Power and Wealth
Chapter 1958 – Met a friend on the plane
Dong Xuebing has always been a very special presence in the Xie family.
In typical families, blood relatives are certainly given more importance—they are direct descendants. In traditional families, especially in political families like the Xie family, in-laws are usually quite low-key. However, Dong Xuebing is an exception. At home, he once yelled at Senior Xie, and outside, he was always getting into trouble—he’s been in fights with leaders, insulted colleagues, and offended many people. Normally, a son-in-law like him wouldn’t be popular at home, but the opposite is true. No younger member in the Xie family—be it Xie Ran, Xie Jing, or Xie Hao—can hold a candle to Dong Xuebing’s position. No one has ever said it outright, but everyone knows it.
Why?
The reason is simple.
No one can replace Dong Xuebing’s position.
When Senior Xie was bedridden, Dong Xuebing quickly healed him. When Han Jing’s dear friend, Zhong Li Zhen, was held captive by a research institute in Florida, Dong Xuebing went there himself and rescued her without any trouble. Thanks to Dong Xuebing’s help, Xie Guojian’s promotion went smoothly—thanks to the hard drive he brought back from Florida. Now, when Xie Ran was getting married and couldn’t come up with the bride price, Dong Xuebing could solve the problem by flipping his wallet. He didn’t hesitate for a moment. Now, when Senior Xie wanted to make an exception and give his great-grandson a 100-day celebration, no one—whether Xie Guoliang or Ci Lifen—said a word. Because they felt it was justified.
Still eating dinner.
Suddenly, Xie Ran stood up, raised his glass, and said, “Brother-in-law, I’ll toast you separately. Thank you for everything. I won’t say any more; it’s all in the drink.”
Dong Xuebing clinked glasses with him. “It’s not that heavy.”
“I’ll drink it. You take it easy.” Xie Ran gulped it down.
Dong Xuebing followed suit.
Afterward, everyone started talking about Xie Ran’s wedding. Though it was just an engagement, in their family, an engagement was undoubtedly not a simple matter—it couldn’t be brushed off. Towards the end, Dong Xuebing’s child’s 100-day celebration was also brought up. This matter was probably more immediate, and they needed to prepare for it now. After the meal, Han Jing also called Dong Xuebing’s mother, Luan Xiaoping, to discuss it. After all, the child bears the Ding family’s surname. Even though the Xie family would host it, they still needed to seek the maximum input from the Dong family. Legally, the Dong family would still host the child’s 100-day celebration; the tradition couldn’t be disrupted.
“Grandpa, I’ll be going now.” Dong Xuebing said.
Senior Xie stroked his beard. “Go ahead.”
Dong Xuebing then looked at the other elders. “Mom, Uncle, Aunt, I’m heading back first.”
Han Jing was chatting with Dong Xuebing’s mother, Luan Xiaoping, laughing. She waved her hand, “Okay, be careful on the road. Don’t drive if you’ve just had some drinks, take a taxi instead.”
Xie Ran immediately said, “Why take a taxi? I’ll drive my brother-in-law to the airport.”
Dong Xuebing patted him on the shoulder. “Enough, you’re getting married now, you’re busy. I can take a taxi just fine.”
Xie Ran wouldn’t give up. “I have to drive you.”
Xie Yanzhen laughed. “Xiao Bin, let Xiao Ran drive you.”
Dong Xuebing shook his head. “No need. Xiao Ran has had some drinks and can’t drive.”
In the end, Dong Xuebing is left alone, but Xie Ran personally sends him out and hailed a taxi, even opening the door for him. “Brother-in-law, take care on your way.”
“Alright, you can head back now. Give me a call if you need anything.” Dong Xuebing got into the taxi.
Xie Ran watched the taxi drive away before turning back to the villa. He was clearly extremely grateful for Dong Xuebing’s invaluable help this time.
At the airport.
The sky was growing dim.
In the remaining light of the setting sun, Dong Xuebing didn’t bring much luggage, strolling casually into the terminal. He checked his watch—there was a traffic jam earlier, and he was almost late for his flight. He quickened his pace through security and hurried toward the boarding gate.
Fortunately, he wasn’t too late.
The economy class line still had dozens of people in it.
Dong Xuebing was in first class, so he didn’t need to queue; he just showed his boarding pass and ID at a separate gate, and boarded the plane half an hour early.
“Welcome aboard this flight.”
“Sir, your seat is inside.” The flight attendant smiled and gestured to Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing thanked her and walked inside to find his seat number. He found it, so he lifted his leg and sat down. But when he looked up, he was dumbfounded to see an old acquaintance sitting directly across from him.
It was Fang Wenping.
Dong Xuebing sweat dropped. “What are you doing here?”
Fang Wenping must have seen him early; she was holding a book and reading without looking up when she answered, “Why can’t I be here?”
Dong Xuebing asked, “You’re also returning to Shaanbei today?”
Fang Wenping retorted sternly, “If not going back to Shaanbei, why would I take this flight? Am I that bored?”
Dong Xuebing chuckled, “We’re just talking here, why are you getting so defensive? I still haven’t even settled my score with you. Tell me, Sister Fang, I called you so often—why didn’t you answer?”
“If I want to answer, I’ll answer. If I don’t, I won’t.” Fang Wenping casually flipped another page of her book. “Do I need to report to you?”
Dong Xuebing was speechless. “Hey, are you picking a fight?”
“Who’s picking a fight here?” Fang Wenping finally glanced at him.
These two had never managed a proper conversation before—they always ended up at each other’s throats.
The flight attendant noticed the situation and hurried over to mediate. “Sir, ma’am, can you please talk nicely? The plane is about to take off. Please buckle up and try to understand and respect each other.”
Another flight attendant and a security guard came over.
Dong Xuebing waved his hand. “It’s fine, we’re just chatting.”
“Chatting”
Sure, just chatting.
Others weren’t sure what was going on with them.
Dong Xuebing sneered at Fang Wenping. “We’re family by marriage—we know each other, so just mind your business.” After saying that, he ignored Fang Wenping, fastened his seatbelt, and pretended to be asleep. Inside, he was thinking about how to deal with Old Fang once they got off the plane. In this public place, he wouldn’t pick a fight with her.
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