Chapter 003: Superior Skills

Indeed, as soon as the car stopped and Section Chief Chang and Wen Ping got out, the people blocking the door had not reacted much. However, when Meng Xiaobai, holding a money bag, jumped out of the car, the crowd immediately parted to make way. Several individuals spontaneously shouted: "Don't crowd, don't crowd, make way, make way, the bank personnel are here!"

Meng Xiaobai was at a loss for words, and behind him came bursts of giggles. He felt large beads of sweat trickling down his forehead, and for a moment, he couldn't think of how to speak to that woman

The young woman, with her neck stiffened, said angrily: "I won't sit down! It's him, refusing to give me money, and he cannot be allowed to leave!"

The van slowly drove past them, causing the sensitive crowd to stir, with a tendency to push forward. Sitting in the back seat of the car, Xiao Meng watched the people who perked up at the sight of the vehicle, and he couldn't help but straighten his back.

He counted again, and it was still 30,400 yuan. He examined the receipt closely and suddenly realized that the amount written in uppercase was thirty-two thousand four hundred yuan, while the digit '2' in the lowercase numbers had been almost written as a zero. They intended to... He felt a surge of anger rise within him and raised his face to glare fiercely at the young couple.

Wen Ping was responsible for recounting the banknotes using a counting machine and bundling them according to different denominations. The money was collected smoothly, but the people at the entrance unknowingly pushed forward more and more, causing the iron gate to creak. An elderly man waiting to make a payment was pressed tightly against the iron gate, his hands reaching through the gaps, shaking the paper package in his hand and shouting: "Don't push! Those at the back, don't push! I'm about to suffocate!"

Director Chang coughed twice and said, "It is like this, I asked him to go downstairs to buy me a pack of cigarettes, so you can let him go, alright? If there is anything, I will handle it, he won't run away."

Meng Xiaobai was taken aback. It is known that while the task of collecting payments in person is somewhat urgent, it is still not as demanding as the work in the cashier's office. Moreover, as the Changde branch office primarily deals with housing loans, it has established connections with numerous real estate development companies. Most of the time, there are lavish banquets to entertain guests during lunch. Therefore, every time Section Chief Chang goes to collect payments from enterprises, he brings along the beautiful Wen Ping from the cashier's office and his close associate, Xiao Liu.

Meng Xiaobai, feeling helpless, had no choice but to take the cigarette with both hands, pushed the money back towards the book, and said, "Hey, it's just the money for a pack of cigarettes. Chief, why are you being so particular about it?" As he spoke, he took out a lighter, lit it for Chief Chang first, and then lit his own cigarette.

Director Chang was taken aback, gave him a bemused glance, and after a moment of contemplation said: "Whatever... uh... let's have a box of 'Seven Wolves'!"

The car started, and it was already past 9 o'clock, having missed the rush hour. The vehicle moved swiftly along the bustling street. Upon arriving at the relocation community developed by Shenghua Real Estate Development Company, one could see new buildings rising from the ground, with the original shantytown completely gone.

Indeed, this statement proved effective; the crowd outside the door, which had been surging forward, suddenly fell silent. Then, the people began to spontaneously retreat and form a line, continuously blaming one another. Taking advantage of the situation, Section Chief Chang called for the door to be opened and walked out, summoning personnel from the real estate development company to station two burly men on either side of the iron gate to maintain order. He then leisurely made his way to the accounting office of the neighboring real estate company to chat.

Buying a house is a matter of great importance in the hearts of the Chinese people. The amount of money involved has been counted countless times at home. With Xiao Meng's years of work experience, he knows that there is almost no chance of making a mistake, which is why he only counts it once when receiving payment. However, this particular instance...

Wen Ping merely brushed off her seat with her hand, then wrapped her arms around her skirt, her rounded hips swaying gracefully as she sat down, playfully smiling at him. Meng Xiaobai knew she was intentionally teasing him, shot her a glance, placed his money pouch by the car door, closed the door, and squeezed into the last row to sit with Xiao Jiang from the security department.

As he spoke, he turned and walked upstairs, while the young woman tugged at Xiao Meng's collar, refusing to let go, and pulled him up the stairs with her. Section Chief Chang leaned back in his executive chair, tapping the table with his knuckles, and upon seeing her drag Xiao Meng in as well, he hurriedly waved his hand and said: "You may leave now, comrade... please take a seat!"

The young woman, seeing that he was silent, pointed at the money on the counter and shouted loudly: "You have money right on the table, do you still want to play tricks and refuse to give it to me? Give me the money, give me the money, or I will go to the police station to report you, I will take you to court, will you give me the money or not?"

