Lu Jinzhong walked to the entrance of the building, as usual, holding his head high and nodding frequently to those who greeted him. Seeing the mocking glances in some people's eyes, he felt a deep hatred in his heart, but at the same time, a sense of anticipation welled up inside him.
Damn, do you think I was just slapped? Hmph, let me tell you, that slap was worth it!
Last night, Secretary Fu Jiangbo of Director Zhao's office personally invited him to dinner. When they were halfway through the drinks, Director Zhao also arrived. Not only did he drink the two glasses of wine that Lu Jinzhong offered, but he also praised him deeply, calling him a good comrade.
Director Zhao's words still echoed in his ears. The feeling of Director Zhao's heavy hand patting his shoulder made him feel a warmth on his shoulder even now.
Damn Cheng Jiemin, you're like a dog with its tail between its legs, yet you still dare to act so arrogantly. Wait until Old Li deals with you, and I'll show you how I'll take care of you! No matter what, a man can be killed but not humiliated. I am a deputy section chief; how can I just take your slaps without a fight?
"Old Lu, you really have a great capacity for alcohol! I originally planned to drink a few more glasses with you last night, but Director Zhao pulled me away to another place. I'm sorry about that," Deputy Director Dong Huacheng of the office said with a smile as he walked over.
Seeing Dong Huacheng, Lu Jinzhong's eyes narrowed. In the past, he and Dong Huacheng had a good relationship, but now it had become very delicate. Unconsciously, he had come to see Dong Huacheng as a potential rival. After all, their qualifications were similar, and the positions in the office were limited. In the face of limited resources, who could seize the opportunity first was hard to say.
However, on the surface, he still smiled and shook Dong Huacheng's hand, saying, "Director Dong, when you have time, I'll treat you to a good drink!"
"Oh, you're a god of wealth, I'm always ready for your call!" Dong Huacheng laughed heartily and didn't refuse.
"Sure thing!" Lu Jinzhong agreed readily, but inside, he was cursing. Damn, I'm in the finance department, but you, as the deputy director of the office, are in charge of receptions. How dare you take advantage of me?
As the two were talking, Pang Xiaoguang walked over with a fawning smile. "Leaders, if there's any good news, don't forget your subordinate. I may not have great skills, but I can run errands and carry bags for you."
Lu Jinzhong, though not particularly fond of Pang Xiaoguang, nodded indifferently. Dong Huacheng, however, patted Pang Xiaoguang's shoulder and said, "Little Pang is good."
The three were laughing when Pang Xiaoguang suddenly nodded toward Dong Huacheng and whispered, "Director, I've already contacted the furniture store. They're coming to measure the desks today. What do you think?"
Dong Huacheng glanced at Cheng Jiemin, who was walking over, and his face darkened instantly. "Xiao Cheng, I'm asking you, have you cleared out your office yet?"
Cheng Jiemin had seen the three of them as soon as he entered the building. Hearing Dong Huacheng's question, he nodded. "It's all cleaned up. I can move out this morning."
"Why are you so inefficient? Didn't I tell you to clear it out yesterday afternoon? The leadership repeatedly emphasizes that work should be done with prompt feedback and results. If everyone were as slow as you, how could we get anything done?" Dong Huacheng scolded, placing his hand on his hip and pointing at Cheng Jiemin.
Compared to Lu Jinzhong, Dong Huacheng was Cheng Jiemin's direct superior, as Cheng Jiemin's position was still in the office, and Dong Huacheng was the deputy director.
Cheng Jiemin knew why Dong Huacheng was so angry. It wasn't just to find fault but also because Lu Jinzhong was standing there. He needed to put on a show of unity.
"I heard you caused a commotion in the finance department yesterday. Do you think you're so capable that our office can't contain you? Let me remind you, you're about to leave! Go to the countryside, to that vast land, and you can wreak havoc there!"
Dong Huacheng's words were full of authority. His hand on his hip made him look like a great leader. The great leader of the past, who used this gesture to point out the direction of the country, was something he admired most in his life.
Seeing Cheng Jiemin still silent, Dong Huacheng became even more enthusiastic. He had been thinking about Director Zhao's praise for Lu Jinzhong. Why did Director Zhao praise Lu Jinzhong so much? Wasn't it because Lu Jinzhong had kicked Cheng Jiemin, who was in a difficult position?
