In the end, the man and woman agreed to lend ¥1.5 million.

Carrying the property deeds and vehicle title, Ye Tian returned to his shop.

Before he could settle in, Yu Bing came rushing in, panting. "Tian, did you check with your contacts yesterday? My buddy said there are 3,500 bitcoins available, but they have to sell them all at once. It's an all-or-nothing deal."

Ye Tian glanced at Yu Bing. Back in high school, Yu Bing had been the sly, sharp type—tall and thin with alert, darting eyes that revealed a crafty nature.

"I don’t have that kind of money right now. You know my family's situation."

Yu Bing slumped into a chair, visibly deflated.

For those in the bitcoin trade, online platforms like Huobi were always an option for selling. However, many mining operators preferred to avoid the hassle, creating opportunities for middlemen like Yu Bing to make a profit.

"Whose property deeds are these? And a BMW title?"

"A friend. They tried to pawn them earlier, but the offer was too low, so they brought them back."

Yu Bing picked up the property deeds, flipping through them. "I know a guy who runs a loan company. He can get you the best price."

Ye Tian waved dismissively. "Call and ask how much they’ll lend. If it’s ¥2 million, we’ll do it. If not, forget it."

Having done the math, Ye Tian knew that the higher the loan amount, the greater his potential profits by November.

The memory of being brushed off at the lottery store yesterday lingered in his mind, reminding him that capital was king in any investment. Without money, even knowing a shortcut to wealth was meaningless.

Yu Bing quickly dialed his contact, explaining the property details. "Can you offer ¥2 million for two properties and a car?"

Soon, the voice on the other end replied affirmatively.

Yu Bing hung up and relayed, "They'll do ¥2 million at a monthly interest rate of 2%. Minimum loan term is six months, interest paid monthly, principal due at the end."

Six months was perfect—enough time for Ye Tian to maneuver. He estimated that Wang Qiang wouldn’t be able to gather ¥800,000 in half a year, giving Ye Tian breathing room. By November, when bitcoin prices peaked, he could sell everything and double his money.

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"Let’s head over now and get this done," Yu Bing urged. "I’ll help you out, no strings attached."

Just as Ye Tian was about to leave with him, he spotted Wang Qiang entering the shop, scanning the place nervously.

Ye Tian quickly stashed the deeds and title into a drawer. "Wait outside for me," he told Yu Bing. "A client is here to discuss a computer order. Give me thirty minutes."

He guessed Wang Qiang was here to negotiate, which suited him fine—it was easier to talk without his parents' interference.

Wang Qiang soon approached; a forced smile plastered on his face. From his pocket, he pulled out a box of cigarettes, attempting to curry favor.

"Uncle Wang, we can’t smoke here. Sit down and tell me what’s on your mind," Ye Tian said coolly.

"Ye Tian, my boy, I’m here about the property and car titles. I’ve taken a hard hit in the stock market—completely wiped out. I can’t repay you right now. Could you hold onto the titles until the end of the year? By then, I’ll have the money to buy back the house and car. Don’t worry; I’ll pay the interest we agreed upon, not a cent less."

Wang Qiang’s tone was ingratiating, his smile fawning.

Ye Tian smirked internally—this played right into his hands. If Wang Qiang pushed the timeline to the year’s end, Ye Tian could profit handsomely while keeping his parents appeased.

Feigning reluctance, Ye Tian replied, "Uncle Wang, this really puts me in a tough spot. I thought you’d bounce back from the stock market within a couple of weeks and maybe let us earn a little alongside you. But with the market crashing like this..."

Unwilling to lose face, Wang Qiang puffed up his chest. "Don’t worry, kid! In the stock market, I’m a winner nine times out of ten. You see these two properties and the car? All bought with stock profits. By New Year’s, when my big funds come through, I’ll make a killing. I’ll even share a few insider tips with you—enough to buy a car outright."

"Alright then, Uncle Wang," Ye Tian said with an air of resignation. "We’ll keep the deeds until New Year’s. Just bring the money by then, and I’ll return them to you. Deal?"

Wang Qiang’s face lit up with relief. "Deal! By New Year’s, I’ll pay you back, principal and interest. We’ll celebrate with a big meal!"

As the conversation concluded, Ye Tian reached into the drawer, pulling out the car title.

"What’s this?" Wang Qiang asked, puzzled.

"You’ll need the car for business, right? It’s no use to me sitting here. Take it back for now, but don’t forget the payment when the time comes."

Overjoyed, Wang Qiang leapt up and grabbed the title. "You’re too kind, Ye Tian! This will make things so much easier. Rest assured, come New Year’s, I’ll settle everything!"

As Wang Qiang walked away, Ye Tian watched his exaggeratedly cheerful stride and smirked. Sometimes, you had to let others drink the soup while you ate the meat.

Despite his father’s idealistic teachings, Ye Tian recognized that he couldn’t entirely abandon his family’s values. Showing a bit of mercy kept things harmonious.

Moments later, Yu Bing pulled up in his slightly used Buick SUV. The pair drove to a small loan company on East Second Ring Road.

The company’s office was modest, staffed by only two or three people.

"This guy’s solid," Yu Bing assured them. "If there’s any problem, I’ll personally vouch for him."

The staff verified the deeds and made calls to confirm their authenticity.

"Relax," Yu Bing continued, his salesmanship in overdrive. "I’d stake my reputation on this. He’s like a brother to me."

With Yu Bing’s persistent lobbying, the process went smoothly. Ye Tian signed a stack of contracts, leaving the office with a firm loan agreement in hand.

By this time tomorrow, his bitcoin acquisition plan would be underway, and he’d be one step closer to a fortune.