Chapter 794: 789. A Flatterer? (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)

Zhang Ran looked at He Yong and shook his head with a smile. In truth, He Yong still didn't understand, but Zhang Ran couldn't be bothered to explain; there are some things that only time can slowly help a person come to terms with.

Originally, Zhang Ran had planned to chat with the person in charge from the National Commercial Bank tomorrow evening. After all, since they had expressed such a good attitude, he couldn't very well refuse to give them face.

But he never expected them to give him so much face!

Not long after Yin Long delivered the message that Zhang Ran would be paying a visit, a message came back saying that the person in charge would come to visit Zhang Ran that evening.

This attitude left Zhang Ran speechless. The National Commercial Bank was a behemoth, and this was the general person in charge here; he should have had his status. Under normal circumstances, it would be considered decent if he didn't put on airs, so how could it be like this?

Or was it that this person's temper was truly just that good?

Zhang Ran couldn't quite figure it out. Although he wouldn't belittle himself—he did have some influence in the business world, a point he didn't deny—it was absolutely impossible for him to influence a behemoth like the National Commercial Bank.

Moreover, the National Commercial Bank was the creditor and god of wealth for who knows how many famous enterprises.

Another point was that Zhang Ran didn't know this person, meaning they had no prior connection.

However, since he couldn't figure it out, Zhang Ran stopped thinking about it. He ordered people to prepare a dinner, as he also wanted to meet this general person in charge of the National Commercial Bank.

Around seven o'clock in the evening, Zhang Ran brought people to stand outside to welcome the general person in charge, Liu Ruiming. Since the other party had given him so much face, Zhang Ran would also reciprocate.

"Mr. Zhang, I've kept you waiting; I am ashamed, truly ashamed." As soon as Liu Ruiming got out of the car, he walked over quickly, extended his hands from afar, and then gripped Zhang Ran's hand tightly.

Zhang Ran felt truly uncomfortable with his actions; this guy was far too enthusiastic and polite.

However, his expression did not change in the slightest.

"Not at all, not at all. It is my honor that General Manager Liu could grace my humble abode. Please, come in," Zhang Ran said with a chuckle.

There were three people who came with Liu Ruiming, and Yin Long was by their side to host them, so they wouldn't be neglected.

After they were all seated, Zhang Ran got to witness Liu Ruiming's attitude; he poured out compliments as if they cost nothing, and Zhang Ran felt a bit embarrassed just listening to them.

"Mr. Zhang, I have truly heard of your great name for a long time, but I never had the chance to meet you. Seeing you now, you truly live up to your reputation," Liu Ruiming said with emotion.

Zhang Ran felt goosebumps rising; this was a bit exaggerated, and hearing such words did indeed feel a bit uncomfortable.

So, Zhang Ran quickly changed the subject, "Not at all, General Manager Liu, you flatter me. By the way, General Manager Liu, why don't you try these dishes and see how they taste? Are they to your liking?"

Liu Ruiming also saw that Zhang Ran was a bit uncomfortable, so he smiled and followed suit by changing the subject.

His purpose in coming this time was actually very simple: to befriend Zhang Ran.

Liu Ruiming had been stationed here for over seven years now, and logically speaking, it was about time for him to return, but it had been dragged out.

Although there were some signs of progress now thanks to his efforts, in reality, no one could say for sure what the final result would be.

While it was good here—at the very least, he was the one who had the final say—he was always far from headquarters, and that was a major drawback.

Furthermore, Liu Ruiming wanted to go back; he didn't particularly like staying abroad.

There were two goals in befriending Zhang Ran. The first was to see if he could get Zhang Ran to exert some effort to help him successfully return to the country for a position.

If he could go back, he would certainly be promoted. The reason it had dragged on for so long was also related to this aspect.

It wouldn't make sense to go back without a promotion, because over these years, Liu Ruiming's performance had been very good.

There had been similar promises made back then.

But every position is filled, especially at headquarters, so the matter had just kept dragging on.

Liu Ruiming had looked into Zhang Ran—more than many others had. It was some inside information he learned through an old friend.

Don't look at how Zhang Ran seemed to have no connection with the government now, and never took the initiative to get close to any high-ranking officials; in reality, Zhang Ran had good relationships with many people, and he had proactively done many favors for them back in the day.

If Zhang Ran really had an issue, as long as it wasn't illegal, there would certainly be people willing to stand up and speak for him.

And it wouldn't just be one person, either.

From this, one could see that the things Zhang Ran had hidden away were quite formidable.

Of course, Liu Ruiming didn't actually hold too much hope for this point; it would just be best if Zhang Ran were willing to speak up.

Moreover, Liu Ruiming was somewhat confident about returning this time, so he needed to befriend Zhang Ran even more.

According to what he understood now, the companies and other industries under Zhang Ran's banner were all high-quality assets, and banks were very welcoming of such assets.

If they could cooperate with such companies, it would be a good thing for the bank.

So, if Liu Ruiming successfully returned, being able to pull some of Zhang Ran's industries into their client list would be absolute performance.

It would also allow him to instantly stand firm.

Therefore, in summary, Liu Ruiming kept his attitude very low. Of course, the most critical factor was that Liu Ruiming himself never put on airs; he could always keep his posture very low.

This was also related to his own personality; Liu Ruiming never took his face or self-esteem particularly seriously, and he certainly wouldn't offend people he didn't need to offend for the sake of so-called face.

In terms of conduct and work, Liu Ruiming's reputation had always been very good.

Moreover, Liu Ruiming was very eloquent; at the very least, at the dinner table, it was basically Liu Ruiming talking and Zhang Ran listening.

Even Yin Long rarely had a chance to interject; it was truly impossible to cut in, as Liu Ruiming said everything.

By the time they had eaten enough, they had also reached the main business.

"Mr. Zhang, I have roughly looked into the purpose of your visit this time. Although the National Commercial Bank doesn't have a huge say here, we do have some. If Mr. Zhang needs it, we can fully support you," Liu Ruiming said with a smile.

Zhang Ran smiled and said, "General Manager Liu, aren't you afraid I might fail? You won't be too comfortable then either."

Liu Ruiming said, "It's nothing. If it fails, I'll just consider it a failed investment. What we people mainly do is just invest, after all."

"Besides, I believe in Mr. Zhang. Ever since Mr. Zhang returned, you haven't failed, and I believe this time will absolutely not be a failure either."

"Haha, General Manager Liu has more confidence in me than I have in myself," Zhang Ran laughed.