Leo Zane replied, "My name is Leo Zane. Regarding the reservation for 500 tables of banquet, is there any issue on your side?"
The manager was stunned. Such a huge order was unprecedented since the hotel opened. But a large order like this was certainly something they couldn't refuse.
"Mr. Zane, 500 tables will cost over 150,000 dollars. If you need it, we will start preparing immediately. However, we require a deposit of $28,000 in advance."
Leo answered, "No problem. Please send me your account details, I'll transfer the deposit right away."
With the money in hand, things would move quickly. The manager agreed without hesitation, then added Leo as a contact and sent the bank account information.
Without hesitation, Leo transferred $28,000 to them.
Once the deposit was confirmed by finance, the manager immediately instructed all departments.
"Hurry up! We have a big order! Procurement, get the ingredients ready. The kitchen should stop accepting other delivery orders for now!"
"We must complete all 500 tables of banquet within one day!"
...
On the other side, after hanging up the phone, Leo sighed, "Although this money will be useless in a month, for now, it's necessary to spend it to buy supplies."
He held about $280,000 in savings and inheritance from his parents.
Half of it was already gone, which made him feel a little reluctant.
But then he thought, many people's money would become worthless soon.
Not everyone had the chance to spend their money before the collapse.
"However, I still have many places needing money. I need to find ways to get more funds."
His eyes shifted to his apartment.
The 120-square-meter unit in the central district of Tinhai City was bought outright 10 years ago.
At the current market price of over $560 per square foot, the apartment was worth about $700,000.
"I've got it! I'll mortgage the house to get a loan. That's free money for me!"
Leo chuckled to himself. Borrowing money that didn't have to be paid back soon sounded too comfortable.
He left home and drove to the bank to apply for the loan.
On the way, he received a message from Fang Yuqing.
"Leo, so bored this weekend. Wish someone could hang out with me."
Leo glanced briefly and tossed the phone aside.
At the bank, the loan process was smooth since his documents were complete and the property was fully paid off.
However, the bank only approved a loan amount of $560,000.
Leo didn't haggle—it was free money, so why bother?
After signing the paperwork, the bank transferred the money into his account.
"After spending $280,000 on the banquet deposit, I still have about $700,000 left."
"That should cover the apartment renovation, but I still need lots of money for medicine and weapons. This might not be enough."
Leo pondered ways to raise more funds.
At that moment, a man with dyed blond hair noticed Leo's thoughtful expression and approached.
"Hey, buddy, need some cash?"
Leo looked up at the man.
"Who are you?"
The man grinned, lowering his voice, "I'm asking if you need money, and the bank won't lend you enough?"
Leo immediately understood—this was a loan shark.
An idea struck him.
He sighed and acted troubled, "Yeah, my business urgently needs funds, but the bank…"
He purposely showed a worried expression.
The man instantly caught on.
Anyone who can get a bank loan wouldn't come to a loan shark.
The man said, "Yeah, banks are strict and slow nowadays."
"But if you need cash urgently, I can help you out."
Leo looked cautiously.
"You? Can you really help? I need about $700,000!"
The man's eyes lit up at the big sum.
He pulled out a business card.
"Our company specializes in helping people out of tight spots. If you need money, we're the ones to call."
Leo looked at the card: "DuoDuo Loan Financial Services, Inc."
The man introduced himself as Hu Minghua, business manager.
Excited, Leo said, "You can really lend me money? I need $700,000. If you can help me get through this, I promise to repay within three months!"
Hu Minghua smiled, "That's negotiable. Our company is very capable. We specialize in helping people who need urgent cash."
"Come with me to our office and we'll discuss details."
Leo nodded eagerly and followed Hu Minghua to their office.
The so-called office was in a remote office building.
Inside, the boss was a burly man in an expensive branded suit, trying hard to look professional.
But his sharp eyes revealed a ruthless streak.
If you hadn't been through the streets, you wouldn't notice.
Hu introduced Leo's situation to the boss.
"Mr. Chen, this is the client who wants to borrow money."
The boss, Chen Xiong, smiled and invited Leo to sit.
"Mr. Zane, how much do you want to borrow?"
Loan sharks were straightforward.
Their talk was blunt and clear.
This kind of company wasn't regulated, so no unnecessary formalities.
And they had their own ways to ensure repayment—no worries about defaults.
Leo said, "I want to borrow $700,000."
Chen frowned, "That's not a small amount. But I have to warn you, our interest rates are high. Be prepared."
Hu chimed in, "Mr. Zane's business urgently needs funds. Once it turns around, he'll pay back quickly, right?"
The two worked in tandem, fully aware Leo was playing along.
Leo acted desperate.
"Yes, I'll repay soon. High interest is fine! Just lend me the money."