Phoenix responded, "My name is Phoenix. Is there a problem with me requesting a banquet for 500 tables?"
The manager was stunned. This request was unprecedented in the history of their establishment. Nevertheless, the prospect of such a substantial order was too good to pass up.
"Mr. Phoenix, a banquet of that size could cost a fortune. We're ready to accommodate your request, but we'll need a deposit of $200,000 to start preparations," the manager said.
"That won't be an issue. Just send me your account details, and I'll transfer the funds," Phoenix assured him.
With the promise of money, the manager readily agreed. He added Phoenix on a social platform and sent him the bank information. Phoenix promptly transferred the deposit.
On the manager's end, confirmation of the deposit's receipt set the hotel machinery into motion. The urgency was palpable as orders were given to prioritize this massive undertaking.
"Hurry! This is a significant order. Inform the purchasing department to stock up swiftly; the kitchen is to pause all other orders until this is done. We need those 500 banquet tables ready within the day!"
...
After Phoenix ended the call, he mused to himself, "Money will be worthless in a month, but right now, it's necessary for acquisitions."
In his hand lay the inheritance from his parents and his savings, amounting to about $2 million. Spending half in an instant was painful, but he rationalized that when the world changed, those who clung to their wealth would find it worthless.
Yet, more expenditures were on the horizon, and Phoenix needed to secure more funds. His gaze fell upon his house in central Solstice City. The 120 square meter home, built a decade ago, was now valued at over $40,000 per square meter – a total value exceeding $5 million.
"I'll mortgage the house. That'll be a quick cash infusion," Phoenix thought, reveling in the ease of borrowing without the burden of repayment.
He set out to the bank, intent on securing a loan. En route, a message from Mira popped up: "Phoenix, the weekend is dull. Wish I had someone to hang out with."
Phoenix glanced at the message and set his phone aside; he had a loan to secure.
The bank was cooperative. Given the substantial amount, the full payment for the house, and all the necessary documentation, Phoenix secured a $4 million loan with relative ease. There was no need to haggle; it was, after all, free money.
With the funds deposited into his account, Phoenix calculated his finances. Even after the banquet expenditure, he had about $5 million on hand – enough for the house refurbishment. However, he would need more for medicine and weapons.
While he contemplated his next move, a man with yellow hair approached him. Sensing an opportunity, the man inquired if Phoenix needed money, a clear indication of his loan shark business.
Phoenix, conceiving a plan, feigned distress about needing funds for a family business. The man, known as Kyle, confirmed the bank's strict lending policies and offered his services.
"Can you really help? I need $5 million," Phoenix said, sensing Kyle's excitement at the prospect of a significant transaction.
Kyle, confirming the company's readiness to assist, led Phoenix to a nondescript office building, their base of operations. Inside, they met with the boss, a large man in an expensive suit trying to emulate a legitimate businessman. Yet, a certain ruthlessness was apparent, a trait honed by years in a cutthroat industry.
After introductions, the boss, Lucas, got straight to the point. Phoenix stated his need for $5 million, to which Lucas warned of the high-interest rates. Lucas chimed in, assuring that Phoenix's business would soon turn a profit.
Phoenix, maintaining his act of urgency, agreed to the terms, emphasizing his ability to repay the loan swiftly.