Power and Wealth

Promotion!

Deputy Bureau Chief!

The next few days, Dong Xuebing had a smile on his face all the time. He was in a good mood and worked hard. Every day, he would be running from offices to offices to deliver documents to the leaders. When everybody saw Dong Xuebing’s enthusiasm, they start to wonder if there are any vacate positions in the higher-ups. Dong Xuebing wants a promotion? Impossible. He had only been promoted and can’t move up in the next 3 years.

Dong Xuebing did not tell anyone about his request to be transferred. After all, this was not finalized. But he believes Xie Huilan would be able to help him. Leaders from the Central Government will not make promises easily. Since she said she will try, it will be more or less settled.

Today.

Saturday Morning.

Dong Xuebing woke up and looked at his phone. There were no missed calls. He did not switch his phone off these few days. He was afraid that he would miss Xie Huilan’s call. He was anxious but did not dare to call her. He cannot show that he was impatient as this will leave a bad impression with Sister Xie.

Please....... Please call me....... It’s been almost 8 days.

Which county will it be? Never mind. It does not matter if it is a wealth county or a poor county as long as I can be a Deputy Bureau Chief!

Ring, ring, ring. Dong Xuebing’s phone rang. He picked it up excitedly. Huh? It’s his mother.

“Hello, Xiao Bing? Have you wake up?”

“I just woke up and still have not to brush my teeth.”

“Are you busy with work recently? Take care of your health, and don’t fall sick.” After nagging for a while, Dong Xuebing’s mother, Luan Xiaoping, said proudly. “Xiao Bing. I told our relatives about your promotion, and all of them don’t believe me. They insist I am lying. Hahaha, only your 2nd Aunt’s family believes me. They even invited me over to their place for dinner. They even praise you.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “What’s there to be proud of?”

“You become a Deputy Section Chief at such a young age. Why shouldn’t you be proud?”

“Hehe, Mum. I might be getting promoted again.” Dong Xuebing had kept this secret to himself for days and dare not tell anyone. But after hearing his mother’s voice, he could not resist telling her this secret.

“Huh?!”

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and said softly. “It is still not confirmed yet and is a secret. I will let you know once the official orders are out.”

“Ah.... What happened? Tell me. Why are you getting promoted again?”

“Because your son is capable. Hahaha...... I cannot say much now, but I should be going to the grassroots level. Everything is not confirmed yet, and I will call you once I got my posting.”

Dong Xuebing’s mother cried. “You are a good boy! You are terrific!”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Mum, can you stop crying? I am afraid of you getting so emotional!”

After chatting for a few minutes, Dong Xuebing hang up the phone. He hummed a song as he went to wash up. He thought about how he would get credits when he was posted to the grassroots level. The work at a Public Security’s grassroots bureau is very different from the General Affairs Office. Although Dong Xuebing had many contributions in the Western District Branch, many of his credits cannot be documented in his personal files. For example, getting medications for Minister Lui and settling the wrongful arrest of Chief Jiang’s nephew. This was why he needs to get practical achievements when he is posted to a grassroots bureau.

Ring, ring, ring....... It was Dong Xuebing’s phone again.

Dong Xuebing wiped his face with a towel and ran out to get his phone. He looked at the caller ID and cleared his throat excitedly. “Hello, Sister Xie?”

“Haha, Xiao Dong, are you still sleeping?”

“No...... I am awake.”

“Ok. I hope I have not disturbed you. Haha, about your transfer...... actually, I am powerless to help. After all, this involves two agencies. The people I know might have the authority to help, but I cannot ask them for favors because of my family. It is too complicated. That’s why I asked my grandfather for help. Since you want to go to the grassroots level, your transfer must go through many departments and agencies. Only after my grandfather gives the green light, then I can use his connections to help you. Now....... Everything should be settled. Although my grandfather felt you are too young...... but he agreed.”

Alright! Deputy Bureau Chief!!!

Dong Xuebing was overjoyed. “Thank You! Sister Xie! Thank you so much!”

