Before noon, around 11 am.
The sky was gloomy, and it was windy outside.
Dong Xuebing finished his work and looked at the time. He wore his coat and left the Commission for Discipline Inspection building. He did not go to his car. Instead, he walked out of the compound towards a bicycle shop twenty minutes away. He looked around before going in.
“Sir, are you looking for a bicycle?” A staff approached Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing pointed to a bicycle beside him. “This bike will do. How much is it?”
The staff replied. “Two hundred and ninety-eight.”
“Ok. Could you give me a lock too? Do you sell gloves here?”
“Yes. They are at the counter.”
“I don’t want the thick gloves. I want the thinner ones.”
After paying, Dong Xuebing rode away on his bicycle a few minutes later, towards Liu Yang Restaurant. He parked his bike at the bicycle stand, and he thought about his plan again in his mind. He got everything ready and checked the time. It was noon, and he entered the restaurant slowly.
The restaurant was not crowded and was almost empty.
Wan Sizhao was sitting behind a partition on the first floor, drinking tea. “Your business is badly affected by that incident. You don’t have many customers.”
Xu Dabing sat opposite Wan Sizhao. “Err…. A little.”
Wan Sizhao continued. “Don’t worry. I will not let you suffer losses. I contacted a few Xi Ping District departments. They will dine at your restaurant in the future.”
Xu Dabing was overjoyed. “Thank you, Chief Wan.”
“Don’t mention it. Oh, prepare a private room for me later. I am having lunch with Dong Xuebing.”
Xu Dabing was surprised. “Dong Xuebing from the City Commission for Discipline Inspection?”
“Don’t worry. It will be fine. Prepare a room for us.”
Xu Dabing nodded. “You must be careful. I had heard a lot about him.”
Wan Sizhao does not know why Dong Xuebing wants to meet him, but he is not worried. Fen Zhou City is his turf, and Qu Yunxuan’s case was over. There’s nothing Dong Xuebing can do now, and he is interested to see what he is up to.
Dong Xuebing entered the restaurant.
Xu Dabing saw Dong Xuebing through the partition. “Dong Xuebing is here.”
Wan Sizhao continued drinking his tea. “Carry on with your work. I will go out after I finish my tea.”
Xu Dabing walked out from the partition to greet Dong Xuebing. “Director Dong, welcome….”
“Boss Xu.” Dong Xuebing looked at him. “My cousin’s case had concluded. I still have not thanked you for helping with the investigation.”
Xu Dabing’s face changed. “Oh, it’s our duty to assist with the Public Security Bureau.”
“Well said.” Dong Xuebing nodded. “I am asking you the last time. Did you see Wan Sizhao leaving the restaurant before my cousin jumped out of the window?” He saw Xu Dabing was about to answer, and he interrupted him. “Think carefully before you answer.”
Dong Xuebing was not soft-hearted, and he was never ruthless. He had looked into Xu Dabing. The restaurant was chosen by Qu Yunxuan, who had no dealings with Wan Sizhao before that incident. He might be threatened or forced by Wan Sizhao to testify for him. That’s why Dong Xuebing gave him another chance.
Xu Dabing had thought about it, and Wan Sizhao was behind the partition near them. He replied without thinking. “Director Dong, I had told the police what I saw. Your cousin was drunk and jumped out of the windows. I will never lie. You should have heard from Team Leader Li Taibo. She smelled of alcohol when they arrived.”
Dong Xuebing patted Xu Dabing’s shoulder. “Alright. I had given you a chance. Don’t blame me for what happened next.”
Xu Dabing thought nothing about it.
“Oh, Director Dong. You are here.” Wan Sizhao stepped out from the partition slowly.
Dong Xuebing looked at Wan Sizhao. He had arrived, but he purposely made Dong Xuebing wait for him. This was the most arrogant Section Chief he had ever met. He turned to Xu Dabing. “I want a private room. Oh, I want room 28 on the fourth floor.”
Xu Dabing was shocked.
Wan Sizhao narrowed his eyes.
The fourth floor, room 28, was the room which Qu Yunxuan jumped out from.
Xu Dabing quickly said. “Sorry, that room is closed.”
“Then open it.” Dong Xuebing coldly replied. “Is there any problem?”
Wan Sizhao laughed. “Let’s have lunch in room 28. I like that room.”
Xu Dabing hesitated for a second. “I will show you all the way.”
“No need.” Dong Xuebing said. “Just get your staff to serve the food.”
As Dong Xuebing and Wan Sizhao were about to go upstairs, Luo Haiting and Li Taibo entered the restaurant. They were surprised to see them together.
“I will book a room.” Luo Haiting pretended not to see them and went to the customer service counter.
Li Taibo frowned and called Xu Dabing over. He asked softly. “What is going on?”
Xu Dabing replied. “Dong Xuebing had invited Chief Wan to lunch. I suspect he is up to something, and he insisted on room 28.”
Room 28 was the room where the incident happened, and Li Taibo’s face changed. Is Dong Xuebing going to take his revenge on Wan Sizhao? Shouldn’t he be doing it behind his back or asking him out secretly? Why did he pick a place where everyone could see them? He should not do anything crazy as a Discipline Inspection leader. What is he planning?
Dong Xuebing’s weird behavior made Li Taibo wary, and he remembered Luo Haiting’s position. She is the Inspection First Office’s Deputy Director and Dong Xuebing’s subordinate.
Li Taibo immediately called his friend. “Old Li, bring Old Wang and the rest to Liu Yang Restaurant…. No…. it is not for work. I just want to treat you all to lunch. Just come over. I will book a private room for you all. Alright. I am with a friend here and will not join you all. Just enjoy the lunch.”