Li Feng’s purpose for visiting Citibank was to meet the executive president of Citibank’s China region. He needed substantial funds, and only the executive president could authorise such a large amount.
So, he headed straight for the executive president’s office. After parting ways with Song Zhiyuan, he walked toward the dedicated elevator for the executive offices.
“Sir, you can’t go in there.”
As Li Feng reached the elevator, two security guards stopped him. This was a private elevator for specific Citibank clients and senior executives. Li Feng, with no clear identity or proof, wasn’t allowed to use it.
Li Feng frowned, “I’m here to see your president.”
“Sir, please consult our lobby manager,” one guard said politely.
With no choice, Li Feng headed to the lobby manager. He was here for a loan, not to cause trouble, so he had to follow their rules.
At that moment, the lobby manager was with the business manager, alongside Song Zhiyuan and his bodyguard.
“Peak Young Master, changed your mind?” Song Zhiyuan assumed Li Feng was there to ask for an introduction to the business manager.
Li Feng glanced at him coolly, approached the lobby manager, checked his name tag, and said, “Manager Fu, I want to see your executive president.”
“Li Feng, still dreaming? You, meeting Citibank’s executive president?” Song Zhiyuan burst out laughing. The executive president of Citibank’s China region was akin to a provincial governor. Someone like Li Feng could hardly meet him, not even if his father showed up.
Song Zhiyuan figured Li Feng was stung by his earlier taunt about meeting the business manager and was now trying to save face by demanding to see the executive president.
The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Someone like Li Feng, with his pride, couldn’t handle being outdone.
This was going to be a show.
Song Zhiyuan’s eyes gleamed with amusement. He loved seeing Li Feng humiliated—it was more thrilling than confronting him directly.
Li Feng shot Song Zhiyuan a cold glance and said bluntly, “Is Young Master Song a Citibank employee? What does my meeting the president have to do with you?”
“You…” Song Zhiyuan pointed at him, speechless with anger.
Ignoring him, Li Feng focused on the lobby manager.
“Do you have an appointment?” Manager Fu looked at Li Feng calmly, unfazed by his bold request.
As a lobby manager, he had a sharp eye. He knew Song Zhiyuan’s status, and since Li Feng could put him in his place, he wasn’t ordinary. As a Chinese man who rose from an entry-level role to lobby manager, Fu relied on his keen judgment.
Since Li Feng wasn’t simple, whether his request was unreasonable or a jest, Fu couldn’t afford to offend him.
“No,” Li Feng replied calmly.
At that moment, Song Zhiyuan whispered something to the business manager, his gaze on Li Feng filled with malice.
“Sir, I’m sorry, without an appointment…” Manager Fu began hesitantly.
But before he could finish, the business manager cut in, “Manager Fu, this guy’s clearly here to cause trouble. Why waste words? Have security throw him out.”
“Manager Wang, this gentleman is a client,” Manager Fu frowned, displeased by Wang’s rudeness. For Citibank, clients were paramount, and Wang’s attitude could easily offend someone.
“Manager Fu, you’re too cautious. How could this guy be a client?” Manager Wang scoffed, either prompted by Song Zhiyuan or emboldened by something else, speaking recklessly.
“Then tell me, Manager Wang, what kind of person qualifies as a Citibank client?” Li Feng said coldly, eyeing Wang. It was clear Wang’s attitude stemmed from Song Zhiyuan’s whispers, though he didn’t know what was said. It wasn’t good.
“At least someone like Mr. Song,” Wang sneered, surprised by Li Feng’s interruption, “People like you? You’re not even fit to be an ordinary client, let alone meet our president. You’re clearly here to make trouble.”
“Manager Wang, you’re out of line,” Manager Fu couldn’t help but say. Wang was usually arrogant, but acting this way in front of a client? Didn’t he know Citibank’s rule against offending clients? Fu couldn’t fathom how someone like Wang passed company training.
