92 A Sudden Reversal

“White Aunt has actually become a deputy president of the provincial branch? You’re amazing. From now on, you’re my role model!” Cindy’s eyes were filled with admiration.

For a career-minded woman like Cindy, Bai Yuzhen’s current position was the ultimate goal she herself was striving for.

“Xiaodi, you’re clever and capable. You’ll surely surpass me in the future. You should find a better role model so you can make even greater progress. I’m still just a beginner in the banking system, and my abilities are far from enough. I have to spend a lot of time studying every day, or I’ll really be left behind by the times.” Bai Yuzhen said with some emotion.

Though the main reason she had reached the position of deputy president today was her son’s support, she herself had indeed worked tremendously hard for it.

Bai Yuzhen was a woman of great ambition. She cherished this job opportunity deeply, and with no burdens holding her back now, she simply threw herself into the work with the same zeal she had once reserved for the college entrance exam. It was precisely because her personal ability had been recognized that she had obtained her current position.

If she had lacked competence, she might still have been given a respectable senior post, but it would certainly not have been such an important role with real authority.

Xiao Yao’s original plan had merely been to secure a symbolic senior position for his mother. Even he had not expected her to be so driven, to seize the post of deputy president in charge of credit operations in one leap. This unexpected result was truly beyond his expectations.

Though he was a little worried that his mother might tire herself out, seeing how happy she was every day, he still decided to respect her choice and not interfere.

Cindy was greatly encouraged and said, “If I keep striving for another twenty years and can reach your present height, I’ll already be content. I really don’t dare imagine an even higher goal.”

Women were at a disadvantage in the workplace to begin with, and although Cindy had never lacked confidence, she knew her own limits. To reach Bai Aunt’s present height in middle age was truly unlikely. Talent, emotional intelligence, and opportunity were all indispensable.

“Yuzhen, it’s only been what, two months since we last met at most? And now, in the blink of an eye, you’ve become a deputy president at the provincial branch. That’s a tremendous change. Just how on earth did you pull off such a trick? Can you tell us?” Yu Shan was simply dying of curiosity and asked impatiently.

“It really was just like pulling a rabbit out of a hat,” Bai Yuzhen said, seeing everyone at the table looking at her, eager for an answer. She could only offer a brief explanation. “I benefited from my son’s light. Xiao Yao is now one of Huahui Bank’s major shareholders, holding sixteen percent of the shares.”

“After I joined Huahui Bank, I’d originally planned to choose a lighter post, but the leaders and colleagues all recognized my ability, so I took the deputy president position despite my misgivings. Honestly, I’m under a lot of pressure now, always worried that I’m not capable enough. If I can’t do my job well, that would be terribly embarrassing.” Bai Yuzhen spoke earnestly, with no hint of bragging.

Xin Chengyou exclaimed, “So our Xiao Yao is actually a major shareholder of Huahui Bank? Bank shares aren’t easy to get, and sixteen percent is already a very large stake. I never expected Xiao Yao to be a banker now. That really gives all of us face.”

“I’m only sitting in a board seat that doesn’t involve much management; I can only count as a small shareholder of Huahui Bank. I really wouldn’t dare call myself a banker. Uncle Xin, please don’t set your expectations too high for me, or I’ll feel pressured.” Xiao Yao hurriedly said.

“Sixteen percent is hardly a small shareholding. When he’s free, Jijun often talks to me about work. As far as I know, Huahui Bank’s shares are fairly dispersed, so sixteen percent would surely make you the second-largest shareholder, wouldn’t it?” Once he learned that Xiao Yao was a major shareholder of Huahui Bank, Ji Guangrong’s attitude changed dramatically. “Chairman Xiao is truly too modest. Jijun works under you, so in the future I’ll have to ask Chairman Xiao to look after him more.”

Among everyone present, aside from those who worked at Huahui Bank, the person who probably knew the most about it was Ji Guangrong.

Although Huahui Bank’s market value and scale were not yet among the very top banks in the country, its future prospects were excellent. Most importantly, its backing was formidable, and that was what Ji Guangrong valued most.

With Tianhui Group behind it, Huahui Bank could not be underestimated despite its short history.

Everyone knew that Huahui Bank had a bright future, and many wanted to invest. But without sufficient connections and backing, trying to obtain shares in Huahui Bank was nothing but a fool’s dream.

Xiao Yao had actually managed to secure such a large block of shares. His influence was simply astonishing.

Compared with Xiao Yao, the general manager of a municipal company like him was really rather insignificant.

Since he had guessed that Xiao Yao’s influence was extraordinary, his attitude naturally had to change accordingly. For an old hand like him, there was nothing he lacked more than thick skin and adaptability.

Ji Guangrong was not important enough to merit Xiao Yao’s concern, but if his father still wanted to keep working at the municipal company, then this man could not be offended too harshly. A show of force, letting Ji Guangrong understand that his father was not someone who could be casually manipulated, and that he deserved proper respect in the future—that would accomplish Xiao Yao’s goal.

Now that Ji Guangrong had lowered his head, Xiao Yao also showed some goodwill in return. “Please rest assured, Manager Ji. Jijun is both educated and capable. I certainly won’t stand by and watch such a talent be buried. If there is a chance in the future, I’ll make sure to give him proper attention.”

“Then I’ll have to trouble Chairman Xiao. Young people are not steady enough and tend to be rash in their work; they have to suffer a little and temper themselves through more experience. If Jijun ever does anything wrong in the future, I hope Chairman Xiao will guide him more and bear with him more.”

Ji Guangrong turned to look at his son and scolded him in exasperation, “Jijun, why are you still standing there? You really are an inconsiderate child. The company’s two leaders are sitting right here—don’t you even know how to toast them?”

Jijun’s parents were both leaders in state-owned units, so by constant exposure he naturally was not lacking in emotional intelligence. The reason he had failed to cooperate well with his father was that he was somewhat stunned.

The main reason was that the reversal of roles had come too quickly, and for a moment he found it hard to accept.

Originally, his father had been the big boss of the unit, and everyone present today was his father’s subordinates and their relatives. As the son, he naturally would have held a position above the others at this table, and everyone would have had to show him at least some respect.

Thanks for the tips from Diao Han, Sen Yi, and Yan Chu!