One day...
Two days...
Three days...
Over the next few days, Dong Xuebin began making the rounds from morning until night.
Discipline Inspection Committee Secretary Pu An, Minister of the United Front Work Department Jian Xiangrong, and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee Chu Peng all needed separate visits. He went to their homes and ate home-cooked meals they made themselves. Quite a few leaders from county government departments and township officials also took the initiative to contact him. Dong Xuebin could not refuse them, so he accepted every invitation, sharing meal after meal with everyone and saying his goodbyes. He had not forgotten the investors and comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences either, inviting those he had a good relationship with to dinner. The last people he saved for were those closest to him, such as Chang Juan, Yao Cui, and Chen Xiaomei.
That day.
At noon.
Dong Family, County Party Committee Family Compound.
In the kitchen, Dong Xuebin, who had bought groceries early that morning, had been busy ever since. He washed and chopped vegetables, and the cutting board and table were piled high with ingredients in a messy heap.
Ding-dong, ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
Dong Xuebin wiped his hands and went to answer it. "Coming, coming."
When the door opened, Yao Cui and her younger brother Yao Li entered. "Xuebin."
Dong Xuebin smiled. "Why didn't your parents come? I specifically told you to bring them."
Yao Cui chuckled. "They were afraid your place wouldn't fit so many people, so they decided not to come. They asked us to send their regards and congratulate you on your promotion."
"Alright, then thank the two of them for me."
"Brother Dong, congratulations."
"Thanks, Xiao Li. Come on, get in."
"Oh, you've already started cooking? Let me help."