The dealers in Jiaxing who were dealing in treasury bonds were in complete uproar.
Rumors circulated that Zhang Tian had powerful connections, reaching directly to the central government, which some interpreted as a signal that the country was about to implement some very favorable policies.
Panic and greed were intertwined.
The next day, the market price of treasury bonds surged to 82.
In a fight over the limited number of vouchers, several groups of people clashed in front of a state-owned enterprise.
Bricks and iron bars flew everywhere, and blood was drawn on the spot.
Chaos spread rapidly, and the entire underground financial market in Jiaxing was in turmoil.
He mobilized all of Zhang Tian's more than 1,000 employees at the garment factory, issuing them strict orders.
Those who fail to receive the full amount of treasury bonds will be dismissed immediately.
An invisible giant net was suddenly cast over the entire Jiaxing.
Datong Hotel is the largest privately-run hotel in Jiaxing.
Fourth floor, room 406.
Zhang Jianhao and his companions were enjoying the "luxury" of the city's guesthouse, and their novelty hadn't worn off yet.
Zhang Cheng stubbed out his cigarette and flicked off the ash: "These next few days, you'd better stay in the hotel and behave yourself."
"Once Zhang Tian has collected all the treasury bonds, we'll go to Shanghai."
Li Qiming leaned closer: "Brother, are you really going to Shanghai?" He seemed quite eager to go.
"Don't ask too many questions." Zhang Cheng glanced at him; this kid was quick-witted and needed to be warned.
There was a knock on the door.
Li Qiming ran to open the door and quickly led someone in: "Brother, Boss Zhang is here!"
Zhang Tian, dressed in a brown suit, his hair slicked back, strode forward, his voice preceding his arrival:
"Brother Zhang, sit back and relax! I haven't slept for two days and two nights!"
He plopped down next to Zhang Cheng, patting Zhang Cheng's thigh with his hand:
"I received about four million."
"It's a pity, the word has already spread, and now everyone's holding onto their coupons like precious gems. It'll be difficult to buy them in bulk."
The surge in treasury bond prices and the resulting hoarding and reluctance to sell were expected.
Zhang Cheng offered him a cigarette: "Brother Zhang, is there something you need?"
"Help me!" Zhang Tian leaned closer and lowered his voice.
Things are getting tougher in the city. I'm planning to send people to the townships, and even to Wenzhou and Yiwu to buy up goods.
"Your brothers are quite skilled; they're good to go out and 'stretch their muscles'." He glanced at Zhang Jianhao and the others.
Zhang Jianhao and his friends' eyes lit up, eager to try.
Zhang Cheng laughed:
“Brother Zhang, my brothers are from the mountains. They’re good at fighting, but collecting treasury bonds? They’d be sold out and still be helping the seller count the money.”
Li Qiming was about to speak when Zhang Cheng stopped him with a look, and he swallowed his words.
Zhang Tian's smile faded slightly, then he laughed heartily again: "Brother, you're too modest. Who didn't come from the mountains? We have to give the younger brothers a chance."
"Four million is quite a lot." Zhang Cheng picked up his teacup. "How about we call it a day, Brother Zhang?"
Zhang Tian coughed lightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, then stood up: "Brother, I've already staked my factory on this. If I back down now, wouldn't I become a laughingstock? Since you don't want to do anything, I'll think of another way. There's always a solution." He patted Zhang Cheng's shoulder heavily, "I'm leaving now."
"Take care, Brother Zhang." Zhang Cheng stood up to see him off.
The moment the door closed, the smile on Zhang Cheng's face vanished. He walked a few steps to Li Qiming.
Li Qiming felt a little guilty.
Zhang Cheng stared at him: "What did I just say? Have you forgotten?"
"Brother, I... I just feel that since we're cooperating, I should do my part," Li Qiming explained softly.
"Contribute your labor?" Zhang Cheng scoffed. "What labor can you possibly contribute? Go to the countryside to collect coupons? Does Zhang Tian have no one left to rely on? Idiot!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chill.
"He's trying to push me to the forefront to take the bullet for him! The waters in Jiaxing are deeper than we think. Remember, once we leave the village, we can't trust anyone except our own people."
Li Qiming seemed to understand but not quite, and lowered his head. Zhang Cheng didn't say anything more; this group of people lacked experience.
Meanwhile, inside the Santana sedan.
Zhang Tian's face darkened, and he slammed his fist on the steering wheel. "Damn it!"
He was indeed dissatisfied. A bet of over ten million—did they expect Zhang Cheng to reap the benefits without lifting a finger?
The credit union's seven million loan had flawed paperwork to begin with, and someone was already investigating. Various influential figures had also started calling to inquire about his treasury bond acquisition. The pressure was immense.
He needs to collect enough coupons as soon as possible and then sell them.
Zhang Cheng's business line is his only quick way to monetize.
A garment factory? Bullshit! It's not worth that price at all.
The pager on my waist started vibrating. It was from the credit union.
Zhang Tian didn't need to reply to know what it was about. That 300,000 yuan bribe probably wouldn't be enough to silence everyone.
"Damn it!" he cursed, started the car, and drove off in another direction.
Half an hour later, in an inconspicuous private room of a teahouse.
Brother Dao was playing cards with some of his men when he saw Zhang Tian. He immediately put on a fawning smile and said, "Boss Zhang, what a rare guest!"
Zhang Tian wasn't in the mood for beating around the bush: "Xiao Dao, do me a favor. Go to the countryside and collect treasury bonds, as many as you can get. For 100-yuan bonds, I'll give you 80. If you can collect them for 50, then the 30 is your fee."
Brother Dao's eyes lit up – the profit margin! "Boss Zhang, is this... really true?"
"Do you think I'd joke with you?" Zhang Tian tossed a wad of cash into his bag. "This is a deposit. If things go well, there'll be more profit to be made later."
"Alright! Boss Zhang, I'll take this job!" Brother Dao grabbed the money, his scarred face beaming with excitement.
Zhang Tian didn't linger; he wanted to find a few more characters like Brother Dao tonight.
Soon, a more covert yet turbulent undercurrent of treasury bond acquisitions swept through the towns and villages surrounding Jiaxing. Other dealers, sensing the potential for profit, also extended their reach to even more distant areas.
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