Power and Wealth

The next morning.

Dong Xuebing woke up and looked at the time. It was not even 6 am, and he decided to snooze a while more. But he suddenly remembered he had taken advantage of Yu Meixia while teaching her how to use handphones. From his blurry memories, he remembered that he had his hands all over her. He immediately regretted and gave himself a slap on his forehead. You hooligan! How can you harass Sister Yu after a few drinks?!

Dong Xuebing really regretted his actions. His excellent image in front of Sister Yu is all gone!

Dong Xuebing wondered how Yu Meixia will see him after last night’s incident!

Dong Xuebing climbed out of bed and got dressed, before walking out of his room embarrassedly. He looked at the room door opposite, and it was closed. Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian should still be sleeping. Dong Xuebing thought for a while and quickly wash up. He left a note saying that he had gone to work and rushed out of the house. It was about 6.30 am, and the Public Security Family Quarters is almost empty.

In the lobby of the Public Security Burea, Dong Xuebing met Executive Deputy Bureau Chief Hu Yiguo.

Hu Yiguo was surprised to see Dong Xuebing and looked at him coldly. “Good morning, Chief Dong.”

Dong Xuebing smiled faintly and said. “I am not as early as you. You are really hardworking.”

Hu Yiguo looked at Dong Xuebing and walked away without saying a word. Hu Yiguo’s direction should be going towards the investigation department.

Hu Yiguo was Dong Xuebing’s biggest rival in the Bureau. Deputy Bureau Chief Zhao Jingsong and City Police Station’s Chief Chang Wantao are in Hu Yiguo’s faction. Hu Yiguo also had the support of the Head of the Publicity Department, Qian Sheng, and it’s not easy for Dong Xuebing to deal with him. During the hacker incident, Dong Xuebing snatched back his credit from Hu Yiguo, their enmity had worsened. After that, the Yan Tai County’s Ministry of Education Director’s incident and the Finance department tried to create trouble for Dong Xuebing, and that’s why Dong Xuebing doesn’t feel the need to show any respect for him.

Back at his office, Dong Xuebing start reading the papers.

After the staff of the Bureau arrived at work, Dong Xuebing overheard something and understood why Hu Yiguo is at the Bureau so early. The child abduction case before the Labor Day Holidays had a breakthrough and the detectives and arrested a suspect. The investigation department is under Hu Yiguo’s jurisdiction, and he had arrived early to try to claim the credit. After all, this case is considered a major case.

1 hour...

5 hours...

8 hours...

When it was almost time to get off work, Dong Xuebing did not get any updates on the child abduction case. He asked around and found out that the suspect refused to reveal anything. No matter how the detectives question the suspect, they could not get any useful information. He kept insisting he is innocent and had nothing to do with this case. Although the detectives knew this suspect is involved in this case, they do not have concrete evidence.

Dong Xuebing packed his things and walked out of the Bureau. But when he thought of facing Yu Meixia at home, he got scared.

Dong Xuebing took out his phone and called home.

“Hello?” A soft voice answered. It was Yu Qianqian.

Dong Xuebing said. “You finish school? It’s me. Errr... what is your mother doing?”

“Brother!” Yu Qianqian said excitedly. “My mother is in the bathroom. I will get her to answer!”

Dong Xuebing quickly says. “No need... Errr... Is your mother alright?”

“My mother? She is fine.”

“Ok. Help me tell Sister Yu that I will not be going back for dinner. I have a dinner appointment.

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing felt relieved and walked to a small restaurant along the street to have noodles. While eating, he thought about how he is going to face Yu Meixia but came to no conclusion. After finishing his dinner, Dong Xuebing settled the bill and returned home.

When Dong Xuebing enters his apartment, he noticed the TV was on, but there is no one in the living room.

Dong Xuebing looked at the bedroom and saw Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian sitting in front of the laptop, through the half-closed bedroom door. The laptop was playing a pop song. Dong Xuebing hesitated for a while and gritted his teeth as he walked into the room. “Downloading songs? Hu Silian had set up the internet?” Dong Xuebing had asked Hu Silian to set up the wireless router at his home this morning.

Yu Qianqian turned and said. “Brother! You are back! Aunty Hu had just set up the internet and taught me how to download songs.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “You know how to download songs now?”

Yu Qianqian replied softly. “Not... not yet. But I will master it now. Really...”

Dong Xuebing patted her head. “Clever girl. Just try to download and ask me if you are unsure.”

Yu Meixia was blushing beside and dare not look at Dong Xuebing or say anything.

