Chapter 338 – Spending Lunar New Year together! (1/2)

On New Year’s Eve, a few kids in the County Party Committee Quarters woke up early in the morning and let off firecrackers in the compound. Xiang Zhiyong’s son, Xiao Hua, was one of the kids. They let off ‘two bangs’ firecrackers, hanging firecrackers and fireworks. Dong Xuebing looks at the kids playing from his window while smoking.

Everyone loves Lunar New Year, so does Dong Xuebing. He looks at his watch, and it’s time for him to call home.

It was Dong Xuebing’s Uncle who answered. “…. Hello? Xiao Bing? Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year to you too.” Dong Xuebing laughed. “Is my Mum in?”

“Xiaoping and the rest are wrapping dumplings. Wait a while. I will call her to answer.”

“No need. I am calling to let you all know that I will not be going back to the village today as I have some work to do. I will return tomorrow. Help me wish my Grandmother, Aunties, and the rest Happy New Year.” Dong Xuebing said and snubbed his cigarette.

“Alright. Your work is more important.” Dong Xuebing’s Uncle knows Xiao Bing is no longer the same as before. He is now a leader in the County, and leaders are often busier during the Lunar New Year holidays. They must send, receive gifts, visit each other, etc. Furthermore, Xiao Bing was newly promoted to be the Chief of the Investment Promotion Agency. He must take note of establishing a good relationship with other leaders.

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing puts on his coat and drove out.

Dong Xuebing had been busy the past few days and had no time to prepare. He drove to a nearby Cigarette and Alcohol shop and realized it was closed. He then drove to a supermarket along Commercial Street. He bought a carton of Zhonghua Cigarettes and a carton of Maotai. He paid and got the staff there to help him carry it onto his Mercedes backseats. After that, he went to a cosmetic shop and bought some cosmetics. These are gifts for other leaders.

On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, government staff will normally send greeting messages or call each other.

From the second day to the fourth day, they will visit each other at their homes. Dong Xuebing had counted, and he must visit quite a several leaders. If he doesn’t prepare now, he will not have enough time.

Ring… ring… ring… Dong Xuebing’s phone rang.

“Chief Dong, Happy New Year!” Liu Dahai is the first to wish Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Thank you. I wish you a happy family and a good career.”

“Hahaha… thank you.”

After that, a lot of people called Dong Xuebing to wish him.

Who says government leaders are very free?

Dong Xuebing spent the whole afternoon answering and making phone calls.

At around 6 pm, the skies become dark.

Dong Xuebing felt it about time and called Xie Huilan. She does not have any relatives and friends here, and she should be alone. Dong Xuebing had planned to accompany her today, and that’s why he did not return home. But Xie Huilan did not answer his call. He looked out of his window at the building opposite and called Hu Silian’s number.

“Hello, Sister Hu. I’m Dong Xuebing.”

“You think I don’t recognize your number? What is it?” Secretary Hu was puzzled as they had just finished talking over the phone a while ago.

“Is Mayor Xie at home now? How come no one is answering?”

“Oh, the Mayor had gone to attend the County’s New Year Celebration Gala event.”

“Eh? I thought the New Year Celebration Gala event is tomorrow?”

“It is aired tomorrow, but it is not live telecast. That’s why they need to pre-record the show first. I am currently waiting for Mayor Xie outside the venue, and I think it will end around eight or nine pm.”

“Oh… Thank you, Sister Hu.”

“Haha… don’t mention it.”

Although Hu Silian’s position is the County Government Office’s Deputy Chief, her rank and position are lower than Dong Xuebing, but she is the Mayor’s secretary. Her status is different, and even after Dong Xuebing was promoted, he was still very polite. It is the same as Xie Huilan’s driver, Old Yan. Although Old Yan does not hold any rank, even the County Government Office Director had to greet him with a smile.

After hanging up, Dong Xuebing thought for a while and went to his kitchen. He found many chives among the vegetables the civilians gave him and took a box of minced meat and a bottle of Maotai before going downstairs. He looks around sneakily and quickly ran into the building opposite. After taking the elevator up, he looked around. He made sure there are no one around before using his keys to open Xie Huilan’s apartment.

An hour passed.

Two hours passed.