Unknown

Lin Qiang sat back in his office chair, feeling satisfied. He left the financial arrangements with Zhou Ren to Lin Xiaozhao and Zheng Shuai. In this drama, his role was the "villain," so it was best not to appear too much.

In reality, he didn't particularly enjoy this kind of "acting," but the situation called for it. They needed to push Zhou Ren into feeling comfortable about the investment. For Zhou Ren, the additional funds over a few years might not be crucial, but for the bank, its employees, and the businesses supported by the investment, it was vital.

To put it in a more serious perspective, the economy of Huaxia depended significantly on individuals like Zhou Ren.

Elevating Lin Xiaozhao to a higher position was just the first step in reorganizing the management of this branch. With her and Zheng Shuai in the marketing team, the branch's performance would undoubtedly soar. As for Zhang Jiaming, his incompetence would become increasingly evident compared to Lin Xiaozhao and Zheng Shuai's achievements. This would make it easier to eventually switch his position with Lin Xiaozhao's.

Labeling Zhang Jiaming as a leech wasn't just personal vendetta. He was a liability to the bank, thriving on deceit and manipulation, with minimal contribution—a parasite and a drain.

While deep in thought, Lin Qiang felt a cool sensation in his left eye, a blend of refreshment and itchiness, as if a golden light was slowly pouring in. He covered his left eye, puzzled.

"Is this a side effect...?"

Just as Lin Qiang was contemplating this, Zheng Shuai burst in through the door.

"Xiaozhao is amazing!" Zheng Shuai ran over excitedly, waving some contracts and slapping them on Lin Qiang's desk. "That 1.5 million yuan was split into three investment products, including one of our bank's main exchange rate investments. The old man was completely convinced!"

As he spoke, he noticed Lin Qiang covering his left eye and laughed, "Left eye jumping for wealth, right eye jumping for disaster—looks like your sixth sense is on point! The old man even said if this investment does well, he will bring in more money, and he might introduce his old friends who are not good at managing their finances."

Lin Qiang forced a smile and opened his left eye, "We need to make sure the old man makes money first."

"They're all principal-protected investments. The only risky one is the currency rate investment, and with the RMB strong right now, it's bound to be profitable!" Zheng Shuai patted the contracts again and left, "Look over the contracts, and I'll file them."

After Zheng Shuai left, Lin Qiang's left eye still felt strangely itchy.

"Is this the reward for doing good?" he wondered aloud.

At 6:30 pm, after seeing off the armoured cash transport vehicle, the day's work was done, and everyone relaxed, changing out of their uniforms and heading home. Lin Xiaozhao discreetly found Lin Qiang and insisted on treating him to dinner to express her gratitude. Lin Qiang, having no dinner plans, agreed.

To ensure there was no misunderstanding, he made sure to include Zheng Shuai.

In theory, there should have been a welcome dinner for Lin Qiang and Zheng Shuai, but Hao Wei had used some excuse to delay it. So the welcome dinner turned into a casual street food gathering for the three of them.

The trio sat at a small roadside table, ordering some cold dishes, beer, and skewers. In this relaxed setting, they chatted freely.

"Supervisor, are we really eating here?" Lin Xiaozhao felt a bit guilty, "You helped me so much. We should eat something better."

"Forget it, you're still an intern. Save the big meal for when you have more money," Lin Qiang laughed it off. "Besides, I'm tired of the greasy business dinners. Let's keep it simple."

The skewers arrived, steaming hot, with sizzling fat, and the aroma was mouthwatering. They each grabbed a skewer and began to eat.

Curiosity still filled Lin Xiaozhao's mind. She couldn't help but ask, "Supervisor, why did you give me such a big client?"

Zheng Shuai laughed mischievously, "Because he wants to date you!"

"Ah... this..." Lin Xiaozhao blushed instantly.

Lin Qiang squinted at Zheng Shuai, "Do you want to die, Eleven Seconds?"

"Haha, I don't dare, I don't dare!" Zheng Shuai laughed and quickly corrected, "Lin Qiang has worked here for years and doesn't lack clients. He gave you a chance to show your potential. If it were me, I'd marry him out of gratitude!"

He moved closer to Lin Qiang with a mock passionate look.

"Hmm..." Lin Xiaozhao raised her beer and, with sincere eyes, said, "Thank you, Supervisor... I toast to you!"

"It was nothing," Lin Qiang clinked glasses with her and drank. After years in the financing department, he was used to drinking, so this was nothing.

"Cough... cough..." Lin Xiaozhao, however, drank earnestly and started coughing.

Lin Qiang and Zheng Shuai laughed, making Lin Xiaozhao giggle too.

The conversation was lively until Zheng Shuai suddenly froze, staring at the hotel entrance with a frown, "Isn't that Hao Wei and Zhang Jiaming?"

The three turned to look. Indeed, Hao Wei and Zhang Jiaming were standing at the hotel entrance, greeting someone stepping out of a van. Zhang Jiaming opened the door, helping a man out.

This man was slightly bald, with a similar build and look to Zhang Jiaming—both had a slick, flashy vibe, but he appeared older and dressed more shabbily. After shaking hands with Hao Wei, the three engaged in small talk at the entrance.

"Great, we're eating street food while they're having a banquet!" Zheng Shuai shook his head. "And on the company's dime!"

"What's there to complain about? You've had your share of free meals," Lin Qiang teased. "Sales involve eating out a lot."

Lin Xiaozhao frowned, "But there's no need to entertain that man."

"You know him?" Zheng Shuai asked, surprised.

"Not exactly. I've seen him at the bank twice," Lin Xiaozhao explained. "His name is Wang. Everyone calls him Boss Wang. He's one of our corporate clients, runs a decoration business. Since these are new apartments, he set up a shop here and transferred his money to our bank."

Lin Qiang was curious, "How much money are we talking about?"

"It's a small company, maybe a few million?" Lin Xiaozhao shook her head. "I haven't dealt with him directly, so I don't know the specifics."

"I remember now. It's called Jiaxin Decorations. I saw it in the records," Lin Qiang muttered. "Companies like this have funds reaching millions, but they usually don't involve much financing and only need basic transactions. It shouldn't require such high-level maintenance."

Zheng Shuai agreed, "Yeah, if it's just about hosting a meal, Zhang Jiaming alone could handle it. Why does Hao Wei need to step in?"

Lin Xiaozhao frowned, trying to recall, "I remember Boss Wang chatting in the manager's office for a long time last time. Maybe there's some new business?"

Lin Qiang was intrigued. He still had one use of his money eye left today, so he silently activated it and looked over.

[Wang Jiaxin, Liquid Assets: 2.31 million yuan]

[Business is booming, short-term outlook is bullish.]

[Industry is highly competitive, long-term outlook is volatile.]

[Total Fortune: ...]

[Risk Factor: ...]