Chapter 167: The Setup

[Chapter 167: The Setup]

At 3 PM, inside the Bad Room nightclub.

A group of staff members in suits moved about the Bad Room, some holding cameras, taking pictures of various equipment, the bar, and even the inventory of drinks.

Others whispered to the club's staff, inquiring about the business conditions. These bank employees were conducting a qualification review.

Of course, these reviews were not just superficial; they needed to look at bank statements and accounts too.

Soon after, the bank representatives made their way one by one to Ryan's office. The entire process continued until seven that evening, and it was only when customers began arriving at the nightclub that Ryan finished his last discussion with a bank representative.

Looking at the summary sheet that Teresa handed him, Ryan nodded. "It seems Nora was right."

Both United Bank and SunTrust Bank had indeed offered favorable terms, only adding a "rate increment" on top of the Federal Reserve's benchmark rate, making Ryan a prime borrower with similar conditions.

"Have the account manager from United Bank come by tomorrow," Ryan instructed.

Teresa nodded, and just as she turned, she bumped into Nora, who then stepped aside to make way before leaving Ryan's office.

...

"Your assistant is quite beautiful," Nora said with a knowing smile as she glanced back.

"What did the EPA say?" Ryan asked. He had just sent in a representative to the Environmental Protection Agency, and Nora had been in charge of receiving them.

"What did you expect? We're not a chemical plant; it was just a formality. By the way, you need to attend the city council hearing tomorrow and explain the situation," Nora added.

Ryan nodded. "How many departments are left?"

"Just the Development Permit Office for the city's land use planning. Given the backlog, this one might take a little longer," Nora said.

"That's a crucial department," Ryan reminded.

"Regarding the land use, right? I know, and you've seen how we're progressing," Nora replied.

Ryan noted her words but understood that if there were any issues with the land use, everything they had accomplished thus far would be in vain.

...

The next day, three bank employees dressed in professional attire entered Ryan's office.

The leader explained that all three were bank account managers assigned specifically to handle Ryan's business affairs.

"This is my personal number; feel free to call me anytime you need," the leader said, handing Ryan a business card. Her hair appeared silky and vintage, and her tailored skirt suit had a hem above the knee, with her legs encased in stockings and shod in patent leather heels.

Ryan quickly realized that this elaborate presentation was likely a strategic move by the bank, as everyone seems to be "thinking outside the box" in the wake of the financial crisis.

They also brought along a few gifts, which Ryan instructed Teresa to accept outright.

Next, they produced finely printed business proposals.

"I'll personally report directly to you," one of them said, getting up and walking around the table to stand beside Ryan.

"This is the loan amount. Since it's a nightclub, and the entertainment industry is considered high risk, we can only use asset collateral for the calculation, according to..." she leaned closer to Ryan, almost conspiratorially.

"Additionally, we'd like to propose further collaboration with you." She nearly leaned against Ryan.

"What kind of collaboration?"

"Including setting up the accounts for the record label and the nightclub at our Orlando branch. This would benefit you significantly, with regular gifts and additional special perks."

"Special perks shouldn't involve the bank, though," Ryan said seriously.

She flashed a smile immediately. "That wasn't my intention."

"There will likely be many more opportunities for collaboration in the future. I'll cooperate with you as needed," Ryan replied.

"Rest assured, I'll ensure you receive the absolute best benefits, including the loan term and related financial investment packages. I'll notify you immediately," she said.

"So, earlier you mentioned this is a commercial mortgage loan, which means if I can't pay it back, the nightclub becomes the bank's?" Ryan suddenly asked, as if a light bulb went off.

"Of course," the account manager blinked, momentarily thrown off.

"I understand. I'll be signing the contract directly with you when the time comes."

"Isn't that today? We've already prepared..." she began to ramble, clearly anxious about any delay.

"Not today. I need to confirm one final matter," Ryan shook his head, having changed his mind at the last minute.

...

That night, after finishing the hearing, Ryan returned to the nightclub, where Nora was already waiting for him.

"Was everything smooth?" she asked.

"Just more questions about the impact on the surrounding community," Ryan replied.

Nora nodded. "Everything is now ready. As soon as the bank disburses the loan, we can officially start construction."

"Let's hold off a bit longer. Everything needs to pause until we officially get the approval from the Land Use Planning Office," Ryan redirected.

"I told you, many projects are backed up. It could take months to receive it, but we could start working immediately. The sooner we begin, the sooner we finish, and the earlier we make money. That money is all interest, and it isn't much," Nora reminded.

"I haven't borrowed anything yet," Ryan shook his head.

Nora raised an eyebrow. "You think there's an issue with the land that would prevent construction?"

"I certainly don't doubt you, but you also see, I'm putting the nightclub up as collateral. What if something goes wrong? Wouldn't I be giving away my nightclub?" Ryan explained.

"Or do you mean to say you've got your sights set on this nightclub from the beginning?"

"Ha, don't overthink it. Your club isn't on anyone's radar. Plus, if this club was gone, how much could you really make?" Nora laughed, feeling Ryan was being overly cautious.

"If you're able to change the land regulations so effortlessly, you wouldn't need to involve me." Ryan countered.

"I'll admit, the land does need some time, but it only needs a little time," Nora shook her head.

"I can wait a while!"

Nora was partly amused and frustrated. "Young man, you need to understand that making easy money doesn't fall into your lap. If you want to earn money, you need to take some risks."

"But the risk here is too great. I don't even know who they currently are. Just let me take a gamble on this? Don't you think that's a bit unfair?" Ryan replied.

"The world has always been unfair," Nora reminded him.

Ryan remained unmoved.

"I assure you, we will definitely sort out the Planning Office in due time," Nora stated, somewhat frustrated.

"Your assurance isn't enough. Let's do this: sign a supplemental agreement. Your company would back me if any issues arose that halted construction; you would compensate me, for example, you can build a few water parks!" Ryan suggested.

"I can't do that; no one can. Those are the company's assets."

"You're all just looking to make money. You just said that if you want to make money, you have to take some risks!" Ryan shot back, echoing her own words against her.

"Ryan, if you plan to delay, this matter won't be as simple as you think." Nora appeared somewhat angry.

"Are you threatening me? That won't work on me; I can just relocate the club," Ryan said dismissively.

"Ryan, don't assume anyone is too important, not even yourself," Nora's tone was icy.

"You're right; if anything were to happen to me or anyone close to me, all relevant land information would be promptly leaked to the local media." Ryan remained indifferent.

"You don't need to be this angry; everyone is just trying to make a living." She suddenly smiled again.

"You can leave now. I hope when you come back, you have the Planning Office's approval with you," Ryan dismissed her.

Nora got up but didn't walk out of the office. Instead, she walked around the desk and directly snatched the keyboard away from him.

Ryan was slapped in the face by Papaya, but she didn't mind as she began researching online.

"Here, this is the answer you're looking for," Nora stood, showing the screen to Ryan.

The computer screen displayed a news article mentioning Congressman Paul Ryan from Wisconsin, who was set to represent at tomorrow morning's prayer breakfast organized by the Catholic Bishops. This event was designed to pray for the new president and governor.

Nora pointed to one of the bishops mentioned. "John C. Favaloro, the bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami; eight years ago, he was elevated from the Orlando diocese. Now you should feel a bit more reassured, right?"

"That proves nothing. Even if this guy calls me tomorrow, it would be useless. Either get the permit or supplemental agreement." Ryan laid down the final ultimatum.

Nora rubbed her forehead. "Now I feel taking the initiative for transfer might not have been the best move!"

*****

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