411 commitment

In the afternoon, Zhu Wencong took Su Yanqiao to the City Bank of Cleveland for a loan, which was a top priority.

Whether he could gain a foothold and achieve some success in Cleveland hinged entirely on how much money he could borrow and the amount of start-up capital available.

After all, all of his capital was tied up in shorting the futures market in Chicago, and at this stage Zhu Wencong was penniless.

"The bank president is out discussing business and will probably be back around four o'clock!" Secretary Sandrine told Zhu Wencong.

Zhu Wencong followed the staff to the president's office, and it seemed he had prepared in advance for their reception.

Western banks are private, and they must actively seek out business to survive, rather than lying back and waiting for the public to bring in money.

"Mr. Z, would you like coffee or tea?" Sandrine asked.