Sincerity

"Let's speak with results!" Lin Qiang saw Lin Xiaozhao coming out and waved to her. "Let's see if Xiaozhao can close a deal with the current clients. If she can, we'll fast-track her training. If not, she can continue learning."

"These clients right here?" Zhang Jiaming glanced at the waiting area. Most of the people there were ones he had received and weren't likely to be wealthy. As for the old man with the round hat, he had already told Zhang Jiaming, "Don't bother trying to sell me anything. I only deposit money." He was definitely one of those stubborn old folks.

"This seems a bit challenging," Hao Wei chuckled. "It might take a whole day to close a deal, and there are only seven or eight people here right now. Even if you took on the task yourself, Lin, you might not succeed."

"Of course, I'm not exactly charming," Lin Qiang joked at his own expense, then turned to the timid Lin Xiaozhao. "Xiaozhao, Manager Hao wants to see if you can do marketing. Here's your chance to prove yourself. See if you can close a deal."

Lin Xiaozhao looked at Hao Wei in disbelief.

Hao Wei's face twitched. He had no choice but to support the decision now that he was put on the spot. He glanced at Zhang Jiaming, who nodded slightly, and then forced a smile, "Xiaozhao, you've been here for a while now. Make sure to perform well. This is a rare opportunity, and if you miss it, you'll need more training."

After a slight bow, Lin Xiaozhao turned towards the waiting area.

Lin Qiang leaned in and whispered, "You're a girl. If you persist, men will find it hard to resist. Marketing is all about persistence and sincerity. Remember that."

With that, he gently pushed her forward.

Knowing this was a rare opportunity that Lin Qiang had worked hard to get for her, Lin Xiaozhao gritted her teeth and walked towards the waiting area, recalling Lin Qiang's advice about the elderly customer.

Clearly, the only elderly customer was the one reading the newspaper.

She approached him, pondering how to start the conversation.

"Not confident enough," Zhang Jiaming commented, seeing her hesitation. "Manager, look at her. She's timid."

Hao Wei agreed, "Yes, if we aren't confident, how can we expect the clients to trust us?"

Lin Qiang smiled silently, rooting for Lin Xiaozhao in his heart.

Even with GoldenEye revealing the client's information, it didn't guarantee a successful sale. Lin Qiang's own success rate was only about 30%, and closing a deal on the spot was even harder because of his strong appearance and and temperament, making him come across as too shrewd.

Zhou Ren, this elderly gentleman, was likely to be tough. Seeing someone like Lin Qiang might make him even more wary and defensive, leading to rejection or even irritation.

But Lin Xiaozhao was different. Men have a low resistance to pretty women, regardless of age. And her charm lay not in seduction but in her sincerity and kindness.

If she appeared too sultry, Zhou Ren might also become defensive. But her shy demeanor, like a schoolgirl, could invoke Zhou Ren's kindness and compassion.

This is what a team is for: each person using their strengths instead of one glutton monopolizing everything.

"Sir... hello..." Lin Xiaozhao approached Zhou Ren and bowed slightly. "What business are you here for today?"

Zhou Ren glanced at her, taking a second look. Unlike with Zhang Jiaming, he didn't ignore her.

"To transfer my pension." Zhou Ren replied briefly, continuing to read his newspaper. "I already took a number. No need to bother with me."

Lin Xiaozhao felt lost and her palms began to sweat. She was rebuffed right away.

Zhang Jiaming breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was hopeless now. He chuckled, "Looks like even a pretty face doesn't work. This old man isn't swayed."

Gritting her teeth, Lin Xiaozhao didn't give up and continued softly, "If you're depositing, how long are you planning to save it?"

"Three years." The old man answered quickly, still reading his paper.

"The current three-year deposit rate is only 4.2%. It's not convenient if you need to withdraw early. You might want to consider our..."

"Girl, stop right there," Zhou Ren interrupted without changing his expression, turning a page. "Why are you bank people acting like insurance agents now? Let me give you some advice—do your job honestly, no need for slick talk."

Lin Xiaozhao's prepared words were thrown back at her, and her face turned red. Her eyes began to water from the stress, but she didn't want to give up.

She turned slightly, looking helplessly at Lin Qiang.

Lin Qiang clenched his fist and waved it vigorously, mouthing the words "Go for it!"

Persistence...

Sincerity...

Lin Qiang's last words echoed in her mind.

Today, she would be thick-skinned...

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xiaozhao sat down next to Zhou Ren. "I'll call you Grandpa. You remind me of my grandfather..."

"Heh, no need to try get close to me," Zhou Ren put down his paper slightly and smiled. "My granddaughter isn't your age yet."

"I'm only 21," Lin Xiaozhao stuck out her tongue.

"At 21, you're already this sweet-talking. What will you be like later!" Zhou Ren shook his head. "Girl, I know you're trying to sell me something, but I really don't need it. Just let my money stay in the bank. With the economy so skewed, I can't afford any losses as an old man."

"You're right. The economy is skewed, and people's money is devaluing fast!" Lin Xiaozhao said, inspired.

Zhou Ren agreed, complaining, "Yes, saving a million used to make you a millionaire. Now? You can't even buy a bathroom-sized apartment!"

"These are all new developments here. Did you buy a new house?" Lin Xiaozhao asked.

"Yes, the air in the city was too bad. I decided to spend my savings on a house," Zhou Ren said, spreading his hands. "Now, all I have left is my monthly pension. Don't make it hard for me, girl."

Lin Xiaozhao was stunned.

According to Lin Qiang, he should have a lot of spare funds.

A monthly pension might barely cover expenses, let alone investments.

She felt a mix of confusion and doubt.

But when she saw Lin Qiang, Hao Wei, and Zhang Jiaming watching her, she felt a surge of stubbornness. Even if she was being fooled, she couldn't miss this opportunity and go back to doing menial tasks—

She didn't work so hard to end up doing chores for others!

Zhang Jiaming, impatient, urged, "Let's just forget it. Pressuring him will only annoy him and hurt our bank's reputation."

"Lin, maybe it's time to call her back," Hao Wei said to Lin Qiang. "There will be other opportunities. She's done well enough today."

"Let's wait a bit longer," Lin Qiang stretched out his arms. "A few words aren't enough. Clients often lie to people they don't trust. Trust takes time to build."

Hao Wei shrugged, checking his watch. "I have a meeting this afternoon. I'll give her two more minutes."

On the other side, Lin Xiaozhao was making her final attempt.