Power and Wealth

About a dozen days later.

It is almost Summer, and the weather is getting warmer.

Dong Xuebing had accumulated 23 minutes of BACK. Because he had been using only a few seconds of BACK every time, he could only have a rough estimate of the time remaining. In the evening, after he returned home, he starts to think about his plan. Several days had passed, and Jin Di Mansion should lower their guard. So, Dong Xuebing called Chu Feng and asked him to get someone trustworthy to infiltrate into Jin Di Mansion to see if they had reopened the casino and find out what’s the situation there. Dong Xuebing is going to move.

After dinner, Yu Qianqian has some homework that needed help from Dong Xuebing, and Dong Xuebing went into her room to teach her.

Ding Dong... someone rang the doorbell. Dong Xuebing can hear Yu Meixia asking. “Who are you looking for?”

“Is Xuebing at home?” It’s a woman’s voice.

“Oh, Chief Dong is at home. Please come in. I will prepare tea now.”

“Sister, we will help ourselves.” This time it’s a man’s voice.

After so many days, Yu Meixia had learned who to refuse entry and who to allow in. If the visitor is holding gifts and speaking politely when he asked for Chief Dong, Yu Meixia will try to stop him. Even when Dong Xuebing is at home, she will say he is not around. If the visitor did not bring any gifts and speak openly, she would allow him to enter. If Chief Dong is not at home, she will ask for his name. These two visitors had addressed Chief Dong as Xuebing directly, and Yu Meixia doesn’t dare to stop them at the doorsteps.

Dong Xuebing, who was still in the bedroom, could not tell who the visitors were. “Qianqian, you practice by yourself. I will go out for a while.”

Yu Qianqian nodded. “Big Brother, you go and do your work. I can do the next question by myself.”

“Good girl.” Dong Xuebing patted Yu Qianqian’s head and left the room.

Outside, Yu Meixia brought the man and woman to the sofa. They were around 26 or 27, and the man had ordinary looks. The woman looks above average, but she is not considered pretty. The woman saw Dong Xuebing walking out, and she smiled, “Xuebing.”

Dong Xuebing felt the woman looks familiar but could not remember who she was. “You are...”

The woman said. “I’m Luan Ying. This is Chen Daqing.”

Dong Xuebing slapped his forehead. “You are my elder cousin. I couldn’t recognize you. You become so pretty now.”

The woman laughed. “You also look better now. I might not recognize you if I meet you on the streets.”

“You are my cousin in law?” Dong Xuebing extended his hand for a handshake. “When I returned to Yan Tai, I heard you two are working in the city. You two are back for?”

Chen Daqing shook Dong Xuebing’s hand. “We just registered our marriage, and we came back to hold our wedding ceremony.”

Dong Xuebing remembered his mother telling him a few days ago. “Oh... Congratulations. Have a seat. Sister Yu, bring some fruit over. Ah... Bring a carton of cigarettes over too.” Luan Ying is Dong Xuebing’s uncle’s daughter. She had been working in the city, and the last time Dong Xuebing met her was many years ago. Although Dong Xuebing was unhappy with his uncle and his uncle’s wife because of his father, it had nothing to do with Luan Ying. At that time, Luan Ying was looking for a job, and Dong Xuebing did not bear any grudges with her.

Luan Ying thought Dong Xuebing dislike her family and was worried when she comes over to visit him.

Chen Daqing had heard from his wife about what happened when Dong Xuebing’s father was sick several years ago and was also worried. He even thought of passing the wedding invitation to Dong Xuebing’s mother and ask her to give it to Dong Xuebing. Usually, wedding invitations are sent to friends, and family members are invited over the phone. But Chen Daqing thought about this and still drag Luan Ying to visit Dong Xuebing. They can don’t give out invitations to the rest of the family except for Dong Xuebing. Dong Xuebing is not the County’s Public Security Deputy Chief. Just this position alone, Chen Daqing got to invite him personally.

Dong Xuebing welcomed them warmly and offered cigarettes to Chen Daqing and fruits to Luan Ying.

Luan Ying was afraid to speak to Dong Xuebing because of what happened in their parents’ generation.

Chen Daqing used his leg to give his wife a nudged. Luan Ying looked up and took out an invitation card from her bag. “Xuebing, we are holding our wedding ceremony this Saturday. Please come over if you have the time.”

Dong Xuebing looked at the invitation card and laughed. “You are getting married, and I must make time no matter what. I will surely be there.”