Dong Xuebing felt embarrassed when he saw Yu Meixia. He tried to strike a conversation to ease the awkwardness. “Err... Sister Yu, what did you all have for dinner?”

Yu Meixia looked down and replied. “I... I cooked two dishes and made bean porridge. Chief Dong, there is some porridge left. I... I will heat it up for you?” Yu Meixia was still wearing yesterday’s dark green dress.

Dong Xuebing nodded. “Ok. Thank you.”

Dong Xuebing couldn’t help himself and sneaked a peep at Yu Meixia as she walked out to the kitchen. After she left, Dong Xuebing moved his chair closer to Yu Qianqian and taught her how to use some of the basic functions of the laptop. Yu Qianqian was still excited since yesterday, and she looked more cheerful than before. Dong Xuebing was happy for her and went back to his room to change his clothes and lay on the bed to wait for his porridge.

The bedroom door was open, and Yu Meixia saw Dong Xuebing’s eyes are closed. She knocked and entered the room.

Dong Xuebing opened his eyes and smiles. “Thank you.”

“It’s alright.” Yu Meixia passed the bowl of porridge to Dong Xuebing carefully. “It’s hot. Please be careful.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and took a sip of the porridge. Hmm... it’s fragrant and tastes good.

“Chief Dong.” Yu Meixia looked at him shyly. “Are you going to soak in the bath today? Should I prepare the water for you?”

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. “No need.”

“Oh... Then...” Yu Meixia took the empty bowl from Dong Xuebing. “Can I give you a foot massage?”

Dong Xuebing had wanted to reject her because of what happened yesterday. But he still nodded unknowingly as he could not resist the temptation of foot massage.

Yu Meixia bit her lower lips and brought the empty bowl out of the room. She returns after a while and closes the room door behind her, to prevent her daughter from seeing her giving Dong Xuebing a massage. She took a glance at Dong Xuebing and took off her shoes to get on the bed. She kneeled beside Dong Xuebing and start massaging his legs. “I... I had gone to a bookshop to read up on massage techniques. I am not sure if it’s effective.”

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath and replied. “It’s comfortable. Thank you.”

“Let me know if it’s painful.”

“Ok.” Dong Xuebing was moved. He had mistreated her yesterday, and instead of getting angry, she even went to the bookshop to look for books on massage. Dong Xuebing knew Yu Meixia’s education level is not high and does not see a lot of characters. It should be hard for her to read a book at a bookshop. “Sister Yu, when you are free, you can do what you want or go out with your friends. You don’t need to spend time on these.”

Yu Meixia just shook her head.

Dong Xuebing did not try to persuade her and glanced at her long dress and the opening of her collar.

Yu Meixia noticed it, and her body stiffens. Her movements on Dong Xuebing’s leg and slowed down.

Last night, Dong Xuebing was drunk and took a step too far. He had decided not to harass Yu Meixia again, but when he saw her again, he knew he could not reverse her impression of him. Since his good-boy image is ruined and she did not mention anything about it, then... Anyway, Dong Xuebing had already touched her yesterday, and he decided to do it again.

When Yu Meixia was pressing Dong Xuebing’s left leg, Dong Xuebing purposely moved his right leg and positioned it in front of her dress. He slowly inched his leg in between her thighs into her dress and used his foot to caress her inner thighs.

Yu Meixia was stunned and don’t know what to do.

Yu Meixia had wanted to stop Dong Xuebing when he took advantage of her last night, but she was scared. Now, Chief Dong is getting bolder, and she doesn’t know how to react. “Chief... Chief Dong, you... you...”

Dong Xuebing looked at her. “You want to say something?”

Yu Meixia bit her lower lips and shook her head. “No...”

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat and brushed his foot against her thighs. “Sister Yu, I’m sorry.”

Yu Meixia shook her head and gritted her teeth. She moved her hand, which was pressing her dress down and continued with the massage.

After a while, Dong Xuebing moved his foot from under her dress and said. “Can you massage my head?”

“Yes.” Yu Meixia straightened her skirt and moved to Dong Xuebing’s side to face him. She placed her hands in Dong Xuebing’s hair and start massaging his scalp and pressed on some acupuncture points.

“Your technique is almost on par with professionals.” Dong Xuebing said.

“Thank you. I just learned a few tricks.”

Dong Xuebing’s hands could not stay still again. Yu Meixia was very close to him, and he could smell her body scent. He rested his hand on her leg back and moved upwards slowly, pushing her dress up. He saw Yu Meixia did not stop him, and he started to stroke and grab her thighs through her stockings. After a while, he moved his hand to her butt.

