Chapter Eleven: The Hainan Dialogue (Part 1)

While speaking with Zhang Maolin, Wen Lu kept turning his head toward the hotel restaurant, from which the boisterous sounds of drinking games periodically spilled out.

"No need to rush. Those wine-guzzlers haven't reached their peak yet! When it’s time for you to go settle the bill, Vice President Yin will naturally call you," Zhang Maolin said, eyeing the restless Wen Lu with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Oh, no, no. That’s not what I meant. I was just worried about whether there were enough cigarettes on the table for them. I didn't pay special attention to that when I ordered the meal," Wen Lu stammered, clearly aware of the irritation of the Discipline Inspection Secretary standing before him.

"Un-ne-cessary!" Zhang Maolin drawled, deliberately elongating his words. He continued, "While organizing luggage at the airport, I saw an old colleague’s suitcase and backpack stuffed to the brim with cordyceps and cartons of soft-pack Chunghwa cigarettes. Look at that level of class! That is what it means to be the boss of an enterprise—just one word: impressive!"

Zhang Maolin and Wen Lu shared a knowing smile.

"Secretary, we are just the fishmongers; we don't concern ourselves with the shrimp. Not worrying about trivial matters is good for one’s health. Let’s get back to business. Where were we? Right, you were talking about those enterprises along the Songhe River that failed their environmental impact assessments..." Wen Lu used a large palm-leaf fan to keep Zhang Maolin cool.

Zhang Maolin understood the true intent behind Wen Lu’s words and actions, but he didn't find anything improper about it. Indeed, all the arrangements for this trip were the brainchild of the top leader, Wang Weixin, and even Vice President Yin Sen—whom he viewed as a thorn in his side—was merely an executor. As for this little Wen Lu by his side, he was nothing more than a parrot.

Zhang Maolin took the fan from Wen Lu and said softly, "Little Wen, strictly speaking, I am not in charge of the bank's credit operations, so I have no standing to criticize them. It’s just that since we happened to stumble onto the topic, I couldn't help but speak out. Heh. You emphasized earlier that those highly polluting companies ultimately secured their loans. When the City Branch Credit Review Committee reviewed the project collectively, didn't they discuss this issue?"

Wen Lu lowered his head and leaned in to reply, "Anyone with a brain would think about such an obvious question! The problem is, there was nowhere to cast a vote. You know, these 'high-end' clients often have deep connections. They communicate directly with the provincial branch or even higher levels. As a result, these special loans arrive with 'red-headed document' directives from above. For such 'imperial envoy' loans, all we can do at the secondary branch level is like holding in a fart—in the end, there is only one thing to do: let it go!

"Of course, once such loans become overdue, non-performing, or result in losses, and the time comes for accountability, those big shots above start playing the 'crooked monk' reciting scriptures incorrectly: 'Damn it! I told you to issue the loans, but I never gave you permission to operate in violation of regulations like this.' Look, in the eyes of these elders, once it comes to a showdown, the fate of us grassroots employees is like Wu Dalang taking poison—you die if you drink it, and you die if you don't!"

Zhang Maolin was speechless for a long moment. He looked up at the brightly lit hotel private room in the distance, the shouting and noise of the drinking games drifting out from time to time.

He looked at Wen Lu and said in a slow, calm tone, "Looking at all the professional departments in the bank, credit business is crucial, especially in the loan disbursement phase. While obeying the decisions of leadership, shouldn't your professional department provide timely feedback to the higher-level authorities? You must let them know about the potential risks involved!"

Wen Lu replied, "Exactly, and how I wish I could! After all, as a credit manager, I still have to perform my normal duties. But the key is, even if I have such responsibility and obligation, I still need the supervising vice president to agree and adopt my views. Otherwise, my suggestions would be tantamount to going over his head to report him! Good heavens, if that label were pinned on me by those above, do you think I, Wen Lu, would still have a future in Songyang?!"

"Are you saying that Yin Sen is the one blocking it?" Zhang Maolin asked. "Is he stupid? If the loan runs into risk, he will inevitably be held accountable by his superiors! As the supervising leader, wouldn't he also be unable to escape the consequences?"

Wen Lu replied, "You are right! But our Vice President Yin never seems to view problems that way. We have to admit, Vice President Yin’s way of thinking is truly unique and often highly forward-looking. Don't let his age fool you; he is a real rogue genius. Not only is he deeply skilled, but his ability to 'skirt the edges' of the rules is superb, and his operational tactics are incredibly delicate! I dare say, among all you bank-level leaders, Vice President Yin Sen is the most adept at reverse thinking and is the best at capturing and exploiting policy loopholes."

"Oh? Heh, it seems you admire him? Why don't you give me an example?" Zhang Maolin seemed very interested.

Wen Lu continued, "I wouldn't call it admiration; it's more like watching from a distance with a cold eye. That Vice President Yin has been able to form his own style of conduct is only because the soil here in Songyang provided a breeding ground for him to thrive. I am his direct subordinate, so I must respect and obey him in my work. But outside of work, we have no rapport. To put it bluntly, he and I are not on the same path.

"Vice President Yin’s greatest trait is his penchant for reverse thinking and his courage to make decisions based on that logic. This is something I’ve gradually realized and understood after working with him for many years. His philosophy has always been that to decide whether to commit to something, you must first run a simulation: assume the matter has already been completed and sits right there. Then, calm down and carefully weigh the impact on the people around you. The only standard for judgment is that any action that brings face or honor to a superior should be done boldly, without fear of taking responsibility. Even if there are slight risks, they are not worth mentioning, because any leader will protect the subordinates who have worked themselves to the bone for him out of concern for his own face and interests. If a mature subordinate wants to truly become a leader’s confidant, he shouldn't just help the superior do good deeds. Sometimes, he has to put in the effort to participate in some 'gray' matters. Only then can the results exceed expectations."

"Gray matters? What do you mean by gray?" Zhang Maolin interjected.

"It means, it means—" Wen Lu suddenly choked on his words.

"Little Wen, what’s wrong? Is there something inconvenient to say? If so, I won't ask," Zhang Maolin said, becoming alert. He realized that the casual chat with Wen Lu had touched upon sensitive content regarding Yin Sen himself, making the situation delicate for both of them.