Chen Liang arrived outside the residential complex and opened his car door. Unlike the bustling atmosphere in Longyuan, he suddenly felt a chill. His two-year dream had shattered in an instant, leaving indelible scars on his soul.
Just as he was about to start the engine, someone suddenly knocked on the driver's side window. Chen Liang turned his head and, through the glass, vaguely saw a baseball bat.
BANG!
The glass cracked under the force of the blow.
BANG!
"Stop! Stop!" Chen Liang shouted, covering his head. "I'll give you money! Don't smash my car!"
"Heh, we've already been paid. We're just here to wreck your car," the person outside replied, continuing to strike relentlessly. Three to five men appeared, all joining in the destruction.
"Help! I'm calling the police!"
"Go ahead, we'll be done in five minutes."
Two minutes later, Chen Liang's sedan was completely demolished. All the windshields were shattered, and he was covered in glass shards.
The leader of the group leaned in through the side window, grinning as he ruffled Chen Liang's hair. "Pretty boy, the boss wants you to know this isn't over. We'll be back every week."
The thugs surrounding the car burst into laughter.
After giving Chen Liang's cheek a firm pat, the leader left with his men.
Chen Liang sat alone in the driver's seat, unable to start the car.
"Damn it! Damn it all!"
At that moment, his phone rang. Chen Liang hesitated for a long time, finally answering after more than ten rings.
"Sasha..."
"I failed..."
"I failed on both fronts..."
....
The next evening, in the Audit Office dormitory building, Lin Qiang arrived at Ling Chen's study. The two men smoked and chatted while Xia Xin set tea on the coffee table and poured for them.
Ling Chen sat comfortably on the sofa and said, "It's Lele's birthday. She's not familiar with her new classmates yet and insisted on having you come over. It must have been troublesome for you to come all the way from Longyuan."
"It's no trouble. I'm on annual leave this week, so I have plenty of time," Lin Qiang smiled as he accepted the tea, taking a light sniff. "This is pine silk oolong, isn't it?"
"You can tell just by the scent?" Xia Xin waved her hand, smiling. "You're quite the connoisseur."
"Haha, one of my clients is quite knowledgeable about tea and often tells me about these things," Lin Qiang said, referring to Qiu Zhizhang. This recent success was undoubtedly thanks to the old man's help.
"Lin Qiang, are you sure you don't want to go to the private banking center?" Xia Xin asked, sitting down in a chair next to the sofa. "The leaders there have mentioned it to me several times. They said you'd be in charge of major equity projects and even have your own team."
Lin Qiang smiled wryly and politely declined, "The work there is too detached from reality. I've heard it's all about being a glorified butler and personal assistant to clients. With my looks, I don't think I'd make a very good personal assistant."
"Hahaha!" Ling Chen laughed heartily, patting Lin Qiang on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! It's all about bowing and scraping there, not very interesting."
"But the director there is a close friend of mine. He could really look out for you," Xia Xin muttered, biting her lip.
"Alright, alright. Lin Qiang isn't a child. He must have his own considerations. He doesn't need our help," Ling Chen chided Xia Xin before turning to Lin Qiang. "You think there's more room for growth at the branch, right?"
"To be honest, that's how I see it."
"Mm-hmm." Ling Chen nodded, looking at Xia Xin with a smile. "You still don't understand men. He's ambitious and doesn't want to be cooped up in that greenhouse."
"You guys..." Xia Xin shook her head helplessly. "Have it your way, then."
Sensing the right moment, Lin Qiang expressed his gratitude, "I must thank Director Ling and Chief Xia again. Without those account materials and connections at the private banking center, this matter wouldn't have been resolved so smoothly."
"It was nothing, just a small favor," Ling Chen waved his hand. "As long as those materials aren't used in any official capacity, there's no harm done."
Xia Xin also smiled in response, "It's the same on my end. You brought in such a big client; the director of the private bank can't thank me enough."
"Oh, here's the information you requested," Lin Qiang said, pulling a folder from his briefcase and handing it to Ling Chen. "The school principal's personal accounts."
"Ah, thank you," Ling Chen said, accepting the material and leafing through them. "This matter... I couldn't investigate it directly. Thank you for your help."
"It's nothing. You helped me access even foreign bank accounts. This was a small task in comparison."
"Hmm... hmm..." Ling Chen frowned as he studied the material. "Well, well. This principal's monthly income is higher than mine!"
Lin Qiang nodded, "Indeed. The hostess at the karaoke bar confirmed that the principal acted as an intermediary. He's also a frequent patron himself."
"Alright, we can start preparing to deal with this matter," Ling Chen said, putting down the material and nodding solemnly at Lin Qiang. "I've spoken to our old friends. Since you're in Longyuan, please assist them when necessary."
"Certainly. The police are quite accommodating. How far we take this depends on your intentions, Director Ling."
"Use your judgment," Ling Chen said, leaning back on the sofa and letting out a long sigh. "With Lele's situation resolved, I must say you've really gone above and beyond."
He gestured to Xia Xin, signaling her to leave.
Understanding her husband's intention, Xia Xin refilled their tea before excusing herself to go keep Lele company.
Ling Chen extinguished his cigarette and looked intently at Lin Qiang. "Lin, are you sure you don't want to give my department a try? We've been dealing with a lot of financial crimes lately. The office is recruiting auditors with professional backgrounds and practical experience. If you're willing, you could focus on the banking sector. In three to five years, a promotion wouldn't be out of the question."
Lin Qiang sighed, "Director Ling, I've been earning my living from banking for so many years. To turn around and bite the hand that fed me... it doesn't sit right with my conscience."
"I see..." Ling Chen frowned. "But I heard from my wife that United Bank... hasn't treated you very well."
"It's not United Bank that treated me poorly, just certain individuals."
"Such loyalty is rare indeed," Ling Chen said with a wry smile. "Unlike the young people under me, who are all looking for ways to join profitable companies or go abroad."
Seeing Ling Chen's sincerity, Lin Qiang spoke frankly, "I think I'll stay in banking. With your and your wife's help this time, I've already established a firm footing in Longyuan."
"Alright, if that's your choice, you must have your reasons. Keep up the good work," Ling Chen said, shaking his head and no longer insisting. He lit another cigarette and, exhaling a cloud of smoke, changed the subject. "The office is investigating something recently. They might call you in for questioning. You should be cautious."
"What?" Lin Qiang was shocked.
Being caught in an Audit Office investigation was no small matter. How had he never heard about this from his superiors?
Or was Ling Chen privately tipping him off because of their relationship?
"I've discussed this with Xia Xin, but she knows nothing about it," Ling Chen said meaningfully. "Xinda Group... that name rings a bell, doesn't it?"
Xinda Group!
Lin Qiang's body tensed.
So, it had finally come to this.
Much sooner than he had anticipated.
"I understand," Lin Qiang nodded immediately and stood up. "This matter is too sensitive. I should take my leave."
"Yes, that's what I was thinking. We need to maintain some distance to avoid misunderstandings," Ling Chen said, standing up to shake hands with Lin Qiang again. "Once this is over, we'll meet again."