023 "Actually, solving this problem is not that difficult."

Fang Qingye pulled the car up to the steps of the main entrance, rolled down the window, leaned out, and called out, "President Xia."

Xia He immediately walked down the steps, climbed into the back seat, and asked with a smile, "Xiao Fang, why are you the one driving today?"

"Master Zhang had an urgent matter come up, so I’m filling in for him. Senior, are you heading home or back to the office?" Fang Qingye asked as he pulled away.

"Back to the office. I still have things to take care of."

"Understood."

The car left the government compound and headed toward the old town. On the way, Fang Qingye glanced at the rearview mirror and noticed a hint of fatigue on Xia He’s lovely face. He asked with concern, "Senior, have you not been resting well lately? You don't look so good. Work is important, but you really should take care of your health."

"Oh, Xiao Fang, you're quite the caring one," Xia He remarked, then sighed. "There's no helping it. Before the May Day holiday, the city branch issued strict orders for us to compress our real estate lending and lower the non-performing loan ratio. The holiday has barely passed, and today, the county leadership is demanding that all banks increase financial support for real estate, granting loans wherever possible to bolster the local economy... Tell me, who am I supposed to listen to?"

"Both sides have a point, Senior. You can't afford to ignore either," Fang Qingye replied with a smile.

"True... The county is looking out for local economic development, people’s livelihoods, and employment; they value social impact. Our city branch cares more about economic returns. If the loans we issue go down the drain and our non-performing loan ratio spikes, we’ll all be in trouble. Sigh..." Xia He sighed again as she finished.

"Actually, solving this isn't that difficult."

Fang Qingye’s comment piqued Xia He’s interest. "How so?"

"There are over a dozen real estate companies in Nanxin, large and small, but their quality varies. If you select two or three with a larger scale and better operational health and extend loans to them to satisfy their needs, you’ll have fulfilled the county’s requirements without directly defying the city branch’s directives. It’s killing two birds with one stone."

"Hmm, Xiao Fang, you and I are on the same page. That is indeed the simplest and most direct approach." Xia He nodded. "Which companies do you think have the best operations?"

"Kairui Real Estate, Linyuan Company, and Jianfa Company," Fang Qingye rattled off the three names without hesitation.

"Kairui?" Xia He paused, then asked suddenly, "Xiao Fang, I’ve heard you’re very close to Song Qingdong’s second son, and you even call Song Qingdong 'Uncle'... You aren't here as a lobbyist, are you?"

"Senior, I am merely discussing the facts," Fang Qingye explained calmly as he drove. "The three companies I mentioned are the largest in Nanxin's real estate sector. Kairui, in particular, is an industry leader. While they’ve had some issues with their capital chain recently, their overall operations remain sound. Lending to them is both the safest and most meaningful option. Of course, personally, I do hope they get the loan—as you said, I do call Song Qingdong 'Uncle'."

Fang Qingye’s honesty was refreshing, and Xia He didn't feel much resentment. "Hmm... that’s more like it. A hidden motive is a hidden motive; none of us are saints, and balancing public and private interests is best. However, Kairui’s appetite is too big; we can't fully satisfy it."

*Need to find a way.*

Fang Qingye prepared to continue his persuasion, but he noticed the car had already turned onto Changle Road; they were three minutes away from the office. If he arrived at her office, he wouldn't be able to stay long, and if someone else came in for a report, he would lose his chance. Finding another opportunity to bring this up and get her consent would be exponentially harder.

He had to settle this today!

A thought struck him. "Senior, let's grab a bite before you head back to the office. It's lunchtime, my treat."

"That works, but let’s not go to a big hotel. Just find a small place to fill our stomachs," Xia He agreed.

"I know a small spot nearby with great food." Fang Qingye kept driving, passed the intersection near the office, and eventually pulled up in front of a small restaurant—the very same place Zhao Wenjun had taken him to eat.

The proprietress was still there. Seeing Fang Qingye, she recognized the young man who had dined with Zhao Wenjun not long ago. Noticing the beautiful woman in a bank uniform following him, she hurried over to greet them.

"Ma'am, do you have a private room? We'll take one, and please bring us the menu," Fang Qingye said.

"Yes, of course." The proprietress led them into a private room, handed Fang Qingye the menu, and stood by as he ordered. She couldn't help but ask, "Where is President Zhao? How come he hasn't been by to eat lately?"

"He resigned. I heard he went to Shencheng," Fang Qingye answered casually before returning the menu.

Xia He had remained silent, but once the proprietress left, she asked curiously, "Does that woman know Zhao Wenjun?"

"Zhao Wenjun used to eat here often," Fang Qingye said, pausing, "The last time he treated me, it was here as well."

Xia He gave an "oh" and scanned the room, her thoughts unreadable.

The dishes were served quickly: braised shad, teppanyaki clams, stir-fried bamboo shoots, a soup, and two bowls of rice. As they ate, Fang Qingye brought up the loan again.

"Senior, you mentioned in the car that the loan amount for Kairui is too large and exceeds the branch's approval authority. That, too, is not hard to solve."

"Xiao Fang." Xia He set down her chopsticks and looked at him with a half-smile. "You didn't take me straight to the office and brought me here instead—was this all to keep talking about this?"

"Senior, you’re wronging me. I genuinely wanted to treat you to a meal," Fang Qingye explained, then smiled. "Though, I suppose we can chat about the loan while we're at it."

"You... you’re full of tricks," Xia He said with a playful laugh. "Go on, what’s the plan? And I’ll state this upfront: I won’t agree to any rule-breaking practices like splitting the loan into smaller parts."

"Senior, how could I ever lead you to violate bank regulations? It’s actually quite simple: submit the materials through the standard process and let the city branch approve it!"

"I’m your senior, so perhaps you can persuade me, but do you really think you can persuade President Zhang of the city branch? You have quite the ambition," Xia He said, beaming.

"I don't have that kind of ability. President Zhang doesn't even know who I am," Fang Qingye replied with a grin. "Senior, that depends on you."

"On me? Why? Are you asking me to take the loan application to President Zhang just to get scolded?" Xia He’s expression shifted slightly.

"Of course not. How could I push you into a fire pit? Just listen to me," Fang Qingye said, looking confident.

"Oh? Go ahead."

Xia He picked up a piece of fish, looking somewhat indifferent.

"Senior, what is your take on the current domestic economic climate?" Fang Qingye suddenly changed the subject, asking slowly.