Carl replied, "My name is Carl. Is there any problem with my order for 500 banquet tables?"
The manager was taken aback; this was the first time they had encountered such a request since the hotel opened.
However, with such a large order, they certainly had to accept it.
"Carl, 500 banquet tables will cost over a million. If you need it, we will prepare everything immediately, but we require a 200,000 deposit upfront."
Carl responded, "That's no problem. Please send me your account details, and I'll transfer the money."
With money in hand, things became easier. The manager readily agreed and added Carl as a friend, sending him the bank account information.
Without hesitation, Carl transferred the 200,000.
Once the manager confirmed the deposit with the finance department, he immediately began instructing various teams.
"Hurry up! We have a big order! Get the procurement department to stock up quickly, and the kitchen should not take any other takeout orders for now!"
"We need to prepare the 500 banquet tables for the guests within two days!"
...
On the other end, after hanging up the phone, Carl couldn't help but exclaim, "Although this money won't be useful in a month, I still need it to buy things now."
In his hands, he had around 2 million from his parents' inheritance and his own savings.
Now, half of that was gone, and to be honest, it stung a bit.
But then he thought, this could be a good thing.
Many people held onto large sums of cash, only for it to become worthless paper later.
Not everyone has the chance to spend their money.
"However, there are still many areas where I'll need cash. I need to find a way to make more money."
Carl's gaze fell on his house.
This apartment, located in the central area of Hai Tian City, was 120 square meters and had been built ten years ago.
According to current market rates, it was worth over 40,000 per square meter.
That meant this apartment was now worth at least 5 million.
"Got it! I'll take out a mortgage loan. That should give me the cash I need!"
Carl grinned; borrowing this money meant he wouldn't have to pay it back, which felt great.
He immediately left his house and drove to the bank to apply for a loan.
On the way, he received a message from Anna.
"Carl, I'm so bored this weekend. I really wish someone could accompany me to go out."
Carl glanced at it and tossed his phone aside.
He arrived at the bank to handle the loan process.
Since Carl was applying for a large loan and had all the necessary documents, and the house was fully paid off, the loan was approved quickly.
However, the bank only granted him a loan of 4 million.
Carl didn't bother to negotiate; after all, it was free money, and he didn't have time to haggle with the bank.
After signing the paperwork, the bank transferred the funds to his account.
"Now, after spending over a million on the banquet, I still have around 5 million left."
"That should be enough to remodel the house. However, I also need to purchase a large quantity of medication and weapons. This money might not be sufficient."
Carl stroked his chin, pondering how to acquire more funds.
Just then, a young man with bleached hair noticed Carl deep in thought and approached him with a glimmer in his eye.
"Hey, buddy, you look like you need some cash!"
Carl looked up at the young man.
"Who are you?"
The young man's smile widened as he lowered his voice and asked, "Are you in need of money? Is the bank refusing to lend to you?"
Upon hearing this, Carl realized this person was likely a loan shark.
A thought crossed Carl's mind, and he sighed, feigning difficulty. "Yeah, my family's business urgently needs funds. But the bank..."
He paused, deliberately showing a troubled expression.
The young man nodded knowingly.
Anyone who could borrow money through normal channels wouldn't resort to loan sharks.
He said, "Yeah, banks are strict nowadays! There are so many regulations, and the loan process is slow."
"But brother, if you urgently need cash, I can help you out."
Carl cautiously eyed the young man.
"You? Can you really help? I need several million!"
The young man's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of a big deal.
He pulled out a business card and handed it to Carl.
"Our company specializes in helping people in financial distress. If you need money, we're your best bet!"
Carl glanced at the card, which read "DuoDuo Loan Financial Services."
The young man's title was Business Manager.
Carl exclaimed, "You can really lend me money? I need 5 million. If you can help me through this tough time, I promise to pay you back within three months!"
The young man smiled, "That's negotiable. Our company is quite capable and dedicated to helping people like you who need funding."
"Come on, let's head to our office and discuss this in detail."
Excited, Carl nodded and followed the young man to their office.
The so-called office was located in a secluded office building.
Once inside, the young man brought Carl to meet their boss.
The owner of the loan company was a burly man dressed in an expensive Benetton suit, clearly trying to project a legitimate business image.
However, there was a hint of menace in his demeanor, a result of years spent in the tough world of finance.
The young man introduced Carl to the boss, "Manager, this is our potential client looking to borrow money."
The boss, named David, greeted Carl with a smile and invited him to sit down.
"Carl, how much would you like to borrow?"
True to the nature of loan shark companies, the conversation was straightforward and blunt.
Such companies operate outside the norms, so there are fewer restrictions.
They have their ways of ensuring repayment, so they aren't overly concerned about defaults.
Carl stated, "I'd like to borrow 5 million."
David frowned. "Oh, that's not a small amount. But Carl, I should warn you that our interest rates are quite high. You need to be prepared for that."
The young man chimed in, "Carl's business urgently needs cash flow. Once his business picks up, he can repay the loan quickly, right?"
Feigning urgency, Carl said, "Yes, I can pay it back soon. If the interest is high, so be it! Just lend me the money."