Power and Wealth

Sunday morning. It is bright and sunny.

Dong Xuebing was sweeping his living room lazily. If he still doesn’t clean up his apartment, it will become a pigsty.

Ring, ring, ring... It was his house phone, and Dong Xuebing went over to answer it. It was the security guard from the guardhouse. “Hello, Chief Dong, there is a mother and her daughter looking for you. Her surname is Yu.” If Yu Meixia entered the compound with her head upright, the guards would not stop her. But they were loitering outside, hesitating whether if they should enter and looked suspicious.

Dong Xuebing wondered why they are looking for him. He told the security guard: “Tell them my unit number and let them enter.”

“Yes.”

After a while, the doorbell rang.

Dong Xuebing walked over with his broom and opened the door. He smiled. “How did you two find me here?”

Yu Meixia was still wearing that dirty pair of jeans and grey t-shirts. Yu Qianqian was wearing a dirty middle school uniform. Yu Meixia held her daughter’s hand tightly and replied weakly. “I asked around and they told me that this place is the Public Security Bureau’s quarters. Chief Dong, we... we are here to thank you. These... these are some fruits. Please accept it.” She was holding to a plastic bag from apples and oranges.

“Thank you. Come in.” Dong Xuebing opened the door for them to enter. “Are you feeling better now?”

Yu Meixia put down the fruits and said. “Thanks to you, I am fine now.”

Dong Xuebing nodded. “Visit a doctor when you are unwell and don’t delay. Didn’t you see how scare Qianqian was yesterday? You are not a good mother. Haha...” Yu Meixia’s face turned red and looks guilty. Dong Xuebing suddenly realized he had gotten used to lecturing others these few days and said those things unknowingly. “Err... let’s not talk about this. Want some tea? Oh, I forgot I had run out of tea leaves. How about warm water?”

Yu Meixia quickly waves her hands. “It’s fine. We... We are leaving now and will stop bothering you.”

Dong Xuebing poured two glass of water for them. “I am not working today. Come, have a sit.”

Yu Meixia held Qianqian’s hand and stood in the middle of the living room. “We are fine standing here.”

“Sit! What are you standing there for?”

Yu Meixia lowered her head. “Our clothes are dirty, and I am afraid... we will dirty your sofa...”

Dong Xuebing put on a long face. “Are you not going to sit?”

“I... We... We will sit.”

Yu Meixia panicked when she saw Dong Xuebing getting mad. She quickly pulled her daughter over and sat on the sofa, cautiously. Yu Qianqian was hugging her mother’s arm and looking around curiously. She looked at the LCD TV, the hanging lights and touched the leather sofa. Yu Meixia saw it and quickly pulled back her daughter’s hand and used her sleeves to wipe the handprints on the couch. “Chief Dong, sorry... She is still young...”

Dong Xuebing wanted to laugh. “Can you two stop being so tense? Relax and be at home.”

Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian dared not relax and sat there quietly as they do not know what to do or say. Yesterday, after Dong Xuebing left the hospital, Yu Meixia swore that she must repay Dong Xuebing’s gratitude. But Dong Xuebing is a high-ranking government official and does not need anything. There was no way she can repay him. she thought for a while and looked at Dong Xuebing gratefully. “I will think of a way to return 210,000 RMB to you. I will look for work this afternoon.”

Dong Xuebing shook his head. “You don’t need to return the money. It’s fine.”

“How can I don’t return the money to you? We are grateful for your...”

“Let’s talk about something else.”

Yu Meixia paused for a while and noticed the broom beside the door. She quickly stood up and ran over. “I will help you sweep the floor.”

Yu Qianqian looked at her mother and pick up a rag on the table and start wiping.

Dong Xuebing was speechless. “What are you two doing? Drop it. I will sweep it later.”

Yu Meixia ignored Dong Xuebing and start sweeping the living room. She really wants to do something for Dong Xuebing, or she will feel uneasy. Dong Xuebing looked at her and knew she will not listen. He did not stop her and snatched the rag from Yu Qianqian. Yu Qianqian had refused to handover the cloth, but her strength was no match for him. Dong Xuebing switched on the TV and switched to a channel playing cartoons for her to watch. After a few seconds, Yu Qianqian’s eyes were glued to the TV. She seldom gets to watched TV in the past.

