Power and Wealth

The next morning, dark clouds covered the skies. The weather forecast says there might be a thunderstorm.

After breakfast, Dong Xuebing, Yu Meixia, and Yu Qianqian sat in front of the PC to discuss on which car to buy.

“Big Brother! This car is nice!”

“BMW? Will it stand out too much? What do you think, Sister Yu?”

“I still feel the car you are looking at earlier suits you better, and the price is reasonable.”

“Accord? It is rare in Yan Tai County, but in Beijing, you can hit an Accord just by throwing a brick out of your windows. It is too common there.”

“You... you should decide for yourself. I don’t know about cars.”

Dong Xuebing leaned back on his chair and put his hands around Yu Meixia and her daughter’s shoulders naturally. He thought about what type of car to buy. A family saloon car? An off-road car? An MPV? Dong Xuebing was used to his unit’s Buick MPV and felt a 7-seater is more convenient. At least, he can ferry more people. But a Buick MPV or a Honda MPV cost slightly over 200,000 RMB. Dong Xuebing is thinking of getting a more expensive car.

Dong Xuebing continued to surf the websites, and Yu Qianqian suddenly shouted. “A big Mercedes Benz!”

Yu Meixia looked at the monitor. “This looks similar to that Buick.”

Dong Xuebing looked at the picture. This 6-seater Mercedes Benz is this year’s latest model, and the exterior looks grander than the Buick and Honda MPV. This is one of the top tier MPV car. Dong Xuebing’s eyes sparkled and felt this car is too beautiful. Both the exterior and interior are classy, and he checked at the price. An R Class 300L cost around 700,000 RMB. The R350L is around 800,000 RMB, and the most expensive R500L, 5.5L, is around 1.3 million RMB.

Dong Xuebing looked at the specifications and decided to buy this car!

Huh, but the price is ridiculously high. If he drives this car, will there be gossips?

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and called Qu Yunxuan. To prevent getting into trouble for driving this car, Dong Xuebing come up with a solution. He will get Aunt Xuan to buy this car and register it under their Auction Company. After that, he will drive the car to Yan Tai County for his personal use. If anyone wants to investigate him, he can claim that this vehicle belongs to his friend, and he had borrowed it. This way, he will save a lot of explanation on where he got his money from. Dong Xuebing wants to buy the most expensive model, R500L, costing 1.3 million. After buying the apartment, he still has around 1.4 million RMB. This amount is enough. After discussing with Qu Yunxuan, Dong Xuebing transferred his money to her.

Settled! In two or three days, the car should arrive!

Dong Xuebing sat down on the sofa, satisfied. He felt he is a spendthrift, as he spent almost 2 million RMB in two days.

Ring... ring... ring... Dong Xuebing’s handphone on the side table rang. Dong Xuebing thought it was the delivery for his home appliances. His refrigerator and TV will be delivered today, and the air conditioner will be installed tomorrow. He picked up the phone and saw it’s his cousin, Tang Jin.

“Hello? Xiao Jing?”

“Hehe... Brother, do you know what day is today?”

“What’s the special occasion? Army’s Day? It’s still early. The Party’s anniversary? It should be over.”

“No wonder you are in the Government service. All you think is Army’s Day and Party anniversary. Hahaha... it’s my birthday today!”

“Ah... I forgot about it. Where are you now? How are you celebrating?”

“Birthday is just another day. But... Brother, are you at home? Can I bring someone along to look for you?”

“Who are you bringing? My Second Aunt?”

“Ah... I am not letting you know now. Just tell me if you are free.”

“So, secretive? Alright. Do you know where Hua Mei Estate is? Just come over.” After hanging up, Dong Xuebing smiled and turned to Yu Meixia. “Sister Yu, prepare more food for lunch. My sister is coming over. Oh, if you are free, help me get a birthday cake downstairs. Thanks.”

Yu Meixia quickly grabbed her purse and went downstairs.

About an hour later.

Hua Mei Estate, Block 1.

Tang Jin was holding a young man’s hand. “Hey, Liu Li, remember to watch your words when you meet my brother later.”

