dismissed from the Government Service. He had offended his previous Bureau Chief and offended the new Bureau Chief after that. He had been almost dismissed or removed from his position several times.

No wonder...

Luo Haiting and Lin Pingping are speechless. They were still wondering why Chief Dong was so calm after that incident. It's because he is used to being suspended or almost dismissed.

Liu Dahai, Deputy Team Leader Feng, and the rest, were also speechless. Chief Dong's skill of creating trouble was trained when he was in Beijing.

Hu Silian looks towards the kitchen. Others can only see Chief Dong is always getting himself into trouble. But being almost dismissed or suspended several times, and yet he can still hold on to his position and rank is remarkable.

"Eh? What are you all chatting?" Dong Xuebing returned. "Why are you all looking at me like this?"

"Huh? Nothing..."

"Chief Dong, let me give you another toast!"

"Haha... Bottoms up!"

At the same time, news of Dong Xuebing's punishment is canceled spreads around the County.

The leaders who are not on good terms with Dong Xuebing were speechless. How come he was only removed from his position for such a short time and can resume his duties? How come Dong Xuebing cannot be brought down?!

Although Dong Xuebing was being 'accused' this time, but his reputation got worse!

After this incident, almost everyone in Yan Tai County dare not to provoke this God of Plagues. It's not they dare not offend Dong Xuebing. It's because they are not willing to provoke him. The County's Promotion Department Chief's son, Qian Fei, had provoked Dong Xuebing, and a flowerpot landed on his head, making him an idiot. The former Investment Promotion Agency's Chief Meng Xianglin had stepped on Dong Xuebing's toes, and the elevator he was on, lost control, resulting him getting a stroke. Not long ago, the Finance Department had angered Dong Xuebing, and sudden blackouts, document went missing, air conditioners broke down, and a fire almost broke out in their office. This time, Da Feng County provoked him and instead of removing him from his position, Pang Zhou was dismissed!

He is really the God of Plagues!

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Chapter 432 – XiaoDong's revenge!

The dinner ended before 8 pm.

The living room is full of alcohol smell as they had finished two bottles of Maotai.

Hu Silian looks at her watch and said goodbye. Everyone stood up to walk her out. After she left, Liu Dahai, Chen Fa, and Deputy Team Leader Feng also left. Dong Xuebing is worried for their safety and asked Deputy Team Leader Feng to get someone to send them to a hotel. Only Luo Haiting, Lin Pingping, and Guo Panwei remain in the living room.

Dong Xuebing smiles. "It's getting late. You all should go back and rest too.""

""I'm not in a hurry." Luo Haiting stood up in her long tight dress and starts clearing the dishes. "I will leave after doing the dishes. How can I let you clear up after us?"

Lin Pingping quickly goes over to help her. "I will wipe the table."

Guo Panwei also got up to help. He swept the floor and took out the trash.

About ten minutes later, the living room is cleaned. Dong Xuebing said. "I had wanted to give you all a treat but end up troubling you all by cooking and cleaning up for me. But Sister Luo and Sister Lin's food are delicious. I would be embarrassing myself if I had cooked. Hahaha... thank you. I will treat you all at a good restaurant another day." They had just helped him clean up, and it's not nice to ask them to leave. "Sit around for a chat."

Everyone sat at the dining table again.

Dong Xuebing took out a cigarette, and Guo Panwei immediately took out his lighter.

Dong Xuebing looked at Luo Haiting and Lin Pingping and pushed the lighter away before keeping the cigarette.

Lin Pingping quickly says. "Just carry on."

"We are fine." Luo Haiting took out a lighter and tried to light Dong Xuebing's cigarette. "Don't mind us. Just smoke if you..."

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "Never mind. How can I let you two ladies suffer from second-hand smoke? Haha... I can also cut down on my cigarettes. Oh, Panwei." He points at the little closet by the door. "There should be eight or nine cartons of cigarettes there. Help me take them out." There is no more alcohol in his apartment, but there are still lots of cigarettes. These are all given to him by colleagues during Chinese New Year. He pushed the cigarettes forward after Guo Panwei took them out. "Panwei, Sister Lin, and Sister Luo. Take three cartons each when you all leave."

Luo Haiting quickly shakes her head. "No... how can I accept your gift?"

Lin Pingping and Guo Panwei also rejected.

Dong Xuebing smiled. "I can't finish so many cartons. Just treat it as helping me. Don't forget to bring them back when you all leave."

These are either Zhong Hua or Fu Rong cigarettes and are expensive.

Lin Pingping and the rest had not given Dong Xuebing any gifts and felt awkward to take his gifts.

Luo Haiting smiled. "Then I will thank you on behalf of my husband for the cigarettes."

Dong Xuebing replied. "What's there to thank? If you all need cigarettes, just come over and get it from me."

After Director Luo accepts the gift, Lin Pingping and Guo Panwei did not reject Dong Xuebing's offer.

Dong Xuebing did not send them off, and they are not in a hurry to leave. They continued chatting at the table.