After a while, Yu Meixia had cleaned up the living room and even mopped it.

Dong Xuebing said. “Sister Yu, take a break. Thank you.”

Yu Meixia did not want to rest and looked at the closed bedroom door. “Let me clean your bedroom for you. Errr.... Is your... wife in the room?”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “I am single.”

Yu Meixia paused for a second and asked. “Then what about your meals?”

Dong Xuebing replied. “Sometimes, I will cook myself or I will eat outside.”

Yu Meixia lowered her head and looked at Dong Xuebing timidly. “Chief Dong, I... I am not educated and don’t have any skills. But I am good at household chores... If you don’t mind... Since I don’t have a job now, I can... can I be your helper?”

Dong Xuebing was surprised. Helper?

Yu Meixia quickly said. “I can come over to prepare breakfast every morning. After you left for work, I will help you wash your clothes and clean up the house. If you are coming back during lunch, I will prepare it for you too. It is the same for dinner. Errr... the salary... just give me 1,000... No... 800 is enough. But I will not take money from you and hope you will use my salary as repayment to the money I owe you.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “I said you don’t need to return the money. You might need to work for the rest of your life to repay me with 800 RMB monthly.”

Yu Meixia bites her lower lips. “Then, I will serve you for the rest of my life.” She saw Dong Xuebing’s expression and blushed. “No... I mean... I am willing to be your helper for the rest of my life.”

Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. Since he was posted to Yan Tai County, Qu Yunxuan is not with him, and his mother seldom visits him. No one is helping him wash his clothes and cook, and it is really inconvenient. When Qin Yong suggested hiring a helper yesterday, Dong Xuebing had considered it. But at his position, he cannot just hire anyone. It must be someone he can trust as he has too many secrets. Yu Meixia is the right candidate. Although she is soft and cries easily, her character seems fine. Maybe her only flaw was her looks. She is too pretty and there will bound to have rumors.

Yu Meixia looked at Dong Xuebing. “If you think I am not good enough... just forget everything I said. I will...”

“That’s not it.” Dong Xuebing thought for a while. Who cares about rumors? I am already under the spotlight, and there is no way I can remain low. Just let those people say whatever they want. “Actually, even if you don’t mention this, I am also planning to hire someone. My work is too busy and I don’t have time to clean up my apartment. Since you offered, I will not take advantage of you. Ok. I will give you 3,000 RMB monthly and 1,000 will be deducted as repayment to that 210,000 RMB. You will keep the remaining 2,000 as your salary.”

Yu Meixia quickly replied. “No... the salary is too high. The salary for helpers is 1,000 RMB.”

Dong Xuebing said. “How can you compare me with others?”

Yu Meixia thought for a while and felt Dong Xuebing was right. He is a high ranking leader with Public Security. “Chief Dong, I know you are helping me, but 3,000 is too high.”

Dong Xuebing laughed and shook his head. “Don’t think it is easy to earn this 3,000. This is the Public Security Bureau’s family quarters, and you have to watch your actions and what you say. Especially when someone visits me, I will not let you off if you say something inappropriate.”

Yu Meixia sighed. “Thank you.”

Dong Xuebing asked. “Where are you two staying now?”

“We had to check out of that hotel and... we still not find any place.”

Dong Xuebing nodded and points to a bedroom. “You and Qianqian can stay in that room.”

“No... we can’t...” Yu Meixia’s eyes turned red and knew Chief Dong is trying to help them again. “We will rent a room nearby.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “Save it. I am worried about both of you. Furthermore, don’t helpers get lodging and food nowadays? It is the same here. Just stay here. Clean up that room and bring your luggage over later. That’s settled.”

Within 2 days, Yu Meixia and Yu Qianqian’s lives had changed for the better. Yu Meixia had never expected Chief Dong to help her repay her debts and even hired her. Now, he had even provided lodging for her and her daughter. The salary Dong Xuebing is giving her more than enough for her to live comfortably in the county. Now, she doesn’t need to pay rent, and even meals are provided. This is... Yu Meixia was about to cry again.

