The next day.
He got up in the morning.
Dawn had broken, but the sun had yet to shine in. The sunlight here was still weak, and it was winter besides; there was not the slightest warmth to be felt.
Dong Xuebin lived on the second floor. After getting up, he checked the time. It was still early, but he did not eat with his family. After washing up, he got dressed and headed out. It was exactly eight when he came downstairs, the time he had arranged with his driver, Xiao Wang. Yet when he looked outside, Xiao Wang's car seemed to have been parked there for quite some time. Xiao Wang was staring intently at the entrance to Dong Xuebin's building. The moment he saw Dong Xuebin emerge, he immediately got out to greet him, then went around to open the rear door for him, holding a hand over the frame in a very respectful gesture.
"Please."
"You got here early?"
"No, I just arrived too."
"Heh, let's grab some breakfast first."
"Sure. That place west of the County Party Committee Compound?"
"Anywhere is fine. I don't know the area either, so we'll go wherever you think tastes good."
After getting in, Xiao Wang drove out of the residential complex with Dong Xuebin and pulled up in front of a breakfast stall. It was not the sort of roadside stand one might find on the street, but a fairly proper establishment with a storefront. Billowing steam drifted out from inside, carrying the fragrant scent of steamed buns.
Dong Xuebin got out.
But Xiao Wang did not move.
Dong Xuebin smiled. "Come on, Xiao Wang. Let's eat together."
After hesitating, Xiao Wang gave an acknowledgment and got out, following Dong Xuebin inside.
This was near the County Party Committee