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

17. 497

Power and Wealth #Chapter 497 – There's a ship! - Read Power and Wealth Chapter 497 – There's a ship! Online - All Page - Novel Next

Chapter 497 – There's a ship!

One day...

Five days...

Ten days...

More than a dozen days had passed.

This afternoon, Dong Xuebing used his keys to cut the flesh of a spotted fish into pieces and place it on the rock for drying. He will flip the fish slices after a while, and it is semi-cooked after about two hours before eating. After eating, he continued to stare afar listlessly.

It's been more than ten days, but the search party still has not come for him.

The past few days were torture. Dong Xuebing almost died several times. He was almost swept into the seas by large waves several times and almost died of thirst because there was no rain for two days and two nights. Luckily, he managed to survive. When is this going to end? The last time it rained was two days ago, and he had not drunk anything since. His throat is dry, and he can only get some moisture from the fish slices. But it is not enough. He could not hold on any longer. He is physically and mentally exhausted.

Where is the search party? What the f*k are you all doing?! Can you all come faster?!

If I am not rescued soon, I will become a dried corpse!

Dong Xuebing reached towards the sky and clenched his fist weakly. At least give me some rain if there are no helicopters.

It's been more than ten days, and Dong Xuebing can survive because of his STOP powers. No one could last so long if it were someone else. But STOP is not invincible and could not solve the drinking water issue. He could not get enough food, water, and the temperature difference during the day and night is too big. His life is being drained every second and is at his limits. Maybe, he might not wake up after he falls asleep.

Sigh... sigh... sigh...

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing saw something from the corner of his eyes.

"Huh?" He sat up and looked into the distance.

There is a black shadow on the horizon, and it's getting nearer and bigger. But Dong Xuebing could not see clearly because it was too far away.

What is that?

Shark? Whale? Or...

It's nearer... Dong Xuebing can finally see it! It's a ship!

Dong Xuebing is overjoyed and stood up excitedly. He looked around and grabbed the orange lifejacket. Lifejackets are made in this color because it's easier to spot from a distance. He raised his lifejacket above his head and started waving and shouting with his hoarse voice.

"Hey! There's someone here! Help!"

It's too far, and the people on the ship should not hear him.

Dong Xuebing shouted louder. "Hello! Over here! Here!"

Dong Xuebing had finally seen a glimpse of hope, and he used all his strength to shout for help.

"HELP! HELP!"

"Hey! This way! Over here!"

But that ship, a few hundred meters away, did not react after he shouted for a while.

The ship is not traveling towards Dong Xuebing's position. It is moving diagonally in front of him and is getting further away. Suddenly, Dong Xuebing noticed a person appearing on the deck, and he seems to be looking in his direction. He shouted louder and raised his lifejacket, hoping to be spotted. The person should have seen him, and two more people appeared on the deck after a while. One of them is using binoculars and pointing towards him.

They have spotted me!

Dong Xuebing is a relief. He is feeling giddy from the shouting and waving.

"Hello! Please help!"

"Come closer! I can swim over if you are closer!"

Dong Xuebing shouted again.

There are no flags on the ship, and Dong Xuebing doesn't know where this ship is from. He can only make out the figure of the crew and could not tell their nationality. But most ships will rescue people from the sea when they come across them. That's why he never thought that ship would ignore him. But the ship did not stop and continued to move forward.

The crew had also left the deck.

The cargo ship maintained its speed and is getting further from Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing is furious. Damn! How can you leave without rescuing me?!

Dong Xuebing had waited for more than ten days for a ship to pass by. This is his only hope to get home, and that ship is continuing with its way? How long more does he need to wait for another ship? He is not someone who gives up easily. This is an opportunity to survive, and he will not sit there like a fool. This is not his style!

Fine! You all are not coming over, right?!

Then I shall go over to your side!

Dong Xuebing wore his clothes and looked at that cargo ship a distance away before saying STOP in his heart!

No humans, including good swimmers, can swim faster than a ship and catch up with it.

But Dong Xuebing can!

Dong Xuebing is the only person who can do that!

After giving the command STOP, time stopped.

The grey-colored ship stopped, and the waves solidified like ice. Dong Xuebing jumped off the reef rock onto the sea and started running towards the cargo ship!

Ten meters...

One hundred meters...

Two hundred meters...

Three hundred meters...

The waves made the sea surface uneven, and Dong Xuebing had to make sure not to trip as he ran towards the ship.

Tiring...

Dong Xuebing almost collapsed due to his fatigue!

But he is not giving up. Even when he had not drunk a single drop of water for two days, he will not stop. This is his only hope of getting home, and he is determined to get on board the ship!

Fifty meters more!

Twenty meters more!

Ten meters more!

Reached!

This is not a big cargo ship, but it is not small either. The deck is several meters high, and it's impossible to get on board by swimming. But Dong Xuebing has a solution. He used his momentum to jump onto a large wave against the ship and leap upwards to the deck. He managed to hold on to the side of the deck and flipped himself over.

Success!

Chapter 498 – News about the air crash!

Afternoon.

Onboard the cargo ship.

Dong Xuebing finally got onto the deck and looked around while panting. Three Asian crew are standing 3 meters diagonally away from him, and they are the ones he saw from the reef rock. These men look like Japanese from their features, and one of them is smoking. The cigarette smoke is hanging in mid-air, and the other two men are smiling. They seem to be laughing over something before STOP comes into effect.

Dong Xuebing hides before saying STOP in his heart.

Time resumed.

"Who do you think is that person?"

"He should be a fisherman caught in a shipwreck. But why is he here?"

"That's right. Hahaha... He is still hoping to be saved by us."

"I think he will not last a few days without food and water. He will die here sooner or later."

"Yes. No ships other than us, making a detour, will pass by here."

"Eh? Where is that man? Look at that reef rock!"

"Was he swept into the sea by the waves?"

"I did not see any waves. Could he be swimming after us?"

"Hahaha... what an idiot. Swim? He must catch up with us first!"

Dong Xuebing does not understand what they are saying but can tell they speak in some Japanese dialects. Are these people Japanese?! Damn! I had boarded your country's place and met with an air crash, and you all refused to save me?! He can tell these people are not sea crew from their expression. They look more like gangsters, and he was shocked to see them carry guns on their waist!

Is this a smuggler's ship?

Is it use for drugs or human trafficking?

Dong Xuebing finally understood why this ship had passed by this area. Most cargo ships will avoid navigation routes near areas with reef rocks. But this is not the time to think about all these. He needs to find water, as his legs are wobbly after running a few hundred meters.

STOP!

Time stopped again!

Dong Xuebing looks at the three Japanese and entered the bridge behind them, and closes the door.

An armed middle-aged man is standing guard inside.

Dong Xuebing walks past him and looks into every room inside.

A few moments later, Dong Xuebing's eyes brighten. He had entered a room for resting, and there's no one around. He closed the door behind him and looked around. There's a bed, a table, a coffee table, a TV, two pieces of bread on the table, and a pot of coffee. The coffee should be placed there for a while as it is not hot anymore.

Is this the captain's cabin? It's quite luxurious.

Dong Xuebing immediately resume time. STOP!

"[email protected]@$!#%%%$$..." The TV is on, and it's playing some Japanese programs.

Dong Xuebing grabbed the pot of coffee and sat on the bed before finishing everything in one gulp!

Refreshing!

Dong Xuebing grabbed the bread and quickly ate it.

Nothing feels better than having food to eat and water to drink.

Dong Xuebing did not treat himself as an outsider. After eating and drinking, he took off his clothes, which looks more like pieces of cloth, and threw them under the bed. He got a wet towel to start wiping himself and tidying his hair. He searched the closet and found a suit with leather shoes. The suit is slightly bigger, but the shoes are just nice. After wearing the suit, he stood in front of the mirror and nodded.

He looks more like a person now.

Oh, where is this ship heading?

This is crucial to Dong Xuebing. He searched the room and found a map. It's a map of Japan, and someone had drawn a navigation route with a pen. An area on the map is circled, and it should be the ship's destination. It is a city by the seas, and it's not far from Tokyo.

This ship is returning to Japan?!

This does not make a difference to Dong Xuebing, as he did not hope to get on board a ship to return to China. Anyway, he can find a way back once he reaches Japan.

He kept the map in his pocket and took a cigarette out of a packet he found under the coffee table.

It's been days since he smoked, and it felt good.

Dong Xuebing crossed his legs and watched TV as if he is the captain of the ship.

The news on TV is reporting something that caught Dong Xuebing's attention. He does not know how the ship got its TV signals or if the news is prerecorded. It is reporting about flight J736!

That's the flight Dong Xuebing was on when it crashed!

He is furious when he saw the news about the flight. The engine caught fire, and the emergency exit doors cannot be opened! What a lousy plane!

The newscaster reported in Japanese and showed footage of aircraft debris floating on the sea. This footage is taken from a helicopter, and a few search and rescue boats are salvaging the debris.

Is this the crash site?

Dong Xuebing frowned because he could read some Chinese characters in the Japanese captions on the footage. "237 passengers" "Crash" It's been so many days, and the news is still reporting about this air crash. It must be quite shocking as 237 lives are gone just like this. This crash seems to be more serious than previous air crashes.

The news continued with the reports.

No survivors?

Halting the search efforts temporary?!

They managed to salvage some of the victims' bodies, and the rest disappeared due to the explosion?!

Dong Xuebing had guessed correctly after watching the news. Everyone thinks there are no survivors of this crash, and all the passengers are dead.

Dong Xuebing rested on the bed for a while, smoked another cigarette, and drank some water. He looks at his hands and thinks back on his brushes with death in the past few days. If he doesn't have BACK and STOP and happened to see this 'smugglers' ship,' he should be dead. It's a miracle for him to be alive.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 499 – Land!

Ship's resting area.

Dong Xuebing looks around for a phone. He wants to contact China to inform them that he is still alive but could not find any communication devices.

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing hears footsteps outside. Someone is coming!

Dong Xuebing quickly tidied up the room and stood behind the door.

The door opened, and the middle-aged man, who was smoking on the deck earlier, entered.

Dong Xuebing mumbled STOP in his heart and squeeze himself through that man and the door to the corridor. He looks around and quickly walks towards a dimly lit corner before resuming time.

"Eh? Where's my bread?!"

"... Bro, what happened?"

"Which one of you touched my coffee and bread?! Eh? Why are my clothes gone?"

"Huh? I don't know. Why..."

"You have been guarding outside! What do you mean by you don't know?!"

"Bro, I don't know. No one had entered your room earlier!"

The shouting continued for around three minutes before it quiets down. Dong Xuebing looks out from the corner, where he was hiding, and noticed no one is along the corridor. He crept his way to the end of the corridor and entered a dark room. There's no one around, and he closed the door behind him. After that, he sat behind the door and rest.

One hour...

Two hours...

Three hours...

Dong Xuebing fell asleep, and it was dark when he woke up. He does not know what time it is and wonders why the ship had not docked. Eh? The ship had stopped? He froze. Although the ship is stable, he can feel the difference whether if it was moving. Is the ship docked? He quickly tidied his clothes and pressed his ear against the door.

It's quiet. No one is talking or walking around.

Something's wrong. Dong Xuebing has a bad feeling.

Just as Dong Xuebing is wondering what happened, he heard some gunshots. Bang! Bang! Bang! It sounded it was fired from the deck!

Gunshots, screaming... it was chaotic outside!

"Arrghh!"

Bang, bang, bang!

Bang, bang, bang!

Bang! A bullet hole suddenly appeared on the cabin's door. It was just beside Dong Xuebing and almost hit him.

Dong Xuebing knows he cannot hide here anymore. Something must have happened on the ship. He sticks his head out of the room, and no one is along the corridor. The gunshots and screams are from the deck, and it's getting closer. He quickly rushed to the stairs at the end of the corridor and lowered his body to avoid getting shot. He climbed up slowly and opened the door at the top of the stairs.

Bang, bang, bang!

The gunshots are louder!

Dong Xuebing saw the sparks from guns firing in the dark when he peeped outside. Two men were lying in a large puddle of blood on the deck. The bullets had killed them, and a few crew members are firing towards the diagonally opposite direction. Splash! One of the crew threw his pistol aside and jumped into the sea to escape. The cargo ship had docked, and Dong Xuebing can see the lights from a nearby city. A few Japanese Police Officers are firing at the cargo ship from land, and two Officers had almost reached the ship.

Gunfight between the cops and smugglers?!

Police had surrounded the smuggling ship?!

Dong Xuebing does not want to get involved. He only wants to return home and tell his mother, Sister Xie, Aunt Xuan, and the rest that he is still alive. Furthermore, he cannot speak Japanese, and he is onboard the ship. He cannot explain why he is on board to the Police.

The best way is to leave!

STOP!

The world becomes quiet, and time stopped!

Dong Xuebing quickly runs out while checking how much time he has with MENU. He started running across the deck. The port is not the usual port, and it is located in a secluded place. This place looks like a fishing village, and a few bullet heads had stopped in mid-air. The sparks from the gunfire, the night, and the stars formed a beautiful picture.

Dong Xuebing jumps off the deck onto the shore.

He is excited to step on solid ground after being trapped on that reek rock for almost two weeks. This is what he had been thinking every day while on the reef.

Dong Xuebing is finally on land!

He can finally return home!

Dong Xuebing quickened his pace and ran past the defense line formed by more than a dozen Japanese Police Officers. He hid behind a small warehouse behind the port before resuming time!

Bang! Bang!

Gunshots continued!

Dong Xuebing doesn't care about the situation here and is only thinking about how to get home. He looks around, but there are no cars. He took a glance at the map he gotten from the ship. Hmmm... this should be the location where the captain circled on the map. Tokyo is located north of this place... North... Which direction is north?! He looked up at the sky and used the stars to confirm the direction. He needs to move towards a direction on his left!

But when Dong Xuebing was about to move, a pair of bright headlights shone on him!

It's a Police car! Two Police Officers alighted and pointed their guns at Dong Xuebing.

"@#@%@$%$$...?"

"@#[email protected]% $#%#...!"

Both Officers shouted something in Japanese!

But Dong Xuebing could not understand them. Damn! Why is there an ambush here?! These Officers are too careful! He turned and started running to take cover behind the corner of the warehouse. He can hear the Officers' footsteps getting nearer as they ran after him. He did not wait for them to get close and shouted STOP! He sticks his head out and saw both Officers standing there like statues. He ran past them and got into the Police Car before resuming time!

...

Time resumed!

Dong Xuebing stepped on the accelerator and sped towards the north. Those Officers should not see his face clearly as it was very dark. There are no other vehicles around except police cars, and he will use STOP to escape if he was caught. Nothing will happen.

Let's go!

Tokyo!

Bang! Bang! Bang! The Officers fired at Dong Xuebing.

Dang! Dang! Bullets hit the car, and the rear windshield was cracked.

Dong Xuebing quickly lowered his head and sped off!

Swoosh! The Police car quickly disappears from the road.

He peeps at the rear-view mirror and saw those two Officers shouting into their radio for backups.

Dong Xuebing had faced off Japanese Police when he came over to steal the relics from the National Museum previously and thought nothing about it. He took a last glance towards the direction of the smugglers' ship before entering the highway.

One kilometer...

Five kilometers...

Eight kilometers...

Soon, Dong Xuebing can see the bright lights of a city in front of him. He knows there will be multiple roadblocks waiting for him in front too. Driving a stolen Police car into the city is courting death. It's too obvious, and other Police cars behind him are catching up.

Abandon car!

Dong Xuebing made his decision and saw a young man stopped his car by the roadside. He is talking on his phone, and Dong Xuebing brakes. That young man saw it in a Police car and thought it was because he had stopped his car on the highway to make a phone call. He quickly gestured that he is moving off after hanging up. But Dong Xuebing does not want to let that young man see his face and quickly uses STOP. He ran over and gave that man a knife-hand blow on his neck!

STOP!

The young man fainted, and Dong Xuebing dragged him into the bushes by the roadside. After that, he drove that old Honda Accord towards the north!

The young man will surely call the Police after he wakes up, and Dong Xuebing must reach Tokyo before the Police catch up with him. Only Tokyo has flights back to China.

One hour...

Three hours...

Five hours...

Dong Xuebing doesn't know his current location after driving through the night. He only knows that he is driving towards the north, and the bustling streets around him indicate he should have reached or is very near to Tokyo.

Suddenly, Police sirens got closer.

Dong Xuebing frowned and looks at his rear-view mirror. Two Police cars are behind him, and an Officer is sticking his head out of the window with a gun.

Bang! The rear windscreen shattered!

I'm exposed?!

Dong Xuebing quickly changed lanes and turned into another street!

Screech!!! Dong Xuebing slammed the breaks and shouted STOP!

He got out of the car and ran into an alleyway towards another street. He disappeared into the crowd before resuming time!

Dong Xuebing cannot afford to waste STOP anymore. He is wanted by the Police and has no identification and money with him. How is he going to buy air tickets? That's why he needs to save his remaining time to sneak on the plane. This is the only way for him to get home without trying to explain himself. Who knows how long the investigation will take if the Police catch him?

Dong Xuebing looks at the road sign. He is in Tokyo!

Airport! Here I come!

Ten seconds later, two Police cars stopped by the roadside. Four fully equipped Officers stepped towards the Honda Accord cautiously with their guns.

But they were shocked when they got nearer. They had not let this car went out of their sight, and no one had opened the doors. But there's no one in the car!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 500 – I'm Back!

Morning.

It's dawn, and the sky is slowly turning bright.

Dong Xuebing stood outside of Tokyo International Airport and straightened his collar. He walked around slowly to observe the departure hall. The airport's security was tightened, and lots of armed officers are patrolling. Dong Xuebing purposely walks past a few patrolling Officers.

Those Officers took a glance at Dong Xuebing and continued with their way.

Dong Xuebing knew those officers had not seen his face.

Alright! It's safe now.

Dong Xuebing had worked in Public Security for over a year and knows about the Police procedures and how they operate. The more secretive you behave, the more they will notice you. He walks towards the flight information display to check the flights. BEIJING... BEIJING... Yes! J311. Boarding at 6 is from Tokyo to Beijing!

Dong Xuebing looks at the time. It's 5.50 am!

That's it!

Dong Xuebing does not have any identification or an air ticket, and it's impossible to go through the normal boarding process.

Dong Xuebing looked around and stepped into a secluded corner.

STOP!

Time stopped.

Dong Xuebing looked at the people in the departure hall and ran towards the escalator. There are too many people on the escalator, and he could not squeeze through them. He had to step on the handrails to get upstairs. He almost fell several times. He did not stop as he got near the immigration counters. He got past the immigration and security checks and went into a nearby toilet.

STOP! Time resume.

A few young men are speaking in mandarin with a Northeast accent.

"I heard more than 200 people had died in the air crash. No passengers survived."

"That's right. I am afraid of flying after I heard it. That flight was supposed to fly from Tokyo to Beijing."

"I heard the crash is due to a flock of birds hitting the plane's engine. I think we will not be so unlucky this time."

"Who knows? We just need to be careful. If we encounter the same situation, just jump off the plane."

"Haha... Stop talking nonsenses."

Dong Xuebing hid in the cubicle and rubbed his chin. He had gotten past the immigrations and checks. But how is he going to get the ticket?

Dong Xuebing can use STOP to get onto the plane. He only needs to get through the second security check at the boarding gate, and he can get onto the plane without an air ticket. But what about the seat? Where can he hide on the plane? Most flights will not have empty seats, and he cannot hide in the toilet for a few hours. The aircrew will notice him.

Steal an air ticket?

Knock someone out and steal his ticket?

That will not work. The person will report to the Police, and Dong Xuebing will be discovered. He will be arrested before the plane touchdown.

That's right! The cargo hold!

No one will be checking the cargo hold, and there will be nothing other than luggage!

Dong Xuebing stepped out of the toilet and started looking for the boarding gate. Although there's still time for the passengers to board, the check-in luggage will be transported into the cargo hold first. He needs to get into the cargo hold before they close it.

J311 boarding gate...

J311 boarding gate...

Found!

The passengers are starting to enter the holding room, and someone is checking their tickets.

Dong Xuebing avoided the CCTV and mumbled STOP. He got through the checks and hides behind a corner before resuming time. After that, he followed other passengers towards the plane. One minute later, he saw the stairs to the plane. There is another round of air ticket checks, and he does not want to go over. He looks around and saw the cargo hold is opened. The airport staff is loading the luggage onto a conveyer belt into the cargo hold.

Dong Xuebing squats down and pretends to tie his shoelaces.

After the passengers walked past, and no one is noticing him, Dong Xuebing mumbled STOP again. He quickly runs towards the cargo hold.

Five meters...

Ten meters...

Twenty meters...

Dong Xuebing jumped onto the conveyer belt and ran up into the cargo hold.

This is the first time Dong Xuebing saw the interior of the cargo hold. There are rollers and locks in it, and staff is working. There are no seats, toilets, or carpet. The windows are much higher than the passenger compartment, and it looks like a big warehouse. Luggage is being loaded into the cargo hold, and it's about one-third full when he enters.

Dong Xuebing doesn't have much time remaining.

He quickly jumps over a stack of suitcases, covered by a net, into the gap between two stacks of luggage.

STOP!

The conveyer belt continues to send luggage into the cargo hold.

Dong Xuebing, who is hiding behind the luggage, could not see anything. He can only hear the staff talking and some machinery sounds. This continues for about ten minutes.

After a while, there were the sounds of doors slamming shut.

The cargo hold went into total darkness!

Dong Xuebing sticks his head out and saw the cargo hold's door had been closed. The cargo hold is only half-filled, and he felt some vibrations beneath his feet. The plane is moving, and it should be moving towards the runway. He is getting nervous because of the air crash he experienced previously. What if it happened again?

Hope it will be a safe flight.

Even if I am damn unlucky, I should not encounter two air crashes in a row...

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and steadied himself in the gap between two stacks of luggage. He grabbed onto the dark green net straps and prepared himself for the takeoff.

Five minutes later, the plane took off.

The cargo hold is for luggage and goods. It is not as comfortable as the passenger compartment. Dong Xuebing can feel strong vibrations, and the luggage is covered in nettings and locked in place. He can only hold on to the nettings, and the vibrations continued for more than ten seconds, making his butt numbed.

But the worse is not over.

It's almost the end of May, and the temperature should be warm.

But it's cold at a higher altitude and cannot be compared to the temperature on land. It's freezing.

Air condition? Who will install air condition in a plane's cargo hold?

The worst part is the oxygen levels. It's too low, and Dong Xuebing has difficulties breathing. This is worse than being on the high mountains.

Dong Xuebing clenched his teeth. Damn! I had experienced life and death so many times. This little hardship will not bring me down!

One hour...

Two hours...

Three hours...

Finally, the plane starts to descend!

Five minutes later, the plane touch down on the runway, and Dong Xuebing can finally relax.

Time to leave. Dong Xuebing stood up and walked over to the cargo hold's entrance. He waited until the cargo hold's door is opened and shouted STOP! He runs down the conveyer belt and resumed time after he got near the alighting passengers. He mixed with the passengers and entered the terminal building. The passengers need to go through customs and immigrations before they can leave.

Dong Xuebing can only use his last remaining STOP time to get past the checks and got into a toilet at the last second!

Swoosh!

Time resumed automatically!

...

"Ah!"

"You gave me a fright!"

Two people, who were standing at the urinals, look at Dong Xuebing in shock. They almost peed onto their pants when they saw a man appearing suddenly in the toilet without any sound. They did not notice anyone opening the door or entering the toilet.

Dong Xuebing smiled embarrassedly at them.

Dong Xuebing left the toilet. He does not even have one second left, but he had finally reached his destination.

A few passengers are chatting beside him.

"I was so worried during the flight."

"Me too. I am afraid the plane will crash. There are no parachutes on board, and no one can survive if it crashes."

"Yes. All passengers on that flight had died from that crash. I heard no one escaped."

"Stop talking about that tragedy. Sigh... that's more than 200 lives gone."

"Let's go."

Dong Xuebing followed these people out of the terminal building into the arrival halls.

Sigh... Dong Xuebing is a relief to see the familiar Chinese characters, sounds, and people around him. He knows he is in Beijing and almost shouted out in joy.

I'm back!

I am finally back!

Chapter 501 – Beijing!

Morning.

Dong Xuebing is in a good mood after leaving the flight. He hummed a song as he walks over to a nearby hotel's carpark to get his car. He had parked his Porsche Cayanne at this hotel when he left for Japan. His keys are dried, and the remote is still working. He got into his car and started driving out. The security tried to stop him for the parking fees, but he doesn't have a single cent with him. His wallet, identification, etc., are all swept away by the currents, and he cannot afford to pay anything. He stepped on the accelerator and sped out of the carpark before the barrier came down.

Before Dong Xuebing left the carpark, he winded the window and waved. "I am in a hurry today and will pay you all double another day. Sorry."

Someone who is driving a Porsche is trying to escape without paying?!

Damn! This is the first time the security guards meet someone like this.

Dong Xuebing laughed as he heard the security guards scolding him. He drove towards a nearby restaurant serving typical home cook food.

Dong Xuebing entered the restaurant, and a middle-aged man went to serve him.

"Young man, how many people?"

"One. Oh, are you the Boss?"

"Yes. What would you like?"

"It's like this." Dong Xuebing smiled embarrassedly. "I had forgotten to bring my wallet. Err... I will call someone to pass me some money later. The dishes..."

The Boss paused for a second and waved his hand. "Don't talk about money. Just sit down."

Dong Xuebing felt embarrassed. "No... Boss, this is not right."

"It doesn't cost much anyway. It's fine."

The lady Boss frowned when she heard what her husband said and gave him a stare.

The Boss pretends not to see it and continued. "Have a seat, young man."

Dong Xuebing thanked the Boss again and sat down. He is starving after being chased by the Police for one night.

The Boss had seen the Porsche parked outside his restaurant, and Dong Xuebing has a Beijing accent. He knows Dong Xuebing is wealthy, and a meal doesn't cost much. There are no other customers at this time, and the Boss informed the kitchen to prepare a few dishes.

The Lady Boss is a calculative person and showed her displeasure with Dong Xuebing openly.

Dong Xuebing felt embarrassed. He has a net worth of 200 million RMB, and he cannot even pay for a meal now.

"Here's the food." The Boss has to serve Dong Xuebing himself as his wife doesn't want to serve.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

Dong Xuebing drank a cup of tea and started eating. It's been too long since he ate freshly cooked food. It's too delicious.

"Boss, how's your business?"

"Sigh... We are just serving some regular customers and making ends meet."

"Oh, I will give you my number." These two dishes might not cost much, but Dong Xuebing must return this favor. He cannot take advantage of him. "This is my mobile number. Oh, I lost my phone and will get a new one these few days. If you intend to set up a restaurant in Fen Zhou City, you must give me a call. I can help you settle all the approvals."

The Boss is stunned for a second and did not think much of it. He smiled and kept the number, as he likes to make friends.

The Lady Boss heard what Dong Xuebing said and sulked.

After chatting for a while, Dong Xuebing is full.

"Boss, thank you for the meal. I shall make a move first."

"Sure. Come back when you are free."

"This meal is 50 RMB. I will pay you..."

"Don't mention it." The Boss interrupted Dong Xuebing. "It's only a meal. It's on me, and it's meaningless to talk about money."

