Power and Wealth - Chapter 2026

At the school gate.

Yu Qianqian smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Yu Meixia also said hurriedly, “Sorry to trouble you again, Xuebing.”

Dong Xuebing smiled, “How is this any trouble? It’s just a small matter. Qianqian, if that guy harasses you again, let me know. I’ll come and deal with him. If I’m not in Beijing, call this number.”

He took out his phone and gave her Xie Hao’s number. Although Xie Hao was still young, he was capable of handling such matters. Additionally, considering all aspects, he was the most suitable candidate. Matters involving young people should ideally be handled by those who are young. If he asked his old colleagues in their 30s or 40s for help, it wouldn’t be appropriate for them to do so.

Yu Qianqian nodded firmly and accepted the number.

“You haven’t eaten yet, right?” Dong Xuebing waved. “Let’s grab a bite. Principal Zhang, want to join us?”

Vice Principal Zhang smiled, “Next time. I just ate.”

Vice Principal Zhang said, “Drive safely. Consider visiting your alma mater when you have the opportunity. This will always be your home. Your former teachers still think of you often and mention you all the time.”

Dong Xuebing chuckled, “Sure. I miss Teacher Jiang and the others, too. I’ll be in Beijing for a while this time. I’ll treat everyone to a meal soon.”

As he said this, he brought Yu Qianqian over. “Principal Zhang, this is a younger relative of mine. She just got into our school today and will be a freshman. She’s still young and inexperienced, so I hope you can keep an eye on her when possible.”

Vice Principal Zhang immediately said, “Of course.” He looked at Yu Qianqian kindly and nodded. “If you need anything in school, come find me. My office is on the third floor of the administration building.”

Yu Qianqian sweetly replied, “Thank you, Principal Zhang.”

“Well then, I’ll let you all get on with it.” Vice Principal Zhang left.

The crowd of onlooking students also dispersed.

Dong Xuebing was about to ask Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian to get in the car, but several of Qianqian’s roommates spoke up.

Chubby Liu Fang finally got a chance to get close to Dong Xuebing’s Porsche and exclaimed, “A Porsche Panamera! And the top spec too! This car must be two or three million, right?”

It was clear she loved cars.

Chen Yanyan nudged Yu Qianqian, “Who is this?”

“Yeah, Qianqian. How come you never mentioned you knew someone so powerful?” Her other roommate, Xu Tong, was also shocked. Everyone had seen what just happened.

Yu Qianqian said awkwardly, “He’s my uncle.”

“Your biological uncle?” Liu Fang asked with interest.

“No,” Yu Qianqian replied. “But he’s basically like a real uncle.”

Chen Yanyan said, “Your uncle is amazing. Just standing there, that Sun Bang guy didn’t even dare say a word and ran off. Haha, that was satisfying.”

Seeing Dong Xuebing still waiting, Yu Qianqian said, “Uh, we’re going to eat now.”

Liu Fang crossed her arms with a grin. “Speaking of eating, I’m not going to pretend I didn’t hear that. Qianqian, that’s not cool of you—going to eat and not inviting us? Are you trying to hog all the good food, sisters? Should we let Qianqian off the hook?”

“No!”

“Yeah, I want a feast too, hehe.”

The other two roommates chimed in, clearly wanting to tag along.

Dong Xuebing laughed when he heard this. Seeing that Qianqian had already made good friends in just over ten days of school made him happy. He had been worried she was too soft-spoken and might get bullied, but now he could relax. It was also obvious her roommates genuinely liked her, so he said, “Qianqian, invite your classmates too. Eat whatever you want—pick the place.”

Liu Fang said in surprise, “Really?”

Dong Xuebing replied, “Of course. Just name it.”

Chen Yanyan didn’t hold back. “I want to eat at the Wangfu Hotel. I’ve never even been inside before!”

Xu Tong pushed her. “You’re gutsy. Do you know how expensive a meal is there? You’d scam anyone!”

Dong Xuebing didn’t mind. “Let’s go then. Wangfu it is.”

“You’re serious? No, no, I was kidding,” Chen Yanyan waved her hands.

Liu Fang added quickly, “Uncle, Yanyan was just joking. Let’s go to the school-side restaurant—it’s pretty good.” She pointed nearby.

But Dong Xuebing had already opened the car door. “Get in. If you don’t come, we’re going to Wangfu without you.”

Liu Fang hesitated, then gritted her teeth. “Alright, who’s scared? Let’s go, girls. Qianqian’s uncle is treating us today—time for a taste of luxury.”

Chen Yanyan and the others laughed and got in the car.

There were six of them, and the Porsche could only seat five at most, so petite Chen Yanyan ended up sitting on Liu Fang’s lap.

On the way, the girls chatted non-stop, laughing and shouting with joy.

