Chapter 11: Collaboration

The next morning, Zhou Ming and Su Han got up, neither mentioning anything about the previous night. However, Zhou Ming noticed Su Han's evasive eyes and slightly flushed cheeks. Even if Zhou Ming didn't understand women very well, he could guess what she was thinking. After all, it wasn't like twenty years later when men and women could meet for the first time and go straight to a hotel. Su Han must have gone through a long mental struggle before coming to his room.

After breakfast at the hotel, Zhou Ming and Su Han returned to Nanhui County and went directly to the Agricultural Bank. Zhou Ming had called Dai Zhenjiang before returning, so as soon as they entered the bank, they were immediately escorted to a reception room by the staff waiting there. Upon meeting Dai Zhenjiang, Zhou Ming handed him 13,000 yuan from his bag, saying, "Director Dai, I'm glad this trip to Jiangxia didn't disappoint you. Here's the agreed-upon interest."

Dai Zhenjiang took the money, staring at Zhou Ming in disbelief. "Incredible! I can't believe you actually managed to sell the treasury bonds at an interest of fifteen cents in Jiangxia."

Dai Zhenjiang glanced at Su Han, who was dressed in new clothes, clearly dazzled by her beauty when they entered. However, his attention was still on the money, and he didn't pay much attention until now. Realizing something, he shook his head and said, "No, you must have sold them at an even higher interest rate. How did you do it?"

Zhou Ming just smiled without answering, making Dai Zhenjiang realize his inappropriate question. He apologized, "Sorry, that was a stupid question. This is your secret to making money. How could you possibly tell me?"

Zhou Ming waved it off, saying, "Director Dai, shall we discuss the collaboration now?"

"Of course, let's do that!" Dai Zhenjiang responded eagerly. Only a fool would reject such a profitable opportunity.

Noticing the time, Dai Zhenjiang said, "It's almost noon now. Let me treat you to lunch! Also, I'd like to introduce a friend to you. You can't do treasury bond business without him."

Dai Zhenjiang took Zhou Ming and Su Han to Nanhui Restaurant, the most upscale restaurant in Nanhui County. He booked a private room, and shortly after they sat down, the door opened, and a middle-aged man walked in. Zhou Ming immediately recognized him, "Gou Ye?"

The man who entered was Gou Ye, who had initially lent Zhou Ming money for the treasury bond business. Through Dai Zhenjiang's explanation, Zhou Ming learned that Dai Zhenjiang and Gou Ye had long had financial dealings. Gou Ye, whose real name was Li Gou, had plenty of money to lend at high interest rates because he secured bank loans through Dai Zhenjiang. At that time, bank loan interest rates were extremely low, allowing Dai Zhenjiang and Gou Ye to earn significant profits from the interest differential.

After the introduction, Zhou Ming complimented them, "Director Dai and Gou Ye, you two are quite impressive to have come up with such a money-making method. You must have made a fortune over the years."

Gou Ye humbly shook his head, saying, "I wouldn't dare say that. We're nothing compared to you, my young friend. Director Dai told me about you. You went to Jiangxia and managed to sell treasury bonds that originally had an interest rate of no more than twelve cents at over fifteen cents. That's more than I make in half a year! If you praise us, it's like mocking us."

Zhou Ming chose not to comment. He knew that "floating" was a slang term for high-interest lending. Compared to high-interest lending, selling treasury bonds was definitely better. Firstly, high-interest lending was illegal, while selling treasury bonds was not. Secondly, high-interest lending required waiting for the borrower to repay, while selling treasury bonds aimed for quick profits in the shortest time. Lastly, and most importantly, high-interest lending carried risks—no one could guarantee that the borrower would be able to repay. In contrast, the treasury bonds' debtor was the government, with no risk of default.

These reasons explained why, after seeing Zhou Ming return from Jiangxia with high-interest profits, Dai Zhenjiang couldn't wait to invite him to lunch and discuss a partnership.

"Ah Gou, don't scare our young friend. I heard he's a university student from the provincial capital, an intellectual, not like us country bumpkins," Dai Zhenjiang said.

"A university student? No wonder our young friend thought of such a brilliant way to make money. University students are indeed smarter than us!" Li Gou praised.

Su Han proudly raised her head, feeling genuinely happy that Zhou Ming was recognized, especially by the two most economically savvy and wealthy people in Nanhui County.

However, Zhou Ming remained calm. He said to Dai Zhenjiang and Li Gou, "Thank you for the compliments, but without Director Dai's help and Gou Ye's high-interest loan, I wouldn't have made this money, no matter how smart I am."

