Power and Wealth

Chapter 1505: The Last Dinner Engagement

One day.

Two days.

Three days.

In the following days, Dong Xuebing began a series of social engagements from morning till night.

Discipline Inspection Secretary Pu An, United Front Work Department Minister Jian Xiangrong, and Political and Legal Affairs Committee Secretary Chu Peng needed to be visited individually, and Dong Xuebing went to their homes to enjoy homemade dishes. As for some leading cadres of county government departments and some cadres from townships who actively contacted him, Dong Xuebing couldn't brush off their faces and welcomed them all, sharing meals and bidding farewell. Some investors and comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were not forgotten either; Dong Xuebing invited those with whom he had good relationships to dinner gatherings. Finally, some of his closest associates, such as Chang Juan, Yao Cui, and Chen Xiaomei, were left until the end.

That day.

At noon.

In the county committee's family courtyard, Dong's residence.

In the kitchen, Dong Xuebing, who had bought groceries in the morning, had been busy preparing. Washing and chopping vegetables, the cutting board and table were cluttered with food.

Ding dong, ding dong.

The doorbell rang.

Dong Xuebing wiped his hands and went to open the door. "Coming, coming."

The door opened, and Yao Cui and her younger brother Yao Li walked in. "Xuebing."

Dong Xuebing smiled, "Why didn't your parents come? I specifically told you."

Yao Cui chuckled, "They were afraid your house couldn't accommodate so many people, so they said forget it and let us bring you congratulations instead."

"Alright, then, please thank them for me."

"Dong, Brother Dong, congratulations to you."

"Thank you, Xiao Li. Come on in."

"Oh, you're busy. Let me help you."

"No need, please have a seat. I'll cook today."

As the door remained open, footsteps gradually approached. It was Chen Xiaomei and Chang Juan.

"Mayor Dong."

"Xuebing, we're here."

"Haha. Chang Jie, Sister Chen, please come in."

Dong Xuebing let them in, and as the women gathered together, they looked very attractive. Dong Xuebing couldn't help but squint his eyes.

After a while of polite conversation, Yao Cui and Chen Xiaomei took the initiative to go to the kitchen.

Chang Juan didn't move and pulled Dong Xuebing aside to chat. "Xuebing, you're leaving as soon as I arrive. What about me on this side?"

Dong Xuebing smiled, "I've arranged everything. If you need anything, find Mayor Jiang."

Chang Juan sounded resentful, "I can't stay in this remote and impoverished place forever. My child is still in Beijing. You mustn't neglect me, Brother."

"How could that be," Dong Xuebing assured, "You've just been promoted, Sister Chang. There's no rush. You need to stabilize your experience first, and with the commercial development going so smoothly and the achievements being so substantial, it's only natural to capitalize on them. Once you've gained enough experience, you can talk to me again, and I'll help you find a way to transfer back."

Chang Juan was delighted upon hearing this. "You said that!"

"I did," Dong Xuebing chuckled.

"Alright, that's very considerate of you," Chang Juan exclaimed happily, seizing the opportunity to discreetly touch Dong Xuebing's hand while no one was paying attention, leaving Dong Xuebing blushing.

Knock, knock, knock.

Someone else arrived.

This time, it was Yan Yizhi and Zheng Dayou, followed by Chen Yunsong, Cheng Yujie, Gong Na, and others, probably all coming together after meeting downstairs.

"Old Yan, Old Zheng, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Gong are here too; come on in."

"Mayor Dong, we brought you something. Local specialties."

"Take a look. I've repeatedly told them not to bring anything, but they just wouldn't listen."

"Hehe, it's just a token of appreciation. When you return to Beijing, you should also bring some local specialties from our place. It saves you the trouble of buying them."

"Thank you very much."

"Don't be polite. You've always taken care of us, so it's only right to buy you something."

"Let's not talk outside. Come on in, everyone, have a seat. Most people are here now. I'll cook."

But in the end, Dong Xuebing's efforts were in vain as Chang Juan, Chen Xiaomei, Yao Cui, and Gong Na crowded the kitchen and prepared the dishes. Meanwhile, Zheng Dayou, Yan Yizhi, and the others pulled Dong Xuebing to the sofa for conversation with a few cups of tea and some cigarettes, making the room lively.

At exactly noon, the dishes were brought out by the women.

"Dinner's served," Chen Xiaomei smiled, "We women cooked it. Give it a try. We're not sure if it suits your taste. If not, we'll redo it."

"Please, have a seat, Old Chen."

"Director Chen, Director Chang, Chief Yao, you've worked hard."

"Oh, just looking at these dishes makes them seem delicious. Oh, I forgot to buy alcohol."

"It's alright. I have some here. We have Maotai and Wuliangye."

"It's always a pleasure to dine with Mayor Dong. There's always good liquor."

"Hehe, I'll be leaving tomorrow. I won't take the alcohol or cigarettes with me. Remember to take them when you go home this afternoon. Consider it helping me out. Come on, let's eat."

"I propose we first toast Mayor Dong."

"Yes, let's toast Mayor Dong. Congratulations on your promotion."

"Mayor Dong, would you like to say a few words?"

At the table, everyone raised their glasses and stood facing Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing also raised his glass and stood up, looking at everyone. "The dinner parties that needed to be attended have all been attended, and today is the last one. I kept everyone until the end because everyone here is a colleague who has supported and helped me and a friend of mine. That's why I didn't book a hotel or a private room but invited everyone to my home." He paused, "I'm leaving tomorrow. I've been in Zhen Shui County for five months now, and I've had many experiences and gained much. Of course, what I'll miss the most is all of you. I feel lucky and honored to have worked with you all. Thank you for your continuous support and trust. I won't say much more. Let's drink to that."

"And we'll drink too."

"Cheers."

"Cheers to you, Mayor Dong."

"After you, may you continue to rise with each step, and may your path be smooth."

After a toast, everyone sat down and started eating with their chopsticks.

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, "Let me taste Director Chen's cooking first, as I haven't had the chance to try yours." After taking a bite, he couldn't help but give a thumbs up. "Delicious, delicious."

Chen Xiaomei smiled and said, "Please help yourself to more."

"Of course, and why wait? If you don't eat, I'll finish everything," Dong Xuebing said. Given his leadership position, he had always been mindful of his demeanor, especially with others. However, Dong Xuebing seemed to have let go of all restraints today. Rolling up his sleeves, he ate like a hungry wolf, showing an unattractive table manners. Evidently, he no longer saw everyone as mere acquaintances but felt close to them. "Oh, Director Chang, your cooking is excellent too. And Cui'er, this dish of yours has always been your specialty. Delicious."

"Hehe."

"Dong Mayor, please eat slowly."

"Haha, let's dig in, or else I fear nothing won't be left," Dong Xuebing chuckled.

As they ate, drank, and chatted, the atmosphere at the dining table was extremely pleasant.