Survival in the Ice Age: My Billion-Dollar Hoard

De Hua responded, "My name is De Hua . I want to order 500 banquet tables. Is that a problem for you?"

The manager was taken aback; such a large order was unprecedented for their hotel. However, they couldn't afford to turn down such a lucrative deal.

"Mr. Zhang, 500 tables will cost over a million yuan. If you need us to prepare it, we'll require a deposit of 200,000 yuan in advance."

"No problem. Send me your account details, and I'll transfer the deposit," De Hua agreed without hesitation.

With money on the line, the manager quickly complied, adding De Hua as a contact and sending over the bank details. De Hua promptly transferred the 200,000 yuan deposit.

After confirming the deposit, the manager immediately began mobilizing his team. "Quick! We have a massive order! Procurement, get the supplies ready. The kitchen should temporarily halt other delivery orders. We need to prepare 500 banquet tables within a day!"

Meanwhile, De Hua hung up the phone, musing, "Money might be worthless in a month, but for now, it's essential for buying supplies."

Between his parents' inheritance and his own savings, De Hua had around 2 million yuan. With half of it gone for the banquet order, he felt a pinch but knew it was a necessary expenditure. Many would find themselves with useless piles of cash once the apocalypse hit, unable to buy even a bite of food.

"But I still need a lot more money for other preparations. How can I get more?" he pondered, his gaze falling on his apartment.

His 120-square-meter apartment in Handong 's central district was worth over 500,000 yuan, given the current market rate of over 4,000 yuan per square meter. "I could mortgage the apartment," he thought, grinning. "I'd get the money and wouldn't even need to repay the loan."

With this plan in mind, De Hua drove to the bank. En route, he received a message from Fang Ting: " De Hua , weekends are so boring. I wish someone could take me out."

He glanced at the message and tossed his phone aside. Arriving at the bank, De Hua applied for a mortgage loan. Given his fully owned property and complete documentation, the bank swiftly processed his request, granting him a 4 million yuan loan.

He signed the paperwork without negotiating further. "This is easy money," he thought. With the loan processed, his account was credited with the funds.

"After the banquet, I still have around 5 million yuan left. It should cover the renovations. But I'll need more for medicines and weapons. This might not be enough," De Hua calculated.

As he contemplated his next steps, a man with dyed yellow hair approached him on the street. "Hey, buddy, need some cash?" the man asked.

De Hua eyed him cautiously. "Who are you?"

The man grinned, lowering his voice. "You need money, right? And the bank won't give it to you?"

Realizing the man was a loan shark, De Hua feigned concern. "Yes, my family business urgently needs funds, but the bank…"

He trailed off, looking distressed. The man, eager to make a deal, quickly said, "Banks are a hassle with all their rules and slow processes. But I can help you out."

"Really? I need a few million," De Hua replied, playing along.

Seeing a big opportunity, the man handed De Hua a business card. "Our company specializes in helping people in urgent need of funds. You can count on us!"

The card read "Duoduo Loan Financial Services," with the man's name, Hu Minghua, listed as the business manager. De Hua pretended to be relieved. "Can you really help? I need 5 million yuan. If you can lend it to me, I promise I'll repay it within three months."

Hu Minghua smiled broadly. "Of course, our company is very capable. We specialize in helping clients like you."

"Let's discuss this further at our office," he suggested. De Hua , feigning eagerness, agreed and followed him.

The so-called company was located in a shabby office building. Hu Minghua led De Hua to the manager's office. The manager, Chen Xiong, was a burly man in a branded suit, attempting to project a legitimate business image but exuding a menacing aura.

"Mr. Zhang, how much do you want to borrow?" Chen Xiong asked bluntly.

"5 million yuan," De Hua replied.

Chen Xiong frowned. "That's a significant amount. Our interest rates are very high. Are you prepared for that?"

Hu Minghua chimed in, "Mr. Zhang's business urgently needs funds. He can repay quickly once his business turns around, right?"

Their act was transparent to De Hua , but he played along. "Yes, I can repay quickly. I understand about the high interest. Just lend me the money."

Satisfied, Chen Xiong and Hu Minghua began processing De Hua 's loan, confident they had found another desperate client to exploit.