Chapter 107: Malicious Competition

"Lin Feng, thank you."

Su Qingxue emerged from Lin Feng's embrace, looking shy as she spoke with her head bowed.

"It's nothing. Go take a seat and wait a moment."

Lin Feng replied calmly before turning to start cooking. In truth, that brief moment had ignited a raging fire within him. It was early in the morning, and to be greeted by a beautiful woman throwing herself into his arms—how could he not be affected?

Su Qingxue hurried out of the kitchen, feeling flustered. Had she stayed a moment longer, she feared she would have been unable to hide the excitement in her heart. She was already filled with thoughts of Lin Feng, having fallen for him without even realizing it.

Lin Feng, unaware of her inner thoughts, finished the meal shortly after and brought it to her. During breakfast, she didn't dare look up at him much, and once she finished, she hurriedly grabbed her bag and headed out to Su's Bank.

Lin Feng rode in her car to the bank as well. As soon as they entered, they saw the lobby packed with people. Every teller window was crowded, and the waiting area was filled to capacity.

Su Qingxue was puzzled. What was going on today? Had the bank's business really become this booming?

As she made her way toward the office area, her female assistant ran over in a panic. "President Su, you’re finally here! Our bank is in serious trouble."

"What's wrong? It looks like business is quite good out there," Su Qingxue asked, confused.

"Good? Those people aren't here for loans or deposits; they're here to withdraw their wealth management investments. We've only been open for half an hour, and tens of millions have already been withdrawn."

The assistant explained the situation in a panic, and Su Qingxue’s expression froze instantly.

"What did you say? Withdrawing investments? Why? Are these all matured products?" Su Qingxue asked urgently.

"No. Some are matured, but most are not. It’s because Chengxin Bank launched a new investment product overnight. It offers higher interest rates and shorter terms, which gives them a direct advantage over our products."

"And..." The assistant paused mid-sentence.

"And what?" Su Qingxue asked sternly.

"I have a feeling they are targeting us specifically. The new products they've launched are all in sectors similar to ours, and they are even collaborating with several pharmaceutical companies from the provincial capital," the assistant replied bluntly.

"Oh? Is that so?"

Su Qingxue fell into a state of confusion. As far as she knew, while Chengxin Bank and Su's Bank were competitors, they had always respected each other's boundaries. Why would they suddenly target Su's Bank? Lin Feng, hearing this, was also puzzled, wondering what they were up to.

"Haha, I didn't expect Su's Bank to be so lively today!"

Just then, a hearty laugh echoed through the lobby, drawing the attention of Su Qingxue and Lin Feng. Su Qingxue frowned and walked toward the lobby to investigate. To her surprise, the man who had arrived was Pang Deqing, the general manager of Chengxin Bank.

He was a stout, broad-shouldered man in a suit so tight the buttons looked ready to pop, and his gold-rimmed glasses looked distorted on his face. Yet, his expression was one of immense satisfaction.

"Manager Pang, what wind blew you here? Are you here to see the joke that is Su's Bank?" Su Qingxue approached him, her tone icy.

"Oh, it seems President Su already knows about our new products. Don't misunderstand; though we are peers, we are not enemies."

"I’m just here to inform you that Chengxin Bank is holding an investment press conference this afternoon. Many in the industry will be attending, and I’ve come specifically to invite you. I hope you won't be absent."

As he spoke, Pang Deqing pulled out an invitation and handed it to Su Qingxue. Watching his look of contempt, Su Qingxue grew angrier by the second. This man was clearly being hypocritical; he was using the delivery of the invitation as an excuse to deliberately humiliate Su's Bank. She had never thought this old man, who usually seemed harmless, could be so repulsive.

Lin Feng caught the subtext of his words and smiled slightly. "Manager Pang, I advise you not to be too smug. People who do evil will eventually face retribution."

"Especially someone as stout as you—one slip, and you might just drop dead from a heart attack."

"What did you say, kid?"

Pang Deqing’s expression turned cold. He looked Lin Feng up and down and said disdainfully, "You're just an errand boy, so why are you acting so high and mighty?"

"President Su, you'd better keep your dog on a leash so he doesn't bite people. After all, times have changed. Chengxin Bank is about to surpass Su's Bank and become the number one bank in Jiangcheng."

"When that day comes, you'll inevitably need my help. If things are unpleasant now, it won't be easy to ask for favors later."

"Thank you for the warning, but I don't think you'll get that chance. Good day."

Su Qingxue scoffed, showing him the door without mercy.

Pang Deqing’s face turned cold. He turned back, gave a harsh snort, and looked at Su Qingxue. "Since you refuse to be polite, don't blame me for being heartless."

"By this afternoon, I’ll let you know that Su's Bank will be bankrupt before long. Even with Liran Group backing you, you are no match for me this time."

With that, Pang Deqing swung his arm and turned to leave. After he left, Su Qingxue’s anger gradually gave way to worry. Though she had been tough, she was clearly caught off guard by Chengxin Bank’s sudden assault. Pang Deqing was right; even with the support of Liran Group, they had no competitive advantage against the pharmaceutical companies from the provincial capital that were partnering with Chengxin Bank.

"Qingxue, don't worry. That guy won't win," Lin Feng said with a faint smile, having noticed her distress.

"You don't need to comfort me. I know the challenge I'm facing. Even if you went to Chairman Zhou, he wouldn't be able to solve this," Su Qingxue sighed deeply.

"Who said I was going to Chairman Zhou?"

Lin Feng denied her claim and said with a light smile, "Besides Chairman Zhou, don't we have another major partner?"

"You mean... Jiangcheng Bank?" Su Qingxue’s eyes widened in surprise.

"You guessed it. Jiangcheng Bank is currently the largest bank in the city. If President Shen helps us, why should we fear a small player like Chengxin Bank?"

Lin Feng spoke calmly, but Su Qingxue’s brow remained furrowed.

She sighed, "That may be true, but with Su's Bank facing such a massive challenge, it’s unclear if Jiangcheng Bank will be willing to help. They might even terminate our partnership."