Chapter 1938
The banquet hall.
Coming in was naturally Xie Huilan.
When Dong Xuebing's wife appeared, the whole room was stunned.
No one had ever seen Dong Xuebing's wife, but everyone had imagined what she might look like. Some thought Dong Xuebing probably looked ordinary and his wife might not be beautiful possibly a very gentle homemaker type. Others speculated that given Dong Xuebing's high position at a young age, his wife must be quite beautiful. However, when they saw Dong Xuebing's wife, no one expected her to be so stunning â she was simply breathtaking, like a beauty from a country. Moreover, it seemed Dong Xuebing's wife might be much older than Dong Xuebing.
They didn't match.
The couple sitting together looked so mismatched.
Regarding age, temperament, and appearance, no one would ever think they were married if this couple walked down the street.
The leaders at the table were also surprised.
Dong Xuebing introduced, "This is my wife, Xie Huilan."
Xie Huilan smiled sweetly at a few cadres, saying, "Sorry I'm late." She then picked up Dong Xuebing's front-facing wine glass and said, "I'll pour myself a drink, haha."
"No, no." Zhang Dongfang's wife quickly interrupted. We were early. You just got off the plane and rushed over; it's not your fault. There's no need to drink; the alcohol content is quite high."
"Yes, Mrs. Zhang is right." Meng Hanmei said.
Chang Lin laughed, "Don't drink; otherwise, Dong Xuebing will come looking for us."
Who would dare let the wife of the county party secretary drink alone, especially since they hosted this dinner.
Xie Huilan still put the glass down. She looked at Dong Xuebing and said, "Why didn't you introduce me?"
"Almost forgot." Dong Xuebing replied, "This is Zhang Dongfang, the county mayor, and his wife; this is Wei Zhixuan, the county party secretary."
Xie Huilan greeted them one by one with a smile and got acquainted. Afterward, Xie Huilan said, "Then let's start eating. Haha, or the dishes will get cold." Her inherent assertiveness showed through, taking Dong Xuebing's usual lines.
Well, they're a couple, so it's okay.
Only then did everyone start eating. They chatted and laughed.
Zhang Dongfang's wife seemed to like Xie Huilan, holding Xie Huilan's hand after eating a few bites. "How old are you this year, sister-in-law?"
Xie Huilan smiled, "Thirty-one."
People thought Xie Huilan looked a bit older, which is why Zhang Dongfang's wife asked the question. After all, Dong Xuebing was only twenty-six or twenty-seven. She thought Xie Huilan should be around the same age as Dong Xuebing, no more than a year or two apart. However, it turned out that Xie Huilan was in her thirties, making her four to five years older than Dong Xuebing. This isn't uncommon in big cities, but in a place like Jiaolin County, the traditional mentality still runs deep. It's hard enough to accept a woman being older than a man by a few months, let alone by five years.
"What does your sister-in-law do for work?" The county deputy party secretary, Wei Zhixuan's wife, also asked curiously. This is the sort of thing only other women can comfortably ask.
Xie Huilan smiled, "I'm also a civil servant."
"Oh, where do you work?" Wei's wife asked again.
"In the Jiangnan area." Xie Huilan didn't provide further details.
Zhang Dongfang's wife exclaimed, "Thatâs quite far. Youâve always been living apart? Why hasnât Dong Xuebing asked for a transfer for you?â
Zhang Dongfang didnât say anything. This topic had come up earlier in the afternoon.
Xie Huilan replied casually, âWeâve been living apart for the most part. When I was in Beijing, he was in the countryside, and when I was back in the local area, he was in Beijing again. We hardly see each other, haha. I canât move now because my work situation is quite complex, and I canât leave.â
Zhang Dongfangâs wife sighed, âHow about we ask our Old Zhang for help? Your child is just born; itâs not good for him to grow up without a father.â
Xie Huilan gave a vague reply and then glanced at Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing didnât look back. It wasnât that he was intentionally hiding anything. People assumed earlier that Xie Huilanâs rank was lower than his because of her relatively young age, which led to repeated misunderstandings with Zhang Dongfang and his wife. But Dong Xuebing didnât explain anything; it didnât matter whether they knew or not. He was too busy enjoying his meal.
The wives chatted while Dong Xuebing Wei Zhixuan, Sun Changzhi, and a few other leaders also chatted.
Of course, most topics from either side revolved around Xie Huilan. The civil servants and their families eating downstairs couldnât help but talk about her, too. It was inevitable â Dong Xuebingâs wife made such a stunning appearance. As the wife of a leader, she naturally became the center of discussion and attention.
âSheâs so beautiful.â
âDong Xuebing is impressive.â
âYeah, such a beautiful wife is always a standout wherever she goes.â
âSigh, I look at my wife, just an ordinary-looking woman. Life canât be compared, can it?â
âDong Xuebingâs wife has such grace too. Look at her demeanor; she exudes the style of a deputy section chief at the very least.â
People at several tables further away talked in whispers, occasionally glancing at Dong Xuebingâs wife. Everyone was entirely moved.
Dong Xuebing took in everyoneâs expressions as he ate and drank, knowing Xie Huilan had once again made him proud. He felt very proud of his wifeâs beauty. Otherwise, he wouldnât have eagerly shown her photo to his college professor. He was secretly pleased.
Five minutes later, Xie Huilan excused herself, nudged Dong Xuebing, and addressed the group, âIâm going to leave with my husband for a bit, and Iâll be right back.â
Dong Xuebing had no choice but to follow her.
Nobody said anything.
Outside, Dong Xuebing asked, âWhatâs wrong?â
Xie Huilan pointed to the side and smiled, âLetâs go. Come with me to sit with the group at the city table. Iâve been out for half a day, and people are waiting for me. The cityâs party secretary is there, especially hosting a welcoming dinner for me, and our folks from Xiexing City are all in that room, too. It wouldnât be appropriate for me not to go back.â
Dong Xuebing furrowed his brows, âI canât go there.â
âWhy canât you go?â Xie Huilan glanced at him.
Dong Xuebing replied, âYou donât know, my relationship with the city isnât good. Otherwise, you could go alone. I canât stand seeing them. Itâs annoying.â
Xie Huilan said, âWhen have you ever had a good relationship with the leaders? Haha, youâre used to it, my husband. The city knows about our celebration dinner here. Itâs not appropriate if you donât go. Besides, I have to introduce you to them. Otherwise, it would look like weâre deliberately hiding something.â
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