Xiao Meng curiously glanced at her back and then hurriedly ran upstairs. Upon reaching the door of the section chief's office, he took a couple of deep breaths to steady himself, pushed open the door, and entered. He placed the cigarettes on Chief Chang's desk and softly said: "Chief, your cigarettes"

Meng Xiaobai: "... ... Oh ... ... !"

Wen Ping, 24 years old, stands at approximately 1.7 meters tall. When she wears a pair of high heels, she exudes an even more commanding presence. Her skin is exceptionally fair and delicate, and her facial features are attractive. Her charming almond-shaped eyes are captivating, and her slightly larger frame gives her a different impression from the typical petite and gentle femininity. However, her appearance and curvaceous figure are undeniably alluring.

Her long, rounded thighs are accentuated by a blue professional skirt that highlights a graceful curve at the hips. The soft, rounded waist rises upward, and the proud chest lifts the white shirt high, revealing a hint of delicate, soft white skin at the neckline, embodying a kind of sensual, mature femininity

Meng Xiaobai hurriedly shook his hand and said, "No, no, Section Chief, please go ahead and smoke!"

He noticed that several accountants and cashiers from nearby companies had gathered to watch the commotion, curiously observing the scene. Fearing that the situation would escalate, he hurried out of the business room. Just as he reached the side of the young woman, she grabbed him by the collar and, with righteous indignation, addressed the onlookers: "Everyone, take a look! Is there any bank that bullies people like this? They owe me money and refuse to pay me, and instead keep sending me around..."

The young woman, upon hearing this, reluctantly released Xiao Meng, who straightened his collar and awkwardly retreated to the door. Suddenly, he turned back and asked, "Section Chief, what brand of cigarettes do you smoke"

There is a row of model houses by the roadside, among which two houses have long lines in front of them. The people in line come from all walks of life, including men and women, young and old. The individuals at the front are sitting on stools or grass mats, possibly having queued since midnight. The rule that those who pay first get to draw lots for selecting houses has mobilized the enthusiasm of all the relocated residents.

Upon hearing this, the young woman raised her hand and delivered a resounding slap, leaving five bright red fingerprints on his face. In a fit of rage, she exclaimed, "Who are you calling insane? What is abnormal about me? You tell me! You tell me!"

Director Chang laughed and scolded, "Stop being so coy with me, just do as I say! Ah! By the way, here’s the money for you!" As he spoke, he pulled out twenty yuan from the drawer and pushed it forward.

Director Chang exhaled a puff of smoke and smiled, saying: "Xiao Meng, I heard about the *picture* book... you weren't feeling well yesterday and fell asleep in the entertainment room, are you feeling better now"

Meng Xiaobai's heart skipped a beat, and he was so flustered that he almost dropped his cigarette on the ground. He quickly replied, "Huh? Oh! It's nothing, I'm much better now... I'm completely fine!"

As she spoke, she lunged at him, scratching and grabbing. Meng Xiaobai hurriedly raised his hand to block her. The two were entangled in a struggle when Section Chief Chang came down the stairs with a thud, clearing his throat with authority, and furrowed his brow to ask, "What is going on? Why is there so much noise? If there is something, tell me!"

Upon hearing this, the people nearby immediately recognized that this individual was truly mentally ill, and they all burst into laughter. Section Chief Chang cleared his throat twice and waved to everyone, saying: "It's nothing, everyone, please go about your business, ah, don't look anymore. This... this comrade, please come to my office for a chat. I am the leader here, and I will handle any matters!"

The van from the housing company arrived, and Meng Xiaobai put the cash counting machine, iron bolt paper buttons, and other items into the money bag and carried it out of the cashier's office. Wen Ping, wearing high heels, a white shirt, and a dark blue skirt, walked ahead of him

Section Chief Chang chuckled twice and said, "She won't be coming. I told her that this note... is valid, but we only handle the funds related to construction. Since she is a worker, she should go to the Industrial and Commercial Bank to withdraw the money"

Director Chang sat there in deep thought, glancing first at the cigarette, then looking up at him. He quickly opened the cigarette pack, took one out, and handed it to him, saying: "Here, have one!"

The iron gate opened, and as Section Chief Chang, Wen Ping, Xiao Meng, and Officer Xiao Jiang from the security department stepped inside, the iron gate slammed shut with a loud noise and locked securely. Wen Ping had been here several times and knew how to operate things. She and Xiao Meng carried a table over to block the iron gate, placing the ink pad oil, sponge box, and paper buttons on the table, and then pulled over two chairs. The people outside began to get excited.

Section Chief Chang nodded and said approvingly: "Well, you have almost perfect attendance throughout the year, and you are a diligent and hardworking comrade. Since you are feeling better, come with me today to Shenghua Real Estate Development Company to collect the housing payments. Today, over 300 relocated households will be paying their housing fees for resettlement. Your skills are solid, so I can rest assured if you go with me.