Zhou Ming's words made both Dai Zhenjiang and Li Gou reassess him. They initially thought that a young man like Zhou Ming would be easily flattered and lose his composure, but they were surprised to find that Zhou Ming was very aware of his situation. This made them think even more highly of him. Moreover, Zhou Ming mentioned the high-interest loan, which might not have been unintentional.

Li Gou hesitated for a moment before saying, "If someone's capable, they're capable. If not, they're not. Don't underestimate yourself, my young friend! As for the high-interest loan, I was just joking with you. How could I charge you such high interest? Consider it my respect for you as a university student. You can repay it whenever you want, with no interest at all."

Su Han was stunned. She could hardly believe her ears. Gou Ye, known as one of the "Three Tyrants of Santang" and infamous for his ruthlessness, was said to cut off the fingers of those who missed even a month of interest. Now he was voluntarily waiving Zhou Ming's interest?

Su Han subconsciously glanced at Zhou Ming, thinking that this man was becoming more and more incredible!

On the surface, Zhou Ming remained calm, but inside, he was also a bit surprised. He had indeed mentioned the high-interest loan on purpose, intending to renegotiate the interest, as a daily interest of one percent was no small matter. However, he hadn't expected Li Gou to waive the interest altogether. This made Zhou Ming realize how determined Dai Zhenjiang and Li Gou were to secure the treasury bond business.

"In that case, I thank you, Gou Ye," Zhou Ming said. "Director Dai and Gou Ye, you've been very generous, so I shouldn't make any more requests. However, I'd like to ask for two more favors."

Director Dai raised an eyebrow, and Li Gou said, "I know about your factory. I heard that Director Ma had the security department put up notices against you. I'll have a talk with him today, and I'm sure he'll get the message. And I heard his son, Ma Lin, also had a conflict with you, right? Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

Zhou Ming raised his glass to Li Gou and said, "Thank you, Gou Ye."

"It's a small matter," Li Gou replied.

Afterward, Zhou Ming and Dai Zhenjiang discussed the specifics of their cooperation. The collaboration wasn't complicated, as selling treasury bonds wasn't a complex matter. The main issue was gaining Dai Zhenjiang and Li Gou's trust, as Zhou Ming would be taking large amounts of treasury bonds worth tens of thousands of yuan to sell elsewhere. Zhou Ming's own money was far from enough, and for them to trust him with the bonds and not fear him running away with the money required some courage.

Having anticipated this, Zhou Ming said, "This can be easily resolved. Director Dai, you don't need to give me all the treasury bonds at once. I'm not without any capital, so I can use my money to purchase a portion of the treasury bonds from you. When I sell them elsewhere and return with the money, I'll pay you the difference. This way, I can gradually increase my capital, and you and Gou Ye won't have to worry about me running off. After all, my family is still here. I wouldn't abandon them and run away. I'm not that heartless."

Li Gou was delighted, slapping the table in approval, "Our young friend is indeed smart! I, Li Gou, regret not meeting you sooner!"

Dai Zhenjiang also praised him, saying, "Truly, each generation surpasses the last!"

Zhou Ming replied, "Thank you, Director Dai and Gou Ye. I should have met you both earlier. I just hope you'll take care of my family in the future."

Director Dai nodded, saying, "Don't worry. Although I'm just a bank manager, I have connections in all departments in the county, and I have quite a few friends in Linyang City as well. As long as it's not a matter of treason, I think I can handle it."

On the other side, Li Gou patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, young friend. From now on, your problems are my problems. If anyone dares to bully your family, I'll be the first to stand up!"

After drinking a few more cups with Dai Zhenjiang and Li Gou, Zhou Ming chatted with them until three in the afternoon, finishing the meal.

Afterward, Zhou Ming and Su Han

 returned to their rented house. Zhou Ming knew that once word got out about the lunch with Dai Zhenjiang and Li Gou, no one in Nanhui County would dare to trouble him. For now, his problem was solved.

Three days later, Zhou Ming had already received 10,000 yuan from Li Gou, along with 10,000 yuan worth of treasury bonds from the Agricultural Bank. He was ready to sell them elsewhere. However, Zhou Ming knew that selling treasury bonds with an interest of fifteen cents in Jiangxia City was just a one-time opportunity. Jiangxia's market was unique, and other places wouldn't offer such high interest rates. But after some thought, Zhou Ming still planned to give it a try. Even if the interest was lower, it would still be profitable.

So, Zhou Ming and Su Han boarded the bus to Jiangxia again.

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