Volume One, Chapter 18: Fortune Favors the Brave

Although Zhang Weimin’s two companies had completed their registration procedures, he currently had no workshop, no workers, no office, and most importantly, no start-up capital—a complete shell company.

The office was the easiest problem to solve; renting a few rooms and placing some desks would suffice for now.

At this moment, the most critical issue was securing funding. With capital, workshops, machinery, and workers would no longer be obstacles.

In those days, the only legitimate channel to obtain funds was through bank loans.

However, back then, securing a loan was far from easy, especially for someone like Zhang Weimin with a shell company—why would any bank lend to him?

Zhang Weimin was originally an honest and straightforward man, without connections or acquaintances with influential people in society.

The highest-ranking official he knew was Qin Yong, the local police chief.

Yes, perhaps he should seek out Qin Yong; maybe he could help. Besides, Qin Yong had once told Zhang Weimin to come to him without hesitation if he ever encountered difficulties.

Dressed in his modest suit and holding his Motorola phone, Zhang Weimin walked straight into the police station.

At the entrance, the duty officer stopped him:

“Comrade, are you here to report a case or handle other matters?”

Zhang Weimin took off his sunglasses and clipped them to his jacket pocket:

“Oh, hello. My name is Zhang Weimin. I’m here to see Chief Qin.”

“Please wait here; I’ll inform him.”

Shortly after, Qin Yong emerged from his office. Seeing the man in the stylish suit before him, he felt a flicker of recognition mixed with some disbelief:

“Zhang Weimin?”

Seeing Qin Yong, Zhang Weimin eagerly stepped forward and extended his hand:

“Chief Qin, you remember me, don’t you?”

Qin Yong then fully recognized him:

“Old Zhang! Of course I remember you—someone as legendary as you is unforgettable. But it’s been a few months; what’s this? Made a fortune? You’re looking every bit the big boss now.”

Zhang Weimin smiled sheepishly:

“Oh, Chief Qin, don’t tease me. I’m no big boss. I was laid off, forced by circumstances to find my own way, so I changed my image—consider it a fresh start.”

Qin Yong studied him thoughtfully and nodded:

“Hmm, not bad. You really are a legendary figure, always surprising people. Come, let’s talk in my office.”

—

Zhang Weimin followed Qin Yong into the police station office.

“Please, have a seat.”

Qin Yong poured tea while speaking.

Setting the cup in front of Zhang Weimin, he said:

“Old Zhang, life treating you well? Judging by your outfit and that phone, you do look like a big shot.”

Zhang Weimin forced a wry smile:

“It’s just a shiny surface. Chief Qin, I came to you because I’m in trouble. I don’t have any friends with higher rank than you.”

Qin Yong laughed heartily:

“Old Zhang, you’re too modest. I’m just a cop serving the people, not much of an official. Tell me, what troubles do you have? If I can help, I won’t hold back.”

Zhang Weimin sipped his tea and began:

“Here’s the situation. Not long ago, I went to Shanghai and signed product orders worth about two or three hundred million.”

Hearing this, Qin Yong couldn’t help but exclaim:

“Wow, that’s a huge deal. No wonder you say you’re not a big boss.”

Zhang Weimin smiled and continued:

“I originally planned to have our mechanical parts factory fulfill the orders, but the factory director was stingy. I promised donations to a university and technical promotion fees to our partners in Shanghai, but he refused to agree. Besides, with the state-owned enterprise reforms underway, our factory, as a key enterprise under the Industrial Bureau, was a focus of reform. So, I decided to take the initiative to get laid off and find my own path.”

Qin Yong listened intently:

“Good, you’re responsible.”

“That’s why I registered two companies—one for manufacturing mechanical parts and another for trade. But now, the problem is lack of start-up capital. Without money, I can’t rent a factory, buy equipment or raw materials, or turn these orders into production. And I want to employ those laid-off workers as well.”

Qin Yong nodded:

“I see. You need to solve the funding problem.”

“Yes, Chief Qin. I’ve approached several banks, but as a newly established company without collateral or guarantees, no one will lend to me.”

Qin Yong nodded again:

“But this is a police station; banks aren’t under our jurisdiction.”

Zhang Weimin sighed and continued:

“I know that. Actually, I have an idea—if someone could introduce me to the bank manager, I believe I could convince them to grant the loan. But I have no way to get past the bank teller, who has no authority or obligation to listen to me.”

Qin Yong chuckled:

“So you think if you meet the bank manager, you can persuade him to lend you the money?”

Zhang Weimin’s eyes shone with certainty:

“Yes, I’m confident.”

Seeing his resolve, Qin Yong said:

“Wait here. I’ll make a call. My cousin is the branch manager of the Construction Bank.”

He picked up the phone on his desk and dialed. After a moment, the call connected:

“Hey, cousin, this is Qin Yong. Yeah, I know you’re busy, but after work tonight, do you have time? I want to talk to you about something. Okay, okay, your call. Haha, great, see you tonight.”

Hanging up, Qin Yong said:

“Alright, I’ve arranged for you to meet the person you want. Whether you get the loan now depends on your skills.”

Zhang Weimin was moved and trembled slightly as he shook Qin Yong’s hand:

“Chief Qin, you are truly my benefactor. Thank you, thank you, thank you. What’s the plan for tonight?”

“I booked a quiet private room at a restaurant we often go to. You come there, and I’ll introduce you.”

“Good, I’ll be there. Chief Qin, thanks again. I won’t disturb your work now. See you tonight.”

Since Lin Hao was reborn in Zhang Weimin’s body, bringing with him a streak of good fortune, things had started to turn.

As the saying goes, success depends on fate, fortune, and water. Beyond ability, luck plays a crucial role in the success of any great person.

After leaving the police station, Zhang Weimin went to the restaurant Qin Yong mentioned—a modest, home-style eatery in an ordinary residential area.

Entering the restaurant, the owner was resting in a chair:

“Sir, it’s not mealtime now; we’re out of food.”

Zhang Weimin replied:

“Boss, I’m not here to eat. I want to book a quiet private room for tonight. I’ll be entertaining two distinguished guests.”