In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 180, Page 179: Another Victory. Verification Results. Verbal Exchange. Transfer on Sick Leave.
The following week, the finance department maintained an unusual, almost suffocating calm.

The abacus in the large office clattered loudly, more frequently and urgently than ever before, as if each bead was desperately chasing something, or perhaps trying to conceal some kind of unease.

Everyone seemed to be deeply engrossed in their own little world, whispers and conversations became rare, and even when necessary, the conversations were hushed, brief, and hurried, before immediately returning to silence.

That cautious quiet, that deliberately maintained excessive tension and normalcy, once again enveloped the entire department like an invisible mist, making even the air seem thick and difficult to move.

Yang Guangming still arrives at the office five minutes early every day, with steady steps and a composed demeanor.

He calmly washed the cup, took out the tea leaves, and poured in boiling water, watching the dark green leaves unfurl and tumble in the cup, brewing a strong cup of tea.

Then, he began to peruse the documents delivered to his desk, studying the relevant financial regulations word by word, and handling daily affairs and signing reports.

His movements were unhurried, as if the seemingly stagnant air outside the window and the strange atmosphere in the department had nothing to do with him.

Yin Yongliang became unusually low-key, almost becoming a blurry silhouette in the finance department.

He locked himself in the deputy section chief's office all day long; the door, which used to be open, was now tightly shut, isolating him from the outside world.

Even when they occasionally have to go out, whether to the restroom or to a meeting at the factory office, they always walk quickly and keep their eyes straight ahead.

He tries to avoid eye contact with anyone, let alone make eye contact.

The subtle reserve and sense of authority he once possessed had vanished completely. His face seemed even more gloomy and ashen than before, as if shrouded in an impenetrable thick haze, and his eyes held an unspeakable surprise and anxiety.

Liu Jinsheng, on the other hand, was the exact opposite.

He seemed to be appearing in the main office more frequently than usual.

He still wore his usual warm, spring-like smile, and every now and then he would walk over to an old accountant's desk, lean forward slightly, and rest his hands naturally on the edge of the desk to inquire about the work progress, or chat about everyday matters, and make some harmless, amusing jokes.

His appearance could occasionally break the excessive silence, bringing a seemingly relaxed atmosphere.

However, his gaze would sometimes seem unintentionally sweep over Zhou Weimin and Wu Aihua's workstations, lingering on the two busy figures for a moment, a fleeting, elusive scrutiny passing through the depths of his eyes, before he would casually look away and continue his gentle inspection.

Zhou Weimin and Wu Aihua were caught up in an unprecedentedly busy period.

Each of them is in charge of their respective work groups, which involve a great deal of work and require them to quickly familiarize themselves with all aspects of the business, streamline various processes, and ensure that no mistakes are made.

More importantly, they all knew perfectly well the importance and urgency of the secret mission that Yang Guangming had privately assigned them.

That was both a weighty pledge of allegiance and a touchstone to test their abilities and loyalty.

The five groups under Zhou Weimin's charge involve special funds, and while the accounts are relatively centralized, the amounts are huge. Every flow of funds and every approval procedure for each project needs to be carefully checked, and no mistakes can be tolerated.

He used every possible moment after get off work and on weekends to immerse himself in thick piles of ledgers and vouchers. His eyes, behind the black-rimmed glasses on his nose, were sharp and focused as he carefully examined each page and line, not missing a single number, signature, or faded stamp.

He would occasionally jot down any suspicious points, times, amounts, and related parties he discovered in his open notebook with a pen, his handwriting neat and compact.

He moved with caution, handling the heavy voucher book as gently as possible each time he flipped through it, avoiding making too much noise and trying not to attract too much attention from other colleagues in the group, especially those senior comrades who had a close relationship with the former group leader Zhao Weiguo.

He felt the occasional gazes cast from behind him, some curious, some inquisitive, and some carrying a hint of indifference, which often made the muscles in his back tense up involuntarily.

Wu Aihua faces even greater challenges.

The settlement and reimbursement process of Group Four is extremely cumbersome and complex, with a huge volume of documents involving all departments and numerous employees in the factory. The historical accounts are also vast, and many conventions and operating procedures are unclear.

She needed to quietly review past operating habits and potentially problematic processes without affecting daily reimbursement payments or arousing suspicion from outsiders.

She demonstrated remarkable competence and efficiency, rationally redistributing tasks and skillfully mobilizing several young colleagues within the team whom she considered trustworthy and energetic to share the pressure, while she herself focused on core issues and the investigation of historical accounts.

