At the signature line for the guarantee, no pen ever touched the paper—Huo Zongzhuo put away his pen.
So what actually happened?
It all started with Jiang Luo repeatedly being denied his loan, and him constantly running to the post office to make international calls.
Jiang Luo knew in his heart that getting a one-million-yuan loan would not be easy; the rejections were all expected.
Meanwhile, he stayed in touch with Qian Heng at the bank, and at the same time, he went to the post office to call the German company that manufactured industrial clothing equipment.
Jiang Luo spoke fluent English. On the call, he stated his purpose clearly, and the German company also connected him with an English speaker to communicate.
He explained that he was calling from Haicheng, China, detailing the types and quantities of equipment he wanted to purchase.
More importantly, he told them that he didn’t have enough funds and had applied for a bank loan, which had yet to be approved because the amount was large.
Why involve the German company in all this?
Because he needed their support.
He proposed a solution: the German company wouldn’t have to pay a cent, yet could become a shareholder in his factory, and he would still pay the full price for the machines.
All the German company had to do was endorse him.
Why the endorsement?
To make it easier for Jiang Luo to get the Jiuxiang Town government to back him.
Yes—while liaising with the German company, Jiang Luo also went to the Jiuxiang Town government.
He offered the town government shares in his factory. Because the German company was involved, it counted as a semi-foreign enterprise. The town government didn’t have to invest a single yuan, yet would get a share and future profits. In return, the government would endorse Jiang Luo, ensuring the Bank of China would approve the one-million-yuan loan.
When the logic chain became clear, the bank marveled at Jiang Luo’s ingenuity.
Who would have thought of this?
It was as if Jiang Luo had orchestrated a roundtable: German company, Jiuxiang Town government, the bank, and the clothing factory, all at the same table with everything laid out.
Everyone benefits. No one loses.
If everyone benefits, who could say no?
Thus, the town government signed the guarantee, and the Bank of China approved the one-million-yuan loan. Soon, the funds would be disbursed to the branch, and Jiang Luo could use the money to buy equipment from Germany.
Huo Zongzhuo saw Jiang Luo at the Haicheng post office.
Jiang Luo had just finished his international call. Hands in pockets, he smiled.
Huo Zongzhuo looked at the young man, smiling warmly, full of admiration.
No one his age could have thought of this. Huo Zongzhuo himself couldn’t. Jiang Luo was extraordinarily clever.
“So, how’s it going?”
Jiang Luo knew Huo Zongzhuo already knew about his bank loan attempts. Walking closer, he said proudly, “Impressive, right?”
Huo Zongzhuo couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have guaranteed the loan—you wouldn’t have had to run to the town government or make all those international calls.”
Jiang Luo smirked arrogantly: “No need. I already handled it. A little equity, and everyone’s on board.”
Huo Zongzhuo sighed: “One million, and you’re really taking a big step.”
Who dares to request one million at that age without leaving a safety net? Not even Huo Zongzhuo. Only Jiang Luo.
Jiang Luo raised an eyebrow confidently: “Big steps? What’s the worst that happens? A little pain, no one dies.”
Huo Zongzhuo was thoroughly impressed. He didn’t offer warnings or advice—Jiang Luo’s confidence, even arrogance, was exactly what he admired.
Now, with everyone on board, Jiang Luo secured the one-million-yuan loan without needing Huo Zongzhuo to guarantee it.
The young man’s cleverness and decisiveness left Huo Zongzhuo full of admiration and affection.
He wasn’t worried about Jiang Luo overreaching. As long as he was around, Jiang Luo would land safely.
“Come here,” Huo Zongzhuo said, opening his arms. He hugged Jiang Luo.
Jiang Luo chuckled into Huo Zongzhuo’s ear: “Treating me like your son again?”
Huo Zongzhuo thought: yes, you are my son, my little one. You don’t need to go anywhere else—this is your safe harbor.
“Next time, even if you don’t need my help, at least let me know.”
“Got it,” Jiang Luo hummed. “You worry too much.”
Huo Zongzhuo released the hug. “I’ll take you to Su City sometime—you’ll meet my mother.”
“Sure,” Jiang Luo nodded. “I thought you’d forgotten.”
Huo Zongzhuo smiled: “When have I ever forgotten a promise?”
Huo Zongzhuo opened the passenger door.
“I parked my car over there. You drive, I’ll follow,” Jiang Luo said.
That evening, back at the hotel, Huo Zongzhuo called his mother: “I feel like I’m liking him more and more.”
“I thought that after getting to know him, I might cool down, but now it’s only getting stronger.”
His mother smiled on the line: “That’s good.”
Huo Zongzhuo laughed: “I almost signed the guarantee myself, then learned he had already gotten the town government and the German company on board—it blew me away. Only he could think of this.”
“So clever—I don’t know what to do with him.”
His mother replied: “You don’t need to do anything. Just spoil him.”
Huo Zongzhuo chuckled, a mix of helplessness and affection: “Spoil him? I don’t even know where to start.”
At the nightclub, colorful lights flashing, Jiang Luo had a lollipop in his mouth, throwing wads of hundred-yuan bills into the air. Wang Chuang shouted, excited, while other patrons watched or danced.
“Party however you want! Drink however you want!”
“Tonight’s drinks are all on me, Boss Jiang!”
Screams and cheers filled the room.
Jiang Luo tossed more bills into the air, as carefree as his mood. Fly!
The nightclub was packed with young men and women, lights cutting across the room. Drinks were free, money was flying, everyone was fully immersed.
Even older accountant Xue got pulled into dancing.
Jiang Luo had a steady stream of young women approaching him. He didn’t seek conversation, but if someone spoke, he’d respond.
One leaned close amid the music: “You’re so young, and already a big boss?”
Jiang Luo lounged lazily on the sofa: “I’m 38.”
“No way.”
“Yeah.”
He chuckled.
Huo Zongzhuo knew Jiang Luo had gone out with his team to the club. He stayed behind—he didn’t drink or dance. He sat in the hotel room, reading, the door open.
Around 1 a.m., Jiang Luo returned, jacket draped over his shoulders, leaning against the doorframe, slightly drunk, hair tousled, bangs sticking up, smiling at the room.
Huo Zongzhuo put down his book and walked over: “So early—I thought you’d party until three.”
He smelled the alcohol and faint perfume tinged with smoke. Huo Zongzhuo knew exactly what had happened: young, handsome, rich—girls flocking to him, maybe drinks, maybe dancing. He wasn’t jealous.
“Three o’clock, huh?”
Jiang Luo tossed his jacket into Huo Zongzhuo’s arms, exhausted: “Too old for this now. The lights hurt my eyes.”
Huo Zongzhuo laughed, shook out the jacket, draped it properly, and held Jiang Luo’s arm to help guide him to the next room: “Can you walk?”