Yu Meixia can no longer pretend not to know. She grabbed Dong Xuebing’s hand. “Chief Dong, don’t...”

Dong Xuebing smiled and moved his hand to hug her waist.

This time, Yu Meixia did not stop him and continued her massage with a red face.

After a while, Dong Xuebing starts to move his hands upwards along Yu Meixia’s waist. When he reached her armpits, Dong Xuebing’s wrist turned and cupped her soft left breast in his hand. Yu Meixia immediately froze and covered her chest with her arms. But Dong Xuebing’s hand was sandwiched between her arms, pressing against her breast.

“Please... Don’t...” Yu Meixia pleaded weakly.

Dong Xuebing felt terrible. He saw Yu Meixia was not willing and did not force her. He retracted his hand and said. “Sorry.”

Yu Meixia shook her head, and her tears started flowing.

Damn! What’s wrong with her? Dong Xuebing was shocked. If he knew touching Yu Meixia will make her cry, he would not do that. He sits up from the bed and apologizes. “Sister Yu, I’m sorry. Can you stop crying? I... I am not myself these few days. Errr... if you are unwilling, I will not do this again. Ok? Please stop crying... It’s all my fault.”

Yu Meixia was sobbing softly.

Dong Xuebing regretted. “I am really sorry. Sister Yu, I will let you beat me up and will not retaliate.”

“It’s not your fault.” Yu Meixia sobbed. “I... I remembered my husband suddenly, and it has nothing to do with you.”

Dong Xuebing doesn’t believe he had nothing to do with her crying. He apologized again and wiped her tears. “Stop crying. Didn’t you say your husband often beat you? Why do you think about him?”

Yu Meixia cried. “It’s not his fault. He is just... He is set up by others, and because of me and Qianqian, he....”

Dong Xuebing frowned. “What happened?”

“Chief Dong, I know I said it was the last time I beg you for help to let Qianqian go to school. But...... But my husband’s death had been buried in mine and Qianqian’s heart for too long.” Yu Meixia wiped his tears and climbed off the bed. She kneeled in front of the bed. “Can you please help me one last time? I know my husband is killed by someone else, and I only hope you can help me catch the murderer. Please... I know you are a good man.

I am a good man?

Dong Xuebing had just took touched all over her, and he blushed. “Err... Sister Yu, get up first.” Dong Xuebing helped her up and grabbed a towel for her to wipe her tears. “Tell me slowly. What happened?”

Yu Meixia blew her nose and said. “My husband did not commit suicide.”

Dong Xuebing was stunned. He thought Yu Meixia’s husband had killed himself because of his debts. “Then?”

Yu Meixia got agitated. “It must be the people from Jin Di Mansion. They had brought my husband to the casino there, and he lost a lot of money. But he refused to stop gambling, and he sold the house and everything valuable to try to recoup his losses. In the end, he lost and end up owing Jin Di Mansion a lot of money. But he still refuses to stop gambling. Every time my husband returns home, he had bruises on his face. He told me he was beaten up by the people at Jin Di Mansion, and then he borrowed money from his bosses. On the night when I last saw him, he called Qianqian and me over. He said this is his final chance, and this will be the last time he gamble. But... but...”

Dong Xuebing asked. “What happened?”

Yu Meixia cried louder. “But that is the last time I saw him. He went missing for many days, and his body was found in a lake. The police autopsy report said he committed suicide. I don’t believe the police. I know my husband will not leave Qianqian and me behind. I cried and begged the police to investigate Jin Di Mansion. They must be the ones who killed my husband. But after the police investigation, the police told me that there is no casino in Jin Di Mansion. How can this be possible? My husband had told me he gambled there, and many people know that it is a place for gambling. But the police insisted there is no casino...”

Dong Xuebing felt something was off. “What sort of place is Jin Di Mansion?”

Yu Meixia replied. “It is like a vacation resort and provides entertainment.”

This place has backing? They even manage to stop the police from investigating? Other than this explanation, Dong Xuebing cannot think of other reasons. “Where is your husband’s body.”

Yu Meixia said. “It’s been half a year, and his body had been cremated.”

“That means there is no evidence? Other than you and Qianqian, is there any witness or evidence?” Yu Meixia shook her head. Dong Xuebing thought to himself. Without the body, there will be no clues, even if this case is reopened. Also, it’s been so long, and it is almost impossible for the police to start the investigation again.

Yu Meixia looked at Dong Xuebing. “Chief Dong, please help me. I beg you.”

Dong Xuebing sighed. “From what you told me, Jin Di Mansion is suspicious. But this incident had been over for almost half a year. It’s quite difficult to reopen this case now.”

