Chapter 21: 020 Shield

The Chundu Grand Hotel was located northeast of the county town; a taxi reached it in just over ten minutes. It was the only five-star hotel in the county, built two years ago, with lavish decor, and preferred by major business magnates for entertaining guests.

Fang Qingye walked straight to the third floor and opened the door to Room 302. The dining table was large, but only three people sat at it.

One man and two women: the man, around fifty, with a slicked-back hairstyle and a square face, was Song Qingdong, Song Dahai’s father.

Zhang Qunying had already arrived, but Xia He had not; the other woman, in her thirties, was very beautiful, with sharp, slanted phoenix eyes that gave her an astute air.

Fang Qingye knew her—Luo Yan, deputy general manager of Kairui Real Estate.

Luo Yan was truly talented. According to Song Dahai, she had started as a hotel waitress, then applied to Kairui Real Estate as a property sales agent, excelling at client communication and quickly rising to sales supervisor due to outstanding performance.

Later, Song Qingdong transferred her to the company headquarters as public relations manager, handling government agencies, banks, and major clients; last year she was promoted to deputy general manager, becoming Song Qingdong’s trusted aide.

When Fang Qingye walked in, Song Qingdong looked surprised: “How did you get here?”

Before Fang Qingye could respond, Zhang Qunying smiled and said, “Director Song, let me introduce you—he’s Fang Qingye, an employee of our Oriental Bank, personally requested by Bank Manager Xia He to attend.”

“Director Zhang, I’ve known him for a long time—he’s been a childhood playmate of my younger son.” Song Qingdong replied with a smile. Hearing it was Xia He’s request, he naturally didn’t press further.

Beside him, Luo Yan gave Fang Qingye a meaningful glance.

Fang Qingye naturally greeted everyone with a smile before taking his seat at the lower end.

At 6:25 p.m., Xia He arrived. She wasn’t wearing her uniform—instead, she wore a white blouse paired with high-waisted wide-leg pants, exuding elegance and poise.

“Director Zhao, Manager Luo, I apologize for being late—some work matters came up.” Xia He offered a brief apology. Song Qingdong naturally said nothing and invited her to take the seat of honor.

With everyone arrived, the dishes were served. Song Qingdong had planned to serve Maotai, but Xia He politely declined, saying her alcohol tolerance was low; he didn’t insist and ordered a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon instead.

Though few in number, the dishes were all premium specialties. Song Qingdong paid special attention, pointing to one dish with a smile: “I heard Bank Manager Xia He is from Jinling, so I specifically asked the chef to prepare Jinling’s famous delicacy, Beauty’s Liver. Try it—how is it?”

The so-called Beauty’s Liver is made by stir-frying duck pancreas with chicken breast in duck oil.

Xia He didn’t hesitate; she picked up her chopsticks, took a bite, and nodded: “Hmm, delicious. I didn’t expect Chundu Grand Hotel could make Jinling cuisine this authentic.”

“Haha, the general manager of Chundu Grand Hotel is a friend of mine. Bank Manager Xia He, you must come often—he’ll personally instruct the chef to ensure you’re satisfied!”

“Thank you.” Xia He picked up her napkin and delicately wiped her lips.

After a while of eating and drinking, Song Qingdong poured more red wine into Xia He’s and Zhang Qunying’s glasses. When he moved to pour for Fang Qingye, Fang Qingye smiled and stopped him.

“Uncle Song, I’ll serve myself.”

Song Qingdong didn’t press further and turned to Xia He: “Bank Manager Xia He, Director Zhang, I invited you here today because I have a favor to ask.”

“Director Song, please go ahead.”

“I have a 24-million loan with your bank coming due...” Song Qingdong hadn’t finished when Zhang Qunying cut in: “Director Song, you want to extend repayment? That might...”

Song Qingdong glanced at Zhang Qunying, then smiled: “No, Director Zhang. Extending repayment would damage my company’s credit and make future loans harder to obtain. I’d never do that unless absolutely desperate.”