"Alright. Thank you."

Dong Xuebing boarded his car under the scornful eyes of the Lady Boss.

"This person has money to buy a car and doesn't have money to pay for a meal?!" The Lady Boss grumbled.

The Boss retorted impatiently. "Enough. Stop grumbling about money!"

Dong Xuebing overheard what the Lady Boss said and started his car helplessly.

After Dong Xuebing drove about ten meters forward, a Health Bureau vehicle stopped outside of the restaurant. Three Health Bureau staff got out and shouted to the Boss before rushing in for an inspection.

"Someone had reported on the hygiene here!"

"Didn't you all inspected the last time? We had cleaned all the corners. Look. Is this not up to standards?!" The Lady Boss is furious.

That Health Bureau staff is furious. "You don't need to shout! We are not deaf!"

"You all had inspected this month and why..."

"That is the last time. How can it be the same?!"

Dong Xuebing frowned and stopped his car. He had seen such a situation countless times. If this is a routine inspection, all the restaurants along this street will be inspected. But the Health Bureau vehicle went straight to this restaurant. It's obvious someone had reported them, or the Boss had offended someone. He saw the Boss and his wife looking at the restaurant opposite and knows it must be their competitor behind this.

During normal times, Dong Xuebing will not be bothered. But the Boss had just given him a free meal, and he must return this favor. He drove his car back and checked his glove compartment. He found an entry permit and threw it on the dashboard before stopping his car in front of the Health Bureau vehicle.

The Health Bureau vehicle's driver is still in the car, and he honked at Dong Xuebing!

Beep! Beep!

"Why are you stopping here?!" The driver shouted through the open window.

Dong Xuebing ignored the driver and entered the restaurant. "Hey, what's going on?"

The Boss saw Dong Xuebing returning and sighed. "Our hygiene failed to meet the requirements, and they are going to fine us 5,000 RMB."

The Lady Boss is still arguing with the Health Bureau staff. 5,000 RMB is their shop's half month profits. If they are fined again this month, they will not have any profits. This is only a small business, and they cannot afford it.

"You all are robbing us!"

"Watch your words!"

"Don't think I don't know that it's the opposite shop that called you all! You all are..."

"Stop." The Boss tugged his wife."

The Leader of the Health Bureau staff looked at them coldly and started writing the fine.

Dong Xuebing frowned and walked over. "Which Bureau are you all from?"

One of the staff frowned and stared at Dong Xuebing. "Chao Yang District! What's wrong?"

The furious Lady Boss noticed Dong Xuebing had returned and looked at him.

Dong Xuebing nodded. "Chao Yang District?! Fine. This is Beijing, and you all dare to issue fines as and when you want?! This place is not hygienic?! I had just eaten here, and I can't tell which part of the restaurant is unhygienic? Tell me which part failed to meet the requirements?!"

Everyone in the restaurant is stunned. This person looks young but has an arrogant tone.

Dong Xuebing did not wait for their replies and continued. "Enough! Show me your passes! What are your names?!"

A young staff got mad. "You..."

The Leader pulled him back and stopped him from saying anything because he saw the driver signaling to him. All the staff looks out of the windows. Porsche? A top-tier Cayanne?! They saw Dong Xuebing getting out of the car earlier but did not notice his car. Now, they noticed it and saw the registration plate. Beijing 9999?! The Leader immediately frowned.

This person is wealthy?!

They had met many wealthy people during their work. Those big restaurant owners claimed to be millionaires, but they will still issue fines to them. But the Leader is cautious because of Dong Xuebing's tone and the way he demanded their work passes and names.

Then the Health Bureau staff noticed an entry permit on the dashboard of Dong Xuebing's car.

Eh?! That is...

The staff were stunned and exchanged looks.

That entry permit looks similar to ordinary neighborhood entry permits. It is ordinary and has the same colors. The name of the estate is written on it, and there's an additional red seal on it compared to other entry permits. But everyone working in Beijing's Government will know the name of this estate. That is Beijing's Executive Party Committee Members' Family Quarters villa estate!

It's easy to get the entry permit for the District Party Committee Members' Family Quarters.

Anyone with some connection can get the entry permit for the City's Committee Members' Family Quarters.

But not anyone can get the Executive Party Committee Members' Family Quarters' entry permit unless you have relatives living inside. Even the Leaders' subordinates will not get it. Not anyone can enter that villa neighborhood.

The Health Bureau staff knew they had met someone they cannot afford to offend.

Dong Xuebing looks at them. "Speak up! I want to see your passes!"

"Err... we forgot to bring it." The Leader quickly puts on a smile. "We had come here in a rush after receiving a complaint. Xiao Liu, check the kitchen again and see if the hygiene meets the requirements." They know they are in the wrong as the restaurant is very clean, and the person in front of them might be the City Leader's relative. They don't dare to continue to create trouble anymore. It's important to know your place in a special place like Beijing. Any wrong words might cost them their jobs.

Xiao Liu returned after a while. "Err... it's just some small issues."

The Leader nodded slightly. "Since it's some small issues, then let's forget it. It's hard for small businesses to survive these days."

The Boss and his wife were stunned and couldn't understand why there is a sudden change of attitude.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 502 – Xiao Dong's Memorial Service!

The Chinese Restaurant.

The Health Bureau Staff tore the fine receipt and was about to leave.

Dong Xuebing did not continue since they relent and take out the Japanese cigarettes packet to give them. After the life and death experience in the middle of the sea, he becomess more mature and less rash. "Sorry to have you all making a wasted trip. Come, have a smoke."

"No need..."

"Have a cigarette before leaving. Are you looking down on me?!"

"No, alright."

"Haha... Let me light it for you all."

"No need. We have lighters with us."

The Leader of the Health Bureau staff heard Dong Xuebing's Beijing accent and knew they must not offend him. Maybe he is the son of some Central Government Officials.

The Lady Boss regained her senses and quickly said. "Have a seat. I will prepare tea."

The Leader replied. "Don't bother. We are leaving soon."

"Have some tea before you go." The Boss added.

The Leader waved his hand. "Don't mention it. We still need to attend to some complaints. Oh..." He lowered his voice. "Give me your number. The higher-ups had given us new missions. There will be inspections on the hygiene in the blind spots. Do take note of it, and I will inform you beforehand if there is sudden inspection."

The Boss replied. "Thank you."

"It's fine." The Leader continued. "I can understand how difficult it is to run a small business."

The Health Bureau staff's attitudes changed suddenly.

After saying these to the Boss, the Leader started chatting with Dong Xuebing. He wants to find out his background and see if he can befriend him.

The Lady Boss looks at Dong Xuebing and wonders who he is. He did not even mention who he knows and those Health Bureau staff changed their attitudes immediately. Her husband is smart to give him a treat. How can a meal which costs 50 RMB be compared to a 5,000 RMB fine? They also get to know these Health Bureau staff.

A few minutes later, the Health Bureau staff left.

The Lady Boss seems to have forgotten the bad attitude she showed to Dong Xuebing earlier and went over with a pot of tea. "Here, have some tea." She realized what is called never judge a book by its cover now. This young man looks ordinary and cannot even afford to pay for his meal. But he can scare those Health Bureau staff away with just some questions.

Dong Xuebing tried to take the teapot from the Lady Boss. "Eh, let me pour it."

"No need. It's hot."

The Boss looks at Dong Xuebing. He also did not expect him to be so powerful. "Thanks for your help, young man."

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "Haha... this has nothing to do with me. It's because your shop is clean in the first place."

The Lady Boss added. "What's the use of having a clean shop? We still have to depend on those Health Bureau staff to determine it. Thanks for your help. Oh, you must still be hungry. Let me whip up a few dishes for you."

"Wait... I am still full."

"Have some more."

"No... I am full."

After chatting for a while, Dong Xuebing remembered something important. "Bro, do you have a phone here? Can you let me make a phone call?" He was thinking of finding a phone to make phone calls before coming to this restaurant. But he didn't have any money with him and still have to let the Boss treat him for his food. That's why he did not ask earlier. Now, he had repaid the Boss's favor, and he asked the Boss.

The Boss stood up. "Yes. I will bring it over."

"Use my phone." The Lady Boss took out a pink Nokia phone.

"Oh, thank you."

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath and thought, who should he call first. Aunt Xuan is in Beijing, and he should call her first.

Dong Xuebing dialed Qu Yunxuan's number. "Sorry, the number you just dialed cannot be connected..."

Her phone is off? Dong Xuebing frowned and tried calling his mother's phone. "Sorry, the number you just dialed cannot be connected..."

Dong Xuebing is speechless and tried calling Xie Huilan.

Her phone is also switched off!

What's happening? Why are their phones switched off?

Dong Xuebing's heart is racing, and he is worried something might happen to them. He thought about other phone numbers he remembered and called Yu Meixia's mobile phone, Xie Huilan's apartment landline, Qu Yunxuan's apartment number, and even Hu Silian and Deputy Team Leader Feng's numbers. But no one is answering, and all mobile phones are switched off!

It seems everyone he knows had switched off their phones!

This cannot be a coincidence. What is going on?

Dong Xuebing is anxious. It's fine if it's Aunt Xuan or his mother's phones are switched off. Aunt Xuan will switch off her phone at night, and his mother will switch off her phone during lessons. But Xie Huilan, Hu Silian, and the rest should not be switching off their phones. At their positions, they must remain contactable 24 hours. But their phones are all switched off!

Did something happen?

Damn!

The Boss saw Dong Xuebing's face changed and asked. "What's wrong?"

Dong Xuebing returned the phone. "Something happened, and I need to go now."

The Boss and his wife can tell Dong Xuebing is in a hurry and did not stop him. "Don't drive too fast, and drop by when you are free. I will treat you."

Dong Xuebing sped towards Heping North Street after leaving the restaurant.

Five minutes...

Ten minutes...

Twenty minutes...

Dong Xuebing reached and ran upstairs to knock on Qu Yunxuan's apartment.

No one answered.

Luckily, Dong Xuebing still has his keys with him and used them to open the door. "Aunt Xuan!"

The apartment is in a mess, but no one is around.

The porcelain cup is shattered on the floor, and tea is splashed all over the place. The closet in the bedroom is opened, and pajamas are on the bed. The kitchen lights are still on, and there's a rotten tomato on the chopping board. It looks like it's been there for more than ten days!

Dong Xuebing panics!

Where is everybody? Where did they go?

Dong Xuebing saw the phone on the table and called all the numbers he remembered.

Their phones are all switched off!

Damn! This is making me nervous!

Dong Xuebing paced around Qu Yunxuan's living room and suddenly remembered a number. He quickly called it. This is the County Government's Secretariat Department's number. He can remember this number because only one number is different from Xie Huilan's apartment landline.

Ring... ring... ring...

The line finally got through.

"Hello, Secretariat Section 1." A woman answered, and she sounded young.

Dong Xuebing doesn't want to waste time. "Where is Huilan? Is she in her office?"

"Huilan?" The girl on the other line was shocked for a while. "Are you referring to Mayor Xie?"

"Yes. Where is she? How come her phone is switched off?" Dong Xuebing is anxious. "Transfer me to her office!"

"Mayor Xie is not around."

"What about Secretary Hu?"

"Secretary Hu... is also not around."

Dong Xuebing's heart almost stopped. Everyone is not around, and all their phones are off. This...

What the other party said next made Dong Xuebing speechless!

The girl can tell the person over the phone is close to Mayor Xie, as no one dares to address her as Huilan. He must be Mayor Xie's relative, and she did not hide anything. "Mayor Xie and Secretary Hu had gone to attend a memorial service this morning. Many of the County Leaders had gone too. It's located at the North suburban crematorium memorial hall. If you are looking for Mayor Xie, you..."

Dong Xuebing blinked. "Memorial service? Who's memorial service?"

The girl paused for a second and replied. "It's Chief Dong's memorial service."

"Ah?" Dong Xuebing is dumbfounded. "My memorial service?"

The girl quickly reply. "Your surname is also Dong? It's not you. It's Dong Xuebing, Chief Dong."

WTF?!

That's me!

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing finally understands why everyone had switched off their phones. All of them are attending his memorial service and must switch off their phones. My body is not even found, and they are holding a memorial service for me?! I am still alive! After some thoughts, he understood. His funeral should have been held a long time ago as it's been two weeks after the air crash. They had waited until today because they are still waiting for Japan to recover the bodies. But Japan had announced no survivors of the crash yesterday, and most bodies could not be recovered. That's why they are holding the memorial service today.

No. I must return to the County immediately!

Dong Xuebing searched Aunt Xuan's apartment and found 1,000 RMB from her bedside table drawer. He stuffed the money in his pocket and drove to a petrol kiosk to fill his tank. After that, he drove towards Yan Tai County, and Cayenne is much faster than Mercedes.

80 KM/H...

100 KM/H...

120 KM/H...

Dong Xuebing is speechless as he is driving.

He should be the only person in this world who is rushing to attend his memorial service. This is ridiculous!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 503 – Bro, where's my memorial service!

Before noon.

Yan Tai County, north suburban.

The crematorium is located beside a hill and is spacious.

This is the first time Dong Xuebing comes here and is lost the moment he reaches. He doesn't know where is the memorial service hall, but he saw tens of County Government vehicles parked outside and knew he was at the right place. He saw Xie Huilan's car, Public Security Bureau, and many County Government Leaders' cars there. There are also many Hui Tian Village Police Station and a few Beijing registration plates expensive cars.

I'm finally here!

The memorial service should have started.

Dong Xuebing is touched to see so many cars here. Seems like he still has many friends, and this is a grand funeral.

Dong Xuebing alighted and saw a worker carrying some stuff. He quickly stops him. "Excuse me."

The worker from the crematorium looks at Dong Xuebing. "What is it?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "Do you know where is my memorial service is held?"

The worker was stunned for a second and thought he had heard wrongly. "Who's memorial service?"

"... mine." Dong Xuebing answered and felt it sounded weird.

"Yours?!"

The worker gave Dong Xuebing a weird glance and walked away. This guy must be crazy. Your memorial service?! If it's your memorial service, how can you still speak to me? You should be lying in your coffin. I am too busy to bother you. The worker had been working at the crematorium for years and had met people asking for directions or creating trouble. But this is the first time he met someone asking where his memorial service is held.

"Eh, I'm asking you a question." Dong Xuebing shouted. "Where is the memorial service hall?"

That worker replied without turning. "I don't know."

Dong Xuebing is frustrated as he is in a rush to meet his mother and the rest. "Hey, what's wrong with you? Is this how you should behave?"

That worker stopped and gave Dong Xuebing a stare. "Do you know what this place is? Ah? It's a crematorium! This is a sacred place, and how can you shout so loud here?! Everyone here is to attend someone's funeral! Who comes here for his funeral?! Ah? Many of our County leaders are here for a leader's funeral today! Go elsewhere to create trouble before I call the security guards!"

The word 'funeral' does not sound nice!

I am still alive!

Dong Xuebing is furious and took a few deep breaths to calm down. "Fine. The memorial service hall is for Dong Xuebing, Chief Dong's funeral, right?! Where is it? I am here to attend his funeral."

The worker looks at Dong Xuebing. "You will not get in even if I tell you where it is."

Dong Xuebing slapped his forehead. "Can you stop wasting time? I am in a rush!"

The worker replied. "Young man, I am telling this for your good. Even if you get there, you will be chased out. Do you know who Chief Dong is? He had risked his life several times to save our County's people. Although he is from Beijing, who doesn't respect him in Yan Tai County? He had saved tens of civilians' lives, and everyone is sad. How can you come here to disrespect him? You are just coming here to create trouble with this attitude!"

Dong Xuebing is no longer angry after hearing this. "Brother, I have the correct attitude. Can you tell me where the memorial hall is? I am really in a rush!"

"Where is your wreath?"

"..."

"You did not even bring a wreath, and you claim to have a correct attitude?!"

"I will go get one later."

"Look at your shirt under your jacket. Blue, and it's still bright blue?! This is too casual! Who attends a funeral dress like this? You should wear black or grey! Don't you even know this?"

"..."

Dong Xuebing is speechless to meet someone like this. I am already the first person in history to attend my own's funeral, and you still want me to wear black and buy a wreath for myself?! Don't you think this is ridiculous?!

Dong Xuebing looks around, and there is no one around.

"I will change and buy a wreath later." Dong Xuebing replied patiently. "Can you tell me where the memorial service hall is? I am going to be late."

The worker looks at Dong Xuebing and points towards the north impatiently. "Go ahead if you are not afraid of offending people. It's on the north side. Turn left when you reach the end. Let me remind you first. All the County's top leaders are here. Secretary Xiang, Mayor Xie, Secretary Cao, and you will be..."

Dong Xuebing did not wait for him to finish and turned. "Alright. Thank you."

The worker shook his head and carry on with his work.

Dong Xuebing ran towards the north. Ten meters... fifty meters... and saw a memorial service hall after he turned left. At least thirty to forty wreaths are placed outside, filling all the empty spaces outside the hall. It has a solemn atmosphere.

The hall's doors are opened, and it's filled with people.

Everyone is dressed in black, and Dong Xuebing can recognize a few people's backs standing at the end.

The memorial service has ended?

Damn! I am still late!

Dong Xuebing slapped his forehead and quickened his pace.

As he approaches, he heard a woman's voice, and it sounded like... County's TV station host, Su Jia. Has Sister Su's internship at Xin Hua News Agency ended? How come she is hosting this memorial service?

Fine. Everyone is here.

"... Comrade Dong Xuebing has a simple life, and he loves the Party and country. He worked hard and fought all his life. His passing is a great loss to us. A good party member, government leader, and good comrade had left us. Today, we shall bid our last farewell to comrade Dong Xuebing. We should turn our grief into strength and learn from him. We must carry on his..."

The speakers are loud, and Su Jia's sorrowful voice can be heard outside.

Dong Xuebing blushed as he heard what she said. Everyone had criticized him for his behavior in the past, but all his actions had become good deeds after his "death"?

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 504 – Rest in Peace, Comrade Dong Xuebing!

Before noon.

Inside of the crematorium memorial hall.

Above the black and white photograph of Dong Xuebing is a black banner with white characters. "In remembrance of Dong Xuebing." The coffin surrounded by flowers does not have a body. Instead, some of his personal belongings were placed inside, and the host, Su Jia, is giving a eulogy in tears. In front of her are Dong Xuebing's friends and colleagues. His mother and family members, including Xie Huilan, were standing on the relative side.

Almost 100 people were attending this memorial service.

The atmosphere is solemn, and many people are weeping.

Luo Haiting, Lin Pingping, and a few others from the Investment Promotion Agency were sobbing. Liu Dahai, Deputy Team Leader Feng, and other guys' eyes were all red.

No one had expected Chief Xiao Dong to pass away like this, and his body cannot be recovered.

Chief Dong was only 24 years old and is at the peak of his life. But he is gone just like this.

It's been more than a dozen days since the crash, and everyone accepted it. When they heard of the crash, most of them know the chances of him surviving is slim. They know no one can survive after the plane exploded upon impact on the coral reef rock. Luan Xiaoping had cried countless times and knew why Xiao Bing asked her to take care of herself in that phone call.

Luan Xiaoping doesn't believe her son is dead, and Huilan and Yunxuan kept consoling her that Xiao Bing will be back.

But one day passed...

Two days passed...

Ten days passed...

The plane had crashed into the coral rocks, exploded, and everyone on board was dead. Luan Xiaoping finally caved in and accepted it.

Her son is dead.

He is dead.

Luan Xiaoping covered her mouth as her tears roll down her face.

Xie Huilan held her arms. "Auntie..."

Luan Xiaoping cried. "Xiao Bing... my Xiao Bing..."

"Cousin... sob... sob..." Tang Jin and Dong Xuebing's second aunt were also wiping their tears.

Suddenly, Yu Qianqian could not hold back and cry out loudly. "Uncle! Sob... Sob... Uncle!"

Yu Meixia sobbed as she hugged her daughter. Her face is covered in tears, and she had lost count of how many times she cried in the last two weeks.

The crying spreads and affected more people. Xie Jing, and Xie Hao, who had rushed over from Beijing this morning, wiped their tears. Luo Haiting, Guo Panwei, and other staff from the Investment Promotion Agency, Deputy Party Secretary Cao Xupeng, Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee Huang Li, Deputy Mayor Geng Yuchao, Mayor's Secretary Hu Silian, and many others, sighed and wiped their tears. Even Su Jia, could not continue. She held the microphone and sobbed.

It had become more solemn.

But Xie Huilan did not cry. She stood there emotionlessly.

Hu Silian noticed her and is worried. Everyone knows Dong Xuebing is Xie Huilan's boyfriend, and his passing is a severe blow to her. But she did not cry or show any emotions and had made lots of mistakes at work these few days. Hu Silian saw her return to Dong Xuebing's apartment after work every day and leave in the morning. It's been almost two weeks since she had proper rest and food.

Many people are sad over Dong Xuebing's passing.

But some are happy.

For example, the Finance Department Chief, Ding Li. He is standing in the Memorial Service Hall with a sorrowful expression but is laughing in his heart. He hates Dong Xuebing to the core. Dong Xuebing had embarrassed him during the ball, created a chaos at the Finance Department, and almost cause a fire there.

The Education Department Director, Yu Zhengzhi, is also feeling the same as Ding Li.

This guy had created havoc in Yan Tai County for so long, and he is finally gone. This is terrific!

Although Ding Li and Yu Zhengzhi are gloating, they did not show it openly as Mayor Xie is there. They don't want to infuriate the mourners there.

Luan Xiaoping's cries become louder and could not be stopped. "Xiao Bing is only 24... 24 years old... how am I going to live without you... Xiao Bing..."

Xie Huilan held Luan Xiaoping's hand. "Auntie, Xiao Bing is not around, and I will be your daughter-in-law in the future. I will be your daughter."

Luan Xiaoping shook her head. "You are still young... I cannot let you... Xiao Bing will also want you to... to find someone..." Luan Xiaoping likes Xie Huilan, but she doesn't want to disrupt her life after Dong Xuebing is gone.

"Auntie..."

"Stop it. Xiao Bing will not allow you..."

"Didn't Xiao Bing tell you about that?" Xie Huilan smiled. "Before he went to Japan, we had held the wedding ceremony at my house, but we have not registered our marriage. Xiao Jing, right?!"

Xie Jing bit her lips.

Xie Huilan turns to her. "Xiao Jing!"

Xie Jing nodded. "Yes. We held the wedding ceremony."

Xie Hao cried. "That's right. I had attended!"

"Sorry for not informing you." Xie Huilan held Luan Xiaoping's hand tightly. "I should address you as Mum!"

Luan Xiaoping knew Xie Huilan is lying, and her tears continued to flow.

"Mum." Xie Huilan called again softly. "I will continue to call you if you don't acknowledge me as your daughter-in-law."

Luan Xiaoping kept quiet.

"Mum."

"..."

"Mum."

Luan Xiaoping finally relents. "Good girl! I acknowledge you!"

Xie Huilan smiled and wiped Luan Xiaoping's tears.

What she did had touched many people. No one had expected Mayor Xie to go to this extend.

Su Jia wiped her tears and announced. "Let's observe a three-minute silence for Comrade Dong Xuebing! Rest in peace! Your spirit will always be with us!"

Everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes in front of Dong Xuebing's black and white picture.

The next moment, Dong Xuebing appeared at the entrance of the Memorial Service Hall. He had heard everything from outside and was touched to tears.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 505 – The God of Plague has revived again!

The three-minute silence started.

One second...

Five seconds...

Ten seconds...

Everyone closed their eyes and bowed their head to mourn for Dong Xuebing. The memorial service hall in silence.

Rest in peace, Xiao Dong.

You will be missed, Chief dong.

Xiao Bing, I will remember you.

Dong Xuebing, who is standing at the entrance, looks around and rubs his nose. This is not the time to be touched. He suddenly doesn't know what to do as he had never experienced this or attended his memorial service before. Should he shout, "I am back!" but it's too weird.

Never mind. I will enter the hall first and see how it goes.

The last row of the hall has more people. Luo Haiting, Lin Pingping, and many others stand there, and Dong Xuebing could not get through. He walked behind Lin Pingping and tugged her lightly.

Lin Pingping was surprised but did not move or open her eyes.

Dong Xuebing blinked and tugged her again. Please move aside. I need to enter.

Lin Pingping is frustrated and thought to herself. Who is so irritating? Didn't you see we are observing three-minute of silence for the deceased? How can you be so disrespectful, and why are you touching me?

Lin Pingping did not turn back and continued to mourn.

Dong Xuebing is speechless and squeezed himself through.

Lin Pingping could not stand it anymore. She lifted her head and glared at this person. She wants to see who is so irritating. But the moment she saw that person's face, she is stunned!

Lin Pingping is stunned for one second... three seconds...

"Ah!" She let out a shriek and fainted!

Luo Haiting, who was standing beside Lin Pingping, frowned. What's wrong with Xiao Lin? We are observing three-minute of silence for Chief Dong, and why are you shouting?

When Luo Haiting turns, she was scared out of her wits and took a few steps back! "Ahhhh!"

Many people turned with disapproving looks. Why are they so disrespectful?! Don't they don't this is a memorial service? Who is so rude?! Don't they know the rules? We are observing silence for Chief Dong. How can you all make so much noise?!

But when those people turned around, they were all stunned!

"Dong... Chief Dong?!"

"Dong Xuebing?!"

"Xiao Dong?!"

Damn!

Did I see a ghost?!

The memorial service hall is in an uproar. Many people took a few steps back, away from Dong Xuebing!

Damn! What is going on?! Revival?!

No one had expected the 'deceased' Dong Xuebing to walk in from outside the memorial service hall!

What is going on?!

This is too shocking!

Xie Huilan, Yu Meixia, and the rest, especially Luan Xiaoping, were stunned.

They looked at Dong Xuebing, the empty coffin, and that black and white portrait... and the hair on the back of everyone's neck stood up!

Dong Xuebing saw their reaction and felt embarrassed. He felt he should say something and cleared his throat. "Err... Thanks for everyone's concern. I was lucky to escape that crash. I jumped into the sea before it crashed and was stranded for a few days. After that, I saw a ship and was rescued. Errr... sorry to have troubled you all. I'm really very sorry."

No one said a word.

Dong Xuebing looked around and smiled. "Thank you for attending my funeral. Err... Don't go back first. I will make reservations and treat all of you to lunch." It felt awkward to be speaking at his funeral.

Everyone is still not saying a word.

Dong Xuebing turns to his mother. "Mum, stop standing there and quickly remove the picture and those banners. I am not dead."

"Xiao Bing!" Luan Xiaoping shouted.

The crematorium's staff were dumbfounded.

This person is not a ghost!

Damn! The God of Plague has revived again!

"It's Chief Dong!"

"Chief Dong is not dead! He is still alive!"

Suddenly, everyone cheered!

Ding Li, and Yu Zhengzhi, were speechless, and no words can describe their feelings.

Luan Xiaoping, who had been weak these few days, ran over and hugged Dong Xuebing. "Son! It's really my son!" She is excited beyond words. "My son is back! He is back!"

Dong Xuebing has tears in his eyes. "Stop crying, Mum. I am fine."

"You almost scare me to death!" Luan Xiaoping cried. "Sob... where have you been?! How come you did not contact us?!"

