On the morning of the 13th day, before the team meeting, Lin Qiang's team had achieved a marketing performance of 41.01 million yuan. Just as they were about to make their final push, Hao Wei unexpectedly returned to the outlet.
"Where's Lin Qiang? Is he not here?" Hao Wei asked, looking around at everyone in the conference room.
Zhang Jiaming frowned and said, "Manager Hao, to be honest, Lin Qiang has rarely shown his face these past few days. Everyone suspects he might be interviewing at other banks."
"Hmph, regardless, being a bank employee is his primary job. He's not even fulfilling his basic duties, always thinking about lofty ambitions. I'm gone for just a few days, and he starts missing work," Hao Wei turned to Chen Liang beside him and said, "Manager Chen, make sure to keep strict attendance records for these days. The day after tomorrow is the branch's end-of-month managers' meeting. We must report what needs to be reported."
Chen Liang nodded, "Don't worry, Manager Hao. We won't miss a single day. Lin Qiang has been absent for 4 full days and has been late or left early 12 times. He always makes excuses about having field work, but everyone knows he's actually in contact with other banks."
"Who says that?!" Xiao Xiao protested indignantly. "Haven't you seen that he's been bringing in millions in business every day? The manager has clearly been out drumming up business."
"Hmph, that's not what I've heard," Hao Wei said irritably. "Don't think I don't know. You've all been signing contracts on Lin Qiang's behalf. If I wanted to investigate this matter, I could easily check the surveillance footage."
Xiao Xiao fell silent and turned her head away. Indeed, if they wanted to investigate, it would be easy to discover the truth that many documents signed "Lin Qiang" were processed when Lin Qiang wasn't even present.
"Alright, this farce needs to end," Hao Wei waved his hand and addressed everyone. "Lin Qiang is quite a character, I understand that, but he's treating his bank job as a joke, always reaching for the stars, stirring up trouble in our outlet, and undermining the bank's unity. The branch leaders have seen it all. Now, Lin Qiang's intention to jump ship is an open secret. I hope everyone will rationally consider the whole process and not be swayed by his emotions. Don't be obstinate; understand the relationship between work and personal feelings."
Hao Wei stood up and said solemnly, "The branch takes these unity-destroying actions very seriously. If this continues, I won't be able to protect any of you. Be wise."
With that, he glared at Xiao Xiao.
The atmosphere in the conference room became tense.
At this moment, the conference room door was pushed open. Lin Qiang, carrying his briefcase and chewing on a hot pancake, hurried in. Seeing Hao Wei chairing the meeting, he repeatedly scratched his head and said, "Sorry I'm late. Manager Hao, you're back."
"Hmph." Hao Wei looked at his watch. "Manager Lin, you're 15 minutes late."
"I've had a lot of field work lately. I've noted it all on the attendance sheet," Lin Qiang quickly took his seat, deliberately appearing submissive.
"Sit down," Hao Wei didn't pursue Lin Qiang's tardiness further. After sitting down again, he changed the subject, "During my hospital stay, the branch leaders called many times, specifically pointing out the scattered work attitude now. Regardless, I hope these negative emotions end here."
As he spoke, he brought his right arm down, making a sharp chopping motion in the air.
"Manager, I don't understand," Xiao Xiao immediately retorted coquettishly. "These past few days, we've marketed tens of millions in performance and successfully completed an audit inspection. What more do you want from us? To lay golden eggs?!"
"Hehe, I knew you'd say that," Hao Wei replied calmly. "Having good performance is naturally a good thing, but you can't get cocky just because of it. The bank's leaders now have a lot of issues with our outlet, especially with you."
Hao Wei turned to Lin Qiang and said no more.
Lin Qiang finished the rest of his pancake in one bite, his face showing dejection.
"Sigh... One hundred million is really difficult. I've prepared myself for all outcomes," Lin Qiang turned back to Hao Wei, his brows furrowed. "I wonder if Manager Hao is prepared?"