Liu Li had got clean looks and looked like a student. He scratched his head and asked. “Why are we here to meet your brother first? What about your parents?”

Tang Jin gave Liu Li an angry stare. “What do you know? Now, it’s my brother who decides our family. If he agrees to let us be together, no one else will object. Ah... stop scratching your head. You look like a fool. What’s there to be nervous about? My brother dotes me, and if you don’t make him angry, he will agree to our relationship. Liu Li! Do you want me as your bride? Ah?!”

Liu Li replied with an agonized look. “Of course.”

Tang Jin let out a ‘Hmph’ and continued. “Then, you better put on your best performance in front of my brother.”

Liu Li scratched the back of his head. “Err... What is your brother working as? How come he has the final say in your family?”

Tang Jin heard this and had a proud smile on her face. “You will know later!”

Liu Li lives in Wu Tian Village and is Tang Jin’s High School classmate. During their school days, Liu Li fell in love with Tang Jin and always hung around her. After graduation, he started working and did not keep in touch with her until a class gathering some time ago. Liu Li did not forget about his feelings for Tang Jin and confessed to her after some drinks. To his surprise, Tang Jin accepted him, and they started dating.

Liu Li’s family is not well to do. He works as an Auxiliary Police Officer in Wu Tian Village Station. He is still not qualified to be an official Police Officer. Tang Jin and Liu Li are in their twenties, and this is the right age for them to get married. But Liu Li is poor and does not have a good career. He is afraid Tang Jin’s family will object. That’s why they decided to prepare in advance by visiting Tang Jin’s family first. But Tang Jin thought for a while and did not bring him to visit her parents first. Instead, she brought him to visit his older cousin. Liu Li is curious, but Tang Jin is too overbearing, and he dares not to ask too many questions.

“I am going to press the doorbell. You better prepare yourself!” Tang Jin gave Liu Li a kick to his feet.

“Yes.” Liu Li straighten his back nervously.

Ding Dong... ding dong... The door opened, and a cute little girl opened the door shyly. “Sister Tang?”

Tang Jin smiled. “Xiao Qianqian! Hurry and let me in! Where’s my brother?”

Yu Qianqian had met Tang Jin during Luan Ying’s wedding, but other than with Dong Xuebing and her mother, she is shy towards others. “Big Brother is using his computer in his room.” Clack! Yu Qianqian opened the metal gates, and she saw Liu Li. She quickly turned and ran away, as she is afraid of meeting strangers.

Liu Li was stunned by this little girl’s pretty looks. After he entered the house, he was stunned again by a pretty woman in the kitchen.

Tang Jin waved towards the kitchen. “Aunt Yu, I’m here for a visit. Are you preparing for lunch?”

Yu Meixia heard Tang Jin and quickly replied. “Xiao Jin, have a seat. I will prepare tea for you all.”

Tang Jin said. “No need. I will pour myself.”

At this time, Dong Xuebing walked out of his room and was surprised to see Liu Li.

Tang Jin laughed and greeted Dong Xuebing first, before introducing Liu Li. “This is my brother Dong Xuebing. This is Liu Li.”

Liu Li felt this name is familiar and went up to shake Dong Xuebing’s hand. “Brother.”

Dong Xuebing finally understand and laughed. “No wonder you are so secretive. You got a boyfriend?”

Liu Li blushed and didn’t know how to reply.

Dong Xuebing sat down on the sofa and started chatting with them. Dong Xuebing was surprised to know Tang Jin is dating someone. Her character is bold and overbearing. It is not easy to find a man that is willing to accommodate her. But from what he saw, Liu Li is giving in to Tang Jin, and he could tell Liu Li likes her.

After chatting for a while, Tang Jin suddenly remembered something. “Hey, Liu Li, you still don’t know who my brother is?”

Liu Li scratched the back of his head, embarrassedly. “Your brother is...”

Dong Xuebing slapped the back of Tang Jin’s head lightly. “Why do you think everyone must know me? Am I that notorious?”

