Monday.
After all the things that happened over the weekend, Dong Xuebing returned to work excitedly. He will be getting his transfer to the grassroots level to be a Deputy Bureau Chief. Although Xie Huilan had used her connections to help him get the transfer, the official notice was not issued yet. It should be out these few days. That’s why Dong Xuebing had to stay low for the next few days. He cannot make any mistakes before his transfer.
“Good morning, Chief Dong.”
“Good morning, Chief.”
“Chief Dong, I heard you will be moving up?” A staff member from the Finance Department asked softly.
Someone from the Commission for Discipline Inspection walked over. “Chief Dong, are you really going to be transferred?”
Dong Xuebing was puzzled. “I am not sure. How do you all get to know this?”
“Hah. Everyone is talking about this. There are rumors that you will be transferred to Public Security. Is it true?”
Dong Xuebing thought to himself. There are no secrets in the government service. Xie Huilan should have engaged the help of many people for his transfer, and word got out. But Dong Xuebing also did not want to hide. He replied, saying that he is not sure about this.
If it were someone else getting a transfer, no one would bother. But it was Chief Xiao Dong that will be transferring out. He will be transferred from the State Security to Public Security. Within half an hour, the whole branch knew that Chief Xiao Dong will be transferring out. Everyone was discussing this.
Chief Xiao Dong is so capable. He can get a transfer from the State Security to another agency. He will be going over to the Public Security to be a Deputy Bureau Chief. Not everyone can arrange for such transfer. Without connections, who will help you to arrange for this transfer? But it’s a pity. What will happen to the Western District Branch after Chief Xiao Dong left? No one can save the branch if anything happens!
Tan Limei, Changjuan, and the rest from the General Affairs Office also heard of the rumors.
Wang Xin’s eyes were all red. “Chief Dong, are you really leaving?” She had finally found a good boss and does not want him to leave.
Tan Limei was also about to cry. But this is considered a promotion for Chief Xiao Dong. She cannot ask him to stay. “Chief Dong, congratulations.”
Changjuan laughed. “You are breaking records from the rate of you moving up the ranks.”
Dong Xuebing was overjoyed. He waved his hand and laughed. “It’s not confirmed yet. Time to start work.”
Guo Panwei smiled and congratulates Dong Xuebing. After Dong Xuebing enters his room, Guo Panwei quickly went into his office. He helped Dong Xuebing brew a cup of tea. He was shocked to learn that Dong Xuebing will be transferring out. He knows Chief Xiao Dong is competent, but he did not expect him to be promoted to a Deputy Chief within months and will be transferring out of the State Security. Dong Xuebing will be going over to the Public Security to take on a leadership role. Only those with powerful backings can do this.
Dong Xuebing knew why Guo Panwei treated him so well today. He must be thinking of Dong Xuebing’s position.
In the morning, Dong Xuebing continued with his work. He delivered the documents to the respective leaders.
When Dong Xuebing arrived at Xu Yan’s office, Xu Yan suddenly stops him from leaving. “Xiao Dong, sit down. Let’s have a talk.”
Dong Xuebing knew Xu Yan must have heard about the rumors. He cleared his throat and did not know what to say. By right, he would inform Xu Yan first. What he did was wrong. “Chief Xu... I...... I......”
Xu Yan looks at him. “You are going to be transferred out?”
Dong Xuebing replied. “Should be. But it is not confirmed yet. I did not tell you about this because......” He did not dare to tell Xu Yan about this earlier. What if Xu Yan refuses to let him go? Should he ask Xie Huilan to continue to arrange for his transfer? That will be offending Xu Yan. Xu Yan had helped Dong Xuebing a lot since he entered the State Security. She was very close to him, and he does not want to fall out with her.
Xu Yan smiled. “I thought you will tone down after you got your Deputy Section Chief rank. You... You just will not sit still.”
Dong Xuebing smiled embarrassedly.
“You are going to the grassroots level? The environment there is different from Beijing. You must take note of a lot of things. Especially your foul temper. You must control your temper.” Xu Yan also does not want to see Dong Xuebing leave. He is a good subordinate and could help her solve lots of problems. She will never find someone like him in the future. But she was still happy for Dong Xuebing. “Public Security has more options than State Security. It is a good thing if you can be transferred there. You will have a bright future there, especially at the grassroots level. With your capability, you should be able to get good results. Do your best, and don’t disgrace me!”
