Chapter 279: Who Else is There?
To be honest, commercial loans are indeed one way to solve an urgent problem.
Prior to this, both I and the Sect Leader had promised the brothers bonuses, which we certainly couldn’t shortchange.
As for the rest of the funds, Hua Jianglian and Tang Yubbing had already planned their uses, including the expansion and construction of the entire company branch.
Now, because of my own issue, we were missing more than half of it— this is a substantial gap.
Sang Zhe isn’t the type to take advantage and then let others suffer; after all, he directly received the benefits from the three hundred million spirit stones.
So right now, we definitely need to help the company get through this financial tight spot first, then think about repaying later.
With that in mind, Bai Ming’s commercial loan isn’t a bad option.
“Loan… it’s not a bad idea.”
After a moment of contemplation, Sang Zhe cautiously asked, “It’s about the interest rate… mind if we negotiate a bit?”
“Does Brother Sang not trust my character?”
Bai Ming smiled confidently, “I’ve been straightforward in business for years; when have I ever done something unscrupulous like charging exorbitant interest?”
“Don’t worry, the loan rate is negotiable, and the repayment period is flexible too.”
“However, I do have one small condition.”
She suddenly added with a hint of mischief, “Our Floating Splendor Commerce can even invest some funds to help the Demon Cult develop quickly.”
“Of course… in the capacity of a shareholder.”
Sang Zhe frowned at this, “Brother Bai, isn’t that a bit unethical?”
“Don’t rush to conclusions, Brother Sang. I can guarantee that our Floating Splendor Commerce will just be investing and holding shares, without interfering in the Demon Cult’s independent operation.”
“Who’s going to believe that? Are you really going to spend a huge chunk of money just to sit in a side seat at a meeting of the Demon Cult?”
“What if I truly think that way?”
Watching Sang Zhe and Bai Ming bicker back and forth, Hua Jianglian had been listening with wide eyes but didn’t understand a word, finally saying pitifully:
“What does that mean… why wouldn’t we want free money from others?”
Just as Sang Zhe was about to explain, he figured that given the Sect Leader’s head full of shoujo manga, she probably wouldn’t care to cram this useless knowledge. So, he could only helplessly say:
“This is a significant matter, and it’s not something we can decide on our own. We should at least wait until we can hold a high-level meeting back home to discuss it.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be waiting for your news, Brother Sang.”
Bai Ming smiled, “We can discuss the loan further. I assure you there will be preferential treatment for the brother sects.”
“Then thank you, Brother Bai.”
After saying this, Sang Zhe grabbed the still-dazed Hua Jianglian and turned to leave the top floor.
Once Sang Zhe left, the Fusa Pavilion’s leader quietly asked Bai Ming, “President, the Demon Cult is ultimately an independent sect with most of its income circulating internally. Even if we invest and hold shares, it’s hard to gain significant returns, and we might end up losing money. Why go through with it?”
Bai Ming slowly shook her head.
“The most important reason is that the Demon Cult is currently the best shield. Once we invest and hold shares, our commerce and the Demon Cult will be tied together, allowing us to seek protection again in times of crisis, like with the Holy Kingdom.”
“Of course, there are other reasons… but let’s not go into that.”
The Fusa Pavilion leader didn’t dare ask more. After all, the President has never made a wrong choice.
As the subordinate, all I have to do is obey.
Bai Ming herself was filled with a hint of melancholy.
…Now.
I have a legitimate reason and excuse.
I can appear beside you every day, right?
——
——
“…That’s basically the idea.”
In Sang Zhe’s room, he spent nearly half a quarter of an hour explaining a whole heap of business knowledge to his Sect Leader, even pulling out a little blackboard.
After nearly drying his mouth out, Sang Zhe stopped to take a sip of tea and asked, “Got it?”
Hua Jianglian nodded earnestly.
“I didn’t understand a thing.”
… I knew it.
Looking at the clear stupidity in his Sect Leader’s eyes, Sang Zhe sighed: “In short, the reason we can’t easily agree to this is that we don’t know what Bai Ming is really planning.”
“Businesspeople are all about profit— if she’s giving away money, you have to consider whether there’s a bigger trap waiting for you.”
Hua Jianglian surprisingly understood this.
“Let’s put that aside for now, but we really need to negotiate the loan carefully.”
Sang Zhe rubbed his head in frustration: “I still don’t know what Bai Ming’s expected interest rate is. Am I even going to be able to pay it back?”
“Why is it your responsibility to pay it back?”
“Uh, because this money was spent due to my personal issue…”
“Your problems are my problems!” Hua Jianglian huffed, pinching Sang Zhe’s cheek, “It’s just three hundred million spirit stones! We’ll work hard together and pay it off!”
Seeing his Sect Leader’s affection for him, Sang Zhe couldn’t help but feel incredibly moved.
“Okay, I’ll work even harder to earn money to pay it back. If it doesn’t work out, I might as well develop a side gig as a model at some nightclub or something—”
“If you dare to go, I’ll chew you up!”
“… Sorry.”
……
Later, Sang Zhe went to meet Old Man Cheng and the others.
Even though he was left with absolutely no money, Old Man Cheng and the rest had successfully brought back the funds.
This trip wasn’t a total waste; at least we still had twenty-eight million spirit stones to tide us over temporarily. Handing out bonuses to the brothers shouldn’t be a problem.
Once Cheng Dayong and the others received the money, one by one, they gleefully trotted off to indulge in brothels.
Sang Zhe wanted to join them for some fun, but held back due to the jealous little vinegar jar behind him, so he could only stay put and watch over the pavilion.
But by evening, before Old Man Cheng and the others returned, he instead met Sister Gu.
“Sang Zhe, are you okay?”
From afar, Gu Yingmian burst into the pavilion like a whirlwind, grabbing Sang Zhe, checking him over with concern as if examining a piece of meat.
“Uh, I’m fine, Sister Gu.” Sang Zhe felt a little embarrassed and chuckled awkwardly, “That old man didn’t hit me hard.”
“I heard from Hua that this was happening,” Gu Yingmian interjected with a fierce look in her eyes, “Those bastards from the Holy Kingdom again.”
“The last time I gave you face, they just kept coming back, huh?”
“Just wait, I’m heading to Tianlang City for an explanation right now.”
Seeing Gu Yingmian ready to charge up to Tianlang City, Sang Zhe hurriedly grabbed her.
Having experienced the clashes between ascended beings personally, Sang Zhe knew all too well. It’s best to avoid engaging with these nuclear-level figures unless absolutely necessary, or innocent civilians would just end up in trouble.
“Things haven’t reached that point yet.”
Sang Zhe said, “That old man had no intention to harm me; he clearly didn’t want to fight, just to seize treasure.”
Still, the words Lee Shanyan said before leaving gnawed at Sang Zhe.
Besides him, would others come to take this piece of jade away?
… Who else is there?
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