Chapter 2008

Chapter 2008

The next day.

Morning, Jiaolin County.

As soon as Dong Xuebing arrived at work, he started getting busy in the old county committee courtyard.

“Xiao Su,” he said, “Tell the City Tourism Bureau not to keep pushing us — it’s useless. The ancient tomb is currently closed to the public. Several chambers haven’t even been excavated yet. Even after that’s done, we still need a research period. Do you think opening up to tourism is that easy? We can provide them with some brochures and related materials for promotional purposes, but onsite visits are definitely off the table for now. Also, contact the Finance Bureau. Since the decision’s already been made to raise teachers’ salaries, don’t drag it out. We’re not short of that bit of money. If the Education Bureau’s budget isn’t enough, Finance will make up the difference. It must be handled properly and give the teachers peace of mind. One more thing — regarding the Investment Bureau, those ten-billion-yuan projects are mostly underway. Have them follow up closely. If any violations are found, the relevant departments should conduct a thorough investigation. For example, with construction projects, quality must be guaranteed. If investors encounter any difficulties, we should do everything possible to assist them, including offering policy support. Since they chose to invest in our county, we must be responsible to them.”

Su Yan jotted everything down in a little notebook and quickly went off to carry out the instructions.

County Mayor Zhang Dongfang and Executive Deputy County Mayor Xu Zhuang had been away for two or three days, so most of the county government affairs had fallen to Dong Xuebing. He had to worry about everything. He was exhausted. On top of that, the past month or two had been consumed by the Han Dynasty tomb project — excavation, live broadcasts, organizing logistics — Dong Xuebing hadn’t had a single day of rest. Even a machine wouldn’t hold up under that kind of pressure. He’d already decided: once this period is over, he’s taking a short break no matter what.

Ring ring ring.

The phone rang.

Seeing the number, Dong Xuebing smiled and picked up. “Xiao Ling!”

“Brother Dong,” said Fang Shuiling on the other end, “You’re busy, right?”

“Yeah, don’t even get me started,” Dong said. “I barely get six hours of sleep a night lately. But at least it’s a bit better than before — now that the live broadcasts are over, I’ve got a little more breathing room.”

“You need to take care of your health,” she said.

“Don’t worry. I’m a doctor myself — I know my limits.”

Fang Shuiling chuckled. “By the way, Mayor Zhang and the others went back today. The car I arranged took them to the airport. Their flight left this morning. They should be landing soon.”

“I know. Old Zhang called me. Sorry for the trouble this time. I owe you one. When you’re free, I’ll treat you to a good meal. Your pick.”

“It was nothing. A small favor,” she replied. “If anything, I should be treating you! Ah, by the way — Brother Ran and I set the date for our engagement banquet. We just confirmed it today. It’ll be in a month, early next month. I’ll send you the invitation. No matter how busy you are, you have to come. We can’t do it without you. Brother Ran and I wouldn’t be here today without all your help. Brother Ran said the other day, we can thank anyone or not, but we have to thank Brother Dong.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Alright, alright. Enough of that. You keep saying this every time. I’m getting tired of hearing it. As long as you two are happy, that’s all that matters. I didn’t do much — just helped out a little, like you said. Anyway, I’ll be there early next month. Congrats in advance.”

“You must come,” she repeated.

“I’ll take time off if I have to. No matter what.”

Fang Shuiling was finally reassured. “Okay, I’ll stop bothering you then, Brother Dong. I still have to notify the others. I’ve got plenty to do these days, too.”

“Call me if you need anything,” Dong said. “We’re family now. I might not be able to offer much help politically or professionally, but when it comes to finances, none of you needs to worry. If it’s a problem that can be solved with money, just come to me.”

That kind of bold statement — few people could make it. But Dong Xuebing could. He had the confidence.

There was a pause, then Fang Shuiling said shyly, “Thanks, brother-in-law.”

She had already changed how she addressed him. Dong Xuebing chuckled.

After hanging up, he went back to the pile of paperwork in front of him, signing off on several urgent documents that the county government should have handled.

An hour passed. Then two.

By around 11 a.m., Zhang Dongfang and Xu Zhuang finally returned.