“Stop saying this. This is nothing compared to you saving my life. Haha, but my grandfather heard that you had saved my life, and he wants to meet you. Hmm...... I think this is also good for your career, so I help you agree. Alright. You should be off today? Wait for me at home. I will pick you up and go to my grandfather’s place, alright?”

Ah? Meet Xie Huilan’s grandfather?

Dong Xuebing panicked. “Huh? Sister Xie, I...... I...... should I wear a suit?”

“No need. Haha...... Casual wear is fine.”

Casual? What does casual means? Xie Hao had shouted “Do you know who my grandfather is?” before. Xie Huilan was able to enter the Central Government at her age and had the power to arrange for Dong Xuebing’s transfer to another agency. During their conversations, she also reveals some of her backgrounds. Even an idiot knows that her grandfather was not someone ordinary. He might be a former top government official or even the vice-premier. It would be a miracle for Dong Xuebing to be not nervous when meeting him. Dong Xuebing wiped the sweat off his forehead and ask cautiously: “Then...... do I need to bring some gifts?”

“My grandfather does not need any gifts. Hmmm...... Maybe you can get some fruits.”

“Huh? Fruits?”

“It’s fine. My grandfather will not be pleased if you bring anything expensive. Haha, do you know how to play chess? How good are you with chess?”

Dong Xuebing paused for a while. “I know chess...... My skills can be considered above average.”

“That will do it. My grandfather loves to play chess. If you are good at chess and can play with him, it will be much better than giving him gifts. Alright.”

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing’s heart was beating very fast. He ran to his closet and look through all his clothes. In the end, he wore a black suit. He then ran into the bathroom to shave and cut his fingernails. But he was still worried. He quickly washes his hair and tried to look as smart as possible. After he was satisfied with his looks, he went downstairs to buy some fruits.

North Heping Road.

Dong Xuebing did not wait for Xie Huilan’s call at home. This was too disrespectful. He carried a bag of fruits and waited by the side of the road, waiting for Xie Huilan’s Audi to appear. After a while, Xie Huilan’s Audi stopped by the road, and Dong Xuebing quickly boarded the front passenger seat.

“Sister Xie, I’m sorry that you have to pick me up.......” Dong Xuebing felt it’s time for him to buy a car.

“Don’t need to stand on ceremony. Stop treating me like your superior.” Xie Huilan was wearing a black suit. She smiled and played a classical CD. “Ok. Fasten your seatbelt.”

Xishan Villa.

This place was also known as the Imperial Gardens. It was beside some mountains and had beautiful sceneries. It is a tourist attraction and has a long history. The district here is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Beijing. Dong Xuebing was in awe as he looks at all the majestic villas along the roads. He wonders when he can afford a villa here. The few million he owns is not enough to buy a garden here.

After traveling for more than 10 minutes, a 3 stories villa appeared in front of Dong Xuebing.

This small villa was different from the other villas Dong Xuebing saw along the road. The most significant difference was the surroundings. There were no other properties within 1,000 meters from this villa. It was all greenery, and there was a wall around the villa. There should be a garden behind the walls. At the entrance, there were two armed police officers. The security here was tight.

Dong Xuebing was shocked by what he saw!

Armed guards? Guns? Who the hell was Xie Huilan’s grandfather?

Xie Huilan droved to a garage beside the villa. This garage was not linked to the villa. It was a separate building and was huge. However, there were not a lot of cars parked there. Other than two Hongqi vehicles, there was a Nissan minibus and an old Mercedes. Oh, there was a BMW 7 series parked in a corner. The lights of the BMW were still on, but there were seems to be no one inside.

Xie Huilan stopped her car. “Wei Nan’s car?”

Dong Xuebing asked. “He is also here?”

Xie Huilan smiled. “My grandfather likes him was not only because of Uncle Wei. Wei Nan had been studying Chess since young and is very good at it. My grandfather will call him over to have a game of chess occasionally. Hahaha. I know what you are thinking from your eyes. That’s right. You can’t judge him from his looks. I had played chess with him in the past, and he is much better than me.”

