Chapter Summaries

Dong Xuebin spent the night with Zhang Longjuan and Xu Yan, but learned that Zhang Longjuan was still a virgin and Xu Yan told him not to rush her. The chapter ended with Dong Xuebin and Xu Yan alone together on the sofa.

• Dong Xuebin chatted with Zhang Longjuan and Xu Yan in bed before they turned off the lights.
• Dong Xuebin tried to touch Zhang Longjuan and Xu Yan under the covers, and Xu Yan sent him out so she could speak privately with Zhang Longjuan.
• Xu Yan told Dong Xuebin that Zhang Longjuan was still a virgin and that nothing would happen between them that night.
• Xu Yan invited Dong Xuebin to join her on the sofa, and they were intimate in the dark.

Dong Xuebin woke early and prepared breakfast while Xu Yan and Zhang Longjuan teased each other. After breakfast, he and Zhang Longjuan set off for the hotel and airport, leaving Xu Yan behind.

• Dong Xuebin turned off his alarm and got out of bed while Xu Yan and Zhang Longjuan woke up beside him.
• Zhang Longjuan urged Xu Yan to rest and teased her about the previous night, so Dong Xuebin went to make breakfast.
• Xu Yan and Zhang Longjuan got up, washed, and joined Dong Xuebin for breakfast, where Zhang Longjuan playfully asked him which woman was prettier.
• Zhang Longjuan said she planned to gradually move her business back from Fu Continent and prepared to leave for the hotel and airport with Dong Xuebin.
• Xu Yan straightened Dong Xuebin's collar and hugged him and Zhang Longjuan goodbye.

After seeing Zhang Longjuan and the foreign investors off, Dong Xuebin returned to Zhenshui County and told the Investment Bureau staff they had earned five days of vacation for their work on the Investment Conference. The chapter ends with him planning to improve the bureau’s facilities and expand its staff as the county prepares to receive investment funds.

• Dong Xuebin saw Zhang Longjuan and the foreign investors off at the airport, then spoke with Jiang Fangfang, who approved five days of leave for the Investment Bureau staff.
• Dong Xuebin returned to the Investment Bureau and announced the staff’s five-day vacation, overtime pay or annual leave for statutory holidays worked, and praised their results at the Investment Conference.
• Dong Xuebin shared lunch with the staff and lent Chang Juan his Land Rover for a trip with several colleagues to a neighboring province.
• Dong Xuebin told Zheng Dayou to request funding to replace the bureau’s broken equipment and discussed moving offices and recruiting more staff.

After a month of intensive work in Zhenshui County, Dong Xuebin finally took a few days off and called his family and friends. He asked Han Jing to help settle his Zhengchu Level position and arrange his transfer back, but she told him to produce another major achievement first.

• Dong Xuebin rested after completing a month of work on county projects, funding, and investment matters.
• Dong Xuebin called his mother, Qu Yunxuan, Xie Huilan, and several other women in his life to catch up.
• Dong Xuebin considered asking to be transferred back closer to his family and called Han Jing instead of his father-in-law.
• Dong Xuebin listed his accomplishments in Zhenshui County and asked Han Jing to help settle his Zhengchu Level position and transfer him back.
• Han Jing said his achievements were not yet enough to justify an exceptional promotion and promised to look into his transfer after he produced another major achievement.

Dong Xuebin secured Han Jing’s promise that a new achievement could help him transfer back, then learned that Zhong Lizhen had recommended Zhenshui County for a Chinese Academy of Sciences Experimental Base. He prepared to host the researchers’ inspection and decided to take control of Science and Technology Affairs so he could secure the project as an achievement.

• Dong Xuebin spoke with Han Jing and received her promise that he could transfer back if he produced another respectable achievement.
• Dong Xuebin arranged to meet Jiang Fangfang on Sunday night, then received a call from Zhong Lizhen asking him to pick up two Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers.
• Zhong Lizhen told Dong Xuebin that she had recommended Zhenshui County for the Experimental Base and that the researchers would inspect it the next morning.
• Dong Xuebin called Chen Xuekai, who said Zhenshui County had a strong chance if it met the site requirements and offered to support the recommendation if needed.
• Dong Xuebin decided to quietly guide the researchers’ inspection and try to take Science and Technology Affairs from Ci Boyang so he could secure the project.