The voucher box next to her desk was piling up higher and higher. She flipped through it at lightning speed, her fingers deftly tracing lines of numbers, her eyes focused and sharp. Occasionally, she would pause to make a mark on a sticky note with a red pen. Her pace quickened, as if she were always chasing after time.

Yang Guangming did not urge them.

He maintained sufficient patience and composure, burying himself in studying documents and regulations and reviewing reports every day, seemingly unaware of the undercurrents quietly unfolding behind the scenes.

But his observation never stopped. He keenly observed the work rhythm of each group and carefully watched the changes in everyone in the office by handling daily document signing and listening to sporadic reports.

He noticed the occasional, barely concealed weariness that flashed behind Zhou Weimin's glasses, and the slightly trembling fingers and increasingly hurried steps of Wu Aihua as she picked up her teacup.

He also noticed that the senior staff members in groups four and five, who were quite experienced and had extensive connections, occasionally revealed a complex and elusive emotion in their eyes as they looked at Zhou Weimin and Wu Aihua's busy figures—it was observation, doubt, a hint of indifference, or even a fleeting sarcasm.

Five days later, in the afternoon, near the end of the workday, Zhou Weimin knocked on the wooden door of Yang Guangming's office.

He held a thin folder in his hand, his expression solemn, with a hint of relief after completing an important task, but more so a cautious and meticulous demeanor.

"Section Chief Yang, I have preliminarily compiled the information you requested."

Zhou Weimin lowered his voice, as if afraid of being overheard by the person outside the door. He gently placed the folder on the brightly lit desk, his movements slightly solemn.

Yang Guangming looked up, his gaze shifting from the documents to Zhou Weimin's face. He nodded, not immediately turning to the folder, and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Very efficient." His tone was calm, revealing no emotion.

"It should."

Zhou Weimin pushed up his glasses, his eyes behind the lenses bloodshot. "I've reviewed all the major special fund projects in the group in recent years, especially... especially those that Team Leader Zhao personally handled or paid special attention to."

The potentially questionable operational steps, accounting methods, and the final flow of funds are all listed by project, followed by the relevant original voucher numbers and my brief explanation.

His report was well-organized and carefully worded, with every word carefully considered to avoid overly subjective or sharp characterizations.

Yang Guangming picked up the folder and opened the first page.

Inside was Zhou Weimin's neat and clear handwriting, which listed several key project names, the time of occurrence, the amount involved, specific suspicious points, and his preliminary judgment in the form of a table.

The problems mainly focus on several aspects: excessive disbursement, obvious flaws or omissions in the acceptance process, and somewhat vague financial transactions with certain fixed suppliers, as well as a lack of sufficient supporting documents.

Yang Guangming's gaze quickly swept over the final sum of money Zhou Weimin had compiled—a figure of less than a thousand yuan.

He raised his eyes, looked at Zhou Weimin, and gently tapped the number with his finger: "What do you think of this number?"

Zhou Weimin hesitated for a moment, then answered more cautiously, "Section Chief Yang, based on the vouchers, documents, and process records I have been able to access and review, these problems do exist, and in nature, they constitute violations of relevant financial regulations. However..."

He paused, seemingly searching for the most appropriate way to put it, "But this cumulative amount... when spread out, isn't particularly outstanding."

Of course, I must emphasize that this is only a preliminary investigation, and I cannot guarantee that there may be deeper, more hidden, or more subtle problems that have not yet been discovered.

Some of the accounts were done quite... discreetly.

His answer was objective yet left ample room for interpretation, pointing out both the problems and hinting at the potential limitations and obstacles the investigation might encounter.

Yang Guangming closed the folder and placed it on the corner of the desktop: "I understand. This matter ends here. Don't mention it to anyone else, including your colleagues in the team."

His tone became serious. "The top priority right now is to get the daily work of Group Five under control as soon as possible, streamline processes, and ensure that all payments are made in a timely and accurate manner without any errors. That's what the factory cares about most."

“I understand, Section Chief Yang. Don’t worry.” Zhou Weimin visibly relaxed, his tense shoulders eased slightly, he nodded solemnly, and left the office.

The next day, also near the end of the workday, Wu Aihua arrived.

The folder she brought was a bit thicker, and her face showed the fatigue from working overtime continuously, but her eyes remained clear and determined.

