Afternoon.
County Government.
After boosting morale at the Investment Promotion Bureau, Dong Xuebing returned to the County Party Committee compound. In his office, he began working on the investment promotion plan. There wasn't much detailed content—just a rough outline of the policies and work strategies. The specific execution plans were also relatively vague. Dong Xuebing didn't have great confidence in whether he could connect with potential investors. However, he outlined the main investment promotion plan tailored to the specific situation in Zhen Shui County. He wrote some lofty and speculative ideas for sectors like agriculture and animal husbandry. This plan was primarily to secure policies, funds, and approval from the county. Whether it could be smoothly implemented depended on how the Investment Promotion Bureau executed it.
One hour…
Two hours…
Three hours…
It was past six in the evening when Dong Xuebing finally finished writing.
Picking up the draft, he glanced at it. Aside from his less-than-pleasant handwriting, everything else looked fine. Dong Xuebing then picked up the phone and called Secretary Li.
"h.e.l.lo, Secretary Li."
"Is this Mayor Dong?"
"Yes, has Mayor Jiang finished work?"
"Not yet, still in the office."
"Alright, I've finished the investment promotion plan. I'm coming over now."
After tidying up the plan, Dong Xuebing looked out the window. Many staff had already left work, and the clerks were gradually leaving.
Upstairs.
Outside the County Mayor's office.
Dong Xuebing was about to knock on the door when it opened. Jiang Fangfang, carrying a bag, walked out. Inside, the secretary, Li Xiaona, could be seen packing things. She was leaving, too.
"Mayor Jiang, the investment promotion plan."
"After work. Let's leave together. We can talk on the way."
"Alright, then, sit in my car. I'll give you a ride back."
"Okay, you go back and pack your things. I'll wait for you downstairs."
"Got it. I'll be right back."
Dong Xuebing knew that Mayor Jiang might have something to attend to in the evening or was tired today. So, he quickly returned to his office, grabbed his bag, and then hurried downstairs. He didn't want to keep Jiang Fangfang waiting for too long. Just as he reached the ground floor, he saw Jiang Fangfang talking to a staff, waiting in front of the Land Rover. When Dong Xuebing approached, Jiang Fangfang said the final words to the person and then got into the car, waiting for him.
The car started and quickly left the County Party Committee compound.
Inside the car, Dong Xuebing handed the plan to her. "Take a look."
Jiang Fangfang nodded, took it, and carefully read it. When the car returned to the residential area and stopped below their dormitory building, Mayor Jiang had almost finished reading.
"It's good," Jiang Fangfang commented.
"Then, let's proceed this way," Dong Xuebing said.
Jiang Fangfang nodded slightly. "Tomorrow afternoon, there's a Party Committee meeting. It's the meeting that was postponed before."
"I heard about it." With Jiang Fangfang's matters settled, Dong Xuebing was curious about what twists and turns might happen with the Meng faction at this meeting. He was also very concerned about this meeting.
"At that time, I'll try to fight for some policies for you," Jiang Fangfang said as she looked at him. "If you need anything, let me know in advance."
Thinking momentarily, Dong Xuebing said, "Mainly, it's money. I originally thought fifty thousand would be enough, but when I visited the Investment Promotion Bureau at noon, I didn't expect the environment there to be like that. So, it would be best if you could allocate more. Oh, and the issue of manpower. The entire Investment Promotion Bureau has only four people. Even the Deputy Director and Office Director positions are vacant. This is a bit disconnected and affects work efficiency. What do you think?"
Jiang Fangfang pondered for a moment. "I'll think about it when I get back."
Dong Xuebing opened the door and got out of the car, intending to help Mayor Jiang open the car door.
However, Jiang Fangfang had already opened the door herself and got out. Side by side, they walked into the building. As they walked, Jiang Fangfang said, "In the afternoon, I briefly chatted with Secretary Meng. He's also worried about the financial situation. We estimated the current financial resources won't last for the year's second half. It's not enough. Afterward, I mentioned this year's investment promotion conference in the city. Secretary Meng is also quite concerned. After all, last year our county attracted a considerable investment of five million from the city's investment promotion conference. If Secretary Meng is willing to put effort into supporting investment promotion, money shouldn't be a big issue. However, the problem of the shortage of personnel is not easy to solve. The county set limits on personnel quotas a few years ago to save expenses. Every unit can't just ask for personnel as they wish. The achievements of the Investment Promotion Bureau have always been in a slump. If we set a precedent for you, others will criticize it. This is not easy to handle. Let's see at the standing committee meeting tomorrow."
Dong Xuebing spoke firmly, "It's still the same, rest a.s.sured. As long as you provide us with policies and funds, there will be absolutely no problem with attracting investments. I guarantee it."
