Three days later.
Friday, noon.
Dong Xuebin drove back from Beijing under the blazing sun. The Respect-the-Elderly Model Commendation Meeting had been held yesterday, and the Guangming Street Office in Nanshan District had successfully won the honor. It finally settled one of the major matters weighing on Dong Xuebin's mind. After all the twists and turns, he had at last added this substantial achievement to his record, making his credentials that much more solid. How many people had he offended over this? How much trouble had it caused? It had not been easy.
Street Dormitory.
After getting home, Dong Xuebin took a comfortable hot shower and changed into a fresh set of clothes.
As he headed downstairs to go to work, Dong Xuebin suddenly spotted two familiar backs leaving the building. They were Geng Yuehua's father and mother.
Mother Geng carried a vegetable basket, seemingly on her way to buy groceries.
Father Geng pushed an old bicycle with a flat rear tire, apparently intending to get it repaired.
Dong Xuebin hurried forward a few steps. "Uncle Geng, getting the bike fixed? Let me push it for you."
Father Geng turned around. The moment he saw Dong Xuebin, his face darkened. He gave a heavy snort and continued slowly forward without acknowledging him at all.
Mother Geng did not look pleased either. "No need!"
Dong Xuebin felt awkward. After they had gone some distance away, he could only turn around and head for his own car.
Dong Xuebin generally dealt with matters rather than people. Geng Xinke had provoked him and been sent to Party school because of it. At the end of the day, Dong Xuebin simply disliked Geng Xinke, but that did not greatly affect his attitude toward Geng Xinke's family. Seeing Father Geng struggling to push the bike,