"Section Chief Yang, the situation in Group Four is more complicated."

Wu Aihua got straight to the point, speaking slightly faster than Zhou Weimin, with her usual efficient style: "The main issues are the procurement of labor protection supplies over the years, the frequent over-reimbursement of travel expenses, and the accounting treatment of small welfare payments during holidays, which involve a large number of habitual non-compliant operations."

The problems are scattered and occur frequently, but the individual amounts involved are generally small.

She paused, her tone revealing a hint of analysis, and added, "Upon closer inspection, some of the problems are long-standing historical issues. In the past few years, the system was not as rigorous as it is now, and its implementation was not strict. People took the easy way out or followed unwritten conventions, so they handled things vaguely."

Some... may involve deliberate, intentional 'workarounds' that circumvent the system.

She cleverly used the word "flexible".

Yang Guangming carefully reviewed the materials compiled by Wu Aihua.

It is categorized by problem type, clearly listing specific examples, the time of occurrence, the personnel involved, the amount, and the clearly violated rules and regulations, and also includes detailed voucher numbers and indexes.

The problems were indeed as she said: trivial, with small individual amounts, but accumulated like ants carrying food, the total amount reached a staggering figure—nearly nine hundred yuan.

After closing the folder, Yang Guangming remained silent for a moment, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the folder cover.

The amounts involved in both cases were not particularly large, but the nature of the violations was clear: they were irregularities that violated financial regulations.

If we are impartial and handle matters strictly according to the law, we can severely punish those responsible, and the consequences will be very serious.

But he knew in his heart that his primary goal was not simply to torment people.

What he needs is to take control of the situation, eliminate potential hidden dangers and obstacles, and ensure that the finance department can operate efficiently in strict accordance with the system and regulations in the future, so as to truly implement Zhao Guodong's intentions.

If we rashly lift the lid now and make a big fuss about it, we may establish our authority instantly, but we will also completely disrupt the already fragile balance of the department, causing a long period of panic and fear among the staff, and the work may come to a standstill or even become chaotic.

Moreover, the water depth is unknown.

If it leads to more unexpected troubles and relationships, it would not be a wise move for a deputy section chief who has just gained a foothold and has not yet truly cultivated his own strength.

Conversely, having these tangible leverages in hand is like holding crucial bargaining chips; many problems can be transformed from rigid to flexible, leading to more reliable solutions.

Many things become much easier to discuss after that.

He had already made a clear decision in his mind.

He looked up and gave Wu Aihua a gentle, approving smile: "Well done, Comrade Aihua, very meticulous. Thank you for your hard work."

“These are all things I should do, Section Chief Yang,” Wu Aihua replied crisply, without adding any further words.

"This matter ends here. Keep it a secret and don't mention it to anyone."

Yang Guangming's tone turned serious, "Concentrate on managing the daily operations of Group Four, especially the reimbursement review process. We must be strict in our checks. Any reimbursements that do not comply with the regulations or lack supporting documentation must be rejected. From now on, we must not open any new loopholes."

"Don't worry, I will definitely stick to my principles," Wu Aihua replied with a firm look in her eyes. Although her steps were tired as she turned to leave, they carried a sense of satisfaction that came from completing her mission.

Yang Guangming sat alone in his office. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the room in a warm golden light, yet it couldn't dispel the heavy atmosphere in the air. His gaze fell on the two folders placed side by side on the desk, his fingers gently tracing their slightly rough covers.

Now, it's time to have a proper, open, and honest talk with the other deputy section chief.

He took a deep breath, picked up the old black telephone receiver on the table, and dialed the internal number of Yin Yongliang's office.

The phone rang for a long time before being answered. Yin Yongliang's slightly hoarse voice came from the other end: "Hello? Who is this?"

“Deputy Section Chief Yin, it’s me, Yang Guangming.” Yang Guangming’s tone was calm and composed, without any hint of emotion. “If it’s convenient for you now, could you please come to my office?”

He used the word "trouble," but his tone was one of unwavering composure.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, as if someone hadn't expected Yang Guangming to contact him so directly, and in such an almost commanding tone. This was quite different from his usual low-key demeanor.

"I'm... still have some things to do right now, so it's not convenient for me," Yin Yongliang's voice came through, carrying obvious evasion and resistance, trying to regain some initiative.

Yang Guangming seemed to have anticipated his response; his tone remained steady, but his emphasis was slightly stronger, and each word was clear and forceful.