Dong Xuebin secretly took Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers Xiao Qian and Xiao Lü to inspect potential sites for an Experimental Base in his county. After surveying Clear Water Township, they learned that Dong was the county chief when local officials recognized him.

• Dong Xuebin left the county early without telling anyone about his plans and drove to the provincial capital's military airport.
• Xiao Qian and Xiao Lü met Dong outside the airport, and he drove them toward the county while they discussed the site's requirements.
• Dong took the researchers to Clear Water Township, where they photographed and measured a potential site near the mountains.
• Xiao Lü judged the first site acceptable, and Dong took the group to a township restaurant for lunch.
• Township officials recognized Dong Xuebin as County Chief Dong, surprising Xiao Qian and Xiao Lü.

Dong Xuebin asked Jiang Fangfang to transfer Science and Technology Affairs to him before the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced its site decision. Jiang Fangfang rejected the request at first, then agreed only to consider it after he offered to give Ci Boyang the Development and Reform Bureau portfolio in exchange.

• Xiao Lü told Dong Xuebin that the inspection report had been submitted but the higher-ups had not yet decided on the site selection.
• Dong Xuebin worried that Ci Boyang would refuse to surrender Science and Technology Affairs once the site decision became public, so he planned to ask Jiang Fangfang for the portfolio.
• Dong Xuebin joined Jiang Fangfang for a morning run and asked her to let him take charge of Science and Technology Affairs.
• Jiang Fangfang warned that taking the portfolio from Ci Boyang could provoke the Meng faction and disrupt cooperation in the county.
• Dong Xuebin offered to transfer the Development and Reform Bureau to Ci Boyang in return, and Jiang Fangfang said she would think about it.

Dong Xuebin pressed Jiang Fangfang to give him Science and Technology Affairs, using persistence and intimacy to get her to agree to discuss the responsibility adjustment with County Chief Ci. The chapter left him pleased with her promise to talk to Ci Boyang the next day.

• Jiang Fangfang declined to give Dong Xuebin a definite answer about Science and Technology Affairs and said she would think it over.
• Dong Xuebin continued pressing her at home, then carried her to the bedroom and had sex with her after she consented.
• Afterward, Jiang Fangfang went to shower, and Dong Xuebin asked again about the division of responsibilities.
• Jiang Fangfang agreed to discuss the adjustment with County Chief Ci the next day, and Dong Xuebin thanked her.

Dong Xuebin arranged to help Yao Cui advance to a deputy township head position before his own transfer, then attended a meeting where Jiang Fangfang reassigned some of his responsibilities. The chapter ended with county officials baffled that Dong Xuebin had voluntarily given Ci Boyang control of the Development and Reform Bureau.

• Dong Xuebin hinted to Yao Cui that he might leave Zhenshui County and urged her to take a deputy township head position in Clear Water Township, with the possibility of becoming township head later.
• Yao Cui worried that she lacked experience, but Dong Xuebin insisted the opportunity was rare and promised to raise the transfer with Jiang Fangfang.
• At a hastily called meeting, Jiang Fangfang announced that Ci Boyang would take over the Development and Reform Bureau work from Dong Xuebin, while Dong Xuebin would assume Ci Boyang's science and technology responsibilities.
• The deputy county chiefs were stunned by the reassignment, and Dong Xuebin's indifferent reaction left them unable to understand why he had surrendered a major responsibility.
• News of Dong Xuebin's decision spread after the meeting, and county officials were puzzled by his apparent willingness to give his political rival more authority.

Dong Xuebin claimed poor health while handing the Development and Reform Bureau portfolio to Ci Boyang and taking charge of science and technology, leaving Meng Rui uncertain but unwilling to oppose the reassignment. Five days after the Standing Committee approved the changes and Yao Cui’s appointment, the Chinese Academy of Sciences confirmed its 503 Experimental Base for Clear Water Township, placing Dong Xuebin in charge of coordinating the project.

• Dong Xuebin told concerned colleagues, including Pu An, that his health was failing and went to the hospital for tests while seeking another day off from Jiang Fangfang.
• Ci Boyang told Meng Rui that Jiang Fangfang had transferred the Development and Reform Bureau portfolio to him and the science and technology portfolio to Dong Xuebin.
• Meng Rui considered possible motives for the reassignment but decided not to oppose it at the Standing Committee meeting.
• The Standing Committee approved the portfolio changes and Yao Cui’s appointment as deputy township chief of Clear Water Township.
• Five days later, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the vice governor announced that the 503 Experimental Base would be built in Clear Water Township, with Dong Xuebin responsible for coordinating it.