"I have been drifting at sea. How am I suppose to call you all?"

"Why didn't you call earlier?!"

"I tried calling after I returned, but all of your phones are switched off."

"You just want to scare me, right?!"

"Sorry to make you worry."

As Dong Xuebing was consoling his mother, Luo Haiting, Guo Panwei, and other Investment Promotion Agency staff walked over excitedly.

"Chief Dong!" Lin Pingping shouted.

"Are you hurt?" Guo Panwei asked worryingly.

"How is your body?" Luo Haiting has lots of questions to ask.

Dong Xuebing smiled and nodded to them. "I am fine. Thank you, everyone, for your concern. I am not injured and is alright."

Suddenly, a loud cry and Xie Huilan's brother, Xie Hao, ran over and hugged Dong Xuebing. "F*k! Brother Dong! Do you still know how to return?! I thought you are dead, and I cried for you many times! You had wasted my tears!"

Dong Xuebing is touched. "Why are you here?"

Xie Hao replied. "Damn! Why can't I attend your funeral?! My mother, Aunt, and the rest will be arriving later!"

"Ah... tell them not to come. Everything is fine here."

Xie Hao wiped his tears and cursed. "You are cheating my feelings! Damn! You made me cried for nothing!"

"Alright. What's there to cry? Hey, don't wipe your snot on me!"

"Xuebing!" Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian walked closer. "Are you... really Xuebing?!"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "It's me, Sister Yu. It's only a few days, and you don't recognize me?"

"Xuebing!" Yu Meixia wanted to rush over to hug Dong Xuebing, but many people are around.

Instead, it is Yu Qianqian who jumped into Dong Xuebing's arms. "Uncle! Sob... sob... I miss you badly!"

Dong Xuebing smiled and returned the hug. "I also miss you. Stop crying... I am back now."

"I didn't believe it when my Mum says you are dead! Sob... I know you will be fine!"

Cao Xupeng is also feeling emotional. "Good to have you back..."

"Secretary Xiang, Secretary Cao, and Secretary Huang." Dong Xuebing quickly turned and greeted the leaders. "Thank you for your concern."

Too many people are around Dong Xuebing, asking questions.

But after a while, everyone quiets down, and they step aside, leaving a path. Dong Xuebing turns and saw Xie Huilan.

Xie Huilan looked at him and asked. "You are back?"

Dong Xuebing nodded. "Yes. I'm back."

Xie Huilan appears to be very calm. She was about to say something, but her legs gave way. Luckily, Hu Silian was beside her and caught her before she fell.

"Mayor Xie!"

"Huilan!"

Dong Xuebing panics and rushed over. "What's wrong? Are you alright?" He was about to call for an ambulance.

Xie Huilan smiled, but she is looking pale. "I'm fine."

Hu Silian said softly. "Mayor Xie had not eaten anything these few days, and her glucose level might be too low. Err... who has sweets with them?"

Xie Jing had brought sweets and quickly gave them to her Eldest Sister.

Xie Huilan looks better after eating the sweet. She waved Hu Silian off and turns to Dong Xuebing with a smile. "I know you will not die so easily!"

Dong Xuebing nodded. "I promised to return, and I will keep to my words."

"Alright. It's good to have you back." Xie Huilan continued to straighten Dong Xuebing's shirt and collar with a smile. She looks fine, but he could feel her fingers trembling.

Dong Xuebing felt his heart aching. "Don't move and take a seat. Xiao Hao, come and help your Sister."

"I'm fine."

Dong Xuebing held onto Xie Huilan and looked at his mother. "Mum, can you get them to remove my picture, coffin, and wreaths? I feel weird seeing it!"

Xie Huilan laughed. "You ah..."

The funeral can no longer be continued anymore.

The person, who is supposed to be lying in the coffin, had returned. How can the funeral and memorial service continue?!

Dong Xuebing, Luan Xiaoping, and the rest started apologizing to the guests and returned their bereavement gifts. No one had died, and the family cannot accept these gifts.

Some people took out their phones to inform their friends and colleagues.

"Hello, Old Xu. Chief Dong is alive... Huh? Why should I lie? He is really alive!"

"Hello, Old Zhao. Chief Dong is back... of course, it's real! I saw him with my eyes!"

News of the God of Plague's revival spreads throughout Yan Tai County!

Dong Xuebing has come back again!?

Not only has he returned, but he also did not even have any injuries!

Those who have a bad relationship and hated Dong Xuebing jumps up and cursed!

Damn! That's an air crash, and the plane disintegrated from the explosion! More than 200 passengers on board are dead, and none survive except you, Dong Xuebing?! And you are escaped unscathed?

Are you still human?!

How can you not die from the crash?!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 506 – The Hilarious Funeral!

North suburban crematorium.

Although news of Dong Xuebing's return is spreading, some people still don't know about it.

Some people are still coming to the crematorium with wreaths, and all of them were stunned when they saw Dong Xuebing alive and kicking. They threw the wreaths on the floor in shock. Qin Yong and Sun Shuli were among those that came later. They were held up at work and almost got a heart attack when they saw him.

"Brother Dong?"

"Chief Dong?!"

Qin Yong and Sun Shuli couldn't believe their eyes.

Dong Xuebing smiled and waved to them. "Old Sun, Old Qin, you all are here? Thank you. Come in. It's warm inside." He had to host them for coming to his 'funeral' and had to explain again.

Dong Xuebing was the only person talking in the memorial service hall.

"I managed to escape death by jumping off the plane before the crash."

"Eh, Uncle, Aunt, can you remove my picture?"

"Eh, Mum. Leave those things in the coffin. Those are just my pillows and some of my belongings. We have spare at home. Throw those away. It's bad luck."

"Hi, Old Chen. You are here?! Thank you."

"Eh? Chief Liu? Please come in."

The funeral is supposed to be solemn, but this funeral is different. Everyone is speechless when they see Chief Dong playing host at his own funeral. This is too weird. A few TV station crew quickly recorded this scene. Many of the people in the memorial service hall have seen all sorts of things in their lives. But they had never seen a funeral like a gathering. Chief Dong is always full of surprises.

Suddenly Dong Xuebing's mother pulled Dong Xuebing aside and said softly. "It's Old Yang's call."

Dong Xuebing smiled wearily. "Don't let Uncle Yang come."

Luan Xiaoping is in a good mood. "Old Yang has arrived in Yan Tai County. But since you are fine, I asked him to go back. He wants to speak to you."

Dong Xuebing nodded and answered. "Hello, Uncle Yang."

"..." Yang Zhaode did not reply.

"Uncle Yang?" Dong Xuebing thought the signal is not good. "Can you hear me?"

Yang Zhaode sighed in relief. "I am relieved to hear your voice. I had heard everything from Xiaoping. You must take good care of her. She had been crying these few days and was almost hospitalized for high blood pressure. Don't make her worry for you again."

"Yes. I will not make her worry."

"Haha... you must be busy, and I will not go over. Let's meet up when you come to the city."

"Sure. Thank you for your concern. I will treat you to dinner when I am back."

After Dong Xuebing hangs up, Xie Huilan waved to him with her phone. She passed him her phone. "My mother, hehe..."

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and walked to a quiet corner before answering. "Hello, Auntie."

Madam Han scolded softly. "Are you trying to scare everyone?!" She paused for a second. "Are you alright?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Sorry to worry you all. I am fine. Haha..."

"I can tell from your voice that you are fine." Han Jing laughed. "I can finally have a good sleep. Hahaha... Wait a while. Your Uncle wants to speak to you." Madam Han passed the phone to Xie Guobang.

Dong Xuebing is more respectful to Xie Guobang compared to Han Jing. He is a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, after all. "Uncle."

Xie Guobang replied. "You are back?"

"... Yes. I am back!"

Xie Guobang did not say much and what he said was the same as Xie Huilan.

Is this call like daughter like father?

After hanging up, Xie Huilan told Dong Xuebing. "My parents and Xiao Hao's mother are on their way here. Hahaha... they are almost reaching."

Dong Xuebing replied. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Xie Huilan laughed. "But they had returned now. My Mum asked you to return to Beijing when you are free. They want to talk with you."

"Alright. Tell them that I will go over tomorrow."

Ring... ring... ring... Luan Xiaoping's phone rang again. She answered and passed the phone to Dong Xuebing. "It's your old Leader."

Xu Yan, Sister Xu?

"Hello, Chief Xu?"

"You are really lucky!"

"Err... I was really lucky this time. Why did you call this number?"

"I just heard about what happened to you and couldn't get through to your phone. So, I asked my men to find your mother's phone number." This is an easy task for the Fen Zhou City State Security Bureau Chief. She laughed. "I have doubts when I heard that you died in an air crash. Others might not know about you, but I do. How can you die so easily? Haha... I am right."

Dong Xuebing heard traffic sounds in Xu Yan's background. "Where are you now?"

"I am in your County's northern suburbs, in front of the crematorium."

"Ah, Sister Xu... don't go back first. I will treat you to lunch.'

"I know you are busy now. Let's meet another day when you are free."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing looked around and moved closer to his mother.

Luan Xiaoping asked. "What is it?"

"Err..." Dong Xuebing asked softly. "I couldn't get through to Aunt Xuan's phone. Did she come? How come I never see her?" He had thought of this earlier but didn't ask as Xie Huilan was beside him.

"You still dare to ask? Yunxuan was hospitalized two days ago."

"Ah? What's wrong with her?"

"Maybe she was too worried for you. I wonder who's child she is pregnant with. Do you know she is five to six months pregnant? I had been accompanying her at the hospital these few days. Oh, you should visit her at the hospital to stop her from worrying. She had been taking care of you when you were living in Beijing." Luan Xiaoping doesn't know about their relationship and thought Yunxuan was hospitalized because of poor health.

But Dong Xuebing knew she was hospitalized because of him.

No!

Dong Xuebing doesn't have the mood to remain there anymore. He hosted a few more newcomers and dismissed this 'funeral.'

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 507 – Meeting Aunt Xuan!

Noon.

It's summertime, and it is hotter and drier.

Dong Xuebing parked his Cayanne at the County's People Hospital and ran into the lobby. He is famous in Yan Tai County and is a frequent visitor of this hospital. Many doctors, nurses, and visitors recognized him. Not everyone in the County heard of his return, and many people were shocked.

"Ah! That's..."

"Dong... Chief Dong?"

"Didn't the news say he died in the air crash?"

"That's right. I saw the news. What is going on?"

"What? That is the God of Plague?"

"Damn! Even an air crash cannot kill him."

Everyone heard about Dong Xuebing's deeds in the past and was speechless to see him.

Dong Xuebing survived after being buried in a landslide.

He survived after being handcuffed and held hostage by nine escaped convicts.

He survived a shootout with more than a dozen gunmen when recovering the stolen relics from the museum.

He also survived and defused a timebomb strapped to Mayor Xie.

Now, the plane he was on crashed and exploded. More than 200 passengers were killed, but he is still alive and kicking! Damn! Is he Superman? Maybe he can only be killed when an atomic bomb landed on his head. His life is tougher than a cockroach! How is he still considered a Government Staff? Even Saint Seiya will die after going through all these incidents!

Obstetrics and Gynecology ward.

A nurse entered the ward.

Qu Yunxuan is looking out of the window in a daze.

"Your lunch is here."

"... Ok."

"I will leave it on the table."

"... Ok."

"Are you going to eat it?"

"Yes."

The nurse sighed as she looks at the pretty patient and thought she is suffering from prenatal depression. "Why is your breakfast still here? You must eat something. We have gotten your medical report. You don't have any major health issues, but you still need to eat. You are six months pregnant, and you need lots of nutrients for your child."

Qu Yunxuan shook her head emotionlessly.

The nurse continued. "Are you feeling unwell? Do you want me to feed you?"

"Thank you. I don't have any appetite."

"Sigh..." The nurse sighed.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Dong Xuebing enters with a smile. "Thank you, nurse. I will feed her."

Qu Yunxuan was stunned when she heard this voice and turned around immediately.

The nurse looks at Dong Xuebing. "Are you her family member?" She doesn't know Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing nodded. "Yes."

"What are you all doing?" The nurse glared at Dong Xuebing. "The patient had been hospitalized for a few days, and why did you wait until now to visit her? You all must accompany her more often and chat with her. This will help with her recovery. She might lose her child if this carries on."

Dong Xuebing smiled apologetically. "Sorry. I will visit her every day from now."

The nurse pushed the lunch box into Dong Xuebing's hands and left the ward.

Dong Xuebing smiled and sat on the bed. He blew a spoonful of porridge to cool it and moved it nearer to Qu Yunxuan's mouth. "Have some."

Qu Yunxuan was still looking at Dong Xuebing in a daze.

Dong Xuebing moved the spoon closer. "Open your mouth..."

Qu Yunxuan swallowed the porridge, and her tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Am I dreaming?"

"No. I am back."

"You are..." Qu Yunxuan cried. "I thought you are killed in that air crash."

"The plane crashed, but I managed to escape. Haha... you should know how strong I am. How can an air crash kill me? Stop crying. This is nothing serious." Dong Xuebing put down the lunchbox and hugged Qu Yunxuan. He kissed her forehead. "You all are making a fuss out of nothing. Even bullets and bombs cannot kill me, let alone an air crash. I will find ways to escape. Stop crying."

Qu Yunxuan hugged Dong Xuebing around his head and pressed it against her chest. She cried and kissed his head. "You bastard! I will be scared to death by you sooner or later! Do you know I almost gave up living because of you?!"

Dong Xuebing smiled sweetly. "Sorry."

"You brat!"

"Haha... if you are still angry, just pinch me... ah... you pinched me!"

"You are the one who asked me to pinch you!"

"But you can do it softly. It's painful!"

Qu Yunxuan burst out laughing and pinched Dong Xuebing again. "You brat! Don't ever scare me like this again!"

"Alright. I will not dare to do this again." Dong Xuebing laughed. "I was unlucky this time. The engine caught fire, and the plane exploded. I managed to return after much difficulty and even attended my funeral."

"Stop talking nonsense! Oh!" Qu Yunxuan quickly pulled up Dong Xuebing's shirt. "Show me. Where are you hurt?"

"I am not injured."

"Show me!"

"Ah... See for yourself! I am fine!"

Qu Yunxuan checked Dong Xuebing's body and sighed in relief. She leans back on the bed and suddenly remembered something. She glared at him and pinched his cheek. "How dare you ask me to abort our child and leave by yourself?! How can you say such things?! You even say you did not love me at all and ask me to look for someone else?!"

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. "Err... I was talking nonsense at that time."

"I find you are serious."

"Aunt Xuan, stop talking about these. You should know my feelings for you. I was forced to say those things as I don't want you to bring up our child alone. Now, I'm back, and I will take care of you. Don't even think of leaving me." Dong Xuebing stroked Qu Yunxuan's bulging tummy. "Oh, it's so big now. Let me listen to it. Does he know how to kick?"

Qu Yunxuan laughed. "He knows it a long time ago."

"Baby... let Daddy feel your kick."

Aunt Xuan's tummy moved.

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Ah... he is kicking me! Hahaha..."

"You ah..." Qu Yunxuan knocked Dong Xuebing's head. "Look at your foolish look. Can you behave more like an adult?"

"Let me listen to the baby again."

"The baby is sleeping! Stop fooling around before I beat you up!"

After playing around for a while, Dong Xuebing continued to feed Qu Yunxuan. She wanted to eat herself, but Dong Xuebing insisted on feeding her. After eating for a few minutes, she started crying again.

"Why are you crying again?"

"I'm not crying."

"Why are there tears if you are not crying?"

"Xiao Bing, am I dreaming?"

"You are not dreaming." Dong Xuebing held Qu Yunxuan's hand tightly. "Haha... I pinch you and see if it hurts."

"How dare you!"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Alright, let's not talk about these. What happened when I was not around these few days?"

"You still dare to mention it?" Qu Yunxuan replied angrily. "Huilan and I know something is happening after your call, and we quickly called others to check on your flight. We were informed that your flight had crashed, and your mother fainted when she learned about it. We rushed her to the hospital, and I don't even remember how I ended up here. Sigh... I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Huh? Is my Mum ok?"

"She is fine and had fainted from her high blood pressure."

"What about you?"

"I am also fine." Qu Yunxuan patted Dong Xuebing's hand. "I have recovered after seeing you. Stop making us worry."

"This is an accident."

Qu Yunxuan brushed Dong Xuebing's hair lightly. "Luckily, nothing happened to you this time. But I don't want to be scared again. I had thought about it. I will return to Beijing tomorrow after discharge and will sell away the Auction Company. A friend had approached me intending to take over our company. After this incident, I don't want to manage the company anymore."

Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "You want to sell the company? Then what are you going to do?"

They had made enough money, and the company doesn't matter. Dong Xuebing will support Aunt Xuan's decision.

Qu Yunxuan laughed. "I am thinking of entering the Government Service to monitor you in Hebei province! I shall see how are you going to hide from me or go missing."

"Huh? Are you going to take the civil servant exams?"

"I am thinking of entering a TV station. I should have no problems taking on the role of a news editor or work in their business department. Don't forget I had worked in a news agency before."

"Oh... you were formerly from the business department. But... can you cope?"

"I don't know. Furthermore, I don't want our baby to meet his father once every few months."

Dong Xuebing knows Aunt Xuan wants to see him more frequently, and that's why she wants to move to Hebei to develop her career. "Alright. Just go ahead. I can get someone to help to get you in."

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 508 – Position is gone!

One day...

Two days...

Three days...

It is a hot day. Although it's morning and still not the hottest period of the summer, Dong Xuebing could not stand the heat. He is afraid of hot weather after being stranded on that coral rock for days. He was sweating under his blankets and kicked them aside before continuing to sleep.

The door opened.

Luan Xiaoping entered the room. "Why are you not covering yourself with your blanket?"

"It's too hot." Dong Xuebing mumbled.

"You are covered in sweat and will catch a cold. Get up. It's already past 8 am."

Dong Xuebing mumbled. "Let me sleep a while longer. It's been tiring these few days.

Luan Xiaoping shook her head and sat on the bed. She covered Dong Xuebing's legs with the blanket. "Has Huilan's younger brother and sister left?"

"They left two days ago."

"What about Yunxuan?"

"I sent her back yesterday."

"Everyone had shown concern for you during the funeral, and you must not forget to treat them to a meal. Are your colleagues and Leaders aware of it?"

"Mum, I know what to do."

"... Have you treated them?"

Dong Xuebing smiled wearily and rubbed his eyes. "What do you think I had been doing the past few days? We had a meal with our relatives that afternoon, and I treated Aunt Xuan and the rest later that night. The next day, I invited Mayor Zhao, other Government Leaders, and I treated a few of my colleagues that evening. I also went to drink with my former colleagues at Hui Tian Village Police Station. I returned to Beijing for a meal with Huilan's family. I had been running around, eating, and drinking these few days. It is too tiring."

"Do you have anything on today?"

"I settled everything and just want to sleep a little longer."

"Alright." Luan Xiaoping stroked Dong Xuebing's hair. "I will wake you at 10 am."

Dong Xuebing rolled his eyes. "How am I supposed to return to bed after chatting with you for so long? I am awake now."

Luan Xiaoping laughed. "Then get up. I will prepare breakfast for you."

"No." Dong Xuebing turned and patted his back. "Mum, my whole body is aching. Help me massage my back."

"You brat. How dare you order your mother?"

"Hurry. It's been years since you give me a message."

Luan Xiaoping smiled and started massaging his back after slapping his butt lightly. "Do you know how scare I was during those few days? I still have not settled the score with you. Oh, I can tell Yunxuan and Meixia worries about you."

Dong Xuebing's heart skipped a beat. "Really? Maybe it's because we are close."

Luan Xiaoping asked. "Is your Aunt Xuan going to get married? Her tummy is so big, and she did not say anything when I asked her. Sigh... Yunxuan is such a nice girl. I wonder who is so lucky to be with her."

"Err... Mum... take a break. You don't need to massage anymore."

"I am not tired."

"I don't want you to be tired. I am feeling better now. Thank you."

"Haha... don't mention it." Luan Xiaoping forgot what she was saying after Dong Xuebing interrupted her. "Get dress while I prepare breakfast."

"Ok. Don't you have lessons today?"

"It's the weekend today."

Dong Xuebing was stranded in the sea for two weeks and had forgotten about the days. "Are you going back to the City later? Old Yang should be off too."

"I am not leaving during the day. I will accompany you."

Dong Xuebing had been busy entertaining his colleagues and friends and was seldom at home. Luan Xiaoping is the happiest person to see him again, and he has many things to say. Today, he has finally settled on entertaining his colleagues and friends, and she has an opportunity to chat with him. It doesn't matter to her what they chat about, as long as he is alive and is in front of her.

After breakfast, Dong Xuebing massaged his mother's shoulders and accompanied her to watch TV. They chatted happily, and after the air crash experience, he cherished spending time with his loved ones more.

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

Luan Xiaoping turned to Dong Xuebing. "Stop massaging me, and answer your phone."

Dong Xuebing released his hands on his mother's shoulders and smiled. "My phone had been ringing non-stop these few days."

"There's nothing to be proud of." Luan Xiaoping is amused.

Dong Xuebing had not only been busy with his colleagues and friends. He also had to replace his identification card, bank cards, etc. Of course, he doesn't need to do these himself. He just gave his Hu Kuo, photographs, and authorization letter to Guo Panwei, for him to settle all these. Everything should be ready by next week. The phone he is using now is the newly bought iPhone 4S.

Dong Xuebing answered his phone. "Hello."

"Chief, I'm Sun Shuli."

"Oh, Old Sun."

"My wife and I are at your building, and we wish to visit you. Are you at home?"

"Yes." Dong Xuebing is puzzled and looks out of the windows. "Alright. Come up, and don't bring anything with you."

"Haha... I had already bought them."

"You are too polite. Come up now, and don't bring any gifts next time."

After hanging up, Luan Xiaoping asked curiously. "Is that your Agency's Deputy Chief Sun? Didn't you say you had dinner with them already?"

Dong Xuebing straighten his clothes. "Yes. Maybe he needs something from me." He had noticed something peculiar with them. They had not told him anything about work because he just returned from the dead, but he knew what was coming and had his plans. That's why he did not ask when they didn't mention it. He didn't even call the Agency these few days.

A few moments later, Dong Xuebing can hear footsteps coming up the stairs.

Dong Xuebing and Luan Xiaoping opened the door and gates to wait for them.

Sun Shuli saw Dong Xuebing standing outside and quickens his pace.

"Chief."

"Old Sun. Is this your wife? Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Chief Dong and Auntie." Chief Sun's wife is in her forties, and looks mean. But she smiled politely.

Luan Xiaoping smiled. "Come in. I will prepare the tea."

"Oh, thank you." Sun Shuli and his wife replied.

Luan Xiaoping is used to her son's colleagues, who are around her age, addressing her as 'Auntie.' But she still feels uncomfortable sometimes. Sun Shuli's wife might be even older than her, calling her Auntie because of Dong Xuebing's position.

After entering the apartment, Dong Xuebing drank tea, smoke, and ate fruits with them.

Sun Shuli felt awkward and has an embarrassed expression on his face.

"Old Sun, why did you give me so many health supplements? Thank you." Dong Xuebing laughed. "I had been eating raw fish for days at sea and need nourishment. These are good for my recovery, and I can get back to work earlier."

Sun Shuli's expression froze when he heard this.

Sun Shuli's wife also had an awkward expression.

Dong Xuebing asked curiously. "What is it? Are you feeling unwell?"

Sun Shuli knew Dong Xuebing might not know what happened, and he decided to tell him. "Chief, everyone thought you... That's why around ten days after the crash, the County Party Committee decided to let me take over your position as the Agency's Chief... This..." This is the real purpose why Sun Shuli came. If Dong Xuebing is someone ordinary, he might not care. But he is Mayor Xie's boyfriend, and Sun Shuli is in an awkward position. He is worried Dong Xuebing might be mad with him taking over the Agency.

"Oh..." Dong Xuebing rubbed his forehead, but he had expected this.

Sun Shuli had been speaking casually with Dong Xuebing because their ranks are about the same. But today, he is very respectful to him. He doesn't know what is the County Government's plans as this had never happened before.

Sun Shuli quickly continued. "I think I am not ready to be the Agency's Chief, and I had spoken to Mayor Zhao this morning. Since you are back, you should carry on as the Chief. I..." He needs to say this regardless of what he thinks.

Dong Xuebing waved his hand and laughed. "Since the organization had decided on this, how can they take back this order? Haha, Old Sun, you are the best person to lead the Agency, and I am assured to hand it to you."

"But..."

"Do your best and don't worry about other things. Don't need to worry about me being upset. I am not narrow-minded."

Sun Shuli is relieved upon hearing this. He was afraid Dong Xuebing would create havoc at the County Party Committee after knowing this. Others might not do this, but Chief Xiao Dong will do it. His career will be in jeopardy. Furthermore, Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing's status had almost overtaken Xiang Daofa. He had to think about this carefully. He would rather not be the Chief than offend Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan.

But Sun Shuli also knows it is impossible for him to return the Chief's position to Dong Xuebing and continue to be the Deputy Chief.

The decisions made by the organization cannot be reversed like this!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 509 – Going to be promoted!

Morning 9 am.

County Family Quarters. Dong Xuebing's apartment.

"Old Sun, are there any other changes within the Agency other than you?"

"Luo Haiting is promoted to Deputy Chief, and the rest are the same."

"Director Luo is promoted? Who took over her position?"

"Err... the higher-ups felt Panwei doesn't have sufficient experience, and Chief Luo is temporarily overseeing the Office department now. Maybe Panwei will succeed her in the future."

"What about Jia Yan?"

"Jia Yan's position remains the same."

Dong Xuebing nodded. Seems like Xie Huilan has full control over the Investment Promotion Agency now.

Dong Xuebing chatted for a while, and Sun Shuli suddenly mention. "A few Japanese investors might be coming these few days. Do you..."

"You are the Agency's Chief now." Dong Xuebing laughed and patted Sun Shuli's arm. "You don't need to ask me for any instructions. Just do your best at the Agency and don't let the Leaders down."

Sun Shuli paused for a second and continued. "You had attended the investment fair in Tokyo and had invited them. Should I... ask Mayor Xie first?" Deputy Mayor Zhao Xinglong oversees the Investment Promotion Agency, and Sun Shuli's position is not high enough to reach Xie Huilan. But he mentioned this is to hint to Dong Xuebing that he is on her side.

Dong Xuebing nodded and did not say anything. Old Sun is good at these inter-relationships, and Dong Xuebing might have other ideas if he did not visit him today. But Sun Shuli had visited him sincerely and even brought gifts.

About ten minutes later, Sun Shuli and his wife left.

Luan Xiaoping asked anxiously after the door is closed. "Xiao Bing, I overheard what you all are saying... is your position gone?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "This is only temporary. Don't worry, and everything will be fine." He paused for a second. "Oh, I am going out for a while."

"Where are you going?"

"I am going to ask Huilan."

"Then I will wait for you to have lunch. Bring Huilan back for dinner if possible."

...

County Government building.

Today is a rest day, but there are still much staff working overtime.

It's been a few days, but many people are still surprised to see Dong Xuebing.

Why are you all looking at me in shock? Have you never seen a living person?

