These words took even Zhu Fengshan himself by surprise!
Everyone had expected Lin Qiang to deliver the final blow and fully vent his anger. Instead, he took a step back? He wasn't planning to report this incident up the chain and condemn Hao Wei?
"Lin Qiang..."
"Manager Zhu, ultimately, you are the leader here. I've merely done what a subordinate should do - present the facts to the leadership," Lin Qiang said respectfully. "The final decision rests with you, sir."
Everyone felt a moment of tension, followed by relief.
Whether this show of respect was genuine or feigned, it represented an attitude. In such situations, appearances mattered more than inner thoughts.
With this strategic retreat, Lin Qiang had resolved all conflicts with Zhu Fengshan in a single sentence!
In other words, once Zhu Fengshan acknowledged Lin Qiang's achievements and accepted Hao Wei's downfall, all animosity between them dissipated. In an instant, they transformed from adversaries to allies with aligned interests.
At this point, Hao Wei, exposed for what he truly was, posed no further threat. If Lin Qiang had insisted on escalating the matter, it would have brought shame to the entire branch, perhaps even the regional office. In that case, Lin Qiang would have become a villain rather than a hero. By taking a step back now and handing all decision-making power to Zhu Fengshan, he not only showed great respect to the branch leader but also positioned himself as a major asset to the branch.
"Excellent!!" Zhu Fengshan was delighted, feeling as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sun. He was smarter than most, knowing the inside information. A leader in his position naturally possessed the awareness befitting his role. "Lin, I previously held some prejudices against you based on rumors I'd heard. As Branch Manager, I'd like to apologize to you for that!"
"I wouldn't dare accept such an apology. It was my repeated defiance that caused everyone's dissatisfaction. I will correct my attitude, just as Hao Wei has."
"Nonsense! Speaking frankly is exactly the attitude a good employee should have!"
In just a few exchanges, the two men seemed to have become like close brothers.
Lin Qiang dared to bow his head in submission, and Zhu Fengshan dared to lower his head and admit his mistakes.
The situation had changed incredibly fast.
Zhu Fengshan then changed the subject, looking at everyone: "This incident is an internal secret of our branch. Everyone present, please maintain confidentiality. We'll resolve this internally without troubling the regional office, and certainly without involving the media. Is that clear?"
Everyone nodded in understanding.
This was an era that valued talent above all else. Both in terms of performance and in his struggle against Hao Wei, Lin Qiang had emerged as the undisputed victor. Yet at the moment when he had every right to be arrogant, he displayed extraordinary humility.
Even though Lin Qiang had brought down Hao Wei, some leaders still thought of him as a stubborn, inflexible person. But when he took that final step back, everyone was surprised to discover just how shrewd he actually was.
"Well then... let's make the announcement right now." Once Zhu Fengshan had shed the burden of Hao Wei, he became more relaxed and cheerful. With a wave of his arm, he declared, "Lin Qiang has achieved a performance of 100 million yuan and is hereby promoted to Director of the Longyuan Outlet, effective immediately! Regarding Hao Wei's dereliction of duty, I will personally oversee the matter. The branch will begin an investigation, and he is suspended pending the outcome!"
With that, Zhu Fengshan led the applause.
The whole room applauded.
No one even looked at Hao Wei in the corner anymore. With all the facts laid bare, not even divine intervention could save him now.
We've won...
Lin Qiang finally let out a deep breath of relief.
"We've won..." he murmured, and then suddenly felt lightheaded. His body swayed, and he collapsed to the ground.
"Ah!!!" Lin Xiaozhao was the first to scream, rushing forward. "I was wrong, I was wrong, no no no! He won't die from overwork... he won't..."
In the branch's rest area, the Longyuan Outlet staff and leaders like Zhu Fengshan all gathered around the sofa, looking with concern at Lin Qiang, who had just opened his eyes.
Lin Xiaozhao's eyes were already brimming with tears. Seeing Lin Qiang awake, she was the first to offer him some warm water. "Thank goodness... you scared us to death, Manager. If you had died from overwork at this moment, it would have been such a waste."
"Haha, how could that happen?" Lin Qiang smiled as he took the paper cup. With Xiaozhao's help, he sat up and apologized to everyone around him, "I'm sorry, I suddenly felt like I could rest, and my body just went ahead and did it. I've worried everyone."
"You really should take a couple of days off," Zhu Fengshan's expression had completely changed. He sat down next to Lin Qiang and patted his shoulder. "You're our hundred-million yuan star employee. If anything were to happen to you, it would be a huge loss for United Bank."
Everyone around them echoed the sentiment, their attitudes changing along with Zhu Fengshan's.
Whether genuine or not, a smile was always better than a frown.
"Alright, everyone can get back to work now," Zhu Fengshan said, turning to the others after seeing that Lin Qiang was fine. "Make a note of this: I'm personally approving a week's leave for Lin Qiang. You need to take care of your health."
Everyone agreed and began to disperse. The Longyuan outlet staff, seeing that Zhu Fengshan wasn't moving, realized he wanted to speak privately with Lin Qiang and decided to postpone their celebration.
