Power and Wealth
Chapter 819 – So, they are husband and wife
After 5 pm.
Most people would have packed their stuff and left for home on most days. But today, the Commission for Discipline Inspection Building was crowded. Most staff stood outside the building looking at Director Dong and the new City Mayor. Those that were on their way out turned and looked at them. Those that were upstairs were looking out from their windows.
“What happened? What are you all doing?”
“Old Li, what are you all looking at?”
“Old Zhang, have you heard about it?”
“What? I just came down.”
“The new Mayor Xie is our Director Dong’s wife.”
“Huh?” That person gasped. “Who told you that?”
“Director Dong introduced her to us. Can’t you see Mayor Xie is waiting for Director Dong to go home?”
“How come I never hear anyone saying they are a couple?”
“Director Dong is new, and Mayor Xie arrived today. Who knows about their relationship?”
This was a piece of big news. Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan were famous in the Commission for Discipline Inspection. They heard about Dong Xuebing because of his contributions during the earthquake. He even ‘died’ once and was sent off by ten thousand residents. During that period, Fen Zhou City TV station reported about him every day. It was the same as Xie Huilan. She had gone against everyone and ordered an evacuation before the earthquake. This was also reported in the news. She was also Yan Tai County Mayor and had come to the City Government Building for meetings frequently. It was hard for anyone not to remember her because of her good looks.
But no one had ever thought these two people were husband and wife.
Putting their looks aside, their age gap is too wide.
Mayor Xie looked at least five to six years older than Director Dong.
It is common for government staff to get married. However, most husbands hold higher positions than their wives or equivalent ranks. But Director Dong and Mayor Xie are the opposites. A Deputy Division Chief and a Deputy Bureau Director. Mayor Xie is a few levels above Director Dong.
Xie Huilan smiled and waved to Dong Xuebing. “Let’s go.”
“Wait a minute.” Dong Xuebing returned to his Porsche. “My luggage is in my car.”
“Load them in my car.” Xie Huilan opened the trunk. “Are we having dinner outside or at home?”
“Let’s eat at home. I will prepare something delicious for you. What do you want to eat? We can drop by the market on our way back.”
Xie Huilan smiled. “The weather is cold, and I feel like eating hotpot. It is convenient too. Haha….”
Dong Xuebing pulled out a piece of luggage from his car and threw it into the Land Rover’s trunk. “Ok. Do you prefer beef or mutton?”
“Let’s get both.”
“You are greedy. Alright.”
“Haha…. Are you done?”
“Wait…. I still have a piece of luggage and two bags.”
“Ok. Let me help. Pass me your bag.”
“Ah, I can do it myself.”
“I am not that weak. Give it to me.”
Everybody saw their interactions and had to accept the fact they were married.
Gao Wenrong understood why Dong Xuebing said his wife was transferred over earlier. She is here and has arrived today. Liang Xuan also understood why Mayor Xie dared to drive a Land Rover worth almost four million RMB to work. Dong Xuebing’s assets were over one hundred million, all from legitimate means. They can drive whatever cars they want. Oh, their registration plate numbers. Beijing 9999 and Beijing 6666. She should have guessed they were a couple earlier.
Luo Haiting walked out of the office building with her electric bike’s keys to go home. She saw Xie Huilan standing beside the Land Rover and immediately walked over with a smile.
“County Mayor…. Oh, I should address you as City Mayor Xie now.”
Xie Huilan smiled and shook her hand. “Chief Luo, it’s been a while.”
Luo Haiting replied. “I am too ashamed to see you. You had ordered an evacuation before the earthquake, but I was not around to assist. Sigh….”
Xie Huilan smiled and waved. “I heard about it. It is not your fault. The roads were blocked, and even the rescue party could not enter the County. It’s all in the past and let’s forget about it.”
Luo Haiting nodded. “Oh, I forgot to congratulate you and Director Dong.”
“Thanks. Haha….”
Luo Haiting knew about Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing’s relationship when they were in Yan Tai County. She was shocked then but had gotten over it. That’s why she was not surprised when she knew they had married.
But the others were different.
More staff finished work and left the building. They heard about Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan’s relationship and were shocked. Some were jealous, some envious, and some were speechless.
Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing. “Are you driving, or do you want me to drive?”
“You drive.” Dong Xuebing bid goodbye to Luo Haiting and entered the front passenger seat.
Xie Huilan smiled and entered the driver’s seat. She fastened her seatbelt and stepped on the accelerator. The Land Rover quickly left the City Party Committee compound.
The staff was still looking at that director and discussing them.
“This is too….”
“I didn’t expect Director Dong and Mayor Xie are husband and wife.”
“That’s right. This is… unbelievable.”
Inside of the car.
Dong Xuebing did not hear everyone’s discussions, but he could now guess what they were saying. He smiled to himself.
Xie Huilan looked at him. “Why are you smiling to yourself?”
Dong Xuebing replied. “Nothing….”
“Why are you so happy? Share it with me, ok?”
Dong Xuebing reached over and patted Xie Huilan’s hand. “You had made me proud today. Look at everyone’s reaction.”
Dong Xuebing felt proud to have Xie Huilan as his wife.