Zhao Quanhao's expression changed, and his attitude immediately turned firm. He argued loudly, "Impossible! Our bank is one of the major banks in Hong Kong. Not to mention twenty million, even a few billion in loans would be approved!"
Zhao Quanhao could not accept Lu Yuesong's words. If the situation led to a run on the bank or other adverse effects, causing Henglong Bank to fall into trouble or crisis, he would not be able to bear the responsibility. Being fired would be the lightest punishment.
Lu Yuesong withdrew his skepticism, nodded, and said to himself, "I knew it. I trusted Henglong Bank, which is why I bought gold here. How could you not even come up with twenty million in cash?"
"Moreover, I'm not borrowing money from you; I'm just withdrawing my own funds. Your bank even earned a handling fee from me."
Zhao Quanhao could only listen awkwardly to Lu Yuesong's monologue, and with a forced smile, he agreed, "Yes, our bank has been established for over forty years, and our strength and reputation are beyond doubt."
"Now, Manager Zhao, please help me with the gold futures settlement. I'm in urgent need of cash. I can't leave without the money."
Lu Yuesong continued.
He had purchased the gold futures contracts sold by Henglong Bank, with the contract price adjusted based on the actual gold price. Henglong Bank also earned a fee for this.
Since Henglong Bank had made money from the clients, they naturally had the obligation to pay out the funds first. Whether Henglong Bank sold the gold futures contracts they held was their own business.
Therefore, Lu Yuesong's request for direct settlement and cash was completely reasonable!
Seeing Lu Yuesong's determined attitude, Zhao Quanhao had no choice. He sighed inwardly but maintained a smiling face and said warmly, "Mr. Lu, since this amount is so substantial, it exceeds my authority and requires the president's approval. Please wait a moment while I report this."
Lu Yuesong, looking anxious, glanced at his watch and urged Zhao Quanhao, "Manager Zhao, I'm on a tight schedule. Hurry up. If it's not feasible, I will go directly to your bank's president."
"Okay, I'll go right away. Please wait a moment!"
Zhao Quanhao said, refilling Lu Yuesong's tea, and then quickly left the VIP lounge.
In the office of Henglong Bank's president, Zhuang Rongkun was handling documents.
Three years ago, Zhuang Rongkun and his brother Zhuang Qingquan acquired 80% of Henglong Bank's shares, but Zhuang Rongkun was in charge of operations, while Zhuang Qingquan managed Apollo Steel Company, the strongest company in the Philippines.
"Knock knock!"
"Come in!"
"President, I have an urgent matter to report!"
As soon as Zhao Quanhao entered, he went straight to the point. He knew President Zhuang Rongkun's temper—he disliked beating around the bush and preferred straightforwardness.
"Speak."
Zhuang Rongkun did not lift his head and continued handling documents.
Zhao Quanhao took a deep breath and reported solemnly, "President, a client who purchased gold futures earlier is requesting settlement, but the amount is huge. I can't make the decision."
Upon entering Zhuang Rongkun's office, Zhao Quanhao felt apprehensive. He initially intended to mention the specific amount but swallowed his words.
However, the term "huge amount" was enough to catch Zhuang Rongkun's attention. He paused, slowly lifted his head, and looked at Zhao Quanhao with a frown, asking, "How huge?"
Zhao Quanhao hesitated for a moment, mustered his courage, and said, "It's a quantity of 10,000 ounces, now worth 23.35 million Hong Kong dollars. The client initially spent 11.25 million Hong Kong dollars."
"How much? 10,000 ounces? 23.35 million?!"
Zhuang Rongkun finally took it seriously. He looked directly at Zhao Quanhao and said with a serious tone.
"You didn't persuade him to reconsider? Or delay for a few days?"
Zhuang Rongkun was displeased.
Although Henglong Bank was large, to achieve high returns, the bank's funds were used efficiently, and large amounts of money were not left idle.
