Power and Wealth

Chapter 2010

After finishing the call with Guo Panwei, Dong Xuebing made the second call to Chang Juan.

When it came to Sister Chang, Dong Xuebing had always found her both amusing and exasperating. Like Guo Panwei, Chang Juan was also his colleague back when he first entered the state system through the National Security Department. They had worked in the same office and had known each other for many years. Though Chang Juan hadn’t done much to help Dong Xuebing back then—being notoriously lazy and scatterbrained—she had always firmly stood on his side without hesitation.

Last time, Chang Juan had gotten into some trouble in Beijing and was nearly dismissed from her post. With no other option, she turned to Dong Xuebing, who was then the Executive Deputy County Mayor of Zhen Shui County. He arranged for her to work in the county’s investment promotion office and even secured her a promotion. Quite a bit of time had passed since, and they hadn’t kept in touch. Dong Xuebing had promised her a job before he left Zhen Shui County for the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, but he had forgotten about it since then. Now that there was a vacancy, she naturally came to his mind.

If Guo Panwei represented a more professional relationship…

Then Chang Juan’s connection with Dong Xuebing was more personal.

It was strange in a way—Chang Juan was slow, lazy, and lacked competence, and yet Dong Xuebing trusted her deeply and always thought of her when good opportunities came up.

The call went through.

It rang several times.

Dong Xuebing sighed, “What, did you delete my number, Sister Chang?”

Chang Juan gave a startled, “Oh! Xuebing? I wouldn’t dare delete your number! I lost my phone a few days ago—no idea which bastard took it. I’ve been going through my contacts trying to recover numbers.”

Dong Xuebing laughed, “It’s been a while. How’s work?”

Chang Juan chuckled, “Not bad, thanks to your name. After you left, Jiang Fangfang took pretty good care of me. I’m the Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau now.”

“Oh, you’re at division-chief level already? That was quick.”

“Just got promoted a couple of months ago. If it weren’t for Jiang Fangfang doing it out of respect for you, there’s no way the job would’ve gone to me,” Chang Juan said warmly. “What about you? I heard you’re now a County Party Secretary. I even watched the cultural gala you hosted the other day—your magic tricks were something. And that Han Dynasty tomb you found—CCTV broadcasted it live. That’s your county, too, right? Amazing.”

Dong Xuebing said, “Yep, things are basically on track here. The county’s developing well. So? Want to come over and help me?”

Chang Juan’s eyes lit up. “Sure! Without you here, it’s been so boring. I’ve been wanting to leave for ages.”

Dong Xuebing smiled, “Then come. I’ll let County Chief Jiang know. We’ll sort things out on this end. Once the transfer order is processed, begin packing. When the handover’s done, bring your bags and come straight here.”

Chang Juan blinked, “Wait, what position is it?”

Dong Xuebing chuckled, “Deputy Director of the County Party Committee Office. We’ve got two vacancies. One is going to Guo Panwei, and the other’s reserved for you.”

Chang Juan sounded disappointed. “The Deputy Director of the Party Office? That’s also just division-chief level, and there are usually a few deputies, right? No real power. I believe my current position as Investment Promotion Director is more suitable. Are you sure I should come?”

Dong Xuebing was amused. Just look at Guo Panwei—not a single question asked, he accepted immediately. A smart guy knew Dong wouldn’t do him wrong. But Sister Chang? She was being petty. Dong Xuebing shook his head helplessly. Then again, if she weren’t petty, she wouldn’t be Sister Chang. She’d always been this way—seemed clever on the surface, but was somewhat naïve.

“So? You don’t want to come?” Dong Xuebing asked with a grin. He was only this tolerant with Sister Chang—if Guo Panwei had hesitated like that, Dong might’ve withdrawn the offer. 𝙧АNỒВÈṢ

Chang Juan said grumpily, “It’s not that I don’t want to. I just thought, given our relationship, you’d set me up with something better—like the Finance Bureau Director! Controlling the county’s money—that would be sweet!”