Dong Xuebing looked at her helplessly. “Sister Yu, you are in your 30s. Why do you cry so easily?”

Yu Meixia wiped her tears and nodded. She turned to her daughter and hugged her. “Qianqian, we don’t need to sleep along the streets in the future... Quick... kowtow to Chief Dong.” Yu Qianqian’s eyes were also red and were about to kneel down in front of Dong Xuebing.

Dong Xuebing gave them a stare. “Stop it!”

Yu Meixia stopped moving and dare not kneel.

Dong Xuebing waved to Yu Qianqian asking her to sit beside him. “You are in Middle School and is a big girl now. You don’t need to do everything your mother tells you to. Just call me Big brother in the future. Also, if you want to watch TV or play computer games, just go ahead. Treat this place as your home, and if your mother doesn’t allow you, let me know. I will scold her. Ok?”

Yu Qianqian nodded. “Thank you, brother.”

Dong Xuebing passed the remote control to Yu Qianqian. “Ok. Watch cartoons by yourself.” He stood up. “Sister Yu, come with me.”

Yu Meixia followed Dong Xuebing to his bedroom.

Dong Xuebing opened a drawer and took out a bunch of keys. “These are the keys. Go and make a set for Yu Qianqian, and don’t lose it. Oh, also...” He took out a stack of RMB. “There are 5,000 RMB here. This is for household expenses and food. I will leave all the buying of groceries and household items to you. Don’t be afraid of spending money and let me know when you finish spending.”

Yu Meixia took the money. “But 5,000 is more than enough for one month’s food. I think 2,000 is sufficient....”

Dong Xuebing took a glance at Yu Meixia’s voluptuous body. “I know it is more than enough. I want you to use the remaining 2 to 3 thousand to get new clothes and shoes for Qianqian and yourself. Also, you need to buy daily necessities as my place doesn’t have these things for you two.”

Yu Meixia looked down at her dirty shoes and clothes and blushed. She did not reject Dong Xuebing’s offer and kept the money. She knows that as a leader’s helper, her top priority is not cooking or doing household chores. Not embarrassing Dong Xuebing is the most important.

Ring, ring, ring... Dong Xuebing’s phone rang.

It was Office Director Hu Silian calling to inform Dong Xuebing about an emergency meeting about a case at the command center. After hanging up, Dong Xuebing told Yu Meixia. “Alright. Go and buy some clothes. I need to go back to the bureau now and should be back for lunch.”

Yu Meixia walked Dong Xuebing out of the house like a newlywed wife. “Please take care.”

1 hour...

2 hours...

The meeting at the bureau was about a case of children smuggling. This case is not under Dong Xuebing’s jurisdiction, and he was there for discussion. After the meeting end, Dong Xuebing informed Hui Tian Village Station to do preventive work and look out for clues. After that, he packed his things and returned to his apartment.

Dong Xuebing inserted his key and opened the door.

The air smells of shampoo. Dong Xuebing looked towards his bathroom and realized someone is bathing. There are a few sets of woman’s clothes on the sofa. These should the clothes bought by Yu Meixia, but Dong Xuebing had never seen these packaging or brands. Dong Xuebing shook his head as he knew Yu Meixia should have tried to save money and got them from roadside stores.

Dong Xuebing lit a cigarette and watched the news.

Suddenly, he heard the mother and daughter talking in the bathroom.

“Mum, what is this small bottle for? It’s sticky.”

“I think this is for the hair. It says hair gel on the bottle, and I think people in the City use this to comb their hair.”

“Have you use it before?”

“We are poor and cannot afford these things. Qianqian put it back and let me scrub your back for you. We must look clean and not embarrass Chief Dong.” After a while, the water sound stopped. “Alright. You are clean now. Come and put on these new clothes.”

“Mum, this dress is beautiful. I... What if I dirtied it?”

“I will wash it for you. Raise your hands. I will help you it on.”

“I... I... still have not put on the singlet.”

“Oh, I forgot about it. I had left it on the sofa. Wait here. I will get it.”

