Power and Wealth

Three Days Later

Morning, at the Office

Today was Dong Xuebing's first official day in his new position. After driving to the building, he strode into the office complex. The location was still the same two buildings, but two new departments had been added. Two floors had been vacated for these new departments, displacing the previous occupants to other areas, so the office location hadn't changed. Upon entering, he encountered many familiar faces.

"You're here!"

"Director Dong."

"Good morning."

Dong Xuebing greeted everyone and then headed to his new office area. Pushing open the door to the second Office, he found it empty except for a cleaning lady who smiled at him. He chatted with her briefly before entering his own office. The room was large, spacious, and well-lit, with a windowsill full of plants. The previous occupant likely left these behind. Due to the winter season and the recent office adjustments, most plants were wilting except for a green clivia. Despite this, Dong Xuebing was very satisfied with the environment. The department director's office was a significant upgrade from that of a regular inspector at the same level. Every aspect was a step up, and he couldn't be more pleased. Securing this position so early was the biggest surprise for him.

Inside the Office

Dong Xuebing walked around a few times before happily sitting down. He turned on his computer, placed his bag down, leisurely made a cup of tea, and took a few sips with a contented expression.

Getting promoted was indeed a day worth celebrating. However, if there was one small regret, it was the appointment of their new director for the Ninth Office. Every time he thought about it, Dong Xuebing felt a bit annoyed.

"Why her?"

"This woman is still at odds with me."

The phone on the desk rang.

Dong Xuebing picked it up, "Hello, this is the Second Section of the Ninth Supervision Office."

Fang Wenping's cold, stern voice said, "Come to my office immediately."

Before he could respond, the call ended with a beep. Dong Xuebing snorted but had no choice. After all, she was the newly appointed director of the Ninth Office. Now that Fang Wenping was his direct supervisor, Dong Xuebing couldn't treat her with the same disregard as before. Previously, their positions didn’t overlap, so he could afford to argue with her. But now, they were truly in a superior-subordinate relationship, and the bureaucracy, this was a sensitive matter. Dong Xuebing had to be mindful of the implications. Moreover, he had just been promoted and was in a good mood, with no desire to continue the quarrel with Fang Wenping. So, he stood up and left his office.

At the End of the Hallway

Dong Xuebing knocked on the director's office door.

"Come in," Fang Wenping said coldly from inside.

Dong Xuebing walked in with a less-than-friendly expression, "You called for me?"

"Close the door and find a seat," Fang Wenping said blandly as she sorted the documents on her desk. After a while, she looked at Dong Xuebing, who had already sat down. "Today is the first day the department is established, and the staff hasn't been adjusted yet, so we are still 'bare commanders.' I have already talked to the heads of several other sections. The higher-ups want to respect the attitudes of department leaders before making personnel allocations. This is to ensure a smooth transition and quick commencement of work. Your transfer order has been in place for a few days, so you should have some ideas. Tell me, if there are any competent colleagues you'd like to have transferred here, I will consider your nominations within certain limits."

Surprisingly, the two did not argue this time. Their conversation remained strictly professional.

This was exactly what Dong Xuebing wanted to see. Now that you’re my supervisor, if you don't provoke me, then there’s no issue. But if you do, I, Dong Xuebing, am not someone to be trifled with. I don’t care what kind of leader you are; if it comes to that, don’t blame me for not recognizing you. "I have a few nominations."

Fang Wenping didn’t even look at him, continuing to review a document, seemingly familiarizing herself with the new job. "Although you’re the only one in the second section right now, many adjustments have been made. It’s just a matter of them reporting to you. There are still about two more positions."

Dong Xuebing nodded, thought momentarily, and said, "Han Fei has good work abilities. She’s young, energetic, and has worked well with me. I think it’s appropriate to transfer Xiao Han over. She’s been at the eighth division’s second office for many years, so maybe it’s time to consider promoting her."

Fang Wenping glanced at him, put down what she was holding, and took out a notebook to jot it down. "Whether she gets promoted or not isn’t your concern. I have my plans. Just tell me the people."

Dong Xuebing felt slightly unhappy but said, "Han Fei from the eighth section."

Fang Wenping nonchalantly acknowledged, "Anyone else?"

Dong Xuebing had his reasons for choosing Han Fei. Firstly, Han Fei had expressed a desire for this role and had long been hoping for a deputy director position. Her qualifications were just about right for a promotion. By recommending her, Han Fei would certainly appreciate it. Secondly, Han Fei's father held a significant position as the Director of the Second Bureau of the Organization Department, a very influential role. Dong Xuebing wasn’t being opportunistic, but given equal circumstances, he would prefer to have Han Fei by his side. Thirdly, Han Fei was a pleasant-looking young woman. Compared to a burly man, Dong Xuebing found a lively, cheerful young woman more visually pleasing.

As for the second nomination...

Dong Xuebing hesitated momentarily, "Can we include local disciplinary inspection cadres?"

Fang Wenping frowned slightly, "From where?"

Dong Xuebing replied, "Luo Haiting, Director of the First Supervision Office of the Fengzhou City Commission for Discipline Inspection. She’s in her forties, has strong work abilities, and is steady. I worked with her for a long time at the Fengzhou City Commission. If she could come over to assist me, there wouldn’t be much need for adjustment, and I’m confident in her work capabilities. I believe there won’t be any obstacles."

Luo Haiting.

Dong Xuebing still felt guilty about the inexplicable incident with her before, so she was the first person he thought of. "If she could come over and work with me, it would be perfect." By saying "work with me," he meant having Luo Haiting as the deputy director of the second section. In the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the deputy director of a section was equivalent to a high-level department director. Luo Haiting was currently a deputy Division Chief level cadre, so it would certainly be a significant promotion if she did come over.

Fang Wenping didn’t respond, instead saying, "Alright, get to work."

Dong Xuebing glanced at her and then turned to leave, feeling that it should be settled.