Luan Ying was relieved. Before coming here, she was afraid of Dong Xuebing being sarcastic to her.

“Please stay here for a while. I need to go back to my room.” After returning to his room, Dong Xuebing found a red packet in one of his drawers and then took out 5,000 RMB of new notes from another drawer. This is like helping to contribute to the wedding and distance relatives and friends will give red packets on the day. But close relatives can give it before the day.

After coming out of the room, Dong Xuebing overheard Luan Ying speaking to Yu Meixia. “Sister, what beauty products do you use? Your complexion is so good.”

Yu Meixia blushed. “I... I don’t use beauty products.

Luan Ying envied Yu Meixia’s looks. She had heard from her family members that Dong Xuebing had hired a beautiful helper and had thought nothing about it until she met her today.

Dong Xuebing walked over and passed the red packet to Luan Ying. “I wish you a harmonious union lasting a hundred years and have a lovely baby early!”

Luan Ying saw the thick red packet and knew there must be at least 5,000 RMB inside. She quickly pushes it back to Dong Xuebing. “No need. Xuebing, your mother had given me a red packet. You don’t need to give me.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “That’s from my mum. This is from me. Take it...”

Luan Ying did not expect Dong Xuebing to not bear any grudges against her and still gave her so much money. Luan Xiaoping had given her 5,000 RMB, and with Dong Xuebing’s red packet, the total is 10,000 RMB. No one in the whole family gave her so much money. She tried to reject it, but Dong Xuebing insisted her to accept it. “Thank you. Xuebing, when you get married, I will give you a big red packet too.”

“Haha... Ok.”

Saturday.

Hui Tian Village. Luan family house.

It’s Dong Xuebing’s cousin’s wedding today, and people are setting off firecrackers.

Dong Xuebing drove his Buick into an alley. The area is full of cars, and some of them had red balloons. Dong Xuebing did not go any further as he was afraid it will be difficult for him to drive out. He parked his car by the side and walked forward. But after a few steps, he noticed it was quiet behind him and turned around. He saw Yu Meixia still in the Buick pushing against the door panicky.

Dong Xuebing quickly walked back to his car and opened the door for Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian.

Yu Meixia blushed. “Sorry. I... I... don’t know how to open the door.”

“It’s fine.” Dong Xuebing pointed to a lever. “Next time, just pull this lever.”

Yu Meixia looked in front. “Chief Dong, I... I will not go in with you. I am afraid I will disgrace you.” Yu Qianqian was holding to her mother’s hand tightly. There are lots of people in the house, and she felt uncomfortable. They had begged along the streets and had low self-esteemed.

Dong Xuebing looked at her. “You are so pretty, and I brought you here to show off. What do you mean by disgracing me? Stop hesitating and follow me. Let’s go.” Dong Xuebing had brought Yu Meixia, and Yu Qianqian, along with him, was because Luan Xiaoping had invited them. Since the abduction case, Luan Xiaoping was worried about the mother and daughter’s safety and asked Dong Xuebing to bring them along to attend the wedding.

“Chief Dong.”

“Chief Dong, you are here?”

“Chief Dong.”

Lots of Hui Tian Village Station were there to attend the wedding and greeted Dong Xuebing when he stepped in. Dong Xuebing smiled. He had not told anyone about his elder cousin’s wedding because he was afraid people will bring gifts. But Hui Tian Village is a small village, and the local officers knew about it. They should be coming over to help out on their own accord. Dong Xuebing saw Chu Feng and Deputy Station Chief Chen Fa hanging firecrackers, Da Leng and Er Leng, helping to carry stuff.

“Thank you, everyone. Stop working and come in. Old Chen, Xiao Chu, come in for a cup of tea.”

Chen Fa laughed. “We are not thirsty. Chief Dong, what do you think of these firecrackers?”

“Thank you.”

At this moment, Dong Xuebing’s Uncle’s wife walked out with a tray of teacups. “Chief Chen, please stop. How can I let you do all these? Come and drink some water.” She gave out water to the officers. Uncle’s wife whispered to Dong Xuebing. “Xiao Bing, help me persuade Chief Chen and the rest to go in. The weather is too hot.”

A distance away, Station Chief Liu Dahai also drove over.

Dong Xuebing saw him and pulled him, Chen Fa and the rest of the officers to enter the house.

