Power and Wealth

Chapter 1549: Talk

Ups and downs.

Rise and fall.

The air near the school gate almost congealed, and with several twists and turns, the development of events was unbelievable to everyone.

"Are you ready?" Dong Xuebing asked.

Vice Principal Wang hesitated, "Yes, it's next to the teaching building."

Dong Xuebing nodded, "Okay, let someone lead us there."

Dong Quan was still watching He Zhengfei's departing figure as if he still hoped that He could resolve the situation for him.

"Dong Quan, we can go now," Dong Xuebing said, looking into his eyes, then walked ahead.

Seeing this, Dong Quan had no choice. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection summoned him for a conversation; he had to go.

As Dong Quan walked into the teaching building, the atmosphere momentarily quieted. Then, many passionate students erupted into cheers and applause.

"Good!"

"He deserves it!"

"Who asked him to act so arrogantly?"

"This kind of person deserves such treatment!"

"Our senior doesn't seem like a Division Chief level leader!"

"Haha, people can't judge a book by its cover. The Deputy County Mayor finally met his match!"

However, it was just a conversation, and Dong Quan hadn't apologized or paid any compensation. People didn't know how things would develop, so they stayed and waited at the entrance of the teaching building. Sun Ruhua and Le Haidong also accompanied Teacher Jiang inside.

Inside.

First floor corridor.

The first classroom on the left.

After the staff member led them there and left, Dong Xuebing pushed the door open and walked in. He sat on a chair and said, "Have a seat and close the door."

Dong Quan closed the door. At this point, he had calmed down. Although he didn't understand why He Zhengfei had left unexpectedly, Dong Quan didn't sense anything wrong. He didn't think this was his responsibility. It had escalated to this point, and he certainly couldn't apologize. If he did, where would he put his face? The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection couldn't handle such matters. It was a civil dispute under the jurisdiction of the transportation department. Dong Quan hadn't cursed or hit anyone, so it wasn't the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection's concern. Therefore, he believed Dong Xuebing had limited authority over him.

"What's the matter?" Dong Quan asked.

He thought Dong Xuebing would bring up the incident of him hitting someone and accuse him of having a problematic ideology. He had a series of responses prepared for that.

However, Dong Xuebing didn't mention the incident at all. He looked at Dong Quan and said calmly, "Was the Wuyang City Sports Center recently completed?"

Dong Quan was taken aback. "Huh?"

"I'm asking you whether it is or not," Dong Xuebing pressed.

"Yes, it was just completed," Dong Quan frowned.

Dong Xuebing nodded, "But according to our information, Wuyang City already has two sports centers. With this new one, it's the third, right?"

"The old sports center has been in disrepair for years. With the completion of the new one, the old one will be gradually phased out," Dong Quan explained.

Dong Xuebing said expressionlessly, "Years of disrepair? According to our investigation, one of the old sports centers has been standing for twenty years, while the other for only ten. I want to ask you, does this qualify as ‘years of disrepair'? Why waste money to build a new sports center if it merely needs repair?" Without waiting for an explanation, Dong Xuebing continued, "I can tell you unequivocally that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection has received a report. The materials have been sent to the office, and the leadership has assigned our Eighth Supervision Office to handle the case. The central government has been advocating against extravagance and waste, yet your actions contradict this. What does this imply? Explain to me."

"We…" Dong Quan attempted to explain.

Dong Xuebing interrupted him, "Actually, you don't need to explain. We already understand the situation and will further investigate. In a few days, we may go down to your city to gather more information and take additional measures. Be prepared; we may summon leaders from your city and other related provinces for talks. Before the end of the week, I expect to receive a written report from you." Although termed a conversation, it was mostly Dong Xuebing speaking, and he didn't give Dong Quan any chance to speak or explain.

Dong Quan hurriedly said, "This matter is…"

"Save it for your report. I won't listen to explanations," Dong Xuebing asserted firmly. "Any more questions?"

Dong Quan remained silent for a second and said, "No."

Dong Xuebing nodded. "Then let's end it here for today. You may leave."

Feeling disheartened, Dong Quan didn't say anything more and turned to leave. It wasn't that he didn't want to explain; it was just that he didn't have the chance. Moreover, it was clear that Dong Xuebing was targeting him. Explaining further would be futile. For the first time, Dong Quan realized Dong Xuebing's ruthless nature. A minor civil dispute had been seized upon by Dong Xuebing, who wielded the sword of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The power imbalance was too great, leaving Dong Quan extremely passive and vulnerable.

The new sports center project was a provincial leader's initiative. Why was he, Dong Quan, being targeted? This matter was neither big nor small, but it all depended on how the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection handled it. If they were lenient, it might just be a verbal reprimand without administrative penalties, as there were too many vanity projects nationwide to investigate them all. However, if the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was determined to crack down, it was possible for some implicated local officials to receive party warnings or even be removed from their positions.

This blow was too harsh, directly hanging over Dong Quan's head.

Now Dong Quan realized how ridiculous his composure had been upon entering the room. It was the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection; they could find any reason to deal with him easily.

Dong Quan regretted it a bit. He believed the new sports center project was dispensable, perhaps just a means to pressure their province. But whether it was merely pressure was uncertain because he had collided with someone's teacher. It was hard to say whether the other party would hold a grudge; Dong Quan was certain Dong Xuebing would. If he didn't even respect the Beijing City Deputy Mayor's authority, why would he care about a deputy mayor of a prefecture-level city?

This was trouble.

Dong Quan sensed an urgent danger. He understood that if this matter wasn't handled properly, his political career might end.