I walk sideways in the game world

Chapter 264: Business Start, Stuck with Funds

On the martial arts field, Ren Xiaoyao weaved through the ever-changing formations as if walking on flat ground. His steps were steady, his eyes gleaming, and each step was precisely placed on the key points of the formation, dispelling the murderous intent contained within.

Three days passed in a flash. When Ren Xiaoyao was the first to emerge from the formation, thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the surroundings. He had succeeded, winning Master Mo's approval with overwhelming advantage and qualifying for the Chamber of Commerce Tournament.

With this honor, Ren Xiaoyao entered the commercial capital of Tianqi City. This prosperous city, teeming with merchants, was filled with both opportunities and challenges. Here, Ren Xiaoyao was determined to carve out a world of his own.

"Brother Xiaoyao, we have limited funds now. Why don't we start with some small businesses, such as opening a herbal medicine store or a restaurant. Once we have accumulated enough funds, we can consider other projects." Xia Lin suggested, her bright eyes full of worry.

"No, time waits for no one. The Chamber of Commerce Tournament only lasts for a few months. We must accumulate strength as quickly as possible." Ren Xiaoyao shook his head, his eyes gleaming with determination. "If I want to do it, I will do it big. I want the entire Apocalypse City to remember my name!"

He gazed intently at the bustling crowd outside the window, a bold plan forming in his mind. He knew that Tianqi City was located on a major transportation route, with a large amount of goods flowing in and out of it every year, and the most lucrative of these was trade with overseas countries.

"I want to form a caravan and go overseas to look for business opportunities!" Ren Xiaoyao said in a firm tone, as if he had already seen the scene of himself leading the caravan, riding the wind and waves, and pocketing countless wealth.

Xia Lin's worries grew even worse, but she knew that once Ren Xiaoyao made up his mind, it would be difficult to change it. She had no choice but to suppress her worries temporarily and began to make suggestions for Ren Xiaoyao's plan.

"Establishing a caravan requires a significant amount of capital. Purchasing ships, goods, and recruiting personnel are all significant expenses." Xia Lin frowned slightly, tapping her slender fingers lightly on the table. "What we lack most right now is funds."

"I'll figure out the funding issue." A gleam of light flashed in Ren Xiaoyao's eyes. "I remember that President Wang, the president of the Tianqi City Chamber of Commerce, is highly respected and kind. Perhaps we can get some help from him."

He stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked out the door with a determined step. Charlene looked at his back, wanting to say something but stopping herself before finally letting out a soft sigh, "I hope everything goes well..."

Ren Xiaoyao arrived at the Chamber of Commerce, handed over his visiting card, and waited quietly. Not long after, an old man who looked like a housekeeper came out and said, "Mr. Ren, the president invites you in."

Ren Xiaoyao followed the butler through the winding corridors and came to an antique study. President Wang sat at the desk, holding a scroll in his hand. When he heard the noise, he slowly raised his head and his eyes fell on Ren Xiaoyao.

"Are you Ren Xiaoyao?" President Wang put down the book, his tone calm, but revealing an aura of majesty without anger.

"That's me," Ren Xiaoyao said, bowing respectfully. "I've taken the liberty of visiting you today to ask for some financial support from the president."

"Oh?" President Wang narrowed his eyes slightly. "I heard that you just won Master Mo's approval and qualified to participate in the Chamber of Commerce Tournament. How come you ran into difficulties so soon?"

Ren Xiaoyao did not hide anything and told the other party that he wanted to form a caravan to trade overseas, but was suffering from a lack of funds.

After listening to this, President Wang pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Mr. Ren, your idea is certainly good, but overseas trade is risky and not a joke. Moreover, the Chamber of Commerce has some large projects that require capital turnover recently. I'm afraid..."

He paused and didn't continue, but Ren Xiaoyao already understood his implication.

"President, I'm not asking for anything for free. Instead, I hope to cooperate with the Chamber of Commerce by investing in the project." Ren Xiaoyao said sincerely, "I believe that my plan will bring rich returns to the Chamber of Commerce."

"Cooperation?" A subtle glint of contempt flashed across President Wang's eyes. "Young man, your intentions are good, but business doesn't succeed solely on passion. You don't have any business experience. How can you guarantee the smooth progress of this project? And how can you protect the interests of the Chamber of Commerce?"