"I think, Deputy Section Chief Yin, you'd better come over. Regarding the recent review of historical accounts by Groups Four and Five, I've discovered some issues that might... warrant our attention."

I think, both professionally and personally, it would be better if we communicated privately first to reach a consensus and a clear message.

He paused deliberately, allowing the meaning of his words to fully permeate, like a pebble thrown into calm water, waiting for ripples to appear.

Then, he lowered his voice even further, but added more slowly and forcefully: "Of course, if you feel that such private communication is unnecessary, or if you are really unable to spare the time, then I am afraid I can only follow organizational principles and work procedures and handle matters officially."

At that point, we might need to ask the relevant departments in the factory to help us assess the situation.

There was an even longer silence on the other end of the phone.

Yang Guangming could even faintly hear the other party's slightly heavy and suppressed breathing through the receiver.

He could almost picture the look of surprise, uncertainty, shifting emotions, and intense inner turmoil on Yin Yongliang's face at that moment.

He has something to hide.

What he fears most is auditing the accounts, especially this kind of targeted and in-depth audit.

Yang Guangming has clearly pointed out Groups 4 and 5. These two areas were originally his territory, which he had cultivated for many years. He knew better than anyone how deep the water was and how muddy the mud was in them.

"what is the problem?"

After a long while, Yin Yongliang's voice finally came again, dry as sandpaper, trying to probe and struggle one last time, wanting to find out how much truth Yang Guangming had in mind.

"It's not clear in just a few words over the phone, let's talk in person."

Yang Guangming remained unyielding, cutting off all his escape routes. "I'll wait for you."

After saying that, he gave the other party no room for maneuver and hung up the phone directly, the receiver being put back on the landline with a crisp "click".

Putting down the receiver, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair and looked out the window.

Time ticked by. About five or six minutes later, heavy, hesitant footsteps came from outside the office door, one step after another, as if dragging a thousand-pound burden.

The footsteps paused for a moment at the door, indicating the person's hesitation, before a knock sounded, the sound more muffled and hesitant than usual.

"Please come in," Yang Guangming replied, his voice steady.

The door was slowly pushed open, and Yin Yongliang stood in the doorway, his figure appearing somewhat dim against the light.

His complexion was indeed not good; it was a pale, bloodless color, with puffy, bluish eye bags, as if he had been suffering from extreme anxiety and insomnia for the past few days.

He was still wearing that slightly worn Zhongshan suit, the top button still fastened meticulously, but his whole demeanor exuded a stiffness that seemed forced and an undeniable sense of fatigue and listlessness.

He didn't come in immediately. His gaze first swept quickly and warily over Yang Guangming's facial expression, then landed on the large desk. When he saw the two folders placed side by side on the desk, which looked particularly glaring, his pupils seemed to contract suddenly, and his lips pursed almost imperceptibly.

"Deputy Section Chief Yang, you wanted to see me?"

Yin Yongliang tried his best to keep his voice calm, but if you listened carefully, you could detect a hint of hoarseness and dryness that was hard to hide.

He walked in, gently closed the door behind him, but instead of walking naturally to his desk as usual, he stood near the door, maintaining a subtle distance, as if ready to leave at any moment.

Yang Guangming did not get up, but simply pointed to the chair in front of the table, his tone still indifferent: "Deputy Section Chief Yin, please sit down."

His demeanor was calm, neither the aggressiveness of a victor nor the feigned humility of someone trying too hard; it was a pure, businesslike serenity. Yet, this serenity contained an invisible pressure.

Yin Yongliang hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering, but he finally walked over and sat down in the chair. His back was ramrod straight, exuding complete wariness and resistance, as if he were facing not a colleague, but a ferocious beast that might attack at any moment.

Yang Guangming didn't beat around the bush or exchange pleasantries. He simply and slowly, with a firm and resolute motion, pushed the two folders on the table in front of Yin Yongliang. The movement was slow, carrying an undeniable and weighty significance.

"These are summaries of the historical accounts verification reports submitted by groups four and five, based on recent work arrangements."

Yang Guangming's voice wasn't loud, but every word struck Yin Yongliang's heart clearly: "I think some of the issues reflected here are quite sensitive, and we need to hear your opinion as the supervisor in charge. Take a look carefully first, and then we'll communicate further."

Yin Yongliang's gaze seemed to be nailed to those two folders, as if they were two bombs that could explode at any moment.