Dong Xuebing went upstairs to the Mayor's office and entered without knocking.

Xie Huilan, dressed in a black suit, is speaking to her Office Director Yao Yi.

Xie Huilan saw Dong Xuebing and said. "Please knock before you enter next time."

Dong Xuebing pretended to be angry. "Mayor Xie, I had only been away for a few days. Why is there a new Chief to replace me?"

Xie Huilan turned to Yao Yi. "Old Yao, you can decide on the other meeting agenda."

Yao Yi nodded. "Ok. I will go out first."

After the door is closed, Dong Xuebing walks over to Xie Huilan's desk and sits down. "Mayor Xie, you cannot do this to me. Everyone can see my performance at the Investment Promotion Agency, and I had completed the 500 million RMB target. The trip to Tokyo is also considered a business trip. How can I be removed from my position? Who did I offend?! I lost my position and job now. What am I going to do?" He is very loud, and everyone along the corridor could hear him.

Xie Huilan laughed. "You brat..."

Dong Xuebing puts on a poker face. "Don't call me a brat. I am serious now. What am I going to do now? You must give me an answer today."

Xie Huilan smiles. "How come I feel that you are very happy now?"

"How can I be happy when I lost my job?!"

"Stop your nonsenses." Xie Huilan is still smiling. "Just say what you want."

Dong Xuebing knows he cannot fool Xie Huilan and laugh. "I had asked you for a transfer the last time, and you said it was not the right time, as I was just promoted to Section Chief less than three months and needed some time. But my position is taken away from me now, and the air crash is because of work. The County should not treat me like this with my outstanding performance at the Agency. I want to be promoted now!" There's nothing to hide from her.

Xie Huilan laughed and scolded. "You are so desperate for promotion!"

Dong Xuebing replied. "A soldier who doesn't want to be a General is not a good soldier, and a government leader who doesn't look forward to being promoted is not a good leader. I want to be promoted to serve the people better."

Xie Huilan looks at Dong Xuebing. "Where do you want to go?"

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and asked. "Party Secretary of a Village Town?"

"Don't even think about it." Xie Huilan retorts. "Your length of service is too short to be a Village Town's Mayor, and you want to be the Party Secretary?"

Dong Xuebing bargained. "Public Security Bureau's Chief is also fine."

"You are ridiculous. Are you thinking of getting promoted to Deputy Division Chief?"

"I am a Section Chief despite not a member of the Party Committee, and I think I have enough experience. Err... then where should I go?"

Xie Huilan is mad and amused. "Be content with what you have. You... this is a blessing in disguise for you."

Dong Xuebing also knows this is a blessing in disguise for him. If the plane did not crash, he would have to wait for at least one year to get a transfer to another department. He was just promoted to be the Agency's Chief three months ago, and he can't get another promotion so soon at his age. No matter how outstanding he is, or his father is the Provincial Party Secretary, he will not get a transfer or promotion so soon. It will be against the regulations, but it's different this time. Dong Xuebing's position was removed, and he can't return to the Agency. It is also not right for the County to transfer him to another department with the same authority. He had completed the Agency's target of 500 million RMB ahead of the deadline. This is a significant achievement.

That's why the County can only promote him, and no one can say anything about this!

"Huilan, where am I going to be transferred to? Stop hiding from me."

Xie Huilan laughed. "I had been thinking these few days, but I cannot decide where you will be transferred to. There must be vacancies first."

"Then what should I do?"

"Go back and wait for news."

"How long will it take?"

"At least one week to a month." Xie Huilan stopped teasing him. "Didn't you mention that you want to go to the City? I will try to get you a position in the City area. Just go back and wait for the transfer order. I will do my best to help you."

"That's what I want to hear."

I am finally going to get promoted!

Dong Xuebing had been waiting for this day!

Translator's Notes: This "promotion" is a transfer to a 'Deputy Division Chief' rank position. It is for the 'Section Chief' to gain experience for their next promotion.

Their rank structure is as follows:

Staff Member: Deputy Section Chief: Section Chief: Deputy Division Chief: Division Chief: Deputy Bureau Director: Bureau Director: Deputy Sub-Provincial (Ministerial): Sub-Provincial (Ministerial): Deputy Provincial-Ministerial: Provincial-Ministerial: Sub-national leader

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 510 – Engagement!

Evening.

The sky is dark, and it is around 7 pm.

Luan Xiaoping is busy cooking dinner in the kitchen.

Dong Xuebing is watching CCTV news in the living room, reporting about the air crash incident. The newscaster announced the latest information. A Chinese male passenger on board the flight is the sole survivor of the crash. Based on his account, the emergency exits cannot be opened after the plane's engine caught fire. The investigators are investigating the cause of the crash, and the people in charge are in custody.

The sole survivor is Dong Xuebing. Xie Jing had brought a Xin Hua News Agency reporter to interview him when he had dinner with Huilan's family in Beijing. He did not hide anything and told the reporter his account. Of course, he briefly explained his escape and claimed it was luck. Many other news media want to interview him but were rejected, as he doesn't want to be famous.

Ring… ring… ring…

Luo Haiting called Dong Xuebing's mobile phone.

"Hello, Chief. I'm Xiao Luo."

"Director Luo, oh… I should address you as Chief Luo now." Dong Xuebing laughed.

Luo Haiting felt embarrassed. "Don't call me that. Everyone knows that you are the one who brought in 500 million RMB worth of investment, and I am promoted because of you."

"You are modest. The Agency will not do well without the Office department's support."

"Chief, I heard… you are going to be promoted?"

Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "No. Who told you that?"

Luo Haiting blinked and asked. "Everyone is saying this."

News of him speaking to Huilan in the morning had spread so fast? There are no secrets in the government service.

"What promotion? Those are rumors." Dong Xuebing laughed. "It should be a same-level transfer at most, and nothing is confirmed yet."

"Haha. I am congratulating you in advance."

"Thank you."

Luo Haiting knows that even if it is a same-level transfer, but 'Section Chief' positions are different. For example, some experienced County Public Security Bureau Deputy Chiefs hold the rank of "Section Chief." But suppose they want to be promoted to Deputy Division Chief. In that case, they must be the Public Security Bureau's Executive Deputy Chief, followed by the Bureau's Chief, and then enter the County Party Committee. There are many prerequisites, and this is the Public Security Bureau. It will be more difficult to get a promotion if it is in the Cultural Department. But an important County's department Chief, or a City Area's important department head with 'Section Chief' position, can be promoted to Deputy Division Chief directly. It is very different for a 'Section Chief' to get promoted while working in a Village Government.

The Investment Promotion Agency is not an important County department. Everyone knows Dong Xuebing will be transferred to a more important position.

Dong Xuebing is going to move up again after getting promoted three months ago?!

This is a first in Fen Zhou City!

After hanging up, Guo Panwei called.

Guo Panwei laughed. "Congratulations, Chief."

"It's not confirmed, and I don't even know where I will be going." Dong Xuebing is in a good mood. "Panwei, what are your plans?"

Guo Panwei replied after a short pause. "I will follow you wherever you go."

Guo Panwei has high hopes for Dong Xuebing's career development. How else can get to Dong Xuebing's rank with less than two years of service in the government? He is also less than 25 years old, and his political achievements are shocking!

But Guo Panwei also has his ideas. He had just gotten his Deputy Section Chief rank with Dong Xuebing's help, and he needs to find a stable department to gain experience. The Investment Promotion Agency is also doing well after Dong Xuebing took over. Transferring to another place is not good for Guo Panwei. But he cannot tell Dong Xuebing what he is thinking. If Dong Xuebing needs his help, he still has to follow him to other departments.

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and said. "My transfer is not confirmed, and you should remain in the Agency. Let's talk again after you become the Office Director."

"Office Director? I have never thought about it. It's too far."

"It's not. Haha… I can tell Mayor Zhao and Old Sun want you to let you be the Agency's Office Director."

"But…"

"Alright. That's settled."

Dong Xuebing knows to bring Guo Panwei along for his transfer is not good for the latter's career. That's why he asked him to remain in Yan Tai County. With Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing's connections, he should have a bright future.

After a while, Dong Xuebing's mother walked out of the kitchen and asked. "Has Huilan finish work?"

Dong Xuebing looks at his watch. "It is after her working hours, but she is always busy and seldom gets to go home on time."

"Did you tell her to come over for dinner? I will not cook the dishes first. Let's wait for her." Luan Xiaoping wiped her hands and took off her apron.

"Do you want me to call her?"

"No need."

"Then let's wait. She should be back soon." Dong Xuebing nodded.

Luan Xiaoping looked at her son and asked. "Why are you so happy this afternoon? What happened?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "I am going to be promoted, but I still don't know where I will be transferred to. Most probably, it will be the city area, and it will be more convenient to visit you."

Luan Xiaoping thought for a while. "Do you want me to ask Old Yang?"

"No." Dong Xuebing quickly stop her. "Huilan and I can settle this ourselves. I also know some people, and I don't want to bother Old Yang."

Huilan is Dong Xuebing's girlfriend, and it's fine to ask her for help. But Yang Zhaode and Dong Xuebing's mother are not married. He cannot keep asking him for help. Dong Xuebing doesn't like to ask for favors from others and felt this might affect his mother and Old Yang's relationship. Old Yang's family might even look down on them because of this.

7.40 pm. Xie Huilan arrived at Dong Xuebing's apartment.

Luan Xiaoping welcomed her in. "You must be tired. Come in. I will cook the dishes for your all. Xiao Bing, prepare tea for Huilan."

Dong Xuebing replied. "She can brew the tea herself."

Luan Xiaoping gave Dong Xuebing a stare. "Are you going to prepare tea or not?!"

"… fine… I will go now." Dong Xuebing laughed.

"Cut some fruits for Huilan too."

"Why are you ordering me around?" Dong Xuebing grumbled.

Xie Huilan put down her bag and smiled. "Mum, why are you still treating me like a guest?"

Luan Xiaoping laughed. "No. I am not treating you as an outsider. You must be tired from work, and I want to dote you."

Dong Xuebing poured a cup of tea. "See, my Mum likes you so much. I have never enjoyed such treatment before."

Luan Xiaoping laughed. "Nonsenses."

Xie Huilan took off her jacket and said. "Mum, let me cook dinner today. My cooking has improved these few days. Haha…"

Dong Xuebing teased her. "What else can you cook other than Scrambled eggs with tomatoes?"

Xie Huilan smiled and gave Dong Xuebing a side-glance without saying anything.

Dong Xuebing knows she is annoyed. Sigh… She can't take jokes. "But I love your Scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Mum, do we have tomatoes? Let Huilan cook it."

Luan Xiaoping replied. "Go outside and wait. I will cook."

In the end, Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing also went to help out in the kitchen.

Luan Xiaoping suddenly brought up this subject during dinner. "Huilan, Xiao Bing, and you are not young. When are you all free to hold your wedding? Is your family fine with it?" She knows Xie Huilan was lying when she said they had registered their marriage during the funeral.

Xie Huilan puts down her chopsticks. "We planned to wait until Xiao Bing's transfer."

Luan Xiaoping asked. "Isn't he is going to be transferred away soon?"

Dong Xuebing listened attentively as he is very concerned about his transfer.

"Yes. My Mum is making preparations." Xie Huilan thought for a while. "I guess it should be around the end of the year."

Luan Xiaoping has some consideration. "Let's not hold it this year. Xiao Bing had just held a funeral, and it's his Zodiac Year. It's not auspicious to hold a wedding. Let's hold it early next year."

Xie Huilan smiled. "Ok. We will listen to you. My Dad also wants to wait until next year. It's my Mum who is anxious to marry me off. Haha…"

Luan Xiaoping replied. "End of the year and early next year is about."

"Ok. Let's fix it as early next year. We will make the preparations."

Luan Xiaoping nodded happily. "Good. Xiao Bing is lucky to have you." She turns to her son. "You must treat Huilan well. If you dare to be unfaithful to her, I will not let you off!" She turns to Xie Huilan. "Huilan, Xiao Bing is much younger and is immature, unlike you. Please take care and give in to him in the future."

Dong Xuebing rolled his eyes. "Do I need her to give in to me? I have been giving in to her most of the time."

Xie Huilan goes along with Dong Xuebing. "That's right. Xiao Bing has been giving in to me, and he is the one making most of the decisions when we are together."

Luan Xiaoping nodded and is satisfied with her answer.

This made Dong Xuebing blushed. Since when he gets to make any decisions when he is with Xie Huilan. Her character is too overbearing, and how is it possible for her to listen to him? "…. I am getting a promotion and married soon. It's double happiness. Let's have a toast!"

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 511 – New ability – Reverse!

Monday.

Morning.

Dong Xuebing's mother had returned to the City to teach, and Sister Xie went to work at the County Government. Aunt Xuan had returned to Beijing, and Sister Yu had gone to Qianqian's school to attend a teacher-parents meeting. Dong Xuebing sat in front of the TV and felt bored.

But he is in a good mood as he is going to be promoted.

Dong Xuebing wonders where he will be transferred to.

Since I am free, I should look into my special ability. Maybe I can discover new powers.

Let's try it!

Dong Xuebing took out his English-Chinese dictionary and sat on the sofa.

Dong Xuebing thought he could only use BACK in the past until he found out about MENU and STOP by accident. MENU is to check the remaining time, and STOP is to stop time. There are three commands now, and could there be more? He already has 1 minute more than everyone else every day, and maybe he can discover new ways to use this minute other than BACK and STOP.

This ability is Dong Xuebing's greatest asset, and he needs to master it thoroughly.

Dong Xuebing was overjoyed after he discovered STOP previously and stopped reading English words. It was also time-consuming and boring. But he doesn't have any duties now and finally has the time to rest. He plans to accumulate more time as reserves for the future. Division Chief and Section Chief are not his final goals. He is ambitious, and his power is all he can rely on.

Let's start.

Dong Xuebing decides to read all the words properly.

With time to spare, Dong Xuebing did not skip words like the last time. He is going to read all the words in the dictionary.

Dong Xuebing had previously read many words from the first page and will start from the last page today.

Let's start from Z!

Zyrian... Zymurgy... Zymosis...

One hour...

Three hours...

Five hours...

Dong Xuebing read every single word patiently.

Actually, Mandarin also works, and Dong Xuebing knows about this. He discovers that he only needs to have the intention of "BACK" in his mind, and it will happen. The language or words doesn't matter.

Dong Xuebing can stop or reverse time when he wants to without saying anything.

Using Mandarin also has its flaws.

Dong Xuebing had been speaking Mandarin for more than twenty years, and he might use his powers accidentally. He will be very conscious when he says words like "back" or "return." Using English words as commands will prevent accidents.

So, Dong Xuebing decides to use English words as commands. Another reason why Mandarin is not suitable is that there are multiple meanings to one character.

Ten hours...

Twelve hours...

One day passed.

Two days passed.

Dong Xuebing reads the dictionary the moment he wakes up, these two days without leaving his apartment.

...

Dong Xuebing finally discovered a new command on the third day.

Dong Xuebing started reading the dictionary this morning, and he notices something weird when he read REVERSE. He frowned and knew this word had triggered something. He had the same feeling when he used BACK and STOP. It felt like something "moved" in his mind.

What happened?

Is this a command?

Dong Xuebing looked around him and did not notice anything different.

MENU!

Dong Xuebing looked at his remaining time and frowned. His time got lesser.

Dong Xuebing had not used BACK or STOP since he used up all his time at the airport. That means his remaining time should be in multiples of 60 seconds. But his remaining time is 5 minutes and 38 seconds. What was more shocking is his time is still reducing.

5 minutes and 37 seconds... 5 minutes and 36 seconds...

This...

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath and quickly said REVERSE.

His time stopped at 5 minutes and 35 seconds!

This is a command!

I found a new command.

Dong Xuebing is very excited and quickly looks at this word's meaning. Move backward or undo?

Dong Xuebing walks over to the window and looks downstairs. A kid is running out of the building, and he mumbled REVERSE.

He said the command!

One second... two seconds... three seconds... Dong Xuebing's remaining time is reducing.

But that kid is still running about, and nothing had changed!

Dong Xuebing quickly stop REVERSE and activate it again. But he did not notice what is the function of REVERSE after trying it for a few hours.

Is this command useless?

No. It must have some use to it!

Dong Xuebing knows there must be some uses, but it's not as obvious as BACK and STOP. He just did not know its uses yet!

What is different after using this command?

What does REVERSE do?

Chapter 512 – Reunite!

Morning.

The wind picks up to force 2 to 3, and it is more cooling now.

The sparrows outside of the windows are chirping loudly.

Dong Xuebing woke up and continued to experience REVERSE. He still doesn't know what this command does. He had been trying it for two days and is frustrated. His mind is in a mess, and he decided to put REVERSE aside temporarily. He must rest before he goes crazy.

Dong Xuebing decides to visit Sister Yu!

He drove to Hua Mei Estate and pressed the doorbell. But no one opened the door.

Did Sister Yu and Yu Qianqian go out? Dong Xuebing used his keys to open the door and went into the bedroom for a rest.

A few minutes later, Dong Xuebing heard the door opening and footsteps.

"Mum, where should I place the vegetables?"

"Put it in the fridge. Leave it to me and go do your homework."

"I had finished doing my homework. Let me help you wash the vegetables. Mum, is Uncle coming today?"

"I don't think so. He has just returned and should be very busy."

"Ok..."

Dong Xuebing smiled and walked out of the bedroom. "Who says I am not coming? Haha..."

Yu Qianqian's eyes brightened up and cheered! "Uncle!"

Yu Meixia was surprised and quickly tidied her hair and clothes. "Xiao Bing, you... why are you here?"

"Why can't I be here? Am I unwelcome?"

"No..." Yu Meixia replied.

Dong Xuebing waved Yu Qianqian over. "Qianqian, come over and let me take a look at you. You had grown taller."

Yu Qianqian walks over and lets Dong Xuebing pats her head. She smiled sweetly. "I had grown 1cm taller."

"Wow... you are going to be taller than me soon."

Yu Meixia did not join their conversation and went into the bathroom. She returned with her hair pinned up and make-up after a while.

Dong Xuebing is amused. "Sister Yu, you are getting prettier too."

Yu Meixia blushed. "No..."

"You can ask Qianqian." Dong Xuebing laughed.

Yu Qianqian nodded. "My Mum is the prettiest!"

"... I'm not."

Yu Meixia felt embarrassed and prepared tea for Dong Xuebing. She sat beside him, holding an ashtray. But he is not going to smoke. She looked at his feet and noticed he had not change into slippers. She quickly kneels down to remove his shoes and helped him puts on a pair of slippers. This service is top-notch.

"Sister Yu, you don't need to do these."

Yu Meixia did not reply and started peeling an orange for him.

Yu Meixia is wearing a pastel-colored fitting long dress, and it flaunts her curvy hips.

Dong Xuebing looks at her butt and couldn't control his urge.

He did not even touch a girl's hand when he was stranded at sea for two weeks, and after he returned, he couldn't do anything with Aunt Xuan as she is pregnant. Xie Huilan is also around, and he can't visit Sister Yu. Now, he finally got the chance to be with her alone, and his fire is raging.

"Qianqian, can you help me buy a packet of cigarettes?"

"... ok!"

"Here's the money. I want a packet of Zhong Hua."

Yu Meixia blushed and decided to send her daughter to a store further away. "Buy it from Yong Hui Supermarket. They sell authentic cigarettes. The corner stall is selling fake cigarettes."

Yu Qianqian nodded and ran out of the door.

"Don't run and watch out for cars." Yu Meixia looks at her daughter, runs down the stairs, and closed the door.

Yong Hui Supermarket is quite far, and they have around 30 minutes before Qianqian returns.

Dong Xuebing laughed as he knows Sister Yu could see through him. He carried her, kissed her forehead, and his hand started stroking her thighs.

Yu Meixia blushed and lowered her head. "I... today..."

"What's wrong?"

"It's not... convenient."

"Huh? Is it the time of the month?"

"Yes." Yu Meixia saw Dong Xuebing's disappointed face and quickly said. "It's nothing. We can do it in the bathroom... to prevent soiling the bedsheet."

"Never mind. We can do it another day."

"I'm fine as long as you are happy."

Dong Xuebing smiled. "I don't want to force you."

"It's my last day, and I will be fine." Yu Meixia blushed and pulled down her shoulder straps, exposing her fair shoulders.

Dong Xuebing's eyes are glued to her exposed shoulders. "When did you learn how to seduce people?"

"No..." Yu Meixia panics. "I am not seducing you."

"You are seducing me now. Haha..."

"No..."

Dong Xuebing carried her into the bathroom and placed her in the bathtub.

Twenty minutes later.

They are worried Qianqian will be back early and finished it fast. Yu Meixia used the showerhead to wash away their stains and returned to the living room. She sat there for a while, and her tears rolled down her cheeks. She started sobbing.

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

"No..."

"Sorry... it's my fault. I shouldn't be doing that with you."

"No." Yu Meixia wiped her tears. "I thought... you are not coming back again."

Dong Xuebing hugged and kissed her forehead. "I am back now. Stop crying like a baby."

Yu Meixia hugged Dong Xuebing tightly. "Ok."

Sister Yu has a soft character, and Dong Xuebing knew she must have been crying her eyes out after hearing about the air crash. He started whispering sweet nothings into her ears, making her blush.

Qianqian returns after a while, and Yu Meixia quickly moves away from Dong Xuebing and straightens her dress.

At the same time, Dong Xuebing's phone rang. It was an unknown number. Although he had gotten back his number, all the saved contacts are gone. All the contacts in his current phone are newly re-entered during his 'funeral,' and he lost many people's contacts. He placed a cigarette on his lips, and Sister Yu quickly lit it before asking his phone.

"Hello."

"Xiao Dong? It's me."

"You are..." This is a familiar voice, but Dong Xuebing couldn't remember who this is.

"Haha... I'm Liu Chenlong."

Dong Xuebing replied. "Uncle Liu. Sorry... I lost my phone a while ago and lost all the contacts."

Liu Chenlong laughed. "I am in Fen Zhou City for work now. Are you free? I want to give you a treat."

Dong Xuebing also wants to contact Liu Chenlong. "Sure. How about noon?"

"Noon is fine. I will finish my work here and go over it with you. I should reach around 12 pm and will call you."

"How can I make your travel here? I will go and look for you in the city."

"It's fine. I also have some things to do in Yan Tai County."

"Ok... I will wait for your call."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing saved this number and looked at Yu Meixia. She is standing behind him, massaging his shoulders. Yu Qianqian is sitting beside him, knitting his legs with her small hands.

Yu Meixia asked. "Are you busy later?"

"Yes. I have a lunch appointment with someone." Dong Xuebing looks at her. "Oh, did you ask your relatives about the things I told you when I was in Tokyo?"

Yu Meixia nodded. "My relatives said they don't know and did not tell me anything."

Dong Xuebing nodded. "I have something to tell you after I returned. Err... Qianqian, can you go to the room for a while?"

"No need." Yu Meixia bit her lips. "I had told Qianqian about this a few days ago."

Yu Qianqian looks at them. "Is it about my maternal grandfather and grandmother?"

Dong Xuebing did not hide anything from them. "Sister Yu... I might have found your biological parents."

Yu Meixia is shocked. "My... my parents? They... are they still around? Did you see them?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "I am not 100% sure, but I should not be wrong. I met a person in Tokyo and saw his ex-wife's picture. His ex-wife looks like you and Qianqian when she is young. I have almost mistaken the person in the picture is you. They are also from Fen Zhou City and had lost their 5-year old child, Dandan, twenty to thirty years ago."

Yu Meixia's mind went blank and stood there not knowing what to say. "Dandan..."

"The person who called earlier is him, and we will be meeting or lunch." Dong Xuebing continued. "Do you and Qianqian want to join us?"

Yu Meixia did not reply and tighten her grip on Qianqian's hand.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 513 – Paternity Testing!

Noon.

Dong Xuebing is speaking to Liu Chenlong over the phone outside a Yan Tai County restaurant.

"Xiao Dong, I had booked a private room on the third floor. 306."

"Ok. I am downstairs now and will be going up now. Oh, I have two friends with me…."

"Haha… come up together. I will order a few more dishes."

"I'm so sorry about this. I happened to meet them outside."

"It's fine. Your friends are my friends too."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing looks at Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian. They were standing beside the car nervously.

"Mum." Yu Qianqian held her mother's hand tightly. "I'm… I'm scared…."

Yu Meixia bit her lips and look at Dong Xuebing. "Xiao Bing, we… we are not going up."

Dong Xuebing smiled wearily. "Why did you change your mind when we are almost here? Don't you want to meet your biological parents?"

"But… he might not be my father."

"It's fine even if he is not your father. There's nothing wrong meeting him."

"I am not ready. We will go back first." Yu Meixia held her daughter's hand and walked away.

Dong Xuebing knows Yu Meixia must have complicated feelings after being separated from her parents for so many years. "Alright. I will not force you. You might not remember what happened because you were very young when you got separated from your parents. But your parents will never forget about you. How would you feel if Qianqian got separated from you? You should know how your parents feel when they lost you. You can decide whether if you want to meet him or not."

"Then… can I…"

"What?"

Yu Meixia bit her lips. "We have DNA testing now. Can we… we wait until the paternity test result first?"

"Yes, but we need his DNA."

Yu Meixia begged Dong Xuebing with her eyes. "Xiao Bing, this is too sudden, and I am not prepared. Can… we wait for the DNA result to confirm before Qianqian and I…." Yu Qianqian is also looking at Dong Xuebing nervously.

Dong Xuebing sighed. "Alright. You all can wait for me in the car."

Testing their DNA is also a good idea. At least there will not be any misunderstanding.

Dong Xuebing went upstairs to the private room, and Liu Chenlong walks over to welcome him.

"You are here. Eh? Where are your friends?"

"They had something on and left."

"Haha… have a seat. I will get them to serve the food."

Dong Xuebing asked Liu Chenlong why he visited Fen Zhou City during the meal, and his answer shocked him.

Liu Chenlong laughed. "The company has some internal restructuring, and I am transferred to Fen Zhou City."

Dong Xuebing asked. "A power company?"

Liu Chenlong nodded. "Fen Zhou City Power Company's General Manager."

"General Manager? The No.1 of the company?" Dong Xuebing quickly raises his glass. "Congratulations. Here's a toast."

"It's a same-level transfer, and I am going to retire soon. This is considered my retirement home… hahaha…."

After several rounds of restructuring, all power supply companies are state-owned enterprises. But most people still call Fen Zhou City Power Company Fen Zhou City Power Electric Power Bureau. Liu Chenlong's position as the General Manager is equivalent to the City's Electric Power Bureau Chief. His rank is much higher than Dong Xuebing, and it is a critical City Department.

Dong Xuebing could guess many things from Liu Chenlong's transfer. His first guess is Liu Chenlong should be here for his ex-wife, Qian Lihua. Dong Xuebing can tell he still has feelings and wants to reunite with her. She is Fen Zhou City's ICBC branch President. He should have purposely transferred here to get closer to her.

The lunch lasted slightly more than one hour.

As both were driving, they did not drink alcohol. Before they left, Dong Xuebing secretly kept Liu Chenlong's glass in a plastic bag.

"Uncle Liu, please drive carefully."

"Alright. I will be going. Come and find me when you are at the City."