Dong Xuebin inspected the dormitory project before learning that the Chinese Academy of Sciences had chosen Zhenshui County for its 503 Experimental Base. The county assigned him to lead the work, while officials wondered how he had helped secure the project.

• Dong Xuebin inspected the dormitory construction site and considered his investment and housing projects secure, with the Experimental Base still uncertain.
• Li Xiaona called Dong Xuebin to summon him to an emergency Standing Committee meeting after the county learned the 503 Experimental Base would be established there.
• Dong Xuebin arrived at the meeting covered in dirt and pretended he knew nothing about the site selection.
• Jiang Fangfang and Meng Rui explained that the county would cooperate with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, whose personnel were due to arrive that afternoon.
• Meng Rui appointed Dong Xuebin to lead a special task force, and officials left the meeting impressed by his influence.

Dong Xuebin secured a Chinese Academy of Sciences Experimental Base for Zhenshui County and discussed the achievement with Jiang Fangfang, who praised his results. He assigned the project work to his allies and asked Han Jing to help settle his full division-level rank.

• After the Standing Committee meeting, Ci Boyang realized Dong Xuebin had used the Development and Reform Bureau as a smokescreen to take over Science and Technology Affairs, leaving Ci without credit for the Experimental Base.
• Jiang Fangfang asked Dong Xuebin how he had arranged the project, and he explained how he had contacted the Chinese Academy of Sciences and secured the site in Clear Water Township.
• Jiang Fangfang thanked Dong Xuebin for bringing the project to Zhenshui County, and he credited the county leadership while accepting responsibility for the work ahead.
• Dong Xuebin told Yao Cui that the Chinese Academy of Sciences team would arrive that afternoon and put her in charge of Clear Water Township's project work.
• While eating lunch, Dong Xuebin called Han Jing to claim credit for the Experimental Base and remind her of her promise to help settle his full division-level rank; Han Jing agreed to ask around.

After five months of work in Zhenshui County, Dong Xuebin learned that he would soon return to Capital City, leaving the Chinese Academy of Sciences Experimental Base project in Yao Cui’s care. He prepared to hand over his duties and said goodbye to local colleagues, though his new post had not yet been decided.

• Dong Xuebin inspected the Experimental Base construction site and told Yao Cui to take charge of the project, protect its confidentiality, and report any problems.
• Xie Guobang called Dong Xuebin and told him to organize his work and luggage because his grassroots training was over and he would return to Capital City.
• Dong Xuebin told Yao Cui he was leaving for Capital City, and she congratulated him and suggested holding a farewell dinner.
• County cadres and clerks congratulated Dong Xuebin on his reported promotion when he returned to the County Party Committee Compound.
• Jiang Fangfang discussed Dong Xuebin’s departure with him, and he promised to return when he could and stay in contact.

As Dong Xuebin packed up to leave Zhenshui County for his new post, Meng Rui reflected on their difficult relationship and praised Dong’s work. They reconciled warmly and agreed that Meng Rui would host a farewell dinner that evening.

• Dong Xuebin packed his belongings and organized documents for handover at the County Party Committee.
• Zhang Feng summoned Dong to meet Meng Rui, who said he had once considered refusing to let Dong transfer.
• Meng Rui criticized Dong’s fierce temperament but praised his exceptional abilities and achievements in Zhenshui County.
• Dong acknowledged his shortcomings and apologized, and Meng Rui admitted his own role in their conflicts.
• Dong said he planned to leave the following week and treat colleagues to dinner, but Meng Rui insisted on hosting a farewell dinner that evening.

Dong Xuebin celebrated his transfer with Meng Rui and the Meng faction, then visited Jiang Fangfang and her mother to say goodbye. He left with plans to reunite with his family before reporting to the Capital City, and spent the night with Jiang Fangfang.

• Dong Xuebin shared a farewell dinner with Meng Rui, Liao Haiwei, Jiang Hai, and their families.
• Dong Xuebin visited Mother Jiang with Jiang Fangfang, and they agreed she could move to the Capital City with them in the future.
• Dong Xuebin told Jiang Fangfang he would return to see his family before taking up his new post in the Capital City.
• Dong Xuebin called Xie Huilan, Qu Yunxuan, Yu Meixia, Geng Yuehua, and others to share his promotion news and arrange visits.
• Jiang Fangfang took the initiative with Dong Xuebin, and they spent the night together.

