Luan Xiaoping felt good after Tan Limei massaged her back. It was not only physically, but also psychologically. She finally believed that her son had become a leader. Look, there are people giving gifts, serving tea, making dumplings, massaging her shoulders, and sweeping the floor. When did they get to enjoy such treatment? Sigh … … Her son had grown up!
"Mum, why is it so late? Is there a traffic jam? "
"Hehe, I guarantee you will be satisfied with my cooking. Aunty, can you give me a chance to show off my skills?" Sun Zhuang was not good with words, but Tan Limei was good with words. She managed to coax Luan Xiaoping into the sofa with just a few words. After that, Tan Limei started massaging Luan Xiaoping's shoulders like her own daughter. "Aunty, your skin is so good. Even young men like us cannot compare to you."
"Then … … Thank you, Chief Dong." Sun Zhuang and Tan Limei had no choice but to accept the gifts.
Luan Xiaoping had never received such treatment before. She quickly waved her hand. "No need."
"The bus is late."
"Chief Zhen, Happy New Year. I wish you all the best in your career … …"
"Let me do it! Let me do it! " Guo Panwei ran to the bathroom to wash his hands. When he came out, he carried the dough and stuffing into the kitchen. "Chief Dong, it's been a while since Aunty came back. I will not disturb you two. I will go to the kitchen to make dumplings."
"Chief Xu, Xiao Dong wishes you a happy New Year. Thank you for taking care of me all this while. In the coming year, I will follow you closely. If you want to go east, I will go east. If you want to go north, I will go north … …"
Dong Xuebing smiled wryly. "Xiao Tan, you are bringing up my sore spot. Haha … … My mother is arriving soon, and we are celebrating this year's New Year with her. I am a man, and I have to make dumplings."
"It's fine. I am the only one at home, and my mother will be arriving soon. Come in and have a seat."
Ring, ring, ring. The phone rang.
Click … click … Luan Xiaoping opened the door. "Xuebing, I am here."
Guo Panwei was overjoyed by Dong Xuebing's words. He knew the grudge between him and Chief Xiao Dong had disappeared, and he will not leave. "I will help Aunty wash the vegetables."
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Alright. Just tell me which department you want to join."
Today was New Year's Eve. People in the capital were used to calling it the Eve of the Lunar New Year.
…
Luan Xiaoping was shocked. What does he mean? He could be transferred to any department he wanted? Her son was so capable?
"Gosh, why would I lie to you?"
Tan Limei coughed awkwardly. "Err … We … we have something to ask Chief Dong. But we are too embarrassed to ask. It's Lunar New Year, and we should not be talking about this. We are just making trouble for you." Lunar New Year is a time to give gifts. Asking for help is not a good time, unless it is an emergency.
"You didn't find a colleague to trick me, did you?"
Sun Zhuang replied: "Bing Zi is a good person."
Luan Xiaoping laughed. "No way. I'm almost 50. How can I compare to you?"
Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "It's not a big deal. I also don't smoke. It's Lunar New Year, and you two should give it to your elders. Oh, wait a minute. " Dong Xuebing took out a bottle of Maotai from the cabinet and passed it to Sun Zhuang. "This is a gift to me, and I don't drink. You two can take it back. Treat it as helping me out." When Dong Xuebing did not have any status, he was frustrated that no one gave him gifts. Now, with his status, he is worried about how to deal with all these gifts.
Tan Limei looked at Dong Xuebing's expression and asked. "You also know how the Commission for Discipline Inspection work … I am afraid …"
Old Yan said a few words and hung up. Dong Xuebing suddenly remembered that he is no longer the same as before. Not only he has people to wish him Lunar New Year, but he also needs to greet the leaders. State Security Quarters is not a place for him to enter casually. He had just been promoted to Deputy Section Chief, and there will be many gossips about him. He cannot bring his gifts to the leaders. The situation here is different from other departments. Dong Xuebing thought for a while and quickly call Zhen Anguo, Xu Yan, and the rest of the leaders.
Dong Xuebing did not reject. "Alright. Come over for dinner."
"Oh, isn't this Sister Luan?" An old neighbor greeted. "Happy New Year."
His mother, Luan Xiaoping, was travel-worn as she entered the neighborhood. She looked at the big red lanterns hanging in the windows of the houses and the children laughing and lighting firecrackers. Luan Xiaoping had a knowing smile on her face. Ever since her son entered the government service, she hadn't been home for the past few months. Now that she could finally see her son, she was naturally happy. But she is also worried. Luan Xiaoping knew she is a weak person and will cry whenever something happens. Her son is a sensible person, and he does not tell her about his troubles. He is afraid she will miss him. Sigh … She wonders how Xuebing is doing in the government service. He keeps saying he is doing well, but she does not know if he is really doing well.