His Adam's apple bobbed violently, and he took a deep breath, as if he needed to muster a great deal of courage, before reaching out to pick up the folder belonging to Group Five and stiffly opening it.

His fingers seemed to tremble slightly, almost uncontrollably, the moment they touched the paper.

The office fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the rustling of papers turning and Yin Yongliang's increasingly heavy and difficult-to-control breathing.

Yang Guangming waited quietly, even picking up the teacup on the table, slowly blowing away the floating leaves, taking a sip of the lukewarm tea, and calmly observing every subtle change on Yin Yongliang's face.

Yin Yongliang's face grew paler and paler, and fine beads of sweat began to appear on his forehead and the sides of his nose.

He flipped through the pages faster and faster, his eyes scanning the project names, dates, amounts, and the questions Zhou Weimin had listed. The further he read, the more rapid and disordered his breathing became, and the tighter his fingers gripped the edge of the folder.

After reading through the fifth set, he almost impatiently, with a deeper sense of fear and urgency, grabbed the folder for the fourth set.

This time, he looked even more carefully, almost scanning line by line, his brows furrowed tightly, forming a deep "川" (river) shape, his lips pressed tightly together, devoid of any color.

The problems Wu Aihua compiled were more trivial, but they occurred frequently, were clearly categorized, and clearly defined the terms of violation. The impact of those written documents was equally significant.

Finally, he slammed the folder shut with a soft "snap".

He raised his head, his gaze sharp, even with a hint of reckless excitement, and looked at Yang Guangming. His voice was somewhat shrill and distorted due to the impact of his emotions:
"Deputy Section Chief Yang! What...what do you mean by this? What...what are you planning to do with these things? What do you intend to do to Zhao Weiguo and Li Sujuan?"

He seemed to want to take the initiative and focus the attention and criticism on the two former team leaders who had been dismissed and temporarily sidelined, attempting to distance himself from the issue and separate himself from the problem.

Instead of answering his question directly, Yang Guangming leaned back slightly and asked in an extremely calm tone, looking directly into Yin Yongliang's eyes, which were filled with fear: "Deputy Section Chief Yin, so, how do you want me to deal with these two people?"

This seemingly casual rhetorical question, like a skillful, gentle punch, struck Yin Yongliang squarely in the heart.

He was momentarily speechless, completely failing to grasp Yang Guangming's true intentions. His eyes were filled with confusion, wariness, and even deeper doubt: "What...what do you mean by that? What do you mean by 'I hope'?"

He tried to appear tough, but his tone betrayed his lack of confidence.

Seeing this, Yang Guangming knew the time was right and it was time to reveal his hand.

He leaned forward slightly, placed his hands crossed on the table, and spoke in a softer tone, which carried an even heavier, unmistakable weight:

“My meaning is very simple, Deputy Section Chief Yin. I can pretend I’ve never seen these two documents.”

He paused, carefully observing Yin Yongliang's reaction, and saw the disbelief and immense confusion that flashed across the other's eyes for a moment.

"Deputy Section Chief Yin, I was sent by the factory to the Finance Department to carry out my work."

Yang Guangming's tone became sincere, as if he were confiding in someone, revealing his innermost thoughts, "My primary task is to ensure that all the work of the finance department operates in a standardized, efficient, and orderly manner, safeguarding the factory's production and operations. Not..."

He gently shook his head, "Instead of overstepping his bounds and doing the work of the political work group as well."

He pointed to the two folders with his finger: "If I really use these materials to seriously investigate the responsibilities of the former leaders of Groups Four and Five, and make a big fuss about it and take it to the higher-ups, I think the final result is something you definitely don't want to see."

"Once the political work team officially intervenes and initiates an investigation, the entire finance department will be instantly thrust into the spotlight, with everyone in a state of panic and unable to live a peaceful life!"
It's likely that normal operations will be impossible for a considerable period, which will severely impact the factory's cash flow and business operations! And..."

Yang Guangming's gaze deepened, and he slowed his speech, saying each word carefully, "Who exactly is involved behind this? How deep is the involvement? How murky is the water? I'm afraid everyone who has ever been involved, played on the edge of the law, or has a guilty conscience will be trembling with fear and unable to eat or sleep from now on."

The finance department, and even the entire factory administration system, is likely filled with people living in constant fear and anxiety.

Every word he said was like a heavy hammer blow, striking Yin Yongliang's most vulnerable and fearful heart.

