"He usually keeps such a low profile; he doesn't look like someone with a special identity."
"Hmph, I told you long ago not to judge people by their appearance. The power he displayed at the mining area is enough to prove that Jiang Jianming belongs to the second category. He has a special status and can even mobilize forces from the Capital. So this time, things are truly troublesome. Those above us are not people our connections in Chengdu can resist."
Seeing his Father-in-law's serious expression, Qin Cheng felt apprehensive. "Dad, you're a person of status in Chengdu after all. As long as we resolve our company's bank loans, the company can still weather this storm..."
"It's not that I don't want to help you, but I'm afraid this time..."
After speaking, he took out his phone and dialed the number of the branch manager at China Construction Bank.
The phone rang a few times before it was picked up.
"Manager Li, good evening. I'm sorry to bother you so late."
There was silence on the other end for a few seconds before a voice said, "President Chen, good evening. You're calling so late to ask about your son-in-law's company, aren't you?"
President Chen had the phone on speaker, and seeing the other party get straight to the point,
the few people in the living room held their breath, listening intently with nervous ears.
"Yes, sigh, I'm just an old man now, but I have no choice but to come out and use my old face for the sake of my children. Regarding their company's loan, could it..."
Before President Chen could finish, the person on the other end spoke first. "President Chen, we've been partners for many years. I'll be blunt with you. It's best if you don't get involved in this matter."
Seeing Manager Li's resolute tone, everyone's hearts couldn't help but sink.
"Manager Li, look at our years of friendship, can't you show some leniency? My son-in-law's company is also an old client of your bank. They've never defaulted on a loan. They've just encountered a small difficulty this time. As long as your bank can give them a little support, they'll get through it and continue to cooperate with you in the future."
"President Chen, you know that our bank has regulations and procedures; it's not something I can decide alone. Their company's loan application has already been rejected by the higher-ups, stating it doesn't meet our bank's lending criteria. My hands are tied," Manager Li said.
"Doesn't meet the criteria? How can that be? My son-in-law's company is clearly a legitimate business with a business license, tax registration, financial statements, and collateral. It's impossible not to meet the criteria. Is there some other issue? We will certainly rectify it."
"President Chen, I'm not intentionally making things difficult for them. Our bank's lending criteria are based on national laws and our internal regulations; they aren't targeted at any specific company. Your company's loan application was rejected because your financial situation is poor, your debt ratio is too high, and your repayment ability is insufficient. Our bank must ensure the safety of our funds; we can't risk lending to you," Manager Li said pretentiously.
"Poor financial situation? High debt ratio? Insufficient repayment ability? That shouldn't be. My son-in-law's company makes a profit every year, and the profits are quite substantial. Logically, this shouldn't be the reason for blocking the loan."
"President Chen, our bank's assessment is based on your company's financial statements and market conditions; it is objective and fair. Although your company's profits are good, your debt ratio is also high, your accounts receivable and inventory are too much, and your cash flow is very tight. There are indeed problems with your repayment ability. This isn't my personal decision; it's our bank's professional opinion," Manager Li said again.
"Manager Li, let's stop with the formalities. I really want to ask you to do me a favor. My son-in-law's company needs this loan to survive, otherwise they'll go bankrupt."
"President Chen, I understand how you feel, and I really want to help you. But I truly have no way. Our bank has its bottom lines and principles; we can't violate our regulations and procedures for the sake of one person's face. If I do that, I'll be punished too," Manager Li said.
"President Chen, this matter has exceeded the scope of my authority. I suggest you try other banks or financial institutions. Perhaps they'll have different views and policies," Manager Li said.
Seeing Manager Li repeatedly dodging the issue, the Father-in-law said helplessly, "Ever since China Construction Bank blocked the loan, other banks have been doing the same. I know they're following your lead, so your bank is our last hope. Can't you just give me a hand?"
The other end of the phone sighed and then said helplessly, "President Chen, our bank has also been trying to win over Jiangtai Group recently. You must have heard the news that they've started contracting mining areas. Jiang Tai is about to undergo a transformation, and its scale will surely expand. Also, have you considered why even the largest construction companies followed suit as soon as they released the news? They are recognizing a big boss and building connections."
Hearing this, President Chen felt even more bitter. He knew the strength and influence of Jiangtai Group, but he had no way out now.
"Manager Li, is there really no way? After your bank blocked the loan, other banks stopped lending to him too. There's a gap of over a billion in real estate. If I don't step in, he'll really go bankrupt," President Chen said bitterly.
"President Chen, that's exactly why I'm telling you not to get involved anymore. Right now, only Qin Cheng's company is being blocked. If you intervene and your own company's bank loans are also blocked, then there truly will be no room for a turnaround," Manager Li said.
President Chen's heart sank upon hearing this. He knew Manager Li was right, but he couldn't bear to see his son-in-law go bankrupt like this.
After these words were spoken, the faces of the four people present turned pale. Qin Cheng felt as if all his strength had been drained, and his eyes began to lose their focus.
"Manager Li, thank you for the warning. Lastly, I want to ask, do you know what kind of background the boss of Jiang Tai actually has?" the Father-in-law's voice trembled slightly.
"President Chen, I'm not clear on that either. But I've heard that the boss of Jiang Tai seemingly intends to use this matter to warn people in the circle. He only has this one precious son, and no one is to touch him. That's why there's such a big commotion. Because of our friendship, I'm only warning you this much. I hope you can endure it, protect yourself, and don't take action. Perhaps your enterprise can safely weather this crisis," Manager Li's tone was very serious.
"Then what about Qin Cheng's side?" President Chen's voice carried a hint of helplessness.
"Admitting defeat and bowing one's head isn't shameful. As for real estate? Unless Qin Cheng is completely clean and can withstand an investigation, it's better not to go head-to-head," Manager Li's tone was firm.