She only cared about money—such a small-town mindset—no trace of a proper government official’s demeanor.

Dong Xuebing gave up reasoning. “If there wasn’t a good opportunity, would I have called you?”

Chang Juan perked up. “Wait? Is there a good opportunity? What is it? Tell me!”

“You’ll find out when you get here. Nothing’s confirmed yet, so I can’t say for sure. If you don’t want it, I’ll give the spot to someone else.”

“No, no, I’ll come, I’ll come!” she laughed. “You’re the best, Xuebing. Always thinking of your sister when good stuff comes up.”

Dong Xuebing warned, “Don’t go blabbing about this yet—wait till everything’s set.”

“Got it,” Chang Juan replied. “I’ll wait for the transfer order.”

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing flipped through his contact list and called Luo Haiting.

His relationship with Luo Haiting was even more complicated. She had helped him a lot during his time with the Investment Bureau in Yantai County and the Discipline Inspection Commission in Fenzhou. They had even shared a bed once, due to a mishap in a courtyard house. She wasn’t exactly an outsider.

“Hello, Xuebing,” Luo Haiting said softly.

“Sister Luo, busy?” Dong Xuebing asked.

“Not really. Just on lunch break.”

“Are you still with the Central Discipline Inspection Commission?”

“Yep, same position—Deputy Division Chief of Division 2.”

Dong Xuebing confirmed, “If I remember right, you’ve never held a grassroots leadership position before?”

That kind of experience is crucial for climbing the political ladder. Although her current title was Deputy, it was functionally equivalent to a full division chief. But without experience as a top official in a county or district, further promotions would be complicated.

“No, I haven’t,” Luo Haiting replied suspiciously.

“How about coming over to my side?” Dong Xuebing asked, smiling.

Luo Haiting laughed, “That depends on the position.”

“If I’m inviting you personally, it’d be as a top official. I’m not sure yet whether it’ll be a county or district chief role, but I’ve saved one spot for you.”

There were rumors that if Jiaolin County were reclassified as a city, Yanbei County might be merged into its administration. That’s because the recently discovered Han Dynasty tomb was located on Mount Qingluan, which straddled both counties. Joint administration would be easier. Of course, these were just rumors. Even Jiaolin’s reclassification hadn’t been finalized yet. Still, even if Yanbei didn’t merge, once Jiaolin got upgraded, districts would be created—plenty of spots for Luo Haiting.

“A county chief?” Luo Haiting was stunned. “But you’re the county party secretary. Are you being promoted?”

That didn’t seem possible. She had worked with him in the CCDI and knew his promotion to full division chief had only been within the past year. It would be too fast to jump to deputy bureau level already, even with strong backing. No one would dare promote him that quickly. But thinking back to his words and the recent archaeological discovery, she quickly caught on.

“You’re getting city status?”

Dong Xuebing didn’t deny it. “We’re applying.”

Luo Haiting was speechless. She could hardly believe Dong Xuebing’s luck. Back when he left his cushy role as Director of Division 2 in the CCDI to become a grassroots county party secretary, everyone thought he was insane. Why leave such a powerful position to go down to the county level?

Even she had thought he was making a mistake. But now? Less than half a year later, Jiaolin was on the verge of becoming a city, and Dong Xuebing was about to become a City party secretary.

A 27-year-old City party secretary.

Luo Haiting didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It was too unbelievable.

“So, Sister Luo, in a month or two, things should be settled. Come help me then.”

She had no current position to transfer into yet, so she’d have to wait until Jiaolin’s status was officially upgraded. Even if her title remained the same, a county or district party secretary held far more weight than her current role.

Trying to contain her excitement, Luo Haiting said, “You’re serious about this? Please don’t joke with me, Xuebing. I’m taking this seriously.”

“Be serious,” Dong Xuebing laughed. “I can guarantee this one.”

“All right, then I’ll follow your lead,” she replied.

After that, Dong Xuebing kept making calls—seven or eight in a row—arranging transfers for people like Guo Panwei and Chang Juan.

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