Power and Wealth

Chapter 2015

Afternoon.

2:40 PM.

After entering the jurisdiction of Zhenshui County, Dong Xuebing called Jiang Fangfang, the County Mayor of Zhenshui County. After finishing with Xu Yan, the next person he naturally contacted was Sister Jiang.

“Sister Jiang, it’s me.” Dong Xuebing said.

On the other end, Jiang Fangfang responded, “Hmm.”

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat, “I’m in Zhenshui County, where are you?”

Jiang Fangfang replied with little expression, “I’m at the office.”

“You’re working overtime today, huh? Alright, I’ll come to find you. I have something to discuss,” Dong Xuebing said.

Jiang Fangfang didn’t say anything more and casually hung up the phone, making Dong Xuebing chuckle bitterly. He didn’t mind, as Sister Jiang always had that kind of temperament.

At the office.

County Party Committee compound.

It was a familiar environment and familiar buildings.

Dong Xuebing thought for a moment—it’s already been almost a year since he left here. Coming back now, he couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. After getting out of the taxi, he stood at the entrance, looking around, filled with emotions.

“Hey, County Mayor Dong!” A staff member recognized him.

The shout immediately drew the attention of several others in the courtyard.

“Ah, County Mayor Dong, you’re back! Are you here for work?”

“County Mayor Dong!”

“County Mayor Dong!”

Familiar faces greeted him warmly.

Dong Xuebing greeted them one by one, feeling quite moved.

Usually, as an official who had left Zhenshui County a long time ago, Dong Xuebing wouldn’t expect such warmth. He was no longer in power, so there was no need for them to flatter him. This was the reality of “out of sight, out of mind.” After all, Dong Xuebing had been with Jiang Fangfang’s faction when he was in office, while the county party secretary at the time, Meng Rui, was from the opposing faction. Back then, Dong Xuebing was able to stand toe-to-toe with Meng Rui’s side, and at times, even suppress them. But after Dong Xuebing left, Jiang Fangfang’s faction weakened significantly. The warm reception he was receiving now was a rare occurrence. Most people in this situation would find it difficult to receive such a reception after leaving the office.

But Dong Xuebing was different.

During his time in Zhenshui County, he did a great deal for the people. One of the most notable things he had done was saving lives. For example, during the collapse of a dangerous building, Dong Xuebing had risked his own life to rescue people. He had even saved someone by performing surgery on-site, despite the heavy risk. If not for his actions, many people would have died. As a result, Dong Xuebing earned the respect of everyone, regardless of their politics or personal feelings. A leader like him, who acted with integrity, would be respected by all.

Of course, some people ignored him. When they saw Dong Xuebing, they pretended not to notice and distanced themselves.

No one could please everyone, especially someone like Dong Xuebing, who had a sharp edge to him. His tenure in Zhenshui County had been marked by controversy.

“Is County Mayor Jiang in?”

“Yes, she’s in the office.”

“Alright, I’ll go there then.”

Dong Xuebing said goodbye to everyone and chatted briefly with a few old friends before heading directly to the county government office building. He soon arrived at Jiang Fangfang’s office.

Knock knock knock.

The door was opened by Jiang Fangfang’s secretary, Li Xiaona. When she saw it was Dong Xuebing, she was taken aback, then excitedly said, “County Mayor Dong! How come you’re back?”

Dong Xuebing smiled, “I have some business to handle. Is Sister Jiang in?”

“She’s in, please come in,” Li Xiaona said, inviting him inside.

“How’s everything going at work?” Dong Xuebing casually asked.

Li Xiaona paused and sighed, “Well, it’s the same as usual.”

Dong Xuebing blinked but said nothing further. The door to Jiang Fangfang’s office was open, so he walked in and closed the door behind him. “Sister Jiang, are you busy?”

Jiang Fangfang, dressed in professional attire, was sitting behind the desk, reviewing documents. She didn’t look up or acknowledge Dong Xuebing, simply saying, “It’s alright, what’s up?”

Dong Xuebing said, “I just missed you.”

Jiang Fangfang responded with an “Oh” and nodded.

Dong Xuebing helplessly moved closer and said, “Let’s talk business. How’s your mother’s health? Is she any better?”

Jiang Fangfang’s mother had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for years, and after her father’s passing, her condition worsened. When Dong Xuebing was in office, her mother had always confused him with Jiang Fangfang’s deceased husband.

Jiang Fangfang shook her head. “She’s the same as before.”

Dong Xuebing said, “I’ve already contacted the hospital in the capital. We can take her there in the next few days. I’ll have someone pick her up.”

Jiang Fangfang said, “There’s no need.”

Dong Xuebing said firmly, “No, we have to do this. I promised your mother I’d help, and we’re going to get her the best treatment possible. Even if it’s not fully curable, we can at least alleviate her symptoms as much as possible. I’ve already arranged everything with people in the capital, so don’t worry about it. You focus on your work, and I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of.”

Jiang Fangfang finally put down the document in her hand and looked up. “Okay.”

Dong Xuebing continued, “I heard from Secretary Li that things haven’t been going well at work. Is Meng Rui putting too much pressure on you?”

Jiang Fangfang remained silent.

Dong Xuebing understood and said, “Don’t worry. We’re about to upgrade the county to a county-level city. The neighboring county will soon be under our jurisdiction as well. I don’t like the current county party secretary, and once this transition occurs, I’ll replace him. Sister Jiang, I would like you to come and help me. It might not be a big city, but it’s better than Zhenshui County in many ways, especially since you’ll be the county’s top leader. You won’t have to answer to anyone, and you’ll have more freedom to implement your ideas. What do you think?”

Jiang Fangfang looked at him and asked, “Why are you asking me?”

Dong Xuebing said, “You’re objective in your leadership, and you dare to make decisions. I can’t do that as well as you, so I’ve been thinking about it, and I believe you’re the best fit. Additionally, we’ll be closer, and I’ll be able to see you more often. What do you think?”

Jiang Fangfang looked into his eyes and asked, “You think I won’t have to answer to the city authorities?”

Dong Xuebing replied, “That’s right. You’ll have full control over your governance. I won’t interfere, and you don’t need to worry about the second-in-command. I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly in the entire Jiaolin region.”

Jiang Fangfang said indifferently, “My leadership style is different from yours.”

Dong Xuebing firmly responded, “That’s fine. Everyone has their way of doing things. We don’t need to agree on everything, but we can still work together. I’ll fully support you. If you’re worried about Secretary Li or other staff members, you can bring a few of your people over. I’ll help arrange the transfer.”

For a full five minutes, neither of them said anything.

Finally, Jiang Fangfang spoke, “Alright.”