Suddenly the bathroom’s door opened and Dong Xuebing turned towards the sound. The next moment, Dong Xuebing almost had a nosebleed. Yu Meixia was not wearing her long john’s pants, and her hair was dripping wet. She was only wearing the long john’s top and a pair of white panties.

Yu Meixia was about to walk towards the sofa when she saw Dong Xuebing sitting there smoking. “Chief... Chief Dong... you are back? Ah!!!” She quickly covered her lower body with her hands and ran back into the bathroom. She shouted from inside. “I’m... I’m sorry... I don’t know you are back so early and used the bathroom without your permission.”

Dong Xuebing was slightly embarrassed and replied. “It’s fine...” He felt Yu Meixia’s figure was quite good and had not noticed it before.

Yu Meixia comes out from the bathroom again, fully dressed. She dares not look at Dong Xuebing in his eyes and quickly walked to the sofa to take her daughter’s clothes, before returning to the bathroom. After a while, they walked out of the bathroom holding hands. Yu Meixia was wearing a pair of black pants and a T-shirt, and Yu Qianqian was wearing a long dress.

Dong Xuebing was stunned by their beautiful looks, and they looked almost identical. “Alright... you two looks better.”

Yu Meixia said softly. “I..., I will prepare lunch for you now. I had prepared the ingredients.”

Yu Meixia was determined to show Dong Xuebing her best performance and prepared her best dishes. But she was too nervous and scalded her hand when cooking. She had never used a gas stove before and don’t know how to control the fire. She even dropped a plate into the wok accidentally. She looked at the entrance of the kitchen and was relieved to see Chief Dong not looking at her.

About 5 minutes later, Yu Meixia cooked a few dishes and brought them out to the dining table.

Dong Xuebing walked over and saw there was only one bowl of rice there. “Have you all eaten?”

Yu Meixia was standing by the side with her daughter. “No... We... We will wait for you to finish first.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Go and get your rice and eat with me. Hurry or the food will get cold.” Dong Xuebing picked up his chopsticks and tasted the food. Hmm... the food is not as good as Aunt Xuan, but it is much better than my cooking. “The food is quite good.” He said and secretly peeped at Yu Meixia’s body.

Yu Meixia finally smiled after Dong Xuebing’s compliment and sat down with her daughter.

While eating, Dong Xuebing asked. “You also cook at home in the past?”

Yu Meixia replied with a sad look. “Yes. Qianqian’s father gambles every day and never help out at home.”

Dong Xuebing disliked Yu Meixia’s dead husband. How can he gamble with such a beautiful wife and daughter waiting for him at home? He can still owe so much debt? This man is nuts! If Dong Xuebing could marry Xie Huilan or Qu Yunxuan, he will not go anywhere except for work.

After lunch, Dong Xuebing sat on the sofa, rubbing his forehead. He was really tired these few days.

Yu Meixia walked out of the kitchen after washing the dishes and saw Dong Xuebing. She turns to her daughter. “Qianqian, go back to the room to do your homework.”

Yu Qianqian acknowledges and returns to the room.

Yu Meixia gritted her teeth and walked over to Dong Xuebing. “Chief Dong, are you having a headache? I... I... can give you a massage.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “It’s fine.”

“I can massage very well. Can you please try it?”

“Err...” Dong Xuebing had a bad headache. “Alright...”

Yu Meixia blushed. Other than her husband, she had never given another man a massage. She rolled up her sleeves and slowly kneaded Dong Xuebing’s head lightly. Dong Xuebing got to admit that she was really good with her hands. Yu Meixia saw Dong Xuebing closing his eyes enjoying her massage, and put in more effort. After finishing massaging his head, she asked. “I... Can I massage your back?”

Dong Xuebing nodded. “Thank you.”

“It’s fine. This is what I should do.” Yu Meixia lowered her hands to Dong Xuebing’s shoulders and back. “Is this strength... ok?”

“You can press harder.”

“How about this?”

“Ok... this is perfect.”

Dong Xuebing was in heavens. Getting Yu Meixia as his helper is the right decision. Cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc. are not necessary. Her massage skills are the best. Dong Xuebing loves to be massaged and hopes Yu Meixia will massage him every day after he returns home. Which helper will provide massage services to the opposite sex?!