Transfer Xie Huilan over?
Dong Xuebing certainly wished he could.
But it was just wishful thinking.
Dong Xuebing knew Zhang Dongfang meant well, but he was concerned that his relationship with the city was strained, making it challenging to request such a favor. So, Zhang Dongfang had taken the initiative to offer his help. Zhang, who had worked in this region for many years, had far broader networks and relationships than Dong Xuebing. In the system, if a husband was transferred, the wife could naturally accompany him, and the organization would consider the practical situation to make the arrangements. This had never been an issue as long as there was a desire to do so.
However, Dong Xuebing’s wife was somewhat unique; Xie Huilan had a higher rank than Dong Xuebing himself. It wasn’t just Zhang Dongfang; even provincial leaders couldn’t arrange such a move – it wasn’t that straightforward. Xie Huilan’s transfer to Xiaxing City was feasible for Dong Xuebing to follow as a family member, but he would never get an official position like a county committee secretary. There were too many factors to avoid, making it difficult to arrange. After all, as a married couple, their ranks were at a different level altogether – not as Zhang Dongfang imagined.
It wasn’t that Zhang Dongfang didn’t understand the situation.
Many of Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan’s records were confidential. After all, Xie Huilan’s family background was there, and Dong Xuebing had done plenty of things that couldn’t be brought to the table. Given these objective factors, it wasn’t just Zhang Dongfang who didn’t understand the details of Dong Xuebing’s wife; even people in Baohong City might not know. Even if they did, those who could know wouldn’t necessarily connect Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan as a married couple, or even have the awareness to inquire further. No one would think to look into it.
Zhang Dongfang still wanted to ask about it because he truly didn’t understand why Dong Xuebing’s wife couldn’t be transferred. He thought maybe Dong Xuebing didn’t want to owe him a favor.
However, Dong Xuebing wasn’t interested in discussing this topic. “That evening’s plan is settled. We’ll all have a good time then.”
“What’s up?” Dong Xuebing looked at him.
“We’ll have to book the venue at the city hotel. We’ll need a lot of cars too. If everyone and their families come, there could be about a hundred people from the investment bureau alone. That’s quite an expense.” Zhang Dongfang was concerned. “We can afford the cost; the budget still has some surplus, and the initial funds for the investment have been arriving. Tax revenue and local finances won’t be lacking in the future. It’s not about the money. But lately, the central government has been cracking down on public spending, and while hosting a celebration dinner is normal, being too extravagant might attract unnecessary attention. With our county and city relations already strained, and the exposure high in Jiao Lin County this time, sticking out like a sore thumb might backfire. Zhang Dongfang’s point was to keep it low-key – just a simple dinner with the county, no need to show off.”
Dong Xuebing responded, “I considered that too, hehe. I just gave my bank card to Xiao Su; all the expenses this time will be on me. I’m inviting everyone privately; there’s no issue.”
“You’re paying?” Zhang Dongfang said. “You can do that but that’s not the issue.”
Dong Xuebing said, “It’s fine. Let’s settle on it. This time, we’re having a good meal. I can afford this dinner; don’t be so polite with me.”
Zhang Dongfang said a few more things, but seeing Dong Xuebing wouldn’t listen, he eventually conceded. “Fine, just eat then.”
Baohong City, downtown.
After work hours, a fleet of buses parked outside the city's most luxurious Long De Hotel. As the doors opened, people from Jiao Lin County began to disembark.
“I’ve heard it’s famous here; I’ve never been inside before.”
“Our county went all out this time; this celebration dinner isn’t small.”
Leaders from Jiao Lin County, including Zhang Dongfang, Wei Zhixuan, Meng Hanmei, Huo Yibang, and other related officials, arrived, many bringing their family members as they stepped down from the bus. Everyone’s faces were beaming with smiles, one because of the successful investment results, and another because of the anticipated celebration dinner. Long De Hotel was the largest star-rated hotel in the city. Even some leaders from Jiao Lin County rarely dined here, as the food prices were not ordinary, let alone this time when the most enormous banquet hall had been booked. With so many people, including bus rentals, the expenses would run into tens to twenty thousand.”
“Let’s go in.” Dong Xuebing called out.
“Hey, Xuebing, I haven’t seen your wife.” Zhang Dongfang asked.
“She just got off the plane and will take a while to arrive. We won’t wait for her; let’s start without her.” Dong Xuebing laughed.
Meng Hanmei, linking her arm with her husband’s, said to Dong Xuebing, “How can we? We should wait for her.” Since she was the wife of the county secretary, they naturally couldn’t neglect her.
“No need, she doesn’t know what time she can reach yet. Let’s go in.” Dong Xuebing insisted, leading everyone inside under the guidance of a waiter, into the banquet hall.
Brown carpeting, densely packed with over a dozen tables, and a beautifully decorated stage resembling a mini concert setting.
Over a hundred people trickled in one by one, all looking around in awe.
Once everyone had almost gathered, people took their seats according to their levels and positions.
“Dong Secretary, say a few words.”
“Yes, give us a few words, hehe.” Several leaders teased, and the atmosphere felt incredibly relaxed with family members present.
Dong Xuebing had no choice but to go up to the stage and pick up the microphone, “I’ll say a few words then.” After a brief pause, he said, “That’s it from me.”
Everyone exchanged glances, and then they realized, all laughing loudly.
“I just said a few words.”
Just two sentences, but exactly enough.
Everyone also got another glimpse of the humor of the county secretary, Dong Xuebing, like at a magic show. People increasingly found this county secretary very approachable.
Dong Xuebing walked down.
But Zhang Dongfang went up instead, “I also have to say a few words – no, not just a few, I have a few things to say, hehe.” Zhang Dongfang stood on the stage, laughing, “Dong Secretary’s speech just now was very good, very sensible.”
Only two sentences in total; what sense did it make?
Everyone knew Zhang Dongfang was joking, and they all laughed.
Dong Xuebing also laughed, pointing to Zhang Dongfang from the stage, “Old Zhang, you’re teasing me now.”
Zhang Dongfang continued, “I just wanted to say, maybe not everyone knows, but today, Secretary Dong personally paid for all the buses and the banquet hall bookings because he wanted to host everyone for a lively celebration dinner. Haha, so I propose we thank Secretary Xuebing.”
“Secretary Dong paid for it?”
“Oh, how much would this cost?”
“Thank you, Secretary Dong.”
“Thank you, leaders, thank you, Secretary Dong.”
Hearing this, everyone clapped enthusiastically.
Dong Xuebing waved his hand and smiled, “This is something everyone deserves; everyone has worked hard for over a month, so I discussed it with County Mayor Zhang and decided to host a slightly bigger celebration dinner. Although I sponsored it, it’s also a gesture from a few county standing committee members. So today, don’t worry; this isn’t public money. Eat and drink as much as you want.”
“That’s right, no need to be frugal with Secretary Dong.”
“Oh!” Everyone burst into laughter.
Dong Xuebing pretended to wipe his sweat, “Well, uh, cough, cough, if we can save a little, let’s save it – otherwise, when my wife comes later, I won’t be able to explain myself tonight.”
Everyone laughed again, finding Secretary Dong’s humor amusing.
Although it was all jokes, the scale of this celebration dinner once again showed everyone that Secretary Dong truly wasn’t short of money. Spending tens to twenty thousand out of his own pocket without blinking an eye, plus the foreign guests’ event, Secretary Dong seemed to have personally paid for all the remaining rooms in upscale hotels for the county. Reportedly, he spent around fifty thousand—how rich must Secretary Dong be?