Chapter Nine: The "Local Potentate" Makes an Entrance (Part Two)

After Wang Weixin’s impassioned and heartfelt declaration, Teng Deming remained silent. He merely squinted his eyes, gently clenched his fist, and tapped his temple slowly. As for Wang Weixin, he held his teacup with both hands, gulping it down greedily...

“Kanghong Group? Is the big boss named Liu Dong?”

The moment the words left Zhang Maolin’s mouth, he suddenly felt it was rather abrupt to interject at such a critical juncture.

“Yes, yes! It’s President Liu who runs the mining company. Secretary Zhang, I believe you’ve known each other for a long time, haven’t you?” Wang Weixin feigned surprise.

“Oh, well, somewhat, but not very well. We’re merely acquainted,” Zhang Maolin replied grudgingly, immediately regretting his loose tongue.

“Not just acquaintances! You should be quite familiar with each other. You know, your father was the lifesaver for that Mr. Liu back in the day! And I heard that to express this special bond, Liu Dong deposited five million yuan at your city branch. Just for this touching gesture, there’s no doubt about the closeness between you, right?!” Teng Deming smiled slyly as he fixed his gaze on Zhang Maolin.

“Oh, it’s not that dramatic. That was during the Spring Festival two years ago when the whole bank was pushing a ‘holiday deposit increase’ campaign. I was desperate, with nowhere to turn, and just happened to run into him, our lucky god, who was persuaded to contribute a bit to us...” Zhang Maolin answered awkwardly.

“Weixin, Maolin, since both of you are here, this morning Manager Tan called me and asked me to convey a message to you both— it seems he may already know the results of the inspection at your Songyang branch,” Teng Deming said, glancing briefly at Wang Weixin.

Of course, before leaving the provincial capital, I had a brief chat with Manager Tan, who expressed his fundamental stance. Now, judging from your work, the cause and effect are basically clear, and I think it won’t be difficult to handle. Tomorrow, you must assign someone to deliver that three-million-yuan time deposit certificate along with a full explanatory report to the provincial bank’s supervision office. As for the demand deposit passbook, the provincial bank—or rather Manager Tan—prefers it be handled quietly. As long as Wen Lu’s family can provide proof of the origin of the funds, the money should be returned directly to them. Make sure you understand me! A simple explanation of the source is enough, absolutely!

Regarding the Wen and Tao families, the city bank must further work to soothe their emotions. Manager Tan and I insist on considering that Wen Lu did a lot of beneficial work during his lifetime and made significant contributions to the entire jurisdiction, especially the credit business. Therefore, the organization must be responsible to his family. Particularly in providing economic care to Wen Lu’s father-in-law, veteran comrade Tao Shouli, it must exceed the standard for similarly ranked retired cadres of the city bank. Under no circumstances can we let the elder feel disappointed or, worse, saddened.

This is all I can say about Manager Tan’s important instructions. I hope you will proactively engage with the Tao and Wen families and fully utilize the provincial bank’s policies—remember, fully utilize the policies! As someone rooted in Songyang, I can say I have done my utmost. Wen Lu’s family may still raise other demands, and we will discuss them together then. Whatever special situations arise, there must be no direct conflict between us. This is the bottom line for handling the issue. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Manager Teng, I would like to confirm: you just emphasized that Wen Lu’s family needs to provide an explanation for the source of the funds. So, what should our attitude be? Should we— I mean, should we verify every single transaction mentioned in their explanation?” Wang Weixin’s tone was light, even hesitant.

“We’re not the public security or judicial authorities handling a case, why must we scrutinize every penny? I said, as long as Wen Lu’s family produces a statement, that’s enough—understand?” Teng Deming stressed sharply, his brows furrowed.

“Oh, Manager Teng, if—I mean, if—” Zhang Maolin paused slightly, noticing Teng Deming turning his head toward him, then slowly said, “If both Wen and Tao relatives cannot provide any reason, or simply abandon the funds, what should we do?”

“Hm? What did you say?!” Teng Deming’s eyebrows knitted tightly into a pronounced furrow.

“Abandon? Could they? They’re not nouveau riche families. Unless it’s due to negligence on your part! Look, I really need to warn you: if there is the slightest mistake in handling this matter, and the outcome fails to meet our big boss’s expectations, you’ll have to go personally to the provincial capital and explain it to Manager Tan! If that happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you. At that time, those of you who squat on the toilet and don’t do your business will be swiftly replaced by capable people!”

...

Wang Weixin wilted. The fiery zeal he had just felt upstairs instantly dissolved into a sloppy mess. The carefully prepared warm-up for the midday meal suddenly began to unravel!

Wang Weixin knew Teng Deming all too well. Under normal circumstances, although Teng always wore a stern, cold expression before subordinates, he maintained an air of uprightness and earnest instruction. Teng rarely joked with his staff; every word he uttered through clenched teeth carried the weight of business and protocol. Perhaps in Teng’s view, this was dignity and authority—never to be disrespected or challenged. Teng’s anger was terrifying when roused. A single outburst could ruin a subordinate’s career. Over the years, stories like these had filled Wang Weixin’s ears.

Now, Wang Weixin bitterly regretted the earlier “disrespect” he and Zhang Maolin had shown in front of Teng Deming.

—It’s just about finding some subsidies for Tao Shouli’s family, right? That’s a piece of cake compared to those frivolous expenses for food, drinks, and massages! Why must we be so serious before this inspector?

Wang Weixin’s heart was in turmoil. At this moment, he wished he could find a corner somewhere and slap himself hard several times...

“You two go find a room first. I drank strong tea last night and can’t sleep. Let me rest a while...” Sure enough, Teng Deming was sending them away. He lay back on the bed and swiftly pulled a black velvet eye mask from under his pillow.

Wang Weixin and Zhang Maolin exchanged glances before quietly sneaking out of Room 818.