Therefore, Henglong Bank's liquid funds were not excessive. Often, when large amounts of money were needed, short-term borrowings from other banks were necessary.
If 23.35 million Hong Kong dollars were withdrawn all at once, it would undoubtedly affect the bank's operations, which was not what he wanted to see.
Furthermore, although the money belonged to the client, once it was in their hands, they would be reluctant to let it go.
Zhao Quanhao quickly explained and distanced himself from the situation, "President, I've already tried to persuade him many times, but he insists on needing the money urgently. He is very firm, and he won't leave without the money today."
Zhuang Rongkun frowned, feeling a headache coming on. After thinking for a moment, he ordered Zhao Quanhao, "Take me there!"
Seeing the president stepping in, Zhao Quanhao felt a sense of relief and immediately led the way.
Soon, Zhuang Rongkun and Zhao Quanhao arrived at the VIP lounge and saw Lu Yuesong sitting on the sofa, drinking tea.
When Lu Yuesong saw them, he stood up and fixed his gaze on Zhuang Rongkun.
"Mr. Lu, hello. I'm Zhuang Rongkun, the president of Henglong Bank."
Zhuang Rongkun warmly extended his hand to shake hands with Lu Yuesong.
Lu Yuesong smiled, "President Zhuang, I've heard a lot about you!"
"Mr. Lu, please have a seat!"
"Xiao Zhao, the tea is cold. Make another pot."
Zhuang Rongkun enthusiastically invited Lu Yuesong to sit down and then instructed Zhao Quanhao to make tea, trying to gain Lu Yuesong's favor as much as possible.
However, these efforts were destined to be in vain.
"Mr. Lu, Xiao Zhao briefly mentioned the situation to me. The international gold price is still soaring. Holding the futures for another day could earn you an extra fifty or sixty thousand. It's a pity to settle now."
Zhuang Rongkun said with a look of regret, seeming to feel that Lu Yuesong's decision was not worthwhile.
Lu Yuesong glanced at his watch, realizing that time was tight. His action made Zhuang Rongkun's heart tense.
Lu Yuesong, with a firm attitude, said, "President Zhuang, I understand what you're saying, but I need the money urgently today. Otherwise, I wouldn't be willing to give up such high returns. No need to say more. I'm on a tight schedule and need the money quickly. Please arrange for the settlement."
Zhuang Rongkun frowned, then relaxed, and tentatively asked, "Mr. Lu, may I ask what you need the money for? Perhaps we can assist you."
Zhuang Rongkun wanted to dissuade Lu Yuesong from proceeding, but Lu Yuesong did not want to drag it out any longer. After all, he was just an errand runner and not afraid of offending Zhuang Rongkun.
Moreover, after this incident, it was uncertain whether Zhuang Rongkun would remain the president of Henglong Bank.
If it weren't for General Manager Liu Tianci wanting to stabilize the situation and recover as much money as possible, and to avoid frightening Zhuang Rongkun by withdrawing all the gold futures orders at once, causing unnecessary losses and trouble, Lu Yuesong would not be the only one leading this effort.
"President Zhuang, it's inconvenient to disclose. Henglong Bank is large and prosperous. Just hurry up and complete the settlement. If you delay, I might reconsider doing business with you in the future."
Lu Yuesong said with dissatisfaction.
Zhuang Rongkun felt embarrassed. Seeing that the situation was unchangeable, he sighed inwardly and gave up on persuading Lu Yuesong. He nodded and said, "Mr. Lu, you misunderstand. Since you need the money urgently, I'll arrange for the payment immediately."
"Mm, transfer it to this HSBC account."
Then, under Lu Yuesong's continuous urging, the 23.35 million Hong Kong dollars was quickly transferred to the designated HSBC account, and Lu Yuesong finally showed a satisfied smile.
"President Zhuang, I have other matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now!"
"Mr. Lu, have a safe trip. Looking forward to future cooperation!"
"Okay!"