137: You can play it like this?

"One million? What kind of restaurant? What's the scale?"

Unlike the look of surprise and joy on Li Ming and his wife's faces when they heard this price, Bank Manager Chen frowned.

Several auditors glanced at each other, their faces filled with unease.

"The restaurant is located in the South Gate Night Market and is called Changle Restaurant. It is currently formed by the merger of five storefronts. It has been in operation for five years."

"Changle Restaurant? Why does that sound familiar?"

Bank Manager Chen said with feigned hesitation.

One of the auditors was quite clever. He quickly took out his phone, and after a brief search, a look of joy appeared on his face.

"Manager, this Changle Restaurant was specifically interviewed by the TV station. It's a benchmark restaurant for the city's Joint Inspection and is one of Copper City's star catering enterprises."

"I see!"

Bank Manager Chen nodded and didn't say anything.

But the auditor had already caught the hint. After whispering a few words to the others, they began the calculation again.

After a while, he spoke up with a smile on his face.

"Manager, combining Changle Restaurant's cash flow and brand value for a comprehensive calculation, Changle Restaurant is valued at 3 million. We can provide a loan of up to 2.7 million."

Bank Manager Chen didn't speak but smiled at Ye Tian: "Brother Ye, what do you think of this amount?"

"Good, thank you, Manager, and everyone for the re-evaluation."

How could Ye Tian not see that this was all thanks to Bank Manager Chen? He couldn't stop thanking him.

Li Ming and Wang Shufen were already beaming with joy. They quickly stood up and shook hands with Bank Manager Chen to thank him.

"Thank you, thank you, Bank Manager Chen."

"You two don't need to be so polite. As a star enterprise, you should enjoy this kind of treatment."

Bank Manager Chen kept a very humble attitude and said modestly.

Then, he looked at Ye Tian: "Brother Ye, I heard from Director Zhao that you're going to start a Chicken Farm?"

"Yes, Bank Manager Chen. This Chicken Farm is managed by my brother and sister here. The previous loan was also intended to be invested into the Chicken Farm. However, the manager from before said our Chicken Farm wasn't worth anything at all."

"Nonsense! How could a project that even Director Zhao thinks highly of be worthless? Xiao Wang, how do you do your job?"

Bank Manager Chen's brows shot up, and he glared fiercely at Manager Wang, who was already trembling.

The latter shuddered, his face instantly turning pale: "Manager, it's my fault. I didn't check the materials carefully, which caused this misunderstanding."

Although he wanted to make excuses, someone who could reach the position of Manager Wang couldn't possibly lack this much insight. Even if he did, just hearing Bank Manager Chen mention a name twice should have made him understand what was going on. Otherwise, someone at Bank Manager Chen's level would never have shown such an attitude.

Bank Manager Chen snorted coldly: "If you know you're wrong, why aren't you re-evaluating it immediately?"

"Yes, yes, yes. I'll re-evaluate the materials right away."

With that, Manager Wang, as if granted a grand pardon, pulled out the Chicken Farm's materials and added them to the evaluation.

But a moment later, the few of them were staring at each other in bewilderment.

Because in the materials Li Ming and the others had brought, there really wasn't much of value. Just a contract, and a greenhouse that hadn't even been built yet. The most valuable things were probably those few thousand chicks. How could they evaluate a Breeding Farm that hadn't even started construction yet?

As if sensing something was wrong with the auditors.

Bank Manager Chen walked over and questioned them for a while.

Afterward, his expression changed slightly. After thinking for a moment, he called Ye Tian over.

"Brother Ye, what is the projected scale of your Breeding Farm?"

"It's not certain yet, but at a minimum, it's estimated to reach a scale of over 200,000 birds within a month."

"200,000? And that's just the minimum?"

Bank Manager Chen was shocked. He finally understood why that person had casually mentioned their concern for a Chicken Farm.

If a scale like this really took off, it would definitely become a giant in Copper City's breeding industry. And if they succeeded and he established this goodwill, the benefits for his bank would be self-evident.

Without much thought, he chose to believe it.

After all, this person was the brother that person had personally acknowledged.

For someone like this to start a Chicken Farm, isn't that using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? There wouldn't be any possibility of risk at all.

"Um, Xiao Wang. You heard what Mr. Ye said just now. The money they loan will be fully invested into the Chicken Farm. The scale is initially set at 200,000 birds. Combine that with the current government policies for agricultural breeding and re-evaluate."