As they were chatting, Dong Xuebing's eye suddenly twitched. He felt someone had stepped on his foot. He thought it should be someone's feet had touched him accidentally. But after a while, he realized that person has no intentions of moving his or her foot away. That soft foot rubbed against the top of Dong Xuebing's shoe and moved up against his leg. He felt the familiar sensation on the other party's foot. It's stockings.

Luo Haiting and Lin Pingping are sitting opposite Dong Xuebing, and Lin Pingping is wearing leather shoes today. It's not easy to remove leather shoes. Without a doubt, the foot belongs to Sister Luo as she is wearing heels.

What is Sister Luo doing?

This is killing me.

"I heard Mayor Xie had gone to the City, and Secretary Xiang and Secretary Duan had complained against Da Feng County to the City Government."

"I have also heard about this. All of our Leaders are furious. But even if the City Government reprimanded Da Feng County and Mayor Li, we also cannot get back Peng Kenong's investment."

"What is Peng Kenong thinking? He didn't keep to his words and had really offended our County this time."

"Peng Kenong's company is not in our County, and he is not afraid of us. That's why he dares to offend us and embarrass Mayor Xie and Mayor Zhao. But I heard he had set up a teahouse with some friends at Hua Mei District. That is the only business he has in our County, and all of his other factories and investments are in other cities."

Guo Panwei, Lin Pingping, and Luo Haiting started chatting about this incident again.

Luo Haiting sips on her tea as they chatted and did not show any other expressions.

But the little foot stroking Dong Xuebing's leg moves higher. Luo Haiting is crossing her legs, and the tablecloth covered what she was doing under the table. She looks dignified but is teasing his leg underneath.

Dong Xuebing controlled himself and asked. "What teahouse? I thought Peng Kenong does not have any investment here?"

Luo Haiting flicks her hair seductively. "That teahouse is not fully owned by him, but he owns a big portion of the shares in it."

"Hua Mei District?" Dong Xuebing stops moving his leg. "Is it that two stories, "Nong Cha" teahouse?"

Luo Haiting nodded. "Have you been there before?"

Dong Xuebing smiles. "It's such a coincidence. My helper was called to that teahouse by a few State Security Officers. I went over to have a look, and those State Security Officers are imposters. They had made a fake work pass and even got the serial numbers wrong. Haha... So, that's Peng Kenong's teahouse?! Great!"

Lin Pingping could sense the unspoken. "You... Are you going to..."

Guo Panwei's eyes brightened up. Should he get the Industry Bureau to create some troubles for them?

"I did not mean anything." Dong Xuebing replied. "Our County's focus this year is getting investors to invest with us. Even if the investor is untrustworthy like Peng Kenong, we must treat them seriously and not be petty. He might have disrespected our County, Agency and even threatened us to increase our benefits. We should treat them with respect. If we get back at Peng Kenong by targeting his teahouse, we might scare other investors away."

Luo Haiting was surprised by what Dong Xuebing said.

Lin Pingping was also impressed by Chief Dong...

Only Guo Panwei was unfazed. Luo Haiting and Lin Pingping had only known Dong Xuebing for two months, but he knows him for quite some time. He knows how Dong Xuebing does things. Be forgiving towards Peng Kenong? Bullshit! If Chief Dong can think of the bigger picture, he would not have offended so many people!

As expected, what Dong Xuebing in the next second revealed his true colors. "Of course, the Health Bureau and Fire Department can check on that teahouse. It's almost Labor Day, and public safety is our main concern. If Mr. Peng's teahouse is good in these areas, we must still remind him about this. Attracting investors is important, but protecting the civilians is more important. We must not ignore our people because we want to attract investments."

Damn!

After saying so much, you still want to get revenge.

Lin Pingping almost fell off the chair. She should have known Chief Dong is not so forgiving!

Dong Xuebing will settle the score, but that does not mean he is not concerned about the big picture. Peng Kenong had offended the whole Yan Tai County. Maybe he thought it will not blow up, but this incident had blown up. He had gone back on his words and embarrassed Mayor Xie and Yan Tai County's Investment Promotion Agency in the first place. It's fine if he had accepted Da Feng County's offer because of other reasons. But he had slapped Yan Tai County because of some benefits and subsidies. Does he think he can do whatever he wants with a Government Department? The county government gave in to him, offered the best policies to his company, and even gave him free publicity by letting Mayor Xie and Mayor Zhao host the contract signing ceremony. How can he treat Yan Tai County like this?! He even threatens to walk away if they are not going to lower the land price.

F*k you!

No one can do this to a Government department! This grudge has been made, and someone must get back at Peng Kenong!

Peng Kenong only has a teahouse in Yan Tai County, and it is a partnership. This target is too small for the County Leaders to go after him personally. After some considerations, Dong Xuebing decided to do this on behalf of the Leaders. This is also considered helping the Leaders and setting an example for others. If Yan Tai County did not retaliate, other investors might think the County Government is a pushover, and they will do whatever they want.

Peng Kenong had brought all these to himself.

Pang Zhou had been dealt with, and it's time to settle the score with Peng Kenong. How dare you embarrass my Huilan? I will teach you a lesson and let you know that you are not allowed to step all over us! We had treated you well is not because we are afraid of you! Don't think too highly of yourself!

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