With a stomach full of doubts, Luan Xiaoping walked into the corridor of Unit 1. Boom! Boom! The sound of firecrackers shook her eardrums.
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Look at you. I came all the way here, and you are still so busy."
Guo Panwei was stunned. "Scolded? Aunty, who dares to scold Chief Dong? " Guo Panwei thought to himself. There were people who dare to scold Chief Dong. Zhou Guoan and Guo Shunjie had scolded Chief Dong. But both of them were invited to tea by the Commission for Discipline Inspection and never returned. After that incident, everyone will think twice before scolding Chief Dong.
Sun Zhuang replied: "I … … I will also help you."
"It's what you should do."
Outside the building.
Tan Limei looked at Guo Panwei and said: "We are going back too."
It was Tan Limei. "Hehe, Chief Dong, Happy New Year. I wish you all the best."
The sound of firecrackers outside was deafening, and the streets were filled with the Lunar New Year atmosphere. Dong Xuebing felt like he was celebrating Lunar New Year. Ever since he was appointed as Deputy Section Chief yesterday, he had been sleeping happily. He was overjoyed. He pasted a red couplet outside his door and changed the 'Fu' character on the door. After that, he went back to his room and washed his hands. He started to make bread and chives dumplings in the living room.
Guo Panwei walked out of the kitchen with a smile on his face. "Chief Dong, Aunty, the dumplings are ready."
The woman next door asked: "Wait. Didn't your Xiao Bing get promoted?"
"Ah … … You are almost 50? No, no, I think you think I'm forty. "
Luan Xiaoping was speechless when she saw how cautious Dong Xuebing was. She thought to herself. Am I so scary? The children in the village always said I am a gentle person. Why are you so cautious when I am around? Luan Xiaoping sat down on the sofa. "You don't have to be so polite. Just treat this place as your own home. Are you busy with work recently?" She tried to start a conversation.
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Just come in. What's there to bring? Hurry up and come in."
Guo Panwei picked up the kettle and poured water for Luan Xiaoping. He also filled up Dong Xuebing's glass of water.
After walking out of Dong Xuebing's apartment, Tan Limei looked at the bottle of Maotai in Zhuang Zhi's hand and sighed. "We had asked Chief Bing Zhi to help us, and not only he did not accept our gifts, he even took our gifts. What's wrong with him?"
Luan Xiaoping had never been complimented like this before. She smiled brightly. "Miss, are you tired? Have a seat and drink some water. I will brew some tea for you. "
Half an hour later.
Before Dong Xuebing left, he went through the things they brought and said. "Leave the fruits and China knots. Take the cigarettes back."
The only regret was this year's Lunar New Year was so quiet.
Sun Zhuang also did not stay idle. He took a broom and started to clean his apartment.
After greeting the leaders, Dong Xuebing continued to roll the dumpling wrappers.
Dong Xuebing blinked. Commission for Discipline Inspection? That's not bad. At least it's better than the filing office.
The lady said. "But I heard everyone is saying this. Oh, maybe there is a mistake. Haha … that Xiao Bing is also capable. He had even chased away that arrogant Section Chief Xu. His apartment is rented out to an agent, and now, it is a couple who sells clothes in Lubei. "Luan Xiaoping was stunned. Section Chief Xu? That high-ranking official living above her apartment? Xiao Bing had chased him away? What does this mean? How did Xiao Bing get rid of him? But before Luan Xiaoping could ask, the lady next door said. "My relatives are here, and I will go out to receive them. Let's visit when you are free."
"Ah … how can we do that? Zhuang Zhi and I will go over to help you!"
Guo Panwei, Tan Limei, and Sun Zhuang looked at Dong Xuebing. Of course, they also want to stay. This is not a matter of a meal. It's a matter of attitude. Only people the leaders trust will be invited to have dinner with them, let alone lunch on Lunar New Year's Eve. How much trust does it take to be able to celebrate New Year with the leaders' family?
Seeing that her son was acting like a superior, Luan Xiaoping was very pleased. She also felt a faint sense of pride.
Dong Xuebing laughed and patted his mother's hand. "Mum, you had not returned from your village, and I did not tell you. I wanted to tell you in person. I am promoted to Deputy Chief of the General Affairs Office and had joined the Party. Oh, I was promoted to Deputy Section Chief yesterday. I can be considered a government official now." Dong Xuebing did not tell his mother because he wanted to give his mother a surprise. Dong Xuebing was satisfied to see his mother's stunned expression.
Tan Limei and Sun Zhuang quickly thanked Dong Xuebing.
Luan Xiaoping nodded. "How is our Xuebing doing in the unit? Did he get scolded by the leaders? This kid … he doesn't even tell me anything. "
Guo Panwei quickly replied. "Auntie, after Chief Dong entered the government service, he had achieved so many things. He can do anything that others cannot, and there is no problem he cannot solve. I think even if Chief Dong is promoted to Section Chief … … No … … Deputy Section Chief, no one will say anything."