The auditors' eyes lit up, and they all nodded, starting to get busy again.

A short while later, several of them spoke up with faces full of joy.

"Manager, based on your instructions just now, we've synthesized the data. These two Breeding Farm managers can fully apply to our bank for a special breeding assistance grant. They can get a loan equal to the amount of capital they currently possess, which is about 4 million."

"4 million?"

Li Ming and Wang Shufen looked at each other, feeling like they were dreaming.

According to their previous estimates, they would have been thankful if everything added up to 2.5 million. Now it was over 8 million. The surprise had turned directly into shock.

Thinking this, the two of them couldn't help but look at Ye Tian with some unease.

Ye Tian was also surprised and a little nervous at the same time.

This Bank Manager Chen is just too supportive!

"Um, Bank Manager Chen. There won't be any problems with this amount, will there?"

Bank Manager Chen knew what Ye Tian was thinking and couldn't help but smile slightly: "Brother Ye, don't worry. Our evaluation is absolutely professional. We'll just sequence the process, and there won't be any issues. If you don't understand, you can think of it like this: you use your house and shop as collateral for a 4 million loan to buy a house worth 4 million. Then you use that house to take out another 4 million loan. We've just simplified the process for you. This is also in response to government policies, providing appropriate preferential treatment for agricultural breeding."

With Bank Manager Chen's explanation, Ye Tian immediately understood.

He wasn't afraid of Bank Manager Chen's side, but rather that the other party would act recklessly because of Zhao Rubing's connection. If something happened later, it would affect her.

But hearing it now, it seemed like it really was a normal process.

As expected of a finance professional. Using leverage like this is simply too exciting.

Thinking of this, Ye Tian couldn't help but feel a bit more expectant about his Housekeeping Company.

"Then Bank Manager Chen, why don't you evaluate my Housekeeping Company as well?"

"Of course. Xiao Wang, Mr. Ye's Housekeeping Company is now the leading enterprise in Copper City's housekeeping sector. The ones who came to our bank for housekeeping two days ago were from Mr. Ye's company. Evaluate it carefully."

The latter nodded repeatedly, not daring to be careless at all, and began a rigorous evaluation.

After a long while, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Manager, Mr. Ye's Tianxia Housekeeping Company has excellent qualifications and unlimited potential. In less than half a month since registration, the number of employees has reached 150, and the App has over 150,000 registered users. Furthermore, it is the designated Housekeeping Company for various municipal agencies and public places. After combining their company's cash flow, the loan amount we can currently offer is 10 million. And with their subsequent development, Mr. Ye can come back to us at any time for a re-evaluation to increase the limit."

"10 million?" Bank Manager Chen frowned slightly and couldn't help but glance at Ye Tian: "Brother Ye, what do you think of this amount?"

"It's fine. As long as it can be increased later if needed, then there's no problem."

Although 10 million seemed a bit small compared to the funds he estimated he needed, Ye Tian also knew that based on the company's current assets, giving a 10 million limit was definitely more than generous. There was no need to make things difficult for the other party.

With Ye Tian's words, Bank Manager Chen felt relieved.

He instructed Manager Wang to immediately start processing the loan applications for Ye Tian and Li Ming, then invited the three of them to his office to drink tea while they waited.

During that time, people kept entering Bank Manager Chen's office, handing over various materials for his approval.

As it was almost time to get off work, Bank Manager Chen finished processing the last of the documents.

He smiled broadly at the three of them.

"Brother Ye, the loan is basically settled. It just needs one more review by the head office, and then it can enter the disbursement process. It's expected to arrive within three working days."

"Within three working days?"

The three of them looked at each other, all showing looks of surprise and joy.

"Thank you for your help, Bank Manager Chen. You've been busy all afternoon because of us. How about we have dinner together later?"

Ye Tian thanked him with a smile.

"Brother Ye, you're too polite. It's just part of my job. There's no need for dinner."

"How can that be? We've already booked the restaurant. We're just waiting to have a good drink with you, Bank Manager Chen."

Ye Tian continued to invite him.

"This..."

Bank Manager Chen hesitated for a moment. Looking at Ye Tian's eyes, which didn't seem to be just making polite conversation, he nodded.

"Alright, then I won't be pretentious. I'll have a good drink with Brother Ye and Brother Li tonight."

As he spoke, everyone shared a comfortable smile.

Soon, the four of them left the bank together.

They arrived at the ground floor of a beautifully decorated restaurant.

