Power and Wealth

Chapter 1398: Going to Jiang Fangfang’s mother’s house

Afternoon.

At home.

A gust of wind blew the clouds outside the window into a distorted mess, much like Dong Xuebing's current mood—a bit entangled and undecided.

Going to Sister Jiang's house.

Pretending to be Sister Jiang's husband.

The more he thought about it, the more awkward it felt.

Dong Xuebing was momentarily at a loss, unsure how to handle this situation. He didn't want to go. He wanted to push the matter over the phone but couldn't. Dong Xuebing couldn't find the words. Sister Jiang had never asked him for anything. She, a County Mayor, even cooked and did his laundry. Since Dong Xuebing came to Zhen Shui County, she has taken care of him in almost every way, showing utmost care. Dong Xuebing owed her a lot, and now that she had asked for his help, he couldn't refuse. Dong Xuebing was a person who cared a lot about face, and that's why he reluctantly agreed. Now he had to go.

Time to change clothes.

What to wear?

Dong Xuebing opened the wardrobe in the bedroom and pondered for a while. He picked out several outfits and tried them on, but he had no idea what Sister Jiang's husband used to wear.

Ding, ding, ding.

A text message arrived.

It was from Jiang Fangfang and containing her mother's address.

Dong Xuebing immediately called her after seeing the message, but it was disconnected after just one ring, leaving Dong Xuebing puzzled.

Ding, ding, ding. Another message.

Jiang Fangfang: My mother is nearby, and I can't talk.

Dong Xuebing quickly typed: I just wanted to ask what hairstyle I should have.

After a while, Jiang Fangfang replied: Anything is fine. My mother doesn't remember that clearly.

Dong Xuebing: Okay. I'm almost ready. When should I leave?

Jiang Fangfang: You can come now. Remember to speak less and be mindful of your address. Call my mother "mom," and refer to my husband as Liu Tao.

Dong Xuebing: Got it. I'll remember.

Jiang Fangfang: After this, I'll treat you to a meal. Thank you sincerely.

Dong Xuebing: Oh, it's nothing. Look how polite you are.

Jiang Fangfang: That's it. Don't drink and drive safely.

Dong Xuebing: Sure, I'm on my way.

The speed of Mayor Jiang's messages was quite slow, probably because she was caring for her mother, and typing was a bit difficult. After the two finished texting, it was already one o'clock. Dong Xuebing put down his phone, checked the time on his watch, quickly changed clothes, and dressed up a bit. He didn't even have time to take a shower. Facing the mirror, he casually styled a more mature hairstyle. Then he rummaged through his home, took some fruits and a box of milk given by others, opened the door, carried them down, and drove according to the address sent by Jiang Fangfang. It was quite far away, and considering the road conditions, it would probably take nearly an hour to get there.

After two o'clock.

Downstairs at Jiang Fangfang’s house.

This was an outer suburban neighborhood. If it were a bit farther, it might be considered rural. There weren't many people around, and the neighborhood looked old. Very old. Although the conditions in Zhen Shui County were not good, as a county Mayor, getting a better house shouldn't be a problem. At least, from what Dong Xuebing saw, there were several relatively decent neighborhoods in the county. The clean and tidy environment was excellent. However, County Mayor Jiang didn't have that. Her parents had been living here. This showed that Jiang Fangfang was a very clean official, definitely not putting on a show. Moreover, considering her salary alone and the need to treat her father's cancer, take care of her mother, and hire a maid, her family's financial situation was not affluent. Dong Xuebing's father also died of cancer, and he knew how expensive this disease could be.

Sigh.

A whole family relies on Sister Jiang alone.

Not to mention, being a woman, even a man would find coping hard.

Thinking of this, Dong Xuebing took a deep breath. He no longer had any reluctance. If possible, he also wanted to help Sister Jiang share some burdens.

Let's go.

Today, I'm going all out.

Dong Xuebing exited the car, hugged the milk and fruits, and went upstairs.

The corridor was covered in mud, and some households had piled up various items, almost occupying the steps. The corridor glass was also dirty. Some of the glass is even broken.

Third floor.

Dong Xuebing stood before the door and looked for the doorbell but eventually couldn't find it. So, he reached out and knocked on the door. He felt a bit nervous.

No one answered.

Dong Xuebing knocked again.

This time, he heard footsteps from inside.

The door opened, revealing Jiang Fangfang. "You're here."

"Yeah," Dong Xuebing quickly glanced inside while holding the items.

"Come in." Jiang Fangfang stepped aside and whispered, "My mom is lying down. Wait in the living room, sit wherever. I'll go call her."

"Okay."

"Tea is ready, help yourself."

"Sure, don't worry about me."

They spoke quietly as if conspiring.