He had followed Director Zhao for a long time but had never received such attention. The strength of a leader's praise not only reflected one's importance in their eyes but also determined the critical vote in promotions.
By standing up for Lu Jinzhong, he could curb his arrogance and show Director Zhao his loyalty. This three-in-one benefit was something Dong Huacheng couldn't resist.
Lu Jinzhong's face darkened. After all, this was the entrance of the office building during peak hours. Dong Huacheng's words, though seemingly reasonable, were actually a subtle way to spread the news. Damn.
Though he was furious, Lu Jinzhong couldn't show it. He had to maintain a calm demeanor, which was the best way to save face. Fortunately, watching Cheng Jiemin being scolded was somewhat satisfying. If the kid were to slap Dong Huacheng again, it would make him feel even better.
Cheng Jiemin's anger was boiling, but he was trying to control himself. He had already hit Lu Jinzhong and made plans for the next step. Although the current situation was annoying, if he hit Dong Huacheng again, all his hard work would be in vain.
As he was thinking about how to defuse the situation, he heard someone say, "What are you doing?"
The voice was not loud but carried a sense of authority. The onlookers instinctively made way, and Li Zhonghua, dressed in a black suit, walked over.
Seeing Li Zhonghua, Dong Huacheng's heart skipped a beat. However, being from the office, he was very experienced in serving leaders. He respectfully said, "Director, I'm criticizing Xiao Cheng. As a member of the office, he must represent the office's image and cannot act recklessly."
"Hmm, Huacheng, you're right," Li Zhonghua glanced at Dong Huacheng and then looked at Cheng Jiemin. "I asked you to reflect deeply yesterday. Have you recognized your mistakes?"
Seeing Li Zhonghua, Cheng Jiemin quickly said, "Director Li, after I left your office, I reflected all night. I identified my shortcomings and formulated a plan for improvement. The most important point is to control my temper!"
"Hmm, but having a plan is not enough. The key is to implement it," Li Zhonghua said, then pointed at Lu Jinzhong. "Xiao Cheng, no matter the reason, using violence is wrong. Since Director Lu is here, apologize to him in front of everyone."
Apologize to Lu Jinzhong? Cheng Jiemin's anger flared up, but it was quickly suppressed by Li Zhonghua's cold gaze. Li Zhonghua was not an ordinary person. He had originally asked them to go to his office, but now he was handling the matter in public. There must be a reason.
I'll follow his instructions and apologize. After all, I've already hit Lu Jinzhong, and an apology won't cost me anything.
"Director Lu, I was wrong! Although I think your actions were problematic, I shouldn't have hit you or slapped you. I will reflect on my actions and promise not to slap you again!"
Cheng Jiemin's apology seemed sincere, but the words made the onlookers try hard not to laugh. They were embarrassed, their faces red and necks stiff, trying not to laugh in front of the director.
Damn Cheng Jiemin, is this an apology? Lu Jinzhong wanted to curse. You keep mentioning slapping, as if you want everyone to know I was slapped yesterday.
But in front of Li Zhonghua, he couldn't say anything. The young man had already apologized, and if he insisted, it would seem like he was being unreasonable. So, he gritted his teeth and said, "Xiao Cheng, this was a misunderstanding. Let's put it behind us. I hope you will learn from this and not make the same mistake again."
Lu Jinzhong felt a bitter taste in his mouth, as if he had been choked by a fish bone, extremely uncomfortable.
"Hmm, Director Lu's magnanimity is something everyone should learn from. Xiao Cheng, remember Director Lu's words. You must not make the same mistake again. If you do, even if Director Lu forgives you, the office will not let you off!"
Li Zhonghua's gaze became stern. "Do you understand?"
"I understand!" Cheng Jiemin said loudly, thinking that Li Zhonghua was being lenient. The director was clearly favoring him. But the seed he had planted for Li Zhonghua was too valuable to waste on just a small sprout.
As Cheng Jiemin was thinking, Li Zhonghua continued, "Contact Director Mo from the finance department and have him find all the receipts that Director Chen hasn't signed. I'll sign them. Hmph!"
Li Zhonghua said this and walked straight to his office. The onlookers looked at each other, suddenly silent.
Lu Jinzhong, feeling extremely frustrated that Cheng Jiemin had gotten off so easily, turned pale.
PS: Thank you all for your strong support in making Quan Xiong the number one. I am very grateful! I can only repay you by writing stories with all my heart.