Zhang Yi responded, "My name is Zhang Yi. About the order of 500 tables of banquet, is there any issue on your side?"
The manager was taken aback by the size of the order, something unprecedented for their hotel. However, such a large deal would definitely be welcome.
"Mr. Zhang, an order for 500 banquet tables could run into millions. If you need it, we can prepare it right away, but we require an advance payment of 200,000 yuan."
Zhang Yi replied, "That's not a problem. Send me your account details, and I'll transfer the money."
With money in hand, it's much easier to get things done. The manager readily agreed, added Zhang Yi as a friend, and sent over the bank account information.
Zhang Yi transferred the 200,000 yuan without any hesitation.
On the manager's end, after confirming the receipt of the deposit with the finance department, he quickly instructed his staff.
"Hurry! We have a big order. Tell the purchasing department to stock up, and the kitchen should not accept any other external orders for now!"
"We have to prepare the 500 banquets within a day for the customer!"
...
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yi couldn't help but muse, "Money might be useless in a month, but for now, it's still needed to buy things."
He had about 2 million yuan in total, from the inheritance left by his parents and his own savings.
With half of that now gone, he honestly felt a little pain in his heart.
But upon further reflection, he saw it as a positive.
Many people clutch their money tightly, only to see it turn into worthless paper later on.
Not everyone gets a chance to spend it.
"However, there are still many things I need to spend money on; I must find a way to secure more funds."
Zhang Yi's eyes then settled on his own house.
His apartment in the central area of Tianhai City, with an area of 120 square meters, was built about 10 years ago.
Based on the current market value, it would cost about 40,000 yuan per square meter.
That meant his apartment was worth more than 5 million yuan now.
"That's it! I'll mortgage the house. That way, I'll have money."
Zhang Yi chuckled to himself, finding the thought of borrowing money without having to repay it quite satisfying.
He immediately left his home, drove to the bank, and started the loan process.
On the way, he received a message from Fang Yuqing.
"Zhang Yi, I'm so bored this weekend. I really wish someone could take me out."
Zhang Yi glanced at the message and tossed the phone aside.
After arriving at the bank, he proceeded with the loan application.
Since Zhang Yi was applying for a substantial loan and had all the necessary documents with a fully paid-off house to his name, the process went quickly. However, the bank was willing to lend him only 4 million yuan.
Zhang Yi didn't haggle. After all, this was free money, and he didn't have the time to quibble with the bank.
He signed swiftly and the bank transferred the money into his account.
"Now, after spending over a million on the banquet, I still have about 5 million yuan left."
"That should be enough for a complete home renovation. However, I still need to buy a large amount of medicine and weapons. The money might not be sufficient."
Zhang Yi stroked his chin as he pondered how to obtain more money.
At that moment, a dyed-hair youth on the roadside noticed Zhang Yi deep in thought and approached him with a glistening eye.
"Hey, bro, you need money, don't you?"
Zhang Yi looked up at the youth.
"Who are you?"
The youth's smile grew wider as he spoke in a hushed tone, "I'm just asking if you need money and the bank refused to lend you any?"
Upon hearing the man's words, Zhang Yi immediately understood what this person was likely involved in.
He must be someone offering high-interest loans!
An idea sparked in Zhang Yi's mind, and he took a calculated breath, feigning difficulty. He said, "Indeed, my family's business urgently needs capital to turn over. But the bank..."
Zhang Yi purposely trailed off with a look of helplessness.
The man with the dyed hair seemed to understand instantly.
Anyone who could get the money from the bank through normal channels would never go to high-interest lenders, right?
"Yeah, it's really difficult with banks these days!" the man with dyed hair said. "There are all sorts of stipulations and paperwork, and the funds take ages to come through."
"But brother, if you're in desperate need of cash, I might be able to help you out."
Zhang Yi looked at the man cautiously.
"You can help? You sure about that? I need millions!" Zhang Yi feigned disbelief.
The man's eyes lit up when he heard about the big deal.
He pulled out a business card and handed it to Zhang Yi.
"Our company specializes in saving people from desperate situations. If you need money, we are the right choice!"
Zhang Yi glanced at the card. It read "Duoduo Financial Services Limited Company," and the man's name was listed as Hu Minghua, Business Manager.
Zhang Yi, pretending to be thrilled, said, "Can you really lend me that money? I need five million yuan. If your company helps me get through this, I assure you I can repay it in at most three months!"
Hu Minghua smiled and replied, "This can be arranged. Our company is very capable. We specialize in helping those who lack funds."
"Come on, let's go to our office to discuss this in detail."
Zhang Yi nodded eagerly and followed Hu Minghua to their company.
The so-called office was located in some nondescript building.
Upon entering, Hu Minghua led Zhang Yi directly to their boss's office.
The loan company's boss looked stout and robust, dressed improbably in a fancy Banilor suit, obviously attempting to project the image of a legitimate enterprise. However, there was a discernible harshness in his demeanor, something not found in a person who hasn't faced the tough grind of society.
Hu Minghua introduced Zhang Yi to his boss, "Manager, this is a client who wishes to borrow money from us."
The boss, named Chen Xiong, greeted Zhang Yi with a smile and gestured for him to take a seat.
"Mr. Zhang, how much are you interested in borrowing?"
True to the nature of a high-interest lending company, the conversation was blunt and to the point. Such an outfit was inherently informal, leaving no room for the red tape commonly encountered in traditional banks. Plus, they had their ways of ensuring repayment and were not concerned about defaulted loans.
Zhang Yi said, "I'm looking to borrow five million yuan."
Chen Xiong frowned slightly. "Oh, that's no small sum. But Mr. Zhang, let me make it clear up front, our interest rates are quite high. You'll need to be prepared for that."
Hu Minghua chimed in, "Mr. Zhang's business urgently needs the capital. Once the business turns over, he will quickly recoup the funds, right?"
The two men seemed to play off each other, all of which Zhang Yi took in with a keen eye.
Still portraying urgency, Zhang Yi replied, "Yes, I'll be able to repay it quickly. I'm fine with high-interest rates—as long as you can lend me the money."