Chapter 415 – Beauty (1/2)

A private room in a mid-range restaurant.

Dong Xuebing had called Sixth Bureau Deputy Chief, Old Qian, out to treat him. Old Qian is still worried and kept asking if he has anything to do with the Tokyo National Museum break-in case. Although the had been brought into China and is on display in the museum, the damage to China’s foreign affairs is great. This had become an international dispute, and all major newspapers are reporting about this. If Dong Xuebing is involved, Old Qian might be implicated as his accomplice, as he had bought the air tickets for him.

Dong Xuebing refused to admit and claimed he had gone to Japan to look for someone.

Old Qian finally believes him and did not continue to ask.

Dong Xuebing felt guilty for implicating Old Qian and gave him three cartons of Zhonghwa cigarettes after lunch. He tried to refuse but accepted Dong Xuebing’s gifts after some persuasion. This is the Chinese culture of exchange gifts and favors, and the gifts don’t need to be expensive.

Old Qian told Dong Xuebing that Xu Yan had not come to work today and might be sick before leaving.

Dong Xuebing got worried. Chief Xu had treated him well, and he should pay her a visit if she is sick.

…….

1 pm.

Dong Xuebing looks around in the small road outside of Western District State Security Branch’s family quarters. Nothing had changed. The buildings are still one-story buildings and are still located within lots of complex alleyways. It was almost two years when Dong Xuebing used BACK to buy heart attack and asthma medication for Minister Lui. He had kept in touch with Xu Yan over the phone, and it’s been a while since they met. He had not visited her during New Year, and he should buy some gifts to visit her now.

The guard stopped Dong Xuebing at the entrance of the quarters. “Who are you?”

Dong Xuebing smiled. “I am Dong Xuebing. Is Xu Yan, Chief Xu, at home?”

“Wait here.” The guard returned to his post and made a call. After a while, he sticks his head out. “Chief Xu asked you to go in. Building 1, 202.”

“Ok. Thanks.” Dong Xuebing carried his gifts and entered.

Ding Dong… ding dong… Dong Xuebing pressed Chief Xu’s doorbell.

A few moments later, the door opened from inside, and a beautiful woman appeared in her early forties. She has above-average looks and is wearing silk pajamas. Her hair is pinned up, and she has a wool sweater over her sweater.

Dong Xuebing was stunned for a second. “Xu… Chief Xu?”

“Why do you look so surprised?” Xu Yan laughed and opened the gate. “Do you think I am an imposter?”

Dong Xuebing blushed. “Err… You looked pale, and I didn’t recognize you at first glance. I heard you are sick. How are you feeling now?”

Xu Yan stepped aside to let Dong Xuebing enter. “I am fine. I am only tired. Come in.”

Dong Xuebing knows it is not Xu Yan who had changed. He is the one who changed.

In the past, Dong Xuebing had always look at others’ appearance and did not care about other things. But as he met more people of higher status, he learned not to judge by appearances. Now, he looks at his former leader and realizes he had not noticed she looks prettier after looking at her for a while.

The door closed, and only both of them are in the apartment.

“Sorry for the mess. I didn’t know you are coming over and do not tidy up.” Xu Yan saw Dong Xuebing kept looking at her and smiled. “What’s wrong?”

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. He is no longer Xu Yan’s subordinate and can be more casual when speaking to her. “I noticed you had changed… Hmmm… you are prettier now.”

Xu Yan laugh. “You brat… how dare you to say such things to your former leader?”

“Ah… I am telling the truth.” Dong Xuebing looks around. “Oh, are you alone at home?”

Xu Yan nodded and sat on the sofa with Dong Xuebing. “You know I had divorced for many years and have been living alone. Here… have a cup of tea.”

Dong Xuebing knew Xu Yan is a divorcee and has a son studying in Junior High school. But her son is with her former husband and will live with Xu Yan two days every month. He felt bad for his former leader for being alone even when she is sick. He has always been grateful to Xu Yan and wants to do something for her. “Have you eaten?”

“I have no appetite and am lazy to cook. I just took my medicine.”

“This is wrong.” Dong Xuebing rolled up his sleeves and stood up. “I will prepare something for you. Stay here.”