Chapter 6: Creating a Super Safe House

A smile flickered across Lucas' face. "Alright, our interest rate is 4%. For a loan of $5 million, you'll be expected to repay $7 million. First things first, I'll need you to write an IOU for $7 million. Additionally, we require collateral of considerable value, such as a house, a factory, or a car."

Phoenix hesitated momentarily, feigning reluctance, before producing the deed to his property. It was the same document he'd taken to the bank for his mortgage and just happened to carry with him.

"This property is valued at over $5 million, which should more than cover the mortgage with you! I also own a Mercedes Benz worth $300,000, which you can claim if I'm unable to pay back the loan," Phoenix said with feigned desperation.

Lucas had never encountered such a straightforward customer and quickly examined the deed to Phoenix's house. Noting that the market value could fetch at least $5.5 million, Lucas knew he stood to lose nothing in this deal, even including the car. Yet, he put on a show of dissatisfaction.

"Mr. Phoenix, your house might fetch $4-5 million at best. But lending you $5 million against it? That leaves me short," Lucas said, feigning concern.

Phoenix, masking his elation with a look of horror, implored, "Lucas, I need your help! I'm in dire need of cash right now. If you can release the funds today, I'm willing to settle for $4.5 million!"

A conspiratorial glance passed between Lucas and Kyle; they thrived on the desperation of others, exploiting their urgent need for cash.

After a pretense of negotiation, they agreed on a loan of $4 million, which Phoenix insisted be transferred to his account that very day. Despite their predatory practices, the lending company's efficiency was commendable, a stark contrast to the sluggish pace of banks.

Shortly after the contract was inked, Phoenix received the $4 million in his account, secretly reveling in the knowledge that Lucas and Kyle were unknowingly throwing money into a bottomless pit.

...

After Phoenix's departure, Lucas and Kyle's office echoed with their uninhibited laughter.

"Hahaha! Such an easy mark! That naïve fool walked away with $4 million," Lucas boasted, envisioning a profit of two to three million from this single transaction, thereby securing their monthly targets with ease.

Kyle, leaning back with amusement, questioned, "He seemed so pained signing that contract. Could there be an issue with the house?"

Lucas, brandishing the deed confidently, assured, "This deed is authentic. As long as the property is his, he can't escape our grasp."

With the deed and the IOU for $7 million in hand, they were confident of seizing Phoenix's property when the time came. And if need be, they could explore even more lucrative means of extracting value from Phoenix.

Lucas, sipping his coffee with calculated sophistication, mused, "If necessary, we can liaise with certain overseas organizations to see if our friend has any... marketable organs. After all, we never engage in transactions that don't profit us."

...

Phoenix left the lending company with a spring in his step and a scornful smirk. "Such benevolent folks, gifting me money for nothing."

He knew that he would have no further dealings with Lucas and Kyle. In fact, given the impending apocalyptic freeze, it was likely they wouldn't survive the month.

With approximately $9 million in hand, Phoenix had ample resources to execute his plan. He drove to Battle Dragon Security Company, renowned for providing elite protection services to the wealthiest and most famous in China, and sometimes even to high-ranking officials.

Phoenix had chosen Battle Dragon because, in his previous life, he'd heard of their craftsmanship in building a state-of-the-art safe house for the wealthiest man in Jiangnan Province, who managed to live in comfort throughout the apocalypse.

Upon arriving at Battle Dragon, Phoenix was promptly escorted to a lounge by the business department, where a female receptionist served him freshly ground coffee.

A burly man in a black suit soon joined him. His imposing figure seemed ready to burst the seams of his attire, yet his presence was reassuringly solid.

"Greetings, sir. My name is Ryan, manager of the business department. How can we assist you today?" Ryan inquired, settling in beside Phoenix.

Phoenix, taking a casual sip of his coffee, got straight to the point, "I need you to construct a safe house for me. One that can withstand the apocalypse at the highest level of security."

Ryan's demeanor shifted to one of grave seriousness. To most, such a request might sound absurd, but for Battle Dragon, this was a serious business inquiry. Their clientele, the richest and most