Zhang Yi replied, "My name is Zhang Yi. I want to book 500 banquet tables—do you have any issues with that?"
The manager's heart skipped a beat. This was the first time their hotel had encountered such a large request.
Still, with such a huge order, they would absolutely have to take it.
"Mr. Zhang, 500 tables will cost over a million yuan. If you're serious, we'll start preparing immediately, but we'll need a deposit of 200,000 yuan in advance."
Zhang Yi responded, "No problem. Send me your account information and I'll transfer the money to you."
Money certainly made things easier. The manager readily agreed, added Zhang Yi as a contact, and sent over the bank details.
Without hesitation, Zhang Yi transferred the 200,000 yuan.
Once the manager confirmed with the finance department that the deposit had been received, he immediately began issuing orders to all departments.
"Hurry, hurry, hurry! We've got a major order! Get the procurement team to start stockpiling supplies, and tell the kitchen to temporarily stop taking any other delivery orders!"
"We have to prepare all 500 banquet tables within a single day!"
…
On the other side, after hanging up the phone, Zhang Yi couldn't help but sigh. "Money might become worthless in a month, but right now, you still need it to buy things."
He had about 2 million yuan in total, including his parents' inheritance and his own savings.
Now, half of it was gone just like that. To be honest, it stung a bit.
But thinking it over, it was also a good thing.
Many people held onto piles of money, only for it to become useless paper later on.
Not everyone had the chance to actually spend their money.
"Still, there's a lot more I need money for. I've got to find a way to get more."
His eyes fell on his own house.
The apartment was located in Tianhai City's central ring area, 120 square meters, in a community built ten years ago.
Given the current market, it was worth over 40,000 yuan per square meter.
Which meant the whole place was worth at least 5 million yuan.
"I've got it—I'll take out a mortgage loan. That'll get me the cash I need."
Zhang Yi chuckled. Taking out this money and not needing to repay it? Nothing could feel better.
He immediately left home and drove to the bank to apply for the loan.
On the way, he received a message from Fang Yuqing.
"Zhang Yi, weekends are so boring. I really wish someone would take me out for a walk."
Zhang Yi glanced at the message and tossed the phone aside.
He arrived at the bank and started the loan process.
Because the loan amount was large, but his documents were complete and the house had been paid for in full, the bank processed everything quickly.
In the end, the bank approved a 4 million yuan loan.
Zhang Yi didn't bother negotiating. After all, this was essentially free money—he didn't have time to argue.
He signed the papers happily, and the bank soon deposited the money into his account.
"Now that I've spent over a million on the banquet, I still have about 5 million left."
"That should be enough to renovate the house. But I'll still need to buy a large amount of medicine and weapons. This money might not be enough."
Zhang Yi rubbed his chin, thinking about how to get more money.
At that moment, a young man with dyed yellow hair spotted Zhang Yi, who was deep in thought by the roadside. His eyes lit up, and he quickly walked over.
"Hey, buddy, you look like you're in need of some cash?"
Zhang Yi looked up at the yellow-haired guy.
"Who are you?"
The young man grinned even wider and lowered his voice. "Just tell me—do you need money? And the bank refused to give you more?"
Hearing this, Zhang Yi immediately realized what kind of person he was dealing with.
A loan shark, obviously.
Zhang Yi's mind started turning. A plan began to form.
He sighed and pretended to be troubled. "Yeah, my family business urgently needs funds, but the bank…"
He paused deliberately, putting on a conflicted expression.
The yellow-haired guy gave a knowing nod.
Anyone who could get a loan from the bank wouldn't come looking for high-interest lenders.
He said, "Exactly. Banks are super strict now. So many rules and restrictions, and they take forever to release funds."
"But brother, if you really need money fast, I might be able to help."
Zhang Yi eyed him cautiously.
"You? Can you really help? I need several million."
When the young man heard it was a big deal, he became visibly more excited.
He pulled a business card out of his pocket and handed it to Zhang Yi.
"Our company specializes in helping people out of tight spots. If you need money, we're the ones to go to!"
Zhang Yi glanced at the card. It read: "DuoDuo Loan Financial Services Co., Ltd."
The name listed for the young man was Hu Minghua, Business Manager.
Zhang Yi said excitedly, "You can really lend me money? I need 5 million. If you can help me through this tough time, I promise I'll repay it within three months!"
Hu Minghua smiled, "That can be arranged. Our company is very capable—designed to help people just like you, who are short on funds."
"Come on, let's go back to the company and discuss the details."
Zhang Yi nodded with an expectant look and followed Hu Minghua to their office.
The so-called company was located in a remote office building.
Once inside, Hu Minghua led Zhang Yi straight to the boss's office.
The boss of the loan company looked burly and rough, but he wore a flashy suit from Baleno, clearly trying to create the illusion of a legitimate business.
But his eyes held a dangerous glint—clearly a man hardened by years on the streets.
Hu Minghua introduced Zhang Yi's basic information to the boss. "Manager, this is the client who wants to borrow money."
The boss, whose name was Chen Xiong, greeted Zhang Yi with a smile and invited him to sit.
"Mr. Zhang, how much are you looking to borrow?"
As expected of a loan shark, the conversation got straight to the point.
This type of company didn't bother with excessive formalities.
They had their own ways to ensure repayment, and weren't worried about being stiffed.
Zhang Yi said, "I want to borrow 5 million."
Chen Xiong frowned slightly. "That's not a small amount. But Mr. Zhang, let me be clear—we charge very high interest. You'll need to be mentally prepared."
Hu Minghua chimed in, "Mr. Zhang's business urgently needs capital. Once it turns around, he'll make the money back in no time. Right?"
The two men played their parts perfectly, and Zhang Yi watched the show unfold.
Still pretending to be desperate, Zhang Yi said, "Yes, I can repay it soon. High interest is fine—as long as you're willing to lend me the money."