As he prepared to return to the Capital City, Dong Xuebin hosted a farewell meal at his home for the colleagues and friends closest to him in Zhenshui County. He thanked them for their support and left them celebrating his promotion and their time together.

• Dong Xuebin visited county leaders, officials, investors, and friends over several days to say goodbye before leaving.
• Yao Cui and Yao Li arrived at Dong Xuebin's home, and Yao Cui's parents sent their congratulations on his promotion.
• Chang Juan asked Dong Xuebin to help her eventually transfer back to the Capital City, and he promised to look for a way when she had gained more experience.
• Yan Yizhi, Zheng Dayou, Chen Yunsong, Cheng Yujie, Gong Na, and others arrived with local specialties, while Chang Juan, Chen Xiaomei, Yao Cui, and Gong Na prepared the meal.
• Dong Xuebin toasted his guests, thanked them for their support and friendship, and shared a lively farewell lunch with them.

After leaving Zhenshui County, Dong Xuebin drove east at his leisure and stopped at a highway service area. There, he unexpectedly reunited with his former teacher Jiang Min and offered to drive her toward the Capital City.

• Dong Xuebin handed over his keys and paperwork, said goodbye to his colleagues in Zhenshui County, and drove away.
• He spent the day sightseeing along the road, stopping by lakes and enjoying his freedom from work.
• At a highway service area, Dong Xuebin heard Jiang Min asking strangers for a ride toward the Capital City and offered to take her part of the way.
• Dong Xuebin recognized Jiang Min as his former university teacher, and she remembered him as well.
• Jiang Min explained that she had been traveling with colleagues before deciding to hitch rides back, and Dong Xuebin agreed to be her driver and keep her company.

Dong Xuebin drove his former Advanced Mathematics teacher, Jiang Min, and reminisced with her about college, their classmates, and his life as a civil servant. The conversation left Jiang Min admiring a photo of Dong Xuebin’s beautiful wife, Hui Lan, who was expecting their son.

• Dong Xuebin and Jiang Min reminisced about his college days as he drove her along the highway.
• Jiang Min asked about Dong Xuebin’s work and car, and he said he was a civil servant who had won the car in a lottery.
• Dong Xuebin told Jiang Min that he had seen their former classmate Yao Cui, who was also a civil servant.
• Dong Xuebin revealed that he was married and that his wife was about to give birth to a boy.
• Dong Xuebin showed Jiang Min a photo of himself with Hui Lan, and she was surprised by how beautiful his wife was.

Dong Xuebin traveled with his former university teacher, Jiang Min, and they shared a meal and an evening walk in a scenic town. When rain sent them to a lakeside pavilion, they stayed there together as Dong Xuebin quietly admired her.

• Dong Xuebin and Jiang Min decided to stop in a small town for its famous roasted lamb leg and stay overnight if it rained.
• Dong Xuebin treated Jiang Min attentively over dinner and toasted her for helping and guiding him during his university years.
• Dong Xuebin's mother, Luan Xiaoping, spoke with Jiang Min on the phone and urged Dong Xuebin to show her around and take good care of her.
• After dinner, Dong Xuebin accompanied Jiang Min around town, carried her things, and bought her small gifts.
• Thunder and rain drove Dong Xuebin and Jiang Min into a lakeside pavilion, where they sat together and chatted while Dong Xuebin stole glances at her damp shirt.

Dong Xuebin and Jiang Min ran through the heavy rain searching for a place to stay, but every inn was nearly full. They secured the last wooden cabin, which had only one bed, and Jiang Min agreed they could share it; they went to see the room and warm up.

• Dong Xuebin and Jiang Min ran through the rain to an inn, where the receptionist told them every room was occupied.
• Dong Xuebin shielded Jiang Min with his umbrella as they ran west to another inn.
• The second inn's owner told them only one cabin with a single bed remained, and Dong Xuebin asked whether they could add a bed.
• When another guest arrived, Jiang Min quickly accepted the last cabin and agreed to share the bed with Dong Xuebin, with an extra quilt.
• Dong Xuebin offered to sleep on the floor if sharing the bed did not work, and Jiang Min suggested they inspect the room and take a shower.