Power and Wealth C.1555: Youth

Noon.

United university.

Second cafeteria.

After entering, everyone took their seats one after another. Today, the cafeteria wasn't serving regular meals; instead, it was hosting a banquet. The tables were replaced with larger ones, adorned with red cloth, giving it a festive atmosphere.

Dishes began to arrive.

One dish after another, five in total.

As Dong Xuebing was about to indulge in the food, his phone suddenly buzzed. Helplessly, Dong Xuebing apologized, "Sorry, I have to take this call." He walked away from the cafeteria and answered the call at the entrance. It was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello?"

"Is this Director Dong?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"Hello, I'm Zhang Li, the secretary of Wuyang City, Jiangdong Province."

"Oh, Secretary Zhang, hello. What's the matter?"

"I've already heard about the criticisms and suggestions from the higher-ups from Deputy Mayor Dong. I just contacted the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and they asked me to contact you."

"I see. This is under my jurisdiction."

"Well, the thing is, we need to explain about the new gymnasium. The old gymnasium could have been renovated, but after careful calculation, the cost would have been almost the same as building a new one. There were also issues like leakage and other problems. Many pipelines needed to be replaced, so it was almost the same as rebuilding. After careful consideration, we obtained approval from the provincial authorities before starting the construction. As for the old gymnasium, we plan to turn it into an astronomical observatory, so there's no waste of resources," Zhang Li explained.

Dong Xuebing listened attentively. After all, Zhang Li was a city party secretary, and he didn't interrupt him like he did with Dong Quan. He took it very seriously.

A few minutes later.

"That's about it," Zhang Li said.

Dong Xuebing nodded, "Secretary Zhang, we will verify your provided information. This supervision prevents problems before they occur, so you don't need to feel too much pressure."

"Alright. We'll send over the report soon."

After hanging up the phone, Dong Xuebing felt a bit uncomfortable. In the past, even a county leader wouldn't have called him personally. Dong Xuebing had to be polite and even considerate. After all, they were his superiors. But now, as a member of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Dong Xuebing felt the expansion of his power. He had only intimidated Dong Quan earlier, but now, after just two hours or so, the city party secretary of Wuyang City personally called to explain. Although their conversation was neither servile nor overbearing, Dong Xuebing could tell that the other party's tone was respectful.

That's power.

Dong Xuebing sighed inwardly.

Returning to the second cafeteria, everyone had already started eating. Dong Xuebing rolled up his sleeves and joined them, eating with everyone very informally. Many of Jiang Min's students also laughed, feeling that he was very approachable. This was the real Dong Xuebing. He never acted pretentiously. He just did as he pleased.

Lei Haidong deliberately mentioned, "Xuebing, are you married?"

"Yes, and I have children." As soon as this topic came up, Dong Xuebing smiled warmly, showing his paternal love. "The little guy is adorable. By the way, after eating, I'll show you all some photos."

Zhao Meng asked, "Oh, is it a boy or a girl?"

"It's a boy," Dong Xuebing replied.

Sun Ruhua added, "A boy is great. Just born?"

Dong Xuebing nodded, "He's over a month old now. But my wife took him to the south a couple of days ago. Otherwise, I would have brought him here for everyone to see."

Lei Haidong glanced at him. "Your wife went to the south?"

"She also worked for a government agency and got transferred to the south," Dong Xuebing replied briefly.

Seeing that Dong Xuebing didn't want to elaborate further, Lei Haidong and the others didn't inquire. "She must have been promoted, and now you have a son. That's great news! Xuebing, here, I'll toast to you."

Sun Ruhua also raised her glass. "Me too, congratulations."

Zhao Meng also poured a full glass. "Let's drink to that. Congratulations."

Without hesitation, Dong Xuebing, regardless of whether he was driving, clinked glasses with them and downed the drink in one go. He returned to his alma mater, feeling happy today.

The meal was delightful.

The taste of the second cafeteria was still the same as before. Although the food wasn't particularly delicious, it carried memories. Dong Xuebing liked this taste very much, and today, he let go and ate a lot. The students weren't picky either, and to everyone's surprise, all the dishes on the table were finished. Even the leftover soup was mixed with rice and devoured by some tall and sturdy northern students. The table was a mess.

They all laughed after eating and seeing the results of everyone's efforts.

Dong Xuebing felt warm inside. In college, he used to eat like this with his dormmates. The taste didn't matter as long as everyone ate happily together. Dong Xuebing liked these moments and always deeply respected that confused youth.

Afternoon.

Everyone dispersed.

The students began to tidy up the auditorium, some moving things and others clearing tables.

Dong Xuebing didn't leave but stayed to help. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this."

The students and teachers dared not let Dong Xuebing do the work. Everyone knew he was a leader. "Please, you should rest. We can handle it."

Ignoring their protests, Dong Xuebing insisted, "Stop being polite with me."

Jiang Min smiled, "Let him help. He can't sit still anyway."

Dong Xuebing chuckled, "Teacher Jiang knows me well."

He went up to help, moving things around with the students. His eloquence was impressive, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. Many people felt amazed at how approachable he was as a leader.

Lei Haidong, Sun Ruhua, and the others saw this and didn't hold back either. If Dong Xuebing, a Division Chief level leader, could put aside his status and help, why couldn't they? So they also began to pitch in.

The sun was scorching today.

Everyone was sweating profusely, but no one complained. Dong Xuebing even took off his jacket and worked.

Seeing this, several male students followed suit, mainly those from old Beijing who were used to it. In Beijing's culture, it was customary to be topless in the hutongs. However, students from other places were hesitant, feeling uncomfortable with the sight of the topless men. But Dong Xuebing didn't care. He did as he pleased, regardless of how others saw him. As long as he was happy, that's all that mattered.

Afternoon.

Everything was finally done.

Dong Xuebing was exhausted. He sat down with Lei Haidong, Sun Ruhua, and many of Jiang Min's students in the shade of the stairwell, enjoying the breeze.

What is youth?

Sometimes, looking back, you realize everything has changed.

But upon closer examination, you realize that nothing has changed at all. It's just you who has changed.

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