In the end, Dong Xuebing also called Xie Huilan. As expected, Xie Huilan's number is the hardest to reach among all the leaders. Dong Xuebing called Chief Xu twice and Chief Zhen four times. But what about Xie Huilan? 18 times! Dong Xuebing called 18 times, but the line was still busy. On the 19th call, Xie Huilan's magnetic voice answered. How many people are calling her to wish her Lunar New Year? Also, this is not the peak period for people to wish her Lunar New Year.
Guo Panwei hesitated and looked inside. "This … … is it appropriate?"
But the person standing outside the door was Guo Panwei. He was holding two big bags with a smile on his face. "Chief Dong, Happy New Year. I had brought some gifts for you. I will not be going in. You carry on with your work." By right, it should be during the first, second, and third days of the year to wish the leaders a Lunar New Year. But Guo Panwei knew Chief Xiao Dong's family situation, and his family should not have many relatives. That's why he wants to see if he can help.
Tan Limei also said. "I will help Auntie."
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Panwei is in the kitchen."
"Oh, you are also from the General Affairs Office?"
Sun Zhuang also replied. "Happy New Year, Auntie."
Luan Xiaoping could tell what was going on. "Daughter, are the two of you looking for Xuebing?"
"Ah! Sorry to disturb you. "
It's Lunar New Year.
Dong Xuebing thought it was his mother and walked over to open the door.
Tan Limei and Sun Zhuang placed the gifts they had brought in the living room. Dong Xuebing could see a few red China knots and some fruits. Oh, there are also two cartons of Chunghwa cigarettes. Luan Xiaoping was shocked. Even if she does not smoke, she knew how much Chunghwa cigarettes cost. Tan Limei smiled and said to Dong Xuebing. "Chief Dong, I am here to make dumplings for you."
Luan Xiaoping replied apologetically. "Thank you for your hard work. Come and have some fruits." She lowered her head and looked at Tan Limei, who was massaging her legs. Luan Xiaoping quickly helped her up. "Daughter, you look tired. Don't bother yourself. Get up. Auntie will prepare lunch for you."
After dinner, Guo Panwei helped Luan Xiaoping clean up the dishes and left. This time, Luan Xiaoping didn't stop him. She knew that no one would be idle during the Lunar New Year. However, Tan Limei and Sun Zhuang didn't leave. When Guo Panwei left, Sun Zhuang looked like he wanted to say something. Tan Limei opened her mouth but didn't say anything. Instead, she ran to Luan Xiaoping and massaged her back and legs.
Ring … ring … ring … Dong Xuebing's phone rang. He did not recognize the number and answered.
"Huh?!" Luan Xiaoping was shocked. "You are promoted to Deputy Section Chief?"
"Yes."
Dumplings are for dinner, and there are a few home-cooked dishes for lunch.
Luan Xiaoping was stunned for a moment before she laughed, "What promotion? His probation period is not over yet. "
Luan Xiaoping was overjoyed when she knew her son was promoted. She will not let them go. "It is almost lunchtime. Stay here. I will go and prepare some dishes."
Luan Xiaoping was stunned. She thought to herself that this person was too polite. Both of you are working in the same office, and why are you pouring tea for my son? You are much older than my son. Luan Xiaoping looked at Dong Xuebing. "Err … how should I address you?"
Tan Limei quickly replied. "Chief Dong, you had helped Sun Zhuang a lot. How can we …"
It was Luan Xiaoping's turn to be stunned. "Chief Dong? What Chief Dong? "
Dong Xuebing's mother grabbed her son's hand. "Xuebing, are you really a government official?"
That person replied. "I have graduated and got a job. The salary is not high, but I can't be compared to your Xiao Bing."
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Thank you. I wish you and Sun Zhuang a happy life." He was one of his family members, and he spoke more casually.
Sun Zhuang finally said: "I think the work in the Political Section … … Erm … … If it is possible … …" The Political Section was one of the more popular departments in the branch bureau. Everyone wanted to go there, but not everyone could get in.
"It's fine. I am here today to see if there is anything I can help you with. My handbags might not look as good as yours and Aunty's handbags, but it will do."
"Of course."
Luan Xiaoping was surprised to see there were two people in the room. Other than her son, who she had not seen for a few months, the other person was a man in his thirties. He looks like he works in the government. Luan Xiaoping took off her coat and entered the room. "You are Xuebing's colleague? Happy New Year to you too. " Luan Xiaoping does not understand why her son's colleague was here today. She saw the man did not even have a cup on his table and looked at her son. "Why don't you pour tea for your colleague?" She said and walked over to pour a glass of tea for him.
"You all are?"
"Chief Xiao Dong. I am Old Yan. Hahaha … Happy New Year to you. I wish you all the best!"
