Power and Wealth

Chapter 1749

Chapter 1749

Two days later.

The morning of the second day of the lunar new year.

Dong Xuebing woke up very early, almost at six o'clock. He knew colleagues would come to pay their New Year's respects today, so he got up early, brushed his teeth, and washed his face at the water basin in the courtyard of Houhai Courtyard.

Afterward, he changed into a clean set of clothes and had a simple breakfast with just an egg. It could have been more delicious, but it sufficed. Normally, he would eat out for breakfast, especially when alone, as he was lazy about cooking. However, it was the Lunar New Year, the street breakfast stalls were closed, and most places were shut down as people returned home for the holidays. Even many restaurants in Beijing would rarely open during this time, which was a unique characteristic of the city.

He wiped the windows, swept the floor, and tidied the house. It took him two hours to finish cleaning. The Courtyard was too large, and while spacious to live in, it was also quite laborious to clean. Without dedicating at least a couple of hours, he couldn't complete it, let alone put up the couplets and red window decorations.

Around nine o'clock.

Just as Dong Xuebing was getting everything ready, the guests started arriving. It seemed that Luo Haiting and Zhang Lili had either arranged to come together or coincidentally met at the gate. They knocked on the door and entered together, each holding some fruits and milk, nothing particularly valuable.

Dong Xuebing smiled, "I said no need for anything."

"Just a token of our appreciation," Zhang Lili chuckled.

Luo Haiting added, "It's the Lunar New Year. We couldn't come empty-handed. It's not about the money. It's about courtesy."

Dong Xuebing replied, "All right, but don't make it a habit."

Luo Haiting smiled, "We're here to pay our respects."

"Thank you," Dong Xuebing accepted the gifts and invited them in.

Just as they entered the courtyard, another knock came from the door. Since the door was open when they entered, Dong Xuebing said, "Please come in."

This time, Li Hong and Han Fei carried fruits and meat products, such as sausages and ham.

"Director Dong."

"Happy New Year."

"Here to pay our respects."

The two of them walked in with smiles. Dong Xuebing also accepted their gifts, saying, "Thank you, and Happy New Year to both of you. You all brought gifts even though I said there was no need. Our colleagues work in the same office, so let's treat each other like family. There is no need to be so formal."

Han Fei giggled, "It's just a small gesture."

"All right, let's all come inside. It's cold outside," Dong Xuebing ushered them into the northern room because snowflakes had started to fall, as forecasted yesterday for moderate snow today. Dong Xuebing liked snowy days like this; they gave him unprecedented calm. However, today seemed unlikely to be peaceful with the prospect of becoming a deputy bureau chief ahead of him. Since the day before yesterday, his mind had been preoccupied with that matter, feeling listless and lacking motivation no matter what he did.

At noon.

They all had a meal together and enjoyed a lively conversation.

"Oh, then come up quickly, especially in this heavy snow," Han Zhenghe replied, unsurprised. Other deputy-level cadres might not be allowed in, but Dong Xuebing's status ensured he could enter here without any issue.

Upstairs.

Dong Xuebing ascended to the top floor.

It was a luxurious duplex apartment, far more upscale than Dong Xuebing's residence in the compound.

As Dong Xuebing was about to ring the doorbell, the door clicked open, revealing Han Fei with a cheerful smile, "Director Dong, you're here!"

Dong Xuebing chuckled, "I'm here to freeload."

"Hehe, please come in, please come in," Han Fei said, pulling Dong Xuebing inside.

At that moment, Han Zhenghe and his wife, who was wearing an apron, also stepped out.

Dong Xuebing quickly approached and shook hands with Han Zhenghe and his wife. "Director Han, Auntie, Happy New Year to both of you. I wish you good health."

Mrs. Han smiled warmly, "Thank you, Xiao Dong. You're quite impressive. I've been hearing about you from Xiao Fei these past few months. We have to thank you for what you did for her."

Dong Xuebing waved it off, "Oh, it was nothing."

Han Zhenghe added, "It's cold. Please sit down and have some hot tea."

Dong Xuebing placed the fruits down, "Thank you, Director Han."

There were other guests in the living room. Han Zhenghe probably invited quite a few people today, and some might still be coming. Dong Xuebing wasn't surprised; at this level, such social engagements were expected during the Lunar New Year. He couldn't be invited to dine alone; if Dong Xuebing ever had that kind of honor, he wouldn't worry about a minor transfer now.

Still, Dong Xuebing's arrival attracted considerable attention. After all, Han Zhenghe, his wife, and three daughters came together to greet him. Everyone symbolically stood up, shook hands with Dong Xuebing, and exchanged a few words. During the introductions, there were officials from the Central Organization Department, leaders from other ministries, and some grassroots officials. Dong Xuebing exchanged pleasantries with them all. They exchanged surprised glances when they heard that Dong Xuebing was the Deputy Director of the Ninth Office of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. They hadn't expected an official of this rank to be so young. Not surprisingly, Director Han invited him to dinner, and everyone became even more friendly. Relationships were built on such occasions.

Mrs. Han went back to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Han Zhenghe came over and began chatting with everyone.

Dong Xuebing didn't say much in such a setting and remained silent. However, Han Fei noticed this and promptly pulled Dong Xuebing away to her room, where she showed him around. Han Fei's room was very girly, decorated in pink, and cute compared to her personality.

Suddenly, Han Fei said, "Director Dong, hehe, you're here to talk to my dad, right?"

"You're sharp," Dong Xuebing admitted with a smile. "Yes, there's something."

Han Fei assured him, "No problem at all. After dinner, don't leave. I'll get rid of them, and you can talk to my dad alone."

Dong Xuebing couldn't help but feel that promoting Han Fei was wise.