Power and Wealth

Noon.

When the contract with the foreigner Anna was signed, the signing ceremony witnessed its most significant moment since its opening. As Anna left, County Party Secretary Meng Rui and several officials greeted her warmly, shaking hands and chatting.

61 million…

Just in the morning, everyone was extremely satisfied with this achievement.

Naturally, this positive atmosphere was reflected on the faces of the people in Zhen Shui County.

Dong Xuebing and the officials from the China Merchants Bureau were no exception. Taking a deep breath, they were all in a calm yet excited mood.

However, after this, the scene suddenly became quiet. This was an inevitable trend. By noon, many people went out to eat in groups. The county quickly dispatched people to arrange it. The restaurant had already been booked. Some investors who hadn't decided also boarded the buses one after another. Some may have wanted to leave alone, so after a brief greeting, they set off on their own. Meng Rui and County Mayor Jiang also went to entertain guests, but a small number of investors stayed behind, still in the Party School courtyard, working on their project lists. Some people were writing and drawing something, while others were calling back to their companies, seemingly discussing the possibilities of business projects. Since there were still investors staying, Dong Xuebing definitely could not leave. Although the signing ceremony would not end until five in the afternoon, there was still plenty of time. However, as a leader in charge of investment promotion, he naturally had to accompany the investors and show them the attitude and importance they deserved. Therefore, he stayed behind to hold the fort.

"Dong Mayor, go have lunch." Cheng Yujie handed him a bottle of mineral water.

Dong Xuebing unscrewed the cap and took a few sips. "I'll stay. You guys go ahead and eat."

Zheng Dayou said, "How can we do that? You're the most tired today. Your voice is almost hoarse."

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, "I'm fine. I'm not hungry. You guys go eat. Everyone has worked hard for most of the day. Sister Chang, please bring me a boxed lunch later."

"Then I'll stay too." Chang Juan and others volunteered.

"Having so many people stay is useless. Just go, don't drag on." Dong Xuebing impatiently waved his hand. "If I need anyone, I'll call you." After saying that, Dong Xuebing put down the mineral water bottle and took a few steps out. He said to the temporary staff sent by the county, "Thank you all for today. There's nothing much going on here. Go eat first. I'll watch over this place. I'll need your help this afternoon."

"You're too polite."

"Yes, Mayor Dong, go ahead and eat."

"That's right. We're not hungry either. We'll stay."

Everyone spoke up, and no one left.

Dong Xuebing immediately said, "Listen to me, everyone. Go eat quickly. Just be back by one o'clock."

These people were transferred from many departments, including the county government office, the county party committee office, and the guesthouse. After a week of contact, everyone had a good impression of Dong Xuebing. There was no other reason but because it was rare to find a county leader who was so considerate to subordinates and staff. They seldom saw any arrogance in Dong Xuebing. Although there were many rumors about Dong Xuebing's bad deeds, after real contact, they found that those rumors were not true. Dong Xuebing sometimes had a bad temper, but only when others provoked him. Usually, Dong Xuebing was very friendly and polite to everyone. Now, for example, who would let subordinates and staff go out to eat while the leader stayed to watch over them? This was something not everyone could do.

" Mayor Dong."

"Don't insist. Go quickly."

"Alright then."

"By the way, just get me a boxed meal, don't bother."Follow current novelenglish.net . s on ɴo(v)elFɪre.ɴet

Under Dong Xuebing's insistence, everyone had nothing to say and gradually went to have their meals.

At the scene, only Dong Xuebing and a few investors who hadn't left were left. They were discussing and making calls about their business, and Dong Xuebing didn't go up to disturb them. Whether to invest or not was their decision; saying too much might not be appropriate. So, he moved to a nearby seat, organized the remaining contracts on his computer, and then went through the signed contracts one by one. After confirming everything was in order, he stored them in a small safe box. These were important documents and needed to be well-preserved.

"Hey, Mayor Dong, why haven't you gone to eat?" one investor called out.

Dong Xuebing smiled. "Not hungry. Mr. Xu, you haven't eaten either."

The person replied, "I'll eat later. This works out well; I have a little issue."

Dong Xuebing then put down what he was holding. "Sure, sit here. I'll help you with it."

Not far away, two more investors approached. "We have something to ask, Mayor Dong. Hehe, we won't delay your lunch, will we?"

"Not at all."

"Okay, take a look at this."

"This clause…"

Dong Xuebing was immediately busy again.

One minute, five minutes, just over ten minutes passed. Dong Xuebing was busy answering questions from several investors when, not long after, Cheng Dayou, Chang Juan, Chen Yunsong, and others who had left returned. There were also some temporarily assigned staff behind them. All the staff for this signing ceremony had returned. They were all holding boxed meals; some even carried thermos bottles as if they contained soup.

