Chapter 881: Wholehearted assistance inevitably invites a request

The bank president Su Tong, already pale-faced, and the disheveled director Gao trembled as they walked in.

"Regarding the loan application submitted by County Magistrate Su, I want to know why you refused to approve it and what the reason is. Is it because Lieshan Xian County Government is on a blacklist, or did he offend someone among you?"

"How has the bank's loan approval process, in your hands, become a tool for inflating your private desires?"

"Moreover, our bank has issued large agricultural relief loans these past two years, as well as supportive loans to the local government. Other branches actively liaise with the local government, building good relations while also strongly supporting local development."

"But you've done the opposite—you clutch the money in your hands, not only refusing to take the initiative to talk, but when they come to you, you put on a nasty air."

"Moreover, given your conduct, I can easily tell what you've been up to these years. I will have the internal Discipline Inspection Commission investigate you. Effective immediately, the branch bank president will be Bai Xiaobai."

Speaking, a young girl with short hair standing behind him lightly nodded to everyone.

Su Yang thought, "That's ruthless—directly putting those two under investigation. Anyone in such a position must have some violation; not to mention, the kickbacks taken when approving loans for others are surely not insignificant."

He had also heard before that some bank presidents, when approving a 10 million yuan loan for someone, would take a 3 million yuan kickback for themselves.

Such practices are commonplace; although the county city branch may not handle that large a sum, these two could easily siphon off several million.

Su Tong and Director Gao had at this point soiled their pants, and a foul stench filled the whole room.

Bai Xiaobai furrowed his brows, then said to Su Yang, "County Magistrate Su, why don't we go upstairs to the office to talk?"

Su Yang wasn't angry either, and went upstairs together with the bank staff.

Upon reaching the upstairs office, Bank President Yan sat down by himself and began brewing tea, having reserved this favor for Bai Xiaobai.

Bai Xiaobai said, "County Magistrate Su, I've also heard about those several projects in your county."

"You don't need to repeat yourself. Based on your funding needs, our branch's existing credit limit of three hundred million yuan is clearly insufficient; I will apply to the municipal branch for an additional two hundred million."

"However, those two hundred million will not arrive until next year; I can only allocate the three hundred million to your finances for now."

"If the project later falls short, you can just tell me and I'll apply to the branch again. In short, our bank has always set aside special funds for supporting local government development."

"Besides, this is an agricultural relief project that genuinely puts the benefits into the hands of the common people."

"As for the relevant procedures, just arrange for someone to come handle them, and the money will be in your account within three days."

Su Yang immediately expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Bank President Bai, thank you, Bank President Yan. Without you, these projects in our county could not proceed smoothly."

"I have arranged a meal at Lieshan Grand Hotel at noon and invite the two bank presidents and all the leaders to join."

While speaking, Su Yang secretly calculated that if there truly were five hundred million yuan, even the Yingbin Dadao project would be resolved.

It seems the little witch has indeed rendered a great help this time.

Bank President Yan laughed and said, "The meal will definitely be eaten, but I won't break your rules—let's have the meal at your county government instead of a restaurant."

"By the way, do try your local specialties; anyway, the reception meals at your government canteen have already spread throughout the province—known not only to all provincial direct units but also to every bank."

Su Yang, slightly embarrassed, said, "Really, good news stays home while bad news spreads a thousand miles—you've made the bank presidents and leaders laugh at me."

Bank President Yan then said to the others present, "I have a private matter to discuss with County Magistrate Su."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone, including Bai Xiaobai, promptly withdrew.

Bank President Yan also dropped his earlier aloofness and said warmly, "County Magistrate Su, we don't need to be so formal between us. As a bank, we are naturally supposed to support local development and inject vitality into regional growth."

"This is work we should have been doing, but these people have delayed it here."

"From now on, for any funds needed for Lieshan Xian's development, you can just call Bai Xiao; if he can't resolve it, tell me directly."

"At my level, I dare not promise more, but I can extend credit within one hundred billion yuan."

"If it were someone else, I might have to consider carefully, but your character and abilities are right here."

"I have no reason not to trust you, and just as Bai Xiao said earlier, everything you do is for the local development—this I greatly admire."

Su Yang knew the bank president's words were merely groundwork, the main act still to come, yet he said, "Thank you, Bank President Yan for your support. With your words, I believe not only Lieshan Xian but the entire Jinzhou could, under your bank's auspices, develop vigorously."

Bank President Yan laughed and said, "Don't be polite—banks are naturally meant to empower the locality; you needn't mention it."

"Of course, at my level there are also limits; exceeding one hundred billion would require even greater financial support, in which case I'd have to file a report for approval."

"I've heard that County Magistrate Su will return to Jingcheng for the New Year; if it's convenient, I wonder whether County Magistrate Su could take me to meet Miss Jin to make an introduction?"

"Oh oh, no, that was a slip of the tongue; what I meant was whether I could get to know Miss Jin—I have no other intentions."

"If County Magistrate Su is inconvenient, then there's no need to insist."

"After all, I've also heard that things in Jingcheng's social circle sound easy in theory but are hard in practice."

"Especially with someone of Miss Jin's stature, as a branch staff member I would find it hard to meet her—let alone me; even the heads of various branches, after spending months pulling strings, might still fail to see her."

Indeed, as expected, in this world there is no love or hatred without cause; only interests entangle.

From his standpoint, he could completely refuse this bank president, since with Jin Yuting present, obtaining a bank loan is no problem at all.

Moreover, he may not always stay in Lieshan Xian, nor always borrow from the Industrial and Commercial Bank, but good karma still needs to be sealed.

He said, "I can't guarantee it, but I'll try to make contact; if Miss Jin agrees, I'll give you a call."

He also couldn't speak too confidently, for if Jin Yuting flat‑out refused to see a bank president of his rank, he'd end up embarrassing himself.

Bank President Yan said, "With your words I'm reassured; this is merely a thought of mine, and I don't dare to hope for too much."

"When you go to the provincial capital, be sure to contact me; I want to express my feelings—today is your turf, so I won't compete with you."