Suddenly, the BMW’s door opened, and Wei Nan alighted. “Huilan, why are you here today?”

Xie Huilan winded down the windows and unbuckled her seatbelt. “Grandfather wants to meet Xiao Dong. I brought him over.”

Wei Nan’s face changed when he saw Dong Xuebing sitting in the front passenger seat. Goddamn! Why is this person with Xie Huilan again? Senior Xie wants to meet him? What right does he have to meet Senior Xie? Wei Nan felt something was not right. He knew Xie Huilan does not like him and had purposely delay their engagement. However, Wei Nan was good at chess, and his father was good friends with Senior Xie. He believed that Xie Huilan would listen to her grandfather’s orders and will marry him. But Dong Xuebing’s appearance made Wei Nan uneasy. Xie Huilan treated him differently, and he had saved her life. He even kissed her before. Now, Xie Huilan even brought him to meet Senior Xie! What is the meaning of this? Xie Huilan likes Dong Xuebing? Impossible! This guy does not have looks nor status! He is even younger than Xie Huilan. How could Xie Huilan like him?

Wei Nan suppressed his anger and smiled. “Huilan, why does Grandfather Xie wants to meet Xiao Dong?”

Xie Huilan looked at him and laughed. “He wants to have a chat with Xiao Dong. What’s wrong?”

Wei Nan does not know how to reply. “Oh, nothing. I am just asking.” Xie Huilan did not tell him the reason, and it made him feel more uneasy. Even if Dong Xuebing had saved Xie Huilan’s life, Senior Xie would not meet him personally. Could this meeting arrange by Xie Huilan? Why did she bring Xiao Dong here? Just to repay him for saving her life? For Dong Xuebing’s career? Wei Nan knew he imagined things, but he can’t help it. His marriage with the Xie family was significant. Nothing must go wrong with this marriage!

Dong Xuebing quickly got off the car and ran over the other side to open the door for Sister Xie.

Wei Nan still thought if he should open the door for Xie Huilan when Dong Xuebing opened it.

Wei Nan stared at Dong Xuebing coldly. Dong Xuebing was officially his enemy.

“Sister Xie, please watch out.” Dong Xuebing opened the door with one hand, and the other was covering the top of the door, protecting her head.

Xie Huilan laughed. “How many times have I say this? We are friends. You don’t need to open doors for me, alright?”

Dong Xuebing smiled and hesitated.

After waiting for about 2 seconds, Dong Xuebing was still by the door. Xie Huilan laughed and shook her head. She stretched out one leg to alight. Dong Xuebing felt he might be leaving a wrong impression with Xie Huilan if he continues treating her as a leader. So, he moved a step back to let her alight. But Xie Huilan did not expect Dong Xuebing to move, and she lost her balance and accidentally stepped on Dong Xuebing’s foot with her high heels.

“Ah!” Dong Xuebing shouted in pain.

Xie Huilan fell to her side after losing her balance!

“Huilan!” Wei Nan ran forward to help her.

Oh, shit. A central government leader had a fall because of me? I will be in deep trouble. Dong Xuebing was just next to Xie Huilan and quickly bend forward to carry her, despite the pain in his foot. When Xie Huilan was about an arms length from hitting the ground, Dong Xuebing managed to get one arm around her neck and the other around her butt to carry her. But Xie Huilan’s momentum from the fall was too strong, and Dong Xuebing’s knee hit the floor. He gritted his teeth and asked. “Sister Xie, are you alright? It’s my fault for making you fall.”

Xie Huilan was in Dong Xuebing’s arms, and she smiled. “See? Stop opening doors for me in the future. Haha.”

Dong Xuebing was amazed by how calm she was. He remembered that one of his arms was still around her butt area and quickly move it to her legs, before helping her back to her feet. But when Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing stood up, Wei Nan rushed forward and gave a kick to Dong Xuebing’s leg. “Get away from Huilan!”

Dong Xuebing did not expect Wei Nan to hit him suddenly and was not prepared. He shouted out in pain and fell to the ground!

Xie Huilan was stunned for a second and scolded. “Wei Nan! What are you doing?”

