Power and Wealth - C.1570: City Party Secretary’s husband

Next day.

Early in the morning.

Mist lingered outside the window, hiding the morning sun.

In the spacious master bedroom, Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan lay tangled in the quilt. They had quite the night yesterday. To describe it as intense wouldn't be an overstatement. After all, it had been so long since they had done anything. Dong Xuebing was eager, and his movements were a bit more vigorous. Just by looking at the bed and the surroundings, one could tell. Half of the quilt was hanging off the bed, one pillow had fallen to the ground, and the mattress and bedsheet were a mess. One of his wife's thighs still had some shower gel from last night when she hadn't appropriately rinsed after coming out of the bathroom, but it wasn't foamy anymore, having dried overnight.

Drip, drip, drip.

Beside them, the alarm suddenly went off.

"Mm," Dong Xuebing woke up.

Xie Huilan yawned, "Turn it off."

With his eyes closed, Dong Xuebing groped around until he found her phone and turned off the alarm. Then, he sleepily checked the time: "It's only seven o'clock. Why are we getting up so early?"

"I have something to do during the day," Xie Huilan replied.

"What's so important that you didn't sleep well?" Dong Xuebing asked.

"Sigh, a Deputy provincial governor is coming to inspect," Xie Huilan said.

"These leaders, all they do is inspections," Dong Xuebing grumbled.

"Alright, you go back to sleep. Hehe, I'm going to shower," Xie Huilan said.

"I'm exhausted. I'm not making breakfast for you today. Go buy something yourself," Dong Xuebing continued to lie there, rolling over and pinching his wife's buttocks blissfully.

Xie Huilan glanced at him, "Hehe, you can't resist, can you?"

Dong Xuebing shrugged, "What's wrong with a little touch? Your tiger butt."

Just as he said that Xie Huilan's phone rang. Dong Xuebing felt around and handed it to her, "Here."

As she looked at the caller ID, it said "Secretary." It should be her new secretary.

Xie Huilan sat up in bed and answered the call, "Hello."

"Secretary," a female voice said from the other end. There's a bit of a problem."

Xie Huilan calmly asked, "What's the matter, speak."

The secretary said, "The quota for the exchange and study trip to Macau reported yesterday has been rejected by the higher-ups, including yours."

"What's the reason?" Xie Huilan inquired.

"They said the plane tickets have already been booked, and we reported it late."

"Then what's the solution in the reply?"

"The colleague from that department said that the tickets for that flight are sold out, and they don't know if there are any full-price tickets left for that day. As for the leaders' family members mentioned in our city's late report, the upper management will cover the cost of plane tickets and travel expenses. However, it may not be possible for everyone to take the same flight. Eligible family members are asked to book their tickets. Upon arrival, they can seek reimbursement with receipts and invoices from the relevant department, meaning they will meet up with us later."

"Who handled this matter from above?" Xie Huilan asked.

"It was Deputy Governor Jia."

"The Deputy Governor Jia, who is coming to inspect today?"

"Yes, the inspection in a few days will also be led by him."

"Alright, I understand."

"Secretary, should I ask your spouse and a few other leaders' family members about their plane tickets again? Initially, there was no deadline, so it's a bit…"

"No need to ask again. How many people haven't booked tickets?"

"Counting your spouse, a total of four."

"Alright. You can ask someone from the City Party Committee Office to book the tickets. It's fine if they're not on the same flight, but try to minimize the time difference. As for the hotel, there shouldn't be a problem. It's just the plane tickets."

"Got it. I'll go find someone to arrange the plane tickets then."

The call ended, and Xie Huilan tossed her phone onto the bed. "Looks like someone doesn't want me to have it easy. Hehe. It's only been a few peaceful days, and there's already trouble."

Dong Xuebing, beside her, probably heard the call's content too. "Is one missed flight ticket such a big deal? They won't even give face to this."

Xie Huilan smiled. "It's probably not just about a few plane tickets."

"What is it then?" Dong Xuebing asked. "Trying to embarrass you?"

"I guess someone doesn't want me to have it too easy," Xie Huilan glanced at him. "The Secretary of the Xiaoxing City Party Committee position was probably already set for Deputy Governor Jia's confidant. But I came in halfway, so he's not happy. This issue with the plane tickets is probably meant to test me or give me a warning. It seems like there will be some content to today's inspection."

"He's just looking for trouble."

"Nowhere is exempt. The system balances through mutual friction and collisions."

"What are you going to do when he comes over later?"

"He's a deputy provincial governor, a superior leader. Naturally, I'll listen to him. As for the rest, we'll talk about it later."

With that said, Xie Huilan, still not dressed, gracefully stepped into the bathroom wearing slippers. She didn't even close the door before getting into the bathtub for a shower. Dong Xuebing glanced a few times but was overcome by drowsiness, eventually closing his eyes and falling asleep.

