Power and Wealth

Chapter 1588

Chapter 1588

Afternoon.

Not yet four o'clock.

Royal Hotel, a business room on the upper floor.

After hanging up Hou Wen's phone call, Dong Xuebing didn't bother to pack his suitcase. He threw his things on the bed and straightened his sleeves in front of the mirror.

"I'm heading out now to eat with Hou Wen."

"You're leaving without packing your luggage?"

"You can tidy up a bit. Your clothes are inside, too."

"I had a long day, and I still have to go to the development zone for research."

"You're lazy. Would you even know how to remove your clothes if I'm not around?"

"Yes, come back early after dinner to help me, my dear. Haha.”

"Haha, calling me fat and out of breath, you're trying to provoke me again. Alright, I'll tidy up the clothes and luggage later. You go ahead and do your thing. I'm leaving."

"Don't drink too much."

"I know, you don't have to worry."

"We might have an event tonight, so keep an eye on the time."

"Got it. If you need anything, give me a call. We won't be far, just nearby."

After leaving, Dong Xuebing hummed a tune as he took the elevator downstairs, feeling good. In the lobby downstairs, Dong Xuebing saw Hou Wen sitting in the lounge area waiting for him. He waved and greeted him, but Hou Wen glared at him and didn't say a word. Instead, he gestured for Dong Xuebing to follow him and left the hotel without calling a taxi. They headed west, towards a restaurant not far from the Royal Hotel. Dong Xuebing guessed that Hou Wen had already looked up the address before coming and knew that there was a decent restaurant nearby. Since Hou Wen didn't speak, Dong Xuebing smiled and followed him, and they entered the restaurant together.UppTodated from

Inside.

"Don't need a private room?" said Hou Wen.

"Just the two of us. No need for a private room," Dong Xuebing replied.

"Alright, let's sit by the inside then. Follow me." Hou Wen led the way.

Initially, the two of them had planned to wander around and have some fun before having dinner, but it was clear that Hou Wen had a lot on his mind. They went to the restaurant instead, as it was a more convenient place for conversation. It was not yet dinner time, as it was still before four o'clock, and hardly any people were in the restaurant. They chose a table in a secluded corner. Dong Xuebing quite liked the environment. When the waiter came, they casually ordered a few dishes.

After the waiter left, Hou Wen's eyes widened, and he angrily slammed the table. "Spill it. Tell me everything, or I won't be polite."

"Why so serious?" Dong Xuebing chuckled.

"Of course, who doesn't know about such a massive earthquake," Hou Wen nodded.

"I was working in Fenzhou City at the time. I predicted the earthquake based on the reactions of some animals. I had someone in the propaganda department send out an article urging many people to evacuate to other cities, which prevented many casualties. When the earthquake hit, I also rescued many people."

Suddenly, Hou Wen froze, staring at him motionlessly.

"What's wrong?" Dong Xuebing touched his face.

Hou Wen exclaimed, "So, the Director Dong mentioned in the news was you!"

Dong Xuebing nodded, "I was working in the Guangming District Office."

Hou Wen was almost fainting, "I've seen the news. It was broadcast countless times. They talked about Director Dong, and they mentioned your name too. But your name is too common. I had a thought at the time, but I didn't pursue it. I heard you were dead, and then you miraculously came back to life."

Dong Xuebing said, "I was buried alive, lucky to have survived."

Hou Wen finally understood: "No wonder you've been promoted so quickly these past few years. You've achieved something significant."

Dong Xuebing still felt lingering fear, "It's just luckier, to be honest. Several times were quite dangerous. If anything had gone wrong, we wouldn't be meeting today. Oh well, let's not dwell on it." Over the years, while others saw Dong Xuebing's steady rise, envied his marriage to a beautiful wife, and admired his repeated achievements and promotions, they had no idea what he had endured behind the scenes. They didn't know how many close calls he had experienced. He said that being alive and drinking with old friends here today was a miracle. Dong Xuebing would have died long ago if any link had been slower to react. These years hadn't been smooth for him, and no successful person had a smooth journey. Some might think that some successful people relied on luck or weren't as strong as themselves, but in reality, they might have been blinded by their pride and competitiveness, unable to see clearly.

At that moment, dishes were brought out by the waiters.

Dong Xuebing invited Hou Wen to pick up their chopsticks, eat a few bites together, and then refill their glasses.

"Ah, I'm really happy for you," Hou Wen said, raising his glass. "Here, let's have another drink."

"Sure thing," Dong Xuebing clinked his glass with him, and they both drank heartily. "I'm also happy for you, living more freely than me."

Hou Wen waved his hand, "You've got it. My little freedom is superficial, or you could say it's all supported by my dad. Without my dad, I'm nothing in Jiangnan Province. In this aspect, I'm not as good as you. Unlike me, You've climbed up step by step on your own."

Dong Xuebing laughed, "You're being modest now."

"It's because of you," Hou Wen replied, "I always thought I was doing well. I have food and drink; sometimes, I can throw my weight around. I live quite comfortably. But compared to you, what kind of comfort is this? When I show off, it's with my dad's backing. But you, you don't need anyone's support. Just flash your work ID, and everyone has to treat you respectfully. Everyone has to acknowledge what it means to be impressive."

"But it's not like that," Dong Xuebing said.

"You're at the top now," Hou Wen laughed, patting his arm, "Bro, everyone's almost jealous of you. From now on, I'll rely on you. If there's anything good, think of me. If there are any pretty girls to introduce, think of me."

Dong Xuebing laughed, "Your dad's at the Bureau Director level. I still feel belittled. It's just the nature of our work. I have the authority to check on party discipline and conduct. But when it comes to real power, Mayor Hou is several streets ahead of me, both in rank and authority. I'm still counting on you to look out for me."

"You're just pulling my leg. Your wife is the city party committee secretary."

They alternated between teasing and praising each other, having a cheerful conversation.