Power and Wealth

The next day.

Morning.

Dong Xuebing exited the courtyard and saw Luo Haiqing leaving the residential compound. He couldn't help but pull over.

" Chief Luo." Dong Xuebing rolled down the car window.

"Yes, Chief Dong," Luo Haiqing approached.

"Get in. It's on the way," Dong Xuebing waved, opening the door for her.

"Alright, I'll ride with you then," Luo Haiqing said, getting into the car.

Dong Xuebing couldn't see clearly with the door blocking, but when Luo Haiqing got into the car, he finally saw her. She wore a long red skirt with black stockings and high heels. The only difference from yesterday was that the skirt was divided, with a casual suit jacket on top. It looked familiar like the one Dong Xuebing bought for her when they went to Wangfujing recently. Her hair was also pinned up at the back of her head, making her look capable and mature. Despite Dong Xuebing always muttering about Luo Haiqing's dress, she suited these colorful outfits. She might not look as good if she wore something lighter and more elegant.

"Not feeling cold?" Dong Xuebing stepped on the gas.

"I'm fine. Sister has never been afraid of the cold," Luo Haiqing smiled.

"This weather is getting colder by the day. It's winter already. I was worried you might feel cold," Dong Xuebing said. "Well, as long as you're not cold. Are you getting used to the residential compound?"

"It's good. The environment here is much better than in Fenzhou. Yesterday, I fell asleep as soon as I lay in bed," Luo Haiqing said.

"That's good. I was worried you wouldn't get used to it," Dong Xuebing said.

"No, I adapt quickly," Luo Haiqing said.

The unit's compound was just ahead. It wasn't far from the residential compound, only a few minutes' drive.

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing looked at Luo Haiqing and said, "By having you come over this time, you probably won't be able to return for a year or two. Are you mentally prepared for that?"

Luo Haiqing nodded. "If I don't achieve anything, Sister doesn't plan to go back."

"Your spouse and child might not be easy to see, although Fenzhou isn't far. After all, they are in two different cities. You've never left your hometown since entering the system. Your transfers have always been within the county or city. If you want your spouse and child to come over, I can help arrange it. There shouldn't be any problem with the child's school. I'll make a call. Except for some first-rate schools, you can pick any. Your spouse's job shouldn't be difficult either. I can help find a company for him," Dong Xuebing said.

Hearing this, Luo Haiqing decisively waved her hand. "Thank you. I know you take care of me, but it's unnecessary. Bringing the family along will be distracting. It's better to let them stay in Fenzhou. I can go back more often on weekends or have my spouse bring the child over."

"Are you sure?" Dong Xuebing asked.

Luo Haiqing nodded. "It’s unnecessary. Thanks."

"Okay then. If you need anything, just let me know," Dong Xuebing said.

Luo Haiqing chuckled. "Sure, I'll trouble you in the future." After saying that, she adjusted her skirt. "Is Sister's outfit okay today?"

Dong Xuebing coughed. "It's fine, looks great."

"Really? Is it nice?" Luo Haiqing glanced at him.

Dong Xuebing felt awkward but said, "Yes, very beautiful. You look stunning in this colorful outfit. Whatever you wear looks good on you."

Luo Haiqing smiled, her eyes bright. "Thank you."

They arrived at the office.

Dong Xuebing didn't go to the Second Section. After separating from Luo Haiqing, he went straight to a meeting room at the end of the corridor. Yesterday, Fang Wenping notified him of this meeting. The personnel adjustments had been completed, and everyone who needed to be present was there. Dong Xuebing was supposed to say a few words, such as the tasks and assignments of their Ninth Office, introduce any relevant leaders, and allow the heads of various departments to get to know each other. It was a new department, and even if the personnel knew each other or had met, they were not familiar. So, today's meeting was particularly important.

When Dong Xuebing entered, he found that several heads of departments had already arrived. It was still more than half an hour before the meeting, and judging by everyone's expressions, they had probably heard of Fang Wenping's reputation. Each person looked solemn. Dong Xuebing guessed they would have chosen the Tenth Office over the Ninth if possible. Who would like to work under a capricious woman like Fang Wenping? Dong Xuebing understood their current mindset very well. He was no exception; with Fang Wenping as the leader, he even felt uncomfortable in his office. He couldn't predict when Fang Wenping might suddenly appear. Dong Xuebing preferred leaders like Yin Cheng'an, who were easy-going and approachable.

" Chief Dong."

" Chief Liu, here so early?"

"Yes, arrived a while ago."

"Who are these?"

"Let me introduce them to you."

"Sure, thank you."

