Power and Wealth

Morning.

Ninth Office, Second Division.

The phone in Dong Xuebing's office rang. When he picked up, someone from the personnel department asked him to go to Fang Wenping's office. Dong Xuebing had a rough idea of what it was about. He replied affirmatively, straightened his clothes in front of the mirror, and went out.

As Director Dong left, the people below looked at his departing figure and began discussing.

"Director Dong is leaving?"

"Yeah, that's how it's going around."

"Xiaofei, are you sure Director Dong is going to a small county?"

"My dad told me, and he even helped Director Dong make a few calls. It must be true."

"How could this be?"

"Does Director Dong have his considerations?"

"But even so, why go to such a small county?"

"Yeah, there's nothing good there. Why go?"

"And his relationship with Director Fang isn't very good, right? I heard it's near Fang's..."

Many of those present had backgrounds and were well-informed, knowing many things. Although He Zhou didn't say it explicitly, the meaning was clear. Given how Fang Wenping and Dong Xuebing had quarreled, Dong Xuebing was now going to Fang's territory. Wasn't this walking into the lion's den? They couldn't fathom what Director Dong was thinking. Why would he consider going to a small county, even if it was near Fang Wenping's area? Places like Jiaolin County were unheard of to them; what attraction or career opportunity could there be? How could they not know? If it were them, everyone would know. But how could Fang Wenping not know? If there were opportunities, wouldn't she arrange for her people to take over the position of the previous county party secretary?

Can't understand it.

Completely baffling.

Dong Xuebing's move was incomprehensible to everyone, probably not just to them but even to Dong Xuebing's own family and the leaders of the disciplinary committee.

Meanwhile.

Director Fang's office.

Knock, knock, knock. Dong Xuebing knocked on the door.

"Please come in." It was Fang Wenping's voice inside.

Dong Xuebing pushed open the door and closed it behind him. He saw Fang Wenping behind her desk, along with two male cadres he didn't know well. One was in his forties, and the other was in his thirties, both looking quite senior, likely from the personnel department.

"Director Dong," a middle-aged man stood up.

Dong Xuebing walked up, "Yes, it's me. Hello."

"I'm Old Li from personnel." He shook hands with Dong Xuebing.

The younger cadre also came up and briefly introduced himself to Dong Xuebing.

In terms of rank, Fang Wenping was the highest. She gestured for Dong Xuebing to sit down. "Sit down, Xiaodong. Today, we're here to hear your thoughts. The organization may rearrange your work and send you to the grassroots for training. What are your thoughts on this?"

Dong Xuebing replied immediately, "I will comply with the organization's arrangements."

Old Li from personnel interjected, "It's not just about compliance. We want to hear your thoughts." His tone showed some puzzlement.

Dong Xuebing said, "Actually, I also think it would be good for me to go down and gain some experience."

The two personnel officers exchanged a glance, understanding his stance. "Alright then, other organizational members may be coming to talk to you today. Be prepared."

"Sure, thank you, comrades from personnel," Dong Xuebing replied.

"Thank you, this is our job," Old Li said.

Dong Xuebing stood up, and they also got up, shaking hands.

"We'll head back now," the personnel people turned to Fang Wenping and said, "Sorry for the interruption, Director Fang."

Fang Wenping waved her hand dismissively. The two personnel officers left Dong Xuebing alone with Fang Wenping.

Fang Wenping glanced at him, her expression neutral and businesslike. "There will be a transfer order coming soon. You should expect to hear something around the 15th."

Dong Xuebing sincerely replied, "Thank you."

Fang Wenping didn't respond further. "Go back to work. That's all."

Upon hearing this, Dong Xuebing bid farewell and left her office.

Later that afternoon,

Another leader called Dong Xuebing in to discuss his recent transfer. They went through the formalities and asked Dong Xuebing for his thoughts. The same old question arose: no one could understand the true purpose behind Dong Xuebing's transfer; it was too baffling.

Not to mention others,

Even Dong Xuebing's wife, Xie Huilan.

Ring, ring, ring. At three o'clock in the afternoon, Xie Huilan probably heard the news as well; a phone call came through. "What's going on?"

Dong Xuebing asked, "What's going on?"

Xie Huilan said bluntly, "You were doing so well. Why are you going down to the grassroots level?"

"There's room for me to utilize my abilities here, or the grassroots are suitable for me," Dong Xuebing chuckled.

Xie Huilan interrupted bluntly, "Cut it out. I know exactly who you are. No place doesn't need your capabilities. If it weren't for the chance at vice hall level, would you go down there?"

Dong Xuebing sighed inwardly, thinking, She understands me.

Xie Huilan continued, "But the key thing is, there's no opportunity for you going down this time. Do you understand? Jiaolin County is Fang's territory, a small county I've never heard of. Look at the place you've chosen. Even if you become the county party secretary, can you quickly be promoted to Deputy Bureau Director? Who would promote you? Did you even think it through? It would have been better if you had informed Sister Xie beforehand. I could have helped you consider it. But no, you just went ahead and decided. I don't know what your parents were thinking."

Dong Xuebing replied, "My mom tried to advise me, too, but there are some things I can't discuss. Anyway, you'll understand later. My decision today is absolutely correct, couldn't be more right."

Xie Huilan retorted, "Meaning you have information I don't? Where would there be any development opportunities over there?"

Dong Xuebing chuckled wryly, "As I said, you'll understand later. I know you mean well, but have you ever seen any decision of mine go wrong? Everything has always gone smoothly. If I've done this, there must be my plans and reasons."

Xie Huilan laughed, "I really can't think of any reasons. I'll wait and see."

"Alright, keep an eye on it," Dong Xuebing said. "I'll strive to be promoted to vice hall level soon. Otherwise, I'll never catch up to your level in my lifetime."