Dong Xuebing was surprised. "What's going on?"

Chang Juan smiled and handed a boxed meal to Dong Xuebing. "Let's eat together."

Zheng Dayou added, "How can we let you work alone? We're back to accompany you."

Dong Xuebing clicked his tongue. "Didn't I tell you to have a good meal? There's no need for so many people."

Cheng Yujie smiled and looked back at everyone. She said to Dong Xuebing, "Everyone decided it. Where we eat doesn't matter. Besides, you're busy alone, and we can't eat properly."

"Yes, Mayor Dong."

"I heard you almost fainted yesterday. You should eat something quickly."

"We have soup here, all hot. Let's each have a bowl."

Everyone spoke up and then found their seats. There weren't that many tables. They moved some chairs, found shade, and started eating while holding the boxed meals.

Seeing about twenty people burying their heads in their meals in the wind, a string in Dong Xuebing's heart moved. He couldn't help but say, "Alright, let's eat together."

Several investors couldn't help but exchange glances. They also saw the cohesion of this team and felt some emotions. "Mayor Dong, is there still food?"

Dong Xuebing was taken aback and looked at Chang Juan and the others. "Is there still food?"

Chang Juan swallowed a mouthful of food. "Yes, there is. We bought a few extra."

One investor laughed, "Then I'll also join in. Seeing you all eat, I'm hungry too."

Dong Xuebing immediately said, "Don't be polite. Mr. Xu, let me arrange a car to take you to the restaurant. They should have just started serving. You can make it in time."

Mr. Xu smiled, "No need. I'll just eat with you all. I like this atmosphere."

Another boss also joyfully said, "I'll join in, too. Haha, what's the point of going to a restaurant? Eating like this is much more enjoyable. Give me one too."

Chang Juan exclaimed, "This…"

Dong Xuebing took a look. "Bring the extra boxed meals."

Mr. Xu said, "If there's any surplus, bring one for my son too."

Gong Na had already gone to get them. "Sure, we have plenty."

Mr. Xu had brought his son along. Upon hearing this, his son couldn't help but sneer, "Dad, I'm not eating this. What kind of meal is this? It's too embarrassing."

Mr. Xu smiled and didn't say anything. After getting the boxed meal, he whispered in a voice only he, his son, and a few other investors could hear, "You have to eat today, whether you like it or not. You haven't experienced hardship when you were young. You don't understand anything. Look at Mayor Dong; I dare say there are only a few domestic investors wealthier than Mayor Dong today. At least I can't afford the Land Rover Range Rover he drives. It costs four million. I'd hesitate to invest this money, let alone use it to buy a car. But look at Mayor Dong; he's eating boxed meals happily with everyone. This is his charisma and character charm. I was surprised when I first saw him, wondering how a young man of only twenty-five could take on the position of Executive Deputy Mayor. But now, I have no doubts. Learn something from him."

His son grunted, "You only know how to lecture me."

Mr. Xu laughed, "I'm teaching you how to be a person."

Although his son complained, he still picked up the boxed meal and ate.

Soon, Dong Xuebing and the others finished their meals. It was just boxed meals, and there was no need for much selection. They ate quickly.

Everyone returned to their positions to stand by.

Dong Xuebing then looked at Mr. Xu, who had also finished eating. "Mr. Xu, sorry for keeping you waiting. Let's discuss the clause you mentioned just now."

Mr. Xu smiled and walked over. "No need to discuss. Sign it as you suggested."

Dong Xuebing was stunned. "You've decided?"

Mr. Xu nodded slightly. "I've decided. I also know that you've made many concessions. Let's sign it. To be honest, being able to sign this contract, I appreciate you as a person and would like to be friends with you. Mayor Dong, do I have that honor?"

Dong Xuebing said, "Look at what you're saying. If it's an honor, it's mine. Alright, I've made a friend in you."

Mr. Xu patted his son beside him. "This is my son. I want him to take charge of this project and try it out. It's also a way to train him. You two will have the opportunity to interact in the future. If there's anything wrong with this boy, feel free to criticize him. Don't give me face."

Dong Xuebing also shook hands with his son and got to know him.

Then, Dong Xuebing and Mr. Xu signed the contract separately.

Zheng Dayou, Chang Juan, and others were also astonished. They didn't expect to conclude another project in the time it took to have a meal, and it was a significant project worth eight million.

The total investment reached tens of millions.

It had already reached the county's expected Seventy million.

Now, Dong Xuebing and the Investment Promotion Bureau no longer had any worries.