Hearing this, Zhang Qunying relaxed slightly.

But Xia He gave Zhang Qunying a disapproving look.

Why the rush? Let him finish speaking.

Clearly, in dealing with bosses, Zhang Qunying wasn’t as skilled as the former credit officer, Su Ming.

Still, Zhang Qunying had his strengths—meticulous, principled, hard to corrupt in his position as head of the credit department.

And, of course, he followed her orders.

Song Qingdong continued, “My plan is to raise funds elsewhere to repay the 24 million, but I’d be deeply grateful if Bank Manager Xia He and Director Zhang could approve another 24 million loan as soon as possible—we’ve already submitted all the application documents.”

“Director Song, are you planning to use the 24 million we lend you to plug holes elsewhere?” Xia He said half-jokingly, half-seriously.

Song Qingdong gave a wry smile: “Bank Manager Xia He, I won’t hide it—I do intend to do exactly that. You know how sluggish the real estate market is right now—not just us, but all real estate companies in Jinghai and even across Jiangsu Province are cash-strapped. Many are on the brink of collapse due to broken cash flows.”

“But rest assured, Kairui Real Estate isn’t facing this problem,” Song Qingdong quickly added. “Our Nanxin and Jinghai projects are both selling hotly; we’re just experiencing temporary cash flow issues.”

Selling hotly?

Sitting at the lower end, Fang Qingye smiled inwardly.

He didn’t know much about the Jinghai project, but the Nanxin project, Kairui’s Shanshui Jiayuan, was indeed bustling—many people came to view it daily.

But Fang Qingye knew well—it was all shills... very few actual buyers.

Xia He understood too, but she smiled without exposing it, then paused before saying:

“Director Song, you’re a long-standing client of our bank, and our cooperation has always been good. But you know the entire banking industry is cautious about real estate loans. Last week, our city branch summoned all county branch managers to a meeting to convey provincial directives requiring strict limits on real estate lending—I’m sure you’ve heard.”

Song Qingdong nodded.

At that moment, Zhang Qunying added: “Also, our branch only has authority to approve loans up to 10 million. Loans of your scale require approval from the city branch.”

“I know that. I don’t need you to lend me 24 million—just 10 million, Bank Manager Xia He. What do you say?”

Clearly, Song Qingdong was truly desperate.

Xia He didn’t answer immediately. After a pause, she said: “How about this, Director Song—we’ll review it internally and get back to you?”

Song Qingdong looked disappointed, glanced once more at Fang Qingye—who had said nothing—and finally said, “Then I’ll leave it to Bank Manager Xia He and Director Zhang. I hope for a quick reply.”

“We will.”

After concluding the business, they chatted briefly about trivial matters, exchanging empty small talk. When time neared, Xia He rose to leave, and Zhang Qunying and Fang Qingye naturally followed.

Song Qingdong and Luo Yan saw them off to the hotel entrance.

“Bank Manager Xia He, you didn’t bring a car? I’ll have my driver take you home,” Song Qingdong said immediately upon seeing her preparing to walk.

“No need. I plan to shop with Director Zhang.” Xia He smiled politely declining.

The three left the hotel. Minutes later, at a crossroads, Xia He turned to Fang Qingye: “Xiao Fang, Director Zhang and I are going to browse some clothes. What about you?”

“I’m going home.” Fang Qingye replied instantly.

“Alright, be careful on your way.” With that, Xia He and Zhang Qunying turned toward the county center.

Fang Qingye headed home, but felt a quiet irritation.

It wasn’t because he’d remained silent throughout dinner, merely a passive guest—it was because: Xia He had clearly brought him here as a shield!

Several times, Fang Qingye noticed Song Qingdong had something to say, then hesitated, realizing Fang Qingye was present.

After all, Fang Qingye was Song Qingdong’s junior; some things he didn’t want him to hear.

Fang Qingye felt this way—and Song Qingdong felt the same.