Chapter 1502: The transfer order is out
One day.
Another day.
In the blink of an eye, a month passed.
This morning, inside a simple guesthouse in Qing Shui Township, Dong Xuebing lifted the somewhat yellowed thin blanket off the bed, fetched a pot of hot water, and then returned to quickly brush his teeth and tidy up. After that, he grabbed his bag and headed downstairs, ready to leave.
Downstairs, a female attendant from the guesthouse approached him.
"Oh, Mayor Dong."
"Ah, Xiao Huang, you're up early."
"How come you're up, and I haven't brought you water yet?"
"Hehe, I just stayed overnight yesterday and didn't want to trouble you."
"No trouble at all. Chief Yao specifically instructed us. Let me get you some breakfast. It's all ready. I was worried you hadn't woken up, so I didn't dare to call you just now."
"Thank you, but I won't be eating."
"You can't refuse. Otherwise, the leaders might criticize me."
"If they do, just give me a call, and I'll criticize them instead, hehe."
"You work so hard. Skipping breakfast is not an option. I'll get it, and I'll be back in two minutes. Just two minutes."
"Alright, thank you."
"Don't mention it. It's my duty."
Xiao Huang hurried off to fetch breakfast. Soon, Dong Xuebing picked up the breakfast and quickly walked out, hailing a taxi. After closing the car door, he stuffed a hot steamed bun into his mouth, chewed while stepping on the gas, and headed straight for the Experimental Base of the Chinese Academy of Sciences site selection.
At nine o'clock.
At the foot of Qing Shui Mountain.
This area had already been fenced off, and construction materials and trucks filled the site, indicating that construction had been underway for many days.
On-site, Yao Cui, other township leaders, and comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were present.
Dong Xuebing got out of the car and greeted them. "Everyone's here."
The township secretary hurriedly greeted him with a smile. "Mayor Dong, we're waiting for you to assign tasks."
Dong Xuebing smiled and waved his hand. "What tasks do I need to assign? Let's listen to the opinions of the Chinese Academy of Sciences comrades."
One of the heads of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Experimental Base said, "Mayor Dong, you're too polite. We only handle technical issues, while other command work is up to the local government. Before we came here, Academician Zhong instructed us to respect the opinions of the local government when there are differences. The plan has been roughly finalized, and now we're here to cooperate."
Dong Xuebing smiled. "You're being too courteous. We local officials are not familiar with sophisticated technology. It would be chaotic if we were to take the lead. The main responsibility lies with you. If there are any specific needs, such as soundproofing layers or special materials for the outer walls of the experiment, inform the specialized team, and they will handle the communication and implementation. Every detail of this important project must be meticulous. If any issues arise in the execution, you can hold me accountable."
Both sides exchanged pleasantries.
This cooperation between the local government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences was harmonious.
"Oh, come on. I'm still reluctant to leave this place, especially you, my old classmate. I'll miss you a lot," Dong Xuebing joked.
Yao Cui chuckled. "Stop teasing me. You're probably overjoyed to leave. I don't know when you plan to have a farewell dinner."
"Why does it sound so gloomy?"
"If you want it to sound better, call it a ‘success and retirement dinner."
"Hehe, it should be in the next few days. I'll contact everyone then."
"Okay, I'll be waiting. Oh, I'm happy for you."
Morning.
At the office.
Dong Xuebing returned to the county party committee compound.
As soon as he got out of the car, many cadres and staff members came up to greet him.
"Mayor Dong."
"Congratulations."
"I heard you're getting promoted. Congratulations."
It seemed that news had spread after receiving notification from higher-ups. Such matters couldn't be kept secret for long. The news would inevitably leak out after the procedures with the City organization department. Dong Xuebing's promotion surprised everyone, but it wasn't entirely unexpected. With such significant achievements during his tenure in Zhen Shui County, his promotion as mayor was well-deserved.
Dong Xuebing responded calmly, "It's not confirmed yet. I'm unsure about the details, but thank you all."
Upstairs.
Dong Xuebing went to the county mayor's office, where Jiang Fangfang made tea for herself. The aroma of the tea reminded Dong Xuebing of the Da Hong Pao he had given her before.
"Sister Jiang," Dong Xuebing sat down.
Jiang Fangfang smiled and pushed a teacup towards him. "You're leaving?"
Dong Xuebing took the cup, drank it in one gulp, and then nodded. "Possibly going back to Beijing."
"Has your unit been decided?" Jiang Fangfang asked.
Dong Xuebing shook his head. "Not yet. It should be a nominal position."
Jiang Fangfang sighed softly, then took a sip of tea and looked at him. "I thought you would stay for at least a year or two. I didn't expect you to leave before even six months."
"Sorry."
"What's there to be sorry about?"
"I might not be able to come by your mother's place as often."
"It's okay. Just come back when you can." Jiang Fangfang said earnestly, "Zhen Shui County will always be your home, and the people here will always remember your kindness."
"You're being too kind. I'm just reluctant to leave you," Dong Xuebing said emotionally. "If it weren't for my wife about to give birth and need me to go back to watch over her, I'd want to stay and do more for the people here. Anyway, let's not talk about these empty words. If you ever need me in the future, call me. Although Beijing is far away, I don't want to lose contact with you. Besides, it's only a few hours' flight away. Whenever I have time, I'll come back."
Jiang Fangfang smiled and nodded, "Alright."