Zhang Yi responded, "My name is Zhang Yi. I want to order 500 banquet tables. Is that a problem for your hotel?"
The manager was stunned. Such a request was unprecedented for the hotel.
However, a big order like this couldn't be turned down.
"Mr. Zhang, 500 banquet tables will cost over a million. If you need it, we'll start preparing immediately, but you'll need to pay a 200,000 deposit upfront."
Zhang Yi replied, "No problem, send me your bank account details, and I'll transfer the money."
Money always made things easier, and the manager readily agreed. He added Zhang Yi as a contact and sent over the bank details.
Without hesitation, Zhang Yi transferred the 200,000.
Once the deposit was confirmed, the manager quickly organized the staff.
"Hurry, hurry! We have a big order! Get the procurement department to stock up, and hold off on other delivery orders for now!"
"We need to prepare 500 banquet tables within a day!"
...
Meanwhile, after hanging up, Zhang Yi thought, "Money might be worthless in a month, but for now, it's essential for buying supplies."
He had about 2 million in savings and inheritance from his parents.
Now, half of it was gone, which stung a bit.
But on the bright side, it was better than having money turn into useless paper.
"Still, I need more money for the upcoming expenses. I have to find a way to get more."
His eyes fell on his house.
The 120-square-meter apartment, located in Tianhai City's central area, was built ten years ago.
Currently, it was worth over 4 million per square meter, making the house worth at least 5 million.
"I've got it! I'll mortgage the house for a loan."
Zhang Yi grinned. Borrowing money he wouldn't have to repay sounded great.
He left home and drove to the bank to apply for a loan.
On the way, he received a message from Fang Yuqing.
"Zhang Yi, weekends are so boring. I wish someone could take me out."
Zhang Yi glanced at it and tossed his phone aside.
At the bank, he applied for the loan.
Given the large loan amount, complete documentation, and the house being fully paid off, the loan was quickly approved.
The bank granted him a 4 million loan.
Zhang Yi didn't haggle, considering it free money. He had no time to argue with the bank.
After signing the papers, the money was transferred to his account.
"Now, after spending over a million on the banquet, I still have around 5 million."
"That should be enough to renovate the house. But I need a lot for medications and weapons. This money might not suffice."
Zhang Yi pondered how to get more money.
Just then, a blond man spotted Zhang Yi deep in thought and approached.
"Hey, buddy, need some cash?"
Zhang Yi looked up.
"Who are you?"
The blond man smiled wider and lowered his voice, "I just want to know if you need money and can't get it from the bank?"
Zhang Yi realized this guy was a loan shark.
A plan formed in his mind.
He sighed and feigned reluctance, "Yes, my family's business urgently needs funds. But the bank..."
He trailed off, looking troubled.
The blond man nodded knowingly.
Anyone who could get a bank loan wouldn't seek out loan sharks.
He said, "Yeah, banks are strict with loans. Lots of conditions, and slow processing."
"But if you need money urgently, I can help."
Zhang Yi eyed him warily.
"Can you really help? I need millions."
Hearing it was a big deal, the blond man got more excited.
He pulled out a business card and handed it to Zhang Yi.
"Our company specializes in helping people in tough spots. If you need money, we're the ones to call!"
Zhang Yi looked at the card, which read "Duoduo Loan Financial Services Ltd." with the man's title as business manager, Hu Minghua.
Zhang Yi pretended to be thrilled, "You can really lend me money? I need 5 million. If you can help me through this, I'll repay within three months!"
Hu Minghua smiled, "That's manageable. Our company is well-established, helping those in need of funds."
"Let's discuss this at our office."
Zhang Yi, looking expectant, nodded and followed Hu Minghua to their company.
The so-called company was in a remote office building.
Inside, Hu Minghua led Zhang Yi to the boss's office.
The loan company boss was a burly man in a Banaroo suit, trying to look legitimate.
But his demeanor hinted at a rough background.
Hu Minghua introduced Zhang Yi, "Manager, this is the client who needs a loan."
The boss, Chen Xiong, smiled and invited Zhang Yi to sit.
"Mr. Zhang, how much would you like to borrow?"
True to loan shark style, the conversation was blunt.
Such companies weren't legitimate, so they had fewer formalities.
They had plenty of ways to ensure repayment.
Zhang Yi said, "I need 5 million."
Chen Xiong frowned, "That's a significant amount. But Mr. Zhang, our interest rates are high. Be prepared for that."
Hu Minghua added, "Mr. Zhang's business urgently needs funds. Once it recovers, he'll quickly repay. Right?"
The duo's act was clear to Zhang Yi.
Feigning urgency, he said, "Yes, I'll repay soon. High interest is fine. Just lend me the money."