Dong Xuebing was sweating profusely from the pain. His leg seems to be fractured from Wei Nan’s kick.

Xie Huilan squat down and support Dong Xuebing’s head with one arm. Xiao Dong! Are you ok?” Seeing Dong Xuebing grimacing in pain, she turned and stared at Wei Nan. “What the hell are you doing?”

Wei Nan was full of hatred for Dong Xuebing. His date with Xie Huilan was interrupted by Dong Xuebing, and he even kissed her before. Now, Dong Xuebing even placed his hand on Xie Huilan’s butt. He could not tolerate any longer. His fiancée was lying in another man’s arms, and she was still joking with that man. Which man can tolerate this? Wei Nan nearly lost his mind when Xie Huilan scolded him for kicking Dong Xuebing now!

Dong Xuebing had never experienced such pain all his life. He could not move his leg, and it must be fractured! F**k You! I still have not settled the auction house score with you! Now you even dare to kick me?! You dare to kick me in front of Sister Xie? Dong Xuebing was furious. He was kicked for no reason, and he will not let Wei Nan off!

BACK!

......

The scenes flashed!

Dong Xuebing could not feel the pain in his leg. He could only feel some pain in his knee, and he was still kneeling on one knee on the ground with Xie Huilan in his arms. She was smiling at him and said: “See? Stop opening doors for me in the future. Haha.”

Dong Xuebing took in a deep breath and helped Xie Huilan stand up. But all his attention was on his back.

Ta...... Ta...... Ta...... it was the sounds of footsteps running towards Dong Xuebing from his back.

Dong Xuebing calculated the time when he was kicked earlier and moved a step to his side suddenly!

“Get away from Huilan!” Swoosh! Wei Nan’s kick barely missed Dong Xuebing’s leg!

Wei Nan was shocked to see Dong Xuebing dodging his kick with his back against him.

Xie Huilan’s face changed and shouted: “Wei Nan! What are you doing?”

After dodging Wei Nan’s sneak attack, Dong Xuebing will not let him off lightly. Wei Nan had lost his balance after that kick, and Dong Xuebing clenched his fist and gave him a punch on the right side of his face. “F**k! Sneak attack?! Go to hell!”

Bang!!!

Dong Xuebing did not hold back in this punch! He had used all his strength.

Wei Nan fell against Audi’s door from the impact!

Xie Huilan grabbed Dong Xuebing’s arm to stop him. “Xiao Dong!”

Dong Xuebing still wanted to give Wei Nan a beating, but he had to listen to Sister Xie. He stood there, panting. “Sister Xie, you also saw it. I am not the one who started it. He is too despicable to try a sneak attack from my back! You saw the strength of that kick! If I did not react in time, my leg would have been broken!” Dong Xuebing stared at Wei Nan, who was covering his face in pain. “What the hell is wrong with you? I did not offend you! Why are you trying to hit me? Are you mad?”

Wei Nan got up and rushed towards Dong Xuebing. “Go to hell!”

Xie Huilan quickly steps in front of Dong Xuebing. “Wei Nan! What are you trying to do?! Stop!”

Wei Nan loses his mind when he saw his fiancée helping another man. “He took advantage of you, and you are still siding him? He hit me, and you are protecting him? Ah? Who is your fiancé?!”

Dong Xuebing shouted: “F**k you! You are the one who tried to kick me first! You think you are in the right?”

Xie Huilan replied coldly. “Xiao Dong was helping to stop my fall. How can you try to beat him up? Ah? Who do you think you are? Who gives you the authority to hit others? Xiao Dong is my lifesaver! He is my guest! You are too unreasonable, and I am very disappointed with you. Fiancé? Hmph! Don’t ever call me this again! I will tell you now. I will never be your fiancée!”

Wei Nan’s face turns pale. “Huilan! You are saying these because of an outsider?”

