Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 5: Loaning Money

Previously on Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies...
Zhang Yi returned home with carts of supplies alongside two women, drawing gossip from neighbors as he resolved to stay and exact revenge on those who betrayed him in his previous life. A confrontation arose when Aunt Lin and her grandson demanded chocolates, but Zhang Yi coldly refused, dismissing their pleas amid the child's tantrum. After storing the fresh provisions in his interdimensional space, which preserved their quality overnight, he meticulously planned apocalypse preparations including food, heating, fortifications, medicine, and weapons. The next morning, he called a five-star hotel to book 500 tables for a lavish three-day feast.

Zhang Yi answered, “I’m Zhang Yi. Do you have any problem with me reserving 500 banquet tables?”

The manager stood there in shock. No such enormous order had ever come through the hotel before.

Yet, a booking of that magnitude was something they would surely embrace.

“Mr. Zhang, arranging 500 tables will run over a million yuan. Should you decide to go ahead, we’ll begin preparations right away, though a deposit of 200,000 yuan is required first.”

Zhang Yi responded, “That’s fine. Provide your account information, and I’ll send the payment.”

When cash is available, progress happens swiftly. The manager promptly consented, included Zhang Yi’s contact, and shared the banking details.

Zhang Yi wasted no time in wiring the 200,000 yuan.

As soon as the funds were verified, the manager rallied every section of the operation.

“Move fast, we have a massive booking! Instruct procurement to gather supplies, and the kitchen must pause all remaining deliveries!”

“We must ready 500 banquet tables in just one day!”

...

Meanwhile, after ending the call, Zhang Yi let out a soft sigh. “Even though currency will lose all value in a month, it’s essential for acquiring goods at this moment.”

His total came to roughly 2 million yuan, a mix of parental inheritance and personal savings.

With half now spent, it stung a little, truthfully.

Still, he reflected, this might not be such a negative turn.

Countless individuals clutched stacks of bills that soon became mere scraps.

Few possessed the opportunity to actually use their wealth.

“That said, plenty of costs lie ahead, so I must figure out how to acquire additional funds.”

Zhang Yi’s gaze shifted to his residence.

The apartment sat in the central district of Tianhai City, spanning 120 square meters, constructed a decade prior.

Current market rates valued it above 4 million yuan per square meter.

Thus, the property held a minimum worth of 5 million yuan.

“I see, I could use the house as collateral for a loan—that’s my solution!”

Zhang Yi grinned. Securing the loan meant no obligation to pay it back, an undeniably appealing prospect.

He promptly departed his home and headed to the bank by car to submit the loan request.

En route, a text arrived from Fang Yuqing.

“Zhang Yi, the weekend feels so dull. I hope there’s someone to join me on an outing.”

Zhang Yi peeked at it briefly and set the phone down.

He reached the bank and began handling the loan paperwork.

Owing to the substantial sum, thorough records, and the property being entirely owned, approval came rapidly, albeit limited to 4 million yuan.

Zhang Yi chose not to dispute it. In essence, it was gratis funds, and he lacked the leisure to debate with the institution.

Following the signatures, the bank deposited the sum into his account.

“With over a million yuan already out for the banquets, I’m left with around 5 million yuan.”

“Renovating the home ought to cover that. Yet, I require numerous medicines and armaments. This sum may fall short.”

Zhang Yi rubbed his chin, pondering methods to obtain further capital.

Just then, a fellow with bright yellow-dyed hair spotted Zhang Yi lost in contemplation and drew near, eyes sparkling with interest.

“Hey, friend, looking for some quick cash?”

Zhang Yi raised his eyes to the man.

“And you are?”

The yellow-haired man’s grin widened, and he spoke softly, “I mean, are you short on money, and the bank refused to provide it?”

Zhang Yi grasped the fellow’s aim at once.

This had to be a usurer!

A sudden thought occurred to Zhang Yi.

He exhaled with feigned distress, “Indeed, my family’s enterprise desperately requires capital. However, the bank...”

Zhang Yi paused, appearing distressed.

The yellow-haired man caught on without delay.

Those capable of securing bank financing wouldn’t resort to usurers.

He remarked to Zhang Yi, “True, financial institutions are rigid these days, burdened by endless regulations, and approvals drag on eternally.”

“However, should you require immediate funds, I’m able to assist.”

Zhang Yi regarded him warily.

“You? Are you truly able to aid? I’m seeking several million.”

The man’s gaze brightened with thrill at the prospect of a large transaction.

He pulled out a card and offered it to Zhang Yi.

“Our firm excels at aiding those in dire straits. For your funding needs, we’re the answer!”

Zhang Yi examined the card, noting “Duoduo Loan Financial Services Co., Ltd.”

The man’s position: Sales Manager Hu Minghua.

Zhang Yi acted thrilled, “Could you provide the loan swiftly? I require 5 million. Should you support me now, I assure repayment in three months!”

Hu Minghua chuckled, “We can arrange terms. Our outfit is reliable. We exist to support folks like yourself facing urgent financial pressures.”

“Come, let’s talk details at our headquarters.”

With evident eagerness, Zhang Yi agreed and trailed Hu Minghua to the firm.

The purported business occupied a quiet office structure.

Inside, Hu Minghua guided Zhang Yi to the director’s room.

The usury operation’s leader was a robust figure clad in a premium Benetton suit, evidently aiming to appear as a proper enterprise.

Nevertheless, an underlying threat lingered in his presence.

Decades navigating the underworld imparted such an aura.

Hu Minghua briefed the director on Zhang Yi’s circumstances, “Boss, here’s the potential borrower.”

The director, Chen Xiong, grinned and beckoned Zhang Yi to take a seat.

“Mr. Zhang, what sum are you looking to obtain?”

Fitting for a usurer, the exchange was direct and unadorned.

Outfits like theirs operated outside the law, unbound by conventional protocols.

They possessed methods to enforce collection, rendering them unconcerned with non-payers.

Zhang Yi stated, “I wish to secure 5 million.”

Chen Xiong knitted his brows, “Well, that’s no trivial figure. Yet, Mr. Zhang, be advised our rates are exceedingly steep. You comprehend this, I presume.”

Hu Minghua added, “Mr. Zhang’s venture craves immediate investment. As soon as operations rebound, repayment will follow promptly. Isn’t that so?”

The pair coordinated seamlessly, which Zhang Yi observed with quiet mirth.

Acting keen, Zhang Yi replied, “Absolutely, I’ll settle it soon. Elevated rates are acceptable provided you extend the loan.”