Ethan replied,"My name is Ethan Zhang. Is there any problem with me booking 500 tables for a banquet?"
The manager was taken aback; this was the first time their hotel had encountered such a large order since its opening.
However, an order of this magnitude, they definitely had to accept it.
"Mr. Zhang, 500 tables will cost over a million. If you need them, we can prepare immediately, but you'll have to pay a deposit of 200,000 yuan in advance."
Ethan responded,"That's not a problem. Send me your account details, and I'll transfer the money right away."
With the assurance of payment, the manager readily agreed, added Ethan as a friend, and sent him the bank account information. Without hesitation, Ethan transferred 200,000 yuan.
Once the finance department confirmed the deposit, the manager quickly mobilized all departments.
"Hurry, hurry! We've got a big order. Tell the purchasing department to stock up, and the kitchen should stop taking other orders for now! We need to prepare 500 tables within a day!"
After securing a substantial loan, which was quickly approved due to his complete documentation and full payment for the house, Ethan received 4 million from the bank. He didn't haggle, as he saw the money as a windfall and didn't want to waste time negotiating. After signing the documents, the funds were promptly deposited into his account.
"Now, after spending over a million on the banquet, I still have around 5 million left," mused Ethan."It should be enough to renovate the house, but I also need to buy a lot of medicine and weapons. The money might not be sufficient."
While Ethan was deep in thought, a man with dyed blond hair noticed him and approached, sensing an opportunity.
"Hey, buddy, do you need some cash?" the man asked.
Ethan looked up at the man."Who are you?"
The man's smile widened."I'm just asking if you need money, and the banks won't lend to you?"
Realizing the man was a loan shark, Ethan feigned distress."Yes, my family business needs funds urgently, but the bank..."
Seeing Ethan's predicament, the man offered help, introducing himself as Hu Minghua, a business manager at"Duoduo Loan Financial Services Co., Ltd." Ethan, pretending to be in dire need, asked if they could provide a 5 million yuan loan, promising to repay within three months. Hu Minghua assured him that his company was well-equipped to assist, setting the stage for further negotiations.
"Let's go, we can discuss this matter in detail at the company," Hu Minghua suggested.
Ethan, with an eager expression, nodded and followed Hu Minghua to their office. The so-called company was located in a remote office building. After entering, Hu Minghua led Ethan to the boss's office.
The owner of the loan company, despite his rugged appearance, was dressed in a high-end Beni Luo suit, clearly trying to project an image of a legitimate business. However, there was a hint of menace in his demeanor, a result of years of navigating the rough edges of society.
Hu Minghua introduced Ethan to the boss, whose name was Chen Xiong. With a smile, Chen Xiong invited Ethan to sit down.
"Mr. Zhang, how much would you like to borrow?" Chen Xiong asked, getting straight to the point as one would expect from a usury company. Such companies aren't bound by many rules and have plenty of ways to ensure repayment, so they don't worry about people defaulting on their loans.
Ethan replied,"I need to borrow 5 million yuan."
Chen Xiong's eyebrows furrowed."Oh, that's quite a sum. But Mr. Zhang, I should warn you, our interest rates are very high. You need to be prepared for that."
Hu Minghua chimed in,"Mr. Zhang's business is in urgent need of capital. Once the business turns around, he'll be able to repay the loan quickly, right?"
Ethan, still maintaining his act, said,"Yes, I'll be able to repay it soon. The interest rate can be high; I just need the money."
A smile spread across Chen Xiong's face.
"That's good. Our interest rate is four points. If you borrow five million, you'll have to repay seven million. So, you need to write me an IOU for seven million first."
"Also, you must provide something of sufficient value as collateral. A house, a factory, or a car, anything will do."
Ethan pretended to hesitate for a moment, then gritted his teeth and pulled out the property deed from his person.
He had taken it to the bank for a loan and happened to have it on him.
"This house of mine is worth over five million. Will it be enough as collateral? I also have a Mercedes worth 300,000. You can take that too if I fail to repay."
Chen Xiong, for the first time, met such a straightforward client and quickly took the property deed to have a look.
After verifying the information about Ethan's house, he felt even more satisfied. According to the current market price, the house could sell for at least 5.5 million!
Adding the car, this deal would never result in a loss for him.
Chen Xiong said proudly,"We can make at least two to three million from this. We don't have to worry about our performance this month!"
Hu Minghua leaned against the table and laughed,"Boss, he signed the contract so readily, could there be something wrong with the house?"
Holding the property deed, Chen Xiong smiled and said,"This property deed is genuine, no issues. As long as the house belongs to him, he can't run away!"
With the property deed and the seven million IOU in hand, they would have ways to secure the house later. Moreover, they had other means to squeeze Ethan dry.
Chen Xiong narrowed his eyes and sipped his coffee elegantly.
"If all else fails, we can contact a few overseas organizations to see if there are any valuable parts on him that we can sell."
"We never do business at a loss!"