"Sure."

Dong Xuebing stood there and watched Liu Chenlong drives away before turning to his car. He saw Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian, who were in his car, looking towards Liu Chenlong's direction.

Dong Xuebing boarded his car and asked. "How is it? Can you recall anything?"

Yu Meixia shook her head. "I don't know. I was too young then and can't remember anything."

Dong Xuebing sense Yu Meixia is very nervous and patted her hand. "It's alright. I have his DNA with me, and I will get someone to test it. Give me a strand of your hair.

Yu Meixia tugged her hair and pulled out a few strands.

Dong Xuebing called Deputy Team Leader Feng to send his men over to collect the samples. If he goes to the hospital, he got to wait for a long time. Furthermore, he doesn't have Liu Chenlong's identification, and the hospital will not conduct the test without both parties' approval. So, he looked for Old Feng. Everything is easier if you know someone within the system.

Afternoon.

Hua Mei Estate.

Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian sat in front of the TV listlessly after they got home.

Dong Xuebing looks at them and smiles. "Sister Yu, this is a good thing. Why are you two so worried?"

Yu Meixia put her hands together and forced a smile.

Dong Xuebing is amused. "Don't be so nervous. Do you have any dance music CDs? Teach me how to dance."

When Yu Meixia was about to play the CD, Dong Xuebing's phone rang!

Yu Meixia's face turns pale, and she looks over with Yu Qianqian.

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath and answered. "Hello, Old Feng."

Feng Lei replied in a soft voice. "Xuebing. I am at the hospital now, and the result is out."

"How is it?" Dong Xuebing was still teasing Sister Yu for being nervous earlier, and his heart is pounding hard now.

Feng Lei cleared his throat. "It's a match, and I can confirm both samples are from parent and child."

Dong Xuebing's eyelid twitched. "Are you sure?"

"It's 99.99% accurate."

"Alright. Thanks, Old Feng."

"Don't mention it."

"Oh, please keep this a secret and don't let anyone else knows about this."

"Don't worry." Feng Lei doesn't know who had provided these two DNA samples and did not ask anything.

Yu Meixia asked anxiously after Dong Xuebing puts down his phone. "What is the result?"

Dong Xuebing smiled. "It's a match. He is your father."

Yu Meixia bit her lips, and her tears rolled down her cheeks. "My father… father…." She hugged Qianqian and cried.

Yu Qianqian was not crying but started after she saw her mother's tears.

Dong Xuebing is speechless. "Sister Yu. Don't teach your daughter to cry at the slightest thing. Haha…"

A few minutes later, Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian calmed down.

"Xiao Bing." Yu Meixia is confused. "What… what should I do?"

Dong Xuebing replied helplessly. "What else can you do other than reuniting with him? You have wanted to meet them, right?"

"But it's been so many years. I am afraid…." Yu Meixia paused for a second and asked. "Can you tell me more about them?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "I don't know much either. After they lost you when you are five, Uncle Liu had been searching for you all over China for years. After that, he got addicted to alcohol, and your mother cannot stand it. They got divorced. I have not met your mother, and I know she is Fen Zhou City's ICBC Branch President. Your father will also be coming to Fen Zhou City for work. He is Fen Zhou City Power Company's General Manager."

Yu Qianqian asked softly. "My grandfather is a high-ranking official? Is he even higher rank than Uncle?"

Dong Xuebing patted her head. "Yes. His rank is much higher than mine. But State-owned enterprise is different from the government service. You just need to know that your grandfather is a prominent figure in Fen Zhou City. Even our County's Party Secretary got to be respectful towards him."

Yu Qianqian nodded.

Yu Meixia wiped her tears. "Then what should I…."

Dong Xuebing is defeated. "How many times do you want to ask? Never mind. I don't want to care about this. You will decide for yourself. If you want to meet them, I will bring you to them now. If you think you are not ready, you can wait until you are ready. Anyway, it's been years since you all are separated. A few days won't matter much."

Yu Meixia nodded. "Then I… let me think about it first."

Dong Xuebing had fulfilled Sister Yu's wish to find her biological parents and is in a good mood. He lit a cigarette and reached under Sister Yu's dress when Qianqian went to the toilet. She is not wearing stockings, and he caressed the meaty thighs.

Yu Meixia blushed and quickly looked towards the toilet. "Don't…"

Dong Xuebing whispered. "Let me touch you a while more. You are going to be General Manager Liu and ICBC Branch President's daughter soon. I might not get the chance to touch you again. If your parents know about our relationship, they might kill me. Haha…" Although it's a joke, he still felt disappointed after saying it.

Yu Meixia whispered. "It won't happen."

"What did you say?"

"No matter what happens in the future, I will…." Yu Meixia felt embarrassed to continue. "I will… let you…."

Dong Xuebing felt his heart racing. "Let me?"

"……"

"What are you saying?"

Yu Meixia bit her lips. "I will let you do whatever you want. I… Qianqian and I will follow you forever."

Dong Xuebing is touched. "Don't say such foolish things. I am the one who is sorry towards you. Let me know if you want to set up a family and stop this relationship."

"I won't. I have never thought about this before."

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 514 – Transfer Order is out!

Afternoon.

The air conditioner made Yu Meixia's apartment very cooling.

Dong Xuebing had wanted to stay for dinner. Still, the County's Deputy Party Secretary Cao called him to go to the County Party office. Dong Xuebing and Cao Xupeng have a good relationship. The latter will call him directly if he needs him for anything. But he had got his secretary to call him instead. This means it should be work-related and might be about his transfer.

Yu Meixia walks out of the kitchen. "Are you going out?"

"Yes. I need to go to the County Party Committee building now." Dong Xuebing smiled. "Don't prepare my dinner."

Yu Meixia nodded and carried his bag and shoes over. "Drive safely."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "You are as naggy as my mother. I know how to wear my shoes."

Yu Meixia ignored him and continued to tie his shoelaces.

Dong Xuebing is touched. Yu Qianqian is in her room, and he stroked Sister Yu's face gently. "Have you considered what I told you previously? I might be transferred to the City District, but I don't know which Department yet. I am worried for you and Qianqian here. If you want to go with me, you can sell the apartment and buy one in the City District. Qianqian can also transfer to a school there, and your job… the Residents' committee is hiring, right? Try applying for it, and I will help you get it."

Yu Meixia nodded. "Ok. I will listen to you."

Dong Xuebing pinched her cheeks lightly. "You will decide for yourself, and I am not forcing you."

Yu Meixia blushed and bit her lips. "I would like to go too. Qianqian and I will follow wherever you go." She felt more embarrassed after saying this.

"Alright. Haha… you can discuss with Qianqian later. Bye."

"Ok. Let me walk you down."

"No need. Go and prepare dinner for Qianqian."

…….

It's almost after work hours when Dong Xuebing arrives at the Party Committee Building.

Dong Xuebing entered the building and went upstairs to Secretary Cao's Office. He asked his secretary, and the secretary told him that Secretary Cao is waiting for him inside.

Knock… knock… Dong Xuebing knocks on Deputy Party Secretary Cao's office.

"Come in."

"Secretary Cao, are you looking for me?"

Cao Xupeng laughed. "Have a seat, Xiao Dong."

"Yes." Dong Xuebing sat in front of Cao Xupeng's desk.

Cao Xupeng asked about Xiao Dong's health status and recovery. Not many people can survive after being stranded in the open seas for days. Dong Xuebing is human and not a fish. It's already a miracle for him to survive half a month in the sea without food and water. But Yan Tai County's residents are used to him performing miracles. If it's someone else, he would be dead after three days. Let alone two weeks.

After this incident, everyone agrees that Dong Xuebing is tenacious.

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Thank you for your concern. I am fine. It's been a week since I returned, and I even gained weight."

"Good to hear that." Cao Xupeng laughed. "You had given us a fright this time."

Dong Xuebing left embarrassed as he doesn't if Cao Xupeng is referring to the air crash incident or his sudden appearance at the funeral.

After chatting for a while, Cao Xupeng started to talk about work.

Cao Xupeng said in a serious tone. "Chief Dong. I am representing the Organization to speak to you today."

Dong Xuebing straighten his back.

The Organization Work transfers should be monitored and handled by the Organization Department. But Cao Xupeng is the Deputy Secretary overseeing the Party members and can speak to Dong Xuebing. "Although you were only in the Investment Promotion Agency for three months, your achievements have surpassed all previous Chiefs. They can't even achieve your results in a year, and the County Leaders are full of praises of you. Of course, you are not perfect. Some people had complained about the way you work to the Organization Department these few days. But this is not an issue. Even old Leaders like us make mistakes, let alone youngsters like you. It is not fair to disregard your achievements because of your conduct."

Dong Xuebing is overjoyed.

Cao Xupeng saw Dong Xuebing smile, and he smiles too. "The County Leaders thought highly of you, but because of your relationship with Mayor Xie, the Organization wants me to talk to you. Do you have any intentions of changing a work environment?"

Dong Xuebing puts on a serious face. "I will follow the Organization's arrangement."

Cao Xupeng had said this as a formality, and the transfer had been confirmed. Dong Xuebing must accept it, and he also wants to leave Yan Tai County.

Cao Xupeng nodded. "Good. Your transfer order will be out soon. You must be prepared."

"Thank you, Secretary Cao. I had learned a lot in the past year at Yan Tai County. I will not let the Organization down and will do my best, regardless of the hardships, to serve the people in my new role…." Dong Xuebing starts to declare his stance.

Cao Xupeng is amused as he thought to himself. "You had changed from a Mercedes to a Porsche. What hardships are you talking about?"

Dong Xuebing saw a few Staff members and Department Deputies after coming out from Secretary Cao's office.

"Chief Dong. Congratulations."

"Chief Dong, are you being promoted?"

"Congratulations."

Dong Xuebing returned the greetings. News of his transfer spread quickly, but he still doesn't know where he will be transferred.

Dong Xuebing walked out of the Party Committee Building and went to the County Government Building to look for Xie Huilan.

Dong Xuebing saw Secretary Hu watering the plants by the windows as he enters.

"Sister Hu, you have good taste."

"Chief Dong, are you poking fun at me?"

"No… Is Huilan in her office?"

Hu Silian turns. "Mayor Xie is in a meeting and should be back in around twenty minutes. Do you want to wait for her? I will prepare tea."

Dong Xuebing sat down and started chatting with Hu Silian.

"I heard you are going to be promoted." Hu Silian joked. "You must be going to give everyone a treat. Don't forget to invite me. I had been waiting for you to treat me. Hahaha…"

"I might forget everyone else, but I will not forget you." Dong Xuebing laughed. "But I still don't know where I will be transferred to."

Hu Silian smiled and passed a teacup to Dong Xuebing. "I overheard that Fen Zhou City Nan Shan District; Guan Ming Sub-district Office Director position is available. You might be transferred there, and the order should be out these few days."

Dong Xuebing blinked. "Sub-district Director?"

Hu Silian continued in a softer voice. "You are also going to be the Sub-district's Party Secretary."

The No. 1 of the Sub-district?

Dong Xuebing is overjoyed. He has a feeling that he will be transferred to a District office, and this is a good department for him.

Dong Xuebing is too young and inexperienced to be the No. 1 of a village town. But the Sub-district Office Director is the same rank and duties as the No. 1 of a village town. This is a good place to gain experience. This role is equivalent to a village town's Party Secretary with some differences in authority. The Sub-district Office is not the highest tier Office and is a department under the District Government. Its duties are to execute and follow the District's policies. This means it does not have as much say as a village town and has to listen to the District Government.

But Dong Xuebing is satisfied with this role. Compared to the Investment Promotion Agency in a poor County, Nan Shan District is nearer to the City Government. Its economic and infrastructure developments and political status are several times better than Yan Tai County. This is a huge leap for Dong Xuebing, and he will be the Sub-district's Party Secretary. If he can achieve some outstanding results, he will be promoted to Deputy Division Chief.

This is a good place.

Dong Xuebing drank his tea and let his imaginations run wild.

After a few moments, Hu Silian suddenly giggled. "I still heard that it was Secretary Xiang who recommended you to Nan Shan District's Party Secretary."

Dong Xuebing was surprised. "Secretary Xiang?"

Hu Silian nodded with a weird expression. Not many people can get help from their political rivals.

Dong Xuebing is speechless. Xiang Daofa must be up to no good and tries to get him out of Yan Tai County. But since he knows Xiang Daofa had helped him, he must thank him.

Dong Xuebing left Hu Silian's office and went to Xiang Daofa's office. He was going through some documents when Dong Xuebing entered. He is smiling as he praised and encouraged Dong Xuebing, and he looks like he had forgotten what happened at the investment fair.

Dong Xuebing also thanked Xiang Daofa politely.

Xiang Daofa might seem gracious to recommend Dong Xuebing, but many people can tell he is scare of the latter. Other than the troubles he caused with the Public Security Deputy Chief, he had also caused lots of trouble when he was the Investment Promotion Agency Chief. Who knows what other troubles he will cause if he is going to remain in the county?

This guy is a trouble maker! He must be sent away as soon as possible!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 515 – Departure!

Evening, 6 pm.

The County Mayor's office.

Xie Huilan finally returns from her meeting.

"Why are you so late?" Dong Xuebing looks at his watch. "You must also take care of your health while you work."

Xie Huilan narrowed her eyes and rubbed her shoulders on the sofa. She said in a hoarse voice. "Get… cough… get me a glass of water."

"Look at you… You are going to lose your voice." Dong Xuebing quickly pours a glass of water for her.

"Thank you." Xie Huilan took a few sips and smiled. "I had been talking the whole afternoon, and my throat is burning. Haha…" Xie Huilan saw Dong Xuebing was about to nag at her, she continued. "What's wrong? Are you going to nag at me? I am fine. I know how to take care of myself. Haha… Let's not talk about this anymore. I was in the meeting the whole day and didn't have the time to call you. Do you know about your transfer?"

Dong Xuebing nodded. "I heard about it."

Xie Huilan took another sip of water and said. "Nan Shan District is further away from our County, and Counties and Districts do not have much interaction. I am new here and do not have any connections with them. So, I cannot help you much. It will be a new environment, a new situation, and a great challenge for you. You are famous in our County, but no one knows who you are there, and they will not give you face. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Dong Xuebing is famous in Yan Tai County. It has to do with his outstanding performance and his relationship with Mayor Xie. Who dares not to give the Mayor's boyfriend face? But he will be alone in Nan Shan District, and it won't be easy to carry out his duties there. Also, districts and the City Government's relationships are more complicated. Anyone there might have backings within the City Government, and his status as Mayor Xie's boyfriend is useless. He has to depend on himself.

"Yes. I know."

"Alright. I shall not talk about this in case you find me bothersome. Haha."

"I won't find you bothersome. I can't bear to leave you." Dong Xuebing walked behind Xie Huilan and massaged her shoulders. "I will miss you if I don't see you."

Xie Huilan turns and smiled. "Did you smear honey on your lips?"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Yes."

"Really?" Xie Huilan looks at him. "Let me taste it and see how sweet it is."

Dong Xuebing looks at the entrance and bends over to kiss her.

But Xie Huilan avoided him and laughed. "This is my office. Don't do such things."

"You are the one who wanted to taste it."

"I didn't say I want to taste it now. Haha…"

Dong Xuebing refused to accept this excuse and insisted on kissing her. Both played around for a while until Xie Huilan said. "Alright… alright." He pointed to his lips and moved nearer. She smiled and kissed his lips. Two seconds later, their tongues were swirling.

Xie Huilan moved back and smile. "You taste of cigarettes. You should cut down on smoking."

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath. "Huilan, should I remain in Yan Tai County?"

"You are the one who wanted to leave, and now you want to stay. Haha… it's confirmed, and you must leave."

"Sigh… I'm afraid you can't bear to leave me."

Xie Huilan laughed and patted his hand. "You think too highly of yourself. Hahaha… alright. I will miss you. Don't talk about such things. It's not like we will not meet each other in the future. Driving from Nan Shan District to Yan Tai County is faster than driving from Beijing to here. You can come back anytime you want."

"Then you must take care of yourself and must not skip your meals."

"I know."

Dong Xuebing's mother had gone to teach in the City, and Sister Yu will be leaving with him. Aunt Xuan is also thinking of working in the City, and only Xie Huilan is left in Yan Tai County. He sighed and took out his cigarette.

When he was about to light it, Xie Huilan took out a lighter from her desk and lit it for him.

Dong Xuebing was stunned. This is the first time Xie Huilan lights his cigarette.

Xie Huilan patted his hand. "The official transfer papers will be out in a few days. Take this week to bid goodbye to your friends. Haha… but don't think of going out today. You must accompany me for dinner."

"Of course…"

Dong Xuebing is more than willing to be with Xie Huilan.

……

Dong Xuebing has been preparing for his departure for the next few days.

Dinner, lunch, dinner, lunch…

Other than having meals, there's nothing new. Dong Xuebing had treated everyone he knows to a meal. Sometimes, he even gathered several groups together to have dinner. Other than having meals together, he can also invite them to saunas. But no one dares to visit those places with him, as they are afraid Xie Huilan would mind.

As the date of departure is nearing, Dong Xuebing invited a few County Leaders.

For example, Deputy Party Secretary Cao Xupeng, Commission for Discipline Inspection's Secretary Duan Zhengan and his family, Head of People's Armed Forces Xiong Zhiyong and his family.

Xie Huilan had attended the dinner as his girlfriend, and Dong Xuebing suggested it. These three County Party Committee members are close to him, but they are from Xiang Daofa's faction. He hopes to help her to get closer to them. Even if they do not switch to her faction, it will let Xiang Daofa's imaginations run wild.

Dong Xuebing is busier as the date of his departure gets nearer.

Dong Xuebing has feelings for Yan Tai County and felt sad to be transferred away.

Dong Xuebing's official transfer order was issued to him on 2nd June.

The Organization Department officially appoints comrade Dong Xuebing to be Fen Zhou City, Nan Shan District, Guang Ming Sub-district Office Party Secretary, and Director.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 516 – First Day!

3rd June.

Fen Zhou City, Nan Shan District.

The sun is bright, and it's a hot and stuffy morning. Crickets and birds are chipping noisily on the trees along the road. A few old men were playing chess and admiring their birds in cages hang on the tree branches. A few middle-aged women were exercising in the exercise area outside of an estate. A road sign, "Huai An Yi Li," is by the roadside, and kids play around them. This is a sharp contrast from the busy streets outside.

A taxi stopped near the entrance.

Dong Xuebing carried his luggage and got off the taxi. He smiles as he looks around and saw the laidback estate.

"Sir, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Which area is under Guang Ming Subdistrict Office?"

"This area, Guang Ming North Street, Guang Ming South Street, and everything you see here is under Guang Ming Subdistrict.

"Oh, thank you."

"Don't mention it."

The old man replied Dong Xuebing and continued to watch others play chess.

Dong Xuebing took a stroll along the street. Huai An Yi Li, Huai An Er Li, Huai An Kindergarten. Guang Ming Estate, Guang Ming Street Junior School, 13 City Middle School, South Street Garden, North Street Plaza, Farmers' Market, Clothing business street, etc. Dong Xuebing spent a few hours wandering about his Subdistrict and realized this is a big area. The population is at least more than 90,000 to 100,000. He is satisfied as this place is much better than Yan Tai County. His authority and responsibility are bigger now, and he suddenly felt the pressure.

It's time to report.

Dong Xuebing parked his Cayenne at a basement carpark in Nan Shan District. He took a taxi to avoid unwanted attention.

…….

Before noon.

District Party Committee Building.

Many people are walking in and out of the compound, and some look like Leaders. Dong Xuebing had memorized his superiors' resumes from the District Government's website before coming. Still, he could not recognize anyone of them. That's why he did not greet anyone.

The guards went up to Dong Xuebing. "Who are you looking for?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "Is this Nan Shan District Party Committee? I am here to report to the Organization Department."

"… here to report?"

The guard is stunned. He knew a Subdistrict Director would be reporting for duty today and also heard the Director is young. But he did not expect the young man in front of him is the Director because he looks too young. This person should be in his mid-twenties, and how can someone become a Subdistrict Director at his age? The guard knows about the situation at Nan Shan District, and this guy should be the youngest Subdistrict Director. He did not stop Dong Xuebing and allowed him to enter. "Please walk along this path, and the Organization Department is on the third floor of that office building."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

After Dong Xuebing enters, the guard quickly calls the Organization Department to inform them.

District Party Committee Office Building.

Dong Xuebing did not go to the Organization Department first. Instead, he went to the District Party Secretary's Office and knocks on the secretary's door. The District Party Secretary has a nice name, Wang Anshi, and he was the one who issued the transfer order. That's why Dong Xuebing must meet Secretary Wang first and see if he can join his clique. He is alone in the District and will have to face the issue of joining a faction. If he can join the District Party Secretary's faction, it will be easier to carry out his work. He does not want to make more enemies.

Dong Xuebing has this intention, but the other party doesn't seem to be interested.

There are three people in the secretary's office, and Dong Xuebing does not know which one is Wang Anshi's secretary. He introduced himself, and a man, in his early thirties, took a glance at him and told him Secretary Wang is in a meeting. His reply is not cold, but it's not welcoming either.

The secretary's attitude reflects the Leader's attitude.

After leaving the secretary's office, Dong Xuebing knows the District Secretary is not interested in pulling him into his faction. Maybe Xiang Daofa had told him something.

Dong Xuebing shook his head and went to the Organization Department.

Knock, knock….

"Come in."

"Chief Xue, I'm Dong Xuebing and is here to report to you."

District Party Committee Member and Organization Department Chief, Xue Qingrong, is fatty in his late forties and has a bulging tummy and receding hairline. He has a bright smile, giving others a friendly impression. "Director Dong, hahaha… I had heard about your achievements in Yan Tai County. You are a promising young man, and Nan Shan District has been waiting for you. Come and have a seat."

Dong Xuebing quickly replies modestly.

Xue Qingrong looks welcoming, but Dong Xuebing can feel his smile is not sincere.

Xue Qingrong doesn't understand Dong Xuebing at all, and it's all pleasantries. Yan Tai County is further away from Nan Shan District, and other than some meetings in the City Government, both sides seldom cross paths. Nan Shan District's Counties also don't have any dealings with Yan Tai Counties. Xue Qingrong only knows about Dong Xuebing from his resume and the Leaders' recommendations. He knows Dong Xuebing has achieved outstanding performance in the Investment Promotion Agency, and that's all. He doesn't need to know about Dong Xuebing anyway, as no matter how well he performed in Yan Tai County, he must start from scratch again in Nan Shan.

After a while, Xue Qingrong looks at his watch. "It's about time. Let's go. I will bring you to Guang Ming Subdistrict Office."

…….

Noon.

Guang Ming Subdistrict Office.

A Government Audi A6 enters the subdistrict compound. This area has lots of greenery, and a few office buildings can be seen in the distance. The car stopped, and the first thing Dong Xuebing saw is the Government Administrative Service Lobby. A few signages were hung beside the main door. , , , . There are lots of counters for Hu Kou applications, filing, etc. Many people are queuing up behind the counters.

The car stopped, and Xue Qingrong and Dong Xuebing alighted.

A man, in his early thirties, and two middle-aged men and woman, walks over to welcome them. "Chief Xue."

Xue Qingrong nodded and smiled. "Let's go upstairs first."

That man, in his early thirties, seems to be the Leader of the group. He looked at Dong Xuebing and led the way upstairs.

The Subdistrict Office is different from many departments. Many residents will come over for applications or filing, and they can't make a grand welcome ceremony there. That's why Xue Qingrong had called them to prepare the meeting room and notify all the department heads.

On the way upstairs, Dong Xuebing observes the Subdistrict Office's working environment.

National Population and Family Planning Commission, National Public Complaints and Proposals Administration, General Office of the Chinese Communist Party, Commission for Discipline Inspection, Publicity Department, and Organization Department. All the most powerful Leaders in the Subdistrict are located in this building.

Small meeting room.

The meeting room is half-filled with around twenty to thirty people. Other than the department heads, many staff was there too. When Dong Xuebing and Xue Qingrong enter the room, everyone's eyes are on Dong Xuebing. Many of them were shocked by his age. Most Subdistrict Office Directors are in their late thirties, and it's rare to see someone in his twenties.

Xue Qingrong went up the podium and started reading the District Party Committee's orders.

Clap… clap… clap…

Xue Qingrong welcomed Dong Xuebing again and continued with a simple speech about the rules and regulations. After that, it is Dong Xuebing's turn to speak. He maintained a smile and did not say much as he is unfamiliar with this area.

"That's all I have to say." Dong Xuebing smiles. "Thank you."

Everyone applause!

Everyone will applause even if the Leader says, "The weather is good today."

The meeting ended.

Dong Xuebing and Xue Qingrong chatted and walked down the podium.

The man, who welcomed them at the entrance, walks up to them. "Chief Xue, Director Dong, it's almost noon. Are you all having lunch in the cafeteria? The food is ready."

Xue Qingrong replies with a smile. "Alright. Let's go."

That man waved a staff member over and gave some instructions to him.

Xue Qingrong patted that man's shoulders and told Dong Xuebing. "This is Xiao Geng. He is the Party Working Committee's Deputy Secretary and is someone very capable."

The No. 2 of the Party Committee?

This man might not even be thirty years old and might only be in his late twenties. Dong Xuebing nodded and shook Geng Xinke's hand. It's rare for someone at Xue Qingrong's level to introduce someone, and he must be someone with a strong backing.

They went down the stairs, and the majority of them are department Leaders.

On the way to the cafeteria, Xue Qingrong suddenly asks. "Xiao Wang is not around today?"

Geng Xinke replied. "Director Wang had applied for leave for today and is not around."

Xue Qingrong nodded and did not continue.

A few Leaders turn and look at Dong Xuebing's expression.

Deputy Director Wang? Dong Xuebing did not show any unhappy expression and continued smiling. But in his heart, he took note of this Deputy Director Wang. Applying for leave on his first day of appointment, even the District's Organization Department Chief is looking for him. This person should not be simple.

During lunch, Dong Xuebing did not talk much and spent most of the time observing these department heads. He must find out their relationships and backings as soon as possible.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 517 – All sorts of people are here!

Afternoon. Dong Xuebing and the Subdistrict Office's staff sent Chief Xue off.

After the Leader left, Dong Xuebing asked the staff to return to work and doesn't want them to accompany him to walk around the compound. Xue Qingrong had not mentioned anything about work. His Deputy, Geng Xinke, also did not introduce the rest to him during lunch. He doesn't know anyone or their positions at the table, and he realizes he is not welcomed there.

Dong Xuebing walks around the main building, side building, carpark, and the Government Administrative Service Lobby.

"Director Dong."

"Director."

"Secretary Dong."

The Subdistrict Office's staff greeted Dong Xuebing politely.

Dong Xuebing just smiled and nodded to them, and continued observing the staff working.

At around 1.30 pm, Dong Xuebing went upstairs to the side building. He saw an office with the sign, "Working Party Secretary Office." He entered and saw a big desk, a leather sofa, a few office chairs, and a bookshelf. This is his office and looks more formal than his Investment Promotion Agency's office.

Dong Xuebing sat down and lit a cigarette.

Knock, knock…

"Come in." Dong Xuebing snubbed his cigarette and looked towards the door.

