Chapter Twelve: Stepping into the Game (Part Two)

Zhang Maolin’s tone carried a clear note of displeasure. Though he tried his best to contain it, the man sitting across from him was the son of the person his father had sacrificed his life to save, and currently, he was the wealthiest man in Songyang, a figure who could command the wind and rain.

At first, Zhang had been pleasantly surprised by this unexpected encounter with Liu Dong. But as Liu began his "sales pitch," Zhang felt a growing sense of repulsion deep down. What disturbed him wasn't just the news Liu shared, but his analytical breakdown of the internal personnel management at the Xing Shang Bank. It was truly unsettling. In Zhang’s decades of experience, the promotion and appointment of officials were handled with extreme caution and discretion, especially regarding division-level leadership. As an outsider, Liu Dong had no business—and no right—to be poking his nose into that circle.

Zhang fell silent, sipping his tea calmly while secretly pondering the true intentions of this tycoon.

"Haha, 'very strict'?! Are you giving me the official runaround, or do you truly not recognize the reality of the situation?"

Liu Dong smiled brightly, his teeth gleaming. He cracked a hazelnut and crunched on it audibly.

"Oh? I don't recognize the reality? What do you mean? Tell me plainly, brother, which mountain am I supposedly lost in?" Zhang asked with a smile of his own.

"Are you testing me, big brother? Fine! It’s a rare opportunity. As an outsider and an observer, let me take the pulse of your Songyang Xing Shang Bank. But I have one small request: let’s only discuss your personal career today and leave everything else out, including the matter of Wen Lu. Agreed?" Liu Dong cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Zhang’s body shuddered as if struck by something. He stared intently at Liu and said, "Agreed. I had no reason or need to discuss Wen Lu with you anyway."

"Excellent! It’s a deal between brothers." Liu shook Zhang’s hand again and continued.

"I suspect President Wang Weixin’s transfer is not entirely his own idea. He will have to leave Songyang in the short term. You will likely see this come to pass by the beginning of next month, if not sooner. As for the specific reasons, I believe they stem from two unsolvable problems currently facing your branch:

"First, the ratio of non-performing loans is dangerously high. The top brass at the provincial branch are furious with President Wang, yet they are helpless to fix it, so they are resorting to the 'luring the tiger away from the mountain' tactic. Second, there are too many issues within the jurisdiction of the Songyang branch. The provincial office receives more letters of denunciation than phone calls—allegations of non-compliant operations, negligence, and corruption among officials. I suspect most of your internal division-level officials have no desire to be posted here, especially given the current climate. Therefore, once Wang Weixin leaves, his successor will almost certainly be chosen from your existing leadership team. In that case, you, brother, are the most logical and suitable candidate."

Liu Dong’s voice was light and soft, almost whispering into Zhang’s ear.

"Oh, I see. But I still don't fully grasp your meaning! Even if President Wang is promoted, there are other members of the team who are younger and highly capable. Why would I be the best choice?"

Zhang did not offer much in response. He realized that any premature reaction would interfere with Liu’s flow. His thoughts felt as if they were sealed in clay. He could sense a glimmer of light in the second half of Liu’s words and was desperate to know where it led.

Liu Dong peeled an orange for Zhang and continued.

"Even for the sake of the people in your hometown, you should fight for this. To my knowledge, for the past decade, the head of the Songyang Xing Shang Bank has always been an outsider sent here to pad their resume. I don’t believe our hometown lacks talent; it’s just that people have overlooked the art of strategy and communication.

"For years, I have had a strong desire to do something concrete for the Zhang family, so that your father might know in the afterlife! Although you have never asked for anything, that very fact is what makes me feel so conflicted. This time, I am fully prepared. I will use all my energy to help you, brother. Please, you must trust me!"

Zhang leaned forward slowly, resting a hand on Liu’s shoulder.

"Brother Liu! I appreciate your sincerity, and I thank you on behalf of my family. It seems your knowledge of our bank is far from superficial, and I am truly impressed. Of course, I don't doubt your capabilities. But I think you’ve overlooked a premise: the bank is a state-owned enterprise. Our human resources management is not as simple as in your private companies. As I said, everything must go through strict procedures; it’s not something that can be solved by manipulating relationships. Besides, at my age, I’ve essentially exceeded the criteria for assessment. It's unlikely the provincial branch would consider me."

Liu countered immediately.

"That is where you are wrong. According to your internal regulations, the term for a division-level official is until age fifty-eight. You just turned fifty-two. Even with a four-year term, you could serve a full cycle! Furthermore, as a recipient of the General Headquarters Labor Medal, your tenure could effectively be extended until sixty. These conditions are practically a green light designed for you! I’m here to boost your confidence—are you really going to retreat and admit defeat now?"

Liu’s persuasion left Zhang speechless. He stared at him intently. Perhaps the dim lighting of the private room masked his shock, as Liu Dong maintained a calm, steady smile.

"Brother, let’s be blunt," Zhang asked urgently. "Can you tell me your true intention in one simple sentence?"

Liu Dong replied calmly, "Fine. I won't speak in riddles. I only ask for the chance to repay the debt of gratitude I owe your father by helping you secure President Wang’s position. Rest assured, I have no ulterior motives; I simply wish to fulfill a long-held desire. That is all."

"And what exactly is the 'method' you are emphasizing?" Zhang asked.

"Haha," Liu said, "Speak to people as they deserve, and don't engage with ghosts. You reap what you sow. As long as we follow the rules and play by the established patterns, it will work. I am not a man of words; let the future prove it. For now, all you need to do is prepare your application materials and your inaugural speech starting tomorrow."

Liu’s brief words made Zhang’s scalp tingle. He felt as if countless pairs of malicious eyes were watching their conversation from the shadows. Despite the special history between their families, he wasn't truly close to the adult Liu Dong. He had never intended to get entangled with the billionaire, and only started to get to know him after successfully securing a five-million-yuan deposit from him.

Yet, Liu Dong’s aggressive stance and heavy promises were terrifyingly unbelievable. On one hand, he couldn't tolerate the humiliation if this was just a stimulating game; on the other, he couldn't fathom that the position of the branch head could truly be controlled by a private entrepreneur. These conflicting thoughts left him unable to make a judgment.

Zhang grew restless, glancing around and checking his watch repeatedly. Liu Dong, noticing this, spoke gently to comfort him, telling him not to worry and to enjoy the moment.

"The chaos at your branch must have been exhausting. It’s a rare occasion that we’re together; let’s just relax and enjoy ourselves. Shall we?"