Power and Wealth

Morning.

After 9 am.

Mei He City. The Land Rover drove into the City through the thick fog.

The fog is thinner in the City, and the rising sun is on the horizon.

“Mayor Dong, we reached.”

“Ok. Are we at the City’s downtown?”

“Yes. We are reaching.”

“Wake up, Old Yan.”

“Huh? Have we reached? Ah….”

“Let’s go to the City Party Committee building to speak to the leaders first.”

…….

The City Party Committee Building.

The Land Rover stopped by the roadside outside of the building. They did not drive into the compound.

They got out of the car. Chen Xiaomei held the door and blocked the top of the car for Dong Xuebing to get off. He thanked her and lowered his head to get out. His height happened to be facing down her blouse, and he could see her deep cleavage. It’s so clear and near. He could even smell her body scent and see the lacy top portion of her bra. It’s a bright green bra.

Why is she wearing such a bright-colored bra?

Dong Xuebing had switched his mindset and did not think much. He did not show any expression.

He stopped thinking about what happened in the car.

They are here to get back their money!

Dong Xuebing walked into the compound, with the rest following behind.

The guard stopped Dong Xuebing, and he took out his work pass.

The guard checked his ID and let them enter. He kept looking at Dong Xuebing because he looked too young.

Dong Xuebing had come to the City Party Committee once. He reported to the City Organization Department when he was transferred here. Although this place is not as poor as Zhen Shui County, it is still poor. The buildings were old and felt neglected. The compound is messy.

Money….

Nothing can be done without money.

Dong Xuebing knows the City Government is poor, but Zhen Shui County is poor too. We worked hard to get funding from the Central Government, and you all robbed us!

“Old Yan, who is the Deputy Mayor in charge of the City Finance Department?”

“It’s Zhao Xu, Deputy City Mayor Zhao. His office is in the Government Office Building.”

“All right. Lead the way, Old Yan. We will go there now.”

…….

Upstairs.

Outside of Deputy City Mayor Zhao’s office.

A staff member stopped them. “Who are you looking for?”

Yan Yizhi replied immediately. “We are from Zhen Shui County. Is Mayor Zhao around?”

That staff looked at them. “Mayor Zhao is away for a meeting. You all can wait outside for him.”

Yan Yizhi asked. “When will he be back?”

That staff replied nonchalantly. “The City Party Committee is having a meeting. How do I know how long it will take?” He said and walked away with a stack of documents.

Yan Yizhi looked at Dong Xuebing. “Mayor Dong, the meeting should take some time if it is the Party Committee meeting.”

Dong Xuebing walked over and knocked on Zhao Xu’s office door.

Dong Xuebing knocked on the door for a while and believed no one was inside after waiting for a while. “Wait!”

They walked to a resting area by the corridor, and a staff member walked over with a frown. “Who are you looking for? Wait on the first floor.”

Dong Xuebing ignored him and sat on the sofa.

Yan Yizhi wiped his sweat and explained to the staff they were Zhen Shui County’s leaders. Yan Yizhi and the rest do not dare to be disrespectful at the City Government building, but Dong Xuebing does not care. They are here to get back their money. Falling out with them is impossible. That’s why he doesn’t care. He must show his attitude. He had met many leaders, including the top leaders from the Central Government. He is not afraid of a small City Government leader.

Half an hour….

One hour….

The meeting ended early. A middle-aged man appeared at the stairwell after 10 am. He was walking towards the office.

Chen Xiaomei gave Dong Xuebing a look immediately.

Yan Yizhi stood up and greeted him. “Good morning, Mayor Zhao.”

Zhao Xu looked at him. “Oh, Old Yan.”

Yan Yizhi comes to the Finance Department for meetings often, and they know each other.

Dong Xuebing also extended his hand. “Hello, Mayor Zhao. I am Zhen Shui County’s Executive Deputy Mayor, Dong Xuebing.” They shook hands.

Zhao Xu looked at him. “Are you here for me?”

Dong Xuebing knew Zhao Xu was asking the obvious. “Yes. It is about the Central Government funds for Zhen Shui County.”