A pretty middle-aged woman, around forty years old, entered. She has long hair and is wearing dark brown working attire.

Dong Xuebing smiles. "I forgot to ask who you are."

The woman smiled and replied. "I forgot to introduce myself during lunch. I am Zhou Yanru, the Party and Government General Office Director. You can call me if you need anything." She dragged a piece of heavy luggage into the office and placed it carefully by the side. "You had left your luggage outside of the cafeteria, and I had brought it up for you. It's so warm today. Haha…" She wiped the sweat on her forehead.

Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "Oh, I had forgotten about it. Thank you, Sister Zhou."

Zhou Yanru smiles. "My role is to assist the Leaders. Don't mention it." She took out a document and placed it on the desk. "I had helped you organized the names and pictures of our Subdistrict Office's Leaders and staff. I wonder if you need it."

"Haha… I was just about to ask for it." This Zhou Yanru is very thoughtful.

Zhou Yanru took out a bunch of keys. "We had arranged an apartment in our family quarters for you. It's a six-story building, and your apartment is on the top floor. If you don't like it, I can arrange another apartment for you."

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "Sixth story is fine."

"Alright. I will bring you to your apartment when you leave later. It's located at the back of our office and is not far from here."

"Ok. Sorry to bother you." Dong Xuebing can feel her enthusiasm.

"It's not a bother." Zhou Yanru can speak well and looks cheerful. "Our Office Department has been looking forward to your arrival. Haha… please don't mind me. I am a bit talkative. Just let me know what you need. Our Office Department will follow your instructions and do our best to support you. Ah… I said too much again. Just look forward to my performance in the future."

She amuses dong Xuebing. She is quite interesting.

Many staff had tried to be close to Dong Xuebing, but this is the first time he met someone as enthusiastic as Zhou Yanru. It's like she dived straight into his arms the moment she sees him, and he felt a bit not used to this. Seems like she should be on the former Director's side previous and is having a hard time now. He welcomes anyone who wishes to be close with him, as he is thinking of how to settle into his role faster.

Other Leaders might be wary of staff that is so "enthusiastic" to join them and will not accept them. But Dong Xuebing is different. "Sister Zhou, I will count on you in the future."

Zhou Yanru smiled brightly when she heard this. "I should be the one counting on you."

"Haha…" Both laughed.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Dong Xuebing started reading the document about the staff. He finally knows the identities and positions of the people at the lunch table earlier.

One minute….

Two minutes….

Three minutes….

Dong Xuebing suddenly lifts his head and says. "I noticed Secretary Geng seems to be well respected in the Subdistrict Office."

Zhou Yanru looked at the door subconsciously and giggled softly. "I am a direct person, and please don't blame me if I said anything wrong. Secretary Geng is well respected here. He is close to the Police Station Chief, Peng Gang, Deputy Director Rong Feng, and Deputy Director Guo Mingfeng. He had wanted to fight for your position, but…." She had said everything without reservations, making Dong Xuebing wonder if she was talkative or had purposely said these. But he can tell Geng Xinke, and she is not on good terms. "Also, many people say Secretary Geng is the younger brother of our Nan Shan District Mayor Geng. But I am not sure if this is true."

District Mayor Geng Yuehua's brother?

Geng Yuehua is the No. 1 of the District Government and not a Deputy Mayor. No wonder Xue Qingrong had introduced Geng Xinke to Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing's heart felt cold suddenly and points to a person in the document. "I noticed Chief Xue seems to be concern about this Wang Yuling. Is she only 26 years old? Our Subdistrict has a lot of young staff. Haha…"

Zhou Xinru paused for a second. "Please don't blame her. Xiao Wang is not feeling well today, and she is not a scheming person. In fact, she is quite nice." She had a slight pause and cleared her throat. "I heard our District's Party Secretary is Xiao Wang's Uncle." She is still very careful with her words.

Nan Shan District Party Secretary's niece?

Dong Xuebing is looking slightly terrible.

Damn!

What is going on here?

One of them is the District Mayor's younger brother, and the other is the District Party Secretary's niece. Why are all these people in this Subdistrict office?

Dong Xuebing is frustrated. How is he going to do his work properly?

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 518 – Showing Director Dong, who's the Boss!

Afternoon.

Side building, Party Secretary Office.

Dong Xuebing smoked continuously while looking through his Subdistrict Office staff. He has a better understanding of the situation at the Subdistrict after Zhou Yanru's information. The top two Nan Shan District Leaders have relatives working under him, which is a big headache. He can't scold or punish them but still has to manage them. If he can't handle this well, he will offend the District's Party Secretary and Mayor. This is the worse scenario for him.

These two are his biggest headache.

Geng Xinke is not a pushover, and Dong Xuebing still has not to meet Wang Yuling.

Dong Xuebing snubbed his cigarette and thought of how is he going to establish his authority. This is a must, or he cannot do his work properly. Everyone will be brown-nosing these two, and who will listen to his orders? Geng Xinke is the No. 2 of the Subdistrict, and his authority is only slightly below him in the Subdistrict. Who will the subordinates listen to in the future? If everyone is listening to Geng Xinke because they are afraid of offending his District Mayor sister, he will have no authority.

Knock… knock… knock…

Dong Xuebing lifts his head. "Come in."

Dong Xuebing will give respect to those who respected him. He will say "Please come in" to those who knock twice politely and will skip the word "Please" for those who knock three times quickly.

The door opens, and Geng Xinke enters.

Dong Xuebing did not stand up and just smiles. "Secretary Geng."

Geng Xinke smiles and asked. "Director Dong, how was your inspection earlier? Are there any issues with our staff?"

"I am only here for a few hours and am not familiar with the work procedures. Haha… but the Administrative Service Lobby seems to be in order, and the staff has a good attitude. This attitude must be continued. Our Subdistrict Office is to serve the residents, and our efficiency and service attitude must be good." Dong Xuebing said and waved his hand. "Haha… sit."

Geng Xinke is uncomfortable with Dong Xuebing's gesture and did not sit. He smiles. "Oh, we have made a reservation at a restaurant to welcome you this evening."

Dong Xuebing looks at him. "Didn't we eat together during lunch? You all don't need to be so courteous."

Geng Xinke replied. "This is a token from everyone, and you must not reject us."

"Oh…" Dong Xuebing paused for a second and smiles. "Thanks for the kind gesture. Alright. Help me made reservations for two more tables and invite all the Subdistrict Office's leaders and staff. I will treat everyone." The Subdistrict Office only has around twenty to thirty staff. Of course, this does not include the staff from the Police Station and Health department. These departments are not under the Subdistrict Office.

Geng Xinke looked at Dong Xuebing and replied. "How can we let you pay?"

"That's settled." Dong Xuebing waved his hand.

Geng Xinke nodded. "Alright. I will get someone to arrange it."

Dong Xuebing looks at the door after Geng Xinke left. They had lunch together, and why are they hosting a welcome dinner for him in the evening? He must be up to no good, but Dong Xuebing is not sure what will happen. After knowing Geng Xinke had tried to fight for his position, he becomes wary of him. That's why he insisted on treating everyone and not use the Office's funds.

Dong Xuebing looks at his watch. It's 5 pm.

Dong Xuebing picked up his office phone and called the Party General Office. "Hello, is this Director Zhou? I'm Dong Xuebing."

Zhou Yanru quickly smiles and replies. "Do you have any orders for me? Oh, your car is ready, and I will send the keys to you now. It's a two-year-old Volkswagen Passat. Errr… we don't have any headcount for drivers, but… I can arrange a staff from my General Office to drive you around. Xiao Liu is not bad, and you can get him to drive you in the future."

"Haha… no need."

"Oh, do you have anything for me?"

"I will be treating everyone to dinner at 6 pm, and it's late. Can you get someone to accompany me to the living quarters? I want to keep my luggage first."

"Ok. I will go over now."

"You should be busy and don't need to come personally."

"It's fine. Your matter is our General Office's top priority. I will go to your office now."

Dong Xuebing smiles after hanging up. Zhou Yanru is fine in all ways, except she is too talkative. She will give a five-sentence reply for a simple question, but she showed respect for him.

…….

The family quarter is located behind the Subdistrict Office, and it's only a ten-minute walk away.

There is only one grey six-story building because the Subdistrict Office does not have much staff.

On the way up, Zhou Yanru told Dong Xuebing about the history of this building and had gotten one of her staff, a young man in his twenties, to carry his luggage. She is not as "silly" as she looks. Rumors will spread if people know she is alone with him in the apartment, and it will be fine if a third party is around.

This is a two-bedroom apartment, and it's much bigger than Dong Xuebing's apartment in Yan Tai County.

The apartment comes with all electrical appliances, including a PC.

Zhou Yanru smiles. "Is this apartment alright?"

"Not bad." Dong Xuebing nodded and looks at his watch. "It's almost after work hours. Let's go to the restaurant together."

…….

Shan Shui Restaurant.

This restaurant is located diagonally opposite the Subdistrict Office.

When Dong Xuebing reaches the restaurant, he saw Guang Ming Subdistrict Office Police Station Chief, Peng Gang. Sister Zhou had told him that Peng Gang is close with Geng Xinke. Peng Gang has just finished work, and he is still wearing his Police uniform. He is in his thirties, not tall, and is very muscular.

"Director Dong. Hahaha…." Peng Gang walks over.

Dong Xuebing smiled and extended his hand. "Chief Peng."

Peng Gang shook Dong Xuebing's hand with a strong grip. "We can't have alcohol during lunch and didn't get the chance to know you better. We must drink together later!"

Dong Xuebing replied. "I am not good with alcohol. Don't try to make me drunk. Haha."

At this time, a middle-aged man in his forties walks over. "Chief Peng is famous for his alcohol tolerance. Director Dong, I am not disrespectful to you if I get drunk later." This person is Deputy Director Yu Rongfeng, who oversees the Subdistrict's Publicity Department. He has sunken eyes and a high nose bridge. Dong Xuebing remembers he is from the Hui ethnic group from his resume.

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "It's just a dinner, and it's alright."

Yu Rongfeng laughed. "Then I am assured. I can't hold my liquor well."

There's another middle-aged man beside Yu Rongfeng, and Dong Xuebing recognized him. He is Guo Mingfeng, the Subdistrict Office Deputy Director. He is in charge of the Subdistrict's Civil administration and nursing homes. He is very short. Shorter than 1.6 m and looks ordinary.

Guo Mingfeng narrowed his eyes. "Director Dong, everyone is here, and we had ordered the dishes. Should we start?"

"Alright. Let's not keep everyone waiting." Dong Xuebing replied. "Let's go in."

Geng Xinke's three generals, Peng Gang, Yu Rongfeng, and Guo Mingfeng, are all here.

Dong Xuebing secretly observes them. Although they seem to be courteous and polite, he can sense they are targeting him.

……

A private dining room on the second floor of the restaurant.

There are three tables in the room. The staff members are sitting at two tables, and the Leaders are seated at one table.

Dong Xuebing is seated at the host position, and the staff sits down after the Leaders are seated.

This harmonious atmosphere changed suddenly because of one sentence.

Before the dinner started, Geng Xinke smiled and told Dong Xuebing that two Working Party Committee members and a Deputy Director could not attend. They had asked him to pass the message to Dong Xuebing. Dong Xuebing nodded but frowned in his heart. What's the meaning of this? Are you trying to show me who's the Boss here? Are you telling me that all the Subdistrict Office staff are close to you?

Zhou Yanru frowned and looks at Geng Xinke and his three generals.

The Secretary of the Disciplinary Work Committee, Qu Yiqiang, did not say anything and looked at the table expressionlessly.

Geng Xinke finally showed some of his true colors.

What Geng Xinke said immediately changed the mood of the private room.

The two staff members' tables kept quiet and looked at the waiter and waitresses to serve the food. But they are listening and observing the Leaders at the other table. After the top Leader of the Subdistrict Office is changed, they wonder what will happen in the future. Secretary Geng is the District Mayor's younger brother. This new Director is young and doesn't seem to have any backings. How is he going to suppress Secretary Geng, and who will they listen to in the future? All of them know this dinner is not as simple as welcoming Director Dong.

Secretary Geng is trying to show the new Director who's the Boss?

This is a good show!

Some of the staff are looking forward to watching the power struggle between the Directors. The winner tonight will determine their attitude in the future.

Dong Xuebing smiles. "Come, let's eat before the food gets cold."

I still have not established my authority, and you are trying to show me who's the Boss here?

Dong Xuebing sneered in his heart. Show me all your tricks! I have never been scared of anyone in my life!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 519 – Waitress, bring us three boxes of Jin Liu Fu!

Evening.

Xian Restaurant's private room.

The dishes and bottles of Jin Liu Fu baijiu are served at the tables.

Work Party Committee Deputy Secretary, Geng Xinke, raised his glass. "Director Dong, I represent the Subdistrict Party Committee to welcome you. Here's a toast."

Dong Xuebing felt irritated. When did you represent the Work Party Committee? Are you trying to isolate me? Are you qualified to represent the Committee? It's fine if District Committee's Organization Chief has not announced his appointment. But after the announcement, he is the top Leader of the Work Party Committee. Geng Xinke might sound like he is welcoming the new Party Secretary, but this gesture challenges Dong Xuebing's authority.

Has this started?

You all are too anxious. Do you all think I will be scare?

Dong Xuebing smiled and raised his glass. "We will be one big family in the future, and all of us are serving the people. I should be the one offering a toast to you all. Everyone, raise your glass. Those who can drink, bottoms up, and those who can't drink, it's fine. Haha… let me bottoms up first." He looked around and finished the glass. His glass is slightly more than 50 ml, and that's about his limit.

Everyone stood up and bottomed up.

A few staff members, especially the female staff, only took a sip. But the Leaders, including Zhou Yanru, sitting at the same table with Dong Xuebing, finishes their glasses. There's a saying that the better your alcohol tolerance, the higher your rank is. This might sound ridiculous, but it's the truth. What would your superior think if you only take a sip when he offered a toast? Those petty Leaders will think you are disrespectful.

50 ml of Baijiu is not a lot.

One will show how well they can hold their liquor through one glass.

Dong Xuebing can tell five to six staff on the other two tables cannot drink. They look like they are in a daze after finishing their glass. Only Zhou Yanru's face turns red among the Leaders, and the rest look fine. Geng Xinke and his "three generals" are fine too.

Of course, Dong Xuebing is an exception. He drunk slowly, and his face turns pale instead of red.

Everyone can tell their new Director cannot hold his liquor well!

Dong Xuebing said after a Staff Member filled the Leaders' glass. "I cannot hold my alcohol well. So, I will not offer any more toasts. Let's start eating."

The Leader had said he could not drink, and most people will not offer any more toasts.

But it's different today. Some people want to embarrass Dong Xuebing.

Geng Xinke secretly gave the Police Chief Peng Gang a look.

Peng Gang got the hint and raised his glass. "Director Dong, this is your welcome dinner, and it's meaningless if you are not drinking. I still want to drink with you. You must have a toast with me. You are looking down on me if you are not drinking!"

The atmosphere suddenly becomes tense!

Dong Xuebing looked at Peng Gang and laughed. "Fine. Just this glass. I can't drink anymore."

Peng Gang knocked his glass into Dong Xuebing's glass and finishes it.

Dong Xuebing hesitates for a while and finishes his glass slowly.

Zhou Yanru looks at Dong Xuebing worryingly.

Dong Xuebing had drunk around 150 ml of Baijiu and looked paler than before. He can feel the alcohol effects and was about to eat some food to make himself feel better. But another person comes and offers a toast again.

Deputy Director Yu Rongfeng raised his glass. "Director, I want to offer you a toast."

Dong Xuebing is looking terrible. He said he couldn't drink, but these people kept forcing him. Are they trying to create trouble or trying to revolt against him?

Zhou Yanru quickly helps Dong Xuebing. "Director Yu, we still have not to drink today. Let's have a toast." She knocks on his glass and drinks.

Yu Rongfeng saw Zhou Yanru started drinking and did not say anything. He must finish his glass.

But Deputy Director Guo Mingfeng raises his glass next. "Director, let's have a toast."

Zhou Yanru can't help Dong Xuebing anymore as she had just finished another glass. She can only look at them with an angry expression.

Dong Xuebing looks at him and calmly said. "Director Guo, are you trying to make me drunk?"

Geng Xinke smiles. "Director Guo does not have that intention. This is your first day, and we are happy. You had a drink with Chief Peng, and you should drink with us too." He raised his glass. "I will offer you a toast too. Are you not going to give me 'face' as well?"

Dong Xuebing looked at them and did not touch his glass.

Peng Gang also joined in. "Director, count me in too. We are offering you a toast, and you must finish this glass."

Dong Xuebing is furious.

I am not giving you all 'face'?! Who is the one not giving 'face' now?!

Damn! You all are asking for it! Do you all want to show me who the boss is through drinking? This is too disrespectful to your superior!

It's fine if it's one or two of them. Now, all four of them are trying to revolt against me?!

The temperature in the dining room suddenly drop!

The Staff Members on the other two tables look over, wondering how is their new Director going to handle this situation.

Zhou Yanru clenched her teeth and said. "Secretary Geng, we…."

Geng Xinke smiled and interrupted her. "Director Zhou is a good drinker. Haha… We are offering Director Dong a toast now and will drink with you later." He is implying that Dong Xuebing is weaker than a woman, which means they are about to fall out.

Zhou Yanru's face changed!

Dong Xuebing looks at these few people and their glasses. They are asking for it.

Fine! Since you all want to drink, I shall drink with you all!

Dong Xuebing waved the waitress over. "Since everyone is so happy today, then we shall drink to our fill! Waitress, bring us three boxes of Jin Fu Liu!"

Translator's notes: Jin Liu Fu is a brand of Baijiu.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 520 – Drink with the bottle!

Jin Liu Fu?

Three boxes?!

The waitress is stunned for a second and moved forward. "Are you talking about beer? We have Qingtao and Yanjing beer."

Dong Xuebing points to the bottle of Baijiu on the table. "I am talking about Baijiu. Bring three boxes to this table first! We will order again if it is not enough."

Everyone heard it clearly and took a deep breath. They look at Dong Xuebing and wonder what is he thinking?

Damn!

Three boxes of Baijiu?!

Order again if it's not enough?! This new Director is going to risk his life!

The young waitress is speechless. She had worked here for almost two years and met all sorts of customers. Most customers will order a case of beer or two bottles of Baijiu for a table of six to seven people. This is the first time she has met someone ordering Baijiu by boxes, and it's three boxes. There are six bottles in one box! Although Jin Liu Fu Baijiu's alcohol content is not very high, there's no need to be so extreme. Too much alcohol can be fatal!

The waitress looked at them and went out of the private room to get the Baijiu. She had met most of the people in the room and knows they are the Leaders from the Subdistrict Office. That's why she did not continue to ask any more questions and got some helpers to carry the Baijiu in.

One box….

Two boxes…

Three boxes…

Three boxes of Jin Liu Fu are opened up in the room. There's a total of 18 bottles, and everyone is getting worried.

Just looking at the bottles makes them feel drunk, let alone drink it.

Zhou Yanru wiped her forehead and quickly said. "Director Dong! This…"

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "I am having some gastric problems these few days and can't drink much. But since Secretary Geng, Chief Peng, Director Yu, and Director Guo want to drink with me, I will give you all face."

The Secretary of the Disciplinary Work Committee, Qu Yiqiang, looks at Dong Xuebing in doubt and looks away. He continues to sit there like a statue and ignored everything that is happening around him.

Geng Xinke and his three generals exchanged looks and smiled. They can tell Dong Xuebing's limit should be around 200 to 400 ml and is not a good drinker. This move is just trying to intimate them.

Three boxes of Baijiu?!

Who are you trying to scare?!

The ones who can sit at this table are not pushovers or weaklings. Peng Gang was not frightened by the three boxes. He loosened his belt and raised his glass. "Director Dong is indeed forthright, and I like Leaders like you. Come, let's drink. I will drink as much as you. Cheers!" He seems to be afraid this new Director will regret and want to start drinking.

But Dong Xuebing stopped him. "Wait."

Peng Gang replied with some impatience. "What's wrong?"

Everyone looks at Dong Xuebing. They want to see how he is going to handle this situation.

Dong Xuebing laughed. "Chief Peng, it's not that I don't want to drink with you. Since you all are so welcoming, we should not use such small glasses."

Peng Gang paused for a second. "Good. Let's switch to big glasses!" This is what he wants.

The Subdistrict staff looks at their new Director and wonder in their heart. He is already at his limit and still wants to switch to bigger glasses?

But Dong Xuebing continued with something more shocking. "Bigger glasses are meaningless too. Haha… Let's drink from the bottle straight."

Everyone is puzzled. What does Dong Xuebing mean? Director Geng and the rest are trying to make you drunk and embarrass you, and you are suggesting to drink from the bottles? You are digging your own grave. Although he has the guts, he is too rash and impulsive. You are alone, and they have four people who can drink well. How are you going to win against them?

Peng Gang hesitated for a while and decided to give his all. "Open the bottles!"

A Staff member immediately opens two bottles and placed them in front of Dong Xuebing and Peng Gang.

Everyone froze!

No one dares to make a sound in the room.

Peng Gang picks up the bottle and knocks on Dong Xuebing's bottle. "I shall drink first." He placed the bottle in his mouth and finished it within a minute.

Geng Xinke smiled and clapped. "Good!"

Clap… clap… clap… everyone started cheering!

"Chief Peng is a good drinker!"

"Good!"

Peng Gang laughed, and his body starts to sway. 500 ml of Baijiu is a lot to him, especially when he drinks too fast. It is different from drinking slowly, and he is reaching his limit.

Dong Xuebing gave Peng Gang a thumbs up. "Good. I am impressed!"

Peng Gang gestured to Dong Xuebing to ask him to drink.

Everyone looks at Dong Xuebing, especially Zhou Yanru. She is looking at him worryingly. Geng Xinke, Yu Rongfeng, and the rest are smiling, waiting to see him embarrass himself.

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and started drinking.

Dong Xuebing drinks much slower. He has a short pause after every gulp and took around three to four minutes to finish it. No one had expected this. But after finishing the bottle, his legs almost give way. Luckily, Zhou Yanru reached out in time to grab him and helped him back to his chair.

Clap… clap… clap… everyone clapped and cheered!

"Good!"

"Director Dong is hiding his true skills!"

"Wow!"

Zhou Yanru saw Dong Xuebing was about to puke and said. "I think it's enough for today. I will go and settle the bill!"

Geng Xinke laughed. "How can we end now? We are just starting."

Yu Rongfeng added. "Director Dong had ordered three boxes, and we had only drunk two bottles. It's not even one box."

Dong Xuebing looks drunk, and he waved his hand. "Right! This is just starting. Hey, open two more bottles. I…" He let out a loud burb. "I will drink another bottle with Chief Peng!"

Zhou Yanru quickly stops him. "Director! You cannot drink anymore!"

"Open the bottles!" Dong Xuebing shouted. "I am not drunk!"

Guo Mingfeng added. "We are in a good mood today! Let's continue drinking!"

Zhou Yanru is speechless when she saw Dong Xuebing grabbed a bottle. She returned to her seat and didn't want to care anymore. She knows he will be embarrassed today.

Dong Xuebing shouts. "Old Peng! Bottoms up!"

Another bottle? Peng Gang felt the hair on the back of his neck stands. Dong Xuebing is drunk, but he is also reaching his limit. His maximum alcohol tolerance is only around 500 ml, and he can never finish another bottle.

Geng Xinke smiles. "Old Peng, what are you waiting for? Everyone knows you can drink."

Guo Mingfeng and Yu Rongfeng gave Peng Gang eye signals to ask him to drink. Dong Xuebing will blackout after this bottle.

Peng Gang clenched his teeth. "Alright! Bottoms up!" He is going all out to make Dong Xuebing drunk.

Ding! Both men raised their bottles and started drinking.

Peng Gang drunk much faster as he knows he cannot finish this bottle if he drinks slowly. So, he tried his best to finish it as fast as possible. When he finished the final mouthful, he swayed and fell facedown on the table. He was knocked out, but Dong Xuebing is still standing. He took a few more minutes to finish his bottle and sat on his seat. He needs to support himself up against the table while sitting.

The new Director still has not blackout?!

Everyone is shocked. They can see Dong Xuebing might puke if he drinks one more sip.

But the Geng's faction is determined to show Dong Xuebing who's the Boss today. Yu Ronggfeng looks at Dong Xuebing and said. "Director, your alcohol tolerance is impressive. I will also drink a glass with you!"

Dong Xuebing asked in a daze. "Huh? What did you say?"

Yu Rongfeng knows Dong Xuebing is at his limits and raised his voice. "I want to drink a glass with you!"

Dong Xuebing grabbed a bottle from the table. "One glass?! If you want to drink, drink a bottle! Come! Bottoms up!"

Yu Rongfeng froze. He can't finish a bottle even if he is drinking slowly. Furthermore, he had just finished a glass earlier.

Dong Xuebing questioned Yu Rongfeng angrily. "Director Yu! Are you not giving me 'face'?"

"No." Yu Rongfeng cannot say no now. He used his chopsticks to grabbed a few pieces of pork from the table and stuffed it into his mouth. Although he is from the Hui tribe, he still eats pork.

Ding… both raised their bottles and knocked.

Yu Rongfeng starts to gulp down the Baijiu. Before he can finish, he put down the bottle and covered his mouth. He managed to stop himself from puking, but he collapsed the next moment. Guo Mingfeng, who is sitting beside him, caught him and helped him back to his seat.

What about Dong Xuebing?

Dong Xuebing continued to drink slowly and finished the bottle!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 521 – Director Dong had made everyone drunk!

Night.

The private room of Xian Shui Restaurant has a strong alcohol smell. It's so strong that one sniff will make you feel drunk.

Peng Gang and Yu Rongfeng were knocked out on the table, and only Guo Mingfeng and Geng Xinke are remaining. They are surprised to see Dong Xuebing is still standing, but he seems to be collapsing anytime. Only the Secretary of the Disciplinary Work Committee, Qu Yiqiang, noticed something strange. This new Director's body is swaying and trying to balance himself after finishing one bottle. He did the same after he finished the second and third bottles…. He looks like he had reached his limit every time, but why is he still standing? He had drunk three bottles now!

One box of Baijiu is finished.

A few Staff members started cheering.

Zhou Yanru supported Dong Xuebing. "Director, are you alright?"

Dong Xuebing shook his head. "I… am not drinking… anymore… let's end here."

"I will help you back." Zhou Yanru was about to stand up to settle the bill.

But the Geng faction is not going to let him off. Geng Xinke looked at Dong Xuebing and laughed. "We still have many bottles left. Director, let's continue to drink a while more."

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "I… had drunk too much today… and you all are at your limits. Let's continue another… day…."

Geng Xinke looks at Dong Xuebing. "We can still drink. Let's not waste the alcohol."

Guo Mingfeng stood up and opened two bottles. "Director Dong, we still have not drunk enough, and you cannot leave so early. This is your welcome dinner."

Zhou Yanru could not hold back anymore. "Director Guo, are you done?"

Geng Xinke smiles. "Director Zhou, why are you getting angry? It's just a dinner."

"Can't you all see Director Dong is at his limits?" Zhou Yanru stares at Geng Xinke in his eyes. "He had mentioned he is not feeling well, and what are you all trying to do?"

