Power and Wealth

The next day.

Early morning, around six o'clock.

Dong Xuebing got up early, facing the morning sun, and went downstairs.

At the bottom of the building, Deputy Mayor Ci Boyang and his wife had just walked out from another unit's corridor. Each was carrying a bag and throwing garbage into the recycle bins.

"Mayor Dong." Cai Boyang saw him.

Dong Xuebing smiled, "Deputy Cai, up so early."

Cai Boyang nodded, "Having breakfast with my wife. You're up early, too."

His wife smiled, "Working overtime today, Chief Dong?"

"No, I took a few days off. Just wanted to stroll outside," Dong Xuebing smiled, "Go to the suburbs and enjoy the scenery."

Cai Boyang said, "Sounds like a good plan."

"Mainly for some exercise. Ha, I'm off." Dong Xuebing got into his car.

His relationship with Ci Boyang had never been good. Even when they met, they just exchanged a casual greeting.

Dong Xuebing drove out of the residential compound and first went to Yao Cui's breakfast stall. Since Yao Cui wasn't there, probably working overtime at the county committee's compound, Dong Xuebing chatted with Yao's parents for a while. After having breakfast, he checked the time and felt it was about right. He got into his car and drove straight to the provincial capital. On the way, Dong Xuebing answered calls from several units—some inviting him for lunch, others seeking his approval on matters. Dong Xuebing replied briefly and didn't disclose his whereabouts. The secrecy was well maintained; he didn't even inform anyone about his plans, not even Jiang Fangfang or Yao Cui. After all, the matter hadn't been finalized yet. Today was just about taking the delegation for an inspection. It wasn't appropriate to say or discuss it.

Provincial capital.

A little after eight o'clock.

Dong Xuebing parked his car far outside the military airport, as he couldn't get any closer due to the security lockdown.

Five minutes.

Ten minutes.

Finally, the call came.

It was an unfamiliar number and an unfamiliar male voice.

"Hello, is this Dong Xuebing?"

"Yes, it's me. Who's this?"

"Just call me Xiao Qian. We're from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Our teacher instructed us to call you once we arrive. She said you would take us down for inspection."

"Oh, hello. Have you arrived?"

"We've arrived at the military airport in the western suburbs of Qingxi Province."

"I'm here too, but I can't get in. You guys come out. I'm on the southwest main road. It might take a bit longer. Look for a Range Rover; that's my car, black."

"Okay, see you in a bit."

"Alright, see you in a bit."

After hanging up the phone, Dong Xuebing looked around.

About five minutes later, a young man and a woman carrying luggage walked towards him. They were relatively young, around their twenties, similar in age to Dong Xuebing. The young man looked scholarly with glasses, while the girl was delicate with an ordinary appearance.

They met.

Xiao Qian looked at him, "Are you Dong Xuebing?"

"Yes, it's me. Hello, both of you." Dong Xuebing shook hands with them, "You've had a tough journey. Get in the car. Let me take your luggage and put it in the trunk."ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by ɴovᴇl(ꜰ)ir(e).nᴇt

Xiao Qian took his luggage.

Xiao Lu, the girl, couldn't carry hers, and Dong Xuebing ended up helping.

"Thank you," Xiao Lu said, glancing at the luxurious Range Rover. "Comrade Dong, are you from the Provincial Academy?"

Dong Xuebing smiled, "No, I'm from the local government. Didn't Professor Zhong mention it to you?"

Xiao Lu chuckled, "Teacher didn't say much. She just asked us to contact you. She doesn't talk a lot, and didn't mention anything else. We thought you were from the Provincial Academy."

"How should we address you?" Xiao Qian asked.

"Just call me Xuebing. Come on, get in the car."

They entered the Range Rover, and Dong Xuebing drove towards the county.

As they were of similar age, they quickly found common topics, chatting and laughing, which brought them closer.

"By the way, where are we going for the inspection?" Dong Xuebing brought up the main topic. "For this site selection, are there any specific requirements? Should it be in a mountainous area?"

Xiao Qian said, "It doesn't necessarily have to be a mountainous area, but there should be no residents nearby, somewhat remote. However, the transportation should still be convenient. As for other details, we'll need to conduct on-site inspections when we arrive, measure some things, and then report back to the institute. Our teacher will make the decision on how to finalize it."

"I see."

"Are there any suitable places?"

"There are indeed many places. Let's start by visiting Qing Shui Township. It's located near the mountains and is quite remote. Although transportation is inconvenient, our county has recently started a road construction project, and the funds are already in place. If the experimental base can be established, the local government will strongly cooperate, and we will solve the problem of road transportation. So, you don't need to worry about that." After all, constructing the experimental base will take at least half a year. During that time, road construction can be carried out simultaneously, and it will likely be completed around the same time, if not sooner. So, it's not a problem.

Before ten o'clock, they arrived at Qing Shui Township.

Dong Xuebing did not contact the local township for cooperation and directly took Xiao Qian and Xiao Lu to conduct on-site inspections in an area under the mountains.

Taking photos.

Measuring temperature.

Measuring distance.

Xiao Qian and Xiao Lu were busy for a while.

Dong Xuebing blinked, "Do you think this place is suitable?"

Xiao Lu smiled slightly, "I think it's okay, no major issues. The surrounding terrain is a bit complex but still within an acceptable range."

Dong Xuebing said, "Your evening flight is not urgent. In the afternoon, I'll take you to other townships to have a look. It's already noon; let's have lunch."

Xiao Lu covered her stomach, "I am hungry."

Xiao Qian also wiped his sweat, put down the measuring instruments, and said, "Let's have lunch."

Dong Xuebing said, "Let's have lunch in the township. The conditions here are not good, so we might have to make do."

Xiao Qian smiled, "It's okay, anything is fine."

After packing the instruments, Dong Xuebing drove to a small restaurant in Qing Shui Township.

However, when he got out of the car, Dong Xuebing was recognized by several township officials who happened to pass by.

"Oh, Mayor Dong!"

"Why are you here?"

Several township officials looked anxious, probably assuming something was amiss. Someone even immediately took out their phone to inform the township leaders. They were likely afraid that Dong Xuebing was here for a surprise inspection. It wasn't surprising that everyone was on edge; after all, Dong Xuebing's reputation wasn't the best, and many people feared him.

Dong Xuebing laughed, "I'm just here to eat with friends. I heard that Qing Shui Township's barbecue is famous far and wide. Don't stop me from enjoying it."

"No, no."

"We don't mean anything else."

"Please. Today's meal is on me."

Behind him, Xiao Qian and Xiao Lu were a bit dumbfounded. Mayor?

So, the one who drove them today is a Mayor.

Xiao Qian and Xiao Lu were stunned, only now realizing Dong Xuebing's occupation.