Poor Xiao Meng was caught by the collar by a petite woman standing at 1.60 meters tall, his face flushed and in a state of embarrassment as he explained all around: "No, no, I don't owe her any money, she... she has a mental illness..."

Meng Xiaobai was flustered: "Send all the experts! The bank actually sent someone away, using the tactic of 'treat others as they treat you.' Master Liu has gone to the enterprise, what are we going to do now?"

Meng Xiaobai hurriedly ran downstairs, went outside to the tobacco stall to buy a pack of 'Seven Wolves', and specifically instructed to ensure it was genuine cigarettes. Then, in a rush, he returned, and just as he ascended a few steps, he saw the young woman coming down like a proud peacock, strutting with an air of superiority.

The collection has begun, and another house in line is issuing payment receipts from the real estate company. More and more people who have received payment receipts are joining the ranks of those making payments. Xiao Meng sits at the front, deftly counting the cash. His technique is swift; he uses a fan-like method for new bills or counts multiple old bills that are stuffed in lunch boxes or crammed in socks, emitting odors of food and a musty smell, quickly counting them one by one and handing them over to Wen Ping.

Director Chang dropped the newspaper, walked to the door, and took a look. He saw that the door frame was shaking, and the iron gate had already become somewhat deformed and concave. He quickly shouted, "Stop collecting payments. You all need to organize the line before collecting again. Did you hear that? We are not collecting payments now; we will only collect when the line is orderly and not crowded!"

The queue for payment always falls silent for a moment, then becomes chaotic. Xiao Jiang learned the method from Section Chief Chang; whenever things get out of hand, he shouts to stop the collection. Even so, the iron gate has already become severely deformed from the pressure.

Meng Xiaobai quickly responded, saying: "Yes, indeed! I just feel a slight cold. When the illness first shows signs, taking medicine is effective. If you wait until it worsens to take medicine, it won't help much. After a couple of days of resistance, it will be fine, so I didn't take a leave!"

After listening to Section Chief Chang's words, Meng Xiaobai felt a warm sensation in his heart. Looking at Section Chief Chang's monkey-like face, he felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. He quickly responded and went downstairs to prepare the money bag, counting machine, and other items.

Meng Xiaobai noticed that he did not push the money back, feeling a sense of relief in his heart. When he heard the other party speaking very kindly, he felt a bit flattered and quickly responded with a soft "mm". He sat down next to the genuine leather sofa by the boss's desk, took a puff of smoke, and said with utmost respect: "Section Chief, you truly have a way with this. When faced with someone like this, we can't agree, and it's hard to reason with her. Reporting it to the police doesn't even seem appropriate; we are simply at a loss. I didn't expect you to send her away with just a few words. She... won't come back, will she?"

After completing the count, he paused slightly, raised his eyes, and looked at the receipt again: thirty-two thousand four hundred yuan, no mistake. Could it be that he had miscounted? Generally speaking, these relocated households calculate the compensation for the additional area down to every square centimeter. They have already figured it out clearly before the housing company issues the receipt, and with the receipt from the housing company, it is even less likely that they would make a mistake.

The staircase was too narrow, and Xiao Meng hurriedly pressed against the railing to stand still. The young woman shot him a glance, snorted coldly, raised her head, and gracefully walked out of the building, striding away.

Director Chang has taken a seat next to the driver. Wen Ping walked to the front of the van and pulled on the door, but it did not open. Meng Xiaobai approached, holding the money bag in one hand and pulling the door open with the other. Wen Ping climbed into the vehicle, followed closely by Xiao Meng. Unexpectedly, Wen Ping suddenly stopped, and Xiao Meng's nose nearly bumped into her rounded backside, creating a moment of awkwardness.

Director Chang smiled faintly, took another puff of his cigarette, and said: "Well, that's good. In the future, if you feel unwell, don't push yourself too hard. Just let me know, and you can take a couple of days off. I'm not that unreasonable, am I? Hmm?"

Director Chang looked at him and said, "You are young and lack experience in handling matters. This is not your fault, so do not take it to heart. Please have a seat"

Xiao Meng, seeing her savior, exclaimed with joy: "Chief, you have come at the right time. This person... this person has a note, claiming it was written by Premier Zhu, asking us to withdraw 100,000 yuan for her"

Xiao Jiang stood up, adjusted the pistol at his waist, and raised the electric baton, striking the iron gate while shouting: "Everyone maintain some order, why are you pushing? If it gets chaotic, won't it take longer to process? Keep an eye on the people in front and behind you, and don't let anyone cut in!"

The two burly men from the housing company, who were originally quite cool, were drenched in sweat from being squeezed by the crowd and had slipped away to the side to smoke. At that moment, a young couple was at the window making a payment. Xiao Meng took the invoice, glanced at it, then took the plastic bag from the woman's hand and began to count the cash.