Geng Xinke looks at her. "Who says Director Dong is at his limits? I think he can finish three more bottles with no problems!"

Dong Xuebing suddenly shouted. "Alright! Let's drink three more bottles!"

Geng Xinke laughed. "I know you are a straightforward person!"

"Director, you cannot drink anymore!"

Zhou Yanru doesn't know what to say. Why did you react to Geng Xinke's provocation? If you collapsed in front of everyone here, how are you going to command respect? He is purposely trying to embarrass you! Suddenly, she felt someone pinched her arm lightly. She looks at Dong Xuebing and returns to her seat after two seconds without saying anything.

Guo Mingfeng shouted. "Director Dong! Cheers!"

Dong Xuebing looks at the table. "I still have three bottles in this box! Let's finish it! I will drink these three bottles, and you all will finish the three bottles in the other box! Let's finish it in one go."

Finish three bottles in one go?

Geng Xinke and Guo Mingfeng were stunned!

Even if they share the three bottles, they cannot finish one and a half bottles each!

Guo Mingfeng quickly says. "Director, we will drink first and see how much we can drink."

"See how much you all can drink?!" Dong Xuebing pushed himself up against the table. "What's wrong, Secretary Geng? Are you not giving me 'face'? You all are the ones who say we should not waste alcohol. Then we shall finish these two boxes!" Dong Xuebing took out the remaining three bottles of jin Liu Fu from the box and placed them in front of him.

The staff members on the other two tables were shocked. They know Director Dong is drunk and might collapse anytime. How is he going to finish three more bottles? It's 1.5 liters of Baijiu! All of them look at Geng Xinke and Guo Mingfeng.

Geng Xinke had no choice now. He cannot lose to Dong Xuebing in front of everyone.

"Alright! We will drink!" Geng Xinke puts on a brave front.

Guo Mingfeng took out the remaining three bottles from the box beside him.

Both of them do not have the intention of finishing all these bottles. They felt Dong Xuebing would puke and blackout after one or two more mouths. They will drink slowly until he embarrasses himself. Maybe they don't even need to finish half a bottle.

Ding… Ding… the three of them knocks their bottles!

Geng Xinke and Guo Mingfeng placed their bottles on their mouths and look at Dong Xuebing. They are waiting for him to puke or collapse.

But the next moment, everyone's jaw dropped!

Dong Xuebing lifted his bottle high up and poured the alcohol down his throat as if he is drinking a bottle of mineral water. He finished the bottle in less than twenty seconds and picked up the second bottle. He continues to drink without stopping!

One bottle….

Two bottles….

Three bottles….

Dong Xuebing only used slightly more than 80 seconds to finish three 500 ml bottles of Jin Liu Fu!

Everyone is stunned! They felt they had just watched a horror movie!

Damn! Is this still considered drinking alcohol?

I thought the New Director cannot drink anymore and will collapse if he takes one or two more gulps. How come he can drink so much suddenly?!

Dong Xuebing took a napkin and wiped his mouth. His body is no longer swaying, and he looks at the shocked Geng Xinke and Guo Mingfeng with a smile. "Oh, Director Geng, Director Guo. Why are you all not done yet? I have already finished three bottles. We are all waiting for you two."

Guo Mingfeng paused for a second and started cursing in his heart. F*k you! Dong Xuebing!

Geng Xinke also understood what was going on.

Everyone in the room can tell what happened. The new Director is not drunk at all! He was only acting to set a trap for Geng Xinke and his men!

Damn!

This is too ridiculous!

Zhou Yanru bursts out laughing. She knows Dong Xuebing was acting when he pinched her arm lightly early.

Qu Yiqiang, who had maintained a poker face, smiles and looks at the new Subdistrict Director. Director Dong is very smart.

Geng Xinke and Guo Mingfeng can hold their liquor well, but that is against others. After drinking 250 ml of alcohol and getting spite by Dong Xuebing, they could not hold on anymore. Guo Mingfeng fell to the ground with the bottle in his hand, and the bottle smashed. He had only finished two-thirds of the bottle. Geng Xinke knew he cannot finish the bottle and puts it down. He would rather lose his 'face' than embarrass himself. But Jin Liu Feng's punch is too strong. Even after he stops drinking, he felt the alcohol rushing to his head!

"Blech!" Geng Xinke threw up at the table!

Geng Xinke felt his head spinning, and before he blackouts, he cursed Dong Xuebing in his heart! They had all been fooled by him! They had wanted to show him who's the boss, but they were tricked! He had shown everyone who's in charge!

This guy is too scheming!

F*k! You are acting from the start!

"Secretary Geng!"

"Director Guo!"

Two Staff Members rushed over to help them.

Dong Xuebing looks at them helplessly. "I already ask you all to stop, but you all still insist on drinking. Drinking too much is bad for health. Sigh… look at you all. Director Zhou, call for an ambulance." All the Geng's faction members had collapsed, and that did not stop him from being sarcastic. But he was telling the truth. He had said to stop drinking since the start, but they insisted on offering him toasts and tried to make him drunk. Who can they blame?

Zhou Yanru acknowledged and called for an ambulance while holding back her laughter.

Dong Xuebing called the waitress over. "Give me the bill. How much is it?"

Zhou Yanru replied. "Director, you can sign it off and settle at the end of the month."

Dong Xuebing smiled. "I am giving everyone a treat and don't need to sign it off." He took out his wallet from his bag. "Let's end the dinner and get someone to carry Secretary Geng and the rest out of the restaurant to wait for the ambulance. Hey, slow down and watch the door frame. Don't let them knock their heads."

Dong Xuebing starts to give out orders. He is sober and doesn't look drunk at all!

Zhou Yanru is impressed. Dong Xuebing's alcohol tolerance had shocked everyone.

The Staff Members look at the empty bottles on the table. They had just watched their new Director drinks six bottles of Baijiu within twenty minutes.

Wow!

Is the new Director human?!

No matter how well you can drink, there should be a limit. You had made four people drunk by yourself and finished six bottles of Jin Liu Fu! How can you hold so much alcohol?!

Everyone has seen good drinkers, but this is the first time they meet someone who can drink so well.

Some Staff Members can only drink 50 ml or 100 ml, and some can drink up to 500 ml. Some people can finish one or two bottles, but this is the first time they see people drink Baijiu by boxes!

There are six bottles in one box, and their new Director had finished everything by himself!

What's more surprising is Dong Xuebing is sober after drinking so many bottles! He is not drunk at all!

Dong Xuebing looks like he can still drink one more box!

Damn!

This guy is a monster!

Everyone looks at Dong Xuebing with respect!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 522 – Establishing his authority!

The next morning.

Nanshan District, Guang Ming Subdistrict Office's family quarters.

Dong Xuebing's apartment is a two-bedroom apartment on the sixth floor. It has a balcony and is has a north-south facing. It is airy, and the morning sun shines through the window at 8 am. Dong Xuebing yawned and looked at the time. He grabbed his cigarettes and lighter from the bedside, removed the wet towel from his forehead before lighting a cigarette, and went into the bathroom.

Ring…. Ring… ring…

Dong Xuebing wiped his face and answered his phone. "Hello, Mum."

"Are you still sleeping?" Luan Xiaoping asked.

"Haha… I woke up. Where are you now?"

"I have just woken up too, and I am in my school's hostel."

"Eh? Why are you not living with Old Yang?"

"Stop talking rubbish." Luan Xiaoping scolded. "We are not married. How can we live together? I have no lessons this morning. Is your apartment issued to you? Do you need me to tidy it up?"

"No need. It's all done. Just go to work."

"I am worried for you and want to take a look at your apartment."

"Let's talk another day again. I still have not settled down at work and will be quite busy these few days. I will visit you after this period, and you don't need to worry about me. I am fine."

"Alright. You must take care of yourself and remember not to skip meals."

"I know. I had a feast with my colleagues last night. Haha…"

Dong Xuebing had drunk around 150 ml of Baijiu last night and felt the kick when he got home. When drinking the six bottles, he had used STOP to spit out the alcohol into a small drawer in the room. The small pots in the drawer are filled with the alcohol he spits. That's why no one can make him drunk. He can even finish ten boxes of Baijiu, let alone one box. His alcohol capacity has no limits.

8.30 am.

Dong Xuebing got dressed and left for work with his bag. His mood is great today.

It's only a five-minute walk, and Dong Xuebing did not drive. He is not assigned with a car, as the old Passat 'assigned' to him by the Office Department is shared by everyone. That's why he did not drive it back yesterday.

Other than the Subdistrict Office Leaders, many Staff Members are staying nearby.

On his way to work, Dong Xuebing recognized some of the Staff Members from his Subdistrict Office.

"I got a fright last night. It's an eye-opener!"

"That's right. How did he finish a box of Jin Liu Fu by himself?"

"Are you serious? It's hard for me to believe what you all said. How can someone drink a box of alcohol?"

"You were not at the dinner yesterday. Xiao Zhang and I, and many other colleagues, saw it with our eyes. Why should we lie?"

"That's right. Our new young Director is not a pushover, and He fooled secretary Geng and the rest."

"That's right. Chief Peng and the rest had collapsed, and Secretary Geng was sent to the hospital."

"Sigh… I had missed a good show yesterday."

"I think no one in Fen Zhou City can match Director Dong's alcohol capacity. It's one box!"

"That's right."

"Shh…. Director Dong is behind us. Let's not talk about this anymore."

The Staff Members quickly stop talking when they notice Dong Xuebing walking over. They greeted him more respectfully compared to yesterday.

"Director!"

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Director Dong."

Dong Xuebing smiles and nodded. "Good morning."

News of Dong Xuebing single-handedly making all four members of the Geng faction drunk spreads quickly. Some staff, who could not attend the dinner, were shocked. When Dong Xuebing enters the Subdistrict Office, everyone greeted him with respect and started to think about their office's new political situation. Many of them thought this new Director does not have any backings and Secretary Geng will take away all his authority. But now, no one is sure about this. The new Director is not simple.

The Working Party Committee Secretary Geng Xinke has also reached the Subdistrict Office.

Geng Xinke is looking terrible, and he should have a bad hangover.

"Secretary Geng."

"Good morning, Secretary Geng."

Although everyone greeted Geng Xinke as always, he felt all of them are giving him weird looks. He felt angry when he remembered he was fooled by Dong Xuebing and vomited at the dinner yesterday. This is not only about his 'face' issue. It has also affected his authority. This might only be a drinking session, but it symbolizes a lot. He had wanted to show Dong Xuebing, the Boss of this Subdistrict Office, but he was drunk instead. This will give others that he is inferior to Dong Xuebing and can create many problems.

Dong Xuebing was about to go upstairs when he heard the Staff Members greeting Geng Xinke. He stops and turns. "Oh, Secretary Geng."

Geng Xinke composed himself and returned the greetings calmly.

"How are you feeling?" Dong Xuebing has never been a forgiving person. "Are you alright now? What did the doctors say?"

Geng Xinke's eyelids twitched. "I'm fine. I left the hospital after an IV drip."

"Good to hear this. What about Chief Peng, Director Yu, and the rest?"

"Director Yu and Director Guo are still in the hospital and might not be here today."

"Are they serious?" Dong Xuebing laughed in his heart. You all want to make me drunk?! You all should have learned your lesson this time. He pretends to be concerned. "Oh, tell them to have a good rest. I will approve their absence and will visit them at the hospital in the afternoon. Sigh… I got a fright last night, and we should cut down on drinking in the future. It's good to get closer over some drinks, but our health is more important. If you fall ill because of alcohol, it will be a great loss to our Subdistrict Office. We should take note of this during our dinners in the future."

Geng Xinke rolled his eyes in his heart. Dinners? Get lost!

Geng Xinke will never drink with Dong Xuebing again in his life. He can tell Dong Xuebing has a bottomless pit stomach, and more than a dozen men can make him drunk. Geng Xinke was fooled by him yesterday and kept thinking he would collapse with one more glass. But he got soberer the more he drunk, and Geng Xinke knows he is not on the same level.

……

Side building.

Party Secretary Office.

Knock… knock… Someone knocks and entered.

"Director, I have brought the document." Zhou Yanru enters the office with a smile. "These are the tasks given to us for this month and some other documents."

Dong Xuebing smiles. "Thank you, Director Zhou."

"It's alright." Zhou Yanru replied. "Oh, Deputy Director Yu and Deputy Director Guo had called in sick today."

"Ok. Let them have a good rest and don't rush to come back to work."

Zhou Yanru smiles as she poured a glass of water for Dong Xuebing. "You had given us an eye-opener last night. I was shocked when I saw you drinking a box of Baijiu. I am not bootlicking by saying this. I am impressed. My husband's alcohol tolerance is nowhere near yours." She paused and tapped her mouth lightly. "Ah… I said too much again."

Zhou Yanru did not hold back in front of Dong Xuebing. She has been talking non-stop since she enters the office. But Dong Xuebing does not mind. He was touched by her actions last night. She had tried to help him drink and showed her tough side by going against Secretary Geng. As one of the bottom-ranking Leaders within the Subdistrict Office, she dares to stand up and stare at the Subdistrict Office's No. 2. Many people don't like people who switch sides easily, and Zhou Yanru's fearless attitude impressed Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing laughed and has accepted her in his heart. "I had worked in many departments and seldom see staffs as cheerful as you. Being cheerful will make my mood better, it's important for a place like our Subdistrict Office. Don't you think so?"

"Yes…" Zhou Yanru smiles. "Then can I continue like this in the future? I am talkative by nature and will feel uncomfortable if I cannot speak."

Dong Xuebing is amused. "It feels good to hear you talk."

Zhou Yanru showed hints of embarrassment. "It's too exaggerated. It's too embarrassing. Haha…"

Zhou Yanru left after chatting for a while.

In the room, Dong Xuebing crossed his legs and lit a cigarette. He had established his authority with the help of Geng Xinke and his men. This is a good start.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 523 – Born to be a trouble maker!

Morning.

Guang Ming Subdistrict Office.

Dong Xuebing was reading about the work procedures of the Subdistrict Office when his office phone rang.

"Hello." Dong Xuebing answered. "I'm Dong Xuebing."

The call is from the reception office. "Director, someone is looking for you."

"…. Who is it?"

"She says her surname is Su. It's a lady."

"Her surname is Su? Is she downstairs now?"

"Yes."

"Let her come upstairs. I will be waiting in my office."

The main building is the service lobby, and there are no restrictions for people to enter. But the side building is the offices of the Working Party Committee and the Office Department. Not anyone can enter. Visitors are required to register at the reception, and permission must be granted before they can enter. Some reporters had secretly entered the Offices previously, and the Office had to take precautions.

After a while, Dong Xuebing hears sounds of high heels outside his office.

The door opens, and Su Jia appears with a bright smile. She is wearing a pastel color office attire and seems to have added padding to her flat chest. They look bigger, and she is carrying a piece of small luggage.

"Xuebing, you didn't expect me to appear, right?"

"Oh." Dong Xuebing walks over. "Why are you here, Sis? I didn't expect it's you."

Su Jia puts down her luggage and giggle. "It's so hard to meet you now. You are a high-ranking Official, and I still need to get permission first."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "It's the same for all Subdistrict Office. This is because we want to keep reporters out."

Su Jia rolled her eyes. "Hmph! You are trying to take precautions against me."

"You are a TV station host, and it's not counted." Dong Xuebing poured a cup of tea for her.

"Let me do it." Su Jia tried to get the teapot from him but failed. "I am transferred to the City now and is considered half a reporter now. I had just got off the long-distance bus from Yan Tai County and will start officially tomorrow." She had a short pause and continue. "Feng Zhou Daily News Agency, and is under the City's Publicity Department. It's my Uncle who helped me get this transfer."

Su Jia's Uncle is the City Party Committee Organization Department, Yang Zhaode.

Dong Xuebing raised his brows. "Congratulations on your promotion."

Su Jia laughed. "How can I be compared to you? I am only a small Leader in the News Editorial Department. I still have to thank you for helping me get the internship at Xin Hua News Agency. Without that experience, I will not get this promotion. My Uncle wants me to gain some experience in the newspaper agency before going to a TV station. The TV station's environment is more complicated than the newspaper agency. Haha… are you free the day after tomorrow? I want to give you a treat after I settled down. I know you are busy today as you had just arrived here."

"We can have dinner anytime, as we are both working in the City."

"Alright. I will call you again. But it will not be a big feast, as I spent too much in Beijing."

"It's a feast even if you treat me to some meat skewers."

"What meat skewers? Your Sister is not this stingy! I will treat you to hotpot! Haha…"

Both are not outsiders and did not hold back while chatting.

Dong Xuebing's mood got better after meeting Su Jia. Fen Zhou Daily is one of the top three news agencies in the City. He is new in this area and needs more connections and friends. She had impressed Dong Xuebing, as her Uncle, Yang Zhaode, is the City's Party Committee Member. Still, she did not reveal their relationship to others. He knows it's not because she wants to keep low. All high-ranking leaders have authority and rivals. Their relatives might enjoy privileges but also will be targeted by their rivals. This is also Xie Huilan's advice to him.

Dong Xuebing also wants to stay low when he was transferred here. That's why he parked his car at a basement carpark in Nanshan District and kept his 2 million RMB Patek Philippe watch. He wants to get familiar with the new working environment and the different connections and backings first.

After chatting for a while, Su Jia suddenly laughs. "I heard someone had tried to provoke you yesterday. It was your first day, right?"

Dong Xuebing was surprised. "How do you know?"

"I overheard two Staff members chatting about you when I enter the Subdistrict Office's compound. They are talking about drinking at the dinner yesterday. What happened?" Su Jia laughed. "Who is it that tried to provoke you?"

Dong Xuebing replied. "Some of our Staff insisted on drinking with me during yesterday's welcome dinner, and I drunk a bit of alcohol with them."

Su Jia had experienced a similar incident when she was transferred to Yan Tai County TV station. Furthermore, Dong Xuebing is young and is holding a high rank. Many people will be jealous of him.

Su Jia curiously asked. "How much did you drink?"

"…. Errr… one box."

"One box?" Su Jia is puzzled. "You finished one box of beer by yourself, and your subordinates are all drunk? How come I didn't know you can drink so well?"

Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "It's Jin Liu Fu."

"Huh?" Su Jia is shocked. "A box of Baijiu?!"

Dong Xuebing laughed. "I am in my top form recently, and my alcohol tolerance had increased."

Su Jia is speechless. That's a box of alcohol, and no matter how well you feel, it's not possible to digest so much alcohol. But after a few seconds, she laughs. "Xuebing, I notice you are a trouble maker. You can create trouble wherever you go. No wonder everyone in the Subdistrict Office looks like they had just seen a ghost. But this is because they don't know you well. They will not be surprised if they know about your feats in Yan Tai County."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "I shall treat this as a compliment."

"Yes. It's a compliment." Su Jia giggled. "I know you are born to be under the spotlight. Even if you are transferred to Inner Mongolia's Maritime Administration, you will still be a prominent figure there. Let alone at this Subdistrict Office."

"Huh? Mongolia has sea?"

"Haha… no, but I am sure you can create one for them!"

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 524 – Disrespecting me?

Noon.

It's lunchtime.

Su Jia stayed in Dong Xuebing's office for a while in the morning and left. He spent the rest of the morning reading documents and went for lunch with the meal card given to him by Zhou Yanru.

"Director Wang."

"Good afternoon, Sister Wang."

"Sister Wang, have you eaten?"

A girl in her mid-twenties, carrying a trendy handbag, is walking into the Subdistrict compound. She is average-looking, with short hair below ear level. She wore a short sleeves shirt and a pair of red leather shoes. Many Staff Members greeted her warmly when she enters the compound.

Dong Xuebing had seen her photograph and recognized her.

This girl is Wang Yuling, the Office Department's Deputy Director and District Party Secretary's Niece.

Wang Yuling has a youthful look, and she returned the greetings with a smile. Her hips sway as she walks and doesn't behave like a Leader in the Subdistrict Office. She looks more like a young office lady.

Dong Xuebing's first impression of Wang Yuling is she is spoiled.

Dong Xuebing returns to his office after lunch to continue reading the documents. He smoked a cigarette and thought about Wang Yuling. He had taught Geng Xinke a minor lesson and had established his authority. It should be Wang Yuling's turn. She had applied for leave yesterday and did not turn up at the welcome dinner. This is not showing respect for him.

This girl is another troublemaker.

Knock… knock… knock…

"Come in."

Wang Yuling entered Dong Xuebing's Office and greeted him softly.

Dong Xuebing remained in his chair and smiles. "Director Wang? I didn't expect our Subdistrict Office have a leader as young as you. Have a seat."

Wang Yuling is used to such compliments and did not show any expressions. "Thank you."

"I remember you are in charge of the Woman's Association and Family Planning departments. Is there anything wrong?"

"Nothing. I was not at work yesterday, and I am here to greet you." Wang Yuling looks distracted.

Dong Xuebing nodded and felt uncomfortable.

Zhou Yanru knocks on the door and enters the office at this moment. "Director, I have brought the various Neighborhood Committees' data. When are you going to hold the Neighborhood Committee meeting?"

Dong Xuebing smiles. "Let me familiarized myself with the work first, and we will talk about this a few days later."

Wang Yuling interrupted. "Director, if there's nothing else, I will go back to work." She turns and smiles when she saw Zhou Yanru. She whispered to her. "Sister Zhou, I had bought a new handbag. I will show it to you later. Hehe…" She said this despite being in the Leader's Office, and she didn't feel there's anything wrong. She left the office happily and did not even look at Dong Xuebing in his eyes.

Zhou Yanru is embarrassed as she saw Dong Xuebing's expression.

Dong Xuebing is irritated. He does know why the District Party Secretary had not met him when he arrived yesterday. Still, it was Secretary Wang Anshi who approved his appointment. That's why he was polite towards Wang Yuling. But she is too disrespectful. She showed that she does not want to speak to him and behaves like a spoiled princess.

Zhou Yanru quickly says. "Director Xiao Wang is still young and immature. Please don't blame her."

Dong Xuebing laughed. "I can tell you two are very close."

Zhou Yanru doesn't know what to reply.

"Alright. Leave the documents here. I will look at them later."

"Ok. I… I will go back to work. Please let me know if you need anything."

Dong Xuebing's face changed after Zhou Yanru left. I don't mind you coming in late, but you should show some respect at least. What sort of attitude have you shown since you entered my office? Do you think no one dares to reprimand you because your uncle is the District Party Secretary? Dong Xuebing might be unhappy, but he does not intend to do anything to her. He had heard about her and knows she is not ambitious. She doesn't have any political wisdom and is working at the Office Department to past time. That's why Dong Xuebing decides to tolerate her behavior and pretends not to see her attitude. Who asks her to have a high-ranking uncle? He had offended Geng Xinke when he was transferred to Nanshan District, and he still doesn't know how the District Mayor would react. He doesn't want to have too many enemies for now.

Side building, level three staircase.

Zhou Yanru said helplessly. "Yuling, what's with that attitude earlier? You should not behave like that."

Wang Yuling and Zhou Yanru are walking down the stairs. She smacked her lips. "What's wrong with my attitude? This is the way I am."

"Director Dong is our Leader, and you…." Zhou Yanru advised.

Wang Yuling giggled and interrupted her. "What Leader? He is so young and looks like he is younger than me. Let's not talk about this anymore. Sister Zhou, come to my office now. I want to show you the handbag I bought yesterday. It's beautiful. Haha… If you like it, I will buy one for you tomorrow."

Zhou Yanru patted Wang Yuling's hand. "When can you grow up?"

Wang Yuling argued. "Why are you still talking about this? Am I considered mature when I have to bow down and speak humbly to everyone? Why should I?" From the day she started working at the Subdistrict Office, everyone has been treating her respectfully. Even Geng Xinke did not find trouble with her, and she is used to it. That's why she starts to do whatever she likes and didn't treat her superiors with respect.

Zhou Yanru sighed and did not continue.

Wang Yuling hugged Zhou Yanru's arm and pulled her to her office. "Let's go and see my handbag."

"Sigh… I have no words for you."

Everyone in the Subdistrict Office knows Wang Yuling holds a special status in the Office Department. She is late at least three times and takes two days off from work every week. Other than Office Director Zhou Yanru, she almost doesn't speak to anyone else. The Staff Members might even think she is the Subdistrict Office's Director if they don't know her. She also did not show any respect for the former Director. Still, everyone knows her uncle is the District Party Secretary. That's why all the leaders let her do whatever she wants, as they don't want to offend the District's No. 1.

1.30 pm.

Dong Xuebing went downstairs for a round of inspection and noticed many issues. For example, the staff's attitude at the Service Lobby, the attitudes of the various departments, etc. Seems like what he saw yesterday was only a show, and the staff showed their true colors after one day. Some staff was munching on melon seeds, and some were chatting among themselves. But he knows it takes time to solve these issues, as this is common in most government departments.

As Dong Xuebing walks past the Party Office Department's Office, he overheard Wang Yuling giggling.

"Sister Zhou, I told you my handbag is beautiful."

"You are young, and all handbags look good on you."

"Hehe… you are not old. I think the blue color suits you. I will buy one for you tomorrow. It's very cheap and cost around 100 RMB."

"No need. I don't need such trendy handbags at my age."

Dong Xuebing frowned and thought to himself. It's fine if you two are chatting during work hours, but there are limits to it. He doesn't have anything against Zhou Yanru, but his impression of Wang Yuling got worse.

Suddenly, the door opens.

Wang Yuling walks out of the office with a smile. She immediately stops smiling and sulk when she saw Dong Xuebing. "Director Dong, why are you here?"

Hmph. Who are you to ask me this question?

Who is the Leader here? You or me?!

But when Dong Xuebing thinks of the District Secretary, he remained composed. "I am walking around. How's your work?"

Wang Yuling replied nonchalantly. "It's done."

Dong Xuebing nodded and was about to say something when Wang Yuling excused herself and left.

"Someone is waiting for me in my office." Wang Yuling still has her disrespectful attitude.

Dong Xuebing had wanted to ask Wang Yuling to make an appointment with the District Secretary. Still, he almost loses his temper because of her attitude. After the life and death experience in the sea, he is more composed now and less impulsive than before. He suppressed his anger and went to the carpark. He did not call for a driver and drove that Passat to the District Party Committee Building.

District's Party Committee Compound.

Today can be considered Dong Xuebing's official first day, and he needs to report to his superior.

Dong Xuebing went to the District Government Building first and knocks on the District Executive Deputy Mayor's office. He waits for a while, and no one opens the door. He went upstairs to the District Mayor's Office, and a Staff told him the Mayors have their monthly meeting today before he knocks on the door. Geng Yuhua and the Executive Deputy Mayor are in the smaller meeting room, which might take a few hours.

Dong Xuebing can only go downstairs again and walks to the District Party Committee Building, hoping to meet the District Party Secretary, Wang Anshi. He hopes he can get his support, as he can forget about getting Mayor Geng Yuhua's support because of Geng Xinke.

Translator's notes: A meal card is similar to a prepaid card for the workplace cafeteria. This is common in China's Universities, factories, and large corporations with their cafeteria.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 525 – F*k You!

Afternoon.

District Party Committee Building.

Knock, knock. Dong Xuebing knocks on the Party Secretary's secretary office.

