Chapter 58:
Joegleman intentionally arrived ten minutes early at the designated meeting place. He arrived early partly out of personal courtesy and partly to avoid giving Director Johnson an opportunity.
He didn't want to offend Director Johnson, yet he also didn't want to appear too close. The tax bureau had encountered quite a few troubles recently, so avoiding him was the best choice.
Unexpectedly, another person was present, and he looked somewhat familiar to him. However, Joegleman didn't pay much attention to the appearance of a minor figure. His momentary confusion quickly turned into a warm smile, as if he, Director Johnson, and the stranger were good friends.
After exchanging pleasantries, he finally recognized the person before him. This surprised him. He initially thought these two individuals should be at loggerheads, but looking at their current demeanor, it seemed that it was not so simple. In other words, behind the current uproar in the news, there might be other matters at play.
The conversation initially kicked off with everyone discussing the recent weather and the consistently declining market sentiment. The original plan was for Director Johnson to introduce Joegleman to Lin Qi and then depart. However, at present, he wasn't quite inclined to leave.
It wasn't that he found anything noteworthy between the two, but the note in his hand made him uneasy and indecisive. He intended to speak with Lin Qi alone again after his conversation with Joegleman.
Gradually, during the conversation, he began to somewhat agree with Lin Qi's remarks. Michael's wife had never worked before, his child would be released from prison next year, and their house and other things required money. Income was what they needed the most at the moment, especially after losing Michael.
Michael might face a minimum of three years in prison, according to the legal advisors at the tax bureau. His knowledge of the law and subsequent disregard for it was one of the main reasons for his extended prison sentence.
A family without income couldn't sustain itself. Johnson's guilt made him want to compensate this family somehow, making this money seem valuable. He convinced himself it wasn't bribery since the money wouldn't benefit him personally.
Amid his contemplation, Lin Qi suddenly asked, "Director Johnson, didn't you mention having urgent matters to attend to?"
Johnson, startled, looked at Lin Qi for a few seconds before realizing what had been said. "Ah... yes, I do have something..."
With Lin Qi's interruption, he had no choice but to leave reluctantly after excusing himself from both.
Observing Director Johnson's departure, Joegleman pondered the significance of this meeting. He didn't quite understand, but since it was endorsed by Director Johnson, he would take it seriously.
"Mr. Joegleman, as a businessman, you know..." Lin Qi started, to which Joegleman nodded. He was aware of Lin Qi's identity from newspaper introductions.
"I have some business lately that requires some capital funding..." Lin Qi continued.
When Joegleman heard this, he roughly understood what Lin Qi wanted. Though he didn't know why Lin Qi became friends with Johnson or why Director Johnson endorsed him, ultimately, Lin Qi just wanted money.
This wasn't something difficult, yet it wasn't that easy either. Joegleman's lips slightly curved, displaying a natural demeanor, much like when he faced the pleas of small business owners, subtly portraying his superiority. "How much do you need?"
"The more, the better." Lin Qi replied, taking out a briefcase from behind him, eliciting a smile from Joegleman.
"Everyone says that, but you should know our policy. Given Director Johnson's endorsement, I can offer you a 5,000 bucks credit loan."
Credit loans hadn't been fully rolled out yet. Banks were cautious about issuing credit loans to revive the federal market economy. After the economic slowdown over two years ago, various issues emerged across different aspects of society. The top echelons of the presidential cabinet and the six major banks spent nearly a year discussing a set of experimental measures. They opened up unsecured personal credit loans to assist some individuals through hardships while lowering interest rates to stimulate the economy.
While 5,000 wasn't a substantial amount, even if Lin Qi couldn't repay, Joegleman could cover it himself. This would not only show his respect for Director Johnson but also create a favor owed to him by Lin Qi, which Joegleman deemed a good deal.
Lin Qi neither objected nor agreed but presented additional documents, sliding them across the table.
Joegleman furrowed his brow slightly, glanced over the documents on the table, and reached into his pocket to retrieve an exquisite glasses case. He put on the glasses and began reading through the documents.