This Chief Liu used to be from the Seventh Supervision Office. He and Dong Xuebing worked in the same office building and had talked before, so they could be considered acquainted. As for the other people, Dong Xuebing was a bit unfamiliar with them. He wasn't an old cadre from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection; he had only been here for a few months.

The expressions of everyone present were normal, and they shook hands and introduced themselves to Dong Xuebing. Although Dong Xuebing was the youngest there, they were all peers, and no one was higher than the other. So, getting along was quite normal. Besides, everyone had heard of Dong Xuebing's glorious deeds. He dared to confront Yang Zhen and even got scolded by Fang Wenping, yet he still managed to get promoted without any trouble. This proved something. They were all seasoned comrades, with the youngest in their thirties, so naturally, no one would underestimate Dong Xuebing.

After the introductions, everyone sat down, and there wasn't much conversation.

Seeing the atmosphere was a bit silent, Dong Xuebing wasn't surprised. This was the style of the disciplinary department. People like him and Fang Wenping were exceptions even within the disciplinary department. Leaders like Yin Cheng'an were rare. So, Dong Xuebing casually found a seat.

" Chief Dong," at this moment, a man in his late thirties sitting next to Dong Xuebing spoke up, "I heard your department is all female comrades."

This statement was a bit inappropriate.

Saying it out loud would always make people feel a bit awkward.

With this remark, the meeting room fell silent for a moment.

Dong Xuebing glanced at him. He had just been introduced; the one speaking was Chen Kai'an, the head of the Comprehensive Department of the Ninth Office. Dong Xuebing knew a little about this person. Before being transferred here, he was the deputy head of the Comprehensive Department of the First Supervision Office, Fang Wenping's old subordinate. Initially, Dong Xuebing didn't pay much attention to him, but hearing his words made him uncomfortable. Dong Xuebing furrowed his brows slightly, suddenly understanding. Chen Kai'an was probably aligned with Fang Wenping, counting on the animosity between Dong Xuebing and Fang Wenping. He was likely trying to provoke Dong Xuebing to impress the leaders.

Dong Xuebing didn't respond to him. He simply crossed his legs and casually played with his phone as if he hadn't heard a thing, completely ignoring him.

Chen Kai'an was somewhat annoyed.

Everyone else was watching the situation unfold, but no one spoke up.

Shortly after, footsteps approached, and Fang Wenping walked in, slamming the door shut as she entered. She sat directly at the head of the table. "Let's start the meeting."

Everyone straightened up and listened attentively.

Dong Xuebing did the same; he didn't want to give anyone a reason to gossip.

Fang Wenping didn't need notes. She glanced at everyone and proceeded to give a detailed explanation of the Ninth Supervision Office's work and the division of responsibilities among the departments.

Dong Xuebing rarely saw Fang Wenping in a working state like this. Seeing her now gave him a better understanding of her. This woman didn't reach her current position through family connections or mere chance. Like him, Fang Wenping had a somewhat difficult personality, but she also had many outstanding qualities in her work. For example, during this speech, which lasted more than half an hour, Fang Wenping didn't even glance at the script. She eloquently articulated everything from start to finish without hesitation or stumbling. Dong Xuebing, who prided himself on his eloquence, couldn't help but admire her. Indeed, anyone's success wasn't just luck or coincidence. Fang Wenping's ability to reach her current position was undoubtedly due to her talent. Others might curse her as a difficult woman, but some aspects of her personality overshadowed her shining qualities. Dong Xuebing had experienced this firsthand because, like Fang Wenping, he was also a controversial figure. From entering the system to the present, Dong Xuebing has faced criticism and questioning every step of the way. However, no one could shake him because there were things none of them could do, but Dong Xuebing could. This was his talent, something that no one could dispute.

Questioning.

Cursing.

Sometimes, it was just a manifestation of jealousy.

Dong Xuebing had endured a lot of questioning and better understood this issue than others. Now, he turned this understanding back on Fang Wenping. Dong Xuebing realized that this woman also had many shining qualities. Dong Xuebing could talk endlessly and curse with the best of them, but he fell short when it came to serious matters. Fang Wenping's uninterrupted speech for over half an hour was something Dong Xuebing couldn't achieve unless he used his special ability. Indeed, the Fang family, competing with the Xie family for so many years, weren't inferior. Not one of them was easy to deal with.

Before ten o'clock, Fang Wenping finished speaking. She was a person who acted swiftly and decisively. "Do you all understand the responsibilities of each department and the tasks for this month? If there's nothing else, the meeting is adjourned."

But it was at this moment that Chen Kai'an spoke up.