Half an hour passed.

An hour passed.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, the phone rang.

Dong Xuebing woke up abruptly, breathed, rubbed his eyes, and opened the quilt to find Xie Huilan's phone. He saw an unfamiliar number and decided not to answer it, waiting for the call to end before taking out his phone. He dialed Xie Huilan's secretary's number, waiting until her phone stopped ringing before making the call.

"Hello?"

"Hello."

"Who is this?"

"I'm Xie Huilan's husband."

"Oh, Mr. Dong, hello."

"Is Huilan with you? Please get her."

"Sure, please wait a moment. I'll get Secretary Xie."

After about half a minute, Xie Huilan's voice came from the other end. "I just found out my phone is at home. You called when I arrived at the office."

"Yeah, I'll bring it to you."

"It's fine, no hurry. You can get ready first."

"Don't worry, I'll bring it to your office later."

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing yawned and got up from the bed, heading to the bathroom to wash up.

When he came to the living room, Dong Xuebing was ready to leave after putting on his clothes. But when he saw the table, he suddenly froze. He noticed that there was breakfast on the table.

An egg.

Half a bowl of milk.

Though not much and very simple, Dong Xuebing felt a bit touched. This was the first time his wife had prepared breakfast for him. Usually, he would wake up early and prepare everything for her, running around to serve her. Dong Xuebing couldn't just leave. He had to eat this. So, feeling warm inside, he walked up, heated the milk in the microwave, and then dipped the egg into it.

Two minutes later.

The meal was ready.

Dong Xuebing picked up the milk and took a sip. Then, a thought flashed through his mind: Where did the milk come from? Yesterday, Dong Xuebing cooked dinner, and he knew exactly what was in the fridge and cabinets. They were mostly things he bought from outside, and he didn't see any milk. But as he took another sip, Dong Xuebing suddenly felt dizzy. He tasted this familiar flavor – it was his wife's milk.

No wonder it was only half a bowl,

Turns out Huilan squeezed it herself.

Dong Xuebing couldn't help but laugh and cry, but he still drank it all in one go, enjoying it thoroughly. Finally, he peeled and finished the egg.

Around nine o'clock,

At the City Committee compound.

His wife drove away while Dong Xuebing took a taxi.

Dong Xuebing walked confidently into the compound, and the security guard didn't stop him.

The courtyard was quite lively. Many people were walking around, some waiting, and a banner lying on the ground nearby seemed to say something about welcoming the provincial leaders for an inspection. Everyone seemed busy, with some cadres directing the scene.

Dong Xuebing glanced around and continued walking.

Suddenly, a group of people emerged from the opposite office building of the City Committee.

Dong Xuebing immediately saw Xie Huilan as if he wouldn't. She was walking at the forefront, ahead of everyone else.

Dong Xuebing greeted her as he approached, "Hey." He spoke and walked up to her.

A cadre behind him frowned. He thought, "Who are you? Why are you blocking the way? Didn't you see the Secretary of the City Committee coming out? How can you be so blind?"

"Hey."

"Who are you shouting at?"

Some other leaders also looked at Dong Xuebing.

However, Dong Xuebing seemed oblivious. He casually took out his wife's phone and, without waiting for anyone to stop him, said, "There are a few missed calls."

Xie Huilan reached out and took the phone. "Okay."

"I'll head back then," Dong Xuebing said.

Xie Huilan smiled, "Wait for me upstairs."

Dong Xuebing thought he had nothing else to do, so he said, "Sure."

Xie Huilan pointed to the building behind her. "Top floor, first office on the left, unlocked."

"Got it," Dong Xuebing nodded.

Many people witnessed this scene and were all surprised and confused.

Xie Huilan then smiled and pointed out Dong Xuebing to some nearby cadres. "My husband, Dong Xuebing."

Everyone suddenly realized, and many almost fell to the ground in shock. Continuous coughing and inhaling sounds were heard, as if they couldn't believe it.

"Your husband?"

"This is your husband?"

Only a few senior-level city leaders reacted quickly, showing no expression on their faces as they greeted Dong Xuebing.

"Mr. Dong."

"Hello, hello."

Dong Xuebing nodded in response.

Knowing what others were thinking, he used to be uncomfortable with this kind of attention. But now, Dong Xuebing didn't care anymore. Perhaps he was used to it. Seeing the surprised and incredulous looks of those around him, Dong Xuebing even felt slightly amused. Everyone was surprised that Secretary Xie found someone like Dong Xuebing, but at the same time, they were also amazed at how Dong Xuebing managed to marry someone as beautiful as Xie Huilan. They probably wondered what extraordinary qualities Dong Xuebing had. This was an affirmation for him, satisfying his vanity.

Having a beautiful wife.

Having a beautiful wife who is the Secretary of the City Committee.

The fact proves that wherever you go, you have face.

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