Chapter Eight: The Last Card (Part Two)

Zhang Maolin had long sensed the atmosphere in the room; in fact, this was exactly the effect he had hoped for. He intended to provoke a slight, not-too-extreme stimulus to prompt Governor Teng to quickly change the subject.

Respond to the unchanging with change.

Zhang Maolin silently resolved on this approach, then fixed his gaze unwaveringly on the other’s face. Such behavior was equivalent to signaling to Teng Deming that he accepted the role of attentive listener.

Sure enough, Teng Deming seemed to quickly guess Zhang Maolin’s thoughts. He glanced at him and continued:

“Two years ago, Governor Tan’s beloved Labrador was killed by someone else, and he was deeply saddened! He mentioned it many times during our casual conversations. Later, I learned that the branch managers from the secondary branches all went to express their ‘sympathy’ to comfort him.

In this matter, you people from Songyang took the lead. Many junior section chiefs also made the rounds to pay their respects, including Wen Lu. Of course, Wen Lu’s timely presence was not unrelated to my subtle ‘guidance’! After all, he’s a fellow townsman. These young people have decent intellect and emotional intelligence; a slight reminder and encouragement at crucial moments is part of my duty.

A mere section-level cadre actually managing to get in close with a provincial bank’s top-tier director-level leader—do you realize how much subtle communication art is embodied in this? Let’s speculate: the death of a leader’s dog can stir such sensitive nerves among subordinates. What does this mean? Beyond showing their strong self-promotion awareness and willingness to be tied to the leader, it shows that each of them possesses rich information resources and swift abilities to capture and seize opportunities. Any information, even minor personal matters concerning top leaders, is instantly caught and skillfully acted upon. Can you imagine the significance of such operations?”

Seeing Zhang Maolin sitting silently with his head lowered, Teng Deming deliberately raised his voice:

“There’s a saying: to think, rely on intellect; to act, rely on emotional intelligence. Nowadays, some joke that life is like a play. I believe the key is not the plot itself but the reminder of which role we should play. It’s certainly not easy to be the protagonist, but can anyone truly admit to being a mere supporting role? Let alone those extras who work themselves to the bone only to end up with nothing but a handful of chicken feathers!

Since we are in this world, we must abide by its rules. Whether aiming for success in officialdom or achievements elsewhere, we must follow mutually agreed-upon regulations and maintain commonly recognized routines. This is not only necessary but imperative!

Look back at the past! Throughout these years, what have you, Zhang Maolin, been thinking about? What have you been busy with day in and day out?

—Managing to prevent cases, plugging loopholes, conducting drills...

These irritating, even extremely detestable slogans are constantly on your lips! Today you supervise Zhang San, tomorrow you investigate Li Si, causing chaos and anxiety throughout the bank! Think about it: you, a dignified disciplinary secretary, roaming around like a grim reaper with an axe and sword, tell me—what branch manager would dare to cozy up to you in private? Even those wishing to curry favor might not dare show their feelings!”

Page 2

“So what’s the result? Ordinary folks have no reason to approach you, and subordinates don’t dare flatter you. Gradually, you become like that solitary old man fishing alone in the cold river snow. As for cultivating your own network among the upper echelons—that’s just an international joke.

To be honest, I’ve long hoped that our hometown Songyang would produce a true ‘master’—someone to lead us! It would be beneficial both publicly and privately. But looking at your way of handling things—sigh! I truly can’t praise it…”

At this emotional point, Teng Deming sighed deeply. He stared at Zhang Maolin, who sat listlessly on the opposite sofa with his head bowed, and continued slowly:

“Last month, the provincial bank held a special meeting on peak season marketing deployment. Your bank’s Deputy Governor Yin Sen attended. During lunch, the conversation somehow turned to you. Guess what Yin Sen said about you?”

“What? Probably nothing good! I, Old Zhang, have always clashed with him; we’re not on the same wavelength at all,” Zhang Maolin muttered without looking up.

Teng Deming immediately replied:

“Wrong. You misunderstood Yin Sen! He praised you publicly! He admired your willingness to endure hardship and stick to principles. He even said that if you had lived fifty years earlier, with your tenacity, you might have developed the atomic bomb before the Americans, beating the Japanese by three or five years, and become an international model worker!

Heh heh heh...”

Teng Deming’s mocking laughter was like a brush tickling his opponent’s ribs.

“What does this nonsense mean?” Zhang Maolin’s anger was evident.

“Heh, what does it mean? Are you testing me? Anyway, I took it as sincere advice. But several people at the table burst out laughing then!”

Page 3

Teng Deming rested one foot on the edge of the TV cabinet and slowly stretched forward.

“Hmph, Yin Sen doesn’t need to pretend to be humble with me! Over the past two years, many people have reported him for taking kickbacks from loan enterprises, and I heard some complaint letters have reached the Municipal Discipline Inspection Committee. Once there’s solid evidence, I believe they won’t spare him!”

Zhang Maolin said angrily.

“Heh, you plan to get him? Chances are he’ll be taken down before you succeed! Think about it—someone who became deputy section chief at thirty-two isn’t an ordinary person. You really don’t understand Yin Sen’s family background. Even Governor Tan has to give him some face! Honestly, I shouldn’t say this, especially not in front of you.”

Teng Deming hesitated.

“I know a bit about Yin Sen’s background—it’s pretty impressive! Otherwise, why would he act so arrogantly all the time?”

Zhang Maolin replied disdainfully.

Teng Deming said:

“Actually, I’ve long heard about the conflicts between you and Yin Sen. What’s the point? His posting in Songyang is just a grassroots stint to polish his resume. There’s no irreconcilable competition between you two. Everyone knows this shallow pond of Songyang can’t hold a big fish like Yin Sen; he’ll leave sooner or later. You all just happened to work together briefly. Even if you don’t develop deep bonds, it shouldn’t come to outright hostility. Brother, if your personality stays the same as always, you’ll likely remain stuck as a disciplinary secretary your whole life. If that’s the case, I’m afraid there’s little I can do to help!”

—Brrring brrring brrring...

Teng Deming’s phone suddenly rang.