Tang Jin laughed. “I forgot to tell you that Liu Li is an Auxiliary Office at Wu Tian Village Station.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and looked at Liu Li. “Is your work tiring? Working at the Police Station is not easy.”

Liu Li replied cautiously. “It’s alright. My job is to handle some minor disputes between the villagers. Other than working overtime, it is not very tiring.”

Dong Xuebing patted his shoulder. “Work hard and watch out for your safety.”

After a while, Liu Li went to the toilet. Tang Jin pushed Dong Xuebing with her shoulder and whispered. “What do you think of Liu Li?”

Dong Xuebing nodded. “Not bad. He looks like a righteous man.”

Tang Jin gave Dong Xuebing a stare. “What do you mean by he looks righteous? He is a righteous man. When we were still in school, the teachers seldom scold him even though his grades are not good. There is one time during a school outing. He found 500 RMB and gave it to the teachers. Another time...”

Dong Xuebing interrupted her. “What matters most is you like him.”

Tang Jin asked excitedly. “That means you agree to us dating?”

Dong Xuebing picked up his teacup and took a sip. “You are not my daughter. What’s the use of me agreeing? Has Second Aunt and the rest met him?”

Tang Jin crossed her legs and said, worrying. “I still have not told them. I’m afraid my parents will look down on him. Liu Li’s family’s financial condition is worse than our family.”

Tang Jin stopped talking after Liu Li came back from the toilet. Dong Xuebing asked Yu Meixia if lunch is ready and brought Tang Jin and Liu Li to the dining table. He took out the birthday cake and lit the candles.

After lunch, Tang Jin patted her tummy and whined. “I’m so full!”

Yu Qianqian loves to eat cakes, and she had also stuffed herself. After lunched, Yu Meixia chased her back to her room to do her revision.

Tang Jin saw only Dong Xuebing and Liu Li were in the living room, and she kept looking at Dong Xuebing’s face. Dong Xuebing knew she must have some requests from him when she comes over. He smiled and did not say anything. He offered Liu Li a cigarette, but the latter does not smoke.

Tang Jin quickly moves closer and picks up the lighter from the table to help Dong Xuebing lit his cigarette.

Dong Xuebing took a puff and asked. “Look at you... Tell me, what do you want from me?”

Tang Jin smiled embarrassedly and took a glance at Liu Li. “Brother... let me tell you about what Liu Li had done at his station. He may only be an Auxiliary officer, but he is very capable. There was once a robbery case, and the robber has got a knife with him. The other two officers dare not to stop that robber, and it’s Liu Li who pinned down the robber from the back. Another time, Liu Li single-handedly arrested two car thieves...”

Liu Li quickly interrupted. “One of the two car thieves is arrested by a group of officers.”

Tang Jin gave Liu Li an angry stare. “Shut up and drink your tea!”

Liu Li kept quiet embarrassedly. He was puzzled why Tang Jin is telling her cousin about his work.

Dong Xuebing understood what Tang Jin wants and smiled. “Not bad. As an officer, you should not step back when facing criminals...”

Tang Jin saw Dong Xuebing is going to start his speech and quickly interrupted him. “That’s right. Liu Li is a good officer, right? With all his credits, even if he is not promoted to be the Station Chief, he should at least be promoted from an Auxiliary Officer to a Police Officer, right? In his station, only he is capable. The rest of the officers cannot be compared to him.

Dong Xuebing laughed. Arresting two thieves is considered a big achievement? You still want him to be the Station Chief?

Liu Li blushed. He wanted to say something but dare not.

Tang Jin saw Dong Xuebing not replying and moved closer to hold his arms. She swung his arm and asked childishly. “Brother, I know you treat me well. Liu Li will be your brother-in-law soon. Can you help him convert to a Police Officer? Please...” Tang Jin was afraid that her parents would object to their relationship and wanted to help Liu Li get promoted to a Police Officer. There’s a huge difference between an Auxiliary Officer and a Police Officer. If Liu Li becomes a Police Officer, her parents will have no objections.

Dong Xuebing thought for a while and did not say a word.

