Chapter 14: The Arrival of Opportunity (Part 4)

"Comrade Secretary! What are you brooding over so quietly?"

Wang Weixin lifted a tall glass brimming with wine and brought it before Zhang Maolin, who seemed still lost in thought.

"Brother Maolin! Let me toast you with your own wine—this is a tribute to old friendship and deep bonds. To be honest, these years I've worked in Songyang, I've relied heavily on your steadfastness and guidance. These ties are something I, Weixin, will never forget! To speak candidly, I truly hope our team continues to work together. But as the saying goes, official posts may be ironclad, but officials come and go; there is no feast that lasts forever. We each must obey the directives of our superiors. Whether coming or departing, only the distance changes; the brotherhood remains eternal. This cup is filled with my heartfelt gratitude and well wishes for you in the future. Come, let’s drink to that! I’ll go first."

Wang Weixin did not urge Zhang Maolin to drink. After finishing his glass in one go, he immediately raised it again, his eyes pink with a gentle smile as he looked at his companion.

Zhang Maolin hesitated slightly.

"Director Wang, from what you say, you really are leaving Songyang?"

"Heh, heh, this is not my personal decision but the resolution of the provincial bank’s party committee. You and I have no choice but to comply," Wang Weixin replied decisively.

"Oh, so the news is true. But there are so many matters waiting to be handled here in Songyang. When you leave, what about those you leave behind—"

Zhang Maolin spoke slowly, pausing after each word, keenly watching Wang Weixin’s expression. He hoped that at any moment, Wang might interrupt to convey some information he was eager to hear, believing that only then could their communication flow smoothly.

"No, no, brother, you’re overthinking," Wang Weixin quickly cut him off before he could finish.

"You shouldn’t have such thoughts, especially now! And I must remind you: when provincial leaders come to speak with you privately in a few days, you must not reveal this kind of ‘worry and overthinking.’ Otherwise, what could have been a splendid occasion will be spoiled by your inappropriate attitude, leaving everyone unhappy. Take this not as a reminder but as a clear directive."

Zhang Maolin sighed deeply.

"Weixin, you overstate it, don’t you? From your perspective, it seems like I’m the one eagerly waiting to take your place. Especially after your speech at today’s meeting, none of the attendees believed you would really leave. Even those who heard rumors changed their minds after your resolute statements. At least they thought you wouldn’t leave Songyang in the near future. But now, you’ve turned around completely—what’s that about? The minds of you top leaders are like woven baskets—every which way! These days, I’ve heard all sorts of rumors, both true and false. The news about Songyang Bank’s team reshuffle is downright mythical! The funniest thing is that I, the person involved, am kept in the dark. Look at this—it’s downright uncanny!"

Zhang Maolin appeared burdened by heavy thoughts.

Wang Weixin chuckled.

"Oh? Heh, Maolin, perhaps it’s related to your nature. Everyone knows you’re proud and aloof, not one to mingle with those you consider riffraff. Without much horizontal communication in life, naturally the information you get is limited. Today, since this is a parting drink between us brothers, I might as well be upfront: the decision about my departure was made by the provincial bank at the beginning of the month. Also, Shi Yan, a section-level official from the provincial inspection office, will soon arrive at Songyang Bank to replace you as the full-time disciplinary secretary."

"Oh, I see. What about others? Apart from me, are there no other changes?"

Zhang Maolin asked urgently.

"Others? Who else do you mean? Didn’t I make it clear? From now on, you, Zhang Maolin, will be the head of Songyang Commercial Bank! Why would you need to concern yourself with others? Heh!"

Wang Weixin spread his hands in a relaxed, confident gesture.

"I mean, what about Yin Sen? Isn’t there any change for him? He’s been biding his time for a long while, working hard to move into your seat! If this time I’m ahead, it would be a big blow to him. Knowing Yin Sen’s character, such a huge disappointment will surely make him emotionally reactive, which would inevitably create massive obstacles for me in future work. Have you thought about that?"

"Hmm—"

Wang Weixin pondered briefly, then spoke softly.

"Actually, I knew that without you saying it. In recent years, the only discord in our team has been between you and little Yin. One is stubborn to an extreme, the other is extremely cunning. To be frank, trying to manage the relationship between you two has often left me torn and troubled.

You should understand that Yin Sen’s family background is quite special. The provincial bank also faced great pressure when promoting him. I’ve even heard that the central bank’s discipline department received letters accusing him! Yet, none of that affected his career progression.