Tan Limei gasped. "Brother Guo is here too? Then I will not have the chance to perform. How can this be? I need to find something to do. " Dong Xuebing stretched her neck and looked around before holding Luan Xiaoping's hand. "Aunty, I had learned some massage techniques from my mother. Let me massage your shoulders."
"Stop wasting time. Go home and celebrate New Year."
"My family will be having dinner at night, and I am free now. If you are free, I will go over. Actually, Zhuang Zhi and I have something to ask of you. We had planned to visit you on the first day of New Year. "
Dong Xuebing paused for a second. "… Happy New Year."
Luan Xiaoping was happy in her heart, but she still said. "Our Xuebing's salary is not high. He is just a staff member, and 3,000 RMB is too much. He only gets to give some gifts during New Year."
Dong Xuebing does not know what's wrong with these two today. They are too passionate. Also, why are they giving him so many gifts for New Year's greetings? Oh, they had told Dong Xuebing over the phone that they have something to ask of him. Dong Xuebing did not stop them. His mother had worked hard for most of her life, and he has some authority now. It's time for his mother to enjoy her life.
"Thank you, Chief Dong. Eh, why is it so quiet at your place? Are you alone? "
Luan Xiaoping still does not believe her son. How can he be so capable? Just when she wanted to ask Dong Xuebing to show her his work pass, the doorbell rang. Luan Xiaoping was standing near the door and swallowed her words. She stood up and opened the door. A man and a woman are standing outside. The man is tall and fat, and the woman is petite.
Guo Panwei replied. "No, thank you. If you have nothing else to do, I will not disturb you."
Guo Panwei sat on the sofa and said politely. "Guo Panwei. Aunty, you can call me Xiao Guo." Dong Xuebing laughed.
"Mum, someone will be coming later. Let's make dumplings. My dumplings do not look good."
Tan Limei glanced at Sun Zhuang and winked at him. Sun Zhuang blushed a little. He was too embarrassed to say anything, so he winked at Tan Limei again. Tan Limei stared at Sun Zhuang angrily and turned to Dong Xuebing. "Chief Dong, Sun Zhuang and I are going to be separated because we are dating. The higher-ups did not give us any new positions. But yesterday, Chief Li Qing had spoken to Sun Zhuang and told him that he will be transferred to the Commission for Discipline Inspection."
"Alright. Thank you for your kind intentions."
Guo Panwei quickly stood up. "Aunty, don't bother. I will do it myself."
Luan Xiaoping smiled. "Happy New Year. How is your son? Have you graduated from university? "
"Are you Aunty? Nice to meet you, Aunty. "
Aunt Xuan is still not married and will be spending Lunar New Year with her parents. She should be spending the Lunar New Year with her grandparents. Because her family is big, Aunt Xuan had gone to prepare dinner yesterday. Dong Xuebing's mother is on the way to Beijing and had not arrived yet. That's why he can only knead the dough by himself.
Luan Xiaoping was still confused. Results? Don't you know your own son? He had been clumsy since young. What results can he achieve? It's good enough if he does not cause trouble!
Dong Xuebing stopped Luan Xiaoping. "Panwei, don't knead. Sit down and wait for a while."
Luan Xiaoping looked at the bottle of Maotai and said. "Just take it. Xuebing does not drink."
Tan Limei laughed. "Chief Dong … …"
Guo Panwei exclaimed. "You don't know?"
Tan Limei sighed. "That's right. I have never met such a good leader. I don't know how Chief Bing Zhi treats others, but I know he treats his subordinates well. Do you still remember when Guo Shunjie tried to frame Chief Bing Zhi, Sister Chang, and me? If it wasn't for Director Bing Zi taking all the responsibility for me and Sister Chang, we would have been in trouble. Sigh … where else can we find such a good leader? "
Tan Limei laughed. "Aunty, you must be Chief Dong's mother. Nice to meet you. Happy New Year."
Dong Xuebing smiled. "He had just entered the house."
"What do I know?"
Dong Xuebing thought for a while. "Alright. I will help you ask him after Lunar New Year. It should not be a problem." Dong Xuebing's relationship with the higher-ups is good now.
Tan Limei replied. "I'm not tired. I still have not massaged your legs."
Luan Xiaoping heard them addressing her son as Chief Dong, and she had no choice but to believe them. She opened the door and let them in.
Just as he put down the phone, the doorbell rang. Ding dong, ding dong.
Dong Xuebing laughed. "Just say what you want. When did you become so shy?"
Dong Xuebing waved his hand. "It's fine if there is a gathering at home. Family is more important during Lunar New Year. If you are free, you can stay for dinner. We are all family, and there is no need to be so polite." After saying this, Dong Xuebing had a smug look on his face. Heh … I am becoming more like a leader.
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