Dong Xuebing was surprised. He did not expect Xu Yan to say such things and was moved. “Chief Xu, I......”
Xu Yan knew what Dong Xuebing wanted to say, and she laughed. “To be honest, I do not want you to leave. But this transfer is significant to you. You think I will stop you from leaving?”
Dong Xuebing replied gratefully. “Thank you. Chief Xu, I will always remember your teachings. Sorry for causing trouble for you over the past few months.”
Xu Yan laughed. “It will be great if you can remember my teachings. You have never listened to me all this while.”
“Err...... no.”
“Alright.” Xu Yan looked back at the document she was reading. “Who do you think is suitable to take over your position at the General Affairs Office?”
Dong Xuebing thought for a while. “Ermmm...... my transfer is still not finalized. But Guo Panwei is suitable to be the Deputy Chief of the office. He is experienced and is an all-rounder.” Dong Xuebing does want to recommend Tan Limei and the others. But all of them lack experience. Only Guo Panwei qualifies to be the Deputy Chief.
Xu Yan nodded. “Ok. Go back to work. Don’t think that you can slack off just because you are going to be transferred out. Haha.”
“Don’t worry. I will do my best.”
Back at the General Affairs Office, Dong Xuebing called Guo Panwei to his office. “Panwei, have a seat.”
Guo Panwei did not know what was happening and sat down cautiously opposite Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing smiled. “Panwei, you are almost 30, right? You are the senior member of the General Affairs Office. I know that you have put in your best effort at work over the past few years. Chief Xu had asked me for recommendations earlier, and I recommended you. You must be prepared to take over my duties if I am transferred.”
“Ah?” Guo Panwei was stunned. He replied excitedly: “Thank you, Chief Dong. Thank you so much!”
Dong Xuebing waved his hand. “Do your best.......” He remembered what Xu Yan said to him and copied her. “Don’t disgrace me.”
Guo Panwei had been eyeing the position of the Deputy Chief of the General Affairs Office for a long time. But no matter how he fights for this position, he could not get it. He thought Chief Xiao Dong would recommend Tan Limei or Sun Zhuang for this position. But Dong Xuebing recommended him. Guo Panwei was excited. Chief Xiao Dong is very close to Chief Xu, and Chief Xu will surely consider his recommendation.
Before lunch, Dong Xuebing went to the offices of the other leaders who were close to him. Chief Zhen had gone to the City Bureau for a meeting and was not in his office. But Commission for Discipline Inspection Secretary Song Shoujie, the General Affairs Office Chief, Li Qing, and the rest were still around. All the leaders gave Dong Xuebing some words of encouragement.
After lunch, Dong Xuebing returned to his office. He had spoken to almost all the leaders, and what’s left was the official transfer notice.
But trouble came when it was least expected!
At about 12.20 pm, Tan Limei ran into Dong Xuebing’s office without knocking. “Chief Dong! There is trouble!”
Dong Xuebing looked at her. “What happened?” Damn! Did the branch catch fire again?
Tan Limei points outside. “There is someone outside our main entrance shouting your name. He said......”
“Shouting my name?” Dong Xuebing was surprised. “Why is someone shouting my name?”
“You...... I think you should go out and see for yourself.”
Dong Xuebing’s felt something was wrong and quickly walked out with Tan Limei. All the staff members of the General Affairs Office and some people from the Political Section were outside in the corridors, looking out of the windows. They were whispering among themselves when they saw Dong Xuebing. Dong Xuebing had a bad feeling and looked out. He could not see very clearly because of the distance. But he could see a middle-aged man standing outside the main gate. That middle-aged man was pointing at their building and shouting!
“Dong Xuebing! Come out! I know you are working inside! Don’t think that you can hide inside forever? When are you going to settle your gambling debts with me? Ah? 254,000 RMB! Return me my money today! Dong Xuebing! Get out here! You had lost the money to me! Pay me back now!”
Dong Xuebing’s face turned black!
That man was very loud. Everyone in the compound could hear him. People looked out of their windows at the commotion. Chief Xiao Dong owe money because of gambling? He owes that man more than 200,000?
Dong Xuebing took out his phone and called the Sixth Bureau. “Send two men to arrest that person outside! I want to see who is trying to frame me!” Dong Xuebing does not know that person. Since that man knows his name and the location of his workplace, he must be sent by someone. Wei Nan? Guo Shunjie? Zhou Guoan? Yan Lei? Dong Xuebing had only offended these four people. Other than them, no one would do these kinds of things! Damn! I don’t want trouble and just want to stay low! I should be transferred in 1 or 2 day! Motherf**ker! There are endless troubles here!
