After consulting the expert, Tofuski was reassured. It seemed this was a heaven-sent opportunity to make money, and he couldn't miss it.
He also checked the performance of China's B-shares and specifically consulted Old Ivan, a Russian stock market expert.
Old Ivan stated clearly, "Young Tofuski, I'm glad to see you. I've been watching China's B-shares. Due to foreign investors selling off shares at any cost in previous years, B-shares are currently at historical lows and are definitely a good buy. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that."
Hearing this, Tofuski felt at ease. It seemed he was about to become a legend again. It couldn't be helped; his luck had always been excellent.
"By the way, Old Ivan, isn't this a sure-win, no-loss deal?"
"I'm afraid you might be disappointed. There are still considerations. Don't you think this amount is quite large? You're essentially turning these two hundred million US dollars into real estate, not liquid assets. In business, without liquid assets, you'll face great difficulties." Old Ivan initially didn't want to mention it, but after some thought, he finally spoke up.
Not for any other reason than Tofuski had a beautiful sister, Tofnova, whom Old Ivan was very fond of. He just hoped Tofuski would take his words to heart.
As Old Ivan predicted, Tofuski replied, "It's fine. I can mortgage these shares later, so there won't be any issues with cash flow."
Hearing Tofuski's confident words, Old Ivan was helpless. As a businessman, this deal had to be done; they couldn't pass up a chance to make money.
Heaven offers, you refuse; you will surely suffer.
If heaven lets you get rich and you don't, then poverty awaits you for life. Countless people have proven this.
Tofuski excitedly prepared Chen Sancang's goods. Good heavens, this guy wanted a lot of stuff. The more he wanted, the more Tofuski would earn.
It was like Han Xin counting soldiers – the more, the better.
"Tofuski, if we deliver these goods now, our costs will increase by twenty percent," his subordinate complained to Tofuski.
The order was too urgent and too fast; they weren't prepared.
Sourcing goods on short notice inevitably drove up costs significantly.
"Don't worry about the cost. Our priority is to gather these goods as quickly as possible. We're about to get rich!" Tofuski said with full confidence.
Upon hearing Tofuski's words, everyone threw themselves into their busy work.
"Work hard, and I'll give you bonuses later. There will be bread, there will be houses, and there will be money," Tofuski said, looking at the workers and making a promise.
This earned a cheer. Tofuski smiled. As long as the delivery was made on time, any extra cost would be recouped many times over.
Soon, the agreed-upon date arrived, and Tofuski met Chen Sancang.
"Chen Sancang, all the goods you ordered are ready. You can take them anytime," Tofuski said. He had gone to great lengths for this transaction.
Chen Sancang smiled. It seemed Tofuski wasn't as shrewd as the legends made him out to be. For such a person to become successful was laughable.
If he had known people here were so simple-minded, why would he bother being a strategist? Wouldn't it be better to just come here and get rich?
"Mr. Tofuski, please come this way. We'll sign the agreement first, and then you can take the agreement to the securities commission to declare the transaction," Chen Sancang said with a smile.
"We still need to declare it there?" Tofuski's expression turned grim. "Then I need to check the current B-share market."
"Here, Mr. Tofuski, look. The market is at this level. We're doing a bulk trade, equivalent to a ten percent discount on the face value. Consider this large amount, we're getting a ten percent discount. This ten percent is essentially free money for you, right?" Chen Sancang explained patiently.
Tofuski nodded. The market was at this level, not far from the bottom, with limited downside. The experts had said so. It was just inconvenient that it couldn't be converted to cash immediately.
He would have to send someone to China to handle the paperwork, which was a bit troublesome. However, compared to the profit, everything else was minor. This money would have taken him years to earn through hard work.
Tofuski reviewed the agreement and, finding no issues, promptly signed his name.
"Chen Sancang, these goods are yours now. You can take them away," Tofuski said with a smile. Making money was too easy. He truly loved bulk trading.
"Pleasure doing business with you." Tofuski beamed. His luck was indeed good. Chen Sancang was quite a decent fellow. He should introduce him to Zhang Tianxing someday.
The matter proceeded smoothly, and the B-share equity successfully transferred to Tofuski.
However, to Tofuski's surprise, his attempt to mortgage these shares for a loan failed.
The banks directly rejected his application, giving a simple and blunt reason.
"China's B-shares are not worth much right now. We don't know when B-shares might collapse. We won't accept them as collateral. You should think of other solutions."
Hearing this, Tofuski was furious. He couldn't afford to offend these banks at the moment.
It wasn't the banks who needed him anymore; the tables had turned. Now, he was the one begging the banks.
Regardless, one path lay before Tofuski: he had run out of liquid funds.
If he couldn't find a solution, his only option would be to declare bankruptcy.
Upon hearing this news, Tofuski was incandescent with rage. He had no choice but to seek out Chen Sancang.
"My dear Sancang brother, I'm in a bind. I can't mortgage these B-share equities. Could you possibly provide some cash? I'd like to mortgage the shares to you and ask for your help." Tofuski made his request.
Chen Sancang smiled. "Dear Tofuski, I cannot fulfill this request. Our funds are limited, and our foreign exchange can only go into China, not out of the country. I have no control over this, so I am unable to assist you."
Tofuski's face turned grim. Chen Sancang had changed. He wasn't the same as he was at the beginning; he wasn't offering any help now. Had he misjudged the man?
"However, don't be discouraged. Perhaps in a few days, China's B-shares will surge, and whatever losses you incur in your business, the stock market will make back for you," Chen Sancang comforted Tofuski.
"I don't believe you," Tofuski said wordlessly, looking up at the sky. Zhang Tianxing had once told him, "Industry builds nations; everything stands upon industry."
Making money in the stock market was fast, but this wasn't the way he wanted to make money. He, Tofuski, wanted to be the greatest businessman in Russia. These minor financial difficulties wouldn't stop him.
Having received no positive response from Chen Sancang, Tofuski walked back dejectedly. He had no choice; he still had to pay his workers, and all expenses remained the same. He had no money left in his pockets.
Life had to go on. He couldn't give up. Tofuski told himself, "Come on! Don't give up!"