All the guests at the wedding today are relatives and close friends. In terms of status, Liu Dahai and the officers are the highest, and Dong Xuebing’s uncle and his wife dare not to neglect them. They went out with a few relatives to welcome them into the house. The wedding candies and cigarettes are prepared. As a family member of the bride’s side, Dong Xuebing did not behave like a leader. He also joined in with his relatives to receive guests.

Among the crowd, Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian attracted the most attention. Everyone who saw them was captivated by their beauty. The guests, especially the police officers, envied Chief Dong’s luck to get such a pretty helper. All the female guests and relatives were outshone by the mother and daughter pair. Even the most beautiful female guest was nowhere near Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian’s beauty.

The mother and daughter pair felt awkward and were at a loss. They don’t know what to do and just followed behind Dong Xuebing. When Dong Xuebing went to pour water, they will follow behind him. When Dong Xuebing gave out Wedding candies to the guests, they will stand behind him quietly. They were not doing anything and just followed Dong Xuebing around without saying a word. Luan Xiaoping saw them and wanted to laugh. She quickly calls Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian over and pulled them to the eastern room.

After thanking all the officers, Dong Xuebing, walked out to the yard to have a smoke.

Clink. It’s the sound of the lighter, and Tang Jin appeared with a lighter. “Cousin, let me light for you.”

Dong Xuebing smiled and leaned forward to light his cigarette. “Where have you been earlier? I did not see you around.”

Tang Jin replied cheerfully. “I went to set off firecrackers. I didn’t play enough during Lunar New Year.”

“The groom’s convoy is not here yet, and you had already started playing with the firecrackers. What if we run out of firecrackers when the groom arrives?” Dong Xuebing knocked her head lightly. “Second Aunt grumbled to me about that day. You are grown up and still behaving like a kid. I want to see which man will want to take you in as a bride!”

Tang Jin laughed. “You are my elder brother. If no one wants to marry me, you must find someone for me!”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “I don’t even have a partner myself, and you want me to help you find?!”

Tang Jin remembered something and said. “I saw your helper just now. She is stunning. I had never met any woman as pretty as her. Qianqian looks like Aunty Yu and is also very pretty. I am so jealous of their looks. Brother, my future sister-in-law must be prettier than them.”

Suddenly someone outside shouted. “They are here! The Groom convoy is here!”

Dong Xuebing patted Tang Jin’s back. “Hurry and set off the firecrackers!”

Tang Jin giggled. “I had played enough firecrackers today. Haha... I will go and close the door to stop them from entering!”

Crackle... Crackle... the firecrackers are loud.

A crowd starts to form in the front yard, and some children went to block the door. They will only open the door after the groom gives out red packers. Although Dong Xuebing is considered the younger generation, he is a Deputy Bureau Chief and can’t behave like Tang Jin. He returned to the north room and entered the bride’s room.

Dong Xuebing’s uncle and uncle’s wife were overjoyed. Their daughter, Luan Ying, is also in a good mood. In the past, they can only look up to Liu Dahai and Chen Fa, and their status was too far apart. But now, Chen Fa and the officers from the local station had come to help out in her wedding and made Dong Xuebing’s Uncle proud.

Luan Ying, in her wedding dress, smiled when she saw Dong Xuebing entering the room. “Xuebing, seat over here and have a cigarette.”

Dong Xuebing’s Uncle’s wife added. “That’s right. You looked tired. Hurry and sit down.”

After a while, the groom, Chen Daqing cleared the stages at the main gate by giving out many red packets, and finally entered the bride’s room to complete the customs. After that, he carried Luan Ying and walked back to his wedding car. It is a rented BMW 5 series. Although it might not be a good car in Beijing, in this rural countryside, it is considered one of the best cars around.

Tang Jin ran over to Dong Xuebing. “Brother, I want to ride in your car!”

“Ok. Get in.” Dong Xuebing called Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian to get in too. In the end, Luan Xiaoping and her friend, Teacher Zhou Mei, also got into the Buick.

Jin Di Mansion is not far from Hui Tian Village, and Qian Fei is going there to settle some matters today. But on his way to Jin Di Mansion, he heard the firecrackers in the village. He asked his men and knew it’s Dong Xuebing’s relative getting married today. Qian Fei’s face turns dark when he heard this. He did not hate Dong Xuebing so much at first. But the incident of the newspaper article in the Province and County papers sometime earlier had disgraced his father. Qian Fei is not to give up despite Qian Shen asking him to wait and see. Qian Shen felt Dong Xuebing might have some backings in the Provincial government, but Qian Fei does not want to let Dong Xuebing off so easily.