After some time, he removed his glasses, pressed against the documents, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It seems to resemble a mortgage contract with the bank, but you've added a supplementary agreement waiving collateral rights..."
He had examined the document very carefully.
"These documents... I'm sorry, but they don't help much. If you've been reading the newspapers recently, you should know that Sabin City has been cracking down on financial crimes lately, and Gettnau Financial is already on the blacklist."
His tone was stern. Those small financial companies were essentially competing with banks for market share. Although they had simple lending conditions and relaxed verification processes, many people unable to secure loans from banks turned to them for assistance.
Joegleman looked down on those individuals but recognized their essential role in society. However, at Joegleman's level and demeanor, he was unwilling to get involved with those people or matters.
Lin Qi wasn't offended. Instead, he took out several more documents and pushed them over.
Joegleman glanced at Lin Qi, nodded slightly, and after some hesitation, put on his glasses to read again.
Among the newly provided documents by Lin Qi, several served as evidence validating the establishment and rights of the company called Dyson Asset Management (), it was funded by a person named Dyson, who was as the sole proprietor of the company. These documents encompassed a range of corroborating records and tax registration certificates, collectively affirming the legitimacy of this business entity.
Another set of documents showed Gettnau Financial assigning these asset mortgage contracts to Dyson Asset Management for management. The agreement stated that from the signing date, Dyson Asset Management would hold full legitimate rights to these mortgage contracts.
Irrespective of any potential complexities between Dyson Asset Management and Gateau Financial, based solely on these documents, statements, legal papers, and even public notices published in local newspapers affirming the transfer of rights through documented rights transfer notifications, it was clear that the rights to these mortgage contracts had been legally transferred to Dyson Asset Management.
In other words, they no longer belonged to the Gettnau Financial.
Seeing Joegleman's thoughtful expression, Lin Qi knew that half of the deal had already been accomplished.
Gettnau Financial, which was Mr. Fox's financial company, had entrusted these contracts to Dyson Asset Management for management. As a result, Dyson Asset Management became the holder of these debts. With this shift in ownership, from a legal standpoint, these debtors were no longer associated with Mr. Fox; the change in ownership severed any ties they had with him.
However, this was just an entrusted agreement. By simply adding some wording in the supplementary clause, such as post-term conditions, there would likely be a way to bypass legal barriers and make everything appear legitimate.
Even if not entirely legal, at least not illegal.
After Joegleman set aside all the documents, he tapped on the registration document of Dyson Asset Management. "Who is this Dyson?"
"That's not important, Mr. Joegleman. What matters is that he is a legal citizen of the federation and the sole proprietor of this company."
Joegleman nodded. He understood Lin Qi's point. A sole proprietorship had clear delineation of responsibility; with only one owner, there would be no legal disputes.
If a company had multiple owners, a lawsuit could turn into a long internal responsibility dispute even after lengthy external legal conflicts were resolved. Even if finally settled, the company could apply for bankruptcy protection and liquidate, which would be very troublesome.
But with a sole proprietorship, it was different. It was swift and simple when things went awry. Joegleman could already anticipate Lin Qi's thoughts. This was a shell, yet a valuable one.
Honestly, he was intrigued.
Despite their inherent greediness, banks also prioritized their public image and presentation. However unattractive their greed might be, what Lin Qi has presented was regarded as high-quality assets in Joegleman's perception.
He checked the dates on these collateral documents. The current interest rates of Gettnau Financial seemed fine, but their supplementary agreement posed an issue.
In essence, those who essentially signed the agreement would ultimately relinquish these collaterals, which represented a form of disguised high-interest ratesa practice that had yet to be explicitly prohibited by law.
If not prohibited, it meant it would gain judicial support.
"I need to consult our legal department..." He put away his glasses and suddenly found Lin Qi more pleasing. "If I need to talk to you, where can I find you?"
Lin Qi timely handed over his business card. "Here's my phone number. I'm looking forward to your response."Please vote for this novel at /series/blackstone-code/
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