Power and Wealth
Chapter 1484 – Leader’s applause
Afternoon download. It was after five. The signing ceremony ended early, and Secretary Meng Rui excitedly took the stage to speak. A moment later, the bus was already waiting outside. Secretary Meng, Mayor Jiang, and other officials, along with the investors, boarded the bus and headed to the hotel to host a banquet for the numerous investors. Today is a memorable day.
Although this investment promotion event may not be recorded in history, all leading cadres in Zhen Shui County know that this work will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the future development of Zhen Shui County. The nearly two hundred million investment is something many people couldn’t even imagine. Initially, when Dong Xuebing boasted in the County Party Committee that he would attract fifty million in investment, everyone except Mayor Jiang didn’t believe it. They thought he was being overly ambitious, looking high and aiming low. Even quite a few people were waiting to see if Dong Xuebing failed to deliver on his promises and resigned. However, now the contracts are securely locked in the safe, and the projects with nearly two hundred million investments are presented to everyone without exaggeration. Many people are speechless with the shock in their hearts. It is beyond everyone’s expectations. The way people look at Dong Xuebing has also changed a bit. They knew Dong Xuebing was competent but didn’t expect him to be this good. People have successively left, and today’s dinner is a banquet for investors and a celebration for all the staff involved in the investment promotion. Only Dong Xuebing and a few others haven’t left. Li Xiaona walked over from a distance, “Mayor Dong.” Dong Xuebing is packing up with Chang Juan.
Li Xiaona exclaimed, “Why are you still here? Secretary Meng and Mayor Jiang are looking for you. Everyone has gone to the hotel. You should go, too.”
Dong Xuebing smiled, “I still have some work to finish here.”
Li Xiaona quickly said, “Today, you are the protagonist. How can we do without you?” “I’ll go in a while.”
Dong Xuebing pointed to the safe, “I must return the contract to the unit first. I’ll come after finishing it.”
“Don’t, everyone is waiting for you.”
“Don’t wait. I won’t be at ease until I finish. Today’s protagonist is not us, but the investors.”
“Okay, then, you hurry up.”
“Understood, it won’t be too late.”
After speaking, Dong Xuebing turned to Zheng Dayou and others, “Old Zheng, you guys go too. Accompany the investors. I’m fine here.”
Zheng Dayou said, “Don’t.”
“Listen to me. All of you go.” Dong Xuebing said.
Cheng Yujie immediately said, “I’ll stay. The office keys are with me.”
Dong Xuebing nodded, “Good, Sister Cheng stays, and everyone else leaves. Thank you for your hard work.”
Zheng Dayou, Chang Juan, Chen Yunsong, and others heard this and didn’t say much. Li Xiaona greeted a few officials and staff and left with Zheng Dayou and others on the last bus to the hotel. Only Dong Xuebing, Cheng Yujie, and some staff packing up the booth were left at the scene. If it were the Dong Xuebing of the past, he would rush to attend the celebration banquet and bask in the glory after achieving such a significant political achievement. However, Dong Xuebing chose to stay behind and continue to deal with affairs, sending the contract back to the unit, unwilling to delay work. This made some people’s impression of him even higher, thinking that he is a pragmatic leader.
Cheng Yujie took the initiative to stay for Dong Xuebing, and everyone else left. Dong Xuebing thanked her with a smile.
When Dong Xuebing entered, the dinner was halfway through, and he received a warm welcome. Secretary Meng and Mayor Jiang even reserved a seat for him. As soon as he sat down, many officials and investors started to toast him. Many people had already heard about Dong Xuebing’s drinking capacity, and he responded graciously, raising his glass and joining the celebration. Immersed in the lively atmosphere, his mood was excellent.
As they were about to finish eating, Zhang Longjuan suddenly raised her glass with a cheerful smile, “Secretary Meng, Mayor Jiang, and all comrades from Zhen Shui County, we owe the success of this visit to everyone’s warm reception. Thank you. On behalf of the inspection team, I offer a toast to everyone.”
After the toast, Zhang Longjuan continued, “It’s been over a week since we arrived, and I asked my friends. No one intends to visit other places, so we will fly back to our country tomorrow. I’ve already booked the tickets for tomorrow morning. Everyone has a lot to do upon returning, so we can’t stay for long. Regarding the investments here, we will send people to handle the affairs and projects. The funds will be in place on time, so you don’t need to worry. In the future, we will surely have many opportunities to work together. Please take care of us.”
