Power and Wealth
Chapter 1543 – The mover, Dong Xuebingg
United University.
On campus.
After several old classmates met, they excitedly chatted, discussing their spouses, children, jobs, and salaries with a hint of boasting. Dong Xuebing was very articulate, but he had always been reserved during his university days. Often sitting inconspicuously in the back of the class and wasn’t well-known. Now, in front of old classmates, this mode of interaction couldn’t change much for the time being. Plus, Dong Xuebing had been very low-key recently, not talking much or interacting with his colleagues at work. As a result, Dong Xuebing found himself unable to get a word in. He just listened to the three of them chatting away. After the initial exchange with Dong Xuebing, they continued chatting among themselves. Most of the conversation revolved around Lei Haidong since he was a cadre in the City education bureau. Nowadays, it isn’t easy for children to go to school, and Sun Ruhua and Zhao Meng are not from Beijing, so they are bound to face some problems. If Lei Haidong helped, the problem of their children’s education might have been solved. So, they also praised him.
“Haidong, why didn’t your spouse come?”
“Ah, she’s not from our university, so I didn’t ask her to come.”
“Hehe, I haven’t seen your spouse yet. Let’s have a meal together sometime.”
“Sure, but I might be busy. Let’s contact in advance.”
“Haidong, I heard your spouse is quite beautiful. I also want to meet her. Call me when you have dinner.”
The core of the small circle was set, and Dong Xuebing was irrelevant. However, he didn’t mind because he had never been one to show off, and he had recently liked being low-key and silent. So, he smiled and listened to their conversation. Dong Xuebing didn’t come today to chat; his main task was to assist Teacher Jiang and to meet his old classmates, reminiscing about their youth.
A few minutes later.
Jiang Min’s figure hurried over from the auditorium.
“Hey, Teacher Jiang.”
“Teacher Jiang is here.”
“Oh my, Teacher Jiang, why do you look even more beautiful?”
They immediately greeted her. Everyone went up to greet Jiang Min.
Jiang Min dressed more conservatively and seriously today, wearing a dark suit that made her seem a bit old-fashioned. However, it matched her identity as a math teacher. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I had some business on the teacher’s side and was delayed. Oh, Ruhua, you’ve lost weight.”
Sun Ruhua was very happy. “You’re becoming more and more beautiful, too, Teacher.”
Jiang Min looked at the others, “You must be Zhao Meng. You’ve grown taller. About 1.85 meters now. Hm, Haidong, you’ve also gained the demeanor of a cadre. You’ve all grown up.” She looked at her students individually, showing a lot of satisfaction in her eyes.
Lei Haidong smiled, “Thanks to your guidance, Teacher.”
Sun Ruhua was excited to see her teacher and hugged Jiang Min’s arm, jokingly saying, “Teacher, what tasks do we have today?”
Jiang Min smiled warmly, “This time, I brought a class to rehearse a group performance for the school celebration. There are still some tasks assigned to our class that haven’t been completed, and there’s not enough time for them to do it. So, I had to ask for your help. Those with wisdom contribute your ideas; those with strength lend your efforts. The school celebration officially begins at 10 a.m., and we have less than four hours left, so we need to hurry.”
Sun Ruhua said, “Okay, then I’ll contribute my ideas.”
Zhao Meng laughed, “You still have ideas? How many times did you have to retake Teacher Jiang’s exams?”
“Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Don’t blame me either,” Sun Ruhua retorted, and they all laughed and bickered together, joking around for a while.
Only Dong Xuebing stood there like a rock, not saying a word.
Jiang Min glanced at him, probably realizing that Dong Xuebing had always been a bit of a loner. So, she didn’t say much either.
However, despite Dong Xuebing’s aloofness, Sun Ruhua and Lei Haidong’s group seemed to dislike him somewhat. Sun Ruhua came from a wealthy family and had always had a sense of superiority. Zhao Meng’s family was similar to hers; they were reasonably well-off. Lei Haidong, being promoted to a cadre at such a young age, probably didn’t think highly of Dong Xuebing and didn’t feel the need to communicate with him.
At the entrance of the auditorium,
Jiang Min led a few students inside.
The lecture hall was crowded with people, including students, teachers, and school leaders. Many were preparing banners and nameplates for the leaders. Some were notified at the last minute and had to prepare quickly, so everyone was busy.
Inside,
“Teacher Jiang, no one from your class has come,” a teacher said.
“I asked them to rehearse a few more times. I didn’t ask them to come,” Jiang Min replied.
“There’s not much time left. Let me find a few students from our class to help you. You still need to move some things out. I see quite a few,” the teacher suggested.
“Thanks, no need. I brought a few students with me, all graduates,” Jiang Min said, then turned to the students, “Let’s move the tables first. We need to move at least three backstage. How to arrange them later will be up to the school leaders. Oh, and some flower baskets need to be moved too.”
Backstage,
Zhao Meng had great strength and immediately lifted a table.
Dong Xuebing also went up and grabbed a table covered with a tablecloth by himself.
However, Jiang Min probably thought he was too thin, so she went up to help him move. “I will help.”
Sun Ruhua quickly said, “Please don’t, Teacher Jiang. You shouldn’t be doing this. I’ll do it.”
“Alright, I’ll leave it to you then. I have something to do over there. I’ll be back soon,” Jiang Min said, leaving to talk to a school leader.
Everyone started to work, but Lei Haidong didn’t do much, only moving some lighter items. He leisurely strolled out.
Sun Ruhua and the others didn’t say anything. Lei Haidong was different today from usual. He is a leader now, so they couldn’t let him move heavy things.
But after about fifteen minutes,
Zhao Meng noticed Lei Haidong was quite relaxed, so he didn’t exert much effort either. He was also a cadre in a state-owned enterprise now and felt demeaned to sweat alongside many college students. In the end, he went to get water with Lei Haidong. Sun Ruhua was a female comrade, and no one would ask her to do much, so when she saw them leave, she slacked off and followed them.
The three of them chatted together again.
In the end, Dong Xuebing almost single-handedly moved the heavy items.
One, three, five…
Jiang Min returned and saw that Dong Xuebing was the only one working hard. She glanced at the group of Lei Haidong’s students but didn’t say anything. After all, this was voluntary. She quickly came over to help Dong Xuebing.
But Dong Xuebing didn’t let her. He insisted that Jiang Min rest and continue to work alone.
For him, this was his obligation. Whether it was moving things or serving tea, Dong Xuebing didn’t feel demeaned at all. On the contrary, he thought it was only natural.
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