Xie Huilan looked at him. “Outsider? Xiao Dong risked his life to save me. When everyone thought I was dead, he was the only that did not give up and continue performing CPR on me! I am still alive because of him! You? You have a good family background and is close to my grandfather, you think you can treat my lifesaver this way? Outsider? Let me tell you now! I am closer to Xiao Dong than I am with you! You are the outsider in my eyes!”

“You two are closer, and I am an outsider?” Wei Nan laughed in disbelief. “Fine!” He turned and walked away.

Dong Xuebing did not expect Xie Huilan to say those things. He felt good in his heart. How can such a person be Sister Xie’s husband? Even if Sister Xie’s family forced her to marry him, she must not give in! If not, her life will be ruined. But that sentence “I am closer to Xiao Dong” had...... many meanings. From Wei Nan’s expression, he seemed to have misunderstood that sentence. Never mind. Who cares!

The garaged was quiet.

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Sister Xie. I was too rash earlier and should not have hit him.”

Xie Huilan waved her hand. “It was Wei Nan who tried to kick you from your back. It is not your fault. This Wei Nan was too much!”

Dong Xuebing looked at Xie Huilan’s expression and could tell she did not blame him. “Sister Xie, Wei Nan is not good enough for you. He is too arrogant. When I met him for the first time at an auction, he and his friends arrived late and tried to chase me away from my seat. Who the hell will do such things?”

Xie Huilan laughed. “That’s why I dislike him. Alright. Stop talking about him. Let’s go.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and went to take out the fruits from the car. After that, he walked out of the garage with Xie Huilan.

Ring, ring, ring...... Xie Huilan’s phone rang, and she answered. “Xiao Hao. I am at grandfather’s place here. Where are you? You saw Wei Nan? You have reached?” Xie Huilan smiled and looked at Xiao Dong. “Yes. The injuries on his face are from your Brother Dong....... Yes.... Something happened here earlier...... Fine. Stop asking so many questions. Wait for us. We are reaching the villa!”

At the villa’s entrance.

A guard stopped Dong Xuebing and conducted a body search on him emotionlessly.

This procedure made Dong Xuebing nervous.

“Sis! Brother Dong!” Xie Hao ran out excitedly. He asked softly. “What happened? Tell me what happen earlier.”

Dong Xuebing did not reply to him.

Xie Huilan looked at Xie Hao and told him briefly what happened earlier.

After listening to the whole incident, Xie Hao laughed out loudly. “Brother Dong! Terrific! He deserved to be punched!”

“Behave yourself!” Xie Huilan scolded with a smile.

Xie Hao quickly quiets down, but he secretly gave Dong Xuebing a thumbs up and a wink. If it were not for his sister, he would have beaten up Wei Nan several times. After hearing the whole incident, he felt Wei Nan deserved it. Bastard! Sneak attack from the back? Why can’t Brother Dong help Sis to her feet? F**k! Wei Nan deserves more than a punch! Xie Hao’s admiration for Dong Xuebing increases after this incident. Not only he saved his sister’s life and knows magic tricks, he was also good at fighting. He knew where Wei Nan was kicking without even looking at him!

Xie Huilan leads the way. They did not enter the villa and went straight to the garden at the back.

Ta, ta, ta...... It was the sound of chess pieces on the chessboard. There was still laughter sounds of an old man.

Ah....... Dong Xuebing was finally able to meet Sister Xie’s grandfather!

Dong Xuebing reminder himself to put on his best performance to leave a good impression with him. He still needs Sister Xie’s grandfather’s help for his transfer!

Dong Xuebing took a few deep breaths to compose himself as he walked along the pebbled path into the garden. His heart nearly stops beating when he saw Xie Huilan’s grandfather. He froze there, looking at that old man, who was playing chess.

Dong Xuebing was mentally prepared that Xie Huilan’s grandfather was a former high-ranking government official or even a Vice Premier. But when Dong Xuebing saw that frail-looking old man, he realized that he was not prepared at all!

Damn!

High-ranking government officer?!

Vice-Premier?!

Sister Xie’s grandfather...... was the former General Secretary of the Communist Party of China!!!

Translator’s notes: Wow...... Grandfather was the head of the Communist Party!!!

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China