“What did you say, Manager Fu?” Wang’s eyes flashed coldly. A mere lobby manager daring to speak to him like that was audacious. He’d have to teach him a lesson later.
“Manager Wang, I’m not here for you,” Li Feng said with a cold smile, glancing at Song Zhiyuan, who was enjoying the show, “I don’t need you worrying about whether I’m a client. But Manager Wang, a word of advice: finding a job in Tianhai City isn’t easy. Don’t let someone’s vile words lead you to offend the wrong person.”
“Manager Fu, does this guy look like a client? Get security to throw him out,” Wang scoffed, clearly not seeing Li Feng as someone to avoid.
“Manager Wang, this is my responsibility, not yours. It’s working hours. You should be working, not debating this with me,” Manager Fu said.
“Manager Fu, very well,” Wang snorted, turning to leave.
Song Zhiyuan gave Li Feng a sly smile and followed Wang.
“Sir, you…” Manager Fu looked at Li Feng, wondering how to explain that, given his status, meeting the executive president was unlikely. Few in Tianhai City could easily meet him.
“Manager Fu, take me to your executive president now. Don’t worry, I’m not foolish enough to joke around at Citibank. Do I look like I have nothing better to do? I assure you, your president will be eager to meet me,” Li Feng said confidently, impressed by Fu’s demeanor.
“You really want to see our president?” Manager Fu hesitated. This was Citibank; few dared to jest here. Li Feng didn’t seem reckless.
“Manager Fu, if you take me to your president, you might not be a lobby manager for long,” Li Feng said meaningfully.
“Sometimes, opportunity is right in front of you. It’s about how you seize it.”
“Fine, I’ll take you. I hope you’re not deceiving me,” Manager Fu said, gritting his teeth. He’d already offended Wang, who was vengeful, so his days here wouldn’t be easy. He might as well take a chance. If this young man was truthful, it could be his break.
“You’ll soon be glad you made the right choice,” Li Feng said with a faint smile.
Led by Manager Fu, Li Feng reached the top floor, where the executive president’s office and staff were located. Besides the president’s office, there was a secretarial office.
As the China region’s executive president, handling countless daily tasks required a team of dozens of secretaries.
Li Feng was stunned by the scale of the secretarial team. This was just the China region. What would Citibank’s headquarters be like?
“Manager Fu, what’s the matter?” A secretary approached Fu.
“Secretary Lu, this gentleman wishes to see the president,” Fu said, pointing to Li Feng, feeling a bit uneasy.
Secretary Lu glanced at Li Feng, “Who are you? The president has no appointments today. You want to see him?”
“Yes, I’d like to see Mr. Steve,” Li Feng said, handing over a document, “Please give this to Mr. Steve. I believe he’ll want to see me immediately.”
Lu hesitated.
“This is critical, Secretary Lu. It involves billions in business. Think carefully,” Li Feng said gravely.
“Alright,” Lu studied Li Feng for a moment, nodded, and took the document into the president’s office.
Less than five minutes later, Steve hurried out, “Which one is Mr. Li Feng?”
“That’s me,” Li Feng stepped forward, looking at Steve, “Mr. Steve, it’s not easy to meet you.”
“Mr. Li Feng, you’re too kind. My apologies,” Steve said, shocked as he looked at the young Chinese man. He never imagined Li Feng was a Microsoft shareholder, owning ten percent of the company. With Microsoft’s current market value, his net worth was at least forty billion USD. To Citibank, he was a major client, and even as the China region’s executive president, Steve couldn’t afford to slight him.
“Mr. Steve, shall we find a place to talk?” Li Feng smiled.
“Yes, yes, of course. Mr. Li Feng, please follow me,” Steve led him into the president’s office.
Watching Li Feng enter, Manager Fu breathed a sigh of relief. He’d bet correctly. This Li Feng was no ordinary man, prompting the president to personally greet him.