This is not just a threat, but a stark revelation of the worst possible outcome, and that outcome inevitably includes Yin Yongliang himself.

Yin Yongliang's expression shifted constantly, his ashen face tinged with a deathly stillness. His fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of his clothes tightly, the veins on the back of his hands bulging slightly.

He certainly understood the deeper meaning behind Yang Guangming's words.

If a thorough investigation is conducted, Zhao Weiguo and Li Sujuan will certainly be the first to be implicated and will not be able to escape responsibility. But can he, as the deputy section chief in charge, really remain unscathed and completely absolve himself of any involvement?
Those gray areas of operation, those unspoken conventions, those things he tacitly approved, hinted at, or even directly instructed—all of these will leave traces, enough to drag him into an abyss!

Yang Guangming's willingness to talk privately and his hint that he could be let go was almost the best, and the only, decent outcome he could think of at the moment.

Those who know the current affairs are handsome.

If you stubbornly persist, the only outcome will be utter disgrace and ruin.

Yin Yongliang took another deep breath, this time with a noticeable tremor in his breath, as if this breath had drained the last bit of strength from his body.

His shoulders slumped visibly and weakly, and his once straight back bent over, making him appear hunched and old.

The toughness, wariness, and resentment on his face were eventually replaced by an overwhelming sense of exhaustion and helpless compromise.

"What...what do you want to do?" His voice was dry and weak, trembling noticeably, almost inaudible. Asking this question meant he had completely given up resistance and was now discussing the terms of "surrender."

Yang Guangming knew perfectly well that he had won a decisive victory in this silent contest.

He maintained a calm tone and presented a solution he had already considered, one that would preserve a final shred of dignity for both of them:

"Deputy Section Chief Yin, I've noticed you haven't been looking well lately, you look haggard, and your spirits aren't what they used to be. Are you really not feeling well?"

The work in finance is stressful, filled with numerous trivial matters and countless tasks, truly exhausting and mentally taxing, often leading to illness from overwork.

His words sounded like genuine concern between colleagues, but Yin Yongliang immediately understood the underlying meaning.

"I think it might be a good choice to take this opportunity to take sick leave and recuperate. After all, health is the foundation of everything."

Yang Guangming looked at him calmly and continued, "Once you've recovered and settled down, you can apply to the factory leaders to be transferred to a less stressful position so you can continue to contribute to the factory."

I believe the factory leaders will understand and sympathize with the veteran's health condition and practical difficulties.

Yang Guangming's words were tactful, polite, and even caring, but the meaning was crystal clear—he was voluntarily resigning from his position as deputy section chief and gracefully transferring away from the troublesome finance department.

The last trace of color drained from Yin Yongliang's face, leaving it deathly pale.

He closed his eyes, lowered his head slightly, and fell into a silence that lasted for a minute or two.

The office was eerily quiet, with only the faint rumble of machinery from the distant workshop coming through the window.

Yang Guangming didn't rush him, patiently giving him enough time to process the final result and make a final decision.

This is the tolerance of a victor.

After about a minute or two, which felt like an eternity, Yin Yongliang slowly and with great difficulty opened his eyes. His eyes were dull, empty, and filled with endless frustration and humiliation.

He nodded very slightly, almost imperceptibly, his voice low and hoarse like a sigh, which quickly dissipated into the air: "...Okay. I...I understand."

Those three words seemed to have exhausted all the last remaining strength and dignity in his life.

After saying that, he struggled to stand up, without looking at Yang Guangming again, nor at the two documents on the table that had determined his fate. He walked out of the office with unsteady and unsteady steps, his back view appearing particularly desolate, lonely and lonely, as if all his energy had been drained away in an instant.

Yang Guangming sat alone in his office, watching the direction Yin Yongliang had disappeared in, listening to the faltering footsteps fading into the distance until they were completely gone, before finally letting out a long sigh of relief. Things had progressed more smoothly than he had initially anticipated. Yin Yongliang, after all, was a clever man who knew how to assess the situation and weigh the pros and cons.

A few days later, news spread within the finance department that Deputy Section Chief Yin was seriously unwell due to long-term overwork and needed to be hospitalized for a comprehensive examination and recuperation for a period of time.

A few days later, an application report signed and submitted by Yin Yongliang himself was delivered to the factory's personnel department via Liu Jinsheng.

In his report, he earnestly and gratefully requested the organization to consider his actual difficulties and transfer him to a relatively less demanding position so that he could continue to perform the heavy and complex work of the finance department, citing his rapidly declining health and the doctor's advice that he needed to rest completely.