The Sixth Bureau’s staff who answered the call replied. “Chief Dong, we had already sent people out.”
Dong Xuebing said: “Good. Don’t let him get away!”
But when that man saw two uniformed personnel running towards him from the building, he turned and ran. The two officers chased after him. But they returned after 5 minutes. They had failed to arrest that man!
Dong Xuebing was furious. That man had escaped, and Dong Xuebing have no way to explain himself.
Dong Xuebing immediately told the two officers. “Sorry to trouble you two. Can you wait at the guardhouse for a while? If that man returns, you all must capture him!”
The officers from the Sixth Bureau knew Chief Xiao Dong is close to their leaders. “Don’t worry!”
Everyone could tell that Chief Xiao Dong wanted to capture that man for questioning, and that man just ran off without getting a single cent. This was too weird. The probability of someone trying to frame Chief Xiao Dong was higher. This period is critical for Chief Xiao Dong as he is waiting for the transfer orders. Someone should be trying to stop Chief Xiao Dong from getting this transfer.
Tan Limei said angrily: “Chief Dong. Someone is trying to frame you!”
Guo Panwei was furious too. “This is too despicable! But I think no one will believe this!”
Such incidents had happened at the Western District Branch in the past. A leader from the Finance department had an affair with a married woman. That woman’s husband found out about their affair and come over the branch to create trouble. In the end, the Sixth Bureau arrested that man, and the incident was over. But that leader was transferred to another department given a position with no authority. He remained in that position until he retires.
Dong Xuebing forced himself to calm down. Will this matter affect him? This was too suspicious. A baseless accusation can stop his career? But who is the one behind this? This incident is too childish, and it should not be planned by someone from the government! That’s right. Wei Nan is the most suspicious! Damn! This bastard! If I get the proof that you are behind this, you are dead!
Dong Xuebing returned to his office after asking his staff to return to work.
Chief Zhen had returned from his meeting at noon. Should I go and see him explain myself? I also need to explain to Xu Yan. But Dong Xuebing felt like he will be seen as trying to escape responsibility. Yes. Wait until that man is arrested. After he is arrested, Dong Xuebing can explain himself.
Dong Xuebing waited and waited. But that man did not return.
Dong Xuebing got an unexpected call from Xie Huilan while waiting.
“Hello, Xiao Dong. Did you offend your unit’s leaders?”
Dong Xuebing was puzzled. “No. What’s wrong?”
“No? Then why your branch’s No.1 and No.2 refused to let you transfer?”
Dong Xuebing was furious. “Sister Xie, you also know that I had helped my branch solve lots of troubles. I did not offend my leaders. The leaders might have done this because they don’t wish to see me leave. Oh, a man came to the main entrance of my branch and create a nuisance. He claims that I owe him a gambling debt. But I never gambled with him before, and I do not know him. I suspect that man is sent by Wei Nan to frame me!”
“This just happened?”
“Yes. About 20 minutes ago.”
Xie Huilan replied. “Xiao Dong, I had helped you clear the path. The order will be out anytime. But if the No. 1 man in your unit refused to release you, I also cannot do anything. You should know that this transfer is not an order given by my grandfather directly. My father is also....... What I can do is limited. I can only help you get this transfer order. As for other things......”
Dong Xuebing panicked. “If Chief Zhen doesn’t release me, I will not be able to leave?”
“Yes. If No.1 of your unit does not agree, no one can transfer you out. You are still a staff of the Western District Branch, after all. Xiao Dong, you better speak to your higher-ups. Once your branch bureau Chief gives the green light, the transfer order will be out in the next two days. Oh, don’t drag it for too long. If not, my side...... Alright?”
After putting down the phone, Dong Xuebing banged his desk in anger. F**k! Why do I have to face all these troubles?
Chief Zhen refused to release me? I had made so many contributions to the branch! I worked so hard! Fine! I will be moving up the ranks with this transfer and will have a good future! You don’t want to let me go? You want me to remain here to help you solve problems? How can you do this to me?!
Dong Xuebing was very angry. But he remembered what Xu Yan said and suppressed his anger. He wants to speak to Chief Zhen first.
Branch Bureau Chief’s office.
Knock, knock, knock. Zhen Anguo said: “Come in.”