"Hehe, now's not the time for quibbling," Hao Wei no longer paid attention to Lin Qiang. He had everything arranged within the branch. Even if Lin Qiang suddenly produced 100 million in performance, he had ways to transfer Lin Qiang out. Perhaps Lin Qiang had a chance to become a manager, but it would definitely be in the suburbs, not in Longyuan.
Regardless of the outcome, Hao Wei was confident that victory would be on his side.
"Alright, everyone prepare to return to your posts. The armored truck will be here soon," Hao Wei had no desire to continue playing word games with Lin Qiang. He stood up, waving his arm, not forgetting to remind everyone, "The day after tomorrow is the end-of-month branch managers' meeting. Our branch has some matters to arrange. The branch manager requires all of our staff to attend. It happens to be a rest day, so plan your time accordingly and make sure to be there."
"The day after tomorrow?" Lin Qiang's face showed difficulty. "I just happen to have... something that can't be postponed."
"Lin Qiang, please understand the current situation," Hao Wei's face darkened as he stared at him. "This meeting concerns you. If the person in question doesn't attend, even I won't be able to protect you."
"But that matter, I must attend as well..."
"Hmph, suit yourself. If it's an interview with another bank, you indeed have a reason to be absent from our meeting," Hao Wei, confident that the situation was under control, spoke without restraint. "In that case, the bank's anger might spill over to the regular employees."
"I'll try my best to avoid a schedule conflict," Lin Qiang scratched his head and smiled bitterly. "It's hard to negotiate with the other side as well."
"Meeting adjourned," Hao Wei left the conference room with the air of a victor, Chen Liang and Zhang Jiaming following closely behind.
After they left, Xiao Xiao could no longer contain herself. She rushed to Lin Qiang's side and asked, half hesitant and half angry, "Lin Qiang, did you really go out looking for work?"
"No, I've been working hard to keep this job," Lin Qiang said firmly.
"Are you still being stubborn?!" Xiao Xiao shouted, her voice tinged with tears. "Do you know that we've been selling desperately these past few days? What's wrong with you? You haven't even scheduled a single client meeting. There are only two days left, and we're still 60 million short. At this rate... how can we possibly reach 100 million?!"
"Sister Xiao!" Lin Xiaozhao suddenly stood up, her eyes also moist. "I understand the manager. In this situation, if it were me, I would also look for new opportunities... Don't say anymore about him, he's already tried his best."
"But... but..." Xiao Xiao collapsed into a chair, her head on the table, pounding it hard. "I can't accept this... Why did it turn out like this!"
"Xiaozhao, Xiao Xiao," Lin Qiang leaned back in his chair and said quietly. "Don't worry, I really haven't prepared to jump ship. The more desperate the situation, the more I need to use desperate measures. Before I can restore my reputation and obtain justice, I absolutely cannot leave this bank."
He stood up, slapping the table: "Moreover, as your manager, how could I abandon you all and run away alone?!"
Although Xiao Xiao was moved by his determination, she still couldn't ignore the facts: "Lin Qiang, is there really still a way?"
"Maybe there is."
"Maybe?"
Lin Qiang let out a long sigh: "Give me a little more time..."
After a moment of silence, Xiao Xiao stood up and grasped Lin Qiang's right hand. "I believe in you. If we're going to make a mistake, let's make it together till the end."
Lin Xiaozhao also came over and joined their hands: "It was the manager who gave me the opportunity to do things I never dared to think of before. I'll work hard until the very last moment."
"Hey, hey, have you forgotten about me?" Zheng Shuai came running over with a smile. "Trust in Brother Qiang, gain eternal life."
"Let's all do our best," Lin Qiang looked at the clock on the wall. "I have to leave early again."
"Oh? Shouldn't you talk to you-know-who?"
"I'll leave that to you," Lin Qiang smiled at him. "I don't have time to waste words with him now. Remember, we agreed to face this together."
Zheng Shuai nodded resolutely: "Leave it to me."