Chen Xiong smiled broadly.
"Good. Our interest rate is 40%. You borrow $700,000, you'll have to repay $980,000. So, you need to first sign an IOU for $980,000."
"Also, you must provide collateral with sufficient value — house, factory, car, anything."
Leo pretended to hesitate for a moment, then bit his lip and took out his property deed.
He had it on him since he just used it to apply for a bank loan.
"This apartment is worth over $700,000. I'll mortgage it to you! I also have a Mercedes worth $42,000. If I can't repay, you can take that too."
Chen Xiong, seeing such a straightforward client for the first time, eagerly checked the deed.
The apartment's market value was at least $770,000.
Add the car, and this deal was sure profit.
Still, Chen Xiong put on a dissatisfied expression.
"Mr. Zane, your apartment is worth around $560,000 to $700,000. Lending you $700,000 feels a bit risky for me."
Leo looked shocked, then implored, "Boss Chen, please help me! I'm in urgent need of cash."
"If you can transfer the money today, I'm willing to accept $630,000!"
Chen and Hu exchanged knowing glances — they thrived on exploiting desperate clients.
The more urgent you are, the harsher the terms.
"Not possible, this deal isn't worth it."
After haggling, both parties settled on $560,000 loaned today.
Though ruthless, this loan company was efficient — their main advantage over banks.
After signing the contract, Leo's account quickly received $560,000 in cash.
He smirked inwardly.
To Chen, this money was like throwing meat to a dog — no chance of getting it back.
Leo chuckled and left with the cash.
Behind him, Chen and Hu's laughter echoed in the office.
"Hahaha! That was easy. That fool really took $560,000 and left."
Chen grinned, "We'll make at least $280,000 to $420,000 profit on this deal. This month's target is covered!"
Hu leaned back, laughing, "Boss, he signed so fast… you think there's any problem with that property?"
Chen held the deed, smiling, "The deed's legit. As long as the property is his, he can't run."
With the deed and the IOU for $980,000 in hand, they had all the leverage.
If necessary, they could even contact overseas agencies to sell off his valuable belongings.
"We never do losing deals!"
...
Leo left the loan office with a faint smirk.
He glanced back at the building with a hint of irony.
"They're really kind people—just giving me free money."
From now on, Leo Zane and the loan sharks Chen and Hu would have no further dealings.
Most likely, all of them would perish in the apocalyptic cold wave a month from now.
Leo now had about $1.3 million total.
Enough to carry out his plans.
He drove to the renowned Zhanlong Security Company in Tinhai City.
Zhanlong was one of the largest private security firms in China, providing services for wealthy elites and celebrities.
Sometimes even government VIPs hired them.
Leo came because, in his previous life, he heard Zhanlong built a top-tier safe house for the richest man in Jiangnan Province.
That real estate tycoon lived comfortably during the apocalypse, thanks largely to that safe house.
Leo explained his purpose at the front desk and was soon escorted to a lounge by business personnel.
The female receptionist served freshly brewed coffee.
Soon, a burly man with a buzz cut entered.
He wore a black suit, looking like a "suit-wearing enforcer" — his clothes strained against his muscular frame.
Such an intimidating figure gave clients a strong sense of security.
"Hello, sir. I'm Wu Huairen, Business Manager. How can we assist you today?" he asked, sitting beside Leo.
Leo sipped his coffee. "I need you to build me a safe house."
"A safe house that can withstand the apocalypse itself."
Wu's eyes sharpened.
Others might laugh at talk of an apocalypse.
But to Zhanlong, this was no joke.
The richest and most powerful people were often the most afraid of death.
Years ago, some foreign tycoons spent hundreds of millions building doomsday bunkers.
Since then, many worldwide had followed suit.
Some genuinely feared large-scale disasters.
Others just had too many enemies and wanted extra security.
Zhanlong's doomsday safe houses emerged from this market demand.
Hearing Leo's request for an apocalypse-level safe house, Wu became especially polite.
Such orders were rare, maybe just a few per year.
"Mr. Zane, Zhanlong is a world-class security company. We can definitely meet your requirements."
Wu handed Leo a tablet.
"All our services are fully customizable. You can choose the ones you need with clear prices listed."
In this information age, communication was easy.
Leo took the tablet and started carefully selecting services.
Truly professional — as long as the money was right, Zhanlong could fulfill almost any demand.
Even building safe houses 100 meters underground or beneath the sea.
But those took too long.
Leo only had one month.