Just as they entered the county committee compound, they ran into Wei Zhixuan, who was heading out for some errands.

“Old Zhang! Little Xu! You’re back!” he greeted them.

“Old Wei,” Zhang Dongfang replied.

“How’d it go?” Wei asked eagerly.

Zhang Dongfang smiled and gave a subtle nod.

That was all Wei Zhixuan needed — he instantly understood and felt overjoyed.

These past few days, all the county leaders had been anxiously waiting for Zhang Dongfang to bring back good news from Beijing. This was a huge deal — if Jiaolin County were successfully upgraded to a city, many officials would get a direct promotion. Wei Zhixuan himself, already near retirement age and stuck at deputy county level for years, might now have a chance to become a county-level city’s deputy party secretary — a high note to end his career on. He never even dared dream of that before. 𝔯𝔞NОＢËs̩

“Old Wei, I’ve got something urgent to handle first,” Zhang Dongfang said. “I need to go see Secretary Dong right away.”

“Go ahead, I’m heading out anyway. Let’s have dinner tonight.”

“Sure. Call up Old Meng and Old Chang, too. Let’s all drink a little.”

Others in the courtyard also noticed Zhang Dongfang and Xu Zhuang’s expressions and quickly spread the news. Everyone was excited.

Such a wide-reaching structural reform wouldn’t just benefit the top leadership — many lower-level cadres would also see promotions. With city status, new departments would be established — for instance, the Secretariat Office would likely no longer have just Divisions 1 and 2. Even nearby counties might fall under the jurisdiction of the new Jiaolin City. That meant more positions, more opportunities, and everyone was eager to grab a share.

City Committee.

Secretary’s Office.

Knock knock — Zhang Dongfang and Xu Zhuang entered.

“Hey, you’re back!” Dong Xuebing looked up and smiled. “Come in, have a seat. Must’ve been tough.”

Zhang and Xu sat down. “We’re fine. You’re the one who’s had it hardest. We heard that the county government’s workload has all been assigned to you. That’s on me — I thought if the trip went smoothly, we’d be back the next day. Didn’t expect it to drag out for three. I underestimated how complicated things would be. Thank goodness for Miss Fang. If not for her help, nothing would’ve gotten done.”

This Beijing trip had left both Zhang and Xu deeply reflective. They knew dealing with the capital was tough, but even so, they still underestimated it. The waters there were far deeper than expected. Without strong connections or a background, you couldn’t move an inch.

“As long as it’s settled,” Dong Xuebing said, getting up to pour them water.

Xu Zhuang hurried to take over. “Please, let me-you sit.” He poured water for all three of them, showing apparent deference to Dong Xuebing.

His attitude had shifted.

Although the Dong and Zhang factions had united temporarily in the past few months, everyone knew it wouldn’t last. Once city status came through, internal struggles over positions would resume. During the ambiguous period, Xu Zhuang had kept a polite distance from Dong. But now, after the trip to Beijing, his tone had changed entirely — respectful, even humble.

Why?

Because they had learned a lot during that trip, especially about Dong Xuebing.

After dinner with Fang Shuiling the night before, they rode back with Xie Hao and a few young men who told them stories that left them stunned. Dong Xuebing had once stormed the National Security compound for an old superior named Xu. He had wiped out several pirate groups to save a child. He’d even survived a plane crash — and attended his funeral.

Each story sounded like a legend.

That’s when Zhang and Xu realized just how famous Secretary Dong was in Beijing. And when they learned he was the son-in-law of Beijing’s Party Secretary Xie Guobang — the former President’s eldest son — they were shaken. No wonder no one dared provoke Dong in the capital. Even Fang Shuiling’s prestige as the Premier’s granddaughter couldn’t match his. When Dong’s name was mentioned, the powerful Chen family backed off immediately.

His nickname in Beijing’s elite circles?

Plague God.

A perfect fit. Even in Jiaolin County, Dong had always done things his way — never followed convention.

Knowing all this now, Zhang Dongfang felt awed.

Xu Zhuang even more so — the thought that he’d once dared argue with this man at a standing committee meeting now filled him with cold sweat.

A figure like this was never going to stay in a small place like their county. There was no point making an enemy of him.

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