Power and Wealth

County’s People’s Hospital.

Orthopedics, single ward.

When Dong Xuebing regained his senses, he realized he is in the hospital. He tried to sit upright, but when he pushes himself with his hands against the bed, he felt excruciating pain in both his hands and arms. He realized he could not move both arms from the shoulders, and it was heavily bandaged. It seems like he had been treated by the doctors.

“Eh, Chief Dong, you are awake?” The only person in the ward is a nurse.

Dong Xuebing looked at the nurse. “What is wrong with my arms? How come I can’t move them?”

The nurse laughed. “The doctor says it’s fine. You had pulled your muscles and have no fractures. You should be fine after a few days’ rests.”

Dong Xuebing was relieved. “Thank you.”

The nurse left, and people started coming in to visit him.

The leader of the fire brigade, the detectives from the Bureau, Qin Yong, Deputy Team Leader Feng, etc. had all come to visit.

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Thank you for your concerns. Oh, what happened to that worker?”

Deputy Team Leader Feng replied. “You had saved his life, and he is fine. He only hurt his pelvis and leg. His right leg is fractured and is hospitalized.”

Dong Xuebing’s face changed. “After he is recovered, lock him up for 15 days first!”

At this moment, Liang Chengpeng arrived and saw Dong Xuebing. “Chief Dong, you are too reckless. You are lucky to move away in time... Sigh...” Liang Chengpeng looked at him. “But thanks to you, the worker is saved, and this matter did not blow up. Good job. The City’s newspaper had reported about this incident. Take a look.”

Chief Liang took out a copy of the newspaper from his bag.

The header of the article wrote: Public Security Deputy Bureau Chief caught a man who had jumped from a building with his bare hands!

Dong Xuebing smiled wryly. “I did not catch him. All I did was to break his fall.”

Liang Chengpeng points at Dong Xuebing angrily. “You... Do you still dare to laugh? Do you know how worried we were at the Bureau when we heard something had happened to you? I had asked the doctor earlier. Your injury needs at least two weeks of rest. Rest well, and I had put up a report on this incident. The City Government agreed to give you third-class merit, certificate of bravery, and a medal. After you recover, it will be issued to you.”

Dong Xuebing smiled. “Thank you, Chief Liang.”

Liang Chengpeng replied. “You had used your life and courage to get these. Don’t thank me.”

Liang Chengpeng, Qin Yong, and Deputy Team Leader Feng were curious about why Dong Xuebing had risked his life to save that worker? That man is just an ordinary worker, and he even tried to threaten the County Government with his life. Is it worth risking your life to save someone like that worker? But because of Chief Dong’s outstanding performance, the County Government had controlled the incident, and Yan Tai County’s Public Security Bureau become famous in the Province.

After Chief Liang, Chief Qin, and the rest left the ward, and Dong Xuebing closed his eyes to rest.

Third-class merit... This is another impressive result in Dong Xuebing’s file, and he is one step closer to getting nominated for promotion!

Squeak... The ward’s door opened suddenly, and sounds of high heels’ footsteps entered.

Dong Xuebing opened his eyes and was surprised for a second. He smiled. “Mayor Xie.”

Xie Huilan had returned from her inspection in the countryside, and her secretary Hu Silian was standing behind her. When Xie Huilan heard that Dong Xuebing was injured, she did not even return to the County Government. She immediately asks her driver to go straight to the County’s People Hospital. Xie Huilan stood at the door of the ward and signaled to Hu Silian to wait outside. After she closed the door, she walked to Dong Xuebing and stared at him with narrowed eyes.

“Sister Xie?”

“......”

Dong Xuebing mumbled softly. “I am not trying to be a hero this time. I did it because I know I can catch that man.”

Xie Huilan was still staring at him. “Because of me?”

Dong Xuebing had risked his left because of Xie Huilan. But when Xie Huilan asked this question, he was too shy to admit it. He cleared his throat and pretended. “No... You had said I need to accumulate more results before I can be promoted to Section Chief. I know that I will get third-class merit if I save that man, and this is the reason. Haha... Chief Liang told me that the City Government had approved, and I will get the award when I am discharged.”

Xie Huilan looks at Dong Xuebing. “You think I will believe this reason?”

Dong Xuebing replied. “Sister Xie, this is an accident. I promise that I will hide when there is danger in the future.” He had promised Xie Huilan not to be reckless, but two days later, he risked his life again and is even hospitalized.

Xie Huilan sighed and stroke Dong Xuebing’s hair gently. “Thank you.”

Dong Xuebing mumbled. “I said I did not do this for you. What’s there to thank?”

Xie Huilan replied slowly as she combed Dong Xuebing’s hair with her fingers. “I am not blind and stupid. Secretary Huang had told me what happened at the scene, and I know what you had done for me.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “It’s nothing.”

Xie Huilan held Dong Xuebing’s bandaged hand quietly.

Dong Xuebing said. “You better go back to the County Government. You still have lots of work, and I am fine.”

“I will accompany you a while more.”

Dong Xuebing felt warmed and nodded.

One minute...

Five minutes...

