At 10:40 AM, the client Lin Qiang had scheduled hadn't show up yet, but Xia Xin arrived first, bringing Ling Lele with her.
This time, when Xia Xin saw Zhang Jiaming approaching, she said directly, "I'm looking for Lin Qiang."
"...Alright, Director Xia." Zhang Jiaming had developed being rebuffed into an art form and wasn't particularly discouraged. He led Xia Xin and her daughter to Lin Qiang's office.
"Oh?" Seeing Xia Xin appear again, Lin Qiang quickly put down the documents in his hand and greeted her with a smile. "Sister Xia, you're coming to our place so often, I'm starting to feel embarrassed."
"Not at all," Xia Xin replied, then turned to smile at Zhang Jiaming.
"I'll leave you to talk..." Zhang Jiaming took his art of being rebuffed to the next level, having to turn and leave at Xia Xin's clear hint, not forgetting to close the door behind him.
"Go play by yourself over there for a bit, I need to talk to Uncle Lin," Xia Xin gently pushed her daughter.
"It's such a small room, what is there to play with?" Ling Lele pouted. "Is there something I can't hear?"
"You..."
"It's fine, Lele is sensible. Please, go ahead with what you wanted to say," Lin Qiang forced a smile, letting Ling Lele sit in his chair. "You can browse the internet if you like."
Ling Lele sat with her legs crossed, idly playing at the desk.
Xia Xin pulled Lin Qiang to sit on the office sofa and asked in a low voice, "I heard you've upset people again?"
"..." Lin Qiang looked quite embarrassed. "Sister Xia, this time I had no choice. They want to transfer me again."
Xia Xin also complained resentfully, "Really, when they fight, they don't play by the rules."
"Actually, I wanted to ask your opinion on this matter," Lin Qiang said directly, seeing that Xia Xin had brought up the topic. "The truth is, I've gotten some dirt on this outlet manager, regarding assisting companies in tax evasion and issues with salary allocation."
"What?" Xia Xin was shocked to hear this, then lowered her voice again. "Does Hao Wei know you have leverage on him?"
"I think he must have realized it, which is why he's trying to transfer me away," Lin Qiang said honestly. "In fact, from the first day I arrived, he's been trying to push me out."
"Hao Wei... Hao Wei..." Xia Xin pondered silently for a moment, then asked perceptively, "His connection is Rosa, right?"
Lin Qiang nodded solemnly, "That's why this matter is rather sensitive for you, since you and Rosa are in the same department. I've been hesitant to involve you and just wanted to ask your opinion."
"Hmm..." Xia Xin fell into thought again.
Lin Qiang didn't press further. Everyone has their own thoughts and plans. Although he had helped Xia Xin before, it didn't mean she had to fight for him at all costs.
"You can't confront Rosa directly. It's better to leave her with no grounds for complaint," Xia Xin said hesitantly. "Rosa is very tough, she's been in the industry for decades. Don't think about dealing with her for now."
"Yes, of course."
"As for Hao Wei's situation, how much evidence have you gathered?" Xia Xin asked.
"I'm investigating. I'll have results within three days."
"That makes things more complicated," Xia Xin's brow gradually furrowed. "Lin Qiang, many things in the bank can't be clearly explained or thoroughly investigated."
"I understand, that's why I have to reach 100 million this time, at least to be in an undefeatable position."
"You!" Xia Xin pointed her finger and tapped Lin Qiang's forehead hard, both admiring and worried for him. "I can't stand to watch anymore. You're such an excellent employee, what right do they have to go after you!"
Then she let out a long sigh and said with a hint of apology, "Little Lin, my abilities are limited. I can help you with two things this time."
"First, if you can't reach 100 million, I'll find a way to transfer you to another outlet to start over. The conditions at Jiaoting are too poor, there's no way to develop there."
"Second, if you can find solid evidence of Hao Wei's violations, I can submit it through internal channels. When the internal audit team and upper management get involved, Rosa won't be able to protect Hao Wei anymore."
Lin Qiang was overjoyed to hear this and said excitedly, "Sister Xia, that's more than enough!"
Although Lin Qiang had sincerely thanked her, Xia Xin still looked apologetic, "I'm really sorry, this is all I can do. Most things will still depend on you."
"Please don't say that," Lin Qiang said gratefully. "On one hand, you've secured a backup plan for me; on the other, you've helped pave the way forward. This is already a huge help."
"Sigh... the way things are now," Xia Xin was still upset about her limited abilities. "You work so hard and have been an excellent employee for so long, yet now you're struggling so much. Where's the justice in that?"
Lin Qiang thumped his left chest.
Xia Xin was stunned for a moment, then tapped Lin Qiang's forehead again, "Still being stubborn! With money and with Hao Wei!"
"Hehe," Lin Qiang grinned foolishly. "If I compromised, I'd end up in an even worse situation in the end, believe it or not."
"Now you're exaggerating," Xia Xin shook her head repeatedly. "They all have backing up there, living the high life. If you just obediently followed orders, you wouldn't have so many problems."
"There's something called karma."
Xia Xin thought for a long while, and finally tapped Lin Qiang's forehead once more, "Alright, have it your way. Who told you to be so outstanding and to have saved my precious Lele!"
Meanwhile, Lele's complaints could be heard, "Why can't I access any websites here?"
Lin Qiang smiled and said, "It's a work computer. All social media sites are IP blocked."
"Boring." Ling Lele lost interest in playing and straightened her skirt before bouncing over to the two adults. "I'm transferring schools tomorrow, and you're not even going to congratulate me."
"So soon?" Lin Qiang asked. "Where are you transferring to?"
Xia Xin patted her daughter's bottom lightly and said with a smile, "A regular middle school near our home. We have to let the child develop freely."
"It's good to stay grounded and spend more time with family," Lin Qiang praised Ling Lele. "Your parents have done everything for you. Are you satisfied now?"
"Mm..." Ling Lele smiled sweetly, showing her little fangs again, and turned to her mother with a mischievous grin. "Mom, can I come here to withdraw my allowance in the future?"
Xia Xin was very pleased to hear this, "Of course! Let Uncle Lin help you plan it out, and spend it wisely."
Ling Lele turned back to Lin Qiang and made a face at him.
Lin Qiang's face twitched. Was this girl trying to get attached to him?
And her mother, couldn't she sense something was off? He was the man she had accompanied for drinks!
"Oh right," Xia Xin slapped her forehead. "I almost forgot the main reason I came. You need to boost your performance, so my husband specifically asked me to transfer some money here. Can you help set up a few investments?"
"Ah?" Lin Qiang was taken aback. "This is the third favor you're doing for me!"
"Hehe, we're all in the banking system. It doesn't matter where we do business, right?" Xia Xin stood up and pulled out a stack of bank cards from her handbag, then patted Ling Lele's bottom again. "You play here, I need to step out with Uncle Lin for a bit."
"Tch! Again, not letting me know how much money you have!" Ling Lele sat back at the computer, dissatisfied.