After everyone had left, Zhu Fengshan let out a long sigh. He leaned back on the sofa, rubbing his slightly balding forehead. The atmosphere changed, and so did his words.
"Lin Qiang, you need to understand, targeting you wasn't my intention," Zhu Fengshan sighed meaningfully. "After all, being a Branch Manager isn't easy. I have to please those above me while also being accountable to those below. The interpersonal relationships within the bank are extremely complex."
"I understand," Lin Qiang put down his cup and nodded. "If I were in your position, I might have made the same choices. How can I demand from others what I couldn't do myself?"
"Oh?" Zhu Fengshan showed a hint of surprise, followed by a touch of admiration. "Regarding you, it seems we indeed can't just listen to rumors. They all say you're full of thorns, but that's clearly an exaggeration."
Lin Qiang smiled, "Manager Zhu, why would I prick others if they don't prick me first?"
"Haha," Zhu Fengshan laughed heartily. "Anyway, things have come to this point now. I'll consult with the higher-ups about Hao Wei's situation. Don't worry, this time, no matter how much influence he has, he'll at least face forced resignation."
"Mm," Lin Qiang responded, knowing Zhu Fengshan had more to say. He just looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
"Sigh... as a Branch Manager, I shouldn't be saying these things, but with you, Lin Qiang, I have to," Zhu Fengshan sighed and spoke frankly. "You know who's behind all this, don't you?"
Lin Qiang nodded silently.
Whether it was Qian Cai or Hao Wei, they all had intricate connections with that person in the regional office. That person's pawns had infiltrated every aspect of the bank. Who knew how many people were part of that solid interest alliance? Perhaps even Zhu Fengshan was one of them.
Seeing Lin Qiang's expression, Zhu Fengshan seemed to understand something. He shook his head, both amused and exasperated. "Lin Qiang, it's not what you think... Although I'd very much like to bring more talented people to our Dongjiao branch, it hasn't gone that far. Administratively, she and I are at the same level."
"Of course," Lin Qiang smiled wryly and apologized. "I acted on my own without consulting you this time, Manager Zhu. I've caused you trouble."
To his surprise, Zhu Fengshan's expression brightened, and he suddenly laughed. "Trouble, yes, but the merit is even greater!"
"Hm?"
"Hao Wei's personnel arrangement was something I had no choice in. Occupying such a prime monopoly area as Longyuan, yet with such mediocre performance, daydreaming all day - you think I was happy about it?" Zhu Fengshan frowned. "I just couldn't say anything due to certain people's influence. Your actions this time have actually given me ample reason to act."
He continued, with some regret, "It's a pity though, you'll likely incur that person's displeasure from now on."
"Oh, don't worry about that, Manager Zhu. My transfer to Longyuan was her plan in the first place."
"Oh? This was also her doing?" Zhu Fengshan laughed, slapping his forehead. "No wonder, no wonder. I thought you were just going against Qian Cai, but it turns out she was behind it all... Now it all makes sense, I understand everything that's happened recently."
Zhu Fengshan had a sudden moment of clarity, and his tone changed: "Lin Qiang, interpersonal relationships are essential, but talent is even more precious. I'll do my best to shield you from pressure from above. I hope you'll stay in our branch and build your own team. I can't speak for other places, but in the Dongjiao branch, I have the final say!"
Lin Qiang felt a sense of relief. Finally, someone had appeared who wasn't under Rosa's control. This move of his had been the right one. As a branch Manager, Zhu Fengshan also faced competition between branches. If his performance remained consistently good, he had a chance of moving up to the regional office or even the head office.
"I'll definitely make Longyuan the star outlet of the branch," Lin Qiang immediately replied.
"Excellent! I've already seen what you can do. If you've managed 100 million, what is there to fear?" Zhu Fengshan said, then shook his head regretfully. "It's just a pity that big deal was credited to the regional office's private banking center."
Lin Qiang understood his meaning. Zhu Fengshan hoped to reclaim that performance for the DongjiaoĀ branch.
"The branch couldn't handle that deal, I had no choice but to go that route," Lin Qiang explained. "It was an equity donation, very complex. I didn't dare handle it recklessly."
"Donation?"
"It's... a new type of product."
"No wonder," Zhu Fengshan patted Lin Qiang again. "Don't worry, there will be more opportunities in the future. By the way, when the time is right, you can bring all your old clients over. Longyuan is yours now. Don't mind what I say in meetings upstairs, poaching business from other branches is perfectly normal."
Lin Qiang smiled wryly. Leaders indeed had two faces.
Feeling the time was right, he cautiously said, "Since Manager Zhu has entrusted me with such important responsibilities... I have a few requests, if I may be so bold..."
"Hehe, it's about personnel arrangements, right?" Zhu Fengshan smiled. "Go ahead, I'll transfer Chen Liang away. Which deputy do you have in mind? I'll help you bring them over."
"Actually, we don't need to bring in anyone new. Zheng Shuai is capable of being a manager."
"Zheng Shuai? The young man who manipulated my secretary's computer?" Zhu Fengshan thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "That kid's got guts, outmaneuvering my secretary. Does he have enough experience though?"