Chen Xiong's face broke into a smile.

"That's good to hear. Our interest rate is 40%. You borrow 5 million, you'll have to repay 7 million. So first, you need to give me an IOU for 7 million."

"Additionally, you must have something of sufficient value as collateral. Houses, factories, cars, anything goes."

Zhang Yi feigned hesitation for a moment before gritting his teeth and producing the property deed from his person.

It was what he used for bank loans and happened to have on him.

"This house of mine is worth over 5 million. If I mortgage it to you, that should be enough, right? I also have a Mercedes worth 300,000. If I can't repay, you can take that too."

Chen Xiong had never seen such a straightforward client and quickly took the property deed to inspect it.

After confirming the information about Zhang Yi's house, he felt even more satisfied.

Based on the current market price, that house could sell for at least 5.5 million!

Plus a car, there was no way he could lose out on this deal.

Still, Chen Xiong pretended to be less than pleased.

"Mr. Zhang, your house is worth at most 4 to 5 million. But to take 5 million from me, I'm at a loss!"

Zhang Yi's face showed shock as he pleaded excitedly, "Boss Chen, you must help me! I'm really in urgent need of money."

"As long as you can transfer the money to me today, I'll settle for just 4.5 million!"

Chen Xiong and Hu Minghua exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with mockery.

They were in the business of profiting from others' desperation.

The more urgent the need for money, the more they could fleece them!

"No, no, this deal just doesn't work out."

Finally, after some haggling, both parties agreed on 4 million.

However, Zhang Yi insisted that the money had to be transferred to his account that very day.

Loan sharks might be ruthless, but their efficiency was truly high.

Perhaps that was their only advantage over banks.

After signing the contract, Zhang Yi's account soon received 4 million in cash.

He chuckled to himself.

To Chen Xiong, this money was like a meat bun thrown to a dog – gone and never to return.

Hmm... it felt a bit like he was cursing himself.

Zhang Yi left with the money, grinning from ear to ear.

After he left, the office was filled with the hearty laughter of Chen Xiong and Hu Minghua.

"Hahaha! That was an easy deal. That foolish kid just took 4 million and left."

Chen Xiong said proudly, "With this deal, we're set to make at least 2 to 3 million. We don't have to worry about this month's performance!"

Hu Minghua leaned on the desk, chuckling, "Boss, he signed the contract so readily, could there be something wrong with that house?"

Chen Xiong, holding the property deed, said with a smile, "The deed is real, no issues there. As long as the house is his, he can't escape!"

With the property deed and the 7 million IOU in hand, they would naturally find a way to take possession of the house.

Not only that, they had more ways to completely squeeze Zhang Yi dry.

Chen Xiong squinted his eyes, elegantly sipping his coffee.

"If it comes to it, we can contact a few overseas organizations to see if there's anything valuable on him to sell."

"We never make a losing deal!"

...

Zhang Yi left the loan shark company, chuckling to himself.

He glanced back at the office building, a faint sneer on his lips.

"They're all such good people! Just giving me money to spend."

From now on, Zhang Yi would have nothing to do with Chen Xiong and Hu Minghua.

Rather, it was very likely that they would all perish in the apocalyptic cold wave a month from now.

Zhang Yi now had about 9 million in funds, which was more than enough for his plans.

After all, he could use a deposit payment method for any future purchases.

That 9 million would have the purchasing power of tens of millions!

There was no need to amass more money, but Zhang Yi wouldn't mind taking advantage of various online lending platforms if necessary.

Zhang Yi drove to the renowned War Dragon Security in Tianhai City.

War Dragon was one of China's largest security companies, specializing in providing security services to tycoons and celebrities.

Sometimes, even some high-ranking officials would request their assistance for travel.

Zhang Yi sought them out because, in his past life, he had heard that War Dragon had built a top-tier safe house worth a billion dollars for a wealthy heir in Jiangnan Province!

It was said that the family, which made its fortune in real estate, lived luxuriously even during the apocalypse, thanks in no small part to the safe house built by War Dragon.

Upon arriving at War Dragon Company, Zhang Yi explained his purpose to the receptionist.

He was promptly invited by the business department to a lounge.

The female receptionist served Zhang Yi freshly ground coffee.

Soon after, a burly man with a buzz cut walked in.

He was dressed in a black suit, giving off a vibe of a tough guy in a suit, making one worry that his clothes might burst at the seams.

However, it couldn't be denied that such a presence instilled a sense of security in the clients.

"Hello, sir. My name is Wu HuaiRen, the manager of the business department. What can we do for you?"

Wu HuaiRen asked, sitting next to Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi took a sip of coffee and said, "I need you to build me a safe house."

"One that can withstand the apocalypse, the highest level of safety."

Wu HuaiRen's expression turned serious upon hearing this.

To anyone else, such a statement would seem laughable.

No one believed in a so-called apocalypse.

But to War Dragon, it was no joke.

The world's wealthiest and most powerful people were often the most afraid of death.

Long ago, some tycoons abroad had spent hundreds of millions to build doomsday shelters.

Over the years, many wealthy individuals worldwide had started to follow suit.

Some might genuinely fear large-scale natural disasters.

Others, with many enemies, simply sought to add a sense of security to their lives.

War Dragon's doomsday safe houses were naturally born out of market demand.

Hearing Zhang Yi's request for an apocalypse-level safe house, Wu HuaiRen became very polite.

Such big orders were rare for them each year.

"Mr. Zhang, War Dragon is a world-class security company. We can definitely meet your requirements."

Zhang Yi immediately asked, "If I require you to transform an entire apartment on the 24th floor, can you do it?"

Wu HuaiRen looked intrigued; typically, safe houses were standalone villas or underground shelters.

It was rare for a tycoon to choose an apartment for a safe house.

But if a client made a request, their company would certainly fulfill it.

Wu HuaiRen smiled confidently, "Of course, that's no problem! War Dragon is a top-tier security company."

"With our technology, we can definitely achieve what you're asking for."

Hearing Wu HuaiRen's response, Zhang Yi made up his mind.

He would turn his own house into a safe house!

He chose to stay and watch how those who had wronged him would die!

Wu HuaiRen pulled out a tablet and handed it to Zhang Yi.

"Our company's services are all custom-made. You can select the services you need from here, and there are corresponding prices listed."

The age of information made communication convenient.

Zhang Yi took the tablet and began to seriously filter through the services.

It had to be said, a professional company was indeed professional.

As long as you had the money, War Dragon Security could meet all your demands.

It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from "pawread.com".

Including building safe houses a hundred meters underground or under the sea.

However, these projects would take too long for Zhang Yi, who only had one month's time.