Power and Wealth

"Sunday.

Early in the morning.

Huffing and puffing, Dong Xuebing was brushing his teeth in the bathroom when the phone, thrown beside the ashtray in the living room, buzzed and chirped. He spat out the minty toothpaste foam with a plop, quickly rinsed his mouth, and then walked out to answer the call.

"Hello, who's this?"

"Mayor Dong, it's Xiao Lu."

"Oh, you've arrived in Beijing?"

"We arrived early yesterday morning. We were up late and didn't call you as we didn't want to disturb your rest. Thank you for your hospitality yesterday. You picked and dropped us off, treating us to several meals. We both feel a bit embarrassed. Next time, it's our treat."

"Don't be polite. By the way, about the site selection."

"We've submitted the inspection report. It hasn't been finalized yet."

"Do you think it's almost certain?"

"I think there shouldn't be a big problem, but the decision is still in the air. I can't say for sure."

"Alright, hehe. I didn't get a chance to take you around yesterday. We'll do that another day when you have time. I'll accompany you for a stroll."

"Sure, we'll keep in touch."

"Okay, that's settled."

"Alright, we're going to rest."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing snapped his fingers. With the assurance from the inspection team and Professor Chen, he felt confident everything would be fine. Now, he started thinking about how to secure the technology department's responsibilities. This matter was urgent, and he needed to handle it quickly, preferably before the news spread. If the news reached the people in Zhen Shui County after making the decision, Ci Boyang would never relinquish the responsibility. Nobody would willingly give away their political achievements. Dong Xuebing believed he had to settle this matter before next Monday, ensuring confidentiality.

How to do it?

Who should he approach?

It's not easy to handle.

Dong Xuebing pondered and decided to find Jiang Fangfang. He had already arranged to have dinner with Sister Jiang tonight. He would ask her then.

With a snap, the door upstairs closed.

Quick, steady footsteps gradually approached.

Listening carefully, it seemed to be Sister Jiang's door sound. Dong Xuebing walked over and peeked through the peephole. Sure enough, a pair of legs clad in sports pants and a pair of sports shoes came into view. Dong Xuebing wondered where Sister Jiang was headed dressed like this: White sports pants, sky blue sportswear. In the blink of an eye, carrying a garbage bag, Jiang Fangfang had already descended the stairs and moved into the distance. Dong Xuebing knew she wouldn't be dressed like this for work, so she was probably off today. He quickly put on his shoes, opened the door, and followed her.

Downstairs.

The morning air was fresh.

There had been some rain last night, and the ground was mostly dry. However, there were still some puddles with a hint of rainwater. The atmosphere was filled with the fragrance of flowers and birds chirping.

"Mayor Jiang."

"Good morning."

"Are you going to have breakfast?"

Several officials who were heading out greeted Jiang Fangfang with a smile.

"Good morning," Jiang Fangfang said casually, throwing away the garbage bag. "I haven't exercised for many days, and my body feels uncomfortable. I'm going for a morning run."

Dong Xuebing came out of the corridor, hearing their conversation. He immediately said, "Mayor Jiang, hehe, let's run together. I need some exercise, too."

Jiang Fangfang, with a faint smile, pointed to the door. "Let's go."

Dong Xuebing chuckled, "Then you need to go a bit slower. I definitely can't keep up with you."

"Sure."

Dong Xuebing joined Jiang Fangfang in a slow jog out of the residential compound. After exchanging greetings with a few acquaintances on the way, they headed to a nearby small garden. Running around a gazebo on the outskirts of the lawn, they breathed in the scent of grass seeds. Both felt refreshed.

"Sister Jiang."

"Yes."

"Taking a break today?"

"If there's nothing to do at the office, I'll take the day off."

"If you have work, let your secretary handle it. You haven't rested for so many days. Today, take a break and come to my place for breakfast later."

"Sure."

"What do you want to eat?"

"Congee, do you have millet?"

"Yes, and pickled vegetables, too."

While lightly jogging, they chatted.

The garden was not crowded, only a few elderly people taking a morning stroll.

When they reached the north side of the gazebo, behind a small hill with fewer people, Dong Xuebing suddenly looked to the side. Jiang Fangfang was already sweating, and her forehead and the back of her sportswear were damp. During the jog, her chest and rounded buttocks were bouncing a little, looking quite tempting. Dong Xuebing appreciated the view momentarily before saying, "Sister Jiang, let me tell you something."