“Ma San.” Qian Fei, who was riding in a Mercedes, points to an alley in the village. “Drive my car over to gross them out!”

The driver, Ma San, paused for a while and asked. “How do I gross them out?”

Qian Fei scolded. “How long have you been working for me? You still need me to teach you how to find trouble with others?”

Ma San immediately understood.

But Qian Fei remembered what his father told him, and he added. “Don’t go overboard.” After saying that, Qian Fei alighted from his car with a smirk on his face. He looked at the wedding convoy from a distance.

The wedding convoy was on their way to the groom’s house when they stopped suddenly. A Mercedes was blocking their path horizontally in a narrow alley. There was some space at the front and back, but it’s not enough for a car to pass through.

Dong Xuebing’s Uncle was used to these and alighted. “Bro, please let us pass.”

Ma San alighted from the Mercedes with a cheeky smile. “It’s your family’s big day. Give me a red packet, and I will move.”

It’s common in villages for people to block the wedding convey and ask for a red packet. Dong Xuebing’s Uncle smiled helplessly and passed a red packet to Ma San.

In the Buick, Yu Meixia suddenly gasped. “It’s him!”

Dong Xuebing asked. “Him? Who?”

Yu Qianqian was shivering in her mother’s arms. “After my father passes away, I... My mother and I went to Jin Di Mansion to look for them. That man is the one who chased us away.”

Zhou Mei, who was in the rear passenger seat, turns pale. “I think I had met him in Jin Di Mansion.”

Dong Xuebing’s face changed. “He is from Jin Di Mansion?”

Luan Xiaoping was afraid her son will be rash and quickly pulled him. “It’s your elder cousin’s wedding day. Let’s wait until the wedding is over first.”

Dong Xuebing suppressed his anger and nodded as he looks at Ma San in the distance.

Ma San accepted the red packet and thanked Dong Xuebing’s Uncle. He got back to the Mercedes and drove off. The wedding convoy started to move, but around 10 seconds later, the Mercedes turned suddenly and blocked the middle of the road again. Ma San alighted and waved the red packet. “200 RMB is too little. Do I look like a beggar to you? Give me two more red packets, and I will leave.”

Under normal circumstances, everyone will avoid getting angry at a wedding.

Dong Xuebing’s Uncle gritted his teeth and took out 2 more red packets. “Bro, can you let us pass now?”

Ma San nodded and boarded the Mercedes to drive forward.

The wedding convoy continued moving forward, but after about 10 to 20 meters, the Mercedes blocked the road again.

Ma San alighted and shouted angrily. “Why is there only 100 in one of the red packets? Are you trying to fool me? Give me 2 more red packets!”

Dong Xuebing’s Uncle’s face changed, but he forced a smile when he alights from his car. “Bro, it’s my daughter’s wedding today. Please let us pass. You are driving a Mercedes, and I think one or two more red packets is nothing to you.”

Ma San extended his hand. “I need money to maintain the car and petrol, and just happen I need money today. Just give me 2 more red packets, and I will leave.” Ma San felt to proceed with the wedding smoothly, they will give him the red packets. He decided that this will be the final time he blocks them.

Qian Fei, who was watching from a distance, was laughing. He was pleased with Ma San’s performance.

Dong Xuebing’s uncle did not want trouble and reached into his pocket. He only has one red packet left. He smiled at Ma San. “I only have 1 left.”

Ma San shamelessly rejected. “No! 2 red packets or I will not leave.”

The convoy was stopped by him, and even if they gave him 3 more red packets, he might still block the road in front!

Dong Xuebing’s mother seldom scolds people, but today, she could not stand it. “This hooligan!”

Yu Meixia and Zhou Mei had been hurt by the people in Jin Di Mansion, and they were staring at Ma San with hatred.

Dong Xuebing’s blood starts to boil, and he alighted. “Old Liu! Old Chen!”

“Liu Dahai and Chen Fa alighted from their vehicles. The rest of the police officers also come out of their cars. Dong Xuebing’s Uncle and the rest of the relatives were looking at Dong Xuebing, and waiting for him to make the decision if they should continue giving red packets.

Chu Feng ran forward and said. “Chief Dong, I will go and talk to him. I promise I will make him leave within 3 minutes.”

“What’s there to talk about?!” Dong Xuebing walked over to the Mercedes. “Smash it up!”

Everyone was shocked!

Smash it up? Smash this car?

That is a Mercedes Benz!

