Power and Wealth

Chapter 2018

Geng’s Family.

It was quite late.

Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and Geng Yuehua emerged, not in a bathrobe or pajamas, but dressed in a freshly changed business suit. “Where are you taking the child?” She hadn’t been seen for a while, but Geng Yuehua still exuded the same grace as before. Although her face was still stern, the healthy glow on her skin suggested that her health was still in good condition; otherwise, her complexion wouldn’t look so vibrant.

Lin Pingping cleared her throat. “Sister, it’s nothing.”

“Then what were you talking about?” Geng Yuehua looked at them.

Dong Xuebing smiled and stood up. “Secretary Yuehua.”

It seemed like Geng Yuehua just noticed him, and in a stiff tone, she said, “Why are you here?”

Geng’s mother couldn’t help but glare at her daughter. “Why are you speaking like that? Xiao Dong came here to see us and to talk to you about something.” She knew her daughter had a sharp tongue, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t welcoming, so she made an excuse. Of course, if it were in the past, Geng’s mother wouldn’t have said that. After all, Dong Xuebing used to be just a street office director, a far lower position than Geng Yuehua’s, and he was once her subordinate. So back then, her daughter could speak however she wanted, as the leader had that privilege. But now, things were different. Dong Xuebing, who had been a small street office director just a few years ago, was now about to become the municipal party secretary. Although the secretary of a county-level city was still a deputy department-level official, it was still a higher position than Geng Yuehua’s, so she couldn’t treat him like a subordinate anymore. Moreover, after their daughter was diagnosed with cancer, Dong Xuebing had helped in various ways, and Geng’s mother had grown to appreciate him more and more.

However, Geng Yuehua completely ignored her mother’s words and continued to speak to Dong Xuebing in the same tone. “What do you need from me?”

Dong Xuebing wasn’t upset. He was used to it by now. He smiled and said, “It’s nothing major, just a work-related matter. Maybe we can talk later.”

Geng Yuehua replied, “Then we can talk at my place later.”

“Sure.” Dong Xuebing understood. “Is your health alright?”

“Quite well.” Geng Yuehua answered briefly without elaborating.

Geng Xinke spoke up, “My sister has been going for health check-ups once a month for two years now, and there’s been no sign of cancer cells. She’s in great condition, even healthier than before.”

At this point, Geng’s mother looked at Dong Xuebing with a warmer gaze. “The wild ginseng you brought back, over twenty boxes, has worked wonders. We made sure Yuehua takes it every day. After we ran out, it was also Xinke who went everywhere to buy more, even at auctions.”

Dong Xuebing replied, “Don’t stop. Keep taking it.”

Geng’s mother laughed. “We’ve been making her take it; we dare not stop. Who knows, if we stop, it might relapse. What would we do then?”

Dong Xuebing said, “I’ll ask a friend to get more wild ginseng for you and send it over. If you run out, just let me know.”

Geng’s mother sighed, “I just don’t want to trouble you too much. And that stuff is expensive.”

Geng’s father also said, “Yes, Xiao Dong, you shouldn’t always spend money on us. We’re not really that close.”

“Secretary Yuehua took care of me back then. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have reached this position today. If Secretary Yuehua needs help, how could I not help? It’s just a small favor, nothing to thank me for. You two don’t need to be polite,” Dong Xuebing said.

Geng’s mother said, “Ah, thank you, you’re such a good kid.”

It wasn’t about being good or not. Geng Xinke had always had a suspicion. He felt that Dong Xuebing treated his sister with extra care, and he had a hunch that their relationship was not ordinary. Geng Xinke had even asked Lin Pingping about it and tried to analyze it with her, but Lin Pingping didn’t say anything. She knew the inside story, but she still helped Dong Xuebing conceal it. She always told her husband that Dong Xuebing was a good person, someone who valued relationships and was very sentimental, which was why he helped their family so selflessly.

After this conversation, Geng Yuehua sat down. But she hadn’t forgotten the few things she overheard in the bathroom. She looked at Geng Xinke and asked, “Where are you taking the child?”

Geng Xinke, who always felt a bit intimidated by his sister, coughed. “Well, I…”

It was Geng’s mother who spoke up, “It’s because Xiao Dong is short of a secretary, and he wants to transfer your brother to help him. The secretary of a county-level city party committee is at the deputy section level.”

When Geng Yuehua heard this, her face instantly darkened. “No.”

Lin Pingping became anxious and immediately said, “Sister, Xinke has worked for so many years, and his development here is limited. A change of environment would greatly help his future political career.”