"Come in." A young voice said.

Dong Xuebing entered the secretary's office. "Is Secretary Wang around? I am here to report."

There is only a young man in the office. He was the one who received him yesterday and is around 27 to 28 years old. Dong Xuebing only found out he is Secretary Wang's secretary, and his surname is Cang. He heard secretary Cang had gained the trust of the Party Secretary, and he did not stand to greet him. "Are you Director Dong of Guang Ming Subdistrict? Have a seat. You might need to wait a while."

"Alright." Dong Xuebing took out his cigarettes and offered one to secretary Cang. "Have a smoke?"

Secretary Cang waved his hand to reject the offer and continued with his work.

Dong Xuebing saw secretary Cang's cold attitude and kept his cigarettes. He had not mentioned whether Party Secretary Wang is around, and Dong Xuebing can only wait on the sofa.

Five minutes…

Ten minutes….

Twenty minutes….

Ring… ring… ring…. Secretary Cang's office phone rang.

Secretary Cang cleared his throat and answered. "Good afternoon…. Oh, Chief Meng… Yes… yes…. Please hold on and let me ask for you." He walks out of the office and returns twenty seconds later. "Secretary Wang has no visitors now, and he asked you to come over… Alright… Yes… Goodbye."

Dong Xuebing frowned. "Secretary Cang."

Secretary Cang looks at him. "I had told Secretary Wang, and he asked you to wait a while."

Chief Meng? Even if he is a Department Chief, he is holding the same rank as me. I had waited for twenty minutes, and I should go in first. Are my matters not important? Dong Xuebing is losing his patience, but he continued to wait.

Thirty minutes….

Forty minutes….

Ring… ring… ring… Dong Xuebing's phone rang, and it is the Subdistrict Office's number.

Dong Xuebing answered. "Hello?"

"Director Dong, I'm Qu Yiqiang, from the Disciplinary Work Committee. Are you in your office?"

"Secretary Qu? I am at the District Party Committee. What's wrong?"

Qu Yiqiang hesitated for a while. "Something happened at the Administrative Service Lobby. Comrade Wang Yuling had gotten into an argument with some civilians."

Wang Yuling again?

Dong Xuebing frowned. "What happened?"

"An old lady, who has to walk with the help of a walking stick, met Director Wang at the lobby and asked her where is the service counter. Director Wang directed her upstairs, but it was the wrong counter. The old lady has difficulties in walking and wastes twenty minutes of her time. She found out the counter she is going to is located on the first-floor service Lobby when she comes downstairs again. She got mad and demanded Director Wang to apologize. But Director Wang got agitated and started arguing with her. She even scolded that old lady."

Dong Xuebing's face changed. "Wang Yuling scolded her?"

Qu Yiqiang sighed and replied. "Yes."

Secretary Cang overheard Wang Yuling's name and looked over.

Dong Xuebing suppressed his anger. "I know. Try to control the situation. I will return after I finish my work here."

Qu Yiqiang did not receive any instructions from Dong Xuebing and did not say much.

Dong Xuebing knows why Qu Yiqiang has called him. If it were someone else, he would have scolded and taken disciplinary actions against the staff. A government servant would receive disciplinary actions if they scolded civilians at their workplace regardless of the reason. Furthermore, Wang Yuling had given the wrong directions at first. But she is the District Party Secretary's Niece. Suppose Qu Yiqiang was to pursue this matter. Who knows if she will complain to her uncle. If the District Party Secretary has something against you, it will be hard to survive at work.

Dong Xuebing is getting frustrated with Wang Yuling! It's fine if she doesn't respect him, yet she is creating trouble at the Subdistrict Office.

Secretary Cang asked suddenly. "Yuling is working at Guang Ming Subdistrict Office, right?"

Dong Xuebing looks at him. "Yes."

"She is a good staff." Secretary Cang guessed Wang Yuling might have caused trouble and hinted to Dong Xuebing. "She is young and is prone to make mistakes. We must be forgiving towards youngsters, and Secretary Wang has high hopes for her."

What's the meaning of this? Are you trying to warn me?

Dong Xuebing narrowed his eyes. Secretary Cang is telling him to be lenient to Wang Yuling and not to hold her responsible. He has used a condescending tone, which is unlike what other secretaries would use. He sounded like he is Dong Xuebing's superior. His rank should either be a Deputy Section Chief or a Section Chief and is not as high as Dong Xuebing. That's why he felt very uncomfortable when he heard secretary Cang's tone.

Dong Xuebing is almost at his boiling point. "I will handle Director Wang's issue properly. Secretary Cang, when can Party Secretary Wang…."

"Wait a while more. He should be free to meet you soon."

Dong Xuebing had waited for almost an hour, and something crops up at the Subdistrict Office. He needs to rush back, but he can't leave now as secretary Cang had informed Wang Anshi about his visit. What would Secretary Wang think if he leaves now?

One minute…

Two minutes…

Dong Xuebing heard the sounds of a door opening along the corridor. It seems to be the District Secretary's Office.

Secretary Cang quickly open his office's door and saw a middle-aged man about to knock on the door.

"Secretary Cang."

"Oh, Director Sun."

"Is Secretary Wang free?"

"Please wait. I will ask him."

One minute later, Secretary Cang came out from Party Secretary Wang's Office and said to Director Sun. "Secretary Wang asked you to go in."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

Dong Xuebing overheard and asked. "Secretary Cang, I had been waiting for almost an hour."

Secretary Cang replied emotionlessly. "Director Sun has something urgent. You can…"

Urgent?!

Does that mean my matters are not urgent?

Even if Wang Anshi does not want to approve my application, or Xiang Daofa had told him something bad about me, you all should not treat me like this. I have never offended you all, and what's wrong with me coming here to report to you? Is this how you all want to treat me?!

Dong Xuebing nodded and left the office without saying anything.

Secretary Cang did not expect Dong Xuebing to leave suddenly and is stunned.

Dong Xuebing finally knows the District Party Secretary thought nothing of him! Just like Wang Yuling!

You all had not taken me seriously from the start and still want me to respect you?

F*k you!

Chapter 526 – Director Dong's scolding!

Afternoon.

Dong Xuebing left secretary Cang's office and returned to his car. He slammed the door loudly and drove out of the compound. Many people were shocked by him, but they would know this is his temper if they knew him. He would return the respect several folds if someone showed respect to him. But if someone is to disrespect him or trampled over him, he will not show face. So what if you are the District Party Secretary?! F*k off! Do you think I must suck up to you?

My life will still go on without your support!

I can still carry out my duties without you!

Do you think you are the Province Party Secretary?!

After this incident, Dong Xuebing can confirm Xiang Daofa was up to no good when he helped him get this position. He must have said something to Wang Shian, and that's why he and his secretary are showing this attitude. Is this a warning to ask him to be obedient? Even if I had created many problems in Yan Tai County, I have never offended you or your district! This is ridiculous! You can show your powers and authority to whoever you want! I can't be bothered with you!

Dong Xuebing doesn't care if the District Secretary will have a bad impression of him. He has wasted almost an hour of his time and met two other people with low ranks while letting him wait. He is the one who provoked Dong Xuebing first. You all don't have any respect for me, then don't blame me for whatever is going to happen! Dong Xuebing had offended too many people and didn't mind offending one more. He even dares to scold Xie Huilan's Grandfather, Senior Xie, after drinking, and this is nothing.

…….

Guang Ming Subdistrict Office.

Level One Administrative Service Lobby.

"Is this how your Subdistrict Office do things? What kind of attitude is this?"

"Why don't you talk about yourself?! You are grabbing my hand and still insisted I apologize?! You are the one who didn't make yourself clear, and how can you blame me when you go to the wrong counter?!"

"You all… are too much!"

"This is a Government Agency! I am warning you not to create a fuss just because you are old!"

"This is the third time you scolded me! The third time! Where is your Leader?! I want to speak to your Leader!"

"Are you done?! Hurry up and get lost! Stop creating trouble here!"

"I demand an apology!"

The argument attracted a crowd. An Old Lady with a walking stick is grabbing onto the Subdistrict Office's Office Department Deputy Director Wang Yuling. Wang Yuling can't be bothered with the Old Lady, but the Old Lady refused to let her go. Many Leaders are aware of this incident but don't want to get involved because of Wang Yuling. Only the Deputy Chief of the Service Lobby, Meng Shengguo, and Office Director Zhou Yanru are around.

Zhou Yanru persuaded. "Yuling, stop it!"

Wang Yuling retorted. "This Old Lady is too much! What else does she want?! She is purposely creating trouble here!"

Meng Shengguo is on Wang Yuling's side, and he shouted to the Old Lady. "You are the one who didn't ask properly and still dare to create a scene here?! You are affecting our work. If you carry on, we will call the Police!"

The Old Lady is furious. "Police?! What crime has I committed?! Ah!?"

The crowd could not stand it any longer and started whispering among themselves. All of them had been unhappy with the service staff of the Subdistrict Office.

"That Lady was asking for the filing counter, and I heard it from a distance!"

"That's right. You all are the ones who gave the wrong directions and still dare to blame others?! You all are bullying us!"

"Even if she did not make herself clear, you all should not scold her! What upbringing do you have?!"

Wang Yuling is looking terrible. "Guards! Get the guards to chase them out!"

This is very common in the Subdistrict Office. Arguments between civilians and service staff happen almost every day, but the Subdistrict Office is not a bank. They don't accept any complaints, and most of the time, the civilians will leave. Also, this incident involves Wang Yuling, and she is the District Party Secretary's niece. No one will blame her, and she will get a lenient punishment at most. The other Leaders know the outcome and did not go downstairs to settle it.

Two security guards entered the lobby.

Wang Yuling ordered. "Chase her out!"

The guards exchanged looks and nodded. They went over and were about to drag the Old Lady out.

Dong Xuebing enters the lobby and is furious when he saw what was happening. "What is this?! Why is this not settled?!"

Meng Shengguo had not attended the welcome dinner yesterday as he had something on at home. But he had lunch with Dong Xuebing yesterday. He saw the new Director entering and quickly reply. "Director, we are working on it. Don't worry. We will drag her out now."

Dong Xuebing got more furious. "Drag her out?! I think you should be the one who should get out!"

Meng Shengguo is stun. "Huh? I…"

Wang Yuling took a glance at Dong Xuebing. "Director, this Old Lady…."

"Did I ask you to speak?!" Dong Xuebing shouted.

Wang Yuling is also shocked as she did not expect Dong Xuebing to shout at her.

Dong Xuebing turned and went over to hold that Old lady's arm. "Auntie, sorry to have frightened you. It is our Subdistrict Office that had failed in our duties. Please calm down. I will apologize on behalf of the Office. Sorry… Are you going to do a filing? I will help you to the counter." He saw the counter. "The counter is over there. I will help you over. Please watch your steps."

The Old Leader looks at Dong Xuebing. "You are…."

"I am the Subdistrict Office's Director. You can call me Xiao Dong."

"Ah…" The Old Lady is surprised. "Are you their Leader?"

The Subdistrict Office Director is a high-ranking Officer to the Old Lady. Her anger is appeased when she saw Dong Xuebing apologizing and helping her. "Young man, I am not purposely creating a scene here, but that young lady is too much. She had wasted my time and scolded me."

Dong Xuebing replied. "Don't worry. I will handle this."

The other Leaders heard Dong Xuebing's voice and went downstairs. Geng Xinke, Qu Yiqiang, and Guo Mingfeng, who had just returned from the hospital, went to the lobby.

"Director."

"Director Dong."

Everyone is surprised by Dong Xuebing shouting at Wang Yuling over this incident. No Leaders have ever raised their voice at Wang Yuling since she started working here, let alone scold her. If she complains to the District Party Secretary, the Leader will be in trouble.

Dong Xuebing's actions had exceeded everyone's expectations. After the Old Lady completed her matter, Dong Xuebing turns to Wang Yuling and points at her. "Wang Yuling! Is this your working attitude?! Do you know what your role is?! You are a Civil Servant in a Subdistrict Office! Your duty is to serve the people! Instead of apologizing after giving the wrong directions, you still scold her?! What are you trying to do?! Do you have the self-consciousness of Civil Servant?!"

Wang Yuling stared at Dong Xuebing furiously. "You…."

Zhou Yanru, Qu Yiqiang, and the rest were shocked by Dong Xuebing. No one dares to say a word in the lobby, and even Geng Xinke is looking at him in shock.

Dong Xuebing continued. "What is the role of the Subdistrict Office?! Do you need me to repeat myself?! Did you forget about the rules and discipline guidelines?! How dare you argue with civilians at your workplace?! Stare?! Do you think you are right?! Try staring at me again!'

Wang Yuling's eyes are all red.

It's fine if you have no respect for me. But how dare you scold the civilians?! This is tarnishing the Subdistrict Office and my reputation! Dong Xuebing had already offended Wang Anshi and didn't care about him anymore! When he remembers secretary Cang's tone earlier to ask him to be lenient towards Wang Yuling, he got more furious. "You absented yourself from work yesterday and didn't turn up for work this morning! Yet you didn't even submit your leave application! Do you think the Subdistrict Office is your playground and you can come and go as you like?! If you don't want to work here, pack up and leave!"

The new Director is scolding others!

He is scolding the District Party Secretary's Niece!

All the Subdistrict Office Leaders and Staff Members drew a deep breath!

No one had ever shouted at Wang Yuling before, and her tears started flowing.

Dong Xuebing had been angry since morning and did not stop scolding, although Wang Yuling is crying. He continued for more than ten minutes in front of everyone. This is the first time he had scolded anyone like this.

Wang Yuling cried louder as Dong Xuebing scolded her.

Dong Xuebing stopped as he felt his voice is getting hoarse. Wang Yuling is covered in tears, and everyone is looking at him in shock.

The crowd of civilians are happy and felt this young Director is right to scold her.

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 527 – Subdistrict Office's biggest troublemaker!

Subdistrict Office.

Administrative Service Lobby.

Wang Yuling continued to sob, and the lobby still has the echo of Dong Xuebing's scolding.

The Old lady pitied Wang Yuling and told Dong Xuebing. "Young man, thank you for your help. I think the young lady had not done it purposely. Just forget it. I do not want her to apologize anymore. I also should not have grabbed her earlier."

Dong Xuebing also wanted to let Wang Yuling off after she cried. "I want your self-reflection letter on my desk before tomorrow morning!"

Wang Yuling wiped her tears and did not reply.

Dong Xuebing looks at the rest of the Subdistrict Office staff, especially the Lobby's service staff. "I am announcing a new rule now! Whoever received two complaints from members of the public within a month will have to submit a 1,000 words self-reflection letter. Staff Members will submit their letters to their respective Leaders. If any Leaders are involved, the letters will be submitted to me. The staff will have to read the letters out loud in front of everyone the next day. Suppose there are serious complaints, or anyone that is complained three times or more. In that case, they will have their salaries deducted and bonuses forfeited. Secretary Qu, write up a detailed workflow on this."

Secretary Qu nodded. This should have been done earlier as he had been unhappy with the service standards all this while.

All the Staff Members in the Lobby pulled a long face.

Geng Xinke frowned. Shouldn't the Work Party Committee decide this important decision after discussion? Are you trying to make all the decisions by yourself? He felt this is not right but did not oppose it as many civilians are there. Also, he was frightened by Dong Xuebing's overbearingness when he scolded Wang Yuling. He dares to scold the District Party Secretary's niece in public, and Geng Xinke might be the next if he opposed this new rule.

Dong Xuebing looks at Deputy Director Meng Shengguo, who is in charge of the Service Lobby. "Tomorrow, I want to see an additional table to handle civilians' complaints in the lobby. Whoever that dares to show such attitude or such incident happens again will be handed over to the Disciplinary Work Committee!" He paused and looked at Zhou Yanru. "Director Zhou, you will get a staff from the Party Office Department to man the complaint counter, and you will be in charge of it!"

Zhou Yanru quickly acknowledged.

Meng Shengguo feels anxious because he knows the new Director is unhappy with how he handles the situation earlier. But Wang Yuling is the Leader's relative, and this is a minor incident. He felt that was the best way to handle the incident.

Dong Xuebing had said his piece and turned to the Old Lady again. "Auntie, I had failed in my duties for this incident to happen. I am sorry for what happened."

The Old Lady felt awkward. "No need. It's fine."

Dong Xuebing looks at Zhou Yanru. "Director Zhou, get someone to send her home."

"Ok." Zhou Yanru called an Office Department Staff Member to get the car.

The Old Lady is grateful and tried to reject Dong Xuebing's offer. But she still boarded the car in the end. After settling this incident, he speaks to Qu Yiqiang about the new regulation before returning to his office.

Dong Xuebing lit a cigarette in his office and felt he had handled the incident correctly. The Subdistrict Office is different from other departments because it is under the District Government, and it's hard for the Subdistrict Office to show results. It is a low-profile department, and its main duty is to serve the people in the neighborhood. That's why the people's evaluation of the Office is his report card and not the Leaders' relatives.

Knock… knock… knock…

"Come in!" Dong Xuebing continued looking at the document in his hand without lifting his head.

Geng Xinke entered. "Director, the new regulation you imposed earlier is not right. You cannot use the banks' regulations…."

Dong Xuebing lifts his head. "Keep your opinions to yourself!"

Geng Xinke is speechless. "I have my reservations on this!" He turns and left. What's wrong with you? Why are you blowing your top at me?!

Minutes after Dong Xuebing scolded Wang Yuling, everyone in the Subdistrict Office knows about it. He had made the District Mayor's Brother drunk and embarrassed himself and caused Guo Mingfeng, Yu Rongfeng, and Peng Gang to be hospitalized for overdrinking on his first day. On his second day, he scolded the District Party Secretary's Niece until she cried.

Damn!

What are you trying to do?!

Everyone had seen people with guts, but not anyone who dares to offend Nanshan District's No. 1 and No. 2 immediately after he started working. What is going on?! Are you not afraid of the repercussions from them?

Many people don't understand what the new Director is thinking and felt he would be in trouble.

"Eh, have you heard about it? The new Director had scolded Director Wang until she cried."

"I heard about it earlier. A storm is brewing."

"Yes. I saw Director Wang crying and the District Government…."

"Is our Leader going to be replaced? But the Director had just been appointed… this should be impossible."

"Who knows? Anyway, the new Director is in a bad situation. Director Wang is not someone he can scold."

"Secretary Geng is also not going to let him off after what happened yesterday, and the higher-ups might replace him."

"But I think our new Director is right to scold Director Wang. She is not serious at work and doesn't show any respect to others. If she carries on like this, she will get into trouble sooner or later."

"Shhh… don't let others hear you."

Many Staff Members are discussing this incident.

Geng Xinke, Guo Mingfeng, and the rest of the Geng faction are waiting to laugh at Dong Xuebing. They want to see how he is going to handle this situation. He had scolded Wang Yuling, but can he handle the District's pressure?

But Dong Xuebing, who is smoking and reading his documents in his office, is unfazed by this incident. Pressure? He had been under pressure since he entered the Government Service. He had arrested his Leader's relative, scolded his Leader's secretary, talk back at his leaders, and even dragged his Leader off his position. No one in the Subdistrict Office can imagine what he had gone through.

So what if you are the District Party Secretary's relative?!

You didn't have any respect for me, and you expect me to give you face?!

I will scold you when you did something wrong! What can you do to me?!

Dong Xuebing has always felt Geng Xinke and Wang Yuling are the trouble makers within the Subdistrict Office. Still, he doesn't know he is the biggest troublemaker of all!

Report chapter Comments

Chapter 528 – The domineering new Director!

The next day.

The warm Summer breeze caused the leaves on the trees by the roadside to rustle.

It's before 9 am, and Dong Xuebing walks from the Family Quarters to the Subdistrict Office for work. He did not go to his office but went straight to the Administrative Office. Some staff is there cleaning up and printing documents. Zhou Yanru, dressed in blouse and pants, directs two Staff Members where to place a table. After that, she placed a sign in front of it. Complaints Counter.

Dong Xuebing smiles. "Director Zhou."

"Good morning, Director."

"Why are you so early today?" Dong Xuebing walks over.

Zhou Yanru smiles. "I am busy today and came here one hour earlier to do my work. Is the location of the complaints counter fine? We have set it up, and Xiao Liu will be in charge of it. After the civilians had lodged a complaint and it is verified, it will be filed in the Party Office Department's PC."

Dong Xuebing nodded. "Good."

Zhou Yanru continued. "What other instructions do you have?"

"This will be a precedence in Nan Shan District, and I want you to monitor it closely."

"I will. The Work Party Office Department will handle it well, and you can hold me responsible if there are any problems." Zhou Yanru's assurance made Dong Xuebing comfortable. "Oh, I had arranged a meeting with the neighborhood committees in our small meeting room at 10 am. If this timing is fine with you, I will inform the heads of the Neighborhood Committees."

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "It's not a meeting. I just want to know them."

"Ok. I will pass the message."

Dong Xuebing nodded and saw the Secretary of the Disciplinary Work Committee, Qu Yiqiang, walking in with his briefcase. Qu Yiqiang smiles. "Director, the new regulation…."

"Let talk while we walk."

"Ok"

Both their offices are located in the Side Building. They discussed the implementation of the new regulation while walking. Qu Yiqiang suggested. "I thought about it yesterday. Since we have set up a complaints counter in our Service Lobby, why don't we implement it in the neighborhood committees? Of course, the complaint counters do not need to be set up in the various neighborhood offices. Our Subdistrict Office will also accept complaints against them other than our service counters. This will be deterrence and improve the service standards of all public servants."

Dong Xuebing thought for a while. "This is a good suggestion, and we should do it."

Qu Yiqiang continued. "Although we have feedback boxes located in the neighborhoods, most of the cases are about minor disputes between neighbors or businesses. We seldom receive complaints against our staff. It will be a good thing if our complaint counters work, and it should be introduced in all Subdistrict Offices." Dong Xuebing's impression of Qu Yiqiang is good. He is careful and thoughtful.

Dong Xuebing replied. "It will be hard to implement in all Subdistricts."

Qu Yiqiang nodded. He knows it will be difficult to implement it, as the District Government might not approve it.

"Secretary Qu, join me in the meeting with the Neighborhood Committees later and bring up this complaint counter-proposal. We will implement it in our neighborhoods as soon as possible."

"Alright. I will prepare the documents."

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and felt it's not right. "Never mind. Let me do it instead. This proposal will offend others, and I should do it. I will get the Office Department to prepare the documents and will bring it up later."

It's easy for Dong Xuebing and Qu Yiqiang to suggest this, but implementing it won't be easy. The situations in the various neighborhoods are complicated, and they deal with the civilians directly. It's like they are not part of the government system, and Dong Xuebing is not confident of ordering them. This complaint counter will offend others, and regardless if it is implemented or not, people will be talking about it. This is an arduous and fruitless task. That's why Dong Xuebing decided to suggest it himself. Anyway, he doesn't mind offending a few more people.

Qu Yiqiang laughed. "Director, are you belittling me? This should be our Disciplinary Work Committee's job, and I can handle this small pressure."

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "You don't need to get involved. I will do it."

Qu Yiqiang did not continue, and he is deeply impressed with Dong Xuebing's courage. No new Directors will dare to make such decisions like him. Guang Ming Subdistrict Office finally has a Leader who is not afraid of offending others. Both got along well, and before they parted, Qu Yiqiang hinted that he would support his work Party Committee meeting to implement this proposal. Dong Xuebing knows he had pulled Qu Yiqiang over to his side. Zhou Yanru… Qu Yiqiang… His faction is growing, and it's good.

Back in his office, Dong Xuebing opens his windows to air the room.

Before he lit his cigarette, he notices a woman walking into the Subdistrict Office compound. She is Wang Yuling, but he couldn't see her expression because of the distance.

"Director Wang."

"Good morning, Director Wang."

A few Staff Members greeted her.

Wang Yuling nodded coldly to return the greetings.

Dong Xuebing thought, why is she not late today? He is prepared to fight a prolonged battle with Wang Yuling and her uncle and thought about what the District Party Committee would do to him in the future. Making things difficult for him, create obstacles, or deal with him directly? He doesn't know and just has to take it as he goes.

10 am.

Dong Xuebing enters the small meeting room, and all the seats are filled.

Besides Qu Yiqiang, Zhou Yanru, Guo Mingfeng, and Yu Rongfeng, Dong Xuebing has not met the rest. He looks at the names on the tables. Huai An Yi Li Neighborhood Committee Secretary, Guang Ming Neighborhood Committee Secretary, Director, Liu Xiang Neighborhood Committee Secretary, Liu Xiang Neighborhood Committee Director, etc. All the No. 1 and No. 2 of the Neighborhood Committees are at the meeting. Many of them hold the positions of both Secretary and Director in the Neighborhood Committees, and there are ten of them.

Dong Xuebing did not waste time and introduced himself. After his introduction, the participants made a brief introduction of themselves and their neighborhoods.

Twenty minutes later.

Dong Xuebing memorizes the faces and names and brought up the complaint counter-proposal. "The Subdistrict Office's Administrative Service Lobby complain counter had started today, and we are thinking of implementing it throughout our neighborhood service lobbies. I would like to hear everyone's views."

Two Secretary and Director frowned, and three others remained motionless. Two others seem to have something to say.

Dong Xuebing looks at them. "Who wants to start?"

No one says a word.

Dong Xuebing blinked. "Do you all have any views about this? Just speak your mind."

Everyone remains quiet.

Dong Xuebing is surprised as he thought he would face some objections. Of course, he knows that silence doesn't mean they are supporting this idea. "Since no one is objecting to this proposal, it will be implemented. Old Qu, the Disciplinary Work Committee will oversee the implementation, and it will start tomorrow."

Qu Yiqiang nodded. He knows there are many "troublemakers" among the neighborhood committees, and he is prepared to teach them a lesson for Dong Xuebing. He is surprised to see everyone keeping quiet.

Although Dong Xuebing is surprised by their reactions, he is still satisfied. The new regulation that targets the service staff will change the service standards of the Subdistrict Office and Neighborhood Committee Offices. It will also establish his authority. This is his first major change, without going through the Subdistrict Work Party Committee after taking over as Director. This might seem to be a dictatorial rule, but it will establish his authority fast.

The meeting ended.

The few Neighborhood Committees' Directors and Secretaries walk out of the Subdistrict Compound. Some look unfazed, but most of them are upset.

"Old Chen, what do you think of the new Director's proposal?"

"I think it lacks consideration. I understand it is to raise the service standards of our Neighborhood Committees, but this is too rash and rigid."

"That's right. Conflicts with civilians cannot be avoided while working in the neighborhoods. How are we going to work if we are going to be penalized for every complaint?"

"Sigh… this new Director is too domineering."

"Our lives are going to be difficult."

All of them are complaining.

A Neighborhood Committee Director laughed. "Old Chen, why didn't you raise objections earlier?"

No one had said anything in the meeting room earlier. Oppose this proposal?! The District Mayor's brother was embarrassed by that new Director on his first day. He scolded the District Party Secretary's Niece until she cried on his second day. Who dares, and how are they going to oppose? That's asking for trouble. Director Dong even dares to scold the Leader's relative, let alone them.

Just wait and see.

Many people are waiting for Wang Yuling and the District Party Committee Secretary Wang Anshi's reaction. They should stay low for now.

Report chapter Comments