Power and Wealth

In the car.

The music started again.

The sound of rock music filled the carriage.

Dong Xuebing put away his phone and continued to drive. He felt carefree, completely unaffected by Hua Li's call. He was quite cheerful. Dong Xuebing understood that from Hua Li's attitude, he had truly hurt the pride of Hua Li and others. He had humiliated them severely, making them all feel embarrassed. In this situation, Dong Xuebing was naturally in a good mood. What could be more satisfying than seeing your opponents frustrated and angry?

As for the consequences…

As for retaliation…

As for the city's opinion…

As for the reactions of other counties…

Dong Xuebing didn't plan to consider them at all. If there was room for maneuver, it would be the best. But if there wasn't, he couldn't help it. Even if he incurred the wrath of many, even if the city constantly suppressed him in the future, Dong Xuebing didn't care. As long as the investment fair was successful, if he could secure an investment of five million or even a billion, it would be an achievement that no one could erase. It would be a reflection of Dong Xuebing's work performance. He had been in Zhen Shui County for almost three months. Once he obtained this achievement, Dong Xuebing could manipulate other aspects, allowing him to transfer back. He would not linger in Zhen Shui County for a year or two. Even if he angered many, what did it matter? Once he secured the political achievement, Dong Xuebing would leave without a trace. Even if Mayor Hua tried to make things difficult for him, he could still go to the capital or Fen Zhou City, not to mention that the party secretary here didn't have that much power.

Challenging leaders was not a first for Dong Xuebing. Like before, Dong Xuebing wasn't afraid because he had the confidence to confront the city and a retreat plan.

Of course, even if the city's attitude might impact Dong Xuebing's transfer, Dong Xuebing wouldn't compromise. He had no such word as "compromise" in his dictionary, and he wouldn't send back the investors he had snatched. Once he snatched them, it was done. Even if he became the city's thorn, he would endure it. After all, once he secured the investment, Dong Xuebing could pat his butt and leave. Even if Mayor Hua tried to make things difficult, Dong Xuebing could still end up in Beijing or Fen Zhou City. The party secretary's reach wasn't that long.

A rogue in officialdom.

This description of Dong Xuebing wasn't just for show.

This guy could be a real rogue when he wanted to be.

Ten minutes…

Twenty minutes…

Around nine o'clock.

The convoy finally entered Zhen Shui County.

Dong Xuebing led the way, driving towards the agreed-upon hotel entrance.

From a distance, Dong Xuebing could see a dense crowd. He had sharp eyes. He might not have seen Meng Rui, but he quickly spotted the figures of Jiang Fangfang and Yao Cui. Glancing back at the bus following them, Dong Xuebing sighed in relief. He couldn't go to the parking lot with so many county leaders and officials waiting. Instead, he drove over and parked the car on the side of the road.

As soon as the door opened, Dong Xuebing got out.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. Dozens of pairs of eyes looked at him.

Dong Xuebing immediately went up with a smile and greeted, "Secretary Meng, Mayor Jiang."

Jiang Fangfang, dressed very formally in an all-white outfit, said in a light and elegant tone, "You're back."

Dong Xuebing nodded, "I've also brought back the investors."

The bus behind also stopped, and foreign and domestic investors walked down one by one.

The county party secretary, the county mayor, and many county committee members, such as Pu An and Jian Xiangrong, came over to greet them. However, many were taken aback when they saw more than a hundred investors descending from the bus. Even though Dong Xuebing had informed the county in advance, many were still shocked when they saw the one hundred or so investors pouring down from the bus. Their expressions were diverse—some were speechless, some excited, but most were filled with worry and anxiety. Everyone knew about Dong Xuebing's bad reputation, but no one expected him to play such a big game this time.

More than a hundred people…

And more than half of them were brought in by other counties' investment bureaus.

As a result, they were all snatched away by Mayor Dong in one go, almost emptying the city's investment forum.

Every time they thought about it, many people looked at Dong Xuebing with eyes of amazement. They couldn't fathom how daring he was, even manipulating things behind the scenes. Some well-informed individuals also heard the news from the city that Dong Mayor cleared out the investment forum all by himself, taking advantage of an opportunity when he "shone with divine light" after getting more than fifty people drunk.

What kind of capacity for alcohol do you have?

Secretary Meng's expression was uncertain, and he couldn't tell whether he was happy or angry. However, he didn't neglect his duties. He immediately joined Jiang Fangfang and other members of the county standing committee to welcome the investors. He put on a warm smile and, following Dong Xuebing's introduction, shook hands and exchanged greetings with foreign investors like Zhang Longjuan. Then, one by one, he shook hands with more than seventy domestic investors, expressing the county's warm welcome with some superficial remarks.