Ren Xiaoyao wanted to say something more, but was interrupted by President Wang. "Alright, I'm aware of this matter. You can go back and wait for news. If the Chamber of Commerce decides to invest in your project, they will send someone to notify you."

Ren Xiaoyao knew that President Wang's words had already politely rejected his request. Although he felt unwilling, he also knew that forcing it was useless, so he stood up and said goodbye.

However, what Ren Xiaoyao didn't know was that his conversation with President Wang was clearly heard by someone hiding in the dark. This person was none other than Shopkeeper Zhao, who had lost the competition with Ren Xiaoyao in the martial arts arena.

Shopkeeper Zhao watched Ren Xiaoyao leave with a sinister smile on his face. He had long disliked Ren Xiaoyao, and now that he knew he was short of funds, he came up with a plan.

He secretly instructed his men to spread rumors in the city, saying that Ren Xiaoyao was just lucky and accidentally cracked Master Mo's formation, and that he actually didn't understand business at all and was a complete liar.

These rumors spread quickly throughout the city, like wings. Potential investors who had originally held some interest in Ren Xiaoyao's project backed off after hearing these rumors.

Ren Xiaoyao knew nothing about this and was still running around looking for other financing channels. However, after several days, he encountered many obstacles and made no progress.

"Should I really give up?" Ren Xiaoyao couldn't help but waver. At this moment, a piece of news reached his ears, giving him a glimmer of hope.

"Boss Qian, are you willing to see me?" A gleam of light flashed in Ren Xiaoyao's eyes. Boss Qian is a famous wealthy businessman in Tianqi City and has a large amount of capital in his hands. If he can get his support, the funding problem may be solved.

However, when Ren Xiaoyao arrived at Boss Qian's residence, filled with hope, what awaited him was... The Qian Mansion, with its carved beams and painted rafters, was magnificent, yet it reeked of money. Ren Xiaoyao entered the main hall and saw a portly, wealthy businessman in a brocade robe, seated in a royal chair, leisurely sipping tea. He was Boss Qian, the renowned "Smiling God of Wealth" of Tianqi City.

"Boss Qian, I've long heard of your name." Ren Xiaoyao saluted with his fists clasped, his tone neither humble nor arrogant.

Boss Qian put down his teacup, looked Ren Xiaoyao up and down, and said with a forced smile, "Mr. Ren is young and promising. I heard that he is planning a big business recently."

Ren Xiaoyao did not beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly, and introduced his project plan and expected returns in detail.

Boss Qian's face remained unchanged after hearing this. He simply said, "Mr. Ren's project does sound good, but it's also quite risky. As you know, I'm a timid person, and I'm most afraid of risk."

"Therefore, I am willing to pay a high interest rate to show my sincerity." Ren Xiaoyao had expected that Boss Qian would not agree easily, so he threw out his chips.

"The high interest rate isn't a problem, but..." Boss Qian deliberately dragged out his words, a gleam in his eyes, "I still need Mr. Ren to guarantee his personal reputation."

Ren Xiaoyao was shocked. This condition was extremely harsh. If the project failed, he would be burdened with huge debts and even lose his reputation, with no chance of recovery.

"What's wrong, Mr. Ren, are you scared?" Seeing Ren Xiaoyao hesitant, Boss Qian curled up a sly smile.

"Xiaoyao, you can't agree to this!" Xia Lin pulled Ren Xiaoyao's sleeve and said in a low voice, "This Qian boss is notoriously greedy. His money is not so easy to take!"

Ren Xiaoyao knew this, but he was now at his wit's end. Missing this opportunity would mean giving up overseas trade and his dream.

Just when Ren Xiaoyao was in a dilemma, Butler Sun came hurriedly and whispered a few words in his ear.

"What?" Ren Xiaoyao's face changed, a flash of shock and ecstasy in his eyes, "Is the news confirmed?"

Steward Sun nodded and said affirmatively, "Absolutely true! The Chamber of Commerce headquarters is about to launch a large-scale commercial project and is currently soliciting bids. The winner will receive huge financial support and exclusive cooperation rights with the Chamber of Commerce!"

This news was like timely help to Ren Xiaoyao. As long as he could get this project, the funding problem would be solved, and he wouldn't even have to worry about Boss Qian's mood anymore.

But how can you participate in the bidding without funds?

Ren Xiaoyao's gaze once again fell on Boss Qian's smiling face that concealed a dagger...