During his years in Songyang, everyone has formed their own judgment of Yin Sen’s actions, especially our team members. You might ask if, as the leader, I have compromised or tolerated him to some extent. We have discussed this many times before. But, Maolin, have you ever truly understood my difficulties? Yes, within Songyang Bank’s small circle, I am his superior, and the hierarchy is undisputed. Yet, outside this circle, in many ways, I must give him face. If we swapped places, you might immediately understand my predicament.

Objectively, Yin Sen is a figure of mixed reputation. Although you personally hold many prejudices against him, you must admit he possesses certain qualities that, given your character, you could never learn. Can you accept that conclusion?"

Wang Weixin lit a cigarette, inhaled deeply, letting the smoke swirl in his chest before slowly exhaling.

Zhang Maolin replied:

"Hmm. Director Wang, you might as well just criticize me outright! I admit that sometimes I have been improper, even excessive in dealing with my personal relationship with Yin Sen. As a disciplinary secretary and the elder brother in age, I have indeed crossed boundaries at certain occasions. Compared to Yin Sen, I lack initiative, am conservative, even rigid, and tend to be overly meticulous about certain bank matters. I focus too much on my personal opinions, neglecting the team atmosphere and overall image. If—if I were to become the team leader, I would deeply reflect and strive to overcome these shortcomings. At least, I would avoid new conflicts with Yin Sen."

"Hmm, good! That’s the best approach. In this world, everyone is trying to survive better, not deliberately making enemies. The balance of gains and losses must allow room for retreat for both sides; this mindset and style align with the ‘Way’. Hearing our big Secretary say something so ‘soft’ is like a long drought meeting a sweet rain—heh."

Wang Weixin smiled lightly and continued:

"A soldier who doesn’t want to be a general is not a good soldier—this is a profound truth. But someone who constantly schemes for a ‘hat’ of official rank isn’t worthy of respect either! Brother, I know this saying doesn’t quite fit you. I’m sure if you had set off on an official career path ten years ago, you would have succeeded long ago. You wouldn’t have been eating my leftovers! With your standing in Songyang and the wider provincial Commercial Bank circle, it wouldn’t be hard to secure a mid-level director’s post. But life has no ‘ifs’. I never believed that you, who usually watch the world coldly, would show such passion to take this post now. So, since you only stepped into this position near middle age, it must mean there are many intriguing and thoughtful stories behind it.

I absolutely believe that your appointment is not driven by your personal ambitions. Many background factors likely caught you by surprise. Yet, the more that’s true, the more it piques others’ curiosity. Especially locals in Songyang—they mostly know your nature: upright and incorruptible, indifferent to fame and fortune. So, what really made you, Zhang Maolin, ignore countless promotion opportunities and still climb another rung? I think that’s a very interesting question. Just this alone is enough to stir great interest.

Look, in this light, you, Zhang Maolin, are like the protagonist of a popular novel. No matter how you evade, explain, or cautiously face it, you cannot dispel the surrounding curiosity. I guess this situation may follow you for quite some time. This echoes the saying—be a good director, and let those who didn't get the position envy and resent you!

Therefore, you must prepare yourself mentally, adjust your attitude, and allow people to talk behind your back or to your face—just think of it as them commenting on a painting you created. Otherwise, with your sensitive nature, it could easily lead to ‘violence meeting violence’—and that’s the last thing I want to see, even though I’ll be leaving Songyang soon..."

Zhang Maolin lowered his head in silence.

Wang Weixin’s resolute words struck deeply at Zhang Maolin’s heart. He hadn’t expected such candid discussion and greatly admired Wang’s understanding of him, as well as his profound analysis of the current situation at Songyang Commercial Bank.

Over the years, Zhang Maolin had always regarded Wang Weixin as a worldly, somewhat vulgar, and slick man of the world—especially adept in courtly “deceptions and soft tactics.” As for Wang’s business decision-making and grasp of the city’s overall work, Zhang felt they were average to below average. Although Wang treated him with respect, Zhang always thought Wang was slick and cunning in a petty, mercantile way—someone he was no match for, so he kept a respectful distance.

In Zhang’s memory, in all these six or seven years, he had never sat down for such an intimate, heartfelt talk with Wang Weixin as he did today.

"A leader is a leader! Weixin, you see right through me. I might as well be standing here in my underwear—there’s nothing to hide! Ha ha ha..."

Zhang Maolin gave Wang Weixin a thumbs-up.