Yu Meixia cried louder. Actually, she also knew it was impossible to get revenge for her husband.

Dong Xuebing can tell Yu Meixia still loves her husband. Before meeting Dong Xuebing, she had to bring her daughter along to beg and was burdened with debt. She had been suppressing the thoughts of getting revenge. Dong Xuebing did not stop her from crying. Just let it all out. She might feel better after crying.

The door suddenly opens. Yu Qianqian ran into her mother’s arms and cried. “Mum, you still have me... stop crying...” Yu Qianqian had heard her mother crying and overheard the conversation between Dong Xuebing and her mother.

Yu Meixia hugged her daughter, and both cried louder.

Dong Xuebing was touched and felt guilty for taking advantage of Yu Meixia earlier. “Alright. I will help you ask around.” He took out his handphone and walked out of the room. Dong Xuebing thought for a while and called Qin Yong. “Hello, Chief Qin? Are you resting?”

“Not yet. What’s wrong?”

“Err... I would like to ask you about Jin Di Mansion.”

Qin Yong was surprised and took a deep breath. “The Jin Di Mansion at the County’s outskirts? The one near to your Hui Tian Village?”

“Yes.”

“Brother Dong, why are you asking?”

Dong Xuebing heard Qin Yong asked this question and knew this Jin Di Mansion is not simple. “Haha... I heard there is a casino there?”

“Sigh...... actually I heard a lot about that place. That place does have lots of illegal activities, and I even heard someone was killed there.” Qin Yong paused for a second and continued. “Brother Dong, don’t touch that place. When I was newly transferred here, Chief Liang had wanted to close that place down. But in the end, he couldn’t do anything. I heard that place had the backings of the higher-ups, and lots of County leaders pressurized Chief Liang to stop his investigations.”

Dong Xuebing was stunned. “Higher-ups? Who?”

After a long pause, Qin Yong said. “There are rumors that the boss of Jin Di Mansion is the son of the County’s Publicity Department’s head, Qian Sheng.”

Dong Xuebing finally understood why the public security did not act against Jin Di Mansion even when people made police reports. Hu Yiguo and Zhao Jingsong are under Qian Sheng’s faction, and even Chief Liang could not do anything against them. One Qian Sheng might not be powerful enough to stop Chief Liang. There should be power struggles among the higher-ups when Chief Liang wants to investigate Jin Di Mansion. The two factions of the higher-ups should be the County Government’s Party Secretary and the County’s Mayor, and it’s apparent Chief Liang’s faction had lost.

Damn! This is too complicated. Even Chief Liang could not do anything?

Jin Di Mansion... Qian Sheng... Hu Yiguo... Zhao Jingsong... Wan Tao... Dong Xuebing list out all these names in his heart.

At this moment, Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian walked out of the bedroom and looked at Dong Xuebing eagerly.

Currently, Dong Xuebing is still not powerful enough to deal with these people. But he gave in when he saw Yu Meixia’s eyes. He felt he cannot refuse her request. “Sister Yu. Don’t be anxious. I need some time to deal with this. But I promise you I will catch the murderer if your husband is really killed by the people at Jin Di Mansion.” Since the day Dong Xuebing was posted to Tai Yan County, Dong Xuebing had decided to help the people here. Jin Di Mansion must be shut down!

Yu Meixia’s tears started flowing again and kneeled down in front of Dong Xuebing with Yu Qianqian.

Yu Meixia knew Jin Di Mansion has strong backings, and she did not expect Chief Dong is willing to get justice for her. Chief Dong will surely offend the people behind Jin Di Mansion because of her.

Dong Xuebing stepped forward and helped them up. “Are you two praying to me? Get up.”

After helping them up, Yu Meixia turned to her daughter. “Qianqian, go back to the room first.” She does not want her daughter to get involved.

After Yu Qianqian returned to the room, Dong Xuebing said. “I am not in charge of the investigation and public security, and without a valid reason, I cannot interfere in this case. Sister Yu, I want you to lodge a report at the Public Security again. If the officers there tells you that this case is closed and they will not investigate, you continue to make reports at other stations. If the County’s Public Security refuses to accept your reports, go to the Provincial Public Security Bureau to make reports.” Dong Xuebing wants Yu Meixia to make some commotions and observe how Hu Yiguo and his gang will react. Of course, he also wants to see what Chief Liang’s faction will do.

Yu Meixia nodded. “I... I know... Chief Dong, regardless of the outcome, I will be grateful for your help. Thank you. I will never forget what you have done for me.”