Power and Wealth

On the highway.

Inside the minibus.

The small official from the county party committee, Su Yan, frowned after listening to the big man’s words and said, “Everyone is having a hard time. Isn’t this a bit out of line?”

The big man replied, “We’ve always done it this way.”

Su Yan said, “Highway fees should be included in the ticket price.”

“We didn’t include them. We only collect them later,” the big man said casually.

Su Yan was displeased. “But it shouldn’t be ten RMB for each person. How much is the highway fee for the whole vehicle?”

The big man glanced at him, “Section Chief Su, I’m giving you face by not charging you, but don’t interfere with others. If anyone doesn’t pay, get them off the bus.”

Su Yan tried to say a few more things, but the big man ignored him.

If Su Yan were a department head, the big man might have given him some consideration, but he had no regard for him as a deputy section chief with no real power. Waiving his highway fee was already a concession, and he wouldn’t let others off the hook either. This would be cutting off their source of income, so the big man paid no more attention. The thin, tall driver in front also turned around to look at the passengers and urged them.

Su Yan was left with no other option.

Seeing that even a county-level official was ignored and some people seemed to be in a hurry, everyone reluctantly started pulling out their money.

One person, then another, many people handed over their money.

The big man walked around the bus, collecting money from each person, smiling.

There’s a herd mentality in China; once one person pays, it becomes easier for others to do the same.

The big man counted the small bills in his hand. Eventually, everyone had paid. The big man walked to the last row and looked towards Dong Xuebing and Su Yan. Su Yan didn’t need to pay since the big man had already given him his face, so the big man’s gaze focused on Dong Xuebing.

“Money,” the big man stared at him.

Dong Xuebing squinted and looked at him, “I don’t have any.”

The big man glared, “Oh, we’ve got a tough guy here. I’ve been in this line of work long and have seen people like you. No money? Fine, get off the bus.”

Dong Xuebing smiled, “Why should I get off?”

“No money. Walk the rest of the way,” the big man said sternly.

Dong Xuebing said, “But I’ve already paid for the ticket. Why should I get off?”

The big man sneered, “Didn’t you hear what I said? Pay up or get lost. There’s no second option. Stop dawdling.”

He started cursing.

Dong Xuebing shrugged, “But I don’t have any money. Even if I did, I wouldn’t give it to you.”

The big man was tall, strong, and very fierce, while Dong Xuebing, thin and weak, made a stark contrast. Seeing the two about to clash and possibly also in a hurry, Su Yan pulled out his wallet and said, “Alright, I’ll pay for him. Let’s get moving.”

The big man thought this was acceptable and reached out for the money.

But the next moment, Dong Xuebing snatched the ten RMB from Su Yan’s hand and put it back, saying, “Thanks, but no need.”

Su Yan felt helpless.

The big man, however, was enraged, feeling as if he had been slapped in the face. He pointed angrily at Dong Xuebing’s nose and said, “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, “I’m just asking for it. So what?”

After traveling such a long distance, the big man had never encountered anyone like Dong Xuebing. “Alright, kid, if you don’t want to pay, get off the bus.”

Dong Xuebing shrugged and said, “What if I don’t get off?”

The big man glared, “Then don’t blame me for being rude.”

“Oh.” Dong Xuebing stood up, pushing past Su Yan to get out of the bus, “I’d like to see how rude you can be.” If someone who knew Dong Xuebing were there, they would think the big man was being incredibly foolish. Dong Xuebing was someone you did not go against. His temper was far from ordinary; he would act immediately if provoked. Moreover, he was very conscientious—no one could challenge his principles. Dong Xuebing didn’t care who you were.

The big man said coldly, “You asked for it.”

Dong Xuebing faced him directly, “Yes, I did.”

Many people inside the bus tried to dissuade them.

“Kid, just let it go.”

“It’s only ten RMB. Just pay it.”

“Yeah, it’s not worth it for that small amount.”

They were afraid of a fight, and Dong Xuebing was no match for the big man.

Dong Xuebing, however, didn’t care. How could it not be worth it? Damn it, how dare you rob Dong Xuebing of his money? Last time, he faced over sixty people without flinching. Now, just one person was no big deal. What was a highway fee? This was a blatant robbery. He wasn’t going to give in.

The big man’s face darkened, and he said, “Fine.” Without warning, he reached to grab Dong Xuebing’s collar, seemingly intending to drag him off the bus.

Everyone inside held their breath.

But at that moment, Dong Xuebing moved. Before the big man’s hand could reach him, Dong Xuebing suddenly kicked out. This was his signature move and his usual way of handling problems. There was a dull thud as his foot landed on the big man’s stomach. To everyone’s astonishment, the big man was lifted off his feet, his face full of shock as he flew backward, sailing more than three meters through the bus before crashing into the front windshield, which even showed some cracks.

The force of the kick was evident.

The big man gasped for air, nearly choking.

Everyone was dumbfounded. They didn’t expect such a petite and skinny guy to kick such a large man so far. Was this a movie?

The driver was also stunned, not daring to move.

From the force of the kick, it was clear that this young man had some martial arts skills. Otherwise, even with great strength, he couldn’t kick such a heavy man more than three meters. The driver, who was slender and not a fighter, dared not speak up.

But it didn’t end there.

Dong Xuebing had a notorious temper.

After kicking the big man, Dong Xuebing strode over and stood in front of the big man, who was clutching his stomach in pain and moaning. Dong Xuebing looked down at him, grabbed his collar, and said to the driver, “Open the door.”

The driver scared, quickly opened the door.

Dong Xuebing flicked his hand as if tossing a piece of cotton and effortlessly threw the big man out of the bus and onto the highway.

“Let me off the bus?”

Ha! You’re asking for it.