Chapter Sixteen: The Inauguration (Part Three)

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Tan Yiwu looked at Zhang Maolin with a calm expression, seemingly puzzled by his response, even suspecting that Zhang was deliberately evading the core issue.

Turning his gaze toward the window...

Around the Songyang Hotel were only low-rise buildings, a strict requirement imposed by the city’s construction department. To highlight the unique grandeur of the Songyang Hotel, no buildings taller than five stories were allowed within a hundred meters of its vicinity! Thus, from Room 818, one could enjoy a commanding view, feeling as if all the surrounding hills were dwarfed.

Tan Yiwu withdrew his gaze and continued:

“Of course. If the consequences were merely caused by ‘natural disasters,’ it would be somewhat manageable. What worries me are the complicated ‘man-made’ factors involved! Once we uncover moral hazard elements where internal and external collusion between banks and enterprises leads to joint misconduct in non-performing loans, no one will be able to resolve the fallout. Such a situation would deal an immeasurable blow to our bank’s normal operational and managerial order.

Take your Songyang branch, for example. A considerable portion of the overdue loans resulted from improper operations or the inaction of the supervisory authorities! Over the past two years, although the provincial branch has tightened restrictions on credit issuance with online monitoring, compared to the illicit ‘tricks’ and ‘artful maneuvering’ at your grassroots level, these formal rules are practically meaningless! Driven by extreme economic interests, a significant number of insiders have colluded with high-risk enterprises, daring to take dangerous risks! As for these audacious culprits—hmph...”

“So, what exactly do you mean?” Zhang Maolin asked hesitantly, nervously watching Tan Yiwu.

Tan Yiwu replied:

“My meaning is this: after the New Year, your city branch must concentrate its efforts and meticulously plan to strictly organize a comprehensive credit ‘inventory’ inspection. It must be thorough horizontally and vertically, leaving no blind spots or corners untouched. The key is to expose large-scale non-performing loans hidden among normal loan categories. You must devise practical measures, obtain the true financial data of the borrowing enterprises over various periods, pinpoint the exact weak links, and uncover the truth behind the violations! I think this inspection might actually be beneficial for you. Do you understand what I mean?”

Zhang Maolin immediately responded:

“Yes. I understand your meaning perfectly! But—once these issues are fully ‘uncovered,’ there could be major violations or even more serious cases revealed! When that time comes, it’s not just a question of whether the departing President Wang Weixin can bear the responsibility; can the provincial branch even face and accept the consequences?!”

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At this moment, Zhang Maolin struggled to control his expression. Tan Yiwu’s stance on this matter instantly stirred a surge of joy within him! All his previous worries dissipated with Tan Yiwu’s seemingly supportive instructions. He hardly dared believe that this was truly Tan Yiwu’s original intention.

Zhang Maolin knew full well that a thorough audit of all credit business in Songyang would be an extremely sensitive and complex task. Such a special inspection would surely unsettle the recently departed Wang Weixin. He also understood that Yin Sen would definitely use numerous means to obstruct the project’s implementation. As the person in charge, Zhang could disregard Yin Sen’s attitude, but he could not ignore the likely outcomes once the inspection began. Those long-hidden violations might gradually emerge one after another. If that happened, neither Songyang Commercial Bank nor Zhang himself would have any way out.

These concerns weighed heavily in his heart, gnawing at him like countless writhing worms in the dark.

Ultimately, Zhang Maolin resolved on one thought: no retreat! Absolutely no retreat!

He made up his mind to implement the special credit inspection.

As head of the city branch, he had the authority to initiate a business inspection project. But the project’s successful establishment required prior approval from the provincial branch for the submitted official application, at the very least the consent of the provincial branch’s chief, Teng Deming. Yet, getting through this stage was no easy feat!

Privately, Zhang Maolin repeatedly reasoned: If Teng Deming rejected the project, then Songyang Bank and he himself had only two options: The first was to ignore Teng’s opposition and proceed with the project, using a “post-facto” approach—completing all inspection work and then confronting the provincial branch with a complete report and recommendations, essentially forcing their hand. The second was to personally negotiate with President Tan Yiwu, seeking his support as the top leader. Zhang knew that the first option would ensure the project’s implementation but at great cost. Doing so would directly challenge Teng Deming’s authority or defy leadership’s will, which, for a newly appointed leader like himself, would bring unimaginable consequences. The second option, while more uncertain, depended entirely on Tan Yiwu’s stance. If Tan agreed, all would be well; if not, the project would be doomed. No matter how many reasons Zhang could muster or efforts he made, he could never defy the provincial branch leader’s will and act unilaterally. That was simply unimaginable and would end in vain.

Now, after receiving the provincial chief’s stern guidance, Zhang Maolin felt as if a heavy cocoon wrapping his body and soul had suddenly lifted, leaving him light and free. What exhilarated him most was that Tan Yiwu’s viewpoint completely aligned with his own wishes. It was as if the provincial leadership had handed him a “sacred sword” to carry out the inspection!

Sure enough, Tan Yiwu began to emphasize:

“Maolin, inspections are unavoidable. Yes, family scandals must not be publicized! But have you considered the trade-offs between two scenarios: One, we conduct self-inspection to timely expose problems and decisively address them; the other, the headquarters finds the issues, and we are ultimately still penalized. Which scenario do you think carries the greater negative impact, or which would hurt our own foundations more?

For those long-standing problems, continuing to evade or cover them up would be nothing but self-deception and folly—like burying one’s head in the sand, which ultimately harms both others and oneself!”

Zhang Maolin quickly followed up, emphasizing:

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“President Tan, your analysis is absolutely right, precise, and insightful! After the New Year, our team will immediately hold a regular meeting to study and formulate a comprehensive inspection plan, select elite personnel to form an inspection team, and implement your instructions meticulously. We will strive to present a satisfactory report to the provincial branch party committee and to you personally by the end of the first quarter!”

Zhang Maolin’s expression was resolute.

“Good! This inspection will involve a large volume of business and many difficulties will arise during the process. If there are insufficient resources, especially manpower shortages, you can promptly apply to the provincial branch. I can arrange for the credit department to dispatch capable professionals from other city branches to assist. Remember, either we do not inspect at all, or we inspect thoroughly. You must be responsible for the inspection’s quality! When the time comes, I expect you to personally report the work to the provincial branch,” Tan Yiwu declared with a decisive gesture.

Zhang Maolin immediately responded:

“Rest assured, President! Here and now, on behalf of the city branch team, I pledge to you: both publicly and privately, this inspection is absolutely necessary. We will be cautious and thorough, objective and precise, ensuring we deliver a truthful, complete, and comprehensive report to the provincial branch!

President—taking advantage of today’s special occasion, I have an even more important matter I must discuss with you in person!”

Zhang Maolin suddenly slowed his speech and looked at Tan Yiwu calmly.