Chapter 567: The Run on the Bank Begins

Xin Hongji Bank was founded by Feng Jingxi, a well-known financial magnate in Hong Kong, who was renowned as the "Stock God" before Xia Yu. Relying on Feng Jingxi's influence in the financial industry, Xin Hongji Bank developed rapidly after its establishment and is now a medium-sized bank.

That afternoon, Zhuang Rongkun visited Xin Hongji Bank without an appointment, and Feng Jingxi happened to be in the bank.

At that moment, the two were discussing the loan terms in Feng Jingxi's office.

Feng Jingxi was well aware of Henglong Bank's situation. Since the Zhuang brothers acquired Henglong Bank in 1976, they had interacted frequently over the past three years. Although they were competitors, they had developed a somewhat friendly relationship.

Therefore, Feng Jingxi was considering agreeing to Zhuang Rongkun's request for a loan of 100 million HKD.

While waiting for Feng Jingxi's staff to draft the contract, Zhuang Rongkun was secretly pleased but maintained a composed demeanor, chatting with Feng Jingxi about the economic situation in Hong Kong.

As Zhuang Rongkun grew impatient, the staff returned but with an unusual expression. Instead of bringing the long-awaited contract, they brought several newspapers and handed them to Feng Jingxi, whispering in his ear and casting a sidelong glance at Zhuang Rongkun.

This unexpected scene made Zhuang Rongkun's heart sink, though he kept a calm smile. However, the veins on the back of his hand were clearly visible, revealing his inner agitation.

Feng Jingxi opened the newspaper, and his expression changed slightly upon reading the headline. He continued reading the front-page news and then the other newspapers.

After five minutes, Feng Jingxi finally looked up, his gaze penetrating. It made Zhuang Rongkun feel uneasy, and his smile froze.

"Mr. Zhuang, you mentioned needing a 300 million HKD loan for Taikoo Group and sought a 100 million HKD loan from us. However, the newspapers are reporting something different…"

Feng Jingxi said with a cool tone, his displeasure evident.

He had the discernment to understand the news, and although the newspapers were third-rate tabloids, their content was credible enough to convince Feng Jingxi that Henglong Bank had issues.

Even if the problem wasn't with the gold futures, it was with the bank's funding chain, so he had raised the loan rate when Zhuang Rongkun sought borrowing.

This was clearly setting him up.

Feng Jingxi didn't lose his temper on the spot, possibly out of courtesy.

Zhuang Rongkun's face changed slightly as he looked at the newspapers Feng Jingxi handed to him.

Taking the newspapers, Zhuang Rongkun saw the glaring headline, and his face turned pale.

"Shocking! Henglong Bank Suspected of Embezzling Clients' Funds for Gold Futures, Multi-Billion Losses Reported!"

His heart raced uncontrollably, and he quickly skimmed through the news.

Feng Jingxi leaned back on the sofa, silently observing Zhuang Rongkun's changing expressions.

Soon, Zhuang Rongkun finished reading the newspapers, feeling turmoil within. He realized the situation was serious and faced Feng Jingxi's impassive demeanor, which made him feel awkward.

"Mr. Feng, these newspapers are third-rate tabloids, definitely slandering us. I will sue them. The bank's liquidity issue is due to lending 500 million HKD to Jiuding Real Estate Group a few months ago."

Zhuang Rongkun tried to explain to cover his embarrassment.

But Feng Jingxi was not interested in further discussion. He smiled and nodded slightly, seeming to acknowledge Zhuang Rongkun's words: "Mr. Zhuang, sometimes third-rate tabloids fabricate false news. I've encountered it myself."

Although Feng Jingxi appeared to support Zhuang Rongkun, he poured tea for him and filled the cup to the brim.

Zhuang Rongkun's face stiffened as he noticed Feng Jingxi's indifferent demeanor and the unceremonious gesture. He knew the matter was likely over, but Feng Jingxi had at least spared him some dignity.

If he persisted, it would be seen as overstepping.

It was useless to stay here; the priority was to address the situation.

So, Zhuang Rongkun stood up abruptly, with a somewhat rigid smile, and said to Feng Jingxi, "Mr. Feng, my company has other matters to attend to. I must leave."

"Alright, I'll see you off."

Feng Jingxi smiled and stood up.

The two did not mention the loan any further.

"No need, don't waste your time."

Zhuang Rongkun replied quickly and left in a hurry.

Seeing Zhuang Rongkun's anxious departure, Feng Jingxi sneered and glanced at the newspapers left behind. He complimented the staff who had reported the situation: "Well done. You've done a great job for the company."

"Thank you for the praise, President!"

The staff beamed with pleasure and replied respectfully.

After Zhuang Rongkun left Xin Hongji Bank, he was about to get into his car when he saw Zhao Quanhao rushing towards the bank entrance from a vehicle.

Zhao Quanhao, noticing Zhuang Rongkun, ran up to him, breathless, and reported, "President, something major has happened. There's news in the papers that's very unfavorable to us."

He handed Zhuang Rongkun the tightly clutched newspapers.

Despite his grim expression, Zhuang Rongkun did not take the newspapers. He said darkly, "I know. Let's go back."

He then ushered the confused Zhao Quanhao into the car, and they drove swiftly to the headquarters of Henglong Bank in Central.

As these third-rate tabloids were released, more people became aware of the adverse news about Henglong Bank and Jia Hua Bank.

Especially in the financial sector, where information sensitivity is high and first-hand news is crucial, every financial institution purchased newspapers immediately, with dedicated staff responsible for this task.

The financial bigwigs like Feng Jingxi, already informed of the situation, notified their friends to avoid being affected.

Thus, news of Henglong Bank and Jia Hua Bank's funding chain issues quickly spread throughout the financial circle.

When Zhuang Rongkun returned to Henglong Bank, the lobby was already crowded and chaotic, with people focused on one thing:

Withdrawing their deposits from Henglong Bank!

The run on the bank had begun!