Secretary Meng said, “Are you leaving so soon?”
A Chinese participant added, “There’s a lot of work to be done at the company.”
Jiang Fangfang looked at them, “The plane is tomorrow, so tonight?”
Zhang Longjuan smiled, “We plan to stay in the provincial capital tonight to avoid rushing to catch the plane the next day, so we’ll depart after dinner.”
Dong Xuebing said, “I’ll send you.”
Zhang Longjuan laughed, “Then, thank you, Mayor Dong.”
Jiang Fangfang looked at Dong Xuebing, “Are you feeling well? I heard you haven’t been in good health recently.”
Meng Rui also showed concern, “Otherwise, let Old Zheng go.”
Dong Xuebing said, “Thank you for your concern, leaders. I’m fine now. I’ll go in the evening, and I’ll come back after sending everyone off tomorrow.”
Jiang Fangfang asked, “Are you sure? You can let Old Zheng go.”
Dong Xuebing chuckled, “It’s okay.”
Jiang Fangfang said, “Alright, thank you for your hard work.”
After the dinner, many domestic investors went back. Zhang Longjuan and her foreign friends also went upstairs to their rooms. Before leaving, they had to pack their things. Dong Xuebing and others escorted them outside, and then they returned.
Secretary Meng, Mayor Jiang, and other leaders didn’t leave in the banquet hall either. When Dong Xuebing and the officials from the Investment Promotion Bureau entered the room, Secretary Meng and Mayor Jiang suddenly raised their glasses. Meng Rui smiled, “The achievements of this investment promotion event are evident to all. I won’t say much more. Mayor Jiang and I offer a toast to the comrades of the Investment Promotion Bureau.”
Jiang Fangfang also said, “These days, everyone has worked hard.”
Dong Xuebing Zheng Dayou and others picked up their glasses and said, “It’s all for work, not hard.” After clinking glasses, everyone drank. A toast also accompanied the nearby county leaders.
After drinking, Jiang Fangfang looked at them and said, “I just discussed it with Secretary Meng. Everyone who participated in the investment promotion has contributed to the success. Let’s talk about the bonus first. This bonus of twenty thousand will be issued together with the year-end bonus.”
Jiang Fangfang continued, “As for the comrades from the Investment Promotion Bureau…” Chang Juan and Cheng Yujie were eagerly awaiting. Even someone like Zheng Dayou of this level was very expectant. The only one indifferent was Dong Xuebing. He didn’t care about this amount of money. No matter how much they gave, it didn’t matter. The political achievements were genuinely in his hands, which he valued.
Jiang Fangfang said, “A bonus of five hundred thousand each.” Chang Juan, Gong Na, and others were suddenly excited. At this remark, many leading leaders also envied the five hundred thousand. This was their several years’ salary. However, everyone also knew this was well-deserved for the people from the Investment Promotion Bureau. They had brought in so much investment for the county, a contribution no other department could match. If Zhen Shui County could remove the hat of a national-level impoverished county in the future, the credit would undoubtedly go to the Investment Promotion Bureau, without exception.
Meng Rui put down his glass, smiled, and added, “As for the leader’s bonus, it should be a bit more, especially Mayor Dong. The achievements and efforts made by Mayor Dong in this investment promotion event are seen by everyone. I believe no one will have any objections, right? Haha.”
Dong Xuebing said, “Secretary Meng, forget about my bonus. Please use my share on the Investment Promotion Bureau. Our equipment and environment are a bit poor, and I want to improve it as soon as possible.”
Meng Rui waved his hand, “You don’t need to worry about that. Improvement will happen. In the future, the county’s allocation to the Investment Promotion Bureau will increase significantly. You…”
Dong Xuebing smiled, “Thank you for your concern, leader.”
Zheng Dayou and others also expressed their gratitude. Ten minutes later, Zhang Longjuan and her group had packed their luggage. Dong Xuebing, who had his secretary Yao Cui follow them, had already received a call. Dong Xuebing then took his leave, “I’ll send Ms. Zhang and the others first.”
Turning to Zheng Dayou, he said, “Old Zheng, keep an eye on things here. I’ll be back tomorrow.” Zheng Dayou said, “Okay, leave it to me.” Jiang Fangfang rarely smiled, “I propose to applaud Mayor Dong again.” When everyone heard this, they all clapped. This applause was well-deserved for Dong Xuebing.