The report was written with heartfelt sincerity, filled with gratitude to the organization and helplessness regarding his own health problems, showing no trace of coercion.

The factory leadership quickly approved Yin Yongliang's request.

Considering his many years of service to the factory, and his hard work even if he hadn't made any significant contributions, he was eventually transferred to the employee activity center under the factory's labor union, where he took on a sinecure managing books and periodicals, with his salary remaining unchanged. This was considered a relatively dignified way for him to leave.

This news once again caused quite a stir in the finance department, even more so than when the leaders of Groups 4 and 5 were dismissed.

Since the two group leaders were suddenly dismissed, the people in Corey didn't dare to discuss anything on the surface, but they all secretly guessed that there would inevitably be an even more intense and fierce battle to come.

Everyone was secretly waiting to see how the newly arrived Deputy Section Chief Yang, with his strong backing, and Deputy Section Chief Yin, with his deep roots and years of experience, would put on a spectacular showdown.

Unexpectedly, this storm, which was expected to be full of sparks and fierce clashes, ended so quickly and quietly.

They saw almost nothing significant from Yang Guangming, and they didn't even hear of any heated arguments or public conflicts between the two. Yin Yongliang suddenly claimed to be ill and then so quickly took the initiative to request a transfer.

The process was so fast that it took no time to react, and it ended cleanly and efficiently, even with a touch of eerie calm.

When everyone looked at Yang Guangming again, their gazes no longer held only the previous awe, but also a sense of unfathomable mystery.

This young deputy section chief was so shrewd and decisive, and his mind was so deep and unpredictable. Without making a sound or even publicly tearing apart the relationship, he resolved the biggest obstacle within the department. His shrewdness, patience and skill far exceeded their initial expectations.

A genuine sense of awe and profound caution began to quietly permeate the department and take root in everyone's hearts.

Everyone is more careful in regulating their words and actions, and work efficiency seems to have improved imperceptibly.

Yin Yongliang's transfer restored the Finance Department to its usual leadership structure of one department head and one deputy department head.

Yang Guangming also took this opportunity to truly establish his unchallenged authority in the finance department and firmly establish himself.

He began to exercise his powers as deputy section chief more freely, arranging work and convening meetings, and his instructions were implemented more quickly and effectively.

At the same time, a very delicate balance was formed between him and Liu Jinsheng.

On the surface, the two had a harmonious relationship and worked together seamlessly.

Liu Jinsheng remained the same affable, caring, and tactful section chief, showing ample respect and support for Yang Guangming's work, and at least outwardly, there was absolutely nothing to criticize. When faced with major departmental matters, he would proactively consult with Yang Guangming, demonstrating full democratic consideration.

Yang Guangming also maintained sufficient humility and respect for his superiors. He would proactively report and consult with Liu Jinsheng on important matters, upholding the authority and face of the section chief, and never overstepping his authority.

But both of them knew perfectly well that beneath that veil of harmony lay extreme caution, covert observation, and necessary precautions.

A new, invisible boundary has been clearly defined.

Yang Guangming was well aware that he had only been in the finance department for a short time. Although he had ousted Yin Yongliang with swift and decisive measures and established his authority, his foundation was still shallow and his influence was not yet fully developed. The most important thing at present was to stabilize the situation, streamline the work, and build up his reputation, rather than rushing to challenge Liu Jinsheng's authority, which had been cultivated for many years.

Maintaining the current superficial harmony and balance is in his best interest.

Liu Jinsheng is also an extremely cautious, prudent, and patient person.

His plan to oust Yang Guangming before he had a firm foothold was completely thwarted by Yin Yongliang's unexpected departure and Yang Guangming's rapid consolidation of his position.

He had to reassess the energy and skill of his young deputy.

Before the situation becomes clear and the opponent's true intentions are understood, maintaining the status quo, keeping quiet, and observing the situation is undoubtedly the safest and most prudent strategy for him as the head of the department.

The future is long, and the game is not over; it has simply entered a new, more subtle phase that will test patience and wisdom even more.

The abacus in the finance department still clicked away, and the rustling of papers turning over remained unchanged every day, as if nothing had changed.

But everyone in the department, from the department head to the lowest-level bookkeeper, knew perfectly well that some things had become completely and irreversibly different.

A new order is quietly being established beneath this seemingly peaceful daily routine.

(End of this chapter)