Before long, the investors, led by the staff, entered the hotel.

However, Secretary Meng and Mayor Jiang did not enter. Instead, they held an impromptu emergency meeting on the bus that had just arrived.

Inside the bus.

The members of the county Party committee were all present.

Secretary Meng's first question was for Dong Xuebing, "How is the city reacting?"

Dong Xuebing answered truthfully, "Mayor Hua is quite angry. As for the others, I don't know."

Chu Peng, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee, sighed. How could Mayor Hua not be angry? Dong Xuebing brought all the investors here, making it impossible to continue the city's investment fair.

Secretary Meng said, "What's everyone's opinion?"

No one spoke, and there was a moment of silence.

After a while, Jiang Fangfang spoke, "Given the current situation and the arrival of the investors, I think our job is to host them well, arrange investment inspections, and not worry about anything else. It's impossible to send these investors back. Choosing to inspect our Zhen Shui County is the investors' choice, and it's also the result of Mayor Dong and the comrades' efforts in the investment promotion bureau. I believe we should not only do well in settling the investors but also increase our efforts to try to keep these investors in our county."

Dong Xuebing immediately said, "I agree. Mayor Hua called me and asked me to return the people, but I clearly stated it was impossible. A few days ago, the city's investment promotion blatantly snatched the investors who were supposed to come to Zhen Shui County, assigning them to other county investment bureaus. I reported this to the city several times, but they showed no clear attitude. Oh, they completely indulged the situation. Since they've made mistakes and neglected the investors, pulling them over to us is unacceptable. Why should all the benefits go to them? Why should we always be at their mercy, eating their leftovers and nonsense?"ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɴovel(ꜰ)ɪre.nᴇt

Hearing Dong Mayor's words, everyone knew he didn't say anything pleasant in the call with Mayor Hua. He probably gave Mayor Hua quite a hard time.

Daring to challenge city leaders…

Zhen Shui County probably only had Dong Xuebing daring to do so.

Deputy Secretary Zhang Wanshui glanced at him and criticized, "Watch your language."

Pu An tried to smooth things over for Dong Xuebing, "Mayor Dong faced many grievances and was marginalized when leading the team to the city this time. His words might be a bit sharp, but it's understandable."

Cheng Fuguang said, "But what if the city pursues this matter?"

Dong Xuebing looked at him and said, "I brought these people, and I got the people from the city and county investment promotion bureaus drunk. If there's a problem, I'll take responsibility."

Cheng Fuguang frowned, "It's not about whether you take responsibility. The investors came to Zhen Shui County; if the city has any opinions, they are directed at Zhen Shui County. If there are problems in the future, it will affect…"

Dong Xuebing shrugged, "My task is to attract investment. Anyway, I brought the people here, and I've never heard of giving away investments once they're in hand. Minister Cheng, you're noble, but I'm not that noble. I'm not a city official; I'm a county official. I only consider the interests of Zhen Shui County and its people. If Minister Cheng thinks it's inappropriate, you can bring these investors back. I won't bother."

Cheng Fuguang said angrily, "You…"

Secretary Meng interjected, "Both of you, stop arguing."

After a pause, Organization Department Director Liao Haiwei said, "Actually, I think this opportunity is rare. Our finances are in difficulty right now. It would be a pity to let go of this batch of investments."

Deputy County Mayor Ci BoYang said, "The key is there's no reason to give up. The people are here, so how do we send them away?"

This time, many people from the Meng faction also shared Dong Xuebing's point of view.

The cake is too big. If they can secure it, every department will benefit. Who doesn't want a little more funding?

After arguing, everyone fell silent, waiting for Secretary Meng to speak.

After contemplation, Meng Rui looked toward the hotel and decided, "What you all said is correct. Since the investors have chosen our county, we can't possibly send them back. The braver one eats while the timid one starves. Everyone naturally understands this principle. After setting the tone, my decision is more determined. Dong Mayor, you've done exceptionally well this time. Since you brought the people, I'll entrust you with the future investment promotion and inspection work in the county. Don't worry about anything else; just focus on bringing in investments. We won't let one slip away as long as we can secure the investments. If there's pressure from above, I and Mayor Jiang will handle it."

Dong Xuebing agreed, thinking he had finally heard something sensible after staying in Zhen Shui County for so long.

Jiang Fangfang added, "You've worked hard, Mayor Dong. The harder part is still ahead. If you need anything or encounter problems, report directly to me and Secretary Meng."