Tang Jin saw this and start swinging Dong Xuebing’s arm harder. “Brother... Just treat this as my birthday present, ok?”

Dong Xuebing gave Tang Jin a light knock on her head. “Alright... alright... stop swinging my arm.”

Tang Jin smiled.” That means you agree?”

Dong Xuebing turned to Liu Li and asked. “Who is in charge of your station?”

Liu Li blinked. “It’s Bureau Chief Qin.”

“Qin Yong?”

Liu Li was surprised. “You know Chief Qin?”

Tang Jin starts to bootlick. “Of course. My brother knows everyone.”

Dong Xuebing waved his hand. “Alright. Just sit here. I will call and ask. It’s not easy for an Auxiliary Officer to be converted to a Police Officer. You need experience and results. Have you just joined the Auxiliary Officer for not long, right? I will try it.”

Tang Jin laughed. “Brother, how can there be anything you can’t achieve? With your help, this is not a problem!”

Dong Xuebing entered his room and called Qin Yong. “Hello, Brother Qin. Have you taken your lunch?”

Qin Yong laughed. “I just finished my lunch. Brother Dong, are you asking me out for a drink?”

“Hold on... even three of me is no match to you when it comes to drinking... Hahaha.” After chatting for a while, Dong Xuebing said. “Oh, I have a friend working as an Auxiliary Officer at Wu Tian Village Station. His name is Liu Li. This young man is quite hardworking. Do you think he can be converted to a Police Officer?”

Qin Yong laughed and replied. “Since you, Chief Dong, is asking, how can I reject you? Liu Li? Hmm... I had not heard of this name before. Let me ask around first. If he has no problems, I will settle it for you.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “Thank you. I will treat you to dinner some other day.”

“Hah... It’s only a small matter.”

After coming out of the room, Tang Jin looked at Dong Xuebing. “How is it?”

Dong Xuebing did not give her an answer. “Wait. I also don’t know the result.”

About 10 minutes later, Liu Li’s phone rang. Liu Li saw the number and was surprised. He said it’s his Station Chief and quickly answered. “Hello, Chief Li... Yes... yes... Identification Card and fill-up the form? You mean... Ah... Thank you... Yes... I will... Thank you, Chief Li.” After hanging up the phone, Liu Li said in a daze. “My Station Chief told me to fill up a form tomorrow. I will be transferred to Public Security as a Police Officer.”

Tang Jin hugged Dong Xuebing by his neck. “Thank you, Brother! I love you!”

Liu Li also thanked Dong Xuebing excitedly. “Thank you!” Liu Li had never thought he would be promoted to be a Police Officer. He is not good at interacting with others and is not very fit. He also does not have any outstanding achievements. But to his surprise, a phone call from Tang Jin’s cousin and his promotion is settled.

Tang Jin poked Liu Li’s side and proudly asked. “Now, you know who my cousin is?”

Liu Li paused and asked: “Who?”

Tang Jin rolled her eyes. “Stupid! You are working at the County’s Police Station, and you never heard of Chief Dong?”

Chief Dong?

Liu Li was shocked and blurted out. “It’s God of plague...” He realized what he said was rude and quickly shut up.

Tang Jin stared at Liu Li angrily. “What did you say?!” She had also heard of Dong Xuebing’s nickname.

Dong Xuebing was frustrated. “Am I that famous? Who is the one who gave me this nickname? How come everyone knows about it?”

Liu Li thought to himself. How can you not be famous? In Da Wang Village, you fought against seven men. Three of the seven men are disfigured, and 2 of them are still in the hospital. The four suspects in the abduction case were all shot in the legs, and all of them were crippled. Qian Fei, Qian Shen, and the former County’s Party Secretary Chang Lei... all those who had grudges with you do not have any good endings. Under such circumstances, how can you not be famous?!

Liu Li was panicking and didn’t know what to do. He had never expected Tang Jin’s cousin is the infamous God of Plague Chief Xiao Dong~

Dong Xuebing saw Liu Li’s reaction and sighed...

Damn! I am notorious now...