Power and Wealth

Chapter 1804

Morning

Around 10 a.m.

Bao Hong City, City Party Committee Compound

After the Deputy Minister of the Organization Department, Ma Wei, finished his work, he and Dong Xuebing went downstairs together. A car was already waiting in the yard. They got into an Audi A6, sitting in the backseat, and waited for Ma Wei’s signal before the driver started the car.

"Secretary Dong," Ma Wei said, turning his head.

Dong Xuebing smiled and replied, "Yes, go ahead."

Ma Wei asked, "How are you adapting to the environment here?"

Dong Xuebing answered, "I’m adjusting well. It’s quite good here."

Ma Wei pondered for a moment. "You were transferred from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection’s supervisory office. This place is far from comparable to that. It's just a small city."

Dong Xuebing felt slightly uncomfortable, sensing that Ma Wei might be looking down on him. He smiled and said, "I’ve worked in Yantai County for a year, and its economic development isn’t as advanced as Jiaolin County. I’ve also worked for half a year in Zhenshui County, a national-level poverty-stricken county. I visited Jiaolin County once to get familiar with the environment, and I’m quite satisfied. I believe I can handle the work there well. In my view, the environment of a place is just an objective factor, much like where one’s life takes place—it's not something we can choose. I’m here now, and what I can do isn’t instantly elevate a county to a first-tier city, which is unrealistic. I think civil servants should serve the people. As long as the people can live and work in peace and improve their happiness during my tenure, I have no regrets, regardless of how others see it. The size of the city doesn’t change the nature of my duties."

Ma Wei quickly responded, "It’s not that we doubt your capability. Since the organization has made a decision, there are certain considerations from the organization’s side. We’re just chatting casually."

Considerations from the organization

This implies that while you must follow the organization’s decision, there’s still some skepticism about you.

The new County Party Committee compound

Yes, this building is uninhabitable. What if something happens?

Dong Xuebing got out of the car with Ma Wei and continued to look around.

Ma Wei suddenly realized something and said, “Oh, no one came out to greet us. What’s going on?” Then he paused and said, “Oh right, I forgot to call and notify them.”

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, “No need for a reception. I’m fine coming here on my own. Formalities are unnecessary.” His words conveyed that Ma Wei’s presence was redundant; he could handle things independently.

The city does not value Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing was naturally reflecting this back. He wasn’t trying to confront the city leaders but wanted to convey his attitude to Ma Wei, the Deputy Minister of the Organization Department. It was a message that even though he was young, he wasn’t to be underestimated. Dong Xuebing was aware of the city’s stance and wasn’t someone who could be easily pushed around. He respected Ma Wei and was courteous due to his position, but Dong Xuebing wouldn’t care about who was involved if he pushed too hard.

Ma Wei glanced at Dong Xuebing.

Soon, around twenty or so people began to emerge from the dilapidated office buildings, clearly leaders. At the forefront was the county mayor, Zhang Dongfang. Behind him were some county party committee members, and further back were key county officials.

They must have seen the car through the windows and rushed out, but Dong Xuebing had to wait in the yard for two or three minutes. Usually, such an oversight wouldn’t happen for an official taking office, as they should have been greeted immediately. However, no one had notified them, and they didn’t even know whether Dong Xuebing was arriving in the morning or afternoon, which caught them off guard.

Dong Xuebing thought he might have overestimated things. While other officials might not have been informed, County Mayor Zhang Dongfang should have known. Zhang Dongfang might have had a good relationship with Ma Wei and the city, and Ma Wei’s actions might have been intended to give Dong Xuebing a bit of a hard time.

Anything was possible.

Thinking about this, Dong Xuebing instead found himself more excited. He welcomed the challenge.