While Jiang Fangfang gently opened the door to the bedroom, Dong Xuebing sat on the sofa and took a closer look at the place. It seemed like a one-bedroom apartment—living room, bedroom, and bathroom. It was quite small, probably less than fifty square meters. The furniture was made of old wood, typical of an elderly person's home. There was a faint scent of Chinese medicine in the air. A black-and-white photo of Sister Jiang's father was on a five-drawer cabinet.

At this moment, the conversation between the mother and daughter came from the room.

"Mom."

"Hmph."

"Take your medicine first."

"I won't."

"Be obedient and take the medicine first."

"Take it away. I won't take anything."

"You don't eat or take your medicine. If you have high blood pressure, I won't take care of you. You'll suffer the consequences on your own."

"I don't need you to take care of me. You, this heartless girl. Xiao Tao is such a good child. You must have fought, or else why hasn't Xiao Tao visited us for months? Your father is gone, and Xiao Tao hasn't come. Do you think I'm senile? You two are having problems. Hurry and bring Xiao Tao back. If you don't let Xiao Tao come, and I don't see you two well, I'll refuse to eat."

"Mom."

"Take the medicine away."

Hearing this, Dong Xuebing sighed. The old lady's condition was indeed severe. It had been several years since Liu Tao passed away. However, despite her confusion, the old lady was still clear about her heart. Dong Xuebing could tell that she kept talking about her son-in-law because she worried about her daughter. Her husband had passed away, and she probably knew her health was not good. That's why she wanted to see her daughter and son-in-law living happily together so that she could be at ease. Dong Xuebing understood. Sister Jiang probably wished for a reunion with her husband as well. However, a vast distance separated the two, and there was no way it could happen. Jiang's mother didn't know, but every word she said was like a knife in County Mayor Jiang’s heart. County Mayor Jiang would be feeling uneasy. It didn't need to be asked.

Without waiting for Sister Jiang's call.

Dong Xuebing stood up and went over. It was his turn to act.

In the small bedroom, a woman in her sixties was berating her daughter while sitting by the bedside. Jiang Fangfang was on the side, holding a bowl of Chinese medicine.

Dong Xuebing stood at the door.

Jiang's mother and Jiang Fangfang also noticed someone and looked over.

Jiang Fangfang signaled to him with her eyes. Dong Xuebing understood and immediately looked at the old lady. "Mom." It sounded a bit awkward, but there was no other way.

Jiang's mother was stunned. "Xiao Tao, is it Xiao Tao?"

Dong Xuebing walked over and said, "It's me, Mom. I'm here."

Jiang's mother sat up slightly, staring at Dong Xuebing for a while, then suddenly shook her head and said, "No, no." She turned to Jiang Fangfang and asked, "Are you trying to deceive me by bringing someone in?"

Dong Xuebing felt uneasy at her words.

However, Jiang Fangfang's expression remained calm. She casually took a photo from her wallet and said, "He is Xiao Tao. If you don't recognize him, look at the photo."

Jiang's mother looked down at the photo but still shook her head. "The person hasn't changed, but something feels off." After saying that, she stared hard at Dong Xuebing.

It was strange to expect a resemblance. The old lady hadn't seen her son-in-law Liu Tao for many years and still thought it had only been a few months. Even if the real Liu Tao appeared before her now, she would probably hesitate. Moreover, Dong Xuebing was pretending to be him.

Jiang Fangfang placed the medicine bowl on the table and calmly said, "You wanted Xiao Tao to come, and now he's here. Why do you doubt him like this?"

Jiang's mother skeptically asked, "Is it Xiao Tao?"

"Mom, it is me," Dong Xuebing said.

Jiang's mother squinted at him and asked, "Then I'll ask you, what is my birthday?"

"Birthday?" Dong Xuebing was at a loss.

Perhaps Jiang Fangfang hadn't expected her mother to be clear-headed at this moment. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as if she wanted to give Dong Xuebing a hint. But in the next moment, her mother grabbed her hand.

"Don't tell him."

"Mom, Xiao Tao might not remember your birthday."

"How could he forget? Xiao Tao would celebrate my birthday and your dad's every year."

"I remind him of that. He's so busy with work, and he might forget otherwise."

Jiang's mother looked at Dong Xuebing and asked, "Okay, Xiao Tao, do you remember your birthday?"

How could Dong Xuebing know that? He was left speechless.

"I told you he's not Xiao Tao. My birthday is July 4th, and Xiao Tao's birthday is February 2nd. Even if he forgets mine, how could he forget his birthday?" The old lady immediately became upset, pointing at her daughter. "You treat your mother like a fool, bringing someone here to deceive me."

Jiang Fangfang remained silent.

Alright, the truth was out this time.

Dong Xuebing wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling awkward after exposure. He wanted to excuse himself and leave, but when he saw Jiang Fangfang's expression, he suddenly felt a bit heavy-hearted. The words he had in mind to say were swallowed back.

Narrowing his eyes, Dong Xuebing decided to come clean.

Ask about the birthday.

Alright. BACK one minute.