Geng Yuehua resolutely said, “I don’t agree.”

Geng’s father looked at her. “What use is your disagreement? Do you want your brother to stay in the street office his whole life? You’re not helping, so what’s wrong with him trying to sort things out himself?”

Geng Yuehua furrowed her brows. “He doesn’t have the ability. He’s not mature in many aspects. The street office may have limited authority, but it’s a good place for training. Spending a few more years here will greatly benefit him. Once he’s matured and his abilities improve, I’ll help him find a suitable place. But being the secretary of a county-level city party committee is the most important secretary position in the city. The level is high, and the authority is vast. But not everyone can handle such a position. With Xinke’s abilities, there will be problems once he takes office.”

Geng Xinke got angry. “Sister, why am I incapable? Why do you always think I can’t do it? You always think my work ability is poor. After everything you said, I don’t even have a chance to prove myself! You’re so domineering!”

Geng Yuehua stared at him. “How are you talking to me?”

Geng Xinke fell silent, turning his face away with a cold expression.

Lin Pingping was also upset. She wanted her husband to advance in his career, not remain stuck in a small office. But in the Geng family, it was always Geng Yuehua who made the decisions. Even sometimes when Geng’s parents spoke, it didn’t have much effect. So Lin Pingping didn’t dare to say much.

Seeing that they were arguing, Dong Xuebing couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly and interjected, “Secretary Yuehua, don’t be in such a hurry to dismiss it. I’m not asking Xinke to come for personal reasons. It’s not about favors. You’ve always taken care of me, but work is work. I’m very clear about that. I can’t simply appoint a secretary at random. What I’m looking at is Xinke’s ability. My previous secretary was someone I had temporarily selected, someone with good character and a personality that matched mine. At that time, I was starting and needed a trustworthy secretary, so I hired him. However, our county is now set to become a city, and many things will change. My current secretary won’t be able to handle the workload in the future. That’s why I thought of letting Xinke help me. I’ve worked with him for many years, and our families are well acquainted, so he’s the most suitable candidate.”

Geng Yuehua coldly replied, “He’s not capable.”

“Xinke’s fine. I think his work ability is good. For someone our age, we can’t expect everyone to be old and flawless. There are people like that, but they’re mostly senior colleagues. If I, a 27-year-old, hire a 40-50-year-old secretary, do you think that’s reliable?” Dong Xuebing chuckled. “Even if someone dares to be my secretary, I wouldn’t dare to boss them around. The age gap is too big, and it would be awkward at work and in life. That’s why I need someone about my age. And among those around, Xinke is the top one. The key is, I trust him completely. Secretary Yuehua, finding a secretary isn’t easy. Don’t mess this up for me.”

Geng Yuehua furrowed her brows tightly, remaining silent.

Geng’s mother quickly added, “What Xiao Dong said makes sense. He’s looking at Xinke’s ability. You, as his sister, shouldn’t interfere.”

Geng Xinke also didn’t want to argue with his sister anymore. “Sister.”

Geng Yuehua remained silent, saying nothing.

Seeing this, Dong Xuebing immediately said, “Alright, it’s settled then. Xinke, in about a month or two, our side will finalize things. But you might need to start preparing now. It’ll probably be within this month. I’ll transfer you first so you can get familiar with the environment. Once the county-level city is confirmed, you can be the deputy director of the county party office.”

Lin Pingping glanced at Geng Yuehua, who still hadn’t spoken, and felt reassured.

Geng Xinke was very happy. “Okay, thank you, Secretary Dong. I’ll be ready within ten days. I’ll wait for your news.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and looked at Lin Pingping. “If you two are going together, make sure to plan. After all, moving with a child is not a small matter. You’ll need to consider everything. If Xiao Lin decides to go, let me know, and I’ll arrange a job for her. Of course, it’ll probably be at the deputy section or section level, nothing too fancy. Just keep that in mind.”

Geng mother sighed, “Xiao Dong, sorry to trouble you again.”

Dong Xuebing smiled, “Auntie, it’s nothing.”

At that moment, Geng Yuehua stood up from the sofa and walked over to grab her bag. “I’ll go with Xiao Dong to discuss some matters, and then we’ll head back.”

Dong Xuebing also stood up and said, “Right, I need to discuss some things with Secretary Yuehua. Auntie, Uncle, I’ll head out now. I’ll come over another day when I have the chance.”

Geng’s mother said, “Why don’t you stay the night here? Let Xin Ke find a guesthouse for you.”

Dong Xuebing replied, “No need, Auntie. I have to leave soon, I have other matters to attend to.”