Chapter Six: The Contest within '818' (Part Two)

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Zhang Maolin’s thoughts suddenly hit an inescapable dead end.

At this point, there was no need for further evasiveness; otherwise, all previous groundwork would be rendered meaningless. He withdrew his gaze from the distant view outside the window and refocused on the colorful floor-to-ceiling glass door of the restroom...

At this moment, Zhang Maolin firmly embraced a conviction: since his opponent had already laid their cards on the table, it meant that today’s exchange with Teng Deming could only be an open confrontation. He would simply pick up his "sword and spear" and face the battle head-on. Come on, let’s see what kind of “medicine” your gourd truly holds!

Once this straightforward thought settled, Zhang Maolin felt his body and mind lighten and relax within a short time. He straightened his chest, swung his arms, and waited for Teng Deming to finish in the restroom.

...

“Well? Have you traced the exact source of Wen Lu’s three million yuan yet?”

Teng Deming emerged from the restroom without immediately taking a seat. After tossing this question to Zhang Maolin, he began pacing slowly back and forth with his hands clasped behind his back.

Zhang Maolin did not answer directly.

Instead, he stood up and took a few steps closer to Teng Deming. Calmly, he asked:

“Director Teng, this letter—are you the one—?”

“Oh? You mean how this letter ended up in my hands, right? Actually, it’s quite simple. Although I’m not in charge of the discipline inspection work, I was born and raised right here in Songyang. Director Tan could promptly pass such an important letter to me, and I could faithfully report it back to you. What does that signify? It means that the provincial bank’s party committee, or Director Tan and I personally, have full recognition and trust in you, Comrade Maolin! Isn’t that right? Director Tan highly values your opinions and suggestions on handling this matter. So, the purpose of sending me over is precisely to discuss with you the next steps toward a final resolution regarding Wen Lu’s case.”

Teng Deming explained calmly.

“Oh—so that’s how it is!”

Zhang Maolin understood well that Teng Deming’s high-profile stance was perfectly timed, leaving no room for rebuttal.

He knew that, on this issue, rather than causing a fallout immediately, it was better to go with the flow and handle things calmly. So he decided to continue the “play” in tune with Vice President Teng’s tone.

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Zhang Maolin went on:

“Here’s the situation: the full source of the funds is not yet completely clear; at least, I don’t have the full picture yet. That three million yuan fixed deposit certificate was placed at a local credit union, and the city bank is currently negotiating with them. As for the passbook account, it belongs to a longstanding client of our city branch’s business department. However, due to the long time span, the city bank’s supervision office and audit department are verifying each transaction meticulously. It will likely take two to three weeks to complete the reconciliation. The city bank’s party committee and President Wang have issued strict disciplinary requirements: the investigation must be kept confidential, and only the inspection team leader reports directly to President Wei Xin. For this, we several party members must strictly observe discipline. Therefore, the other deputy leaders are not in a position to inquire.”

Zhang Maolin answered carefully, neither too sharp nor too soft.

“Ah, making a mountain out of a molehill! Even if Wei Xin insists on secrecy, surely he can’t keep you, the discipline secretary, in the dark? This self-important approach is utterly absurd—like playing a wild tune!”

Teng Deming’s displeasure was evident. He quickly added:

“Maolin, if you have doubts about this, I can ask President Wang to change the directive immediately. Is it reasonable that a legitimate discipline secretary is barred from investigating cases within their own unit? That’s like forbidding a chef from using spices!”

Zhang Maolin promptly retorted:

“No, no, Director Teng, don’t misunderstand. This decision was approved by our city bank’s party committee, and none of us deputies have any other intentions. The matter is serious, and President Wei Xin’s considerations are thorough and comprehensive. Especially given the current special circumstances, I believe it’s necessary to be cautious in operational details.”

While speaking, Zhang Maolin maintained eye contact with Teng Deming, wary of any slip that could allow misunderstanding or exploitation.

“Oh, well then. Since you’re so optimistic, I won’t pry further. But I still think Wei Xin is overly anxious or exaggerating the problem. In fact, Wen Lu’s affair has already spread far and wide. Is such cautiousness over this minor detail really necessary? After all, you are the discipline secretary of the city branch—it’s natural for you to inquire about this. Surely he must have considered your feelings in his decision? Of course, I don’t mean to suggest any rift between you two.”

Teng Deming explained thoughtfully.

“Director Teng, since you’ve brought this letter over, does that mean we can speak openly and honestly now?”

Zhang Maolin finally lost patience.

“Alright, alright! I’ve been waiting to hear that from you! But I have one condition: either we speak candidly—”

Teng Deming deliberately paused, perhaps expecting Zhang Maolin to catch the implied meaning.

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“Rest assured, Maolin, I won’t hold anything back!”

Zhang Maolin quickly jumped in.

“Director Teng, today let’s be straightforward and sincere, and share our honest views. What do you say?”

“Heh, brother, why so serious? Neither of us is Wen Lu’s ‘stand-in!’ Over the years, we’ve dealt with far more severe internal cases at the Commercial Bank of Songyang, and we all got through them. Why make a fuss over something so trivial? Don’t treat a sesame seed like a watermelon, straining yourself to hold it! Otherwise, no one will come out well, right?”

Teng Deming emphasized.

Zhang Maolin gave no clear response, only nodding slightly to encourage Teng Deming to continue.

“Brother Maolin, I’ve read your letter several times. Your concerns are genuine, and your personal insights are unique. This not only shows you’re an excellent discipline secretary who understands policy and has opinions, but more importantly, it reflects your deep affection and strong sense of responsibility toward the Songyang Commercial Bank. We found it very enlightening. Oh, don’t misunderstand me—the ‘we’ here means only Director Tan and me; no other provincial leaders know about your letter.”

Teng Deming rubbed his hands briskly, massaged his cheeks, and slowly crossed his legs...

...

After a brief silence, Zhang Maolin spoke with a heavy heart:

“Director Teng, my views on this matter have already been clearly and fully expressed in this letter. I believe you and Director Tan are well aware. Therefore, I have little more to say today. What I really want to hear is the provincial bank leadership’s specific opinions on this matter.”

Zhang Maolin was concise and to the point.