Ten minutes...

Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan held hands without saying a word.

After a while, Xie Huilan tucked her fringe behind her ear and said. “You had done so much for me, but I have not done anything for you. When I think back, I...”

Dong Xuebing interrupted Xie Huilan. “Stop talking about these. I can be transferred to Yan Tai County is because of your help. Furthermore, we are dating and should not be so calculative.”

Xie Huilan nodded. “Hehe... I will treat you better in the future.”

Dong Xuebing’s heart skipped a beat. “How much better?”

Xie Huilan narrowed her eyes and looked at him. “What do you think?”

“Errr... How about changing the way you call me? Xiao Dong, Xiao Dong... it sounds so awkward.”

“Really? I think it is intimate to call you Xiao Dong.” Xie Huilan thought for a while. “When no one is around, I will call you Xiao Bing?”

Dong Xuebing nodded, but his movements pulled his shoulders’ muscles. He gritted his teeth in pain and said. “Xiao Bing will do. When there are people around you, you can call me Xiao Dong. This is only a name, and you can call me whatever you want.” Dong Xuebing had wanted to ask Xie Huilan to call him ‘Dear’ or ‘Darling.’ But he dare not say it to Xie Huilan.

“Xiao Bing?”

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

“Hehe... nothing.”

“It’s time for you to leave? Go back, and don’t worry about me. I will be discharged these two days. You need to work.”

“Ok. I will visit you at night.”

“No..., you are the Mayor, and people might gossip if you are seen visiting me twice.”

Xie Huilan lowered her head and looked at Dong Xuebing with a smile. She sweeps the hair on Dong Xuebing’s forehead aside and kissed him. She slowly moves her sexy lips lower to kiss his nose, cheeks, and finally on his lips. Her tongue played with his lips, and they frenched for about two minutes. After that, Xie Huilan giggled and said. “Alright. I will be going.”

Dong Xuebing was still in a daze. “Ok...”

Xie Huilan laughed and patted Dong Xuebing on his leg.

Suddenly, Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan could hear a commotion outside of the ward.

“Xiao Bing is in this ward?”

“How is my cousin?”

“Chief Dong is alright, but Mayor Xie is inside. Can you all...”

Dong Xuebing looked at Xie Huilan. “It’s my mother and my younger cousin.”

Xie Huilan turned towards the door. “Xiao Hu, let Xiao Dong’s family enter.”

The door opened, and a worried Luan Xiaoping entered. Behind her were Tang Jin, Second Aunt, Uncle, and his wife. When they saw the Mayor, Dong Xuebing’s Uncle and his wife went up to greet her politely. Tang Jin knew the beautiful woman in front of her is the Mayor and was nervous and reserved. Only Luan Xiaoping did not care about Xie Huilan and rushed to the bed to look at her precious son. Her tears were flowing when she saw the bandages on Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Mum, I’m alright. Why are you crying?”

Luan Xiaoping sobbed. “How many times have I told you not to be a hero? Why don’t you listen to me?!”

Dong Xuebing replied. “I know what I am doing, and I am not trying to be a hero.”

“You will be the death of me!” Luan Xiaoping almost wanted to beat her son because of her anger but did not do so.

Xie Huilan walked over and extended her hand to Luan Xiaoping. “You are Xiao Dong’s mother? I am representing the County Government to thank Chief Dong for his contributions. During the hostage situation at Nan Liu Junior School, Dong Xuebing had saved those students and teachers. He is our Public Security’s hero and a role model of Yan Tai County.”

Luan Xiaoping had never met any bigshots in her life and shook her hand cautiously. “Mayor Xie, you... you are flattering him.”

With Xie Huilan around, Luan Xiaoping, Tang Jin, and the rest were nervous and was afraid of saying the wrong things.

Xie Huilan noticed they were uncomfortable and smiled at Dong Xuebing. “Chief Dong, I will go back now. Take care of yourself and get well soon.”

Dong Xuebing replied respectfully. “Thank you, Mayor Xie. I will recover and return to work hard for the Party.”

Xie Huilan laughed. “What do you mean by the return to the Party? You are always a part of the Party.”

Dong Xuebing smiled.

Xie Huilan turned to Luan Xiaoping and patted her hand lightly. “Aunty, don’t worry. Xiao Dong’s injury is not serious and will recover in around ten days. After he recovers, he does not need to return to work immediately. I will give him a few more days off to spend time with you all.”

Luan Xiaoping replied nervously. “Thank you for your concern.”

Xie Huilan chatted with Luan Xiaoping a while more, before leaving.

Hu Silian had wanted to visit Dong Xuebing, but Xie Huilan did not let her in. Now, Xie Huilan is leaving, and Hu Silian cannot stay there any longer. She gave Dong Xuebing an apologetic look and saw Dong Xuebing smiling and nodding at her.

Inside the ward.

Tang Jin was relieved and patted her chest. “That is our Mayor? I don’t even dare to breathe loudly in front of her.”

Dong Xuebing’s Second Aunt and Uncle’s wife felt the same as Tang Jin. They could feel the pressure when they are standing near to Xie Huilan.