Chu Feng was the first to react. He did not stop Chief Dong and did not say anything else. Chief Dong wants this car to be smashed, then I will smash. This is an opportunity to shine, and Chu Feng will not give this opportunity to others. He picked up a brick from the roadside and threw it at the Mercedes. Smash! The side window was shattered.

Ma San shouted in shock. “What are you all doing?!”

Dong Xuebing stood there and looked at Ma San coldly. “What do you think? Don’t you want to block the road and not let us pass?”

Ma San panicked. “I will leave. I will leave immediately. Stop smashing my car!” Although this is not an S class Mercedes Benz, it cost a few hundred thousand. Ma San cannot afford the repairs if it’s damaged. This is Qian Fei’s car!

Dong Xuebing replied coldly. “You want to leave now? It’s too late!”

Chu Feng heard Dong Xuebing and picks up another brick to throw at the Mercedes. Crack! The Mercedes’s windscreen was cracked!

Qian Fei, who was in a distanced, was stunned. He did not expect Dong Xuebing to smash his car, and his face turned gloomy! Ma San suddenly remembered the rumors about Chief Dong. He heard that Chief Dong had fought against 6 to 7 opponents single-handedly in Da Wang Village. Until today, half of them are still lying in the hospital. When Chief Dong went to the neighboring province to investigate the abduction case, he opened fired and hit all 4 suspects in their legs. This Chief Dong dares to do anything!

After Chu Feng started, the rest of the officers also start smashing the Mercedes!

Chief Dong’s influence in the station is greater than Liu Dahai now. After the incidents where he fought against 7 hooligans and showed his superb marksmanship in the neighboring province, he got the respect of everyone in the station. Also, Chief Dong treated all the officers well. The officers got extra bonuses almost every month after he was posted here. Now, Chief Dong had ordered to smash that car. Which officer will dare to hesitate?

The brothers, Da Leng and Er Leng, ran forward and started kicking at the Mercedes doors. They are very strong, and very soon, the doors are full of dents. While kicking, they were also scolding. “Block the road?! Try blocking our roads?!”

The rest of the officers picked up poles and bricks and start to smash the car.

“F**k! You dare to block Chief Dong’s car? Go to hell!”

“F**king idiot!”

Ma San stepped away from the Mercedes. He was regretting his heart. He should have left after receiving the red packets. Why did he try his luck for the third time?!

Liu Dahai and Chen Fa looked at each other and did not stop the officers. Everyone knows Chief Dong had a foul temper.

Dong Xuebing’s Uncle looked at him. “Xuebing, this...”

Uncle’s wife was feeling pleased in her heart, but she was also afraid. “This is a Mercedes. We...”

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. “I will bear full responsibility.” Dong Xuebing shouted to the officers. “Continue to smash it!”

What Ma San did had grossed Dong Xuebing out. Dong Xuebing can let it go if he did it once or twice. Yet he tried for the third time? Dong Xuebing’s Uncle had given him red packets, and he still doesn’t leave? This is too much. If Ma San tried doing this to a good-tempered person, he would get away with it. But he is unlucky to meet Dong Xuebing! Furthermore, Ma San is related to Jin Di Mansion, and Dong Xuebing has reasons to believe he is carrying out Qian Fei’s instructions.

Crash!

Bang!

Smash!

Most of the guests and onlookers were laughing and cheering!

In about 5 to 6 minutes, the Mercedes is a pile of wrecked metals. Even the doors cannot be opened.

Dong Xuebing shouted. “Push it aside!”

Chu Feng and the rest of the officers went to the back of the Mercedes and start pushing it. Half meter... 1 meter... Crash! The front of the Mercedes crashed into a wall! The bumper and headlights were smashed!

Dong Xuebing nodded. “Thank you, everyone! Let’s go!”

In the Buick, Tang Jin cheered. “Brother... you are so impressive!”

Yu Meixia, Yu Qianqian, and Zhou Mei were feeling overjoyed.

Luan Xiaoping was worried. “Xiao Bing. It’s your cousin’s wedding today. Why did you...”

Dong Xuebing interrupted. “They are the ones who started it first. This is the best way to deal with these people. Hahaha... It’s fine.”

Everyone got back to their vehicles, and the wedding convoy moves off. What remained on the side of the road is a wrecked Mercedes!

Qian Fei watched the wedding convoy drove off and threw his phone on the ground!

Qian Fei had thought of calling the Police and call Hu Yiguo. But he knows it’s useless!

Dong Xuebing! I will kill you!