Watching them, Dong Xuebing felt like he was back in his school days and became nostalgic.

Eventually, the conversation turned to Dong Xuebing.

“Uncle,” Chen Yanyan asked, blinking, “What do you do for work?”

Dong Xuebing laughed, “Why don’t you guess?”

Liu Fang said, “Principal Zhang called you Director Dong—I bet you’re a government official.”

Dong Xuebing, while driving, replied, “Just a civil servant. A servant of the people.”

“So you are an official! A director? Wow. That’s a big deal. You don’t look much older than us, even though Qianqian calls you ‘uncle.’” said Liu Fang.

Dong Xuebing nodded, “I’m about seven or eight years older than you. I graduated from the same university, actually—we’re all alumni.”

They arrived at Wangfu Hotel.

After parking, Dong Xuebing led them inside.

Liu Fang and the others were visibly excited, looking around in awe.

“Wow, it’s beautiful.”

“With a setup like this, the food has to be amazing.”

“Yeah, it’s so grand. Uh… maybe we’re underdressed? If I’d known, I would’ve worn something fancier.”

“You’d still look the same no matter what.”

“Hey! Fangzi, you dare roast your sister?”

They joked and laughed. Even Yu Qianqian joined in cheerfully.

Walking ahead with Yu Meixia, Dong Xuebing looked back and said to her, “Qianqian’s a lot more cheerful now.”

“Yes,” Yu Meixia agreed warmly. “She’s become much more outgoing in the past two years and gets along well with classmates.”

Dong Xuebing asked, “And you? Since Qianqian is studying here, are you planning to stay in Beijing too? I heard your parents arranged a job for you at a bank in Beihe Province.”

Yu Meixia replied, “I’ve already resigned. I’d rather stay here with Qianqian. I’d worry too much otherwise.”

Dong Xuebing nodded, “Then I’ll help you find a job.”

Yu Meixia said, “No need. My parents have already arranged something for me. I start next week at a power company’s business office.”

“Oh, right, I forgot your dad works in the power sector.”

The fact that their family could reunite was all thanks to Dong Xuebing, who helped locate Yu Meixia’s long-lost parents.

Yu Meixia glanced at him. “Did you come today because you needed something?”

Dong Xuebing said, “Nothing important. I just missed you and wanted to see you.”

Yu Meixia blushed and quickly checked behind to make sure her daughter didn’t overhear. Seeing the girls laughing among themselves, she relaxed a little and whispered, “I… I missed you, too.”

Dong Xuebing grinned, “Qianqian’s staying on campus. I’ll sneak over to see you tonight.”

Yu Meixia nodded shyly, then added, “But my place is a bit small. I’m renting and didn’t get anything too expensive—I’m worried you won’t be comfortable.”

Dong Xuebing thought for a moment. “Since you’re settling in Beijing and Qianqian will be studying here for at least four years, you should buy a place. Something nicer.”

Yu Meixia quickly said, “No, no need. I’m fine anywhere. It’s just me—I don’t mind.”

“I said buy it, so buy it. I’ll pay.”

Dong Xuebing took out a bank card and handed it to her. “I forgot how much is in here, but probably three to five million. That should be enough for a two-bedroom. If there’s money left, get a car or something—I won’t interfere.”

Yu Meixia protested, “I can’t take your money.”

“If you don’t take it, I’ll be angry.” Dong Xuebing glared at her.

Yu Meixia softened and quickly took the card. “Okay, okay. I’ll take it. Don’t get mad.”

“That’s more like it. You must use this money to buy yourself a place. Don’t just stash it away—I’ll check, you know.”

They entered the lobby and walked inside.

Dong Xuebing hadn’t made a reservation and didn’t ask for a private room—he just casually had a waiter lead them in.

But before they got far, the Wangfu Hotel’s lobby manager came rushing over, “Oh no, Secretary Dong! I’m so sorry we didn’t greet you properly. I was handling something and didn’t notice. Please don’t take offense, or my boss will fire me, haha.”

This woman in her thirties had met Dong Xuebing a couple of times before when he’d dined here.

Dong Xuebing smiled, “I saw you earlier but didn’t want to bother you.”

She replied politely, “You’re heading to the main dining area? That won’t do! Let me get you a private room. Please wait a moment.”

“No need for that,” Dong Xuebing said.

“I insist! If I slight you, I won’t get my bonus for the next few months. Director Dong, please have mercy—I don’t want to starve next month!” she joked.

Since she insisted, Dong Xuebing didn’t argue. “Alright. Thanks for the trouble.”

Behind him, Liu Fang and Chen Yanyan were stunned again.

Director Dong?

Did the Wangfu Hotel staff know him?

What kind of powerful connections did he have?