Power and Wealth

Chapter 2030

10 o’clock.

Beijing Hotel.

They had rented out a hall and a small banquet room; the engagement party had already started with guests arriving. The scene was grand and lively.

“Brother Ran, congratulations!”

“Thanks, Xiao Cheng, please come in.”

“Xiao Ling, wishing you a long and happy life together.”

“Thank you, Uncle Sun, thank you, Aunt Zhang.”

“Wow, you two look stunning today.”

Xie Ran and Fang Shuiling were outside, personally greeting guests, and were extremely busy.

At that moment, Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan arrived at the banquet hall with their child. Seeing the glowing happiness on Xie Ran and Fang Shuiling’s faces, Dong Xuebing smiled.

“Sis! Brother-in-law!” Xie Hao called out, eyes lighting up.

Fang Shuiling quickly approached. “Sister, Brother Dong, you’re here?”

Dong Xuebing grinned, “Didn’t we just change what you call me the other day? Why are you back to calling me Brother Dong?”

Fang Shuiling blushed and softly said, “Brother-in-law.”

“That’s more like it,” Dong Xuebing laughed. “Honestly, I think this engagement banquet is unnecessary. Might as well go straight to the wedding—save all the trouble.”

Xie Huilan chuckled. “You talk too much. Come on, let’s go in.”

“Alright, we’ll head in. You two go ahead and greet your guests.” Dong Xuebing carried the child and walked inside.

Inside, Xie Guobang, Han Jing, and other elders from the Xie family were all present. The old patriarch of the Xie family was seated at the main table, chatting happily with several other elders, including members from the Fang family. Judging by the cheerful conversation, everyone seemed to be getting along well. Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan went over to greet each elder but didn’t linger long, especially not at the main table—those conversations weren’t something they could easily join. These elders might look ordinary, but they were the kind of people whose words could shake the whole country. Even if Dong Xuebing wanted to chat, he wouldn’t fit into that circle—different league entirely. RＡℕổᛒΕŚ

A little over ten minutes later, as the engagement banquet was about to begin, more and more people arrived.

Xie Ran and the others were swamped, nearly overwhelmed. Today’s guests were all prominent figures—none of whom could be slighted.

“I’ll take the child,” Xie Huilan said. “You go help out.”

“Alright, I’ll go.” Dong Xuebing handed the baby to her and stepped in to assist.

“Hey, Brother Dong!” Chen’s youngest son and his father had just arrived and immediately saw Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing greeted them warmly, “Uncle Chen, welcome! You’re an honored guest. Please come in, we’ve saved seats for you.”

But Chen Guo didn’t go in right away—instead, he seemed keen to chat. “I heard you’re getting promoted again? Let me congratulate you in advance.”

Dong Xuebing said, “Nothing’s confirmed. Just rumors.”

Chen Guo laughed, “It’s practically official. Stop pretending.”

His son was shocked. “Dad, Brother Dong’s getting promoted again?”

“I didn’t tell you?” Chen Guo said. “This time it’s the position of City Party Secretary. Your Brother Dong isn’t just anybody. Since you two know each other, you should learn from him—learn everything you can. If you pick up even a fraction of his skill, I won’t have to worry about you once you graduate and enter the system.” Chen Guo held Dong Xuebing in very high regard. Though he was politically aligned with the Fang family, who had long been enemies with the Xie family, he had still personally attended Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan’s wedding. He’d always respected and admired Dong.

The son immediately said, “I’ll learn from Brother Dong.”

Dong Xuebing laughed awkwardly. “You flatter me, Uncle Chen. I’ve just been lucky. Please, go on inside.”

As they entered, more guests arrived.

A loud laugh came through the door. “Haha! Xuebing!”

Dong Xuebing turned and quickly went to greet them. “Minister Qian, Aunt Sun!”

Minister Qian playfully scolded, “You call my wife Aunt, but call me Minister? Hmm?”

Dong Xuebing grinned, “Slip of the tongue, Uncle Qian. I’ve been waiting for you both. My parents specifically told me to notify them the moment you arrived—they’re inside.”

“No rush, let’s chat for a bit first,” Minister Qian said kindly. “I heard you’re going to be appointed City Party Secretary?”

Dong Xuebing replied carefully, “I’ve heard the news, but nothing’s certain yet.”

“Oh come on, I’ve already confirmed it. Don’t pretend,” Minister Qian said. “The younger generation is truly impressive.”

His wife laughed, “Exactly. Back when you were 27, you were still doing manual labor in a township. Now look at Xiao Dong—about to become Party Secretary at this age.”

Dong Xuebing quickly replied, “Auntie Sun, you’re exaggerating. I’m nothing compared to Uncle Qian—he rose on true merit. I’ve just had some luck and fortunate timing. You really can’t compare us.”

Minister Qian laughed heartily, “Look at how smooth-talking our Xiao Dong is.” He sighed, “You just got married too early. If you hadn’t, I would’ve introduced my daughter to you. What a pity.”

Aunt Sun nudged him. “What are you saying? Huilan’s right over there. If she hears you, she’ll yank your beard like she did when she was a kid.”

Minister Qian instinctively touched his beard and laughed. “Yeah, she pulled out half my beard back then. No wonder it’s so sparse now.” Meanwhile, Han Jing had seen them and came over to personally escort the couple inside.

Dong Xuebing stayed outside to continue greeting guests.

“Xiao Dong, haha!”

“Xuebing, let’s talk.”

“Oh, you’re here too, Xiao Dong? How have you been?”

“You’re Brother Xuebing, right? I’m Liu Tao—pleasure to meet you.”

Funny enough, though today’s main characters were supposed to be Xie Ran and Fang Shuiling—it was their engagement party—once people arrived, most ended up flocking to chat with Dong Xuebing. He quickly became the second most significant focus of the event.

Sons of prestigious families.

A Deputy Minister from the Organization Department.

A high-ranking official from the Ministry of Commerce.

A provincial leader from Xishan.

Many of them casually approached Dong Xuebing for a chat.

Why? Because of the news about Jiao Lin County’s institutional reform, and the rumor that 27-year-old Dong Xuebing was about to become the City Party Secretary. Nobody could afford to look down on him anymore. Most of these guests held higher ranks than Dong Xuebing, yes—but when they thought about what they had achieved at his age? Nothing comparable. Not even close.

To achieve this much at 27—what heights might he reach in the future?

Everyone knew Dong Xuebing’s future was limitless. He was likely to surpass them all far. That’s why today unfolded the way it did.

And all of it—every bit—was something Dong Xuebing had fought for, step by bloody step!

Thinking back on his past, Dong Xuebing couldn’t help feeling emotional. He started as an ordinary graduate from a poor family and a third-rate school. But through sheer effort, he’d clawed his way to where he stood today. It still felt like a dream—almost unreal.

Throughout the engagement banquet, Dong Xuebing was immersed in memories of his journey, his eyes filled with nostalgia.

Director of the General Office.

Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau.

Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau.

Director of the Disciplinary Inspection Office.

One position after another—each as vivid as yesterday.

Half a month later.

The State Council approved the restructuring of Jiao Lin County into a city, and appointed Dong Xuebing as Party Secretary of the newly established Jiao Lin City.

This was both the peak of Dong Xuebing’s political career so far, and the starting point of the next chapter.

But it wasn’t enough.

He wanted to climb higher.

He wanted to go further.

This had been his dream from the very moment he joined the civil service.

It was Dong Xuebing’s lifelong, relentless pursuit.

He wanted the world to remember his name—not for truth or lies, not for success or failure, not for right or wrong—but to glorify the wild, unyielding life of an ordinary man!