Looking at the restaurant's name, Bank Manager Chen's expression changed slightly.

"Brother Ye, eating here? There's no need for that!"

Ye Tian was stunned. He looked at the restaurant's name: Xin Rong Ji.

Then he looked at Li Ming: "Brother Li, is this where you booked?"

"Yes. It's the first time eating with Bank Manager Chen, and I didn't know your tastes. I hope you don't mind."

Bank Manager Chen couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Oh, Brother Li, why be so polite? It's just us few; anything simple is fine. No need to spend so much. Let's go somewhere else."

"I just sent Sister Bing a message. She'll probably be coming over in a bit."

Ye Tian spoke up.

Bank Manager Chen was stunned, then he nodded: "Director Zhao is coming? Then this place is quite appropriate."

With that, he was the first to get out of the car.

The three of them looked at each other, all laughing a bit.

"Brother Li, is this place very expensive?"

"Yes, it's a Michelin-starred restaurant. The only one in Copper City. I've never eaten here before either, but since they helped us so much this time, we have to show our appreciation. Besides, I also want to try a few dishes here to see the prospects for breeding."

Ye Tian nodded: "That's fine, but this meal is on me."

"In your dreams. I booked the place; don't even think about paying."

Li Ming laughed and scolded him.

He also got out of the car.

Walking into the restaurant, Ye Tian looked at the magnificent decor inside and couldn't help but nod repeatedly.

As expected, you get what you pay for.

Setting aside the taste for a moment, the level of decor alone gave off a high-end vibe.

The servers were also very polite.

It gave Ye Tian the feeling of Granny Liu entering the Grand Prospect Garden.

After all, half a month ago, he was someone who had to split every penny in two.

Forget about eating in a restaurant like this; even when working, he had never entered such a high-class establishment.

"Brother Li, it would be amazing if our restaurant could reach this standard one day."

After sitting down, Ye Tian couldn't help but joke.

"You're dreaming. A restaurant that can earn this rating doesn't just rely on taste. Decor, hygiene, service, and innovation are all indispensable."

Li Ming laughed.

"Haha, Brother Li, you don't need to sell yourself short. Michelin stuff, to put it bluntly, just highlights one word: expensive! Without the decor and high-end ingredients to back it up, if you're just talking about it being delicious, it's just okay. And most of the time, you don't even get full."

Bank Manager Chen joined the conversation and laughed.

"High-end ingredients? Just how high-end are they?"

Hearing about ingredients, Ye Tian immediately became interested.

"You'll find out in a bit. This time I specifically didn't want their chef's tasting menu and chose to customize it instead. It's because some ingredients are really hard to find anywhere else but here."

While they were talking, the private room door opened.

Zhao Rubing entered the room, looking travel-worn.

"Sister Bing."

"Sister Bing!"

Ye Tian and the others greeted her.

Bank Manager Chen, however, quickly stood up.

He showed a brilliant smile: "Hello, Director Zhao!"

"Hello, Bank Manager Chen!"

Zhao Rubing smiled and nodded at him.

Then she casually handed her coat to the server who had already reached out to take it.

Then she sat down directly in the seat next to Ye Tian.

"What made you think of eating here today?"

"Sister Bing, we wanted to thank you and Bank Manager Chen."

Ye Tian smiled.

"Go on, just thank Bank Manager Chen. It has nothing to do with me."

"Director Zhao, saying that is like slapping me in the face. It's my honor to be able to eat at the same table as you."

Watching the siblings joke around easily, Bank Manager Chen was delighted and showed a look of being overwhelmed by the favor.

Zhao Rubing smiled slightly and gestured for him to sit: "Bank Manager Chen, don't be so stiff. It's just a casual meal together. Let's just treat each other as friends."

"Alright!"

Bank Manager Chen breathed a sigh of relief and tried his best to relax.

Otherwise, if he were the only one tense, it would really affect the atmosphere.

Seeing that the food hadn't arrived yet, Zhao Rubing also asked about Ye Tian's loan.

Upon learning that it was settled, she couldn't help but smile and nod at Bank Manager Chen.

The latter was also overjoyed. He turned and whispered a few words to the server, who nodded and left.

Before long, various dishes were served one by one.

But unlike ordinary restaurants, the serving speed here was indeed quite slow.

And the portions weren't large.

However, they looked incredibly exquisite.

Out of curiosity, Ye Tian ate quite carefully.