055 It's time to deal with the person.

“Manager Xia, I must also take responsibility for this; I failed to properly guide the staff,” Jing Chunling admitted softly.

“Let’s wait until Director Duan returns,” Xia He replied, her delicate face tense.

Since Director Duan did not come back in time, Luo Lishun, the deputy director of the savings office, hurried back after finishing his business at headquarters. Hearing that Xia He was in her office, he quickly went to see her.

“I heard you went to Lixing Company to secure deposits. Is everything settled?” Xia He asked.

“It’s done. Mr. Lei from Lixing has agreed to open a dedicated account for their company at our branch, with an initial deposit of 20 million,” Luo Lishun said hastily.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Xia He’s expression softened a bit.

Knowing what had transpired earlier that day, Luo Lishun wanted to ask more but swallowed the words. With Director Duan absent, why tempt misfortune?

So he said nothing, simply standing by.

After waiting over twenty minutes, a middle-aged man rushed in, his face flushed and smelling of alcohol, evidently dragged from a drinking session.

He was Duan Yunshan, director of the Liulin Savings Office. Apparently, the client manager had already briefed him on the incident. Seeing Xia He, he hurriedly said, “I apologize, Manager Xia. I failed to properly train my staff and neglected my duties.”

“Director Duan, it’s enough that you acknowledge it,” Xia He said coldly. “Since you admit your failure, I’m removing you as branch director! Luo Lishun will temporarily oversee the Liulin branch... Director Luo!”

“Yes, Manager Xia, I’m here,” Luo Lishun responded promptly.

“From now on, you are in charge of the branch. Investigate today’s incident thoroughly. By this time tomorrow, I expect a detailed report including personnel recommendations.”

With that, Xia He stood and left briskly.

On the way back, Xia He remained tense and silent. The others naturally said nothing. Returning to the office, Fang Qingye went straight to his room.

This matter was none of his concern.

“Hey, Xiao Fang, I heard you ran into trouble at the Liulin branch!” Cao Ting, sitting opposite, lowered her voice.

“You already know?”

“With how fast communication is nowadays, news reached me right after you left.”

Cao Ting didn’t say who tipped her off; Fang Qingye didn’t ask.

“Sis Cao, since you know, let’s not discuss it further to avoid bad influence,” Fang Qingye said.

Cao Ting seemed indifferent to his words and continued, “Duan Yunshan is just unlucky. His staff quarrelled with a customer, and he went out drinking... And that Yu Bingshan too—he should have stepped up to smooth things over. Instead, he just hid away. Luckily, you intervened... Xiao Fang, you’re really clever!”

“I acted on impulse; we couldn’t just watch Manager Xia get yelled at, especially since she’s a woman,” Fang Qingye laughed.

“Hmm... with that smarts, Manager Xia will surely promote you someday! Yu Bingshan is in for trouble soon.”

Fang Qingye said nothing more.

It’s taboo to discuss such matters in the office.

But Cao Ting didn’t seem to care.

Fang Qingye understood: she had family backing and wasn’t afraid.

Besides, Cao Ting seemed content with a quiet job, drawing a paycheck without ambition—a kind of detached existence beyond worldly concerns.

People like that are untouchable in the workplace.

After work that afternoon, Fang Qingye went home to change clothes, but didn’t stay long. He drove to his grandfather’s nursery. Since his parents went traveling, he had mostly been coming here—to avoid persistent requests for favors and, admittedly, to enjoy some home-cooked meals.

Bai Ou often came along, helping grandpa tend to the nursery, pruning flowers diligently. Fang Qingye sometimes lent a hand but mostly watched Wang Cai scamper about.

Today, while loading trimmed branches onto a three-wheeled cart, his phone rang. The number was local but unfamiliar, so he answered.

“Hello, Xiao Fang, this is Duan Yunshan from the Liulin branch,” said the voice.

“Director Duan, how can I help you?” Fang Qingye asked.

“You saw what happened this afternoon. I admit some fault in management, but it’s not all on me. That Zhang Baoguo—everyone in town knows he’s a troublemaker! And Yang Yue, why argue with someone like that? Couldn’t she have held back? Jing Chunling, the teller team leader, how does she usually train her staff? The client manager, the security guard...”

Duan Yunshan rattled off names but glossed over his own shortcomings.

“I was drinking today because a friend’s son was getting married. Xiao Fang, you’re local—you know it’s hard to avoid drinking on such occasions. So I was late to work,” he excused himself.

Indeed, having a drink and being a bit late isn’t a big deal—except when caught during an unexpected inspection by a superior, who then witnesses your staff in conflict with a customer.

Who deserves the blame if not you?

Fang Qingye thought this but kept it to himself, smiling as he said, “I understand, but telling me won’t help. You need to explain to Manager Xia.”

“I don’t dare call her now. That’s why I’m asking you to put in a good word. I’d be grateful!” Duan Yunshan pleaded.

“Director Duan, why not talk to Section Chief Yu?” Fang Qingye asked.

“I did... He said you’re the best person to talk to because Manager Xia trusts you.”

“Director Liu, don’t listen to Section Chief Yu’s nonsense. I’m just a junior staff member—I can’t influence Manager Xia. You should go to Section Chief Yu or call Manager Su directly. Sorry, I’m busy—bye!” With that, Fang Qingye hung up.

Manager Xia trusts me... but why would I do you this favor?

This is your own fault.

Why did Manager Xia suddenly inspect your branch? Don’t you have any sense?

Fang Qingye smiled and climbed onto the three-wheeler.

The next day, work proceeded as usual. Around mid-afternoon, Fang Qingye received a call from Manager Xia.

“Xiao Fang, come to my office.”

He agreed and headed upstairs.

Thinking of yesterday’s Liulin branch incident, he knocked on her door.

“Xiao Fang, look. This is the report Luo Lishun sent from Liulin,” Xia He said, handing him a file.

“Take your time reading; I’ll pour you some tea.” She brewed rain flower tea for him as was her habit whenever Fang Qingye was alone in her office.

Sipping the tea, Fang Qingye studied the report. The first part detailed the incident, more comprehensive than Jing Chunling’s account.

The latter part covered personnel recommendations:

Besides Duan Yunshan, to be handled by the head office, other involved staff faced various penalties:

The teller, Yang Yue, was dismissed.

The lobby security guard was docked three months’ pay.

Team leader Jing Chunling lost one month’s salary.

Fang Qingye frowned slightly.

“This report hasn’t been shared with others yet. If you have any opinions, feel free to speak,” Xia He said.

“I have no issues with the incident summary, but I feel the personnel penalties are somewhat inappropriate,” Fang Qingye replied.

“In what way?” Xia He asked.