Luan Xiaoping asked. “Mayor Xie is very pretty and capable. She should not around five to six years older than Xiao Bing, right? How did she become the County’s Mayor at her age?”

Dong Xuebing’s Uncle replied softly. “I heard Mayor Xie has a strong backing.”

Dong Xuebing looked around and asked his mother. “Mum, who do you think is prettier? Mayor Xie or Aunt Xuan?”

Luan Xiaoping said. “They are both very pretty.”

Dong Xuebing looked at Luan Xiaoping. “Who do you think is better?”

Luan Xiaoping gave her son a stare. “Why are you asking? They have nothing to do with you anyway.”

“Ah... It’s just a casual question.” Dong Xuebing still does not want to let his mother know about his relationships. “Mum, can you peel an apple for me? I want to eat some fruits.”

Luan Xiaoping was still angry with her son. “Peel yourself!”

Dong Xuebing protested. “I can’t move both my arms. How am I going to peel?”

Luan Xiaoping chided Dong Xuebing. “Who asked you to be a hero?! Do you know how big the force of a man falling from seventh story is? Yet, you still dare to catch him with your bare hands?! Are you trying to kill yourself? Xiao Bing, why don’t you stop working for the government? I get to worry about you every day and can’t sleep well. I am afraid that you might...” Luan Xiaoping said, and tears start to well up in her eyes again.

Dong Xuebing was laden with guilt and said. “I’m sorry. Stop crying. I promise I will watch out for my safety in the future.”

Luan Xiaoping sat on the bed and started to peel an apple.

Dong Xuebing called out to the rest of his relatives. “Xiao Jin, Uncle, Second Aunt, sit...”

Tang Jin looked at her cousin’s arms. “Brother, our factory does not have any work these few days. How about I take a few days off work to care for you? You can’t move your arms, and it will be inconvenient if no one is taking care of you.”

Dong Xuebing’s Second Aunt said. “You can’t even take care of yourself, and you want to care for Xiao Bing? Xiao Bing, I will stay at the hospital to take care of you.”

Dong Xuebing’s Uncle’s wife quickly added. “Let me take care of him.”

Dong Xuebing shook his head. “Don’t... Thank you for your offer. I am fine.”

“You call this fine?!” Luan Xiaoping looked at her son unhappily and used a toothpick to feed the apples to him. “You are so badly injured, and you can’t even feed yourself. If no one is taking care of you, how are you going to eat and drink? It’s school holidays now, and I can stay here to look after you.”

Dong Xuebing’s Aunt asked. “Sis, you have high blood pressure these few days.”

Luan Xiaoping waved her hand. “I’m fine after taking medicine.”

About 20 minutes later, Luan Xiaoping asked Tang Jin and the rest to return.

Other than going for some medical checks, Dong Xuebing spent the rest of the day chatting with visitors. The officers from Dong Xuebing’s station and Bureau, leaders like Huang Li, Cao Xupeng, etc. had come to visit him.

Night.

Luan Xiaoping was feeding dinner to her son. “Why do you have so many visitors? You can’t even rest.”

Dong Xuebing smiled wryly as he replied. “I can’t chase them away when they visit, right? It should be better tomorrow.”

“Sigh... How about tomorrow...” As Luan Xiaoping was speaking, she suddenly holds her head, and her body swayed. Dong Xuebing panicked and asked what’s wrong with her. Luan Xiaoping took out a tablet from her pocket and ate it. “It’s my high blood pressure.”

Dong Xuebing was anxious. “No... You must go back and rest now. If you are going to take care of me, your condition will get worse.”

Luan Xiaoping stubbornly refused. “I am fine!”

“Hurry up and go back!”

“What will happen to you if I am not around?”

“I...” Dong Xuebing thought for a while. “I will hire a caregiver to take care of me. Don’t worry.”

Luan Xiaoping sighed. “They will not take good care of you. Do you want me to call your Second Aunt over?”

“Don’t worry about these. Go back and rest now. Remember to call me if you need anything.”

In the end, Luan Xiaoping gave in to her son. She had been unwell these few days, and after some persuasions, she left the ward.

After Luan Xiaoping left, Dong Xuebing had a painful expression. He had been holding in his pee since afternoon. He is too embarrassed to ask his mother to take off his pants for him. Although many of his colleagues who had visited him in the afternoon are male, they are not close. Even if they are close, Dong Xuebing is embarrassed to ask them for help. He called the nurse and asked if there are any care workers around.

But the nurse told him that there are only two care workers, but they are both women.

Dong Xuebing was troubled. Damn! I can’t hold back any longer!

What should I do? I can’t be asking the nurse to help me, or should I hire a female care worker to help me?

Dong Xuebing was a proud Beijinger and was troubled over this issue. He asked to be discharged and got the nurse to help him wear his clothes and shoes and left the hospital.

A Taxi had just dropped off someone at the hospital, and Dong Xuebing got in.

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and decided to live with Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian for the next few days. He has too many visitors, and he can hide from them, and Sister Yu had bathed him before, and it’s not that embarrassing to ask her for help.