Jiang Fangfang looked at him, "It's good to have such confidence. I'll say it again, just loosen up. As long as we can attract funds, I'll bear the consequences even if the sky falls."
As they spoke, the two of them reached the floor of Dong Xuebing's home. "Mayor Jiang, I'll head back now."
However, Jiang Fangfang didn't move, standing there and saying, "My luggage."
"Oh, almost forgot," Dong Xuebing slapped his forehead, "Look at my memory. Please come in."
"I won't go in."
"Alright, then wait a moment."
Dong Xuebing quickly used the key to open the door. After entering, he went to the bedroom and brought out Jiang Fangfang's suitcase. Most of it contained Mayor Jiang's personal clothes. Thinking about the video from last night, Dong Xuebing blushed. After going out, he didn't dare to look Jiang Fangfang in the eyes. Just held her things and went upstairs. "I'll help you carry it to the doorstep."
"Thank you," Jiang Fangfang also followed upstairs. "I need to go back and check on my mother tonight, so I won't invite you for dinner. Let's do it another day."
Watching Mayor Jiang enter the house, Dong Xuebing went downstairs to his home.
As soon as he entered, his phone started ringing before he could even take off his shoes.
Dong Xuebing checked the number and was slightly surprised because this call was unexpected. It turned out to be a former colleague from when he first entered the system at the State Security Bureau in the western part of Beijing.
It was Chang Juan.
A woman in her thirties.
A particularly well-dressed and cute older sister who loved to dress up and loved to slack off.
After Dong Xuebing became the Deputy Director, Chang Juan was the first to approach him. Although she was somewhat lazy, she was a good person. However, they hadn't been in much contact over the past two years.
"h.e.l.lo, Sister Chang." Dong Xuebing answered the phone with a smile.
A woman's voice came from the other end, "Xuebing, I'm in trouble."
"Ah," Dong Xuebing was startled. "What happened, Sister Chang?"
"A new Deputy Director who just arrived keeps hara.s.sing me. Yesterday, he annoyed me, and in anger, I kicked him in the groin."
"Ah, how's the person now?"
"He's hospitalized."
"What's happening now?"
"I've been suspended and might be dismissed. Sister can't continue working. " At this point, crying sounds could be heard from Chang Juan over the phone.
Dong Xuebing is protective of his subordinates. Chang Juan had worked under him for quite some time, and although she was lazy, she was a good person. So, when he heard this, he became somewhat angry. "He hara.s.sed you. Is there any evidence of him taking advantage of you?"
Chang Juan cried, "No, no evidence at all."
Dong Xuebing hurriedly said, "Sister Chang, stop crying first. What's the situation with that Deputy Director? Did the bureau say anything? Did he ask you to compensate for medical expenses? What's the situation?"
"I paid him a hundred thousand. The hospital said that the Deputy Director was seriously injured, and it might have a significant impact on his future s.e.xual life. I don't know if it's true or not. All our savings, my husband and I were used for compensation." Although she was a civil servant, Chang Juan, unlike Tan Limei, had always been a staff member and couldn't earn much. A hundred thousand RMB was not a small amount for an ordinary family. "As for the Bureau's att.i.tude, I can tell from the suspension that they don't care about me, just like a horned beast. They don't care about a small staff like me."
"If the money is insufficient, I'll give it to you first."
"No need. I've already compensated, and I've mediated. Now the problem is that I might lose my job. My Sister has a child to raise, and my husband is not competent. If I'm fired from my civil service position, I…"
"Have you contacted Tan Limei?"
"Little Tan helped me plead, but it didn't work. Her rank is not enough."
"This matter is indeed not easy to handle. If there is evidence…"
"Xuebing, I know you have great abilities. You must help Sister out of this. We've been colleagues for so many years. You can't just ignore me."
"How could that be? Well, let me think about it. I can't intervene in this matter. You know about my relations.h.i.+p with Zheng Anguo. Many of the leaders I used to work with have been transferred. So, Sister Chang, check the situation first and wait for a while. If that person wants to dismiss you from the civil service or pursue criminal liability against you, call me."
"They definitely want to dismiss me. After I was suspended this morning, the way they looked at me already had that flavor. I also received a letter."
"Wait a little longer. I'll inquire for you."
After hanging up the phone, Dong Xuebing called Tan Limei to ask about the situation. Through Tan Limei's description, Dong Xuebing roughly understood the situation. This matter was indeed not simple. Chang Juan had publicly kicked a Deputy Division Chief level leader, which was beyond the norm. Chang Juan was unlike Dong Xuebing, who had an official position, capability, and background. Dong Xuebing could afford to fight, but Chang Juan couldn't. This time, Sister Chang was in a bit of trouble.
But Sister Chang was ruthless enough. She dared to act.
Dong Xuebing was speechless, but he liked Chang Juan's personality. Unconventional and straightforward, Dong Xuebing was also that kind of person.