Jiang Fangfang, panting, asked, "What's the matter?"

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. "Give me the responsibility for the technology department."

Jiang Fangfang, while continuing to run, glanced at him. "What technology department?"

"The technology-related work. How about letting me handle it?" Dong Xuebing said.

"But isn't it under the jurisdiction of Deputy Mayor Ci?" Jiang Fangfang looked ahead without looking at him.

"Yes, I know. But Deputy Mayor Ci hasn't achieved much in this area. It's a waste. Look at our county's Science and Technology Bureau. It doesn't even have a proper office space. Whether it's there or not, it makes no difference to the county. This is such a pity. I'm not just boasting, but if you give me this responsibility, I can make progress in technology work in a short time. I'll elevate this area, and technology work and investment promotion are connected. Only by diversifying can we maximize our effectiveness." Dong Xuebing huffed and puffed, having spoken so much while jogging that he was out of breath. "Do you think what I said makes sense?"

Jiang Fangfang nodded, "It makes sense."

Dong Xuebing clapped his hands, "Alright, it's settled."

"No." Jiang Fangfang decisively refused.

Dong Xuebing wiped his sweat, "It makes sense, why not?"

Jiang Fangfang slowed to a walk, pointed to a gazebo ahead, and walked towards it with Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing cleared the fallen leaves from a stone bench, saying, "Please have a seat."

Jiang Fangfang sat down, "What do you want to do with the responsibility for the technology department?"

Dong Xuebing cheered, "I haven't figured out any specific plans yet. I just want to get involved in technology work."

"Whether it's agriculture or animal husbandry, they mainly rely on traditional breeding methods, and it's impossible to change quickly. There are also various constraints. How do you plan to handle it?" Jiang Fangfang asked.

"The productivity of technology is not limited to farming and breeding. It covers various aspects. If we focus only on cultivation and breeding, we will limit ourselves. My idea is to think outside the box. As long as you make a job adjustment for me and let me take charge of the technology department, I guarantee that I will achieve results for the county in the shortest possible time," Dong Xuebing declared.

Jiang Fangfang gently shook her head.

Dong Xuebing pouted, "You are being uninteresting, Sister Jiang."

"It's not that I'm uninterested. Without a change in position, without special circumstances, the county government generally won't adjust the responsibilities of a deputy Mayor," Jiang Fangfang explained.

"But this is a special situation now. Without bragging, I have done well in investment promotion. You can consider it a reward for my achievements," Dong Xuebing argued.

"Ci Mayor is a member of the Meng faction. Our relationship with the Meng faction has just eased. It's a rare situation where we work together for development. It's a valuable time and opportunity. If you suddenly take over Ci Bongyang's responsibilities, what kind of impact will it have? We are cooperative, and it's hard to come by. If things get messed up because of a political struggle, the progress of road construction, and the implementation of investment projects, everything will be affected. Many things will become uncertain," Jiang Fangfang analyzed.

Dong Xuebing couldn't argue with that. After a moment of contemplation, he listened to her and suddenly said, "I also manage the Development and Reform Bureau."

Jiang Fangfang looked at him, "Why?"

"The Development and Reform Bureau's work at the grassroots level may not have a significant impact at the top, but it's better than the Technology Bureau. It's not even comparable. My point is that if you give me the responsibility for technology, you give Ci Bongyang the Development and Reform Bureau, and everyone is happy. Ci Bongyang should have no objections," Dong Xuebing proposed. As the Deputy Mayor, he had multiple departments under his charge. The County Government Office, Finance, and Investment Promotion were just a few of the important ones. There were many more, such as the Development and Reform Bureau and the County Compilation Office, totaling about ten departments of various sizes.

Jiang Fangfang remained silent. "Do you think this is a game of exchanging roles?"

"It's not an exchange. It's just a work adjustment. Anyway, you have the final say in the county government. Let's go with this plan, Sister Jiang."

"What are you trying to do?"

"I'm not trying to do anything. I just want to do a good job," Dong Xuebing said.

"But sending the Development and Reform Bureau to Ci Bongyang is like trading roles," Jiang Fangfang observed.

Dong Xuebing shrugged, "It's not trading. It's just a work adjustment. Come on, let's settle for this, Sister Jiang."

"I'll think about it," Jiang Fangfang said.Thɪs chapter is updated by ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet