The next day.
Wednesday.
Eight in the morning.
Beneath a clear blue sky, Dong Xuebin strolled toward the Investment Bureau. He had given the car to Chang Juan yesterday, so he figured he might as well get some exercise.
On the way.
His phone rang. It was Yao Cui.
"Hello, Xuebin."
"Cui'er, what is it?"
"I just wanted to tell you that I picked someone out for you."
"Who? Is she reliable? How capable is she?"
"She's reliable. You should have met her before—Xiao Hong, my former colleague from the county government office."
"The one you were close with? Fine, reliable is what matters."
"I only picked her because she's the only one I trust. As for her ability, I can't really say."
"I'm at the office. All right, I think I see her. We'll talk later if anything comes up. I'm not over at the county government office, so keep an eye on things for me. If you can't make a decision, call me. You can also go straight to County Chief Jiang. I'll probably be working at the Investment Bureau for the next month. Handle anything that isn't urgent yourself."
"All right, I understand."
"Okay, make sure you get some rest too."
"Hehe, I should be the one telling you that."
"The fifty million still isn't settled. I can't rest for the time being."
After hanging up, Dong Xuebin entered the small shared courtyard used by the three departments and spotted a female clerk he had met before at the county government office.
"County Chief Dong." Xiao Hong had spotted him early and had not gone upstairs.
"You're Xiao Xiao, right?" Dong Xuebin smiled and held out his hand. "Welcome to the Investment Bureau."
Xiao Hong hurriedly wiped her hands on her clothes before shaking his with both