Dong Xuebing entered Chief Zhen’s office. “Chief Zhen.”
Zhen Anguo pulled a long face when he saw Xiao Dong. “Xiao Dong, you should know the State Security’s regulations. You still dare to gamble?”
Dong Xuebing gritted his teeth and replied calmly. “I swear I have nothing to do with that incident at the entrance. Chief Zhen, you should know me well. As a civil servant, I will never gamble outside. I don’t even know that man. Someone is trying to frame me!”
Zhen Anguo replied: “I don’t care if this is true or false. Someone had come to our unit looking for you, and that is your fault!”
“But I do not......”
“Don’t need to explain!”
Dong Xuebing’s blood was boiling with anger. “Chief Zhen, my transfer is because of this incident......”
Zhen Anguo looked at him. “Xiao Dong, you are still young and need more experience. What you should do now is to take one step at a time. It is still too early for you to go to the grassroots level. I am doing this for your own good. Look at today’s incident. Someone is shouting outside a State Security branch. What will the rest of your colleagues think? Ah? What will the civilians think? You better remain in the branch. I will promote you when I think you are ready. Xiao Dong, don’t be too anxious.”
Dong Xuebing took in a deep breath and said. “I think I can get more experience at the grassroots level.”
Zhen Anguo replied: “If based on your current maturity level, you will get into trouble at the grassroots level. I am from there, and I know the situation at the grassroots level better than you. Xiao Dong, I am doing this for your own good!”
Dong Xuebing was furious. Doing for my own good? If you are thinking for me, why are you still stopping me from getting transfer? Do you know how much effort and how many people I offended to get this transfer? Ah? How do you know that I cannot cope when I am not at the grassroots level? You are just thinking of yourself!
“Xiao Dong. Don’t mention this anymore. I had discussed with Political Commissar, and she stands by my decision.”
The No.1 and No.2 of the branch refused to release Dong Xuebing. Even Chief Jiang from the City Bureau cannot do anything! If this transfer were someone else, Chief Zhen would never stop it. He will not want to offend people by stopping someone’s transfer. But Xiao Dong is different. He is very important to the Western District Branch.
Zhen Anguo was determined to keep Dong Xuebing at the branch. He also knew that man at the entrance was trying to frame Dong Xuebing. Zhen Anguo also does not want Dong Xuebing to leave, and he made use of that man as an excuse to stop Dong Xuebing’s transfer. Zhen Anguo had no choice. Although Xiao Dong’s conflict with Yan Lei had made him lose face, Xiao Dong was really capable. How can a talent like Xiao Dong be transferred out? Zhen Anguo was also doing this for Dong Xuebing. The grassroots level is not like Beijing. With Xiao Dong’s foul temper as a Deputy Bureau Chief, he is bound to be in deep trouble.
But when Zhen Anguo remembered that Xiao Dong will be angry with him, he said: “Wait a while more. When there is a suitable position in our agency, I will help you get it. You can think of going to the grassroots level after a few years.” Zhen Anguo was doing this for himself too. When he was newly transferred to the Western District Branch, he was faced with too many troubles. It should be the same in the future. If Chief Xiao Dong is transferred out, no one will be able to solve all those problems. This was also why Zhen Anguo, someone who seldom make promises, promised to promote Dong Xuebing. He felt he had given Dong Xuebing enough benefits. Someone who had only entered the government service for a few months will get a Deputy Section Chief position? Zhen Anguo will also have to face a lot of pressure if he were to do this!
But to Dong Xuebing, this was not good enough!
Deputy Section Chief position?
The State Security Branch’s Deputy Section Chief positions can be compared with the positions at the grassroots level?
Go to the grassroots level in a few years? That means I can’t get the rank of Section Chief! I will still be getting a Deputy Section Chief’s position then! I can get it now, and you want me to wait for a few more years? You want me to waste a few years in this branch? I am almost 24 years old. I started later than others. I don’t have time to spend!
Dong Xuebing was furious and argued with Chief Zhen.
But Zhen Anguo was determined to not release him!
Goddamn!
This is too much!
I worked so hard for the branch and gotten so many credits. This is what I get in return?
Just because of a stranger shouting some baseless claims at the entrance, and I cannot be transferred? Just because I had gotten a lot of credits and you want me to help you, you don’t care about my prospects? You want me to remain here to help you? F**k you! Why should I? I am wrong to get all these credits? You cannot be so selfish!