Zhao Xu frowned. “Let’s talk in my office.” He entered his office and sat behind his desk. “Didn’t I make myself clear to your County yesterday? We are holding on to the fund and releasing it to your County in batches.”

Dong Xuebing and the rest entered.

Dong Xuebing suppressed his anger after closing the door. “Our County needs the funds urgently. Five million RMB is enough to pay our staff one to two months’ salaries. Our County still has other expenses and debts. Five million RMB is not enough for us. We went to the Central Government Finance Ministry to seek assistance and got the funds. But the City took away most of the funds, and we do not have enough for our expenses. How are we going to face our County’s civilians? Mayor Zhao, tell us what should we do!?”

Zhao Xu replied nonchalantly. “Don’t be anxious. You can apply for funds from the City if you face financial issues. We will consider your situation.”

Dong Xuebing looked at him coldly. “Are you telling me the fund belongs to the City now, and it has nothing to do with Zhen Shui County?”

Zhao Xu frowned. “I did not say that.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “But that is what you mean. We got the funds from the Central Government, and we still need to apply from you?! Who’s money is this?!”

Zhao Xu got mad because of Dong Xuebing’s attitude. “I said we are holding on to the funds for you all. Don’t you see the bigger picture?”

Dong Xuebing replied. “My bigger picture is our County! I need to be responsible for our County’s comrades! I must answer to our County’s civilians! The Central Government gave us the funds, and we got all the paperwork! I am not afraid of anything! Bigger picture? This word is not used like this, Mayor Zhao! Our County might be poor, but we are not stupid!”

“Mayor Dong!” Yan Yizhi quickly pulled Dong Xuebing.

Chen Xiaomei and Yao Cui were sweating.

They could tell Mayor Dong was very angry. They were angry too. This City Leader is too much but is the Deputy City Mayor.

Zhao Xu’s face turned green, and he stared at Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing returned the stare and continued. “Mayor Zhao, I speak my mind. You keep talking about the bigger picture. I want to know if the City has ever considered our Zhen Shui County. How can you take away our funds without telling us?! Is this what you call the bigger picture?! Who’s bigger picture is this? I am officially requesting the City Leaders to consider our County’s feelings and financial issues!”

Zhao Xu retorted. “The City had considered your County’s situation and discussed it during a Party Committee meeting. This is the City’s decision! Keep your opinions to yourself!”

Dong Xuebing looked at Zhao Xu. “The City Party Committee’s decision?”

Yan Yizhi and Chen Xiaomei heard it and took a deep breath.

They guessed the Party Secretary or the Mayor might have approved this, or the City would not dare to hold back the funds for Zhen Shui County. They did not expect it to be a Party Committee decision. This means all the City leaders decide it! Nothing can be changed!

Dong Xuebing said. “I am telling you, Mayor Zhao, this! Our County will not keep our opinions to ourselves!”

Zhao Xu is furious. What is the meaning of this?! Are you trying to go against the City? Are you trying to revolt?!

The City and Zhao Xu had expected Zhen Shui County to send someone for the money. But he did not expect Zhen Shui County to send someone like Dong Xuebing. This guy dared to lose his temper in front of him!

Do you think only you have a temper?!

I also have a temper!

Zhao Xu replied. “I am not free to argue with you. If you want to apply for the funds, go to the Finance Department and wait! Get out!”

The City had no intentions of returning all the funds to Zhen Shui County, but they are prepared to return some. They don’t want Zhen Shui County to retaliate and create a political incident. That’s why the City had set a tone. They released 5 million RMB first and waited for them to come and request more. They will release more funds to pacify them and keep the rest. The City’s funds are running low, and Zhen Shui County’s fund is a lifesaver.

Zhao Xu had shown an attitude toward Dong Xuebing to pressure them. He wants Zhen Shui County to compromise and bow to him.

But Zhen Shui County did not!

This Executive Deputy Mayor Dong dares to fall out with him!

Zhao Xu does not know Dong Xuebing. He only knows he is young, and this is their first meeting. His impression of him was terrible. He could have Zhan Shui County a few million RMB, but he will not do that now.

He is going to put Zhen Shui County on hold!

You want the funds?! Can. Fix your attitude and come and beg me!

Or else, don’t even think of getting a cent from us!